https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pc-gamer-chat-log--5795244enVideo GamesPC Gamerhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/02e2aef9b5a57c0f4b38ece575931d98.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pc-gamer-chat-log--5795244Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:00:51 +0000PC GamerPC Gamereditors@pcgamer.comStay awhile, PC gamers, and listen to Lauren Morton & Mollie Taylor chill out with a weekly chat about all things PC gaming. They'll be joined by other PC Gamer editors to talk about genres like FPSes and survival sims, dive deep into classic series...falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-kind-of-year-was-2024-in-pc-gaming--63392709On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie come together to announce a Chat Log hiatus and talk about 2024 in review. What was this year like in PC gaming? What big launches did we manage to predict? Which trends have become normalized in PC gaming? There's no doubt that 2024 felt a little aimless as we all invested in our gaming niches]]>vnid://episodes/63392709?media_id=48330238Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:00:07 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie come together to announce a Chat Log hiatus and talk about 2024 in review. What was this year like in PC gaming? What big launches did we manage to predict? Which trends have become normalized in PC gaming?...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie come together to announce a Chat Log hiatus and talk about 2024 in review. What was this year like in PC gaming? What big launches did we manage to predict? Which trends have become normalized in PC gaming? There's no doubt that 2024 felt a little aimless as we all invested in our gaming niches]]>3480falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-developers-are-we-hoping-to-hear-from-in-2025--63284857On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about developers that we're going to have an eye on in 2025. Some are working on big, announced projects that we're hoping to get updates on while others are quietly working on unannounced projects we're hoping to see reveals for. What about some deep cuts? Which developers have been quiet for a few years and are due to pop out of the woodwork soon?]]>vnid://episodes/63284857?media_id=48236091Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:00:07 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about developers that we're going to have an eye on in 2025. Some are working on big, announced projects that we're hoping to get updates on while others are quietly working on...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about developers that we're going to have an eye on in 2025. Some are working on big, announced projects that we're hoping to get updates on while others are quietly working on unannounced projects we're hoping to see reveals for. What about some deep cuts? Which developers have been quiet for a few years and are due to pop out of the woodwork soon?]]>3916falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-minigames-are-the-most-iconic--63166877On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Chris Livingston about the minigames in our games. Which minigame activities are the most iconic? Which ones secretly suck? And which series does minigames the best?]]>vnid://episodes/63166877?media_id=48126957Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:00:07 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Chris Livingston about the minigames in our games. Which minigame activities are the most iconic? Which ones secretly suck? And which series does minigames the best?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Chris Livingston about the minigames in our games. Which minigame activities are the most iconic? Which ones secretly suck? And which series does minigames the best?]]>3518falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-dress-up-games-become-a-trend--63047674On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the legacy of dress up games and whether they might be about to explode on PC. It's no secret that everyone loves looking great in their games, but building a game around the concept of fashion hasn't always been big in PC gaming. With some flash in the pan hits like Dress To Impress and the upcoming potential of Infinity Nikki, are dress up games primed to have their moment?]]>vnid://episodes/63047674?media_id=48027314Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:00:26 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the legacy of dress up games and whether they might be about to explode on PC. It's no secret that everyone loves looking great in their games, but building a game around the concept of fashion...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the legacy of dress up games and whether they might be about to explode on PC. It's no secret that everyone loves looking great in their games, but building a game around the concept of fashion hasn't always been big in PC gaming. With some flash in the pan hits like Dress To Impress and the upcoming potential of Infinity Nikki, are dress up games primed to have their moment?]]>2795falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/warcraft-30th-anniversary-and-wow-20th--62957093How nostalgic are we about World of Warcraft on its 20th anniversary?

On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with certified WoW nerds Tyler Colp and Hervey Randall about the last 20 years of World of Warcraft. What big moments, memories, and expansions loom largest in our minds? When did we know that WoW had really become a cultural touchstone? And what does the future of WoW look like now?]]>vnid://episodes/62957093?media_id=47954561Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:12:30 +0000PC GamerHow nostalgic are we about World of Warcraft on its 20th anniversary? On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with certified WoW nerds Tyler Colp and Hervey Randall about the last 20 years of World of Warcraft. What big moments, memories, and...How nostalgic are we about World of Warcraft on its 20th anniversary?

