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Walking Dead game podcast, a test!

JakeJake Telltale Alumni
edited December 2012 in The Walking Dead
So, we're trying something new!

Walking Dead game designers Sean Vanaman and myself have recorded "Episode 0" of a Walking Dead-releated Telltale podcast. We want you to check it out!

Telltale Games' Walking Dead Video Game Development Podcast, Episode 0:
Patient Zero - or - "I Bet a Kid Could Choke on a Duplo"

In this episode: We meet Robert Kirkman and live to tell you about it (though Jake's love of Mario Sunshine wasn't as lucky), the team stops a global pandemic in board game form, and some building blocks are laid down which, in the wrong hands, could end a life. Also answered: Your questions!

Listen here!

Some notes up front!
Our goal with the podcast is to give you guys a regular window into the making of the Walking Dead game -- both the development process of the game, and the types of things we and the team are thinking about and playing while making it -- and also to have a bit of a conversation back-and-forth with the forums. To that end, you guys might recognize a few questions from the mysterious Questions for the Team thread!

This is definitely a test episode -- it was recorded in a kitchen, so audio quality is a bit funky and echoey. If you guys like it and we do more of them, future casts will definitely be recorded in a space that isn't echo city.

Enjoy! Give it a listen and discuss below.
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Comments

  • TjibbbeTjibbbe
    edited April 2011
    Oh man, finally a Telltale podcast! Featuring two thumbs, no less. And Kirkman as a guest. This is beyond awesome. I'm drowning in work at the moment, but I'll give it a listen as soon as I can (probably somewhere tomorrow). I hope my questions are in there somewhere.

    Seriously, this could turn out to be the best thing ever. Thanks for doing this!
  • JakeJake Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2011
    Tjibbbe wrote: »
    Oh man, finally a Telltale podcast! Featuring two thumbs, no less. And Kirkman as a guest. This is beyond awesome. I'm drowning in work at the moment, but I'll give it a listen as soon as I can (probably somewhere tomorrow). I hope my questions are in there somewhere.

    Seriously, this could turn out to be the best thing ever. Thanks for doing this!

    Kirkman isn't a guest! We talk about our first meeting with him but we weren't cunning enough to record it. Doing an episode with Kirkman would be fun, though.
  • seanvanamanseanvanaman Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2011
    Jake wrote: »
    Kirkman isn't a guest! We talk about our first meeting with him but we weren't cunning enough to record it. Doing an episode with Kirkman would be fun, though.

    Thirty minutes of him berating you for having crappy taste in video games would make for excellent radio.
  • evaNERVevaNERV
    edited April 2011
    Awesome! I'll have to listen to it tomorrow in my drive into work though.
    I have been hoping Sean and Jake would start a podcast of some type.
  • TjibbbeTjibbbe
    edited April 2011
    If it's any consolation to you Jake, I actually enjoyed Mario Sunshine more than Mario 64 (and yes, I'm old enough to have played both games when they just came out, which probably means I shouldn't be allowed to play videogames). I always thought of Mario 64 as a bit of an ugly, awkward game that I should like, but didn't for some reason. I really enjoyed playing Sunshine at the time though, although I wouldn't call it love. I don't think I should replay it now, because I've got a feeling it wouldn't hold up very well.

    Anyway, this should be a discussion about Walking Dead and about the podcast, between people who actually have time to listen to it, so I'll shut up now. I'll be back when I've cast your pod in my ears.
  • Gman5852Gman5852
    edited April 2011
    seanvanaman wrote: »
    Thirty minutes of him berating you for having crappy taste in video games would make for excellent radio.

    Whats wrong with Mario Sunshine?
    EDIT:Hmm I seem to be having problems with loading this. Any suggestions?
    EDIT2:I got it working.
  • Secret FawfulSecret Fawful
    edited April 2011
    Gman5852 wrote: »
    Whats wrong with Mario Sunshine?

    Nothing...unless he pulled stuff out of his ass.
  • Jon NAJon NA
    edited April 2011
    Thanks for listening TellTale!
  • IrishmileIrishmile
    edited April 2011
    FINE!!!... I will stop listening to the Foo Fighters album so I can listen to this I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY :p
  • seanvanamanseanvanaman Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2011
    Irishmile wrote: »
    FINE!!!... I will stop listening to the Foo Fighters album so I can listen to this I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY :p

    I cannot, in good faith, endorse that course of action. The Foo Fighters>Us.
  • sanguineheartssanguinehearts
    edited April 2011
    Great idea, any chance you will put them on iTunes? I'd like to listen on my iPhone while I do other things.
  • seanvanamanseanvanaman Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2011
    sanguinehearts wrote: »
    Great idea, any chance you will put them on iTunes? I'd like to listen on my iPhone while I do other things.

