Ghost Story Games

Introducing Irrational Interviews

on June 30 2010

76 comments


Since launching IrrationalGames.com we’ve been thrilled by the public’s reaction to our monthly features From the Vault and Irrational Behavior. Today we are excited to announce the pilot episode of Irrational Interviews. Irrational Interviews features Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott sitting down with members of the entertainment industry and having a frank and open discussion on a wide variety of topics.

For the pilot episode we are happy to have Todd Howard, Executive Producer and Game Director from Bethesda Softworks.  Howard has been at Bethesda since 1994, with countless classics under his belt including The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and most recently Fallout 3. Howard is well known for his sense of humor and his drive to make great games.

Head over to the forums for the usual lively discussion.

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Direct Download Episode 1

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  • Produced by James Bonney, Shawn Elliott and Alan Bise
  • Music Provided by The Happy Hallows
Posted on June 30 2010 11:50 pm, under Insider, Irrational Interviews
Category:
Insider Irrational Interviews
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Comments (76)

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  • nabeel | July 1, 2010 11:29 am

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    Wow, nice new feature! You guys are really making it seem easy to do great podcasts.

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  • Mabuti | July 1, 2010 11:35 am

    Great podcast, I am always excited when you push something out.

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  • rye0077r | July 1, 2010 12:01 pm

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    Very cool!

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  • buddycuffs | July 1, 2010 12:03 pm

    This is great.

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  • blkcasanova247 | July 1, 2010 1:15 pm

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    AWESOME.

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  • derubermax | July 1, 2010 1:34 pm

    Gold standard games, gold standard podcasts! I would expect nothing less from you guys. Thank you so much for many many hours of entertainment. The stuff coming from you guys is more professional sounding than a majority of the gaming podcasts out there!

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  • July 1, 2010 2:33 pm

    […] meddlesome can attend to a module upon a Irrational Games Website. Comments […]

    See Original Post at http://xbox360.blogsby.com/2010/07/01/irrational-launches-new-podcast-series-ken-levine-interviews-todd-howard/

  • mindblower | July 1, 2010 2:55 pm

    that was REALLY great. I was longing for such “developer-developer” stuff
    for a long time. I’ve listened to the whole thing without even stopping it. Thanks a lot, I hope more episodes will follow soon.

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  • joeruscio | July 1, 2010 3:40 pm

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    i love this

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  • July 1, 2010 3:59 pm

    […] Visit link: Introducing Irrational Interviews | Irrational Games […]

    See Original Post at http://www.contentcentral.com/?p=41384

  • July 1, 2010 4:04 pm

    […] just trying to hurry to the good bit: Irrational’s launched a new audio show called Irrational Interviews. In the first episode, Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard. So, uhh […]

    See Original Post at http://modmyxbox.org/2010/07/01/irrational-interviews-launches-with-levine-todd-howard/

  • lebensbaum | July 1, 2010 4:13 pm

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    Irrational continues to raise the bar for professionalism in gaming podcasts; this, Giant Bombcast, and Weekend Confirmed are best out there in my opinion.

    Keep up the great work!

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  • July 1, 2010 4:35 pm

    […] interested can listen to the program on the Irrational Games […]

    See Original Post at http://game.blogxell.com/?p=14716

  • July 1, 2010 4:59 pm

    […] just trying to hurry to the good bit: Irrational’s launched a new audio show called Irrational Interviews. In the first episode, Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard. So, uhh […]

    See Original Post at http://www.nitendo.info/irrational-interviews-launches-with-levine-todd-howard/

  • chubbaluphigous | July 1, 2010 5:08 pm

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    With the talk about hardcore, difficulty, introduction, pass/fail rate, it would seem that Demon’s Souls would be a perfect fit. I would have really liked to hear their thoughts on the game.

