Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat

Our obsession with Tears of the Kingdom continues as we discuss what makes it so engaging, and how it masterfully avoids the pitfalls of "aimless" open world game design. We also address some of the criticism around its re-hashing of BoTW, and why that ultimately works in its favor in strange ways.Also, what's the best way to watch (and understand?) Evangelion? [This episode contains NO SPOILERS for TotK, despite our original plans! Listen without fear!]Colette's playing: TotK, Ghostlore, and Princess MakerMatt's playing: ALL TOTK ALL THE TIMEEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Colette is BACK, and her jaw remains on the floor after diving into Tears of the Kingdom. She shares her first impressions and we get serious about what makes the latest Zelda game so great.Plus, Steam's new "try it before you buy it" feature and the promising future of Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) in video games.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

[SPOILER-FREE DISCUSSION UNTIL 50:10]The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has finally arrived, and we've been playing since it dropped last night. Colette is on assignment, so fellow Zelda fanatic Jaime Carrillo joins Matt to discuss the first 3-4 hours of what may go down in history as one of the greatest video games ever made.Jaime has loved Zelda since he was a (literal) fetus, and shares the fresh and familiar mechanics that make ToTK so remarkable. He also shares the inspiration for his YouTube channel, in which he cooks recipes from video games in real life, including BoTW, Pokemon, and Paper Mario.Subscribe & Follow Jaime: https://www.youtube.com/@jammycookshttps://www.instagram.com/jammycooks89/Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is ONE WEEK AWAY. Is your body ready? What are you doing, playing, or not playing to clear your mind and calendar for May 12? Matt flies solo for this one to discuss your pre-TotK plans while Colette is on vacation.Matt's playing: GroundedEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The United Kingdom has blocked Microsoft from acquiring Activision Blizzard in a major regulatory swing, citing unfair competition in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft will appeal of course, but what actually happens if one country blocks a multi-national merger?We discuss the differences between what we (as gamers) want to happen, vs. what should happen. Also, the jaw-dropping photorealism of Unrecord, and our favorite gems from Nintendo's April Indie World Showcase. Spoiler: It was different in Japan.Colette's playing: Citizen Sleeper and V RisingMatt's playing: JellyCar Worlds and Pocket City 2Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

When Netflix first entered the games biz, many in the industry scoffed. But their partnership strategies and platform-agnostic mobile approach has shown promise. Now the news of a former Halo developer joining Netflix to create a new AAA IP has us thinking: A cross-platform, live service game on PC and consoles that's "free" to play with a Netflix login could be a massive hit — if the game is great.We discuss the shifting live service landscape, our excitement for Stardew Valley 1.6, Sega buying Angry Birbs for mere pennies, and why we must protect Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) at all costs.Colette's playing: Sun HavenMatt's playing: Minecraft DungeonsEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We all remember the video games near and dear to our nostalgic hearts. But what about the ephemeral, random boxes we picked up at the local video store when we had nothing else to play? If music and screenshots of these weird games bring back a flood of memories, you're in good company.We recount the strangest and most interesting '90s games forgotten by time, why the industry moved away from weird games, and our gratitude for the current golden age of weirdness.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The DREDGE demo caught our eye a few months back, and the full release has got its hooks (lol) in us in a serious way. We discuss how elegant, mysterious, and mechanically perfect this special game is, and why it hits all the right notes for two players with different tastes.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

It's time to discuss the controversy that has divided our great nation for far too long: Should Link's stick break after you whack it too much?On the heels of fresh gameplay for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, miniature artist and Pro Gamer Dad™ Sky Burkson returns to Chat about how Nintendo has leaned hard into the physics sandbox of its open-world sequel, and whether that's what fans really want from a Zelda game.Plus, we discuss Sky's latest epic Elden Ring paper sculpture, why AI-generated art can't compete with true fandom (yet), and how Netflix's quasi-platform gaming strategy might be paying off.Sky's playing: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion (NSO)Matt's playing: Terra Nil (Android/Netflix)Follow Sky Burkson's miniature work: https://www.instagram.com/skyburkson/Artists referenced in this episode:kevins_computer: https://www.instagram.com/kevins_computer/Party In The Front (Luis Melo): https://www.luismelo.net/Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

