How does Wolfenstein 3D still leave a lasting impact on players decades later? In this episode of Last Save Lounge, host Aaron “TurboHoodie” Amendola sits down with Andrew Staley, technical artist at High Voltage Studios working on Fortnite, to talk about the game he calls his all-time favorite: Wolfenstein 3D.
Released in 1992 by id Software, Wolfenstein 3D is widely recognized as one of the foundational games of the first-person shooter genre. But for Andrew, its significance goes far beyond gameplay. He shares how he was first introduced to the game by his grandfather—his Zadie—a deeply meaningful figure in his life and a veteran who fought in the war.
Aaron and Andrew explore how Wolfenstein 3D, a game rooted in World War II themes, takes on a uniquely personal dimension when experienced through the lens of Andrew’s Jewish family history. It’s a powerful reflection on memory, legacy, and the ways games can connect generations. Along the way, Andrew also talks about how those early gaming experiences shaped his path into the industry, eventually leading him to a career as a technical artist working on one of the biggest games in the world.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation about family, history, and the games that stay with us—not just because of what we play, but who we play them with.
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