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    <description>Total Playtime is a podcast about videogames, mostly, hosted by games industry veterans Alice Bell, Nate Crowley and Jon Hicks. Join them for discussion of the latest and most interesting PC and indie games, grumbles about the state of games media, and impromptu quizzes dredged from the unknowable depths of Nate's brain. Public episodes are released every two weeks, and if you &lt;a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;support us on Patreon&lt;/a&gt; you'll get weekly episodes. Send us questions, ideas and feedback at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com, and &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/totalplaytime.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;follow us on BlueSky&lt;/a&gt; if you like. &lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
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    <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:10:29 +0100</pubDate>
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    <itunes:summary>Total Playtime is a podcast about videogames, mostly, hosted by games industry veterans Alice Bell, Nate Crowley and Jon Hicks. Join them for discussion of the latest and most interesting PC and indie games, grumbles about the state of games media, and impromptu quizzes dredged from the unknowable depths of Nate's brain. Public episodes are released every two weeks, and if you &lt;a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;support us on Patreon&lt;/a&gt; you'll get weekly episodes. Send us questions, ideas and feedback at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com, and &lt;a href="https://bsky.app/profile/totalplaytime.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"&gt;follow us on BlueSky&lt;/a&gt; if you like. &lt;hr&gt;&lt;p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'&gt; Hosted on Acast. See &lt;a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'&gt;acast.com/privacy&lt;/a&gt; for more information.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>Total Playtime is a podcast about videogames, mostly, hosted by games industry veterans Alice Bell, Nate Crowley and Jon Hicks.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:complete>No</itunes:complete>
    <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 36: The Devil Is Always Sexy</title>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>36</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 36: The Devil Is Always Sexy</itunes:title>
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        <![CDATA[<p>This week's episode is late, for which we apologise and blame Geoff Keighley because let's face it, he's the one pulling all the strings these days. Jonty was still sat in meeting rooms in LA when this episode was recorded and Brendy is still doing dad things, so it fell to Alice and Nate to judge the output of a week's worth of game showcases despite really wanting to just talk about their dogs instead.</p><p>Thankfully they were both able to struggle through in the face of, once again, entirely too many games. Thrill to Alice's judgement of Geoff Keighley's fashion choices, Nate's denunciation of the crippling lack of ambition in aquarium simulation, and collective theorising on gender division in circus skills. Plus: finally getting a plausible dinosaur survival game, Commander Riker Isolation, and collectibles for a WWI Lego game. Shout out the Pope, you da real Warhammer 40,000 (words).</p><p>This episode is free to all, but it only exists thanks to the generous backing of our Patreons and our partners on <a href="http://www.jank.cool/">Jank.cool</a>, to whom we are eternally grateful. Thanks also to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. If you are Games Methusula, present your receipts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Links!</strong><br>You can find all the trailers on <a href="https://gamesrecap.io/">gamesrecap.io</a>. Nate was referring to PC Gamer's <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/total-war-warhammer-40k-guide/">guide to Total Warhammer 40k</a> although if you're clicking that link post-release it'll be the review because of SEO. You can find the playable... experience of 1666: Amsterdam <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">on Steam</a>. Here's the pitch for <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/08/magicians-the-devils-deal-details-xbox-games-showcase-2026/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. Sega is using AI to make the new Crazy Taxi and they are <a href="https://gameinformer.com/sgf-2026/2026/06/08/crazy-taxi-world-tour-producer-clarifies-ai-use">not particularly bothered about it</a>. She Was Such A Good Horse is <a href="https://shewassuchagoodhorse.com/">a very good studio name</a>, not that fussed about the game though.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong><br><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4110770/Apple_Crumble/">Apple Crumble</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">1666: Amsterdam</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4744030/Star_Trek_Shadow_Frontier/">Star Trek: Shadow Frontier</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4199910/Total_War_WARHAMMER_40000/">Total War Warhammer 40,000</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4665290/Alien_Isolation_2/">Alien Isolation 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1952620/The_Lost_Wild/">The Lost Wild</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2590240/METRO_2039/">Metro 2039</a>. <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/02/first-look-at-god-of-war-laufey/">Wife of War</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3299300/Magicians_The_Devils_Deal/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2806050/Halo_Campaign_Evolved/">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2924540/Crazy_Taxi_World_Tour/">Crazy Taxi: World Tour</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3596430/Bancho_the_Chef/">Bancho the Chef</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4394810/DAVE_THE_DIVER__In_the_Jungle_Content_Pack/">Dave The Diver: In The Jungle</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4735760/Vivarium/">Vivarium</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4159720/Hack_95/">Hack '95</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3688240/Pipesexe/">Pipes.exe</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/">No Ghosts At The Grand</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/">Dreadmoor</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4533950/Prove_Youre_Human/">Prove You're Human</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945040/Shot_One_Fighters/">Shot One Fighters</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1884870/The_Wolf_Among_Us_2/">The Wolf Among Us 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215200/LEGO_Batman_Legacy_of_the_Dark_Knight/">Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong><br><a href="https://shop.thegreatcourses.com/king-arthur-history-and-legend">King Arthur: History and Legend</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxrZncFlQU">Your Least Favourite Person's Favourite Book</a>.</p>]]>
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        <![CDATA[<p>This week's episode is late, for which we apologise and blame Geoff Keighley because let's face it, he's the one pulling all the strings these days. Jonty was still sat in meeting rooms in LA when this episode was recorded and Brendy is still doing dad things, so it fell to Alice and Nate to judge the output of a week's worth of game showcases despite really wanting to just talk about their dogs instead.</p><p>Thankfully they were both able to struggle through in the face of, once again, entirely too many games. Thrill to Alice's judgement of Geoff Keighley's fashion choices, Nate's denunciation of the crippling lack of ambition in aquarium simulation, and collective theorising on gender division in circus skills. Plus: finally getting a plausible dinosaur survival game, Commander Riker Isolation, and collectibles for a WWI Lego game. Shout out the Pope, you da real Warhammer 40,000 (words).</p><p>This episode is free to all, but it only exists thanks to the generous backing of our Patreons and our partners on <a href="http://www.jank.cool/">Jank.cool</a>, to whom we are eternally grateful. Thanks also to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. If you are Games Methusula, present your receipts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Links!</strong><br>You can find all the trailers on <a href="https://gamesrecap.io/">gamesrecap.io</a>. Nate was referring to PC Gamer's <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/total-war-warhammer-40k-guide/">guide to Total Warhammer 40k</a> although if you're clicking that link post-release it'll be the review because of SEO. You can find the playable... experience of 1666: Amsterdam <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">on Steam</a>. Here's the pitch for <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/08/magicians-the-devils-deal-details-xbox-games-showcase-2026/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. Sega is using AI to make the new Crazy Taxi and they are <a href="https://gameinformer.com/sgf-2026/2026/06/08/crazy-taxi-world-tour-producer-clarifies-ai-use">not particularly bothered about it</a>. She Was Such A Good Horse is <a href="https://shewassuchagoodhorse.com/">a very good studio name</a>, not that fussed about the game though.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong><br><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4110770/Apple_Crumble/">Apple Crumble</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">1666: Amsterdam</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4744030/Star_Trek_Shadow_Frontier/">Star Trek: Shadow Frontier</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4199910/Total_War_WARHAMMER_40000/">Total War Warhammer 40,000</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4665290/Alien_Isolation_2/">Alien Isolation 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1952620/The_Lost_Wild/">The Lost Wild</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2590240/METRO_2039/">Metro 2039</a>. <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/02/first-look-at-god-of-war-laufey/">Wife of War</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3299300/Magicians_The_Devils_Deal/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2806050/Halo_Campaign_Evolved/">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2924540/Crazy_Taxi_World_Tour/">Crazy Taxi: World Tour</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3596430/Bancho_the_Chef/">Bancho the Chef</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4394810/DAVE_THE_DIVER__In_the_Jungle_Content_Pack/">Dave The Diver: In The Jungle</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4735760/Vivarium/">Vivarium</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4159720/Hack_95/">Hack '95</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3688240/Pipesexe/">Pipes.exe</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/">No Ghosts At The Grand</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/">Dreadmoor</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4533950/Prove_Youre_Human/">Prove You're Human</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945040/Shot_One_Fighters/">Shot One Fighters</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1884870/The_Wolf_Among_Us_2/">The Wolf Among Us 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215200/LEGO_Batman_Legacy_of_the_Dark_Knight/">Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong><br><a href="https://shop.thegreatcourses.com/king-arthur-history-and-legend">King Arthur: History and Legend</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxrZncFlQU">Your Least Favourite Person's Favourite Book</a>.</p>]]>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:51:34 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
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      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2941</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week's episode is late, for which we apologise and blame Geoff Keighley because let's face it, he's the one pulling all the strings these days. Jonty was still sat in meeting rooms in LA when this episode was recorded and Brendy is still doing dad things, so it fell to Alice and Nate to judge the output of a week's worth of game showcases despite really wanting to just talk about their dogs instead.</p><p>Thankfully they were both able to struggle through in the face of, once again, entirely too many games. Thrill to Alice's judgement of Geoff Keighley's fashion choices, Nate's denunciation of the crippling lack of ambition in aquarium simulation, and collective theorising on gender division in circus skills. Plus: finally getting a plausible dinosaur survival game, Commander Riker Isolation, and collectibles for a WWI Lego game. Shout out the Pope, you da real Warhammer 40,000 (words).</p><p>This episode is free to all, but it only exists thanks to the generous backing of our Patreons and our partners on <a href="http://www.jank.cool/">Jank.cool</a>, to whom we are eternally grateful. Thanks also to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. If you are Games Methusula, present your receipts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><br><strong>Links!</strong><br>You can find all the trailers on <a href="https://gamesrecap.io/">gamesrecap.io</a>. Nate was referring to PC Gamer's <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/total-war-warhammer-40k-guide/">guide to Total Warhammer 40k</a> although if you're clicking that link post-release it'll be the review because of SEO. You can find the playable... experience of 1666: Amsterdam <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">on Steam</a>. Here's the pitch for <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/08/magicians-the-devils-deal-details-xbox-games-showcase-2026/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. Sega is using AI to make the new Crazy Taxi and they are <a href="https://gameinformer.com/sgf-2026/2026/06/08/crazy-taxi-world-tour-producer-clarifies-ai-use">not particularly bothered about it</a>. She Was Such A Good Horse is <a href="https://shewassuchagoodhorse.com/">a very good studio name</a>, not that fussed about the game though.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong><br><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4110770/Apple_Crumble/">Apple Crumble</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4519690/1666_Amsterdam_Prologue/">1666: Amsterdam</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4744030/Star_Trek_Shadow_Frontier/">Star Trek: Shadow Frontier</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4199910/Total_War_WARHAMMER_40000/">Total War Warhammer 40,000</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4665290/Alien_Isolation_2/">Alien Isolation 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1952620/The_Lost_Wild/">The Lost Wild</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2590240/METRO_2039/">Metro 2039</a>. <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/02/first-look-at-god-of-war-laufey/">Wife of War</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3299300/Magicians_The_Devils_Deal/">Magicians: The Devil's Deal</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2806050/Halo_Campaign_Evolved/">Halo: Campaign Evolved</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2924540/Crazy_Taxi_World_Tour/">Crazy Taxi: World Tour</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3596430/Bancho_the_Chef/">Bancho the Chef</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4394810/DAVE_THE_DIVER__In_the_Jungle_Content_Pack/">Dave The Diver: In The Jungle</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4735760/Vivarium/">Vivarium</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4159720/Hack_95/">Hack '95</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3688240/Pipesexe/">Pipes.exe</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/">No Ghosts At The Grand</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/">Dreadmoor</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4533950/Prove_Youre_Human/">Prove You're Human</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945040/Shot_One_Fighters/">Shot One Fighters</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1884870/The_Wolf_Among_Us_2/">The Wolf Among Us 2</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2215200/LEGO_Batman_Legacy_of_the_Dark_Knight/">Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong><br><a href="https://shop.thegreatcourses.com/king-arthur-history-and-legend">King Arthur: History and Legend</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxrZncFlQU">Your Least Favourite Person's Favourite Book</a>.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:keywords>videogames, jank, rock paper shotgun, indie games, e3, summer game fest</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 35: The Hot Ones</title>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>34</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 35: The Hot Ones</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ed10e34</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week Alice and I gathered in hot rooms to have hot takes on the main news stories of the week, chiefly the end of Destiny (and perhaps the employment of many of its developers) and the start of the Disco Elysium sequels. We also attempted to understand the Warhammer Skulls Showcase without Nate to guide us, which didn't get very far but we are quite taken with playing as Skaven.</p><p><br></p><p>We've also been playing some games, reading some books, and watching daft videos on the internet, all of which we have curated for our discerning audience. You can get still more of this rare insight by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast">backing the show on Patreon</a> (or subscribing to Jank) which gets you two extra episodes a month, and means you join the hallowed ranks of those who make this podcast happen. If you're one of them, thanks: we got this hot for you.</p><p>Additional thanks to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Please send things that aren't Disco Elysium takes to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Penny Arcade was problematic <a href="https://geekfeminism.fandom.com/wiki/Dickwolves">because of the dickwolves</a>. Bungie had <a href="https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/05/01/that-infernal-industry">this comic hanging in their lobby</a> when Jonty visited in, god, 2013. Fond Destiny 2 memories by <a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/376-the-final-shape/">Nathan Brown</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bittersweet-farewell-destiny-2">Dom Peppiatt</a>. Rob Fahey on <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/can-a-live-service-game-ever-have-a-satisfying-conclusion">service games ending</a> and The Final Shape. People are <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/innuendostudios.bsky.social/post/3mm5mymie7k2l">not okay about Zero Parades</a>. Nic's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/zero-parades-for-dead-spies-review/">review on Jank</a>. Nate <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/premium-episode-130073545">explained Warhammer for our Patrons</a> last year. The hench chicken is in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD0dMr3kAQs">Project Windless</a>. Brendy's <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/my-summer-car-review-a-sordid-sim-of-piss-and-pistons-that-wont-hold-your-disgusting-little-hand">review of My Summer Car</a>. Jonty's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/mon-bazou-is-sort-of-about-cars-but-mostly-about-being-canadian/">Jank post about Mon Bazou</a>.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1085660/Destiny_2/">Destiny 2</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/">Disco Elysium</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2863680/ZERO_PARADES_For_Dead_Spies/">Zero Parades: For Dead Spies</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2057760/Esoteric_Ebb/">Esoteric Ebb</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/883230/Times_and_Galaxy/">Times and Galaxy</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520370/Mon_Bazou/">Mon Bazou</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/">My Summer Car</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-princess-bride-william-golding/6914564">The Princess Bride</a>, <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/yesteryear-caro-claire-burke/7873903">Yesteryear</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/autopartscity">Auto Parts City</a>.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week Alice and I gathered in hot rooms to have hot takes on the main news stories of the week, chiefly the end of Destiny (and perhaps the employment of many of its developers) and the start of the Disco Elysium sequels. We also attempted to understand the Warhammer Skulls Showcase without Nate to guide us, which didn't get very far but we are quite taken with playing as Skaven.</p><p><br></p><p>We've also been playing some games, reading some books, and watching daft videos on the internet, all of which we have curated for our discerning audience. You can get still more of this rare insight by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast">backing the show on Patreon</a> (or subscribing to Jank) which gets you two extra episodes a month, and means you join the hallowed ranks of those who make this podcast happen. If you're one of them, thanks: we got this hot for you.</p><p>Additional thanks to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Please send things that aren't Disco Elysium takes to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Penny Arcade was problematic <a href="https://geekfeminism.fandom.com/wiki/Dickwolves">because of the dickwolves</a>. Bungie had <a href="https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/05/01/that-infernal-industry">this comic hanging in their lobby</a> when Jonty visited in, god, 2013. Fond Destiny 2 memories by <a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/376-the-final-shape/">Nathan Brown</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bittersweet-farewell-destiny-2">Dom Peppiatt</a>. Rob Fahey on <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/can-a-live-service-game-ever-have-a-satisfying-conclusion">service games ending</a> and The Final Shape. People are <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/innuendostudios.bsky.social/post/3mm5mymie7k2l">not okay about Zero Parades</a>. Nic's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/zero-parades-for-dead-spies-review/">review on Jank</a>. Nate <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/premium-episode-130073545">explained Warhammer for our Patrons</a> last year. The hench chicken is in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD0dMr3kAQs">Project Windless</a>. Brendy's <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/my-summer-car-review-a-sordid-sim-of-piss-and-pistons-that-wont-hold-your-disgusting-little-hand">review of My Summer Car</a>. Jonty's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/mon-bazou-is-sort-of-about-cars-but-mostly-about-being-canadian/">Jank post about Mon Bazou</a>.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1085660/Destiny_2/">Destiny 2</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/">Disco Elysium</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2863680/ZERO_PARADES_For_Dead_Spies/">Zero Parades: For Dead Spies</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2057760/Esoteric_Ebb/">Esoteric Ebb</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/883230/Times_and_Galaxy/">Times and Galaxy</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520370/Mon_Bazou/">Mon Bazou</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/">My Summer Car</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-princess-bride-william-golding/6914564">The Princess Bride</a>, <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/yesteryear-caro-claire-burke/7873903">Yesteryear</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/autopartscity">Auto Parts City</a>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 22:39:40 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/7ed10e34/13fb2426.mp3" length="58679415" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2911</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week Alice and I gathered in hot rooms to have hot takes on the main news stories of the week, chiefly the end of Destiny (and perhaps the employment of many of its developers) and the start of the Disco Elysium sequels. We also attempted to understand the Warhammer Skulls Showcase without Nate to guide us, which didn't get very far but we are quite taken with playing as Skaven.</p><p><br></p><p>We've also been playing some games, reading some books, and watching daft videos on the internet, all of which we have curated for our discerning audience. You can get still more of this rare insight by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast">backing the show on Patreon</a> (or subscribing to Jank) which gets you two extra episodes a month, and means you join the hallowed ranks of those who make this podcast happen. If you're one of them, thanks: we got this hot for you.</p><p>Additional thanks to God Ribbon for the music, Marsh Davies for the artwork and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Please send things that aren't Disco Elysium takes to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Penny Arcade was problematic <a href="https://geekfeminism.fandom.com/wiki/Dickwolves">because of the dickwolves</a>. Bungie had <a href="https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/05/01/that-infernal-industry">this comic hanging in their lobby</a> when Jonty visited in, god, 2013. Fond Destiny 2 memories by <a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/376-the-final-shape/">Nathan Brown</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bittersweet-farewell-destiny-2">Dom Peppiatt</a>. Rob Fahey on <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/can-a-live-service-game-ever-have-a-satisfying-conclusion">service games ending</a> and The Final Shape. People are <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/innuendostudios.bsky.social/post/3mm5mymie7k2l">not okay about Zero Parades</a>. Nic's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/zero-parades-for-dead-spies-review/">review on Jank</a>. Nate <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/premium-episode-130073545">explained Warhammer for our Patrons</a> last year. The hench chicken is in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD0dMr3kAQs">Project Windless</a>. Brendy's <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/my-summer-car-review-a-sordid-sim-of-piss-and-pistons-that-wont-hold-your-disgusting-little-hand">review of My Summer Car</a>. Jonty's <a href="https://www.jank.cool/mon-bazou-is-sort-of-about-cars-but-mostly-about-being-canadian/">Jank post about Mon Bazou</a>.</p><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1085660/Destiny_2/">Destiny 2</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/632470/Disco_Elysium__The_Final_Cut/">Disco Elysium</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2863680/ZERO_PARADES_For_Dead_Spies/">Zero Parades: For Dead Spies</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2057760/Esoteric_Ebb/">Esoteric Ebb</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/883230/Times_and_Galaxy/">Times and Galaxy</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520370/Mon_Bazou/">Mon Bazou</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/">My Summer Car</a>.</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-princess-bride-william-golding/6914564">The Princess Bride</a>, <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/yesteryear-caro-claire-burke/7873903">Yesteryear</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/autopartscity">Auto Parts City</a>.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re-Run: Let's Fix This With Product Placement</title>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>35</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Re-Run: Let's Fix This With Product Placement</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6a0730aa382d6c40302a3f21</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/769d5aff</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>I regret to say that we were unable to record a regular news episode this week. Everybody was away or ill or both, with the exception of Brendy who is a new parent and thus is going to be preoccupied, exhausted and/or covered in body excretions for the forseeable future.</p><br><p>To tide our regular listeners over, we are resurrecting a former Patreon-exclusive episode: Episode Q, which previously aired in October 2025. In it, Alice and I are once again bedeviled by Games Satan, and compelled to save a series of well-known videogame franchises from oblivion thanks to financial support driven by product placement. The twist is that Nate Games Satan chose the products, which lead to some previously unforseen partnerships between triple-A videogame brands and small-to-mid-size service companies in the West Midlands.</p><br><p>There is no way this sort of analysis would exist without the backing of our Patreon supporters, to whom we extend our gracious thanks. You can join them <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">over on Patreon</a> to unlock another year's worth of this sort of thing. Further thanks to Marsh Davies for the artwork, God Ribbon for the music and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Comments, questions, branding decks and spicy mashed potato recipes are all welcomed at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>; Alix recommends adding blended curry leaf, garlic, chilli flakes and coriander.</p><br><p>Patreon backers will be blessed with a new episode next week. For everybody else, we'll be back regarding the news on the 28th, shortly before Saint Geoff blesses us all with a bunch of new trailers at not-E3 in June.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer">Minecraft</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baldur's Gate 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1245620/ELDEN_RING/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elden Ring</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/292030/The_Witcher_3_Wild_Hunt/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Witcher 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/570940/DARK_SOULS_REMASTERED/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dark Souls</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mass Effect</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/638970/Yakuza_0?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yakuza 0</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/22380/Fallout_New_Vegas?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fallout New Vegas</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/440/Team_Fortress_2?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Team Fortress 2</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Nate is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_City_(AA)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honda City</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Motocompo" rel="noopener noreferrer">optional Motocampo</a> and Alice is the <a href="https://www.octane-magazine.com/articles/honda-beat-buying-guide-history-and-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honda Beat</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81399614" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mitchells Vs The Machines</a>, <a href="https://escapecollective.com/the-tour-de-france-a-tale-told-in-hotels/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Tour De France: A Tale In Hotels</a>, and <a href="https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/books/rosie-andrews/the-puzzle-wood/9781526637376/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Puzzle Wood</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I regret to say that we were unable to record a regular news episode this week. Everybody was away or ill or both, with the exception of Brendy who is a new parent and thus is going to be preoccupied, exhausted and/or covered in body excretions for the forseeable future.</p><br><p>To tide our regular listeners over, we are resurrecting a former Patreon-exclusive episode: Episode Q, which previously aired in October 2025. In it, Alice and I are once again bedeviled by Games Satan, and compelled to save a series of well-known videogame franchises from oblivion thanks to financial support driven by product placement. The twist is that Nate Games Satan chose the products, which lead to some previously unforseen partnerships between triple-A videogame brands and small-to-mid-size service companies in the West Midlands.</p><br><p>There is no way this sort of analysis would exist without the backing of our Patreon supporters, to whom we extend our gracious thanks. You can join them <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">over on Patreon</a> to unlock another year's worth of this sort of thing. Further thanks to Marsh Davies for the artwork, God Ribbon for the music and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Comments, questions, branding decks and spicy mashed potato recipes are all welcomed at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>; Alix recommends adding blended curry leaf, garlic, chilli flakes and coriander.</p><br><p>Patreon backers will be blessed with a new episode next week. For everybody else, we'll be back regarding the news on the 28th, shortly before Saint Geoff blesses us all with a bunch of new trailers at not-E3 in June.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer">Minecraft</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baldur's Gate 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1245620/ELDEN_RING/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elden Ring</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/292030/The_Witcher_3_Wild_Hunt/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Witcher 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/570940/DARK_SOULS_REMASTERED/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dark Souls</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1328670/Mass_Effect_Legendary_Edition?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mass Effect</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/638970/Yakuza_0?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yakuza 0</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/22380/Fallout_New_Vegas?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fallout New Vegas</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/440/Team_Fortress_2?snr=1_7_15__13" rel="noopener noreferrer">Team Fortress 2</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Nate is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_City_(AA)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honda City</a> with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Motocompo" rel="noopener noreferrer">optional Motocampo</a> and Alice is the <a href="https://www.octane-magazine.com/articles/honda-beat-buying-guide-history-and-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honda Beat</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81399614" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mitchells Vs The Machines</a>, <a href="https://escapecollective.com/the-tour-de-france-a-tale-told-in-hotels/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Tour De France: A Tale In Hotels</a>, and <a href="https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/books/rosie-andrews/the-puzzle-wood/9781526637376/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Puzzle Wood</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 15:41:46 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/769d5aff/111b1cc4.mp3" length="59213731" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3701</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>I regret to say that we were unable to record a regular news episode this week. Everybody was away or ill or both, with the exception of Brendy who is a new parent and thus is going to be preoccupied, exhausted and/or covered in body excretions for the forseeable future.To tide our regular listeners over, we are resurrecting a former Patreon-exclusive episode: Episode Q, which previously aired in October 2025. In it, Alice and I are once again bedeviled by Games Satan, and compelled to save a series of well-known videogame franchises from oblivion thanks to financial support driven by product placement. The twist is that Nate Games Satan chose the products, which lead to some previously unforseen partnerships between triple-A videogame brands and small-to-mid-size service companies in the West Midlands.There is no way this sort of analysis would exist without the backing of our Patreon supporters, to whom we extend our gracious thanks. You can join them over on Patreon to unlock another year's worth of this sort of thing. Further thanks to Marsh Davies for the artwork, God Ribbon for the music and Alix Attenborough for the editing. Comments, questions, branding decks and spicy mashed potato recipes are all welcomed at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com; Alix recommends adding blended curry leaf, garlic, chilli flakes and coriander.Patreon backers will be blessed with a new episode next week. For everybody else, we'll be back regarding the news on the 28th, shortly before Saint Geoff blesses us all with a bunch of new trailers at not-E3 in June.Games!Minecraft, Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, The Witcher 3, Dark Souls, Mass Effect, Yakuza 0, Fallout New Vegas, Team Fortress 2.Links!Nate is the Honda City with optional Motocampo and Alice is the Honda Beat.Recommendations!The Mitchells Vs The Machines, The Tour De France: A Tale In Hotels, and The Puzzle Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>I regret to say that we were unable to record a regular news episode this week. Everybody was away or ill or both, with the exception of Brendy who is a new parent and thus is going to be preoccupied, exhausted and/or covered in body excretions for the fo</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 34: Five or Six ETs Could Tear Joe Rogan Apart</title>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>34</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 34: Five or Six ETs Could Tear Joe Rogan Apart</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69f515b48dd960ac612772c2</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/832a1aac</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s an emergency episode this week: both Alice and Brendy were away, so I had to dial in from Vegas to assist Nate in judgement of the main news events. This lead to some sub-optimal audio and a diminished runtime, for which I can only beg your forgiveness. Other errors include misrepresenting how mobile game advertising works and incorrectly saying that Frank Oz puppeteered ET, when in fact ET was played by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._(character)#Creature_design" rel="noopener noreferrer">three different actors</a>. Just a shining example of what happens without Alice there to organise things, really, although we do nail the segues so we’ve got that going for us. </p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it on your podcasting platform of choice.</p><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patreons</a> for making the podcast happen, to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Send us your preferred endings and ET at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with<a href="http://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> jank.cool</a>. </p><p>If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it,and think how much fun they’ll have.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Barry Manilow can be <a href="https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/entertainment/barry-manilow-2026-concert-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer">seen at the Westgate every month this year</a>. Hades 2 changed the ending and that’s fine actually <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mythology-by-its-nature-is-told-and-retold-hades-2-dev-on-changing-its-controversial-ending" rel="noopener noreferrer">because mythology</a>. Microsoft Gaming is <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-gaming-reverts-to-xbox-branding" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xbox again</a>. Game Pass Ultimate is a bit cheaper and <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/04/21/xbox-game-pass-update/" rel="noopener noreferrer">won’t have new Calls of Duty in it</a>. Jonty <a href="https://www.jank.cool/samson-is-gta-4-with-good-hair-and-no-money/" rel="noopener noreferrer">wrote about Samson for Jank</a>. Boiling Point’s patch notes are <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/boiling-point-road-to-hell-one-of-the-most-delightfully-buggy-games-ever-returns-this-month" rel="noopener noreferrer">rightly famous</a>. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/magazine/the-brilliance-of-dwarf-fortress.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">The NYT on Dwarf Fortress</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complaint_tablet_to_Ea-n%C4%81%E1%B9%A3ir" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ea-nāṣir</a> achieved immortality. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1151640/Horizon_Zero_Dawn_Complete_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Horizon: Zero Dawn</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1238020/Mass_Effect_3_N7_Digital_Deluxe_Edition_2012/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mass Effect 3</a>. Turns out somebody made <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Those_Games" rel="noopener noreferrer">a game based on bad mobile game ads</a> but not in the way I thought. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/975370/Dwarf_Fortress/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dwarf Fortress on Steam</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p>Make some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5xYinuBfrTw" rel="noopener noreferrer">blood bread</a> and watch <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Battle_After_Another" rel="noopener noreferrer">One Battle After Another</a>. </p><br><p><br></p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s an emergency episode this week: both Alice and Brendy were away, so I had to dial in from Vegas to assist Nate in judgement of the main news events. This lead to some sub-optimal audio and a diminished runtime, for which I can only beg your forgiveness. Other errors include misrepresenting how mobile game advertising works and incorrectly saying that Frank Oz puppeteered ET, when in fact ET was played by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._(character)#Creature_design" rel="noopener noreferrer">three different actors</a>. Just a shining example of what happens without Alice there to organise things, really, although we do nail the segues so we’ve got that going for us. </p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it on your podcasting platform of choice.</p><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patreons</a> for making the podcast happen, to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Send us your preferred endings and ET at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with<a href="http://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> jank.cool</a>. </p><p>If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it,and think how much fun they’ll have.