Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast Episode: Insomniac's Ted Price on Retirement, Resistance 4
Release Date: February 7, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, host Greg Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with Ted Price, the co-founder of Insomniac Games. As Ted approaches his retirement and prepares for induction into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) Hall of Fame at the upcoming DICE Awards, the discussion delves into his illustrious 30-year tenure, the evolution of Insomniac, and insights into the gaming industry.

Ted Price's Retirement and Legacy at Insomniac

Greg Miller opens the conversation by addressing Ted’s upcoming retirement after co-founding Insomniac Games three decades ago. Ted explains his transition from a leadership role to an advisory capacity.

Ted Price [03:40]: "Of the run, it really means being an advisor. As Chad Design and Jen Huang and Ryan Schneider step forward to be co studio heads."

Ted reflects on his emotional connection with the studio, emphasizing that retirement doesn't signify a complete disconnection from gaming or Insomniac.

Ted Price [05:51]: "I don't feel like it's truly a disconnection or a goodbye. It's more that I'm shifting into fan status."

He expresses confidence in Insomniac’s future, highlighting the emergence of new leaders within the company.

Maintaining High Standards and Culture at Insomniac

Greg probes into how Insomniac has sustained high-quality output while fostering a positive work environment. Ted attributes this success to a clear, shared vision and a collaborative culture.

Ted Price [10:03]: "Our vision is to create games that have a lasting and positive impact on people's lives."

He emphasizes transparency and collective ownership in decision-making processes, ensuring that all team members are engaged and unified behind the company’s direction.

Ted Price [10:03]: "We were extremely transparent about why we were doing things so that there wasn't any mystery about why we were deciding to do one thing or another."

Fan Impact and Testimonials

The conversation shifts to the profound impact Insomniac’s games have had on fans. Ted shares heartfelt messages from notable fans like Chris Anka and Andre Lima Aru, highlighting how Insomniac’s creations have inspired careers and familial bonds.

Ted Price [14:22]: "When we hear stories about that, when we hear folks who have grown up with our games and now we're playing them with their kids, that's why we do this."

These testimonials reinforce the cultural significance and enduring legacy of Insomniac’s games.

Development Journey: From Disruptor to Ratchet & Clank and Beyond

Greg and Ted embark on a nostalgic journey through Insomniac’s game development history. Ted recounts the humble beginnings with Disruptor, the pivot to Spyro the Dragon inspired by Mark Cerny’s suggestion, and the subsequent creation of Ratchet & Clank to overcome Spyro’s limitations.

Ted Price [17:37]: "Spyro as a four-legged character with no real hands meant that we couldn't take the gameplay mechanics much farther than we had in Spyro 3."

Ted elaborates on the creative challenges and triumphs that shaped the studio’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation.

Unreleased Projects: Resistance 4

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Resistance 4, a project that Insomniac pitched but ultimately did not greenlight. Ted shares his affection for the Resistance franchise and the elaborate backstory they developed.

Ted Price [22:11]: "We pitched Resistance 4 and it was cool."

He expresses hope for the franchise’s future and acknowledges the profound impact it has had on both players and the development team.

Industry Insights: Sharing Failures and Learning from Mistakes

Ted discusses the importance of transparency in the gaming industry, particularly in sharing failed projects and lessons learned. Through platforms like AIAS Game Makers Notebook, developers openly discuss mistakes to foster collective growth.

Ted Price [20:30]: "Developers really do open up and it's a wonderful place for folks to just let loose and share."

This culture of openness is depicted as a cornerstone for continual improvement and innovation within the industry.

Insomniac's Technical Achievements

Highlighting Insomniac’s technical prowess, Ted showcases milestones achieved across various game titles. From the detailed rendering in Ratchet & Clank: Rip and Tear to the immersive New York City in Spider-Man, the studio’s commitment to technological excellence is evident.

Ted Price [40:19]: "Building New York as closely to the real New York as we could and allowing players to swing through it at ridiculous speeds was a very impressive technical achievement."

These achievements not only enhance player experiences but also set industry standards for game development.

Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

In response to audience questions, Ted offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the gaming industry. He advocates for a targeted approach, encouraging aspiring developers to seek companies whose games and cultures resonate with their passions.

Ted Price [44:36]: "Find a company who makes the kinds of games that you love and whose culture you admire."

Ted underscores the importance of cultural fit and genuine enthusiasm for a studio’s projects in achieving long-term career satisfaction and success.

Closing Remarks: AIAS Hall of Fame Induction

As the episode draws to a close, Greg Miller reminds listeners of Ted Price’s induction into the AIAS Hall of Fame at the upcoming DICE Awards.

Greg Miller [49:22]: "Ted Price is of course leaving the games industry, but not before he is inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Science hall of Fame."

The hosts extend their congratulations, celebrating Ted’s remarkable contributions to the gaming world.

Conclusion

This episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast offers a comprehensive look into Ted Price’s legacy at Insomniac Games, his perspectives on industry practices, and the enduring impact of Insomniac’s creations on both the gaming community and the broader cultural landscape. Ted’s insights and experiences provide invaluable lessons for professionals and enthusiasts alike, cementing his status as a luminary in the video game industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Price [05:51]: "I don't feel like it's truly a disconnection or a goodbye. It's more that I'm shifting into fan status."
• Ted Price [10:03]: "Our vision is to create games that have a lasting and positive impact on people's lives."
• Ted Price [14:22]: "When we hear stories about that, when we hear folks who have grown up with our games and now we're playing them with their kids, that's why we do this."
• Ted Price [40:19]: "Building New York as closely to the real New York as we could and allowing players to swing through it at ridiculous speeds was a very impressive technical achievement."

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes, structured in clear sections for ease of understanding.