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What Makes For A Good Gaming Podcast?
- Thread starter turbocats
- Start date
A good host. See: Ben Hanson from GameInformer
I also really like podcasts that respond to listener email/tweets, have dedicated segments but aren't too strict about sticking to a certain agenda, and have co-hosts that know their shit. For example, the difference in knowledge between NVC host Jose Otero and his successor Filip Miucin was night and day.
Also, obvious passion for gaming, lack of fanboy-ism, a variety of different viewpoints among cohosts, and a fun game at the end that listeners can play along with like 20 Questions on GameScoop!
Besides the ones I mentioned, my current favorites are:
8-4 Play
Player One Podcast
Podcast Beyond!
Retronauts
Power Pros
GameXplain podcast
Kinda Funny Gamescast
I also really like podcasts that respond to listener email/tweets, have dedicated segments but aren't too strict about sticking to a certain agenda, and have co-hosts that know their shit. For example, the difference in knowledge between NVC host Jose Otero and his successor Filip Miucin was night and day.
Also, obvious passion for gaming, lack of fanboy-ism, a variety of different viewpoints among cohosts, and a fun game at the end that listeners can play along with like 20 Questions on GameScoop!
Besides the ones I mentioned, my current favorites are:
8-4 Play
Player One Podcast
Podcast Beyond!
Retronauts
Power Pros
GameXplain podcast
Kinda Funny Gamescast
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I dislike it when podcasts have guests on that don't play certain games so when big games I'm interested in come out they just shrug and move on to something else. And this becomes a bigger problem during this time of year when lots of games come out at once. So maybe they've played one of the big games and discuss but they didn't play the other 3 titles.
That's what's so great about the game informer podcast. They switch out people throughout depending on what games they're talking about so they always have knowledgeable conversations. I know for smaller outlets that might be tough but more people should do that.
Also I guess it's not just specific to gaming, but a good back and forth. Some podcasts I listen to feel like each person prepared a speech about a topic and go on like 5 minute uninterrupted rants about games and the other people don't get to speak or when they do they go on their own tangents and it just feels so disjointed. The best podcasts feel like friends just chatting. Not some debate club.
This bugs me to no end with kinda funny but I guess they don't have much of a choice since they're a small team. But since they all play different games most of the time it feels like they just talk at each other instead of having a conversation. They're pretty good when they play the same games like uncharted or god of war. But it feels like those moments happen only a few times a year.
I'd like for more podcasts to have game trivia segments like easy allies love and respect. It's nice and refreshing and you learn about a wide range of neat little facts about games. It also breaks up the monotony when listening to lots of podcasts that cover the same ground every week.
That's what's so great about the game informer podcast. They switch out people throughout depending on what games they're talking about so they always have knowledgeable conversations. I know for smaller outlets that might be tough but more people should do that.
Also I guess it's not just specific to gaming, but a good back and forth. Some podcasts I listen to feel like each person prepared a speech about a topic and go on like 5 minute uninterrupted rants about games and the other people don't get to speak or when they do they go on their own tangents and it just feels so disjointed. The best podcasts feel like friends just chatting. Not some debate club.
This bugs me to no end with kinda funny but I guess they don't have much of a choice since they're a small team. But since they all play different games most of the time it feels like they just talk at each other instead of having a conversation. They're pretty good when they play the same games like uncharted or god of war. But it feels like those moments happen only a few times a year.
I'd like for more podcasts to have game trivia segments like easy allies love and respect. It's nice and refreshing and you learn about a wide range of neat little facts about games. It also breaks up the monotony when listening to lots of podcasts that cover the same ground every week.
You have to have likable hosts/guests, who know the gaming industry well, and who can play off each other without too much awkwardness. If you can have a hook that makes your podcast different than others that can help too.
Kotaku Splitscreen.
Their inability to stick to the topic actually makes it more interesting to listen to. Also no typical "gamer" personality is a huge plus.
