Design Room
@designroom.bsky.social
A new website dedicated to video game oral histories from @mattleone.bsky.social. Find us at designroom.site. Logo by asawallander.se.
Reposted by Design Room
New episode! How do you create an oral history feature about a game like Final Fantasy VII or Street Fighter 2? Former Polygon editor @mattleone.bsky.social joins us to discuss this, and his new site, @designroom.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get podcasts: open.spotify.com/episode/0dAo...
Listen wherever you get podcasts: open.spotify.com/episode/0dAo...
The Oral Histories of Video Games (with Matt Leone)
open.spotify.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:54 PM
New episode! How do you create an oral history feature about a game like Final Fantasy VII or Street Fighter 2? Former Polygon editor @mattleone.bsky.social joins us to discuss this, and his new site, @designroom.bsky.social.
Listen wherever you get podcasts: open.spotify.com/episode/0dAo...
Listen wherever you get podcasts: open.spotify.com/episode/0dAo...
Reposted by Design Room
Thrilled so many folks are enjoying this piece. Iwai is one of the most fascinating developers I’ve ever interviewed and I couldn’t believe all the new details (and media) he was willing to share with me. Give it a read!
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Toshio Iwai's journey from Sound Fantasy to Electroplankton
We profile the artist behind two of Nintendo's attempts at making experimental music games in the '90s and early 2000s -- one a canceled Super Famicom game based on musical insects, and the other a Ni...
www.designroom.site
November 20, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Thrilled so many folks are enjoying this piece. Iwai is one of the most fascinating developers I’ve ever interviewed and I couldn’t believe all the new details (and media) he was willing to share with me. Give it a read!
Reposted by Design Room
Incredible article with some brand new information on one of my all time favorite creators’ career!!
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Toshio Iwai's journey from Sound Fantasy to Electroplankton
We profile the artist behind two of Nintendo's attempts at making experimental music games in the '90s and early 2000s -- one a canceled Super Famicom game based on musical insects, and the other a Ni...
www.designroom.site
November 19, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Incredible article with some brand new information on one of my all time favorite creators’ career!!
A game starring a flying "sound warrior" that started life as a video game stage show with three people playing simultaneously, all synced to the same soundtrack? It could only be Otocky. www.designroom.site/toshio-iwai-...
November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A game starring a flying "sound warrior" that started life as a video game stage show with three people playing simultaneously, all synced to the same soundtrack? It could only be Otocky. www.designroom.site/toshio-iwai-...
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Toshio Iwai's journey from Sound Fantasy to Electroplankton
We profile the artist behind two of Nintendo's attempts at making experimental music games in the '90s and early 2000s -- one a canceled Super Famicom game based on musical insects, and the other a Ni...
www.designroom.site
November 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Next up in our music game series: a big profile of Sound Fantasy and Electroplankton creator Toshio Iwai, based on a three-hour call with @radishgames.com.
Reposted by Design Room
ICYMI here’s matt leone talking to mark macd and the miz about how rez infinite and area-x got built, a pleasant Iwata Asks vibe read at designroom.site for when you have 10 min
November 6, 2025 at 4:32 AM
ICYMI here’s matt leone talking to mark macd and the miz about how rez infinite and area-x got built, a pleasant Iwata Asks vibe read at designroom.site for when you have 10 min
Reposted by Design Room
My subscription is already paying off. Join me!!
We're kicking off a series of music game oral histories with a look back at Rez Infinite -- and why it's been nine years without a follow-up.
After nine years, Rez Infinite remains gaming’s greatest tease
“If we're using the word ‘prologue,’ obviously something has to come after...”
www.designroom.site
November 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
My subscription is already paying off. Join me!!
We're kicking off a series of music game oral histories with a look back at Rez Infinite -- and why it's been nine years without a follow-up.
After nine years, Rez Infinite remains gaming’s greatest tease
“If we're using the word ‘prologue,’ obviously something has to come after...”
www.designroom.site
November 3, 2025 at 8:12 PM
We're kicking off a series of music game oral histories with a look back at Rez Infinite -- and why it's been nine years without a follow-up.
With Shadow of the Colossus behind us, our next project kicks off Monday: a music game series running throughout November.
