HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.com (Colette & Matt)

Shows

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat183 Colette's True Love Revealed in Scandalous Leaked AudioShocking private recordings, obtained exclusively by this podcast, reveal for the first time that Colette Bennet is madly in love with a 2007 video game man.Meanwhile, we recount what our community played during the Thanksgiving weekend while hiding from their families.Plus, janky spaceship adventures in "Void Crew," the tranquil beauty of "Moonring," and why "Puzzle Quest" is still hella dope after all these years.If you want FREE video games, join our Discord community ASAP and enter to win a game every day in December, courtesy of our generous listener @cheshire48! 2024-12-061h 34

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat135 We Tried to Play a Video Game Together on the InternetFor possibly the first time ever, Colette and Matt attempted to play a video game together. It was a spectacular failure, but not for the reasons you'd suspect.Plus: Would you want your OWN voice to be the protagonist in your next game? EA's new patent bets you will. We discuss the complications of AI voice synthesis in games and other media.Also, the economics of Game Pass in a world of platform convergence, and the grind that keeps us coming back for more "Genshin Impact."Email us with what you're playing and...2023-12-011h 34

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat134 Bring Your Nintendo DS to ThanksgivingIt's that time of year when we gather with family and friends, only to sneak away and grind out a few levels between the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.We asked our listeners what they've queued up over the long Thanksgiving weekend, and discuss the legacy (and current second-hand market) of the Nintendo (3)DS.Plus: What would it take to fork over $60 on the "Super Mario RPG" remake? Colette's continued obsession with "Genshin Impact," Matt rolls credits on "Tears of the Kingdom," more "Alan Wake 2," and continued voyages in "Elite: Dangerous."Email us w...2023-11-241h 03

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat133 "Hades" Is Coming to (Certain) Telephones, and Our Fave November Nindies"You can play 'Hades' on a telephone via Netflix" is a sentence we never thought we'd say, but it's happening. We continue to be fascinated by Netflix's innovative approach to game licensing, and the convergence of platforms (console, PC, mobile, and streaming) that make this all possible.Plus, "Persona 6" is happening, Amazon lays off 180 in its gaming division, the Game Awards nominees are in, and the games that caught our eye in Nintendo's Indie World November showcase.Also, will Colette's "Genshin" obsession last when the real grind kicks in? And Matt reviews the maximum chill...2023-11-171h 39

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat132 Who Will Play Link in the Zelda Movie? And a New Steam Deck!?We fell asleep for a week and woke up to an unhinged amount of video game news, including the green light for a live action "Legend of Zelda" movie, "GTA 6" announced, a new "Mass Effect," more Switch 2 rumors, and the surprise launch of the Steam Deck OLED, which is actually more than a pretty screen.Plus, the thing that finally got Colette hooked on "Genshin Impact," Matt's space cruise continues, "Alan Wake II," and an adorable game about cleaning up the ocean and petting fish.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it...2023-11-101h 57

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat131 Our One Big Problem With "Super Mario Bros. Wonder"SMB Wonder is an extraordinary game, full of absolute joy and unbridled creativity...except for one REALLY annoying part.Meanwhile, Colette looks back at the legacy of Alan Wake in preparation for the sequel, and some other spoopy games for the season. And Matt prepares to board a community-driven space cruise ship in Elite: Dangerous.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://ww...2023-10-271h 41

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat129 The Zelda Timeline Officially Makes Even Less Sense Now!How much Halloween decorating is TOO much? The answer: It's never enough!This week, Unity's CEO gets the boot, Activision/Blizzard games are (probably) enroute to Game Pass, "Guitar Hero" might be coming back(?), and the director of "Tears of the Kingdom" explains why the game's lore makes literally no sense.Also, we take a peek at some Steam Next Fest Demos, share an extremely short but emotional game, and an objectively bad Switch port that's actually kinda awesome.Colette's playing: Every Letter (Steam)Matt's playing: Ziggurat 2 (Switch)Email...2023-10-131h 28

