Explore every episode of the podcast Games as a Podcast

From Sonic Dash to Crazy Taxi to a near-mythical PS3 Bayonetta rescue mission, Chris Southall’s journey through the games industry is a masterclass in adaptation, precision, and passion. In this episode, we talk about founding Sega’s elite dev rescue team, building Hardlight Studio, wrangling with IP stakeholders (including Sonic Team and a certain Hulk Hogan cameo), and the evolution from boxed product to live service games. Join us for a conversation full of war stories, wisdom, and some unforgettable dev trivia, including why "Stinky Chris" is immortalized in chalk.

(This episode was recorded in October 2024)

VR veteran David Jagneaux joins the podcast to talk all things virtual reality—what’s working, what’s not, and where we go next. From design hurdles like motion sickness to the thrill of immersive worldbuilding, it’s a look at a medium still discovering its full potential.

Game designer Katina Noonan joins the show to talk about building games with empathy, intention, and awareness. From her work on titles like Game of War and Castle Story to broader reflections on representation, community building, and leadership as a woman in games, Katina brings hard-won insights and a clear-eyed look at what it means to create experiences that welcome everyone. The conversation also dives into free-to-play monetization ethics, allyship, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful career in game design.

Former SEGA insider Marc Cellucci takes us behind the scenes of titles like Shenmue and Jet Set Radio. Hear stories about working with legendary developers like Nagoshi-san and the impact of Japanese culture on gaming.

Chris and Ethan are joined by veteran games journalist Chris “CJ” Johnston for a deep dive into Nintendo’s latest handheld, the Switch 2. Drawing on CJ’s 30 years in the industry,including his influential time at Electronic Gaming Monthly, the conversation blends first impressions of the Switch 2 with a broader historical perspective. From launch games and peripherals to the joy of playing Yakuza on the go, this isn’t your standard hardware review, but a thoughtful look at how portable gaming continues to evolve.

Chris and Ethan dive deep into the world of portable gaming, from handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck to mobile gaming. They explore the challenges of adapting AAA games to touch screens to the rise of free-to-play models and discuss the appeal console-quality titles on the go.

(This episode was recorded in late 2024)

Ethan, a passionate collector, makes the case for physical game ownership, while Chris champions the convenience of digital. Together, they explore nostalgia, preservation, and how distribution is evolving in today’s gaming landscape.

Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024

Mary Casey joins to discuss immersive experiences in games like Astro Bot, GTA Role Play, and Beat Saber. The episode also explores the role of anonymity in social VR and how identity shapes modern multiplayer interaction.

Veteran developer Mike Gallo joins the show to share stories from a career that spans Konami classics to genre-defining RPGs like Knights of the Old Republic. We discuss the challenges of porting complex games to consoles, the importance of player engagement, and how technology has shaped game development over time. Mike also shares his experiences building vibrant communities around online games like Realm of the Mad God.

Step into the world of SEGA nostalgia as Chris and Ethan share their personal journeys through the Dreamcast era. From the groundbreaking visuals of Sonic Adventure to the buttery-smooth gameplay of SoulCalibur, they explore how the console captured the hearts of hardcore gamers. Plus, get a glimpse of what it was like working at SEGA during a time of innovation, excitement, and scrappy underdog energy.