When "Minesweeper" and "Solitaire" were first bundled with Microsoft's Windows operating system in the early '90s, they introduced millions of people to PC gaming, many of whom had never used a mouse before. "Minesweeper" in particular became a favorite addiction of many Microsoft programmers, including Bill Gates.Kyle Orland, senior gaming editor at Ars Technica, has written an upcoming book about the legacy of the grey, tiled Roguelike that paved the way for a more robust ecosystem of PC games and eventually the Xbox brand we know today. The ubiquity of these casual pack-in games rivaled the scale of current "Candy Crush" obsessions, and also caused moral panic among business and political leaders, who decried office workers frittering away their productivity on addictive games.Kyle dives into the curious exploits that competitive Minesweepers discovered when they were finally connected to the Internet, and how Microsoft missed its chance for "Solitaire" to become the "Fortnite" of the Windows Store. He also shares stories from his early days curating a Super Mario Bros. fan site when he was 15, interviewing Shigeru Miyamoto, and why "Bubble Bobble" desperately needs a 3D reboot.Plus, we absolve Colette's guilt about giving Blizzard money for the "Diablo IV" beta and why a new Tactics + Roguelite + RPG + Tower Defense + Diabloish game has got its hooks in Matt.Pre-order Kyle's book "Minesweeper" from Boss Fight Books: https://bossfightbooks.com/products/minesweeper-by-kyle-orlandOr on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Minesweeper-31-Boss-Fight-Books/dp/B0BRSKKLGV/Kyle's playing: Bubble Bobble (Arcade Archives)Colette's playing: Diablo IV BetaMatt's playing: Salt & Sanctuary and The Last SpellEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

By day, Linda Guillory is an engineer at Texas Instruments. By night (and really, all hours!), she holds two Guinness World Records: "Largest collection of LCD video game systems," and "largest collection of playable gaming systems." In all, she has more than 3,000 and counting, and her collection has been covered by games media and collector trades around the world.Linda joins us for a really fun and fascinating Chat about how she got started, the huge role her family plays in her love of gaming, an exclusive announcement, and why we often forget about video games that existed before cartridges. Linda also shares the "White Whale" system that has slipped through her fingers more than once, and what it's like being a Black woman in a retro scene traditionally dominated by men.We also try to convince Linda, who literally owns thousands of handheld game systems, to get a Steam Deck, because REASONS. And bonus points if you remember the Commodore 64 game "Lemonade Stand."To check out Linda's collection, subscribe to her on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lindaguillory7802And follow Linda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watsonguillory/Linda's playing: Game & Clock (not Game & Watch!)Colette's playing: Travellers RestMatt's playing: Salt & Sanctuary and Whisker Squadron (Demo)Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Living in a foreign country is often cited as the best way to learn a new language. While we can't always do that, what if we could live there...virtually? We chat about some upcoming wholesome games, including one that drops you in Tokyo for an immersive language experience.Plus, the continued joys of Kirby, returning to "Eastward," and our early impressions of the highly anticipated "Sea of Stars."Games we're looking out for:Shashingo: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autumnpioneer/shashingo-a-photography-game-for-learning-japaneseInnchanted: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1369720/Innchanted/Melon Journey: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1074030/Melon_Journey_Bittersweet_Memories/Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2321470/Deep_Rock_Galactic_Survivor/Games we're playing:Eastward (Gamepass)Kirby's Return to Dreamland Deluxe (Switch)Production Chain Tycoon (Android)Finding Hannah (iOS)Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We recap the big announcements, fresh demos, and interesting teasers that caught our attention during Nintendo's massive February Direct, including the shadow drop of Metroid Prime Remastered and brand new footage of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We also dive into some of the Game Boy Advance classics offered in the new online upgrade, and share excitement for the upcoming Chrono-inspired RPG Sea of Stars.Plus, more space zombie stomping in the Dead Space remake and a harrowing tale of ambush and redemption on the Sea of Thieves.Colette's playing: Dead Space (Remake) & The Legend of Zelda: The Minish CapMatt's playing: Metroid Prime Remastered & Sea of ThievesEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

** THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED BEFORE NINTENDO'S LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS **The news was easy to miss: Activision Blizzard has settled with the SEC for $35 million, and admitted to no wrongdoing in its sexual discrimination and harassment lawsuits. So, is this the end of the story? Will anything change at the company or in the gaming industry as a whole? We discuss our disappointments and optimism.Also, Hogwarts Legacy has garnered rave reviews from nearly every major outlet, confirming that this is the Wizarding game fans have anticipated for decades. But it's not without controversy, of course. We discuss our complicated feelings around the game in a larger cultural context.Plus: Someone made the entire Legend of Zelda map in Minecraft and it is stupidly amazing.Colette's playing: Gourdlets and Deadspace (Remake)Matt's playing: Hero of Aethric & DestaEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The action-adventure rhythm game Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks shadow dropped this week, and has taken the game-o-sphere by storm. Colette shares her glowing first impressions of this very special title. Meanwhile, Matt has embarked on his new PowerWash Simulator career in the flawed but still very satisfying Switch port.Also: The Dead Space remake delivers in a world where other spiritual successors fall short.Colette's playing: Hi-Fi Rush and Dead Space (Remake) Matt's playing: PowerWash Simulator (Switch)Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We've noticed an increasing number of chill, minimalist "building" games emerge over the last few years, from Dorfromantik to Garden Galaxy, so we thought it was time to explore the rise of these "cozy builders."We trace their lineage back to the city games of yore, why they've split into a new subgenre, the difference between a "toy" and a "game," and the pure creative dopamine hits you get when setting up the perfect farm/island/city.Colette's playing: Moonstone IslandMatt's playing: IslandersEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

This week we discuss the premiere of HBO's The Last of Us TV series, and how the maturation of video game narrative over the last 40 years (as well as the craft of prestige TV adaptation) has brought us to this moment.Also, Colette's book Enter the Meta is OFFICIALLY released. Get it wherever you get books! https://amzn.to/3HbAaoxPlus, the sheer joy of wanton kaiju destruction and the legacy of the arcade classic Rampage.Colette & Matt are playing: Terror of HemasaurusEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Speed running Super Mario Bros. is a straightforward endeavor. Whoever saves the princess fastest gets the record. But what about open-ended sims, where you set your own goals?This week, we were so mesmerized by Stardew Valley speedrunners on GDQ that we had to invite them on the show. Lee (@atwentysomethingloser) and Lisa (@lichatton) are Stardew-obsessed Twitch streamers who have dissected the game to find the fastest ways to marry specific villagers, complete Community Center bundles, catch every fish, and other in-game milestones, often achieving these runs in mere hours.Their strategies involve animation canceling, min/maxing gifts, and a lot of sleep! Lee and Lisa share how they got into the wild world of speeding through one of the chillest games of all time, how it has increased their love for it, and share what else they play after thousands of hours of Stardew.Follow and subscribe to Lee and Lisa!https://www.twitch.tv/atwentysomethingloserhttps://www.twitch.tv/lichattonLee's playing: Pokémon Scarlett & Violet Lisa's playing: Lemon Cake & Don't StarveColette's playing: Core Keeper & Strange HorticultureMatt's playing: Hero of Aethric Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

It's time to look back on a year of play and discuss the games that brought us the most joy in 2022, and then yell about them! Which titles will take the crown as The Chat's Games of the Year? Only one way to find out.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We're staying as cozy as possible and carving out some post-holiday game time with some old classics and new favorites. We discuss what you've been playing, and the games at the top of our queue during this (hopefully) quiet time.Colette's playing: Old-ass PS2 games like Fatal FrameMatt's playing: Sail Forth and Sky: Children of the LightEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Epic Games settled an FTC investigation alleging it had violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting too much data on minors and tricking them into unintended purchases. Epic has not admitted to wrongdoing, but will pay a whopping $520 million to put the case to bed. So, what does this mean for the future of a games industry that has its sights set on live service games, addictive loops, and microtransactions?We discuss this, what we've been playing, and much more.Read Colette's piece on Epic vs. FTC: https://www.thestreet.com/video-games/why-epic-games-clash-with-the-ftc-wont-be-the-lastDo games have an extremism problem, and if so, who's responsible? https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/congress-calls-publishers-to-address-extremism-in-video-gamesColette's playing: Core KeeperMatt's playing: The Playdate console!Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

