x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast

GamingtheSystem

The podcast where 3 intersectional feminists examine gaming and games through a feminist lens. New Episodes every Thursday.Alex, Jem and Matt believe gaming is good. Gaming is good for relaxation, for learning, for bringing people together and for your mental health. But like all media, there is both good and bad and we want to address how we make gaming a safe and healthy environment for women and minority groups (although lets not forget that people of colour are the global ethnic majority).We

society & culture video games

All Episodes

36:35

Xmas special : Playing in the Dark: Light, Shadow,...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/12/18

As the year moves toward the winter solstice, this episode of Gaming the System explores how light and darkness function as both technical tools and emotional languages in games. Jem, Alex and Matt reflect on how lighting shapes atmosphere, tension and meaning, and how the darker months influence how we play. Games including Alan Wake 2, Little Nightmares 3, Abzu, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, GRIS, Concrete Genie, and, of course, Tomb Raider are discussed as examples of games where light and ...

en-gb

41:25

Death in Games, Part 3: Grief, Memory, and Meaning...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/12/11

In the final part of our series on death in games, we shift from mechanics to meaning. We explore how modern games use grief, memory, and emotional pacing to create more honest depictions of loss than many linear stories can manage. From Spiritfarer and Edith Finch to Journey, Hellblade, and God of War, we look at how interactive storytelling allows players to pause, avoid, or confront difficult moments in their own time. This mirrors real-life grief far more closely than film or TV. We also ...

en-gb

30:20

Learning to Die Better: How Games Shape Our View of...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/12/05

In this second episode of our three-part series on Death in Games, Jem, Alex, and Matt dig deeper into how death is portrayed across gaming, and what that means for how we understand grief, resilience, and the human condition. We explore whether repeated, low-stakes death in games desensitises players, or whether the real issue lies in hyperreal shooters that mirror real-world conflicts. We also discuss how emotionally grounded games like God of War create space to reflect on grief in ways th...

en-gb

30:26

Between Story and Respawn: Death in Games (Episode 254)

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/11/27

In this episode, hosted by Jem, the GTS team explores how games use death as a storytelling tool, a gameplay mechanic, or a cheap shot. From emotional companion deaths to endless respawn loops, we dig into what death actually means in games, and why some deaths hit hard while others barely register. Death throws We discuss the difference between narrative deaths and mechanical deaths and how respawn loops shape how we think about failure. Share our experiences of tense and infuriating moments...

en-gb

37:39

253 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 02

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/11/20

Gaming Industry Crunch Culture: Deadlines, Management, and Misogyny In this episode of 'Gaming the System,' Alex, Gem, and Matt dive deep into the challenges of the gaming industry, addressing the pressure of deadlines, the impact of poor management, and the pervasive issue of toxic masculinity. The discussion also touches on larger systemic problems such as patriarchal capitalism and inequality in the gaming workplace. Tune in for insights on how these factors affect game development, emplo...

en-gb

42:59

252 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 01

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/11/13

Examining Crunch Culture in the Gaming Industry | Gaming the System Podcast In this episode of Gaming the System, hosts Alex, Gem, and Matt delve into the pervasive issue of crunch culture in the gaming industry, sparked by a recent controversy surrounding the game 'Mind's Eye' by Build a Rocket Boy studio. They explore the detrimental working conditions that led to an open letter from employees, the impact of poor management, and the role of unions in advocating for better workplace standar...

en-gb

44:32

251 From Sparks to Steeds: AI Companions in Video Games

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/11/06

Join us for part three of our artificial intelligence in gaming series as we explore the fascinating world of companion characters in video games. In this episode, we delve into various types of AI companions, including both human and animal characters, and discuss their roles, functions, and impact on gameplay. We share our earliest memories of AI companions, talk about the evolution of their complexity, and highlight both positive and negative aspects of their design. Additionally, we look ...

en-gb

36:25

Beyond the Script: Can AI Make NPCs Real? (Ep 250)

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/30

In the second half of our AI in gaming discussion, we turn to the rise of intelligent NPCs – and what happens when they start to think for themselves. Could AI make game worlds richer and more believable, or would it destroy the structure and chaos we love? The team explore how realism can both enhance and break immersion, from the comedic unpredictability of NPCs in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to the eerie brilliance of the Shadow of Mordor Nemesis System, which made enemies remember and evolve...

en-gb

47:49

249 AI in Gaming Part 1 – The Co-Pilot Conundrum

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/23

In this first of two episodes exploring AI and gaming, Jem, Matt, and Alex discuss the arrival of AI co-pilots — new tools from Microsoft and Google designed to sit within your game and offer real-time hints, walkthroughs, and quest support. The team examine whether these helpers could make games more accessible and inclusive, or if they risk taking over and removing the joy (and sometimes frustration) of discovery. We discuss how AI advice compares to walkthroughs, guides, and playground tip...

en-gb

35:06

248 - Top 9 Best Gaming Franchises

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/16

In this episode, we explore a more positive topic by listing our top favorite gaming franchises of all time. Each of us shares three of our most beloved game series, highlighting what makes them special and impactful. We discuss the classic Spyro trilogy, the groundbreaking Call of Duty series, the iconic Resident Evil games, the exploratory Assassin's Creed adventures, the timeless Sims, the trailblazing Tomb Raider, the epic God of War saga, and the beloved Baldur's Gate. Join us as we refl...

