80. Visionary Publishing, Sentient Machines, and Interdimensional Mysteries with David Polfeldt

80. Visionary Publishing, Sentient Machines, and Interdimensional Mysteries with David Polfeldt

Swedish video game industry veteran David Polfeldt—former managing director at Massive Entertainment—has recently channelled some of his energy into rediscovering the youthful excitement of creativity through his science fiction writing and the creation of Lil Factory, a design-led press publishing limited-edition sci-fi/fantasy books.

In this episode, we delve into Sweden’s changing social fabric and why Malmö’s “dangerous city” reputation doesn’t match daily reality. We trace David’s 30-year path through video game development—from Stockholm’s demo scene to AAA games - and why he thinks video games still haven’t found their “Shakespeare." And we discuss Burns, his story about loneliness and machine sentience.

We also explore generative AI as NPC companions, the ethics of creating minds treated as tools, possible modes of physical expression that extradimensional beings might take in our world, and whether advanced intelligence would shepherd life rather than destroy it.

Books of his we discuss: Burns

lilfac.com

alternatefutures.substack.com

alternatefutures.co.uk

alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com

Jaksot(80)

79. Subconscious Secrets, Power Dynamics, and Spiritual Sound, with Alistair Conwell

79. Subconscious Secrets, Power Dynamics, and Spiritual Sound, with Alistair Conwell

Australian writer Alistair Conwell transforms four degrees across business and psychology, and years of transformative travel through Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent into his nove...

17 Helmi 1h 28min

78. Diversity in Policing, Tech Encroachment, and Societal Shifts, with GS Morgan

78. Diversity in Policing, Tech Encroachment, and Societal Shifts, with GS Morgan

Former chief inspector, hostage negotiator, and emergency responder GS Morgan has turned indie sci-fi creator with his debut novel, 'Kris:PR Deus Ex Homine'. In this episode, we navigate his gritty ta...

28 Tammi 1h 16min

77. Machine Intelligence, Empathy, and Ethics with Greg Woolford

77. Machine Intelligence, Empathy, and Ethics with Greg Woolford

Cybersecurity by day, author by night, Greg Woolford explores the intersection of technology and philosophy in his debut novel, The Maker's Heir, where an AI's path leads from quiet companionship to e...

22 Joulu 20251h 21min

76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space Operas, with DL Young

76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space Operas, with DL Young

DL Young is a Pushcart Prize nominee and Independent Press Award winner known for his fast-paced science fiction novels. In this episode, we delve into his latest trilogy, 'Empire and Ashes,' which we...

5 Joulu 20251h 8min

75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael Bianco

75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael Bianco

Michael Bianco has turned some his attention from engineering fruit preservation technology to crafting Orion's Seed, a pulse-pounding thriller that features an historical power struggle, ancient myst...

26 Marras 20251h 5min

74. Black Holes, Back Surgery, and Bestsellers with Paul Yantus

74. Black Holes, Back Surgery, and Bestsellers with Paul Yantus

Born out of an offhand comment post-back surgery, Paul's debut novel Black Void explores a catastrophic experiment at CERN, resulting in a technology that erases matter instantly. Paul shares his jour...

12 Marras 20251h 16min

73. Polaroids, Passion, and Pocket Universes with Tony Bible

73. Polaroids, Passion, and Pocket Universes with Tony Bible

Tony Bible shares his humble beginnings, his writing inspirations, and his love for football and role-playing games. We delve into the intriguing tale of 'The Photo Jumper,' where protagonist Allister...

29 Loka 20251h 39min