Originally published on Set The Tape
If you’re a fan of video games and have ever looked into the industry, The Podqusition might be a name that you’re already familiar with. The show has been around for a long while and has covered a lot of games, but unlike a lot of gaming media, it’s not just there to talk about new games coming out and what might be fun to play.
Hosted by James Stephanie Stirling, Laura Kate Dale, and Conrad Zimmerman, the trio meet up each week to share the games that they’ve been playing, their impressions of them, and why they think it might be a fun experience to check out… or occasionally to be avoided.
However, each show also covers the news. But this news isn’t about upcoming releases, although it does include that. Instead, The Podquisition will talk about the more important issues in the gaming world, such as the predatory practices performed by large companies, systemic abuse of its work force, and generally shady stuff.
This is something that James Stephanie Stirling does on their YouTube channel, The Jimqusition, and that they’ve received a lot of backlash for over the years. The Podquisition is, in a lot of ways, an extension of the YouTube series and, just like their video content, well worth a listen to learn more about the inner workings of the video game industry. Co-host Laura Kate Dale also has a regular YouTube channel, Access-Ability, looking at the games industry with a focus on accessibility in gaming and how new processes and tech are either making things better for gamers, or making it harder.
The Podquisition definitely draws on the hosts’ other work, and there’s a lot of focus on trying to raise awareness of how the industry is massively corrupt, and how these big companies will often exploit the people they employ. But it also has a focus on queer issues too, especially due to both James Stephanie and Laura being queer trans people. In an industry and a fandom that seems to be dominated by toxic white, cis, heterosexual, able-bodied, neurotypical men, it’s a genuine delight to have a show like this that represents the voices that are often drowned out, and gives a focus to issues facing marginalised gamers.
It’s not all just serious issues though. The Podquisition is often packed with jokes, fun anecdotes, and the kind of silly humour that comes from three good friends coming together like this. Whether you’re a long time gamer, or know relatively little on the topic this is a show that will definitely help you to learn more.
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