Dual Comm Podcast

We really enjoyed the new State of Play, and in this special Dual Comm episode we recap the entire presentation and our thoughts on the games that were shown. Then we talk about friction free gaming, the one platform mindset update, and the Steam Deck pricing increases that just happened. Thanks for listening and have a great week!   00:00:00 Incredible State of Play 00:01:40 Game of the Week 00:0...

This week we talk about Thronefall as our game of the week. Epos built the ultimate locked down laptop for a dialed family experience. We look at an amazing custom motherboard PS2 handheld. We discuss Sony moving away from PC releases for their first party singleplayer games. Then in the back half we discuss numerous gaming news items, along with our main topic, will gaming ever feel hopeful again...

This show we dive into how stimulating the modern internet can be, and how it takes a lot of effort to truly disconnect. But that effort to get a bit more offline has immense benefits and joys behind it. We then talk about finding your own taste in gaming and being confident in the mechanics you enjoy. We close by talking about Sony's step away from PC releases and PC language regarding their game...

On this episode we talk about the freedom that a game like Minecraft provides and the generational memories it has built with millions of players. We dive into freedom of play in a sandbox game and how nostalgia impacts every generation. We talk about ways you can make your PC less distracting to help get into games with less friction. Then we talk about game curation, choice, and the new era of a...

This week we talk about Steam Next Fest which is starting now! We discuss the consumer electronics crisis that is being fueled by lack of supply. We then talk about Sony's newest State of Play and the games that stood out to us. Unreal Tournament 2004 is free and has been improved by the old unreal community. Then we talk about the importance of originality. Thanks for listening and have a great w...

In this episode we talk about Unreal Engine’s influence on movies and TV, the current AI panic in games, and why being constantly mad about tech is a losing game. We also dig into owning your services, GOG’s push toward Linux and preservation, and why mid-tier games deserve more love. Thanks for listening and have a great day! #gaming #gamingpodcast #gamingcommentary  Patreon: https://www.patreon....

Season 2 of the Dual Comm podcast has arrived. We discuss the Steam Deck LCD going away, likely due to RAM shortages. We talk about giving gaming less of yourself to enjoy the hobby more, and then dig into the self-help trend flooding YouTube around hobbies. We also talk about a PC Gamer article noting that the focus of major FPS releases is shifting away from competitive play and toward more rela...

It's the one-year anniversary of the Dual Comm Podcast. Thank you for such an incredible year. In this episode we talk about the origin of the show with a cool surprise, then revisit some of our favorite topics from the first year and how our perspectives have shifted. We also dive into games that hit at the right place and right time, taking breaks before burnout even begins, and share some of ou...

This episode dives into why digital freedom and ownership matter more than ever. We quickly revisit the value of the PS4 in 2025, the importance and benefits of physical media, how to back up your PC games, and the smart TV settings you should turn off right now. From there we talk about Xbox trying to compete with TikTok, Windows 11 frustrations pushing people toward Linux, and practical ways to...

This week in the Dual Comm Podcast we discuss the games we've been playing recently, and the TV & movies we've been watching. We then shift to discussions about the PlayStation 5's unique features and why PlayStation 6 may be facing an uphill PR battle to earn buy in. Then we talk about the absolute immense value the PlayStation 4 offers players right now. Finally we talk about gaming nostalgi...

On this episode we talk about the Xbox Game Pass subscription price increase and subsequently we then talk about what happens when you start ditching subscriptions and actually own the things you love again. From Jellyfin to physical media, there’s a real sense of freedom that comes with taking back control of what you watch and play. We dig into why old games feel so good right now, how subscript...

In this episode we dig into why Souls games feel so challenging when life gets stressful, and how frustration can shape the way we approach gaming. We also talk about the end of console uniqueness, why Steam quietly won the console war, and what it means for how we choose platforms going forward. From there we get into the question of whether games are really relaxing or if they’re actually stimul...