October 31, 2025 at 4:58 PM
With Shadow of the Colossus behind us, our next project kicks off Monday: a music game series running throughout November.
The Last Guardian executive producer Yasuhide Kobayashi didn't want to move the game from PS3 to PS4.
October 28, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The Last Guardian executive producer Yasuhide Kobayashi didn't want to move the game from PS3 to PS4.
Reposted by Design Room
Another 10,000 words on Shadow of the Colossus?! Today, we're posting two never-before-seen interviews @nsuttner.bsky.social did for his @bossfightbooks.com book on Shadow that came out back in 2015. For the first, he talks to @thatgamecompany.com's Jenova Chen.
Jenova Chen on how Shadow of the Colossus inspired Journey
We dig up a time capsule in the form of a never-before-seen interview conducted a decade ago.
www.designroom.site
October 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Another 10,000 words on Shadow of the Colossus?! Today, we're posting two never-before-seen interviews @nsuttner.bsky.social did for his @bossfightbooks.com book on Shadow that came out back in 2015. For the first, he talks to @thatgamecompany.com's Jenova Chen.
Reposted by Design Room
Honored to contribute something to @mattleone.bsky.social's wonderful new jam! I really enjoyed reading back on these, still amazed that I got to talk to so many incredible devs about my favorite thing.
Another 10,000 words on Shadow of the Colossus?! Today, we're posting two never-before-seen interviews @nsuttner.bsky.social did for his @bossfightbooks.com book on Shadow that came out back in 2015. For the first, he talks to @thatgamecompany.com's Jenova Chen.
Jenova Chen on how Shadow of the Colossus inspired Journey
We dig up a time capsule in the form of a never-before-seen interview conducted a decade ago.
www.designroom.site
October 24, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Honored to contribute something to @mattleone.bsky.social's wonderful new jam! I really enjoyed reading back on these, still amazed that I got to talk to so many incredible devs about my favorite thing.
Another 10,000 words on Shadow of the Colossus?! Today, we're posting two never-before-seen interviews @nsuttner.bsky.social did for his @bossfightbooks.com book on Shadow that came out back in 2015. For the first, he talks to @thatgamecompany.com's Jenova Chen.
Jenova Chen on how Shadow of the Colossus inspired Journey
We dig up a time capsule in the form of a never-before-seen interview conducted a decade ago.
www.designroom.site
October 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Another 10,000 words on Shadow of the Colossus?! Today, we're posting two never-before-seen interviews @nsuttner.bsky.social did for his @bossfightbooks.com book on Shadow that came out back in 2015. For the first, he talks to @thatgamecompany.com's Jenova Chen.
Takeshi Oga, the former Gravity Rush concept artist who did our Shadow of the Colossus cover, has just joined Bluesky. @ogatakeshi.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Takeshi Oga, the former Gravity Rush concept artist who did our Shadow of the Colossus cover, has just joined Bluesky. @ogatakeshi.bsky.social
Reposted by Design Room
Was great talking about @designroom.bsky.social with the Aftermath folks!
October 17, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Was great talking about @designroom.bsky.social with the Aftermath folks!
Wrapping up our first week — thanks to everyone who checked out the site, followed, and/or subscribed! Next week, we’ll be back with more Shadow of the Colossus coverage from an old friend.
October 17, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Wrapping up our first week — thanks to everyone who checked out the site, followed, and/or subscribed! Next week, we’ll be back with more Shadow of the Colossus coverage from an old friend.
Reposted by Design Room
Working on a feature for Design Room right now and it covers one of the most unique game designers I’ve ever researched. Even had a chance to sit down with them. Stay tuned 👀
🚨🚨🚨
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
Design Room
Video game oral histories
designroom.site
October 16, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Working on a feature for Design Room right now and it covers one of the most unique game designers I’ve ever researched. Even had a chance to sit down with them. Stay tuned 👀
Reposted by Design Room
Yesterday we posted a big Shadow of the Colossus oral history. Threading a few bits of trivia about that story below...
Shadow of the Colossus: An oral history
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Team Ico’s masterpiece by looking back with 11 people who worked on it (and three who didn’t).
www.designroom.site
October 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Yesterday we posted a big Shadow of the Colossus oral history. Threading a few bits of trivia about that story below...
