Industry Interview #033: Barry Dunne (Nintendo Impact Gaming!)
Thank you for speaking with us today. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi JP'S SWITCHMANIA and thanks for having me today. Hello to everyone reading, my name is Barry Dunne and I am a YouTuber from Ireland. I run a couple of channels, but my biggest one that I am known for is Nintendo Impact Gaming! which has over 6K Subscribers along with over 2 million channel views to date. When I am not recording for YouTube, I am either at work, with friends, or rehearsing for a stage show of some sort. I also like to do voice over for projects too and have had the chance to do some voice over for a few video games.
What was the first console and game you remember playing?
I can remember playing Donkey Kong Country when I was three years old for the Super Nintendo and I’ll never forget that moment. Outside Mario, I don’t think there’s a better way to kick off video games with Donkey Kong Country. DKC holds a dear place in my heart and will forever be one of my favorite games of all time. I truly believe the original Donkey Kong Country series is better than the one we have today (except for DKC 3, that was rubbish lol). I think the DKC 1 and 2 look amazing still to this day!
What is your fondest childhood video game memory?
I’m not sure. I’ve had many amazing video game moments that I can still think of…I could say it was playing Super Mario Galaxy for the first time on the Nintendo Wii, playing The Last Of Us Remastered on my PlayStation 4 or kicking ass in Mario Kart 64 and GoldenEye 64, but it would have to be my Dad for getting me into games. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know who else would have gotten my family into playing video games!
We meant to talk about your YouTube channel first, but we have to learn more about Odyssey Pal! As this is the first video game you are developing, what first inspired you to embark on this endeavor?
Haha, I don’t want to spoil too much on what game or games “inspired me” to make my first game, but I guess one of the factors is growing up playing games. It’s cool to see the other side of a video game, what goes into it, etc. I’ve made friends with so many developers and people in the games industry such as Grant Kirkhope and David Wise (who for me are Nintendo, so many childhood memories with their amazing music) and I hope to make friends with so many more people too!
For those who are unaware, what can you tell us about Odyssey Pals?
Like I said, I do not want to give too much away, but Odyssey Pals will kind of be based on my life. If you haven’t seen some sample artwork already of the game, please do check it out!
Is it true that you're teaming up with Ratalaika Games on this title?
Haha, if you know me so well, I think the answer is obvious…
Will this be coming for the Switch and if so, when can we expect to play it?
Cannot comment on whether it’s coming to Switch or not. Not in a negative way ,but unfortunately, plenty of amazing games are coming out and developers send me codes so they get priority first. Doing the channel on my own isn’t always easy and I must admit, there’s games I have to record that I feel is a black cloud over me as I do feel guilty for not recording or uploading yet to my channel. Realistically, I would love to get the game released this year, but no promises. I could quote Shigeru Miyomoto, but I do not want to rush my game as I would like the game to be done right if possible. I’m creating everything myself from music to graphics.
Let's learn more about your YouTube channel, Nintendo Impact Gaming! that you first started in 2014. What was it about YouTube that made you want to start creating content for it?
Nintendo Impact Gaming was created by accident actually. I studied Creative Multimedia in college and I was repeating third year of college at home. I wanted something to help pass the time and help myself be creative and make a portfolio of some sort. So I said to myself, why not make a YouTube channel and combine all my “talents” and give it a go. Fast forward a few years later, and here I am today talking to you about the channel. I really believe everything in life happens for a reason and I love what I do and hope people can see that in my content. I enjoy meeting new people and having a laugh online with other gamers and content creators.
For our readers who are learning about you for the first time today, what can they expect to find on your channel?
If you are coming to my channel for the first time, thank you for visiting and hope you subscribe too. You will see plenty of content such as Gameplay videos, some Let’s Plays, Unboxings, Podcasts with big guests such as music composers Grant Kirkhope, David Wise, voice actors such as Hailey Hayes from Life Is Strange and many more great guests, interviews and some other cool content that may interest you.
What's your favorite type of content to record?
That’s a tough question as I enjoy doing everything on the channel…probably the first looks with new games, my new Impact Direct stuff and Podcasts/Interviews.
What can your followers expect to see in 2019? Anything new?
You will see plenty more gameplay videos, unboxings, Impact Directs and I have some surprises this year that you do not want to miss!!
As a fellow Nintendo Switch fan, what are your thoughts on the system as it nears the end of its second year?
Nintendo Switch has had an amazing two years already. There’s been so many great games on the system and has over 20 million sales worldwide. I look forward to see what this year brings. I cannot wait for the new Animal Crossing!
What are you hoping for out of the Switch in the new year?
More amazing games and plenty of surprises. I really hope Nintendo gives us a proper internet browser and an updated UI too to be honest. I think it should steam some ideas from Wii U’s interface as I loved the Wii U UI; it had folders and was easy to navigate too!
What game(s) are you currently playing and what are you looking forward to?
I’m currently playing Diablo III and Starlink: Battle For Atlas (which was my personal Game Of The Year). Starlink is best played on THE Nintendo Switch and whether you are a Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or PS4 owner, I cannot recommend enough owning Starlink as the game is incredible and so much fun to play!
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us today?
Thank you for reading down this far and I hope you all can subscribe to Nintendo Impact Gaming! on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t be afraid to say hello and I’ll do my best to comment back 😊. Thanks for the interview too!
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