Post Games

Join video essayist Jacob Geller, known for his deep cultural analyses of video games, as he delves into the lasting impact of Shadow of the Colossus. They discuss how the game uniquely combines emotional weight with artistic ambition and has remained relevant for two decades. Jacob shares personal anecdotes about his first encounter with the game and how his passion for it launched his career. They also explore the moral complexities of the colossus fights and how music enhances the emotional experience, solidifying the game’s status as an artistic treasure.

Simon Carless, founder of Game Discover Co. and a guru in game discoverability, shares insights on the art of ensuring great games aren't lost in the shuffle. He discusses tracking trends with tools like Steam scanning and the role of 'vibes' in player attraction. The conversation dives into the impact of discounts on game launches, revealing their potential to boost long-term revenue but not necessarily rescue initial failures. Carless emphasizes early consulting during development and explores the balancing act between artistic vision and market demands.

Jason Schreier, a veteran video game reporter and author, dives deep into the paradox of gaming's abundance. He discusses how players enjoy a plethora of affordable games, but this overload creates headaches for developers struggling with visibility. As indie studios find it hard to stand out amid daily launches, larger publishers pivot to free-to-play models to reach wider audiences. Schreier also analyzes how platforms like Roblox shift expectations and how today's high-quality game surplus differs from past industry crashes.

Listeners dive deep into Nintendo's intriguing strategies, exploring why certain franchises are sidelined and the approach to the anticipated Switch 2. The second part features a revealing chat with a YouTuber specializing in NSFW gaming content, discussing the challenges of navigating YouTube's strict policies. Annie shares insights on creating safe spaces for sexual exploration in gaming and offers tips for those curious about venturing into adult-themed titles. The episode wraps up with industry updates and a highlight of a new demo that gamers won't want to miss.

Subscribe to the Patreon for bonus content at patreon.com/postgamesSubscribe to the free newsletter for full show notes at www.post.gamesA few months ago, NSFW games appeared to be thriving. Then came the censorship campaign. To help us understand what shifted in the culture over the summer, and where NSFW games go from here, I needed an expert on media censorship, video games, pornography, feminism, and the history of sex labor activism.Today’s guest is that unicorn. Jean Ketterling is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Studies – Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan.Act 1: The summer sexy games got bannedAct 2: The future fight against game censorshipPatreon Bonus: The gooner contingency and NSFW game recsAct 3: News of the weekPatreon Bonus: What I saw at SEGASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Shannon Loftis, a veteran video game producer and former Microsoft VP, as she reflects on her journey from the early days of Microsoft to the groundbreaking launch of Xbox. She sheds light on the evolution of gaming at Microsoft, the challenges of launching the original Xbox, and the innovative development of Kinect. Shannon also discusses the bold attempts to fuse TV with interactivity and shares insights on the industry's transformation from the 90s to today, highlighting the need for creativity in a rapidly changing landscape.

Get bonus content in every episode at patreon.com/postgamesGet full show notes in the free newsletter at www.post.gamesWhat's it like to pursue a degree in video games? And what's life like as a video game professor?This week, my guest is Aaron Trammell, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, who teaches undergraduate and graduate students about games, ranging from video games to tabletop games, the craft of design to the critique of play. Act 1: Life as a video game student Act 2: Life as a video game professor Patreon bonus: 5 new video game books to read this fall Act 3: The news of the week (Audio note: There's a little bit of audio level imbalance with my guest's recording in this episode. I was able to fix most of the issues, but it sounds just a little strange, that's why. This should be a one-off issue. Thanks for your patience!)Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get full episode notes at post.gamesGet bonus segments and episodes for $5 at patreon.com/postgamesThis week on Post Games: Act 1: The story of a video game studio in 2025 Act 2: Behind-the-scenes of A Life Well Wasted Patreon Bonus: Games and perverts Act 3: The news of the Week Find episode notes and more at www.post.games. Subscribe to the Patreon for early access to episodes, additional segments, and bonus materials at patreon.com/postgames. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delve into the chaotic journey behind adapting a beloved video game into film. Discover the hurdles the screenwriter faced with casting and tight deadlines imposed by Capcom. Learn how the pressures of Hollywood reshaped the movie's direction and marketing. Plus, explore the challenge of juggling character inclusion while trying to deliver a compelling story, leading to a pivotal career shift for the writer into directing.

In this engaging conversation, Claire Evans—lead singer of Yacht, journalist, and game designer—discusses her latest project, Blippo+, a game that channels nostalgia for 80s and 90s cable TV. She shares insights into the unique blend of full-motion video and interactive storytelling that captures the essence of channel surfing. Claire reflects on the creative process and the cultural intersections between video games and traditional television. The episode unfolds themes of innovation, collaboration, and the emotional ties to past media experiences.