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat127 Meta Quest 3 vs. SteamVR 2.0: The VR Race (Finally) Heats UpThe Meta Quest 3 VR headset has been revealed, boasting higher resolutions and more horsepower, but coincidentally (?) Valve has pushed SteamVR 2.0 into beta, which unifies PC, Steam Deck, and VR interfaces across its ecosystem. Does this hint at the long-rumored wireless Steam headset incoming? And if so, should Valve compete with Meta for mainstream users, or should it stick to the core gaming audience? And where would Apple fit into this market, if at all?We discuss the race for VR adoption and what it means for the business of each company involved, and our own headset and...2023-09-291h 49

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat123 Why "Sea of Stars" Is So SpecialWe both share our early (and glowing) impressions of Sabotage Studio's stylish sophomore selection, "Sea of Stars!" (That's a lot of S's). We discuss the outstanding sprite work, music, prologue tutorial, why the demo did this game a disservice, and the mechanical depth that far exceeds its 16-bit inspirations.Plus, walkable cities IRL, why Colette needs to return to TotK (someday), and an unexpected interruption...Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFo...2023-09-011h 01

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat121 Things Take Time to Make (Sky Burkson Returns!)Video game miniature artist and reluctant social media influencer Sky Burkson returns to share progress on his EPIC "Monster Hunter: World" papercraft set piece, and discuss how freecam boundary breaking is key to peering around video game corners players can't see. Also, we learn that capitalism is probably real bad!While Colette is packing up for a move, Matt and Sky discuss LEGO penises, the meteoric rise of "Baldur's Gate 3," and why "Pikmin 4" is so damn fun.Follow Sky's work: https://www.skyburkson.com/Email us with what you're playing and we'll read...2023-08-182h 02

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat120 What's the DEAL With This Netflix Game Controller?Netflix, the video store that mails you DVDs, just released an iOS app that turns your phone into a video game controller! How will this work? Where are the games? And most importantly, what KINDS of games will stream to your TV?This week, we continue our discussion of Netflix's ongoing foray into games, and why their shrewd mobile strategy proves they're not constrained to their own platform.Plus, "Baldur's Gate 3" continues to break Steam records and blow away the expectations of fans and its developers. We discuss why it's a perfect storm for this...2023-08-111h 45

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat115 You Can Kill Chocobos in 'Final Fantasy XVI' and That's WrongWe're BACK with hot takes on FF16's epic combat and storyline, a factory game for people who hate factories, rolling credits on Diablo IV, and many pew-pew spaceship sounds! PLUS, what our beloved community is playing in the wake of a TotK-filled month.Colette's playing: Final Fantasy XVI and Diablo IVMatt's playing: Nova Lands and EVERSPACE 2Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:...2023-07-071h 31

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat111 The $3,500 Apple Vision Pro Isn't For Games (Yet)We are floored and confused by the reveal of Apple's long-rumored augmented reality headset. If you like opening and closing 100-foot Safari tabs in your livingroom, then this puppy will only set you back $3,500. If you're waiting for something more, this ep is for you.We discuss the exciting potential of granular eye tracking, gesture control, and why the VR/AR market continues to be fractured between gamer enthusiasts and normals.Plus, Colette blows past the early level caps in Diablo IV, Matt gets out his spreadsheets for another mobile MMO, and we try not...2023-06-091h 14

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat110 Who Needs Sony's Project Q? Our PlayStation Showcase ReactionsSony's Playstation Showcase revealed some exciting new IP and franchise faves from a variety of studios. Which ones caught our eyes and ears? And what's up with this new Playstation handheld?Plus, is TotK ruining all other video games for us? And an exciting new endeavor in Colette's household!A Guide to Royal Thai Cuisine: https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/article/features/a-guide-to-royal-thai-cuisineEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ...2023-06-021h 15

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat109 Dopamine Forest: The Real Reason 'Tears of the Kingdom' Is So RewardingOur obsession with Tears of the Kingdom continues as we discuss what makes it so engaging, and how it masterfully avoids the pitfalls of "aimless" open world game design. We also address some of the criticism around its re-hashing of BoTW, and why that ultimately works in its favor in strange ways.Also, what's the best way to watch (and understand?) Evangelion? [This episode contains NO SPOILERS for TotK, despite our original plans! Listen without fear!]Colette's playing: TotK, Ghostlore, and Princess MakerMatt's playing: ALL TOTK ALL THE TIMEEmail us with what y...2023-05-261h 06

