Matt James

Join Matt James, Ringer's deputy art lead, and Steve Ahlman, senior audio producer, as they explore the thrilling world of cooperative gaming. They dive into Hazelight's latest game, 'Split Fiction,' sharing honest and spoiler-free reviews while highlighting its unique blend of gameplay and storytelling. Later, director Josef Fares provides behind-the-scenes insights on creating co-op experiences and discusses the evolving landscape of gaming. From personal top couch co-op games to the emotional depth of collaboration, this conversation is packed with nostalgia and innovation.

Jomi Adeniran, a Ringer-Verse regular, shares his hype over the cinematic 'GTA VI' trailer, capturing the game's vibe and potential. Matt James, also a Ringer-Verse voice, dives into excitement about the story and characters, showcasing the game's rich narrative. Meanwhile, Steve Ahlman offers a critical lens on gameplay and cultural implications, keeping the conversation grounded. They discuss the game's delayed release and its impact on expectations and the industry, while pondering the balance between excitement and skepticism.

Matt James, Ringer's deputy art director, joins Ben to explore the thrilling world of RPGs. They dive into 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,' praising its homage to classic titles while introducing modern gameplay. The duo also discusses 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered,' reflecting on its lasting impact and the nuances between remasters and remakes. Plus, they share thoughts on the hype surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and upcoming titles like 'Grand Theft Auto VI,' highlighting the significance of marketing in gaming.

In this discussion, guest Jessica Clemons, a regular contributor known for her unique takes on fandom culture, teams up with Matt James, Deputy Art Lead at The Ringer and a Path of Exile enthusiast, to delve into the gaming horizon of 2025. They reflect on last year's gaming surprises and dissect the hype surrounding anticipated titles like 'GTA VI' and the new Switch. Their predictions cover a range of upcoming games, exploring the unpredictability of releases and the evolving landscape of gaming adaptations, igniting excitement for future innovations.

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!

Join Steve Ahlman, a keen gaming contributor, and Matt James, Ringer's Deputy Art Lead, as they discuss the end of console wars and the rise of Marvel Rivals. They share their spoiler-free insights on the challenging yet immersive travel of 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.' Later, Julianna Ress and Khal Davenport dive into 25 years of ‘The Sims,’ reflecting on its revolutionary impact on gaming culture and personal memories. From gameplay evolution to nostalgic stories, this conversation captures the essence of this iconic franchise!

Matt James, Ringer Deputy Art Lead, joins Jomi and Steve to celebrate Star Wars Day by diving into 'Tales of the Underworld.' They explore Asajj Ventress's captivating character arc, discussing the heist adventure and the complexities of villain portrayals in Star Wars. With humor, they critique recent storytelling techniques while comparing character evolutions to classic narratives. The conversation touches on the challenges of adapting animated tales into live-action formats, all while reflecting on what makes Star Wars truly resonate with fans.

Ben Lindbergh chats with Matt James, Deputy Art Lead at The Ringer, about the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling. They dive into their firsthand experiences, reactions to the features, and the design of the new console. The duo discusses concerns over the pricing strategy and its potential impact on young gamers. Exciting hands-on insights about upcoming titles like Mario Kart and Metroid Prime 4 reveal a mix of nostalgia and innovation. They also touch on the significance of exclusive games in driving Switch 2's success.

Matt James, Ringer's Deputy Art Lead, shares insights on the industry while discussing his spoiler-free thoughts on 'Avowed' and the fast-paced gameplay of 'Elden Ring Nightreign.' He and host Ben Lindbergh dive into an amusing 'franchise speed dating' segment, where they evaluate long-running series like 'Dynasty Warriors' and 'Monster Hunter.' Their lively conversation explores the joys and challenges of engaging with iconic games and critiques industry shifts, all while keeping the humor alive.

In this discussion, Matt James, the Ringer's deputy art lead and gaming expert, shares insights about the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. He and host Ben Lindbergh dive into the exciting new features and the mixed public response. They discuss the potential for enhanced gaming with mouse functionality and the anticipation surrounding Mario Kart 9, including its innovative 24-player support. The podcast explores the console's place in the gaming landscape and ponders what future updates will bring to the beloved franchise.