'Tis the season for video game announcements, trailers, and shadow drops, and nobody brought the heat like Geoff Keighley and The Game Awards. Even if you don't care about the awards themselves, you can't deny the news that broke during the show.We take a look back at the trailers that piqued our interest, and the reveals our community is most looking forward to.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The long-awaited space horror spiritual successor to Dead Space is... bad? Editorial and fan reviews alike have criticized the new release for performance issues and lackluster gameplay. But how much envelope pushing does a franchise really need if fans just want moar Dead Space in their lives?Plus, the 20-year-old free colony simulator Dwarf Fortress finally has...graphics? The game is out now on Steam for the first time ever, and it's a watershed moment for the genre it more or less created. Plus, more media theory, drama around a canceled Smash Bros. tournament, and Colette's demo-palooza continues.Colette's playing: LutoMatt's playing: Siralim UltimateEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Colette has a delightful new Steam demo to share, and Matt would like to talk to you about our Lord and Savior: Tech Trees. Plus, what YOU are playing on this fine post-Thanksgiving week.We also discuss the problems with modern social media and how we might make the Internet a better place for communities and fandoms.Colette's playing: Garden Galaxy (Demo)Matt's playing: Graveyard KeeperEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We dive into the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet hype (with help from our community), and explore the fine line between franchise innovation and video game comfort food.We also catch up on the Early Access roadblocks of Coral Island, what's the deal with A Little to the Left, and the polygonal pet sim hellscape that is: Wobbledogs.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The New York Times has been a gaming company for decades, yet most crossword and puzzle fans don't consider themselves "gamers." This conversation shifted a bit when the Times purchased Internet sensation Wordle in January.Jeff Petriello is a producer at NY Times Games, a digital media vet, and game design professor at New York University. He joins us to discuss how bundling games into subscription services like NYT, Netflix, and Gamepass are changing the perceptions and study of play. He also shares how he guides game design students without hindering their self-expression, why controller input standardization is awesome but creatively limiting, and his current obsession with tabletop monstrosity Gloomhaven.Follow Jeff to keep up with his work: https://www.thebeff.com/Jeff's playing: Gloomhaven (tabletop)Colette's playing: The Chant & more Coral IslandMatt's playing: Tactics Ogre: RebornEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Nintendo shared a wholesome lineup of fresh indie games this week, so we pluck out our most anticipated, along with some recently released games we're jazzed to try.Colette's playing: Coral IslandMatt's playing: Rogue Legacy 2Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

This week's episode is mostly about Target's home décor section, but we also squeeze in some discussion about ... video games!We cover what you've been playing, the fine line between goals and grind, and the sublime joys of automation.Colette's playing: Potion Permit & Coral IslandMatt's playing: Factorio on SwitchEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The new Final Fantasy XVI trailer looks real pretty, but is it enough to get you excited about the next installment? We discuss the franchise's hits and misses, and where 16 might fit in the hallowed pantheon.Plus, a new study from the National Institute of Health finds that kids who game have more brain poppin'. We discuss whether that's causation or correlation, and why studies on video games are murky at best. Also, G4 TV is finally dead (again?) and we look back on where it missed the boat for mainstream video game coverage, and that time Colette was on TV!We also share our Spoopy Game picks for all ages if you're looking for a fright this Halloween!Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Silent Hill MANIA has befallen us, and Colette brings everyone up to speed on what was announced this week, the fandom's reaction, and why it matters.We also discuss Colette's forthcoming YA novel, Enter the Meta, which is now available for pre-order! Use the links below to purchase. And the merits of a pocket space MMO for the rest of us.Colette's playing: HYPE ABOUT SILENT HILLMatt's playing: Homeworld MobilePre-order Colette's book, Enter the Meta:Simon & Schuster: https://bit.ly/3z13d9TAmazon: https://amzn.to/3yY5najBarnes & Noble:https://bit.ly/3SkfI7kEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is here. It's lighter, and has more precise hand tracking, but a lower resolution, refresh rate, and battery life, and it's being marketed to creative professionals at a whopping $1,500. So who is this for? And will it move the needle on VR? We discuss the fractured VR audience, and why the Pro's specs and price tag may not line up for VR's biggest evangelists. Plus, Facebook's major trust problem, and why Valve is uniquely positioned to save us all from VR ecosystem hell, especially with lessons learned from the Steam Deck's success.Colette's playing: Potion Permit and Moving OutMatt's playing: For the KingEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We URGENTLY react to the world premiere footage from the Super Mario Bros. animated movie, and discuss the commercial and cultural stakes for Nintendo as they approach next year's release.Also, what makes fishing and crafting good in certain games, while tedious in others? We also stand before the deluge of demos from Steam Next Fest, and share our picks and potentials.Colette's playing: Dredge (Demo) and Potion Permit (Demo)Matt's playing: 20 Minutes Till Dawn and Halo: ReachEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We lament the demise of cloud gaming service Google Stadia, and speculate on what it might portend for the future of game streaming. Plus, we cover what our community has been playing, and gape in awe at a music licensing miracle.Colette's playing: 20 Minutes Till Dawn & Metal HellsingerMatt's playing: MythicEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

