Podcasts about pc gaming

Email us your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠questions and topic ideas to the podcast here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.PlayStation may be pulling back from PC releases, Capcom just hit a massive Resident Evil milestone, and IO Interactive prepares for 007 First Light.This week on the Boss Rush Podcast⁠, ⁠Corey Dirrig⁠ and ⁠LeRon Dawkins⁠ discuss reports suggesting Sony is pulling back on bringing its blockbuster single-player, narrative-driven experiences to PC. They break down what this means for upcoming titles like Ghost of Yōtei and Marvel's Wolverine, why PC sales might not have met Sony's expectations, and how multiplayer live-service titles fit into the new equation. Plus, they discuss Capcom's financials as the company celebrates a massive milestone, continuing its historic record-breaking run, with the Resident Evil franchise officially clearing 200 million lifetime sales. This and more on the Boss Rush Podcast. Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boss Rush Network Community Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow the Boss Rush Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thanks for your continued support of the Boss Rush Podcast and the Boss Rush Network! If you listen on podcast services, leave us a 5 star rating and a nice review or comment. If you're listening to this episode on YouTube, subscribe to the channel, like the video, leave a comment, and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode posting. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our website for more great content⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Boss Rush and our community.

Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh? Console Gaming or PC Gaming? Anime subs or dubs? Paul, Alec, and even Larry return this week to play "This or That" with all of their favorite nerdy hobbies!

Host Devin Becker sits down with Tom Gayner, CEO of Levellr, to dig into what it actually looks like to listen to players at scale, and how to turn the constant stream of feedback from places like Discord and Reddit into usable sentiment signals. Tom breaks down how Levellr gathers and organizes that data, what teams gain when they treat social channels as a living feedback layer, and how different communities or players tend to “slant” the conversation in different ways. They also get practical about workflows (dashboards and reports vs. hands-on collaboration), how to group feedback into meaningful player personas, when proactive outreach makes sense, where social sentiment shines (and where research methods like focus groups still matter), and what the next 3–5 years of player feedback might look like as tools, and player expectations, keep evolving.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 We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik 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 episode covers the Naavik Digest newsletter published on Sunday, May 17th. This week, we conduct a focused case study within the highly competitive Merge-2 subgenre of the casual mobile F2P market, where certain Eastern developers are now consistently out-monetizing their Western counterparts while competing for the same audience pools. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/the-eastern-playbook-for-dominating-western-audiencesWant to explore working with Naavik? Shoot us a note: https://naavik.co/contact-us/ 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.

Update on our week:   Andy and Daniel discuss the Chicago White Sox and their hesitation to sign a new player in Munetaka Murakami despite him having scored over 10 home runs, with 4 being in one game alone. Here is to hoping for a continued good season for the local ball team.   Andy brings up the current JP Morgan lawsuit involving alleged sexual harassment in the workplace. The guys give their take on how this is becoming more common in the workplace often involving the wealthy and people in positions of power.   Daniel beats Assassin's Creed Origins on the PS5, and unfortunately, he did not enjoy it as much as other games within the AC franchise. Noel talks about having beat the 1st game and looking forward to a early sequels, but he has avoided some of the more recent offerings, as they have not been so well received.   Daniel has finally joined the PC Gaming community and started out his gaming journey with GTA IV, using mods that really enhance the look and feel of the game, updating the quality for the modern audience.   Andy and Daniel talk about CM Punk being involved in another incident where 911 emergency services were called. CM Punk pushed an apparent fan who was asking for an autograph which prompted the fan to call the police to press charges against CM Punk.   Noel talks about the new Resident Evil movie teaser trailer and the guys discuss how the previous adaptations have not panned out and the hope for this to be a fresh new start to a better showing for the RE franchise on film.   Noel gives an in-depth review of the new horror movie Hokum, a creepy supernatural movie set in Ireland. The horror movies of 2026 have not disappointed and this newest showing keeps the momentum going.   Article for the week:   Sony Has Global Plans For PlayStation Age Verification - Report https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-has-global-plans-for-playstation-age-verification-report/1100-6539507/ Warning: May have Strong Language and Content.   ========== Thank you to everyone who enjoys what we do.  If you like what we do, please spread the word of our show. Email questions or suggestions to ffnquestions@gmail.com ========== Follow us on TWITTER (X) https://twitter.com/FreeFormNetwork Follow us on FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557790516078 ========== Free Form Network and all our podcast are available on many platforms including STITCHER, ANDROID, IPHONE, IPAD, IPOD TOUCH and PODBEAN   IPHONE, IPAD & IPOD TOUCH http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/free-form-network/id995998853 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/0QKRhkXDmQ9cxItaiu49Vy IHEART RADIO https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-free-form-network-94075820/ TUNE IN RADIO http://tunein.com/radio/Free-Form-Network-p784190/ PLAYER FM https://player.fm/series/3326348 TUMBLR https://freeformnetworkpodcast.tumblr.com/ WORDPRESS https://freeformnetwork.wordpress.com/ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0LNZRJHyW7sQwM5ZdOCQg DEEZER https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1857582 PODCHASER https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/free-form-network-97539 PODCAST ADDICT https://podplayer.net/?podId=2920676 PANDORA https://www.pandora.com/podcast/free-form-network/PC:53088 AMAZON MUSIC https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/41213756-a9ad-46bc-8d6c-ea2d30bd2fb9/free-form-network LISTEN NOTES https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/free-form-network-free-form-network-ElG1hW2tS3v/ GOOGLE PODCAST https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2ZyZWVmb3JtbmV0d29yay9mZWVkLnhtbA PODBEAN DESKTOP http://freeformnetwork.podbean.com/ PODBEAN MOBILE http://freeformnetwork.podbean.com/mobile   ========== Free Form Radio - Episode 271- 05/17/2026 Hosted by Daniel, Andy and Noel ==========   FREE FORM NETWORK

Most premium games are treated like opening-weekend businesses: if they do not spike, studios cut losses and move on. This episode challenges that instinct. Alexandra Takei, VP of Platform Revenue at Medal, sits down with Ian Fielding, CEO of Super Evil Megacorp, to discuss how studios can build durable premium games, manage back catalogs, and survive as independent AA companies in a market that increasingly punishes the middle.The conversation traces SEMC's evolution from Vainglory and Catalyst Black to its current cross-platform, IP-driven chapter with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate and Bloodline. Ian explains why SEMC moved away from large-scale PvP free-to-play, how it operates a fully remote mid-size studio across multiple live titles, and why proprietary tech still gives the company an edge. The core case study is TMNT: Splintered Fate, which has grown years after launch through disciplined platform expansion, meaningful DLC, free updates, cross-play, bundles, and smart use of licensed IP. The episode ultimately explores a harder question: what does it take for an independent, multi-project studio to keep games alive, grow audience over time, and avoid betting the company on one giant moonshot?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/.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.

Nick and Josh are back (like for real this time. Nick and Josh both share recent podcast guest appearances. Josh catches us up on his latest platinum trophies in Final Fantasy 3 and 4. Nick finished Renanimal and talks about some games he's been playing for the GG Tribune. There's a bunch of news to catch up on as well. Finally, the boys pick a new book club game for the summer.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 May 10th, 2026. This week, we dive deep into Savvy Games Group, exploring what the Saudi Arabian gaming holding company now owns, how it's performed, and its endgame.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/inside-saudi-arabias-gaming-empireMeet with Naavik at the Nordic Game 2026: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/Jc5cl7eY 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.

Austin and Brian are chatting about Star Wars and then talking about all of the best star wars games, shows, and movies!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 331:15 - Dungeon Box Game59:30 - Game

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Julia Palatovska, Co-Founder and CEO of Dorian, to explore one of the most underappreciated shifts in entertainment: the convergence of user-generated content, interactive storytelling, and female-first fandoms. As microdrama consumption explodes globally, Julia argues that the real opportunity isn't just in passive viewing but in turning audiences into creators and stories into interactive, monetizable experiences. She breaks down how Dorian is building a no-code platform that enables creators from cosplayers to webcomic artists, to launch games, iterate in real time, and generate meaningful income through free-to-play mechanics typically reserved for professional studios.They also dive into why most UGC platforms fail to translate creation into commercial success, how Dorian shifted from volume to unit economics, and what it takes to build a true creator marketplace from scratch. Along the way, Julia challenges long-standing assumptions in gaming from the industry's blind spot around women players to the over-indexing on mechanics over narrative and shares why human-made content still outperforms AI in creator-driven ecosystems. The conversation ultimately paints a picture of a new kind of platform: one where the next billion-dollar IP for Gen Z women might not come from a studio, but from a solo creator with a laptop and a deeply engaged fandom.We'd also 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.Who's On:Guest - Julia Palatovska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palatovska/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 May 3rd, 2026. This week, we examine what direction China's gaming giants are taking following the decline of the traditional Anime-Gacha ARPG model.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/beyond-gacha-why-chinas-gaming-giants-are-pivoting-to-lifestyle-sims Meet with Naavik at the Nordic Game 2026: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/Jc5cl7eY Our most recent AI x Gaming newsletter: https://naavik.substack.com/p/kraftons-radical-ai-transformation 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 this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we dive into the growing concerns around PC gaming performance on Windows and why even Microsoft seems to be rethinking its approach. With Linux-based systems like SteamOS gaining traction, is Windows starting to lose its edge for gamers?We also cover Valve's latest Steam Controller details, including pricing, features, and what it could mean for the future of PC gaming hardware. Plus, Strauss Zelnick weighs in on pricing for Grand Theft Auto VI and what players should expect when it finally launches.And in this week's Video Game Fun Fact, Matt breaks down the fascinating story of the 3DO - a unique console platform that allowed multiple manufacturers to build their own systems, leading to one of gaming's most ambitious (and expensive) experiments.

Justin, the Birthday Boy is joined by Brian, Austin, and Stephen to talk about what's been going on lately, and the gang all plays Dungeon Box for Justin's Birthday!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 347:15 - Dungeon Box Game1:50:30 - Wrap-up

In this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Terry Lee, CEO of Fusebox Games, to unpack one of the most overlooked but powerful business models in mobile gaming: interactive fiction built on licensed IP. While much of the industry chases scale through mechanics or ads, Fusebox has quietly built a $30M+ business by turning hit TV shows like Love Island into living, evolving games with some of the highest payer conversion rates in mobile. Terry shares how the studio transformed from a one-season-per-year content cycle into a high-frequency content machine, why writing (not tech), is their true competitive moat, and how they've engineered a system where narrative, data, and monetization continuously inform each other in real time.They also explore what makes fandoms move seamlessly between TV and games, how Fusebox approaches community (including its complicated relationship with Reddit), and why the team is expanding beyond romance-driven gameplay into broader storytelling formats with IP like Big Brother and The Traitors. Along the way, Terry offers candid insights on leadership, scaling under pressure, and navigating the role of AI in creative industries - arguing that the real advantage won't come from replacing talent, but from amplifying it.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 - Terry Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lee-296a089/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.Links Mentioned:https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Sixteen-Lessons-Career-Level/dp/B0G49VV3R8

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on April 26th, 2026. This week, we dive into Unity's ongoing turnaround, the promise of Vector (its ad platform), and what comes next as AI evolves game development.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/unitys-ad-driven-turnaroundLet 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.