On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with certified WoW nerds Tyler Colp and Hervey Randall about the last 20 years of World of Warcraft. What big moments, memories, and expansions loom largest in our minds? When did we know that WoW had really become a cultural touchstone? And what does the future of WoW look like now?]]>3270falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-did-browser-games-go--62740511vnid://episodes/62740511?media_id=47877010Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:08:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Kara Phillips about browser games! We all have a childhood full of flash games, social MMOs, and websites stocked full of weird minigames. Nowadays, the browser game scene is really different, but...3448falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-on-our-pc-gaming-bucket-list--62653040On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about their gaming bucket lists. Sure yes, we all want to clear our backlog of games to play, but let's be a little more realistic. What do we want to get done in gaming before it's all over. Which series do we really need to get around to? Which achievements are must-haves?]]>vnid://episodes/62653040?media_id=47798333Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:59:45 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about their gaming bucket lists. Sure yes, we all want to clear our backlog of games to play, but let's be a little more realistic. What do we want to get done in gaming before it's all over. Which...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about their gaming bucket lists. Sure yes, we all want to clear our backlog of games to play, but let's be a little more realistic. What do we want to get done in gaming before it's all over. Which series do we really need to get around to? Which achievements are must-haves?]]>3122falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/will-the-trend-of-zombies-in-games-ever-actually-die--62570858On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about zombie games. It sure seems like they were the instant hit theme in gaming for a long time but these days they're mostly just shambling along. What do we actually love about zombies as gaming's de facto horde of enemies and will we ever want to replace them with something new?]]>vnid://episodes/62570858?media_id=47726139Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:59:37 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about zombie games. It sure seems like they were the instant hit theme in gaming for a long time but these days they're mostly just shambling along. What do we actually love about...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about zombie games. It sure seems like they were the instant hit theme in gaming for a long time but these days they're mostly just shambling along. What do we actually love about zombies as gaming's de facto horde of enemies and will we ever want to replace them with something new?]]>3423falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-makes-our-favorite-horror-games-great--62486912On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Elie Gould about horror games. 'Tis the season! Elie is a certified horror fan but Mollie and I are maybe a little less ready to be scared on the regular. What makes our favorite horror games work so well and which genres of horror are peak?]]>vnid://episodes/62486912?media_id=47654571Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Elie Gould about horror games. 'Tis the season! Elie is a certified horror fan but Mollie and I are maybe a little less ready to be scared on the regular. What makes our favorite horror games work...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Elie Gould about horror games. 'Tis the season! Elie is a certified horror fan but Mollie and I are maybe a little less ready to be scared on the regular. What makes our favorite horror games work so well and which genres of horror are peak?]]>3372falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-did-we-come-up-with-the-top-100-pc-games-this-year--62398539On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin and Lincoln about this year's process for coming up with the PC Gamer Top 100 games list. Which games got cut this year? Which upsets are we having feelings about?]]>vnid://episodes/62398539?media_id=47590662Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:09:32 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin and Lincoln about this year's process for coming up with the PC Gamer Top 100 games list. Which games got cut this year? Which upsets are we having feelings about?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin and Lincoln about this year's process for coming up with the PC Gamer Top 100 games list. Which games got cut this year? Which upsets are we having feelings about?]]>3627falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-become-patient-gamers-who-wait-to-play-releases--62310640On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about patient gaming because Chris might be the most unintentionally patient of us all. Can we ever be patient gamers or are we all too full up on FOMO to ever miss out on what our friends are playing?]]>vnid://episodes/62310640?media_id=47515723Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:00:27 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about patient gaming because Chris might be the most unintentionally patient of us all. Can we ever be patient gamers or are we all too full up on FOMO to ever miss out on what our...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about patient gaming because Chris might be the most unintentionally patient of us all. Can we ever be patient gamers or are we all too full up on FOMO to ever miss out on what our friends are playing?]]>3382falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-real-cost-of-getting-into-pc-gaming--62209550On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about how much it really costs to get into PC gaming. We talk about the price of building a tower all the time, but that's not all it takes. From peripherals to game prices, we're talking about what it actually takes to get started in PC gaming.]]>vnid://episodes/62209550?media_id=47444017Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about how much it really costs to get into PC gaming. We talk about the price of building a tower all the time, but that's not all it takes. From peripherals to game prices, we're...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about how much it really costs to get into PC gaming. We talk about the price of building a tower all the time, but that's not all it takes. From peripherals to game prices, we're talking about what it actually takes to get started in PC gaming.]]>3358falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-doesn-t-asymmetrical-co-op-get-more-love--62116008On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jake Tucker about the underappreciated genre of asymmetrical co-op games. Why aren't there more of these great split task games and what are some of our favorites? And how many minutes will it be before Mollie finds a way to bring FInal Fantasy 14 into the discussion?]]>vnid://episodes/62116008?media_id=47372625Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jake Tucker about the underappreciated genre of asymmetrical co-op games. Why aren't there more of these great split task games and what are some of our favorites? And how many minutes will it be...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jake Tucker about the underappreciated genre of asymmetrical co-op games. Why aren't there more of these great split task games and what are some of our favorites? And how many minutes will it be before Mollie finds a way to bring FInal Fantasy 14 into the discussion?]]>3194falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-happens-when-games-get-un-launched--62011799On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about what happens when a game like Concord gets un-launched. We've seen more cases of live service games with short lives in the past few years and they can sometimes get messy. How long do games stick it out before calling it quits and what happens after that?]]>vnid://episodes/62011799?media_id=47286965Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about what happens when a game like Concord gets un-launched. We've seen more cases of live service games with short lives in the past few years and they can sometimes get messy. How long...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about what happens when a game like Concord gets un-launched. We've seen more cases of live service games with short lives in the past few years and they can sometimes get messy. How long do games stick it out before calling it quits and what happens after that?]]>3877falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-state-of-microtransactions-in-pc-gaming--61336981On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tim Clark about the state of microtransactions in our games. When did they get so much less micro and how much have we each shamefully spent on our in-game gear? Now that we've lived through the era of horse armour, loot boxes, and season passes, what's going to be the next trend for games to squeeze cash out of us?]]>vnid://episodes/61336981?media_id=46727986Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:00:01 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tim Clark about the state of microtransactions in our games. When did they get so much less micro and how much have we each shamefully spent on our in-game gear? Now that we've lived through the era...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tim Clark about the state of microtransactions in our games. When did they get so much less micro and how much have we each shamefully spent on our in-game gear? Now that we've lived through the era of horse armour, loot boxes, and season passes, what's going to be the next trend for games to squeeze cash out of us?]]>3281falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/our-hidden-gem-pc-games-of-2024-so-far--61195836vnid://episodes/61195836?media_id=46654873Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn This week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie round up some of 2024's hidden gems in PC gaming so far. We're a good chunk of the way through the year and you don't want to have missed some of our favorite things we've played so far this year. We've got...3527falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-would-we-put-in-a-pc-gaming-time-capsule--61112230On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren put together their theoretical PC gaming time capsule. Which one game would we squirrel away to represent PC gaming? What about a gaming trend or PC peripheral? And what would you put into your time capsule?]]>vnid://episodes/61112230?media_id=46547753Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren put together their theoretical PC gaming time capsule. Which one game would we squirrel away to represent PC gaming? What about a gaming trend or PC peripheral? And what would you put into your time capsule?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren put together their theoretical PC gaming time capsule. Which one game would we squirrel away to represent PC gaming? What about a gaming trend or PC peripheral? And what would you put into your time capsule?]]>3421falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-hard-will-we-grind-for-in-game-fashion--61024218On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Kara Phillips about scoring the best clothes in games. We all know the real endgame of any MMO or RPG is looking excellent in a new set of armor, but how much work are we willing to put in to get there? Which games have the best fashion to aspire to and why is it Red Dead Redemption?]]>vnid://episodes/61024218?media_id=46477348Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:00:09 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Kara Phillips about scoring the best clothes in games. We all know the real endgame of any MMO or RPG is looking excellent in a new set of armor, but how much work are we willing to put in to get...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Kara Phillips about scoring the best clothes in games. We all know the real endgame of any MMO or RPG is looking excellent in a new set of armor, but how much work are we willing to put in to get there? Which games have the best fashion to aspire to and why is it Red Dead Redemption?]]>3567falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-you-get-into-playing-a-new-to-you-game-genre--60956590On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about getting into new game genres—tips, tricks, and recommendations for where to start with the genres that each of us spend a lot of time in. How do you even get into fighting games? What's the best starter stealth game? And why is finding the place to start with cozy games so daunting?]]