Take your seat everyone, class is about to start! This episode I am joined by Richard Lemarchand, professor in the USC Games program at the University of Southern California to discuss his recently released book called A Playful Production Process! We discussed the making of his book, what it was like to work with industry legends, how a new generation of video game makers are tackling game design and much more. Furthermore, we discuss the hero’s journey, how Richard felt watching the Uncharted movie and I get to ask about the essential snacks he is missing out on since he moved to the US. 

Time – Topic Discussed:

0:00 - Intro

02:29 - Guest topic: The books by Octavia Butler

08:52 - a playful design process 

19:49 - Guest topic: The making of the book 

21:52  - How did the design approach of students change over time?

21:56  - How has the perception of game development education changed?

24:48 - Seeing his students find successes on their own 

29:00 - The change in perception in video game education

32:50  - The Meadow VR

36:20 - Seeing Uncharted sequels and the Uncharted movie

41:44 - Questioning the Hero’s Journey

47:14 - Quiet moments vs. big showpiece scenes

52:30 - Providing feedback without demoralizing the receiver

56:12 - Snacks Richard can’t get anymore

57:20 - Lessons learned

01:06:58 - Outro

Things mentioned on the show:

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Parable of the Sower by Ocativa Butler

Parable of the Talents by Ocatvia Butler

Xenogenesis Series by Octavia Butler

Scary Mary Trailer

On Writing by Steven King

Game Feel by Steve Swink

Heirloom by Abby Sherlock and Kathryn Yu

The Meadow VR 

The Klaxo Radio Hour

Martzi’s Homepage

The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies

Social Media:

Richard Lemarchand

Richard Lemarchand on Twitter (@rich_lem)

Richard Lemarchand on Instagram (rich_lem)

The homepage of A Playful Production Process

YOU ME AND THE INDUSTRY

YOU ME AND THE INDUSTRY on Twitter (@youmeindustry)

Dorian on Twitter (@DorianChou)

YOU ME AND THE INDUSTRY on Instagram (@youmeindustry)

Dorian on Instagram (@dorian.chou)

YOU ME AND THE INDUSTRY on Facebook (youmeindustry)

Intro/Outro by FreshMcZone

Artwork by Thomas Martin (Instagram: @thomas.martin.martin)