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat108 AI Will Be Amazing For Video Games, Rough on SocietyColette is BACK, and her jaw remains on the floor after diving into Tears of the Kingdom. She shares her first impressions and we get serious about what makes the latest Zelda game so great.Plus, Steam's new "try it before you buy it" feature and the promising future of Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) in video games.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://tw...2023-05-191h 08

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat107 TEARS OF THE KINGDOM First Impressions With @JammyCooks[SPOILER-FREE DISCUSSION UNTIL 50:10]The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has finally arrived, and we've been playing since it dropped last night. Colette is on assignment, so fellow Zelda fanatic Jaime Carrillo joins Matt to discuss the first 3-4 hours of what may go down in history as one of the greatest video games ever made.Jaime has loved Zelda since he was a (literal) fetus, and shares the fresh and familiar mechanics that make ToTK so remarkable. He also shares the inspiration for his YouTube channel, in which he cooks recipes from video...2023-05-121h 06

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat106 What Are You Playing While We Wait for "Tears of the Kingdom?"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is ONE WEEK AWAY. Is your body ready? What are you doing, playing, or not playing to clear your mind and calendar for May 12? Matt flies solo for this one to discuss your pre-TotK plans while Colette is on vacation.Matt's playing: GroundedEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobee...2023-05-0557 min

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat105 UK Blocks the Microsoft/Activision Merger. Now What?The United Kingdom has blocked Microsoft from acquiring Activision Blizzard in a major regulatory swing, citing unfair competition in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft will appeal of course, but what actually happens if one country blocks a multi-national merger?We discuss the differences between what we (as gamers) want to happen, vs. what should happen. Also, the jaw-dropping photorealism of Unrecord, and our favorite gems from Nintendo's April Indie World Showcase. Spoiler: It was different in Japan.Colette's playing: Citizen Sleeper and V RisingMatt's playing: JellyCar Worlds and Pocket City 2...2023-04-281h 21

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat104 What Would a Netflix AAA Live Service Game Look Like?When Netflix first entered the games biz, many in the industry scoffed. But their partnership strategies and platform-agnostic mobile approach has shown promise. Now the news of a former Halo developer joining Netflix to create a new AAA IP has us thinking: A cross-platform, live service game on PC and consoles that's "free" to play with a Netflix login could be a massive hit — if the game is great.We discuss the shifting live service landscape, our excitement for Stardew Valley 1.6, Sega buying Angry Birbs for mere pennies, and why we must protect Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) at al...2023-04-211h 17

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat101 Zelda: TotK's Weapon Durability Is the Most Polarizing Issue of Our Time (Sky Burkson Returns!)It's time to discuss the controversy that has divided our great nation for far too long: Should Link's stick break after you whack it too much?On the heels of fresh gameplay for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, miniature artist and Pro Gamer Dad™ Sky Burkson returns to Chat about how Nintendo has leaned hard into the physics sandbox of its open-world sequel, and whether that's what fans really want from a Zelda game.Plus, we discuss Sky's latest epic Elden Ring paper sculpture, why AI-generated art can't compete with true fandom (ye...2023-03-311h 34

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat100 How 'Minesweeper' Made Microsoft a Gaming Company (w/ Kyle Orland)When "Minesweeper" and "Solitaire" were first bundled with Microsoft's Windows operating system in the early '90s, they introduced millions of people to PC gaming, many of whom had never used a mouse before. "Minesweeper" in particular became a favorite addiction of many Microsoft programmers, including Bill Gates.Kyle Orland, senior gaming editor at Ars Technica, has written an upcoming book about the legacy of the grey, tiled Roguelike that paved the way for a more robust ecosystem of PC games and eventually the Xbox brand we know today. The ubiquity of these casual pack-in games rivaled...2023-03-241h 55

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat99 We Convinced World-Record Video Game Collector Linda Guillory to Get a Steam DeckBy day, Linda Guillory is an engineer at Texas Instruments. By night (and really, all hours!), she holds two Guinness World Records: "Largest collection of LCD video game systems," and "largest collection of playable gaming systems." In all, she has more than 3,000 and counting, and her collection has been covered by games media and collector trades around the world.Linda joins us for a really fun and fascinating Chat about how she got started, the huge role her family plays in her love of gaming, an exclusive announcement, and why we often forget about video games that...2023-03-171h 11

