In this episode of The Proving Grounds, we dive deep into what makes traditional roguelikes so compelling. From turn-based tactics and permadeath to emergent storytelling and infinite replayability, we explore why these brutal, brilliant games continue to thrive in today’s gaming landscape. JC breaks down genre-defining features like procedural generation, meaningful resource management, and the Berlin Interpretation—and highlights some of the best roguelike updates from June 2025, including Cogmind, Infra Arcana, Zorbus, and more.

💬 Featuring discussion on:

• What defines a traditional roguelike

• Tactical depth and decision-making

• Permadeath as a design feature

• Favorite genre quotes and moments

• June’s biggest roguelike patch notes

• Upcoming spotlight: Class of Heroes and Steam sale picks

🎧 Tune in to level up your appreciation for roguelikes—from ADOM to Caves of Qud, and everything in between.