Podcasts about pc gaming

Join The Full Nerd gang as they talk about the latest PC building news. In this episode the gang is joined by Jacob Freeman from Nvidia to talk about PC gaming news coming out of GDC 2026, Roman Loyola from Macworld to talk about the new MacBook Neo, and more. And of course we answer questions live! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:34 - PC Gaming at GDC 01:00:56 - MacBook Neo review 02:15:23 - Outro Check out the audio version of the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Pocket Casts and more so you can listen on the go, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the latest live episode here on YouTube! Join the PC related discussions and ask us questions on Discord: https://discord.gg/UWhjwg778a Follow the crew on X and Bluesky: @AdamPMurray @BradChacos @MorphingBall @WillSmith ============= Read PCWorld! Website: http://www.pcworld.com Newsletter: http://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/signup ============= Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Bastian Bergmann, Co-founder & COO of Solsten, about the collision between gaming and branding, and why most companies still don't know how to show up in games without feeling like an ad. With 3B+ people playing worldwide and gaming still capturing only ~5% of global ad spend, Bastian argues the opportunity isn't awareness, it's audience strategy. Kalie and Bastian break down why gaming is the only medium that truly spans every demographic, from Gen Alpha to “silver surfers,” and why brands fail when they lead with stereotypes or build empty “brand worlds” instead of experiences grounded in what players actually want.They also explore why gaming should be treated as a real conversion channel, even if measurement hasn't fully caught up yet, and how platforms like Roblox and UEFN will be pushed toward clearer attribution as more dollars move in. Bastian shares standout examples like The New York Times' games-led subscription growth and Chipotle's Roblox activations that drove real-world sales and loyalty signups. For studios and creators, the takeaway is clear: know your audience deeply, design integrations that are brand-agnostic but partnership-ready, and pitch brands with real segmentation and fit, not vague “access to gamers.” The episode closes with what's next at Solsten: Alaris, an AI tool powered by Solsten's psychological dataset, plus an upcoming API layer aimed at unlocking deeper personalization across games, matchmaking, recommendations, and advertising.We'd like to thank Neon – a global payments and e-commerce platform designed to help game publishers earn more money and gain independence from app stores – for making the episode possible. Neon's DTC platform handles everything from webshops and checkout to global payments, tax, and compliance, with full transparency and all-in pricing. Learn more:https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=Naavik-Sponsorship-General&utm_medium=Paid-Sponsorship We'd also like to thank modl.ai for making this episode possible! Using a combination of computer vision, reasoning models, and feedback loops, modl:QA+ autonomously explores builds, detects bugs, and generates actionable reports that sync directly with your existing workflows. To learn more, visit modl.ai.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - Bastian Bergmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bergmannbastian/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 8th, 2026. We look at Nexon and how the success of ARC Raiders might transform the company's future. Read our new State of UGC Games report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/the-arc-raiders-ification-of-nexonLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Send a textThis week on Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 212, we're joined by Jeff Young from Analog Stick Gaming to discuss some of the biggest topics in gaming right now.We talk about Valve's latest update on the Steam Machine, Xbox's newly revealed Project Helix gaming device, and whether PlayStation might be walking back its push into PC gaming. We also get into the growing issue of AI-written game reviews appearing in gaming journalism and the reveal of a new Sword Art Online game.Along the way, we also discuss what we've been playing this week and share our thoughts on where the industry seems to be heading.#projecthelix #nintendo #playstation #gaming #podcast #theouterhaven Timestamps:1:00 – What games we played this week24:18 – Valve gives an update on the Steam Machine release date26:08 – Nintendo sues the US Government over tariffs31:44 – Is PlayStation killing its PC gaming initiative?52:55 – Xbox reveals Project Helix, its Xbox/PC gaming device1:25:00 – AI game reviews are starting to appear in gaming journalism1:38:00 – A new Sword Art Online game, Echoes Of Aincrad Announced #pcgaming #playstation #xbox #projecthelix #nintendo #gamingpodcastSupport the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you! Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music

Brian, Stephen, and Austin are discussing Bungie's new Extraction Shooter Marathon, Crimson Desert, and more.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 346:00 - Main Discussion 1:42:00 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