Their inability to stick to the topic actually makes it more interesting to listen to. Also no typical "gamer" personality is a huge plus.
Knowing about the games they are talking about, don't focus on the personalities and maintain the flow of the conversation with no long... pauses.
For me:
- Not being news related, I like listening to podcasts but I get my news from Era, and generally only listen to podcasts on the way to and from work, so I need more stuff like Retronauts and Cane and Rinse
- Not going off topic too often. My drive is 30mins long, so I don't want to hear about that trip to the deli for 15mins, get to the topic at hand
- Critical discussion and if possible a lack of shouting or people being zany
- Not being news related, I like listening to podcasts but I get my news from Era, and generally only listen to podcasts on the way to and from work, so I need more stuff like Retronauts and Cane and Rinse
- Not going off topic too often. My drive is 30mins long, so I don't want to hear about that trip to the deli for 15mins, get to the topic at hand
- Critical discussion and if possible a lack of shouting or people being zany
Eh, for me it's mainly a matter of getitng used to the people, how they talk, their personalities, etc, and then just havin fun. Of course some people are easier for me to get into than others.
So true.
3 hours of ' wow the games industry is bad, i hate every modern game' or just cynical bits is just exhausting to listen to
Good host, natural chemistry, talking about current trends but also discussing personal life, anecdotes, maybe have a random section where you talk about random game series or gaming moments.
Let viewers ask questions.
Shane loving sony
Garnet loving ms
Mark mcdonald loving Nintendo
Luke pissing off shane and garnet
John bringing the sense of the bunch
Hosts that actually have some idea of what they're talking about, or that are able to admit when they don't know things.
Far too many times have I listened to gaming podcasts where non-technical people seem to think programmers and engineers are basically wizards.
Far too many times have I listened to gaming podcasts where non-technical people seem to think programmers and engineers are basically wizards.
New Game release Impressions, Discussions from experienced industry folk ,Gaming related off topics, Corrections
Easy Allies Podcast
Giant Bombcast
Giant Beastcast
Kotaku Splitscreen
Kinda funny Gamescast
Gamescoop
Podcast Unlocked
Game informer Podcast
Easy Allies Podcast
Giant Bombcast
Giant Beastcast
Kotaku Splitscreen
Kinda funny Gamescast
Gamescoop
Podcast Unlocked
Game informer Podcast
The ability to have a engaging discussion if only one of the cast members has played a game (regardless of personal tastes). Also if that person has some trouble describing their experience the others should be able to ask questions to keep the discussion going. That's what I liked about GFW Radio (when they would stray into gaming talk). Sometimes other podcasts seem to rush past stuff if multiple members haven't played it or they can't be bothered to find out more from the person who did.
Waypoint Radio is my current favorite. it's hard to pin down why it works...I think it mostly boils down to the chemistry between the hosts as well as the fact that they're willing to take deep, analytical dives into the topics they discuss. It's one of the more thought provoking gaming 'casts that I've encountered.
As for a podcast I don't love--The Kinda Funny Gaming shows don't really do it for me. too many jokes and memes, shallow analysis.
As for a podcast I don't love--The Kinda Funny Gaming shows don't really do it for me. too many jokes and memes, shallow analysis.
Only listen to easy allies ones regularly, so I guess good vibes. Used to love the old VG crew before Dave/Chris left );
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Good chemistry. It's why I enjoy Waypoint Radio and Podquisition despite them pretty different shows.
Different personalities and chemistry. Back in the day GFW Radio was the best gaming podcast out there and most of the time they just went offtopic. It didn't matter because whatever they decided to talk about was entertaining, because the group gelled so well. Same for 1UP Yours but they managed to do that with mostly gaming talk.
It's a variety of things. For example I like to listen to two that discuss news: Kinda Funny Games Daily and Kotaku Splitscreen. Listening to KFGD made me realize in fact how little news I actually read in ERA. KS they just discuss the relevant news of the week, but Schreier and Kirk are just so god damn likable (Same as the KFGD crew) and they both bring a level of insight that I've seen from very few people in the industry.