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Barry Manilow can be <a href="https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/entertainment/barry-manilow-2026-concert-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer">seen at the Westgate every month this year</a>. Hades 2 changed the ending and that’s fine actually <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mythology-by-its-nature-is-told-and-retold-hades-2-dev-on-changing-its-controversial-ending" rel="noopener noreferrer">because mythology</a>. Microsoft Gaming is <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-gaming-reverts-to-xbox-branding" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xbox again</a>. Game Pass Ultimate is a bit cheaper and <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/04/21/xbox-game-pass-update/" rel="noopener noreferrer">won’t have new Calls of Duty in it</a>. Jonty <a href="https://www.jank.cool/samson-is-gta-4-with-good-hair-and-no-money/" rel="noopener noreferrer">wrote about Samson for Jank</a>. Boiling Point’s patch notes are <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/boiling-point-road-to-hell-one-of-the-most-delightfully-buggy-games-ever-returns-this-month" rel="noopener noreferrer">rightly famous</a>. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/magazine/the-brilliance-of-dwarf-fortress.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">The NYT on Dwarf Fortress</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complaint_tablet_to_Ea-n%C4%81%E1%B9%A3ir" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ea-nāṣir</a> achieved immortality. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1151640/Horizon_Zero_Dawn_Complete_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Horizon: Zero Dawn</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1238020/Mass_Effect_3_N7_Digital_Deluxe_Edition_2012/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mass Effect 3</a>. Turns out somebody made <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Those_Games" rel="noopener noreferrer">a game based on bad mobile game ads</a> but not in the way I thought. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/975370/Dwarf_Fortress/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dwarf Fortress on Steam</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p>Make some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5xYinuBfrTw" rel="noopener noreferrer">blood bread</a> and watch <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Battle_After_Another" rel="noopener noreferrer">One Battle After Another</a>. </p><br><p><br></p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 22:05:56 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/832a1aac/ca40b0df.mp3" length="47884965" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2993</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It’s an emergency episode this week: both Alice and Brendy were away, so I had to dial in from Vegas to assist Nate in judgement of the main news events. This lead to some sub-optimal audio and a diminished runtime, for which I can only beg your forgiveness. Other errors include misrepresenting how mobile game advertising works and incorrectly saying that Frank Oz puppeteered ET, when in fact ET was played by three different actors. Just a shining example of what happens without Alice there to organise things, really, although we do nail the segues so we’ve got that going for us. You can listen to the episode right here, or find it on your podcasting platform of choice.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWAcast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeThanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Send us your preferred endings and ET at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with jank.cool. If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it,and think how much fun they’ll have.Links!Barry Manilow can be seen at the Westgate every month this year. Hades 2 changed the ending and that’s fine actually because mythology. Microsoft Gaming is Xbox again. Game Pass Ultimate is a bit cheaper and won’t have new Calls of Duty in it. Jonty wrote about Samson for Jank. Boiling Point’s patch notes are rightly famous. The NYT on Dwarf Fortress. Ea-nāṣir achieved immortality. Games!Horizon: Zero Dawn. Mass Effect 3. Turns out somebody made a game based on bad mobile game ads but not in the way I thought. Dwarf Fortress on Steam. Recommendations!Make some blood bread and watch One Battle After Another.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It’s an emergency episode this week: both Alice and Brendy were away, so I had to dial in from Vegas to assist Nate in judgement of the main news events. This lead to some sub-optimal audio and a diminished runtime, for which I can only beg your forgivene</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 33: Wee Butt Mode</title>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>33</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 33: Wee Butt Mode</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69e1414d0b4baf3bf2ee80a8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/aeabfef2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><br></p><p>In a rare treat this week’s episode is not talking about layoffs, but I contrived to introduce them as additional context for Pete Hines being savagely critical of what happened to Bethesda, so the narrative thread is maintained. Otherwise this is quite a good-natured look at the latest PC gaming happenings, including what turned out to be some extremely inaccurate guesses at what hackers had stolen from Rockstar, and what will doubtless prove to be extremely inaccurate guesses at what’s in Epic’s Disney-character extraction shooter.</p><br><p>Other highlights this week include Brendy driving up some hills and becoming troubled by them, Nate establishing himself as our resident Jeff Kaplan correspondent, and the ease with which you can Mandela Event yourself into believing just about any idiotic Gamergate-y conspiracy theory is a real thing because they’re all so ridiculous as to be plausible. </p><br><p>Plus: troublesome dogs, IRL Pope beef, some very ill-advised rake-stepping on the topic of classic Square Enix games and our judgement of three recently-released videogames, which is a lot rarer than it should be given that’s what the podcast is supposed to be about. We make no promises as to if this will continue. </p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen. You can join them to unlock more episodes at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast</a>. Thanks also to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Tell us why rental cars don’t have automatic gearboxes and why Jonty and Nate are wrong about Kingdom Hearts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with <a href="http://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer">jank.cool</a>. </p><br><p>If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it, and think how much fun they’ll have.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Jeff Kaplan revealed that Blizzard <a href="https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-tracer-butt-nerf-change-pose-jeff-kaplan-twitch/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did not amend the size of Tracer’s butt</a>. Rockstar <a href="https://kotaku.com/rockstar-games-reportedly-hacked-massive-data-leak-ransom-gta-6-shinyhunters-2000686858" rel="noopener noreferrer">was hacked again</a> but didn’t even care, and since we recorded the episode it was revealed that the data was just proof of <a href="https://kotaku.com/rockstar-hackers-release-data-early-after-gta-6-maker-refuses-to-pay-ransom-2000687189" rel="noopener noreferrer">how much money it makes from GTA Online</a>, the leaking of which actually <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/rockstar-hackers-actually-made-take-twos-stock-increase-after-leaking-how-much-gta-online-is-making/" rel="noopener noreferrer">caused Take Two’s share price to increase</a> so yeah that all checks out. GTA 6 is coming out on <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak3ak31a49a221/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-now-set-to-launch-november-19-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">19th November</a> FYI. There was some IRL <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/avignon-papacy-explained-what-reported-us-threat-to-pope-and-vatican-means-11803877" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avignon pope beef</a>. Pete Hines has some <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/pete-hines-says-he-left-bethesda-because-he-didnt-want-to-watch-it-being-damaged-and-abused/" rel="noopener noreferrer">opinions about what happened to Bethesda</a>, which is <a href="https://www.mmorpg.com/news/microsoft-announces-new-bethesda-layoffs-closes-four-studios-including-redfall-dev-arkane-austin-2000131446" rel="noopener noreferrer">not entirely surprising</a>. Bloomberg reported that Epic is <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-10/epic-games-pins-fortnite-comeback-on-disney-partnership" rel="noopener noreferrer">making an extraction shooter with Disney characters</a>. Jeremy Peel <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/open-world-crime-game-samson-had-to-be-pared-back-mid-development-which-led-to-its-unusual-structure-its-become-more-unique/" rel="noopener noreferrer">talked to the Samson devs</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p>Jeff Kaplan’s new game is <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2550530/The_Legend_of_California/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Legend of California</a>. <a href="https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/kingdom-hearts-iv" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingdom Hearts 4</a> is coming. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3161270/Tlatoani_Aztec_Cities/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tlatoani: Aztec Cities</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3634520/Samson/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Samson</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2778210/Moves_Of_The_Diamond_Hand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moves Of The Diamond Hand</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2653790/The_Exit_8/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exit 8</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emZZexEJO8c" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exit 8</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFuE1LRxm80" rel="noopener noreferrer">War Machine</a>, <a href="https://www.lemonsalt.co.uk/products/takdaneh-natural-sour-cherry-juice-1l" rel="noopener noreferrer">Takdaneh Natural Sour Cherry Juice</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10332508/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Primal</a> and <a href="https://rosiecheeksslimeshop.myshopify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rosie Cheeks Slime Shop</a>. </p><p><br></p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><br></p><p>In a rare treat this week’s episode is not talking about layoffs, but I contrived to introduce them as additional context for Pete Hines being savagely critical of what happened to Bethesda, so the narrative thread is maintained. Otherwise this is quite a good-natured look at the latest PC gaming happenings, including what turned out to be some extremely inaccurate guesses at what hackers had stolen from Rockstar, and what will doubtless prove to be extremely inaccurate guesses at what’s in Epic’s Disney-character extraction shooter.</p><br><p>Other highlights this week include Brendy driving up some hills and becoming troubled by them, Nate establishing himself as our resident Jeff Kaplan correspondent, and the ease with which you can Mandela Event yourself into believing just about any idiotic Gamergate-y conspiracy theory is a real thing because they’re all so ridiculous as to be plausible. </p><br><p>Plus: troublesome dogs, IRL Pope beef, some very ill-advised rake-stepping on the topic of classic Square Enix games and our judgement of three recently-released videogames, which is a lot rarer than it should be given that’s what the podcast is supposed to be about. We make no promises as to if this will continue. </p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen. You can join them to unlock more episodes at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast</a>. Thanks also to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Tell us why rental cars don’t have automatic gearboxes and why Jonty and Nate are wrong about Kingdom Hearts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with <a href="http://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer">jank.cool</a>. </p><br><p>If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it, and think how much fun they’ll have.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Jeff Kaplan revealed that Blizzard <a href="https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-tracer-butt-nerf-change-pose-jeff-kaplan-twitch/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did not amend the size of Tracer’s butt</a>. Rockstar <a href="https://kotaku.com/rockstar-games-reportedly-hacked-massive-data-leak-ransom-gta-6-shinyhunters-2000686858" rel="noopener noreferrer">was hacked again</a> but didn’t even care, and since we recorded the episode it was revealed that the data was just proof of <a href="https://kotaku.com/rockstar-hackers-release-data-early-after-gta-6-maker-refuses-to-pay-ransom-2000687189" rel="noopener noreferrer">how much money it makes from GTA Online</a>, the leaking of which actually <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/rockstar-hackers-actually-made-take-twos-stock-increase-after-leaking-how-much-gta-online-is-making/" rel="noopener noreferrer">caused Take Two’s share price to increase</a> so yeah that all checks out. GTA 6 is coming out on <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/ak3ak31a49a221/grand-theft-auto-vi-is-now-set-to-launch-november-19-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">19th November</a> FYI. There was some IRL <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/avignon-papacy-explained-what-reported-us-threat-to-pope-and-vatican-means-11803877" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avignon pope beef</a>. Pete Hines has some <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/pete-hines-says-he-left-bethesda-because-he-didnt-want-to-watch-it-being-damaged-and-abused/" rel="noopener noreferrer">opinions about what happened to Bethesda</a>, which is <a href="https://www.mmorpg.com/news/microsoft-announces-new-bethesda-layoffs-closes-four-studios-including-redfall-dev-arkane-austin-2000131446" rel="noopener noreferrer">not entirely surprising</a>. Bloomberg reported that Epic is <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-10/epic-games-pins-fortnite-comeback-on-disney-partnership" rel="noopener noreferrer">making an extraction shooter with Disney characters</a>. Jeremy Peel <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/open-world-crime-game-samson-had-to-be-pared-back-mid-development-which-led-to-its-unusual-structure-its-become-more-unique/" rel="noopener noreferrer">talked to the Samson devs</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p>Jeff Kaplan’s new game is <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2550530/The_Legend_of_California/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Legend of California</a>. <a href="https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/kingdom-hearts-iv" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingdom Hearts 4</a> is coming. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3161270/Tlatoani_Aztec_Cities/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tlatoani: Aztec Cities</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3634520/Samson/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Samson</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2778210/Moves_Of_The_Diamond_Hand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moves Of The Diamond Hand</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2653790/The_Exit_8/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exit 8</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emZZexEJO8c" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exit 8</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFuE1LRxm80" rel="noopener noreferrer">War Machine</a>, <a href="https://www.lemonsalt.co.uk/products/takdaneh-natural-sour-cherry-juice-1l" rel="noopener noreferrer">Takdaneh Natural Sour Cherry Juice</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10332508/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Primal</a> and <a href="https://rosiecheeksslimeshop.myshopify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rosie Cheeks Slime Shop</a>. </p><p><br></p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:06:37 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/aeabfef2/d1b3f362.mp3" length="70852183" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4429</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In a rare treat this week’s episode is not talking about layoffs, but I contrived to introduce them as additional context for Pete Hines being savagely critical of what happened to Bethesda, so the narrative thread is maintained. Otherwise this is quite a good-natured look at the latest PC gaming happenings, including what turned out to be some extremely inaccurate guesses at what hackers had stolen from Rockstar, and what will doubtless prove to be extremely inaccurate guesses at what’s in Epic’s Disney-character extraction shooter.Other highlights this week include Brendy driving up some hills and becoming troubled by them, Nate establishing himself as our resident Jeff Kaplan correspondent, and the ease with which you can Mandela Event yourself into believing just about any idiotic Gamergate-y conspiracy theory is a real thing because they’re all so ridiculous as to be plausible. Plus: troublesome dogs, IRL Pope beef, some very ill-advised rake-stepping on the topic of classic Square Enix games and our judgement of three recently-released videogames, which is a lot rarer than it should be given that’s what the podcast is supposed to be about. We make no promises as to if this will continue. Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen. You can join them to unlock more episodes at https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast. Thanks also to Marsh Davies for our art, God Ribbon for our music and Alix Attenborough for our editing. Tell us why rental cars don’t have automatic gearboxes and why Jonty and Nate are wrong about Kingdom Hearts at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Enjoy the benefits of our partnership with jank.cool. If you like the podcast, please leave us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice: it helps other people discover it, and think how much fun they’ll have.Links!Jeff Kaplan revealed that Blizzard did not amend the size of Tracer’s butt. Rockstar was hacked again but didn’t even care, and since we recorded the episode it was revealed that the data was just proof of how much money it makes from GTA Online, the leaking of which actually caused Take Two’s share price to increase so yeah that all checks out. GTA 6 is coming out on 19th November FYI. There was some IRL Avignon pope beef. Pete Hines has some opinions about what happened to Bethesda, which is not entirely surprising. Bloomberg reported that Epic is making an extraction shooter with Disney characters. Jeremy Peel talked to the Samson devs. Games!Jeff Kaplan’s new game is The Legend of California. Kingdom Hearts 4 is coming. Tlatoani: Aztec Cities. Samson. Moves Of The Diamond Hand. Exit 8. Recommendations!Exit 8, War Machine, Takdaneh Natural Sour Cherry Juice, Primal and Rosie Cheeks Slime Shop.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In a rare treat this week’s episode is not talking about layoffs, but I contrived to introduce them as additional context for Pete Hines being savagely critical of what happened to Bethesda, so the narrative thread is maintained. Otherwise this is quite a</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 32: Mr Beast Big Naturals</title>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>32</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 32: Mr Beast Big Naturals</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69cfc0b7f44b357ce9967ff6</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4da8148</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we have fun (for a given value of fun) discussing Epic's mass layoffs, Sony's dynamic price testing, and the difficulty in reviewing Crimson Desert, maybe. One of these results on an extended discussion of the world's favourite glassy-eyed YouTuber. Please note, Jimmy, that the title is a lighthearted joke; I beg, do not turn your eye of Sauron upon us. </p><br><p>Plus! Brendy gets unaccountably upset at us for saying things about mining but in a way that sort of implies we find mining sexually arousing. He genuinely seemed upset during recording as well. I don't think it was a bit. </p><br><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Send in what your regional time for woodlice is to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Epic <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1-000-employees-were-spending-significantly-more-than-were-making-ceo-tim-sweeney-says/" rel="noopener noreferrer">shitcanned a thousand people</a>, and the Fortnite team are a bit like '<a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/battle-royale/fortnite-producer-asks-for-patience-as-developers-pick-up-the-pieces-after-massive-layoffs-we-cannot-even-fully-understand-what-kind-of-impacts-this-will-have-on-the-game-for-the-rest-of-the-year-and-likely-beyond/" rel="noopener noreferrer">WELP</a>'. Chet Falizsek <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/valve-veteran-slams-tim-sweeney-and-epic-games-for-laying-off-1000-people-while-making-as-much-money-as-possible-and-hey-tim-gabes-better-at-that-than-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer">went on a tear</a> about it. Rumours abound that PlayStation are <a href="https://psprices.com/news/sony-ab-testing-prices/" rel="noopener noreferrer">testing dynamic pricing</a>. Now <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/playstation-store-dynamic-pricing-reportedly-spotted-march-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">maybe spotted in the wild</a>? <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/crimson-desert/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crimson Desert</a> for some reason became the latest saviour of single player games (I think off the strength of <a href="https://youtu.be/R59mT0IFKeI" rel="noopener noreferrer">one cool trailer maybe</a>??) and then was distinctly mid. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/03/28/why-did-critics-like-crimson-desert-less-than-players/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paul Tassi wrote about how</a> the review build was significantly different to the retail version.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2129530/REANIMAL/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reanimal</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2868840/Slay_the_Spire_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slay The Spire 2</a>, and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1161580/Hardspace_Shipbreaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hardspace Shipbreaker</a> (and Edwin <em>did</em> write <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/how-hardspace-shipbreaker-became-the-video-game-union-movements-final-frontier" rel="noopener noreferrer">an article</a> about the unionisation aspects!)</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>The UK series of <a href="https://youtu.be/pn-yCmpElv8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Last One Laughing</a>, the sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary, and to look up and attend any of your local amateur dramatics societies. </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we have fun (for a given value of fun) discussing Epic's mass layoffs, Sony's dynamic price testing, and the difficulty in reviewing Crimson Desert, maybe. One of these results on an extended discussion of the world's favourite glassy-eyed YouTuber. Please note, Jimmy, that the title is a lighthearted joke; I beg, do not turn your eye of Sauron upon us. </p><br><p>Plus! Brendy gets unaccountably upset at us for saying things about mining but in a way that sort of implies we find mining sexually arousing. He genuinely seemed upset during recording as well. I don't think it was a bit. </p><br><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Send in what your regional time for woodlice is to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Epic <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1-000-employees-were-spending-significantly-more-than-were-making-ceo-tim-sweeney-says/" rel="noopener noreferrer">shitcanned a thousand people</a>, and the Fortnite team are a bit like '<a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/battle-royale/fortnite-producer-asks-for-patience-as-developers-pick-up-the-pieces-after-massive-layoffs-we-cannot-even-fully-understand-what-kind-of-impacts-this-will-have-on-the-game-for-the-rest-of-the-year-and-likely-beyond/" rel="noopener noreferrer">WELP</a>'. Chet Falizsek <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/valve-veteran-slams-tim-sweeney-and-epic-games-for-laying-off-1000-people-while-making-as-much-money-as-possible-and-hey-tim-gabes-better-at-that-than-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer">went on a tear</a> about it. Rumours abound that PlayStation are <a href="https://psprices.com/news/sony-ab-testing-prices/" rel="noopener noreferrer">testing dynamic pricing</a>. Now <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/playstation-store-dynamic-pricing-reportedly-spotted-march-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">maybe spotted in the wild</a>? <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/crimson-desert/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crimson Desert</a> for some reason became the latest saviour of single player games (I think off the strength of <a href="https://youtu.be/R59mT0IFKeI" rel="noopener noreferrer">one cool trailer maybe</a>??) and then was distinctly mid. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/03/28/why-did-critics-like-crimson-desert-less-than-players/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paul Tassi wrote about how</a> the review build was significantly different to the retail version.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2129530/REANIMAL/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reanimal</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2868840/Slay_the_Spire_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slay The Spire 2</a>, and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1161580/Hardspace_Shipbreaker/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hardspace Shipbreaker</a> (and Edwin <em>did</em> write <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/how-hardspace-shipbreaker-became-the-video-game-union-movements-final-frontier" rel="noopener noreferrer">an article</a> about the unionisation aspects!)</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>The UK series of <a href="https://youtu.be/pn-yCmpElv8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Last One Laughing</a>, the sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary, and to look up and attend any of your local amateur dramatics societies. </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/f4da8148/40201cc8.mp3" length="56756107" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3548</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week we have fun (for a given value of fun) discussing Epic's mass layoffs, Sony's dynamic price testing, and the difficulty in reviewing Crimson Desert, maybe. One of these results on an extended discussion of the world's favourite glassy-eyed YouTuber. Please note, Jimmy, that the title is a lighthearted joke; I beg, do not turn your eye of Sauron upon us. Plus! Brendy gets unaccountably upset at us for saying things about mining but in a way that sort of implies we find mining sexually arousing. He genuinely seemed upset during recording as well. I don't think it was a bit. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeThanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Send in what your regional time for woodlice is to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool.Links!Epic shitcanned a thousand people, and the Fortnite team are a bit like 'WELP'. Chet Falizsek went on a tear about it. Rumours abound that PlayStation are testing dynamic pricing. Now maybe spotted in the wild? Crimson Desert for some reason became the latest saviour of single player games (I think off the strength of one cool trailer maybe??) and then was distinctly mid. Paul Tassi wrote about how the review build was significantly different to the retail version.Games!Reanimal, Slay The Spire 2, and Hardspace Shipbreaker (and Edwin did write an article about the unionisation aspects!)Recommendations!The UK series of Last One Laughing, the sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary, and to look up and attend any of your local amateur dramatics societies.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week we have fun (for a given value of fun) discussing Epic's mass layoffs, Sony's dynamic price testing, and the difficulty in reviewing Crimson Desert, maybe. One of these results on an extended discussion of the world's favourite glassy-eyed YouTu</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 31: Stoatal Playtime; Our DLSS 5 Is ON</title>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>31</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 31: Stoatal Playtime; Our DLSS 5 Is ON</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69bc701f3bbfcfe8db238e22</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b04d7e1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we bring you an accidentally AI-themed extravaganza, as Krafton lost their Unknown Worlds/Subnautica 2 lawsuit for the funniest reason possible: they asked ChatGPT what to do. But just before that, Nvidia unveiled their new Super Sampling and its more like Super SLOP, am I right? Many came out to mock the TikTok-beauty-filterfication of Grace from Resi Requiem. And just before <em>that</em>, Jeff Kaplan, formerly Jeff from the Overwatch team (he's always the Queen from the Overwatch team of our hearts) dealt with some residual C-suit trauma by going on a podcast. Not this one, though. Maybe one day.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:</p><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art, Alix Attenborough for our editing, and God Ribbon for our music. Do not email me about Disco Elysium at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>ARC Raiders is replacing <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/embark-have-been-replacing-arc-raiders-ai-voice-lines-with-real-people-but-that-doesnt-mean-theyve-sworn-off-using-it-behind-the-scenes" rel="noopener noreferrer">some of the genAI</a>, and Digital Foundry <a href="https://www.digitalfoundry.net/features/nvidias-new-dlss-5-brings-photo-realistic-lighting-to-rtx-50-series" rel="noopener noreferrer">saw Nvidia's DLSS5</a> and thought it was great, but <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/beardynoise.bsky.social/post/3mhf5k6ez6s27" rel="noopener noreferrer">everyone else</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kaizengameworks.com/post/3mharadm2lc2p" rel="noopener noreferrer">made</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/janochoa.bsky.social/post/3mh7lbavwm22w" rel="noopener noreferrer">fun</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ultrabrilliant.xyz/post/3mh7ce33d222f" rel="noopener noreferrer">of it</a>. Nvidia's CEO says <a href="https://uk.pcmag.com/graphics-cards/163853/nvidias-ceo-on-dlss-5-backlash-the-haters-are-wrong" rel="noopener noreferrer">we're all wrong</a>; Kotaku asked a bunch of devs and <a href="https://kotaku.com/we-spoke-to-game-devs-and-all-of-them-hate-dlss-5-what-the-f-nvidia-2000680059" rel="noopener noreferrer">they all hate it too</a>. The Subnautica 2 lawsuit <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/in-a-wild-turn-for-the-subnautica-2-lawsuit-a-judge-orders-krafton-to-restore-fired-unknown-worlds-ceo-and-gives-them-9-more-months-to-earn-usd250-million-bonus/" rel="noopener noreferrer">got weird</a> (apparently <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/subnautica-2-will-finally-enter-early-access-in-may-following-year-of-delays-and-legal-drama" rel="noopener noreferrer">it's coming out in May now</a>, a decision Brendy describes as 'SUSPICIOUSLY fast'), Jeff Kaplan <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rF1CSSh-w" rel="noopener noreferrer">had a bad time</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>Nate clamped his own mouth shut rather than talk about AoEII again, but Brendy has been playing <a href="https://www.jank.cool/i-didnt-think-slay-the-spire-needed-a-sequel-that-was-dumb/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slay The Spire 2</a>, and Alice has been playing <a href="https://www.jank.cool/esoteric-ebb-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Esoteric Ebb</a>! They wrote about them on <a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a website</a>. Alice also got to play the demo for the upcoming Darkside Detective game, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4353000/The_Darkside_Detective_Backside_of_the_Moon_Demo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Backside of the Moon</a>. She was very excited.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>1997 Australian comedy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlfxX98vsY0" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Castle</a>, <a href="https://www.warhammer.com/en-WW/shop/death-rider-hb-eng-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">Death Rider by Rhuairidh James</a>, and commissioning an independent artist (specifically, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/goblinbuns.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">this one</a>)</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we bring you an accidentally AI-themed extravaganza, as Krafton lost their Unknown Worlds/Subnautica 2 lawsuit for the funniest reason possible: they asked ChatGPT what to do. But just before that, Nvidia unveiled their new Super Sampling and its more like Super SLOP, am I right? Many came out to mock the TikTok-beauty-filterfication of Grace from Resi Requiem. And just before <em>that</em>, Jeff Kaplan, formerly Jeff from the Overwatch team (he's always the Queen from the Overwatch team of our hearts) dealt with some residual C-suit trauma by going on a podcast. Not this one, though. Maybe one day.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:</p><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast:<a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art, Alix Attenborough for our editing, and God Ribbon for our music. Do not email me about Disco Elysium at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>ARC Raiders is replacing <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/embark-have-been-replacing-arc-raiders-ai-voice-lines-with-real-people-but-that-doesnt-mean-theyve-sworn-off-using-it-behind-the-scenes" rel="noopener noreferrer">some of the genAI</a>, and Digital Foundry <a href="https://www.digitalfoundry.net/features/nvidias-new-dlss-5-brings-photo-realistic-lighting-to-rtx-50-series" rel="noopener noreferrer">saw Nvidia's DLSS5</a> and thought it was great, but <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/beardynoise.bsky.social/post/3mhf5k6ez6s27" rel="noopener noreferrer">everyone else</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kaizengameworks.com/post/3mharadm2lc2p" rel="noopener noreferrer">made</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/janochoa.bsky.social/post/3mh7lbavwm22w" rel="noopener noreferrer">fun</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ultrabrilliant.xyz/post/3mh7ce33d222f" rel="noopener noreferrer">of it</a>. Nvidia's CEO says <a href="https://uk.pcmag.com/graphics-cards/163853/nvidias-ceo-on-dlss-5-backlash-the-haters-are-wrong" rel="noopener noreferrer">we're all wrong</a>; Kotaku asked a bunch of devs and <a href="https://kotaku.com/we-spoke-to-game-devs-and-all-of-them-hate-dlss-5-what-the-f-nvidia-2000680059" rel="noopener noreferrer">they all hate it too</a>. The Subnautica 2 lawsuit <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/in-a-wild-turn-for-the-subnautica-2-lawsuit-a-judge-orders-krafton-to-restore-fired-unknown-worlds-ceo-and-gives-them-9-more-months-to-earn-usd250-million-bonus/" rel="noopener noreferrer">got weird</a> (apparently <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/subnautica-2-will-finally-enter-early-access-in-may-following-year-of-delays-and-legal-drama" rel="noopener noreferrer">it's coming out in May now</a>, a decision Brendy describes as 'SUSPICIOUSLY fast'), Jeff Kaplan <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rF1CSSh-w" rel="noopener noreferrer">had a bad time</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>Nate clamped his own mouth shut rather than talk about AoEII again, but Brendy has been playing <a href="https://www.jank.cool/i-didnt-think-slay-the-spire-needed-a-sequel-that-was-dumb/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slay The Spire 2</a>, and Alice has been playing <a href="https://www.jank.cool/esoteric-ebb-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Esoteric Ebb</a>! They wrote about them on <a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a website</a>. Alice also got to play the demo for the upcoming Darkside Detective game, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4353000/The_Darkside_Detective_Backside_of_the_Moon_Demo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Backside of the Moon</a>. She was very excited.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>1997 Australian comedy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlfxX98vsY0" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Castle</a>, <a href="https://www.warhammer.com/en-WW/shop/death-rider-hb-eng-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer">Death Rider by Rhuairidh James</a>, and commissioning an independent artist (specifically, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/goblinbuns.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">this one</a>)</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/5b04d7e1/f7089b30.mp3" length="57683585" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3606</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week we bring you an accidentally AI-themed extravaganza, as Krafton lost their Unknown Worlds/Subnautica 2 lawsuit for the funniest reason possible: they asked ChatGPT what to do. But just before that, Nvidia unveiled their new Super Sampling and its more like Super SLOP, am I right? Many came out to mock the TikTok-beauty-filterfication of Grace from Resi Requiem. And just before that, Jeff Kaplan, formerly Jeff from the Overwatch team (he's always the Queen from the Overwatch team of our hearts) dealt with some residual C-suit trauma by going on a podcast. Not this one, though. Maybe one day.You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeThanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art, Alix Attenborough for our editing, and God Ribbon for our music. Do not email me about Disco Elysium at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool.Links!ARC Raiders is replacing some of the genAI, and Digital Foundry saw Nvidia's DLSS5 and thought it was great, but everyone else made fun of it. Nvidia's CEO says we're all wrong; Kotaku asked a bunch of devs and they all hate it too. The Subnautica 2 lawsuit got weird (apparently it's coming out in May now, a decision Brendy describes as 'SUSPICIOUSLY fast'), Jeff Kaplan had a bad time.Games!Nate clamped his own mouth shut rather than talk about AoEII again, but Brendy has been playing Slay The Spire 2, and Alice has been playing Esoteric Ebb! They wrote about them on a website. Alice also got to play the demo for the upcoming Darkside Detective game, Backside of the Moon. She was very excited.Recommendations!1997 Australian comedy The Castle, Death Rider by Rhuairidh James, and commissioning an independent artist (specifically, this one) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week we bring you an accidentally AI-themed extravaganza, as Krafton lost their Unknown Worlds/Subnautica 2 lawsuit for the funniest reason possible: they asked ChatGPT what to do. But just before that, Nvidia unveiled their new Super Sampling and it</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 30: The Phil Spencer Xbox Explosion</title>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>30</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 30: The Phil Spencer Xbox Explosion</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69a9d438f6d1583bb88689a1</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3265cac</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s a quiet one this week, as Alice is away doing mysterious things and Nate is away on a secret mission which you’ll have to hear about in two weeks’ time. It thus falls to Jonty and Brendy to ruminate on Xbox without Phil Spencer, games journalism without humans, and deciding which Pokémon starter would be the best restaurant starter. </p><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:</p><br><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit your Pokémon recipes at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-retiring-sarah-bond-out-matt-booty-promoted-as-microsoft-ai-exec-asha-sharma-named-new-xbox-boss-exclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer">Phil Spencer left Xbox, along with Sarah Bond</a>. Everybody except Brendy regards him as a lovely bloke<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/he-truly-cared-about-games-about-the-industry-and-about-the-people-making-them-the-industry-on-phil-spencer" rel="noopener noreferrer"> who knew a lot about games</a>. The new boss is a<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xboxs-new-boss-could-herald-the-changes-the-division-needs-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer"> creation of pure business and maybe that’s for the best</a>. Metacritic <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/apzonerunner.com/post/3mfrrrmrwtc2p" rel="noopener noreferrer">pulled the Videogamer’s Resi Requiem review</a> for being <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/apzonerunner.com/post/3mfrinl5yuc2h" rel="noopener noreferrer">written by AI</a> after <a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/staff-journalists-sacked-and-misleadingly-replaced-with-ai-writers" rel="noopener noreferrer">nearly all the staff were laid off</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Hocking" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clint Hocking</a> has<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/clint-hocking-creative-director-of-the-next-assassins-creed-leaves-ubisoft-following-restructure?ref=jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> left Ubisoft again</a>. We would only eat one<a href="https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-gen-10-winds-waves-starters/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> of the new Pokémon starters</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><p>The tooth-cleaning game Jonty couldn't remember was <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3423280/Shark_Dentist/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shark Dentist</a>. Brendy loves <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2522120/Airframe_Ultra/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Airframe Ultra</a>; you may also consider <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4078430/STAR_WARS_Galactic_Racer/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars: Galactic Racer</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1721590/DEATHGRIP/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deathgrip</a>. The other games we played were <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3756940/The_Ratline/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ratline</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3823370/Beyond_Words/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond Words</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3586660/Word_Play/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Word Play</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3065800/Marathon/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marathon</a> is out today so you can find out yourself if Jonty’s just really bad at it.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wernerherzogofficial/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Werner Herzog’s Instagram</a> and <a href="https://gabriellezevin.com/tomorrowx3/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s a quiet one this week, as Alice is away doing mysterious things and Nate is away on a secret mission which you’ll have to hear about in two weeks’ time. It thus falls to Jonty and Brendy to ruminate on Xbox without Phil Spencer, games journalism without humans, and deciding which Pokémon starter would be the best restaurant starter. </p><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:</p><br><p>iTunes:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS:<a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit your Pokémon recipes at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing<a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-retiring-sarah-bond-out-matt-booty-promoted-as-microsoft-ai-exec-asha-sharma-named-new-xbox-boss-exclusive" rel="noopener noreferrer">Phil Spencer left Xbox, along with Sarah Bond</a>. Everybody except Brendy regards him as a lovely bloke<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/he-truly-cared-about-games-about-the-industry-and-about-the-people-making-them-the-industry-on-phil-spencer" rel="noopener noreferrer"> who knew a lot about games</a>. The new boss is a<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xboxs-new-boss-could-herald-the-changes-the-division-needs-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer"> creation of pure business and maybe that’s for the best</a>. Metacritic <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/apzonerunner.com/post/3mfrrrmrwtc2p" rel="noopener noreferrer">pulled the Videogamer’s Resi Requiem review</a> for being <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/apzonerunner.com/post/3mfrinl5yuc2h" rel="noopener noreferrer">written by AI</a> after <a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/staff-journalists-sacked-and-misleadingly-replaced-with-ai-writers" rel="noopener noreferrer">nearly all the staff were laid off</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Hocking" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clint Hocking</a> has<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/clint-hocking-creative-director-of-the-next-assassins-creed-leaves-ubisoft-following-restructure?ref=jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer"> left Ubisoft again</a>. We would only eat one<a href="https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-gen-10-winds-waves-starters/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> of the new Pokémon starters</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><p>The tooth-cleaning game Jonty couldn't remember was <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3423280/Shark_Dentist/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shark Dentist</a>. Brendy loves <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2522120/Airframe_Ultra/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Airframe Ultra</a>; you may also consider <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4078430/STAR_WARS_Galactic_Racer/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars: Galactic Racer</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1721590/DEATHGRIP/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deathgrip</a>. The other games we played were <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3756940/The_Ratline/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ratline</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3823370/Beyond_Words/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond Words</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3586660/Word_Play/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Word Play</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3065800/Marathon/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marathon</a> is out today so you can find out yourself if Jonty’s just really bad at it.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wernerherzogofficial/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Werner Herzog’s Instagram</a> and <a href="https://gabriellezevin.com/tomorrowx3/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:06:31 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/d3265cac/52b31ff1.mp3" length="58672888" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3667</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It’s a quiet one this week, as Alice is away doing mysterious things and Nate is away on a secret mission which you’ll have to hear about in two weeks’ time. It thus falls to Jonty and Brendy to ruminate on Xbox without Phil Spencer, games journalism without humans, and deciding which Pokémon starter would be the best restaurant starter. You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting app of choice:iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit your Pokémon recipes at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool.Links!Phil Spencer left Xbox, along with Sarah Bond. Everybody except Brendy regards him as a lovely bloke who knew a lot about games. The new boss is a creation of pure business and maybe that’s for the best. Metacritic pulled the Videogamer’s Resi Requiem review for being written by AI after nearly all the staff were laid off. Clint Hocking has left Ubisoft again. We would only eat one of the new Pokémon starters. Games!The tooth-cleaning game Jonty couldn't remember was Shark Dentist. Brendy loves Airframe Ultra; you may also consider Star Wars: Galactic Racer and Deathgrip. The other games we played were The Ratline, Beyond Words, Word Play and Resident Evil Requiem. Marathon is out today so you can find out yourself if Jonty’s just really bad at it.Recommendations!Werner Herzog’s Instagram and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It’s a quiet one this week, as Alice is away doing mysterious things and Nate is away on a secret mission which you’ll have to hear about in two weeks’ time. It thus falls to Jonty and Brendy to ruminate on Xbox without Phil Spencer, games journalism with</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 29: Extremely Online Beef People</title>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>29</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 29: Extremely Online Beef People</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">699762564c238f5dca6a7501</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/6ab270eb</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week it's a conspiracy theory special, as Alice develops increasingly outlandish theories about the forces and decisions that shape the games industry, the pharmaceutical industy and the world, and Jonty and Brendy try and talk her down. Plus, layoffs <em>again, </em>pondering the ideological opposite of Rivers Cuomo, why the AI era is dumb and stupid, and a truly inspired Alien: Isolation mod idea.</p><br><p>You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">join them here!</a>) and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit to the Sausage Mailbag at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing <a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>AI is <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reportedly-considering-pushing-back-ps6-release-to-2028-or-even-2029-amid-ai-fueled-chip-crisis" rel="noopener noreferrer">eating all the RAM</a>. Component shortages are coming <a href="https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/7times-memory-price-surge-threatens-telcos-broadband-router-set-topbox-supply" rel="noopener noreferrer">for routers</a>. If you want to read 10,000 words about OpenAI being a scam then <a href="https://www.wheresyoured.at/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ed Z has you covered</a>. Rob Fahey on how consoles <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nex-playground-is-a-smart-play-for-an-industry-blind-spot-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer">left families behind</a>. Lots of Highguard devs <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/highguard-not-shutting-down-following-wildlight-layoffs-with-a-core-group-of-members-left-to-support-game" rel="noopener noreferrer">got laid off</a>. Do not <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/laid-off-highguard-developer-cuts-loose-on-the-reaction-to-the-infamous-game-awards-reveal-trailer-we-were-turned-into-a-joke-from-minute-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer">post on X</a>. Some <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/highguards-high-profile-mistakes-should-be-a-lesson-for-other-developers-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer">industry lessons from the Highguard launch</a>, one of which is that <a href="https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/highguards-high-risk-strategy-fails" rel="noopener noreferrer">the world can change a lot over the course of a game's development</a>. There are some wildly disparate <a href="https://www.mobygames.com/game/252481/mewgenics/credits/windows/" rel="noopener noreferrer">voice actors in Mewgenics</a> and <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/edmund-mcmillen-on-assembling-mewgenics-meow-cameo-list-the-inclusion-of-people-with-clashing-ideologies-felt-appropriate" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edmund McMillen swears that's intentional</a>. He also went on <a href="https://postgame.substack.com/p/edmund-mcmillen-wants-you-to-ask" rel="noopener noreferrer">Post Games</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/686060/Mewgenics/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mewgenics</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/40800/Super_Meat_Boy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Super Meat Boy</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3255890/Relooted/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Relooted</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1934570/South_of_Midnight/" rel="noopener noreferrer">South of Midnight</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/glenbaxterartist/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glen Baxter</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0MIbo2aQqs" rel="noopener noreferrer">This game engine is from the 90s</a>. Columbo is <a href="https://www.channel5.com/show/columbo-by-dawn-s-early-light" rel="noopener noreferrer">on Channel 5 in the UK</a> and a <a href="https://columbophile.com/view-full-columbo-episodes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">number of episodes are up on YouTube</a>. </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week it's a conspiracy theory special, as Alice develops increasingly outlandish theories about the forces and decisions that shape the games industry, the pharmaceutical industy and the world, and Jonty and Brendy try and talk her down. Plus, layoffs <em>again, </em>pondering the ideological opposite of Rivers Cuomo, why the AI era is dumb and stupid, and a truly inspired Alien: Isolation mod idea.</p><br><p>You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">join them here!</a>) and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit to the Sausage Mailbag at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing <a href="https://www.jank.cool" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jank.cool</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>AI is <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reportedly-considering-pushing-back-ps6-release-to-2028-or-even-2029-amid-ai-fueled-chip-crisis" rel="noopener noreferrer">eating all the RAM</a>. Component shortages are coming <a href="https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/7times-memory-price-surge-threatens-telcos-broadband-router-set-topbox-supply" rel="noopener noreferrer">for routers</a>. If you want to read 10,000 words about OpenAI being a scam then <a href="https://www.wheresyoured.at/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ed Z has you covered</a>. Rob Fahey on how consoles <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nex-playground-is-a-smart-play-for-an-industry-blind-spot-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer">left families behind</a>. Lots of Highguard devs <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/highguard-not-shutting-down-following-wildlight-layoffs-with-a-core-group-of-members-left-to-support-game" rel="noopener noreferrer">got laid off</a>. Do not <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/laid-off-highguard-developer-cuts-loose-on-the-reaction-to-the-infamous-game-awards-reveal-trailer-we-were-turned-into-a-joke-from-minute-one/" rel="noopener noreferrer">post on X</a>. Some <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/highguards-high-profile-mistakes-should-be-a-lesson-for-other-developers-opinion" rel="noopener noreferrer">industry lessons from the Highguard launch</a>, one of which is that <a href="https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/highguards-high-risk-strategy-fails" rel="noopener noreferrer">the world can change a lot over the course of a game's development</a>. There are some wildly disparate <a href="https://www.mobygames.com/game/252481/mewgenics/credits/windows/" rel="noopener noreferrer">voice actors in Mewgenics</a> and <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/edmund-mcmillen-on-assembling-mewgenics-meow-cameo-list-the-inclusion-of-people-with-clashing-ideologies-felt-appropriate" rel="noopener noreferrer">Edmund McMillen swears that's intentional</a>. He also went on <a href="https://postgame.substack.com/p/edmund-mcmillen-wants-you-to-ask" rel="noopener noreferrer">Post Games</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/686060/Mewgenics/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mewgenics</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/40800/Super_Meat_Boy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Super Meat Boy</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3255890/Relooted/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Relooted</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1934570/South_of_Midnight/" rel="noopener noreferrer">South of Midnight</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/glenbaxterartist/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glen Baxter</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0MIbo2aQqs" rel="noopener noreferrer">This game engine is from the 90s</a>. Columbo is <a href="https://www.channel5.com/show/columbo-by-dawn-s-early-light" rel="noopener noreferrer">on Channel 5 in the UK</a> and a <a href="https://columbophile.com/view-full-columbo-episodes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">number of episodes are up on YouTube</a>. </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:19:49 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/6ab270eb/03163941.mp3" length="65353124" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4085</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week it's a conspiracy theory special, as Alice develops increasingly outlandish theories about the forces and decisions that shape the games industry, the pharmaceutical industy and the world, and Jonty and Brendy try and talk her down. Plus, layoffs again, pondering the ideological opposite of Rivers Cuomo, why the AI era is dumb and stupid, and a truly inspired Alien: Isolation mod idea.You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen (join them here!) and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Submit to the Sausage Mailbag at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool.Links!AI is eating all the RAM. Component shortages are coming for routers. If you want to read 10,000 words about OpenAI being a scam then Ed Z has you covered. Rob Fahey on how consoles left families behind. Lots of Highguard devs got laid off. Do not post on X. Some industry lessons from the Highguard launch, one of which is that the world can change a lot over the course of a game's development. There are some wildly disparate voice actors in Mewgenics and Edmund McMillen swears that's intentional. He also went on Post Games.Games!Mewgenics. Super Meat Boy. Relooted. South of Midnight.Recommendations!Glen Baxter. This game engine is from the 90s. Columbo is on Channel 5 in the UK and a number of episodes are up on YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week it's a conspiracy theory special, as Alice develops increasingly outlandish theories about the forces and decisions that shape the games industry, the pharmaceutical industy and the world, and Jonty and Brendy try and talk her down. Plus, layoff</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 28: Bugpunk</title>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>28</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 28: Bugpunk</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">69850af1a498433613766305</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/db0cb997</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was claimed that Sydney Sweeney was excited about the Split Fiction movie, and that’s an excuse for Alice to be absolutely livid about the Split Fiction game, so please strap in for ten uninterrupted minutes of her choking on her own bile. After that, we manage to find time to discuss the nature of Morrowind, people choosing not to go to GDC, Highguard’s doomed pact with Geoff Keighley, the most Alan Partridge thing Alice has ever said, and more.</p><br><p>You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><br><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Share your recommendations of games and shrimp at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool and perhaps joining the Discord.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Syd is not actually hype about <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/split-fiction-film-now-has-a-script-and-sydney-sweeney-is-hyped-about-the-adaptation" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Split Fiction script</a>. Bruce Nesmith <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/skyrims-design-lead-says-if-you-play-morrowind-today-you-will-cringe-the-reality-of-playing-morrowind-would-not-stand-the-test-of-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reckons Morrowind doesn’t hold up</a>. Nate never visited <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Ald%27ruhn" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Crab Palace</a>. Lots of people said they’re <a href="https://mobilegamer.biz/many-international-visitors-are-skipping-gdc-this-year-amid-cost-concerns-and-us-safety-fears/" rel="noopener noreferrer">skipping GDC this year</a> but the organisers say <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-organiser-says-it-hasnt-seen-cancellations-from-overseas-visitors-attendance-tracking-in-line-with-expectations" rel="noopener noreferrer">it’s fine</a>. Highguard’s debut <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/jan/28/a-poor-surprise-reveal-for-highguard-means-it-is-fighting-an-uphill-battle-for-good-reviews" rel="noopener noreferrer">went badly</a> which the dev considers “<a href="https://kotaku.com/highguard-game-awards-trailer-rust-hero-shooter-interview-2000663137" rel="noopener noreferrer">risky in hindsight</a>”, although they’re trying hard and the <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/highguard-gets-permanent-5v5-mode" rel="noopener noreferrer">5v5 mode is now permanent</a>. Please enjoy MerritK’s <a href="https://www.jank.cool/jank-mail-launches-losses-and-morrowind/" rel="noopener noreferrer">post in the Jank newsletter</a>, and the rest of <a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jank.cool</a> come to that. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Lung_(film)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Iron Lung</a> is in cinemas now. Brendy <a href="https://www.jank.cool/tr-49-is-scrambled/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reviewed TR49</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2001120/Split_Fiction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Split Fiction</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/22320/The_Elder_Scrolls_III_Morrowind_Game_of_the_Year_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4128260/Highguard/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Highguard</a> is free. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3526710/Everything_is_Crab_The_Animal_Evolution_Roguelite/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everything Is Crab</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/TR49/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TR49</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p>Moldovan <a href="https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/specially-selected-moldovan-rara-neagra-000000000000634533" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rara Neagra</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42068518-shitstorm?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=BmRcIVHH4P&amp;rank=1" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shitstorm by Fernando Sdrigotti</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Years_Later:_The_Bone_Temple" rel="noopener noreferrer">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/andycruns.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andycruns on BlueSky</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was claimed that Sydney Sweeney was excited about the Split Fiction movie, and that’s an excuse for Alice to be absolutely livid about the Split Fiction game, so please strap in for ten uninterrupted minutes of her choking on her own bile. After that, we manage to find time to discuss the nature of Morrowind, people choosing not to go to GDC, Highguard’s doomed pact with Geoff Keighley, the most Alan Partridge thing Alice has ever said, and more.</p><br><p>You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><br><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Share your recommendations of games and shrimp at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool and perhaps joining the Discord.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p>Syd is not actually hype about <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/split-fiction-film-now-has-a-script-and-sydney-sweeney-is-hyped-about-the-adaptation" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Split Fiction script</a>. Bruce Nesmith <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/skyrims-design-lead-says-if-you-play-morrowind-today-you-will-cringe-the-reality-of-playing-morrowind-would-not-stand-the-test-of-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reckons Morrowind doesn’t hold up</a>. Nate never visited <a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Ald%27ruhn" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Crab Palace</a>. Lots of people said they’re <a href="https://mobilegamer.biz/many-international-visitors-are-skipping-gdc-this-year-amid-cost-concerns-and-us-safety-fears/" rel="noopener noreferrer">skipping GDC this year</a> but the organisers say <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-organiser-says-it-hasnt-seen-cancellations-from-overseas-visitors-attendance-tracking-in-line-with-expectations" rel="noopener noreferrer">it’s fine</a>. Highguard’s debut <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/jan/28/a-poor-surprise-reveal-for-highguard-means-it-is-fighting-an-uphill-battle-for-good-reviews" rel="noopener noreferrer">went badly</a> which the dev considers “<a href="https://kotaku.com/highguard-game-awards-trailer-rust-hero-shooter-interview-2000663137" rel="noopener noreferrer">risky in hindsight</a>”, although they’re trying hard and the <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/highguard-gets-permanent-5v5-mode" rel="noopener noreferrer">5v5 mode is now permanent</a>. Please enjoy MerritK’s <a href="https://www.jank.cool/jank-mail-launches-losses-and-morrowind/" rel="noopener noreferrer">post in the Jank newsletter</a>, and the rest of <a href="https://www.jank.cool/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jank.cool</a> come to that. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Lung_(film)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Iron Lung</a> is in cinemas now. Brendy <a href="https://www.jank.cool/tr-49-is-scrambled/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reviewed TR49</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2001120/Split_Fiction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Split Fiction</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/22320/The_Elder_Scrolls_III_Morrowind_Game_of_the_Year_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4128260/Highguard/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Highguard</a> is free. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3526710/Everything_is_Crab_The_Animal_Evolution_Roguelite/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everything Is Crab</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3838370/TR49/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TR49</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><br><p>Moldovan <a href="https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/specially-selected-moldovan-rara-neagra-000000000000634533" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rara Neagra</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42068518-shitstorm?ac=1&amp;from_search=true&amp;qid=BmRcIVHH4P&amp;rank=1" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shitstorm by Fernando Sdrigotti</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Years_Later:_The_Bone_Temple" rel="noopener noreferrer">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/andycruns.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andycruns on BlueSky</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:26:09 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/db0cb997/2a47c39a.mp3" length="61177251" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3824</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It was claimed that Sydney Sweeney was excited about the Split Fiction movie, and that’s an excuse for Alice to be absolutely livid about the Split Fiction game, so please strap in for ten uninterrupted minutes of her choking on her own bile. After that, we manage to find time to discuss the nature of Morrowind, people choosing not to go to GDC, Highguard’s doomed pact with Geoff Keighley, the most Alan Partridge thing Alice has ever said, and more.You can download the podcast right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeThanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. Share your recommendations of games and shrimp at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com. Make the most of our partnership by viewing Jank.cool and perhaps joining the Discord.Links!Syd is not actually hype about the Split Fiction script. Bruce Nesmith reckons Morrowind doesn’t hold up. Nate never visited the Crab Palace. Lots of people said they’re skipping GDC this year but the organisers say it’s fine. Highguard’s debut went badly which the dev considers “risky in hindsight”, although they’re trying hard and the 5v5 mode is now permanent. Please enjoy MerritK’s post in the Jank newsletter, and the rest of Jank.cool come to that. Iron Lung is in cinemas now. Brendy reviewed TR49. Games!Split Fiction. The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind. Highguard is free. Everything Is Crab. TR49. Recommendations!Moldovan Rara Neagra, Shitstorm by Fernando Sdrigotti, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Andycruns on BlueSky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It was claimed that Sydney Sweeney was excited about the Split Fiction movie, and that’s an excuse for Alice to be absolutely livid about the Split Fiction game, so please strap in for ten uninterrupted minutes of her choking on her own bile. After that, </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FREE TO ALL: Text Adventure: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell</title>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>28</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>FREE TO ALL: Text Adventure: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">698220d4143ae987af2f1d88</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1e0959b</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><em>This episode was previously exclusive to our Patreon backers, but we're making it available to everybody to show what you're missing behind the paywall. You can get access to more Text Adventure plus a year of other subscriber episodes, at </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>patreon.com/TotalPlaytimePodcast</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p>Text Adventure is our videogame book club, in which we and a guest read a videogame novelisation and try very hard to like it. In this episode we are joined by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/johnnychiodini" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnny Chiodini</a> to read Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, which turns out to be story about a neocon Alan Partridge who's totally devoid of emotional intelligence and incredibly bad at stealth. Which is quite close to how we played Splinter Cell but not, we suspect, the outcome they were aiming for for. </p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon backers. Please consider joining them and enabling us to continue our quest to find a games book that isn't absolutely terrible.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>You can still buy the first <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/13560/Tom_Clancys_Splinter_Cell/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Splinter Cell</a> game, but <a href="https://toronto.ubisoft.com/games/splinter-cell-remake/" rel="noopener noreferrer">the remake</a> is out soon(ish)</p><br><p>Links</p><p>This is the book <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780425201688" rel="noopener noreferrer">most of us read</a> and this is <a href="https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/tom-clancy-s-splinter-cell-checkmate-book-david-michaels-9780425212783" rel="noopener noreferrer">the one Nate read</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Going to the charity shops in the most fancy area available to you, London Centric's <a href="https://www.londoncentric.media/p/terry-ball-the-snail-farmer-his-mafia" rel="noopener noreferrer">snail farmer mafioso</a> article, <a href="https://ftrc.blog/thermal-print-instant-camera/" rel="noopener noreferrer">thermal instant cameras</a>, and the <a href="https://shows.acast.com/realms-unknown/episodes/ontologypunk-rimworld-robocop" rel="noopener noreferrer">Realms Unknown podcast</a> which has featured our own Nate!</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><em>This episode was previously exclusive to our Patreon backers, but we're making it available to everybody to show what you're missing behind the paywall. You can get access to more Text Adventure plus a year of other subscriber episodes, at </em><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>patreon.com/TotalPlaytimePodcast</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p>Text Adventure is our videogame book club, in which we and a guest read a videogame novelisation and try very hard to like it. In this episode we are joined by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/johnnychiodini" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johnny Chiodini</a> to read Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, which turns out to be story about a neocon Alan Partridge who's totally devoid of emotional intelligence and incredibly bad at stealth. Which is quite close to how we played Splinter Cell but not, we suspect, the outcome they were aiming for for. </p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon backers. Please consider joining them and enabling us to continue our quest to find a games book that isn't absolutely terrible.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>You can still buy the first <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/13560/Tom_Clancys_Splinter_Cell/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Splinter Cell</a> game, but <a href="https://toronto.ubisoft.com/games/splinter-cell-remake/" rel="noopener noreferrer">the remake</a> is out soon(ish)</p><br><p>Links</p><p>This is the book <a href="https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780425201688" rel="noopener noreferrer">most of us read</a> and this is <a href="https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/tom-clancy-s-splinter-cell-checkmate-book-david-michaels-9780425212783" rel="noopener noreferrer">the one Nate read</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Going to the charity shops in the most fancy area available to you, London Centric's <a href="https://www.londoncentric.media/p/terry-ball-the-snail-farmer-his-mafia" rel="noopener noreferrer">snail farmer mafioso</a> article, <a href="https://ftrc.blog/thermal-print-instant-camera/" rel="noopener noreferrer">thermal instant cameras</a>, and the <a href="https://shows.acast.com/realms-unknown/episodes/ontologypunk-rimworld-robocop" rel="noopener noreferrer">Realms Unknown podcast</a> which has featured our own Nate!</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:22:44 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/d1e0959b/67b3eca3.mp3" length="90011909" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>5626</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This episode was previously exclusive to our Patreon backers, but we're making it available to everybody to show what you're missing behind the paywall. You can get access to more Text Adventure plus a year of other subscriber episodes, at patreon.com/TotalPlaytimePodcast.Text Adventure is our videogame book club, in which we and a guest read a videogame novelisation and try very hard to like it. In this episode we are joined by Johnny Chiodini to read Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, which turns out to be story about a neocon Alan Partridge who's totally devoid of emotional intelligence and incredibly bad at stealth. Which is quite close to how we played Splinter Cell but not, we suspect, the outcome they were aiming for for. Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon backers. Please consider joining them and enabling us to continue our quest to find a games book that isn't absolutely terrible.Games!You can still buy the first Splinter Cell game, but the remake is out soon(ish)LinksThis is the book most of us read and this is the one Nate read.Recommendations!Going to the charity shops in the most fancy area available to you, London Centric's snail farmer mafioso article, thermal instant cameras, and the Realms Unknown podcast which has featured our own Nate! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode was previously exclusive to our Patreon backers, but we're making it available to everybody to show what you're missing behind the paywall. You can get access to more Text Adventure plus a year of other subscriber episodes, at patreon.com/Tot</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 27: The Legendary Milk Egg</title>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>27</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 27: The Legendary Milk Egg</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6972ac7c4b6b88f001a6be6c</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1b3c53d5</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's a heady intersection of belief systems this week, as we combine Alice's insomniac enthusiasm for weird Instagram crystal sales with Nate's rigorous interrogation of Tim Cain's Types Of Quests. Plus: a horny dog, a nightmarish Pikachu, the Roman god of webinars and Games Anubis joins our increasingly incoherent pantheon.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Nate's Quiz will be coming to Patreon next month, but in the meantime we have many other fine episodes to which you get full access by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">subscribing </a>at <a href="https://patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer">patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast.</a> Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. You can suggest quest types and your means of death at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Tim Cain's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GCubNMeSOo" rel="noopener noreferrer">9 types of Quest</a>. The moderately nightmarish Lego Pikachu is <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/pokemon" rel="noopener noreferrer">yours for £179.99</a>. Various people will sell you bootleg plans for <a href="https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-92620/niclib/metal-gear-rex-metal-gear-solid/#details" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lego Metal Gear Rex</a> and probably also the Horizon Zero Dawn Tallneck because Lego <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/horizon-forbidden-west-tallneck-76989" rel="noopener noreferrer">long since sold out</a>. Facepunch <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/facepunch-studios-coo-says-hell-buy-new-world-for-usd25-million-and-he-might-not-be-joking-were-always-looking-for-new-opportunities-and-we-are-open-to-all-avenues/" rel="noopener noreferrer">offered to buy New World</a> after it was given <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/amazons-once-hailed-fantasy-mmo-new-world-will-vanish-from-servers-in-a-years-time" rel="noopener noreferrer">12 months to live</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/582160/Assassins_Creed_Origins/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Assassin's Creed Origins</a> and New World, but <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1063730/New_World_Aeternum" rel="noopener noreferrer">only if you bought it already</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holdovers" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Holdovers</a>, <a href="https://www.viz.com/tokyo-these-days" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tokyo These Days</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Walk_(2025_film)" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Long Walk</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's a heady intersection of belief systems this week, as we combine Alice's insomniac enthusiasm for weird Instagram crystal sales with Nate's rigorous interrogation of Tim Cain's Types Of Quests. Plus: a horny dog, a nightmarish Pikachu, the Roman god of webinars and Games Anubis joins our increasingly incoherent pantheon.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Nate's Quiz will be coming to Patreon next month, but in the meantime we have many other fine episodes to which you get full access by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">subscribing </a>at <a href="https://patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer">patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast.</a> Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. You can suggest quest types and your means of death at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Tim Cain's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GCubNMeSOo" rel="noopener noreferrer">9 types of Quest</a>. The moderately nightmarish Lego Pikachu is <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/pokemon" rel="noopener noreferrer">yours for £179.99</a>. Various people will sell you bootleg plans for <a href="https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-92620/niclib/metal-gear-rex-metal-gear-solid/#details" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lego Metal Gear Rex</a> and probably also the Horizon Zero Dawn Tallneck because Lego <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/horizon-forbidden-west-tallneck-76989" rel="noopener noreferrer">long since sold out</a>. Facepunch <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/facepunch-studios-coo-says-hell-buy-new-world-for-usd25-million-and-he-might-not-be-joking-were-always-looking-for-new-opportunities-and-we-are-open-to-all-avenues/" rel="noopener noreferrer">offered to buy New World</a> after it was given <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/amazons-once-hailed-fantasy-mmo-new-world-will-vanish-from-servers-in-a-years-time" rel="noopener noreferrer">12 months to live</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/582160/Assassins_Creed_Origins/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Assassin's Creed Origins</a> and New World, but <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1063730/New_World_Aeternum" rel="noopener noreferrer">only if you bought it already</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holdovers" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Holdovers</a>, <a href="https://www.viz.com/tokyo-these-days" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tokyo These Days</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Walk_(2025_film)" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Long Walk</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:01:33 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1b3c53d5/20d0a366.mp3" length="61808400" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3863</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It's a heady intersection of belief systems this week, as we combine Alice's insomniac enthusiasm for weird Instagram crystal sales with Nate's rigorous interrogation of Tim Cain's Types Of Quests. Plus: a horny dog, a nightmarish Pikachu, the Roman god of webinars and Games Anubis joins our increasingly incoherent pantheon.You can listen to the episode right here, or find it in your podcasting apps:iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Nate's Quiz will be coming to Patreon next month, but in the meantime we have many other fine episodes to which you get full access by subscribing at patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast. Thanks to all our current Patreons for making the podcast happen, and to Marsh Davies for our art and God Ribbon for our music. You can suggest quest types and your means of death at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!Tim Cain's 9 types of Quest. The moderately nightmarish Lego Pikachu is yours for £179.99. Various people will sell you bootleg plans for Lego Metal Gear Rex and probably also the Horizon Zero Dawn Tallneck because Lego long since sold out. Facepunch offered to buy New World after it was given 12 months to live.Games!Assassin's Creed Origins and New World, but only if you bought it already.Recommendations!The Holdovers, Tokyo These Days and The Long Walk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It's a heady intersection of belief systems this week, as we combine Alice's insomniac enthusiasm for weird Instagram crystal sales with Nate's rigorous interrogation of Tim Cain's Types Of Quests. Plus: a horny dog, a nightmarish Pikachu, the Roman god o</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 26: New Year's Resolutions</title>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>26</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 26: New Year's Resolutions</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">695ff21ad11f0c4fbb719894</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2558172</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's 2026, and Alice's dog is still being a dick so she had to leave Jonty, Nate and Brendan to share their gaming New Year's Resolutions, only for the wheels to come off immediately because Nate won't commit to playing new games and Brendan won't commit to resolutions as a concept. We were nevertheless able to muster some recommendations along important discussion of the Eurovision of games, becoming The Balls Guy and the unsettling experience of joining an ARC Raiders suicide cult.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, without whom this show would not exist. Consider joining them at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast.</a> Share your comments and additional New Year's Resolutions for Alice to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>People are <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/12/journalist-insists-half-life-3-will-launch-with-steam-machine-in-spring-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer">convincing themselves that Half-Life 3 is coming</a>. The plan for Subnautica 2 is <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/krafton-inc-versus-subnautica-2-former-lead-developers" rel="noopener noreferrer">mostly litigation</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/" rel="noopener noreferrer">ARC Raiders</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520370/Mon_Bazou/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mon Bazou</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3875690/Totally_Legit_Wheeler_Seller/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Totally Legit Wheeler Seller</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1547890/Lets_Build_a_Zoo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Let's Build A Zoo</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438990/Ark_Nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ark Nova</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2671070/Crusader_Kings_III_Roads_to_Power/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crusader Kings 3: Roads to Power</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488490/Nivalis/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nivalis</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2946850/Streets_of_Fortuna/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Streets of Fortuna</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://simulacrum.pika.page/posts/but-the-games-were-good" rel="noopener noreferrer">but the games were good</a>. Get yourself <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_trifasciata" rel="noopener noreferrer">a snake plant</a>, and schedule an input day but don't give Nate any credit for it.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's 2026, and Alice's dog is still being a dick so she had to leave Jonty, Nate and Brendan to share their gaming New Year's Resolutions, only for the wheels to come off immediately because Nate won't commit to playing new games and Brendan won't commit to resolutions as a concept. We were nevertheless able to muster some recommendations along important discussion of the Eurovision of games, becoming The Balls Guy and the unsettling experience of joining an ARC Raiders suicide cult.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, without whom this show would not exist. Consider joining them at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast." rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast.</a> Share your comments and additional New Year's Resolutions for Alice to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>People are <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/12/journalist-insists-half-life-3-will-launch-with-steam-machine-in-spring-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer">convincing themselves that Half-Life 3 is coming</a>. The plan for Subnautica 2 is <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/krafton-inc-versus-subnautica-2-former-lead-developers" rel="noopener noreferrer">mostly litigation</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/" rel="noopener noreferrer">ARC Raiders</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1520370/Mon_Bazou/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mon Bazou</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3875690/Totally_Legit_Wheeler_Seller/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Totally Legit Wheeler Seller</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1547890/Lets_Build_a_Zoo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Let's Build A Zoo</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438990/Ark_Nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ark Nova</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2671070/Crusader_Kings_III_Roads_to_Power/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crusader Kings 3: Roads to Power</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1488490/Nivalis/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nivalis</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2946850/Streets_of_Fortuna/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Streets of Fortuna</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://simulacrum.pika.page/posts/but-the-games-were-good" rel="noopener noreferrer">but the games were good</a>. Get yourself <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_trifasciata" rel="noopener noreferrer">a snake plant</a>, and schedule an input day but don't give Nate any credit for it.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/d2558172/29564ee7.mp3" length="54084096" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3381</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It's 2026, and Alice's dog is still being a dick so she had to leave Jonty, Nate and Brendan to share their gaming New Year's Resolutions, only for the wheels to come off immediately because Nate won't commit to playing new games and Brendan won't commit to resolutions as a concept. We were nevertheless able to muster some recommendations along important discussion of the Eurovision of games, becoming The Balls Guy and the unsettling experience of joining an ARC Raiders suicide cult.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeMusic by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, without whom this show would not exist. Consider joining them at https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast. Share your comments and additional New Year's Resolutions for Alice to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!People are convincing themselves that Half-Life 3 is coming. The plan for Subnautica 2 is mostly litigation.Games!ARC Raiders. Mon Bazou. Totally Legit Wheeler Seller. Let's Build A Zoo. Ark Nova. Crusader Kings 3: Roads to Power. Nivalis. Streets of Fortuna.Recommendations!but the games were good. Get yourself a snake plant, and schedule an input day but don't give Nate any credit for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It's 2026, and Alice's dog is still being a dick so she had to leave Jonty, Nate and Brendan to share their gaming New Year's Resolutions, only for the wheels to come off immediately because Nate won't commit to playing new games and Brendan won't commit </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 25: The Awards Awards</title>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>25</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 25: The Awards Awards</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">694d7934c9578c8cda373aa0</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c02dd8a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Merry Christmas, sausages one and all, and please enjoy our seasonal gift of grumbling about a Geoff Keighley event. All four of us, plus Anthony Hopkins, took time out from Christmas shopping/wrapping/disorganisation to judge the best of the year-end awards season, and also debate movie series that Alice should binge-watch in her act of seasonal self-harm.</p><br><p>Plus: the least-qualified discussion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on any gaming podcast this year, Lenny Kravitz as recession indicator, Rolf the Dog smoking a joint with Joe Rogan and finally building The Interat. Correction: Alice mistakenly credited Rage 2 to Ubisoft when it was of course Bethesda and Jonty was too polite to point this out UNTIL NOW.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, who remain the most special sausages even in the face of stiff seasonal competition. Thanks again for making all of this happen. You can send us comments, feedback and suggestions for terrible movie franchises to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-trailer" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2288340/ACE_COMBAT_8_WINGS_OF_THEVE/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ace Combat 8</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4198090/Bradley_the_Badger/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bradley the Badger</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3669870/CONTROL_Resonant/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Control: Resonant</a>, <a href="https://www.tombraider.com/products/games/tomb-raider-catalyst" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tomb Raider: Catalyst</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/847370/Sunset_Overdrive/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sunset Overdrive</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/499170/Order_of_the_Sinking_Star/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Order of the Sinking Star</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2924520/ONTOS/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ontos</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4199910/Total_War_WARHAMMER_40000/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Warhammer 40k</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3486530/Stupid_Never_Dies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stupid Never Dies</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4146000/GANG_OF_DRAGON/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gang of Dragon</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>The interminable appearance <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=73&amp;v=Ddn5SYRHzpU&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener noreferrer">of the Street Fighter Cast</a>. Here is a music journalist getting mad at <a href="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/when-party-martyr-andrew-wk-went-to-e3-10749352/" rel="noopener noreferrer">"gaming 'journalists' and other slack-jawed, brainless zombies"</a> for <a href="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/when-party-martyr-andrew-wk-went-to-e3-10749352/" rel="noopener noreferrer">disrespecting Andrew WK's E3 performance</a>. Damion Schubert pointed out that <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/zenofdesign.com/post/3m7rghcmbxs2e" rel="noopener noreferrer">Game Awards pricing is actually pretty good</a> by contemporary marketing standards. Casey Hudson and Jason Schreier <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/im-not-getting-any-younger-star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-director-casey-hudson-insists-the-game-will-launch-before-2030" rel="noopener noreferrer">disagreed on when Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic will come out</a>. The Divinity trailer was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz5lWeGhq2o" rel="noopener noreferrer">gross AF</a>. The internet was <a href="https://x.com/HustleBitch_/status/199811067687152484" rel="noopener noreferrer">entirely normal about the Divinity statue</a>. The first trailer for Baldur's Gate 3 was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvMf_DcyWbI" rel="noopener noreferrer">also a bit much</a>. Alan Hazelden on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/draknek.bsky.social/post/3m7qybidq7k2s" rel="noopener noreferrer">being part of a Jonathan Blow game</a>. Some people got <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/why-is-everyone-posting-about-a-half-life-3-announcement-soon" rel="noopener noreferrer">hype, and then disappointed, by Half-Life 3 again</a>. Anthony Jeselnik's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzjzXBj6tw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Top 10 books of 2025</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-sycamore-gap-mystery" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Sycamore Gap Mystery</a> and <a href="https://www.sky.com/watch/the-salt-path-scandal" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Salt Path Scandal</a> (here's the <a href="https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Observer exposé</a>), <a href="https://www.foxlanebooks.co.uk/product-page/alice-fraser-a-passion-for-passion-signed" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Passion for Passion</a>, the <a href="https://www.insideofyoupodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inside of You</a> podcast, <a href="https://www.listening-books.org.uk/book/the-three-body-problem/12718" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Three Body Problem</a>.  </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Merry Christmas, sausages one and all, and please enjoy our seasonal gift of grumbling about a Geoff Keighley event. All four of us, plus Anthony Hopkins, took time out from Christmas shopping/wrapping/disorganisation to judge the best of the year-end awards season, and also debate movie series that Alice should binge-watch in her act of seasonal self-harm.</p><br><p>Plus: the least-qualified discussion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on any gaming podcast this year, Lenny Kravitz as recession indicator, Rolf the Dog smoking a joint with Joe Rogan and finally building The Interat. Correction: Alice mistakenly credited Rage 2 to Ubisoft when it was of course Bethesda and Jonty was too polite to point this out UNTIL NOW.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Music by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, who remain the most special sausages even in the face of stiff seasonal competition. Thanks again for making all of this happen. You can send us comments, feedback and suggestions for terrible movie franchises to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-trailer" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2288340/ACE_COMBAT_8_WINGS_OF_THEVE/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ace Combat 8</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4198090/Bradley_the_Badger/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bradley the Badger</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3669870/CONTROL_Resonant/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Control: Resonant</a>, <a href="https://www.tombraider.com/products/games/tomb-raider-catalyst" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tomb Raider: Catalyst</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/847370/Sunset_Overdrive/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sunset Overdrive</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/499170/Order_of_the_Sinking_Star/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Order of the Sinking Star</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2924520/ONTOS/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ontos</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4199910/Total_War_WARHAMMER_40000/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Warhammer 40k</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3486530/Stupid_Never_Dies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stupid Never Dies</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4146000/GANG_OF_DRAGON/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gang of Dragon</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>The interminable appearance <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=73&amp;v=Ddn5SYRHzpU&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener noreferrer">of the Street Fighter Cast</a>. Here is a music journalist getting mad at <a href="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/when-party-martyr-andrew-wk-went-to-e3-10749352/" rel="noopener noreferrer">"gaming 'journalists' and other slack-jawed, brainless zombies"</a> for <a href="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/when-party-martyr-andrew-wk-went-to-e3-10749352/" rel="noopener noreferrer">disrespecting Andrew WK's E3 performance</a>. Damion Schubert pointed out that <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/zenofdesign.com/post/3m7rghcmbxs2e" rel="noopener noreferrer">Game Awards pricing is actually pretty good</a> by contemporary marketing standards. Casey Hudson and Jason Schreier <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/im-not-getting-any-younger-star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-director-casey-hudson-insists-the-game-will-launch-before-2030" rel="noopener noreferrer">disagreed on when Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic will come out</a>. The Divinity trailer was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz5lWeGhq2o" rel="noopener noreferrer">gross AF</a>. The internet was <a href="https://x.com/HustleBitch_/status/199811067687152484" rel="noopener noreferrer">entirely normal about the Divinity statue</a>. The first trailer for Baldur's Gate 3 was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvMf_DcyWbI" rel="noopener noreferrer">also a bit much</a>. Alan Hazelden on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/draknek.bsky.social/post/3m7qybidq7k2s" rel="noopener noreferrer">being part of a Jonathan Blow game</a>. Some people got <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/why-is-everyone-posting-about-a-half-life-3-announcement-soon" rel="noopener noreferrer">hype, and then disappointed, by Half-Life 3 again</a>. Anthony Jeselnik's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzjzXBj6tw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Top 10 books of 2025</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-sycamore-gap-mystery" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Sycamore Gap Mystery</a> and <a href="https://www.sky.com/watch/the-salt-path-scandal" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Salt Path Scandal</a> (here's the <a href="https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Observer exposé</a>), <a href="https://www.foxlanebooks.co.uk/product-page/alice-fraser-a-passion-for-passion-signed" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Passion for Passion</a>, the <a href="https://www.insideofyoupodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inside of You</a> podcast, <a href="https://www.listening-books.org.uk/book/the-three-body-problem/12718" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Three Body Problem</a>.  </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:49:41 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/7c02dd8a/1bfabfc9.mp3" length="64072475" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4005</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Merry Christmas, sausages one and all, and please enjoy our seasonal gift of grumbling about a Geoff Keighley event. All four of us, plus Anthony Hopkins, took time out from Christmas shopping/wrapping/disorganisation to judge the best of the year-end awards season, and also debate movie series that Alice should binge-watch in her act of seasonal self-harm.Plus: the least-qualified discussion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on any gaming podcast this year, Lenny Kravitz as recession indicator, Rolf the Dog smoking a joint with Joe Rogan and finally building The Interat. Correction: Alice mistakenly credited Rage 2 to Ubisoft when it was of course Bethesda and Jonty was too polite to point this out UNTIL NOW.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeMusic by God Ribbon, art by Marsh Davies and our entire existence care of our Patreon supporters, who remain the most special sausages even in the face of stiff seasonal competition. Thanks again for making all of this happen. You can send us comments, feedback and suggestions for terrible movie franchises to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Games!Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic, Ace Combat 8, Bradley the Badger, Control: Resonant, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, Sunset Overdrive, Order of the Sinking Star, Ontos, Total Warhammer 40k, Stupid Never Dies, Gang of Dragon.Links!The interminable appearance of the Street Fighter Cast. Here is a music journalist getting mad at "gaming 'journalists' and other slack-jawed, brainless zombies" for disrespecting Andrew WK's E3 performance. Damion Schubert pointed out that Game Awards pricing is actually pretty good by contemporary marketing standards. Casey Hudson and Jason Schreier disagreed on when Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic will come out. The Divinity trailer was gross AF. The internet was entirely normal about the Divinity statue. The first trailer for Baldur's Gate 3 was also a bit much. Alan Hazelden on being part of a Jonathan Blow game. Some people got hype, and then disappointed, by Half-Life 3 again. Anthony Jeselnik's Top 10 books of 2025.Recommendations!The Sycamore Gap Mystery and The Salt Path Scandal (here's the Observer exposé), A Passion for Passion, the Inside of You podcast, The Three Body Problem.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Merry Christmas, sausages one and all, and please enjoy our seasonal gift of grumbling about a Geoff Keighley event. All four of us, plus Anthony Hopkins, took time out from Christmas shopping/wrapping/disorganisation to judge the best of the year-end awa</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 24: They Play Horses, Don't They?</title>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>24</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 24: They Play Horses, Don't They?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">693b28e3593d8f20b60cfcfe</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/aa87596f</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode we discuss the (frankly, needlessly) controversial HORSES, an Italian surrealist horror game that has been banned from Steam and, latterly, the Epic Game Store, and boy everyone and their mother has been yapping about it. What do we think of Steam's ban? Is nudity ever okay? And what's up with this Ian dude? (Answers: Steam can do what they want but this is still bad; no, live in shame you freaks; it is beyond the remit of this podcast to discover that). </p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our Patron supporters, who are all too hot for TV. You can share comments, suggestions, and NO FEEDBACK WHATSOEVER to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Links!</p><p>*deep breath* Horses got banned from Steam, in events described by the devs <a href="https://www.horses.wtf/BannedFromSteam/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and supplement by a <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/valve-responds-with-additional-context-following-horses-steam-ban-controversy" rel="noopener noreferrer">statement from Valve</a>; Eurogamer also further interviewed Pietro Righi Riva, studio director, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/its-extremely-frustrating-and-also-fcked-up-one-of-the-worlds-best-indie-studios-is-facing-shock-closure-following-confounding-steam-ban" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. The game was also yoinked from Epic and briefly delisted by Humble (a summary from the Verge <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/837278/horses-banned-steam-epic-games-store" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>). This kerfuffle despite the fact that most people who play the game <a href="https://aftermath.site/horses-indie-game-banned-steam-epic-review-impressions-santa-ragione/" rel="noopener noreferrer">kind of shrug at the content</a> (Edwin, at our old stomping ground, seemed to like it, and <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/horses-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">his review</a> provides a lot of context). Also, Ian Bogost rose from the dead <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ibogost.com/post/3m7aomsg7w22w" rel="noopener noreferrer">to remind us</a> that games shouldn't have stories anyway, and if they do they're bad. Horses is available on <a href="https://santaragione.itch.io/horses" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch</a>, <a href="https://www.humblebundle.com/store/agecheck/horses?" rel="noopener noreferrer">Humble</a> and <a href="https://www.gog.com/en/game/horses" rel="noopener noreferrer">GOG</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>Brendy has been shredding in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1263240/Skate_Story/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skate Story</a>. Jonty has been playing <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a> and is incorrect about it. Santa Ragione's website with links to their other games is <a href="https://www.santaragione.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Brant recommends <a href="https://ooh.directory/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ooh Directory</a> (via <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/google-is-desperate-for-us-to-forget-the-simple-joy-of-the-original-internet-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PCGamer</a>), Jonty recommends internet newsletter <a href="https://maxread.substack.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read Max</a>, and I recommend cooking channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KazMielony" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaz Cooks</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode we discuss the (frankly, needlessly) controversial HORSES, an Italian surrealist horror game that has been banned from Steam and, latterly, the Epic Game Store, and boy everyone and their mother has been yapping about it. What do we think of Steam's ban? Is nudity ever okay? And what's up with this Ian dude? (Answers: Steam can do what they want but this is still bad; no, live in shame you freaks; it is beyond the remit of this podcast to discover that). </p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our Patron supporters, who are all too hot for TV. You can share comments, suggestions, and NO FEEDBACK WHATSOEVER to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Links!</p><p>*deep breath* Horses got banned from Steam, in events described by the devs <a href="https://www.horses.wtf/BannedFromSteam/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and supplement by a <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/valve-responds-with-additional-context-following-horses-steam-ban-controversy" rel="noopener noreferrer">statement from Valve</a>; Eurogamer also further interviewed Pietro Righi Riva, studio director, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/its-extremely-frustrating-and-also-fcked-up-one-of-the-worlds-best-indie-studios-is-facing-shock-closure-following-confounding-steam-ban" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. The game was also yoinked from Epic and briefly delisted by Humble (a summary from the Verge <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/837278/horses-banned-steam-epic-games-store" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>). This kerfuffle despite the fact that most people who play the game <a href="https://aftermath.site/horses-indie-game-banned-steam-epic-review-impressions-santa-ragione/" rel="noopener noreferrer">kind of shrug at the content</a> (Edwin, at our old stomping ground, seemed to like it, and <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/horses-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">his review</a> provides a lot of context). Also, Ian Bogost rose from the dead <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ibogost.com/post/3m7aomsg7w22w" rel="noopener noreferrer">to remind us</a> that games shouldn't have stories anyway, and if they do they're bad. Horses is available on <a href="https://santaragione.itch.io/horses" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch</a>, <a href="https://www.humblebundle.com/store/agecheck/horses?" rel="noopener noreferrer">Humble</a> and <a href="https://www.gog.com/en/game/horses" rel="noopener noreferrer">GOG</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p>Brendy has been shredding in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1263240/Skate_Story/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skate Story</a>. Jonty has been playing <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a> and is incorrect about it. Santa Ragione's website with links to their other games is <a href="https://www.santaragione.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Brant recommends <a href="https://ooh.directory/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ooh Directory</a> (via <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/google-is-desperate-for-us-to-forget-the-simple-joy-of-the-original-internet-links/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PCGamer</a>), Jonty recommends internet newsletter <a href="https://maxread.substack.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read Max</a>, and I recommend cooking channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KazMielony" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaz Cooks</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/aa87596f/dcd8b4f1.mp3" length="57196652" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3575</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode we discuss the (frankly, needlessly) controversial HORSES, an Italian surrealist horror game that has been banned from Steam and, latterly, the Epic Game Store, and boy everyone and their mother has been yapping about it. What do we think of Steam's ban? Is nudity ever okay? And what's up with this Ian dude? (Answers: Steam can do what they want but this is still bad; no, live in shame you freaks; it is beyond the remit of this podcast to discover that). A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our Patron supporters, who are all too hot for TV. You can share comments, suggestions, and NO FEEDBACK WHATSOEVER to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeLinks!*deep breath* Horses got banned from Steam, in events described by the devs here and supplement by a statement from Valve; Eurogamer also further interviewed Pietro Righi Riva, studio director, here. The game was also yoinked from Epic and briefly delisted by Humble (a summary from the Verge here). This kerfuffle despite the fact that most people who play the game kind of shrug at the content (Edwin, at our old stomping ground, seemed to like it, and his review provides a lot of context). Also, Ian Bogost rose from the dead to remind us that games shouldn't have stories anyway, and if they do they're bad. Horses is available on Itch, Humble and GOG.Games!Brendy has been shredding in Skate Story. Jonty has been playing The Séance of Blake Manor and is incorrect about it. Santa Ragione's website with links to their other games is here.Recommendations!Brant recommends The Ooh Directory (via PCGamer), Jonty recommends internet newsletter Read Max, and I recommend cooking channel Kaz Cooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode we discuss the (frankly, needlessly) controversial HORSES, an Italian surrealist horror game that has been banned from Steam and, latterly, the Epic Game Store, and boy everyone and their mother has been yapping about it. What do we think </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The John Cena Xbox 360 Anniversary Special</title>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>23</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The John Cena Xbox 360 Anniversary Special</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6928a7f8f8803779b943cc99</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/e60ed3e4</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We celebrate the birth of the Xbox 360, and God's own sausage-in-a-suit-jacket Phil Spencer. But mostly the Xbox 360. We reminisce about what the 'box mean to us, and Jonty reveals some of the behind-the-scenes dead-eyed virtual child Milo goss you've been waiting for. Plus! Games Satan returns with possibly his weirdest question yet.</p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and the best sausages in the world, our Patreon supporters, for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and Xbox memories to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Eurogamer's piece on <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/one-machine-to-rule-them-all-the-triumph-of-xbox-360" rel="noopener noreferrer">the end of the 360</a>, and their <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox360at20" rel="noopener noreferrer">hub of 360 articles</a>. Here's the <a href="https://youtu.be/CPIbGnBQcJY?" rel="noopener noreferrer">Milo demo</a>, and the whole <a href="https://youtu.be/gJgRC4fcTUU" rel="noopener noreferrer">2010 conference</a> that Jonty was at if you're arsed. Enjoy the <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-xbox-360-reveal-was-20-years-ago-and-is-a-time-capsule-from-a-world-where-elijah-wood-roamed-free-mtv-was-still-cool-and-giant-tech-companies-paid-pimp-my-ride-to-make-hideous-custom-consoles/" rel="noopener noreferrer">360 reveal feat. Elijah Wood</a> on PCGamer.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvo80gbCYwE" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conceited</a> by Lola Young, <a href="https://wharfaquatics.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wharf Aquatics</a>, Wirecutter's <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mystery-amazon-pallet-unboxing/" rel="noopener noreferrer">mystery Amazon pallet unboxing</a>, and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=the+turn+of+the+screw" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Turn Of The Screw</a> by Henry James.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>We celebrate the birth of the Xbox 360, and God's own sausage-in-a-suit-jacket Phil Spencer. But mostly the Xbox 360. We reminisce about what the 'box mean to us, and Jonty reveals some of the behind-the-scenes dead-eyed virtual child Milo goss you've been waiting for. Plus! Games Satan returns with possibly his weirdest question yet.</p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and the best sausages in the world, our Patreon supporters, for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and Xbox memories to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Eurogamer's piece on <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/one-machine-to-rule-them-all-the-triumph-of-xbox-360" rel="noopener noreferrer">the end of the 360</a>, and their <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox360at20" rel="noopener noreferrer">hub of 360 articles</a>. Here's the <a href="https://youtu.be/CPIbGnBQcJY?" rel="noopener noreferrer">Milo demo</a>, and the whole <a href="https://youtu.be/gJgRC4fcTUU" rel="noopener noreferrer">2010 conference</a> that Jonty was at if you're arsed. Enjoy the <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-xbox-360-reveal-was-20-years-ago-and-is-a-time-capsule-from-a-world-where-elijah-wood-roamed-free-mtv-was-still-cool-and-giant-tech-companies-paid-pimp-my-ride-to-make-hideous-custom-consoles/" rel="noopener noreferrer">360 reveal feat. Elijah Wood</a> on PCGamer.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvo80gbCYwE" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conceited</a> by Lola Young, <a href="https://wharfaquatics.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wharf Aquatics</a>, Wirecutter's <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mystery-amazon-pallet-unboxing/" rel="noopener noreferrer">mystery Amazon pallet unboxing</a>, and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=the+turn+of+the+screw" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Turn Of The Screw</a> by Henry James.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e60ed3e4/73b26e5d.mp3" length="57372615" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3586</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>We celebrate the birth of the Xbox 360, and God's own sausage-in-a-suit-jacket Phil Spencer. But mostly the Xbox 360. We reminisce about what the 'box mean to us, and Jonty reveals some of the behind-the-scenes dead-eyed virtual child Milo goss you've been waiting for. Plus! Games Satan returns with possibly his weirdest question yet.A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and the best sausages in the world, our Patreon supporters, for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and Xbox memories to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeLinks!Eurogamer's piece on the end of the 360, and their hub of 360 articles. Here's the Milo demo, and the whole 2010 conference that Jonty was at if you're arsed. Enjoy the 360 reveal feat. Elijah Wood on PCGamer.Recommendations!Conceited by Lola Young, Wharf Aquatics, Wirecutter's mystery Amazon pallet unboxing, and The Turn Of The Screw by Henry James. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>We celebrate the birth of the Xbox 360, and God's own sausage-in-a-suit-jacket Phil Spencer. But mostly the Xbox 360. We reminisce about what the 'box mean to us, and Jonty reveals some of the behind-the-scenes dead-eyed virtual child Milo goss you've bee</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 22: GTA6 Definitely Won't Be Delayed Again</title>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 22: GTA6 Definitely Won't Be Delayed Again</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6916440f7a0043834a00aaca</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/318c4eb1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week is another two-hander, as Jonty and Nate are both away, so Brendy earns his keep by joining me as we have mild opinions about Rockstar delaying Grand Theft Auto VI, but stronger opinions about Rockstar firing a bunch of developers out of nowhere. We also discuss an interesting interview from Tomas Sala, developer of Bulwark and The Falconeer, AND, as a special treat, we've been playing some topical and current video games this week. </p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and ethical and sensible Patreon supporters for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and union support to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>GTAVI <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/as-gta-6-is-delayed-again-by-half-a-year-to-november-2026-take-two-stock-immediately-begins-to-drop" rel="noopener noreferrer">is delayed</a>, but Strauss Zelnick is like '<a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/take-two-boss-says-weve-never-regretted-delaying-a-game-following-the-grand-theft-auto-6-pushback-says-other-studios-might-have-better-luck-if-they-did-the-same-thing-once-in-a-while/" rel="noopener noreferrer">no worries m8</a>'. Rockstar has been <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9v10rr1meeo" rel="noopener noreferrer">accused of union busting</a> and can suck it if this is indeed the case (since we recorded Rockstar are facing <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/union-files-formal-legal-claims-against-rockstar-amid-union-busting-accusations" rel="noopener noreferrer">legal action</a>). Tomas Sala on <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/as-viral-hits-like-escape-from-duckov-and-megabonk-change-the-industry-falconeer-developer-tomas-sala-has-found-another-way-to-survive" rel="noopener noreferrer">finding a sustainable dev life away from virality</a>, via Eurogamer.</p><p>Matthew "Iggy" Kowalski <a href="https://www.iggyland.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">needs a kidney</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arc Raiders</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dispatch</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a>!</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Bronder recommends <a href="https://www.fsgoriginals.com/books/gutshot" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gutshot by Amelia Gray</a>, and I recommend <a href="https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/a-very-vexing-murder/" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Very Vexing Murder</a> by Lucy Andrew</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week is another two-hander, as Jonty and Nate are both away, so Brendy earns his keep by joining me as we have mild opinions about Rockstar delaying Grand Theft Auto VI, but stronger opinions about Rockstar firing a bunch of developers out of nowhere. We also discuss an interesting interview from Tomas Sala, developer of Bulwark and The Falconeer, AND, as a special treat, we've been playing some topical and current video games this week. </p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and ethical and sensible Patreon supporters for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and union support to <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>GTAVI <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/as-gta-6-is-delayed-again-by-half-a-year-to-november-2026-take-two-stock-immediately-begins-to-drop" rel="noopener noreferrer">is delayed</a>, but Strauss Zelnick is like '<a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/take-two-boss-says-weve-never-regretted-delaying-a-game-following-the-grand-theft-auto-6-pushback-says-other-studios-might-have-better-luck-if-they-did-the-same-thing-once-in-a-while/" rel="noopener noreferrer">no worries m8</a>'. Rockstar has been <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9v10rr1meeo" rel="noopener noreferrer">accused of union busting</a> and can suck it if this is indeed the case (since we recorded Rockstar are facing <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/union-files-formal-legal-claims-against-rockstar-amid-union-busting-accusations" rel="noopener noreferrer">legal action</a>). Tomas Sala on <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/as-viral-hits-like-escape-from-duckov-and-megabonk-change-the-industry-falconeer-developer-tomas-sala-has-found-another-way-to-survive" rel="noopener noreferrer">finding a sustainable dev life away from virality</a>, via Eurogamer.</p><p>Matthew "Iggy" Kowalski <a href="https://www.iggyland.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">needs a kidney</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1808500/ARC_Raiders/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arc Raiders</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dispatch</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a>!</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Bronder recommends <a href="https://www.fsgoriginals.com/books/gutshot" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gutshot by Amelia Gray</a>, and I recommend <a href="https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/a-very-vexing-murder/" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Very Vexing Murder</a> by Lucy Andrew</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/318c4eb1/a47ad5ce.mp3" length="72933669" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4559</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week is another two-hander, as Jonty and Nate are both away, so Brendy earns his keep by joining me as we have mild opinions about Rockstar delaying Grand Theft Auto VI, but stronger opinions about Rockstar firing a bunch of developers out of nowhere. We also discuss an interesting interview from Tomas Sala, developer of Bulwark and The Falconeer, AND, as a special treat, we've been playing some topical and current video games this week. A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and ethical and sensible Patreon supporters for financing our silliness. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and union support to totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeLinks!GTAVI is delayed, but Strauss Zelnick is like 'no worries m8'. Rockstar has been accused of union busting and can suck it if this is indeed the case (since we recorded Rockstar are facing legal action). Tomas Sala on finding a sustainable dev life away from virality, via Eurogamer.Matthew "Iggy" Kowalski needs a kidney.Games!Arc Raiders! Dispatch! The Séance of Blake Manor!Recommendations!Bronder recommends Gutshot by Amelia Gray, and I recommend A Very Vexing Murder by Lucy Andrew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week is another two-hander, as Jonty and Nate are both away, so Brendy earns his keep by joining me as we have mild opinions about Rockstar delaying Grand Theft Auto VI, but stronger opinions about Rockstar firing a bunch of developers out of nowhere</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 21: An Xbox Where His Hand Should Be</title>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 21: An Xbox Where His Hand Should Be</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6903f87359814a1956da5412</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/c71a3d63</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we're down a Jonty (not permanently, don't worry) but up a new chair, thanks to our Patreon pals! And it's been a week of upheaval elsewhere, as Microsoft and Xbox has been the focus of a lot of news. Halo is re-back, but also on PlayStation!? What do we think this means for hexboks? Nothing particularly encouraging, but Brendy is annoyed by some Halo rocks. PLUS Nate makes fun of AI, and Alice has been playing Bloodlines 2, as is her curse.