State of the Arc Podcast

We discuss the decline of Game of Thrones’ writing quality in the wake of the series finale. TIME CODES: 1. FFXV Novel Will Be Released In Fall 2019 (1:24) 2. George RR Martin Consulting With FromSoftware? (6:32) 3. Sonic Movie Delayed To Fix Sonic’s Design (10:40) 4. The Decline Of GoT Writing (15:10) 5. Community Stories (1:25:59) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dawn of the Future Novel: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/05/17/square-enix-manga-being-launched-with-penguin-random-house-outside-of-japan/ George R.R. Martin Working With FromSoftware?: https://www.destructoid.com/games-of-thrones-ice-fire-creator-blog-post-lends-credence-to-from-software-collaboration-rumors-554369.phtml Sonic Movie Delayed: https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/24/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-delayed-design/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Jay Lee’s Post Malone Cover: https://soundcloud.com/j4y_l3e/othersiderhcp/s-mhgJj Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our in-depth thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake teaser trailer! TIME CODES: 1. Matsuno To Make Another FF Tactics Game? (1:04) 2. FF7 Remake Discussion (6:28) 3. Community Questions (2:20:30) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yasumi Matsuno Interview: https://www.dualshockers.com/yasumi-matsuno-final-fantasy-tactics-ogre-battle-comments/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the Sonic movie debacle, whether pre-rendered backgrounds could work in the modern day, and whether gameplay or story should come first in game development! TIME CODES: 1. Sonic Movie Disaster (0:42) 2. Casen tried Switch VR (22:04) 3. Gameplay Or Story First? (26:31) 4. Can Pre-Rendered Backgrounds Work Today? (1:03:30) 5. Portraying Dark Subject Matter Without Being Explicit (1:19:53) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Jordan Mechner’s Essay: http://electronicbookreview.com/essay/the-sands-of-time-crafting-a-video-game-story/ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts III ReMIND, Nintendo Labo VR, what defines an RPG, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. KHIII ReMIND (0:59) 2. Nintendo Labo VR (4:28) 3. Avengers Endgame Makes 1.2 Billion (9:46) 4. Square Takes Sony’s E3 Time Slot (20:14) 5. LotR Amazon Show (28:00) 6. Greg Troyan GoT Cover (38:27) 7. Ta’veren Podcast (40:39) 8. Chris Guin Questions (41:41) 9. Which Rules Of Writing Do You Disagree With? (59:46) 10. How Do You Define An RPG? (1:05:03) COMMUNITY STORIES: Greg Troyan GoT Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrlpZFdsunA Ta’veren Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-taveren-a-wheel-of-time-podcast/id1460119215 https://twitter.com/TaverenPod Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on the new confirmed details for the PS5, the Final Fantasy 7 concert just before E3, and how to effectively tell a story without words. TIME CODES: 1. FF7 Symphonic Reunion (0:45) 2. PS5 Details Confirmed (4:49) 3. Xbox One SAD (16:29) 4. How To Tell The Story Without Words (19:48) 5. Community Stories (1:01:14) LINKS WE REFERENCED: FF7 Symphonic Reunion: https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/527265-final-fantasy-7-concert-announced-june-9 PS5 Confirmed Details: https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-price-release-date-specs-launch-games Hayao Miyazaki Quote: https://soranews24.com/2014/01/30/ghiblis-hayao-miyazaki-says-the-anime-industrys-problem-is-that-its-full-of-anime-fans/

We discuss our thoughts on Hajime Tabata’s new game, the Star Wars Episode IX trailer, and how to structure a good side quest in video games! TIME CODES: Hajime Tabata’s New Game (1:19) Star Wars Episode 9 Trailer (8:13) What Makes A Good Side Quest? (1:27:51) Community Stories (1:23:21) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Hajime Tabata’s New Game: https://gematsu.com/2019/04/hajime-tabata-studio-jp-games-announces-paralympic-sports-rpg-the-pegasus-dream-tour Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss our thoughts on Dragon Quest: Your Story as well as what makes a console truly an all-time great! We put a lot of thought into how to measure this fairly, but if you have any suggestions on how to refine it let us know! TIME CODES: 1. Dragon Quest: Your Story (1:48) 2. What Makes A Console Great? (8:13) 3. Community Stories (1:27:51) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Dragon Quest: Your Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANB1TBs6RRA Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

