Retro Tea Breaks Selected Interviews Vol. 1

by Neil Thomas

Retro Tea Breaks Vol.1 is a collection of interviews with pioneers who have helped shape the computer, console and video game industry.

As time passes, it is becoming more and more important that we record these voices and first-hand experiences while we still have access to them. That's the goal with the Retro Tea Break series, and within this book I hope to capture and share these fantastic memories and experiences with you all.

This volume includes 12 very special conversations with:
The Oliver Twins (British 8-bit pioneers)
Al Lowe (Sierra, Video Game Developer)
George 'The Fat Man' Sanger (Composer, Freelance/Lucas Arts)
Bill Volk (Developer, Activision/Avalon Hill)
Francois Lionet (Developer, STOS/AMOS)
Rob Hubbard (Composer, C64 Maestro/Electronic Arts)
Stoo Cambridge (Artist, Sensible Software)
Jon St. John (Voice Over Artist, Duke Nukem 3D)
Mike Dailly (DMA, Grand Theft Auto/Lemmings)
David Fox (Developer, Lucas Arts)
And – exclusive to the book – two new interviews with Chris Sawyer (Transport Tycoon, RollerCoaster Tycoon) and Ken Silverman (Build engine).

Genres: Nonfiction

420 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2020

Reviews

[Bryan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A printed transcript of YouTuber Neil Thomas's (RMC - The Cave) interviews with developers, designers, and other noteworthy figures in the world of computers and gaming—all part of an ongoing video series titled "Retro Tea Breaks". (It's also available in podcast format.)

The little updates and edits make the first volume feel like you're watching or listening the live interview. Each one now has additional factoids to shed light on what they're talking about, providing a clearer snapshot of gaming and computer history. The printed book also has two exclusive interviews with two more key players—one responsible for a particular game engine and the other who worked on a series of Tycoons.

While the printed book was initially available via a Kickstarter Campaign, you can purchase remaining copies online at the RMC Store (at time of writing). Anyone who loves video games, software, tinkering with machines, or anything to do with technology should buy a copy or give the series a watch.

(Disclosure: I'm a backer of the Retro Tea Breaks Kickstarter and current patron of RMC - The Cave.)

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not recognizing many interviewee names, I was initially worried that I wouldn't be able to get into this book (or thought they might be all obscure British bedroom coders), but I was very wrong.
Neil is a great interviewer, so any prior knowledge on the pioneers wasn't required. Lots of their personal career history is covered, including how they got into the industry. I was constantly learning new things.
The books is also littered with handy informational tidbits & background info, explaining some of the technical aspects readers might not know about.
The physical hardcover book is excellent and really professional. Great typesetting and layout, top notch binding; including a cloth cover with a stamped logo and even includes a bookmark ribbon! It's also the perfect size... not an unwieldy big hardcover.
Can't wait for Vol 2!

[Wouter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't even know this book existed - thanks to a friendly e-mail of another retro lover, it was brought to my attention. A lovely little book which is basically a summary of the interviews retro manica Neil Thomas did with old skool rockstars from the eighties and nineties on YouTube. I especially liked the (albeit small) technological insights into the good old days, the use of the tools, etc (DPaint!). The consistency of the interviews could be better, but the personalities of the developers and designers clearly shines through, and I like that.
Looking forward to volume 2!
Hail to the king, baby! *prepares shotgun*
By the way, play Ion Fury. It's really worth it, and it will tickle your retro fancy.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interviews with Jon St. John (the voice of Duke Nukem) and Richard Garriott (creator of the Ultima games) were especially good. It was striking in reading this how much the industry has changed with the advancement of technology where one person with an idea and coding skills (Sid Meier, Will Wright, Garriott) can no longer build a AAA title. Reading about these folks' experiences really makes you see why the indie game scene is blossoming right now, where creative types like this *can* build a game with a very small team and less financial oversight.

[Chris Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of revealing, entertaining, and informative interviews with people who were pioneers in the computer games industry on both sides of the pond. Subscribe to Neil's YouTube channel, "RMC - The Cave", for all sorts of great vintage computer content.

[Mike]

A very interesting trip down memory lane, hearing stories of computer games pioneers from the early 80s and 90s, and what they're doing today.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read looking forward to Vol.2 hopefully at a lower price