Gaming has exploded in popularity over the last decade, becoming one of the largest entertainment industries. In 2021 alone, the global gaming market generated over $178 billion in revenue. This remarkable growth extends beyond big-budget console and PC releases to mobile gaming, indie titles, virtual reality and beyond.
As gaming continues to ingrain itself deeper into mainstream culture, more and more fans are seeking out ways to feed their gaming passion when they can‘t actually play. This is where gaming podcasts come in – they provide the perfect way to stay engaged and learn more about this dynamic, creative medium even without a controller in hand.
The best gaming podcasts entertain as much as they inform. Knowledgeable hosts with infectious enthusiasm can make discussions of everything from narrative design to esports business absolutely captivating. So whether learning about industry trends on the way to work or hearing reviews of an anticipated title, podcasts allow gamers to tap into an endless stream of gaming news, culture and community.
To help all gamers find their new favorite shows, here is our expert pick of 12 fantastic gaming podcasts well worth subscribing to:
1. How Did This Get Played?
Veteran games journalists Nick Wiger and Heather Anne Campbell team up to dissect some of the gaming industry‘s strangest oddities in How Did This Get Played? What started as a show mocking the all-time worst games has evolved into an irreverently fun celebration of both the genius and chaos woven into gaming history. Recent episodes have looked back on classics like Night Trap as well as absolute abominations like Mr. Bones for the Sega Saturn. Listener discretion is advised…but laughter is mandatory.
2. Triple Click
Join games reporters Jason Schreier, Maddy Myers, and Kirk Hamilton at the intersection of news and culture in Triple Click. The lively trio proudly cover big industry stories while also diving deep on design questions and community issues. Recent discussions have touched on everything from Ubisoft workplace misconduct allegations and World of Warcraft updates to the art of interactive storytelling and representation in Japanese RPGs. Come for the incisive commentary, stay for the endearing camaraderie.
3. Waypoint Radio
Redefining both what gaming coverage includes and who participates, Waypoint Radio stands out with its smart, inclusive takes on the culture. Hosts Rob Zacny, Patrick Klepek, Natalie Watson and Austin Walker push the dialogue with a critical lens grounded in a progressive, socially-conscious perspective. Episodes parse unfolding stories like the Microsoft-Activision deal alongside richer themes like pushing back on toxicity or championing innovation in AA development. The roster of guests and breadth of topics cement Waypoint Radio’s singular voice in the gaming podcast realm.
4. Retronauts
Blast into gaming‘s past, present and future with Retronauts. Journalist Jeremy Parish and friends transport listeners across the interactive ages with historical insights, retro reflections and classics coverage. Developers and journalists join Jeremy for everything from deep dives into eras like the Game Boy Advance scene to minutia like the history of video game packaging design. Listening feels like living joyfully at the crossroads of appreciating gaming’s roots and embracing its limitless innovation.
5. Giant Bombcast
A gaming institution since debuting in 2008, Giant Bombcast offers weekly casual, uncensored talk for the hardcore gamer. Editor-in-chief Jeff Gerstmann holds court with site editors Jan Ochoa, Danny O‘Dwyer and more on all things related to video games. The crew‘s irreverent candor and seasoned debating has kept this a favorite of gamers wanting an entertaining, opinionated and sarcastic take on the constant flood of news and releases sweeping the industry.
6. Game Scoop!
If seeking a one-stop audio destination to start or end a busy gaming week, queue up Game Scoop! IGN‘s slongest-running podcast satisfies gaming enthusiasts with scoops, impressions and roundtable conversations parsing the hottest stories across console, PC and mobile platforms. Host Daemon Hatfield oversees lively back-and-forth banter touching all corners of the gaming industry‘s ever-evolving ecosystem. Steady listeners can stay promptly informed even when too busy catching up on a backlog to check industry sites.
7. Goddamn GameCube
While some podcasts chase the new, Goddam GameCube looks fondly back on gaming magic of the past with hosts Beppe and Gregor. Rather than a scattered stroll down memory lane, each episode focuses intently on the games and evolution of a selected console or handheld. Recent deep dives include the full Age of Empires series, iconic Super Nintendo JRPGs, and the much-beloved cult oddity Parappa the Rapper. Especially enjoyable for those who want nostalgia served straight – no chaser.