Also, what has been said: Good chemistry among the hosts. Kinda Funny Gamecast and What's Good Games are always a blast to listen for me because of the chemistry and everything Greg Miller and Andrea as hosts bring to their respective podcasts.
Also, what has been said: Good chemistry among the hosts. Kinda Funny Gamecast and What's Good Games are always a blast to listen for me because of the chemistry and everything Greg Miller and Andrea as hosts bring to their respective podcasts.
As an old fart with a 50hr work week and 5 kids I don't have time to podcast often but when I do its Easy Allies 100%
Pound for pound they are the best in the game right now.
Pound for pound they are the best in the game right now.
My favorite games podcast is the Superbestfriendcast. I like it because the chemistry the crew has with each other combined with their passion make it a good listen. That said, I do fast forward when they get too in the weeds of things like Monster Hunter, FFXIV, or Fighting Games. These are usually Pat and Woolie geeking out with or at each other. I understand they won't all play the biggest new thing but I like hearing their take on news and what they think about what they play or saw that week. Juxtapose this with something like Glitch, Please which has bad chemistry, passion, and knowledge or Kinda Funny where there's some passion and some chemistry but not enough shared knowledge or variety and I think that's how I nail down what I like.
- Any particular items that really suck you in?
- Specifics that turn you off?
Oh how I miss 1UP Yours :( Shane, Garnett, John, Luke et al. There's never been another podcast with that amount of chemistry. Very distinct and different personalities and opinions all coming together in a magical way to form something very special indeed.
Yeah, that nails it. It worked so well. And they were all extremely knowledgeable and very well connected in the industry too, which gave it all some real credibility along the way.
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Focus is what I am looking for in a gaming podcast. Even if the specific topic changes from week to week and isn't something I'm necessarily interested in, knowing there's a general structure and focus to each episode is what'll most likely bring me back week to week. It's why Retronauts is still easily my favorite gaming podcast and why Vidjagame Apocalypse was a regular for me as well.
I can see the appeal of just listening to a bunch of bros talk about whatever for 2-3 hours, but it's not always for me.
I can see the appeal of just listening to a bunch of bros talk about whatever for 2-3 hours, but it's not always for me.
- Suck in?
Varied personalities and tastes in the hosts but still with chemistry. Podcasts lose their luster when it's just people agreeing with each other over and over. I also appreciate when all bases are covered in a cast. Like there's a JRPG person, a multiplayer person, someone who loves puzzles and artsy fartsy games, etc.
- Turn off?
Rampant cynicism and the impression that someone doesn't even want to be on the podcast. Sober, measured takes are completely fine but I need to get the impression that they actually enjoy and are excited for games. As for the latter, late PSILY from Kinda Funny demonstarted how miserable a disengaged host can make a podcast.
Varied personalities and tastes in the hosts but still with chemistry. Podcasts lose their luster when it's just people agreeing with each other over and over. I also appreciate when all bases are covered in a cast. Like there's a JRPG person, a multiplayer person, someone who loves puzzles and artsy fartsy games, etc.
- Turn off?
Rampant cynicism and the impression that someone doesn't even want to be on the podcast. Sober, measured takes are completely fine but I need to get the impression that they actually enjoy and are excited for games. As for the latter, late PSILY from Kinda Funny demonstarted how miserable a disengaged host can make a podcast.
- don't talk about new big budget releases to the exclusion of all else
- have hosts with varied tastes in things
- don't use shit industry terms like "shipping" and "IPs"
- have strong interests outside of video games
- have a non-technical focus when criticising games
- don't just be a group of friends trading inside jokes
- have hosts with varied tastes in things
- don't use shit industry terms like "shipping" and "IPs"
- have strong interests outside of video games
- have a non-technical focus when criticising games
- don't just be a group of friends trading inside jokes