This week Mike discusses the value of ambient soundtracks, and makes a case for them being just as effective as melodic OSTs at commanding the atmosphere and emotion of the story. Also, Episode Ardyn, Hyper Light Drifter TV series, and Sakaguchi’s new game, Fantasian, are discussed! TIME CODES: 1. Apple Arcade (Sakaguchi’s New Game) (2:01) 2. Monolith Hiring Devs For Zelda (7:46) 3. Hyper Light Drifter TV Series (11:36) 4. Sega Genesis Mini (18:00) 5. Episode Ardyn Thoughts (22:53) 6. Are Melodic Soundtracks Always Better Than Ambient Ones? (53:17) 7. Community Stories (1:35:24) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Apple Acade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67umVefSXnY Monolith Soft Hiring For Next Zelda Game: http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2019/8933.html Hyper Light Drifter TV Series: https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/28/18285664/hyper-light-drifter-tv-series-alx-preston-adi-shankar Sega Genesis Mini: https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/30/genesis-mini-release-date-sonic-2/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Playtest Riconius’s Game: https://twitter.com/rantonioart Matria Lockdown Challenge: http://materialockdown.com/ Greg Troyan’s Lord of the Rings Synth Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-7gUB2_Uks Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss Google Stadia, give predictions for Playstation State of Play, and what makes good pacing in storytelling! TIME CODES: 1. New FF9 Interviews (1:45) 2. Google Stadia (2:50) 3. Playstation State of Play (22:45) 4. What Is Good Pacing? (44:10) LINKS WE REFERENCED: New FF9 Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdsqEurMd2I Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Description: We upload this podcast every Wednesday morning at 5:00am MT! We stream this podcast every Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm MT on Twitch! https://www.twitch.tv/resonantarc We discuss what goes into writing an effective villain for your story, whether you want your audience to fear them or relate to them. You can listen to audio only with the sources below: **Listen On Soundcloud**: https://soundcloud.com/resonantarc **Listen On Google Play**: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I5q6igs5n2zydfh6bkfg7kumb3q **Listen On iTunes**: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dark-pixel-podcast-dark-pixel/id1121795837?mt=2 **Listen On Pocket Cast**: http://pca.st/NJsJ TIME CODES: The Alliance Alive Remastered (1:26) Towers (4:38) What Makes A Great Villain? (7:35) Community Stories (1:12:35) LINKS WE REFERENCED: The Alliance Alive Remastered: https://gematsu.com/2019/03/the-alliance-alive-hd-remastered-coming-west-this-fall Towers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCtYQPRui7Q Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

We discuss what goes into creating an amazing plot twist. Magician’s actually follow a similar process with sleight of hand. Join us as we get to the bottom of what makes a plot twist satisfying. TIME CODES: 1. Pokemon Sword and Shield Announced (1:36) 2. What Makes A Good Plot Twist? (9:21) 3. Community Stories (1:07:34) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Pokemon Sword and Shield Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YDymZteyH8 COMMUNITY STORIES: Lipstick Song - The Flash:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47OUEvjZWCQ ChocolateRob’s Video Game Story Playlists: Vagrant Story: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0C8E4D57603D0983 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EFAE508FC048FF5 Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL17D844C3D70AE0F5

We discuss what goes into creating a smooth and enjoyable UI in video games. TIME CODES: 1. Reggie Fils-Aime Retiring (0:56) 2. Oninaki Impressions (8:51) 3. Square-Enix Restructuring (17:31) 4. What Makes Good UI Design? (23:27) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Reggie Fils-Aime Is Retiring: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/reggie-fils-aime-is-retiring-and-bowser-is-taking-charge-of-nintendo-of-america/ Nintendo E3 Press Conference 2004: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59gY8iJ4DWw Oninaki Getting Help From Takashi Tokita: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/20/oninaki-is-getting-help-from-chrono-trigger-director-takashi-tokita/ Oninaki Famtisu Interview: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/21/how-i-am-setsuna-and-lost-sphears-action-rpg-elements-went-into-the-making-of-oninaki/ Oninaki Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiw5zQ4hX10 Square-Enix Consolidating After Disappointing Q3: https://techraptor.net/content/square-enix-is-restructuring-its-company-after-disappointing-q3

We discuss this week’s Nintendo Direct, the Episode Ardyn Prologue anime, whether there’s any real point to fantasy fiction, and much more! TIME CODES: 1. Nintendo Direct (1:08) 2. Naoki Yoshida On FF16 (23:49) 3. Final Fantasy 15 Ardyn Prologue Anime (27:37) 4. What Is The Point Of Fantasy (32:46) 5. Community Stories (53:25) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Yoshi-P Wants FF16 To Be A ‘Straightforward Fantasy’: https://gamefragger.com/multiplatform/role-playing/final_fantasy_xv/final-fantasy-xiv-director-would-like-ffxvi-to-be-straightforward-fantasy-with-no-mecha-a14492 Episode Ardyn Prologue Anime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcaNgXq2zLg COMMUNITY STORIES: The World I Never Knew (Original Composition From Symfonikev): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG34E9EiYeQ Join Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/KRZkCHa Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/resonantarc Twitter: @resonantarc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resonantarc

Casen discusses some of his disappointment with Kingdom Hearts III, and Mike chirps in with a few jokes along the way. TIME CODES: 1. Witcher author lawsuit update (2:18) 2. Monster Hunter movie update (13:04) 3. Casen's issues with Kingdom Hearts III (18:36) 4. Community Stories (1:43:40) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Witcher Author Lawsuit Update: https://www.trueachievements.com/n36375/the-witcher-author-to-receive-compensation-from-cd-projekt-red-after-dispute Monster Hunter Movie Update: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/09/monster-hunter-movie-set-for-september-2020-premiere/ COMMUNITY STORIES: Beckoned (Game From Jeremy Thevenot): https://www.beckonedgame.com/?fbclid=IwAR2smdOOTeWlm7sfttO1BLf8wF0on0V6nG9UT3pcYe47DOsjw6001xcOsgI

We discuss whether storytelling in video games is limited, the PS5’s rumored backwards compatibility, and much more! Time Codes: 1. PS Classic Now $50 On Amazon (0:48) 2. PS5 To Be Backwards Compatible With ALL Previous PS Consoles? (1:51) 3. Yasunori Mitsuda Doing A Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Tour (5:27) 4. Another Eden - New Game From Chrono Writer (6:15) 5. Is Video Game Storytelling Limited? (8:17) 6. Community Stories (40:29) Links We Referenced: PS Classic $50 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Classic-Console/dp/B07HHVF2XG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549400845&sr=8-3&keywords=playstation+classic PS5 Backwards Compatibility Patent: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/02/ps5_backwards_compatibility_suggested_by_sony_patent Chrono Cross 20th Anniversary Concert Tour: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/02/01/yasunori-mitsuda-celebrates-chrono-cross-20th-anniversary-with-a-live-concert-tour-in-november/ Another Eden - Chrono Writer’s New Game: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/28/chrono-writers-smartphone-rpg-another-eden-launches-worldwide-today/ Tactics V: “Obsidian Brigade” Closed Beta: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBKKxXSOPcRIg1gaTajVC6JbHDHKiAQk0wyJaqawgVccHADA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR36tEPjHoOo8WkhmxKXhol0LRVTG98IGM4gcAQduQaaa7Fgmh112m_kh6c Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Review (by surpremakatakuri): https://fullmetaldrippy.wordpress.com/2019/02/03/xenoblade-chronicles-2/

We discuss Metroid Prime 4’s development trouble, how to properly adapt a video game to film, and our philosophy on what makes a good localization! Time Codes: 1. Cross Code Coming To Switch (1:30) 2. Metroid 4 Rebotting (4:10) 3. How To Adapt A Video Game To Film (20:17) 4. How Much Should Localization Change From Original Japanese? (1:36:27) Links We Referenced: Cross Code Coming To Switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XU9lz45tKU Metroid Prime 4 Development Rebooted: https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-is-restarting-metroid-prime-4-development-retro-studios-involved/ Orson Scott Card Interviews: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865589522/Critics-community-and-Enders-Game-An-interview-with-Orson-Scott-Card.html https://www.noted.co.nz/archive/listener-nz-2013/an-interview-with-orson-scott-card/ Richard Honeywood Localization Interview: https://web.archive.org/web/20060517012317/http://www.edge-online.co.uk/archives/2006/02/qa_square_enixs_1.php Community Stories: Xylon73’s Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 Translation Project: https://serenesforest.net/forums/index.php?/topic/85081-fe5-project-exile-thracia-776-script-and-menu-translation-script-complete-through-chapter-15/

We discuss the utility of silent protagonists and whether or not they "suck", narrative vs. world building and which is more important for RPGs, and how to become more social and gain confidence! Time Codes: 1. Why do silent protagonists suck? (9:01) 2. Narrative vs. world building (27:01) 3. How to become more social (49:19)

We discuss our thoughts on Kingdom Hearts as we prepare for a YouTube collaboration on Riconius’ YouTube channel. Subscribe to him if you’d like to see the discourse! https://www.youtube.com/user/ricardoantonioart Time Codes: 1. Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019? (2:53) 2. Bungie Leaves Activision (6:17) 3. Kingdom Hearts Discourse Preparatory Thoughts (13:03) 4. Community Stories (1:14:52) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Bravely Default Announcement Coming In 2019?: https://twitter.com/BDFF_OFFICIAL/status/1082110869352308737?s=19 Bungie Leaves Activision: https://kotaku.com/bungie-splits-with-activision-1831651740 COMMUNITY STORIES: C4DNerd’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E1ggIqqi8 Amontik Animation: http://www.amontikanimation.com/

Today Mike discusses why it's so hard to understand the perspectives of other people, and why it leads so often to bitter debates over non-consequential issues like video games. Time Codes: 1. Nintendo President On The Future Of The Company - 6:20 2. Suikoden Review Progress/Discussion - 20:36 3. Why Do We Fight Over Video Games? - 40:03 4. Community Stories - 1:47:20 LINKS WE REFERENCED: Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa Interview: http://operationrainfall.com/2019/01/05/nintendo-furukawa-interview/?fbclid=IwAR3SJVun39Va52kzddipYjfmVOhImDQxErjDj6pmBLewgCsWpvSuq2eawzc COMMUNITY STORIES: Monish Corona’s Battle Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=130&v=b4UKatJqrwc Jay Lee’s Hip-Hop Track: https://soundcloud.com/j4y_l3e/winter-nightmarez Faze’s Metal Blog: https://metalfaze.wordpress.com/2019/01/03/upcoming-albums-january-2019/

Today we're discussing the elements that go into designing a good tutorial! Time Codes: 1. Playstation Classic Price Drop (0:46) 2. What Makes A Good Tutorial? (7:50) 3. Community Stories (1:01:35) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Playstation Classic Price Cut: http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/25/playstation-classic-price-drops-to-60-at-2-stores/ Extra Credits Tutorial Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPcn-Q5nKE COMMUNITY STORIES: C.J.’s Power Metal Project: http://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2018/12/20/exclusive-premiere-come-bask-in-errluum-curse-of-radiance/

