Looking to get your gaming fix by sound instead of sight? We’ve curated some of the best gaming podcasts around to make it easy to find the one that’s most suited to your interests.
In the list below, we bring you the best and the brightest in various gaming podcasts categories: game development podcasts, game design podcasts, general gaming, history of games, and many more. Take a look and choose the gaming podcasts that are right for you.
Check out our top 20 recommendations for gaming podcasts below:
I. General gaming
Giant Bombcast by Giant Bomb
Description: Probably the most famous video gaming podcast out there. It’s run by the top-notch crew of GiantBomb.com and is an absolute must for all gaming fans. It’s been around since 2013, often tops the iTunes Podcast charts, and as of now has about 300 episodes of great content. You also can check out “The Giant Beastcast” (the name being short for Giant Bomb East) – the video game podcast by their New York-based team.
Why we like it: The hosts - senior game critics - discuss the latest game news and new releases, and their off-topic conversation has great comic value. Not only funny, this video game podcast is also high quality, and despite the long episode run time, the minutes fly by.
Links:
https://www.giantbomb.com/podcasts/
https://apple.co/2k04gjr
Level Up by ironSource
Description: A relatively new gaming podcast, LevelUp is devoted to all things mobile game-related, and covers a wide range of topics from industry trends, to development and design, monetization and marketing, to looking at how you build a strong game company culture, what it’s like to be a woman in gaming, and whether games can be used for good. Interviews are most often with the makers behind some of the most wildly popular games today.
Why we like it: Because it's ours and we put our heart into every episode :) If you’re looking for a wide-ranging gaming podcast where you get to hear from companies like Kongregate, Zeptolab, Rovio, Nexon and Gram Games, this podcast is for you.
Links:
https://www.ironsrc.com/level-up/
https://apple.co/2rKsq5O
The Paradox Podcast by Paradox Interactive
Description: A gaming podcast about the business of video games, by Paradox Interactive, a Swedish game publisher company. This gaming news podcast primarily focuses on the business side of the game industry - covering business decisions, product development, publishing and distribution.
Why we like it: This is a perfect gaming podcast if you want to learn how the game industry really works. The episodes cover topics like “What is wrong with user reviews?”, “What does it cost to make a video game?”, “Why distribution is cool”, “How to get your game published”, and others.
Links:
https://soundcloud.com/paradoxinteractive
https://apple.co/2wLLVA2
II. Women in gaming
What’s Good Games by What’s Good Games
Description: A relatively new video games podcast, What’s Good Games is run by 4 female friends with more than 35 years of experience in the game industry combined. They are funny, witty and have some of the best analysis and newsgathering in game podcasting.
Why we like it: What makes this gaming podcast stand out from the crowd is that its four co-hosts are all women. In a male-dominated industry listeners can get a fresh female perspective on all things games. Plus, the hosts are very active on social media, making listeners feel heard and appreciated.
Links:
https://whatsgoodgames.com/
https://apple.co/2Io34B6
Girls on Games - GoGCast by Girls on Games
Description: This is a video game podcast of Girls on Games, a video game and geek culture blog operating out of Canada. It discusses everything game-related, tackles the latest news and hottest topics, and interviews people making waves in the industry. Apart from listening to the weekly gaming news podcast, you can also check out their video content, as well as watch them live streaming games on Twitch.
Why we like it: Created in early 2011 by two women, Girls on Games has quickly become Montreal’s premiere English news source for game reviews, behind the scenes content, event coverage, editorials and industry spotlights and interviews. “Who run the world? Girls!”
Links:
http://www.girlsongames.ca/
https://apple.co/2k2wj1y
III. Game development
The AIAS Game Maker’s Notebook by Academy of Interactive Arts & Science
Description: This game development podcast is produced by The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the interactive arts. It features a series of in-depth developer-to-developer conversations with renowned and emerging voices, and is hosted by Ted Price, founder and CEO of Insomniac Games.
Why we like it: Despite the fact that it’s relatively new, and only has about 10 episodes, this video game development podcast has already managed to bring in some industry legends, like Ed Boon, co-creator of Mortal Kombat, Brendan Greene aka Playerunknown of PUBG, guys from the Bethesda Game Studios and Guerrilla Games, to name just a few. It’s a fun and informative conversation and a great insight into game making.
Links:
http://www.interactive.org/Interviews/the_game_makers_notebook.asp
https://apple.co/2rLFya8
Game Dev Unchained by Game School Online
Description: Game industry veterans Brandon Pham and Larry Charles interview pro and indie developers every week to talk jobs, studios, salaries etc. and give listeners an inside look at what it’s like to be a professional game developer.
