Welcome to Episode 13 of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

Retro games are great. They're (generally) quite cheap to buy, and they can send you back in time. 

This week we talk retro games you have to try and get hold of.

Also.  If Retrogames are your thing, try googling "PacMan". Trust me. 

Welcome to Episode Twelve of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

After looking at the impact at video games on peoples wellbeing last week, we ask - what else is video games good for? We wonder if video games can have positive affects on childrens intellectual, and social development.

We discuss if wellbeing (particularly intellectual and social wellbeing) can be helped by playing

Also. Sorry for my echo in this... 

Welcome to Episode Eleven of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

After the news of a study showing video games to be good for wellbeing, we take a brief look at how video games have been covered in the news in the past, and how video games are covered in the news now. 

Games we discuss include Animal Crossing, and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville.

The BBC Article covering the video games are good for wellbeing study.

The Guardian article also covering the same study, but also discussing the need the statistics in research.

Welcome to Episode Ten of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

It feels like a lot of big games came out this week. We take a look at Zacs top choices of the games that have come out ready for the holiday season.  Which are...

Welcome to Episode Nine of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

In the light of the second national lockdown in England, we're having another look at Grief. The different types of grief, how video games can help us process grief, taking a particular look at Stardew Valley.

Finishing with a chat about people watching in Watchdogs Legion.

Games to play during Lockdown

The different types of Grief

Stardew Valley on iphone.  (Also available on PC, Switch, Playstation, mostly everything)

How Video Games Help Us Process Grief

Welcome to Episode Eight of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

In the light of Cyberpunk 2077 being delayed, again. A game that Zac was really looking forward. We're looking at disappointment, helping others deal with disappointment, and steps that people can do to walk themselves though dealing with disappointment. 

The seven tips that Andy mentions can be found here.

Welcome to Episode Seven of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

This week we're looking at Survival Games, and what we can learn from them? Can survival games teach us something about managing life? Not to give the game away too much, but it seems there are two key lessons. 

1. Press the pause button when needed, and get a new focus. (Perhaps something like Calm could help?)

2. Its ok to ask for help, even if it is "just googling it". 

Welcome to Episode Six of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

This week we're looking at Gaming and Instant Gratification. Are we used to living with an Amazon Prime mentality of not needing to wait for what we want? Can Gaming help us have more patience, and indeed - can gaming help us wait?  

Welcome to Episode Five of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

This week, we are looking at Lockdown (or Circuit Breakers), and what games to play during lockdown. 

Important thing to remember, only play something that helps your head, mind, and soul. If you find its not helpful... that could be the time to get into something else for a while.

Welcome to Episode Four of Skill Check. A podcast about Gaming and Mental Health from YMCA Exeter.

This week, we are sorry. Very sorry. This is a bit long and we're a bit silly. 

In this weeks episode we look at DLC, talk money, Cyberpunk 2077, Farmville (yes Farmville), and Sonic The Hedgehog. 

And Zac gives me a dream of streaming from my attic.