Ep. 361 - Specdracular 2024, with merritt k
Added 2024-10-28 05:30:21 +0000 UTCWriter and game designer merritt k joins the Insert Credit panel on the most haunted podcast of the year, delving into how one really evokes fear in games, Skibidi Toilet costumes, and vampire streaming services. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.
Watch this episode with full video on YouTube
Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums
SHOW NOTES:
1: What’s the most you were ever scared by a video game? (08:34)
2: How do you scare someone in a text or turn-based game where you aren’t required to act immediately? (16:32)
3: What are the best ghosts in video games? (22:26)
4: What are some last-minute DIY video game costumes our listeners can make at home? (28:03)
5: Nineteenletterslong asks, what are the grossest looking hands in video games? (35:17)
6: Without looking anything up, what do you think the “Tails Doll” creepypasta is about? (41:23)
7: What is the The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) of video games? (45:41)
8: Merritt, have you worked on any video games with compelling narratives about awful people? (49:34)
FRIGHTENING ROUND: Dating Draculas (58:53)
Recommendations and Outro (01:09:22):
Merritt: Fledgling Manor on Steam and itch.io, Retro Game Zine Issue 001 - It Came From The Desert,
Frank: Vote, and not Republican.
Brandon: Vote for Harris regardless of whether or not you like her and her many problems, let’s get those fascists back in the ground where they belong, Hiruko the Goblin (1991), Desert Golfing
Jaffe: Consider phone banking for the Environmental Voter Project, send us your homemade Horrible Buzzers to possibly hear them in the show!
DIRTBAGS: You can submit your questions to the show using this form. And, thanks!
Comments
Scariest moment in a video game would probably be my first successful near win in PUBG. Everything came together where I was hiding in a house in a closet and hearing other playera bust in and open the doors just scared me so much I couldnt even react when they got to my door upstairs and blam. Thats why I don't play battle royales lol. scarier than any other game
feral kitten
2025-01-11 09:42:10 +0000 UTCHope everything turns out better for everyone! Long time listener and I love the show! Excited for upcoming changes.
feral kitten
2025-01-11 09:38:34 +0000 UTCThat gum I like is coming back into style?!
frankie coleman
2024-11-10 11:43:55 +0000 UTCI missed this until I saw a new co-host had been chosen! I'll listen to you all regardless of his presence! You make a nice insightful lovely show every week! Thank you so much!
frankie coleman
2024-11-10 10:41:42 +0000 UTC“Yes” to all of this.
RubenRebellion
2024-11-05 13:41:42 +0000 UTCThis episode was a good excuse to finally back IC here. Still a big fan of Tim's work but if a blow up like this was possible, something clearly wasn't working. No one should have to be uncomfortable in the place they work. I hope everyone gets what they need from this situation and here's to thousands more. Go tell Trump, go tell Biden, it's time for ....
acab brik
2024-10-30 11:36:35 +0000 UTCI will continue supporting this great podcast, thank you for your great work!👍💸
Jackson Koch
2024-10-30 01:37:15 +0000 UTCPretty disappointed that this had to be aired so publicly and accusatory.
mʌp
2024-10-29 18:39:56 +0000 UTCFirst of all, lots of love to Alex, Frank and Brandon. (And Esper!) You guys have a great thing and I'm so happy you don't intend to stop. I remember thinking you guys really stepped up the first time Tim left abruptly. I continue to look forward to new episodes every week. I've been listening for a long time. Ever since the show really came back after it's long hiatus. And I've gone through the archive and listened to probably every episode at least once. You guys helped me through janitor shifts at a restaurant during the height of Covid. Frank's comments at the beginning of this episode are well said. I felt like I was taking crazy pills pointing out Tim's declining mental health because when I see it brought up online, rabid Tim fans seem to dogpile the comments. His actions absolutely qualify as abuse and Frank is correct in his language. Among other things, saying the types of things Tim says over and over and then calling them "just a joke" is a classic form of abusive behavior. It doesn't matter if it's coming from a boss, a friend, or an employee. It's wrong. People seem to think "abuse" means you were on Jeffery Epstein's flight log. It's far more mundane and boring than that. Life is complicated and two things can be true. I hope you guys are doing well and taking care of yourselves. I also hope Tim gets to a better place. I love his work. I want to love Tim. But I feel like for the last year especially, I've been watching him self-sabotage and it hurts. Much love to the entire Insert Credit community! Hang in there guys!