This week, Zak and Aaron sit down to discuss some pretty massive changes over at Xbox, namely the retirement of long-time CEO Phil Spencer and the quiet disappearance of his heir apparent, Sarah Bond. In their place, we find Asha Sharma, a seasoned executive who most recently led Microsoft's CoreAI team.The why of it all is a bit murky at the moment, but that leaves plenty of room for speculation, with one big question at the heart of everything: what's next for Xbox as the brand navigates its new, Phil-free future?Please, enjoy.Sources:Asha Sharma named EVP and CEO, Microsoft Gaming - The Official MicrosoftBlogThe Xbox Situation Is Worse Than Microsoft Are Letting On - Bellular NewsNew Xbox CEO Responds To ‘Real Gamer,' AI Tweet Accusations - ForbesBillions of dollars later and still nobody knows what an Xbox is - The VergeCall Of Duty Lost $300 Million In Sales Due To Game Pass - Report - GameSpotBlack Ops 7 Had Call Of Duty's Worst Sales Year Ranking In The US Since 2008 - GameSpotXbox Sales Are Down 70% Year-Over-Year With PS5 Down 40% - ForbesListen to Beach Girl on SpotifyCheck Out MosscatMarket on Instagram

Nick and Josh are joined by Josh Covel from the Still Loading Podcast to talk podcasting, game collecting, and how bad Dark Souls is. The bros also share early thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem. Josh makes a good meme, Nick is playing Shadow of the Colossus with his kid, and Josh Covel takes a survey to help the viewers determine how much of a gamer he truly is. Keep up with Josh Covel and Still Loading on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/stillloadingpodcast.comAnd online at https://www.stillloadingpodcast.com/In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut... 

This month, we welcomed back guest Chris Geddes to sat down to discuss the current state of PC gaming, revolving around Valves latest attempt to dive into the console market with their Steam Machine at what feels like a precarious time in PC gaming. All due to the current memory shortage being accelerated by AI data center construction. 00:00 - 03:06 Intro 03:07 - 43:40 What are we watching/playing 43:41 - 1:43:22 Main Topic 1:43:23 - 1:44:19 Outro Hosts: Chris Trio & Anthony Ragucci Join our community! https://discord.gg/sTwgsXYGwc Watch us live on twitch at https://twitch.tv/delconerdnetwork Follow Us! https://linktr.ee/delconerds Intro and Outro Music by Alex Rome. https://www.youtube.com/AlexRome Lower Thirds By Alejandro Hernandez https://alejandrojhernandez.com Table by House of Me https://www.instagram.com/athomewithelm/ https://www.athomewithelm.com/

A new breed of “micro-indie” publisher is emerging: teams that fund sub-$200K games, ship fast, and treat releases like a portfolio. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, VP at Medal, sits down with Kirill Akimkin, founder of Polden Publishing, to unpack the world of micro indies and discovery. In 2025, they shipped almost 8 games with $800K and plan to ship 20 titles in 2026. Kirill explains that much of their developer pipeline is inbound: a Telegram-led media presence brings developers to them, and that they are more “researchers” than experts, with strict KPIs for a game's release. We discuss their genre strategy, developer strategy, and more.The conversation then turns to discovery, both outside Steam and building towards the Steam algorithm for wishlists. Kirill frames marketing as a repeatable machine: short-form content, creators, and community spikes are used to drive consistent wishlist velocity, which then feeds Steam's surfaces (Discovery Queue, Popular Upcoming, demo visibility, and post-launch recommendations) and the duo discuss case studies of Fish Hunters, Totally Secure Airport (which got 75K+ wishlists in on day), and Final Sentance. They close with questions on where discovery happens, what today's games in micro indies indicate about modern-day gamers' tastes, and the perception of AI in low-budget titles. If you are shipping a PC game on Steam this year, this is a must-listen. We'd like to thank Medal.tv for making this episode possible. If you're a PC gamer and want to clip your moments or a studio, publisher, or marketer looking to reach a high-quality gaming audience and get your game in front of the right players, check out all Medal has to offer at https://grow.medal.tv.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 1st, 2026. We provide a snippet of our new deep dive covering all things UGC gaming. We break down the latest performance of leaders like Roblox, Fortnite Creative, Overwolf, and explore other notable trends and companies. You can read the full report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Sensor Tower's State of Gaming report: https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=stateofgaming&utm_content=report Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

In our latest and sanest episode of The Game Informer Show, it's time for the crew to dodge zombies, mix herbs, and slot gemstones into strange doors. It's Resident Evil Requiem week, and everyone's been playing it in some fashion, so Marcus, Wes, Charles, and Eric spend the first half of the show talking through all of it.After the break, we get into our favorite Steam Next Fest demos, from Star Fox-alikes and Disco Elysium-alikes to a game where an egg is mightier than the gourd. And we close things out with Marcus teaching us all a little bit about wrestling, WWE 2K26, and why you should always get your athletic performer contracts in writing.The Game Informer Show is a weekly podcast covering the video game industry. Join us every Friday for chats about video game reviews, news, and exclusive reveals alongside Game Informer staff and special guests from around the industry.Jump ahead using these timestamps:00:00 - Intro04:05 - Resident Evil Requiem51:38 - Steam Next Fest Demos1:31:29 - WWE 2K26 Preview

Nick and Josh celebrate the 200th episode from the couch. In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 22nd, 2026. We explore how niche subgenres – Block, Sort, and Screw – are reshaping the mobile puzzle market.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/how-niche-subgenres-are-reshaping-the-mobile-puzzle-marketMeet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Everyone is on the pod and they are chatting about what's been going on, our current recommendations and more.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 331:00 - Main Discussion 1:23:00 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

Nick and Josh are joined by Good Playing with You's Matt Lord to talk Mio, a world with no Steam Decks, and Metal Gear Solid 4 escaping the PS3. The bros also survey Matt, to determine if he's a real gamer.  Start: 0:00Welcome Matt: 00:36Chores: 14:47What we're playing: 15:53Silent Hill f (Nick Saw all endings): 16:19Don't Stop Girlie Pop: 22:28Lil gator Gate After Dark: 25:31CS 2: 26:43Nioh Collection: 28:50RE4 Remake: 30:33Triangle Strategy: 37:23MIO: 38:50Arc Raiders: 42:10News: 51:35Good Luck Finding a Steam Deck: 51:53PS6 Held Back: 1:00:00MGS4: 1:07:12Steam Specs: 1:13:05Meme: 1:16:17Matt's Survey: 1:18:19Links: 1:39:39   Keep up with Matt and Good Playing with You on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GoodPlayingWithYou In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!  We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/  Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

Medical training is still stuck in the arcade era: expensive, basement-bound simulators and outdated software that rarely capture the real stakes of clinical decision-making. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, Studio Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Sam Glassenberg, founder of Level Ex (now part of Relevate Health), to unpack how game developers can modernize healthcare learning by truly embracing the craft of video game design, not “gamification” lipstick. The opportunity and the market here are much bigger than you might assume. Healthcare is a trillion-dollar industry in the US alone, and if you can create products that save the medical system money while also growing the $200B video game industry, that's a win-win. The conversation explores why even mediocre games outperform traditional training (the bar is shockingly low), and how live-ops principles let teams update clinical guidance fast. The pair also discusses who plays these games, and it turns out that it's not only doctors but “normal people” who have found these games on the app store. They go deep on design: mapping real clinical challenges to proven genres (diagnosis as reductive-reasoning puzzles, ventilators as rhythm games), and why domain experts often describe what's hard for residents, not what triggers adrenaline for experts, which is the source of “fun” in games. Finally, Sam breaks down the business: sponsored content by clients like Pfizer and Merck, free-to-play for doctors gameplay, and playable ads. We'd also like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 15th, 2026. We explore Turkish game development in 2026, discussing what other countries can learn from its ascent and considerations for its next era.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://naavik.co/digest/why-turkish-game-development-matters-in-2026/ Meet us at GDC 2026 by filling out this short form: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/gVDtj4UO Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Janet and Isaiah talk about their recent PC Gaming renaissance happening in the house, what sparked this interest, what games they've been playing, and what they think isin store for them in the future (GAMES). Then they talk about going to sleep. They're on a quest to find their ideal bedtime routines to get the best sleep they can and talk about what those routines are, how they try to track their sleep, and what's left for them to improve on (NOT GAMES).Poll of the Show:https://gamesandnotgames.com/pollTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:18 Catching Up10:01 Games / PC Gaming Renaissance56:58 Mixtape Preview01:05:12 Not Games / Quest for Healthier Sleep01:46:20 Poll of the Show02:00:15 OutroSend your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.comFor more Games And Not Games:YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGamesTwitch.tv/GamesAndNotGamesBlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.comTikTok, Instagram, Threads: @GamesAndNotGamesBackloggd: GamesAndNotGamesFollow the hosts:Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.socialIsaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev

Alex and Luke Talk Night City, Mainline Endings, and Never Having Dinner at Embers.Cyberpunk 2077, developed and published by CD Projekt Red, launched in December 2020 and has since completed one of the most dramatic redemption arcs in modern gaming. Set in the neon-drenched chaos of Night City, this open-world RPG blends cyberware upgrades, branching narratives, high-speed gunplay, and existential dread into one sprawling, synth-soaked package. Whether you came for Keanu Reeves, the hacking, or the moral ambiguity, this is a game that swings big and refuses to be subtle.At the time of recording, Cyberpunk 2077 holds a Metacritic score of 86 on PC and 87 on Xbox Series X. According to HowLongToBeat, the main story averages around 25 hours, with completionist runs easily stretching beyond 60+ hours depending on how deep you dive into side gigs and fixer drama. In true Low Five fashion: you can mainline it, but Night City really wants you to linger.Alex played on PC and rolled credits, seeing one of the game's endings through to completion. Luke played on Xbox Series X and is still roaming Night City — notably having never eaten at Embers. Together they unpack how the game feels post-redemption, where the writing shines, how the combat holds up, and whether the hype cycle ultimately helped or hurt the legacy.This episode is unofficially brought to you in part by fake patriotism for the Olympics.Audio Credits: “V” from Cyberpunk 2077 Original Soundtrack — composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, P.T. Adamczyk, and Paul Leonard-Morgan — © CD Projekt Red. “You Don't Know What Love Is” by Chet Baker — featured on Cyberpunk 2077 91.9 Royal Blue Radio — © respective rights holders. Original theme music owned by Low Five Gaming.Send us a Text Message! We'll respond on our next episode!Support the show​​Visit us at LowFiveGaming.com.Join the Low Five Discord!Email us at hello@lowfivegaming.com.Low Five Gaming is a Studio Low Five Production.

Josh has two more plat games in the books. He is also still liking MIO. Nick has finished Silent Hill f 4 times and is about to go through it again for the best ending. The bros make big predictions for 2026 and ponder if you can pet the coyotes in Weird West.  Start: 0:00 Chores: 17:21What we're playing: 18:35The Ascent (Plat): 18:46Cocoon (Plat): 20:45Arc Raiders Exploits: 29:50MIO: 35:04Weird West: 42:03Silent Hill f: 47:08News: 1:01:28DISCORD ID POLICY: 1:09:25Meme: 1:24:20Predictions: 1:26:36Links: 1:33:40 In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

After a volatile few months across games, tech, and public markets, it's time for a grounded check-in on where the industry actually stands. Host Devin Becker is joined by Aaron Bush (Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Naavik) to unpack the latest signals – from AAA publisher performance and what recent EA earnings suggest for big franchises like Battlefield, to Ubisoft's ongoing restructuring, studio closures, and the push to reframe its future through initiatives like Vantage Studios.Next, they dig into Roblox's continued growth and what its recent results imply, even as age-related scrutiny and safety conversations remain part of the narrative.From there, the discussion widens to the state of the console market: the early momentum around Switch 2 sales, the trajectory of Xbox hardware, and why Sony appears to be holding its ground.Devin and Aaron also look at how transmedia is shaping perception and demand, including Nintendo's recent moves and what releases like an upcoming Mario Galaxy movie – and the surprise success of Iron Lung this month – reveal about IP leverage, audience crossover, and timing.They close with addressing the market whiplash around the reveal of Google DeepMind's Genie 3, and a “buy, sell, or hold” round covering Microsoft, Krafton, AAA vs. AA, and PC gaming to highlight where near-term opportunities and risks may be emerging.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 8th, 2026. We look into Project Genie — Google's experimental AI that generates short, navigable 3D scenes — and explore the possible implications of world models for game engines and developers.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/square-enix-refutes-and-reframes Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Stephen and Austin are helping you prepare for Valentine's Day with rom-coms, chick-flicks, and more.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 345:00 - Main Discussion 1:41:00 - Wrap-up

