JRE #427 – Cliffy B

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Cliffy B, a video game designer and former design director for Epic Games. The episode touches on a wide range of topics, from Cliffy B’s personal experiences in the gaming industry to his thoughts on the future of technology, pop culture, and even the social and political landscape.

Here are 20 major topics and deep underlying themes discussed in the podcast:

Video Games

1. The Evolution of Video Games: Cliffy B discusses the evolution of video games from his early days working on games like Unreal Tournament to the rise of esports and the emergence of VR. He reflects on how the industry has changed, highlighting the impact of technology, community building, and the shift towards more immersive experiences.
2. The Future of Gaming: Cliffy B expresses his excitement for VR technology and its potential to revolutionize gaming, imagining a future where players can fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds. He believes VR has the potential to surpass the limitations of traditional console gaming.
3. The Role of Guns in Video Games: Cliffy B acknowledges that guns are a staple in many of his games, highlighting the visceral appeal of shooting and the way it allows players to connect with the virtual world. He discusses the psychology behind this appeal and the way it translates to different gaming genres.
4. The Creative Process Behind Game Development: Cliffy B shares insights into the creative process of game development, emphasizing the importance of vision, collaboration, and community engagement. He believes that the gaming industry offers a unique space for creative expression and innovation.
5. The Business Side of Gaming: Cliffy B discusses the challenges facing the gaming industry, including the high cost of development, the pressure to meet market expectations, and the growing influence of esports. He advocates for a more sustainable approach that prioritizes community building and player engagement.

Pop Culture

1. The Nerdy Renaissance: Cliffy B discusses the cultural shift that has made being nerdy cool, attributing this change to the rise of video games, comic book movies, and the increasing acceptance of diverse interests. He reflects on how pop culture has embraced geek culture and its influence on society.
2. The Power of Nostalgia: Cliffy B talks about the nostalgia factor in pop culture and how it drives trends. He notes how things that were considered nerdy or geeky in the past are now being rediscovered and embraced by a wider audience.
3. The Impact of Social Media: Cliffy B acknowledges the impact of social media on pop culture and the way it influences trends, fan communities, and the promotion of content. He discusses the challenges of navigating online discourse and the need to be mindful of the impact of one’s words in the digital age.
4. The Power of Storytelling: Cliffy B highlights the importance of storytelling in both video games and other forms of entertainment. He believes that compelling stories have the power to connect with audiences and create lasting impressions.

Technology and Innovation

1. The Oculus Rift and VR: Cliffy B discusses the Oculus Rift and its potential to revolutionize entertainment. He believes VR technology offers a unique opportunity for immersive experiences and is excited to see how it develops in the coming years.
2. The Role of Technology in Everyday Life: Cliffy B shares his own experiences with technology, highlighting how it has become integrated into his daily life, from using smart home devices to playing video games. He reflects on the benefits and challenges of living in a technologically advanced world.
3. The Rise of 3D Printing: Cliffy B talks about the potential of 3D printing to disrupt industries and change the way we manufacture products. He discusses the potential implications of this technology for manufacturing, design, and even gun control.
4. Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age: Cliffy B expresses concerns about privacy in the digital age, particularly regarding the increasing surveillance by governments and corporations. He discusses the potential impact of this trend on individual freedoms and the importance of protecting personal data.
5. The Future of Entertainment: Cliffy B speculates on the future of entertainment, suggesting that VR technology could eventually replace traditional forms of entertainment like movies and television. He imagines a future where people will experience entertainment in a much more immersive and interactive way.

Social and Political Commentary

1. Political Polarization: Cliffy B discusses the political polarization in the United States and the rise of extreme ideologies. He expresses concern about the current political climate and the erosion of civility in public discourse.
2. The Role of Money in Politics: Cliffy B critiques the influence of money in politics and the way it distorts the political process. He advocates for a more transparent and equitable system that prioritizes the needs of the people.
3. The Future of Freedom: Cliffy B reflects on the tension between freedom and security in the digital age, questioning the extent to which governments should be allowed to monitor citizens’ activities. He expresses concern about the erosion of privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data.
4. Social Issues and Cultural Norms: Cliffy B touches on social issues like gay marriage, pornography, and cultural differences, expressing his views on these topics and the way they are reflected in society. He reflects on the importance of tolerance and understanding in a diverse world.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “If I get around starting a new game studio, I pay a programmer $75,80 in Raleigh. Like, he or she can live like a king.” – Cliffy B highlights the affordability and quality of life in Raleigh, North Carolina, as a potential hub for his new game studio.
2. “Those abs are out there, and you look at yourself when you go to the bathroom, you’re like, shit.” – Cliffy B playfully comments on the negative effects of watching too much porn, emphasizing the need to maintain a healthy mental state.
3. “If you’re gonna be culty about something, be culty about fitness, health.” – Cliffy B encourages a positive and healthy approach to fitness, acknowledging the motivational aspect of being part of a fitness community.
4. “The problem is there’s just so many of them out there. Dealing with millions of people, bound to hit a few retard.” – Cliffy B humorously acknowledges the vastness of the internet and the inevitability of encountering negative individuals.
5. “It’s like saying someone’s you know, willing to suck your dick for cocaine, and they don’t even know it’s aspirin.” – Cliffy B uses a colorful analogy to illustrate the way people are often misled by the government and corporations.