Douglas Laubacher
2024-10-29 16:23:12 +0000 UTCI still think that regardless of what happened, it was very immature and unprofessional of Frank and Brandon to open the episode this way. Tim fucked up, yes but the scathing condemnation of him is incredibly inappropriate and unprofessional. They could have said “Tim is no longer on the show because of personal and professional conflicts that we feel we cannot resolve” or something along those lines, or say that Tim is no longer on the show and to see the forum for details. To accuse Tim of being abusive, toxic, unprofessional, hurtful to guests, etc is basically saying “we’ve tolerated the presence of this man for so long but this is it, he is a terrible person and we won’t discuss it further” which is a huge accusation to make to eighty to a hundred thousand listeners. The message seems to say Tim is bad and you should not support him
TJ B
2024-10-29 11:10:04 +0000 UTCLots of love to everyone at Insert Credit. You have all kept me company during busy nights and new episodes are a treasure each week. This past year alone has been some of the most fun and unique material you have created and has been a delight to listen to. Brandon, Frank, Alex, Esper - you're all great and going to continue to be great. Looking forward to what else you're all planning. ––––––––––– Heck yeah, Merritt! Always a joy to have her on Have to echo Brandon's choice on SH2. First time playing through that is still the most a game has scared me. It scared me so much I dressed as James for Halloween that year, and Frank is 100% right about the costume part haha The most REAL fear I ever had around games was the concern over my 360 overheating and leading to a red ring. Spent so much time trying to baby the thing while playing Dead Rising and stuff that would tax it... Never happened, so success? Wishlisted and voted! Let's make it happen
Dustin Reno
2024-10-29 06:50:14 +0000 UTCSpeaking personally, I always chafed against Tim’s more abrasive “I’m better than this” jokes type jokes. I wrote it off as self-deprecating diva role play, but I only gave that benefit-of-the-doubt at the co-hosts’ insistence that it was all in fun and that they were all still friends at the end of the day. Franks’ comments seem to reveal that I should have listened to my feelings, and that Tim’s jabs didn’t come with some kind of after care or reparation- no checking in. He was just kinda saying the sort of mean stuff that make you lose patience with someone over time. At least that’s my assessment based on what little information is available. I wish if words like “unprofessional, toxic and abusive” were going to be used, then the exact nature of said abuse would have been addressed in less vague terms. I’m over here wondering like… did he say something racist or sexist or similarly fucked up? Happy to learn that probably wasn’t the case, but at the same time it calls into question my own ongoing support of Tim- I don’t wanna support no abusers, especially based on kinda-flippant clarifications made on way less public Discord posts. I fully understand neither party owes us a clear explanation and I honestly felt a little dirty jumping to Discord for more info. Posting this comment here for the same reason- to selfishly soothe the parasocial dread. Hope everyone is doin’ okay. Excited to see what’s next even if things feel kinda bad rn.
MC Griffin
2024-10-29 03:05:29 +0000 UTCAiring grievances to 100,000 strangers with harsh accusations of abuse is not the way to react to it. Very unprofessional all around
TJ B
2024-10-29 01:06:12 +0000 UTCAdults are responsible for their words and communication, whether they be in text or spoken. Part of being an adult is making sure when you communicate that there isn't space for massive misunderstanding, especially over text where you don't have the cushion of non-verbal context. If somebody puts something out there and it doesn't land as intended, the sending party is responsible for the failure to communicate effectively. These are core skills for remote work in 2024, period.
Lucas Harper
2024-10-29 00:26:57 +0000 UTCIt was definitely a gut-punch of an announcement, to say the least. I'm not in the room with you guys, and I have little interest in taking a parasocial stance. I am, however, awfully sorry to hear about deteriorating friendships in either direction. I appreciate the work y'all do, and I wish for nothing but the best for everyone. Especially Jaffe, as I'm the most unsure about his feelings in all this. Not my business to know, of course. Just thinkin' about him is all.
