Retro Pioneers Podcast

About Retro Pioneers Podcast

The Retro Pioneers Podcast dives into gaming past & present—featuring gaming news, nostalgia, and interviews with creators. Join us weekly as we explore the stories that shaped gaming culture. New episodes every Sunday—subscribe & stay retro!

Publisher

RetroJayee

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

28 Oct 2024

Latest episode

14 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

56 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Brian Colin on Rampage, General Chaos & a Life in Game Development | Ep. 55

   The creator of Rampage joins the Retro Pioneers Podcast to share the stories behind the arcade classics. In Episode 55, RetroJayee and guest co-host Daniel Parker, aka L Soul, sit down with Brian Colin to explore his journey from filmmaker and animator to video game designer, his years at Bally Midway, and the creative teamwork behind Game Refuge. Brian shares how Rampage was rejected by management, why he kept fighting for the idea, and how hardware limitations inspired its city-smashing gameplay. He also reveals the real people behind George, Lizzie, and Ralph, and what changed when the team returned for Rampage World Tour. From Arcade Cabinets to Hollywood The conversation covers Discs of Tron, Spy Hunter, Xenophobe, Arch Rivals, and Pigskin, along with Brian’s experience visiting the Rampage movie set, meeting Dwayne Johnson, and filming a cameo that didn’t make the final cut. Game Development, Teamwork & Persistence Brian explains why keeping a team excited matters as much as having a great idea. He also reflects on personal setbacks, the challenges of remote development, and finding joy in the work through difficult times. General Chaos: Major Snafu Brian discusses returning to General Chaos, the Sega Genesis strategy game, with General Chaos: Major Snafu. Hear about its characters, squad combat, humor, and the Kickstarter campaign discussed during the interview. Follow Brian Colin Explore Brian Colin’s YouTube channel for game development stories, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and information about General Chaos: Major Snafu. Watch More Retro Pioneers Podcast Subscribe for conversations about gaming history, retro culture, creators, developers, and the people who helped shape the games we love. Retro Pioneers Podcast — Keeping Retro Alive.

2. 

   2 Sept 2026

   KYD Works on Knowing Your Damage, Creativity & Overcoming Life’s Struggles | Ep. 54

   A powerful conversation about creativity, self-awareness, struggle, and becoming the person you’re meant to be. In Episode 54, RetroJayee sits down with KYD Works, a multi-talented creative whose journey through entertainment, music, acting, and life has shaped the way he approaches his art today. KYD gets candid about some of the hardest chapters of his life, including experiencing homelessness and incarceration, and explains how those experiences helped shape his perspective rather than define his future. KYD also explains the powerful idea behind “knowing your damage”—recognizing your flaws, experiences, and scars and developing enough self-awareness to use them as strength rather than running from them. This isn’t just a conversation about becoming an artist. It’s about understanding where you came from, accepting who you are today, and continuing to move forward even when the journey gets difficult. Watch More Retro Pioneers Podcast Subscribe for conversations about gaming, creators, entertainment, mental health, and the people behind the stories. Retro Pioneers Podcast — Keeping Retro Alive.

3. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Michael Cranford on The Bard’s Tale, Shadow Snare & Returning to Game Development | Ep. 53

   The creator of one of gaming’s most influential early computer RPGs joins the Retro Pioneers Podcast. In Episode 53, RetroJayee sits down with Michael Cranford, creator of The Bard’s Tale, to talk about his journey from experimenting with an Apple II and programming in 6502 assembly language to helping shape the early computer RPG genre. Michael takes us behind the scenes of developing The Bard’s Tale, including what it was like finding success in his early twenties, the challenges of convincing publishers that players wanted deep and immersive RPG experiences, and some of the secrets and intentional mysteries he hid inside his games. But the story doesn’t end in the 1980s. Michael also discusses Shadow Snare, a game concept he originally teased more than 40 years ago and is now bringing to life as a new Commodore 64 dungeon crawler. He explains why the growing retro-gaming community inspired him to return to development, what he learned from decades in software and philosophy, and how those experiences are influencing the new game. We also discuss the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, the resurgence of classic hardware, modern versus old-school game development, connecting with generations of Bard’s Tale fans, and why retro gaming continues to matter. Follow Shadow Snare Michael invites listeners interested in the project to visit ShadowSnare.com, follow its development, sign up, and provide feedback. Watch More Retro Pioneers Podcast Subscribe for conversations about gaming history, retro culture, creators, developers, and the people who helped shape the games we love. Retro Pioneers Podcast — Keeping Retro Alive.

Reach and audience

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

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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