Brought to you from the wild, wonderful Outer Hebrides, OH!CAST is a geek culture podcast where the Atlantic winds meet the winds of change in fandom, gaming, and all things nerdy.Tune in for insights, laughs, and plenty of "oh!" moments.
From Pixels to Indie: Simon Butler's 40-Year Journey in Gaming
In this episode of OH!CAST, the hosts welcome veteran game artist Simon Butler, whose career spans more than four decades and hundreds of games—from the earliest 8-bit era to modern indie development. (Content advisory: this episode contains strong language and frank discussion throughout.)
Simon shares the remarkable story of how he accidentally fell into the games industry in the early 1980s, back when the role of a “game artist” barely existed and developers were inventing the craft as they went along. From drawing sprites on graph paper to pushing pixels across multiple platforms, he recounts what it was really like working during the formative years of the industry.
The conversation explores Simon’s time with studios such as Ocean Software, the realities of developing movie tie-ins, and the chaotic creativity of early game development. He talks about working on titles connected to classic franchises, contributing graphics to Worms, and the infamous Highlander adaptation—while offering candid reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and why some games became legends for the wrong reasons.
Along the way, Simon shares stories about tight deadlines, overnight crunch sessions, and the culture of the 8-bit development scene—plus his unfiltered thoughts on retro nostalgia, the AAA industry, and why indie developers today are closer to the original spirit of game creation.
It’s a funny, honest, and occasionally brutal look behind the curtain at how classic games were really made—and how the myth of the “golden age” compares to the reality.
9 Mar 2026
Hebridean Hammerlock - Big Rig Bryan Colton
The conversation covers Big Rig Brian Colton's journey into wrestling, the challenges he faced, the support from his family, and the influence of inspirational wrestling matches. It also delves into his training, character development, and the balance between wrestling, work, and family. The discussion highlights his first match experience, proud matches and feuds, promoter relationships, and misconceptions about his character. Additionally, it explores his proud wrestling moves and chemistry in the ring. The conversation delves into the art of wrestling, the challenges of balancing a full-time job and wrestling career, and the unique experience of connecting with fans in indie wrestling. It highlights the dedication and hard work required to pursue a career in wrestling while managing other responsibilities, and the rewarding experience of building chemistry with fans and achieving success in the indie wrestling scene.
Takeaways
Follow your dreams
Learning from experience Balancing a full-time job, family, and wrestling requires dedication and hard work.
The direct connection with fans in indie wrestling creates a unique and rewarding experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:32 Inspirational Wrestling Matches and Influences
11:48 Transition to In-Ring and Challenges
17:12 Acceptance and Learning in the Wrestling Community
23:12 Proud Matches and Feuds
32:48 Proud Wrestling Moves and Chemistry in the Ring
38:30 Managing a Full-Time Job and Wrestling Career
6 Mar 2026
Fallout S2: Humanity Mutates Firs
The conversation begins with an introduction and anticipation for payday, followed by an acknowledgment of the editing team. The main discussion revolves around the review of Fallout Season 2, highlighting the easter eggs and self-contained storytelling. The conversation also delves into character arcs and the introduction of super mutants, providing a solid adaptation with nostalgic easter eggs and self-contained storytelling with engaging characters. The conversation delves into the portrayal of characters in the Fallout TV series, exploring their roles and storylines. It also discusses the themes of education and child labor, as well as the potential role of the Institute in the Fallout TV series. The conversation delves into the exploration of character depth and the power of storytelling in the context of the Fallout Season 2 review. It highlights the importance of well-developed characters and the impact of storytelling on the overall narrative.
Takeaways
Solid adaptation with nostalgic easter eggs
Self-contained storytelling with engaging characters Character portrayal in Fallout TV series
Exploring the themes of education and child labor
The role of the Institute in the Fallout TV series Character depth
Storytelling
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Payday Anticipation
13:40 Easter Eggs and Self-Contained Storytelling
28:20 Character Arcs and Super Mutant Introduction
33:26 Exploring Education and Child Labor
48:24 The Role of the Institute in the Fallout TV Series
01:02:47 Exploring Character Depth
Contact OH!CAST
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of OH!CAST?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
