Horace Goes Podcasting: For Gamers with Pong Memories

About Horace Goes Podcasting: For Gamers with Pong Memories

GAMERS WITH PONG MEMORIES, WELCOME HOME. 🕹️ We interview the legends, industry veterans, and top creators to explore their careers and the future of gaming for an older generation. Hear candid stories from the teams behind MediEvil, XCOM, Final Fantasy VII, and groundbreaking Accessibility tech. Discover why classic game design is still vital.

Publisher

Kieron Brear and Jonny McNamara

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Sept 2024

Latest episode

11 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Ep 10: VR Holodecks, Game Rights & AI Tinkering with Jack Coleman

   After a series of fantastic chats with games industry insiders, we’re switching gears! In this episode, Kieron and John sit down with enterprise software architect and passionate, lifelong gamer Jack Coleman for a proper, natural gaming chat. From building basement VR setups to wrestling with modern software, Jack brings a true technologist's perspective to how we play, build, and interact with tech today. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: VR Reality vs. Workplace Tech: From professional VR applications to throwing out your shoulder in a virtual boxing match. Do We Actually Own Our Games? The shifting reality of digital game licensing, physical media, and long-term game preservation. Tinkering in the AI Era: How modern tools and Gen AI are keeping the spirit of retro PC tinkering alive for dyed-in-the-wool coders. Game Theory in Real Life: How gaming logic applies to daily life, problem-solving, and tech innovation. Got a hot take on digital game ownership or VR injuries? We want to hear from you! 💬 Get in Touch & Join the Conversation: 🗣️ Facebook: Leave a comment on Jack’s episode thread on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565829451971) 📸 Instagram: Drop us a DM @HoraceGoesPodcasting (https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting) ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? If you loved this chat, please consider leaving a review, rating us 5 stars on Spotify, and sharing the show with a fellow gamer! Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this episode are personal and do not represent the official policy or position of our respective employers.

2. 

   31 May 2026

   9 - Mark Gibbons - Games Workshop Lore, Diablo III, and Battling the AI Dark Side

   Mark Gibbons: Games Workshop Lore, Diablo III, and Battling the AI Dark Side Episode Description:We are officially BACK! After a stressful real-life high-stakes strategy game called "moving house," John has finally unpacked his gaming cables, the tea is brewing, and we are breaking our 2026 silence with absolute industry royalty. Today, we sit down with the legendary concept artist and illustrator Mark Gibbons, a man who has spent over 30 years defining the visual landscape of gaming. From his early, gritty ink work at Games Workshop that helped forge the foundational lore of Warhammer 40K, to his time at Sony Cambridge developing Primal, Mark's dark, intricate imagination has shaped the worlds we love. We follow his journey across the Atlantic to California, where he joined the powerhouse teams at Blizzard (as Art Director for Diablo III and a core concept artist on World of Warcraft) and later Riot Games. We dive deep into the differences between the tight-knit 30-person studios of the PS2 "golden era" versus today’s multi-billion dollar AAA machines, discuss the modern reality of being an older gamer, and get Mark's fierce, zero-tolerance stance on the rise of generative AI in creative spaces. Plus, we explore his latest chapter bringing tabletop RPGs to life with Rookery Publications. Settle into your favorite gaming chair, get your best headphones on, and welcome a true legend to the hot seat! Check out Mark's games here - https://www.rookerypublications.com/ Rookery's livestreams - https://www.youtube.com/@TheRookery Check out Mark’s Board Game: Dark Deeds (via Modiphius Entertainment) You can support them on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/InsideTheRookery See loads of Mark's creations - https://mgartworks.myportfolio.com/ Don't forget to connect with us! Facebook: Horace Goes Podcasting (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/search/top%3Fq%3Dhorace%2520goes%2520podcasting) Instagram: @HoraceGoesPodcasting (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting) Don't forget to tap the Subscribe button, leave us a review on your favourite streaming platform, and give us a thumbs up to help get the show into more ears! 🎧🕹️

3. 

   1 Nov 2025

   8 - Tina Townley

   GAMES INDUSTRY CAREERS & FEMALE GAMER STORIES. 🚀 Tina Townley (Production Director, Act 3) gives an unfiltered look at climbing the ladder from QA at Sega to a director at an independent studio. She reveals the shocking reality of working in game testing and how classics like Final Fantasy VII fuel her escapism. QA Exposed: The hard truth about testing one game over and over for years and the rush of finding submission-breaking bugs. The Escapist's Code: Why puzzle-heavy games like Tomb Raider and Monkey Island are essential for problem-solving and clearing a director's mind. Online Reality: Tina's strategy for navigating online gaming toxicity as a woman is by using private parties and avoiding public voice chat. Career Advice: Essential tips for aspiring game developers: Start in QA and network often.