MSI Direct Deals: https://us.msi.com/Promotion/Deals   Find MSI Online Youtube:    / @msi_usa   FB:   / msigamingusa   IG:   / msius   Tiktok:   / msiusofficial     Amazon Resale: https://rh-go.link/Amazon-Resale Amazon MSI deals: https://rh-go.link/MSI-Laptops Best Buy Open Box: https://rh-go.link/Best-Buy Refurbed MSI Laptops from Woot: https://rh-go.link/MSI-Gaming-Laptops_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Crosshair-18_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Katana-15_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Modern-15H_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Raider-18_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Summit-E16_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Vector-16-i9-4080_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-CreatorPro-16_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Vector-16-i9-4070_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Vector-16-R9_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Raider-GE68_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Cyborg-15_Woot https://rh-go.link/MSI-Thin-15_Woot

Brian hosts our friend Jeff and they are are talking about what they've been up to and watchin lately. . . that's it. . . nothing 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 321:30 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

Is a game only worth it if you can play it forever, or is "fun" enough? This week on The Inner Gamer, we're diving into the blood-soaked, synth-wave world of John Carpenter's Toxic Commando to see if this vehicle-combat hybrid is the perfect "popcorn game" for your squad. We also head back to the Spire for an early look at Slay the Spire 2, discussing whether the controversial new balance patches are breaking the game or just making it better. Then, we revisit the stars. Three years after launch, Starfield has landed on PS5 with major updates that aim to turn a sterile galaxy into a lived-in home. We wrap things up with a heated roundtable on the "3-Hour Rule"—discussing why the gaming community needs to stop gatekeeping players who don't have 80 hours to spare. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or just someone with a massive backlog, this episode is about finding the games that actually deserve a spot on your hard drive. Show Notes: 0:58 - Housekeeping 2:55 - Toxic Commando Review: Pure, Unfiltered Co-op Joy 33:20 - Slay the Spire 2: Is the Sequel Already Better Than the Original? 1:01:40 - From Sterile to Soulful: How Starfield Found Its Heart (2026 Review) 1:33:25 - The 3-Hour Rule: When Is It OK to Quit a Game? 2:08:21 - Upcoming Video Game Releases Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server. Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop. Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

Host Devin Becker sits down with Nicolas Vizioli (Founder of Lemonade) to unpack what “AI coding for UGC in Roblox” actually looks like in practice, ranging from how Lemonade plugs into Roblox workflows to why Roblox is a uniquely interesting target compared to broader “vibe coding” for apps. Nicolas shares early results, where the product is (and isn't) competitive with Roblox's native tools, and how AI-assisted development has changed over the time he's been building in this space. They also zoom out to where AI fits across UGC platforms, what impact it's already having on Roblox creators, and what needs to happen, both technically and culturally, to reach the next phase of AI-powered UGC game development.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 We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik 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 April 19th, 2026. We examine the exploding number of mobile games made with AI, exploring how advances in generative AI and vibe coding are affecting the market and whether these additions are still just “AI slop” games.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/is-the-era-of-mobile-ai-slop-games-hereSensor Tower's Action & Strategy Report: https://sensortower.com/report/gaming-deep-dive-action-and-strategy?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=&utm_content=newsletterNaavik's AI x Gaming newsletter's first issue: https://naavik.substack.com/p/navigating-ais-execution-era-in-gaming  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 a small break to talk about a boatload of games and news. Nick is playing a bunch of games for his new satire site, GGTribune.com. Josh finished Resident Evil Requiem (Spoiler alert). We then do Josh's Physical Media Minute of Josh's new additions to his game collection. 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...

It can feel like modern game development competes to ship the best game with the smallest possible team. We constantly hear stories about breakout titles built by a handful of developers, but that narrative is often incomplete. Behind many “tiny teams” sits a much larger layer of co-development, outsourcing, and external support across engineering, art, QA, localization, and more. In this episode, host Alexandra Takei, VP at Medal, sits down with Ninel Anderson, founder and CEO of Devoted Studios, to go under the hood of that hidden layer of game development. The two unpack what co-development actually is, where the line sits between co-dev and outsourcing, and why a risk-averse market has pushed more studios toward fractional resourcing and flexible external partnerships. They also discuss a core misconception in the market: that external partners are mainly about finding cheaper labor, when in reality the real advantage often comes from better pipelines, stronger process design, and access to the right talent globally. Finally, the episode explores how Devoted thinks about staffing and capacity, and why communication training is core to the company's culture.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 April 12th, 2026. We dig into the past, present, and future of music games – exploring the nuances of licensing, mobile winners, Fortnite's music evolution, Duolingo's new focus, the upcoming launch of Stage Tour, and more.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/music-games-and-the-setlist-problem 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.

