Inside Nightdive Studios: Restoring Legendary Games from Code to Reality | Larry Kuperman

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl sits down with Larry Kuperman, longtime games industry executive, founding member of Nightdive Studios, and one of the industry's strongest advocates for game preservation. After more than 25 years helping publishers, developers, and studios bring both new and classic games to audiences around the world, Larry shares the lessons, stories, and philosophy that shaped an extraordinary career.

Together they explore why preserving games matters just as much as preserving books and films, the business realities behind game development, what today's developers should be doing to protect gaming history, and how storytelling, personal branding, and community can shape a lasting career. Larry also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Nightdive Studios, Atari, Stardock, and the restoration of legendary classics, along with practical advice for anyone hoping to build a future in the games industry.

• Larry's journey from healthcare to a 25+ year career in gaming
• How Nightdive Studios became the leader in game preservation
• Why preserving classic games is more important than ever
• The surprising legal challenges behind remastering old games
• The history of Atari, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and early PC gaming
• What today's developers should archive for future generations
• Why storytelling is one of the most valuable skills in game development
• Building your personal brand as a developer or creative
• Advice for indie developers pitching publishers and investors
• The future of game preservation and why it affects everyone who loves games

🔗 LinkedIn

🔗 Nightdive Studios

🔗 International Game Developers Association (IGDA): https://igda.org/

Special thanks to Larry Kuperman for sharing decades of industry knowledge, championing the preservation of gaming history, and reminding us that preserving games also means preserving the stories and people who created them.

For more conversations about game development, storytelling, animation, design, creativity, and the business of art, visit:

🌐 https://www.epicmade.net/resources/category/Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a game developer, retro gaming fan, game designer, historian, producer, or anyone passionate about the future of interactive entertainment.

Until next time,

✌️ – Carl

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