>vnid://episodes/60956590?media_id=46420464Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about getting into new game genres—tips, tricks, and recommendations for where to start with the genres that each of us spend a lot of time in. How do you even get into fighting games?...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about getting into new game genres—tips, tricks, and recommendations for where to start with the genres that each of us spend a lot of time in. How do you even get into fighting games? What's the best starter stealth game? And why is finding the place to start with cozy games so daunting?]]>3800falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-the-state-of-gacha-games-on-pc--60885589vnid://episodes/60885589?media_id=46358160Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the gacha game craze on PC that's exploded since Genshin Impact. How many of them are actually worth playing, how can you get into them, and where is this train headed next?3354falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-does-steam-s-top-100-wishlisted-games-say-about-pc-gaming-right-now--60798766On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about the top 100 wishlisted games on Steam right now. Does the big list reflect what's actually popular in PC gaming right now? Have our collective tastes changed over the years and will we ever get tired of survival crafting games?]]>vnid://episodes/60798766?media_id=46275906Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about the top 100 wishlisted games on Steam right now. Does the big list reflect what's actually popular in PC gaming right now? Have our collective tastes changed over the years and...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about the top 100 wishlisted games on Steam right now. Does the big list reflect what's actually popular in PC gaming right now? Have our collective tastes changed over the years and will we ever get tired of survival crafting games?]]>3593falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-is-the-renaissance-of-games-like-the-sims-actually-happening--60718348On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie sit down to talk about the state of life sim games. There's still almost nothing out there that's actually like The Sims, which has reigned supreme for far too long. What new life sim options are actually coming up and when will they actually launch?]]>vnid://episodes/60718348?media_id=46200799Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie sit down to talk about the state of life sim games. There's still almost nothing out there that's actually like The Sims, which has reigned supreme for far too long. What new life sim options are actually...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie sit down to talk about the state of life sim games. There's still almost nothing out there that's actually like The Sims, which has reigned supreme for far too long. What new life sim options are actually coming up and when will they actually launch?]]>3565falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-makes-a-game-expansion-so-great--60661450On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about game expansions. We just got to play one of the best of the best with Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, but we've actually got a lot of love for a good game expansion. What is it that makes expansions so great and what are our old all-time favorites?]]>vnid://episodes/60661450?media_id=46146775Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about game expansions. We just got to play one of the best of the best with Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, but we've actually got a lot of love for a good game expansion. What is...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Wes Fenlon about game expansions. We just got to play one of the best of the best with Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, but we've actually got a lot of love for a good game expansion. What is it that makes expansions so great and what are our old all-time favorites?]]>3475falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-well-do-we-know-our-own-steam-library-backlogs--60598120On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren devised a little library based on all the ways you can sort your Steam library. Can we identify a game based on its file size? Can we deduce which games we added to our Steam libraries first all the way back in the 2010s? Play along with our little multiple choice quiz and maybe post a little question of your own. Or just tidy up your own backlog a bit.]]>vnid://episodes/60598120?media_id=46089552Thu, 04 Jul 2024 16:01:07 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren devised a little library based on all the ways you can sort your Steam library. Can we identify a game based on its file size? Can we deduce which games we added to our Steam libraries first all the way back...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren devised a little library based on all the ways you can sort your Steam library. Can we identify a game based on its file size? Can we deduce which games we added to our Steam libraries first all the way back in the 2010s? Play along with our little multiple choice quiz and maybe post a little question of your own. Or just tidy up your own backlog a bit.]]>3666falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-games-originally-got-us-into-online-gaming--60422611In this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk about their early experiences of childhood gaming and all the other eras of online gaming firsts. We may have gotten in during the second wave of MMOs and online chat rooms, but what about the adults who played MUDs or the kids who grew up entirely on Minecraft?]]>vnid://episodes/60422611?media_id=45931765Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk about their early experiences of childhood gaming and all the other eras of online gaming firsts. We may have gotten in during the second wave of MMOs and online chat rooms, but what about the adults who...In this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk about their early experiences of childhood gaming and all the other eras of online gaming firsts. We may have gotten in during the second wave of MMOs and online chat rooms, but what about the adults who played MUDs or the kids who grew up entirely on Minecraft?]]>3007falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-were-the-best-summer-showcase-announcements--60422604On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie call in Harvey Randall to talk about all the many summer gaming showcases we watched this month. Along with our own PC Gaming Show there was the Xbox Games Showcase, a State of Play, and the Summer Game Fest too. What were we most excited to see and which games were no-shows this year?]]>vnid://episodes/60422604?media_id=45931758Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie call in Harvey Randall to talk about all the many summer gaming showcases we watched this month. Along with our own PC Gaming Show there was the Xbox Games Showcase, a State of Play, and the Summer Game Fest...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie call in Harvey Randall to talk about all the many summer gaming showcases we watched this month. Along with our own PC Gaming Show there was the Xbox Games Showcase, a State of Play, and the Summer Game Fest too. What were we most excited to see and which games were no-shows this year?]]>3357falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-did-all-our-gaming-slang-actually-come-from--60371622On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren called upon Robin Valentine to talk about the evolution of gaming slang. We've pulled together a new guide to all the gaming terms and trends you need to know, but where did some of these words even come from? And how did "instagib" become a thing anyway?]]>vnid://episodes/60371622?media_id=45886736Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren called upon Robin Valentine to talk about the evolution of gaming slang. We've pulled together a new guide to all the gaming terms and trends you need to know, but where did some of these words even come...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren called upon Robin Valentine to talk about the evolution of gaming slang. We've pulled together a new guide to all the gaming terms and trends you need to know, but where did some of these words even come from? And how did "instagib" become a thing anyway?]]>3507falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-the-weirdest-brand-tie-ins-in-gaming--60297727On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the weird world of brand tie-ins and crossovers in gaming. Why is it always high fashion or energy drinks that get put into games and what even makes a decent brand tie-in event?]]>vnid://episodes/60297727?media_id=45817542Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:00:05 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the weird world of brand tie-ins and crossovers in gaming. Why is it always high fashion or energy drinks that get put into games and what even makes a decent brand tie-in...On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the weird world of brand tie-ins and crossovers in gaming. Why is it always high fashion or energy drinks that get put into games and what even makes a decent brand tie-in event?]]>3315falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-games-do-we-expect-to-see-at-the-summer-showcases-this-year--60206112On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about the upcoming week of summer showcases in June. The early June period which was once E3 is now unnamed, but that hasn't stopped Summer Game Fest, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and other publishers from pulling together a big online video presentation in the style of ye olde E3 press conferences. What are we expecting to see revealed this year? Who's going to no show? ]]>vnid://episodes/60206112?media_id=45738785Thu, 30 May 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about the upcoming week of summer showcases in June. The early June period which was once E3 is now unnamed, but that hasn't stopped Summer Game Fest, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and other...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about the upcoming week of summer showcases in June. The early June period which was once E3 is now unnamed, but that hasn't stopped Summer Game Fest, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and other publishers from pulling together a big online video presentation in the style of ye olde E3 press conferences. What are we expecting to see revealed this year? Who's going to no show? ]]>3688falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-do-live-service-games-feel-so-exhausting-lately--60160775On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about the live service game fatigue we've been feeling. Why does every game need a battle pass and seasonal updates and limited time events? We used to really enjoy those things but now it's starting to feel like homework, isn't it?]]>vnid://episodes/60160775?media_id=45698619Fri, 24 May 2024 14:00:13 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about the live service game fatigue we've been feeling. Why does every game need a battle pass and seasonal updates and limited time events? We used to really enjoy those things but now...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about the live service game fatigue we've been feeling. Why does every game need a battle pass and seasonal updates and limited time events? We used to really enjoy those things but now it's starting to feel like homework, isn't it?]]>3340falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-games-seem-totally-stuck-in-development--60043390On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about games that seems stuck in "development hell." Which games have we been anticipating the longest without any concrete update? Which ones may come out the other side and which have fallen flat when the finally show up?]]>vnid://episodes/60043390?media_id=45602571Thu, 16 May 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about games that seems stuck in "development hell." Which games have we been anticipating the longest without any concrete update? Which ones may come out the other side and which...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about games that seems stuck in "development hell." Which games have we been anticipating the longest without any concrete update? Which ones may come out the other side and which have fallen flat when the finally show up?]]>4025falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/90s-pc-gaming-veterans-roundtable--59926748