</p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our very cool and majestic Patreon supporters for being the wind beneath our wings - a wind that allows for a new host, no less. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and strong opinions about Halo rocks at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Xbox allegedly <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-23/microsoft-pushes-xbox-studios-to-hit-higher-profit-margins" rel="noopener noreferrer">pushes for 30% margins</a>, is <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xboxs-biggest-competition-isnt-another-console-but-tiktok-and-movies-claims-exec/" rel="noopener noreferrer">unconcerned by other platforms</a>, and is putting arguably its flagship product on <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2025/10/24/halo-campaign-evolved-launches-on-ps5-in-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Sony box</a>. Remember when the internet stopped working? That was because of <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/software/the-multi-billion-dollar-15-hour-aws-outage-that-brought-the-internet-to-its-knees-last-week-was-apparently-caused-by-a-single-software-bug/" rel="noopener noreferrer">one software bug</a>, but best not to worry <a href="https://www.404media.co/the-aws-outage-bricked-peoples-2-700-smartbeds/" rel="noopener noreferrer">unless your bed bricked</a>. EA signed <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ea-signs-new-generative-ai-partnership-and-claims-the-tech-will-become-a-trusted-ally-" rel="noopener noreferrer">a deal with Stability AI</a>, and it's <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/tech-investor-declares-ai-games-are-going-to-be-amazing-posts-an-ai-generated-demo-of-a-god-awful-shooter-as-proof/" rel="noopener noreferrer">fun to laugh at bad AI</a>, unless <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/oct/12/chatgpt-ed-into-bed-chatfishing-on-dating-apps" rel="noopener noreferrer">you're on dating apps</a>, I guess.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2756920/Keep_Driving/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keep Driving</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/532790/Vampire_The_Masquerade__Bloodlines_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloodlines 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2968420/PowerWash_Simulator_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PowerWash Simulator 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn Of War</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3570370/CARIMARA_Beneath_the_forlorn_limbs/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carimara</a>!</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Make a kind of mincemeat toast instead of a mince pie, observe <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zaq.makes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stewthius</a>, the perpetual stew, watch ish's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef568d0CrRY" rel="noopener noreferrer">terrifying Minecraft social experiments</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we're down a Jonty (not permanently, don't worry) but up a new chair, thanks to our Patreon pals! And it's been a week of upheaval elsewhere, as Microsoft and Xbox has been the focus of a lot of news. Halo is re-back, but also on PlayStation!? What do we think this means for hexboks? Nothing particularly encouraging, but Brendy is annoyed by some Halo rocks. PLUS Nate makes fun of AI, and Alice has been playing Bloodlines 2, as is her curse.</p><br><p>A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our very cool and majestic Patreon supporters for being the wind beneath our wings - a wind that allows for a new host, no less. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and strong opinions about Halo rocks at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Xbox allegedly <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-23/microsoft-pushes-xbox-studios-to-hit-higher-profit-margins" rel="noopener noreferrer">pushes for 30% margins</a>, is <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xboxs-biggest-competition-isnt-another-console-but-tiktok-and-movies-claims-exec/" rel="noopener noreferrer">unconcerned by other platforms</a>, and is putting arguably its flagship product on <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2025/10/24/halo-campaign-evolved-launches-on-ps5-in-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Sony box</a>. Remember when the internet stopped working? That was because of <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/software/the-multi-billion-dollar-15-hour-aws-outage-that-brought-the-internet-to-its-knees-last-week-was-apparently-caused-by-a-single-software-bug/" rel="noopener noreferrer">one software bug</a>, but best not to worry <a href="https://www.404media.co/the-aws-outage-bricked-peoples-2-700-smartbeds/" rel="noopener noreferrer">unless your bed bricked</a>. EA signed <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ea-signs-new-generative-ai-partnership-and-claims-the-tech-will-become-a-trusted-ally-" rel="noopener noreferrer">a deal with Stability AI</a>, and it's <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/tech-investor-declares-ai-games-are-going-to-be-amazing-posts-an-ai-generated-demo-of-a-god-awful-shooter-as-proof/" rel="noopener noreferrer">fun to laugh at bad AI</a>, unless <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/oct/12/chatgpt-ed-into-bed-chatfishing-on-dating-apps" rel="noopener noreferrer">you're on dating apps</a>, I guess.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2756920/Keep_Driving/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keep Driving</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/532790/Vampire_The_Masquerade__Bloodlines_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloodlines 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2968420/PowerWash_Simulator_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PowerWash Simulator 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn Of War</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3570370/CARIMARA_Beneath_the_forlorn_limbs/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carimara</a>!</p><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Make a kind of mincemeat toast instead of a mince pie, observe <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zaq.makes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stewthius</a>, the perpetual stew, watch ish's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef568d0CrRY" rel="noopener noreferrer">terrifying Minecraft social experiments</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:44:51 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c71a3d63/ab0f4ec8.mp3" length="63440968" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3965</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week we're down a Jonty (not permanently, don't worry) but up a new chair, thanks to our Patreon pals! And it's been a week of upheaval elsewhere, as Microsoft and Xbox has been the focus of a lot of news. Halo is re-back, but also on PlayStation!? What do we think this means for hexboks? Nothing particularly encouraging, but Brendy is annoyed by some Halo rocks. PLUS Nate makes fun of AI, and Alice has been playing Bloodlines 2, as is her curse.A big thank you to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our very cool and majestic Patreon supporters for being the wind beneath our wings - a wind that allows for a new host, no less. You can share comments, suggestions, feedback, and strong opinions about Halo rocks at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!Xbox allegedly pushes for 30% margins, is unconcerned by other platforms, and is putting arguably its flagship product on the Sony box. Remember when the internet stopped working? That was because of one software bug, but best not to worry unless your bed bricked. EA signed a deal with Stability AI, and it's fun to laugh at bad AI, unless you're on dating apps, I guess.Games!Keep Driving! Bloodlines 2! PowerWash Simulator 2! Dawn Of War! Carimara!Recommendations!Make a kind of mincemeat toast instead of a mince pie, observe Stewthius, the perpetual stew, watch ish's terrifying Minecraft social experiments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week we're down a Jonty (not permanently, don't worry) but up a new chair, thanks to our Patreon pals! And it's been a week of upheaval elsewhere, as Microsoft and Xbox has been the focus of a lot of news. Halo is re-back, but also on PlayStation!? W</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 20: A Series of Developer Complaints</title>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 20: A Series of Developer Complaints</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68f2c8d880f266774027b78e</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5722a18</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice is unavailable so we are joined by another voice of podcasts past: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jamesandstuff.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Archer</a>, the RPS master of waring hard. He assists us in considering the latest collection of furious developer commentary and shares his judgement on the handheld Xbox thing, for which he is rewarded by being anointed Archbishop of Games Canterbury. You may think these freeform attempts at rolling our own belief system are unsustainable but we're British (derogatory), this stuff is in our blood.</p><p>Thanks to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our beloved Patreon backers for funding the podcast and make it happen. You can share comments, suggestions and prospective papal edicts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Game File revealed that <a href="https://www.gamefile.news/p/scoop-ubisoft-cancelled-a-post-civil" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ubisoft cancelled a Reconstruction-era Assassin's Creed game</a>. Glen Israel left 343 Industries <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/halo-art-director-leaves-after-17-years-with-cryptic-message-suggesting-it-was-on-bad-terms/" rel="noopener noreferrer">in an extremely portentous way</a>. Halo already <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_Legends" rel="noopener noreferrer">did an anime</a>. The IWGB union published an open letter <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/union-members-announce-legal-action-against-build-a-rocket-boy-over-layoffs" rel="noopener noreferrer">savaging the management at Build A Rocket Boy</a>. The <a href="https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/handhelds/rog-xbox-ally" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROG Xbox Ally X</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/277590/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry</a>. Halos <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1240440/Halo_Infinite/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Infinite</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1064273/Halo_4/" rel="noopener noreferrer">4</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/10150/Prototype/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prototype</a> lets you punch people into spaghetti by design rather than graphical error. Everybody loved <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2138330/Cyberpunk_2077_Phantom_Liberty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty</a>, eventually. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3022790/RimWorld__Odyssey/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rimworld Odyssey</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn of War: Definitive Edition</a>. There's an updated version of Red Alert in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1213210/Command__Conquer_Remastered_Collection/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Command and Conquer Remastered</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2807960/Battlefield_6/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefield 6</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3314790/CloverPit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cloverpit</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://tenggercavalry.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tenggar Cavalry</a>, <a href="https://www.kartuli.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kartuli</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacemaker_(TV_series)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Peacemaker</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice is unavailable so we are joined by another voice of podcasts past: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jamesandstuff.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Archer</a>, the RPS master of waring hard. He assists us in considering the latest collection of furious developer commentary and shares his judgement on the handheld Xbox thing, for which he is rewarded by being anointed Archbishop of Games Canterbury. You may think these freeform attempts at rolling our own belief system are unsustainable but we're British (derogatory), this stuff is in our blood.</p><p>Thanks to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our beloved Patreon backers for funding the podcast and make it happen. You can share comments, suggestions and prospective papal edicts at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Game File revealed that <a href="https://www.gamefile.news/p/scoop-ubisoft-cancelled-a-post-civil" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ubisoft cancelled a Reconstruction-era Assassin's Creed game</a>. Glen Israel left 343 Industries <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/halo-art-director-leaves-after-17-years-with-cryptic-message-suggesting-it-was-on-bad-terms/" rel="noopener noreferrer">in an extremely portentous way</a>. Halo already <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_Legends" rel="noopener noreferrer">did an anime</a>. The IWGB union published an open letter <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/union-members-announce-legal-action-against-build-a-rocket-boy-over-layoffs" rel="noopener noreferrer">savaging the management at Build A Rocket Boy</a>. The <a href="https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/handhelds/rog-xbox-ally" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROG Xbox Ally X</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/277590/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry</a>. Halos <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1240440/Halo_Infinite/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Infinite</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1064273/Halo_4/" rel="noopener noreferrer">4</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/10150/Prototype/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prototype</a> lets you punch people into spaghetti by design rather than graphical error. Everybody loved <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2138330/Cyberpunk_2077_Phantom_Liberty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty</a>, eventually. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3022790/RimWorld__Odyssey/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rimworld Odyssey</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn of War: Definitive Edition</a>. There's an updated version of Red Alert in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1213210/Command__Conquer_Remastered_Collection/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Command and Conquer Remastered</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2807960/Battlefield_6/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefield 6</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3314790/CloverPit/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cloverpit</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://tenggercavalry.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tenggar Cavalry</a>, <a href="https://www.kartuli.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kartuli</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacemaker_(TV_series)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Peacemaker</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:53:24 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/b5722a18/1e0b8d71.mp3" length="65190545" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4075</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Alice is unavailable so we are joined by another voice of podcasts past: James Archer, the RPS master of waring hard. He assists us in considering the latest collection of furious developer commentary and shares his judgement on the handheld Xbox thing, for which he is rewarded by being anointed Archbishop of Games Canterbury. You may think these freeform attempts at rolling our own belief system are unsustainable but we're British (derogatory), this stuff is in our blood.Thanks to God Ribbon for our music, Marsh Davies for our art, and our beloved Patreon backers for funding the podcast and make it happen. You can share comments, suggestions and prospective papal edicts at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!Game File revealed that Ubisoft cancelled a Reconstruction-era Assassin's Creed game. Glen Israel left 343 Industries in an extremely portentous way. Halo already did an anime. The IWGB union published an open letter savaging the management at Build A Rocket Boy. The ROG Xbox Ally X.Games!Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry. Halos Infinite and 4. Prototype lets you punch people into spaghetti by design rather than graphical error. Everybody loved Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, eventually. Rimworld Odyssey. Dawn of War: Definitive Edition. There's an updated version of Red Alert in Command and Conquer Remastered. Battlefield 6. Cloverpit.Recommendations!Tenggar Cavalry, Kartuli and Peacemaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Alice is unavailable so we are joined by another voice of podcasts past: James Archer, the RPS master of waring hard. He assists us in considering the latest collection of furious developer commentary and shares his judgement on the handheld Xbox thing, f</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 19: I Thought It Was A Joke When You Said Jared Kushner</title>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 19: I Thought It Was A Joke When You Said Jared Kushner</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68deee2dbd7f04b74f33e12d</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba913476</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Circumstances forced us to once again talk about serious things this week, as EA has (subject to approval, lol) been bought by a consortium of definitely not the worst people you don't know. Meanwhile, we got a first look at Insomniac's Wolverine game, and for a 'cat rescued from a tree' sorry of levity, Randy Pitchford posted through Borderland's 4's PC optimisation problems.</p><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can start our own ethically pure esports league. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Don't worry, universally beloved <a href="https://kotaku.com/ea-sale-saudi-arabia-madden-pif-jared-kushner-2000629829" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Wilson is staying on at EA</a> (here's <a href="https://superjoost.substack.com/p/electronic-arts-55b-buyout-doesnt" rel="noopener noreferrer">SuperJoost on the acquisition</a>). Wolverine is <a href="https://youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?" rel="noopener noreferrer">exceptionally violent</a>, possibly in retaliation for his being <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/insomniac-hackers-release-stolen-data-leak-wolverine-videos-future-projects-and-more" rel="noopener noreferrer">kidnapped and ransomed</a>. <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/gearbox-releases-borderlands-4-pc-optimisation-guide-following-reports-of-poor-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4 works fine on PC</a>, thank you very much, and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/the-game-is-pretty-damn-optimal-randy-pitchford-responds-to-borderlands-4-pc-performance-complaints" rel="noopener noreferrer">Randy Pitchford is fine about it</a> (more on this from <a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/336-boss-battles/?" rel="noopener noreferrer">HitPoints</a>)</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1285190/Borderlands_4/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4</a> is fine on PC, stop asking! Marvel at the dynamically soiling onesie in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1281040/Baby_Steps/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps</a>, write your own jokes here about <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3405340/Megabonk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Megabonk</a>, and go off the titular world in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/294100/RimWorld/" rel="noopener noreferrer">RimWorld</a>'s new Odyssey DLC. Plus: pleasing moments in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hades 2</a>!</p><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolwich_Ferry" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Woolwich Harbour ferry</a>, the town of <a href="https://visitcleethorpes.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cleethorpes</a>, and the reboot of <a href="https://youtu.be/-StZwoYw2fg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matlock</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Circumstances forced us to once again talk about serious things this week, as EA has (subject to approval, lol) been bought by a consortium of definitely not the worst people you don't know. Meanwhile, we got a first look at Insomniac's Wolverine game, and for a 'cat rescued from a tree' sorry of levity, Randy Pitchford posted through Borderland's 4's PC optimisation problems.</p><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can start our own ethically pure esports league. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Don't worry, universally beloved <a href="https://kotaku.com/ea-sale-saudi-arabia-madden-pif-jared-kushner-2000629829" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Wilson is staying on at EA</a> (here's <a href="https://superjoost.substack.com/p/electronic-arts-55b-buyout-doesnt" rel="noopener noreferrer">SuperJoost on the acquisition</a>). Wolverine is <a href="https://youtu.be/s3pDMUWlA6I?" rel="noopener noreferrer">exceptionally violent</a>, possibly in retaliation for his being <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/insomniac-hackers-release-stolen-data-leak-wolverine-videos-future-projects-and-more" rel="noopener noreferrer">kidnapped and ransomed</a>. <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/gearbox-releases-borderlands-4-pc-optimisation-guide-following-reports-of-poor-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4 works fine on PC</a>, thank you very much, and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/the-game-is-pretty-damn-optimal-randy-pitchford-responds-to-borderlands-4-pc-performance-complaints" rel="noopener noreferrer">Randy Pitchford is fine about it</a> (more on this from <a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/336-boss-battles/?" rel="noopener noreferrer">HitPoints</a>)</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1285190/Borderlands_4/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4</a> is fine on PC, stop asking! Marvel at the dynamically soiling onesie in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1281040/Baby_Steps/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps</a>, write your own jokes here about <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3405340/Megabonk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Megabonk</a>, and go off the titular world in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/294100/RimWorld/" rel="noopener noreferrer">RimWorld</a>'s new Odyssey DLC. Plus: pleasing moments in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hades 2</a>!</p><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolwich_Ferry" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Woolwich Harbour ferry</a>, the town of <a href="https://visitcleethorpes.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cleethorpes</a>, and the reboot of <a href="https://youtu.be/-StZwoYw2fg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matlock</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ba913476/87d4c0e6.mp3" length="65238231" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4078</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Circumstances forced us to once again talk about serious things this week, as EA has (subject to approval, lol) been bought by a consortium of definitely not the worst people you don't know. Meanwhile, we got a first look at Insomniac's Wolverine game, and for a 'cat rescued from a tree' sorry of levity, Randy Pitchford posted through Borderland's 4's PC optimisation problems.Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can start our own ethically pure esports league. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!Don't worry, universally beloved Andrew Wilson is staying on at EA (here's SuperJoost on the acquisition). Wolverine is exceptionally violent, possibly in retaliation for his being kidnapped and ransomed. Borderlands 4 works fine on PC, thank you very much, and Randy Pitchford is fine about it (more on this from HitPoints)Games!Borderlands 4 is fine on PC, stop asking! Marvel at the dynamically soiling onesie in Baby Steps, write your own jokes here about Megabonk, and go off the titular world in RimWorld's new Odyssey DLC. Plus: pleasing moments in Hades 2!Recommendations!The Woolwich Harbour ferry, the town of Cleethorpes, and the reboot of Matlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Circumstances forced us to once again talk about serious things this week, as EA has (subject to approval, lol) been bought by a consortium of definitely not the worst people you don't know. Meanwhile, we got a first look at Insomniac's Wolverine game, an</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 18: Thematic Insect Attack</title>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 18: Thematic Insect Attack</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68d1bb84325b3a0ac80f6b49</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ebbd535f</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice has been Nic Cage Wickerman'd by her own dog, a sorry state of affairs, but one that does at least tie in with talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong, a somewhat popular game, as we understand it. You know who else is popular? That Mario fella. He turned 40 this past weekend (sort of, if you start counting from Super Mario Bros. rather than Donkey Kong, which is technically Mario's first appearance even though he was called Jumpman at the time) [deep breath]. Also Nate torments us with a medieval bestiary and we conceive of a gritty Wind In The Willows reboot. What's not to love?</p><br><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Happy <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-everything-announced-in-nintendos-latest-direct" rel="noopener noreferrer">Underwhelming 40th Birthday Nintendo Direct</a> to Mario! Including a <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-your-first-look-at-the-mario-movie-sequel" rel="noopener noreferrer">tiny tease</a> of the next Mario movie. <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/hollow-knight-silksong-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reviews</a> <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/hollow-knight-silksong-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">are</a> <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hollow-knight-silksong-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">dripping</a> out now for Silksong (including <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/hollow-knight-silksong" rel="noopener noreferrer">IGN</a>, which hadn't drapt at time of recording), but <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/upcoming-silksong-patch-will-make-the-early-game-easier-and-the-mid-game-cheaper-nerfing-2-bosses-and-shoring-up-its-stingy-rosary-economy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hilariously the first patch made it easier.</a> People are saying <a href="https://www.polygon.com/goty-2025-silksong-clair-obscur-difficulty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">it's too hard</a>, in fact. <a href="https://weprintminiatures.com/products/kobolds-in-a-trenchcoat-miniature" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three (mini) Kobolds In A Trenchcoat</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1030300/Hollow_Knight_Silksong/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silksong</a> has been out a couple of weeks, the bugs are too sexy. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hades II</a> has been out for longer, but the pretend kind of out where you get two releases, like the Queen. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2885870/Strange_Antiquities/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strange Antiquities</a> is a very lovely Purveyor Of Cursed Items simulator for fans of Strange Horticulture.</p><br><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Jonty makes the bold statement that <a href="https://youtu.be/Q0eCiCinc4E" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Usual Suspects</a> is a good movie, Alice responds that so is <a href="https://youtu.be/HTi-e20yVNs" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ballad Of Wallis Island</a>, and Nate double recommends <a href="https://youtu.be/ZbsiKjVAV28" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alien Earth</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/2rrRToCVm4I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blue Eye Samurai</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice has been Nic Cage Wickerman'd by her own dog, a sorry state of affairs, but one that does at least tie in with talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong, a somewhat popular game, as we understand it. You know who else is popular? That Mario fella. He turned 40 this past weekend (sort of, if you start counting from Super Mario Bros. rather than Donkey Kong, which is technically Mario's first appearance even though he was called Jumpman at the time) [deep breath]. Also Nate torments us with a medieval bestiary and we conceive of a gritty Wind In The Willows reboot. What's not to love?</p><br><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Links!</strong></p><p>Happy <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-everything-announced-in-nintendos-latest-direct" rel="noopener noreferrer">Underwhelming 40th Birthday Nintendo Direct</a> to Mario! Including a <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-your-first-look-at-the-mario-movie-sequel" rel="noopener noreferrer">tiny tease</a> of the next Mario movie. <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/hollow-knight-silksong-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reviews</a> <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/hollow-knight-silksong-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">are</a> <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hollow-knight-silksong-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">dripping</a> out now for Silksong (including <a href="https://www.ign.com/games/hollow-knight-silksong" rel="noopener noreferrer">IGN</a>, which hadn't drapt at time of recording), but <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/upcoming-silksong-patch-will-make-the-early-game-easier-and-the-mid-game-cheaper-nerfing-2-bosses-and-shoring-up-its-stingy-rosary-economy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hilariously the first patch made it easier.</a> People are saying <a href="https://www.polygon.com/goty-2025-silksong-clair-obscur-difficulty/" rel="noopener noreferrer">it's too hard</a>, in fact. <a href="https://weprintminiatures.com/products/kobolds-in-a-trenchcoat-miniature" rel="noopener noreferrer">Three (mini) Kobolds In A Trenchcoat</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Games!</strong></p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1030300/Hollow_Knight_Silksong/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silksong</a> has been out a couple of weeks, the bugs are too sexy. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hades II</a> has been out for longer, but the pretend kind of out where you get two releases, like the Queen. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2885870/Strange_Antiquities/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strange Antiquities</a> is a very lovely Purveyor Of Cursed Items simulator for fans of Strange Horticulture.</p><br><p><strong>Recommendations!</strong></p><p>Jonty makes the bold statement that <a href="https://youtu.be/Q0eCiCinc4E" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Usual Suspects</a> is a good movie, Alice responds that so is <a href="https://youtu.be/HTi-e20yVNs" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Ballad Of Wallis Island</a>, and Nate double recommends <a href="https://youtu.be/ZbsiKjVAV28" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alien Earth</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/2rrRToCVm4I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blue Eye Samurai</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 22:11:32 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ebbd535f/e4e65624.mp3" length="69990787" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4375</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Alice has been Nic Cage Wickerman'd by her own dog, a sorry state of affairs, but one that does at least tie in with talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong, a somewhat popular game, as we understand it. You know who else is popular? That Mario fella. He turned 40 this past weekend (sort of, if you start counting from Super Mario Bros. rather than Donkey Kong, which is technically Mario's first appearance even though he was called Jumpman at the time) [deep breath]. Also Nate torments us with a medieval bestiary and we conceive of a gritty Wind In The Willows reboot. What's not to love?Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!Happy Underwhelming 40th Birthday Nintendo Direct to Mario! Including a tiny tease of the next Mario movie. Reviews are dripping out now for Silksong (including IGN, which hadn't drapt at time of recording), but hilariously the first patch made it easier. People are saying it's too hard, in fact. Three (mini) Kobolds In A Trenchcoat.Games!Silksong has been out a couple of weeks, the bugs are too sexy. Hades II has been out for longer, but the pretend kind of out where you get two releases, like the Queen. Strange Antiquities is a very lovely Purveyor Of Cursed Items simulator for fans of Strange Horticulture.Recommendations!Jonty makes the bold statement that The Usual Suspects is a good movie, Alice responds that so is The Ballad Of Wallis Island, and Nate double recommends Alien Earth and Blue Eye Samurai. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Alice has been Nic Cage Wickerman'd by her own dog, a sorry state of affairs, but one that does at least tie in with talking about Hollow Knight: Silksong, a somewhat popular game, as we understand it. You know who else is popular? That Mario fella. He tu</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 17: A Motorhead Tour in Reverse</title>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 17: A Motorhead Tour in Reverse</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68ba04824629f1c6be63e185</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/20b31f88</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice went to Gamescom and she's here to tell us all about it: games, German KFC, stealing from the Capcom booth and posing with the Farming Simulator tractor. A pretty standard Gamescom experience, all told, although she didn't go to the shitty bar that all the other Brits attend or get completely screwed by the German rail system so there's still room for improvement. Plus: the in-game currency for life, big worm, and forcing Jonty to cosplay as a militarised squid-dog.</p><br><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rf6WFzMX_I&amp;list=PLYSEQTnhF02qPX2lWqzCdZXuqXyOir656" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Trap Door</a> is available on YouTube. <a href="https://www.kfc.de/burger" rel="noopener noreferrer">Legendäre Burger bei KFC</a>. <a href="https://gamediscover.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GameDiscoverCo</a>. <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-21/why-silksong-team-cherry-s-sequel-to-hollow-knight-took-so-long-to-make" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why Silksong took so long to make</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zack_Snyder%27s_Justice_League" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Snyder Cut</a>. We are blessed to know <a href="https://x.com/mrbasil_pesto/status/1472233038759305221" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Blorko Guy</a> (who also <a href="https://shows.acast.com/the-back-page-a-video-games-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">has a podcast</a>).</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1030300/Hollow_Knight_Silksong/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silksong</a> is indeed out now <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgejpxzepko" rel="noopener noreferrer">although you can't download it</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/532790/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2</a> does not exist in Alice's world. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/Hirogami/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hirogami</a> is also out now. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638890/Onimusha_Way_of_the_Sword/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Onimusha: Way of the Sword</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3357650/PRAGMATA/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pragmata</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3590560/NUTMEG_A_Deckbuilding_Retro_Football_Manager/" rel="noopener noreferrer">NUTMEG!</a> <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3749330/A_Storied_Life_Tabitha/" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Storied Life: Tabitha</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2934220/Monsters_are_Coming_Rock__Road/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monsters are Coming! Rock &amp; Road</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>The <a href="https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Van Gogh Museum</a>, <a href="https://devaromancentre.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deva Roman Experience</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfQdf93e63I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Trek: Picard - re:View</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice went to Gamescom and she's here to tell us all about it: games, German KFC, stealing from the Capcom booth and posing with the Farming Simulator tractor. A pretty standard Gamescom experience, all told, although she didn't go to the shitty bar that all the other Brits attend or get completely screwed by the German rail system so there's still room for improvement. Plus: the in-game currency for life, big worm, and forcing Jonty to cosplay as a militarised squid-dog.</p><br><p>Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rf6WFzMX_I&amp;list=PLYSEQTnhF02qPX2lWqzCdZXuqXyOir656" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Trap Door</a> is available on YouTube. <a href="https://www.kfc.de/burger" rel="noopener noreferrer">Legendäre Burger bei KFC</a>. <a href="https://gamediscover.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GameDiscoverCo</a>. <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-21/why-silksong-team-cherry-s-sequel-to-hollow-knight-took-so-long-to-make" rel="noopener noreferrer">Why Silksong took so long to make</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zack_Snyder%27s_Justice_League" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Snyder Cut</a>. We are blessed to know <a href="https://x.com/mrbasil_pesto/status/1472233038759305221" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Blorko Guy</a> (who also <a href="https://shows.acast.com/the-back-page-a-video-games-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">has a podcast</a>).</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1030300/Hollow_Knight_Silksong/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silksong</a> is indeed out now <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgejpxzepko" rel="noopener noreferrer">although you can't download it</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/532790/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2</a> does not exist in Alice's world. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/Hirogami/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hirogami</a> is also out now. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2638890/Onimusha_Way_of_the_Sword/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Onimusha: Way of the Sword</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3357650/PRAGMATA/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pragmata</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3590560/NUTMEG_A_Deckbuilding_Retro_Football_Manager/" rel="noopener noreferrer">NUTMEG!</a> <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3749330/A_Storied_Life_Tabitha/" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Storied Life: Tabitha</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/The_Sance_of_Blake_Manor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Séance of Blake Manor</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2934220/Monsters_are_Coming_Rock__Road/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monsters are Coming! Rock &amp; Road</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>The <a href="https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en" rel="noopener noreferrer">Van Gogh Museum</a>, <a href="https://devaromancentre.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deva Roman Experience</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfQdf93e63I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Trek: Picard - re:View</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:28:34 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/20b31f88/38eebcb6.mp3" length="64390562" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4025</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Alice went to Gamescom and she's here to tell us all about it: games, German KFC, stealing from the Capcom booth and posing with the Farming Simulator tractor. A pretty standard Gamescom experience, all told, although she didn't go to the shitty bar that all the other Brits attend or get completely screwed by the German rail system so there's still room for improvement. Plus: the in-game currency for life, big worm, and forcing Jonty to cosplay as a militarised squid-dog.Thanks to our Patreon backers for making this podcast possible! Please consider joining them so that we can force Jonty to go to Gamescom as Business Arbiter. Our music is by God Ribbon, our art is by Marsh Davies and our inbox is totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Links!The Trap Door is available on YouTube. Legendäre Burger bei KFC. GameDiscoverCo. Why Silksong took so long to make. The Snyder Cut. We are blessed to know The Blorko Guy (who also has a podcast).Games!Silksong is indeed out now although you can't download it. Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 does not exist in Alice's world. Hirogami is also out now. Resident Evil Requiem. Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Pragmata. NUTMEG! A Storied Life: Tabitha. The Séance of Blake Manor. Monsters are Coming! Rock &amp;amp; Road.Recommendations!The Van Gogh Museum, Deva Roman Experience and Star Trek: Picard - re:View. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Alice went to Gamescom and she's here to tell us all about it: games, German KFC, stealing from the Capcom booth and posing with the Farming Simulator tractor. A pretty standard Gamescom experience, all told, although she didn't go to the shitty bar that </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 16: Goo-Pilled To The Max</title>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 16: Goo-Pilled To The Max</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68a78a4073bf5b6298a342b0</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/eeef17e8</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Nate's on deadline so it's just Alice and Jonty this week, considering the newly independent Digital Foundry, the not-at-all-newly-scandal-engulfed Roblox, the latest on the Subnautica 2 and <a href="https://Itch.io" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch.io</a> drama, and all the games we've been playing. Anybody would think this is a podcast about videogames or something.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><br><p>Art by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. Funding for this entire endeavour is by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">our Patreon backers</a> and to them we are truly thankful.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p><a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-we-would-be-in-development-for-30-years-krafton-reiterates-that-unknown-worlds-founders-abandoned-subnautica-2" rel="noopener noreferrer">Krafton vs Subnautica devs</a> continues. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl7bIJ2yu4I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digital Foundry on going independent</a>. Roblox <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/roblox-explains-crackdown-on-vigilantes-after-ban-of-a-popular-youtuber-sparks-furor-they-are-acting-in-ways-that-could-be-harmful-to-others-both-on-and-off-our-platform/" rel="noopener noreferrer">banned vigilantes</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/louisiana-sues-roblox-for-allegedly-choosing-profits-over-child-safety-claiming-its-basically-open-season-for-sex-predators-on-this-app" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lousiana sued Roblox</a>. <a href="https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-grapples-of-wrath/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alice's new book</a>. The Observer <a href="https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit" rel="noopener noreferrer">investigation into The Salt Path</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1226670/Rosewater/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rosewater</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3308870/and_Roger/" rel="noopener noreferrer">and Roger</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2702170/Strange_Jigsaws/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strange Jigsaws</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3547010/Occlude/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Occlude</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3586660/Word_Play/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Word Play</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3140120/Wordatro/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wordatro</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2807960/Battlefield_6/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefield 6</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/vivian-dies-again-c-e-hulse/7870072?ean=9781805226277" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vivian Dies Again</a> and <a href="https://thequietus.com/opinion-and-essays/black-sky-thinking/oasis-biography-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">What a Glut of New Oasis Books is Leaving Unwritten</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Andy-Samberg/dp/B09233TQ9T" rel="noopener noreferrer">Palm Springs is on Amazon</a>, not Neflix, we regret the error.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Nate's on deadline so it's just Alice and Jonty this week, considering the newly independent Digital Foundry, the not-at-all-newly-scandal-engulfed Roblox, the latest on the Subnautica 2 and <a href="https://Itch.io" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch.io</a> drama, and all the games we've been playing. Anybody would think this is a podcast about videogames or something.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><br><p>Art by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. Funding for this entire endeavour is by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/TotalPlaytimePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">our Patreon backers</a> and to them we are truly thankful.</p><br><p>Links!</p><br><p><a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-we-would-be-in-development-for-30-years-krafton-reiterates-that-unknown-worlds-founders-abandoned-subnautica-2" rel="noopener noreferrer">Krafton vs Subnautica devs</a> continues. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl7bIJ2yu4I" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digital Foundry on going independent</a>. Roblox <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/roblox-explains-crackdown-on-vigilantes-after-ban-of-a-popular-youtuber-sparks-furor-they-are-acting-in-ways-that-could-be-harmful-to-others-both-on-and-off-our-platform/" rel="noopener noreferrer">banned vigilantes</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/louisiana-sues-roblox-for-allegedly-choosing-profits-over-child-safety-claiming-its-basically-open-season-for-sex-predators-on-this-app" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lousiana sued Roblox</a>. <a href="https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-grapples-of-wrath/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alice's new book</a>. The Observer <a href="https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit" rel="noopener noreferrer">investigation into The Salt Path</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1226670/Rosewater/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rosewater</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3308870/and_Roger/" rel="noopener noreferrer">and Roger</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2702170/Strange_Jigsaws/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Strange Jigsaws</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3547010/Occlude/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Occlude</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3586660/Word_Play/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Word Play</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3140120/Wordatro/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wordatro</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2807960/Battlefield_6/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefield 6</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/vivian-dies-again-c-e-hulse/7870072?ean=9781805226277" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vivian Dies Again</a> and <a href="https://thequietus.com/opinion-and-essays/black-sky-thinking/oasis-biography-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">What a Glut of New Oasis Books is Leaving Unwritten</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Andy-Samberg/dp/B09233TQ9T" rel="noopener noreferrer">Palm Springs is on Amazon</a>, not Neflix, we regret the error.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:05:24 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/eeef17e8/19270ad9.mp3" length="67266945" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4205</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Nate's on deadline so it's just Alice and Jonty this week, considering the newly independent Digital Foundry, the not-at-all-newly-scandal-engulfed Roblox, the latest on the Subnautica 2 and Itch.io drama, and all the games we've been playing. Anybody would think this is a podcast about videogames or something.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWArt by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. Funding for this entire endeavour is by our Patreon backers and to them we are truly thankful.Links!Krafton vs Subnautica devs continues. Digital Foundry on going independent. Roblox banned vigilantes and Lousiana sued Roblox. Alice's new book. The Observer investigation into The Salt Path.Games!Rosewater, and Roger, Strange Jigsaws, Occlude, Word Play, Wordatro, Battlefield 6.Recommendations!Vivian Dies Again and What a Glut of New Oasis Books is Leaving Unwritten. Palm Springs is on Amazon, not Neflix, we regret the error. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Nate's on deadline so it's just Alice and Jonty this week, considering the newly independent Digital Foundry, the not-at-all-newly-scandal-engulfed Roblox, the latest on the Subnautica 2 and Itch.io drama, and all the games we've been playing. Anybody wou</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 15: What Fight Have Been</title>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 15: What Fight Have Been</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6895215df9482328d0d00a26</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf4c5158</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice was out of action this week, so Jonty and Nate met up to ponder Battlefield 6, cringe over Jonty's new collection of sex games, and reposition the Bioshock jar in the fridge. Plus: the thicc man of Europe, the best artillery in videogames, and another attempt at deal-making. </p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><br><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Art by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. </p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Itch.io is re-indexing <a href="https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content" rel="noopener noreferrer">free adult content</a>. Countess Lita <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0SGlCIBmm0" rel="noopener noreferrer">played No Mercy</a>. Tom Clancy's Tom Clancy was <a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2014/october/making-best-seller" rel="noopener noreferrer">just a huge submarine nerd</a>. GOG <a href="https://freedomtobuy.games/" rel="noopener noreferrer">gave away a bunch of sex games for freedom</a>. Ars Technica's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/behind-the-next-battlefield-game-culture-clash-crunch-and-colossal-stakes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">deep dive on Battlefield and the misery of AAA development</a>. Everybody was playing Battlefront 2 and <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-star-wars-battlefront-2-player-surge-exposes-a-major-flaw-in-ea-s-business-model" rel="noopener noreferrer">EA couldn't have cared less</a>. Splinter Cell Conviction <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/joewintergreen.com/post/3lvkdylgxds2y" rel="noopener noreferrer">at high framerate</a>. God <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/graham-smith-is-leaving-rps-come-say-goodbye" rel="noopener noreferrer">departed RPS</a> and left some <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-sunday-papers-769" rel="noopener noreferrer">parting wisdom on games coverage</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/battlefield" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefront 6</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1058020/STAR_WARS_Battlefront_Classic_2004/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars Battlefront (2004)</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn of War</a>, with <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/9310" rel="noopener noreferrer">Winter Assault DLC</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/298030/Total_Annihilation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Annihilation</a>. <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/gta-online" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTA Online</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/33220/Tom_Clancys_Splinter_Cell_Conviction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Splinter Cell Conviction</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hit Points</a> and <a href="https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GR3KVPQER/cells-at-work" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cells at Work!</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Alice was out of action this week, so Jonty and Nate met up to ponder Battlefield 6, cringe over Jonty's new collection of sex games, and reposition the Bioshock jar in the fridge. Plus: the thicc man of Europe, the best artillery in videogames, and another attempt at deal-making. </p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><br><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Art by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. </p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Itch.io is re-indexing <a href="https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content" rel="noopener noreferrer">free adult content</a>. Countess Lita <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0SGlCIBmm0" rel="noopener noreferrer">played No Mercy</a>. Tom Clancy's Tom Clancy was <a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2014/october/making-best-seller" rel="noopener noreferrer">just a huge submarine nerd</a>. GOG <a href="https://freedomtobuy.games/" rel="noopener noreferrer">gave away a bunch of sex games for freedom</a>. Ars Technica's <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/behind-the-next-battlefield-game-culture-clash-crunch-and-colossal-stakes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">deep dive on Battlefield and the misery of AAA development</a>. Everybody was playing Battlefront 2 and <a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-star-wars-battlefront-2-player-surge-exposes-a-major-flaw-in-ea-s-business-model" rel="noopener noreferrer">EA couldn't have cared less</a>. Splinter Cell Conviction <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/joewintergreen.com/post/3lvkdylgxds2y" rel="noopener noreferrer">at high framerate</a>. God <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/graham-smith-is-leaving-rps-come-say-goodbye" rel="noopener noreferrer">departed RPS</a> and left some <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-sunday-papers-769" rel="noopener noreferrer">parting wisdom on games coverage</a>. </p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/battlefield" rel="noopener noreferrer">Battlefront 6</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1058020/STAR_WARS_Battlefront_Classic_2004/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Star Wars Battlefront (2004)</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3556750/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War__Definitive_Edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dawn of War</a>, with <a href="https://steamcommunity.com/app/9310" rel="noopener noreferrer">Winter Assault DLC</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/298030/Total_Annihilation/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Annihilation</a>. <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/gta-online" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTA Online</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/33220/Tom_Clancys_Splinter_Cell_Conviction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Splinter Cell Conviction</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p><a href="https://newsletter.hitpoints.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hit Points</a> and <a href="https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GR3KVPQER/cells-at-work" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cells at Work!</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:57:49 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/bf4c5158/0fe43e45.mp3" length="63924105" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3996</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Alice was out of action this week, so Jonty and Nate met up to ponder Battlefield 6, cringe over Jonty's new collection of sex games, and reposition the Bioshock jar in the fridge. Plus: the thicc man of Europe, the best artillery in videogames, and another attempt at deal-making. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Art by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. Links!Itch.io is re-indexing free adult content. Countess Lita played No Mercy. Tom Clancy's Tom Clancy was just a huge submarine nerd. GOG gave away a bunch of sex games for freedom. Ars Technica's deep dive on Battlefield and the misery of AAA development. Everybody was playing Battlefront 2 and EA couldn't have cared less. Splinter Cell Conviction at high framerate. God departed RPS and left some parting wisdom on games coverage. Games!Battlefront 6. Star Wars Battlefront (2004), Dawn of War, with Winter Assault DLC. Total Annihilation. GTA Online. Splinter Cell Conviction.Recommendations!Hit Points and Cells at Work!. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Alice was out of action this week, so Jonty and Nate met up to ponder Battlefield 6, cringe over Jonty's new collection of sex games, and reposition the Bioshock jar in the fridge. Plus: the thicc man of Europe, the best artillery in videogames, and anoth</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 14: Very Effective Form of Censorship</title>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 14: Very Effective Form of Censorship</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68835fd7f6d4262b076ea5db</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/48f4780c</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a first for us, this week we end up discussing a developing news story, which then further developed after we recorded on Monday night. Had we recorded after Itch also took down adult content we would probably have been less complacent and more angry. As it is, we're still pretty angry about payment processors leveraging their Victorian prudishness to censor the internet. We're also angry at the UK government, the wizard lady author, and Alice's older brother - but that's sort of not his fault.</p><p>In happier news, we're <em>not</em> angry at the game discovery app Ludocene, which is actually good, or you, the listeners, who have sent in some nice messages. We welcome further messages, which you can send to us at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2062430/BALL_x_PIT/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bollocks Pit</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Steam took down a bunch of sexy games, which <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/australian-anti-porn-group-claims-responsibility-for-steams-new-censorship-rules-in-victory-against-porn-sick-brain-rotted-pedo-gamer-fetishists-and-things-only-get-weirder-from-there/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a tedious pressure group</a> claimed responsibility for. Waypoint took down a couple of <a href="https://archive.ph/USxe6" rel="noopener noreferrer">articles</a> about that, <a href="https://aftermath.site/waypoint-quit-steam-vice" rel="noopener noreferrer">which Streisand-effected Waypoint into near oblivion</a>. After we recorded, <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/itchio-has-deindexed-all-adult-nsfw-content-following-scrutiny-from-payment-processors" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch delisted anything tagged to indicate it had adult content</a> while it audits everything. Consider all this also in the context of, for example, the UK's tedious and ill-conceived Online Safety Act, which is why you have to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/704468/bluesky-age-verification-uk-online-safety-act" rel="noopener noreferrer">give BlueSky your picture</a> and <a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2024/legislation-regulation/online-safety-act-obligations-spark-concern-among-small-sites" rel="noopener noreferrer">niche cycling forums have closed</a>.</p><p>In better news, <a href="https://www.ludocene.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ludocene</a>, the game discovery app in testing right now, is good! Alice endorses it.</p><br><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends the YouTube channel '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BMCC1967" rel="noopener noreferrer">British Movie Commentary Collection</a>', which is exactly what it sounds like. Alice recommends the sitcom <a href="https://youtu.be/ToB7-VhV_as" rel="noopener noreferrer">Such Brave Girls</a> (also please send her pictures of your miniature painting).</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a first for us, this week we end up discussing a developing news story, which then further developed after we recorded on Monday night. Had we recorded after Itch also took down adult content we would probably have been less complacent and more angry. As it is, we're still pretty angry about payment processors leveraging their Victorian prudishness to censor the internet. We're also angry at the UK government, the wizard lady author, and Alice's older brother - but that's sort of not his fault.</p><p>In happier news, we're <em>not</em> angry at the game discovery app Ludocene, which is actually good, or you, the listeners, who have sent in some nice messages. We welcome further messages, which you can send to us at <a href="mailto:totalplaytimepod@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">totalplaytimepod@gmail.com</a>.</p><br><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Games!</p><br><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2062430/BALL_x_PIT/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bollocks Pit</a>.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Steam took down a bunch of sexy games, which <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/australian-anti-porn-group-claims-responsibility-for-steams-new-censorship-rules-in-victory-against-porn-sick-brain-rotted-pedo-gamer-fetishists-and-things-only-get-weirder-from-there/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a tedious pressure group</a> claimed responsibility for. Waypoint took down a couple of <a href="https://archive.ph/USxe6" rel="noopener noreferrer">articles</a> about that, <a href="https://aftermath.site/waypoint-quit-steam-vice" rel="noopener noreferrer">which Streisand-effected Waypoint into near oblivion</a>. After we recorded, <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/itchio-has-deindexed-all-adult-nsfw-content-following-scrutiny-from-payment-processors" rel="noopener noreferrer">Itch delisted anything tagged to indicate it had adult content</a> while it audits everything. Consider all this also in the context of, for example, the UK's tedious and ill-conceived Online Safety Act, which is why you have to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/704468/bluesky-age-verification-uk-online-safety-act" rel="noopener noreferrer">give BlueSky your picture</a> and <a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2024/legislation-regulation/online-safety-act-obligations-spark-concern-among-small-sites" rel="noopener noreferrer">niche cycling forums have closed</a>.</p><p>In better news, <a href="https://www.ludocene.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ludocene</a>, the game discovery app in testing right now, is good! Alice endorses it.</p><br><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends the YouTube channel '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BMCC1967" rel="noopener noreferrer">British Movie Commentary Collection</a>', which is exactly what it sounds like. Alice recommends the sitcom <a href="https://youtu.be/ToB7-VhV_as" rel="noopener noreferrer">Such Brave Girls</a> (also please send her pictures of your miniature painting).</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:43:35 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/48f4780c/0262a790.mp3" length="60140347" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3759</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In a first for us, this week we end up discussing a developing news story, which then further developed after we recorded on Monday night. Had we recorded after Itch also took down adult content we would probably have been less complacent and more angry. As it is, we're still pretty angry about payment processors leveraging their Victorian prudishness to censor the internet. We're also angry at the UK government, the wizard lady author, and Alice's older brother - but that's sort of not his fault.In happier news, we're not angry at the game discovery app Ludocene, which is actually good, or you, the listeners, who have sent in some nice messages. We welcome further messages, which you can send to us at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Games!Bollocks Pit.Links!Steam took down a bunch of sexy games, which a tedious pressure group claimed responsibility for. Waypoint took down a couple of articles about that, which Streisand-effected Waypoint into near oblivion. After we recorded, Itch delisted anything tagged to indicate it had adult content while it audits everything. Consider all this also in the context of, for example, the UK's tedious and ill-conceived Online Safety Act, which is why you have to give BlueSky your picture and niche cycling forums have closed.In better news, Ludocene, the game discovery app in testing right now, is good! Alice endorses it.RecommendationsJonty recommends the YouTube channel 'British Movie Commentary Collection', which is exactly what it sounds like. Alice recommends the sitcom Such Brave Girls (also please send her pictures of your miniature painting). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In a first for us, this week we end up discussing a developing news story, which then further developed after we recorded on Monday night. Had we recorded after Itch also took down adult content we would probably have been less complacent and more angry. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 13: Can't Live Without A Grunger</title>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 13: Can't Live Without A Grunger</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68702b95fe0897380ea68674</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/5eb77377</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It would be nice to do an episode in which we don't talk about layoffs, wouldn't it, but it's once again the main news event so we have to. Jonty and Nate conferred to despair over Microsoft's cutbacks, consider potential comedy games, and commend some actually good news about games media. Alice is both unwell and furious, for unrelated reasons, but will return for future episodes. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Microsoft <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/job-losses-studio-closures-cancelled-games-what-we-know-about-xboxs-devastating-wave-of-layoffs" rel="noopener noreferrer">laid off another 9,000 people</a> despite their roadmap "<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-makes-significant-layoffs-across-gaming-division-xbox-boss-phil-spencer-confirms-in-memo-to-staff" rel="noopener noreferrer">never looking stronger</a>". Hat Trick are <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harveyhayman_indiedev-indiegamedev-gamedev-activity-7346586941145923585-sZ1D/" rel="noopener noreferrer">looking for comedy games</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0883qFBTDM" rel="noopener noreferrer">News Knight is regrettably still available</a>. MindsEye does not need <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mindseye-boss-reportedly-claims-internal-and-external-saboteurs-are-to-blame-for-the-studios-woes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">external saboteurs</a>. Krafton was <a href="https://krafton.com/en/news/press/krafton-announces-gaming-industry-veteran-steve-papoutsis-as-new-ceo-of-unknown-worlds/" rel="noopener noreferrer">remarkably snotty</a> about <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/krafton-suddenly-replace-three-subnautica-2-leads-with-one-of-the-execs-behind-callisto-protocol" rel="noopener noreferrer">replacing the leadership of Subnautica 2</a>. Kotaku <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/kotaku-sale-keleops-go-media" rel="noopener noreferrer">was sold</a> and Paste <a href="https://www.endlessmode.com/video-games/hi/endless-mode-its-the-new-thing" rel="noopener noreferrer">launched Endless Mode</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Dark" rel="noopener noreferrer">Perfect Dark</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/franchise/Forza" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forza Motorsport</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica 2</a> (and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/Subnautica/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica</a>). <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438990/Ark_Nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ark Nova</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Nate recommends <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_World_Rebirth" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jurassic World Dominion</a> and Jonty recommends <a href="https://lockbooks.net/products/overclocked-an-archive-of-graphics-card-box-art" rel="noopener noreferrer">Overclocked: An Archive of Graphics Card Box Art</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It would be nice to do an episode in which we don't talk about layoffs, wouldn't it, but it's once again the main news event so we have to. Jonty and Nate conferred to despair over Microsoft's cutbacks, consider potential comedy games, and commend some actually good news about games media. Alice is both unwell and furious, for unrelated reasons, but will return for future episodes. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Microsoft <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/job-losses-studio-closures-cancelled-games-what-we-know-about-xboxs-devastating-wave-of-layoffs" rel="noopener noreferrer">laid off another 9,000 people</a> despite their roadmap "<a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-makes-significant-layoffs-across-gaming-division-xbox-boss-phil-spencer-confirms-in-memo-to-staff" rel="noopener noreferrer">never looking stronger</a>". Hat Trick are <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harveyhayman_indiedev-indiegamedev-gamedev-activity-7346586941145923585-sZ1D/" rel="noopener noreferrer">looking for comedy games</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0883qFBTDM" rel="noopener noreferrer">News Knight is regrettably still available</a>. MindsEye does not need <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/mindseye-boss-reportedly-claims-internal-and-external-saboteurs-are-to-blame-for-the-studios-woes/" rel="noopener noreferrer">external saboteurs</a>. Krafton was <a href="https://krafton.com/en/news/press/krafton-announces-gaming-industry-veteran-steve-papoutsis-as-new-ceo-of-unknown-worlds/" rel="noopener noreferrer">remarkably snotty</a> about <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/krafton-suddenly-replace-three-subnautica-2-leads-with-one-of-the-execs-behind-callisto-protocol" rel="noopener noreferrer">replacing the leadership of Subnautica 2</a>. Kotaku <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/kotaku-sale-keleops-go-media" rel="noopener noreferrer">was sold</a> and Paste <a href="https://www.endlessmode.com/video-games/hi/endless-mode-its-the-new-thing" rel="noopener noreferrer">launched Endless Mode</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Dark" rel="noopener noreferrer">Perfect Dark</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/franchise/Forza" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forza Motorsport</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica 2</a> (and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/Subnautica/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica</a>). <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438990/Ark_Nova/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ark Nova</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations!</p><p>Nate recommends <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_World_Rebirth" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jurassic World Dominion</a> and Jonty recommends <a href="https://lockbooks.net/products/overclocked-an-archive-of-graphics-card-box-art" rel="noopener noreferrer">Overclocked: An Archive of Graphics Card Box Art</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:07:33 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/5eb77377/72fc5f33.mp3" length="60124036" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3758</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It would be nice to do an episode in which we don't talk about layoffs, wouldn't it, but it's once again the main news event so we have to. Jonty and Nate conferred to despair over Microsoft's cutbacks, consider potential comedy games, and commend some actually good news about games media. Alice is both unwell and furious, for unrelated reasons, but will return for future episodes. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Microsoft laid off another 9,000 people despite their roadmap "never looking stronger". Hat Trick are looking for comedy games. News Knight is regrettably still available. MindsEye does not need external saboteurs. Krafton was remarkably snotty about replacing the leadership of Subnautica 2. Kotaku was sold and Paste launched Endless Mode.Games!Perfect Dark. Forza Motorsport. Subnautica 2 (and Subnautica). Ark Nova.Recommendations!Nate recommends Jurassic World Dominion and Jonty recommends Overclocked: An Archive of Graphics Card Box Art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It would be nice to do an episode in which we don't talk about layoffs, wouldn't it, but it's once again the main news event so we have to. Jonty and Nate conferred to despair over Microsoft's cutbacks, consider potential comedy games, and commend some ac</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 12: You're Late, Here's Your Gun</title>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 12: You're Late, Here's Your Gun</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">685dad2047311de1b60fc4bd</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d8322f1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We catch up on the undrama around Mindseye, a game that was both unexpected and unexpectedly terrible. Plus, all of us have actually been playing games this week, and Jonty has his first game of Sweeten The Deal (with poor attempts at speaking French).</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mindseye-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mindseye sucks</a>, but you only think that <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mindseye-boss-claims-games-negative-reaction-ahead-of-release-has-been-paid-for-in-concerted-effort-against-studio" rel="noopener noreferrer">because you've been paid off</a>, unlike <a href="https://www.polygon.com/news/606496/mindseye-twitch-youtube-stream-cancel-glitches" rel="noopener noreferrer">the streamers who had their streams cancelled last minute</a>. NexusMods has new, <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/nexus-mods-new-owners-promise-they-wont-monetise-the-site-to-death-as-users-panic-at-the-whiff-of-venture-capital-the-new-owners-are-here-not-sitting-in-a-distant-tower-remotely-directing-us-all-towards-some-nefarious-goals/" rel="noopener noreferrer">possibly sus owners</a>.</p><p>Games we've been playing</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Void War</a>! The <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460140/Baby_Steps_Demo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps demo</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2201320/Date_Everything/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Date Everything</a>!</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Double Fine's post on <a href="https://www.doublefine.com/news/when-was-full-throttle-released" rel="noopener noreferrer">when Full Throttle released</a>, back issues of <a href="https://subscribe.forteantimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Fortean Times</a> (also <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-grapples-of-wrath/alice-bell//9781805463436" rel="noopener noreferrer">my new book</a> is coming out). </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>We catch up on the undrama around Mindseye, a game that was both unexpected and unexpectedly terrible. Plus, all of us have actually been playing games this week, and Jonty has his first game of Sweeten The Deal (with poor attempts at speaking French).</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mindseye-review" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mindseye sucks</a>, but you only think that <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mindseye-boss-claims-games-negative-reaction-ahead-of-release-has-been-paid-for-in-concerted-effort-against-studio" rel="noopener noreferrer">because you've been paid off</a>, unlike <a href="https://www.polygon.com/news/606496/mindseye-twitch-youtube-stream-cancel-glitches" rel="noopener noreferrer">the streamers who had their streams cancelled last minute</a>. NexusMods has new, <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/nexus-mods-new-owners-promise-they-wont-monetise-the-site-to-death-as-users-panic-at-the-whiff-of-venture-capital-the-new-owners-are-here-not-sitting-in-a-distant-tower-remotely-directing-us-all-towards-some-nefarious-goals/" rel="noopener noreferrer">possibly sus owners</a>.</p><p>Games we've been playing</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Void War</a>! The <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2460140/Baby_Steps_Demo/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps demo</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2201320/Date_Everything/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Date Everything</a>!</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Double Fine's post on <a href="https://www.doublefine.com/news/when-was-full-throttle-released" rel="noopener noreferrer">when Full Throttle released</a>, back issues of <a href="https://subscribe.forteantimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Fortean Times</a> (also <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-grapples-of-wrath/alice-bell//9781805463436" rel="noopener noreferrer">my new book</a> is coming out). </p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/5d8322f1/71638613.mp3" length="86297894" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>5394</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>We catch up on the undrama around Mindseye, a game that was both unexpected and unexpectedly terrible. Plus, all of us have actually been playing games this week, and Jonty has his first game of Sweeten The Deal (with poor attempts at speaking French).You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Mindseye sucks, but you only think that because you've been paid off, unlike the streamers who had their streams cancelled last minute. NexusMods has new, possibly sus owners.Games we've been playingPromise Mascot Agency! Void War! The Baby Steps demo! Date Everything!RecommendationsDouble Fine's post on when Full Throttle released, back issues of The Fortean Times (also my new book is coming out).  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>We catch up on the undrama around Mindseye, a game that was both unexpected and unexpectedly terrible. Plus, all of us have actually been playing games this week, and Jonty has his first game of Sweeten The Deal (with poor attempts at speaking French).You</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 11: The Weekend Showcase Showcase</title>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 11: The Weekend Showcase Showcase</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">684adfdf1c97ce2ed1fb423a</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f43492a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>We're all thoroughly exhausted from Keigh 3, a weekend containing an interminable number of videogame presentations. Join us as we navigate what actually happened at Summer Game Fest, State Of Play, the Xbox Showcase, et al. There are several games we liked!</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Jonters has summarised the big three <a href="https://www.screen-grab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p><p>From State Of Play: Pragmata, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1281040/Baby_Steps/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3768760/007_First_Light/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jams Bend Fist Light</a>, the <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2800080/Thief_VR_Legacy_of_shadow/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PSVR Thief game</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/Hirogami/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hirogami</a>.</p><p>From Jeff Fest: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3763840/Felt_That_Boxing/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Felt That</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3788800/Atomic_Heart_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atomic Heart 2</a></p><p>From the Xbox Showcase: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">There Are No Ghosts At The Grand</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clockwork Revolution</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Outer Worlds 2</a>.</p><p>Elsewhere this weekend: <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/sim/leaving-fallen-london-how-failbetter-games-spent-several-years-growing-hope-and-discovering-the-art-of-the-possible-in-their-new-eldritch-farming-sim/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mandrake</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1478500/Big_Walk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Big Walk</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1601570/The_Alters/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Alters</a>.</p><p>Games we've been playing</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2714620/Duck_Detective_The_Ghost_of_Glamping/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Duck Detective: The Ghost Of Glamping</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2333240/Logic_Town/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logic Town</a>, Squeakross, Boltgun - Words Of Vengeance, Vampire Survivors.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty has recommended a fishy pasta recipe, and for details you will have to listen to the episode. Alice recommends the artist <a href="https://www.abistevens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Abi Stevens</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>We're all thoroughly exhausted from Keigh 3, a weekend containing an interminable number of videogame presentations. Join us as we navigate what actually happened at Summer Game Fest, State Of Play, the Xbox Showcase, et al. There are several games we liked!</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Jonters has summarised the big three <a href="https://www.screen-grab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p><p>From State Of Play: Pragmata, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1281040/Baby_Steps/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Baby Steps</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3768760/007_First_Light/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jams Bend Fist Light</a>, the <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2800080/Thief_VR_Legacy_of_shadow/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PSVR Thief game</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/Hirogami/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hirogami</a>.</p><p>From Jeff Fest: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3764200/Resident_Evil_Requiem/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resident Evil Requiem</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3763840/Felt_That_Boxing/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Felt That</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3788800/Atomic_Heart_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atomic Heart 2</a></p><p>From the Xbox Showcase: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">There Are No Ghosts At The Grand</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3725190/There_Are_No_Ghosts_at_the_Grand/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clockwork Revolution</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Outer Worlds 2</a>.