Alongside today’s big Shadow of the Colossus oral history, we have three bonus stories for paid subscribers. First up: Our full interview with Fumito Ueda and Kenji Kaido, talking about Wander’s character design, Warp’s influence on Team Ico, and why Ueda feels conflicted about the game’s ending.
Extended Fumito Ueda and Kenji Kaido interview
Parts of our interview with Shadow of the Colossus' director and line producer ended up on the cutting room floor, so we put together an extended cut for those who want to read the full thing.
www.designroom.site
October 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Alongside today’s big Shadow of the Colossus oral history, we have three bonus stories for paid subscribers. First up: Our full interview with Fumito Ueda and Kenji Kaido, talking about Wander’s character design, Warp’s influence on Team Ico, and why Ueda feels conflicted about the game’s ending.
🚨🚨🚨
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
Design Room
Video game oral histories
designroom.site
October 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
🚨🚨🚨
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
We are live! Welcome to Design Room, a new independent games media site.
• We specialize in oral histories like the Final Fantasy 7 and Street Fighter 2 ones I (@mattleone.bsky.social) did at Polygon
• Our first big story is on Shadow of the Colossus: bit.ly/4hjwz8n
• See more: designroom.site
Reposted by Design Room
Episode 6 of Rogue Signal, our weekly podcast, is here!
This week, the crew chats about a variety of new games, like Ghost of Yotei.
And we end the show with an interview with former Polygoner @mattleone.bsky.social about his new project: @designroom.bsky.social
www.rogue.site/podcasts/rog...
This week, the crew chats about a variety of new games, like Ghost of Yotei.
And we end the show with an interview with former Polygoner @mattleone.bsky.social about his new project: @designroom.bsky.social
www.rogue.site/podcasts/rog...
Rogue Signal ep. 6: The arrival of Canadian Thanksgiving (featuring Matt Leone)
The one where we talk about Ghost of Yotei, CloverPit, and more
www.rogue.site
October 8, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Episode 6 of Rogue Signal, our weekly podcast, is here!
This week, the crew chats about a variety of new games, like Ghost of Yotei.
And we end the show with an interview with former Polygoner @mattleone.bsky.social about his new project: @designroom.bsky.social
www.rogue.site/podcasts/rog...
This week, the crew chats about a variety of new games, like Ghost of Yotei.
And we end the show with an interview with former Polygoner @mattleone.bsky.social about his new project: @designroom.bsky.social
www.rogue.site/podcasts/rog...
Possibly the last one of these posts repromoting old Polygon oral histories -- looking back on the time we talked to the team behind Street Fighter: The Movie (the game).
Street Fighter: The Movie: The game: An oral history
Our Street Fighter history series continues with a look at the time Capcom copied the copycats
web.archive.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Possibly the last one of these posts repromoting old Polygon oral histories -- looking back on the time we talked to the team behind Street Fighter: The Movie (the game).
We're running low on Polygon stories to repromote, which is probably a good sign. Here's one on Capcom vs. SNK that bookended our Street Fighter series, with art from @humanmgn.bsky.social. web.archive.org/web/20211017...
Capcom vs. SNK: An oral history
We continue our Street Fighter history series with a look at the time Capcom partnered with its crosstown rival
web.archive.org
September 22, 2025 at 5:59 PM
We're running low on Polygon stories to repromote, which is probably a good sign. Here's one on Capcom vs. SNK that bookended our Street Fighter series, with art from @humanmgn.bsky.social. web.archive.org/web/20211017...
We're a little late to tie this to the PlayStation 30th anniversary, but it's still worth looking back on this profile/pseudo oral history on PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi.
The legacy of PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi, in 24 stories
Look back at the early days of PlayStation and its ambitious, innovative and complicated father
web.archive.org
September 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
We're a little late to tie this to the PlayStation 30th anniversary, but it's still worth looking back on this profile/pseudo oral history on PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi.
Looking back at the time we dug deep into Street Fighter 3 for a Polygon oral history.
Street Fighter 3: An oral history
Our Street Fighter history series continues with a look at the time Capcom tried to start over
web.archive.org
September 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Looking back at the time we dug deep into Street Fighter 3 for a Polygon oral history.