Caleb Kirkland
2024-10-29 00:03:15 +0000 UTCJust wanted to chime in that I've been a non-contributing listener for *way* too long, and Frank's bit about generative creative prospects for the show going forward was exactly what i wanted to hear from some of my favorite internet personalities in a charged moment of flux. Sorry it took so long to sign up, love what ya'll do, excited for the future.
Lucas Harper
2024-10-28 23:34:44 +0000 UTCI also read some discomfort in the room with some of the more abrasive jokes like how Tim's podcast was going to be so much better than this one. I wrote it off as some gentle ribbing between friends, but I also felt that if your joke comes across mean spirited, maybe it's best unsaid. I also saw the Discord message. Friendly and considerate communication isn't that hard. Frank's bit about being authentic really does say it all. I started listening to the show to get more Tim content and stuck around because I like all the hosts for what they bring. Glad to hear it'll be sticking around. I value Insert Credit as a safe space run by people who give a shit. Hopefully everyone can stay civil through a "drama" that really doesn't need to be a whole thing.
Psinuxi
2024-10-28 22:47:45 +0000 UTCTo clarity, I don't think tim would have minded something like having the 4k version in the description since he did say the link could be shared freely, but the video did have his face on the front for 90% of it, and insert credit videos normally have their own editing process taking footage from World of Longplays and other similar sources.
Chungo
2024-10-28 22:37:37 +0000 UTCJust to clarify on this point (we haven't been contacted about it) - if it's a sequential insert credit episode, it should be on the insert credit channel, otherwise it would be "missing." There was no discussion about it one way or another, we just put it on the channel because that's where all the episodes are.
insert credit
2024-10-28 22:26:39 +0000 UTCYou guys mean the world to me every week. You’ve got incredible content and even more incredible guests. Don’t let that horrible shit said to yall let you guys lose steam. I just upped my sub from $3 to $5 a month. I believe in Insert Credit. Keep up the good work. I’m so so sorry about what happened. And thank you for being transparent.
Zack Daigle
2024-10-28 21:36:11 +0000 UTCI've been a listener and backer of Insert Credit since I found it back in 2022 (2021?) to hear more Tim Rogers takes -- but yea I had hoped his occasionally thinly veiled contempt for other panelists was somehow okay within the context of longtime friends. Seems it wasn't, and so I'm glad the rest of the show continues without him. Too often everyone on a team has to endure toxic behavior by some 'star' player, when really the team would be better off with anyone else, if it meant everyone was happy. I myself left a job of nearly 7 years this summer because of an intolerable situation with just such a person.
Mike Myers
2024-10-28 19:41:24 +0000 UTCUgh :( Quick thoughts: 1. I don’t think “jokes” about not being someone’s friend or not liking someone are funny when they’re about a real friendship! I don’t get what’s supposed to be funny about it! If one of my longtime friends said they don’t like me and laughed, it would make me feel bad about myself all day! 2. A few weeks ago Brandon said that the greatest compliment he can give anything is that it inspires him to think about something else. Over the last ~5 years, nothing in my life has sparked as much curiosity in me as Insert Credit. I’m sure that sounds a little silly to the people making a funny video game podcast, but it’s true. This show means a lot to me and my friends. 3. Obviously, Tim is a big part of Insert Credit, but the 2021 episodes were still great, so I fully believe that you all will figure out the best path for the show going forward. Honestly, the only part of the show that I’m worried about staying as good are the list episodes, especially the GOTY episodes. Those have always been so good because of the way that the trio bounces off each other with their different tastes in games. I will also miss the episodes of Tim and Brandon talking about all the other games they played that year. 4. As a listener who’s been through Tim abruptly quitting the show before, I really wish he had handled it differently this time. It would be nice to have an actual farewell episode instead of just “hey, a major member of the show is gone forever!” I know this isn’t how anyone wanted it to go, I’m just venting. This sucks!
