Advertise on podcast: Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast

On Gaming the System, host Matt joins Alex and Jem to kick off a lighter episode building their “Mount Rushmore” of gaming icons. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In this episode of Gaming the System, Gem, Alex, and Matt discuss a recent Sex Roles study showing that women gamers who identify as feminists or take action for gender equality are blamed more for the sexism they experience online, especially by people with stronger sexist attitudes. They outline two studies using a League of Legends scenario involving a gamer named Lucia, where participants assigned more blame when Lucia was described as a feminist or as engaging in more extreme collective action. The hosts connect these findings to broader patterns of victim-blaming, institutional sexism, and manosphere-driven misogyny, and they explore how “feminist killjoy” fears can discourage speaking up. They share personal experiences of gendered hostility in gaming spaces, discuss “passing” and choosing battles, and reflect on how the podcast provides support and confidence while sometimes increasing visibility as a target. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

This week Jem, Matt and Alex take a look at three stories from across the games industry. Alex kicks things off with Nvidia's DLSS 5 controversy. Their latest AI graphics feature has been accused of applying unwanted filters to game visuals, including some telling changes to female characters' faces. Matt brings the receipts on Fortnite's quiet currency devaluation, despite Epic Games pulling in $6 billion last year. The conversation opens up into a wider chat about digital ownership and in-game economies. And Jem covers the ESA's new Accessible Games Initiative, asking whether standardised accessibility tags on storefronts are a genuine step forward, or just performative without the systemic change to back them up. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In part two of their “Skill Boosts from Gaming” series, Alex, Gem, and Matt discuss soft skills developed through games, focusing on resilience, teamwork, communication, empathy, and problem-solving/critical thinking. They use examples like Slay the Spire, Soulsborne games, Hades, Elden Ring, Overcooked, It Takes Two, Split Fiction, Fortnite, World of Warcraft raids, Operation: Tango, Journey, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, God of War/Ragnarök, Cozy Grove, Spiritfarer, Portal 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hitman, The Witness, Professor Layton, L.A. Noire, and Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments. The conversation covers learning from failure, process over outcomes, ego in teams, co-op communication tools like pings and shared language, bonding with strangers, and how games model empathy and effective collaboration. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

Alex hosts gem and Matt on Gaming the System to discuss, tongue-in-cheek, how gaming can help build “hard skills” that could translate to a CV. They focus on campaign/project management through clear goals, planning, progress tracking, and decision-making, citing examples like Assassin’s Creed, Sniper Elite, Stardew Valley, and Pandemic Legacy, and referencing a University of Rochester study about faster decision-making. They explore storage and inventory management through resource limits, trading, and organization in games like Tomb Raider, Skyrim, Nioh 3, Unpacking, Animal Crossing, and Enshrouded. Time management is discussed via racing challenges (Spyro), shroud timers (Enshrouded), estimating task effort, and critiques of productivity pressures. They also cover adapting to different control schemes and accessibility, comparing controllers vs keyboard/mouse and learning curves for new gamers. The episode ends by previewing a future soft-skills discussion and inviting comments. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In Part 1, Jem, Alex, and Matt explored the Women in Games Manifesto and the persistent gender gap in the games industry. In this follow-up episode, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence. Could it be the catalyst for change the industry needs, or is it making things worse? Jem shares her own experiment, asking Gemini to generate images of a "young video gamer," a "game designer," and a "CEO". The results reveal a lot about the biases baked into AI systems. The team also digs into the environmental cost of AI, the impact of data centres on water usage and hardware availability, and what it means that women are underrepresented in the AI industry too. Topics covered: AI's gender bias problem and UNESCO research on LLM stereotypingJem's live Gemini image experiment — and asking AI to explain itselfThe environmental impact of AI: water usage, graphics cards, and rising PC costsWhy women need a seat at the table in AI developmentThe case for regulation, civic engagement, and challenging AI directlyUseful links/stats mentioned: Women in Games Manifesto: womeningames.orgWomen in Games Guide — Building a Fair Playing Field - https://www.womeningames.org/downloads/36% of game developers now use generative AI daily (58% in publishing & marketing)20% of new Steam games disclosed AI use by mid-2025UNESCO (2024–25) research on gender bias in LLMs📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

This week, Jem, Alex and Matt dig into the updated Women in Games (WIG) Manifesto, originally released in 2024 and refreshed in January 2026. With women making up at least 50% of gamers but only 24–30% of the games industry workforce, the imbalance is stark. But is a manifesto enough to move the needle? In this episode we cover: What the WIG Manifesto is actually saying and who toWhy "preaching to the choir" might not be as limiting as we thinkPolicy change isn't the goal, but it is a path to culture shifts  Taking heart from Judy Heumann and Martin Luther King Jr. Is organised collective action the keyLinks & resources: Women in Games Manifesto: womeningames.orgWomen in Games Guide — Building a Fair Playing Field - https://www.womeningames.org/downloads/📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

The hosts discuss how visible identity affects prejudice and whether men are less likely to challenge toxic masculinity because they can “pass” as traditionally masculine through code switching. They explore the “crisis of masculinity,” arguing patriarchy harms everyone but disproportionately harms women, trans, and non-binary people, while wealth and power shape outcomes most. The conversation covers performative masculinity, loneliness and the incel movement as exploited vulnerability, and the idea of choosing voluntary celibacy to reduce “sex noise” and rediscover identity. They also argue that diverse media representation expands what’s possible and that gaming, through choice, multiple playstyles, and role experimentation, undermines the idea there is only one way to be a man or a person. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

This episode continues a multi-part conversation on masculinity and “positive masculinity,” focusing on who gets to define masculinity and how the concept has changed throughout history. The discussion is sparked by China’s media crackdown on “effeminate men,” framed as promoting “revolutionary culture” and official morality, and explores how gender norms can function as social and political control in authoritarian systems and beyond. The speakers compare cultural expectations across China, the US, and the UK, including how class shaped one host’s upbringing and feelings of needing to repress traits seen as nontraditional. They argue that claims of a single “natural” masculinity mirror narratives that present capitalism and other systems as inevitable, and they critique propaganda that equates masculinity with aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression. The conversation examines figures like Andrew Tate as reinforcing a hierarchy that exploits young men, and references research suggesting testosterone is linked to status-seeking rather than inherent violence. The episode connects hardening gender roles to periods of crisis and to broader political scapegoating—of migrants, LGBTQ+ people, women, and disabled people—arguing these narratives distract from inequality and protect those with wealth and power by keeping “peasants” fighting each other instead of challenging the ruling class. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

Join us as we recount an incredible evening filled with live performances of iconic game soundtracks and encounters with talented composers. From the captivating music of 'Return' and 'Disco Elysium' to Gareth Coker’s breathtaking work for 'Ori and the Will of the Wisps,' this video takes you through the sheer brilliance of video game music live in concert. Plus, hear personal anecdotes from meeting composers like Bobby from 'Baldur's Gate III,' Chris from 'Cuphead,' and Andrew Wincott from 'Baldur's Gate III' and 'The Archers.' Experience the thrill of a VIP event, the struggles of navigating a new venue, and the joy of connecting with like-minded fans. We also delve into the future of video game music in prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and explore ideas for dream concerts featuring game music classics. Don't miss this deep dive into the world where gaming and orchestral music beautifully collide. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In this episode of Gaming the System, join us as we dive into the enchanting world of live video game music performances. Our host recounts their recent experience at a world premiere concert of BAFTA-winning and nominated video game music at the South Bank Center in London, featuring compositions conducted by the renowned Austin Wintory. We also hear Matt's experience attending an Elden Ring concert at the Royal Albert Hall, discussing the immersive and transformative power of orchestral renditions of video game scores. We explore the magic of experiencing beloved game music in iconic venues, meeting composers, and the emotional impact of live orchestrations. Tune in for a detailed conversation about the significance of video game music in live events and its growing popularity. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

What does it take to turn a passion for gaming into a thriving high street fixture? In this episode, Alex and Jem sit down with Sarah and Katie, the founders of Wayfarer’s Rest in Godalming, Surrey, UK to discuss their journey from non-business backgrounds to creating a beloved community-led board game cafe. We dive into the "heart and soul" of the project. From the literal building of the counter to the never-ending sanding of the tables to the quirks of launching a business in a male-dominated industry and the hidden gotcha's of success. Sarah and Katie share that 'impossible' is not in their vocabulary and how they’ve built a space where everyone is welcome to join the game. In this episode, we discuss: The Power of Community: How Wayfarer’s Rest has become a firm fixture on the local high street in just seven months. Gaming Roots: The joys of finding chosen family through board gaming, tabletop gaming and D&D. The Cafe Advantage: Why board game cafes are the perfect way to "try before you buy" without dropping £50 on a new game. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop veteran or just curious about your local gaming scene, this uplifting conversation is packed with inspiration and a few recommendations for your next game night. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In this episode, we delve into some pressing issues in the gaming industry as we kick off 2026. Alex discusses the allegations of union busting at Rockstar Games, where 30 employees were dismissed under controversial circumstances. We explore the implications of AI's growing demand for RAM and GPUs, potentially causing a 'RAM apocalypse' that could drive up hardware costs for gamers. Lastly, we examine Roblox's new age verification system aimed at protecting younger users, but fraught with challenges and unintended consequences. Join us as we navigate through these complex topics and their impact on the gaming world. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In our first session recording of the year, we dive into an exciting discussion about our gaming activities over the Christmas holidays and look ahead to the games we're anticipating in the coming year. Join us as Jim shares his experiences with Expedition 33, ENS Shrouded, and Cozy Grove, while Matt recounts his time with The Outer Worlds 2 and the Dishonored series. Alex brings us her joy of playing Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments, the charming Plucky Squire, and the board game Tokaido. We also explore our gaming adventures with family, including Until Dawn and Fortnite, and reveal our most anticipated games for 2026, such as Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis and the highly-awaited Kojima horror game. Tune in for an engaging chat about our favorite games and the upcoming titles that have caught our interest! 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast

In this episode of Gaming the System, hosts Matt, Alex, and Gem dive deep into the impactful discussion of positive male role models in video games. They explore how characters like Spider-Man, Kratos from God of War, and Jin from Ghost of Tsushima portray evolving emotional intelligence and challenge traditional toxic masculinity. The conversation also touches upon how gaming can influence societal norms and the importance of nuanced characters for fostering emotional growth in both boys and men. Tune in for an engaging discourse on representation, cultural impacts, and the transformative power of compassionate masculinity. 📢 Support the Podcast! Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube! If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us: 🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content! 🔹 PayPal Donations: [email protected] 🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers! 🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨ #GamingTheSystem #GamingCulture #FeministGaming  #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames​ #GamingRepresentation #AccessibleGaming #IntersectionalGaming #GamingTheSystemPodcast