
Triple Click
Video games: They’re serious business! Except when they’re not serious at all. Each week on Triple Click, video game experts Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier journey into the fascinating world of games. They’ll explore hot topics in video game news and culture, answer burning listener questions, debate the pros and cons of the biggest new games, and replay old classics together.
Latest episodes

May 16, 2024 • 57min
Triple Play: Animal Well (with Russ Frushtick)
Join video game journalist Russ Frushtick, known for his insightful reviews at Polygon and co-hosting The Besties, as he dives into the delightful indie game, Animal Well. The trio discusses its clever environmental puzzles and minimalist art style, comparing it to classics like Metroid and Outer Wilds. They highlight the whimsical charm of exploring hidden areas and the joy of collaborative puzzle-solving. The conversation also touches on the fascinating themes of Naomi Klein's book, Doppelganger, enriching the gaming discourse with reflections on narrative structures.

May 9, 2024 • 52min
Xbox Mess, Helldivers Debacle, And Hades 2
Kirk is out this week, so Jason and Maddy convene to talk about a grab bag full of topics including the Xbox mess, the Helldivers 2 debacle, and two games they're really enjoying: Hades 2 and Animal Well.One More Thing:Maddy: Master ChefJason: Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver)LINKS:Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

6 snips
May 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
Is Nostalgia A Good Thing?
Jason's been playing Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a game that feels a lot like Suikoden, which made the Triple Click gang wonder: how does nostalgia impact our enjoyment of video games? Can it make games better? Worse? Both at once? Let's discuss!One More Thing:Kirk: Fiasco (Jason Morningstar)Maddy: Hades 2 technical testJason: Girls5evaLINKS:Triple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

6 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
How To Make Good Video Game Lore
When is video game lore good? When is it bad? This week, the Triple Click gang talks about Skyrim books, Elden Ring item descriptions, Destiny guns, and all the other delectable morsels of plot that exist underneath the stories of video games. One More Thing:Kirk: Heavenly Creatures (1994)Maddy: Tales of Kenzera: ZauJason: Eiyuden ChroniclesLINKS:Mossbag’s Hollow Knight Lore video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XDiWYFGGqYTriple Click LIVE in LA! Saturday, June 8, 6:30PM at the Teragram Ballroom: https://teragramballroom.com/tm-event/triple-click-podcast/Preorder Jason’s Book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725429/Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Triple Click Merch: https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

16 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
What's The Deal With: Stardew Valley
Discover the enduring charm of Stardew Valley, a beloved farming simulator still receiving updates after eight years. Learn about the game's creation, appeal, and hidden secrets. Explore the immersive fishing mechanics in video games and the balance of waiting mechanisms in Stardew Valley. Delve into problem-solving in virtual vs. real environments and get insight into the indie game Children of the Sun. Uncover the dark humor and unexpected twists in the post-apocalyptic TV show 'Fallout'.

Apr 11, 2024 • 1h 3min
Are Video Games Really A Waste Of Time?
On the 200th episode, the gang answers interesting questions like gambling in video games and if games are a waste of time. They also discuss F1 racing, Sailor Moon, and memory challenges in gaming stories.

12 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 59min
Dragon's Dogma 2 Makes Friction Fun
This podcast explores the concept of friction in video games using Dragon's Dogma 2 as an example. They discuss how friction impacts player-game interactions and satisfaction. Topics include different types of friction, combat mechanics, and player preferences. The podcast also covers indie game Secrets of Grindia and recommendations for TV shows like Girls5eva.

11 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 4min
We Seriously Can't Stop Playing Balatro
Dive into the allure of the addictive game Balatro, discussing strategic gameplay tips and banana card connections. Explore Princess Peach Showtime's charm and a murder mystery tale on an island. Get insights into Dragon's Dogma 2 with unique mechanics and emergent gameplay.

5 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 6min
How Do You Know When A Game Should Be Canceled?
Triple Click discusses the ethics of ads in video games and the decision-making process behind canceling a project. They also touch on a variety of gaming topics including Final Fantasy 7, Shogun TV show, and Dragon's Dogma 2.

5 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
Triple Play: Helldivers 2
Dive into the strategic world of Helldivers 2 with hilarious moments and unique story. Explore the gameplay mechanics, cooperative strategies, and exciting design elements. Also, anticipate the Max Fun Drive and banter about upcoming topics. Discover the real-time strategy RPG elements of Unicorn Overlord and a dark-humored movie with strange scenarios.