John H
2024-10-28 19:02:16 +0000 UTCSucks this happened, but happy that the pod is still going. Tim's attitude has gotten increasingly rancid since he started Action Button, and the pod is honestly better off without him at this point.
gouis
2024-10-28 17:59:16 +0000 UTCAfter seeing Tim's comments in discord, it seems like possibly everyone misinterpreted his language, which over text is much different without the diction of words spoken allowed and Frank used this opportunity to vent his personal frustrations with Tim and Brandon concurred. So yeah, uhhhh the prologue seems kinda inappropriate?
TJ B
2024-10-28 16:19:37 +0000 UTCSaddened to hear this. I’m sure it has been a tough situation behind the scenes. Rooting for you all and the future of Insert Credit!
Ben
2024-10-28 16:16:56 +0000 UTCI would be under the impression that a video labeled as IC should be in the IC channel, otherwise it should have been labeled as an AB special feature or something. But again... talking without any insights, now sure what happened there. I would say it seems weird when he put the AB patreon link (which is perfectly fine to do) but not do the same for the IC patreon.
Andres Gantov
2024-10-28 14:31:13 +0000 UTCI wonder if Tim got mad over Ash’s reaction to his film suggestion….Overall I’m not really sure the opening is really appropriate for within the episode. A written post with the episode prefixed with “So Tim’s no longer on the show, see this blog for details” I feel might have been a better way to handle it. Even with the details in a separate recording. Not sure how I feel about it opening the episode (and sort of automatically overshadowing the guest).
TJ B
2024-10-28 12:54:04 +0000 UTCHuh? Doesn’t Tim in the episode specificity suggest viewers watch the video version on the insert credit channel?
TJ B
2024-10-28 12:52:53 +0000 UTCSorry things went down like this. Honestly I have been resisting writing in here for months that although I found the podcast through Tim, I think the vibes were much better when he was gone, and that for what it's worth I would continue to support you guys without him. His attitude has been consistently terrible, he has come off as very rude and condescending, and has clearly has not wanted to be there.
Nathan Grim
2024-10-28 12:46:17 +0000 UTCAs I said on the Jason Schreier episode, "Insert Credit isn't just its hosts, it's an institution." Let's see it grow, baybeeeeeee!
Noah Mittman
2024-10-28 12:43:25 +0000 UTCIt's a bummer things went this way, but I always enjoy the episodes without Tim more anyway. He's been increasingly negative & rude on show this year. Looking forward to what's next!
Andrew Eikum
2024-10-28 11:03:33 +0000 UTCAs a fan of all parties involved, i dont think there's much to be gained by speculating. Havent seen tims stream yet (I will but i cant see how it'll change anything based on your summary) - but the IC peeps side of the relationship breakdown (temporary or otherwise), at least, is enough for me to not question their choices, even if tim was-indeed justifiably upset, sounds like he went way too far :( Hope ALL these people (Who i only know parasocially of course) do get to a place where they ALL feel understood and fairly-treated by their former/current friends/colleagues/buddies. But till then i'm gunna respect the privacy and accept i'll never know details unless they choose to share. Show still owns this week at least I mean, as long as Alt-right weirdo Vito doesnt come back lmao
Jordan Cummins
2024-10-28 09:39:52 +0000 UTCNew backer (well old backer but came back to support). Love you all. Look after yourselves, yeah
Jordan Cummins
2024-10-28 09:28:26 +0000 UTCLike others, I’ve only listened to the first few minutes but just wanted to say it’s really sad to hear what’s happened. I got into Insert Credit because of Tim, but have grown to appreciate all the panel and hope you can recover from this and continue to thrive.
Chris Orr
2024-10-28 06:48:22 +0000 UTCJust bumped up my pledge. Not quite to the next tier, but still a little bit more. Love you guys (and girls and theys) 💜
Shaneus
2024-10-28 06:28:50 +0000 UTCObviously I don't know all the details about what happened privately afterward, just seemed like a bad move.
Chungo
2024-10-28 05:49:36 +0000 UTCOnly listened a few minutes in, I do remember Tim seemed upset in his twitch stream about 360 being taken from the unlisted video and uploaded on the insert credit channel. Seems like you could have atleast asked before doing that.
Chungo
2024-10-28 05:48:21 +0000 UTC