Why we like it: This game development podcast is a must for people looking to try to take a crack at game development. The topics range from producing and publishing games, to legal issues, game design, marketing & PR, finding a job, game journalism, and much more. With insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes looks into both the AAA and indie game industries, it’s a well-rounded offering.
Links:
https://www.gamedevunchained.com/
https://apple.co/2IKxTmU
The Debug Log by thedebuglog.com
Description: A weekly game development podcast hosted by professional game developers. From games for health care to AAA mobile games, these guys have experienced it all and have the scars to prove it. Aiming to be both entertaining and informative, the show targets developers of all skill levels. Whether you’re just getting started or have several games under your belt, you’re sure to find something of value.
Why we like it: This is not your typical game development podcast. The Debug Log balances in-depth discussions and interviews with a casual sense of humor. They also have the official private Facebook group “The Debug Lounge” where game developers can share experiences, help each other out, and just have fun.
Links:
http://thedebuglog.com/category/podcast/
https://apple.co/2k2BnTS
IV. Interviews with game developers
Gamkedo.Community by Chris DeLeon
Description: This game development podcast focuses on sharing stories and advice from game developers of all levels - beginners, industry veterans, international etc. Its mission is to convey a broader picture of what's involved in making games (for AAA developers, indies, game jammers, hobbyists, and more), as well as to cover various sides of the game industry.
Why we like it: Above all, it’s very motivational. If you need a kick to get started making your own games, this is the game development podcast for you. As every guest comes from a completely different background, you get to hear a range of inspirational stories about unique paths into game development.
Links:
http://gamkedo.community/
https://apple.co/2wLJ7mb
Tone Control - Conversations with game developers by Idle Thumbs
Description: This is an amazing game development podcast of the Idle Thumbs network. Here Steve Gaynor of Fullbright (creators of Gone Home and Tacoma) sits down with noteworthy game developers for an in-depth conversation about their career and creative process, and the tricky work of establishing and maintaining a cohesive tone in their games.
Why we like it: Steve Gaynor asks the guests the right questions in order to learn more about their personal perspectives, the specifics of their career paths and game development experiences.
Links:
https://www.idlethumbs.net/tonecontrol
https://apple.co/2L4Yidt
V. The history of games
Retronauts by PodcastOne
Description: This weekly podcast looks into the history of video games, one game at a time. From forgotten black-and-white arcade machines to modern-day remakes, it covers more than 40 years of vintage gaming.
Why we like it: It’s impossible to create a list of best game podcasts and not include this one. Definitely the best retro games podcast around, which is a very fun and thoughtful exploration of gaming history with some amazing stories.
Links:
https://www.podcastone.com/retronauts/
https://apple.co/2InGXL3
Dev Game Club by Brett Douville and Tim Longo
Description: Two industry veterans and long-time game developers discuss older titles and the impact they had on the games industry, as well as what lessons they can teach game developers today. They also feature guests in the final episodes of each series - usually they get a developer from the original game to talk about how it was built and share their experience.
Why we like it: A good pick for those interested in game development from the perspective of the history of the industry. Also we love the clear and concise format - Dev Game Club looks at older games and explores them in a form similar to the good old book club!
Links:
http://www.devgameclub.com/
https://apple.co/2rL7pao
VI. Looking beyond the west
8-4 Play by 8-4, Ltd
Description: For fans of Japanese games, 8-4 Play is a gaming podcast hosted by a team who moved to Japan and started a localization company that translates Japanese games into English in order to bring them to the West. According to the website, “every other week, [listeners can] tune into 8-4 Play for talk about Japan, video games, and Japanese video games, straight from the 8-4 offices in beautiful downtown Tokyo”.
Why we like it: It’s a rare and unique chance to get a sneak peek at the gaming culture in Japan in English. The podcast is a perfect fit for gamers who are already interested in Japan’s gaming scene, or who are looking for something new.
Links:
http://8-4.jp/blog/?lang=en
https://apple.co/2IQG4ho
Chengdu Gaming Federation Podcast by Chengdu Gaming Federation
Description: This gaming podcast is run by an American independent developer who’s been living in China for ten years, and broadcasts from Chengdu, China (the capital of Sichuan Province). Focused on an exploration of the Chinese game economy, topics include the evolution of the market, the impact of gaming giants Tencent and Netease, Western games in China, and Chinese games abroad.
Why we like it: The Asia-Pacific region represents the largest game market today - China alone has 600 million gamers and is responsible for nearly a quarter of global game revenue (in 2017 China generated $30 billion in sales). For every game developer aspiring to hit the global market it’s essential to know the Chinese market inside-out, and this enjoyable podcast will help you to learn the basics.
Links:
https://www.chengdugaming.com/
https://apple.co/2wOvYJg
VII. Game design
The Game Design Round Table by The Game Design Round Table Team
Description: This is a podcast by game designers, for game designers. It focuses on both digital and tabletop gaming and explores various sides of game design. Episodes are chats with prominent game designers sharing their experiences, advice and insights into the industry.
Why we like it: The hosts have decades of experience in digital and tabletop gaming, so the discussion is always rich and informative. If you’re interested in game design you will be able to pick up some good pointers and improve your craft. Luckily, you already have a massive backlog of episodes (almost 200) to sift through!
Links:
http://thegamedesignroundtable.com/
https://apple.co/2L2qrlg
Designer Notes by Idle Thumbs
Description: According to its site, this is a podcast about “why we make games - as every designer has a different and very personal answer to that question”. The host, founder of Mohawk Games, sits down with noted game designers to find out the answer by examining their careers as a whole.
Why we like it: If you’re more interested in the career side of game development and design, this is a game podcast that will suit your needs, since you’ll hear interviews with industry professionals on their different career paths and philosophies.
Links:
https://www.idlethumbs.net/designernotes
https://apple.co/2rKYWEf
VIII. All about indie devs
Game Dev’s Quest by Awesome! Internet Radio
Description: This is a game development podcast for newbies which chronicles the journey of two beginner game developers in real-time. They set out to acquire the tools and skills to create their own games while trying to embody the phrase, “if we can do it, you can too”. The guys are sharing the games they’re creating during the process here .
Why we like it: Listening to “Game Dev’s Quest” gives you the unique opportunity to learn about the real-life experience of indie developers - their struggles, mistakes and successes.
Links:
http://airpodcast.com/category/gamedevsquest/
https://apple.co/2IpvRoP
Idle Thumbs by Idle Thumbs
Description: This gaming podcast is hosted by a crew of San Francisco developers, formerly of such studios as Telltale Games and Double Fine. It was started simply for fun, where random conversations between the presenters were recorded and put on the Internet. It’s evolved into a space where the presenters get to talk about a topic they are passionate about, i.e. games - and the result is highly enjoyable.
Why we like it: The video gaming podcast usually focuses on indie titles, since that is what the hosts are personally interested in, but sometimes they also bring a wider variety of games to the table for discussion. Idle Thumbs is a thoughtful podcast that puts a bit more emphasis on design and criticism when analyzing the games. If “Idle Thumbs” clicks with you, you can also check out the podcast “Three Moves Ahead” about war and strategy games, it was created by the same guys.
Links:
https://www.idlethumbs.net/
https://apple.co/2rKAZNR
IX. Beyond gaming
Laser Time by Laser Time
Description: This gaming podcast is a must for any pop culture fan. Laser Time discusses an array of topics, ranging from movies, games, music, TV, comics, and more. Hosts who hail from the game industry talk about the last 30 years of pop culture, covering a range of themes from past and present, including Disneyland, the Oscars, South Park, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Simpsons, Power Rangers, superhero movies - and there are about 300 amazing episodes available to tune in to.
Why we like it: Laser Time provides fascinating new insight into topics you didn’t know could fill a whole podcast, and it approaches each one from the perspective of people who have worked in games for a living. While the content isn’t confined to games, when they do cover them it’s just as interesting if not more.
Links:
http://www.lasertimepodcast.com/category/lasertimepodcast/
https://apple.co/1hlhInN
Super Best Friendcast! by Super Best Friends Play
Description: Every week, the creators of Super Best Friends Play discuss the best and worst of the game space, geekdom & pop culture.
Why we like it: Four charismatic best friends talk about a wide range of topics that not only cover gaming, but also movies, comics, anime and everything else in between. A well-loved video games podcast, the chemistry between the guys is great, and the show is both fun and informative. Give it a try - as the hosts put it: “We promise nothing, and deliver less”.
Links:
http://superbestfriendcast.libsyn.com/
https://apple.co/2rMH5wu
Are we missing some of your favorites among gaming podcasts? Feel free to let us know by emailing communication@ironsrc.com or on social media: Twitter, Facebook.