We're back and have so much to catch up on! EA acquired, Netflix is buying Warner Bros, next-gen consoles in trouble, and the downfall of Call of Duty. The opening song is Deja Vu by Popskyy - https://popskyy.bandcamp.com/If you'd like to donate to us using PayPal, you can do so with this link. https://www.paypal.me/digitaldaysgamingIf you would like to order DDG merchandise, click below: https://teespring.com/digital-days-gamingPatreonDiscordTwitter: @DigitalDaysPodDave Twitter: @GoodDaveHuntMichael Twitter: @The1stMJCTwitch: @DigitalDaysGamingFacebook PageFacebook GroupYouTubeTikTok

Nick and Josh are both playing through MIO: Memories in Orbit. While josh is still fresh on it, Nick isn't digging the game too much as he comes to the end of the game. There's more Silent Hill F talk (Nick has beaten the game). Finally, the bros wrap up on 2026 resolutions in February.Start: 0:00 Chores: 8:35What we're playing: 10:40Battlefield 6: 10:50The Ascent and rare achievements/trophies: 12:38Weird West: 19:53MIO: 23:55Silent Hill F (SPOILERS): 31:58News: 42:25Meme: 1:07:39Resolutions: 1:09:03Links: 1:22:08 In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND! We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with David Lee, Co-founder & CEO of Nex, to unpack one of the rarest success stories in modern gaming: launching a new consumer console and winning. In a category dominated for decades by the same three players, Nex broke through by rethinking who gaming hardware is for. Often compared to Wii or Kinect, Nex's real innovation isn't motion-based play alone, but a family-first platform built around physical activity, kid safety, and parental trust. In a down year for console sales, Nex sold over 650,000 units, expanded into thousands of retail stores, and captured meaningful market share by designing specifically for families.The conversation traces Nex's nearly decade-long journey from mobile-first products to a high-stakes pivot into living-room hardware - and the leadership decisions required to make that leap under uncertainty. Kalie and David dig into why most motion-gaming platforms struggled to last, what Nex designed differently for long-term engagement, and how retail, subscriptions, and trusted IP shaped its growth. The episode closes with a look ahead to Nex's 2026 roadmap, from international expansion to connected play designed with strict family controls, and David's long-term vision for what Nex could mean to families ten or twenty years from now.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:Guest - David Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlkf/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Hey everyone, it's a new episode! This week, we are joined by Greg Moore as we talk about Anti RPGS, and then in t he secound half we talk about some new games and some PC Gaming. 

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on February 1st, 2026. We dive deep into the “fair” gacha Asian action RPGs to explore the performance of their unique monetization strategy and to see if prioritizing player fairness can lead to significant gains.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/evaluating-the-fair-gacha-games-experimentLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Brian, and Stephen are talking recent news including some talk of the next Fable game and Supergirl.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 318:00 - Main Discussion 1:00:00 - Wrap-up

Nick and Josh talk Silent Hill F so far (beware of spoilers). Josh has started Weird West. Nick is playing Highguard, and of course the internet is overreacting about it. Finally, the bros pull a list of games they're excited for in 2026.  Start: 0:00Chores: 12:20What we're playing: 13:20Silent Hill F (SPOILERS): 18:30Josh Started Weird West: 41:27Mio: 44:23Highguard: 49:25News: 1:00:15Meme: 1:18:282026 Games We're Excited For: 1:19:38Links: 1:37:43 In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 25th, 2026. We examine Square Enix's recent performance, explore what's changed since the last time we checked in on the company, and take a look at its future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/square-enix-refutes-and-reframes Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Nick and Josh are back from Game of the Year and these boys are gaming. Josh is still working on his second platinum trophy of the year with Lost Soul Aside. Nick has jumped into Silent Hill F and already thinks it's just great.In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!We have a new website! Come check it out! https://www.smashinggametime.com/Thank you to Alex Marvin Clark for our opening theme Hunt Him Down. https://soundcloud.com/lizardbeach?ut...