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  • July 1, 2010 5:21 pm

    […] just trying to hurry to the good bit: Irrational’s launched a new audio show called Irrational Interviews. In the first episode, Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard. So, uhh […]

    See Original Post at http://www.pspxboxiphone.com/archives/irrational-interviews-launches-with-levine-todd-howard.html

  • July 1, 2010 5:43 pm

    […] Read more from the original source: Introducing Irrational Interviews | Irrational Games […]

    See Original Post at http://games.hotnewstrend.info/2010/06/30/introducing-irrational-interviews-irrational-games/

  • scruss | July 1, 2010 7:09 pm

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    This is fucking fantastic. It was such a nice feeling hearing two top notch designers saying, and confirming things I’ve thought about game design. Finally, confirmation that some developers just get it. Keep these coming.

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  • July 1, 2010 9:00 pm

    […] just trying to hurry to the good bit: Irrational’s launched a new audio show called Irrational Interviews. In the first episode, Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard. So, uhh […]

    See Original Post at http://www.gamewitz.net/index.php/general-xbox-ps3-computers/irrational-interviews-launches-with-levine-todd-howard-2/

  • OspreyDawn | July 1, 2010 10:58 pm

    I think every game is an RPG because in every game you are playing some kind of role, but the real magic of games is how well they make the player fullfill that role without making the player feel like they’re playing a game, but living in that role.

    I made this video for my Uni design course on where I thought the current trend of augmented reality gaming could be heading and how life is essentially an RPG. It’s the small things like Ken said can make a huge difference to it’s outlook; take a look if you’re interested – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0gD9GXkH2w

    This podcast was a great eargasm, it’s great for me to hear top notch game developers of whom I admire have almost exactly the same thoughts as I do about games when I play them.

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  • July 2, 2010 12:25 am

    […] If you are interested in listening to this episode click here. […]

    See Original Post at http://www.totallygn.com/2010/07/01/pilot-episode-of-irrational-interviews/

  • archonyto | July 2, 2010 12:27 am

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    Awesome interview loved hearing you guys discuss game design. By the way, SWAT 4 needs a sequel. 😛

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  • July 2, 2010 12:34 am

    […] Introducing Irrational Interviews [Irrational Games] Tagged:bethesdairrational gamesken levinepodcaststodd howard […]

    See Original Post at http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/07/bioshock-vs-oblivion/

  • July 2, 2010 12:35 am

    […] Introducing Irrational Interviews [Irrational Games] […]

    See Original Post at http://www.xboxcentre.com/bioshock-vs-oblivion.html

  • sirdewet | July 2, 2010 12:37 am

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    Niceuuh

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  • July 2, 2010 12:42 am

    […] Introducing Irrational Interviews [Irrational Games] […]

    See Original Post at http://www.xboxcentre.com/team-bioshock-meets-team-oblivion-shares-tea-biscuits.html

  • dsmash | July 2, 2010 1:15 am

    This was an amazing podcast and we need more games from these guys.

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  • sh0dan | July 2, 2010 2:03 am

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    Great pod cast.

    And by the way…please don’t ever make the compromise guys. Too much of that going on that moment in gaming. I’m worried devs will loose their skills in crafting challenging, intense gameplay experiences when the choice of accessibility versus depth presents itself, and accessibility keeps winning.

    Simplifying things until the casual gamers get it, isn’t the right way to do it IMHO. And its nice to hear that coming from devs whose games I still continue to enjoy.

    Would have loved to have heard some thoughts from Ted and Ken on Borderlands, which is also one of the few games I love right now, because it doesn’t dumb down for the masses.

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  • July 2, 2010 2:42 am

    […] of BioShock and System Shock 2, Irrational Games, has put up the first of a series of podcasts in which they interview other top developers. Ken Levine interviews Todd […]

    See Original Post at http://www.bdgamers.net/2010/07/02/irrational-interviews-developers-part-1.html

  • nabeel | July 2, 2010 3:27 am

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    Very interesting to hear about your relationship with Bethesda over the years, and how Todd got to know about the games you were developing. An Irrational-Bethesda venture would have been really interesting.

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  • c0d3m45t3r | July 2, 2010 3:49 am

    very interesting podcast. Looking forward to many more.

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  • dooley | July 2, 2010 4:27 am

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    Fuck books! Softly. With a condom.
    Another great podcast… now to make a game out of them 😉

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  • ganon255 | July 2, 2010 4:49 am

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    How will you guys ever beat this? A very mature discussion about gaming from people who love gaming.

