My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Andy Robertson, journalist, entrepreneur (BBC, Ludocene).
Sep 16, 2025
Andy Robertson, a veteran journalist and founder of Ludocene, explores the intersection of video games and community. He introduces Ludocene as a game recommendation platform that emphasizes human expertise over algorithms. Reflecting on nostalgic gaming memories that shaped his career, he discusses innovative titles like Flower and Journey, highlighting their emotional narratives. Robertson also shares insights on integrating games into unconventional settings, promoting gaming's potential to foster inclusivity and creativity across diverse audiences.
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Handmade Recommendations Beat Pure Algorithms
- Ludocene uses human-curated links between games to surface recommendations with personality rather than relying on tags or heavy algorithms.
- Andy says five years of daily, expert-driven linking creates quirky, human-centric suggestions that reveal why players love certain play experiences.
Play Has Intrinsic Value, Not Just Metrics
- Andy argues play has intrinsic value and shouldn't be commodified into purely instrumental outcomes or supermarket aisles.
- He positions Ludocene to 'decommercialize' discovery and surface diverse games beyond industry funnels.
Expert Taste Counters Platform Herding
- Ludocene's user-driven trends differ from platform charts because they reflect niche choices and expert tastes, not only mass popularity.
- That allows underrated titles to surface instead of repeating the same viral suggestions.