The PC games “gray market” isn't just a couple of shady websites. It's an economic behavior that exploits regional pricing and promotion timing to siphon revenue away from publishers. In this episode, Our host, Alexandra Takei, Director at Ruckus Games, sits down with Vadim Andreev, CEO of Rokky (and former founder of PlayKey), to unpack how retail-era code resale evolved into today's global key-arbitrage machine.Vadim breaks down two core leak points: regional price arbitrage (buying keys in cheaper markets and reselling in premium ones) and promo stockpiling (buying deep-discount keys during sales, then reselling after discounts end). He argues the damage is material: publishers can lose roughly 20 to 40% of margin to resellers, often without realizing how much of their “regional” volume is being cannibalized elsewhere.The conversation gets practical fast: why region locking is table stakes, how publishers frequently mis-bucket territories (China and New Zealand), and why Steam's price recommendations can lag real exchange rates and taxes. Rokky's pitch is a mix of distribution and defense: API-level checks (IP, identity, purchase limits), a key management dashboard, and pricing/promo optimization to close the gaps attackers exploit. The conversation ends with a discussion about Valve and their role in games distribution and the gray market and what they could do to help mitigate the problem. We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Social Media Twitter: @hard8_timesInstagram: xhard8timesPS5 Hard7timesXbox Live Hard8timesSteam ID Hard8times

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on January 18th, 2026. We look back at the mobile Match-3 and Merge genres in 2025, exploring what succeeded, what top performers do differently, and what might be important in the future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/what-leading-match-3-and-merge-games-do-differentlyLet us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Watch our episodes: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe

Austin, Brian, and Stephen are talking recent news including some awards, Lego Pokemon and all of the Doomsday teasers.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 330:00 - Main Discussion 1:12:00 - Wrap-up

It's the best show of 2026 (so far!)—the boys are back to take a look at last month's 2026 Season 1 build, featuring the ultra-popular Porsche 911 Cup (992.2), FIA Cross Car, and an exciting new fleet of tracks. We've also got a look ahead at the biggest event in sim racing, this weekend's iRacing Daytona 24, and a competitive set of esports events for the World of Outlaws, INDYCAR, and eNASCAR.

Tis the season! It's game of the year time, and that means it's time to debate the best, the worst, and the weird that made 2025! Across multiple episodes, the bros discuss some of their favorite games this year among numerous categories, with it all leading up to the top 10 games of the year.Our Intro/Outro this year is Train Covered in White by Lukrembo. Follow him here: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo Day 5 - 0:00Recap – 4:12Game of the Year – 8:55Top 10 games of the year.Thank you for listening to Game of the Year 2025!  In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!

Tis the season! It's game of the year time, and that means it's time to debate the best, the worst, and the weird that made 2025! Across multiple episodes, the bros discuss some of their favorite games this year among numerous categories, with it all leading up to the top 10 games of the year.Our Intro/Outro this year is Train Covered in White by Lukrembo. Follow him here: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo Day 4 - 0:00The New Silk Song – 2:25There has to be a new one. right?Best Noise – 21:50Who sounded the best. (We'll rework this one for next year)Song of the Year – 44:02Get those ears ready Stick with us. Day 5 is out on Friday!  In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!

Tis the season! It's game of the year time, and that means it's time to debate the best, the worst, and the weird that made 2025! Across multiple episodes, the bros discuss some of their favorite games this year among numerous categories, with it all leading up to the top 10 games of the year.Our Intro/Outro this year is Train Covered in White by Lukrembo. Follow him here: https://soundcloud.com/lukremboDay 3 - 0:00Best New Character – 2:40New Kid.Best Words – 38:55Who had the best quote?Expedition of the Year – 51:10For those who come after?Stick with us. Day 4 is out on ThursdayIn lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!

The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model is expanding beyond traditional webshops and into the world of user-generated content (UGC), especially on PC and console. In this episode, host Devin Becker is joined by Liam Wiltshire, General Manager at Tebex, to explore how the evolution of private servers, mods, and community-run experiences is shaping new monetization strategies. Liam shares the origin story of Tebex and its integration within the broader Overwolf ecosystem, highlighting how D2C strategies for games like Minecraft, Rust, and Ark differ fundamentally from those in mobile gaming.The conversation covers the nuances of player relationships in D2C models, including the absence of platform payment rails and notification systems, and how that impacts engagement and monetization design. Devin and Liam also dig into emerging e-commerce strategies such as loyalty systems and upsells, and how Tebex is bringing these tools to individual creators and modders. The episode concludes with a look at industry shifts from regulatory changes to evolving platform policies, and how studios can future-proof their monetization strategies as D2C continues to grow across platforms.We'd like to thank Heroic Labs for making this episode possible! Thousands of studios have trusted Heroic Labs to help them focus on their games and not worry about gametech or scaling for success. To learn more and reach out, visit https://heroiclabs.com/?utm_source=Naavik&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Podcast If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

