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Participant Profile: Carcenomy

In this special series, we’re diving into the vibrant world of MS-DOS gaming with some of the streamers participating in Dosember, an annual celebration to celebrate the classic era of MS-DOS games. Each streamer brings a unique perspective and passion, aiming to share their amazing games with a wider audience. Through these interviews, we’re taking a look behind the scenes at the motivation, games, and community spirit that define Dosember.

Carcenomy likes to call himself a middle aged bloke who adores old computers, their games and tales. Carcenomy grew up on the Amiga and grew old with the PC, developing a love of the 80s and 90s classics and some newer stuff too! When Carcenomy is not at home streaming classics on old hardware you can find him running local LAN parties (www.fragged.net.nz), out in the shed toying with the project car or hanging out with my partner and our cat Remus.

 

How did you first hear about the Dosember event, and what inspired you to participate?

I think I first heard of it through members of the local retro community, I'd just started this whole streaming caper and the gauntlet was put down to give it a go!

 

Can you tell us a bit about the Dosember community? What makes it unique compared to other streaming events?

Thing that makes it the most unique to me is the diversity of streamers and how relaxed the whole affair is - there's no drama, just lots of folks experiencing decades of games and having a ball

 

Was there a particular person or experience that inspired you to join the community of DOS game streamers?

I don't think there was any one streamer... more seeing lots of people with the same tags doing something I wanted to do too!

 

What are some of the DOS games you’re planning to stream this year, and why did you choose them?

This year I'm looking to play through Sam and Max Hit The Road for the first time in 30 years and a zip through Secret Of Monkey Island again. Chosen because LucasArts do a pretty adventure game and often with support for esoteric sound hardware

 

Do you have a favorite MS-DOS game? If so, what makes it special to you?

Hard tie between two titles - Descent, the first DOS game I played in earnest as it was included with my computer, and Duke Nukem 3D, the first DOS game I played multiplayer.

 

Have you encountered any interesting challenges or memorable moments while preparing to stream your chosen DOS games? How have you approached them?

Due to the nature of how I stream DOS games the challenge is often not the game, it's the ageing equipment to run the games - I dig that hole for myself though! My solution has been to prep backup gear just in case

 

What’s one thing you hope viewers take away from watching your Dosember streams?

I hope they discover that there's reasons some of these games have been called timeless and are worth the revisit.

 

What’s a goal you’re setting for yourself during Dosember, whether it’s a streaming milestone, completing a game, or something else?

I'd love to actually finish Descent but I don't rate my chances!

 

Has streaming DOS games changed your perspective on gaming in general or impacted your approach to other kinds of games?

Maybe a little, it's funny when you spot where some level design tropes began

How would you encourage someone who’s never experienced MS-DOS games to tune into Dosember?

Ever hear the stories of how wild things were in the 90s? The video games reflected that too, look at the state of this!

 

Are there any moments or features in the games you’re streaming that you’re especially excited to share with viewers?

Mmm, I should have some fairly obscure old claptrap to play some of the games with this year, I'm as excited as anyone to play Monkey Island with CMS sound

 

How does Dosember help you connect with your viewers differently than your regular streams?

There's always more viewers to chat with and due to the somewhat fixed nature of the event, they know what they're going to get too

 

If you could bring any one character from a DOS game into the modern gaming world, who would it be and why?

I feel like Duke Nukem got done dirty with Duke Nukem Forever (2011) and deserves another go.

 

What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self who first played DOS games about streaming them now?

"Calm down." - younger me had an awful temper!

Thanks go out to Carcenomy for taking the time to answer a few questions for us to read here! Be sure to go and check out their streams and don't hesitate to join in with the Dosember community!

Dosember is all about celebrating the history and charm of MS-DOS games while bringing together a community of dedicated streamers and retro gaming fans. If you’re passionate about classic games or curious about the world of MS-DOS, consider tuning into the streams or even joining the Dosember community and streaming DOS games yourself!