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat97 Nintendo Direct...ly Into Our HeartsWe recap the big announcements, fresh demos, and interesting teasers that caught our attention during Nintendo's massive February Direct, including the shadow drop of Metroid Prime Remastered and brand new footage of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We also dive into some of the Game Boy Advance classics offered in the new online upgrade, and share excitement for the upcoming Chrono-inspired RPG Sea of Stars.Plus, more space zombie stomping in the Dead Space remake and a harrowing tale of ambush and redemption on the Sea of Thieves.Colette's playing: Dead Space (Remake) & The Legend...2023-02-171h 41

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat96 Activision Blizzard's Paltry Settlement & Complicated Hogwarts Feelings** THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED BEFORE NINTENDO'S LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS **The news was easy to miss: Activision Blizzard has settled with the SEC for $35 million, and admitted to no wrongdoing in its sexual discrimination and harassment lawsuits. So, is this the end of the story? Will anything change at the company or in the gaming industry as a whole? We discuss our disappointments and optimism.Also, Hogwarts Legacy has garnered rave reviews from nearly every major outlet, confirming that this is the Wizarding game fans have anticipated for decades. But it's not without controversy, of course. We...2023-02-101h 21

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat95 The Sleeper Hit 'Hi-Fi Rush' Is a RushThe action-adventure rhythm game Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks shadow dropped this week, and has taken the game-o-sphere by storm. Colette shares her glowing first impressions of this very special title. Meanwhile, Matt has embarked on his new PowerWash Simulator career in the flawed but still very satisfying Switch port.Also: The Dead Space remake delivers in a world where other spiritual successors fall short.Colette's playing: Hi-Fi Rush and Dead Space (Remake) Matt's playing: PowerWash Simulator (Switch)Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! Ha...2023-02-031h 03

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat94 The Rise of "Cozy City Builders"We've noticed an increasing number of chill, minimalist "building" games emerge over the last few years, from Dorfromantik to Garden Galaxy, so we thought it was time to explore the rise of these "cozy builders."We trace their lineage back to the city games of yore, why they've split into a new subgenre, the difference between a "toy" and a "game," and the pure creative dopamine hits you get when setting up the perfect farm/island/city.Colette's playing: Moonstone IslandMatt's playing: IslandersEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the...2023-01-271h 10

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat93 'The Last of Us' TV Show Is ... Actually Great?This week we discuss the premiere of HBO's The Last of Us TV series, and how the maturation of video game narrative over the last 40 years (as well as the craft of prestige TV adaptation) has brought us to this moment.Also, Colette's book Enter the Meta is OFFICIALLY released. Get it wherever you get books! https://amzn.to/3HbAaoxPlus, the sheer joy of wanton kaiju destruction and the legacy of the arcade classic Rampage.Colette & Matt are playing: Terror of HemasaurusEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it...2023-01-201h 14

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat92 'Stardew Valley' Speedrunners (w/ atwentysomethingloser & lichatton)Speed running Super Mario Bros. is a straightforward endeavor. Whoever saves the princess fastest gets the record. But what about open-ended sims, where you set your own goals?This week, we were so mesmerized by Stardew Valley speedrunners on GDQ that we had to invite them on the show. Lee (@atwentysomethingloser) and Lisa (@lichatton) are Stardew-obsessed Twitch streamers who have dissected the game to find the fastest ways to marry specific villagers, complete Community Center bundles, catch every fish, and other in-game milestones, often achieving these runs in mere hours.Their strategies involve animation canceling...2023-01-131h 05

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat90 Playing Old PS2 Games Over the Winter BreakWe're staying as cozy as possible and carving out some post-holiday game time with some old classics and new favorites. We discuss what you've been playing, and the games at the top of our queue during this (hopefully) quiet time.Colette's playing: Old-ass PS2 games like Fatal FrameMatt's playing: Sail Forth and Sky: Children of the LightEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www...2022-12-301h 15

