From The Bard's Tale to Shadow Snare: A 40-Year Return to the Commodore 64 with Michael Cranford
From Retro Titans - the giants of retro and indie gaming in conversation · 01:01:56
Show by Phil Szomszor
More than 40 years after creating one of the most influential computer role-playing games of the 1980s, Michael Cranford is returning to the Commodore 64. Michael shares the story behind The Bard's Tale, from its roots in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons and his early experiments with the Apple II to working with Brian Fargo at Interplay and launching the game through Electronic Arts. He also introduces Shadow Snare, a new fantasy RPG that revives an idea first promised at the end of Maze Master in 1983. Built natively for the Commodore 64, with a PC version also planned, it brings together Michael's original ambitions with four decades of experience in game design, software development and storytelling. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ The origins of The Bard's Tale How tabletop role-playing, Tolkien and early computer adventures inspired Michael's approach to fantasy game design. 2️⃣ Creating a landmark computer RPG The story of The Bard's Tale, the thinking behind its party, magic and bard systems, and what it was like developing games in the 1980s. 3️⃣ Life after Interplay Why Michael stepped away from the games industry, pursued philosophy and built a career in software development. 4️⃣ The return of Shadow Snare How a visit to the Portland Retro Gaming Expo rekindled Michael's desire to make games and revive an idea dating back more than 40 years. 5️⃣ Developing for the Commodore 64 in 2026 How modern tools, community playtesting and a deeper focus on companions, choices and storytelling are shaping the new game. Plus, Michael takes on Games of Your Life, sharing the experiences that have shaped him as both a player and creator. 🔗 Guest links Shadow Snare: https://shadowsnare.com/ 🎙️ Credits Sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing, publisher of indie and retro games. Production: Rocket Media Voiceover: Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna The Shadow Snare details and release positioning were checked against its official site.
More episodes of Retro Titans - the giants of retro and indie gaming in conversation
More episodes
- Return to Blacktooth: The Head over Heels Sequel 37 Years in the Making with Colin Porch
- Why the Amstrad CPC Still Matters: Preserving an 8-Bit Icon with UK Amstrad Group Co-Founder Chris Green
- Evercade Community Day: Event interviews and Nexus reaction
- From Evercade to WOLF: Making Modern Game Boy Games with Shane McCafferty
- YouTube reviews and getting started on Evercade, with Crazy Burger
- Evercade origins and top games, with Sir_Top_&_Hat
- Flea and dyslexia in gaming, with Ally Low, Lowtek Games
- Making Full Void with Ali Motisi, Out Of The Bit
- Building an Evercade Community, with Ryan Andrews
- Behind the Evercade Evolution magazine with Liam Isaacs, Mark Rutland and Vaughan Anscombe
PodSearch is a free, independent podcast search engine. Read about PodSearch, the privacy policy or contact us.