Podcasts, a digital medium that features audio (or video) episodes on a specific theme or topic and is a little like radio, are growing more popular. The Pew Research Center, reporting on research by Edison Research, informs readers on its website that the share of Americans 12 years or older who listen to podcasts has grown over the last decade. Citing the research, the center reported that as of 2023, the number who had listened to podcasts in the last month was 42%, whereas in 2013, the figure had been just 12%.
Primarily, podcasts are a form of entertainment, but they’ve become popular for all sorts of reasons. Some people want to learn. Some want to keep up to date with news and events. Some want to laugh. Some are seeking inspiration. Some prefer listening to something, rather than reading.
A world packed with variety
No matter what your interest, you’re likely to someone podcasting about it. There’s simply so much variety out there. Business, personal finance, the paranormal, politics, science, true crime, sport and more. You’re spoilt for choice.
As you’d expect then, if you’re into gaming, you’ll be able to find a gaming podcast easily. When it comes to these podcasts, there are four main types:
· podcasts that discuss and review games
· “academic” podcasts that broach gaming theory (there aren’t too many of these)
· “lore” podcasts, which explore the origins of games and try to tell their stories, and try to show the games’ impact on society
· play podcasts, which showcase games by playing them and providing tips on how to play them.
The best gaming podcasts to listen to
Gaming is growing more and more popular. In 2023, the worldwide online gaming market hit approximately $26.14 billion, according to figures on the website of consumer and market data company Statista. Advances in technology have helped to drive the popularity of online gaming. Mobile gaming, too, has had a major hand and led to the emergence of casual gamers who, although not quite as serious as console gamers, still enjoy playing games in their spare time.
If you’re a gamer and want to learn more about gaming and really immerse yourself in your hobby, a podcast is a good way to do it. Here are some of the best gaming podcasts to listen to:
Giant Bomb
The “Giant Bomb” podcast is one of the most famous podcasts out there and features a host of gaming news and reviews. The podcast also answers listeners’ questions and has interview guests on. Whereas podcasts can be relatively short, this one is long so that you can get some real value out of it.
Casino Kombat
It seems to be a convention of podcasts about casino gaming that they must have a silly name. Many players now enjoy playing casino games at one of the online casinos available and if you like a wager and can get past the podcast names, there’s a wealth of valuable information waiting for you, however. “Casino Kombat” focuses on helping you to become a better player by focusing on the core concepts of casino gaming.
No matter what your level, you’ll be able to learn something from this one. Newcomers to casino gaming can take a deep dive into the podcast and learn all about casino gaming, whereas more experienced casino game players will be able to take stuff from the high-end strategies.
Castle Superbeast
When the YouTube gaming channel “Super Best Friends Play” disbanded, some members decided they didn’t want that to be the end of their podcasting days. This laugh-out-loud podcast, by Pat and Woolie from the team, is the channel’s successor and discusses news in the gaming community. Often, the podcasters will go off-topic and bring an eccentric style of humor to the podcast, so if you like a laugh, then this is the one.
Kinda Funny Gamescast
“Kinda Funny Gamescast” is a weekly podcast and rotates former IGN podcast presenter Greg Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye and Andy Cortez. The podcast provides gaming news and reviews while also trying to live up to its name (and succeeding). Although you’re listening for the news and commentary, you’re likely to stay for the comedy from these lively personalities.
What’s Good Games
There’s a lot of nastiness and negativity out on the internet, which makes the “What’s Good Games” podcast very refreshing. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or just getting into gaming, you’ll enjoy this one. Presenters and industry veterans Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher and Kristine Steimer providing interesting, thoughtful analysis and at the same time keep the podcast light, upbeat and optimistic. The result is a relaxing podcast. It’s also one of the most accessible ones around.
Whatever your interest, podcasts are an engaging way to immerse yourself in them and learn more about them. The gaming podcasts above are all excellent, but if you find yourself looking for other options, “Game Scoop!” and “Play, Watch, Listen” are also worth tuning in to.