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  • July 2, 2010 5:58 am

    […] just trying to hurry to the good bit: Irrational’s launched a new audio show called Irrational Interviews. In the first episode, Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard. So, uhh […]

    See Original Post at http://www.sonyps4deals.com/ps3/irrational-interviews-launches-with-levine-todd-howard/

  • July 2, 2010 10:59 am

    […] things off is this pilot episode which features RPG genius and all around good dude Todd Howard from Bethesda as they discuss all […]

    See Original Post at http://epicbattleaxe.com/irrational-talk-rpgs-with-todd-howard-shoots-the-shit/

  • July 2, 2010 12:25 pm

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://wiigamer.com/?p=17787

  • ShaunH | July 2, 2010 12:26 pm

    best game design podcast ever!!!!!!! <3

    No log in, no ratey!
  • July 2, 2010 1:22 pm

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://modmyxbox.org/2010/07/02/bioshock-creators-interview-game-developers-in-new-podcast-series/

  • July 2, 2010 1:31 pm

    […] play the game for two days as I tried figuring out what was wrong. Todd Howard, in Irrational Games podcast, said that he enjoyed that part because he asked the question, “What is your worst fear? […]

    See Original Post at http://vkvk.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/batman-arkham-asylum-goty/

  • Oliver | July 2, 2010 1:35 pm

    Excellent!

    Please please please, more more more!

    Listening to this podcast was like feasting on a sumptuous meal after starving out in the desert… but now I crave more! The mix of in-depth design discussion, comments on the industry at large and general musings on gaming was highly insightful.

    Thanks! I look forward to the next episode of these interviews (as well as the next episode of Irrational Behaviour, naturally!).

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  • July 2, 2010 1:53 pm

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://www.gamestrike.info/bioshock-creators-interview-game-developers-in-new-podcast-series

  • July 2, 2010 1:56 pm

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://www.latestgamereviews.info/bioshock-creators-interview-game-developers-in-new-podcast-series

  • lhaymehr | July 2, 2010 2:17 pm

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    Top quality content, more.

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  • July 2, 2010 4:33 pm

    […] pilot episode is available to download here and features Todd Howard, who designed Morrowind, Oblivion and Fallout 3. There’s a lot here […]

    See Original Post at http://www.platformnation.com/2010/07/02/irrational-interviews-episode-1-now-available/

  • July 2, 2010 5:38 pm

    […] Levine and Howard were joined by podcast host/associate producer Shawn Elliott, the trio touching on in-depth topics that ranged from in-game flashback sequences to slot machine design. Give the episode a listen over on the Irrational Games site. […]

    See Original Post at http://fabledgeck.com/?p=5876

  • kavel | July 2, 2010 5:45 pm

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    Great podcast, keep the good work.

    Peace.

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  • July 2, 2010 6:01 pm

    […] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments […]

    See Original Post at http://rpgtransfer.com/2010/07/irrational-games-new-podcast-chats-with-bethsedas-todd-howard/

  • nomardll769 | July 2, 2010 6:50 pm

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    Wow! You guys never cease to amaze me. As soon as I think the site couldn’t possibly be more awesome, you step it up five steps.

    Great job!!!

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  • July 2, 2010 7:02 pm

    […] Ni hittar avsnittet här. […]

    See Original Post at http://nukem.se/irrational-interviews-en-pratstund-med-todd-howard/

  • mcroddi | July 2, 2010 10:48 pm

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    Just when I thought you guys did more than any other studio you guys top that… great to hear Tim, Ken and Mr Elliot talk about game design…

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  • July 3, 2010 3:07 am

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://feelthegame.net/?p=898

  • July 3, 2010 1:02 pm

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://www.gametard.info/bioshock-creators-interview-game-developers-in-new-podcast-series/

  • alaasalama262 | July 4, 2010 8:20 am

    WoW great:)

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  • spacebeets | July 4, 2010 9:44 pm

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    this is what i’ve waited my whole life for without ever knowing it.

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  • akia | July 5, 2010 4:41 am

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    Okay, now you guys are just showing off. Right as other studios were catching up with you main podcast, you start a juggling act by introducing another show.

