Gaming The System - The Feminist Gaming Podcast

Last week we challenged the myth that “antagonist = evil.” Now Matt, Jem & Alex put the spotlight on female antagonists—where they shine, where they’re fetishised, and why poorly-drawn foes can sink an otherwise great game. In this episode 2015-22 just 11 % of video-game antagonists were women Do you need at least one sentient antagonist? We discuss Lady Dimitrescu’s “mother-fication,” Quiet’s...

Antagonists aren’t just moustache-twirling masterminds—they’re the blizzard that buries you, the friend who calls your bluff, the code of honour that trips your hero. In the first half of our conversation, Matt, Jem, and Alex debunk the myth that antagonists are inherently evil and explore every flavour of narrative resistance, from tragic rivals to the environment itself. Antagonist ≠ Villain   S...

Gaming the System – June Gaming News (Part 2) This week, we dive into two simmering stories that might not make headlines, but could have lasting impacts on the gaming industry.  From the tentative end to the year-long voice actor strike, to the steady erosion of corporate commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we’re asking: where do we go from here? Jem hosts alongside Alex and Matt, ta...

In this episode of Gaming the System , Jem, Alex, and Matt look at recent gaming news. Diving into one of the hottest stories in gaming this June: the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. But first, it’s time for a “what we’re playing” check-in—complete with chill puzzle games, board game obsessions, and Matt’s first ever game of Warhammer 40K. What we’re playing - Old favourites, cozy summer gaming...

In this second part of our disability discussion, Alex, Jem, and Matt dive into To a T. A quirky, cosy narrative game with a quietly powerful take on difference, access, and fitting in. It’s weird, whimsical, and worth talking about. Key Talking Points Is a game that explores life's challenges in T-pose an allegory for living with disability? Teenager uses long-handled spoons and rides a unic...

Alex, Jem, and Matt return to disability in games and examine how disabled people are represented (or not) across game worlds, narratives, and mechanics. As always, the conversation is grounded in lived experience, intersectional feminism, and an openness to complexity. Key Talking Points  From wheelchairs to invisible conditions—disability is broad, personal, and everywhere, so what counts as dis...

Exploring Allies in Gaming: The Good, The Bad, and The Betrayals In this episode, the hosts delve deep into what makes a bad ally in gaming and real life. They discuss various instances from popular games like 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,' 'Spyro,' 'Pandemic Legacy,' and 'Baldur's Gate III,' highlighting how betrayal and inconsistent allies impact gamepla...

Exploring Warhammer 40K: Writing, Lore, and the Power of Short Stories - Featuring Chris Welcome back to another episode of Gaming the System! In this supplemental episode, our host is joined once again by Chris to dive deeper into writing within the Warhammer 40K universe. The conversation spans Chris’s journey into the 40K hobby, touching upon the evolution of the game, the appeal of different f...

Exploring Allyship in Gaming: In-Game Companions and Real-Life Lessons In this episode, we dive into the concept of allyship, examining what makes an ally in the gaming world and how those lessons can be applied to real life. We discuss the different types of allies, from NPCs and animal companions to trading allies and equipment. Examples from games like Fallout New Vegas, Assassin's Creed,...

In this second part of our journey into the Woke Games Steam List , Matt, Jem, and Alex continue dissecting the spreadsheet compiled by a Steam group determined to flag games they believe are “too woke.” The list includes 1,600 titles categorised based on content they find politically or socially objectionable, particularly anything seen as pro LGBTQ+, progressive themes, or diverse narratives. In...

In this first half of our two-part deep dive, the Gaming the System crew tackles a bizarre and troubling corner of the gaming world: a Steam curator list designed to help players avoid so-called “woke” games. Yes, really. Matt, Jem, and Alex dissect this extensive (and often baffling) database compiled by those who see diversity, empathy, and inclusion as threats to gaming. We explore the origins...

In the second half of our conversation with Chris on writing in games, we dive even deeper into how writing has evolved across the gaming industry. From the early days of text-based adventures to cinematic storytelling powerhouses like God of War and Baldur's Gate 3 , we explore what makes game writing work. We touch on the layered history of iconic characters like Lara Croft and James Bond,...

After two long years of anticipation, The Last of Us is back – and so are we! In this extra-long, spoiler-packed premiere special , Matt and Jem dive deep into the first two episodes of Season 2 in a raw, emotional, and fiercely analytical conversation that kicks off our brand new series. This double-length special sets the stage for the rest of our TLOU coverage, which will continue exclusively o...

