Gamer Podcasts

ubrakto wrote:
kaptainbarbosa wrote:

but then I find JTS to be completely unbearable and vapid, so...

Damn straight! I say we find those bastards and kick the sh** out of 'em! Who's with me?

Heh. Made my morning. Thanks, Todd =)

CptGlanton wrote:

You're proving my point here. You're comparing them to a group of people that you say you have no experience with.

I listened to 1-2 years of the Hot Spot (hey, there were slim pickings in gaming podcasts at the time) and then about 5-10 episodes of Giant Bomb when it started. I never said I had no experience, you made that up.

CptGlanton wrote:

But, the problem is that they don't do the things that you listed in your post; there isn't anything "in your face" on it...

I might have assumed from your post and some others that Giant Bomb have changed their shtick since I last listened but from other posts in this thread I can tell that is definitely not the case. As has been said multiple times already, it truly is a matter of taste.

Mr GT Chris wrote:
CptGlanton wrote:

You're proving my point here. You're comparing them to a group of people that you say you have no experience with.

I listened to 1-2 years of the Hot Spot (hey, there were slim pickings in gaming podcasts at the time) and then about 5-10 episodes of Giant Bomb when it started. I never said I had no experience, you made that up.

Mr GT Chris wrote:

But then, my impression of frat boy culture is strictly from American tv shows and movies.

That's what he's talking about. Comparing them to people you've never really seen and that you are basing your understandings of on TV shows.

MannishBoy wrote:

That's what he's talking about. Comparing them to people you've never really seen and that you are basing your understandings of on TV shows.

Oh OK. But does every frat boy character and reference to that culture come out of thin air? I've been bombarded with 3 decades worth of the stuff, I can't imagine it's 100% based on authors' imaginations. Regardless, it makes for a handy reference point with regards to the GB crew. If it makes you feel better I can say "The GB guys are like frat boys as commonly portrayed in media such as movies and tv shows". There you go :p.

Mr GT Chris wrote:
MannishBoy wrote:

That's what he's talking about. Comparing them to people you've never really seen and that you are basing your understandings of on TV shows.

Oh OK. But does every frat boy character and reference to that culture come out of thin air? I've been bombarded with 3 decades worth of the stuff, I can't imagine it's 100% based on authors' imaginations. Regardless, it makes for a handy reference point with regards to the GB crew. If it makes you feel better I can say "The GB guys are like frat boys as commonly portrayed in media such as movies and tv shows". There you go :p.

It's a stereotype. You know, kind of like the fat-mother's-basement-dwelling-cheeto-stained-finger-Mt Dew swilling-gamer. I think we all know that does not describe us all.

kaptainbarbosa wrote:

Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree. I love the Bombcast because even though they are following a standard template that I lot of video game website podcasts use, they have far superior chemistry. They're never going to have the most deep conversations about games, mostly because being in the industry they have to play everything.

I thought their talk about L.A. Noire was by far the most interesting I've heard, but then I find JTS to be completely unbearable and vapid, so...

I'm totally with you on all of this, particularly the JTS cast. I've tried to listen to it on three different occasions because people won't stop talking about it. It always sucks.

Disagree about Shoemaker though.

My only complaint about JTS is the production quality and it's not a deal breaker by any means. I've actually replaced the GWJ CC with JTS in my rotation.

gregrampage wrote:

My only complaint about JTS is the production quality and it's not a deal breaker by any means. I've actually replaced the GWJ CC with JTS in my rotation.

I actually don't listen to the CC very often anymore either, which makes me sad, but there it is. Basically I have specific combinations of people that I enjoy listening to and others that I actively don't want to listen to at all, so the decision of whether to listen or not is made pretty easy. Unfortunately these days it skews toward not listening more often than not.

Thin_J wrote:
gregrampage wrote:

My only complaint about JTS is the production quality and it's not a deal breaker by any means. I've actually replaced the GWJ CC with JTS in my rotation.

I actually don't listen to the CC very often anymore either, which makes me sad, but there it is. Basically I have specific combinations of people that I enjoy listening to and others that I actively don't want to listen to at all, so the decision of whether to listen or not is made pretty easy. Unfortunately these days it skews toward not listening more often than not.