4. 

   30 Aug 2025

   7 - Jason Wilson

   Jason Wilson is the co-creator of the MediEvil series, a smash hit on the PlayStation. He started working in the games industry straight out of school in the 80s and has worked at many studios, including as a Creative Director with Sony. In this episode, we talk with BAFTA winner Jason about the games he plays, such as the Elder Scrolls series, his enjoyment of gothic horror, his similarity to Tim Burton, comics and genius comic artists, his book 'Coal Face - The Devil in the Smoke' and lots and lots about Doncaster. Check out Jason's work at https://jwartdesign.myportfolio.com/ (https://jwartdesign.myportfolio.com/). Buy Coal Face on Amazon (https://amzn.eu/d/4ag0lKQ). Some of the games and people we talk about: Elder Scrolls, Knightlore, The Exit 8, Silent Hill 2, Pat Mills, Clint Langley, Chris Weston, Kevin O’Neill, Raymond Briggs, 2000AD, "Papers, Please", Dave the Diver

5. 

   3 Aug 2025

   6 - Luke Hale

   In this episode, we talk with Luke Hale, Head of Production Services at Frontier Developments. Luke is not retired, or even thinking about retirement, because he's in his early thirties. We're expanding our exploration of gaming experience to people of many ages now, at Horace Goes Podcasting. With Luke, we talked about Football Manager, John's grudge against Frontier for nerfing his trade route in Elite:Dangerous, city builders, 'solo' developed games like Manor Lords and the most significant challenge Luke sees to video games (spoiler - it might be you!). Also, hear how Luke is helping out universities develop better game development degrees and how he mentors students. Start a conversation about the episode in the comments on Spotify, on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565829451971) or on our Insta (https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting/).

6. 

   7 Jun 2025

   5 - Reflections and Futures

   Hosts John and Kieron discuss highlights from previous episodes with guests Nick, Terry, Eric, and Dean, while also exploring the podcast's future direction in this reflective episode.

7. 

   9 Mar 2025

   4 - Dean Mohamedally

   Dean Mohamedally is Professor of Computing Science at University College, London. His projects include many works for the betterment of the world through computing in many forms. He works with the UK NHS, IBM, Microsoft and Intel, among many other partners as part of his Industry Exchange Network Methodology. One project of interest to gamers is the MotionInput (http://www.motioninputgames.com) project, where Dean, his team and industry colaborators, including our very own John McNamara, have developed AI software that interprets movement in order to give control of devices to people with limb loss and other additional needs. This has opened up a world of gaming for them. Hear some fantastic stories from this project and how their tech can extend to later life gamers whose reactions and mobility are reducing. They have released an autism-friendly game that has lit up lives too - Superhero Sportsday (https://superherosportsday.com/). As well as these projects, in this episode Dean discusses his love for beat'em up games, his love for Sonic, frustration with complexity in games that prevents players finishing them and how AI could assist us through games. Some games mentioned this episode: Marvel v Capcom Street Fighter Streets of Rage 4 Shinobi Sonic the Hedgehog Lunar Jetman Also, we mention the Jurassic Park and Toy Story films.

8. 

   7 Feb 2025

   3 - Eric Lagel

   Eric Lagel is a games producer who has worked in France, Canada and the UK, with Runescape, Crysis and Splinter Cell on his CV. He is deep into GTA Online and has sunk many, many hours in World of Warcraft. In addition to those games, we talk about his ideas for a magic shooter that will appeal more to older gamers, amazing story-focused games like Red Dead Redemption 2, and go off-brand to talk about Agile development and AI. John also gets to fanboi talking to someone who developed one of his all time favourite games, Splinter Cell. Follow us on Spotify and find us on social media onFacebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/14mQwBs2FU/)andInstagram (https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting/). Join us there to discuss the episode.

9. 

   15 Jan 2025

   2 - Terry Greer

   Terry Greer, a seasoned game design lecturer, shares insights on designing games, pitching ideas, and the latest trends in game development, offering practical advice for aspiring game designers.

10. 

    2 Dec 2024

    1 - Nick Thompson

    Games industry veteran Nick Thompson shares real-life stories of his 35-year career, balancing gaming with family life and offering insights on the future of games for older gamers.

11. 

    17 Nov 2024

    Final Beta

    We're looking into the future in this episode. Kieron and John discuss various topics about gaming in later life, as well as more on our plans for the series. Those plans involve our listeners! If you want to be on the podcast, get in touch via our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565829451971) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting/). Topics discussed in this episode: Streaming old games as part of the podcast. How the ecosystem around discussing games has changed since our early days, where it was centred around magazine reviews, like Crash. What's the potential for games-based communities keeping folks connected with others in retirement. Will your grandchildren have fun playing video games with you? Is there an overlap of interest? Is it a shared hobby? The idea of recreating childhood memories in VR to share with your children and grandchildren. Can you go back and play the games from your youth? Will they still be fun? Could we replay them for the podcast to find out for you? We also announce who will be our first interviewee! Check out the episode, follow us on your podcast platform and find us on social media on the links above. We would love to hear your thoughts on all these topics and anything else about gaming in later life.

