July 11, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 13 – Soundscapes and Dreamscapes

Last Friday, the latest minisode of the Critical Distance Confab went live. Joining me for this minisode is games and digital arts creator Lauren Schmidt. All the games we discussed had a strange unearthy quality to them in some respect. Sometimes you get lucky when looking for a title because one or both of you say it during the podcast. We’re off schedule for the moment. The minisodes are supposed to come out at the end of the month, but recently they’ve been shifted forward due to reasons. | more

June 30, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – The Hows and Whys of TWIVGB

This episode came about because of scheduling problems. Since I wanted to do these interviews in chronological order, we have a list of people to interview. It generally doesn’t take much to someone’s attention to ask, but it had to happen sooner or later. In the meantime, Zoya and I … (This post is lost beyond this point.) Episode 36 – The Hows and Whys of TWIVGB – Critical Distance | more

May 10, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 12 – Not Dark Souls

Another minisode is up, this time with freelance critic Nick Capozzoli. As is the way, when I recorded this minisode, I hadn’t heard a peep about 1979 Revolution: Black Friday. So, of course, two days later about half a dozen articles dropped. Ah well, still a game worth discussing. As for the title, I’ve been trying to come up with titles whose description encompass at least half of the games talked about. It’s why some of them seem really strained when there is little to no overlap. | more

May 10, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Chat with Matt

The latest CDC interview is one I’ve been looking forward to, specifically because of the content of Matt Barton’s channel. He is an interviewer and obviously that is going to appeal to me. Not only do I get to commiserate, I also get to pick the brain of someone who … (This post is lost beyond this point.) Episode 34 – Chat with Matt – Critical Distance | more

April 19, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Camp’s Signal

With this interview we are entering the more modern conception of video based criticism. The video essayist. First on the docket is Chris Franklin aka Campster. It’s a good interview and not surprisingly, in many ways, sets up future discussions of video as evolving form of criticism. Thanks to Chris … (This post is lost beyond this point.) Episode 35 – Camp’s Signal – Critical Distance | more

April 6, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 11 – Grab Bag of Games

The newest minisode for the Critical Distance Confab is up. A few days late but no matter. I would first like to apologize for the audio quality on this one. Since I couldn’t get anyone online to join me, I grabbed IRL friend, Fred McCoy, who was over at my … (This post is lost beyond this point.) Minisode 11 – Grab Bag of Games – Critical Distance | more

March 1, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 10 – Abstract Aesthetics

I’ve heard from former Critical Distance editor-in-chief, Kris Ligman, that people like these minisodes as a shorter format discussion. Well, sorry for this month. Sometimes there’s such a good rapport with a guest that controlling the time gets away from me. Heather Alexandra and I had such a rapport. Of course, what do I know. I’m just throwing stuff into the void. Wish I could figure out the download figures for each episode. Find out if anyone is listening. | more

February 16, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Game OverThinker

I will admit, I continue to be a little surprised by who I am able to get for Critical Distance podcast interviews by simply asking. This month I had on Bob Chipman, aka moviebob, to talk about his Game OverThinker YouTube show. Ok, neither he nor James Portnow are exactly huge, but compared to me, wow. I was told to focus on the historical side of things as what Mr. Chipman does isn’t really criticism, per se. But he is undeniably a big early voice in the now exploding YouTube scene. | more

February 1, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 09 – Long Games and Short Games

Good news everybody! We’re continuing the minisodes on the Critical Distance podcast into 2016. What a shock, I know. The one decent thing I managed to do last year and I’m going to continue doing it? Wow. This month I had Todd Harper on. No, Professor Todd Harper on to talk about more games that no one else seems to be talking about. As unsure as Todd was before the podcast about the games he wanted to talk about, and we actually had to workshop his third game, but damn if he didn’t come prepared with potential essay topics for his games for other people to pick up and write. | more

January 15, 2016 Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Supplementary Grades

Last year I interviewed authors and editors of books and publications. The focus was criticism via the written word outside the medium of the internet. Now I’m moving on to other mediums, first up video. I cannot say how flabbergasted I am that I actually got James Portnow to come on the podcast to talk Extra Credits. I didn’t reach out to him; he reached out to me through Kris. This still astounds me some months later. I knew I would be moving on to video next and there were plenty of people I could easily contact to set up an interview with. | more