Send us a textWe're back! After taking a month-long break to recharge and deal with the holidays, the crew returns to break down a few topics that matter in the gaming world.In Episode 207, we recap 2025, talk about what we're looking forward to in 2026, discuss the rising prices of PC RAM and GPUs and how it impacts PC gaming, and cover GameStop closing even more stores. Plus, we hit a few other topics too… because of course we still manage to go off the rails.But hey, that's why you love us.So yeah… welcome back!Episode 207 Timestamps00:00 – Intro 10:37 – What We Have Been Playing 17:47 – 2025 Recap 52:58 – Wishes and Plans for 2026 1:09:22 – PC Gaming just got even more expensive1:28:29 – GameStop Closing More Stores 1:37:00 – Outro#GamingPodcast #VideoGames #GamingNews #gameindustry Make sure to listen, drop a comment, and share the episode if you enjoyed it. And we want to hear from you: what topics do you want us to cover in the next episode?Support the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you! Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music

Austin and Stephen are joined again by Daniel as they are talking all about Stranger Things and the series finale! There are spoilers so pay attention to the time codes if you need to avoid.Don't forget to follow us on socials; you can find us everywhere via our link - https://lnk.bio/rXxW - Also, www.movigapodcast.comTime codes:1:00 - Top 330:00 - Main Discussion 1:06:30 - Stranger Things *SPOILERS*2:32:00 - Wrap-up2:33:00 - Super secret extra discussion (If someone reads this and comments/tags me about it in our discord, I [Lee] Will mail you a brand new copy of the board game -  Big Sur.)

Tis the season! It's game of the year time, and that means it's time to debate the best, the worst, and the weird that made 2025! Across multiple episodes, the bros discuss some of their favorite games this year among numerous categories, with it all leading up to the top 10 games of the year.Our Intro/Outro this year is Train Covered in White by Lukrembo. Follow him here: https://soundcloud.com/lukremboDay 2 - 0:00Best Box Art – 2:30All the pretty boxes.Best (and Worst) Blue Prints – 1:02:00This freaking mansion, man.Biggest Disappointment – 1:27:20We're mad and disappointed.Stick with us. Day 3 is out tomorrow!In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!

Tis the season! It's game of the year time, and that means it's time to debate the best, the worst, and the weird that made 2025! Across multiple episodes, the bros discuss some of their favorite games this year among numerous categories, with it all leading up to the top 10 games of the year.Our Intro/Outro this year is Train Covered in White by Lukrembo. Follow him here: https://soundcloud.com/lukremboDay 1 – 0:00Best Game on the Go– 9:28Best game that kept us entertained on the road, cause we're basically all iPad kids now. Best Boss Fight – 37:55There can only be one ‘Big Boss'.Game I'll Never Touch Again– 1:09:30Stick a fork in it, we're done.Stick with us. Day 2 is out tomorrow!In lieu of ratings and reviews we say … FUCK THE ALGORITHM, TELL A FRIEND!

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, Co-founders of Story Kitchen, the studio behind major game-to-screen adaptations spanning Sonic the Hedgehog, Tomb Raider, Streets of Rage, and more. We explore how transmedia is evolving in a UGC-first world, where players don't just consume IP, they shape it, and why Roblox worlds are starting to look less like “games” and more like living franchises.The conversation dives into what actually makes a game adaptable (and when it shouldn't be touched), how Story Kitchen stays aligned with developers and communities, and why they don't chase heat even when a title is exploding. Dmitri and Mike also unpack Story Kitchen's producer-first business model, the realities of timing and greenlight power in Hollywood, and what UGC creators should focus on if they ever want their worlds to travel beyond the platform.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank Lightspeed Venture Partners for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming & interactive media practice, the firm invests from an over $6.5 billion pool of early and growth-stage capital. If you're interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co.Who's On:GuestsDmitri M. Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmj619/Michael Lawrence Goldberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelgoldberg/Host - Kalie Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliemoore/ Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.

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