12. 

    2 Nov 2024

    Kieron Asks the Questions

    In this episode, the tables are turned (but not flipped), as Kieron interviews John on his life in games, as well as looking ahead to ideas about games in the future, and what changes might put John off a game. What new innovation would be too much for you? What was your golden era in gaming? We would love to hear your answers in comments or on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565829451971). Check us out on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/horacegoespodcasting/). We discussed these games in this episode: Asteroids (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroids_(video_game)) Paradroids (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradroid) Uridium (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uridium) The Hobbit (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hobbit_(1982_video_game)) Assassins Creed Black Flag (https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/iv-black-flag) Alien Isolation (https://www.sega.com/alien-isolation/alien-isolation) Hungry Horace (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_Horace) Lords of Midnight (https://www.gog.com/en/game/the_lords_of_midnight) Laser Squad (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_Squad) Doom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(1993_video_game)) Quake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_(video_game)) Civilisation (https://civilization.2k.com/en-GB/) Counter Strike (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Strike_(video_game)) Super Smash Bros (https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/) Halo (https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-gb/halo-the-master-chief-collection) Star Wars: Battlefront (https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/starwars/star-wars-battlefront) Starfield (https://bethesda.net/en/game/starfield) Skyrim (https://elderscrolls.bethesda.net/en/skyrim10) Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/valhalla) Kerbal Space Program (https://www.kerbalspaceprogram.com/) Thrill of the Fight (https://sealostinteractive.com/) Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defender_(1981_video_game)) Galaxians (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxian) Theatre Europe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_Europe) Call of Duty (https://www.callofduty.com/uk/en/)

13. 

    22 Oct 2024

    Jon Asks the Questions

    In this episode, get to know one of your hosts better. Jon asks Kieron questions about his gaming life and some thoughts for the future. We discuss arcade games we played, games ahead of their time, desert islands, surprises in games and what might happen to games and the games industry in the coming decades. What game do you think was ahead of its time? What did you play in the arcades? Where do you think gaming will go in the next 30 years? Comment with your thoughts below or on our socials on Facebook or Insta. Games and content mentioned in this episode: Civilisation (https://civilization.2k.com/en-GB/) Assassin Creed Black Flag (https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/iv-black-flag) Elite (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_(video_game)) Doom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(1993_video_game)) Wolfenstein (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfenstein_3D) Quake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quake_(video_game)) Combat Mission (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Mission) Guns Up! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns_Up!) Counter Strike (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Strike_(video_game)) Magic the Gathering Arena (https://magic.wizards.com/en/mtgarena) Star Trek Adversaries (https://store.steampowered.com/app/815040/Star_Trek_Adversaries/) Hearthstone (https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/) Battlefront 2 (https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/starwars/battlefront/star-wars-battlefront-2) Sega Rally (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Rally_Championship) Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defender_(1981_video_game)) TV series – Connections (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(British_TV_series)) (James Burke) Youtubers: CovertGoBlue (https://www.youtube.com/@covertgoblue) lionheartx10 (https://www.youtube.com/@lionheartx10) Keep in touch with the series by following the podcast on Spotify. Music credits: Kevin MacLeod

14. 

    23 Sept 2024

    Work in Progress

    Get to know your hosts of Horace Goes Podcasting more. Kieron and Jonny discuss the highlights of their gaming lives so far and the releases they are looking forward to. Is XWing vs TIE Fighter in the best list or worst game? Whose best memory was completing XCOM2? How often will Manic Miner get mentioned in this episode? What are the surprises we make for each other at the end? We would love to hear your answers to our questions. Check out our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565829451971) and comment there.

15. 

    13 Sept 2024

    Episode Alpha

    Horace Goes Podcasting hits Alpha, full of gray blocks instead of buildings and low rent audio instead of a full soundtrack. Listen to what Kieron and Jonny have in store for Horace Goes Podcasting: For Gamers with Pong Memories. What's it all about? If you know who Horace was or what Pong was, then this podcast is for you! If you been gaming since the Seventies or Eighties, then we want your input and stories.

Who has been a guest on Horace Goes Podcasting: For Gamers with Pong Memories

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Nick
• Terry
• Eric
• Dean
• Terry Greer

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

16 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

90

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Horace Goes Podcasting: For Gamers with Pong Memories

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.