Why does it feel like our focus is constantly under attack—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into the quiet, everyday battles for our attention, from endless phone scrolling to multitasking ourselves into brain fog. We talk about the lost joy of doing one thing at a time, the value of being bored, and how simple habits—like listening to an album...

What do gamers actually play—and why does it feel like the industry doesn’t want you to know? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into real player numbers from Steam and talk about how the myth of “dead genres” doesn’t match reality. StarCraft II, Age of Empires, Stardew Valley, Cyberpunk 2077—these games are thriving, but you'd never know it from industry press releases or marketing...

The golden age of small games is officially back. In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we kick things off with Haste—a tiny game with massive heart that might just be our game of the year. We dive into why it’s such a perfect session experience, how the new Disaster Mode changes things up, and what makes it feel like a future classic. We also break down the Steam Next Fest demos and highlight...

Doom The Dark Ages looks great—but the way it’s being released tells us a lot about where console gaming is headed. In this episode, we share our impressions of Doom's latest entry, the physical disc controversy, and how this all ties into the growing divide between PC and console ecosystems. We also break down why PC gaming in 2025 feels smarter than ever, the slow death of physical media (and wh...

Expedition 33 genuinely reminded us why we love games — not because it's a massive AAA production, but because it has soul, smart systems, and feels like it was made by people who actually care. That kicked off a much bigger conversation: are we entering a quiet renaissance of great AA games? In this episode, we talk about how mid-budget games like Expedition 33 are doing what the big-budget block...

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and we’ve got thoughts—on the hardware, the price point, and the $80 games. In this episode, we break down what we know about the next generation of Nintendo’s console and how it fits into the current gaming landscape. We also explore the growing tension between modern gaming habits and real adult life. Are games too long now? Are we forcing ourselv...

In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into a stacked lineup of topics that blend nostalgia, modern gaming tech, and internet culture. PSVR in 2025 – Trying PlayStation VR for the first time a decade late! Does it hold up, or does the novelty wear off? We break down the best games (Ace Combat 7, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection) and whether VR still has a future. Retro...

In this episode, we dive deep into the highlights of the recent Xbox Developer Direct, where Doom: The Dark Ages stole the spotlight with its bold reveal and exciting focus on a campaign-driven experience. We discuss what makes this new installment stand out and why the showcase set a high bar for future game reveals. We also explore Phil Spencer's vision for Xbox's multiplatform strategy, break d...

In this episode, we dive into the biggest gaming news of 2025: the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We break down everything you need to know about its design, features, and game lineup, including the much-anticipated new Mario Kart title. Next, we explore whether Astro Bot’s success was simply perfect timing or the culmination of a decade of innovation. Plus, we discuss why gaming on an OLED TV i...

In this episode, we dive into the biggest games of 2025, share bold predictions for the gaming industry, and explore how the PS5 has transformed the way we play. From exciting trends to anticipated blockbusters, we’re breaking down what makes this year special for gamers. Plus, we discuss the rise of the "Quadruple A" era, the future of game graphics, and how to tackle backlog dread. Which game or...

In Episode 3 of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dive into the ultimate holiday gaming guide! From Steam Winter Sale steals like Celeste and Mass Effect Legendary Edition to must-play Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox titles, we've got something for every gamer this season. We also tackle the concept of replay value: What makes a game worth revisiting, and how do we decide when it’s time for another run? P...

Are gaming backlogs a bad idea and a source of unnecessary stress? EposVox and I tackle this question in Episode 2 of the Dual Comm Podcast, diving into whether backlogs are helpful for staying organized or just another source of guilt. We also explore Sony’s PlayStation Mascot Problem, discussing what happened to beloved franchises like Crash Bandicoot, Sly Cooper, and Twisted Metal. Our conversa...

Welcome to the debut episode of the Dual Comm Podcast! Hosted by bbkdragoon and EposVox, this podcast is a space for thoughtful conversations about gaming, tech, and the experiences that connect them. In this first episode, we dive into what it means to truly enjoy gaming in 2024. Are you actually having fun with the games you play, or are your gaming sessions leaving you feeling frustrated or unf...