https://youtube.com/channel/UCTAfm-YD2M9xzvbYvRc5ttA I am a video game developer, mostly known for creating Fallout. I plan to use this channel to tell stories about game development, including stories about design, programming, team building, working for development companies, pitching to game publishers, and even a few stories about my short stint as a co-owner of a company, Troika Games. I have been doing this for more than forty years, so I have a lot of stories to tell. I also eat a lot of dark chocolate. TV & Film Podsync generator (support us at https://github.com/mxpv/podsync) en-us Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:25:02 +0000 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:13:21 +0000 https://yt3.ggpht.com/ytc/AIdro_n5rVyLDBihIym3qoz41TxhkmNQ_DnPXJMdoBfqW_JhQ6g=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj https://youtube.com/channel/UCTAfm-YD2M9xzvbYvRc5ttA Timothy Cain Timothy Cain no A2lTon5g5Uc https://youtube.com/watch?v=A2lTon5g5Uc I talk about how the game industry is unstable and always has been, and why that is. Videos I reference: Survivorship Bias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgoSGPEvFPA Great Video Game Crash Of 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwT228jMziA Industry Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68srUJOV3j4 "It's A Terrible Time For Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojYBHy-9xTo Technology Changes Jobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UGeI_fU5Lk Technological Evolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr61gn2k46o Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:13 +0000 Timothy Cain Industry Instability 16:06 no 1 NrVauOhbiYw https://youtube.com/watch?v=NrVauOhbiYw I talk about why you want to add exploration to your role playing games and all of the ways it can be useful. I also talk about reasons you might not see more of it. Videos I reference: Game Economy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9IIn7nEV4 The Appeal Of A Post-Apocalyptic Setting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIV3d0NR4Ok Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Adding Exploration To RPGs 12:35 no 2 E9RcSL1EHYs https://youtube.com/watch?v=E9RcSL1EHYs I talk about why the development of the first Fallout game went so well. Videos I reference: Brainstorming: https://youtu.be/9lYuzefVvMA The Importance Of Conversation: https://youtu.be/int5XZHsgiU My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://youtu.be/UZJ-1AS4UKA Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:12 +0000 Timothy Cain The Secret To Fallout’s Development Success 7:31 no 3 NgoSGPEvFPA https://youtube.com/watch?v=NgoSGPEvFPA I talk about learning from good games AND from bad ones. Many people only learn from the good ones. Videos I reference: "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo What Makes A Good Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1jZuasGDn8 Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Data On My Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyu2DJBWPOc Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:05 +0000 Timothy Cain Survivorship Bias 7:17 no 4 ZP4KS10p77Q https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZP4KS10p77Q Evil Tim is back, eviller than ever! Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:45:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Sorcery! 0:15 no 5 5RhLPvZ_Y1M https://youtube.com/watch?v=5RhLPvZ_Y1M I talk about the pros and cons of real time vs. turn based combat, and how you might want to choose one or the other for your game. Videos I reference: Arcanum Combat: Real Time vs Turn Based: https://youtu.be/-QUDeipApgU First vs. Third Person: https://youtu.be/GBIdfazHxM4 Solo vs. Party: https://youtu.be/-cG8OfcFkew Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:42 +0000 Timothy Cain Real Time vs. Turn Based Combat 13:45 no 6 3eiZ_1Btr6g https://youtube.com/watch?v=3eiZ_1Btr6g I talk about developing a really different game than I normally make. Can I do that? Am I allowed to do that? Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Making A Really Different Game 10:14 no 7 QIV3d0NR4Ok https://youtube.com/watch?v=QIV3d0NR4Ok I talk about the personal appeal of a post-apocalyptic setting for me to use in my games. Videos I reference: The Biggest Influences On Fallout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8XTWJRBFeM Sci-Fi vs. High Fantasy Settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-HIryOehYo Implementing Endgame Slides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjtctCu6VoI Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:40 +0000 Timothy Cain The Appeal Of A Post-Apocalyptic Setting 11:17 no 8 iEDWwRTtNOc https://youtube.com/watch?v=iEDWwRTtNOc I worked on the designs for the chanter, the cipher, and the monk. Videos I reference: Developing Pillars Of Eternity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su5wE2C5UWM Wildstar Class Summary (Nov 2008): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N68agdRYFb4 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:23 +0000 Timothy Cain My Three Classes For Pillars Of Eternity 8:13 no 9 KsxIndwQbCU https://youtube.com/watch?v=KsxIndwQbCU I talk about how consoles changed RPG development, from the 1980s until now. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:30 +0000 Timothy Cain How Consoles Changed RPG Development 9:23 no 10 uFlO99zwTLc https://youtube.com/watch?v=uFlO99zwTLc At this point, I don’t know which one of us is better trained. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 19:37:58 +0000 Timothy Cain Look What Followed Me Home 0:32 no 11 D_IiUnJIweo https://youtube.com/watch?v=D_IiUnJIweo Here are the five lessons: 1. Have a goal (or two) 2. Don’t wait, do things now 3. Don’t be afraid to fail 4. Don’t care about what other people think 5. Do what you love, love what you do Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Five Lessons From This Channel 11:40 no 12 9yTjNGnw-4Q https://youtube.com/watch?v=9yTjNGnw-4Q I talk about the code standards I have used that have worked well with teams of programmers. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Code Standards 17:19 no 13 8ZTdWk7xwLQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=8ZTdWk7xwLQ I talk about making plans for your future game development career and why that's important. Videos I reference: Industry Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68srUJOV3j4 Technology Changes Jobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UGeI_fU5Lk Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Career Plans 9:06 no 14 u_XOD6fLbmA https://youtube.com/watch?v=u_XOD6fLbmA I talk about games being primarily about entertaining the player, whether thru fun, challenge, or interest. Everything else (art, story, social commentary) is secondary, but some people don't understand that. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:18 +0000 Timothy Cain Games Are Entertainment First 7:33 no 15 kce5eLmOl_s https://youtube.com/watch?v=kce5eLmOl_s I talk about why no task is too small for you to do if you really want to get into the game industry and make good games. Videos I reference: Leonard Boyarsky’s interview at AIAS Game Maker’s Notebook: https://youtu.be/izmSw_ZmQTA How to Get a Job in the Game Industry: https://youtu.be/W8hesnidqqE My First Professional Game: https://youtu.be/3nLc-pULEhw Making Rags To Riches (1993): https://youtu.be/_aDdWpYcIok Fallout Development Timeline: https://youtu.be/jHIabSKo26U Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:38 +0000 Timothy Cain No Game Job Too Small 9:39 no 16 9Z6-KQRMOF4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=9Z6-KQRMOF4 Sometimes this squirrel does not take her walnut and leave. Instead she has breakfast next to me (making quite the mess for me to clean up) and then has a second walnut to go. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:21:53 +0000 Timothy Cain Squirrel Breakfast 4:04 no 17 75NUBRiMjNM https://youtube.com/watch?v=75NUBRiMjNM I will not be posting videos on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule anymore. Instead, my new videos will be posted irregularly, when I find the time to do so. The channel is staying up, all of the videos are staying up, and I will still be reading and responding to comments. Video I reference: Other Game Developer Channels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dV9I10bUc Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Channel Schedule Update 2:46 no 18 uy_aQ4fpuXQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=uy_aQ4fpuXQ I answer multiple questions about game marketing and the budget for it. Videos I reference: Production vs. Marketing Budgets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTgsVxJUueg Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:06 +0000 Timothy Cain Marketing Budget Q&A 13:50 no 19 iTEeb5Xa1Rs https://youtube.com/watch?v=iTEeb5Xa1Rs I talk about straight guys and what I think a lot of them miss out on. Videos I reference: Being A Gay Game Developer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8fmAt3Ro_Y Coming Out Stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bvASm9ZQZA Being Happy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLD4AaDDN0U It's OK To Be Proud: https://youtu.be/UgySuU7_xcQ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Pride Month And Straight Guys 9:41 no 20 5EAt1IUybIk https://youtube.com/watch?v=5EAt1IUybIk I talk about how my skills changed over the decades, going from just programming to doing design and management as well, and how those skills expanded and improved. Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain How My Skills Have Changed 13:17 no 21 P66gY_sdeXA https://youtube.com/watch?v=P66gY_sdeXA It's easier than ever to make a video game...and this has caused some issues. Videos I reference: Discoverability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmgJVUuS1I8 "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Great Video Game Crash Of 1983: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwT228jMziA Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Downsides Of A Low Barrier To Entry 10:17 no 22 wm61jKGTdXM https://youtube.com/watch?v=wm61jKGTdXM I usually have coffee and a small breakfast every morning, but today something was different. Mon, 25 May 2026 14:38:27 +0000 Timothy Cain My Morning Routine Went Sideways 0:25 no 23 cuFgNdI7DoI https://youtube.com/watch?v=cuFgNdI7DoI I talk about a melee attacker positioning system I made in 2008, back at Carbine for the WildStar MMO. Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Melee Attacker Positioning 7:03 no 24 Y4dV9I10bUc https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dV9I10bUc I talk about other game developer channels that I watch here on YouTube. Videos I reference: Channel Third Anniversary!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6r0LaKejho Timelessness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny3jMBT_2mU Links to the channels I mention: Josh Sawyer: https://www.youtube.com/@jesawyer1975 Mark Darrah on Games: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkDarrah Laura Fryer: https://www.youtube.com/@laurafryer6321 Joe Baxter-Webb: https://www.youtube.com/@IndieGameClinic JP Coovert: https://www.youtube.com/@JPCoovert Alanah Pearce: https://www.youtube.com/@alanahpearce Sean Barrett: https://www.youtube.com/@SeanTBarrett Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:50 +0000 Timothy Cain Other Game Developer Channels 9:56 no 25 crwj7T2hRnU https://youtube.com/watch?v=crwj7T2hRnU One of the biggest issues in games...in work, in lore, with fans...is a lack of consistency. I talk about how to address this, usually by asking questions. Videos I reference: One More Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQChYkjG4W4 The Future Of Generative AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m00yuIP8uyE Self-Consistent Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MCZ-AFbAAs Consistency In Leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3vynoyQNa0 Implementing Randomness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqL9R5PqE20 The Importance Of Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=int5XZHsgiU Understanding Someone Else’s POV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26zFDKHLD_8 Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:54 +0000 Timothy Cain Lack Of Consistency 10:39 no 26 4OmWAh8tfUg https://youtube.com/watch?v=4OmWAh8tfUg I found a small spec I wrote for an in-game newsfeed for WildStar, an MMO I worked on at Carbine from 2005 to 2011. Mon, 18 May 2026 12:00:06 +0000 Timothy Cain MMO Newsfeed Specification 7:34 no 27 hmWWHKR0q6s https://youtube.com/watch?v=hmWWHKR0q6s I found GURPS Third Edition questions I asked Steve Jackson across eight emails dating from April to December 1994. Video I reference: AD&D Questions From Teenage Tim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30djHXUHEUo Fri, 15 May 2026 12:01:17 +0000 Timothy Cain GURPS Q&A From Fallout's Development 19:04 no 28 Z1Dapv1lFxM https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Dapv1lFxM I found the lists of advantages, disadvantages, quirks, and skills we were using in GURPS Fallout in early 1997. Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:53 +0000 Timothy Cain GURPS Fallout Characteristics 9:50 no 29 dwT228jMziA https://youtube.com/watch?v=dwT228jMziA I talk about my experience of this crash as both a young consumer and a new game developer. Videos I reference: Career Summary 1981-2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Udo6XjMhY Industry Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68srUJOV3j4 My Top Five Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j6qqh3H-0Y My Time With MUDs (Multi User Dungeons): https://youtu.be/-lerxozozis Mon, 11 May 2026 12:01:12 +0000 Timothy Cain Great Video Game Crash Of 1983 12:14 no 30 fURexb28x3M https://youtube.com/watch?v=fURexb28x3M So this happened... Fri, 08 May 2026 14:05:39 +0000 Timothy Cain Squirrel At My Door 0:25 no 31 -7VbBVYuvec https://youtube.com/watch?v=-7VbBVYuvec I reveal an old RPG design proposal from my Troika archives, circa July 30, 2001. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Timothy Cain Time Walker, A 2001 Troika RPG Proposal 6:33 no 32 fTgsVxJUueg https://youtube.com/watch?v=fTgsVxJUueg I talk about the difference between production budgets and marketing budgets, and why the latter is growing bigger and bigger every year. Videos I reference: Rising Game Budgets: https://youtu.be/Je016BRB2-U Marketing: https://youtu.be/LDSF7Ek4wec Discoverability: https://youtu.be/lmgJVUuS1I8 And see the new single from Boards of Canada here: Tape 05: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bghDcbzfEU Wed, 06 May 2026 12:01:28 +0000 Timothy Cain Production vs. Marketing Budgets 10:41 no 33 idQqEJ2yh3w https://youtube.com/watch?v=idQqEJ2yh3w I go into detail on how I would ask a single, multi-part interview question to a system design candidate that I was considering hiring to make a crafting system for my role playing game. Videos I reference: Job Interview Questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6CJUMW-3p0 Job Interview Tests: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WxB2c02_Js Mon, 04 May 2026 12:01:20 +0000 Timothy Cain A Detailed Interview Question On Crafting 8:22 no 34 -GdE9GkrsVs https://youtube.com/watch?v=-GdE9GkrsVs I talk about how the internet changed how designers approached making games and how the player received information about those games. Videos I reference: Evolution Of Design Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rUsUExrLHw Technological Evolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr61gn2k46o Carefree To Careful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc4I2_cTG3w Fri, 01 May 2026 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain How The Internet Changed Game Design 14:16 no 35 U7yGm3URKpM https://youtube.com/watch?v=U7yGm3URKpM I get asked this a lot. It really seems to trigger many people, so let's tackle it. Video I reference: "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:55 +0000 Timothy Cain "Why Are There So Many Ugly Characters?" 8:31 no 36 E6r0LaKejho https://youtube.com/watch?v=E6r0LaKejho I talk about this channel and the last three years, and what's coming up in the future. Videos I reference: Channel Analytics (August 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l7Krs_RAyM Channel Second Anniversary!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctsDH-Y6X0s Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:22 +0000 Timothy Cain Channel Third Anniversary! 11:29 no 37 XsOdoWSTtmo https://youtube.com/watch?v=XsOdoWSTtmo I give advice to people thinking of becoming game programmers and how it's different than software engineering in other fields. Videos I reference: Troika's Secret Fourth Project: https://youtu.be/R5guVZA6eAU Common Sources Of Programming Frustration: https://youtu.be/lwlRDhPZxLc Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:59 +0000 Timothy Cain Advice For Prospective Game Programmers 12:25 no 38 7hAR1ppYPJQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=7hAR1ppYPJQ I explain why I don't post on forums anymore, even though I used to be very active. Videos I reference: My Memoirs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvgttRI7oSU My Memoirs, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmW06yNx7Ts Do Gamers Know What They Like?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCjHipuMir8 Do Devs Know What Gamers Want?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA-P3p7PdEc Giving Good Feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72btgrwKzA Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:15 +0000 Timothy Cain Why I Don't Post On Forums Anymore 11:08 no 39 1xvLwldNHc4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=1xvLwldNHc4 I talk about dialog-based quest solutions in RPGs and some problems I see with them. Video I reference: Multiple Quest Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlkksy6casU Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Dialog Quest Solutions 11:56 no 40 WotiimTiddc https://youtube.com/watch?v=WotiimTiddc I want to try to describe my crazy introduction to Dungeons & Dragons and how it was unlike any game I had ever played before. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:01:05 +0000 Timothy Cain Discovering D&D In 1979 13:25 no 41 TWti2_bVsNM https://youtube.com/watch?v=TWti2_bVsNM These are the most important details to remember to include in every map. 1. Don't assume where players will go. 2. All player builds must be supported in the main story quests. 3. Side quests only need to support a few builds, but keep them balanced. 4. Leave room for side quests on main maps. 5. At least one POI should be visible from any point on an outdoor map. 6. Encounters should come in two types, anchored and non-anchored. 7. There should be rewarding exploration. 8. NPC's that move along regular paths are predictable and better for use in stealth areas than NPC's that randomly walk around. Video I reference: Everything I learned from Disneyland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAEBpXlelk Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:50 +0000 Timothy Cain Eight Level Design Guidelines 11:12 no 42 s3xvoUBpCPo https://youtube.com/watch?v=s3xvoUBpCPo I talk about the design pillars for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, and what they meant for game play back then. I also talk about what I changed about those rules and why, and how that design philosophy is reflected in my games. Videos I reference: Design Pillars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7b7LFXBZ9M Picking Your Best Class in AD&D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob-NNCpwapI Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:01:34 +0000 Timothy Cain AD&D Design Pillars 14:51 no 43 m00yuIP8uyE https://youtube.com/watch?v=m00yuIP8uyE I try to predict how generative AI will change gaming, entertainment, and life in general. Videos I reference: Artificial Intelligence: https://youtu.be/7MRx_i9gvWw Technology Changes Jobs: https://youtu.be/7UGeI_fU5Lk Industry Changes: https://youtu.be/68srUJOV3j4 Sometimes I Hate VO: https://youtu.be/ETCLEt-PEPM Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:01:36 +0000 Timothy Cain The Future Of Generative AI 11:01 no 44 Mc4I2_cTG3w https://youtube.com/watch?v=Mc4I2_cTG3w I talk about how games have gone from carefree to careful in the past 4-5 decades. I offer no analysis, just stories. Videos I reference: Tabletop RPG Influences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNf601IoBpc Interplay After Hours Game Playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcr3mMStEOE Game Development Caution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVQ30c7TcA Game Development Caution, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ejDUuu7Sc Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:42 +0000 Timothy Cain Carefree To Careful 14:31 no 45 dxI7vErdauA https://youtube.com/watch?v=dxI7vErdauA I compare the story states of Fallout and Arcanum, in terms of length and linearity, and I list the states in detail. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:01:06 +0000 Timothy Cain Fallout vs. Arcanum Story States 9:04 no 46 bMdOJSpgKD4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=bMdOJSpgKD4 This is a fun Friday video where I throw out several ideas for RPG features and ask you the viewer, would you play that game? Video I reference: What Is An RPG?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSKxD6v06P4 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:01:07 +0000 Timothy Cain Would You Play A Game That...? 10:11 no 47 5_Jw_Gfah3Y https://youtube.com/watch?v=5_Jw_Gfah3Y I talk about toxic positivity, which is only seeing the positives of something and refusing to admit there are negatives. Videos I reference: Overanalyzing Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2gszd5fi_g I'm Naïve And Optimistic: https://youtu.be/VgwDZDCaZso Why I Wanted Luck In Fallout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UB4s3mJdQo Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:01:09 +0000 Timothy Cain Toxic Positivity 9:32 no 48 3rUsUExrLHw https://youtube.com/watch?v=3rUsUExrLHw I talk about how design documentation has changed over the last forty-five years. Videos I reference: How To Write Design Docs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohHLUKj3NTk Writing Design Specifications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmDX1p-WZ7g Game Design Specification Sections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm0qhfquv74 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Evolution Of Design Documentation 15:27 no 49 CMdOZCOK9Qw https://youtube.com/watch?v=CMdOZCOK9Qw I talk about getting older and what it feels like. Videos I reference: Ageism In The Game Industry: https://youtu.be/ho-g8KVx9hU Lessons As An Old Person: https://youtu.be/sDthq0VtpmM Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:26 +0000 Timothy Cain Getting Older 10:21 no 50 ZaKSVOXjzvQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZaKSVOXjzvQ I talk about how it's OK to change your opinion on things, and how some people seem terrified to do that. Videos I reference: It's OK To Be Proud: https://youtu.be/UgySuU7_xcQ My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://youtu.be/UZJ-1AS4UKA Learning Lessons From Failure: https://youtu.be/Kh5JMp5_5nQ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:01:03 +0000 Timothy Cain It's OK To Change Your Mind 9:41 no 51 nF0O_SJYqQg https://youtube.com/watch?v=nF0O_SJYqQg I talk about some best practices to archive your game-related assets. Videos I reference: Note-Taking Best Practices: https://youtu.be/kbHlwUS7d4k Code Comments: https://youtu.be/GYp00o-sewY Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:01:23 +0000 Timothy Cain Archiving 9:19 no 52 JQChYkjG4W4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=JQChYkjG4W4 If I were to make one more game, what should I make? Videos I reference: Do Gamers Know What They Like?: https://youtu.be/gCjHipuMir8 Do Devs Know What Gamers Want?: https://youtu.be/bA-P3p7PdEc Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:41 +0000 Timothy Cain One More Game 9:31 no 53 6buACYLTHBI https://youtube.com/watch?v=6buACYLTHBI I talk about the pros and cons of putting mini games in your roleplaying game. Video I reference: Conflating Player Skill With Character Skill: https://youtu.be/3s7IBpFTaKY Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:00:19 +0000 Timothy Cain Mini Games 10:57 no 54 R4ojwXNkcSI https://youtube.com/watch?v=R4ojwXNkcSI I talk about how to handle people telling you what to do. Videos I reference: How To Receive Criticism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtcl1ZbWyX8 Giving Good Feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72btgrwKzA Feedback Needs Context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wBEMGov0HY Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:52 +0000 Timothy Cain Handling Advice 12:52 no 55 GxHm-4fJD0g https://youtube.com/watch?v=GxHm-4fJD0g I talk about lenses and why it is very important to be aware of yours and when it is (and is not) applicable. Video I reference: Coding Toys (Insomnia Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMFG8uvOb0 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:35 +0000 Timothy Cain Lenses 12:11 no 56 35ffVNJLfxA https://youtube.com/watch?v=35ffVNJLfxA I talk about another problem with game credits, which is people exaggerating their contributions to games they are credited on. Videos I reference: GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://youtu.be/hZEosFcqmcU The Credits Problem (e.g. Fallout Companions): https://youtu.be/JOVgSfjWeVI Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:04 +0000 Timothy Cain The Credits Problem, Part 2 10:25 no 57 -h6Sb3WDiyk https://youtube.com/watch?v=-h6Sb3WDiyk I talk about how Fallout was destined to be...or was everyone just ready to make it? Videos (and a podcast) that I reference: Matt Baume's The Sewers Of Paris podcast: https://www.mattbaume.com/sewers-shownotes/2026/2/4/power-will-corrupt-ep-556-fallouttim-cain D&D Influences (By Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKEfcaSn7Ko Tabletop RPG Influences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNf601IoBpc The Origin of Dumb Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBUkdO4IK7w How to Get a Job in the Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hesnidqqE School As Preparation For Game Development: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWvwcH2IROo Interplay After Hours Game Playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcr3mMStEOE History of Fallout: The GURPS Apps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efCn85Tvrf8 Game Engines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw3bCdIvAj0 Fallout Development Timeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHIabSKo26U Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Fallout: Destiny Or Preparation? 