The Gaming Duo

The Gaming Duo Podcast
  • 5.0 (12)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The industry leaders in providing gaming news and discussions, all while building a welcoming community along the way | Friendships Built Through Gaming

  1. 4D AGO

    Traveler’s Refrain with Red Essence Games Dev Interview

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we’re joined by Nik Hagialas, Co-Owner and Lead Artist at Red Essence Games, to talk all about their debut hand-painted action RPG, Traveler’s Refrain. With over a decade of experience working on projects for Disney, Dungeons & Dragons, and Fantasy Flight Games, Nik breaks down how Traveler’s Refrain came to life — from its earliest inspirations to years of development between longtime friends. We dive into the game’s standout song-casting mechanic, where music drives both combat and world interaction, and how that idea evolved throughout development. To wrap things up, Nik answers our signature Gaming Duo questions, shares what he’s playing right now, and offers advice for aspiring indie developers. 🎮 Traveler’s Refrain is available now on Steam redessencegames.com Purchase Travelers Refrain here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2679660/Travelers_Refrain/ Be part of the Gaming Duo Community by joining our discord server: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    1h 13m

  2. 4D AGO

    Traveler's Refrain Review

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we dive deep into Traveler’s Refrain, the music-driven action RPG from Red Essence Games that blends combat, melody, and melancholy into a surprisingly powerful indie experience. Wielding a magical bouzouki, Traveler’s Refrain asks a bold question: what if music wasn’t just atmosphere but the heart of gameplay, storytelling, and self-discovery? We break down how song-casting works in combat and exploration, whether the music mechanics feel meaningful or gimmicky, and how the game balances rhythm-adjacent action without becoming a full rhythm game. From its atmospheric world design and light puzzle-solving to its emotional themes of memory, loss, and longing, we discuss who this game is really for and why its smaller scope may actually be its greatest strength. We also dig into the game’s minimalist storytelling approach, pacing, and overall length, along with its biggest strengths and shortcomings. Plus, we wrap things up with our recommendation and final score. If you love emotionally driven indie games like Transistor, Hyper Light Drifter, or Death’s Door, this is one journey you won’t want to miss. Discord link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    32 min

  3. JAN 27

    This Might Be Xbox’s Best Showcase Ever… | Dev Direct 2026

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down everything shown at Xbox Developer Direct 2026—and yeah, this one actually hit. From a full gameplay deep dive on Fable to Forza Horizon 6 finally heading to Japan, we go game by game through Xbox’s most focused showcase yet. We talk big surprises like Beast of Reincarnation from Game Freak, Double Fine’s wonderfully weird Kiln, and whether Xbox’s gameplay-first approach signals real momentum heading into 2026. Plus, we dig into High Guard—what it is, how it could launch, and whether it’s a sleeper hit in the making. On the news side, we unpack Ubisoft canceling multiple projects, including Prince of Persia, and what that says about the company’s future, legacy IPs, and creative risk-taking. Is Xbox finally delivering on its promises? Which game stole the show? And how important is 2026 for Xbox’s future? Episode 270 starts… NOW. Discord Link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 20

    Resident Evil 9 Isn’t One Game Anymore — It’s Two

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we go all-in on Capcom’s explosive Resident Evil 9: Requiem showcase and what it means for the future of the franchise. From Leon’s brutal new combat style and dynamic stealth gameplay to unsettling zombies with human personalities and a mysterious scar that could change everything, we break down the biggest reveals and ask: could this be the best Resident Evil yet? We also react to reports of a Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake, discuss major casting news with Ryan Hurst stepping into the role of Kratos for Amazon’s God of War series and Sophie Turner becoming the new Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, and cover the surprising shutdown of Amazon’s MMO New World. Plus, we break down the newly revealed Lego Ocarina of Time set. Discord Link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    55 min

  5. JAN 13

    Xbox Developer Direct 2026: What’s Actually Releasing This Year?

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down Xbox’s Developer Direct 2026 and what it tells us about which games could actually launch this year. We also react to leaked Steam Machine pricing that suggests a premium push from Valve, and dive into ongoing GTA 6 delay rumors as confidence in its 2026 release date gets tested.Rate and review the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and join our Discord—where friendships are built through gaming. Discord link: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    51 min

  6. JAN 6

    Our Most Anticipated Games of 2026

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down the games we’re most hyped for in 2026, discuss why graphics cards are about to get a lot more expensive, and react to rumors that The Witcher 3 could be getting surprise new content nearly a decade later. Rate and review the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and join our Discord—where friendships are built through gaming. Discord: https://discord.gg/vVMudTUhhttps://discord.gg/vVMudTUh

    1h 11m

  7. 12/23/2025

    Generative AI in Gaming: Tool or Threat?

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we dive into one of the most heated debates in gaming right now: generative AI. Following the Expedition 33 awards controversy, we break down why its Indie Game Awards wins were rescinded, how AI was used during development, and what this means for the future of awards and transparency in the industry. We also discuss Larian Studios’ response after CEO Swen Vincke addressed backlash over AI use for early ideation — and where the line should be drawn between innovation and creative integrity. Plus, the gaming news you need to know, including Bungie’s Marathon losing its senior art director and Hollow Knight: Silksong receiving a major free DLC expansion. If you’re enjoying the show, leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and join our Discord community, where friendships are built through gaming. Join The Gaming Duo Discord Server: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    55 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Did The Game Awards 2025 Deliver?

    This week on The Gaming Duo, we break down The Game Awards 2025 — the biggest reveals, hype moments, and whether this year’s show actually delivered. From surprise announcements to standout trailers, we cover what worked, what didn’t, and how this TGA stacks up against past years. We also look ahead to the games we’re most excited for in 2026, including which announcements instantly jumped to the top of our hype lists. Plus, the gaming news you need to know, featuring major updates from Star Wars, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Pragmata, Diablo IV, and more. If you’re enjoying the show, leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and join our Discord community, where friendships are built through gaming. Join The Gaming Duo Discord Server: https://discord.gg/B7YYMvZtZ2

    57 min
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About

The industry leaders in providing gaming news and discussions, all while building a welcoming community along the way | Friendships Built Through Gaming

Information

  • Creator
    The Gaming Duo Podcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    276
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Gaming Duo Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Gaming Duo