If this year’s E3 was any indication on where the video game industry is heading, then you can guarantee that another boom is arriving.
As gamers of all colors and creeds are celebrating next-gen graphics and games, the subset within the community, podcasting, is experiencing a rise in popularity.
For those who don’t know what a podcast is, it is a digital broadcast that consists of an episodic series of audio pegged to a certain topic. In the case of gamers who love to experience everything digital, these podcasts are a means to dig deeper into an upcoming game’s release, discuss a controversial event, or interview popular subjects within the genre.
All in all, a video game podcast is meant to attract listeners who love “Pac-Man” as much as they love “Call Of Duty.” With the industry now a billion-dollar business, there is a strong focus on the medium, but not enough recognition is being doled out for these purveyors of pixelated perfection.
That’s why we’re here to present for your perusal 10 video game podcasts that you should know about.
Podcast Beyond
One of IGN’s many properties, “Podcast Beyond” sprinkles a bit of madness within the serenity of the gaming world. Hosted by the company’s leading writers, the show features the latest gaming news mixed with some exciting interviews with developers and publishers that gamers know and love.
Angry Video Game Nerd
Also known as “The Nerd,” creator and host James Rolfe reviews retro games while presenting original animated characters. The original and entertaining podcast is more web series than audio wonder, but that hasn’t stopped legions of fans from tuning in.
Cheap Ass Gamer
Live from different parts of the world (Tokyo, New York, and Ohio, respectively), “Cheap Ass Gamer” indoctrinates its listeners through very adult discussions about games and gaming culture. Hosts CheapyD, Wombat, and Shipwreck offer humorous commentary that has developed into a full-fledged community of cheap ass gamers.
Spawn On Me
Hailing from the wondrous land of Brookcago, hosts Cicero (aka Stubby Stan) and Kahlief Adams hilariously and intelligently tackle the day-to-day developments within the video game industry. Highly informed and timely, the duo manage to chat with the next generation of leaders within the gaming community.
Gamertag Radio
Bridging the gap between hip-hop and video games, founder Danny “Godfree” Peña’s interesting interviewing style has managed to get exclusive tidbits from the likes of video gaming’s elite. His most recent episode documented everything dope about E3.
Sarcastic Gamer
Utilizing satire and parody to fuel this gaming podcast, SG creates original fake news that end up in listeners laughing themselves silly. Even though it has stopped and started throughout the years, this is one of the more popular podcast because of its originality and comedic timing.
Giant Bombcast
For those who enjoy their gaming podcast with a bit of witty banter and adult humor, the guys at “Giant Bombcast” blend their in-depth gaming knowledge with some pretty humorous dialogue that makes them one of the must-hear podcast within the community.
The Game Informer Show
“Game Informer” has been around since the early ’90s and has cultivated itself as a fixture in the culture. Billed as the “great-grandfather of video game podcast,” the “Game Informer Show” will often create topics them originated from the magazine.
Idle Thumbs
This Kickstarter-funded podcast has improved its reach and breadth since debuting in 2004. Hosted by four friends with jobs in game development, this show is wonderful for those looking to know the pixels and puns that go into game creation.
Super Joystiq
Highlighting gaming reviews and previews, this podcast has cultivated a following due to their consistent posting and comprehensive knowledge of all things gaming.
Are you familiar with any of these shows? If so, what are your favorite episodes? Speak on it below in the comments section.