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat89 Fortnite Pays an Epic $520 Million Price on PrivacyEpic Games settled an FTC investigation alleging it had violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting too much data on minors and tricking them into unintended purchases. Epic has not admitted to wrongdoing, but will pay a whopping $520 million to put the case to bed. So, what does this mean for the future of a games industry that has its sights set on live service games, addictive loops, and microtransactions?We discuss this, what we've been playing, and much more.Read Colette's piece on Epic vs. FTC: https://www.thestreet.com/video-games...2022-12-231h 15

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat87 "Callisto Protocol" Has Bad Reviews and "Dwarf Fortress" RebornThe long-awaited space horror spiritual successor to Dead Space is... bad? Editorial and fan reviews alike have criticized the new release for performance issues and lackluster gameplay. But how much envelope pushing does a franchise really need if fans just want moar Dead Space in their lives?Plus, the 20-year-old free colony simulator Dwarf Fortress finally has...graphics? The game is out now on Steam for the first time ever, and it's a watershed moment for the genre it more or less created. Plus, more media theory, drama around a canceled Smash Bros. tournament, and Colette's demo-palooza co...2022-12-091h 18

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat86 Gardens, Graveyards, and How to Fix the InternetColette has a delightful new Steam demo to share, and Matt would like to talk to you about our Lord and Savior: Tech Trees. Plus, what YOU are playing on this fine post-Thanksgiving week.We also discuss the problems with modern social media and how we might make the Internet a better place for communities and fandoms.Colette's playing: Garden Galaxy (Demo)Matt's playing: Graveyard KeeperEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ...2022-12-021h 17

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat84 What If "Wordle" Had a Battle Pass? (w Jeff Petriello, NY Times Games)The New York Times has been a gaming company for decades, yet most crossword and puzzle fans don't consider themselves "gamers." This conversation shifted a bit when the Times purchased Internet sensation Wordle in January.Jeff Petriello is a producer at NY Times Games, a digital media vet, and game design professor at New York University. He joins us to discuss how bundling games into subscription services like NYT, Netflix, and Gamepass are changing the perceptions and study of play. He also shares how he guides game design students without hindering their self-expression, why controller input standardization...2022-11-181h 28

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat83 Our Favorite November NindiesNintendo shared a wholesome lineup of fresh indie games this week, so we pluck out our most anticipated, along with some recently released games we're jazzed to try.Colette's playing: Coral IslandMatt's playing: Rogue Legacy 2Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideos...2022-11-111h 17

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat82 Spaghetti FactoryThis week's episode is mostly about Target's home décor section, but we also squeeze in some discussion about ... video games!We cover what you've been playing, the fine line between goals and grind, and the sublime joys of automation.Colette's playing: Potion Permit & Coral IslandMatt's playing: Factorio on SwitchEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFol...2022-11-041h 12

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat81 Do Video Games Make Kids Smarter?The new Final Fantasy XVI trailer looks real pretty, but is it enough to get you excited about the next installment? We discuss the franchise's hits and misses, and where 16 might fit in the hallowed pantheon.Plus, a new study from the National Institute of Health finds that kids who game have more brain poppin'. We discuss whether that's causation or correlation, and why studies on video games are murky at best. Also, G4 TV is finally dead (again?) and we look back on where it missed the boat for mainstream video game coverage, and that time...2022-10-281h 38

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat80 Konami Took a Break From Pachinko Machines!!!Silent Hill MANIA has befallen us, and Colette brings everyone up to speed on what was announced this week, the fandom's reaction, and why it matters.We also discuss Colette's forthcoming YA novel, Enter the Meta, which is now available for pre-order! Use the links below to purchase. And the merits of a pocket space MMO for the rest of us.Colette's playing: HYPE ABOUT SILENT HILLMatt's playing: Homeworld MobilePre-order Colette's book, Enter the Meta:Simon & Schuster: https://bit.ly/3z13d9TAmazon: https://amzn.to/3yY5najBarnes & Noble:https://bit.ly/3SkfI7...2022-10-211h 26

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat79 Who Is Meta's Latest VR Headset For?The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is here. It's lighter, and has more precise hand tracking, but a lower resolution, refresh rate, and battery life, and it's being marketed to creative professionals at a whopping $1,500. So who is this for? And will it move the needle on VR? We discuss the fractured VR audience, and why the Pro's specs and price tag may not line up for VR's biggest evangelists. Plus, Facebook's major trust problem, and why Valve is uniquely positioned to save us all from VR ecosystem hell, especially with lessons learned from the Steam Deck's s...2022-10-141h 19

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat78 LIVE Reactions to the Super Mario Bros. Movie TrailerWe URGENTLY react to the world premiere footage from the Super Mario Bros. animated movie, and discuss the commercial and cultural stakes for Nintendo as they approach next year's release.Also, what makes fishing and crafting good in certain games, while tedious in others? We also stand before the deluge of demos from Steam Next Fest, and share our picks and potentials.Colette's playing: Dredge (Demo) and Potion Permit (Demo)Matt's playing: 20 Minutes Till Dawn and Halo: ReachEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.com 2022-10-071h 21

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat77 RIP Google Stadia: We Hardly Knew YeWe lament the demise of cloud gaming service Google Stadia, and speculate on what it might portend for the future of game streaming. Plus, we cover what our community has been playing, and gape in awe at a music licensing miracle.Colette's playing: 20 Minutes Till Dawn & Metal HellsingerMatt's playing: MythicEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and su...2022-09-301h 25

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat76 Disney Did an Animal CrossThis week we discuss what it takes to re-wire your home for a grown-up PC gaming lifestyle, the massive leaks of GTA VI and Diablo IV, and the strange machinations of Disney's $30 Early Access game that will one day be free to play?We also shine a spotlight on an up-and-coming indie developer called "Nintendo."Colette's playing: Disney Dreamlight ValleyMatt's playing: Splatoon 3Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to...2022-09-231h 36

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat75 Attack of the Video Game NewsThis week has more game news than you can swing a dead cat at, so we run down the highlights from Nintendo's September Direct, Sony's State of Play, and peek across the ocean at what's poppin' at the Tokyo Game Show.Plus, the infinite charm of Cursed to Golf, the winners of our Discord giveaway, the near-future of the VR market, and why doesn't Disney make more AAA console games these days?Colette & Matt are playing: Cursed to GolfEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.com 2022-09-161h 21

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat74 Boomers Talk About FortniteHave you heard of Fortnite? It is a popular video game that is sweeping the nation. Matt shares his thoughts about diving in for the first time ever, while Colette wraps up her Vampire Survivors obsession to focus on ... golf? Also, what's up with the Thai entertainment industry? (A question that no one has ever asked until this moment.)We cover Free-to-Play FOMO, and should Queen Elizabeth II (RIP) become a leader in Civilization?We have 3 Steam keys for Cursed to Golf, courtesy of Chuhai Labs! If you'd like to win one, enter the Discord s...2022-09-091h 27

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat73 Maybe Animal Crossing Was a Pandemic MMO for MugglesWould you take your Steam Deck on a cruise ship? Your answer to this question is better than any horoscope.Also, Sony's investment in mobile MMOs and live service games leads us to a conversation about how platforms and ecosystems are so important in bringing "Muggles" (i.e. non-traditional gamers) into games — specifically, how the persistent worlds of our own Animal Crossing islands kinda became a social MMO that 30 million people played throughout the pandemic. The future of live service has a lot to do with what devices and platforms are in our pockets.Colette's playing: Su...2022-09-021h 11

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat72 Gamescom Rom-Com 2022We run down the teasers, announcements, updates, and surprises from Gamescom 2022, conduct our court-mandated Vampire Survivors check-in, and share some fresh gems we've been playing.Also, the lessons of being a "fast follower" in the games and tech industries.Colette's playing: PlateUp! and Onsen MasterMatt's playing: Empires of the UndergrowthEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFo...2022-08-261h 38

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat71 Killing Much HarderThe depth and complexity of a game has nothing do with with its control scheme, graphical fidelity, or writing, as our continued obsession with Vampire Survivors proves. We spin the wheel and pick the 5 winners of our Vampire Survivors giveaway! Listen here or check the Discord to see if you've won!Also, the beauty of ASCII animation, how online communities allow games to indulge in mechanical complexity, and...Rock Simulator?Colette's playing: MOAR Vampire SurvivorsMatt's playing: Stone Story RPGEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.com 2022-08-1959 min