These are my sentiments as well. I kind of have a similar perspective with the front page. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who thought this way but I guess I'm glad I'm not alone in that. Not that I expect the show or the site's content to change one iota because of me of course, they should do what they enjoy. Still, it's a very weird--almost guilt-like--feeling I get when I'm thinking of unsubbing from a show I've listened to every single episode of since it started in 2006. I think I probably will after this week's episode though. I already have too many podcasts and even though I can listen to them at work, not enough time to get through them all. I need to trim down and sadly, the CC and DGRadio will probably be the two I choose.

You guys are crazy. :p

I've got a 45 minute rail commute each way 5 days a week. I subscribe to a ton of podcasts, but still find myself running out by the end of the week.

My regular gaming rotation includes Weekend Confirmed, Bombcast, Conference Call, Rebel FM, MidLife Gamer, and Player One. And that's not even counting a number of NPR podcasts I get each week.

I guess I like podcasts too much.

Parallax Abstraction wrote:
Thin_J wrote:
gregrampage wrote:

My only complaint about JTS is the production quality and it's not a deal breaker by any means. I've actually replaced the GWJ CC with JTS in my rotation.

I actually don't listen to the CC very often anymore either, which makes me sad, but there it is. Basically I have specific combinations of people that I enjoy listening to and others that I actively don't want to listen to at all, so the decision of whether to listen or not is made pretty easy. Unfortunately these days it skews toward not listening more often than not.

These are my sentiments as well. I kind of have a similar perspective with the front page. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who thought this way but I guess I'm glad I'm not alone in that. Not that I expect the show or the site's content to change one iota because of me of course, they should do what they enjoy. Still, it's a very weird--almost guilt-like--feeling I get when I'm thinking of unsubbing from a show I've listened to every single episode of since it started in 2006. I think I probably will after this week's episode though. I already have too many podcasts and even though I can listen to them at work, not enough time to get through them all. I need to trim down and sadly, the CC and DGRadio will probably be the two I choose.

Me too. Although I haven't listened to it as extensively as you, I just reached a point where I didn't enjoy it any more. It's a shame, because I like the pieces where it intersects with the community - it makes you feel like you're on a TV show or something - but none of the bigger topic sections ever resonated with me. I guess I just really would rather hear people goofing around on mic for an hour.

Here's some more game-related podcasts I enjoy that deserve a shout-out. Most are UK based and belong to the same networks/circles and they seem to cross-pollinate one another a lot with the hosts doing various guest spots on each other's shows (which is how I ended up finding most of these - the GWJCC guest stars on them started me down their rabbit holes).

Digital Cowboys (http://thedigitalcowboys.com/) - two english guys who strive to do a topic a week and keep it interesting instead of doing the same thing most other gaming podcasts do. Rob (Gaald) guest starred on one of their episodes regaring 'How to Start a Podcast'. No offense to Tony, but Alex Shaw is the best thing about this podcast. I also enjoy immensely his Digital Gonzo sideproject, also on the same website, which is sometimes audio articles, sometimes quiz shows, sometimes movie and book discussion. Updates weekly on Fridays.

Gamer Dork (http://gamerdork.net/) - was already mentioned earlier in the thread but it deserves another plug. Two guys with great chemistry. Rabbit and Chris Remo guest starred on this one (separate episodes). They are fairly rambly and undirected, but Leon is really knowledgeable about lots of things and reminds me a lot of myself, and Neil is pretty rambunctious and is the kind of guy I wish I had as a friend IRL. Updates weekly on Mondays.

RPS Electronic Wireless Show (http://rps.libsyn.com/) - may be dead now, can't find a link to it on the site anymore. If you like John Walker you may enjoy his other less game related podcast Rum Doings (http://botherer.org/tag/rum-doings/).

Some Other Podcast (http://someothercastle.com/) - two geeky women's perspective. YMMV on this one. Sometimes I enjoy them, sometimes I scrub through it. Updates semi-monthly on Fridays.

Gameburst (http://www.gameburst.co.uk/) - 30m only of gamer news and discussion. Once a month discussion of a 1-2 year old game in their monthly community Re-play. Updates twice a week, Thursday and Sundays.

JoyPod (http://spong.com/podcasts/joypod/) - Usually hilarious and somewhat off-topic. Not very insightful when it comes to game coverage itself and I don't base any purchasing decisions on their say-so but they are pretty off the wall and enjoyable as hell to listen to. Elmo and Michael have a funny-man / straight-man thing going on that really works. Now regular third man Sean complements the team well. Updates usually weekly on Wednesdays but has been more sporadic of late.

