In this podcast from the Phoenix Theater at PAX, developers and journalists discuss and handicap the NAVGTR Awards races with last-minute predictions just hours before the winners are announced in each category.
Moderated by Ken Gagne of PC World, guest panelists include Susan Arendt, editor-in-chief of The Escapist, Jesse Cox, co-host of the Gamestation podcast, Charles Battersby of Explosion.com, and Will Brierly of Snowrunner Productions and Soda Drinker Pro, downloaded by 10 million popheads.
The first category discussed is Control Design, 2D or Limited 3D, featuring Mark of the Ninja, Escape Plan, and others. In the Costume Design category, Charles frames the discussion around authenticity versus imagination and the aesthetics of both, plus how to identify which costumes are really connecting with people and how that often diverges from the seemingly more respected serious historical fare.
In Game Design categories, the focus is on delivering a memorable player experience. In the performance categories, depictions of evil take center stage with analysis of Vaas and Alan Wake. Susan reveals her lust for the one she thinks should also be shot and put down like a rabid animal.
Part 2 continues in the next post, with writing in comedy and drama, franchise genres fighting and role playing, and Game of the Year.