What happens when a game refuses to hold your hand—or even care if you survive? In this episode, we dive into Naomi Clark’s essay “Kenshi,” a sharp and deeply personal examination of the cult-favorite open-world RPG. Clark unpacks the game’s brutal beginnings, its resistance to traditional narrative arcs, and its focus on emergent gameplay shaped by survival, community, and systems of oppression. We discuss how Kenshi’s incomplete design becomes a feature rather than a flaw, and how a devoted modding community keeps the world alive long after development has ceased. Tune in for a conversation about failure, freedom, and the quiet revolution of unfinished games.

In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of memory, identity, and digital escape through the lens of Kishonna L. Gray’s personal essay “Dear God, Make Me a Bird, So I Can Fly Far Far Away from Here.” From childhood afternoons spent playing Hitman with friends to rediscovering the series as a source of solace in graduate school, Gray reflects on how this iconic game franchise became more than entertainment—it became a passport to the world and a catalyst for academic curiosity. Join us as we unpack how Hitman offered not just gameplay, but a way to cope, connect, and imagine beyond borders.

We explore the fascinating evolution of the beloved board game Puerto Rico. Join us as we delve into its initial acclaim, the growing concerns surrounding its colonial themes, and the inspiring journey that led to its thoughtful redesign as Puerto Rico 1897. Discover how player feedback and a commitment to historical sensitivity transformed a classic into a more responsible and engaging experience. All informed by the writing of Nick Fortugno from the 2025 book, Well-Played by Play Story Press.

What do racing games and real-life ambition have in common? In this episode, we dive into Lindsay Grace’s reflections from Well Played: For the Love of Games, where he traces his lifelong connection to speed—from childhood play to real-world autocross. At the heart of this journey is Gran Turismo, a game that masterfully balances simulation and fun, capturing the thrill of precision driving while subtly shaping car culture itself.

We explore how Gran Turismo influenced not just gamers but an entire generation of auto enthusiasts, driving real-world car sales and embodying the late ‘90s optimism for technological progress. Grace’s insights reveal how racing games offer more than just digital escapism—they become metaphors for aspiration, improvement, and the endless pursuit of mastery. Whether you’re a seasoned racing game veteran or just love a good story about passion and play, join us as we navigate the intersections of gaming, culture, and the human drive to keep moving forward.

https://doi.org/10.17613/55fam-32z84

What happens when decades of gaming lead to a realization that the grind isn’t everything? In this episode, we follow Dr. Kurt Squire’s journey through 35 years of online multiplayer games, from the early days of MUDs to the sprawling world of World of Warcraft. Alongside his wife, Squire explores the highs of goal-driven play, the dopamine-fueled rush of progression, and the eventual shift toward prioritizing real-life connections over digital achievements. Join us as we dive into the evolution of gaming habits, the social bonds forged in virtual worlds, and what happens when a lifelong gamer starts looking beyond the screen.

Dive into the personal and academic adventures of those who found meaning, community, and even love through games. XP & Romance explores how gaming shapes identity, relationships, and careers—whether it’s discovering a passion for research, forging lifelong friendships, or meeting a co-op partner for life. Inspired by Dr. Constance Steinkuehler’s Games: A Love Story chapter in Well Played - For the Love of Games, this podcast celebrates the unexpected ways video games transform lives.

https://doi.org/10.17613/55fam-32z84

What if the point of a game wasn’t to win, but to question why we play at all? In this episode, we explore the thought-provoking and unconventional video game You, a critical gameplay experience that flips traditional gaming conventions on their head. Set in a platformer world where words shape your path, players guide the character “You” through a surreal landscape of puzzles and poetic fragments. But this isn’t your average platformer—You challenges players to seek meaning in its absurdity, pushing them to create a poem rather than pursue a victory. Is it a critique of gaming culture, an artistic experiment, or a bit of both? Join us as we dive into this fascinating game that asks: What if there’s no ‘winning’—just playing and interpreting? Whether you’re a gamer, an artist, or a curious thinker, this episode invites you to see games in a whole new light.

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking mobile game Stolen Kisses, designed to upend the heteronormative tropes of traditional affection games and create a more inclusive, diverse experience for players. Developed as both a game and a social experiment, Stolen Kisses offers a variety of characters for players to engage with, challenging norms and expanding representation in the genre. We dive into the fascinating data uncovered by its creator, who analyzes the unexpected global interest in the game—from players in Indonesia, Russia, and Arabic-speaking countries. Discover how this research reveals the untapped potential of affection games to bridge cultures, foster positive digital interactions, and redefine what gaming can mean for a global audience. If you’re curious about how games can shape social dynamics and open new doors for inclusivity, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Source:

https://isea-archives.siggraph.org/presentation/subverting-the-conventions-of-affection-games-in-the-digital-wild/

What happens when you adapt a literary classic into a game using only emoji? In this episode, we dive into The Unbearable Lightness of Meaning, a game inspired by Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being. We explore how this innovative adaptation uses emoji as its primary storytelling tool, pushing the boundaries of what these tiny symbols can express. Can emoji truly capture the depth of human emotions and complex themes, or do they fall short? We also discuss other creative projects that experiment with non-traditional storytelling methods, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of translating literature into interactive, playable experiences. Whether you're a literature lover, a gamer, or just curious about the future of storytelling, this episode will make you rethink the power of symbols in the digital age!

Source: 

The Unbearable Lightness of Meaning, The Art Exhibit at the ICIDS 2019 Art Book, ETC Press

https://press.etc.cmu.edu/file/download/1870/065aabe5-4c24-45f9-ac32-39d6876a2be1

In this episode, we explore a fascinating case study from the "Critical Gameplay" series, focusing on the video game Healer and its bold reimagining of what it means to play. Healer challenges the traditional mechanics of war games by flipping the script—players aren’t there to fight; they’re there to heal. Through its innovative "unshooting" mechanic, where bullets are removed rather than fired, Healer compels players to confront the consequences of violence and reflect on the desensitizing effects of typical war reenactments in gaming. We dive into the philosophical and psychological insights behind this approach, uncovering how play can be a practice in empathy, not just action. We also discuss the challenges developers face when software tools themselves are biased toward conventional mechanics, limiting creative expression. Whether you're a gamer, a developer, or just curious about the power of play, this episode will open your eyes to the potential of video games as tools for critical thought and reflection!