Inifinite Ammo Podcast (http://infiniteammo.ca/podcast.rss) - long and rambly, interviews with various Indie developers conducted by Alec Holowka, developer of Aquaria. Seems to be updated sporadically now, may be dead. The archive is worth going back through and listening to if you are interested in the Indie scene at all and have a slight Dev bent like I do.

Another Castle Podcast (http://gamedesignadvance.com/?page_i...) - one on one interviews with lots of industry folks. Doesn't appear to have a set update schedule.

Bethesda Podcast (http://www.bethblog.com/podcast/) - Nick Breckon, formerly of Idle Thumbs, shills for his company. Occasionally good, mostly bland. Highlight so far was the interview with John Carmack.

Tell Tale Podcast? (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/...) - a trial done by Jake Rodkin and Sean Vanaman of Idle Thumbs fame. They made no promises that these would continue, but, fingers crossed.

Brainy Gamer podcast (http://www.brainygamer.com/the_brain...) - irregular update schedule. Intellectual, industry-centric and gamer blogosphere-esque discussion. Probably not for everyone as Leigh Alexander often appears on these shows, though usually not hammered.

IndieGames.com podcast (http://indiegames.com/podcast/) - interviews with Indie devs. I don't like the hosts so much bear with it for the interviewees. Highlights include Bennett Foddy of QWOP and GIRP fame, Zach Barth of Spacechem, Ichiro Lambe of Dejobaan, Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes of Super Meatboy.

Probably also worth reminding people of is http://castmedium.com run by the GWJCCs current producer and occasional guest Jonathan Downin.

Podcasts I have tried but don't listen to anymore:

Weekend Confirmed - found them boring and samey-samey.
The Most Popular Girls on the Internet - occasionally funny. One half of the girl duo (Sassy) has an annoying laugh that puts my teeth on edge.
Geekbox - I wanted to punch Andrew Fitch through my iPod. Also Burn Notice and occasionally Ryan was somewhat grating.
Jumping The Shark - gave it a go but just didn't grab me that day. I'll give it another shot.

I think I've forgotten some - will check iTunes after work today.

Well, I guess I'm glad it's not just me that's a little down on the Conference Call these days. I listened to literally every single episode from way back during the Fletcher/Sanjuro days of GWJ Radio up until sometime here in the last year or so.

Then the caster lineup changed in ways I often can't get past. That's not their fault, they're doing what they like doing, as they should be. But it's definitely slowly killing the cast for me as a listener.

kilanash wrote:

Here's some more game-related podcasts I enjoy that deserve a shout-out. Most are UK based and belong to the same networks/circles and they seem to cross-pollinate one another a lot with the hosts doing various guest spots on each other's shows (which is how I ended up finding most of these - the GWJCC guest stars on them started me down their rabbit holes).

Digital Cowboys (http://thedigitalcowboys.com/) - two english guys who strive to do a topic a week and keep it interesting instead of doing the same thing most other gaming podcasts do. Rob (Gaald) guest starred on one of their episodes regaring 'How to Start a Podcast'. No offense to Tony, but Alex Shaw is the best thing about this podcast. I also enjoy immensely his Digital Gonzo sideproject, also on the same website, which is sometimes audio articles, sometimes quiz shows, sometimes movie and book discussion. Updates weekly on Fridays.

Rabbit and Elysium were also guests on a podcast talking about gaming and children. I recall Alex asking them if they'd rather walk in on their kid playing GTA, smoking, or watching porn.

I like that the two of them experiment with the podcast on occasion. Their pre-E3 show about what "happened" at E3 seemed to be interesting though I was confused at first.

Of the two hosts, I think I actually prefer to hear what Tony has to say (especially when it's negative). On occasion Alex does his 'imitation internet anger voice' when he really dislikes something while Tony pjust tries to articulate why he doesn't like it. Otherwise Alex does boss the show and the Digital Gonzo sideproject is an interesting listen as well.

kyrieee wrote:

The GB guys always came across as quite self aware to me. I like the podcast for its humour and the chemistry between the cast.

As for complaints about 'meandering' on GB, I'm a fan of that if the chemistry between the crew is something I enjoy. I'm a fan of conversation. I'm not impatient if a gaming podcast doesn't immediately get down to discussing gaming within three minutes, or if any podcast doesn't get around to its subject matter straight off. Even though I am not a sports fan, I can enjoy just listening to people talk about it, if they're knowledgeable, articulate and passionate about it.

Roke wrote:

Rabbit and Elysium were also guests on a podcast talking about gaming and children. I recall Alex asking them if they'd rather walk in on their kid playing GTA, smoking, or watching porn.