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat70 We Can't Stop Playing 'Vampire Survivors' Send HelpVampire Survivors, the indie darling that's sweeping the nation, only uses one stick. But its strategic complexity is a miles-deep "just one more run" rabbit hole, and Colette may never climb out.Speaking of hopeless addictions, Matt has returned to Sea of Thieves for its Season 7 Captaincy Update, and is also checking out Monster Sanctuary, which is a Poké-like Metroidvania with Final Fantasy-esque combat. Phew!Also, the incomprehensible size of Tencent and its continued domination of the industy.Join our Discord community and enter to win your own copy of Vampire Survivors: ht...2022-08-121h 15

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat68 StraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayIs Stray, the most-wishlisted game in Steam history, living up to the hype? Colette shares her first impressions on both the Steam Deck and her PC. Also, Matt finally finished 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, and there is a LOT (of non-spoilers) to talk about!Also: Does a "game" need mechanics to be ... well, a game?Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.tw...2022-07-291h 56

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat67 Even More Hidden Gems (w/ Sky Burkson)You asked for it, and we have delivered. Volume 2 of our hidden gems series is here. And while Colette is on vacation this week, guest co-host Sky Burkson has a treasure trove of under-the-radar beauties like ... Elden Ring, and ... Mario Kart 8.Games discussed in this episode:Lunch LadyLumioneWattamEverhoodTeabat!Dodgeball AcademiaTOEMNinjin: Clash of CarrotsVampire SurvivorsCyber HookMuseum of Other RealitiesFollow Sky to see what video game miniature madness he's been up to:Sky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyburkson/Sky's Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyburksonEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read...2022-07-151h 49

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat65 Real-Time Strategy Returns (w/ Ryan Schutter, Frost Giant Studios / Stormgate)Like many of us in the late '90s and early '00s, Ryan Schutter was obsessed with real-time strategy games like Warcraft, Command & Conquer, and StarCraft. When StarCraft II was on the horizon, he bought a beta key from Craigslist, and his life would never be the same again.He made custom maps for the game, including complex event scripting. As game streaming matured and SC2 became a competitive scene, he devised a fresh UX called Gameheart that allowed spectators and eSports fans to see wtf was even going on during high-level competitive play. That's when...2022-07-011h 17

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat64 Teenage Mutant Ninja Steam DeckColette got a STEAM DECK! She shares her first impressions and what she's been playing on it. We also discuss the beat-em-up joy of TMNT: Shredder's Revenge.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: htt...2022-06-242h 02

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat62 Diablo Immortal and the Ethics of "Free-to-Play"Colette has gone hard on Diablo Immortal, both as a player and in covering its business model, which has made headlines this week for its loot boxy mechanics and exorbitant end-game price tag.But if you get 40-100 hours out of a grindy game you love for free, is it really a problem? This week we discuss the ethics of the Free-to-Play business model, and the nuances that make some free games fantastic, while others prey on our darkest vices.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.co...2022-06-101h 41

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat61 Do You Guys Not Have Phones?Somehow, Colette doesn't know who beloved children's singer Raffi is, but we'll do the show anyway.This week, mobile/PC hybrid Diablo Immortal is upon us, so Colette shares her first impressions. We also discuss the legacy of the Baldur's Gate series and how long is too long to wait for Baldur's Gate 3 to be completed.Also, Matt paid 71 cents for a video game. Was it worth it? Choice paralysis, 13 Sentinels, and the value of niche streaming services.Also, we've joined the HyperX Podcast Network!Email us with what you're playing...2022-06-031h 37

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat60 The "Baywatch" of Video Games (w/ Dan Lingen, Game Creator Community Dir. @ Xbox)Destructoid alum Dan "Husky" Lingen joins us this week to go deep on media theory, the evolution of Internet communities, and of course...video games! He recently joined Xbox as the Game Creator Community Director, where he works with developers to empower their online fans. He's also worked at EA, Twitch, and Ubisoft, and explains how covering video games in the mid-2000s positioned him to realize the dream of joining the games industry.We reminisce about a less crowded Internet, why the Web is more inclusive today but harder to break through, and our hope that...2022-05-271h 38

