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 want to see the small steps towards an intersectional feminist future that have been made in games to go further. We are Gaming the System because we want to see our beloved world of Gaming reflect the values we hold dear, and until it does we are here to shine a light on what needs to change. -----PAYPAL & PATREONIf you want to support us, you can send us a one-off donation via paypal or subscribe monthly to our Patreon.For paypal, send your donation to:wearegamingthesystem@gmail.comFor patreon:patreon.com/gamingthesystem 

  1. 4D AGO

    264 - Video Game Concerts: A Musical Adventure - Part 1

    In this episode of Gaming the System, join us as we dive into the enchanting world of live video game music performances. Our host recounts their recent experience at a world premiere concert of BAFTA-winning and nominated video game music at the South Bank Center in London, featuring compositions conducted by the renowned Austin Wintory. We also hear Matt's experience attending an Elden Ring concert at the Royal Albert Hall, discussing the immersive and transformative power of orchestral renditions of video game scores. We explore the magic of experiencing beloved game music in iconic venues, meeting composers, and the emotional impact of live orchestrations. Tune in for a detailed conversation about the significance of video game music in live events and its growing popularity. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

    28 min
  2. FEB 5

    Meeting Wayfarer's Rest - Sanding Tables and Crafting Community (Episode 263)

    What does it take to turn a passion for gaming into a thriving high street fixture? In this episode, Alex and Jem sit down with Sarah and Katie, the founders of Wayfarer’s Rest in Godalming, Surrey, UK to discuss their journey from non-business backgrounds to creating a beloved community-led board game cafe. We dive into the "heart and soul" of the project. From the literal building of the counter to the never-ending sanding of the tables to the quirks of launching a business in a male-dominated industry and the hidden gotcha's of success. Sarah and Katie share that 'impossible' is not in their vocabulary and how they’ve built a space where everyone is welcome to join the game. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Community: How Wayfarer’s Rest has become a firm fixture on the local high street in just seven months. Gaming Roots: The joys of finding chosen family through board gaming, tabletop gaming and D&D. The Cafe Advantage: Why board game cafes are the perfect way to "try before you buy" without dropping £50 on a new game. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop veteran or just curious about your local gaming scene, this uplifting conversation is packed with inspiration and a few recommendations for your next game night. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

    52 min
  3. JAN 29

    262 - GTS News! Rockstar Games' Union Controversy, AI's Impact on Gaming, and Roblox's Age Restrictions

    In this episode, we delve into some pressing issues in the gaming industry as we kick off 2026. Alex discusses the allegations of union busting at Rockstar Games, where 30 employees were dismissed under controversial circumstances. We explore the implications of AI's growing demand for RAM and GPUs, potentially causing a 'RAM apocalypse' that could drive up hardware costs for gamers. Lastly, we examine Roblox's new age verification system aimed at protecting younger users, but fraught with challenges and unintended consequences. Join us as we navigate through these complex topics and their impact on the gaming world. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

    45 min
  4. JAN 22

    261 - Christmas Game-cation and 2026 Predictions

    In our first session recording of the year, we dive into an exciting discussion about our gaming activities over the Christmas holidays and look ahead to the games we're anticipating in the coming year. Join us as Jim shares his experiences with Expedition 33, ENS Shrouded, and Cozy Grove, while Matt recounts his time with The Outer Worlds 2 and the Dishonored series. Alex brings us her joy of playing Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, the charming Plucky Squire, and the board game Tokaido. We also explore our gaming adventures with family, including Until Dawn and Fortnite, and reveal our most anticipated games for 2026, such as Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis and the highly-awaited Kojima horror game. Tune in for an engaging chat about our favorite games and the upcoming titles that have caught our interest! 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

    45 min
  5. 12/18/2025

    Xmas special : Playing in the Dark: Light, Shadow, and Seasonal Gaming (Episode 257)

    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 darkness are central to storytelling. The episode also unpacks metaphor and subversion: darkness as rest rather than evil, light as exposure rather than safety, and how stealth, shadows and day/night cycles impact game play. From survival games where night radically alters play, to titles that use colour, seasons and weather to evoke emotional responses, the conversation highlights how games mirror our need for contrast, pause and recalibration. A reflective, quietly festive episode that sits in the space between endings and beginnings. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

    37 min

About

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 want to see the small steps towards an intersectional feminist future that have been made in games to go further. We are Gaming the System because we want to see our beloved world of Gaming reflect the values we hold dear, and until it does we are here to shine a light on what needs to change. -----PAYPAL & PATREONIf you want to support us, you can send us a one-off donation via paypal or subscribe monthly to our Patreon.For paypal, send your donation to:wearegamingthesystem@gmail.comFor patreon:patreon.com/gamingthesystem