Post Games

Get full episode notes, links, and related materials for free at www.post.gamesGet extra-long episodes, bonus content, monthly videos, and more (plus, no ads!) at patreon.com/postgamesWelcome to Post Game’s first annual physical, in which a special guest joins me to assess the health and stability of gaming, from the creators to the players, the industry to the culture. I’ve invited one of the smartest, analytical, and forward-thinking minds in video – writer, developer, publisher, critic, analyst, and occasional voice actor Xalavier Nelson Jr. – to give video games a thorough workupBonus Patreon Prologue: The state of games 10, 20, and 30 years agoAct 1: The best of times - Why 2025 could be the golden age of video gamesAct 2: The worst of times - Why video games feel doomedBonus Patreon interview segment: Xalavier on gaming’s past, present, and futureAct 3: The news of the week, including the ghoulish mass layoffs at XboxToday's episode's act-interstitials feature music from the games of Strange Scaffold!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.

Join Jason Gastro, better known as Video Game Dunkey, a renowned YouTube critic and indie publisher, as he explores his tumultuous love/hate relationship with Death Stranding. He candidly shares his evolving perspective on the game, discussing its unique gameplay and narrative depth, as well as its unexpected pandemic foresight. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into the bizarre ideas behind Death Stranding 2 and the complexities of video game criticism, wrapped in his signature humor and insight.

Join Sarah Elmaleh, a prominent voice actor and chair of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, and Dorian Lynskey, an author exploring apocalyptic storytelling. They dive into the urgent need for AI protections in creative industries, discussing insights from the recent strike. Topics include the fine line between human creativity and AI capabilities, the potential dangers of unchecked AI, and dystopian futures that loom if society leans too heavily on technology. Their rich conversations illuminate the balance between innovation and human integrity.

AJ Fillari, co-host of dotzip and producer of Into the Aether, teams up with Frank Lantz, creator of Universal Paperclips, to delve into the fascinating intersections of AI and gaming. They discuss the thought-provoking mechanics of 'Universal Paperclips', highlighting how it mirrors societal concerns about AI's potential and risks. The conversation explores existential themes through gaming, questioning creativity and decision-making in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Their insights reveal the ethical implications of AI, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully with technology.

Kelsey Lewin, co-owner of Pink Gorilla Games and video game historian, teams up with Chris Kohler, Editorial Director at Digital Extremes and author of "Power Up." They discuss the distinctive launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, contrasting it with previous console releases. Kelsey shares insights on running a game shop during launch chaos, while Chris reflects on Nintendo's historical strategies. They also reminisce about the challenges indie shops face, market dynamics today, and the vital community connections that shape gamer experiences.

In a captivating conversation, game designer Hot Pink, known for her innovative adult games under Critical Bliss, shares insights into the explosive growth of lewd titles in modern gaming. She discusses how NSFW games have shifted from niche pastimes to mainstream attractions, fueled by evolving marketing strategies. Hot Pink also delves into the unique history of erotic games in Japan, the challenges of navigating content regulations, and the nuances of creating inclusive and engaging adult content for diverse audiences.

See the full episode notes and links at www.post.gamesThis week on Post Games, “You won the biggest award in indie games. Now what?”Act 1: The history of indie games and its biggest award, The Independent Games Festival’s Seamus McNally Grand PrizeAct 2: An interview with Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson, the latest IGF Grand Prize winners, about how post-award life changes – and stays the sameAct 3: The news of the week, including incredible and rare games you can now play in EnglishPlus: For Patreon subscribers, a bonus interview: The story of the high school kids who won the first-ever IGF Grand Prize in 1999 for Fire and Darkness. One of the game’s creators actually hopped on a call and shared what became of the team and their lost gameSubscribe to Post Games on Patreon. Keep the show alive, get tons of cool stuff, and listen to new episodes early! Next Friday: why you can't escape porn/sex/lewd games! And on Monday, June 2, the first video in the Video Game Journalism 101 series!Logo by James BarehamTheme by Mark SparlingSpecial thanks to guests Jenny Jiao Hsia, AP Thomson, and Mark FeghaliFind 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.

In this discussion, Casey Newton, founder of Platformer and co-host of The New York Times' Hard Fork, dives into the nuances of independent journalism and its significance in gaming. He reflects on his journey from traditional journalism to creating a unique platform tailored to audience needs. Casey also humorously considers the challenges of mastering game mechanics like parries while sharing personal anecdotes. The conversation wraps up with insights on fostering an engaging community of subscribers and the evolving media landscape.

Post Games will be available to everyone on May 26. Patreon subscribers will get early access to Episode 1 (and Episode 0) on Friday, May 23. Here’s a link. 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.