The Listen UP panel that was recorded at PAX is finally here after word from Garnett that there were problems with the audio. Things have not been completely smoothed out, but it is still listenable.
After hitting 2 of the most talked about games at PAX, Brink and Shank, Shane points to the new Ratchet and Clank as one of his most anticipated games. Assassins Creed 2 gets some love from Andrew as he points out that they have really taken the game design seriously this time around.
The really interesting topics surprisingly start with the audience questions. A question about how developers are compensated for games that are marked down gets a great, insightful response from Garnet who worked in retail for many years. MMOs and Star Wars: The Old Republic get some discussion before an insightful question about the difference between the Dynasty Warriors and sports games iterative design and why the latter can get away with it while the former cannot.
This is one of the most topic-filled panels to have come out of PAX and is well worth a listen.
Covered games and topics: Brink, Shank, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in time, Assassin’s Creed 2, used game sales, MMOs/The Old Republic, Dynasty Warriors vs. Madden, getting into the industry, innovation in games
The band gets back together at PAX 2009 as Andrew, Shane, David, John, and Garnett take the stage. The show opens with their recap of some of their favorites on the show floor and then they open the floor to audience questions. (Note: audio quality is less than ideal due to the live recording and it improves approximately 10 minutes into the show.)
Runtime – 1:25:35
Links → [web] [mp3] [iTunes] [rss]
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Wow Garnett needs to just shut up!