8. Kinda Funny Gamescast
For a weekly one-stop shop of gaming coverage crafted to entertain diehards and newcomers alike, queue up Kinda Funny Gamescast. Co-founded by former IGN veteran Greg Miller along with Tim Gettys, Nick Scarpino and more, the boisterous crew play off each other splendidly while parsing news and events or bantering over anticipated releases. Recurring comedic segments like rapid-fire prediction dare ‘Make a Strip‘ perfectly encapsulate the ensemble‘s infectiously unrestrained passion.
9. Gamertag Radio
Gamertag Radio stands tall as a hallmark Xbox-centric gaming podcast fans keep hitting play on year after year. Hosts Parris Lilly, Peter Toledo, Asad Quizilbash and Mike Straw dish Xbox news, headline games coverage, development deep dives and more on this long-running fan favorite series. The group‘s camaraderie combined with connections to the Xbox community keep episodes equally informative and fun whether covering installments of flagship franchises or niche indie darlings.
10. Nextlander
What do you get when gaming industry veterans Brad Shoemaker, Alex Navarro and Vinny Caravella reunite? Elite discussion, ridiculous tangents, off-color jokes, and heaps of passion for games. Covering everything from classic oldies impressions to breaking news and even game development analysis, the beloved trio make each episode of Nextlander a hilarious must-listen balancing masterful insight and irreverent humor. Consider their Patreon and gain access to hours more quality podcast content.
11. The Psychology of Video Games
Offering a truly unique depth of insight, psychology professor Jamie Madigan applies his expertise to analyzing the intersection of gaming and human behavior in The Psychology of Video Games podcast. Dissecting game art, music and systems design through the lens of motivation theory, behavioral conditioning and related concepts creates an engrossing listen for those who want to appreciate games on deeper levels.
12. What‘s Good Games
Closing our list with a stellar example of gaming community inclusiveness, What‘s Good Games celebrates quality experiences across every genre, platform and audience. Founders Brittney Brombacher, Kristine Steimer, Michelle Ehrhardt and Andrea Rene cover news developments, review standout titles and spotlight rising developers. Meanwhile they push back against stagnation and gatekeeping hindering growth. WGG continues proving gaming deserves to exist as an open, empowering space for all.
While quick-hit blogs and YouTube shows have their place infeeding a gamer‘s habit, gaming podcasts offer a uniquely immersive long-form experience. The best gaming podcasts inspire imagination akin to playing. Hosts sketch verbal images that engage our theater of the mind. We visualize spectacular virtual worlds and inhabit play mechanics as they describe what they experience. Expert storytelling transports us into adrenaline-fueled competitions, making epic boss battles feel vivid and visceral. We hang on each plot twist and revelation.
Equally important, podcast personalities feel like familiar friends along for the ride no matter where you get your gaming fix. Listeners bond over shared excitement discovering hidden indie gems or disappointment when once-beloved series stumble. We experience camaraderie celebrating fan community values many shows champion. Podcasts drive deeper engagement that long outlasts the latest shocking headline or scored review.
Compared to bombastic YouTube voices yelling at the camera or basic blog blurbs, podcasts feel more distinctly human. The longer run times invite sincere perspectives beyond what sensational clickbait culture allows. Gaming podcasters exhibit a passion that manages to be infectious without feeling forced. That intangible soul is essential to building an authentic connection with listeners.
Ultimately whether seeking big picture industry analysis, developer insider insights, fierce debate or just some laughs with fellow fans, these podcasts deliver and more. So download a few gaming podcast episodes onto that phone for your next commute, connect wireless headphones for the daily walk or stream an episode on your console while grinding out quests. Welcome a vibrant new voice accompanying you on the virtual adventures ahead.
What gaming podcasts do you listen to regularly? Share your top recommendations in the comments below! For further entertaining info at the intersection of games and technology, check out my latest articles on gaming books worth reading, today‘s top mobile gaming companies and AI progress. Just tap or click to level up your knowledge!
