The holidays are upon us. And for gamers, that is both a good thing and a bad thing.
It’s always good to reunite with family and friends and stuff yourself full of eggnog. However, after enough days (or even weeks) away from your favorite games, those same family members and friends may be driving you up the wall! Even if they bought you something awesome from our holiday gift guide for gamers!
Before you go nuttier than a fruitcake, check out these awesome video game podcasts. They let you stay in touch with your inner gamer and tune out crazy family members at the same time!
Retronauts
Many gaming podcasts focus on a specific theme. With a name like “Retronauts,” you’ve probably deduced that this podcast is all about retro games.
Generally speaking, the hosts (Jeremy Parish, Bob Mackey, and assorted guests) focus on games that are at least 10 years old. They discuss the best and worst of these classic games while also exploring how the games shaped (and were shaped by) pop culture.
Come for the funny commentary, but stay for the awesome musical segments!
Giant BombCast
Giant BombCast is a podcast put out by (what else?) the Giant Bomb website. If you end up liking what they put out, the site also hosts a follow-up show (Giant Bombcast Aftermath) and a sister show (The Giant Beastcast).
The main show focuses on a blend of game reviews and game news. However, the hosts (Showmaker and his invited guests) are funny and enjoy an easy chemistry. Sometimes, they lean more into off-topic comedy, but the episode remains highly entertaining while they do it.
Kinda Funny Gamescast
The Kinda Funny Gamescast is hosted by Greg Miller and Tim Gettys. Each of these guys worked at IGN before branching out and creating Kinda Funny. While their site has all sorts of videos and features for gamers, the podcast helps them take this show on the road.
As a show, it typically revolves around whatever the hosts have been playing (which is not always the newest games) and breaking news from within the video game world. The two of them bring in new guests all the time to keep things fresh.
Ultimately, this podcast lives up to its name and will always leave you with a smile. And their interaction with listeners is unparalleled.
Kotaku Splitscreen
Kotaku spawned a popular podcast hosted by Kirk Hamilton, Jason Schreier, and Maddy Myers.
Like many of these podcasts, the main subject matter usually revolves around gaming news and gaming reviews. They also bring in fun interviews with major gaming figures and discuss other goings-on in the entertainment world.
Long story short? If you love the perspective of Kotaku, this is the best way to take that show on the road.
Filthy Casuals
Most of these podcasts aim for a bit of light humor. After all, game talk with no banter is dry and boring. But what if your sense of humor is less like a sitcom and more like South Park? In that case, you need the Filthy Casuals podcast.
The hosts (Tommy Dassalo, Ben Vernel, and Adam Knox) are more than just video game players. They are also filthy-mouthed Australian comedians that will leave you howling.
Even though most episodes revolve around current game reviews, the hosts (who describe themselves as “easily distracted”) aren’t afraid to go off the beaten path to find the funny.
How Did This Get Played?
Everyone loves great games. But there is something really captivating about a terrible game. You can’t help but wonder who would spend so much time and money to make a crappy game. And just how was anyone supposed to play it?
That is the theme of the How Did This Get Played? podcast. Hosted by Heather Anne Campbell and Nick Wiger (along with assorted guests), this podcast dives into the worst games you can imagine.
Want to know how to play the infamously-terrible Friday the 13th NES game? Or learn if Typing of the Dead had any redeeming qualities? Out of the all the video game podcasts on this list, this is the one for you.
Gamers With Jobs
Gamers typically start playing at a young age. But as time goes on and gamers settle down, it can be tough to play as much as you once did.
The Gamers With Jobs podcast (hosted by Sean McKenna and guests) focuses on gaming news and reviews. But it does so through the lens of the more seasoned and mature gamer.
If you have memories of playing on an Atari 2600 or renting VHS tapes, this is the podcast you’ve been waiting for.
DLC
The one downside of most podcasts is that they feel insulated. Video games are all about interactivity. So why not have a podcast you can interact with?
That is the philosophy behind the DLC podcast. Hosts Jeff Cannata and Christian Spicer discuss video game developments along with various industry professionals. However, everything is broadcast live, allowing full listener interaction.
You can call into the show, use a lobby chat feature, or simply like and comment. In this way, listeners like you shape the content as it is happening, making this one of the most unique podcasts in the world.
What video game podcasts are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
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