11:49 no 58 _smS4XBoTy0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=_smS4XBoTy0 Enjoy some photos and videos of my new life of being unretired. Videos I reference: Unretirement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akKcwfEkuKQ Scenes From A Life Of Game Development: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6YwaDiSdTg Fallout TV Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D_C0gNjaiw For more information on the vintage radio, including how to make it yourself, watch: https://youtu.be/pBEajqpRqWw Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:01:17 +0000 Timothy Cain Scenes From Unretirement 7:28 no 59 WX9sih4_o9o https://youtube.com/watch?v=WX9sih4_o9o I talk about the pros and cons of making a roleplaying game that restricts content based on choices you make in character creation or while playing. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:01:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Restricting Content Based On Player Choice 12:33 no 60 G8IpRg9bPm0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=G8IpRg9bPm0 I talk about some common general design issues and how to avoid them. Videos I reference: Unretirement: https://youtu.be/akKcwfEkuKQ What Is An RPG?: https://youtu.be/XSKxD6v06P4 Design Pillars: https://youtu.be/N7b7LFXBZ9M Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:00:25 +0000 Timothy Cain Design Potholes 11:13 no 61 FBSIw-5L6Oc https://youtube.com/watch?v=FBSIw-5L6Oc I talk about some great game developers I have had the honor to work with over the years. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:27 +0000 Timothy Cain Great Developers 10:22 no 62 fIj8az5HPds https://youtube.com/watch?v=fIj8az5HPds I talk about fences, or more specifically, I talk about understanding what's happening on both sides of different divides in the game industry. Video I reference: Spaghetti Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG4i-F67YOk Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:01:21 +0000 Timothy Cain Fences 14:14 no 63 SwYr0vRyOtk https://youtube.com/watch?v=SwYr0vRyOtk I talk about how important a prototype for your game is, and why game development leaders need the ability to imagine the final game from its prototype. Videos I reference: Game Production Stages: https://youtu.be/IADSh_P05As The Outer Worlds Launch Party Video: https://youtu.be/dkl_hjWeYhg Spaghetti Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG4i-F67YOk Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Timothy Cain Seeing The Game In The Prototype 8:31 no 64 C2gszd5fi_g https://youtube.com/watch?v=C2gszd5fi_g Be careful overanalyzing games (or other entertainment) because you can analyze all the fun and joy right out of it. Videos I reference: Humor In Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfl_jOf-Jw Game Development Caution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVQ30c7TcA Game Development Caution, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ejDUuu7Sc What Is Fun?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhF-8-5S5OE Shadowdark: https://youtu.be/tBUPySwWmkM Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:19 +0000 Timothy Cain Overanalyzing Games 10:46 no 65 bN2bq4NNQpA https://youtube.com/watch?v=bN2bq4NNQpA I talk about catalysts, who are team members that make the whole team better in many different ways. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:01:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Catalyst Team Members 9:09 no 66 w2hohAXhfLU https://youtube.com/watch?v=w2hohAXhfLU I talk about randomness in games, on how to use it to challenge the players or make your game replayable, and even how it affects your decision on where and when to allow save games. Videos I reference: Implementing Randomness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqL9R5PqE20 Damage Numbers, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96uGEA0r6Bo Loading And Saving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_gE99yeK6c History of Fallout: The GURPS Apps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efCn85Tvrf8 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:01:40 +0000 Timothy Cain Randomness In Games 12:04 no 67 6O6X1h0mx-0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=6O6X1h0mx-0 There are stories I won't tell on this channel. Here's why. Videos I reference: Questions I Can't (Or Won't) Answer: https://youtu.be/6TtR8YjmdnA Why I Don't Review Games: https://youtu.be/mFZSt3TaE7Q Chats And Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY79buu4-FA Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:21 +0000 Timothy Cain Stories I Won’t Tell 8:31 no 68 tL4N3fPZ28A https://youtube.com/watch?v=tL4N3fPZ28A I discuss tone in video games, including what it is, how it is conveyed, and who should manage it on the team. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:01:42 +0000 Timothy Cain Tone In Video Games 12:05 no 69 3YYdwnOzdig https://youtube.com/watch?v=3YYdwnOzdig I start by talking about taking responsibility as a lead on a project, and end by talking about just taking responsibility period. Videos I reference: Game Development Roles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEnlUqYkMTk Programmer Roles Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ2IMGC569U Leading For The First Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l6AhAhJu-0 Consistency In Leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3vynoyQNa0 Troika's Flat Hierarchy Experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rhgaSkmY_s The Blame Problem: https://youtu.be/CZn7WDIjM1E Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0000 Timothy Cain Taking Responsibility As A Lead 10:39 no 70 HttAjfi-GWg https://youtube.com/watch?v=HttAjfi-GWg I talk about having game development as an identity and what that will mean for my eventual retirement. Videos I reference: Semi-Retirement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdHqBi1IPOY Why I'm Semi-Retired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPawvnlU5o Let's Talk About Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqCe8tS47jg Toys And Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FahKBaiG0 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:37 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Development As An Identity 6:33 no 71 AGdJCVYasOk https://youtube.com/watch?v=AGdJCVYasOk I talk about creating test plans for RPGs. Videos I reference: Min Specs And Ratings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN-mq4xh55A Stress Testing Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI7F92CLPdU Playtesting The Outer Worlds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM6Cr04wWSc Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:00:21 +0000 Timothy Cain Creating Playtest Plans 13:41 no 72 GGIHmX4uDfE https://youtube.com/watch?v=GGIHmX4uDfE I talk about what would have to happen to use the Arcanum IP, including who owns it and why potentially nothing can or should be done with it. Videos I reference: Thoughts On An Arcanum Remake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgn2sQ4vAkU Challenges Facing An Arcanum Remaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFERZ1TuKa4 Arcanum 2: Journey to the Center of Arcanum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTQzNiXH56U Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:26 +0000 Timothy Cain Resurrecting The Arcanum IP 9:38 no 73 4-FahKBaiG0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=4-FahKBaiG0 I talk about what makes a toy and what makes a game. Videos I reference: Coding Toys (Insomnia Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMFG8uvOb0 Toy Update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA7gIg5b6_8 Toy Update, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpbUuoyGPBM Toy Update, Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCKPphehFGk Toy Update, Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYSDWFfXzlg Toy Update, Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZtYIiIxOw Toy Post Mortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVV_2Yy_aXY Second Toy Post Mortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKKEY94Ikb0 Top Five Modern RPG Masterclass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqKhMeAcKTM Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:15 +0000 Timothy Cain Toys And Games 8:26 no 74 GYp00o-sewY https://youtube.com/watch?v=GYp00o-sewY I talk about commenting your source code. Video I reference: Commenting On Comments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azJDI3Wvx9g Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Timothy Cain Code Comments 10:49 no 75 akKcwfEkuKQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=akKcwfEkuKQ I talk about coming out of retirement and how it's different than semi retirement or even previous employment. Videos I reference: Semi-Retirement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdHqBi1IPOY Why I'm Semi-Retired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCPawvnlU5o The Joy Of Doing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q2YkBc2mk8 Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Everything I learned from Disneyland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAEBpXlelk The Importance Of Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=int5XZHsgiU Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Unretirement 15:55 no 76 9IMrf9jngIw https://youtube.com/watch?v=9IMrf9jngIw I walk you through a typical day of making Fallout in the mid 1990s. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:24 +0000 Timothy Cain A Typical Day Of Making Fallout 12:37 no 77 RQW28pYqEFo https://youtube.com/watch?v=RQW28pYqEFo I suggest a different way to play computer roleplaying games...by roleplaying. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Timothy Cain Try Roleplaying 7:46 no 78 YG4i-F67YOk https://youtube.com/watch?v=YG4i-F67YOk I talk about spaghetti code: what it is, where it comes from, and why. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:01:00 +0000 Timothy Cain Spaghetti Code 14:59 no 79 90fSUbPOG1w https://youtube.com/watch?v=90fSUbPOG1w I was told I am very "real" on this channel, so let's talk about being real and what that means. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0000 Timothy Cain Being Real 7:02 no 80 3GCubNMeSOo https://youtube.com/watch?v=3GCubNMeSOo I talk abvout the different types of quests in RPGs, and the pros and cons of including a variety of types in your game. Videos I reference: Escort Quests: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGGMpHgHTZc Player Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoJ6CDDfYiU Why Troika Games Were So Buggy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEiLMXXPdrU Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Quest Types 14:54 no 81 UgySuU7_xcQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=UgySuU7_xcQ Sometimes someone will tell you not to be proud of your work. They throw around the word "entitlement" a lot. I don't think it means what they think it means. Videos I reference: Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA My Bad Game Development Skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6a-neSq0VA True Stories With Me As The Villain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyPyhXFAbt8 Do Devs Know What Gamers Want?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA-P3p7PdEc Why I Don’t Solo Dev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tFCCGeduUc Game Conferences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpIJ7h4JVW8 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:00:58 +0000 Timothy Cain It's OK To Be Proud 12:10 no 82 JDnunE5HZ0c https://youtube.com/watch?v=JDnunE5HZ0c People love arguing about games and always have. But I feel that they now argue past each other. Videos I reference: Do Gamers Know What They Like?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCjHipuMir8 Do Devs Know What Gamers Want?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA-P3p7PdEc Romantasy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lauoxw_m6cg Discoverability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmgJVUuS1I8 Why I Don’t Solo Dev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tFCCGeduUc Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:42 +0000 Timothy Cain Arguing About Games 10:32 no 83 ivdo-AR7beI https://youtube.com/watch?v=ivdo-AR7beI People look for meaning in games, especially in role-playing games with their rich settings and stories. That's ok...as long as you remember that your search for meaning is unique. Videos I reference: My Games’ Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ut4EVe2GU Let's Talk About Canon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzGea7I7CO4 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:01:36 +0000 Timothy Cain Finding Meaning In Games 5:50 no 84 7vBUHmSm7vA https://youtube.com/watch?v=7vBUHmSm7vA I talk about how to run meetings, which when run well are better than no meetings at all. Videos I reference: The Importance Of Conversation: https://youtu.be/int5XZHsgiU Brainstorming: https://youtu.be/9lYuzefVvMA Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:14 +0000 Timothy Cain Running Meetings 11:47 no 85 FHKQ3LYAmHY https://youtube.com/watch?v=FHKQ3LYAmHY The CainOnGames channel has reached 200k subscriptions. Thank you all! Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:20:04 +0000 Timothy Cain 200k Subscriptions 0:24 no 86 MvSwGYStIho https://youtube.com/watch?v=MvSwGYStIho I am asked frequently "Why aren't you making a new IP?", so I thought I would answer with a Fun Friday story video. Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:51 +0000 Timothy Cain Why Not Create A New IP Today? 9:31 no 87 1MCZ-AFbAAs https://youtube.com/watch?v=1MCZ-AFbAAs I talk about making your game's lore self-consistent. This is different than making your game realistic, and it's different than lore drift too. Videos I reference: Fun vs. Realism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TshXDFgfiTg Unneeded Realistic Designs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U81khTQiQTk Leaving Some Mystery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwmZwvmcLaM Let's Talk About Canon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzGea7I7CO4 Lore Drift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDfv3COnfgo Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:00:06 +0000 Timothy Cain Self-Consistent Lore 10:12 no 88 iEiLMXXPdrU https://youtube.com/watch?v=iEiLMXXPdrU It's a common question...with a common answer. Videos I reference: Bugs In RPGs: https://youtu.be/8Kc1XoHpHEA Prioritizing Tasks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZO-YYziKV0 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:01:22 +0000 Timothy Cain Why Troika Games Were So Buggy 7:08 no 89 azJDI3Wvx9g https://youtube.com/watch?v=azJDI3Wvx9g I have taken notes on my channel's comments...and I have comments. Videos I reference: Making A YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UVNDsvtNRk Making A YouTube Channel, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT_S9Qv7n_Y Effect Of This Channel On Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3pwcYQyn3I This Channel And The Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMmy_Vb1iXI Humor In Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfl_jOf-Jw Channel Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLzKJECKSC0 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:00:09 +0000 Timothy Cain Commenting On Comments 13:29 no 90 o8Y47KyYvjs https://youtube.com/watch?v=o8Y47KyYvjs Here's a pre-holiday video for my viewers...even if you don't celebrate Christmas. Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:01:45 +0000 Timothy Cain Christmas. Christmas Never Changes. 8:49 no 91 s_K_jCJzQQI https://youtube.com/watch?v=s_K_jCJzQQI Why do game developers do what they do? It's not because of what you think...or what I think. Videos I reference: Game Development: Then vs. Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orfxWkc9t-4 Game Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F707wIeTX2g My Game Asset Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAK0dtNT3kc Insults and Backhanded Compliments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enHHbnf02tA Jobs, Careers, And Callings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuEdppkPjfo Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:02:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Developer Motivations 12:08 no 92 9q2YkBc2mk8 https://youtube.com/watch?v=9q2YkBc2mk8 I tell a story of recently spending a lot of time on a problem and getting no solution, but being happy to have done the work. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:16 +0000 Timothy Cain The Joy Of Doing 10:47 no 93 nGGMpHgHTZc https://youtube.com/watch?v=nGGMpHgHTZc Let's talk about escort quests...and my viewers' solutions to bad examples of this quest type. Video I reference: RPG Features Nobody Asked For: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONIBOhQiaRw Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:01:38 +0000 Timothy Cain Escort Quests 9:28 no 94 iSF4xuEGgWs https://youtube.com/watch?v=iSF4xuEGgWs I wade into the contentious world of defining game types with my definition of immersive simulation games. Videos I reference: Definitions Are Hard (aka Why A Game Director Is Necessary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX7SZWTj5_w What Is An RPG?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSKxD6v06P4 Having Unique Rules For Players: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goZlBF8Vsgs A D&D Koan: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zChU7BnNjgI Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:01:32 +0000 Timothy Cain What Is An Immersive Sim? 10:50 no 95 Ohgwyo3czmQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ohgwyo3czmQ Someone left white chocolate on my desk...anonymously. Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:14:13 +0000 Timothy Cain White Chocolate 0:46 no 96 uVaM2B4Qr-M https://youtube.com/watch?v=uVaM2B4Qr-M A while back I made a video on brainstorming. Let's do an example here. Video I reference: Brainstorming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lYuzefVvMA Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:02:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Brainstorming Example 8:38 no 97 vIu3IXioTsU https://youtube.com/watch?v=vIu3IXioTsU I talk about how pre-made game engines can lead to feature creep in modern games. Game Engines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw3bCdIvAj0 Why Are Modern Games So Big?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPVAix4Tusw Having Unique Rules For Players: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goZlBF8Vsgs Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:01:57 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Engines And Feature Creep 12:26 no 98 dPVAix4Tusw https://youtube.com/watch?v=dPVAix4Tusw I answer a commonly asked question "Why are modern games so much bigger than older games" in excruciating detail. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:01:31 +0000 Timothy Cain Why Are Modern Games So Big? 10:42 no 99 kCVWRZqyroA https://youtube.com/watch?v=kCVWRZqyroA I talk about changes on and off this channel. Videos I reference: Arcanum Magick Design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUTBnZLYSRk Dice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnQll2PhAcA Semi-Retirement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdHqBi1IPOY My Memoirs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvgttRI7oSU My Memoirs, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmW06yNx7Ts Chocolate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUaellOkDGc My chocolate blog: https://chocolateihaveknown.wordpress.com/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:01:36 +0000 Timothy Cain Cain On Games Update 6:50 no 100 S0EbiVIfHCw https://youtube.com/watch?v=S0EbiVIfHCw I talk about institutional knowledge: what it is, how it's being lost, and how this affects the games you love. Videos I reference: RPG Features Nobody Asked For: https://youtu.be/ONIBOhQiaRw Game Preservation: https://youtu.be/F707wIeTX2g My Game Asset Preservation: https://youtu.be/pAK0dtNT3kc GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://youtu.be/hZEosFcqmcU Definitions Are Hard (aka Why A Game Director Is Necessary): https://youtu.be/zX7SZWTj5_w Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:01:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Institutional Knowledge 13:08 no 101 PGtFMspiEC0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=PGtFMspiEC0 I talk about the design highlights for Temple of Elemental Evil that I wrote in May of 2003 for use at a press event later that year. Videos I reference: Temple Of Elemental Evil Press Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo-tYpW9m98 Arcanum Press Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6CQioYCDhM How To Talk To Press: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX-FQ393pwo Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:00:52 +0000 Timothy Cain Temple Of Elemental Evil Design Highlights 13:27 no 102 lzGea7I7CO4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=lzGea7I7CO4 I talk about canon and how I use that term on this channel, along with interpretation and intent. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:01:41 +0000 Timothy Cain Let's Talk About Canon 10:04 no 103 EwmZwvmcLaM https://youtube.com/watch?v=EwmZwvmcLaM I talk about why it's a good thing to leave some mystery in your games, meaning some unanswered questions and some unexplored lore. Video I reference: Non-Expository Fallout Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvdw3CyEGFQ Non-Expository Arcanum Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtwsdb7hasM My Games’ Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ut4EVe2GU Planning For A Sequel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzY6sZWpGQQ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:00:26 +0000 Timothy Cain Leaving Some Mystery 8:57 no 104 MSI3sRJ53jU https://youtube.com/watch?v=MSI3sRJ53jU I talk about the design philosophy behind Arcanum's XP system, and what I would do differently today. Videos I reference: Experience & Level Progression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHDATFgswY How To Give Experience Points: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyVZlvaAYX4 Skill-based XP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5nnqOCaCg The Arcanum One-Point Fiasco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keTG-5WPccU Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:52 +0000 Timothy Cain Arcanum Experience Points 8:01 no 105 enHHbnf02tA https://youtube.com/watch?v=enHHbnf02tA I talk about several instances in which I was insulted, and a few times I was complimented in the most backhanded way. Be careful how detailed your notes are, people. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:01:33 +0000 Timothy Cain Insults and Backhanded Compliments 16:15 no 106 Vtwsdb7hasM https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vtwsdb7hasM I talk about lore in Arcanum that the team assumed was true but that was never directly stated. Videos I reference: Non-Expository Fallout Lore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvdw3CyEGFQ My Games’ Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ut4EVe2GU Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:01:10 +0000 Timothy Cain Non-Expository Arcanum Lore 12:24 no 107 YEF1Ankos0g https://youtube.com/watch?v=YEF1Ankos0g I talk about what we can learn from old games, especially games from the 80s. Videos I reference: Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Lessons By Company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGwAez5SNd0 Good Lessons From A Bad Teacher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuO1t-D2MuM Game Lessons From Collecting Fragrances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIYa7NjTMxY Lessons As An Old Person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDthq0VtpmM Core Game Loops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDE69s3pp7M Discoverability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmgJVUuS1I8 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:01:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Lessons From Old Games 12:50 no 108 i1eI-DuBUXU https://youtube.com/watch?v=i1eI-DuBUXU This is a review of Rags to Riches by its producer and designer, Tom Decker, as written in an Interplay newsletter from June 1993. Videos I reference: Making Rags To Riches (1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aDdWpYcIok Rags To Riches playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DXQelZwxBvvGc1eylwNRDw9 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:01:40 +0000 Timothy Cain Rags To Riches: A Review by Tom Decker 8:22 no 109 YUTBnZLYSRk https://youtube.com/watch?v=YUTBnZLYSRk I talk about Arcanum's magick design and specifically what my goals were and whether I think I achieved them. Videos I reference: Design Pillars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7b7LFXBZ9M The Arcanum One-Point Fiasco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keTG-5WPccU Developing Tyranny: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZTkg50ihsU Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:01:17 +0000 Timothy Cain Arcanum Magick Design 9:53 no 110 ONIBOhQiaRw https://youtube.com/watch?v=ONIBOhQiaRw I talk about RPG features I keep seeing appear in games that no one has asked for and many people complain about. And I offer some solutions. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:00:56 +0000 Timothy Cain RPG Features Nobody Asked For 12:50 no 111 30djHXUHEUo https://youtube.com/watch?v=30djHXUHEUo I sent questions about Advanced Dungeons & Dragons to TSR when I was in high school, and they sent back some answers. Enjoy. Videos I reference: How to Get a Job in the Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hesnidqqE The Origin of Dumb Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBUkdO4IK7w Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:07 +0000 Timothy Cain AD&D Questions From Teenage Tim 10:58 no 112 Ylo85VL_Mvw https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ylo85VL_Mvw I answer several questions about temporary buffs in RPGs, from how to make them required at high difficulties and how to make them impactful, to what numerical ranges to use for them and how to make crafting buffing items less grinding. Videos I reference: Game Difficulty Settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUI6LZaCKCg Damage Types: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vdu4k-krXQ Skill Design in RPGs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL_aTjKsxok Damage Numbers, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96uGEA0r6Bo Game Economy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9IIn7nEV4 Player Hoarding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESVby0UG-Ao Encumbrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnOmC1G3MPA Encumbrance, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVNZZlmTSrg Skill-based XP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK5nnqOCaCg Design Pillars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7b7LFXBZ9M Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:01:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Temporary Buffs 18:12 no 113 _xt6kMhx1GQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=_xt6kMhx1GQ This is a very specific video on a particular feature called Fate Points in one of my older games, Arcanum. Videos I reference: Arcanum playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DXk-ogExLR4XrjwWh2WWezw Arcanum Development Timeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETVsAHbTh2c Tabletop RPG Influences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNf601IoBpc Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:01:16 +0000 Timothy Cain Arcanum Fate Points 12:30 no 114 S1efStek__o https://youtube.com/watch?v=S1efStek__o These are questions I asked Wizards of the Coast about the Temple of Elemental Evil module, when I was making the video game version back in the early 2000s. Videos I reference: The Fun of The Temple of Elemental Evil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb6agFgh11E Brushes With Famous People: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8T255IglJw Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:01:06 +0000 Timothy Cain Questions To WotC About ToEE 12:02 no 115 sy6sKoccVBg https://youtube.com/watch?v=sy6sKoccVBg I talk about the importance of sound effects in your game. Videos I reference: The Music of Fallout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLq3h5zk1LA Ambient Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yHKBeI1uq4 Deleted Channel Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI8N1bCCF6c Event Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P935C85WIpU Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:02:08 +0000 Timothy Cain Sound Effects 11:40 no 116 Jvj37eSRS38 https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jvj37eSRS38 I talk about the pros and cons of games being available digitally, compared to physical media. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:00:38 +0000 Timothy Cain Physical vs. Digital Game Media 13:08 no 117 sDthq0VtpmM https://youtube.com/watch?v=sDthq0VtpmM I talk about things I think of differently now that I am older. Videos I reference: Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Lessons By Company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGwAez5SNd0 Good Lessons From A Bad Teacher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuO1t-D2MuM Game Lessons From Collecting Fragrances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIYa7NjTMxY "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Ageism In The Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho-g8KVx9hU Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:02:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Lessons As An Old Person 11:51 no 118 gVQgXp7gN6s https://youtube.com/watch?v=gVQgXp7gN6s I talk about how employees are not interchangeable, even though companies want them to be. Videos I reference: Game Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F707wIeTX2g My Game Asset Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAK0dtNT3kc Humor In Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfl_jOf-Jw Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:01:32 +0000 Timothy Cain Fungible Employees 13:16 no 119 bgrgg95JU0I https://youtube.com/watch?v=bgrgg95JU0I Leonard asked me to write some lectures for the aetherwave in The Outer Worlds 2. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:57 +0000 Timothy Cain The Outer Worlds 2 Radio 0:27 no 120 0lIU5ulehbM https://youtube.com/watch?v=0lIU5ulehbM I talk about why adding a feature now takes longer (and costs more) than it did 20-30 years ago, leading to longer development times and higher costs. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Adding A Feature: Then And Now 15:02 no 121 iHzT4_x1-KU https://youtube.com/watch?v=iHzT4_x1-KU I talk about game trailers, which are important but hard to make good. Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:01:27 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Trailers 12:49 no 122 int5XZHsgiU https://youtube.com/watch?v=int5XZHsgiU I talk about why it is very important to talk about game development (or anything else) with your peers. You don't have to do it a lot, but you should do it. Videos I reference: Extrovert or Introvert?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT0fLk0WjZA Interplay After Hours Game Playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcr3mMStEOE Staying Healthy While Developing Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mQe7YqiBLs Remote Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pdcv7Aj8S0 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:01:36 +0000 Timothy Cain The Importance Of Conversation 10:53 no 123 LaRvUfNm7NE https://youtube.com/watch?v=LaRvUfNm7NE You can see the interview here: https://youtu.be/KtTtXUDldok?si=9VvXGAJ6JABAyiph Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:03:49 +0000 Timothy Cain Interview #2 with TKs-Mantis 0:25 no 124 -tFCCGeduUc https://youtube.com/watch?v=-tFCCGeduUc I talk about why I don't do solo game development and probably never will. Videos I reference: My Bad Game Development Skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6a-neSq0VA Working In Teams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqk-A-MmrbE Brainstorming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lYuzefVvMA Coding Toys (Insomnia Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMFG8uvOb0 My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Why I Don’t Solo Dev 9:11 no 125 xvdw3CyEGFQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=xvdw3CyEGFQ I talk about lore in the original Fallout that the team assumed was true but that was never directly stated. Videos I reference: Design Pillars: https://youtu.be/N7b7LFXBZ9M A Conversation with Fallout Creator Tim Cain: https://youtu.be/17EqWDn7gyc The Sugar Bombs conspiracy: https://youtu.be/ICOA398ymZI Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:01:52 +0000 Timothy Cain Non-Expository Fallout Lore 14:06 no 126 fYhg1f2JJ1w https://youtube.com/watch?v=fYhg1f2JJ1w I talk about being passive and how that can be ok...until it's not. Videos I reference: Work-Life Balance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaHVCy_EQ0s Jobs, Careers, And Callings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuEdppkPjfo Crunch, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXJkecLBhOE Stop Making Excuses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqP6oa7ShRw How to Get a Job in the Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hesnidqqE Making A Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uljC4cZh-Oc School vs. Self-Taught: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6zZyfOmliQ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:01:17 +0000 Timothy Cain Passivity 11:48 no 127 rm9dT6BgL_Y https://youtube.com/watch?v=rm9dT6BgL_Y I talk about game developers not being good at every stage of a game's development, and some possible solutions for that. Videos I reference: My Bad Game Development Skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6a-neSq0VA Game Development Roles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEnlUqYkMTk Game Production Stages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IADSh_P05As Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:01:39 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Developer Stage Limitations 13:26 no 128 GKKEY94Ikb0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=GKKEY94Ikb0 I deliver my second toy post mortem, on my toy called Dungeons & Dices. Videos I reference: Coding Toys (Insomnia Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMFG8uvOb0 Toy Post Mortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVV_2Yy_aXY Meta Post Mortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am52Ceuzgh8 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:36 +0000 Timothy Cain Second Toy Post Mortem 12:27 no 129 0l6AhAhJu-0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=0l6AhAhJu-0 I talk about leading an entire project for the first time...and my thoughts 30 years later. Videos I reference: Fallout Development Timeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHIabSKo26U Fallout Was A B-Tier Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i8Bx4zYIKQ The First Time Fallout Was Almost Canceled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Ez1oyamFU Work-Life Balance: https://youtu.be/AaHVCy_EQ0s Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:06 +0000 Timothy Cain Leading For The First Time 16:09 no 130 n6HWJNmQ0VY https://youtube.com/watch?v=n6HWJNmQ0VY The alternate title was "Things I Didn't Do As Much As Didn't Stop From Happening". Stepping aside is probably the most important thing a leader needs to know how to do. Videos I reference: Endings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ15olgEW3Q My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Ego And Game Directors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85trmtqR-s8 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:01:34 +0000 Timothy Cain When To Step Out Of The Way 8:55 no 131 NnoybMA0zFc https://youtube.com/watch?v=NnoybMA0zFc People have commented on my dark videos. I like to start work early, and I wanted to give my appreciation to other early morning workers. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:47 +0000 Timothy Cain Early Morning Workers 9:45 no 132 WY79buu4-FA https://youtube.com/watch?v=WY79buu4-FA I talk about why I am no longer doing chats on this channel and why I am doing fewer interviews off-channel. Videos I reference: Chats playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DUU4zrieaRhaXxC1_9vAxxS Why Aren't There More Channels Like This?