For those of you who weren’t aware — this includes me, by the way, until about ten minutes ago — Axe of the Blood God is the name of US Gamer’s podcast. Not unlike our own Spam Spam Spam Humbug, their podcast is a fairly recent addition to their site; the second episode was recorded during GDC 2015 (which was held at the beginning of March).

And in that second episode, podcaster Kat Bailey had the chance to speak with Richard Garriott about Shroud of the Avatar, his game design philosophy, and the challenges that exist for a team that is trying to make an MMORPG* on a small budget.

* Yes, I know that Shroud of the Avatar isn’t really an MMORPG.

Bailey also chats with Shadowrun Chronicles producer Jan Wagner over the course of the episode’s 74 minute length, so if that game is also to your interest, do give the whole thing a listen.