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 stimulation, and why that matters for how we spend our free time. We react to the new Switch 2 Direct and the familiar pull of FOMO, while trying to keep things grounded in what really matters. We share thoughts on the different types of gamers out there, and how our identities around competition and casual play have changed over the years. Finally, we wrap on why intrinsic fun is worth chasing over external rewards, and how that shift might be the healthiest way to keep enjoying games as adults. Thanks for listening!

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 The Challenge of Souls Games & Finding Joy in Difficulty


• 00:21:18 Steam Won the Console War – Consoles Feel the Same Now


• 00:41:00 Choosing Your Platform: What Matters Most Going Forward


• 00:57:00 Games as Stimulation, Not Passive Relaxation


• 01:01:00 Switch 2 Direct Reactions & Handling FOMO


• 01:05:25 What Kind of Gamer Are You?


• 01:15:45 Playing for Fun: Intrinsic Rewards Over External Pressure

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