www.dingusanddingus.com (www.dingusanddingus.com)
Stop listening to the PR-friendly version of the video game industry. Most conversations about gaming and tech stay on the surface. We’re here to dig up the hilarious, chaotic, and often bittersweet reality from the perspective of two industry veterans with over 100 years of collective experience. From the peaks of Triple-A development to the trenches of the "shifting sands" in modern tech, this is your all-access pass to the stories that usually stay behind NDAs.
🎮 What Really Happens Behind the Scenes?
We’ve seen it all: the games that defined generations and the legendary titles that vanished right before release. We’re peeling back the curtain on the "Industry Graveyard," including the truth behind Jetmoto 2124 and the Neopets project that almost stayed in purgatory forever. If you want to know why your favorite game was canceled or how a masterpiece falls apart weeks before launch, you’re in the right place.
🔥 From Retro Toys to the AI Revolution
Our roots go deep. We explore how the world of 80s and 90s pop culture—from He-Man and Transformers to G.I. Joe—shaped the creative landscape we work in today. But we don't just look back; we’re dissecting the massive shifts happening right now in 2026.
We dive deep into:
AI vs. CGI: Why the AI explosion feels like the early days of CGI—and why the industry is moving faster than humans can adapt.
The Layoff Reality: An honest, unfiltered look at the cycle of industry layoffs and the resilience required to survive a 30-year career.
Wild Studio Tales: From "accidental nosebleeds in dumpsters" to the bizarre reality of creative production.
Career Survival: Why building strong friendships and staying adaptable is the only way to navigate a turbulent professional landscape.
🚀 Who Is This For?
Whether you are a game developer in the trenches, a tech enthusiast curious about the future of AI, or a collector who grew up on 80s cartoons and retro toys, this podcast is for you. We offer a blend of high-level industry insight, career coaching, and raw storytelling that you won’t find anywhere else.
In this business, the only constant is change. Join us for the laughs, the secrets, and a reminder that while nothing lasts forever, the stories certainly do.
Connect with us: Subscribe for weekly episodes on the reality of the game industry, tech trends, and creative resilience.
#GameDev #VideoGameIndustry #Podcast #TechTrends #AI #GamingHistory #RetroToys #Transformers #GIJoe #CareerAdvice #Animation
In this episode of the Dingus and Dingus Podcast, Floyd and Matt explore the world of image generation using AI, creating humorous and imaginative prompts that blend pop culture references. They discuss the intricacies of generating images, the challenges faced, and the fun of experimenting with different prompts. The conversation explores various nostalgic pop culture references, particularly focusing on toys, movies, and music from the past, while also incorporating humor and light-hearted banter between the hosts. They discuss the evolution of toy designs, the impact of nostalgia on current media, and even delve into creating music using AI technology. In this episode, Floyd and Matt explore the creative process of generating music and sound effects, discussing various styles and themes while humorously engaging with the absurdity of their ideas. They also experiment with remixing songs and creating unique soundscapes, showcasing their playful banter and creativity throughout the conversation.
Takeaways
AI image generation exploration
Humor in pop culture prompts Nostalgia shapes pop culture
AI can create music easily Creative music generation
Humorous exploration of themes
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Image Generation
02:55 Creating Unique Image Prompts
06:02 Experimenting with Pop Culture Characters
09:02 The Art of Prompt Engineering
12:02 Parody and Copyright Considerations
14:56 Exploring Iconic Characters in New Contexts
17:57 The Importance of Prompt Order
20:58 Final Thoughts on AI Creativity
26:01 Nostalgic Pop Culture References
29:00 Toy Design Evolution
32:05 AI in Music Creation
38:53 The Dingus and Dingus Podcast
50:33 Musical Experimentation Begins
53:09 Nostalgic References and Humor
55:00 Combining Genres: A Unique Approach
01:00:07 Advanced Music Creation Techniques
01:04:01 Sound Effects and Their Impact
01:10:09 Remixing and Live Concert Versions
01:14:57 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
25 Sept 2026
Episode 27: Pawnimals and AI Game Development
https://store.steampowered.com/app/5223090/Pawnimals/ (https://store.steampowered.com/app/5223090/Pawnimals/)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4404130/Sams_Dieabalical_Minesweeper/ (https://store.steampowered.com/app/4404130/Sams_Dieabalical_Minesweeper/)
Floyd shares his journey of creating a game using AI and his experience with AI-powered game development. He demonstrates the game's features and functionalities, including different modes, puzzles, and gauntlet mode. He also discusses the AI's role in game development and the creative process behind the game. The conversation covers the process of creating 3D models for a chess game using a 3D modeling software. It includes discussions on generating and modeling various characters and creatures, as well as the challenges and creative decisions involved in the process. The conversation covers the creation of chess piece models, game development feedback, AI usage, and toy discussions.
