Culture

The Origins of Final Fantasy

Every long-running franchise has an origin story, and Final Fantasy is no exception. This week, we discuss the creative endeavors of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his team, and how the massively influential JRPG got its start. It’s a romantic tale of dreams, fate, and a last ditch effort of a near-bankrupt company and the game that changed…

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The Rise and Fall of Visceral Games

Dead Space – a series that invigorated the survival horror franchise as much as it marked its preliminary end. We explore the story of the studio Visceral Games, how they made it big and ultimately collapsed under the weight of their creation. Shownotes The Rise and Fall of Visceral Games (Caty McCarthy) How Resident Evil 4…

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Kamon: The Origin of the Triforce

The Triforce is one of the most recognizable symbols in gaming, but did you know that it finds its origins in Japanese history? Often these symbols that pop up in video games have deep roots in history, culture, and even religion, and the Triforce is no different. Join us as we discuss the cultural history…

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10 Features That Should Be In Every Game

Have you ever encountered a feature that was so cool that you would not want to play any game without it anymore? Well, some of these are minor quality-of-life improvements, but others may fundamentally change the way we engage with video game worlds. Here’s our top 10 of these essential features!

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What does Microsoft purchasing Activision Blizzard mean for video game culture?

It is the biggest acquisition in video games so far and we are…surprised to say the least. But what does Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard actually mean for video game culture, for the way we play, and for the market of the future? Come along as we discuss limitations and possibilities. In our side…

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Learning Japanese with Video Games (with Matt/Game Gengo)

Learning any language is a lengthy and, at times, tedious endeavour. So why not make the process as fun as possible? – On his YouTube channel Game Gengo (ゲーム言語) our guest, Matt, does exactly that. Because how could learning Japanese be more fun than learning with video games? In our side quests we then review the language…

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Childhood Gaming Memories

It is time to reminisce! This week we are taking a brief breather to think back to our childhood. Join in as we get swept away by heartwarming and bittersweet tales of the past.

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The Game Awards 2021

The annual Game Awards have become a staple of video game culture. Combining an award show with high-profile announcements, musical performances, and lots of advertisements, the event is a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we dissect this year’s Game Awards, including the way it engages with the problems of the industry. In…

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How the ESRB works

Age ratings – where do they come from? What are the good for? And how accurate are they? – Come along as we venture into the workings of the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Shownotes

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PS5 Giveaway, Essential Tips and Settings

Indeed, it is true – we are giving away a brand new PS5! And for all of you who already have one or plan to get one soon we have collected some essential tips and settings. For example, did you know that the integrated microphone in the DualSense controller impacts the intensity of haptic feedback?…

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