In this Gaming the System breaking news episode, Jem, Alex, and Matt dive into the shocking $55 billion sale of Electronic Arts (EA) — the publisher behind The Sims, Battlefield, and Dragon Age — to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake Partners and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.

The team unpacks what this means for the gaming world, from concerns about human rights and LGBTQ+ representation to the growing influence of “sports-washing” and “game-washing” in global entertainment.

Alex explains Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, including its push to dominate eSports and professional sports, while Matt breaks down the financial mechanics behind the leveraged buyout — and what that could mean for EA’s future stability, creative direction, and staff.

We dig into how EA’s new ownership connects to Trump’s political circle and the potential disappearance of queer and diverse narratives. And ask about the broader moral and cultural implications for developers, players, and the industry at large.

This episode asks the big question: Who really owns gaming — and what happens when creative freedom collides with authoritarian money?

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🎙 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

Community Gaming Part 2 – Board Game Cafés

In this episode of Gaming the System, we continue our exploration of community gaming, focusing on the world of board game cafés. What makes these spaces so appealing, and what role can they play in bringing people together?

Jem, Alex, and Matt share their personal experiences of cafés such as Dice Box and Wayfarers Rest and the Herefordshire Board Gamers tent at Fantasy Forest. We consider the stereotypes that still cling to gaming spaces, from male-dominated tournaments to the intimidating pub-like vibe some cafés can give off, and contrast that with the warmth and creativity of cafés run with community values at their heart.

Our discussion touches on the challenges of running such a venture, from the cost of high street premises to the difficulty of keeping food, drink, and board games coexisting in harmony. How board game cafés might thrive as community hubs, not just as places to play games, but as safe and welcoming spaces where families, newcomers, and neurodivergent people can find connection.

Finally, we indulge in imagining our ideal board game café, from gaming sommeliers and plush seating to D&D nights, indie game showcases, and healthy snacks. Could these cafés be more than just businesses—could they be catalysts for stronger, more resilient communities?

Wayfarer's Rest https://wayfarersrest.com/

The Dice Box Worcester https://the-dice-box.co.uk/the-dice-box-worcester/

Herefordshire Board Gamers https://herefordshireboardgamers.co.uk/

📢 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: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 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 dive into the joys and challenges of gaming in person. From the thrill of collaborative board games like Pandemic Legacy to the immersive world of Warhammer 40K and the rise of welcoming board game cafés, we explore how playing together face-to-face builds connections, sparks conversation, and helps us find community.

What We Talk About

• Pandemic Legacy Season 2: how it transforms a family game night into a year-long storytelling journey.
• The tactical and social layers of cooperative gaming, don't forget the snacks!
• Warhammer 40K: lore and learning curves in the tabletop world.
• Video gaming versus in-person board gaming: comfort zones, social anxiety, and unexpected rewards.
• Board game cafés like Wayfarers Rest as community hubs where strangers become friends.
• Why gaming socially can be both a challenging and rewarding way to connect.

Key Takeaway
Gaming socially isn’t just about dice rolls, minis, or rules—it’s about conversation, connection, and community. Whether around a kitchen table or at a café, games create space for us to share stories, strengthen relationships, and meet new people.

Next time: we’ll look deeper into the role of board game cafés as community hubs and what we want them to become in the future.

📢 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: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 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