Even more priceless was Alex's further explanation of that incident on their 200th episode and his regret for having gone there. (Ep 200, around the 1:35:00 mark)

MannishBoy wrote:

It's a stereotype. You know, kind of like the fat-mother's-basement-dwelling-cheeto-stained-finger-Mt Dew swilling-gamer. I think we all know that does not describe us all.

Nope but it could be useful for describing some of us. How about the GB crew minus the mother's basement bit :p.

Yeah, CC has gone from desperately trying to find a wifi hotspot so I can listen to it the minute it drops to sometimes not ever bothering to listen to a particular episode. Rabbit-con episodes are an instant delete. I know the guys are having a great time but it somehow doesn't translate to good listening.

Am I the only one that listens to Rooster Teeth's Drunk Tank podcast? Even though they rarely talk about games and I don't even consume any of their content (Red vs Blue, Achievement Hunter, etc), I still find them endlessly entertaining. For people who like the Bombcast because of their chemistry, I'd recommend listening to it. For some sampling, here are some Animated Adventures made by one of their fans. There are a ton of them.

(Language NSFW)

If I can boast, Bill Harris said this in 2008 about the show I produce:

"I usually can't stand to listen to podcasts, because they usually consist of three or four guys constantly interrupting each other for an hour. The Hatchet Job podcast, though, sounds much more like a radio program, and because of that, it's something I enjoy listening to. Now they have a podcast with Trip Hawkins, and they ask excellent questions. I know, Trip can be incredibly self-serving, but that doesn't mean he isn't interesting.

"And, incredibly, there's a Joe Kapp reference (in part one).

"They also have an interview with Prof. Charles Spence, the head professor of Oxford's Crossmodal Research Lab, and here's a description of what he discusses:
He studies the human senses and how they interact with each other. In one of his recent studies, test subjects was asked to eat stale potato chips while listening to the sound of crisp chips in headphones. The subjects reported that the stale chips tasted fresh. On this theme, we talked about how video games engage the senses, what happens if your surround sound system isn't set up properly and the lack of smell, touch, and taste in modern entertain mediums, etc."

We haven't done an interview like that in a while, but I think the show has got tighter and the audio quality is much improved. One of our listeners called us 'criminally underappreciated'. Our schedule is set by whether there's something we think is worth discussing.

www.hatchetjob.com

I'll give it a listen 1Dgaf. I listened to it once a long time ago when it was very new but if you guys have evolved a lot, it sounds good.

Hatchetjob's a helluva show. It fell off my rotation for some reason, so I went back and listened to all the ones I missed. I wish there were more, but maybe the unexpected nature of their releases makes it more special than a once a week offering would.

Hell, I'd listen to it just to hear 1d's silky smooth dulcet tones.

In reference to the GB discussion, I personally think they shine best when they discuss the game industry itself(companies, people, etc). They seem to be the most likely of any podcast to start telling awesome stories about people they've met in the industry, parties they've gone to, interactions with PR, things Johnny V has done, etc. Those stories make the industry feel like a really awesome place filled with a variety of interesting people. They also make it feel accessible when they have industry guests on who seem relaxed and not all in "PR mode". That's my two cents.

I listened to Weekend Confirmed this week and Garnett just talks over everyone.

kyrieee wrote:

I listened to Weekend Confirmed this week and Garnett just talks over everyone.

I've gone off Weekend Confirmed because of Garnett. He just strikes me as someone who has become too cozy with the VIPs of the gaming industry, and has softened his approach as a result. Granted, I haven't listened in awhile, and maybe he's changed, but that's why I stopped listening.

Garnett Lee is definitely an acquired preference. I've always liked him because he tends to have interesting insights and is clearly very passionate about games. However, he does tend to interrupt people and also try to talk too fast so he ends up tripping over his words a lot. I've always liked him and Weekend Confirmed but can definitely understand anyone who can't. I do like Jeff Cannata a lot though.

Frankly, on the latest episode of Weekend Confirmed, Zav and the lady (sorry I've forgotten her name) needed a lot of talking over. Especially when Zav went off on his self righteous rant about reviews and somewhat missing the point in the process.

Overall not one of the better episodes.

I generally like Xav. I think he's an interesting add. Missed Brian when he left, but Xav is ok as a third.

I would still prefer just Garnett and the two Jeffs (interchanging with Brian ideally). They definitely had a good thing going there for a while.