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNGW1M8N5g Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:01:09 +0000 Timothy Cain Chats And Interviews 12:28 no 133 NcIchbZ4eK8 https://youtube.com/watch?v=NcIchbZ4eK8 I talk about how the game and the game engine were kept separate in Arcanum...which is how Temple of Elemental Evil was made so quickly. Video I reference: GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZEosFcqmcU Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:00:45 +0000 Timothy Cain Keeping Engine & Game Separate In Arcanum 10:09 no 134 5enqUghXMv4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=5enqUghXMv4 I talk about a game I developed from which I had my name removed from its credits...and why. Video I reference: Game Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F707wIeTX2g Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:00:19 +0000 Timothy Cain My Uncredited Game 11:22 no 135 X_bbscwVvzc https://youtube.com/watch?v=X_bbscwVvzc I talk about how combat skills can be made to have utility outside of combat. This is a companion piece to the previous video on non combat skill usage in combat, linked below. Videos I reference: Using Non Combat Skills In Combat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhhjmTGnwEg Violence As The Default In AAA RPGs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAbrZtmDQfM Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:01:07 +0000 Timothy Cain Using Combat Skills Outside Of Combat 12:30 no 136 MhhjmTGnwEg https://youtube.com/watch?v=MhhjmTGnwEg I talk about ways that non combat skills (and perks and attributes) can have effects in combat. Videos I reference: Beyond Fighting, Sneaking, and Talking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-W993q9xEg Reblivion!: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iuZHP8uj0CQ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:00:41 +0000 Timothy Cain Using Non Combat Skills In Combat 10:43 no 137 8YynQ0nfe6A https://youtube.com/watch?v=8YynQ0nfe6A It's a Fun Friday and I am talking about how I like maps, including my favorite maps in video games, including my own. Videos I reference: Judges Guild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGixGnDa-ck JP Coovert: https://www.youtube.com/@JPCoovert Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:18 +0000 Timothy Cain Maps 7:40 no 138 0ZO-YYziKV0 https://youtube.com/watch?v=0ZO-YYziKV0 I talk about how (and why) to prioritize tasks during game development. Videos I reference: Bugs In RPGs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kc1XoHpHEA Balancing Game Features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnH4XJBHvFQ When Bugs Become Features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yiZHvXsXnw Time Estimation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMiQ9_MzM6Q Delegation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooe44v7j-bo Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:00:05 +0000 Timothy Cain Prioritizing Tasks 14:29 no 139 CvILSkc20vo https://youtube.com/watch?v=CvILSkc20vo I talk about how game design is as much about psychology as about math. The Fallout character creation image is from https://fallout.wiki/wiki/Fallout_Character_Creation Videos I reference: Fallout Foot Sliding: A Case Study in R&D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKEIE47vN9Y "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:00:22 +0000 Timothy Cain Psychology In Video Game Design 14:37 no 140 GuU-5saL6us https://youtube.com/watch?v=GuU-5saL6us For a Fun Friday, I thought I would share my hobby of 3D printing, and yes, many of the models are game related. Video I reference: My Memorabilia Cabinets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knsk2Pt9nvQ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:36 +0000 Timothy Cain 3D Printing 6:55 no 141 Qb7TICWD940 https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7TICWD940 I talk about how I am not the typical gamer...whatever that is. Videos I reference: My Bookshelves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYl1KSZGfEg My Memorabilia Cabinets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knsk2Pt9nvQ Two Recent Mementos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ7PpOztJyA Unpopular Game Opinions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2D1-X_9iOA My Colorblindness and Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHUAFYDzN3U Gaming In The 1980s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KMUaVsp9Zs Why I Don't Play Online Anymore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGkb-nzTgC4 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:55 +0000 Timothy Cain I'm Not A Typical Gamer 9:55 no 142 PJ15olgEW3Q https://youtube.com/watch?v=PJ15olgEW3Q I talk about endings...and game endings...and why they are hard to craft. Videos I referenced: Beginnings: https://youtu.be/NnlnJSaj6z0 Canonical Endings: https://youtu.be/V6rDgA5NXQc Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:56 +0000 Timothy Cain Endings 7:14 no 143 fGvxiGnPFJM https://youtube.com/watch?v=fGvxiGnPFJM I talk about game development through the lens of a family vacation in a car. Videos I reference: Working In Teams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqk-A-MmrbE Good Team Characteristics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrAuoqdl0os Matching Your Project And Team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYzP1Uax0k How To Be A Good Game Director: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7uaMQnMsvI How To Be A Good Game Director, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYZCYDRQtSs Ego And Game Directors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85trmtqR-s8 Design Pillars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7b7LFXBZ9M Intent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4UMW5rVQ-Y Understanding Game Design Choices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWvSaAGt9N8 Game Production Stages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IADSh_P05As Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:01:17 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Development As A Family Car Trip 14:40 no 144 ny3jMBT_2mU https://youtube.com/watch?v=ny3jMBT_2mU I talk about my efforts to make this channel timeless and, to the extent I can, my games timeless as well. Videos I reference: Why I Don't Review Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFZSt3TaE7Q Why I Hate Cultural References: https://youtu.be/0Z5fFE0r8bs Humor In Video Games: https://youtu.be/3mfl_jOf-Jw Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:01:35 +0000 Timothy Cain Timelessness 11:33 no 145 pzY6sZWpGQQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=pzY6sZWpGQQ I talk about how you can plan for a sequel while you are making your first game. Videos I reference: Sequels: https://youtu.be/FFjjn8hBjJw Fallout Was A B-Tier Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i8Bx4zYIKQ Arcanum 2: Journey to the Center of Arcanum: https://youtu.be/bTQzNiXH56U Fallout Cut Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg8vcogc328 Vampire Bloodlines - Cut Multiplayer Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iugDcbR-gE Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:01:34 +0000 Timothy Cain Planning For A Sequel 12:43 no 146 wYMSdz5tonI https://youtube.com/watch?v=wYMSdz5tonI I talk about how there is no perfect game, because there is no one right way to look at things. And that's ok. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:01:47 +0000 Timothy Cain To My Fellow Game Developers 10:32 no 147 vD_wH0Qp4Vw https://youtube.com/watch?v=vD_wH0Qp4Vw I talk about minimum player specification, something every game developer consciously or unconsciously designs their game for. Videos I reference: "Git Gud": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHyQlBNHJEk Min Specs And Ratings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN-mq4xh55A Game Difficulty Settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUI6LZaCKCg Gameplay Options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFXroidQtk "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:01:46 +0000 Timothy Cain Min Player Spec 12:01 no 148 V1k4tpDQWDI https://youtube.com/watch?v=V1k4tpDQWDI I talk about the respec feature, when a game refunds and lets you respend the points you gained from leveling. Videos I reference: "Dead Levels": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY1jhsgHE70 Character Build Fairness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbMAufVe_ds Player Power From Build vs. Items: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JczYH1MhrfM Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:01:01 +0000 Timothy Cain Respec 11:33 no 149 yI8N1bCCF6c https://youtube.com/watch?v=yI8N1bCCF6c I show various failed intros, bloopers, and other deleted content that never made it onto the channel...until now. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:01:58 +0000 Timothy Cain Deleted Channel Content 6:02 no 150 pX-FQ393pwo https://youtube.com/watch?v=pX-FQ393pwo I give six specific pieces of advice on how to talk to the press about your game. Video I reference: Interview Questions: https://youtu.be/6CNtLuKyx3E Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:01:35 +0000 Timothy Cain How To Talk To Press 11:34 no 151 kLbRnZDEYX4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=kLbRnZDEYX4 I talk about ways to punish players in ways that are fair and acceptable to most players. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:01:31 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Punishments 11:35 no 152 l6tuUy82bKo https://youtube.com/watch?v=l6tuUy82bKo I talk about Zen and how it affects my game development and enjoyment of games. Videos I reference: Why I Don't Review Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFZSt3TaE7Q Influential Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUxCRABoZng Lord Of Light CRPG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglS31y7ZbE Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:01:37 +0000 Timothy Cain Zen And Game Development 14:36 no 153 Jb2y1zGkT6w https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jb2y1zGkT6w I explain how rights work with respect to who owns/controls video game IPs. Videos I reference: Why I Don't Review Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFZSt3TaE7Q Frequently Asked Questions: https://youtu.be/0IZwda2fCKY GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZEosFcqmcU Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:00:41 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Rights 12:08 no 154 t3mgyBoY9PI https://youtube.com/watch?v=t3mgyBoY9PI I answer the question "why people quit their jobs" by answering the opposite question "why don't people quit their jobs". Of course, the context is the game industry, but it might be applicable elsewhere. Videos I reference: "Eating Your Own Dog Food": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xjJw145Qpc Why I Left Fallout 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGfaCXEu0tE Why I Left Carbine's WildStar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMY5LUNdS-8 Interplay After Hours Game Playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcr3mMStEOE Jobs, Careers, And Callings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuEdppkPjfo Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:01:30 +0000 Timothy Cain Why People Quit 9:24 no 155 kFERZ1TuKa4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=kFERZ1TuKa4 I talk about the challenges facing anyone who tries to make an Arcanum remaster. Videos I reference: Challenges Making A Fallout Remaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDGmxE_G5PI Thoughts On An Arcanum Remake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgn2sQ4vAkU Arcanum As A Windows 10 App: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-onK2K2_k0 Arcanum Scripting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPkWyJIl-M Arcanum Dialogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYWEgQAh6So The Arcanum One-Point Fiasco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keTG-5WPccU Arcanum Combat: Real Time vs Turn Based: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QUDeipApgU Arcanum Generated Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l7YcGCQ5Ck Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:01:20 +0000 Timothy Cain Challenges Facing An Arcanum Remaster 14:17 no 156 J7jkJi21S2c https://youtube.com/watch?v=J7jkJi21S2c I talk about different ways that games can let the player know what the consequences of their actions will be...and why I like this so much. Videos I reference: Multiple Quest Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlkksy6casU Believable Reactivity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgfl4wbDero Implementing Endgame Slides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjtctCu6VoI Player Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoJ6CDDfYiU Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:29 +0000 Timothy Cain Telegraphing Consequences 11:38 no 157 CtTF0PQh-Oc https://youtube.com/watch?v=CtTF0PQh-Oc I talk about the pros and cons of single player RPG designs compared to multiplayer RPG designs. Videos I reference: Solo vs. Party: https://youtu.be/-cG8OfcFkew Having Unique Rules For Players: https://youtu.be/goZlBF8Vsgs First vs. Third Person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBIdfazHxM4 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:00:19 +0000 Timothy Cain Single vs. Multiplayer RPG Designs 15:24 no 158 pI8RRvb2BLE https://youtube.com/watch?v=pI8RRvb2BLE I talk about the lore that I would explore in a Fallout sequel. Videos I reference: Arcanum Lore Exploration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Vx8eBr0KU Would I Work On Fallout Again?