Nilson Carroll explores the intimacy of ROM hacking

Nilson Carroll (he/him) is an archivist, MFA student, and ROM hacker working to preserve obscure and queer internet culture. His thesis project, Video Games Have Been Queer, chronicles his history with games and the queer culture within and around them which is often ignored. We talk about his early experiences with ROM hacking, the importance of preserving digital culture, and the earnest, wondrous possibility of glitches. In closing we fawn over Anodyne 2: Return to Dust (Analgesic Productions, 2019), a game which feels too good to exist.

You can find Nilson’s games on itch and at swampbabes.

Nilson’s Inspiring Thing to Share
Anodyne 2: Return to Dust
New Private Window (Marina Kittaka)

Things Discussed
RPG Maker
Dragon Pervert
Monster Party (Human Entertainment, 1989)
Brief History of Perverted Dragon Quest ROM Hacks (Nilson Carrol, 2019)
Flashpoint (flash game archival project)
Video Games Have Always Been Queer (Bonnie Ruberg, 2019)

Kritiqal Care is produced by me, Nate Kiernan, with music by Desired. It's available on Pocket Casts, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get podcasts. If you enjoyed the show, consider sharing it with a loved one and becoming a supporter on Patreon. It means a lot.

Nilson Carrol (he/him) is an archivist, MFA student, and ROM hacker working to preserve obscure and queer internet culture. His thesis project, Video Games Have Been Queer, chronicles his history with games and the queer culture within and around them which is often ignored.