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  • ilduce | July 5, 2010 10:34 am

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    Wow that was awesome I could not stop listening to it…great start guys…

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  • ecokim | July 5, 2010 9:50 pm

    wow~!! you best!!

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  • boomshaka | July 6, 2010 10:13 pm

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    Amazing, I really want more.

    Can Todd Howard please be a regular some how thou? 😀

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  • rayj | July 7, 2010 3:08 am

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    Awesome! Excellent insight into great game design and the overall process of making good, solid games.

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  • July 7, 2010 11:21 am

    […] LINK: Irrational Games Podcast […]

    See Original Post at http://qazwix.com/2010/07/irrational-games-interview-podcast/

  • QU1CKF1X | July 10, 2010 9:42 pm

    Haha… Fuck books! 😉

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  • stingersplash01 | July 13, 2010 11:32 am

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    I completely fell for the BSOD in Arkham Asylum when I first encountered to the point of resetting my ps3.

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  • alacrity | July 13, 2010 7:12 pm

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    First of all what a fantastic idea. I loved irrational behavior, and now this is like a dream come true. I’d love to hear from anybody from the old Ion Storm days, Romero, Spector(as mentioned previously by others). Or Looking Glass. Another interesting interview would be Tim Schafer of double fine. Again awesome job guys looking forward to more.

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    • boomshaka | July 16, 2010 1:18 am

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      Tim Schafer would be amazing

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  • synesthesiak | July 18, 2010 10:35 pm

    Wow. That was amazing. Are these monthly? I would galdly listen to this weekly. Here are some ideas for possible interviewees.
    Tim Willits from id Software.
    Hironobu Sakaguchi from Square Enix.
    Gabe newell from Valve
    Hideo Kojima from Kojima Productions.
    Michael Morhaime from Blizzard
    Thats all I can think of from the top of my head.

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  • July 28, 2010 8:10 pm

    […] going to want to keep an eye on the it. I would also highly recommend that you check out Irrational Interviews, a podcast hosted by Shawn Elliot, Ken Levine (both of Irrational Games) and special guest Todd […]

    See Original Post at http://gamerant.com/bioshock-irrational-game-teases-project-icarus-phil-30912/

  • albto | August 6, 2010 7:40 pm

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    I loved this, really awesome look at the games we play.

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  • heyimwyatt | August 9, 2010 11:13 pm

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    This was really cool to listen too. Sometimes I feel I’m not being able to play other games because of CoD:MW2, but it’s good to hear that Tim plays about as much as I do as well. hahahaha

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  • August 16, 2010 7:21 pm

    […] this game should have so many throw away drops at every corner. On Irrational Games‘ podcast Irrational Interviews they had Todd Howard from Bethesda on to talk about random crap in games today. He mentions at one […]

    See Original Post at http://featherrufflers.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/borderlands-done/

  • zenoverse | August 18, 2010 6:17 pm

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    This is brilliant, I look foward to future interviews.

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  • November 28, 2010 11:18 am

    […] developers’ comments came in the inaugural episode of a new Irrational Interviews feature – in which studio boss Levine and 1UP journalist […]

    See Original Post at http://www.vg247.com/2010/07/01/fallouts-howard-console-rpgs-must-be-easier-to-learn-and-easier-to-play/

  • December 1, 2010 4:01 am

    […] With minds like Levine and Elliott behind the podcast, it’s sure to be an interesting listen. You can get the full details and download link here. […]

    See Original Post at http://www.latestgamereviews.com/bioshock-creators-interview-game-developers-in-new-podcast-series

  • December 26, 2010 9:22 pm

    […] Irrational Games has hosted the first of a potential very interesting interview series. […]

    See Original Post at http://beta.gamembo.co.uk/?p=488

  • April 27, 2011 5:59 pm

    […] Introducing Irrational Interviews | Irrational GamesAwesome! Excellent insight into great game design and the overall process of making good, solid games. … Sometimes I feel I’m not being able to play other games because of CoD:MW2, but it’s good to hear that Tim plays about as much as I do as well. hahahaha… […]

    See Original Post at http://seigneux.co.cc/2011/04/27/lanza-games/


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