3 replies to this topic

[mossy_11]

Thought I might as well give this a quick plug here — I've just launched a new podcast on games history and culture, and the first episode is about the "race to the bottom" that happened during the first year or so of the App Store. (For those who don't remember/aren't aware, standard pricing was $5-10 for games in the early days.)

Features some brilliant soundbites from Brian Greenstone about interacting with Steve Jobs and Apple.

Have a listen if you're interested, and maybe subscribe too! Will have a few Mac gaming-related eps later in the season.

Web: lifeandtimes.games/1-race-to-the-bottom
iTunes: https://itunes.apple...es/id1279383027

[Cougar]

This was great; that story about Steve Jobs and Brian Greenstone arguing about price was fascinating. I didn't know he retired from game development but I'm not too surprised.

End of an era. I have fond memories of playing Weekend Warrior on my parent's PowerMac 6500.

[mossy_11]

That's my favourite part of the episode, too. He told the story so well.

It's a shame he retired from game dev (more info on that here, by the way), but also completely understandable. The App Store today isn't a welcoming place for small indie creators, and Pangea had been struggling to stand out with their new releases in recent years.

My fondest Pangea memories are of playing Otto Matic on my family's then-new eMac, totally amused by this quirky 3D action-adventure game with aliens that turn vegetables into giant monsters.

[Cougar]

Otto Matic was my favorite, too! Though I remember getting stuck for months on the Pitcher Plant boss. The leaf platforms were Not Good.

I think my favorite part in any Pangea game, though, is the night level in Bugdom. Loved the music.