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/

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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:
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🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
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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

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

Split Fiction Story and Character Analysis | Deep Dive with Spoilers

Join us for another episode as we continue our deep dive into the game 'Split Fiction'. This episode is heavily focused on the story and character development of protagonists Zoe and Mio. Expect spoilers ahead as we discuss the game's narrative themes, including mental health, trauma, and grief. We also break down the game's approach to storytelling, character dynamics, and the portrayal of its villains. While the game may have its narrative shortcomings, it's still an enriching experience worth talking about. Tune in for an insightful discussion! Airing every Thursday.

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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:
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🔹 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

Exploring Co-op Gaming with Split Fiction: Mechanics, Genres, and More!

Join us in the first part of our Split Fiction series, where we dive into the latest release by Haylight Games. In this episode, we explore the co-op game mechanics, discuss the evolution of co-op as a genre, and share our firsthand experiences with Split Fiction. Discover why this game stands out, what makes co-op games special, and how Split Fiction draws inspiration from a multitude of game genres. Perfect for anyone looking for a spoiler-free introduction to Split Fiction!

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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:
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🔹 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

August’s gaming news gave us plenty to dig into, from serious questions around Roblox to a milestone celebration for Baldur’s Gate 3.

In this episode of Gaming the System, we start with Roblox, where over 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of its CEO. Jem takes us inside the strange contradictions of the platform — from heavy-handed moderation and unexplained bans to the bizarre and sometimes deeply troubling games, and on to concerns about kids being pushed into unsafe spaces beyond the game. It sparks a wider discussion on responsibility, regulation, and why parents need to be part of their children’s online lives.

We then turn to something a little lighter as Baldur’s Gate 3 celebrates its second birthday. From bizarre mods to chaotic playthroughs, we look at how the game has grown, how the community keeps it alive, and why it continues to hold such a special place in our gaming lives.

📢 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

We took a month off over the summer, so thought we'd catch up with each other and see what we've been playing!

From epic samurai adventures in Ghost of Tsushima and the fluid, meditative landscapes of Sword of the Sea, to the punishing but rewarding battles of Expedition 33 (Clair Obscur).

Jem headed to the beach with Dave the Diver and Coral Island, and enjoyed some quality family time with Split Fiction. Matt headed out on a Fallout road trip, hitting New Vegas, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4. Alex found herself in Japan, with Ghost of Tsushima, following the trail of an avenging Samurai.

The discussion ranges from quirky dungeon crawlers on the Switch to the frustrations of difficulty settings, and the strange joys of Death Stranding 2.

Looking ahead, the trio share what’s on their gaming horizons — sequels like Ghost of Yōtei, returning classics like Professor Layton, Tears of the Kingdom, and ambitious projects such as Final Fantasy XVI, Black Myth: Wukong, Outer Wilds 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta, and Dead Take featuring some of the biggest names in voice acting today.

It’s a wide-ranging, funny, and thoughtful conversation about how gaming fits into everyday life, whether you’re immersing yourself in a sprawling story or dipping into something light and quirky for a few minutes of escape.

📢 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 second half of our adventure into open-world games, Jem, Alex, and Matt pick up the conversation with a focus on accessibility, open worlds done wrong, and how to define that "Je ne sais quoi" when it works.

We dig into overwhelm, especially for neurodiverse or time-poor gamers. Time to remember that good accessibility features aren’t about “dumbing down” but enhancing play for everyone.

Matt unpacks why some open-world games fail — empty maps, repetitive quests, weak writing, and executive-led design — while Alex shares her frustrations with fatigue and grinding that make huge maps feel like chores. We compare the worst offenders to the triumphs, asking what makes games like Elden Ring or The Witcher 3 consistently compelling.

Jem brings the stats: if only 14% of open-world players are women, what does that say about how these games are designed and marketed? Are women genuinely less interested, or are the games themselves exclusionary?

Finally, we ask the big question: do we prefer games with clear endings or endless play?

Will all of this soon be obsolete with the advent of AI supported writing? That's a topic for a future episode!

📢 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