Top 12 Must-Listen Podcasts for Gaming Enthusiasts

Without diving too deep into the already nerdy world of gaming, it’s worth noting that games are incredible because they resonate with our humanity and foster connections with others. Games and Feelings blends gaming commentary with life advice, delivering updates and suggestions while exploring the emotional core that draws us to games. Host Eric Silver tackles topics like overcoming guilt for choosing “easy” mode, being a considerate Dungeons & Dragons player, and what makes a game feel comforting. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply curious about how people bond through games, this podcast is a must-listen.

Kahlief Adams, a veteran in the gaming industry with over a decade of experience, hosts Spawn on Me, a podcast that not only guides you to your next must-play game but also champions diversity by amplifying the voices of POC and underrepresented communities in gaming. Since its launch in 2014, Kahlief has delivered gaming news, previews, and reviews with wit and insight. His guests are often hidden gems in the gaming world, and he excels at explaining how gaming trends influence broader societal changes. Through his podcast and blog, TheSpawnPointBlog.com, Kahlief both celebrates and critiques the industry. A standout episode to begin with is “A Lesson in Blackness,” featuring a powerful discussion among Black creatives about the impact of George Floyd’s murder, the Black experience in America, and the gaming industry’s shortcomings in representing POC.

For women and women-identifying gamers who often feel out of place in male-dominated gaming spaces, What’s Good Games is a breath of fresh air. Hosted by three industry veterans—Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Kristine Steimer—this podcast delivers top-notch gaming news and reviews with a female perspective. Known for their humor, honesty, and bold opinions, the hosts provide fresh insights into the games you play and buy. While the show is created by and for women, its engaging content is a must-listen for everyone.

Produced by Gayming Magazine, The Gayming Podcast offers a queer perspective on gaming news and reviews, creating an inclusive space for all listeners. Hosts Robin and Mia stream live on Twitch alongside LGBTQ gamers, discussing the latest developments in gaming—what’s trending, what’s evolving, and what still needs work. Alongside updates on new video games, the podcast delves into board games, queer-related topics such as the Texas Trans Youth Bill, and lively Twitch controversies.

Although Gameplay recently announced its conclusion, it leaves behind over two years of timeless episodes for listeners to explore. The show features in-depth storytelling, presenting mini-documentaries that delve into various aspects of gaming, from the iconic music of Animal Crossing to the surprising history of graphing calculators. Join host James Parkinson as he uncovers the narratives behind gaming’s many elements, drawing connections and highlighting shared themes that showcase the universal appeal of gaming.

The Unapologetically Black Gaming Podcast is leading the charge for Black content creators, game developers, and artists who are reshaping the gaming landscape one step at a time. Host Cortez Washington features dynamic voices such as Fritz and Gia from GTABlackPlanet, Cara Hillstock of Pride vs. Prejudice, and Janey Laney from #BlackMinecraft, engaging in lively discussions about their favorite games, the significance of POC representation in a predominantly white industry, and the essential qualities Black creators bring to foster inclusivity in gaming.

Get Played evolved from its predecessor, How Did This Get Played, which critiqued games, into its current format that celebrates both great and not-so-great games. While maintaining its humor, the show now offers a more uplifting experience. Comedians Heather Anne Campbell, Nick Wiger (from Doughboys), and Matt Apodaca find humor in every game they discuss, often turning their conversations into improvised comedy sketches. Filled with puns, monthly interactive segments, and themed series like PokéMay, the podcast is a delightful mix of gaming enthusiasm, witty banter, and lighthearted takes on games. It’s enjoyable even for casual gamers.

Many gaming podcasts double as chat shows, where the camaraderie is as important as the games. Call Me By Your Game, hosted by comedian Conner McCabe, invites guests to share their unique gaming experiences. These discussions are deeply nostalgic, personal, and heartfelt, offering more depth than typical gaming conversations. Conner’s soothing voice and welcoming demeanor bring out the best in his guests as they reminisce about beloved games. (Fans of Zelda will especially enjoy the frequent references.) The podcast fosters a sense of community, celebrating video games through heartfelt memories and storytelling.

Triple Click features gaming veterans Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier—former Kotaku contributors who previously hosted the now-paused Kotaku Splitscreen podcast. Together, they explore every facet of gaming, from lively debates about new releases to nostalgic reflections on classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s, while also addressing listener questions. Their deep industry expertise, insider knowledge, and diverse perspectives lead to engaging and dynamic discussions. While they bring humor to the table, they also approach gaming with genuine passion and professionalism. Their love for indie games, single-player adventures, fighting games, and multiplayer experiences shines through, offering unique insights you won’t find elsewhere.

Hosted by Eric Molinsky, Imaginary Worlds combines research, interviews, and narrative storytelling to explore the intricate layers of science fiction and fantasy. (Imagine NPR meets ComicCon.) With exceptional production quality, Eric offers an almost scholarly perspective on the politics, history, and cultural impact of books, movies, TV shows, and games. He delves into deeper themes like the representation of race, gender, disability, and marginalized voices in speculative fiction. This isn’t just a gaming review podcast—it’s a thoughtful exploration of the human elements within sci-fi. Covering topics from automatons and Camelot to Marvel, LARPing, and solarpunk queer representation in children’s cartoons, the show’s extensive archive includes unique gaming episodes. Eric sheds light on issues in classic tabletop RPGs, the fascinating history of Disco Elysium, and how character customization in games has improved experiences for transgender players.

Last year, Vinny Caravella, Brad Shoemaker, and Alex Navarro—longtime friends and key members of the Giant Bomb team—left the site to launch their Patreon-supported podcast, The Nextlander Podcast. This platform allows them to continue their gaming discussions independently, drawing on their decades of combined experience to explore both new releases and nostalgic classics. Their natural chemistry and witty banter make each episode fly by. They share personal anecdotes, insights into their friendships, and updates on the games they’re currently enjoying, offering valuable knowledge for any dedicated gamer. Longtime gamers will particularly appreciate their deep dives into beloved classics from past decades.

Tune in for the games, but stay for the camaraderie. Griffin and Justin McElroy, two-thirds of the renowned McElroy brothers and podcasting legends, team up with their close friends Chris Plante and Russ Frushtick to rank and critique their top video game picks. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or simply the significant other of one (who ends up watching them play), you’ll feel like part of their lively, upbeat, and hilarious group. The Besties crew excels at gaming analysis—they highlight titles destined to become your favorites while also offering honest critiques to help you avoid wasting money. Each member brings a unique perspective, making you feel like you’ve pulled up a chair and joined their tight-knit circle.