Takeaways
AI's role in game development
Different playstyles for each animal class
Features and functionalities of the game 3D modeling software allows for the generation and modeling of various characters and creatures for use in games and animations.
The process of creating 3D models involves creative decisions, challenges, and the use of different tools and techniques. Chess piece modeling
Game development feedback
AI usage
Toy discussions
Chapters
00:00 AI in Game Development
03:10 Game Creation Process
11:23 Game Features and Functionalities
25:31 Puzzles and Gauntlet Mode
30:05 3D Modeling for Chess Game
31:00 Generating and Modeling Characters
35:15 Challenges and Creative Decisions
48:02 Exploring Different Creatures and Characters
54:52 Chess Piece Modeling
57:57 Game Development Feedback
59:04 AI Usage
01:09:25 Toy Discussions
18 Sept 2026
Episode 25: Interview with Marc Hawes
The conversation with Marc Hawes covers his journey from teaching music in New York to becoming a voiceover director for video games. It explores the collaborative process of voiceover direction and provides advice for aspiring voiceover artists. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship for aspiring artists, the differences between acting in film, television, and motion capture, the nuances of voiceover and performance, the experience of motion capture and acting, and the insights into acting and auditioning experience. The conversation delves into the impact of AI in content creation, highlighting its role in game development and creative work. It also explores the evolution of game development and the defining games that have influenced the speakers' careers. The conversation covers early exposure to video games and coding, the influence of childhood gaming experiences, the challenges of game development, and anecdotes related to cancelled games and voiceover work. It provides insights into the impact of early exposure to technology and the complexities of game development, offering a glimpse into the world of video game creation and the challenges faced by developers.
Takeaways
Voiceover direction
Collaborative voiceover process Mentorship and guidance are crucial for aspiring artists.
The differences between film, television, and motion capture acting. AI in creative work
Impact of AI on content creation Early exposure to video games and technology can inspire a passion for coding and programming.
The process of game development involves various stages and challenges, including tight deadlines and the risk of project cancellations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Marc Hawes
00:45 Teaching Music in New York
03:08 Theater and Art Collaboration
04:01 Voiceover Direction for Video Games
05:12 Localization and Performance Direction
08:33 Voiceover Process and Collaboration
14:38 Voiceover Direction Experience
15:47 Journey to Voiceover Career
21:25 Advice for Aspiring Voiceover Artists
23:12 The Importance of Mentorship
25:18 Acting in Film, Television, and Motion Capture
27:15 Voiceover and Performance
32:07 Motion Capture and Acting Experience
39:26 Acting and Auditioning Experience
42:39 The Impact of AI in Content Creation
59:21 The Evolution of Game Development
01:01:17 Early Exposure to Video Games and Coding
01:01:49 The Odyssey and Casey's Crazy Chase
01:02:19 Cracking the Code and Sending it to Nintendo Power
01:04:34 Working at PlayStation and Game Development Challenges
01:06:08 Cancelled Games and Game Development Anecdotes
01:09:19 Voiceover Work and Game Development Challenges
01:13:33 Game Development Anomalies and Conclusion
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
3 ratings
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