Austin, Stephen, and Brian are talking about the new Lord of the Rings news, the Ryan Coogler Animorphs show announcement, 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 346:30 - Main Discussion 1:46:30 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

Host Devin Becker sits down with Aaron Bush (Managing Partner & Co-founder of Naavik) for a grounded look at how games are using AI today, separating real production wins from the hype. They map where the industry is right now and then dig into concrete examples across the pipeline: Capcom's ideation and efficiency gains, Pearl Abyss using placeholder assets during development on Crimson Desert, Embark and Nexon's work across experiential data, coding, and voice, and Krafton's experiments with AI co-playable characters and workflow optimization. The conversation also covers the less glamorous (but high-impact) uses like Live Ops content production in mobile (story, levels, art, balance, cutscenes), automated QA like King's AI testing for Candy Crush Saga, rapid prototyping, and the broader tooling layer that's reshaping how games get made.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 April 5th, 2026. We explore Epic Game's strategic shake-up in the wake of its latest layoffs, including its reorientation on UGC creators, Fortnite's stagnation, the looming Disney IP implementation, and what else may come next.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/epics-strategic-shake-up 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 this episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Stephen Totilo, founder of Game File and a veteran games journalist with over two decades of experience across MTV News, Kotaku, and Axios to unpack how the media landscape around gaming is rapidly evolving. As traditional outlets shrink and more journalists go independent, Stephen shares what it actually looks like to build a sustainable, subscription-based publication and why he chose to bet on himself rather than join another institution. The conversation explores the shift from institutional media power to individual credibility, and how trust, audience relationships, and direct monetization are reshaping journalism in real time - while also raising new challenges for discovery, sustainability, and the next generation of reporters entering the field.Kalie and Stephen also dive into the realities of running an independent media business, from balancing reporting with entrepreneurship to navigating ethical considerations in a world where sources can also be subscribers. They discuss the growing intersection between journalism, the creator economy, and AI, including how Stephen uses AI tools for transcription and translation to unlock stories that would have previously been inaccessible, while also confronting the rise of “AI slop” in pitches and content. The episode closes with practical advice for game developers and PR professionals on how to work with modern media, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, understanding reporter incentives, and building meaningful relationships in an increasingly fragmented media ecosystem.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 - Stephen Totilo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-totilo-8208a94/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.Links Mentioned:https://www.gamefile.news/https://www.echomark.com/

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 22nd, 2026. We explore a slightly overlooked area of AI in game development: consumer research. We focus on recent studies aimed at leveraging the vast data within LLMs to replicate human behavior and how we can actually make use of these studies in a practical way. You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/llms-for-games-consumer-research 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.

Austin, Brian, and Stephen are talking about the Crimson Desert, their thoughts on Project Hail Mary, 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 326:00 - Main Discussion 1:37:00 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

Host Devin Becker sits down with Sam Aune (Gaming Analyst at Sensor Tower) to break down Sensor Tower's State of Gaming 2026 report, which covers the current mobile, console, and PC gaming landscape. The conversation spans genre-level signals and platform shifts, such as why 4X strategy bucked mobile's downward trend to what's driving PC's growth. Devin and Sam unpack recent outliers and inflection points like how creator-focused hits outperformed AAA, Battlefield 6's comeback, the rising importance of cross-platform parity for shooters, and what GTA 6 could do to the broader “social” game landscape. They close with the biggest observed behavior change from 2025 to 2026 and a grounded look at what State of Gaming 2027 might imply for teams planning for the next cycle.Read the full State of Gaming 2026 report: https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026?utm_source=naavik&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=stateofgaming&utm_content=report 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 We'd also like to thank Neon – a merchant of record with customizable webshops optimized for conversion – for making this episode possible! Neon is trusted by some of the biggest names in gaming and can help you sell direct without the typical overhead. To learn more, visit https://www.neonpay.com/?utm_source=naavik 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.

