What if among us was invented in the 1980s
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1980s Gaming Among Us Origins Retro Game Concept Alternate History Gaming Vintage Game Design Nostalgic Game Ideas

Eps 1: What if among us was invented in the 1980s

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The podcast explores a hypothetical scenario where the popular game "Among Us" was invented in the 1980s. It imagines the game's mechanics, aesthetics, and cultural impact if it had been developed during that era. The discussion highlights how the game would feature retro graphics akin to classic 8-bit and 16-bit video games, and it would likely use early gaming platforms such as arcade machines or the NES. The social aspect of the game might involve more local multiplayer experiences since online gaming was not prevalent. The podcast also speculates on how the game could have influenced or been influenced by 80s pop culture, potentially featuring references to popular movies, music, and fashion of the time.

Seed data: Link 1
Host image: StyleGAN neural net
Content creation: GPT-3.5,

Host

Kathy Mitchelle

Kathy Mitchelle

Podcast Content
Imagine a pixelated digital landscape where the aesthetics of neon lights, synthwave background music, and clunky pixel art dictate the scene. "Among Us" being invented in the 1980s would mean witnessing a game rooted in the evocative charm of the era's video game culture. Instead of the sleek, modern graphics we associate with the game today, we'd see astronauts rendered in chunky 8-bit graphics, moving in staunchly pixelated motions. The spaceships would resemble something out of an Atari console, with sound effects that are more beeps and boops than the atmospheric audio we hear now.

The social aspect of "Among Us," inherently tied to the pleasure of deceiving and detecting, would likely be experienced via physical interactions or over landline telephones rather than the instantaneous online communication platforms we use today. This would add an intriguing layer of challenge, as players would potentially meet up in arcades or at home parties to engage in their space sabotage. Strategy discussions and suspicions would be exchanged in breathy whispers or through the static-laden telephone lines—not instant text messages or quick Discord calls.

Implementing a game with such collaborative and deceitful features on an 80's platform like the Nintendo Entertainment System or the early Macintosh computers would be a remarkable technical feat. The limited memory and processing power would undoubtedly mean a simpler game, but perhaps a more socially rich one. Without the internet gaming infrastructure, players might have to huddle in groups around a single TV screen or computer monitor, making it a much more intimate and collective activity.

Consider also the cultural context: the Cold War's shadow, a fascination with space, and the advent of science fiction's golden age. These elements would swirl into the game's narrative, adding layers of thematic depth and paranoia. The Impostor wouldn't just be a game character but a reflection of the era's societal fears and fantasies. The marketing would dive into the decade's bold, flashy style with vibrant box art and engaging, if somewhat cheesy, commercial campaigns complete with stirring synth music and enthusiastic voiceovers.

Overall, "Among Us" as an 80s creation would represent a fascinating amalgamation of evolving technology, social gaming, and the decade's unique cultural vibes, creating an experience deeply different yet undeniably compelling.