How We Made Top 100 - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Summary
This episode features the production team behind Kind of Funny's "Top 100 Games of All Time" live event, including Roger Percorny, Barrett Courtney, and Cameron Kennedy. They discuss the behind-the-scenes logistics of the show, such as the visual design, technical setup using OBS, and the collaborative process of creating the reveals. The group reflects on the intense production timeline, the decision to exclude certain hosts from the panel, and the technical challenges of managing a large-scale studio event.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Indeed Sponsored Jobs
Intro: Roger's last episode before wedding
Introduction of guest Cameron Kennedy
Context: Behind the scenes of Top 100
Timeline: Dealing with city issues and delays
Concept: Individual interviews for non-top 100 games
Structure: Game of the Year voting and reveal
Evolution: From casual GOTY to the 11-person team
Design: Visualizing the game reveal on the wall
Production: Camera angles and late addition of podiums
Editing: Using music and B-roll for flow
Terminology: 'Kind of Funny Game of the Year' list
Production timeline: Less than three months of work
Roles: The 'forehead of dragon' production lead
Staffing: Two-person control room setup
Technical: Using Cameron's assets as a North Star
Crisis: Roger realizes the show is falling apart
Decision: Changing the on-stage lineup to avoid leaks
Rationale: Managing five voices for 100 games
Vision: Aligning the team on the ultimate show goal
Logistics: Removing the 2,000lb wall for audience
Troubleshooting: Fixing blacked-out LED panels
Graphics: Pixel-perfect OBS scenes and pillars
Editing: Timing reveals and file organization
Testing: Using fake games to test the system
Aesthetics: Color themes for each of the five days
Simplicity: Simplifying entrances to spare the editor
Details: Pixel diodes and specific game colors
Automation: Programming the show for one-button reveals
Sponsor: AMD Ryzen graphics and battery life
Outro: Encouraging viewers to share the video
Sponsor: Indeed and hydration tips
Tech: Digital stream deck for multi-computer control
Top 20: Live announcer Lucy James and asset flow
Graphics: Essential Graphics text boxes and colors
Rehearsals: Week of tech checks and button timing
Design: Game box art feel and Superman 64 bit
Editing: Trusting Cameron with one-off animations
Vision: Comparing initial ideas to final execution
Timing: Looping the last minute of each reveal
Audience: Blocking numbers and the KF jingle
Music: Corey McMaster and the KF jingle origin
Music: MIDI files and host intro variations
Music: Sourcing tracks from past shows
Animation: Reusing old Roger animations for intros
Podiums: Pinterest mood boards and church podiums
Build: Blacktruss setup and industrial look
Connections: Learning Zowie boxes and cabling
Data: Managing resolution and lag across screens
Monitors: SDI outputs and reference screens for hosts
Placement: Deciding where to mount reference monitors
Surprises: Logistics of acceptance speeches and guests
Guests: Special presenters and VO direction
Humor: Laura's high clip and writing challenges
Delays: Mike's late PowerPoint submission
Cosplay: Finding a look-alike for the Roblox bit
Props: Sneaking in the Garfield blanket-wrapped item
Length: Surprise of the episode being under 3 hours
Incident: Mic spilling water during the live show
Comments: Viewer feedback and inspiration
Music: Hosts performing songs based on franchises
Prep: Sending B-roll briefs to hosts for 100 games
Execution: Luck and preparation in B-roll timing
Reflection: Love and work put into the final product
Conclusion: Judging personal lists and sign-off
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