Nick and Josh are back from a small break to talk about a boatload of games and news. Shadow of the Colossus is still a flawed masterpiece. Josh has slowed down on his trophy hunt. He's also gotten back into Hollow Knight. Nick is playing High on Life 2 and liking the changes so far (there's a skateboard)! Also…layoffs, lot of layoffs.  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...

Send us Fan MailIn Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 214, we talk about what we've been playing, break down Crimson Desert and its approach to diversity, and discuss the current state of the PC gaming market. We also dive into Jeff Kaplan's comments about Blizzard and game development, before wrapping things up with our reactions to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer.If you're into gaming, industry talk, and a bit of hype, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Timestamps00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping00:53 – Games We've Played16:35 – Crimson Desert and Its Diversity30:41 – The PC Gaming Market Continues to Get Worse42:14 – Jeff Kaplan Talks Blizzard & Game Development1:00:10 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer Reactions1:15:28 – Outro#SpectatorMode #GamingPodcast #CrimsonDesert #PCGaming #JeffKaplan #Blizzard #SpiderMan #GamingNews #TheOuterhavenSupport 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

We've got lots to talk about on the latest episode of Downshift! The 2026 Season 2 build has all sorts of excitement for racers of all types, from the addition of the NASCAR Truck Series RAM to a huge fleet of road racing refreshes on modern and vintage content alike. We also dive into iRacing Arcade, our exciting new collaboration with Original Fire Games, and catch up on the latest in esports, including the refreshed eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series format.

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 22nd, 2026. We look into the Korean games giant NCSoft's 70% acquisition in the Berlin-based cash-reward gaming platform JustPlay. We unpack what this deal — the latest in a long string of M&A — might mean for the company's future.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/ncsofts-200m-bet-on-cash-reward-gamingLet 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, Stephen, and Brian are talking about the Oscars, playing some movie related games in their honor, 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 352:00 - Main Discussion 1:46:30 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

In this special GDC episode, host Kalie Moore sits down with Tiago Correia, the Founder of Save Point, and a longtime operator and investor at the intersection of gaming, media, and technology, to unpack the biggest themes emerging from this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. They discuss the current mood across the industry, which remains cautiously optimistic but far from the exuberance of previous years. While AI dominated conversations across the conference, both note that gaming companies appear to be adopting AI more quietly than the broader tech ecosystem, in part because of the close relationship between developers and players. The conversation explores how AI is already lowering the barriers to game creation, enabling solo developers and small teams to build experiences that previously required entire studios.Kalie and Tiago also dive into the growing momentum behind user-generated content platforms like Roblox and Fortnite UEFN, which many see as one of the few clear growth stories in the current market. As traditional studios face longer development cycles and tighter funding conditions, UGC ecosystems are extending the lifespan of games and creating new opportunities for creators and IP holders alike. The episode closes with a candid look at industry sentiment, from lower attendance at GDC to changing expectations from investors, who now want to see traction and community before funding. Despite the challenges, Tiago remains optimistic that AI and new creative tools could unlock an unprecedented wave of independent creators and experimental games in the years ahead.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/.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 - Tiago Correia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagotcorreia/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.Links Mentioned:https://worldbuildersummit.com/https://omea.ai/https://iconicgames.io/https://www.lemonsound.co/https://www.story-kitchen.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonkplee/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-majority-voters-say-risks-ai-outweigh-benefits-rcna262196

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on March 8th, 2026. We take a look at the Japanese publisher Capcom, exploring how it has managed to sustain growth and success for years, and what its future might look like.You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/unpacking-capcoms-win-streak Read our new State of UGC Games report here: https://naavik.co/deep-dives/the-state-of-ugc-games-2026 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.

Justin, Stephen, and Brian are talking about all the crazy Xbox and Sony news, DCU Lanterns early thoughts, 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 325:00 - Main Discussion 1:04:00 - Game-Time/Wrap-up

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.

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

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