• Jordan Mechner - Karateka, Prince of Persia, The Last Express
• Warren Spector - Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Deus Ex
• Charles Cecil - Broken Sword, Beneath a Steel Sky
• Khris Brown - Voice director & editor for LucasArts, Double Fine, Ubisoft

Our veteran panel discuss how they got into games (and how unlikely their paths could be replicated today), the challenges of making games with the technology of the '80s and '90s, run-ins with celebrity voice actors like Mark Hamill, and—of course—the history of the Knights Templar.
]]>vnid://episodes/59926748?media_id=45536077Thu, 09 May 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerFor our third and final roundtable from GDC 2024, we gathered together a special group of developers who each have more than 30 years of experience making PC games. Our guests: - Jordan Mechner - Karateka, Prince of Persia, The Last Express - Warren...

• Jordan Mechner - Karateka, Prince of Persia, The Last Express
• Warren Spector - Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Deus Ex
• Charles Cecil - Broken Sword, Beneath a Steel Sky
• Khris Brown - Voice director & editor for LucasArts, Double Fine, Ubisoft

Our veteran panel discuss how they got into games (and how unlikely their paths could be replicated today), the challenges of making games with the technology of the '80s and '90s, run-ins with celebrity voice actors like Mark Hamill, and—of course—the history of the Knights Templar.
]]>3907falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/2024-rpg-roundtable-baldur-s-gate-3-avowed-cyberpunk-in-stars-and-time-elder-scrolls-designers--59751434

• Swen Vincke, founder and director at Larian (Baldur's Gate 3)
• Carrie Patel, game director and senior narrative designer at Obsidian (Avowed)
• Sarah Gruemmer, acting lead quest designer at CD Projekt Red (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty)
• Adrienne Bazir, founder and sole developer at insertdisc5 (In Stars and Time)
• Ted Peterson, co-founder Once Lost Games and former writer and designer at Bethesda (The Elder Scrolls 1-4)

Our developers each talk about their current or recent games, as well as other RPGs that have inspired them, from Nier to Disco Elysium. If you'd like more insightful conversation about RPGs, check out last year's roundtable from April 21, 2023.
]]>vnid://episodes/59751434?media_id=45466913Thu, 02 May 2024 16:00:05 +0000PC GamerPC Gamer's RPG roundtable returns with a powerful panel of RPG experts to talk lovable and hateable companions, romance (and thirst), how you make a great intro to a massive game, and much more. Joining our panel this year: - Swen Vincke, founder and...

• Swen Vincke, founder and director at Larian (Baldur's Gate 3)
• Carrie Patel, game director and senior narrative designer at Obsidian (Avowed)
• Sarah Gruemmer, acting lead quest designer at CD Projekt Red (Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty)
• Adrienne Bazir, founder and sole developer at insertdisc5 (In Stars and Time)
• Ted Peterson, co-founder Once Lost Games and former writer and designer at Bethesda (The Elder Scrolls 1-4)

Our developers each talk about their current or recent games, as well as other RPGs that have inspired them, from Nier to Disco Elysium. If you'd like more insightful conversation about RPGs, check out last year's roundtable from April 21, 2023.
]]>4900falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-state-of-pc-gaming-roundtable-2024-larian-digital-extremes-ccp-mega-crit--59647496

• Michael Douse - Director of Publishing, Larian (Baldur's Gate 3)
• Rebecca Ford - Creative Director, Warframe
• Eyrún Jónsdóttir - VP of Publishing at CCP (EVE Online)
• Casey Yano - Co-founder, Mega Crit (Slay the Spire)

In this 80 minute conversation, our guests talk about making "hyper-engaging" games that defy the traditional advice of appealing to as broad an audience of players as possible; the innovation in game development only happening on PC; Steam as a "democratic" platform; industry layoffs and the emerging use of AI in development; and what we should take away from the standout successes of 2024, like Helldivers 2 and Balatro.]]>vnid://episodes/59647496?media_id=45401898Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:03:02 +0000PC GamerGlobal-editor-in-chief Evan Lahti leads the developers behind some of PC gaming's biggest hits in a discussion on the state of our hobby and the biggest trends, risks and opportunities in PC gaming today. Joining us:  - Michael Douse - Director of...

