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Artwork for Video Game History Hour

Video Game History Hour

Video Game History Foundation
Video Game Preservation
Save the Games Symposium
Video Game History
Video Game History Foundation
Cyan
Myst
Riven
Digital Preservation
The Strong Museum Of Play
Spyro the Dragon
Nintendo
Copyright Issues
Digital Library Archive
Sarge's Heroes
Insomniac Games
Video Games
Mutant League Football
Virtual Boy
Game Access
Gamepro Magazine

Industry expert Frank Cifaldi, Executive Director of the Video Game History Foundation, brings on fellow content creators, game developers, video game historians, and storytellers to teach us a little bit about video game history. Our casual, “chatting over coffee” style interviews let us see the true life of a researcher: bang-your-head-against-a-wall dead-ends, “I can’t believe no one’s told thi... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes157Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Video GamesLeisure

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Artwork for Video Game History Hour

Latest Episodes

Frank is joined by Guest Host Kate Willaert, author, historian, and YouTuber, to interview Jeremy Parish, media curator at Limited Run Games, author, YouTuber, and podcaster. Jeremy has a series of “Works” books and videos as part of a massive projec... more

Our podcast Producer Robin Kunimune sits down with Director Frank Cifaldi and Library Director Phil Salvador to wrap up the final quarter of 2025. Listen to some of our behind-the-scenes thoughts on the NES panel we put together for the Portland Retr... more

Atari game developer John Van Ryzin and Digital Eclipse Technical Director Kevin Wilson both join host Frank Cifaldi to reminisce about the Atari 2600 title, and Frank’s favorite game, H.E.R.O.. We also explore John’s early career, his entry into gam... more

Phil Salvador hosts a discussion with Dr. Wendi Sierra, author of Todd Howard: World Building in Tamriel and Beyond, and Emily Higgs Kopin. Dr. Sierra’s, associate professor of games studies at Texas Christian University, book follows the career hist... more

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Recent Guests

John Van Ryzin
Game developer known for Hero for the Atari 2600 and recent release Alien Abduction
Audacity Games
Episode: Episode 147: H.E.R.O.
Kevin Wilson
Technical Director at Digital Eclipse
Digital Eclipse
Episode: Episode 147: H.E.R.O.
Dr. Wendi Sierra
Associate Professor of Game Studies at Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University
Episode: Episode 146: A Monograph of Todd Howard
Emily Higgs Kopin
Head of digital collection strategy at the Swarthmore College Libraries
Swarthmore College Libraries
Episode: Episode 146: A Monograph of Todd Howard
Andrew Nelson
Co-founder and creative director of CyberFlix
CyberFlix
Episode: Episode 143: The Andrew Nelson Collection
Alex Greenberg
MFA actor and friend with experience interviewing adventure game developers
Entertainment Software Association
Episode: Episode 143: The Andrew Nelson Collection
Dr. Stephanie Harkin
Lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology School of Design Games Program
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Episode: Episode 141: Hidden Advertising of Feminine Games
Lawrence Schick
Veteran video game designer with decades of experience in the industry
Episode: Episode 135: Baldur’s Gate 3’s Lawrence Schick and His Decades of Work in Game Development
Dave Carter
Video Game Archivist and Comics Librarian at the University of Michigan Libraries
University of Michigan Libraries
Episode: Episode 134: Preservation Work Inside the University of Michigan Library Computer and Video Game Archive

Hosts

Phil Salvador
Library Director of the Video Game History Foundation, sharing insights on video game history and cultural impact.
Frank Cifaldi
Founder and Director of the Video Game History Foundation, engages in deep discussions about video game history.
Robin Kunimune
Podcast producer and occasional host, contributing to insightful conversations on video game history.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 353 ratings
  • Love this show! I look forward to it!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Luther Bob
    7 months ago
  • Incredibly interesting and entertaining. If you love old video games and the whole shebang behind their production and preservation, you'll love this.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    JonPQ
    2 years ago
  • Great content

    Really enjoyable. Frank is a fascinating individual who is knowledgeable and interesting. He gives of the vibes of someone with a pack of cigarettes rolled up into his sleeves that plays old punk and rock vinyl while waxing the woes of the system.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Baradale
    United States2 years ago
  • Kelsey and Frank know their history

    And it shows! Delightful and informative, with cool guests and awesome topics like the N-Gage!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Weewaw
    United States3 years ago
  • Lovely Show!

    Frank and his Team share details on their work and what the VGH Foundation is all about. Lovely people and very entertaining and of course informative!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    O_Vitali
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The mix of guests and casual style is noted as particularly appealing, providing both entertainment and education about video game history.
Some listeners expressed frustration over occasional tone shifts in discussions, highlighting the importance of maintaining professionalism amidst casual conversation.
Listeners describe the content as enjoyable and highly informative, often praising the hosts for their expertise and engaging delivery.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 147: H.E.R.O.
Q: And how did your experience with newer games inform how you approach the design of Alien Abduction?
I couldn't remember the technical details of making a game for the 2600 and it drove me to figure them out again, leading to the creation of Alien Abduction.
Episode 145: The 40th Anniversary of the NES: A PRGE Panel
Q: What was the reason behind not marketing Super Mario Bros. initially?
It was not showcased because focus was on the Robot and the Zapper systems to differentiate from old video games.
Episode 143: The Andrew Nelson Collection
Q: Was there any pushback on elements that redeem Hitler in the game?
There wasn't any pushback because we viewed it as a speculative narrative.
Episode 140: The 49 Ways of Sinistar
Q: What unique experiences did you have while making the documentary about Sinistar?
Siminax shares that he felt a deep connection to the game's development and enjoyed the collaborative efforts of meeting the original developers at a panel.
Episode 135: Baldur’s Gate 3’s Lawrence Schick and His Decades of Work in Game Development
Q: What do you think that video games in particular could learn from the other mediums that you work in that they just haven't yet?
Video games struggle to convey the depth and nuance of human interrelations. The challenge lies in maintaining player agency amid thousands of permutations, which is crucial for engaging storytelling.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Video Game History Hour

What is Video Game History Hour about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the rich tapestry of video game history, this podcast features in-depth discussions with industry experts, game developers, and historians, all sharing their unique insights and experiences. With a casual and conversational tone, episodes cover a variety of topics—from the evolution of video game technology to the personal anecdotes of those who have shaped the industry. Notable themes include game preservation, cultural impact, and significant historical milestones within gaming, making it an engaging resource for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of video games' past and their relevance today, all while enjoying a friendly and approachable format.

Where can I find podcast stats for Video Game History Hour?

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How many subscribers and views does Video Game History Hour have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Video Game History Hour has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Video Game History Hour?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Video Game History Hour:

1. Retronauts
2. The MinnMax Show
3. Triple Click
4. Remap Radio
5. The Nextlander Podcast

How many episodes of Video Game History Hour are there?

Video Game History Hour launched 5 years ago and published 157 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Video Game History Hour?

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What guests have appeared on Video Game History Hour?

Recent guests on Video Game History Hour include:

1. John Van Ryzin
2. Kevin Wilson
3. Dr. Wendi Sierra
4. Emily Higgs Kopin
5. Andrew Nelson
6. Alex Greenberg
7. Dr. Stephanie Harkin
8. Lawrence Schick

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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