Solo Mode - A Gaming Podcast

In this episode we look at how veterans are using video games and online gaming communities to support their mental health during and after service. The audio version of the short documentary features Chris Franz, a 20-year Navy veteran with combat PTSD and a Gold Star family member, and includes material from David Holder, an Army veteran who was medically boarded after eight years in garrison.We discuss the role of organizations like Stack Up and Regiment, the practical ways these communities reduce isolation, and the clear limitations of gaming as a support tool. Gaming is not a replacement for professional care, but for many veterans it has become a consistent place to connect with people who understand the transition.Resources mentioned:

• Stack Up: stackup.org
• Regiment: regiment.gg
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1

Original music: “Tic Toc”

In this episode of Solo Mode, I chat with Dirk, the solo developer behind Seeing Double, a creative split-screen puzzle platformer made entirely with handmade assets. We discuss his journey from early projects in 2022 to launching on Steam, the daily ups and downs of indie game development, and his choice to avoid AI tools to keep his work authentic.

Dirk talks openly about marketing struggles, how he avoids burnout, and how he stays true to his vision in a game industry where AI is becoming more common.

Whether you dream of making games or just love unique indie titles, this conversation highlights the passion that goes into every carefully crafted pixel.

Try the demo or add Seeing Double to your Steam wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4267710/Seeing_Double/

Tune in now and help support indie creators who keep gaming personal and creative!

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, content creators Jay 'Retr0lag' Arbee and HarbingerG sat down for a raw, hour-long conversation about streaming, community building, and content creation on Twitch.

This 15-minute edited episode pulls the strongest moments from that archival recording. Hear firsthand insights on audience engagement, platform changes during the boom, motivations for going live, and how streamers adapted to sudden explosive growth in viewership while most of the world stayed indoors.

From building communities through chat interaction to finding inspiration in gaming with friends, this throwback discussion captures the energy of early pandemic streaming and reveals motivations that still ring true today.

As of 2026, HarbingerG continues streaming every Friday and Sunday.

Whether you’re a longtime streamer, someone just discovering live content, or curious about how the industry exploded in 2020, this episode offers a time-capsule look at the roots of modern streaming culture.

50 episodes deep!

 🎉 In this special episode, I reflect on The Kawfee Break’s journey—how it started, lessons learned, and what’s next. Plus, a gaming news roundup covering the Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii demo, Avowedreviews, Onimusha’s unique protagonist, and a bold Splinter Cell idea.

📰 This Week’s Gaming News:
🏝️ Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii demo now available! – IGN
⚔️ Avowed reviews are in—mixed but promising! – OpenCritic
🎭 Onimusha: Way of the Sword revives a legendary actor via CGI – VGC
🕶️ Josef Fares says Splinter Cell should be co-op-only! – GamesRadar

🎤 Creator Spotlight: Spawn On Me w/ Kahlief Adams
🔗 X/Twitter | YouTube | Twitch | Spotify

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Kawfee’d Up! ☕

This week, I’m diving into the challenge of balancing work, gaming, and content creation. Long work hours, finding time to game, and staying consistent with content—how do you make it all work? Let’s talk about it!

PLUS: A roundup of this week’s biggest gaming headlines:

📌 GTA 6 is still locked in for Fall 2025, according to Take-Two’s CEO. But will it stick to schedule? (Source: IGN)

📌 Avowed is bringing in Pillars of Eternity developers and teasing some crossover elements! (Source: GamesRadar)

📌 Metroid Prime 4 is still on track for a 2025 release. Can it live up to the wait? (Source: GameSpot)

📌 EA confirms a new Battlefield game is in development—will it redeem the franchise? (Source: Video GamesChronicle)

🔥 Creator Spotlight: HuggableHipster 🔥
This week’s featured content creator is HuggableHipster! She’s a gaming content creator, writer who brings in-depth analysis and insightful discussions to the gaming community. If you love thoughtful gaming takes and horror game breakdowns, check her out!

In this episode of The Kawfee Break: A Gaming Pit Stop, I’m kicking off a brand-new challenge—my journey into the Soulsborne series, starting with Dark Souls 1! 🏆⚔️ It’s going to be tough, but I’m ready to embrace the struggle. I also dive into the latest gaming news, including:

🎮 Forza Horizon 5 making a surprising jump to PlayStation
🕹️ PlayStation Plus shifting away from monthly PS4 games
🎬 Shang-Chi star Simu Liu dreams of a Sleeping Dogs movie and sequel

Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join me for some laid-back gaming talk! ☕🎙️

Brew your favorite cup and dive into this week’s episode of The Kawfee Break – A Gaming Pit Stop!

In Episode 47, we’re serving up:

Don’t miss this jam-packed episode full of fun, laughs, and gaming goodness. Follow, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Join us for a jam-packed episode of The Kawfee Break - A Gaming Pit Stop! This week, we bring you:

A satirical deep dive into the mysterious Grifter Game—is it real, or are we being scammed?

Creator Spotlight: SnowBikeMike, a gaming enthusiast and community builder you don’t want to miss.

Brew your favorite cup, sit back, and let’s explore the gaming world together!

🎮 In this satirical breakdown, we dive deep into the mechanics of YouTube's most notorious "game"—the rise of video game grifters. From clickbait combat to the monetization grind, this "game" is all about exploiting trends and sensationalism for maximum profit. 🚨💰

Welcome to our review of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown! Join us as we delve into the sands of time and explore the latest installment in this beloved franchise.

From breathtaking landscapes to exhilarating parkour sequences, we'll uncover what makes this game a true gem for both fans and newcomers alike. Strap in for an adventure filled with mystery, danger, and the timeless allure of the Prince of Persia saga.