• Michael Douse - Director of Publishing, Larian (Baldur's Gate 3)
• Rebecca Ford - Creative Director, Warframe
• Eyrún Jónsdóttir - VP of Publishing at CCP (EVE Online)
• Casey Yano - Co-founder, Mega Crit (Slay the Spire)

In this 80 minute conversation, our guests talk about making "hyper-engaging" games that defy the traditional advice of appealing to as broad an audience of players as possible; the innovation in game development only happening on PC; Steam as a "democratic" platform; industry layoffs and the emerging use of AI in development; and what we should take away from the standout successes of 2024, like Helldivers 2 and Balatro.]]>4808falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/did-we-think-the-fallout-tv-show-season-one-was-rad--59525219On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fallout-enjoyer Chris Livingston about the first season of Amazon's Fallout TV show. Was it rad? Did it succeed at adapting the vaults of the wasteland and selling us on new characters? ]]>vnid://episodes/59525219?media_id=45323972Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fallout-enjoyer Chris Livingston about the first season of Amazon's Fallout TV show. Was it rad? Did it succeed at adapting the vaults of the wasteland and selling us on new characters?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fallout-enjoyer Chris Livingston about the first season of Amazon's Fallout TV show. Was it rad? Did it succeed at adapting the vaults of the wasteland and selling us on new characters? ]]>3171falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-the-white-whale-games-we-may-never-play--59414438On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the games they should really get kicked out of their favorite genres for not playing yet. Which classic RPGs are the biggest holes in our back catalog and which lengthy story campaigns are just never getting completed? Shame aside though, maybe there are some games that aren't actually the must-plays people say.]]>vnid://episodes/59414438?media_id=45251775Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:00:04 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the games they should really get kicked out of their favorite genres for not playing yet. Which classic RPGs are the biggest holes in our back catalog and which lengthy story...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Colp about the games they should really get kicked out of their favorite genres for not playing yet. Which classic RPGs are the biggest holes in our back catalog and which lengthy story campaigns are just never getting completed? Shame aside though, maybe there are some games that aren't actually the must-plays people say.]]>3200falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-pc-games-do-you-remember-from-your-childhood--59282984On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the PC games they remember from their childhood. Mollie hailed from the Learning Land while Lauren was an enjoyer of Humongus Entertainment, but did any of those favorite genres stick with us as adults? And did anyone ever discover The Sims any way other than a friend showing it to them?]]>vnid://episodes/59282984?media_id=45175133Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the PC games they remember from their childhood. Mollie hailed from the Learning Land while Lauren was an enjoyer of Humongus Entertainment, but did any of those favorite genres stick with us as...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk about the PC games they remember from their childhood. Mollie hailed from the Learning Land while Lauren was an enjoyer of Humongus Entertainment, but did any of those favorite genres stick with us as adults? And did anyone ever discover The Sims any way other than a friend showing it to them?]]>3507falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-s-everyone-s-experience-with-dragon-s-dogma-2-so-far--59196505On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about Dragon's Dogma 2 and all of our time with it so far. Fraser's already clocked over 100 hours adventuring with his pawn, Gorbo while Mollie and Lauren are just getting started. It's been a comedy of errors in weird quest designs, goofy pawns, and wacky combat, but we're all enjoying ourselves despite the critiques so far.]]>vnid://episodes/59196505?media_id=45106007Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:00:06 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about Dragon's Dogma 2 and all of our time with it so far. Fraser's already clocked over 100 hours adventuring with his pawn, Gorbo while Mollie and Lauren are just getting started....On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about Dragon's Dogma 2 and all of our time with it so far. Fraser's already clocked over 100 hours adventuring with his pawn, Gorbo while Mollie and Lauren are just getting started. It's been a comedy of errors in weird quest designs, goofy pawns, and wacky combat, but we're all enjoying ourselves despite the critiques so far.]]>3486falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-pc-game-launchers-stack-up-in-2024--59164153On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine who recently undertook the arduous task of ranking lots of common game launchers. The result? Steam is still unbeatable, but why is that? Other broad launchers like the Epic Store and GOG have made improvements over the years and publisher launchers like the EA app have gotten overhauls too. Where are they still falling short in the year 2024?
]]>vnid://episodes/59164153?media_id=45076466Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:14:16 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine who recently undertook the arduous task of ranking lots of common game launchers. The result? Steam is still unbeatable, but why is that? Other broad launchers like the Epic Store...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine who recently undertook the arduous task of ranking lots of common game launchers. The result? Steam is still unbeatable, but why is that? Other broad launchers like the Epic Store and GOG have made improvements over the years and publisher launchers like the EA app have gotten overhauls too. Where are they still falling short in the year 2024?
]]>3421falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-we-really-feel-about-the-yellow-paint-on-climbable-ledges-trick--59043109On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde about the traditional topic of debate for this decade: yellow paint on climbable ledges in games. Players say they're sick of it; developers say it's necessary for showing players the way. What do we say? Well, we're not above having our own little debate about it, that's for sure.]]>vnid://episodes/59043109?media_id=44963641Thu, 14 Mar 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde about the traditional topic of debate for this decade: yellow paint on climbable ledges in games. Players say they're sick of it; developers say it's necessary for showing players the...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde about the traditional topic of debate for this decade: yellow paint on climbable ledges in games. Players say they're sick of it; developers say it's necessary for showing players the way. What do we say? Well, we're not above having our own little debate about it, that's for sure.]]>3396falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-getting-good-at-a-game-ruin-the-fun--58945716On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about how it feels to actually get good at competitive games. Between Mollie's Tekken tournaments and Morgan's time as a ranked Rainbow Six Siege player, they have stories about how super sweaty matches can really change their relationship with a game. Is getting that good actually worth it?]]>vnid://episodes/58945716?media_id=44876226Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about how it feels to actually get good at competitive games. Between Mollie's Tekken tournaments and Morgan's time as a ranked Rainbow Six Siege player, they have stories about how...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about how it feels to actually get good at competitive games. Between Mollie's Tekken tournaments and Morgan's time as a ranked Rainbow Six Siege player, they have stories about how super sweaty matches can really change their relationship with a game. Is getting that good actually worth it?]]>3432falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-we-get-into-custom-mechanical-keyboards--58855014On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about getting into the daunting custom keyboard scene. We've all seen the beautiful keyboards with pleasant ASMR clicking on our social feeds, but Jacob is going to tell us how to actually get started—hopefully without totally scaring us off.]]>vnid://episodes/58855014?media_id=44791151Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about getting into the daunting custom keyboard scene. We've all seen the beautiful keyboards with pleasant ASMR clicking on our social feeds, but Jacob is going to tell us how to...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jacob Ridley about getting into the daunting custom keyboard scene. We've all seen the beautiful keyboards with pleasant ASMR clicking on our social feeds, but Jacob is going to tell us how to actually get started—hopefully without totally scaring us off.]]>3745falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-we-ever-going-to-agree-on-what-to-call-game-genres--58777404On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Harvey Randall about one of the most divisive topics: categorizing games. Sure, things are easy when we're just talking RPGs—unless it's ARPGs versus action RPGs. Don't even get us started on cRPGs. What about the Metroidvanias and the Roguelikes—and are Soulslikes a real genre too? ]]>vnid://episodes/58777404?media_id=44725213Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Harvey Randall about one of the most divisive topics: categorizing games. Sure, things are easy when we're just talking RPGs—unless it's ARPGs versus action RPGs. Don't even get us started on cRPGs....On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Harvey Randall about one of the most divisive topics: categorizing games. Sure, things are easy when we're just talking RPGs—unless it's ARPGs versus action RPGs. Don't even get us started on cRPGs. What about the Metroidvanias and the Roguelikes—and are Soulslikes a real genre too? ]]>3446falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-guess-the-game-from-the-steam-user-reviews--58682435On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other on games from the current PC Gamer Top 100 list with some Steam user reviews. Can we guess which top 100 game each review is referring to? Did either of us actually manage to memorize the list? ]]>vnid://episodes/58682435?media_id=44639560Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:00:01 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other on games from the current PC Gamer Top 100 list with some Steam user reviews. Can we guess which top 100 game each review is referring to? Did either of us actually manage to memorize the list?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other on games from the current PC Gamer Top 100 list with some Steam user reviews. Can we guess which top 100 game each review is referring to? Did either of us actually manage to memorize the list? ]]>3473falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-have-we-been-playing-in-the-steam-next-fest--58607985On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the ongoing Steam Next Fest. What demos are we playing this time and which ones are launching soon that you should have your eye on?]]>vnid://episodes/58607985?media_id=44568770Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the ongoing Steam Next Fest. What demos are we playing this time and which ones are launching soon that you should have your eye on?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the ongoing Steam Next Fest. What demos are we playing this time and which ones are launching soon that you should have your eye on?]]>3530falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/does-the-steam-deck-suit-our-pc-gaming-lifestyle-so-far--58530755On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with two time Steam Deck owner and reviewer Tyler Colp about how the portable PC is fitting into all of our gaming lives. Are we actually taking it out of the house or just sitting on the couch? Does streaming from our PC or putting it in docked mode actually feel worth it?]]>vnid://episodes/58530755?media_id=44498229Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with two time Steam Deck owner and reviewer Tyler Colp about how the portable PC is fitting into all of our gaming lives. Are we actually taking it out of the house or just sitting on the couch? Does...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with two time Steam Deck owner and reviewer Tyler Colp about how the portable PC is fitting into all of our gaming lives. Are we actually taking it out of the house or just sitting on the couch? Does streaming from our PC or putting it in docked mode actually feel worth it?]]>3628falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-do-we-love-about-watching-speedrunning--58443129On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about speedrunning. What makes it so fun to watch gamers go fast and how on earth do they actually figure this stuff out? And what are some of the coolest speedrunning tricks we've seen in action?]]>vnid://episodes/58443129?media_id=44418596Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about speedrunning. What makes it so fun to watch gamers go fast and how on earth do they actually figure this stuff out? And what are some of the coolest speedrunning tricks...On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about speedrunning. What makes it so fun to watch gamers go fast and how on earth do they actually figure this stuff out? And what are some of the coolest speedrunning tricks we've seen in action?]]>3520falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-are-game-tutorials-always-such-a-drag--58334385On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Harvey Randall about game tutorials. Who among us are the guilty tutorial skippers and who's suffering through those dozens of popups? And what kinds of tutorials do we actually like, anyway?]]>vnid://episodes/58334385?media_id=44325365Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:00:01 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Harvey Randall about game tutorials. Who among us are the guilty tutorial skippers and who's suffering through those dozens of popups? And what kinds of tutorials do we actually like, anyway?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Harvey Randall about game tutorials. Who among us are the guilty tutorial skippers and who's suffering through those dozens of popups? And what kinds of tutorials do we actually like, anyway?]]