Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield develop a new video game show, up our Tallarico quota, and return to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Let’s try to develop the first episode of Frank’s show with recipes for playing video games (05:30) When have you fallen out of love with a video game you once liked all the way through playing the first time? (18...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 339
The panel decides on a strict definition of “isekai,” finds hope for the future of video games, and writes a woke, political Big Bang Theory script. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Brandon asks: Are there any video game sequels like Dino Crisis 2? (06:18) Apart from the racing genre, when is velocity most important in video games? (12:43) What’s the best video game to fit the ...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 338
Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield divine the difference between spite and guilt, develop a cool season pass, and steal the International Prototype of the Kilogram. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: When did you first start to feel out of touch with the modern gamer? (06:14) What role does spite play in video game development? (11:03) How can developers make the bes...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 337
Our most supportive patrons have filled our dirtbag with questions, and only console modification expert Christa Lee can guide our panel through. Hosted by Christa Lee, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by MoxBagel, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Footfoot asks: Is there a single player game particularly suited to group settings? (06:34) Spencers Gifts asks: What are your favorite moments seeing a video game developer’s fingerprints? (13:05) Brind...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 336
Our beloved panelists guide you through new developments in CRT photo taking, an all-clown Fallout vault, and Keanu Reeves as Shadow. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: What’s a feature you appreciate in text-heavy games? (00:42) Frank, how do you achieve the perfect visual representation of what a video game looks like on a CRT? (09:32) Can we nail down a definition for “easter ...
Apr 21, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 335
Your wise and benevolent Insert Credit panel covers industry shifts caused by Helldivers II, decides the Dreamcast 2 launch lineup, and imagines the gritty Super Monkey Ball: Act Zero. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: What can you tell from a video game’s color scheme? (03:42) Which video game has the best original take on what the internet is? (09:17) In games where you pick f...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 334
Liz Ryerson and Ty Underwood return to convey the physicalities and vibes of the GDC 2024 Expo Hall, while Brandon and Frank do their best to push preservation. Plus, Liz gives a definitive answer as to whether you should go to GDC. Hosted by Liz Ryerson, Ty Underwood, Brandon Sheffield and Frank Cifaldi. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Segments**:** Liz and Ty scour the Expo Hall (00:33) Frank and Brandon cover history at the (36:14) Liz plays The Deja Vu Game with Evan B...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Three of your favorite Insert Credit panelists cover three questions from Alex Jaffe, three listener questions, and three Lightning Rounds. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: What are your favorite video game conspiracy theories? (07:06) Which hybrid characters in video games best take advantage of both halves of their nature? (14:33) Adaptation Game: The Three Musketeers (19:19)...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 333
Returning from GDC, the Insert Credit panel churns out video game guides, Harmony of Excellence, and a new record for mentions of pubic hair. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: How was GDC, Frank and Brandon? (08:34) How do you write 50 video game guides in a week? (19:05) Insert Credit Quick Break: 8-Bit Theater 20th Anniversary Complete Script Book Do Not Sue Edition (29:38) Bl...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 332
Insert Credit reports direct from GDC 2024. Brandon Sheffield asks industry professionals maybe the most important question in the games right now: how do you reclaim your humanity during all this chaos? Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with Megan Farokhmanesh, Osama Dorias, Amani Shantz, Paweł Rohleder, JJ Signal, Antonio Uribe, Ash Parrish, Mathew Kumar, and Baiyon. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Chapters: Monday - Refrigerators (00:14) Tuesday - Talking to Strangers with M...
Mar 25, 2024•50 min•Ep. 331
Frank, Tim and Brandon share their thoughts on Akira Toriyama, the genres that defined consoles, and CD-i memories. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Let’s discuss Akira Toriyama’s impact on art, culture, video games, and us personally (08:03) What’s the most common misconception about video games in 2024? (23:05) Based on a dream I had, should I learn magic, or Magic: the Gathe...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 330
The finest minds in video games and beyond contemplate unique input interfaces, classic adventure games, and a return to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: With the recent closing of Rooster Teeth, how has machinima developed over the last 20 years? (03:19) Design a themed video game controller that ties into a particular brand but would also be fun to use. (10:1...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 329
When the Insert Credit Panel chose Final Fantasy XVI as their Game of the Year 2023, the game industry couldn’t help but rise up and wholeheartedly, sincerely agree. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Defend your choice of Final Fantasy XVI as Game of the Year 2023 (04:55) Testimonials From More Game Industry Thought Leaders Affirming Final Fantasy XVI is Game of the Year 2023 (1...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 328
Your Insert Credit panel returns to cover the greatest leap in console graphics ever, the Sonic Cinematic Universe, and Tiara Cyberooski. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: How was D.I.C.E.? (04:39) When is taking notes while playing games fun, and when is it a chore? (13:07) What would it take for the next Xbox to be “the largest technical leap you’ve ever seen in a hardware gen...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 327
Action Button’s Tim Rogers and Necrosoft’s Brandon Sheffield share thoughts about every game they played that was released in 2023. Hosted by Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Games of 2023 Discussed: Little Goody Two Shoes (04:48) Lies of P (08:55) Thirsty Suitors (13:28) (Note: this segment contains light spoilers) Blasphemous 2 (18:05) The Last Faith (20:07) Metroid Prime: Remastered (24:47) Star Ocean: The Second Story R (27:05) Fire Emb...
Feb 19, 2024•2 hr 15 min•Ep. 326
The best video game of the year 2023 is decided by VGHF’s Frank Cifaldi, Action Button’s Tim Rogers, Necrosoft’s Brandon Sheffield, and Alienware’s Kris Graft. Also, the design of the Switch 2 is revealed. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Kris Graft. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. The Nomination Process: Frank Cifaldi’s First Nomination (02:57) Frank Cifaldi’s Second Nomination (11:34) Frank Cifaldi’s Third Nomination (15:00) Br...
