Dual Comm Podcast

Season 2 of the Dual Comm podcast has arrived. We discuss the Steam Deck LCD going away, likely due to RAM shortages. We talk about giving gaming less of yourself to enjoy the hobby more, and then dig into the self-help trend flooding YouTube around hobbies. We also talk about a PC Gamer article noting that the focus of major FPS releases is shifting away from competitive play and toward more relaxed co-op experiences. We wrap by talking about dopamine sensitivity, doing things for yourself, and creating. Thanks for watching. Dual Comm Party Chat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMLyNxTXPdCKlZ9CMXkNPDMNNIKQARPd  Show Links: Welcome to the FPS Vibe Shift (PC Gamer) https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/welcome-to-the-fps-vibe-shift/  Chiral Drifter - Gaming Feels New Again (We Gave Gaming Smaller Pieces of Ourselves) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnIo2WWt848  Another video about giving gaming less of yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4LUKi62jY  Epos new blog gamer.dad https://gamer.dad  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Season 2 Begins 00:01:48 - Finishing Horizon Zero Dawn and Starting Forbidden West 00:12:46 - Steam Deck Funded by Counter-Strike Skins 00:15:47 - The End of the Steam Deck LCD 00:20:53 - Launching the gamer.dad Blog 00:22:04 - Rediscovering RSS 00:23:27 - Giving Games Less of Yourself 00:31:24 - When Intentional Gaming Becomes the Default 00:51:21 - The FPS Vibe Shift 01:10:24 - YouTube, Algorithms, and Sensationalism 01:30:16 - Doing Things Just for Yourself 01:39:30 - Dopamine Sensitivity and Overstimulation Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

Celebrate a year of gaming insights as the hosts share the show’s origin and reminisce about their favorite moments. They explore the importance of taking breaks before burnout, rediscovering joy in gaming, and the value of single-tasking. The discussion includes game recommendations, the pros of demo festivals, and how connected play can enhance enjoyment. They also delve into industry news and personal goals for the future. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and a commitment to enjoying games on one’s own terms!

Dive into the pressing issues of digital freedom and ownership. Discover why physical media is making a comeback and how to back up your PC games. Learn essential smart TV settings to protect your privacy and the motivations behind the Linux movement amidst Windows 11 frustrations. Explore the overwhelming number of games and the pitfalls of gaming as it competes with short-form video content. Finally, uncover Amazon's gaming missteps and the ongoing TimeSplitters Rewind restoration project.

Recent gaming experiences and media binges kick off the discussion. The hosts delve into how the PlayStation 5's SSD and DualSense features redefine gaming beyond just graphics. They explore the potential PR hurdles facing the PlayStation 6. The immense value of the PlayStation 4 is highlighted, emphasizing its extensive library and affordability. Nostalgia’s transformation into a meme is critically examined, alongside deep reflections on identity and emotional energy in gaming.

The hosts dive into the recent Xbox Game Pass price hike and discuss the freedom of owning physical media like Jellyfin. They explore why old games spark joy and how subscription fatigue is reshaping the gaming landscape. Personal choice in gaming gets a spotlight, as short, casual play sessions are lauded for enhancing enjoyment. Viewer comments ignite debates on game franchises and the nature of live service games, highlighting the contrast between lengthy commitments and the satisfaction of single-player experiences.

Discover the challenge of tackling Souls games and the joy found in overcoming difficulty. Explore how Steam's dominance has reshaped console gaming, leading to diminished platform uniqueness. Delve into whether gaming is truly relaxing or just another form of stimulation. Hear thoughts on the Switch 2 and the pull of FOMO, as well as reflections on different gamer identities. Finally, learn why prioritizing intrinsic fun over external rewards can lead to healthier gaming habits as adults.

Discover why our focus feels constantly challenged by distractions and the joy of doing one thing at a time. The discussion highlights the resurgence of buying physical media as a satisfying alternative to endless streaming choices. Explore the dangers of multitasking and how it leads to brain fog, while nostalgia for classic gaming like Halo 3 evokes feelings of freedom and creativity. Embrace the importance of being bored and cultivating a mindful relationship with technology to protect your attention span.

Dive into the world of gaming as the hosts reveal surprising player engagement with classics like StarCraft II and Age of Empires, challenging the idea of 'dead genres.' They discuss the flaws in $70 controllers versus more affordable options and examine the issues of disposable hardware. Discover the value of community-driven Steam reviews over mainstream sources, and hear personal tales of finding hidden gaming gems. Finally, explore the dilemma of tech FOMO while appreciating the joy of current gaming experiences, spotlighting nostalgia and intentionality in gaming choices.

The golden age of small games is officially back. In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we kick things off with Haste—a tiny game with massive heart that might just be our game of the year. We dive into why it’s such a perfect session experience, how the new Disaster Mode changes things up, and what makes it feel like a future classic. We also break down the Steam Next Fest demos and highlight our favorite upcoming indies, from VOID/BREAKER to Dead as Disco to Pipistello and the Cursed Yo-Yo. This Next Fest felt like a true renaissance for handheld-friendly, creative games that don’t waste your time—and we’re here for it. Other topics include the reveal of the Xbox ROG Ally handheld, the rise of PC handhelds and how they’re reshaping where and how we play, and why Google Search is quietly becoming unusable. We talk about what’s broken, what’s changing, and how we’re shifting our habits away from algorithm rot and back toward intentional play. Plus: the decline of live service FPS games and why Doom 2016 still looks incredible. Subscribe to @bbkdragoon @EposVox @lostsaves @NeuroSpicy.Cooking Chapters: 00:00:00 – Why Haste Is One of the Best Games of the Year 00:07:58 – Xbox’s New Handheld: ROG Ally X and What It Means 00:18:32 – Steam Next Fest Demos That Blew Us Away 00:38:51 – Game Preservation, Platform Walls, and Xbox on PlayStation 00:52:42 – Google Search Is Basically Broken Now 01:25:23 – Does Doom 2016 Actually Look Better Than The Dark Ages? Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321

Doom The Dark Ages looks great—but the way it’s being released tells us a lot about where console gaming is headed. In this episode, we share our impressions of Doom's latest entry, the physical disc controversy, and how this all ties into the growing divide between PC and console ecosystems. We also break down why PC gaming in 2025 feels smarter than ever, the slow death of physical media (and who’s to blame), Xbox’s pricing moves, Nintendo’s new Switch terms, the rise of GameCube games on PC, and the future of game development. Thanks for listening! #gaming #gamingvideos Subscribe to @EposVox and @lostsaves Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Doom The Dark Ages First Impressions 00:29:00 – Doom TDA Isn’t Really on the Disc—And That’s a Problem 00:35:00 – The Death of Physical Media Is Hurting Console Gamers 00:42:26 – Why PC Gaming Makes So Much Sense in 2025 01:10:45 – GameCube Decomp Projects Are Wild 01:14:30 – Gears of War on PS5 01:24:30 – AA & Indie Games Shine on PC Handhelds 01:30:00 – There’s Still So Much to Love in Gaming Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc