Episode 107 - TPN & Video Game Non-Drama
Eclectic Gamers Podcast
2 hr 5 min
Summary
TPN launch criticized for lack of visible diversity in trailer despite genuine inclusion efforts.
Dennis from Eclectic Gamers discusses the controversial launch of The Pinball Network (TPN), a multi-show platform he co-founded with Zach Meny, Ken Cromwell, Jason Fowler, and Greg Bone. The launch trailer faced significant backlash for appearing to feature only white men, creating a perception of exclusivity despite internal discussions about diversity. Dennis takes responsibility for not catching this during his review of the trailer and explains the behind-the-scenes context: Crystal (from Marco Specialties) was approached but couldn't be named due to employer permission requirements, the founders are primarily Midwesterners because of existing relationships, and the launch date was hard-locked despite these issues. The network aims to provide a platform for pinball content creators without requiring them to build their own infrastructure.
Pinball: The pinball segment is all about The Pinball Network, from the fallout stemming from the launch trailer to the concept behind the idea and the various pinball transitions that were, and were not, related to TPN's formation. Video Games: In video games, discussion revolves around Sony deciding to skip another E3, Cyberpunk 2077 pushing back its release date, Crytek and their lawsuit with Cloud Imperium Games, Overwatch news, Google partnering with Activision-Blizzard, and how the Coronavirus is impacting esports. Dennis's pinball market trends article using the 2018 TWIPY games: Dennis's last TWIP Podcast episode (79) with Zach Meny: Head2Head Pinball's announcement that it has ended the show: Pinball Supernova's announcement it has ended the blog: Sony not going to E3: Cyberpunk 2077 delayed: Crytek Lawsuit: CIG motion to dismiss: Activision Blizzard sign deal with Google: Roanoke Pinball Museum (EGP Sponsor): Website: EGP T-shirts: iTunes: SoundCloud: Stitcher: Facebook: Twitter: Twitch: YouTube: Email: eclecticgamerspodcast@gmail.com
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