    Yeah, I imagine we will if we keep doing them. FWIW, that link should go straight to your iPhone quicktime player, but iTunes is definitely in the cards with future casts.
  • sanguineheartssanguinehearts
    edited April 2011
    seanvanaman wrote: »
    Yeah, I imagine we will if we keep doing them. FWIW, that link should go straight to your iPhone quicktime player, but iTunes is definitely in the cards with future casts.

    Yep, it did open directly in QuickTime but paused when I tapped the home button. :)

    Anyway thanks for the podcast. I would love to hear more.
  • Gman5852Gman5852
    edited April 2011
    Hey you guys kind of answered my question. More or less a wait for comic con as my answer, but still you guys did answer it. I mainly say that because if we go with ricks group and we get new characters, it gets kind of obvious who will die. But it is confirmed there will be a new character:D
    EDIT:And Im with you Jake with Mario Sunshine!!!
    EDIT2:"And to answer your question Gman, we can't. We're talking about Mario here."
    That actually may be the best responce ever. (FYI Im commenting as I hear this)
    And Im done. Pretty good. Would love to hear more.
  • Jon NAJon NA
    edited April 2011
    I suggest a 10-12 minute segment where the discussion gets ridiculously derailed! With a funky music introducing the segment.
    EDIT: And call that segment, the TellTalish discussion!

    Also, Great Job doing the album art Jay2Kay :) Despite the podcast being a rushed job it's a pretty good album art.
  • puzzleboxpuzzlebox Telltale Alumni
    edited April 2011
    That's some admirable self-control. I'd never be able to do something like this without periodically making fart noises and blaming it on the other dude.

    I like it, do continue!
  • MolokovMolokov
    edited April 2011
    Ack! Can you supply an MP3 version? I don't think my MP3 player handles M4As (Sansa e280 running Rockbox)
  • TorTor
    edited April 2011
    I enjoyed this a lot, looking forward to hear more!

    A few comments and suggestions:
    • Is it just me, or is the file cutting out mid-sentence at the end? Right at 29 minutes.
    • Please use the MP3 format. Not every portable audio player is an iPod, and the non-Apple players don't always support MPEG-4/AAC audio. While it's true that the AAC format is a bit more efficient than MP3 (you can get a slightly smaller file size for the same quality level, or slightly better audio quality for the same file size) the difference is fairly minor and not worth sacrificing the unmatched compatibility you would get with MP3. MP3s can play on anything!
    • Please be careful with spoilers for people who haven't read the whole graphic novel series (you didn't spoil anything in this episode). I just started reading during Easter, I'm sure there are other listeners in a similar situation. There's nothing wrong with discussing stuff that happens in the comics, just warn up front please ("spoiler alert for people who haven't yet read past volume seven")
    • For podcasts in general, never be afraid of going off on a tangent. Some people, if they begin to go off topic, will stop as soon as they notice and then immediately get back on track. Meanwhile I'm like "hey, I was interested in hearing more about that!" In podcasts and talk radio, some times the most entertaining moments are when the hosts get sidetracked and go on rambling on something wildly irrelevant to the actual topic at hand. Just because it's off topic doesn't mean it's not entertaining as heck. Kevin Smith for example is notorious for this.

    I'm sensing natural talent here, keep it coming! I'm especially interested in hearing more about what's going on at Telltale, e.g. what challenges you face that are new to this game, or how the design and development process works, stuff like that. I'd personally love for you to get in to the really technical details from time to time, but I realize not everyone are into that. I also second the suggestion to bring in Kirkman (or someone else involved with the graphic novel) as a guest.
  • PinchpennyPinchpenny
    edited April 2011
    I know nothing about The Walking Dead, but it's good to hear you guys blasting another pod into my ears/face and all that. Here's a vote to keep this going.
  • corruptbigginscorruptbiggins
    edited April 2011
    Enjoyed it, though it could do with an actual ending instead of just cutting out. Maybe a theme of some sort? Also feel the content is about right, answering some questions and plenty of meandering banter which was amusing. Special guests in future episodes might be fun. All in all, make more!
  • VeganVegan
    edited April 2011
    Tor wrote: »
    I enjoyed this a lot, looking forward to hear more!

