Gaming enthusiasts Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Justin Charity banter about their 'Elden Ring' adventures and share insights on top games of the year. They construct a top 10 list, discuss gaming challenges, and anticipate upcoming releases. The podcast explores game difficulties, industry evolution, remakes, indie gems, and memorable games of the year.

In this lively discussion, Steve Ahlman, a witty game contributor, Matt James, a creative force at The Ringer, and insightful writer Justin Charity delve into the gaming trends of 2023. They highlight both 'naughty' and 'nice' trends, from live-service failures to the shift in console exclusivity. The trio drafts their most anticipated titles for 2024, celebrating diverse genres like expansive RPGs and charming indie games. The conversation brims with humor and debate, making it a must-listen for gaming enthusiasts!

Justin Charity, a senior staff writer at The Ringer known for his keen insights into music and culture, joins to talk about Missy Elliott's monumental impact on hip-hop. They delve into her legacy, focusing on the groundbreaking nature of 'Work It' and its unforgettable lyrics. The conversation celebrates Missy's resilience, unique artistry, and revolutionary music videos. Charity also elaborates on the challenges she faced alongside Timbaland, emphasizing how their partnership transformed the genre and left an indelible mark on future artists.

Guest host Rebecca Jennings talks with Justin Charity, cultural critic and senior staff writer at The Ringer, about what it means to be dubbed a "hater" on the internet. Rebecca and Justin talk about the role of criticism and the evolving ways in which critics and fans clash online. They discuss how a bad review (or a review seen as bad) can spark a far-ranging backlash, how the meme-ified cry of "let people enjoy things" has been taken from its original context, and what — if anything — might change the dynamics between fans and critics.Host: Rebecca Jennings (@rebexxxxa), senior correspondent, VoxGuest: Justin Charity, senior staff writer, The Ringer; co-host of the Sound Only podcastReferences:  "'Hater' doesn't have to be a dirty word" by Rebecca Jennings (Vox; Jan. 18) "2022 Was the Year of the Metaverse — Until It Wasn't" by Justin Charity (The Ringer; Dec. 29, 2022) "Why Did Everyone Claim to Enjoy Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'?" by Justin Charity (Complex; Nov. 3, 2015) "Jake Paul Exposed as $2.2M Serial Crypto Scammer" by Robert D. Knight & Levy Prata (Beincrypto; Mar. 8, 2022) "Taylor Swift Super Fans Are Furious About a Good Review" by Gita Jackson (Vice; July 31, 2020) "The YouTubers are not okay" by Rebecca Jennings (Vox; May 10, 2022) "How 'let people enjoy things' became a fight against criticism" by Constance Grady (Vox; May 16, 2019) The original "let people enjoy things" webcomic, by Adam Ellis (Feb. 3, 2016) "Like This or Die" by Christian Lorenzen (Harpers; Apr. 2019) @talialichtstein on TikTok "Meet the most obsessive Bill Simmons fans online" by Luke Winkie (The Outline; Jan. 2, 2020) Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Charity, a Senior Staff Writer at The Ringer, is joined by Andy Kelly, author of "Perfect Organism: An Alien: Isolation Companion," to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of 'Alien: Isolation.' They delve into the game's legendary tension, innovative AI, and its horror legacy. Discussions also cover the revival of the 'Tomb Raider' franchise, including new projects by Netflix and Amazon. Finally, Steve Ahlman and Matt James share insights on 'Silent Hill 2' and the intriguing 'Metaphor: ReFantazio,' highlighting character development and gameplay evolution.