It’s the Summer of Games, and Nigel and Tazziii welcome a panel of first-timers to discuss the games we’re playing and the abundance of game showcases (starting at 32:57). Game Over Beer Podcast host Tom Maya, content creator Saskia Cole, and game designer Danny Colclough are all on hand to debate the merits of Geoff Keighley’s efforts to get us all hyped about video games. We also talk about the lack of representation at the show, upcoming releases we’re excited for and gaming news across Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

Games we’re enjoying (or not): Call of Duty, Gone Home, Road 96, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Subnautica, Shadow of the Colossus, Sonic the Hedgehog, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Cozy Grove and yet to play it! Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Final Fantasy XVI, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome the Marketing Manager at Freedom Games and Founder of Dames 4 Games, Destinee Cleveland. We get into the rise and fall of E3 and where we go from here when marketing video games to a passionate audience.

From the murky future for E3 to the recent supremacy of Geoff Keighley and the Summer Games Fest, we’re discussing how video game marketing has changed and what we want to see for it to improve in the future. We also get the perspective from someone working in the games industry on how you can make a career marketing video games.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii head into the vastness of space for a deep dive into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with Jason and Rich from the Woo Long Talks Podcast (at 28:27). We delve into James Gunn’s final entry in the series and the MCU as he heads to DC. It’s a triumphant send-off, and we’re here for the emotional rollercoaster that is Rocket’s story, masterfully incorporating the arcs of all the Guardians’ found family members. This episode’s storytelling tip is about delivering on an ensemble cast.

Other stories we’re enjoying: Hajime no Ippo, Succession, Yasuke, Jujutsu Kaisen, Redfall, One Piece, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Barry, Haikyu!!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Aniboxx Founder Jide Johnson to talk about his journey to the world of animation. We delve deep into his early days and learn how his passion for music ignited creativity and his ability for self-expression.

We also navigate tricky conversations with parents, delving into the pivotal moment when Jide stepped away from a conventional career path to embrace a life of animated storytelling. This journey is must listen for anyone with an interest in the process of animation!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome cosplayer Manny Moon to unpack the story of her journey into the world of costume design and cosplay. In this conversation, Manny tells us the personal impact cosplay can have on confidence and self-image as we hear about lessons from her first cosplay efforts.

We talk about mental health, diversity and the debate between accuracy and interpretation when it comes to cosplayers of colour. This is a great discussion to get an insight into the world of cosplay and the individuals who bring it to life!

This week on the podcast, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Vik Deluca from Mega City Comics (at 34:00) as they delve into the futuristic world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In this 10-episode season retrospective, they explore the tragic themes of corporate greed, doomed relationships, and the desire to be special.

Set in a visually stunning anime adaptation, the story follows a headstrong protagonist and a group of mercenaries known as “edgerunners” as they take on dangerous jobs in a world where technology has advanced beyond human control.

In addition to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, we’re also enjoying a variety of other stories, including Diablo IV, Dungeons & Dragons, Sweet Poolside, Link Click, Servant, Jedi Fallen Order, God of War Ragnarok, Red Flower Stories, Umbrella Academy, and Hustle.

This week, Nigel welcomes Rebellion’s Senior Accessibility Designer Cari Watterton to unpack the story of her journey from a young aspiring actor to a career making video games accessible for more people. In this conversation, we get to learn about the process of designing games to be more accessible and challenge assumptions about including accessibility as we look at popular examples in modern day games.

We talk about why accessibility does just equal disability, and how it brings value to all players. Cari also talks about the role her family played in her early career and what success in life looks like to her. This is a great discussion for those unfamiliar with the impact accessibility has in the games we play!