Feb 12, 2024•3 hr 18 min•Ep. 325
Tim Rogers hosts the Insert Credit panel this week, exploring Hideo Kojima’s recent announcements, the first working game developer to reach 80 years old, and Korean butt animation. Hosted by Tim Rogers, with Frank Cifaldi, Alex Jaffe, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Choose a video game coming out in 2024 and ask Frank to play it (11:16) When do you think you’ll stop playing video games, Brandon Sheffield? (26:32) Did you all see...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 324
Your benevolent Insert Credit panel covers Palworld, video game mysteries, and the birth of a new speedrunning category, the 50% run. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Frank asks: What is the proper nomenclature for the Snatcherlike video game? (13:09) Is Palworld satire? (20:28) Invent a new speedrunning category (28:40) Stephanie asks: What’s a video game unsolved mystery or u...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 323
The classic Insert Credit panel covers a game preservation dilemma, the 2007 Honda Shepherd, and a new mascot for Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Kim Justice asks: In games where water is lethal, at what part of the body should that water kill you? (08:19) Is there a better way to implement communication in video games than dialogue trees? (14:06) What are the...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 322
European video game documentarian Kim Justice joins the panel to discuss a broad variety of accents, whether or not Sonic R is a British game, and a revisitation of our Best British Games list. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Kim Justice. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Has a video game ever captured the qualities of sumo? (10:46) What are the most essential things we wouldn’t have in games today without the...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 321
Your Insert Credit panel returns to cover another death of physical media, Steamboat Willie, and The Minecraft Reality TV Show Criminal Court Case Chronicles. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: Are we approaching an era without physical game releases? (04:51) Does gameplay have to be the starting principle of a good video game? (20:00) Public Domain Adaptation Game: Design a game...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 320
As has become tradition, Insert Credit ranks the best games of all time. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Chapters: The Premise This Year: Metacritic Scores Below 80 (12:29) Round 1 - Brandon (18:05) Round 1 - Frank (21:25) Round 1 - Tim (23:51) Round 2 - Brandon (26:39) Round 2 - Frank (31:31) Round 2 - Tim (35:04) Round 3 - Brandon (41:32) Round 3 - Frank (47:24) Round 3 - Tim (53:48) Round 4 - B...
Jan 01, 2024•2 hr 54 min•Ep. 319
Brandon Sheffield celebrates the end of his Japan trip by comparing video game purchases with Digital Foundry’s John Linneman. By Brandon Sheffield and John Linneman, with an intro by Alex Jaffe. Featuring the track “It’s Different Now” by Ice Choir. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Segments**:** Preface (00:26) Sitting in Saizeriya (02:55) John: Akira Psycho Ball (04:10) Brandon: Destruction Derby (06:39) John: Pu•Li•Ru•La (08:30) Brandon: Panzer Bandit (11:58) John: Gun S...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min
Happy holidays! Gamespot’s Lucy James drops down the Insert Credit chimney to cover Welsh elves, the first official weed strain for a video game, and Dreiblade. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Lucy James. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: As the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, which three video game characters would be best at teaching Ebenezer Scrooge to change his miserly ways? (09:23) Do slid...
Dec 25, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 318
Brandon Sheffield hits the Tokyo Game Show 2023 floor and interviews Jeremy Blaustein, CEO of Dragonbaby and translator of legendary games like Metal Gear Solid, Suikoden, and Silent Hill 2. Segments**:** How did this all start for you? (01:01) What did you do at Jaleco? (02:02) What games did you work on? (03:59) Talk a little bit about character constraints in early video game localization (05:23) How did you manage outside references in Suikoden? (09:29) Talk a little bit about Symphony of th...
Dec 20, 2023•37 min
Author and game developer merritt k joins the panel to cover The Game Commercials, Charles Martinet’s dark side, and the return of Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe , with Tim Rogers , Brandon Sheffield , and merritt k . Edited by Esper Quinn . Original Music by Kurt Feldman . [audio=https://archive.org/download/insertcredit/ic317.mp3] Questions this week: Brandon Sheffield: What are some recent or memorable emergent situations you’ve experienced in games? (08:21) Do we want to say anything ...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 317
Topher Florence meditates on American Truck Simulator, confronting the friction between realistic advertisments and product placement, a Greatest Hits version of America, and the emotional palette of driving around in someone’s life’s work. By Topher Florence, with intro by Alex Jaffe. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED: American Truck Simulator Euro Truck Simulator Six Flags Mad Grand The...
Dec 13, 2023•20 min
Recorded before The Game Awards, and released the week after! The Insert Credit Panel decides the video game winners of categories unwittingly submitted by listeners. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. And The Categories Are: Gaagaagiins: Best Standardized Box Art Platform Frames (02:15) Propelleher: Best Scoff (05:35) rice9 : Best eSport of the 1980s (07:16) Breadytodie: Best Overtly Political Japan...
Dec 11, 2023•51 min•Ep. 316
Brandon Sheffield interviews musician and game designer Masaya Matsuura of the band Psy・S , discussing the early days of computer graphics and sound, making music for anime, and why Vib Ribbon was so hard to get screenshots of. Intro by Alex Jaffe, edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Segments: Preface (00:29) How did you get into music? (03:20) How did you start making music yourself? (05:34) How did you move from writing jingles to full music (and which synths do you use)? (0...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 4
Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield answer Alex Jaffe’s questions about Nintendo’s last video game ever, committing fraud, and Turds of the Castle. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Questions this week: What’s still easier for you to do in real life than in a video game? (11:10) How do you scam the speculative market with a storage container of five hundred copies of an underwhelming NES...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 315