</p><p>Elsewhere this weekend: <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/sim/leaving-fallen-london-how-failbetter-games-spent-several-years-growing-hope-and-discovering-the-art-of-the-possible-in-their-new-eldritch-farming-sim/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mandrake</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1478500/Big_Walk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Big Walk</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1601570/The_Alters/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Alters</a>.</p><p>Games we've been playing</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2714620/Duck_Detective_The_Ghost_of_Glamping/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Duck Detective: The Ghost Of Glamping</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2333240/Logic_Town/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logic Town</a>, Squeakross, Boltgun - Words Of Vengeance, Vampire Survivors.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty has recommended a fishy pasta recipe, and for details you will have to listen to the episode. Alice recommends the artist <a href="https://www.abistevens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Abi Stevens</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1f43492a/27edb569.mp3" length="58870579" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3680</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>We're all thoroughly exhausted from Keigh 3, a weekend containing an interminable number of videogame presentations. Join us as we navigate what actually happened at Summer Game Fest, State Of Play, the Xbox Showcase, et al. There are several games we liked!You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Jonters has summarised the big three here.From State Of Play: Pragmata, Baby Steps, Jams Bend Fist Light, the PSVR Thief game, Hirogami.From Jeff Fest: Resident Evil Requiem, Felt That, Atomic Heart 2From the Xbox Showcase: There Are No Ghosts At The Grand, Clockwork Revolution, The Outer Worlds 2.Elsewhere this weekend: Mandrake, Big Walk, The Alters.Games we've been playingDuck Detective: The Ghost Of Glamping, Logic Town, Squeakross, Boltgun - Words Of Vengeance, Vampire Survivors.RecommendationsJonty has recommended a fishy pasta recipe, and for details you will have to listen to the episode. Alice recommends the artist Abi Stevens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>We're all thoroughly exhausted from Keigh 3, a weekend containing an interminable number of videogame presentations. Join us as we navigate what actually happened at Summer Game Fest, State Of Play, the Xbox Showcase, et al. There are several games we lik</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 10: Bespoke Farm-To-Table Art Theft</title>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 10: Bespoke Farm-To-Table Art Theft</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6838a00a964166a365c92004</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/24cab624</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we, despite all being busted, discuss Palworld's woes, Marathons woes, and also the philosophical question of what it means to be a 'beasted butler'. Plus! Jonty has been playing Helldivers II and getting grit in his shower (the two events are unrelated).</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>They're <a href="https://www.mvfreedom.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">making an Elden Ring movie</a>! Unfortunately <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/70-of-games-with-online-requirements-are-doomed-according-to-stop-killing-games-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer">online games are doomed</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworlds-newest-patch-stops-you-from-gliding-with-your-pals-and-yes-it-is-because-of-nintendos-lawsuit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Palworld has responded</a> to Ninty's impending copyright claim (also at <a href="https://gamesfray.com/pocketpair-presents-moving-target-challenge-to-nintendos-patent-assertions-which-annoy-gamers-but-may-ultimately-make-zero-impact/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GamesFray</a>, the author apparently being a Trump fan with a Libertarian streak). What's <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/05/17/new-marathon-info-bungie-morale-launch-worries-and-changing-plans/" rel="noopener noreferrer">going on with Marathon</a>? Bungie admit to <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bungie-admits-marathon-includes-artwork-used-without-permission" rel="noopener noreferrer">taking at least one artist's work</a> and the rumour is that Marathon needs to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL84qxriu6c&amp;t=1354s" rel="noopener noreferrer">a top-5-of-the-year game</a> to be considered a success.</p><p>Games we talked about</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/HELLDIVERS_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Helldivers 2</a>. <a href="https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hearthstone</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1839810/Out_Of_Hands/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Out Of Hands</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>GBOL having adventures in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4upnkon36Y" rel="noopener noreferrer">All The Gear</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weRj6pjxJR8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everyone Is Wrong About The Lamentus</a>, and <a href="https://www.mvfreedom.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MV Freedom</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week we, despite all being busted, discuss Palworld's woes, Marathons woes, and also the philosophical question of what it means to be a 'beasted butler'. Plus! Jonty has been playing Helldivers II and getting grit in his shower (the two events are unrelated).</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>They're <a href="https://www.mvfreedom.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">making an Elden Ring movie</a>! Unfortunately <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/70-of-games-with-online-requirements-are-doomed-according-to-stop-killing-games-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer">online games are doomed</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/palworlds-newest-patch-stops-you-from-gliding-with-your-pals-and-yes-it-is-because-of-nintendos-lawsuit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Palworld has responded</a> to Ninty's impending copyright claim (also at <a href="https://gamesfray.com/pocketpair-presents-moving-target-challenge-to-nintendos-patent-assertions-which-annoy-gamers-but-may-ultimately-make-zero-impact/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GamesFray</a>, the author apparently being a Trump fan with a Libertarian streak). What's <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/05/17/new-marathon-info-bungie-morale-launch-worries-and-changing-plans/" rel="noopener noreferrer">going on with Marathon</a>? Bungie admit to <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bungie-admits-marathon-includes-artwork-used-without-permission" rel="noopener noreferrer">taking at least one artist's work</a> and the rumour is that Marathon needs to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL84qxriu6c&amp;t=1354s" rel="noopener noreferrer">a top-5-of-the-year game</a> to be considered a success.</p><p>Games we talked about</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/HELLDIVERS_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Helldivers 2</a>. <a href="https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/en-gb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hearthstone</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1839810/Out_Of_Hands/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Out Of Hands</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>GBOL having adventures in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4upnkon36Y" rel="noopener noreferrer">All The Gear</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weRj6pjxJR8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Everyone Is Wrong About The Lamentus</a>, and <a href="https://www.mvfreedom.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MV Freedom</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/24cab624/39aed70f.mp3" length="61872365" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3867</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week we, despite all being busted, discuss Palworld's woes, Marathons woes, and also the philosophical question of what it means to be a 'beasted butler'. Plus! Jonty has been playing Helldivers II and getting grit in his shower (the two events are unrelated).You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!They're making an Elden Ring movie! Unfortunately online games are doomed. Palworld has responded to Ninty's impending copyright claim (also at GamesFray, the author apparently being a Trump fan with a Libertarian streak). What's going on with Marathon? Bungie admit to taking at least one artist's work and the rumour is that Marathon needs to be a top-5-of-the-year game to be considered a success.Games we talked aboutHelldivers 2. Hearthstone. Out Of Hands.RecommendationsGBOL having adventures in All The Gear, Everyone Is Wrong About The Lamentus, and MV Freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week we, despite all being busted, discuss Palworld's woes, Marathons woes, and also the philosophical question of what it means to be a 'beasted butler'. Plus! Jonty has been playing Helldivers II and getting grit in his shower (the two events are u</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 9: Grand Jeff Auto</title>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 9: Grand Jeff Auto</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">682701f6696b5d1232ee1f10</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ddb6d580</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week there was even more news about what remains of games media, and a new GTA 6 trailer following the delay of GTA 6, which itself is probably bad news for games media. It's rough out there, folks. We discuss all of these things plus Sean Bean, the joke that will kill Nate, and the GTA feature requests of the Gaming Anti-Pope. Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Will Alice ever outrun the <a href="https://www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com/the-mcu-timeline-in-chronological-order/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marvel Cinematic Universe</a>? <a href="https://x.com/clubconcrave" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pope Crave</a> accidentally <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/pope-crave-memes-conclave-vatican-news-1235334798/" rel="noopener noreferrer">became a real media outlet</a>. <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/join?slug=giant-bomb-is-now-100-independent&amp;typeId=1100&amp;id=6514" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giant Bomb bought Giant Bomb</a> in an all-Jeff transaction. Jeff Prime <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jeffgerstmann.com/post/3lo5jbucnoc2c" rel="noopener noreferrer">saluted Kinda Funny</a>. Polygon was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/660635/polygon-valnet-vox-media-new-owner-interview" rel="noopener noreferrer">bought by Valnet</a>, which is <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/valnet-labor-lawsuit-hassan-youssef-digital-media-sweat-shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer">probably bad</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQRLujxTm3c" rel="noopener noreferrer">The GTA 6 trailer</a> came out and it wasn't on the <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/gta-6-fans-are-convinced-that-a-new-trailer-is-going-to-release-on-december-27-because-the-moon-and-a-license-plate-told-them-so/" rel="noopener noreferrer">date predicted</a>.The <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/VI" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTA 6 website</a> contains enough material for like five different magazine cover features, we used to be a country. Do not become <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ambrosiaplease.bsky.social/post/3loj5zesrmc2k" rel="noopener noreferrer">addicted to Latinas</a>. Jonty <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/revenge-of-the-savage-planet-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reviewed Revenge of the Savage Planet</a>. <a href="https://www.qanonanonymous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qanon Anonymous</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1158310/Crusader_Kings_III/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crusader Kings 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2787320/Revenge_of_the_Savage_Planet/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Revenge of the Savage Planet</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/301280/Skin_Deep/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skin Deep</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations:</p><p>Alice recommends <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA-w2aWeOgU" rel="noopener noreferrer">The failure of Pop Quiz Hotshot</a>, Jonty recommends <a href="https://circuitgallery.com/artists/alejandro-cartagena/carpoolers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carpoolers </a>by <a href="https://web.alejandrocartagena.com/project-type/projects/?slug=carpoolers-4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alejandro Cartagena</a>, Nate recommends <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5czcqWtwZb5btfWWvWTmgZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Floozies</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X2cD6Y4zRNwn8ZkYPHKe6" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marvel Years</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6o52orvClP7ba1qV4zMVlg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moon Tricks</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week there was even more news about what remains of games media, and a new GTA 6 trailer following the delay of GTA 6, which itself is probably bad news for games media. It's rough out there, folks. We discuss all of these things plus Sean Bean, the joke that will kill Nate, and the GTA feature requests of the Gaming Anti-Pope. Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Will Alice ever outrun the <a href="https://www.bigglasgowcomicpage.com/the-mcu-timeline-in-chronological-order/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marvel Cinematic Universe</a>? <a href="https://x.com/clubconcrave" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pope Crave</a> accidentally <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/pope-crave-memes-conclave-vatican-news-1235334798/" rel="noopener noreferrer">became a real media outlet</a>. <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/join?slug=giant-bomb-is-now-100-independent&amp;typeId=1100&amp;id=6514" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giant Bomb bought Giant Bomb</a> in an all-Jeff transaction. Jeff Prime <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jeffgerstmann.com/post/3lo5jbucnoc2c" rel="noopener noreferrer">saluted Kinda Funny</a>. Polygon was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/660635/polygon-valnet-vox-media-new-owner-interview" rel="noopener noreferrer">bought by Valnet</a>, which is <a href="https://www.thewrap.com/valnet-labor-lawsuit-hassan-youssef-digital-media-sweat-shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer">probably bad</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQRLujxTm3c" rel="noopener noreferrer">The GTA 6 trailer</a> came out and it wasn't on the <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/gta-6-fans-are-convinced-that-a-new-trailer-is-going-to-release-on-december-27-because-the-moon-and-a-license-plate-told-them-so/" rel="noopener noreferrer">date predicted</a>.The <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/VI" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTA 6 website</a> contains enough material for like five different magazine cover features, we used to be a country. Do not become <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ambrosiaplease.bsky.social/post/3loj5zesrmc2k" rel="noopener noreferrer">addicted to Latinas</a>. Jonty <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/revenge-of-the-savage-planet-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer">reviewed Revenge of the Savage Planet</a>. <a href="https://www.qanonanonymous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qanon Anonymous</a>.</p><br><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1158310/Crusader_Kings_III/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crusader Kings 3</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2787320/Revenge_of_the_Savage_Planet/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Revenge of the Savage Planet</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/301280/Skin_Deep/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skin Deep</a>.</p><br><p>Recommendations:</p><p>Alice recommends <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA-w2aWeOgU" rel="noopener noreferrer">The failure of Pop Quiz Hotshot</a>, Jonty recommends <a href="https://circuitgallery.com/artists/alejandro-cartagena/carpoolers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carpoolers </a>by <a href="https://web.alejandrocartagena.com/project-type/projects/?slug=carpoolers-4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alejandro Cartagena</a>, Nate recommends <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5czcqWtwZb5btfWWvWTmgZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Floozies</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X2cD6Y4zRNwn8ZkYPHKe6" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marvel Years</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6o52orvClP7ba1qV4zMVlg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moon Tricks</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 10:14:30 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ddb6d580/a4ebae4b.mp3" length="70039253" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4378</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week there was even more news about what remains of games media, and a new GTA 6 trailer following the delay of GTA 6, which itself is probably bad news for games media. It's rough out there, folks. We discuss all of these things plus Sean Bean, the joke that will kill Nate, and the GTA feature requests of the Gaming Anti-Pope. Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Will Alice ever outrun the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Pope Crave accidentally became a real media outlet. Giant Bomb bought Giant Bomb in an all-Jeff transaction. Jeff Prime saluted Kinda Funny. Polygon was bought by Valnet, which is probably bad. The GTA 6 trailer came out and it wasn't on the date predicted.The GTA 6 website contains enough material for like five different magazine cover features, we used to be a country. Do not become addicted to Latinas. Jonty reviewed Revenge of the Savage Planet. Qanon Anonymous.Games!Crusader Kings 3, Revenge of the Savage Planet and Skin Deep.Recommendations:Alice recommends The failure of Pop Quiz Hotshot, Jonty recommends Carpoolers by Alejandro Cartagena, Nate recommends The Floozies, Marvel Years and Moon Tricks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week there was even more news about what remains of games media, and a new GTA 6 trailer following the delay of GTA 6, which itself is probably bad news for games media. It's rough out there, folks. We discuss all of these things plus Sean Bean, the </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 8: Revenge Of The Ouibs</title>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 8: Revenge Of The Ouibs</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">68138b186ac0e5213be75fa6</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/694a5039</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The internet briefly tore itself apart over how good games are allowed to be, most specifically Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kylegaddo.bsky.social/post/3lnq3cllzkc2k" rel="noopener noreferrer">a French JRPG</a> (??) that everyone loves - or possibly loves too much. We discuss this, Todd Howard cucking us (and indie games) by shadow-dropping the Oblivion remaster, plus our reviews of Blue Prince and Old Skies.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>EA revealed their <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/zero-company?isLocalized=true" rel="noopener noreferrer">XCOM but Star Wars game</a> (on the 19th). Sure, whatever. The Oblivion remaster came out, but the Skyblivion folk say <a href="https://www.vg247.com/oblivion-remaster-leak-skyblivion-project-lead-stay-positive" rel="noopener noreferrer">they will continue their work</a>. Raw Fury will too, no matter how many times they <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rawfury.bsky.social/post/3lnnk4ozygk2c" rel="noopener noreferrer">have to release a game</a>! Clair Obscur is out and <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/its-official-clair-obscur-expedition-33-is-a-hit-selling-over-1-million-copies-in-3-days-and-beating-metaphor-refantazios-steam-peak-despite-being-on-game-pass/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did really well</a> and <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/clair-obscur-expedition-33/" rel="noopener noreferrer">everyone loves it</a>. (FYI the BDS movement is <a href="https://www.bdsmovement.net/news/boycott-microsofts-xbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">calling for boycotts of Xbox</a>)</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1569580/Blue_Prince/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blue Prince</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1346360/Old_Skies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Old Skies</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_growingtomatoes1.shtml" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grow your own tomatoes</a>, <a href="https://goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/supreme-court-human-rights-for-trans-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer">support trans rights</a> and <a href="https://notaphase.org/support/" rel="noopener noreferrer">charities</a>, <a href="https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/21/trans-rights-protests-held-in-uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">go to protests</a> and buy from cool trans <a href="https://www.beastlybeverages.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">businesses</a>, <a href="https://gocreate.fun/" rel="noopener noreferrer">creators</a>, <a href="https://www.caileansteed.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">authors </a>and <a href="https://roseschmits.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">artists</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The internet briefly tore itself apart over how good games are allowed to be, most specifically Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kylegaddo.bsky.social/post/3lnq3cllzkc2k" rel="noopener noreferrer">a French JRPG</a> (??) that everyone loves - or possibly loves too much. We discuss this, Todd Howard cucking us (and indie games) by shadow-dropping the Oblivion remaster, plus our reviews of Blue Prince and Old Skies.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>EA revealed their <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/zero-company?isLocalized=true" rel="noopener noreferrer">XCOM but Star Wars game</a> (on the 19th). Sure, whatever. The Oblivion remaster came out, but the Skyblivion folk say <a href="https://www.vg247.com/oblivion-remaster-leak-skyblivion-project-lead-stay-positive" rel="noopener noreferrer">they will continue their work</a>. Raw Fury will too, no matter how many times they <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rawfury.bsky.social/post/3lnnk4ozygk2c" rel="noopener noreferrer">have to release a game</a>! Clair Obscur is out and <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/its-official-clair-obscur-expedition-33-is-a-hit-selling-over-1-million-copies-in-3-days-and-beating-metaphor-refantazios-steam-peak-despite-being-on-game-pass/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did really well</a> and <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/clair-obscur-expedition-33/" rel="noopener noreferrer">everyone loves it</a>. (FYI the BDS movement is <a href="https://www.bdsmovement.net/news/boycott-microsofts-xbox" rel="noopener noreferrer">calling for boycotts of Xbox</a>)</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1569580/Blue_Prince/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blue Prince</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1346360/Old_Skies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Old Skies</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_growingtomatoes1.shtml" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grow your own tomatoes</a>, <a href="https://goodlawproject.org/crowdfunder/supreme-court-human-rights-for-trans-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer">support trans rights</a> and <a href="https://notaphase.org/support/" rel="noopener noreferrer">charities</a>, <a href="https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/04/21/trans-rights-protests-held-in-uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">go to protests</a> and buy from cool trans <a href="https://www.beastlybeverages.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">businesses</a>, <a href="https://gocreate.fun/" rel="noopener noreferrer">creators</a>, <a href="https://www.caileansteed.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">authors </a>and <a href="https://roseschmits.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">artists</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/694a5039/9de95e4b.mp3" length="66428514" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4152</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>The internet briefly tore itself apart over how good games are allowed to be, most specifically Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French JRPG (??) that everyone loves - or possibly loves too much. We discuss this, Todd Howard cucking us (and indie games) by shadow-dropping the Oblivion remaster, plus our reviews of Blue Prince and Old Skies.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!EA revealed their XCOM but Star Wars game (on the 19th). Sure, whatever. The Oblivion remaster came out, but the Skyblivion folk say they will continue their work. Raw Fury will too, no matter how many times they have to release a game! Clair Obscur is out and did really well and everyone loves it. (FYI the BDS movement is calling for boycotts of Xbox)Games!Blue Prince and Old Skies.RecommendationsGrow your own tomatoes, support trans rights and charities, go to protests and buy from cool trans businesses, creators, authors and artists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>The internet briefly tore itself apart over how good games are allowed to be, most specifically Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French JRPG (??) that everyone loves - or possibly loves too much. We discuss this, Todd Howard cucking us (and indie games) by </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode7: Running A Marathon</title>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode7: Running A Marathon</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">680139ea1aabee4d38c5eca9</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/d769fd0a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week Jonty is away in Europe not doing counter espionage, so Alice and Nate talk about Bungie's new game Marathon, which looks fine, I guess. We discuss whether it's worth going to see the A Minecraft Movie (no). Also, Nate explains Civ 7 and Age Of Empires patches, and forces Alice to design an absurd breakfast.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Why <a href="https://www.marathonthegame.com/announcement" rel="noopener noreferrer">hello</a> <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/marathon-is-real-looks-ridiculously-stylish-has-a-release-date-and-is-getting-a-closed-alpha-this-month" rel="noopener noreferrer">there</a>, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bungie-finally-shows-off-marathon-heres-everything-you-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marathon</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/civilization-7s-next-update-will-make-food-actually-worth-investing-in-and-let-you-play-forever-if-youve-got-that-long" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ 7</a> and <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/age-of-empires-2-team-continues-to-cook-while-delivering-legendarily-long-8-000-word-patch-notes-about-the-biggest-updates-the-26-year-old-game-has-ever-had/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AoEII</a> are both getting updated. Critical support <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/movies-tv/amazons-tomb-raider-series-reportedly-dead-after-tens-of-millions-in-development-costs-resulted-in-no-script/" rel="noopener noreferrer">for Phoebe Waller Bridge</a>. No support for <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/a-minecraft-movie-director-defends-popcorn-throwing-chicken-jockey-chaos-says-viewers-just-having-a-true-party" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jared Hess</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>. It's really good!</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Nate recommends <a href="https://handiwork.games/home/the-silver-road/maskwitches-of-forgotten-doggerland" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maskwitches of Forgotten Doggerlands</a> and Alice recommends <a href="https://www.foxlanebooks.co.uk/product-page/floating-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer">Floating Hotel</a> by Grace Curtis.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week Jonty is away in Europe not doing counter espionage, so Alice and Nate talk about Bungie's new game Marathon, which looks fine, I guess. We discuss whether it's worth going to see the A Minecraft Movie (no). Also, Nate explains Civ 7 and Age Of Empires patches, and forces Alice to design an absurd breakfast.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Why <a href="https://www.marathonthegame.com/announcement" rel="noopener noreferrer">hello</a> <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/marathon-is-real-looks-ridiculously-stylish-has-a-release-date-and-is-getting-a-closed-alpha-this-month" rel="noopener noreferrer">there</a>, <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/bungie-finally-shows-off-marathon-heres-everything-you-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer">Marathon</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/civilization-7s-next-update-will-make-food-actually-worth-investing-in-and-let-you-play-forever-if-youve-got-that-long" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ 7</a> and <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/age-of-empires-2-team-continues-to-cook-while-delivering-legendarily-long-8-000-word-patch-notes-about-the-biggest-updates-the-26-year-old-game-has-ever-had/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AoEII</a> are both getting updated. Critical support <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/movies-tv/amazons-tomb-raider-series-reportedly-dead-after-tens-of-millions-in-development-costs-resulted-in-no-script/" rel="noopener noreferrer">for Phoebe Waller Bridge</a>. No support for <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/a-minecraft-movie-director-defends-popcorn-throwing-chicken-jockey-chaos-says-viewers-just-having-a-true-party" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jared Hess</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>. It's really good!</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Nate recommends <a href="https://handiwork.games/home/the-silver-road/maskwitches-of-forgotten-doggerland" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maskwitches of Forgotten Doggerlands</a> and Alice recommends <a href="https://www.foxlanebooks.co.uk/product-page/floating-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer">Floating Hotel</a> by Grace Curtis.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:27:05 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/d769fd0a/82531f48.mp3" length="57373004" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3586</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week Jonty is away in Europe not doing counter espionage, so Alice and Nate talk about Bungie's new game Marathon, which looks fine, I guess. We discuss whether it's worth going to see the A Minecraft Movie (no). Also, Nate explains Civ 7 and Age Of Empires patches, and forces Alice to design an absurd breakfast.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Why hello there, Marathon. Civ 7 and AoEII are both getting updated. Critical support for Phoebe Waller Bridge. No support for Jared Hess.Games!Promise Mascot Agency. It's really good!RecommendationsNate recommends Maskwitches of Forgotten Doggerlands and Alice recommends Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week Jonty is away in Europe not doing counter espionage, so Alice and Nate talk about Bungie's new game Marathon, which looks fine, I guess. We discuss whether it's worth going to see the A Minecraft Movie (no). Also, Nate explains Civ 7 and Age Of </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 6: Ubisoft Is Doing Fine, Why Do You Ask?</title>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 6: Ubisoft Is Doing Fine, Why Do You Ask?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">67eecd03d4b40d7b3052cf87</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/f0bc35b1</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ubisoft's latest stab-fest did really well, hurrah! But they still did that weird subsidiary plan with Tencent, hurroo. At least the official Ass Creed social media account got in a few shots. Plus: Bloodlines 2 delayed again, Game Informer is back, and we prepare to fight Gul'dan. </p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>The CWA <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-games-industry-is-broken-say-the-cwa-so-theyre-building-an-industry-wide-union" rel="noopener noreferrer">formed a games union</a>! Cool! <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/letter-from-the-editor/2025/03/25/game-informer-is-back" rel="noopener noreferrer">Game Informer is back</a>, but at what cost? <a href="https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-us-sales-march-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AC: Shadows did good numbers</a>, and so did <a href="https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1904648274675445938" rel="noopener noreferrer">this burn on Elon Musk</a>, but Ubi still <a href="https://staticctf.ubisoft.com/8aefmxkxpxwl/1uPFqvuRRej3UoemTIgVLH/18f1d055777e1b39a3f79a951452b9e1/2025.03.27_-_Press_Release_vfinal.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer">sold 25% of their best franchises to Tencent</a>, in a move that just kind of instinctively feels bad. FightinCowboy <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/your-opinion-is-worthless-to-me-an-assassins-creed-shadows-streamer-lets-people-know-where-he-stands-on-the-controversy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">going off on his Shadows stream</a>, however, felt good. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/paradox-delay-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-yet-again-because-technical-quality-is-more-important-than-sticking-to-a-date" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloodlines 2 is delayed again</a>. I first <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-preview" rel="noopener noreferrer">previewed it like 6 years ago</a>, lol.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3164500/Schedule_I/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Schedule I</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2248890/The_Beekeepers_Picnic__A_Sherlockian_Adventure/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Beekeeper's Picnic</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AC: Shadows</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends <a href="https://www.fatherjohnmisty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Father John Misty</a>, Nate recommends the Shamrock Shake, although it is now no longer available in the UK so here is its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamrock_Shake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wikipedia page</a>, and I recommend <a href="https://bertsbooks.co.uk/product/out-there-screaming/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Out There Screaming: An Anthology of Black Horror</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ubisoft's latest stab-fest did really well, hurrah! But they still did that weird subsidiary plan with Tencent, hurroo. At least the official Ass Creed social media account got in a few shots. Plus: Bloodlines 2 delayed again, Game Informer is back, and we prepare to fight Gul'dan. </p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>The CWA <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-games-industry-is-broken-say-the-cwa-so-theyre-building-an-industry-wide-union" rel="noopener noreferrer">formed a games union</a>! Cool! <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/letter-from-the-editor/2025/03/25/game-informer-is-back" rel="noopener noreferrer">Game Informer is back</a>, but at what cost? <a href="https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-us-sales-march-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AC: Shadows did good numbers</a>, and so did <a href="https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1904648274675445938" rel="noopener noreferrer">this burn on Elon Musk</a>, but Ubi still <a href="https://staticctf.ubisoft.com/8aefmxkxpxwl/1uPFqvuRRej3UoemTIgVLH/18f1d055777e1b39a3f79a951452b9e1/2025.03.27_-_Press_Release_vfinal.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer">sold 25% of their best franchises to Tencent</a>, in a move that just kind of instinctively feels bad. FightinCowboy <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/your-opinion-is-worthless-to-me-an-assassins-creed-shadows-streamer-lets-people-know-where-he-stands-on-the-controversy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">going off on his Shadows stream</a>, however, felt good. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/paradox-delay-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-yet-again-because-technical-quality-is-more-important-than-sticking-to-a-date" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloodlines 2 is delayed again</a>. I first <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-preview" rel="noopener noreferrer">previewed it like 6 years ago</a>, lol.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3164500/Schedule_I/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Schedule I</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2248890/The_Beekeepers_Picnic__A_Sherlockian_Adventure/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Beekeeper's Picnic</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3159330/Assassins_Creed_Shadows/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AC: Shadows</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends <a href="https://www.fatherjohnmisty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Father John Misty</a>, Nate recommends the Shamrock Shake, although it is now no longer available in the UK so here is its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamrock_Shake" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wikipedia page</a>, and I recommend <a href="https://bertsbooks.co.uk/product/out-there-screaming/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Out There Screaming: An Anthology of Black Horror</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/f0bc35b1/5b198f8c.mp3" length="63620282" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3977</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Ubisoft's latest stab-fest did really well, hurrah! But they still did that weird subsidiary plan with Tencent, hurroo. At least the official Ass Creed social media account got in a few shots. Plus: Bloodlines 2 delayed again, Game Informer is back, and we prepare to fight Gul'dan. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!The CWA formed a games union! Cool! Game Informer is back, but at what cost? AC: Shadows did good numbers, and so did this burn on Elon Musk, but Ubi still sold 25% of their best franchises to Tencent, in a move that just kind of instinctively feels bad. FightinCowboy going off on his Shadows stream, however, felt good. Bloodlines 2 is delayed again. I first previewed it like 6 years ago, lol.Games!Schedule I. The Beekeeper's Picnic. AC: Shadows.RecommendationsJonty recommends Father John Misty, Nate recommends the Shamrock Shake, although it is now no longer available in the UK so here is its Wikipedia page, and I recommend Out There Screaming: An Anthology of Black Horror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Ubisoft's latest stab-fest did really well, hurrah! But they still did that weird subsidiary plan with Tencent, hurroo. At least the official Ass Creed social media account got in a few shots. Plus: Bloodlines 2 delayed again, Game Informer is back, and w</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 5: Everyone Hates Sony's Leaked A.I.loy</title>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 5: Everyone Hates Sony's Leaked A.I.loy</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">67dc25a8fe6b19f2d2f7d407</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/61e4100d</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week everyone is trying to make fetch happen, from the leaked demo of an infinitely genAI small-talking NPC, to Ubisoft finally launching the rumoured Animus Hub alongside Assassin's Creed Shadows. Sometimes you just have to do something to get your manager off your back. Plus: we've been playing Wanderstop and looking at Split Fiction.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Everyone <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/leaked-internal-sony-video-uses-horizons-aloy-to-show-ai-powered-playstation-character-prototype" rel="noopener noreferrer">hates fake Aloy</a>, although Ashly Burch <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/horizon-forbidden-west-actress-ashly-burch-responds-to-sonys-controversial-ai-aloy" rel="noopener noreferrer">has a more measured take</a>. Games writers got mad <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jeremypeel.bsky.social/post/3lkfoj6o26k23" rel="noopener noreferrer">at one guy in particular</a>. <a href="https://ludic.mataroa.blog/blog/i-will-fucking-piledrive-you-if-you-mention-ai-again/" rel="noopener noreferrer">I will fucking piledrive you if you mention AI again</a> by Nikhil Suresh. Assassin's Creed Shadows is the first to feature <a href="https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/news/6yQywqDB4bRmLtXp3K0pbd/welcome-to-the-animus-hub-your-new-home-for-assassins-creed-games" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Animus Hub</a>, may God have mercy on our souls, but also we're hoping Shadows does well <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/ubisoft-reportedly-considering-fresh-business-to-own-assassins-creed-and-other-big-franchises-co-owned-by-others-like-tencent" rel="noopener noreferrer">for all our sakes</a>. The writing in Split Fiction <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/split-fiction-review-ps5/#dt-heading-games-on-books" rel="noopener noreferrer">might not be that great</a> and Josef Fares <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ai-game-development-split-fictions-josef-fares-says-developers-should-work-with-and-not-against-technology/" rel="noopener noreferrer">isn't that concerned about genAI</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2001120/Split_Fiction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Split Fiction</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2676840/No_Case_Should_Remain_Unsolved/" rel="noopener noreferrer">No Case Should Remain Unsolved</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1299460/Wanderstop/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wanderstop</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends you grow some rosemary and put it on steak, and I recommend the book <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/character-limit-how-elon-musk-destroyed-twitter-kate-conger/21224329" rel="noopener noreferrer">Character Limit</a> and the podcast <a href="https://www.qanonanonymous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">QAA </a>(for the Nth time).