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c21OGTOoxso Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:01:35 +0000 Timothy Cain Fallout Lore Exploration 10:22 no 159 MsZtvrDgKtg https://youtube.com/watch?v=MsZtvrDgKtg I talk about anemoia, or nostalgia for a past time you’ve never known, and why you want to evoke that in your games. Videos I reference: Roman Houses Still Inhabited Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vfGjnfN5vc Everything I learned from Disneyland: https://youtu.be/MiAEBpXlelk Gaming In The 1980s: https://youtu.be/3KMUaVsp9Zs Research: https://youtu.be/kNpSGR7bRW4 Arcanum Lore Exploration: https://youtu.be/z8Vx8eBr0KU Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:42 +0000 Timothy Cain Anemoia 9:19 no 160 CZn7WDIjM1E https://youtube.com/watch?v=CZn7WDIjM1E I talk about the difficulty of assigning blame for a bad feature, bad game, or even bad company to one person. Videos I reference: The Credits Problem (e.g. Fallout Companions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOVgSfjWeVI My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:00:21 +0000 Timothy Cain The Blame Problem 8:50 no 161 D8vH23pDioA https://youtube.com/watch?v=D8vH23pDioA I talk about taking risks and what is necessary to do that. Videos I reference: Game Development Caution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVQ30c7TcA Game Development Caution, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ejDUuu7Sc Why Aren't There More Channels Like This?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNGW1M8N5g Giving Good Feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72btgrwKzA Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:00:28 +0000 Timothy Cain Taking Risks 9:16 no 162 iuZHP8uj0CQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=iuZHP8uj0CQ I play Oblivion Remastered! Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:50:59 +0000 Timothy Cain Reblivion! 0:36 no 163 6kB_fko6SIg https://youtube.com/watch?v=6kB_fko6SIg I talk about how Fallout handled memory and why we did it that way. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:00:24 +0000 Timothy Cain Fallout's Memory Model 11:01 no 164 gKEIE47vN9Y https://youtube.com/watch?v=gKEIE47vN9Y I talk about fixing the foot sliding problem in Fallout and why I bring it up so much. It's an example of development in the 90s and how we needed to solve problems without external help. There's also the question of whether we should have solved it at all. Videos I reference: Tiles, Walking, And Projection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4QcRQ5ucBk Game Production Stages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IADSh_P05As How To Pick The Right Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgEPFzamR5I Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:01:19 +0000 Timothy Cain Fallout Foot Sliding: A Case Study in R&D 15:32 no 165 _yVb3yPtr2Y https://youtube.com/watch?v=_yVb3yPtr2Y Your situation may seem tough, whether you are making a game or just experiencing life, but look in the clouds for a silver lining. I give examples of where I did exactly that. Videos I reference: Hypothetical Game Jam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeP9wVou9hA Fallout Was A B-Tier Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i8Bx4zYIKQ Arcanum Prototypes & Structures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhaHPgZS1Fw Arcanum Scripting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPkWyJIl-M My Colorblindness and Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHUAFYDzN3U Creativity Under Pressure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYnnGpLY9M4 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:01:13 +0000 Timothy Cain Silver Linings 9:31 no 166 rqA5QDVLCCA https://youtube.com/watch?v=rqA5QDVLCCA A thrilling never-before-seen short video, taken on the planet Monarch in the Halcyon system! Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:24:42 +0000 Timothy Cain A Brief Scene From The Outer Worlds 0:14 no 167 0O19mDanbJM https://youtube.com/watch?v=0O19mDanbJM I talk about the pros and cons of list versus grid based user interfaces. Videos I referenced: UX Design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woOxKMxYoyI Encumbrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnOmC1G3MPA Encumbrance, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVNZZlmTSrg Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Inventory UI: Grid vs. List 11:14 no 168 R3uFOoyrlNs https://youtube.com/watch?v=R3uFOoyrlNs I talk about whether attributes should provide a cap to related skills. Video I reference: Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:53 +0000 Timothy Cain Attributes Limiting Skills 9:45 no 169 OVYAvMYrAlE https://youtube.com/watch?v=OVYAvMYrAlE I read a passage from my favorite book, Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny, and talk about some lessons I learned from it. Videos I reference: Influential Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUxCRABoZng Lord Of Light CRPG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglS31y7ZbE My Favorite Shipped Designs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7VfUXTOMxU My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Fallout Development Timeline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHIabSKo26U Good Team Characteristics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrAuoqdl0os Learning Lessons From Failure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh5JMp5_5nQ Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:00:47 +0000 Timothy Cain "Right Mistake-Making" 8:26 no 170 kHArBvi1OKU https://youtube.com/watch?v=kHArBvi1OKU I talk about playing games the way the developers intended, and what this means for mods and patches. Videos I reference: Intent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4UMW5rVQ-Y Game Difficulty Settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUI6LZaCKCg Modding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH4llMQmJ1E Fast Travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyj6X7EaBsY Quest Markers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiL2wa66wxs Encumbrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnOmC1G3MPA Encumbrance, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVNZZlmTSrg The Cost Of Moddability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzJCtA-ANvs And enjoy Food Wishes! https://www.youtube.com/user/foodwishes Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:01:33 +0000 Timothy Cain Playing Games As Intended 11:00 no 171 o4QcRQ5ucBk https://youtube.com/watch?v=o4QcRQ5ucBk I talk about your choices for tiling, walking animations, and projection type in 2D games. Images and clips from these sites: LifeStyle Architecture: https://masterofrevit.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/axonomteric-vs-isometric-projection/ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axonometric_projection General Staff: https://www.general-staff.com/the-problem-with-hexagons/ Rediit: https://www.reddit.com/r/PixelArt/comments/mlbgvy/finally_finished_my_8directional_animation_of/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:01:38 +0000 Timothy Cain Tiles, Walking, And Projection 16:43 no 172 pAK0dtNT3kc https://youtube.com/watch?v=pAK0dtNT3kc I talk about what I have done to preserve assets from my career and what has already been lost. Videos I reference: Game Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F707wIeTX2g Authority Without Responsibility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymnxKwxUxRk Career Summary 1981-2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Udo6XjMhY My Memorabilia Cabinets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knsk2Pt9nvQ My Bookshelves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYl1KSZGfEg My Memoirs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvgttRI7oSU My Memoirs, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmW06yNx7Ts Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:01:43 +0000 Timothy Cain My Game Asset Preservation 12:43 no 173 hCKIaT3Lamo https://youtube.com/watch?v=hCKIaT3Lamo When is "stealing" fair? Does it depend on what you steal, how you steal, how much you steal? These questions arise frequently in game development. Videos I reference: Capitalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OsWuFo2jp4 Game Development Caution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVQ30c7TcA Game Development Caution, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9ejDUuu7Sc Do Gamers Know What They Like?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCjHipuMir8 Do Devs Know What Gamers Want?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA-P3p7PdEc Piracy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnhAzecN150 Having Fun With AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvrJrra-gQQ For a thoughtful (and funny) take on generative AI by a music creator, you might enjoy this video: I wanted to hate Ai music (but I don’t): https://youtu.be/B3ohAdBFihg Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:01:16 +0000 Timothy Cain "Digital Stealing" And Fairness 11:00 no 174 aXg3y-OxOsM https://youtube.com/watch?v=aXg3y-OxOsM I discuss the differences between topic and branched based dialogs in RPGs. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:00:02 +0000 Timothy Cain Topic vs. Branched Based Dialogs 10:45 no 175 6n5vnrkwAzI https://youtube.com/watch?v=6n5vnrkwAzI I talk about the narrative use of neutral factions in games. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:00:16 +0000 Timothy Cain Neutral Factions 11:58 no 176 9wIx8zd8qvA https://youtube.com/watch?v=9wIx8zd8qvA I answer follow-up questions to my action points video, linked below. Video I reference: Action Points: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay6Ue5fAqxQ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:00:20 +0000 Timothy Cain Action Points, Part 2 10:14 no 177 1mQe7YqiBLs https://youtube.com/watch?v=1mQe7YqiBLs I talk about ways in which game development can be unhealthy and ways it has improved at places I have worked. Videos I reference: Being Happy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLD4AaDDN0U Work-Life Balance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaHVCy_EQ0s Jobs, Careers, And Callings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuEdppkPjfo Pets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr1bzA0z8EA My Colorblindness and Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHUAFYDzN3U Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:00:03 +0000 Timothy Cain Staying Healthy While Developing Games 14:08 no 178 tLD4AaDDN0U https://youtube.com/watch?v=tLD4AaDDN0U I talk about what you can do to be happy. At least, as it pertains to video games. Videos I reference: Giving Good Feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72btgrwKzA Sequels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjjn8hBjJw Data On My Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyu2DJBWPOc Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:01:40 +0000 Timothy Cain Being Happy 9:49 no 179 S3aIcFD9LoY https://youtube.com/watch?v=S3aIcFD9LoY I talk about the pros and cons of supplying premade characters in RPGs, and why I prefer making my own character. Videos I reference: What Is An RPG?: https://youtu.be/XSKxD6v06P4 Character Build Fairness: https://youtu.be/mbMAufVe_ds Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:00:48 +0000 Timothy Cain The Premade Character 7:59 no 180 KPh_lkmmpSo https://youtube.com/watch?v=KPh_lkmmpSo I talk about things that seem to come and go and come back again in the game industry, mostly production processes and game features. Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:00:38 +0000 Timothy Cain Industry Pendulum Swings 12:04 no 181 6jdzfFwglOQ https://youtube.com/watch?v=6jdzfFwglOQ Watch the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025 at 10am PST here on YouTube or over on Twitch. https://www.youtube.com/user/xbox/hub https://www.twitch.tv/xbox Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:48:36 +0000 Timothy Cain What I’ve Been Doing (June 2025) 0:37 no 182 x-438XTmFBE https://youtube.com/watch?v=x-438XTmFBE I talk about the various things that most RPGs try to convince you are true...and they're not. Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:01:42 +0000 Timothy Cain RPG Myths 11:19 no 183 b84nno3ztEo https://youtube.com/watch?v=b84nno3ztEo I talk about skill trees and their use to constrain progression based on player choices, and I present an example from Troika's unreleased post-apocalyptic game. Videos I reference: Skill Design in RPGs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL_aTjKsxok Troika's Post Apocalyptic Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tSpo6gX1BE Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:01:09 +0000 Timothy Cain Skill Trees 10:09 no 184 U81khTQiQTk https://youtube.com/watch?v=U81khTQiQTk I talk about the pros and cons of adding realistic features to your game. Videos I reference: Fun vs. Realism: https://youtu.be/TshXDFgfiTg What Is Fun?: https://youtu.be/IhF-8-5S5OE Encumbrance: https://youtu.be/DnOmC1G3MPA Encumbrance, Part 2: https://youtu.be/xVNZZlmTSrg Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:50 +0000 Timothy Cain Unneeded Realistic Designs 13:18 no 185 4bt6OXPG22c https://youtube.com/watch?v=4bt6OXPG22c I talk about mechanics from traditional games (e.g. board games, dice games, card games, etc.) that I used in my own video games, and that I tried to avoid using, and even ones I wanted to use and couldn't figure out how. Videos I reference: Tabletop RPG Influences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNf601IoBpc D&D Influences (By Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKEfcaSn7Ko Writing My Own TTRPG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NorMGww9CA Adapting TTRPGs vs. Other IPs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqMsdT3Djdw Deckbuilder RPGs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ7GRXVEf_0 The Evolution Of Flaws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-q_kswvwU Reboot Develop 2017 - Tim Cain, Obsidian Entertainment / Building a Better RPG: 7 Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEewLWDpscA Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:14 +0000 Timothy Cain Traditional Game Mechanics: What I Tried 14:05 no 186 -xjJw145Qpc https://youtube.com/watch?v=-xjJw145Qpc I talk about why you should play your own game, before AND after it ships. Videos I reference: How Much Devs Should Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyrfV9-67OI Jobs, Careers, And Callings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuEdppkPjfo The Outer Worlds: Eight Playthroughs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdeDSAcLZa8 A Non-Game Design Spec: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX1Htqt9_iY Wed, 28 May 2025 12:00:01 +0000 Timothy Cain "Eating Your Own Dog Food" 12:31 no 187 VtCkNU4ev-g https://youtube.com/watch?v=VtCkNU4ev-g Thank you all very much! Mon, 26 May 2025 14:27:41 +0000 Timothy Cain 180k subscribers! 0:26 no 188 HlUQ4nc1qxs https://youtube.com/watch?v=HlUQ4nc1qxs I discuss the pros and cons of long RPGs, where "long" means 100+ hours of play time. Video I reference: Game Length: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mMdNjiGdnY Mon, 26 May 2025 12:00:24 +0000 Timothy Cain Pros And Cons Of Long RPGs 12:39 no 189 HDGmxE_G5PI https://youtube.com/watch?v=HDGmxE_G5PI I talk about the challenges facing anyone who tries to make a Fallout remaster. Videos I reference: Thoughts On A Fallout Remake: https://youtu.be/hUrNahAr5ho GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZEosFcqmcU Fri, 23 May 2025 12:00:23 +0000 Timothy Cain Challenges Making A Fallout Remaster 17:38 no 190 GBIdfazHxM4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=GBIdfazHxM4 I talk about the advantages of first vs third person views in RPGs, and what you should consider in picking the viewpoint for your own game. Videos I reference: Solo vs. Party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cG8OfcFkew Arcanum Combat: Real Time vs Turn Based: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QUDeipApgU Real-Time Fallout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVN2IlzORoE Tiles, Walking, And Projection: https://youtu.be/o4QcRQ5ucBk Wed, 21 May 2025 12:00:34 +0000 Timothy Cain First vs. Third Person 14:33 no 191 a2D1-X_9iOA https://youtube.com/watch?v=a2D1-X_9iOA I talk about what it's like to prefer game features that other don't (and vice versa), as a gamer and a developer. Videos I reference: "Bad Games": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp17yIB6Ijo Data On My Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyu2DJBWPOc My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Discoverability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmgJVUuS1I8 Mon, 19 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Timothy Cain Unpopular Game Opinions 12:25 no 192 3KMUaVsp9Zs https://youtube.com/watch?v=3KMUaVsp9Zs I talk about what video gaming was like in the 1980's. Videos I reference: My First Professional Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nLc-pULEhw How to Get a Job in the Game Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hesnidqqE Discoverability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmgJVUuS1I8 Game Simplification: https://youtu.be/lEyMipiH7qE Game Length: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mMdNjiGdnY Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:11 +0000 Timothy Cain Gaming In The 1980s 16:40 no 193 lY1jhsgHE70 https://youtube.com/watch?v=lY1jhsgHE70 I talk about dead levels, which are character levels where nothing impactful is gained. Videos I reference: D&D Influences (By Edition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKEfcaSn7Ko Skill Design in RPGs: https://youtu.be/SL_aTjKsxok Balancing Game Features: https://youtu.be/nnH4XJBHvFQ Wed, 14 May 2025 12:01:20 +0000 Timothy Cain "Dead Levels" 9:14 no 194 wk8Ytab-aWY https://youtube.com/watch?v=wk8Ytab-aWY I talk about the pros and cons of numerical vs. non-numerical item design. Mon, 12 May 2025 12:01:39 +0000 Timothy Cain Numerical Item Design 14:01 no 195 _7H2ljYihvk https://youtube.com/watch?v=_7H2ljYihvk I talk about a radiation design specification that I made years after making Fallout. Videos I reference: My Favorite Shipped Designs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7VfUXTOMxU Perfect Is The Enemy Of Good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bOe2JH5FZw Crunch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJHpuJxMqiA Crunch, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXJkecLBhOE Design Fallbacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ToTnHj-CI Fri, 09 May 2025 12:01:04 +0000 Timothy Cain Alternate Fallout Radiation Design 13:04 no 196 eGuEx9Df44Q https://youtube.com/watch?v=eGuEx9Df44Q I talk about how to recognize those coworkers that you really want to work with, on multiple projects for many years. Videos I reference: My Biggest Lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqNcNtxHU6E My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Wed, 07 May 2025 12:01:18 +0000 Timothy Cain Recognizing Good Coworkers 10:38 no 197 spZ9RbN9jT4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=spZ9RbN9jT4 I talk about timers in games and more broadly what the concept of time in a game really means. Videos I reference: Multiple Quest Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlkksy6casU Fast Travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyj6X7EaBsY Status Effect Implementation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH35RmM1BFM Arcanum Combat: Real Time vs Turn Based: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QUDeipApgU Mon, 05 May 2025 12:01:39 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Time 13:28 no 198 -7VfUXTOMxU https://youtube.com/watch?v=-7VfUXTOMxU I talk about my own designs that I really liked and that made it into my shipped games. Videos I reference: My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA The Credits Problem (e.g. Fallout Companions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOVgSfjWeVI Why I Wanted Luck In Fallout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UB4s3mJdQo Multiple Quest Solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlkksy6casU The Origin of Dumb Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBUkdO4IK7w Implementing Endgame Slides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjtctCu6VoI Arcanum Backgrounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5sI33homm8 Event Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P935C85WIpU Arcanum Scripting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPkWyJIl-M Arcanum's Procedural Terrain Generation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbI7hFoT6TQ Arcanum Generated Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l7YcGCQ5Ck The Evolution Of Flaws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-q_kswvwU Why I Like Flawed Characters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phMzoU7DOFA Fri, 02 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Timothy Cain My Favorite Shipped Designs 15:02 no 199 TJxrAe_JYS4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=TJxrAe_JYS4 I talk about ideas I wanted in my games that I was told were "impossible", and I'll dive into what that word even means in terms of game development. Videos I reference: Having Unique Rules For Players: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goZlBF8Vsgs My Ideas That Got Rejected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZJ-1AS4UKA Arcanum Generated Dialog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l7YcGCQ5Ck Arcanum's Procedural Terrain Generation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbI7hFoT6TQ Judges Guild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGixGnDa-ck Arcanum Backgrounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5sI33homm8 Balancing Game Features: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnH4XJBHvFQ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:01:01 +0000 Timothy Cain "Impossible" Ideas 16:41 no 200 iFuAULY5sgU https://youtube.com/watch?v=iFuAULY5sgU I talk about why or why not you would want to add NPC reactions to your game. Videos I reference: NPCs Triggering Each Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tfhirqSito NPC Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXdyfCNcahw Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:01:15 +0000 Timothy Cain NPC Reaction Pros And Cons 13:30 no 201 ctsDH-Y6X0s https://youtube.com/watch?v=ctsDH-Y6X0s I talk about this channel's two year anniversary...with metrics! Videos I reference: Career Summary 1981-2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Udo6XjMhY Channel One Year Anniversary: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vc4iJbGO3mU Channel Analytics (August 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l7Krs_RAyM Channel Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLzKJECKSC0 My 100k Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8V1vxX-iEI Why I Left Fallout 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGfaCXEu0tE Fallout TV Show Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bFBLAbwMA0 Fallout Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DWkSU6mCX4tqyuewz6cK3G- General Game Development Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DUdhNK9P4lZuYSBSKQxt6IP Art Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI8W_yHW-3DWeBWN_2YFCKFB_EhA5KGSj Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:01:09 +0000 Timothy Cain Channel Second Anniversary! 12:23 no 202 F707wIeTX2g https://youtube.com/watch?v=F707wIeTX2g I talk about game preservation, why it's important, and what games I think will stand the test of time. Videos I reference: My Top Five Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j6qqh3H-0Y GNW & TIG, My OS Abstraction Libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZEosFcqmcU Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:21 +0000 Timothy Cain Game Preservation 12:24 no 203 yVN2IlzORoE https://youtube.com/watch?v=yVN2IlzORoE I answer the question "how would I convert Fallout to real time combat?", which is something I would never do. Videos I reference: Thoughts On A Fallout Remake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUrNahAr5ho Fallout: What I'd Change Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lexhF4xqpu8 Arcanum Combat: Real Time vs Turn Based: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QUDeipApgU Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:01:43 +0000 Timothy Cain Real-Time Fallout 13:15 no 204 AZ9bziBYj5o https://youtube.com/watch?v=AZ9bziBYj5o I present a typical day in the life of Moon Man, the happy mascot of Spacer's Choice. Have a Fun Friday! Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:31 +0000 Timothy Cain A Day In The Life Of Moon Man 5:47 no 205