en-gb

35:58

247 - Top 9 Disappointing Games

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/09

In this episode, we create a round-robin list of our top 9 most disappointing games. Each of us shares three games that failed to meet our expectations for various reasons, from clunky gameplay and poor expansions to soulless sequels and childhood heartbreaks. Join us as Gem, Matt, and Alex recount their frustrating experiences with games like 'The Sims Medieval', 'Dragon Age: Veil Guard', and 'Final Fantasy 15'. Whether it’s the collapse of beloved franchises or the unrewarding grind of educ...

en-gb

29:12

Breaking News: EA Bought Out — What Does It Mean for...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/07

In this Gaming the System breaking news episode, Jem, Alex, and Matt dive into the shocking $55 billion sale of Electronic Arts (EA) — the publisher behind The Sims, Battlefield, and Dragon Age — to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake Partners and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. The team unpacks what this means for the gaming world, from concerns about human rights and LGBTQ+ representation to the growing influence of “sports-washing” and ...

en-gb

30:36

246 Gaming Together: The Potential of Board Game Cafés

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/10/02

In this episode of Gaming the System, we continue our exploration of community gaming, focusing on the world of board game cafés. What makes these spaces so appealing, and what role can they play in bringing people together? Jem, Alex, and Matt share their personal experiences of cafés such as Dice Box and Wayfarers Rest and the Herefordshire Board Gamers tent at Fantasy Forest. We consider the stereotypes that still cling to gaming spaces, from male-dominated tournaments to the intimidating ...

en-gb

24:26

245 Gaming the System but together

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/09/25

In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of gaming in person. From the thrill of collaborative board games like Pandemic Legacy to the immersive world of Warhammer 40K and the rise of welcoming board game cafés, we explore how playing together face-to-face builds connections, sparks conversation, and helps us find community. What We Talk About Pandemic Legacy Season 2: how it transforms a family game night into a year-long storytelling journey.The tactical and social layers of co...

en-gb

51:10

244 - Exploring Split Fiction Part 2: Unpacking...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/09/17

Split Fiction Story and Character Analysis | Deep Dive with Spoilers Join us for another episode as we continue our deep dive into the game 'Split Fiction'. This episode is heavily focused on the story and character development of protagonists Zoe and Mio. Expect spoilers ahead as we discuss the game's narrative themes, including mental health, trauma, and grief. We also break down the game's approach to storytelling, character dynamics, and the portrayal of its villains. While the game may ...

en-gb

46:57

242 - Exploring Split Fiction Part 1: Co-Op Gaming...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/09/11

Exploring Co-op Gaming with Split Fiction: Mechanics, Genres, and More! Join us in the first part of our Split Fiction series, where we dive into the latest release by Haylight Games. In this episode, we explore the co-op game mechanics, discuss the evolution of co-op as a genre, and share our firsthand experiences with Split Fiction. Discover why this game stands out, what makes co-op games special, and how Split Fiction draws inspiration from a multitude of game genres. Perfect for anyone ...

en-gb

27:48

242 - Gaming news - Is Roblox CEO on the rocks? BG3...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/09/03

August’s gaming news gave us plenty to dig into, from serious questions around Roblox to a milestone celebration for Baldur’s Gate 3. In this episode of Gaming the System, we start with Roblox, where over 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of its CEO. Jem takes us inside the strange contradictions of the platform — from heavy-handed moderation and unexplained bans to the bizarre and sometimes deeply troubling games, and on to concerns about kids being pushed into un...

en-gb

29:19

241 What we did in the Summer Holidays

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/08/27

We took a month off over the summer, so thought we'd catch up with each other and see what we've been playing! From epic samurai adventures in Ghost of Tsushima and the fluid, meditative landscapes of Sword of the Sea, to the punishing but rewarding battles of Expedition 33 (Clair Obscur). Jem headed to the beach with Dave the Diver and Coral Island, and enjoyed some quality family time with Split Fiction. Matt headed out on a Fallout road trip, hitting New Vegas, Fallout 3, and Fallou...

en-gb

36:13

240 Open World Games – Part 2: The Joy and the Job of...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/08/20

In this second half of our adventure into open-world games, Jem, Alex, and Matt pick up the conversation with a focus on accessibility, open worlds done wrong, and how to define that "Je ne sais quoi" when it works. We dig into overwhelm, especially for neurodiverse or time-poor gamers. Time to remember that good accessibility features aren’t about “dumbing down” but enhancing play for everyone. Matt unpacks why some open-world games fail — empty maps, repetitive quests, weak writing, a...

en-gb

41:31

Side Quest - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 First...

Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast ·

2025/08/19

In this Side Quest episode of Gaming The System, Jem and Matt dive into their first impressions of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 — the surprise hit that’s quickly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about games. From the moment-to-moment combat to the sweeping, surreal story, Jem and Matt share where they’re at in the game (up to the Forgotten Battlefield) and what’s drawn them in so far. Expect honest reflections on difficulty spikes, character design, and why turn-based combat can be more ...

en-gb

259 results

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger