Triple Click
A podcast about video games, hosted by Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Schreier. New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes
How People Afford Video Games
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about how the affordability crisis is impacting gaming, reading some listener emails to talk about how people pay for games these days. Plus: we've got Steam Machines and have some thoughts. Those two topics are very related!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Steam Machine
Maddy: Balance: A Perimenopause Journey
Jason: Steam Machine
LINKS:
Strong Songs Live! July 11, Alberta Rose T
What's The Deal With: Stealth Games?
What makes stealth games appealing? What makes them suck? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about their favorite and least favorite aspects of the sneakiest drama, from 007 First Light to Dishonored and much more.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Rush
Maddy: Broomgate: A Curling Scandal
Jason: Gentoo Rescue
LINKS:
Rick Beato’s interview with Anika Nilles, and their performance of “Tom Sawyer” with Rush in LA
An ov
What's Going On At Xbox? [Mailbag]
Why is Xbox in such dire straits? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the mailbag and take some of YOUR listener questions, mostly about Xbox but also about a couple of less bleak topics.
One More Thing:
Kirk: The Boroughs
Maddy: On Together
Jason: Adventures of Elliot
LINKS:
Strong Songs Live! July 11, Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland. Livestream Tickets HERE
Help support this show and unlock bonus co
God of War, Ocarina of Time, And Other SGF Surprises
Summer Game Fest is over, and now it's time to soak in all the gaming news. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about everything, from God of War Laufey to the Ocarina of Time remake, and plenty of indies along the way.
One More Thing:
Kirk: The RecklessBen/Bricks & Minifigs Fiasco
Maddy: American Hustle (2013)
Jason: Yesteryear (Caro Claire Burke)
LINKS:
Strong Songs Live! July 11, Alberta Rose Theatre i
007: First Light and SGF Predictions
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about IO Interactive's new James Bond game 007: First Light, which is way better than any of them were expecting. But first, it's time for some hopes and predictions for next week's Summer Game Fest 2026.
*We had to republish this episode and delete the first one, so if you already downloaded it, you might see two copies. Sorry about that!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Widow's
Triple Play: Mina The Hollower
It's finally here: after six years of development, Yacht Club's Mina the Hollower has arrived. And it's a winner. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason burrow into the crevasses of this new Game of the Year contender, which smashes Zelda, Castlevania and Bloodborne to great success.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Subnautica 2
Maddy: Doomguy by John Romero
Jason: The New York Knicks
LINKS:
Jason on Yacht Club Games’ “make
Does Video-Game Marketing Really Work? [Mailbag]
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag for some questions about video-game marketing, female protagonists, what's going on at Studio ZA/UM, and much more.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Mixtape
Maddy: Knotwords
Jason: Planet Money
LINKS:
Kirk’s essay about Mixtape, and the YouTube video version
https://www.mothership.blog/irene-kohs-angel-arcade-is-about-the-fighting-game-community-emphasis-on-communit
What It's Like When Your Game Flops
Veteran game designer Nels Anderson joins the show to talk about his latest game, Generation Exile, which didn't reach the audience he was hoping to reach. Nels talks about the development challenges, what he thinks went wrong, and what's next for his company, Sonderlust Studios.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple)
Maddy: Couples Therapy (Paramount+)
Jason: London Calling (Pat
Triple Play: Saros
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy descend on the planet Carcosa to talk about Saros, the latest PlayStation 5 exclusive from the developers of Returnal. They talk about the game's difficulty, the ballet of bullets, and why it feels so good to play.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Steam Controller
Maddy: Secrets of the Bees (National Geographic / Hulu)
Jason: Like This, But Funnier (Hallie Cantor)
Help support this sho
Why Do Players Like Crimson Desert More Than Critics Do? [Mailbag]
Why have players taken to Crimson Desert when critics haven't? Is the PS4 Pro really the PS5? And is it worth going to Summer Game Fest if you're not media? All those questions and more as the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag!
One More Thing:
Kirk: Deadloch Season 2
Maddy: Summer of 69 (2025)
Jason: Beef Season 2
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Beanscast: Resident Evil Requiem [TEASER]
Maddy, Jason and Kirk return to Raccoon City for a no-spoilers-barred discussion of Resident Evil Requiem. What did they think of the story? What was Gideon actually trying to achieve? Was Zeno…. like, what was going on there? There’s so much to discuss.
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Triple Play: Pragmata
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy are playing Pragmata, a video game about being a dad in outer space. They talk about the unique hacking-shooting mechanics, the story (for what it is), and the beautiful 3D-printed world you get to explore.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Reanimal
Maddy: Matlock (the 2025 reboot starring Kathy Bates)
Jason: Titanium Court
LINKS:
Was that viral essay written by AI? https://boxobark.in
How AI Impacts Our Lives These Days
It's time for an AI check-in! Maddy, Kirk, and Jason catch up on how they're feeling about generative AI in 2026, what it's doing to creativity, how it's impacting the job market, and of course, how it's affecting video games.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Dungeon Crawler Carl (Matt Dinniman)
Maddy: Slay the Princess
Jason: American Pastoral (Philip Roth)
LINKS:
Adam Neely’s video “Suno, AI Music, and th
Should You Buy A Switch 2 Before Prices Go Up? [Mailbag]
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag to take some of your questions on all sorts of things. How do you deal with a creatively unfulfilling job? Why don't more game studios allow employees to work remotely? And is it worth buying a Switch 2 now before it inevitably gets more expensive, even if you're on the fence?
One More Thing:
Kirk: Weapons (2025)
Maddy: “Iran,” Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unk
Maybe Every Game Is 'Early Access'?
What's the deal with Early Access? What are the pros and cons? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about all the ins and outs of what it means to sell an early, unfinished game, from Baldur's Gate 3 to Star Citizen and so much more.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Contrapoints on Saw (YouTube)
Maddy: Beyond Good & Evil (2003)
Jason: Wonder Man (Disney+)
Help support this show and
Esoteric Ebb Is D&D Meets Disco Elysium
Esoteric Ebb: bad name, great game. Jason, Kirk, and Maddy dive into this new Disco-like where you play as a cleric tasked with investigating the explosion of a tea shop in a fantasy world where the voices in your head are D&D attributes. It's a lot of fun.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir) (Ray Porter Audiobook)
Maddy: 30 Rock
Jason: Void Stranger
LINKS:
“Norvik” from Esoteric E
The State of Video Game Consoles
Is it just us, or has this console generation been... weird? Kirk, Jason, and Maddy assess the current state of console gaming on the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2. They talk about diminishing returns on graphics, the huge leaps in pricing, and why it'd be bonkers if the PS6 came out next year.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Resident Evil 4 Remake
Maddy: Pokopia
Jason: Ratch
Help, I'm Getting Too Old For Hard Games [Mailbag]
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the listener mailbag to answer some of your questions! When should you let kids start playing video games? What gaming terms should be more mainstream? And what do you do when you're just too old for this shit?
One More Thing:
Kirk: Hunchback (Saou Ichikawa)
Maddy: How To Get To Heaven From Belfast
Jason: Pokopia
LINKS:
"Cereal In My Mouth," archived from dog.gawker.
Triple Play: Resident Evil Requiem
The Triple Click gang pull out their blood harvesters for a trip into Resident Evil Requiem, the latest entry in the longrunning horror-action-goofball series. They talk about playing as Grace and Leon, exploring the care center and all the shades of Resident Evil 2.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Your Name (2016)
Maddy: “The Pill” by Meg Elison
Jason: Esoteric Ebb
Help support this show and unlock bonus c
Why Phil Spencer Retired, And What's Next For Xbox
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason dive into the year's biggest gaming news so far: Xbox boss Phil Spencer retiring. They talk about what led to this big shakeup, discuss whether new boss Asha Sharma really needs to be a gamer, and try to figure out if there's any way to salvage the Xbox brand.
One More Thing:
Kirk: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO)
Maddy: Icebreakers (New Yorker documentary)
Jason: Under
Triple Play: Mewgenics
Fresh off their interview with Mewgenics co-creator Edmund McMillen, the Triple Click gang dives into the game itself. They talk about the gross-out humor, the brilliant combat, and that truly spectacular soundtrack. (All of my nights, I'm chasin' rats!)One More Thing:Kirk: Suno, AI Music, and the Bad Future - Adam Neely, YouTube/NebulaMaddy: Overwatch updateJason: Lost Lambs (Madeline Cash)LINKS:
Mewgenics Is Out, And It Only Took 14 Years (with Edmund McMillen)
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy bring on veteran game designer Edmund McMillen (Binding of Isaac, Super Meat Boy) to talk about his latest game, Mewgenics, which was first announced in 2012 (!) and is out this week. They talk about the long development cycle, why McMillen parted ways with his Team Meat partner Tommy Refenes, breeding cats, and much much more.One More Thing:Kirk: CairnMaddy: Code 3 (2025)Ja
What's The Deal With: Dragon Quest
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk dive into Dragon Quest, one of the biggest video game franchises in Japan. What's special about it? What makes it so popular? And what's the deal with this week's release, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined?One More Thing:Kirk: Where’d You Go, Bernadette (Maria Semple)Maddy: Space Warlord Baby Trading SimulatorJason: How I Met Your MotherLINKS:“I Am Jack Bauer” - Japanese 24 Adver
What's The Deal With: Mods
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about mods in video games: the history of the form, their favorite mods, and how cool it is that video games can be altered, expanded, and changed by players in all sorts of ways, from DOOM to Skyrim to explicit sex scenes in The Sims.One More Thing:Kirk: The Fireman (Joe Hill)Maddy: PlatonicJason: TR-49LINKS:Maddy’s Mothership article about people who mod games
Help su
Things Are Bad In Hollywood Right Now
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about what's been going on in the film and television business over the last few years: why Hollywood is in a scary spot, how covid affected it all, the parallels with the video-game industry, and of course, the big old AI question mark.One More Thing:Kirk: Rhythm DoctorMaddy: 2001: A Space OdysseyJason: Circe (Madeline Miller)LINKS:STRONG SONGS LIVE!! Saturday, July 11
Help, My Dog Hates My Switch 2 [Mailbag]
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag to answer your burning questions about all sorts of things, from the gambling epidemic to our favorite funny bugs. And the burningest question of all: What do you do when your dog hates your Switch 2?One More Thing:Kirk: Skate StoryMaddy: MothershipJason: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)LINKS:Subscribe to Maddy’s new website Mothership!! Drew
Our Predictions for 2026
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason go back through 2025's predictions to see who won the annual bet, then make some new predictions for the year to come!One More Thing:Kirk: The Rose Field (Phillip Pullman)Maddy: The Hundred Line: Last Defense AcademyJason: That’s Not How It Happened (Craig Thomas)PREDICTIONS: JASON:Game: Chrono TriggerGrand Theft Auto VI will have an in-game interactive version of TiktokPers
(BONUS) We Beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk have left the temple of time, set out across Hyrule, and defeated the evil Ganondorf. They can finally go back to being kids again… but will they ever truly be the same?LINKS, ETC:“Ocarina of Time End Credits” by Koji Kondo, 1998Join the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
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Our Favorite Video Games of 2025
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason cap off 2025 with a hearty discussion of the year's best games.One More Thing:Kirk: The Onion (Print Edition)Maddy: Hedda (2025)Jason: ChronoquartzLINKS:Support Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinBuy Some Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click
The Good And Bad Of The Game Awards 2025
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk through this year's Game Awards show, from the big reveals (Star Wars! Divinity!) to the Clair Obscur sweep. They talk about what the show did well, what sucked, and why they chose to end on a hero shooter. Plus: some quick thoughts on Netflix buying Warner Bros.!One More Thing:Kirk: School AnnouncementsMaddy: Masters of Doom by David Kushner (2003)Jason: Pluribus LINKS
Triple Play: Metroid Prime 4
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk put on their Varia Suits for a dive into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the latest adventure of bounty hunter Samus Aran. They talk about how this fourth entry has evolved the series, what they like (and don't like) about the game, and that dreadful desert.One More Thing:Kirk: Death By Lightning (Netflix)Maddy: Metropolis (1927), as re-edited in 1984 by Giorgio MoroderJason: Welln
Gaming's Biggest Night XII: The Revenge
Will Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sweep The Game Awards? Why was Blue Prince snubbed? And does The Burnt Peanut have a chance against Sakura Miko? This week, the Triple Click gang makes their predictions for Gaming's Biggest Night, from Game of the Year to... "Best Ongoing."One More Thing:Kirk: The Night Watchman (Louise Erdrich)Maddy: System Shock (2023 remake)Jason: MegabonkLINKS:“Flying Waters -
Which Parts of EA Would We Want To Buy?
What would Triple Click do if they had the chance to buy pieces of EA? Why do so many people talk about games before finishing them? How do patches impact the way we experience games? All those and lots more questions on this week's Thanksgiving special Burning Questions.One More Thing:Kirk: Fela Kuti: Fear No ManMaddy: Secure Boot settingsJason: 1929 (Andrew Ross Sorkin)LINKS:Support Triple Click
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Roundtable (with Tom Bissell, Liam McIntyre, & Matthew Seiji Burns)
Kirk has really been enjoying the medieval role-playing game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, but Maddy and Jason both weren't playing, so he didn't have anyone to talk to about it. Hoever, some of his non-podcaster friends were playing the game, too. One thing led to another, and they wound up recording this special episode about it.ABOUT THE GUESTS:TOM BISSELL is an author and screenwriter. He has
Dispatch Sticks The Landing
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk have played through all of Dispatch, the new narrative superhero game from a crew of former Telltale directors, and there's a whole lot to discuss. They share their thoughts on the game, disclose whether they picked Invisigal or Blonde Blazer, and talk about what makes it all work so well. First section is spoiler-free, then they get into spoilers later on!One More Thing:Kir
The RPGs of 2025 (with Cameron Kunzelman)
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason bring on special guest Cameron Kunzelman to talk about this year's suite of roleplaying games, from Avowed to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to The Outer Worlds 2. They also talk about Assassin's Creed's pivot to RPGs, what an RPG even is, and much more. Plus: Steam Machines!One More Thing:Kirk: Do The Right Thing (1989)Maddy: AnniversariesJason: King Sorrow (Joe Hill)LINKS:Cam
The Séance of Blake Manor Is A Delightful Detective Game
Jason, Maddy, and Kirk are all playing The Séance of Blake Manor, a new detective game about a spooky manor full of — OOOOOOOOHHHHH — Kirk, stop it. They talk about the game's unique time mechanic, how it plays with deduction, and of course, lots of spooky ghosts.One More Thing:Kirk: “ChatGPT Made Me Delusional” by Eddy Burback (YouTube)Maddy: The Master (2012)Jason: Strange JigsawsLINKS:Support T
Triple Play: The Outer Worlds 2
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason put on their capitalism hats and go to space for a trip to The Outer Worlds 2, the latest roleplaying game from Obsidian. They talk about how it improves upon the first game, all the fun dialogue options, and the hilarious Dumb trait.One More Thing:Kirk: Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery (Hulu)Maddy: Peacemaker S2Jason: The Seance of Blake ManorLINKS:Jason interviews The Outer
Hades 2, Keeper, Ball x Pit, and More Fall Games
It's time for a video-game grab bag as the Triple Click gang talks about some of the games they've been playing recently. They dive into Double Fine's Keeper, the new indie sensation Ball X Pit, Supergiant's Hades 2, and Absolum. Also they get derailed by the term "friendslop."One More Thing:Kirk: The Diplomat (Netflix)Maddy: The Venture Bros. (2004-2018)Jason: Workhorse (Caroline Palmer)LINKS:Sup
What Makes a Game Wear Out Its Welcome? (Mailbag)
That's right: it's another mailbag! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about the criteria of a dad game, print vs web journalism, and when you know that a video game has outstayed its welcome. Plus: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2!One More Thing:Kirk: Kingdom Come: Deliverance IIMaddy: High PotentialJason: Long Story Short (Netflix)LINKS:“May I Stand Unshaken” by D’Angelo from Red Dead Redemption 2, 2018“The
Did The Activision Purchase Ruin Xbox? (Mailbag)
Did the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard ruin Xbox? How do you build a new studio while simultaneously making a video game? And what's up with the lack of gender representation in esports? Jason, Maddy, and Kirk open up the mailbag and take some of YOUR questions on all sorts of things.One More Thing:Kirk: The Lowdown (Hulu)Maddy: Beauty and the Bester (Netflix)Jason: The Twisted Tal
EA Goes Private And We Play Ghost of Yōtei
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy convene to talk about the big news of the week — Electronic Arts going private as part of a $55 billion leveraged buyout — and what it could mean for the people involved. Then they talk about Ghost of Yotei, the latest PlayStation 5 exclusive and an open-world samurai game about exploring feudal Japan and killing ronin with a sword. It's fun! One More Thing:Kirk: Baby StepsM
Final Fantasy Tactics: It's Still Good
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason are all playing the new remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest games ever made. The gang talks about how the 1998 classic holds up today, the complexity of its systems, and all of the new features that Square Enix added for this version, like voice acting. Plus: Hades 2!One More Thing:Kirk: Hades 2Maddy: Moral Combat: Why the
Nintendo News and More Silksong
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy convene to discuss all the news in the latest Nintendo Direct, from the Super Mario Galaxy movie to a new Fire Emblem and the mysterious Danganronpa 2x2. Then: more Silksong! They talk about difficulty, opacity, and how cool Hornet is... I mean seriously. She's just so cool.One More Thing (Timestamp 46:34):Kirk: Fourth Wing & RomantasyMaddy: When the Clock Broke (John Ganz)J
Triple Play: Hollow Knight: Silksong
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk finally crack into the long-awaited Silksong, the sequel to Hollow Knight that was seven years in the making. They talk about how Silksong compares to its predecessor, the classic origin of its musical motif, and of course, why Hornet is such a badass.One More Thing:Kirk: The Cloud Roads (Martha Wells)Maddy: Elden Ring Nightreign’s four-player mod by YuiJason: The NFLLINKS:“
How Hollow Knight Became Such A Phenomenon
On this, the day of Silksong's release, it's time to go back to where it all began: Hollow Knight! The Triple Click gang talks about Team Cherry's 2017 action-adventure game, what makes it so special, and how it became a cultural phenomenon. Plus: they revisit Kotaku Splitscreen's 2018 interview with the developers of Hollow Knight.One More Thing:Kirk: Split FictionMaddy: Deep Cover (2025)Jason: T
Silksong, Metal Gear Solid, Mafia, And More
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy react to the news that Silksong will be out very soon, then talk about some of the games they've been playing, including Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Mafia: The Old Country, and more.One More Thing:Kirk: Alien: EarthMaddy: King of the Hill (2025)Jason: CrosscodeLINKS:Brett Douville’s podcast, Dev Game Club: https://www.devgameclub.com/Jason’s interview with Team Cher
(BONUS) We Solve Your Toughest Conundrums
LINKS:Plante's video game podcasts The Besties and Post GamesSupport Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinAll-New Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/
Help support this show and unlock bonus content! B
Where Is The Line For AI in Game Development?
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the mailbag to answer some of your questions! What's the ideal skill level for a video game reviewer? What's the funniest made-up video game word? And where's the line when it comes to the use of generative AI in game development? One More Thing:Kirk: The Words of Radiance (Brandon Sanderson)Maddy: Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen, and Girlbosses Against Liberatio
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Is Still Magic
Maddy, Jason, and Kirk whip out their ocarinas for a trip to the past in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the 1998 masterpiece that set a new bar for 3D video games. They talk about how it holds up in 2025, how it set a blueprint for Breath of the Wild, and how Link got adult clothes after seven years in cryostasis.One More Thing:Kirk: Process: A Novel (Matthew Seiji Burns)Maddy: KPop Demon H
Before You Play That Game, Ask Mastercard For Permission
Before we play video games, it's important to get consent from relevant parties, such as Visa and Mastercard. This week, the Triple Click gang talks about payment processor censorship, Xbox layoffs, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's wild emails, and much more. Plus: the newfound relevance of South Park.One More Thing:Kirk: Star Trek: Lower DecksMaddy: PeakJason: South ParkLINKS:Tyler Foggott in the Ne
Triple Play: Donkey Kong Bananza
OH, BANANA! Kirk, Jason, and Maddy punch through some rocks for Donkey Kong Bananza, the first big single-player Switch 2 exclusive and the latest game from the team behind Super Mario Odyssey. They talk about its delightful design tricks, how much fun it is to smash up the world, and whether it's a worthy successor to Odyssey.One More Thing:Kirk: Children of Time (Adrien Tchaikovsky)Maddy: The Dr
How Old is Link? (And Other Important Questions, LIVE from Portland)
LIVE from Portland, it's Triple Click! Kirk, Maddy, and Jason reach into the Gamer hat and answer some audience questions. It gets a little off the rails.
Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/jointripleclick🚀 SUPPORT TRIPLE CLICK:Join Maximum Fun | Buy TC Merch💬 JOIN THE TRIPLE CLICK DISCORD🎮 Triple Click Ethics Policy📱 SOCIALS | @triplec
Should You Get A Switch Or Switch 2?
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy open up the mailbag for some of your burning questions. Should a family that's never gotten a Switch before get a Switch 1 or Switch 2? Is it ethical to play online games on private servers? And can Outer Worlds 2 really critique capitalism while being made by one of the world's biggest corporations?One More Thing:Kirk: Birnam Wood (Eleanor Catton)Maddy: Gaming pillow from M
Writing Video Games and Andor (with Tom Bissell)
Triple Click brings on Tom Bissell, writer of video games, books, TV shows and the final three episodes of Andor season 2. They talk about how he went from reporting in Iraq to writing dialogue for Battlefield, his journey to become a writer on Andor, and what it was like to pen the conclusion to one of the most acclaimed TV shows of all time.One More Thing:Kirk: James (Percival Everett)Maddy: Met
Triple Play: Death Stranding 2
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason take their Kas to the Beach for a trip through Hideo Kojima's latest action game, Death Stranding 2. They talk about the changes from the first game, the quirks of the story, and what it's like to build ladders and roads across Mexico, Australia, and more.One More Thing:Kirk: A Complete Unknown (2024)Maddy: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (I finished it)Jason: Ninth House (Leigh
Date Everything! (with Ray Chase)
Kirk, Jason, and Maddy bring on special guest Ray Chase (Final Fantasy XV, Play Nice) to talk about his experiences as a voice actor and his new game, Date Everything! Ray talks about how he came up with the game, the seven-year saga of building it, and how it's so much more than a romance simulator.One More Thing:Kirk: The Eyre Affair (Jasper Fforde)Maddy: I quit Polygon lolJason: Marble Hall Mur
Summer Game Fest, Switch 2 Impressions
Maddy and Jason are home from Summer Game Fest, where they played a bunch of upcoming games. Kirk watched some cool announcements. And everyone's got Switch 2s, so there's much to discuss.One More Thing:Kirk: Switch 2Maddy: Switch 2Jason: Switch 2LINKS:Dan Olson on “Silkposting” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSkbylysplIIfixit gives Switch 2 a repairability score of 3/10: https://www.ifixit.com
The Switch 2 Is Finally Here
Today, Nintendo released its first new console in eight years... and the Triple Click gang doesn't have it yet. But that won't stop Jason, Maddy, and Kirk from talking about the Switch 2, its launch lineup, and the imaginary promises that consoles bring. Plus: some Summer Games Fest hopes and predictions!One More Thing:Kirk: Hacks Season 4Maddy: Queens & Cowboys: A Straight Year on the Gay Rodeo (
Triple Play: Elden Ring Nightreign
Arise, tarnished, and watch out for server errors. Jason, Kirk, and Maddy team up for some co-op in Elden Ring: Nightreign, the new multiplayer spinoff by From Software. It's a fun game to talk about! They talk about the high highs, low lows, and the opacity of it all.One More Thing:Kirk: Your Friends and Neighbors (Apple TV+)Maddy: Kitchen NightmaresJason: The Rehearsal (HBO)LINKS:Tyler Colp’s PC
What's The Deal With: DOOM
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason grab their chainsaws and get ready to slay some aliens (demons?) in DOOM: The Dark Ages, the latest game from id Software. They talk about the new DOOM's pros and cons, the lasting appeal of the franchise, and how fun it feels to hack apart aliens (demons?) at 400 miles per hour.One More Thing:Kirk: Cabaret (1972)Maddy: Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)Jason: Golden Idol In
Can Dreamhaven Recreate The Blizzard Magic?
Can the magic of old-school Blizzard ever be recreated? Dreamhaven, a company started by Blizzard co-founder Mike Morhaime and a whole bunch of other Blizzard veterans, seems to be trying to make it happen. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about Dreamhaven's first two games, Sunderfolk and Wildgate, and whether it's possible to recreate those old Blizzard feelings in 2025.One More Thing:Kirk: SinnersMa
GTA VI Delay and More Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Grand Theft Auto VI is delayed to 2026... but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not! This week, the gang talks about both games, starting with some thoughts on the new GTA trailer before moving into some takes on Act 1 of Clair Obscur. One More Thing:Kirk: Blue PrinceMaddy: Consume MeJason: Yellowface (RF Kuang)LINKS:Excerpts from the Clair Obscur soundtrack composed by Lorien TestardTriple Click LIV
Oblivion Remastered, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, And More
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion got a surprise remaster, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received rave reviews, and The Hundred Line: Defense Academy is way deeper — and way better — than we expected. This week, the gang dives into all three games. Plus: some cool TV shows!One More Thing:Kirk: Adolescence (Netflix)Maddy: E.R. (Max)Jason: The Studio (Apple TV Plus)LINKS:Featuring tracks from Clair Obscu
Why Are Games So Much Like Jobs?
How should video game consoles differentiate themselves without exclusives? Do games make us more or less lonely? And are RPGs popular because they feel like jobs? This week, Maddy, Jason, and Kirk open up the listener mailbag and take some of your (excellent) questions. Plus: three killer new games that are out this week!One More Thing:Kirk: Sunderfolk (PC, Consoles, Switch)Maddy: Clair Obscur: E
Everyone's Reacting Totally Normally To Blue Prince
Blue Prince is out, and people are definitely having a normal one. Maddy, Jason, and Kirk talk about some of the initial player reactions to the highest-reviewed game of 2025, and how sentiment has changed since the first day or two. They talk about the pros and cons of RNG, when the game clicked for each of them, and what they've been seeing over the last week.One More Thing:Kirk: Oscars Watch Ga
Blue Prince Really Is That Good
Blue Prince is the best-reviewed game of 2025 so far... but does it live up to the hype? Yes, yes it does. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk talk about the game's unique genre-blending design, the appeal of the puzzles, the story hidden underneath it all, and much, much more. Plus: a very special announcement!One More Thing:Kirk: Slough House Books 5-8 (Mick Harron)Maddy: Inside Out 1 + 2Jason: Switch 2 + ta
Jason Played The Switch 2
Thanks to yesterday's Nintendo Direct, we now know a lot more about the Nintendo Switch 2, from the price (high!) to the release date (soon!) to the fact that omg they showed Silksong for three seconds and said it's coming in 2025, which means it MUST come out this year since when has a console maker ever been wrong about when Silksong is coming out???Also they announced a bunch of other Switch 2-
Triple Play: Assassin's Creed Shadows
There's a new Assassin's Creed out, and there's lots to discuss. Kirk, Maddy, and Jason talk about the structure of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the balance between protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, how the game might impact Ubisoft's future, and much more.One More Thing:Kirk: Search Engine with Ira GlassMaddy: Heretic (2024)Jason: Vantage Point (Sara Sligar)LINKS:Featuring excerpts from the AC Shadows s
What Would We Do In The Video Game Industry?
If the Triple Click gang worked in the video game industry, what would they each do? What's it like to pitch a game? And should Steam bring back its Greenlight process to help slow down the barrage of new games every year? This week, it's time for some burning questions!One More Thing:Kirk: NotificationsMaddy: We Are Lady Parts Jason: Dead Money (Jakob Kerr)LINKS:“The Writer Will Do Something” by
Wanderstop, Split Fiction, and More New Games
Video games: they're cool! There are a lot of new games out, so let's talk about them. Games discussed this week: Wanderstop, Expelled, Split Fiction, Rise of the Golden Idol DLC, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Lost Records: Bloom and RageOne More Thing:Kirk: Reacher (Prime Video)Maddy: Paradise (Hulu)Jason: The Corrections (Jonathan Franzen)LINKS:Analysis of duplicated host introductions usin
Triple Play: Monster Hunter Wilds
Kirk, Maddy, and Jason grab their Palicoes and pull out their dual blades for a monster hunt extraordinaire. This week, the gang is talking about Capcom's latest Monster Hunter. They talk about the appeal of the core gameplay loop, the thrill of the combat, and the approachability compared to previous entries.One More Thing:Kirk: The Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells)Maddy: The Contestant (2023)Jaso
Why The Video Game Industry Is Struggling
What's with the video game industry? Over the last three years, tens of thousands of jobs have been cut, dozens of studios were shut down and countless projects got canceled. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy break down why and how this is all happening, from flattened console growth to the rise of Fortnite and other Black Hole games like it.One More Thing:Kirk: The Pitt (Max)Maddy: Moonlight Internet Hostin
Triple Play: Avowed
The gang takes a deep dive into Obsidian's latest roleplaying game, Avowed. They talk about the crunchy combat, the ramifications of story decisions, and why the exploration works so well. Plus: SNL turns 50!One More Thing:Kirk: Ladies and Gentlemen…. 50 Years of SNL Music (Peacock)Maddy: Priscilla (2023)Jason: Lisa JewellLINKS:Featuring “Avowed” by Venus Theory and Justin E. BellHbomberguy’s “Fal
What's The Deal With: Civilization Games?
Civilization VII is out this week, and it's time to break down Sid Meier's iconic series. Kirk, Jason, and Maddy talk about their favorite games in the franchise, what "4X" actually means, and why Civ games are so appealing to so many people.One More Thing:Kirk: “The Ghosts in the Machine” an excerpt from Mood Machine by Liz PellyMaddy: ‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard Just Went From A Good RPG To One O
And The Winner Of The Console War Is... PC
The console wars are over. The winner? PC gaming! This week, the Triple Click gang gets into Maddy's recent quest to build a new PC and some of their favorite PC building experiences. Then they talk about the recent explosion of PC gaming, what's caused it, and what it might mean for the future of games.One More Thing:Kirk: Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver)Maddy: Citizen Sleeper 2Jason: The cr
Please Let Us Fix Your Video Game Name
Wondering what makes some video game titles good and some bad? Just bring in Triple Click Consulting — we've got you covered. This week, the gang goes through a whole bunch of names and discusses what makes them work and what doesn't, from Balatro to EA Sports FC.One More Thing:Kirk: “All Work and No Play” - Sam Adler-Bell for Dissent, 2021Maddy: Silo season 2Jason: You Like It Darker (Stephen Kin
Switch 2: Switch Harder
Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 last week, and there's oh so much to discuss. Jason, Maddy, and Kirk give their initial impressions of Nintendo's next console, talk about how it will fit into a post-Steam Deck world, and debate whether Mario Kart is any good. Then they talk about PlayStation's failing live-service initiative. Plus: a bonus Burning Question!One More Thing:Kirk: Trap (dir
Why Do Games Cost So Much to Make?
How have video game budgets skyrocketed to the hundreds of millions? What are some good video games for elderly people? And is it possible there's a game as good as Balatro out there, but nobody has found it yet? This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some of your questions on all sorts of topics.One More Thing:Kirk: Black Doves (Netflix)Maddy: Steam FamiliesJason: The Roo
Our Predictions for 2025
Jason, Kirk, and Maddy revisit last year's predictions to see what game they'll be playing this year, then go through some new predictions for 2025, from the Nintendo Switch 2 to... new Half-Life?One More Thing:Kirk: Interviewing your friends & family / StoryCorpsMaddy: Scorcese double feature (Taxi Driver + King of Comedy)Jason: Encanto (2021)LINKS:StoryCorps: https://storycorps.org/Support Tripl
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