>3637falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-our-2024-gaming-predictions-and-resolutions--58253601On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie take a look at the year ahead in PC gaming. What are our way too early GOTY predictions and how about some personal gaming resolutions? This year's release calendar looks way different than 2023's did at the same point in the year so what are we really in for in 2024?]]>vnid://episodes/58253601?media_id=44249376Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie take a look at the year ahead in PC gaming. What are our way too early GOTY predictions and how about some personal gaming resolutions? This year's release calendar looks way different than 2023's did at the...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie take a look at the year ahead in PC gaming. What are our way too early GOTY predictions and how about some personal gaming resolutions? This year's release calendar looks way different than 2023's did at the same point in the year so what are we really in for in 2024?]]>3867falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/did-we-predict-anything-right-about-2023-in-pc-gaming--58072593On this week's Chat Log, we're saying goodbye to 2023. Did we predict anything correctly about how this year of PC gaming would go? We may have gotten the game of the year wrong, but did we stick to any of our own goals?]]>vnid://episodes/58072593?media_id=44085858Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, we're saying goodbye to 2023. Did we predict anything correctly about how this year of PC gaming would go? We may have gotten the game of the year wrong, but did we stick to any of our own goals?On this week's Chat Log, we're saying goodbye to 2023. Did we predict anything correctly about how this year of PC gaming would go? We may have gotten the game of the year wrong, but did we stick to any of our own goals?]]>3686falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-developers-are-we-watching-in-2024--58008577On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jody Macgregor about developers we're keeping a close eye on in 2024. Who's working on secret new projects we're anticipating announcements of and who's got some great trailers that are making us hungry for gameplay? Who's promising to shake up their genre in the new year?]]>vnid://episodes/58008577?media_id=44026450Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jody Macgregor about developers we're keeping a close eye on in 2024. Who's working on secret new projects we're anticipating announcements of and who's got some great trailers that are making us...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Jody Macgregor about developers we're keeping a close eye on in 2024. Who's working on secret new projects we're anticipating announcements of and who's got some great trailers that are making us hungry for gameplay? Who's promising to shake up their genre in the new year?]]>3452falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-gaming-trends-of-2023-will-impact-2024--57938047In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about gaming trends and industry trends from the year that we think will end (or continue) into 2024. What on earth is 2024's release calendar going to look like after this year of big surprises? Aesthetic peripherals are finally in for real but we really need to stop using the words "early access" wrong.]]>vnid://episodes/57938047?media_id=43960843Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:00:03 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about gaming trends and industry trends from the year that we think will end (or continue) into 2024. What on earth is 2024's release calendar going to look like after this year of...In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Robin Valentine about gaming trends and industry trends from the year that we think will end (or continue) into 2024. What on earth is 2024's release calendar going to look like after this year of big surprises? Aesthetic peripherals are finally in for real but we really need to stop using the words "early access" wrong.]]>3319falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-our-biggest-gaming-ws-and-ls--57863332On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren quiz each other on their own biggest gaming victories and failures. What's your biggest L? When did you clinch the win?]]>vnid://episodes/57863332?media_id=43890112Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren quiz each other on their own biggest gaming victories and failures. What's your biggest L? When did you clinch the win?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren quiz each other on their own biggest gaming victories and failures. What's your biggest L? When did you clinch the win?]]>3444falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-do-we-miss-about-physically-owning-all-our-games--57780233On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the old days of physical game discs, manuals, and other gaming media. Do we have fond memories of multi-disc installations or are we happy to be all downloads? Digital ownership is very convenient, but are we worried about not owning our games anymore?]]>vnid://episodes/57780233?media_id=43815477Thu, 23 Nov 2023 17:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the old days of physical game discs, manuals, and other gaming media. Do we have fond memories of multi-disc installations or are we happy to be all downloads? Digital...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the old days of physical game discs, manuals, and other gaming media. Do we have fond memories of multi-disc installations or are we happy to be all downloads? Digital ownership is very convenient, but are we worried about not owning our games anymore?]]>3271falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-game-achievements-still-keep-you-playing--57661099On this week's Chat log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Josh Wolens about game achievement hunting. Do you care about your perfect games and do achievements still feel worth chasing? What's the hardest we've tried to score a platinum trophy?]]>vnid://episodes/57661099?media_id=43715402Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Josh Wolens about game achievement hunting. Do you care about your perfect games and do achievements still feel worth chasing? What's the hardest we've tried to score a platinum trophy?On this week's Chat log podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with Josh Wolens about game achievement hunting. Do you care about your perfect games and do achievements still feel worth chasing? What's the hardest we've tried to score a platinum trophy?]]>3156falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-it-almost-time-to-retire-the-phrase-pc-port--57579201vnid://episodes/57579201?media_id=43641072Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerWe live in a strange time, where ports are a coin flip between a new masterpiece and garbage - but what does the phrase 'PC Port' even mean? Today we discuss what the future of this concept could be, and where it leaves us.3531falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-mmorpg-combat-timeless-or-getting-stale--57468725On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome fellow MMO-enjoyer Harvey Randall to discuss the tried and true RPG hotbar combat that still has every MMO in its grasp. Is it time for MMOs to adapt? Or are we trying to fix a thing that isn't broken?]]>vnid://episodes/57468725?media_id=43536732Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome fellow MMO-enjoyer Harvey Randall to discuss the tried and true RPG hotbar combat that still has every MMO in its grasp. Is it time for MMOs to adapt? Or are we trying to fix a thing that isn't broken?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome fellow MMO-enjoyer Harvey Randall to discuss the tried and true RPG hotbar combat that still has every MMO in its grasp. Is it time for MMOs to adapt? Or are we trying to fix a thing that isn't broken?]]>3871falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-you-track-your-game-library--57392899On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about keeping a spreadsheet of his games, which is way more common than we thought. How deep does the spreadsheet sorting go? Does the superior organization solve shame or compound it?]]>vnid://episodes/57392899?media_id=43463706Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about keeping a spreadsheet of his games, which is way more common than we thought. How deep does the spreadsheet sorting go? Does the superior organization solve shame or compound it?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about keeping a spreadsheet of his games, which is way more common than we thought. How deep does the spreadsheet sorting go? Does the superior organization solve shame or compound it?]]>3406falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-do-battle-royales-go-next--57302964On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about the history and future of battle royale games. Where did they come from and where are they headed? Which 100-player free-for-alls did we lose too soon and which subgenre is poised to replace them?]]>vnid://episodes/57302964?media_id=43381697Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about the history and future of battle royale games. Where did they come from and where are they headed? Which 100-player free-for-alls did we lose too soon and which subgenre is poised...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about the history and future of battle royale games. Where did they come from and where are they headed? Which 100-player free-for-alls did we lose too soon and which subgenre is poised to replace them?]]>3715falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/our-breakdown-of-the-pc-gamer-top-100-videogames-in-2023--57212117On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde and Robert Jones about this year's PC Gamer Top 100 list. How did our process for choosing the top 100 games change this year? Which victories are we celebrating and what game grudges are being saved for next year?]]>vnid://episodes/57212117?media_id=43298876Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde and Robert Jones about this year's PC Gamer Top 100 list. How did our process for choosing the top 100 games change this year? Which victories are we celebrating and what game grudges...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Tyler Wilde and Robert Jones about this year's PC Gamer Top 100 list. How did our process for choosing the top 100 games change this year? Which victories are we celebrating and what game grudges are being saved for next year?]]>3578falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-guess-the-aita-game-plot--57083605In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other with their own gaming "Am I The A-hole?" posts. How many domestic cooking crises can we invent? How many of these game protagonists are in fact YTA?]]>vnid://episodes/57083605?media_id=43181525Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other with their own gaming "Am I The A-hole?" posts. How many domestic cooking crises can we invent? How many of these game protagonists are in fact YTA?In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie quiz each other with their own gaming "Am I The A-hole?" posts. How many domestic cooking crises can we invent? How many of these game protagonists are in fact YTA?]]>2981falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-would-we-cast-in-our-dream-game-to-film-adaptation--56940661On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie each attempt to cast their dream game to film adaptation. Can we come up with an entire ensemble cast? What about a game without any established characters at all? How did we manage to make this simple assignment so difficult?]]>vnid://episodes/56940661?media_id=43059381Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie each attempt to cast their dream game to film adaptation. Can we come up with an entire ensemble cast? What about a game without any established characters at all? How did we manage to make this...On this week's Chat Log podcast, Lauren and Mollie each attempt to cast their dream game to film adaptation. Can we come up with an entire ensemble cast? What about a game without any established characters at all? How did we manage to make this simple assignment so difficult?]]>2961falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-game-huds-are-great-actually--56879487On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about the emminently important topic of game HUDs. Are minimaps or compasses better? Are diegetic HUDs still cool? Which weirdly obscure objective marker will Wes champion?]]>vnid://episodes/56879487?media_id=43004701Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about the emminently important topic of game HUDs. Are minimaps or compasses better? Are diegetic HUDs still cool? Which weirdly obscure objective marker will Wes champion?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about the emminently important topic of game HUDs. Are minimaps or compasses better? Are diegetic HUDs still cool? Which weirdly obscure objective marker will Wes champion?]]>3701falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-everyone-enjoying-starfield-so-far--56797084On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about our time in Starfield since launch. How are we feeling about Bethesda's newest universe? Which traits have been the best to grab and which factions are we eyeing to join?]]>vnid://episodes/56797084?media_id=42931457Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about our time in Starfield since launch. How are we feeling about Bethesda's newest universe? Which traits have been the best to grab and which factions are we eyeing to join?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about our time in Starfield since launch. How are we feeling about Bethesda's newest universe? Which traits have been the best to grab and which factions are we eyeing to join?]]>3497falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-our-overhyped-and-underhyped-games--56722693On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie each pick games they think are overhyped, underhyped, and just-right-hyped. Which games from our own personal favorite series are we willing to drag and which long-time favorites really do deserve all the hype?]]>vnid://episodes/56722693?media_id=42867412Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie each pick games they think are overhyped, underhyped, and just-right-hyped. Which games from our own personal favorite series are we willing to drag and which long-time favorites really do deserve all the hype?