Welcome to Branching Factor! This podcast talks about video games from various perspectives: as players, developers, and researchers. In each episode, our host Dr. Tommy Thompson sits down with co-hosts Dr. Anne Sullivan, George Osborn, Dr. Mike Cook, and Quang as they explore the gaming world. You'll hear about how video games are made, the goings-on of the games industry, what academic research in games is all about, and much more. We also interview guests from around the world to bring you an inside look at their experiences with games. Branching Factor is brought to you by the AI and Games YouTube channel, watch episodes on AI and Games Plus, and become a Patron to support the show. Watch episodes of Branching Factor on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AIandGamesPlus Learn About AI and Games: http://www.youtube.com/@AIandGames Become an AI and Games Patron: http://www.patreon.com/ai_and_games Follow AI and Games on Twitter, Mastodon and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.