    A few comments and suggestions:
    • Is it just me, or is the file cutting out mid-sentence at the end? Right at 29 minutes.
    • Please use the MP3 format. Not every portable audio player is an iPod, and the non-Apple players don't always support MPEG-4/AAC audio. While it's true that the AAC format is a bit more efficient than MP3 (you can get a slightly smaller file size for the same quality level, or slightly better audio quality for the same file size) the difference is fairly minor and not worth sacrificing the unmatched compatibility you would get with MP3. MP3s can play on anything!
    • Please be careful with spoilers for people who haven't read the whole graphic novel series (you didn't spoil anything in this episode). I just started reading during Easter, I'm sure there are other listeners in a similar situation. There's nothing wrong with discussing stuff that happens in the comics, just warn up front please ("spoiler alert for people who haven't yet read past volume seven")
    • For podcasts in general, never be afraid of going off on a tangent. Some people, if they begin to go off topic, will stop as soon as they notice and then immediately get back on track. Meanwhile I'm like "hey, I was interested in hearing more about that!" In podcasts and talk radio, some times the most entertaining moments are when the hosts get sidetracked and go on rambling on something wildly irrelevant to the actual topic at hand. Just because it's off topic doesn't mean it's not entertaining as heck. Kevin Smith for example is notorious for this.

    I'm sensing natural talent here, keep it coming! I'm especially interested in hearing more about what's going on at Telltale, e.g. what challenges you face that are new to this game, or how the design and development process works, stuff like that. I'd personally love for you to get in to the really technical details from time to time, but I realize not everyone are into that. I also second the suggestion to bring in Kirkman (or someone else involved with the graphic novel) as a guest.

    I don't know if you know this, but the guys you're giving podcasting advice to were behind the Idle Thumbs podcast. One of the best. This is in good hands.

    Now, personally, I hope that a wizard is interviewed on the next episode, but maybe that's just me.
  • LASDLASD
    edited May 2011
    Oh man! Famous and Video Games casting a Walking Dead pod!

    I have to listen to this right away.

    EDIT: That was a good listen, I would definitely like to see another one and it's encouraging to hear your view on what the game's tone should be like.
  • seanvanamanseanvanaman Telltale Alumni
    edited May 2011
    Vegan wrote: »
    I don't know if you know this, but the guys you're giving podcasting advice to were behind the Idle Thumbs podcast. One of the best. This is in good hands.

    Now, personally, I hope that a wizard is interviewed on the next episode, but maybe that's just me.

    I think you mean The Award Winning The Idle Thumbs Podcast. PLEASE. ;)
  • KatieHalKatieHal
    edited May 2011
    Fun! I'd love to listen to more of these...especially if you did indeed get Kirkman to come by for one. :)
  • PseudonymPseudonym
    edited May 2011
    A few thoughts:

    1) This is the best. idea. ever. In the course of the last half-hour, this has become my most highly-anticipated Telltale game. I love the idea of following along on the development - even obliquely. It makes the fan boy in me excited!

    2) Due to the above, you must update frequently. Including, I hope, after episodes are released (Damon and Carlton style).

    3) Pandemic is my favourite! I can't tell you how many times (actually I can - three) I've had people over and introduced them to it. Inevitably, they stare at you as you go through all the rules, convinced that you're insane and that they're already bored. Then the game starts and the magic happens. Everyone I've played it with loves it. My friends even bought me the expansion for it for Christmas. So good.

    4) I think you guys just named one of your episodes: Vile Business.

    Thanks for making me feel like a hip insider!
  • RobDRobD
    edited May 2011
    Since I've just been watching the animated version of the Ricky Gervais podcasts all week I can't help but want a little animated Jake and Sean with cut-aways of Bowser having his vacation ruined. :p
  • All-thumbsAll-thumbs
    edited May 2011
    I've been a fan of the walking dead comic for the past 2 years, so I really enjoyed this. Here's hoping for some more continuation. I'm really excited about the game!
  • evaNERVevaNERV
    edited May 2011
    Pandemic! If you like that, try Defenders of the Realm (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/65532/defenders-of-the-realm) or Ghost Stories (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/37046/ghost-stories).
    They both replaced Pandemic as our favorite co-op game. Ghost Stories is my personal favorite, with Defenders next. Defenders feels like Pandemic but it doesn't fly to the "Oh no, we are doomed" scenarios as fast. ;P
  • TjibbbeTjibbbe
    edited May 2011
    Hi guys, any idea when we can expect the next episode?

    I know you guys can't really talk about the game yet, but I'd be pretty interested to hear you guys talk about other forms of zombie entertainment. You know, your favorite zombie movies/books/games. And maybe you guys could talk a bit about your favorite characters and scenes from the comic?

    It sounds like you guys like board games so this might be interesting: two official Walking Dead Boardgames were announced a few days ago. One is based on the comics (1-6 players, published by Z-Man Games) while the other is based on the tv series (1-4 players, published by Cryptozoic Entertainment):


    29.jpg
    "It's an absolute pleasure to play in the rich, incredible world that Robert Kirkman has created," said Keith Tralins, game designer and president of MegaGigaOmniCorp.

    "Our goal was to give players the chance to feel like they had to survive in that world, with an unrelenting swarm of zombies at their heels. I believe we've achieved that goal."

    The game supports up to six players, offering them the opportunity to take on the role of Rick, Shane, Andrea and other Walking Dead characters as they ward off zombies and collect supplies.

    Kirkman added: "I've always loved board games, but never knew they could be this cool! We've done test plays of the Walking Dead board game at the office, and the game play scenarios ring true to what Rick and the other survivors face in the comic book. I couldn't be more impressed with Z-Man Games."

    The Walking Dead Board Game will be available in late summer 2011 priced at $39.99 (£24.69).

    twdboardgameimage.jpg
    In The Walking Dead Board game, only the strong survive. The weak turn into walkers, and then turn against their former friends! Fight your way through zombie-infested Atlanta with your fellow survivors. Grab some weapons to clear a path. Visit destinations like the department store, old folk’s home, and the CDC. Find the tools you’ll need to live another day. Take on the role of Rick, Andrea, or one of the other hapless survivors and scrounge for sweet weapons like a Shotgun or Crossbow. Keep your eyes open for new allies, but watch your back! When supplies start running low, it’s every man for himself. If you can make it back to camp with enough gear to defend yourself and those you still care for, you win!

    Should you fall to the hungry horde of walkers, the game doesn't end. When a player dies and becomes a walker, they leave the world of the living behind and seek out the remaining survivors. Spring surprise attacks on the living, cause the walkers to frenzy, or contaminate the survivor’s supplies. Put the bite on your former friends and they’ll join you in your pursuit of the living.

    The fate of the human race is in your hands, either as a survivor or a walker. Join us this September 2011 with Cryptozoic Entertainment's The Walking Dead Board Game.
  • Jon NAJon NA
    edited July 2011
    Vegan wrote: »
    I don't know if you know this, but the guys you're giving podcasting advice to were behind the Idle Thumbs podcast. One of the best. This is in good hands.
    I never knew that podcast even existed! Thanks for introducing it! Actually I tried their podcast when you introduce it here (2~3 months ago), Just came to say thanks. Also, I love "The Wizard" song!

    PS: Also, I loved the WD test podcast as well, If you could just put more effort into it like you did for Idle Thumbs, It'll be perfect.
    I'm in favor of listening to another one. Keep up the good work!
  • PseudonymPseudonym
    edited August 2011
    More podcasts one day? I was so very excited for a little while there . . .
  • RazorneckRazorneck
    edited August 2011
    Pseudonym wrote: »
    More podcasts one day? I was so very excited for a little while there . . .

    +1 I wanna hear more and my question answered ;)
  • WateryFireWateryFire
    edited September 2011
    I just found this, and I need more, I miss the Idle Thumbs so much, please come back
  • Jon NAJon NA
    edited February 2012
    So you did continue this podcast after all :)
    And you did what I suggested! An episodic Q&A with the creators a la LOST's Damon and Carlton! Even better, in video form! Thansk guys. I'm gonna go watch it.

    Here's the youtube link of the first episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pOLSfSt4TqM
  • LaserschwertLaserschwert
    edited February 2012
    Jake, Sean, you are allowed to continue.
  • IspepIspep
    edited March 2012
    Any News on Episode 3?
  • Alan JohnsonAlan Johnson
    edited March 2012
    Ispep wrote: »
    Any News on Episode 3?

    Episode 3 is coming very soon! :)
  • Nintendo Boy1Nintendo Boy1
    edited March 2012
    Alan Johnson wrote: »
    Episode 3 is coming very soon! :)

    That's what Valve said....

    ...

    Too soon?
  • thestalkingheadthestalkinghead
    edited December 2012
    i like listening to pod casts and have just found the Idle Thumbs pod casts, i thought more people would like to listen as well http://www.idlethumbs.net
  • Alexey N.Alexey N.
    edited December 2012
    Aww man.. This is exactly what i dreamt about.
This discussion has been closed.