We all love the feel of a new game, loading it up to see flawless graphics and a story that just sweeps you off your feet, but have you ever thought about the blood, sweat and tears that go into it all? In this episode we get into one of not so great behind the scenes elements of the gaming industry... CRUNCH. 

Crunch describes the time before the launch window of a game in which developers rush to finish products often racking up 100 hour weeks (without extra pay)to ensure they meet their deadlines. This is often a gruelling time that leads to mental stress, fatigue and a work culture rife with fear. We talk about some examples of games studios guilty about perpetuating crunch and also what we as consumers can do to discourage it from happening. 

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This week we bring you another East VS West discussion. In this segment we explore the way in which Western RPGs namely American and Japanese RPGs are both similar and different. Whilst both role playing games originated in some form from table top games such as Dungeons & Dragons, they've taken a unique approach to how they tell their stories, what tropes they display and what they expect from the player. 

Do you have a preference when it comes to RPGS? We'd love to hear from you on our socials.

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more. Please leave us a review and rating if you like what you hear!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

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This week we bring you a jam packed episode! For our main topic we discuss whether or not the Shonen genre is overrated as well as some of our favourite Shonen G.O.A.Ts as well as our least favourite tropes.

We also discuss what 2/3 of the group thought of Christopher Nolan's new film Tenet and also our first impressions on season 2 of The Boys. Have you watched any of these?

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more. Please leave us a review and rating if you like what you hear!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

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Join us this week as we discuss some of the downfalls of the Sci-fi and Fantasy book community, including this year's Hugo Awards controversy with George RR Martin. We get into the racist, sexist and exclusionary aspects of the genre and where they began, as well as taking a deep dive into how they affect todays's readers and writers alike. 

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more. Please leave us a review and rating if you like what you hear!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

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Following the well organised DC Fandome event last week we couldn't help but hop on a zoom and hash out our thoughts with DC super fan and honorary member Josh! Join us on this bonus episode as we talk everything from the Snyder Cut to Suicide Squad, let us know what your favourite part of the event was!

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more. Please leave us a review and rating if you like what you hear!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

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Whether you started off reading the graphic novel or were drawn in watching season 1 of The Umbrella Academy, it 's safe to say that the series and its unique characters take you on a ride. This week we discuss our thoughts on the latest season of the show, beware the spoilers! 

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

Instagram: @TheNerdAlternative

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Fandoms can be warm spaces filled with knowledge, passion and friendship until they're not... In this episode we discuss some of the characteristics of toxic fandoms, and why fans turn toxic in the first place. We also consider the concept of 'Death of the author' which can sometimes feed into ideas of possession and ownership that often form in various fandoms. 

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

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Over the course of this year, Microsoft and Sony have both been slowly revealing their next generation consoles, from design to new gameplay and more. In this episode we discuss their most recent showcases and debate amongst ourselves on which one wins this generation for us. We're also joined by @sickofthepundits Josh once again, who takes the corner for Xbox! Let us know which console you'll be buying...

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

Instagram: @TheNerdAlternative

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The casting of actors has always caused controversy but none more so than those that are race bent or gender swapped. In this episode we take a look at some examples, exploring the terms racebending, gender bending in all their complexities. 

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

Instagram: @TheNerdAlternative

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Forget the House of Mouse, this episode is about the House of Ghibli! Join us as we discuss and rank ALL 22 of Studio Ghibli's films, from our favourite classics, newly discovered gems and the more than slightly disappointing we cover them all.

You can find us on the following social media platforms for more!

Twitter: @NrdAlternative

Instagram: @TheNerdAlternative

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