This week we discuss what it takes to re-wire your home for a grown-up PC gaming lifestyle, the massive leaks of GTA VI and Diablo IV, and the strange machinations of Disney's $30 Early Access game that will one day be free to play?We also shine a spotlight on an up-and-coming indie developer called "Nintendo."Colette's playing: Disney Dreamlight ValleyMatt's playing: Splatoon 3Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

This week has more game news than you can swing a dead cat at, so we run down the highlights from Nintendo's September Direct, Sony's State of Play, and peek across the ocean at what's poppin' at the Tokyo Game Show.Plus, the infinite charm of Cursed to Golf, the winners of our Discord giveaway, the near-future of the VR market, and why doesn't Disney make more AAA console games these days?Colette & Matt are playing: Cursed to GolfEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Have you heard of Fortnite? It is a popular video game that is sweeping the nation. Matt shares his thoughts about diving in for the first time ever, while Colette wraps up her Vampire Survivors obsession to focus on ... golf? Also, what's up with the Thai entertainment industry? (A question that no one has ever asked until this moment.)We cover Free-to-Play FOMO, and should Queen Elizabeth II (RIP) become a leader in Civilization?We have 3 Steam keys for Cursed to Golf, courtesy of Chuhai Labs! If you'd like to win one, enter the Discord server below and react to the post in the podcast channel! We will randomly draw the winners on next week's episode!Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Would you take your Steam Deck on a cruise ship? Your answer to this question is better than any horoscope.Also, Sony's investment in mobile MMOs and live service games leads us to a conversation about how platforms and ecosystems are so important in bringing "Muggles" (i.e. non-traditional gamers) into games — specifically, how the persistent worlds of our own Animal Crossing islands kinda became a social MMO that 30 million people played throughout the pandemic. The future of live service has a lot to do with what devices and platforms are in our pockets.Colette's playing: Survivor.io and PlateUP!Matt's playing: Astro Duel Deluxe and TunicEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We run down the teasers, announcements, updates, and surprises from Gamescom 2022, conduct our court-mandated Vampire Survivors check-in, and share some fresh gems we've been playing.Also, the lessons of being a "fast follower" in the games and tech industries.Colette's playing: PlateUp! and Onsen MasterMatt's playing: Empires of the UndergrowthEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The depth and complexity of a game has nothing do with with its control scheme, graphical fidelity, or writing, as our continued obsession with Vampire Survivors proves. We spin the wheel and pick the 5 winners of our Vampire Survivors giveaway! Listen here or check the Discord to see if you've won!Also, the beauty of ASCII animation, how online communities allow games to indulge in mechanical complexity, and...Rock Simulator?Colette's playing: MOAR Vampire SurvivorsMatt's playing: Stone Story RPGEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Vampire Survivors, the indie darling that's sweeping the nation, only uses one stick. But its strategic complexity is a miles-deep "just one more run" rabbit hole, and Colette may never climb out.Speaking of hopeless addictions, Matt has returned to Sea of Thieves for its Season 7 Captaincy Update, and is also checking out Monster Sanctuary, which is a Poké-like Metroidvania with Final Fantasy-esque combat. Phew!Also, the incomprehensible size of Tencent and its continued domination of the industy.Join our Discord community and enter to win your own copy of Vampire Survivors: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

The world NEEDS a cross-platform, free-to-play, ranked, competitive mahjong game with unlockable cosmetics that make rainbows shoot out of your tiles...and WE will be the ones to make it.We also discuss the joys of late comedic actor Meshach Taylor (of Mannequin and Designing Women fame) and eventually get around to discussing actual video games, which include whether 13 Sentinels is an Evangelion-like, and the strange technical whiplash of Final Fantasy VII Remake's PC port.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Is Stray, the most-wishlisted game in Steam history, living up to the hype? Colette shares her first impressions on both the Steam Deck and her PC. Also, Matt finally finished 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, and there is a LOT (of non-spoilers) to talk about!Also: Does a "game" need mechanics to be ... well, a game?Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