Alex, Jem, and Matt are joined by lifelong writer and gamer Chris for a rich and unfiltered conversation on the craft of video game writing . They get into what sets game writing apart from other media like film, television, and books, exploring the challenges and unique storytelling power. Chris shares insights from both his hands-on experience of writing and his deep love for gaming.  The episod...

In this final instalment of our Gamer Guilt series, we delve into the emotional baggage of gaming: the backlog shame spiral, perfectionism, and the internalised pressure to “do it right.” Hosted by Jem, with Alex and Matt in conversation, this episode is a thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt wrap-up on how guilt seeps into our gaming habits—and how we can begin to let it go. Do you really need to fin...

In the fourth and final episode of our Baldur’s Gate 3 FanCast, Matt, Alex, Jem, and returning guest Fin wrap up our casting choices and fawn over the companions who’ve stolen our hearts and party spots. This time, it’s all about Karlach , Jaheira , and the one and only Boo - no, Minsc . From Minsc's psychology to shaking hands with Neil Newbon, this episode celebrates everything we love abou...

In this episode, Alex, Jem, and Matt get stuck into more of March’s gaming headlines, with their signature intersectional feminist lens. From thick-thighed anime girls to cancelled superhero titles, the team digs into what’s driving trends—and who’s really benefitting. Highlights: Economic Recession = Thicker Thighs? A Japanese game producer claims that plumper character designs are recession-driv...

Gaming the System – March News Round-Up (Part 1) In This Episode: This week, your favourite feminist gaming trio—Alex, Jem, and Matt—dive into the March headlines with their signature mix of insight, laughter, and righteous indignation. From poker-playing indie darlings to FOMO-fueled spending sprees, we dissect the news through a feminist lens, asking: who benefits, who loses out, and what’s hidi...

Welcome back to Gaming The System , the podcast where three intersectional feminists 🎭 examine gaming through a critical lens. In this four-part series, we’re deep-diving into Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), imagining our dream cast for a potential TV adaptation 📺, and unpacking what makes these characters so compelling. Series Overview: We’re taking on the ultimate challenge—casting Baldur’s Gate 3 as a...

Welcome back to Gaming the System , where three intersectional feminists examine gaming and games through a feminist lens! In this third installment of our Gamer Guilt series, Jem, Alex, and Matt dive into the financial side of gaming—how much we spend, how we justify it, and the guilt that sometimes comes with it. 💰 Gaming vs. Other Hobbies We rarely question the cost of sports, music, or collec...

Welcome back to Gaming The System! This week, Jem, Alex, and Matt are back with Part 2 of our deep dive into gamer guilt —this time, exploring how guilt shows up in unexpected ways, from screen time worries to external judgement, and why we feel the need to justify our gaming habits. This episode goes beyond just gaming and into the big stuff—self-worth, productivity, social connection, and the pr...

Gaming The System: Gamer Guilt Part 1 – Show Notes 🎮 Welcome back to Gaming The System! This week, Jem, Alex, and Matt dive into gamer guilt —that nagging feeling about how much time we spend gaming, what we play, and whether we’re making the “right” choices with our hobby. This episode focuses on time, priorities, and responsibility —how we fit gaming into our lives, the social pressures that ma...

Baldur’s Gate 3 Fancast – Part 2 🎭 Welcome back, adventurers! Last time, we debated the perfect fan cast for three of Baldur’s Gate 3’s beloved (and despised) characters. This time, we’re diving even deeper into the party lineup—tackling the unstoppable force that is Lae’zel and the criminally underwritten Wyll. We also dive into the importance of accessibility in gaming. Alex, Matt and Jem are o...

🎲 Baldur’s Gate 3 Fancast – Part 1 🎭 Welcome back to Gaming the System , the podcast where three intersectional feminists take a deep dive into the world of gaming! In this special Baldur’s Gate 3 fancast series, Matt, Alex, and Jem are joined by returning guest Fin, a certified BG3 superfan (with 693 hours logged, an Astarion tattoo, and a hand-stitched Astarion blanket—yes, really). Together,...

Episode Summary: Welcome back to Gaming The System , the podcast where three intersectional feminists explore the gaming world through a critical lens. In today’s episode, Alex, Jem, and Matt dive into the sheer volume of games released in 2024, discussing the staggering 19,000 titles on Steam alone. With so many games out there, is there really a need for the gaming industry to cling to outdated...