</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week everyone is trying to make fetch happen, from the leaked demo of an infinitely genAI small-talking NPC, to Ubisoft finally launching the rumoured Animus Hub alongside Assassin's Creed Shadows. Sometimes you just have to do something to get your manager off your back. Plus: we've been playing Wanderstop and looking at Split Fiction.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Everyone <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/leaked-internal-sony-video-uses-horizons-aloy-to-show-ai-powered-playstation-character-prototype" rel="noopener noreferrer">hates fake Aloy</a>, although Ashly Burch <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/horizon-forbidden-west-actress-ashly-burch-responds-to-sonys-controversial-ai-aloy" rel="noopener noreferrer">has a more measured take</a>. Games writers got mad <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jeremypeel.bsky.social/post/3lkfoj6o26k23" rel="noopener noreferrer">at one guy in particular</a>. <a href="https://ludic.mataroa.blog/blog/i-will-fucking-piledrive-you-if-you-mention-ai-again/" rel="noopener noreferrer">I will fucking piledrive you if you mention AI again</a> by Nikhil Suresh. Assassin's Creed Shadows is the first to feature <a href="https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/news/6yQywqDB4bRmLtXp3K0pbd/welcome-to-the-animus-hub-your-new-home-for-assassins-creed-games" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Animus Hub</a>, may God have mercy on our souls, but also we're hoping Shadows does well <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/ubisoft-reportedly-considering-fresh-business-to-own-assassins-creed-and-other-big-franchises-co-owned-by-others-like-tencent" rel="noopener noreferrer">for all our sakes</a>. The writing in Split Fiction <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/split-fiction-review-ps5/#dt-heading-games-on-books" rel="noopener noreferrer">might not be that great</a> and Josef Fares <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ai-game-development-split-fictions-josef-fares-says-developers-should-work-with-and-not-against-technology/" rel="noopener noreferrer">isn't that concerned about genAI</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2001120/Split_Fiction/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Split Fiction</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2676840/No_Case_Should_Remain_Unsolved/" rel="noopener noreferrer">No Case Should Remain Unsolved</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1299460/Wanderstop/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wanderstop</a>.</p><p>Recommendations</p><p>Jonty recommends you grow some rosemary and put it on steak, and I recommend the book <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/character-limit-how-elon-musk-destroyed-twitter-kate-conger/21224329" rel="noopener noreferrer">Character Limit</a> and the podcast <a href="https://www.qanonanonymous.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">QAA </a>(for the Nth time).</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/61e4100d/03d4b6a1.mp3" length="63493636" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3969</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>This week everyone is trying to make fetch happen, from the leaked demo of an infinitely genAI small-talking NPC, to Ubisoft finally launching the rumoured Animus Hub alongside Assassin's Creed Shadows. Sometimes you just have to do something to get your manager off your back. Plus: we've been playing Wanderstop and looking at Split Fiction.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Everyone hates fake Aloy, although Ashly Burch has a more measured take. Games writers got mad at one guy in particular. I will fucking piledrive you if you mention AI again by Nikhil Suresh. Assassin's Creed Shadows is the first to feature the Animus Hub, may God have mercy on our souls, but also we're hoping Shadows does well for all our sakes. The writing in Split Fiction might not be that great and Josef Fares isn't that concerned about genAI.Games!Split Fiction. No Case Should Remain Unsolved. Wanderstop.RecommendationsJonty recommends you grow some rosemary and put it on steak, and I recommend the book Character Limit and the podcast QAA (for the Nth time). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week everyone is trying to make fetch happen, from the leaked demo of an infinitely genAI small-talking NPC, to Ubisoft finally launching the rumoured Animus Hub alongside Assassin's Creed Shadows. Sometimes you just have to do something to get your </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 4: Digital Ownership and Discoverability</title>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 4: Digital Ownership and Discoverability</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">67c9ad9722c74795c3f8d531</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/4561edc8</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>The I've had three hours of sleep and can't think of a better title edition! This time we discuss Warner Bros. doing more redundancies and how digital ownership is an illusion. Plus! Steam Next Fest demos, and the new discoverability app everyone's talking about. And more! We've been playing Avowed, and a cool free text-based puzzle game feat. mysterious deaths.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. </p><p>Links</p><p>WB <a href="https://www.polygon.com/news/529310/warner-bros-games-monolith-productions-multiversus-studio-closure" rel="noopener noreferrer">shut down good studios</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/shadow-of-mordors-brilliant-nemesis-system-is-locked-away-by-a-warner-bros-patent-until-2036-despite-studio-shutdown" rel="noopener noreferrer">have good systems</a> in their Indiana Jones warehouse of patents. You <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/last-chance-to-download-your-kindle-books-amazon-is-killing-this-option-today/" rel="noopener noreferrer">don't own your Amazon ebooks</a>. The <a href="https://gamehistory.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Video Game History Foundation</a> is preserving games. Dominic Tarason has <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xI5NIYodtNjS_28Nt9sja5mAG1hlH4U5YMcH7XXZ_HA/edit?gid=0#gid=0" rel="noopener noreferrer">a great free games spreadsheet</a>. Ludocene is having a crack at a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludocene/ludocene-game-discovery-from-people-you-trust" rel="noopener noreferrer">different, better kind of game discovery</a>.</p><p>Games</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3176050/Cantaloupe_Chronicle/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cantaloupe Chronicle</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3138780/Do_No_Harm/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Do No Harm</a>, <a href="https://william-rous.itch.io/type-help" rel="noopener noreferrer">Type Help</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed</a>, <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/resogun/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resogun</a></p><p>Recommendations</p><p><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/beebo-russell-seattle-plane-theft-true-story-1187023/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Sky Thief</a> article on Rolling Stone; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ToddintheShadows" rel="noopener noreferrer">Todd In The Shadows</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The I've had three hours of sleep and can't think of a better title edition! This time we discuss Warner Bros. doing more redundancies and how digital ownership is an illusion. Plus! Steam Next Fest demos, and the new discoverability app everyone's talking about. And more! We've been playing Avowed, and a cool free text-based puzzle game feat. mysterious deaths.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067</a></p><p>Acast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. </p><p>Links</p><p>WB <a href="https://www.polygon.com/news/529310/warner-bros-games-monolith-productions-multiversus-studio-closure" rel="noopener noreferrer">shut down good studios</a> and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/shadow-of-mordors-brilliant-nemesis-system-is-locked-away-by-a-warner-bros-patent-until-2036-despite-studio-shutdown" rel="noopener noreferrer">have good systems</a> in their Indiana Jones warehouse of patents. You <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/last-chance-to-download-your-kindle-books-amazon-is-killing-this-option-today/" rel="noopener noreferrer">don't own your Amazon ebooks</a>. The <a href="https://gamehistory.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Video Game History Foundation</a> is preserving games. Dominic Tarason has <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xI5NIYodtNjS_28Nt9sja5mAG1hlH4U5YMcH7XXZ_HA/edit?gid=0#gid=0" rel="noopener noreferrer">a great free games spreadsheet</a>. Ludocene is having a crack at a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ludocene/ludocene-game-discovery-from-people-you-trust" rel="noopener noreferrer">different, better kind of game discovery</a>.</p><p>Games</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3176050/Cantaloupe_Chronicle/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cantaloupe Chronicle</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3138780/Do_No_Harm/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Do No Harm</a>, <a href="https://william-rous.itch.io/type-help" rel="noopener noreferrer">Type Help</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed</a>, <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/resogun/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Resogun</a></p><p>Recommendations</p><p><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/beebo-russell-seattle-plane-theft-true-story-1187023/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Sky Thief</a> article on Rolling Stone; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ToddintheShadows" rel="noopener noreferrer">Todd In The Shadows</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/4561edc8/577b6139.mp3" length="53045912" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3316</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>The I've had three hours of sleep and can't think of a better title edition! This time we discuss Warner Bros. doing more redundancies and how digital ownership is an illusion. Plus! Steam Next Fest demos, and the new discoverability app everyone's talking about. And more! We've been playing Avowed, and a cool free text-based puzzle game feat. mysterious deaths.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon. LinksWB shut down good studios and have good systems in their Indiana Jones warehouse of patents. You don't own your Amazon ebooks. The Video Game History Foundation is preserving games. Dominic Tarason has a great free games spreadsheet. Ludocene is having a crack at a different, better kind of game discovery.GamesCantaloupe Chronicle, Do No Harm, Type Help, Avowed, ResogunRecommendationsThe Sky Thief article on Rolling Stone; Todd In The Shadows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>The I've had three hours of sleep and can't think of a better title edition! This time we discuss Warner Bros. doing more redundancies and how digital ownership is an illusion. Plus! Steam Next Fest demos, and the new discoverability app everyone's talkin</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 3: The Great Review Score Debate (Forever)</title>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 3: The Great Review Score Debate (Forever)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">67b74398b6cab9efc4a6bfb2</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/39cee3be</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Our episode this week was recorded... this week! Regular episodes are back on current events schedule. We talk about techxecutives, trying to make Meta happen, and argue about review scores, as games media are cursed to do until the sun explodes. Plus! We've been playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, My Summer Car, and Spirit Swap.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast:" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast:</a> <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/former-activision-ceo-bobby-kotick-blasts-fake-lawsuits-against-us-and-riot-games-claiming-union-workers-used-harassment-claims-to-drum-up-members" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawsuits are fake</a>, <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed </a>and <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/sid-meiers-civilization-vii/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ 7</a> reactions, lol at <a href="https://www.thepoke.com/2025/02/17/bad-meta-horizon-worlds-ad-reactions/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meta's terrible ad</a>, VR devs <a href="https://www.uploadvr.com/from-quest-to-horizon-how-metas-shifting-priorities-are-affecting-developers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">don't feel great about Meta</a>, being all gamergatey <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-gamergator-rhetoric-of-historical-accuracy-has-come-back-to-bite-kingdom-come-on-the-arse" rel="noopener noreferrer">bites Kingdom Come II on the bum</a>, sorry, you're legally <a href="https://gamerant.com/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-negative-reviews-woke-response-vavra-kcd2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">not allowed to review my game poorly</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1771300/Kingdom_Come_Deliverance_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingdom Come: Deliverance II</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1592170/Spirit_Swap_Lofi_Beats_to_Match3_To/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spirit Swap</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/" rel="noopener noreferrer">My Summer Car</a>.</p><p>Recommendations:</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2011/jan/19/manifesto-simple-scribe-commandments-journalists" rel="noopener noreferrer">25 commandments for journalists, by the late Tim Radford</a> (his obit. can be found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/13/tim-radford-obituary" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>), the musical <a href="https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">And Juliet</a>, the film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMuhwVlca4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga</a>, and the documentary <a href="https://www.sky.com/watch/boyzone" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boyzone: No Matter What</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Our episode this week was recorded... this week! Regular episodes are back on current events schedule. We talk about techxecutives, trying to make Meta happen, and argue about review scores, as games media are cursed to do until the sun explodes. Plus! We've been playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, My Summer Car, and Spirit Swap.</p><p>You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><p>iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149</a></p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKW</a></p><p>RSS: <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast:" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast:</a> <a href="https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://shows.acast.com/total-playtime</a></p><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p><a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/former-activision-ceo-bobby-kotick-blasts-fake-lawsuits-against-us-and-riot-games-claiming-union-workers-used-harassment-claims-to-drum-up-members" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawsuits are fake</a>, <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed </a>and <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/sid-meiers-civilization-vii/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ 7</a> reactions, lol at <a href="https://www.thepoke.com/2025/02/17/bad-meta-horizon-worlds-ad-reactions/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meta's terrible ad</a>, VR devs <a href="https://www.uploadvr.com/from-quest-to-horizon-how-metas-shifting-priorities-are-affecting-developers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">don't feel great about Meta</a>, being all gamergatey <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-gamergator-rhetoric-of-historical-accuracy-has-come-back-to-bite-kingdom-come-on-the-arse" rel="noopener noreferrer">bites Kingdom Come II on the bum</a>, sorry, you're legally <a href="https://gamerant.com/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-negative-reviews-woke-response-vavra-kcd2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">not allowed to review my game poorly</a>.</p><p>Games!</p><p><a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1771300/Kingdom_Come_Deliverance_II/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingdom Come: Deliverance II</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1592170/Spirit_Swap_Lofi_Beats_to_Match3_To/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spirit Swap</a>, <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/" rel="noopener noreferrer">My Summer Car</a>.</p><p>Recommendations:</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2011/jan/19/manifesto-simple-scribe-commandments-journalists" rel="noopener noreferrer">25 commandments for journalists, by the late Tim Radford</a> (his obit. can be found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/feb/13/tim-radford-obituary" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>), the musical <a href="https://www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">And Juliet</a>, the film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMuhwVlca4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga</a>, and the documentary <a href="https://www.sky.com/watch/boyzone" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boyzone: No Matter What</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/39cee3be/44b28c34.mp3" length="64580336" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>4037</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Our episode this week was recorded... this week! Regular episodes are back on current events schedule. We talk about techxecutives, trying to make Meta happen, and argue about review scores, as games media are cursed to do until the sun explodes. Plus! We've been playing Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, My Summer Car, and Spirit Swap.You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-playtime/id1790845149Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jPv8y9BRzqATFT7zXRxKWRSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/6786cf573ceecdbe85eac067Acast: https://shows.acast.com/total-playtimeArtwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Lawsuits are fake, Avowed and Civ 7 reactions, lol at Meta's terrible ad, VR devs don't feel great about Meta, being all gamergatey bites Kingdom Come II on the bum, sorry, you're legally not allowed to review my game poorly.Games!Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Spirit Swap, My Summer Car.Recommendations:25 commandments for journalists, by the late Tim Radford (his obit. can be found here), the musical And Juliet, the film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and the documentary Boyzone: No Matter What. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Our episode this week was recorded... this week! Regular episodes are back on current events schedule. We talk about techxecutives, trying to make Meta happen, and argue about review scores, as games media are cursed to do until the sun explodes. Plus! We</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 2: Most Anticipated Game Things Of 2025</title>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 2: Most Anticipated Game Things Of 2025</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">67a362b0a7aa51f115747615</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f3b3fab</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's another catchup episode we recorded far too long ago! The next one will be more timely, but here we're discussing the games that we're most looking forward to in 2025. Mushrooms! Dinosaurs! Kings! Some of these games have already come out and we take no responsibility for their quality. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Jonty's picks: <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/VI" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTAVI</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2769570/Fable/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fable</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017860/DOOM_The_Dark_Ages/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Doom: The Dark Ages</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1479730/Commandos_Origins/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Commandos Origins</a>! That <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-03/video-game-predictions-for-2025-from-grand-theft-auto-vi-to-silksong?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTczNTkyNzI4MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM2NTMyMDgyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTUElZMDdUMEFGQjQwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.G8QUT2LbVY_4QAMSSgnnHB1OqBGcv939rI9lcczGAJU&amp;embedded-checkout=true" rel="noopener noreferrer">Half-Life thing</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2416450/MOUSE_PI_For_Hire/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mouse: PI For Hire</a>!</p><p>Alice's picks: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2484580/Mushroom_Musume/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mushroom Musume</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1627350/DEAD_LETTER_DEPT/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dead Letter Dept</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/Eldritch_House/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eldritch House</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed</a>! (<a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1696770/The_Mermaid_Mask/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mermaid Mask</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>!)</p><p>Nate's picks: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1295660/Sid_Meiers_Civilization_VII/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ VII</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2109770/Kingmakers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingmakers</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/801800/Atomfall/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atomfall</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2208810/Jurassic_Park_Survival/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jurassic Park: Survival</a>!</p><p>Recommendations this week are <a href="https://sbcskincare.co.uk/products/hydra-collagen-moisturising-gel?pr_prod_strat=pinned&amp;pr_rec_id=05e773bf4&amp;pr_rec_pid=6916723376171&amp;pr_ref_pid=7058995937323&amp;pr_seq=uniform" rel="noopener noreferrer">SBC Hyrdra-Collagen gel</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/st-elwicks-neighbourhood-association-newsletter-podcast/id1484451923" rel="noopener noreferrer">St. Elwick's Newsletter Association</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLYscDt0tE" rel="noopener noreferrer">Video Nasty</a>, and <a href="https://www.blankcheckpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blank Check</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It's another catchup episode we recorded far too long ago! The next one will be more timely, but here we're discussing the games that we're most looking forward to in 2025. Mushrooms! Dinosaurs! Kings! Some of these games have already come out and we take no responsibility for their quality. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.</p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><p>Links!</p><p>Jonty's picks: <a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/VI" rel="noopener noreferrer">GTAVI</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2769570/Fable/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fable</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017860/DOOM_The_Dark_Ages/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Doom: The Dark Ages</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1479730/Commandos_Origins/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Commandos Origins</a>! That <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-03/video-game-predictions-for-2025-from-grand-theft-auto-vi-to-silksong?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTczNTkyNzI4MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM2NTMyMDgyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTUElZMDdUMEFGQjQwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.G8QUT2LbVY_4QAMSSgnnHB1OqBGcv939rI9lcczGAJU&amp;embedded-checkout=true" rel="noopener noreferrer">Half-Life thing</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2416450/MOUSE_PI_For_Hire/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mouse: PI For Hire</a>!</p><p>Alice's picks: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2484580/Mushroom_Musume/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mushroom Musume</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1627350/DEAD_LETTER_DEPT/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dead Letter Dept</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1395520/Eldritch_House/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eldritch House</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avowed</a>! (<a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1696770/The_Mermaid_Mask/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Mermaid Mask</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Promise Mascot Agency</a>!)</p><p>Nate's picks: <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1295660/Sid_Meiers_Civilization_VII/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Civ VII</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2109770/Kingmakers/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kingmakers</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subnautica 2</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/801800/Atomfall/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atomfall</a>! <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2208810/Jurassic_Park_Survival/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jurassic Park: Survival</a>!</p><p>Recommendations this week are <a href="https://sbcskincare.co.uk/products/hydra-collagen-moisturising-gel?pr_prod_strat=pinned&amp;pr_rec_id=05e773bf4&amp;pr_rec_pid=6916723376171&amp;pr_ref_pid=7058995937323&amp;pr_seq=uniform" rel="noopener noreferrer">SBC Hyrdra-Collagen gel</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/st-elwicks-neighbourhood-association-newsletter-podcast/id1484451923" rel="noopener noreferrer">St. Elwick's Newsletter Association</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLYscDt0tE" rel="noopener noreferrer">Video Nasty</a>, and <a href="https://www.blankcheckpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blank Check</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/4f3b3fab/35eeb286.mp3" length="61740715" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3859</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It's another catchup episode we recorded far too long ago! The next one will be more timely, but here we're discussing the games that we're most looking forward to in 2025. Mushrooms! Dinosaurs! Kings! Some of these games have already come out and we take no responsibility for their quality. You can listen to the episode directly right here, or find it in your pod catching apps.Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Jonty's picks: GTAVI! Fable! Doom: The Dark Ages! Commandos Origins! That Half-Life thing! Mouse: PI For Hire!Alice's picks: Mushroom Musume! Dead Letter Dept! Eldritch House! Avowed! (The Mermaid Mask! Promise Mascot Agency!)Nate's picks: Civ VII! Kingmakers! Subnautica 2! Atomfall! Jurassic Park: Survival!Recommendations this week are SBC Hyrdra-Collagen gel, St. Elwick's Newsletter Association, Video Nasty, and Blank Check. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It's another catchup episode we recorded far too long ago! The next one will be more timely, but here we're discussing the games that we're most looking forward to in 2025. Mushrooms! Dinosaurs! Kings! Some of these games have already come out and we take</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 1: Everything We Missed Since We Got Fired</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 1: Everything We Missed Since We Got Fired</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6792599ed50dd45655d087ae</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/9e344eaf</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this bumper episode of Total Playtime we discuss everything* that we would have discussed if we were on air at the time, except we all** got fired*** six months ago. Where things are out of date or have changed since we recorded we have endeavoured to provide more up-to-date context in the links below. Thanks for listening!</p><br><p>*Not everything</p><p>**Two of us</p><p>***were made redundant.</p><br><p><strong>Links</strong>!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_the_Seal" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neil is a big seal</a>. <a href="https://aftermath.site/ziff-davis-ign-gamesindustrybiz-humble-buyouts" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Soft layoffs" impacted Ziff Davis</a> More recent GDC survey than the one we mention indicates <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-41-of-devs-affected-by-layoffs-in-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer">even more people are impacted by layoffs</a>. <a href="https://www.digitalfoundry.net/bonus-material-john-vs-palworld" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digital Foundry: John vs. Palword</a>. Nintendo <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/a-videogame-patent-lawyer-breaks-down-nintendos-risky-palworld-lawsuit-it-definitely-feels-like-a-punishment/" rel="noopener noreferrer">sued Palworld</a>. Swen from Larian <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/larian-boss-swen-vincke-calls-out-pretty-much-the-entire-videogame-industry-at-the-game-awards/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did a good speech</a>. Catly <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/larian-boss-swen-vincke-calls-out-pretty-much-the-entire-videogame-industry-at-the-game-awards/" rel="noopener noreferrer">initially looked like it might be AI</a> but the devs have since denied it and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/catly-developer-shares-proper-gameplay-trailer-following-ai-allegations" rel="noopener noreferrer">released another trailer</a>. Read Max's thesis that <a href="https://maxread.substack.com/p/people-prefer-ai-art-because-people" rel="noopener noreferrer">people like AI because people like bad art</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3260750/Stage_Fright/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stage Fright</a> looks cool, as did <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Outer Worlds 2</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172440/One_Move_Away/" rel="noopener noreferrer">One Move Away</a>. <a href="https://www.thewitcher.com/us/en/witcher4" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Witcher IV is happening</a>. Naughty Dog's new IP <a href="https://www.naughtydog.com/blog/intergalactic_the_heretic_prophet_announcement" rel="noopener noreferrer">looks like shit Star Wars</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/borderlands-4-looks-ready-to-drop-the-hottest-memes-of-2011-in-first-look-trailer" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4 is ready to drop the hottest memes of 2011</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations: <a href="https://bookmarkedbychris.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bookmarked by Chris</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MattsOffRoadRecovery" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matt's Off Road Recovery</a>, <a href="https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/salami-sticks/p10013720" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lidl Spicy Salami Sticks</a>, and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/skulls-an-exploration-of-alan-dudley-s-curious-collection-nick-mann/3439812" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skulls: An Exploration Of Alan Dudley's Curious Collection</a>. Find game links <a href="https://www.patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">on Patreon</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this bumper episode of Total Playtime we discuss everything* that we would have discussed if we were on air at the time, except we all** got fired*** six months ago. Where things are out of date or have changed since we recorded we have endeavoured to provide more up-to-date context in the links below. Thanks for listening!</p><br><p>*Not everything</p><p>**Two of us</p><p>***were made redundant.</p><br><p><strong>Links</strong>!</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_the_Seal" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neil is a big seal</a>. <a href="https://aftermath.site/ziff-davis-ign-gamesindustrybiz-humble-buyouts" rel="noopener noreferrer">"Soft layoffs" impacted Ziff Davis</a> More recent GDC survey than the one we mention indicates <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-survey-41-of-devs-affected-by-layoffs-in-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer">even more people are impacted by layoffs</a>. <a href="https://www.digitalfoundry.net/bonus-material-john-vs-palworld" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digital Foundry: John vs. Palword</a>. Nintendo <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/a-videogame-patent-lawyer-breaks-down-nintendos-risky-palworld-lawsuit-it-definitely-feels-like-a-punishment/" rel="noopener noreferrer">sued Palworld</a>. Swen from Larian <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/larian-boss-swen-vincke-calls-out-pretty-much-the-entire-videogame-industry-at-the-game-awards/" rel="noopener noreferrer">did a good speech</a>. Catly <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/larian-boss-swen-vincke-calls-out-pretty-much-the-entire-videogame-industry-at-the-game-awards/" rel="noopener noreferrer">initially looked like it might be AI</a> but the devs have since denied it and <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/catly-developer-shares-proper-gameplay-trailer-following-ai-allegations" rel="noopener noreferrer">released another trailer</a>. Read Max's thesis that <a href="https://maxread.substack.com/p/people-prefer-ai-art-because-people" rel="noopener noreferrer">people like AI because people like bad art</a>. <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3260750/Stage_Fright/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stage Fright</a> looks cool, as did <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1449110/The_Outer_Worlds_2/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Outer Worlds 2</a> and <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172440/One_Move_Away/" rel="noopener noreferrer">One Move Away</a>. <a href="https://www.thewitcher.com/us/en/witcher4" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Witcher IV is happening</a>. Naughty Dog's new IP <a href="https://www.naughtydog.com/blog/intergalactic_the_heretic_prophet_announcement" rel="noopener noreferrer">looks like shit Star Wars</a>. <a href="https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/borderlands-4-looks-ready-to-drop-the-hottest-memes-of-2011-in-first-look-trailer" rel="noopener noreferrer">Borderlands 4 is ready to drop the hottest memes of 2011</a>. </p><br><p>Recommendations: <a href="https://bookmarkedbychris.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bookmarked by Chris</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MattsOffRoadRecovery" rel="noopener noreferrer">Matt's Off Road Recovery</a>, <a href="https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/salami-sticks/p10013720" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lidl Spicy Salami Sticks</a>, and <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/skulls-an-exploration-of-alan-dudley-s-curious-collection-nick-mann/3439812" rel="noopener noreferrer">Skulls: An Exploration Of Alan Dudley's Curious Collection</a>. Find game links <a href="https://www.patreon.com/totalplaytimepodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer">on Patreon</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9e344eaf/c18f2c6b.mp3" length="90020676" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>5627</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this bumper episode of Total Playtime we discuss everything* that we would have discussed if we were on air at the time, except we all** got fired*** six months ago. Where things are out of date or have changed since we recorded we have endeavoured to provide more up-to-date context in the links below. Thanks for listening!*Not everything**Two of us***were made redundant.Links!Neil is a big seal. "Soft layoffs" impacted Ziff Davis More recent GDC survey than the one we mention indicates even more people are impacted by layoffs. Digital Foundry: John vs. Palword. Nintendo sued Palworld. Swen from Larian did a good speech. Catly initially looked like it might be AI but the devs have since denied it and released another trailer. Read Max's thesis that people like AI because people like bad art. Stage Fright looks cool, as did Outer Worlds 2 and One Move Away. The Witcher IV is happening. Naughty Dog's new IP looks like shit Star Wars. Borderlands 4 is ready to drop the hottest memes of 2011. Recommendations: Bookmarked by Chris, Matt's Off Road Recovery, Lidl Spicy Salami Sticks, and Skulls: An Exploration Of Alan Dudley's Curious Collection. Find game links on Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this bumper episode of Total Playtime we discuss everything* that we would have discussed if we were on air at the time, except we all** got fired*** six months ago. Where things are out of date or have changed since we recorded we have endeavoured to </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 0: Hello World!</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Episode 0: Hello World!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6786d1523ceecdbe85eb4c8f</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/313f1b8e</link>
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        <![CDATA[<p>It's a big commitment, deciding whether to listen to a new podcast, so for our first episode we're giving you a little taster. An amuse bouche but for the ears, as it were. Alice, Nate and Jon(ty) introduce themselves anew to you, our lovely little sausages, and talk a bit about what the podcast will be. Or at least what they hope it'll be. Tell us what you hope it'll be at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.</p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Recommendations this week are Ed Zitron's long rant <a href="https://www.wheresyoured.at/never-forgive-them/" rel="noopener noreferrer">about why the internet sucks and whose fault it is</a>, and Matt Levine's Bloomberg newsletter <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/money-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer">Money Stuff</a> to make heavy duty finance stuff more understandable. Plus a trio of nature recs from Nate: the Netflix documentary <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81139969" rel="noopener noreferrer">Our Oceans</a> for good whale footage, the YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ExtinctZoo" rel="noopener noreferrer">Extinct Zoo</a>, and the <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/eons-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PBS Eons podcast</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
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        <![CDATA[<p>It's a big commitment, deciding whether to listen to a new podcast, so for our first episode we're giving you a little taster. An amuse bouche but for the ears, as it were. Alice, Nate and Jon(ty) introduce themselves anew to you, our lovely little sausages, and talk a bit about what the podcast will be. Or at least what they hope it'll be. Tell us what you hope it'll be at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.</p><br><p>Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.</p><br><p>Links!</p><p>Recommendations this week are Ed Zitron's long rant <a href="https://www.wheresyoured.at/never-forgive-them/" rel="noopener noreferrer">about why the internet sucks and whose fault it is</a>, and Matt Levine's Bloomberg newsletter <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/money-stuff" rel="noopener noreferrer">Money Stuff</a> to make heavy duty finance stuff more understandable. Plus a trio of nature recs from Nate: the Netflix documentary <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81139969" rel="noopener noreferrer">Our Oceans</a> for good whale footage, the YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ExtinctZoo" rel="noopener noreferrer">Extinct Zoo</a>, and the <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/eons-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PBS Eons podcast</a>.</p><p> Hosted on Acast. See <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:32:40 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>Total Playtime</author>
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      <itunes:author>Total Playtime</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2006</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>It's a big commitment, deciding whether to listen to a new podcast, so for our first episode we're giving you a little taster. An amuse bouche but for the ears, as it were. Alice, Nate and Jon(ty) introduce themselves anew to you, our lovely little sausages, and talk a bit about what the podcast will be. Or at least what they hope it'll be. Tell us what you hope it'll be at totalplaytimepod@gmail.com.Artwork by Marsh Davies. Music by God Ribbon.Links!Recommendations this week are Ed Zitron's long rant about why the internet sucks and whose fault it is, and Matt Levine's Bloomberg newsletter Money Stuff to make heavy duty finance stuff more understandable. Plus a trio of nature recs from Nate: the Netflix documentary Our Oceans for good whale footage, the YouTube channel Extinct Zoo, and the PBS Eons podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>It's a big commitment, deciding whether to listen to a new podcast, so for our first episode we're giving you a little taster. An amuse bouche but for the ears, as it were. Alice, Nate and Jon(ty) introduce themselves anew to you, our lovely little sausag</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:keywords>videogames,rock paper shotgun,pc gaming,indie games</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>Yes</itunes:explicit>
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