USgamer's New RPG Podcast: Axe of the Blood God
Our brand new RPG podcast brings Kat, Bob, and Jeremy together to ask the age-old question: What exactly is an RPG?
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Ever since starting with USgamer, I've been asked the same question time and again, "When are you starting a new RPG podcast? Well, your wish is my command. Welcome to Axe of the Blood God.
Old 1UP readers may recall Active Time Babble, which Jeremy kicked off in 2009 and handed to me the following year. We talked about Final Fantasy XIII, explored roguelikes, talked to developers from BioWare and Square Enix... it was fun! Then 1UP went away in early 2013, and Active Time Babble sadly went with it.*
* While I was at GamePro, I also ran a podcast titled Roleplayers' Realm. Alas, RPR has been scoured from the Internet, but you can still find the original ATB archive here.
So why call the new RPG podcast "Axe of the Blood God?" Well, for one thing, it's a great name for an RPG podcast (someone NeoGAF called it "the only podcast that restores HP while listening). For another, it's kind of nice to start with a clean slate over here at USgamer.
That's partly why I wanted to revisit an old topic that came up frequently during ATB's run: What is an RPG? Everyone seems to have a different idea of what constitutes an "RPG," and everyone also values different elements of the genre, whether it's systems, freedom, or storytelling. With that in mind, it's worth exploring the meaning of the term and offering a kind of thesis statement for the podcast in general. Joining me are Bob Mackey and Jeremy Parish, who naturally have their own thoughts on the subject.
Axe of the Blood God's iTunes feed is now live, which you can find here. If you like the podcast, then please rate and review us! Every little bit helps.
Our RSS feed is here: http://bloodgodpod.libsyn.com/rss. If you want to directly download the episode, you can find it here. We're also on Soundcloud along with Retronauts and our flagship podcast From US to You.
Show Description
Kat, Bob, and Jeremy kick off the very first episode of USgamer's new RPG podcast with the age old question, "What exactly is an RPG?" You know, aside from a miserable pile of secrets? We explore the ingredients of a good RPG, the importance of a good story, and more.
Music from Axe of the Blood God is courtesy of Leif Chappelle, who has also contributed the themes to Active Time Babble and Roleplayers' Realm. I also used music from the RPG Music Pack over at rpgmaker.net. Check it out!
Next week: A handful of special GDC episodes! I don't know if I'll be producing episodes every week, but I'll try to keep putting out the podcast as regularly as possible. Subscribe and join me! And happy adventuring.