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie each pick games they think are overhyped, underhyped, and just-right-hyped. Which games from our own personal favorite series are we willing to drag and which long-time favorites really do deserve all the hype?]]>3165falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/love-for-the-long-games--56645188vnid://episodes/56645188?media_id=42798283Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC Gamer3133falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-would-we-draft-in-our-ideal-rpg-party--56559533On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie both try to draft their ideal RPG party pulling characters from any game they've played. Who's the ideal fighter class, and which game has the healer we'd die to recruit?]]>vnid://episodes/56559533?media_id=42722341Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie both try to draft their ideal RPG party pulling characters from any game they've played. Who's the ideal fighter class, and which game has the healer we'd die to recruit?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie both try to draft their ideal RPG party pulling characters from any game they've played. Who's the ideal fighter class, and which game has the healer we'd die to recruit?]]>3495falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/larian-studios-interview-baldur-s-gate-3-lead-writer-adam-smith--56485012On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome special guest Adam Smith from Larian Studios, the lead writer on Baldur's Gate 3. What's the weirdest and coolest D&D lore that Larian injected into Baldur's Gate 3, what actually makes a good RPG romance, and what weird class/background combo is Adam playing?]]>vnid://episodes/56485012?media_id=42664896Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome special guest Adam Smith from Larian Studios, the lead writer on Baldur's Gate 3. What's the weirdest and coolest D&D lore that Larian injected into Baldur's Gate 3, what actually makes a good RPG...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren welcome special guest Adam Smith from Larian Studios, the lead writer on Baldur's Gate 3. What's the weirdest and coolest D&D lore that Larian injected into Baldur's Gate 3, what actually makes a good RPG romance, and what weird class/background combo is Adam playing?]]>3140falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-is-the-first-act-of-baldur-s-gate-3-going-everyone--56421259On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about our first 10-ish hours with Baldur's Gate 3. What sandbox hijinx have we gotten into? Which fights are absolutely trashing us? And which party member does everyone on the team want to date?]]>vnid://episodes/56421259?media_id=42609990Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about our first 10-ish hours with Baldur's Gate 3. What sandbox hijinx have we gotten into? Which fights are absolutely trashing us? And which party member does everyone on the team...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about our first 10-ish hours with Baldur's Gate 3. What sandbox hijinx have we gotten into? Which fights are absolutely trashing us? And which party member does everyone on the team want to date?]]>3357falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-there-any-such-thing-as-too-small-a-skyrim-mod--56354222On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the small side of Skyrim modding. What's the littlest texture mod we've ever installed, the most useless tweak? Can Lauren and Mollie tell which mods really exist and which ones Chris dreamed up?]]>vnid://episodes/56354222?media_id=42554239Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the small side of Skyrim modding. What's the littlest texture mod we've ever installed, the most useless tweak? Can Lauren and Mollie tell which mods really exist and which...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Chris Livingston about the small side of Skyrim modding. What's the littlest texture mod we've ever installed, the most useless tweak? Can Lauren and Mollie tell which mods really exist and which ones Chris dreamed up?]]>3450falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-game-soundtracks-are-our-all-time-favorites--56230208On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Jody Macgregor about their favorite game soundtracks and theme songs. Which title screens give us goosebumps and what was our childhood repeat song?]]>vnid://episodes/56230208?media_id=42467063Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Jody Macgregor about their favorite game soundtracks and theme songs. Which title screens give us goosebumps and what was our childhood repeat song?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Jody Macgregor about their favorite game soundtracks and theme songs. Which title screens give us goosebumps and what was our childhood repeat song?]]>3734falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-do-we-want-for-the-future-of-mmos--56151365On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about the state of MMOs and also some of the weird MMOMs of their childhood. Which genres deserve to be massive that aren't yet and what MMO trends should we really do away with this decade?]]>vnid://episodes/56151365?media_id=42397295Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about the state of MMOs and also some of the weird MMOMs of their childhood. Which genres deserve to be massive that aren't yet and what MMO trends should we really do away with this...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Fraser Brown about the state of MMOs and also some of the weird MMOMs of their childhood. Which genres deserve to be massive that aren't yet and what MMO trends should we really do away with this decade?]]>3760falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-it-actually-like-being-a-gaming-couple--56084693On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about what it's like gaming with their significant others. Do co-op life partners actually make good co-op game partners? Which games do we always share and which are strictly solo?]]>vnid://episodes/56084693?media_id=42338714Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about what it's like gaming with their significant others. Do co-op life partners actually make good co-op game partners? Which games do we always share and which are strictly solo?On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Morgan Park about what it's like gaming with their significant others. Do co-op life partners actually make good co-op game partners? Which games do we always share and which are strictly solo?]]>3444falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-our-read-on-the-witcher-season-3-so-far--56011025On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with PC Gamer's resident The Witcher fan and lore fiend Lauren Aitken about the first volume of season 3 episodes. How is Geralt's little found family surviving all this season's intrigue and what Witcher stories are we looking forward to yet to come?]]>vnid://episodes/56011025?media_id=42275358Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with PC Gamer's resident The Witcher fan and lore fiend Lauren Aitken about the first volume of season 3 episodes. How is Geralt's little found family surviving all this season's intrigue and what...On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with PC Gamer's resident The Witcher fan and lore fiend Lauren Aitken about the first volume of season 3 episodes. How is Geralt's little found family surviving all this season's intrigue and what Witcher stories are we looking forward to yet to come?]]>3723falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/which-games-will-you-just-never-finish--55378968On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie own up to the games they've put down and never returned to. Which games got rage quit and which were simply too long? How many JRPGs have we actually finished, seriously?]]>vnid://episodes/55378968?media_id=41668147Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie own up to the games they've put down and never returned to. Which games got rage quit and which were simply too long? How many JRPGs have we actually finished, seriously?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie own up to the games they've put down and never returned to. Which games got rage quit and which were simply too long? How many JRPGs have we actually finished, seriously?]]>3661falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-not-e3-debrief-the-big-surprises-our-favorites-and-a-lotta-starfield--54740458vnid://episodes/54740458?media_id=41033873Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:37:12 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie chat with Robin Valentine about all of the press and publisher gaming showcases in June. Which big announcements finally made it out and which surprise reveals are really worth watching? Oh, and we can't...3825falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hidden-pc-game-gems-of-2023-so-far--54434659On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren dig up all the best lesser known games from the first half of 2023. Mollie has yet another rhythm game to champion and Lauren is full of cozy game recs, along with picks and reviews from the rest of the PC Gamer team so you don't overlook any excellent releases.]]>vnid://episodes/54434659?media_id=40738516Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren dig up all the best lesser known games from the first half of 2023. Mollie has yet another rhythm game to champion and Lauren is full of cozy game recs, along with picks and reviews from the rest of the PC...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren dig up all the best lesser known games from the first half of 2023. Mollie has yet another rhythm game to champion and Lauren is full of cozy game recs, along with picks and reviews from the rest of the PC Gamer team so you don't overlook any excellent releases.]]>3196falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-turn-everyone-we-know-into-a-pc-gamer--54125749On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie put their heads together to decide which game recommendations could turn their parents, roommates, dates, and everyone else into dedicated PC players. Can we crack the code on gaming moms and console converts?]]>vnid://episodes/54125749?media_id=40441675Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie put their heads together to decide which game recommendations could turn their parents, roommates, dates, and everyone else into dedicated PC players. Can we crack the code on gaming moms and console converts?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie put their heads together to decide which game recommendations could turn their parents, roommates, dates, and everyone else into dedicated PC players. Can we crack the code on gaming moms and console converts?]]>3636falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-are-we-expecting-from-summer-showcases-this-year--54040058On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about all the summer showcases coming up next week: Summer Game Fest, Xbox, the indie game shows, and the Starfield event. What are we looking forward to seeing and can we forecast any totally unexpected announcements?]]>vnid://episodes/54040058?media_id=40364225Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about all the summer showcases coming up next week: Summer Game Fest, Xbox, the indie game shows, and the Starfield event. What are we looking forward to seeing and can we forecast any...On this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about all the summer showcases coming up next week: Summer Game Fest, Xbox, the indie game shows, and the Starfield event. What are we looking forward to seeing and can we forecast any totally unexpected announcements?]]>3319falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-party-games-still-keeping-your-friends-connected--53986438On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about party games and how they've helped keep in touch with friends. Which Jackbox Party Pack is actually supreme and, wait, does Fall Guys count as a party game?]]>vnid://episodes/53986438?media_id=40316112Thu, 25 May 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about party games and how they've helped keep in touch with friends. Which Jackbox Party Pack is actually supreme and, wait, does Fall Guys count as a party game?On this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Morgan Park about party games and how they've helped keep in touch with friends. Which Jackbox Party Pack is actually supreme and, wait, does Fall Guys count as a party game?]]>3709falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-any-videogame-level-tropes-actually-good--53921160In this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the underwater levels, shooter on rails levels, forced stealth levels, and all the other tropes we've been forced to play. They aren't all bad, but we've all been driven to fury by inst-fail stealth, haven't we? Are any of these level tropes actually good?]]>vnid://episodes/53921160?media_id=40260961Thu, 18 May 2023 16:39:07 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the underwater levels, shooter on rails levels, forced stealth levels, and all the other tropes we've been forced to play. They aren't all bad, but we've all been driven to...In this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Robin Valentine about the underwater levels, shooter on rails levels, forced stealth levels, and all the other tropes we've been forced to play. They aren't all bad, but we've all been driven to fury by inst-fail stealth, haven't we? Are any of these level tropes actually good?]]>3852falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-actually-makes-rpg-romances-great--53822585In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about videogame romances. Does the BioWare style party member romance still rule or are we looking for something a little more complicated these days? Oh, and how ready are we to die on a hill for our taste in RPG mates?]]>vnid://episodes/53822585?media_id=40167078Thu, 11 May 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about videogame romances. Does the BioWare style party member romance still rule or are we looking for something a little more complicated these days? Oh, and how ready are we to die...In this week's Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Ted Litchfield about videogame romances. Does the BioWare style party member romance still rule or are we looking for something a little more complicated these days? Oh, and how ready are we to die on a hill for our taste in RPG mates?]]>3578falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fps-roundtable-apex-legends-hunt-showdown-and-deceive-inc-devs-dish-on-competitive-shooters--53800277