Title Says It All

We discuss the challenges of non-linear storytelling, especially in games, as well as which stories we feel explore morality in interesting ways. Time Codes: 1. Kingdom Hearts III Leaked (1:03) 2. Monster Hunter World/Witcher 3 Collaboration (9:03) 3. Episode Ardyn Prologue Teaser Trailer (11:07) 4. Live Action Sonic Film Looks Wack (14:50) 5. The Challenges Of Non-Linear Storytelling In Games (24:55) 6. Community Stories (1:02:20) LINKS WE REFERENCED: Kingdom Hearts III Leak: https://mashable.com/article/kingdom-hearts-3-leaks-epilogue-secret-video/#D6GUlrJG8Oqw Monster Hunter World/Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Collaboration: http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/10/the-witcher-3-wild-hunts-geralt-of-rivia-is-coming-to-monster-hunter-world-in-early-2019/ Episode Ardyn Prologue Teaser Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4G3jhuFRrc Live Action Sonic The Hedgehog Looks Wack AF - http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/10/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-gets-a-first-peek-sega-not-seeing-eye-to-eye/ https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/12/14/leaked-sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-poster-legs-is-real/ Game Career Guide Article: https://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/882/nonlinear_narrative_in_games_.php?print=1

We discuss early thoughts on Smash Ultimate, and how much we hate the dismissive (and lazy) "you're blinded by nostalgia" argument. Time Codes: 1. Smash Ultimate Thoughts - 3:32 2. Are You Really Blinded By Nostalgia? - 24:43 3. Community Questions - 1:17:55

We discuss the “spirit” of the Lord of the Rings, how perfectly it was captured in The Fellowship Of The Ring, and whether it was successfully maintained in the sequels. TIME CODES: 1. Kingdom Hearts III Is Gold! - 1:09 2. Nintendo Updates Usage Guidelines - 16:10 3. When Does Narrative Become Necessary For Health? - 27:18 4. Why Fellowship Of The Ring Is The Best - 56:22 5. Community Stories - 1:56:51 LINKS WE REFERENCED: Nintendo Adjusts Its Guidelines For YouTube Content Creators: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/networkservice_guideline/en/index.html?n COMMUNITY STORIES: HD Beird’s Novella “Amnion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amnion-HD-Beird/dp/1515133664/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1542832582&sr=8-8&keywords=amnion&fbclid=IwAR1Qh0CETwL1HO7pRhesUU_ko6THgJORaUgqMg01VI2awAJVDUO2DsPME_w Paul Mannerings’s Dream State Saga: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B29KWZP/ The Pensky File’s Star Trek Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=228&v=vH2LbSDqaog

Podcast Cancelled For This Week by Resonant Arc

We discuss character building--in particular what makes a 3-dimensional character and whether it is important to ALWAYS make your main character 3-dimensional. Is there ever a time when making your main character 2-dimensional is the right choice? Time Codes: 1. Playstation Skipping E3 2019 (1:16) 2. Devil May Cry Animated Series Coming To Netflix (10:25) 3. George R.R. Martin Explains Why Winds Of Winter Isn't Finished Yet (14:00) 4. What Is A Multi-Dimensional Character? (18:32) 5. Community Stories (1:02:11)

We discuss the abundance of amnesia as a plot device in Asian media, and what makes good dialogue--in particular why dialogue in anime and JRPGs is often considered so 'cringey' to western ears. Timecodes: 1. Smash Ultimate Nintendo Direct (3:00) 2. End of the road for game consoles? (10:15) 3. MediEvil Remake (14:30) 4. FFXV 2nd Anniversary Debacle (18:41) 5. PS Classic Using Open Source Emulator (30:58) 6. Castlevania Getting 3rd Season (32:00) 7. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (33:47) 8. Amnesia in Asian media (36:38) 9. What makes good dialogue (1:07:45) 10. Community stories (2:22:48)

Just some updates on the podcast. We've moved our hosting over to soundcloud and I'm trying to get all of our podcast apps updated with the new RSS. Some of them require that we have at least one upload so this is it!