Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast

GamingtheSystem
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. DEC 11

    Death in Games, Part 3: Grief, Memory, and Meaning (Episode 256)

    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 discuss the long-running trope of the “dead loved one” as narrative fuel, the rise of emotionally literate writing in games, and the growing recognition of games as a space people actively use to process bereavement. Finally, we talk about “digital ghosts” immortalised through save files, screenshots, and videos that become unexpected mementoes of who we once were. Can we digitally capture our souls this way? A reflective, grounded conversation about how games help us face endings and why these virtual experiences stay with us long after we log off. 📢 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

    41 min

  3. DEC 5

    Death in Games Part 2 Learning to Die Better: How Games Shape Our View of Death (Episode 255)

    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 that feel unexpectedly profound.  We talk about the emotional shock of losing companions, the narrative power of killing characters early (hello, Game of Thrones), and why failure loops and boss fights quietly teach resilience far better than most real-life systems do.  There’s also a look at permadeath modes: who plays them, why they’re stressful as hell, and why “hardest mode or you’re not a real gamer” is absolute nonsense.  We end the episode with one-sentence lessons we can take from in-game death including Alex’s fridge magnet slogan.  Games that get a mention: Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty, God of War,  Split Fiction, Baldur’s Gate 3, Pandemic Legacy. Next time: Part 3 will look at how modern games explore grief, memory, and meaning 📢 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

    30 min

  4. NOV 27

    Death in Games Part 1 - Between Story and Respawn (Episode 254)

    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 when death *matters* and talk about the games we've found that make death meaningful (Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us, Tomb Raider, God of War, Returnal, Valheim, RimWorld) Content Warning Discussion of death, violence, and loss in video games, plus mild body horror references. #DeathInGames #GameMechanics #NarrativeDesign #Permadeath #RespawnLoop #GhostOfTsushima #TheLastOfUs  #EmotionalGames  📢 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

    30 min

  5. NOV 20

    253 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 02

    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, employee well-being, and the overall quality of games. Support the podcast on Patreon or via PayPal for more exclusive content. 📢 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

    38 min

  6. NOV 13

    252 - Crunch Culture: MindsEye Disaster - Part 01

    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 standards. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on how crunch culture affects developers and the broader implications for the gaming sector. 📢 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

    43 min

  7. NOV 6

    251 From Sparks to Steeds: AI Companions in Video Games

    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 ahead to the future of AI companions, considering how they could become more sophisticated, adaptive, and engaging. Don't miss this deep dive as we celebrate our fifth anniversary with engaging discussions on the evolving role of AI in gaming! 📢 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

  8. OCT 30

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

    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 from past encounters. There’s nostalgia for the “arrow to the knee” days, when NPCs were part of the joke, and concern that too much autonomy could strip away that sense of fun. A discussion of the AI Darth Vader in Fortnite—who quickly went rogue and started swearing at players—highlights the dangers of unleashing learning systems in live environments. From there, the conversation moves into deeper territory: if NPCs become lifelike, will players form stronger emotional attachments? And what does it mean when games make us feel guilty for our virtual actions? This episode explores the uneasy balance between innovation and control, and what the future of AI may hold for how we interact, connect, and care inside virtual worlds. New episodes of Gaming the System every Thursday. #AIGaming #NPCs  #FutureOfGames #GameAI #AICharacters  #ProceduralStorytelling #EmergentGameplay  📢 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

    36 min
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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 

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