• Evan Nikolich - Senior design director, Apex Legends
• David Fifield - General manager for Hunt: Showdown
• Alan Wilson - CEO Tripwire Interactive, design on Rising Storm & Red Orchestra 2
• Brian Etheridge - Publishing director, Tripwire Presents

In this 80 minute conversation, we get these developers talking about what they love in competitive shooters today and what influences their design. Game balance, difficulty, weapon design, and much more are on the table.]]>vnid://episodes/53800277?media_id=40145725Wed, 10 May 2023 13:00:02 +0000PC GamerIn this bonus episode, we talk with four veteran FPS developers at the 2023 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Joining us are: - Evan Nikolich - Senior design director, Apex Legends - David Fifield - General manager for Hunt: Showdown -...

• Evan Nikolich - Senior design director, Apex Legends
• David Fifield - General manager for Hunt: Showdown
• Alan Wilson - CEO Tripwire Interactive, design on Rising Storm & Red Orchestra 2
• Brian Etheridge - Publishing director, Tripwire Presents

In this 80 minute conversation, we get these developers talking about what they love in competitive shooters today and what influences their design. Game balance, difficulty, weapon design, and much more are on the table.]]>5038falsebonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-we-in-the-game-to-tv-adaptation-boom--53739147vnid://episodes/53739147?media_id=40088891Thu, 04 May 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerOn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Wes Fenlon about the redemption arc of game to television adaptations. From The Witcher and The Last of Us to Arcane and Castlevania, which new shows and movies are actually adapting videogames into...4134falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-attached-do-you-get-to-your-mmo-main-character--53663133vnid://episodes/53663133?media_id=40021362Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Sarah James about all of our MMO player characters. Do we secretly recreate ourselves or just treat our characters like wild dress up dolls? And why is it that trolls give Sarah the ick?3657falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dwarf-fortress-caves-of-qud-roundtable-the-masters-of-simulation-on-making-infinitity-compelling--53655483Dwarf Fortress and brilliant roguelike Caves of Qud (which was, itself, inspired by Dwarf Fortress!).

In an hour-long conversation, Dwarf Fortress's Tarn & Zach Adams and Caves of Qud's Jason Grinblat and Brian Bucklew discuss:

• How they each tackle simulating their game worlds
• Making procedural generation actually produce meaningful stories
• Being surprised by what their own games could do
• Their thoughts on current AI tools like ChatGPT, and how they differ from their own procedural generation systems
• The Sims

]]>vnid://episodes/53655483?media_id=40014634Wed, 26 Apr 2023 18:34:46 +0000PC GamerIn this bonus episode, we talk with the four developers behind indie legend Dwarf Fortress and brilliant roguelike Caves of Qud (which was, itself, inspired by Dwarf Fortress!). In an hour-long conversation, Dwarf Fortress's Tarn & Zach Adams...Dwarf Fortress and brilliant roguelike Caves of Qud (which was, itself, inspired by Dwarf Fortress!).

In an hour-long conversation, Dwarf Fortress's Tarn & Zach Adams and Caves of Qud's Jason Grinblat and Brian Bucklew discuss:

• How they each tackle simulating their game worlds
• Making procedural generation actually produce meaningful stories
• Being surprised by what their own games could do
• Their thoughts on current AI tools like ChatGPT, and how they differ from their own procedural generation systems
• The Sims

]]>4047falsebonushttps://www.pcgamer.com/rpg-roundtable-josh-sawyer-mike-laidlaw-strix-beltran-pawel-sasko-and-lis-moberly-go-deep-on-writing-and-playing-rpgs/

• Mike Laidlaw (Jade Empire, Mass Effect, the Dragon Age series)
• Paweł Sasko: (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077)
• Strix Beltran (Hiddden Path's upcoming D&D RPG, State of Decay 2)
• Lis Moberly: (Obsidian's upcoming Avowed, Cursed to Golf, Singularity)
• Josh Sawyer: (Pillars of Eternity, Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment)

Throughout an 80 minute conversation we talk about whether what players expect from RPGs today, how their personal experiences playing RPGs have informed the games they make, writing characters that really resonate with players, tabletop games and more. Mike Laidlaw describes how the Dragon Age writers' room operated, while Paweł Sasko talks about designing the Bloody Baron quest for The Witcher 3 and the enormous challenges of Cyberpunk 2077's first-person mode.]]>vnid://episodes/53610273?media_id=39973668Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:15:24 +0000PC GamerIn this bonus episode, we talk to five veteran RPG designers at the 2023 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Joining us are: - Mike Laidlaw (Jade Empire, Mass Effect, the Dragon Age series) - Paweł Sasko: (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077) -...

• Mike Laidlaw (Jade Empire, Mass Effect, the Dragon Age series)
• Paweł Sasko: (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077)
• Strix Beltran (Hiddden Path's upcoming D&D RPG, State of Decay 2)
• Lis Moberly: (Obsidian's upcoming Avowed, Cursed to Golf, Singularity)
• Josh Sawyer: (Pillars of Eternity, Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment)

Throughout an 80 minute conversation we talk about whether what players expect from RPGs today, how their personal experiences playing RPGs have informed the games they make, writing characters that really resonate with players, tabletop games and more. Mike Laidlaw describes how the Dragon Age writers' room operated, while Paweł Sasko talks about designing the Bloody Baron quest for The Witcher 3 and the enormous challenges of Cyberpunk 2077's first-person mode.]]>5235falsebonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-cozy-games-episode--53592287vnid://episodes/53592287?media_id=39957175Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's PC Gamer Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie bare their souls to the cozy gamers of the world. How do they make their rigs look so cute and which games are we begging them to start recommending?3844falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-e3-gone-for-good-this-time--53526467vnid://episodes/53526467?media_id=39898402Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:00:03 +0000PC GamerIn this week's PC Gamer Chat Log, Mollie and Lauren talk with Tyler Wilde about the cancellation of E3 2023 and their collective memories watching or working it in years past. What were the real golden years of the event and which notoriously chaotic...3723falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/our-best-and-worst-gaming-merch--53461587vnid://episodes/53461587?media_id=39841815Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:55:00 +0000PC GamerOn this week's PC Gamer Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie terrorize one another with the best (and worst) gaming merch they've seen. Which gaming tat is S tier and which is just so tacky Mollie has to have it?3396falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-do-we-want-from-the-sims-5--53365414vnid://episodes/53365414?media_id=39755045Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:02 +0000PC GamerOn this week's PC Gamer Chat Log, Lauren and Mollie talk with Katie Wickens about the eventual Sims 5. Which former expansions really deserve to be in the base game? And how are we feeling about the prospect of multiplayer?3440falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/so-how-was-the-first-diablo-4-beta-weekend--53306887vnid://episodes/53306887?media_id=39702150Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:00:02 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log Podcast, Mollie and Lauren talk with associate editor Tyler Colp about the first Diablo 4 beta weekend. How hellacious was the road to level 20? And is Diablo basically an MMO now?3112falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-actually-makes-a-good-crafting-game--53225235vnid://episodes/53225235?media_id=39627220Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:11:42 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log Podcast, Lauren and Mollie talk with features producer Chris Livingston about the continued dominance of crafting games. Which PC games actually have the best recipe for crafting and which deserve to be punished for excessive...3191false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trailer-pc-gamer-chat-log--53168997
Find more links to the show: https://www.pcgamer.com/tag/podcast/]]>vnid://episodes/53168997?media_id=39498844Sat, 11 Mar 2023 19:18:53 +0000PC GamerWhat's PC Gamer Chat Log? Who are hosts Lauren Morton & Mollie Taylor, and what do they like? Here's a quick introduction to our new weekly show about PC gaming. Find more links to the show: https://www.pcgamer.com/tag/podcast/
Find more links to the show: https://www.pcgamer.com/tag/podcast/]]>150falsetrailerhttps://www.pcgamer.com/pc-gamer-chat-log-episode-2-will-pokemon-likes-ever-succeed-on-pc/vnid://episodes/53151274?media_id=39558025Thu, 09 Mar 2023 20:49:47 +0000PC GamerIn this week's Chat Log Podcast, Mollie and Lauren talk with senior editor Wes Fenlon about creature catching games. Are Pokémon-alikes ever going to claim the same foothold that farm life sims have found on PC?2960false2fullhttp://www.pcgamer.com/podcast/vnid://episodes/52879419?media_id=39488432Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:25:28 +0000PC GamerFor the premiere episode of Chat Log, Mollie Taylor and Lauren Morton introduce themselves, PC Gamer's new low-key podcast, their favorite genres, and start making some predictions about the huge year for PC gaming that 2023 is going to be. Spoiler:...3111false1full