Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025

Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness) with Neal Hallford - Episode 287 - 11/24/2025

From Shane Plays Geek Talk by Shane Stacks

November 24, 2025 · 1h 28m · Episode 287

About this episode

Neal Hallford discusses his book on the history of Heroes of Might and Magic and shares insights on game design and the video game industry.

Neal Hallford joins to discuss his new book Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective. The history of HoM&M games is, in many ways, an "epic story" that tells the history of the video game industry and the related human drama in general. Since it's Neal, we also meander into other interesting things, including Planet's Edge, Betrayal at Krondor, and Dungeon Siege (including why they named Farmer "Farmer"). A game company trying to launch seven games all at the same time is probably not the wisest idea. The "box of rocks" approach to writing for games. Neal's new Planet's Edge: Fractured Empires project. Singular vision / small teams versus large teams in game design. Neal has very strong feelings on trends that have hurt the video game industry. What's the connection between Star Trek and Heroes of Might and Magic? The fine line game creators have to walk in making sequels by adding new stuff worth buying, but not changing things so much that it alienates the audience. What is the number one-selling game on GOG? Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #287 - 11/24/2025 Like what you hear? Support Shane Plays Geek Talk on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/shaneplays…

People in this episode

Host: Shane

Guest: Neal Hallford

Topics covered

  • video games
  • game design
  • interviews
  • history
  • literature

Keywords

  • Heroes of Might and Magic
  • Planet's Edge
  • Betrayal at Krondor
  • Dungeon Siege
  • video game industry trends

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Podbean, Stitcher, Heroes of Might and Magic, Planet's Edge: Fractured Empires

Books & works: Heroes of Might and Magic (and Other Goodness, Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective, Betrayal at Krondor, Dungeon Siege, Farmer, Planet's Edge: Fractured Empires, Star Trek, Heroes of Might and Magic, Shane Plays Geek Talk, Heroes of Might and Magic: 30th Anniversary Retrospective Book

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