{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11\/24\/2025","description":"Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&amp;amp;M games is, in many ways, an \u201cepic story\u201d that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it\u2019s Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet\u2019s Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer \u201cFarmer\u201d). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The \u201cbox of rocks\u201d approach to writing for games. Neal\u2019s new Planet\u2019s Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision \/ small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What\u2019s the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG? Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11\/24\/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/shaneplays Listen to the Shane Plays Geek Talk podcast on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Podbean and Stitcher (and other fine, fine podcast directories). Hey, you! Yeah, you! Buy cool stuff, support Shane Plays Geek Talk with these affiliate links! Humble Bundle https:\/\/www.humblebundle.com?partner=shaneplays  DriveThruRPG.com https:\/\/www.drivethrurpg.com\/browse.php?affiliate_id=488512 SHOW NOTES Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book by Neal Hallford  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Heroes-Might-Magic-Anniversary-Retrospective\/dp\/150675130X&amp;nbsp; Neal Hallford on Wikipedia https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Neal_Hallford&amp;nbsp; Betrayal at Krondor 30th Anniversary &amp;amp; Fan Film Challenge with Neal Hallford \u2013 Episode 266 \u2013 3\/14\/2023  https:\/\/shaneplays.com\/betrayal-at-krondor-crpg-30th-anniversary-neal-hallford-fan-film-challenge-podcast\/&amp;nbsp; Star Fleet Battles With Bill Barsh \u2013 Episode 272 \u2013 12\/29\/2023  https:\/\/shaneplays.com\/star-fleet-battles-with-bill-barsh-podcast\/&amp;nbsp;  Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat  https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing\/dp\/1138574643\/ ","author_name":"Shane Plays Geek Talk","author_url":"https:\/\/shaneplays.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39145785\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195759290"}