We are offline this week for overlapping vacations but in the meantime, we wanted to introduce you to another fantastic podcast in the HyperX family called Nice Games Club, where three game devs talk about the industry!We're excited to have Ellen Burns-Johnson, Mark LaCroix, and Stephen McGregor on the show for a roundtable discussion, but in the meantime, we're sharing episode 249 of their show from February which discusses how "free" games (like those given away on Epic and bundled with GamePass) are affecting the industry.On its face, this is a fantastic value for players and a great safeguard for developers against the volatility of the market. But longterm, does this model "devalue" the work of game devs and the cultural impact of a given game?We hope you enjoy this episode and we'll be back next week with more Chat!Check out this episode of Nice Games Club on their feed: https://nicegames.club/episode/249 Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

You asked for it, and we have delivered. Volume 2 of our hidden gems series is here. And while Colette is on vacation this week, guest co-host Sky Burkson has a treasure trove of under-the-radar beauties like ... Elden Ring, and ... Mario Kart 8.Games discussed in this episode:Lunch LadyLumioneWattamEverhoodTeabat!Dodgeball AcademiaTOEMNinjin: Clash of CarrotsVampire SurvivorsCyber HookMuseum of Other RealitiesFollow Sky to see what video game miniature madness he's been up to:Sky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyburkson/Sky's Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyburksonEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

If you're in the mood for a game that's off the beaten path, we have a treasure trove of hidden gems from our community and our personal list of favorites. From tear-jerkers to potion crafting to dancing poop emojis, this episode has it all.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Like many of us in the late '90s and early '00s, Ryan Schutter was obsessed with real-time strategy games like Warcraft, Command & Conquer, and StarCraft. When StarCraft II was on the horizon, he bought a beta key from Craigslist, and his life would never be the same again.He made custom maps for the game, including complex event scripting. As game streaming matured and SC2 became a competitive scene, he devised a fresh UX called Gameheart that allowed spectators and eSports fans to see wtf was even going on during high-level competitive play. That's when Blizzard took notice, and hired him to bake his Gameheart mod into the official product.Today, Ryan is the lead UX designer at Frost Giant Studios, a dev with many former Blizzard RTS vets. They're building a fresh RTS called Stormgate, and it will be a free-to-play social experience that aims to marry our long-lost love of unit management with modern live service games.We chat with Ryan about his journey in the games biz, where RTS fits into the modern gaming landscape, and why the community is crucial in building Stormgate from the ground up.Ryan's playing: Surviving MarsColette's playing: V RisingMatt's playing: No Man's SkySign up for the beta: playstormgate.comWishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2012510/Stormgate/Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Colette got a STEAM DECK! She shares her first impressions and what she's been playing on it. We also discuss the beat-em-up joy of TMNT: Shredder's Revenge.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Summer Games Fest, Sony State of Play, Xbox + Bethesda, Wholesome Games Direct, and MUCH more. We pluck out our most hyped game announcements, some interesting gems, and the biggest reveals of the "Not E3" season. Plus, we discuss your reactions to the summer game lists and what you're currently playing.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Colette has gone hard on Diablo Immortal, both as a player and in covering its business model, which has made headlines this week for its loot boxy mechanics and exorbitant end-game price tag.But if you get 40-100 hours out of a grindy game you love for free, is it really a problem? This week we discuss the ethics of the Free-to-Play business model, and the nuances that make some free games fantastic, while others prey on our darkest vices.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/

Somehow, Colette doesn't know who beloved children's singer Raffi is, but we'll do the show anyway.This week, mobile/PC hybrid Diablo Immortal is upon us, so Colette shares her first impressions. We also discuss the legacy of the Baldur's Gate series and how long is too long to wait for Baldur's Gate 3 to be completed.Also, Matt paid 71 cents for a video game. Was it worth it? Choice paralysis, 13 Sentinels, and the value of niche streaming services.Also, we've joined the HyperX Podcast Network!Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/ Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteAndMattEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! [email protected] Follow and subscribe to Colette:https://bsky.app/profile/itscocobee.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://bsky.app/profile/mattsilverman.bsky.socialhttps://www.patreon.com/influencepodhttps://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekatarina/