Hidden Levels Ep. 1: Mr. Boomshakalaka

Key takeaways

'Hidden Levels' explores the intersection of gaming with broader cultural themes.
NBA Jam was a landmark game that showcased the integration of sports with video gaming.
Tim Kitzrow's impactful voice acting illustrates the importance of audio in gaming.
The legacy of NBA Jam can be seen in modern gaming and sports commentary.

Summary

The Launch of Hidden Levels

In this first episode of the collaborative series 'Hidden Levels,' Ben Brock Johnson from Endless Thread and Roman Mars from 99% Invisible delve into how video games have influenced the world outside the gaming sphere. They focus on the significance of NBA Jam, the 1993 arcade classic created by Mark Turmell at Midway, during the height of Chicago Bulls' popularity.

The Magic of NBA Jam

NBA Jam debuted as a revolutionary game that captured the high-energy vibe of professional basketball with its digitized graphics featuring real NBA players' heads and fantastical gameplay. Players could become 'on fire' and perform seemingly supernatural feats. The game quickly captivated audiences, becoming a massive success.

The Voice Behind the Game

Tim Kitzrow, hired for his improvisational talent, became the iconic voice of NBA Jam, bringing energy and flair to the gameplay through catchphrases like 'Boomshakalaka!' and 'REJECTED!'. Kitzrow's voice became a staple of the gaming experience, contributing to the game's appeal and eventually leading to a lasting impact on video game voice acting.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

NBA Jam not only changed the gaming landscape but also permeated basketball culture. Its phrases entered the vernacular of the sport and influenced the way commentators approach their work today. The game reportedly made $1 billion in its first year, illustrating its staggering success and the importance of sound and voice in gaming.

Show notes

Welcome to our all-new collaborative series, "Hidden Levels," in which we team up with 99% Invisible to explore how the world of video games has impacted the world beyond. We’ll dive deep into how games are made and designed, exploring everything from the history of the joystick to the faithful recreation of nature in digital spaces.

Whether you are a lifelong gamer or have never picked up a controller, "Hidden Levels" uncovers how games have quietly changed culture, technology, and the way we see the world...starting with a '90s arcade classic.

Developer Mark Turmell worked at Midway, which was known for iconic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat. His creation of NBA Jam in 1993 pushed the company in a new direction. It debuted at the height of the Chicago Bulls' dynasty, aiming to capture the energy of professional basketball in a high-octane, over-the-top format.

The game was a hit out of the gate, captivating players with its digitized graphics (with the heads of real NBA players) and fantasy gameplay where players could become "on fire."

At the heart of the NBA Jam gaming experience was the voice of its announcer, Tim Kitzrow. Turmell and the game's sound team had realized they needed a voice that could match the game's energy and cut through the din of an arcade, without the budget for a professional NBA commentator. So they turned to Kitzrow, an improv comedian and journeyman actor, who was initially hired by Midway for pinball voiceovers — it was just a fun side gig. He had no idea that his work on NBA Jam would make such a lasting impact on the industry.

Kitzrow modeled his energetic, flamboyant delivery on NBA announcer Marv Albert, infusing it with his own ad-libbed, short, and punchy catchphrases like "REJECTED!" and the game's most famous line, "Boomshakalaka!"—which was suggested by an artist and inspired by funk group Sly and the Family Stone. The game became a monumental hit, reportedly making $1 billion in quarters in its first year, with its catchphrases entering basketball vernacular.

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Credits:

This episode of "Hidden Levels" was produced by James Parkinson, edited by Emmett FitzGerald, and mixed by Martín Gonzalez. Original music by Swan Real, Jamilah Sandoto, and Paul Vaitkus. Series theme by Swan Real and Paul Vaitkus. This story was adapted from James Parkinson’s podcast, Gameplay.

The Managing Producer for "Hidden Levels" is Chris Berube. The series was created by Ben Brock Johnson. "Hidden Levels" is a production of 99% Invisible and WBUR's Endless Thread.