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat59 How a Minecraft Server for Autistic Kids Became the Best Place on the InternetStuart Duncan is the dad of an autistic son, and he's also autistic himself. So when he learned that autistic Minecraft players were being bullied on popular servers, he set out to create a safe and inclusive virtual space for the autism community. The moment he announced it, parents lined up in droves, hoping their kids could join.Today, the server has 15,000 members, and Stuart has quit his job as a software developer to manage, moderate, and customize the server for kids (and their families) who communicate and play their own way.Stuart joins us...2022-05-201h 50

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat57 Chrono Kross'll Make Ya (Sad! Sad!)Why is the Chrono Cross re-release port so bad? Because God is dead, that's why. Also, have you heard of Roblox? It's popular with YOUTHS.This week we discuss how our gaming lifestyles have evolved — especially in the context of a work-from-home pandemic — and share what you (and we) are playing this week.Colette's playing: Kirby & Ghostwire: TokyoMatt's playing: Dorfromantik & 13 Sentinels: Aeigis Rim & Switch SportsEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow...2022-05-061h 33

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat56 The Steam Deck Is the Future of Video Games (But Not for the Reasons You Think)Matt got a Q2 Steam Deck, so buckle up for some blabbing about why it's AWESOME, kinda weird, and a huge step toward a new future for PC games. Colette reveals why Ghostwire: Tokyo keeps her hooked, despite not caring about the storyline, and a peek at the Southern charm of Norco.Colette's playing: Ghostwire: Tokyo & NorcoMatt's playing: Everything on THE S T E A M D E C KEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ 2022-04-291h 31

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat54 Punching Rocks on TatooineWhen you really think about it, Kirby is just a puppy murdering simulator. This week we discuss the legacy of the Mana series, Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers, what's up with Norco, some positive developments in the Activision Blizzard situation, and who the "metaverse" is really for.Also, have you heard of STAR WARS?Colette's playing: Ghostwire: Tokyo & Kirby and the Forgotten LandMatt's playing: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker SagaEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz...2022-04-081h 28

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat53 Old Men Yell at JRPGs (with Sky Burkson)Colette is tending to urgent home repair matters this week, so miniature artist, streamer, and Souls-enthusiast Sky Burkson joins Matt to talk about the hidden difficulty slider in Elden Ring, and why "git gud" misses the point of what makes Soulsborne games great. We also reveal the incredibly hot take that Kirby is...pretty fun.Also, WHY DON'T THEY MAKE JRPGs LIKE THE GOOD OLD DAYS???!!!1?Sky's playing: Inscryption, The Blue King Collection, & Elden RingMatt's playing: Kirby and the Forgotten Land & Triangle StrategySee Sky's amazing art and follow him on the social medias! https://w...2022-04-012h 18

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat52 Super Information HighwayThis week we pluck some stories from the news, discuss what you're playing, get Ghosty in Tokyo, and Matt gets a free* trip to Istanbul.Colette's playing: Tunic & Ghostwire: TokyoMatt's playing: Triangle StrategyEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur th...2022-03-251h 23

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat51 Sexy WaluigiThis week we accidentally look at some NSFW mousepads on Etsy, notice that Elden Ring sure is popular, Triangulate some Strategy, and discuss what your Stardew Valley spouse says about you.Matt's playing: Triangle StrategyColette's playing: Stardew ValleyEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.co...2022-03-181h 35

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat50 Being a Person Is Really HardOn this 50th anniversary episode of Chat, we solve all the world's problems in about 20 minutes, which leaves plenty of extra time to talk about The Elden Scrolls V: SkyRing.Colette's playing: Elden RingMatt's playing: Into the Breach & more Monster Hunter RiseEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Si...2022-03-111h 16

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat47 Our 5 Favorite Games of All Time (#3)It's time to reveal our #3 most favorite game of all time! Will it be Shaq Fu? Probably!Relevant links from today's episode:Hot Pepper Gaming feat. Austin Creed[SPOILER] Relevant Video Re: Matt's #3 GameEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/fr...2022-02-181h 54

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat45 brb, afk vol. 5 (Sleepy PC Edition)We're off this week while Colette's PC is on the mend! But we're very excited to hear more of YOUR favorite games of all time, so please keep sharing them in the Discord and by email. See you next week!Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://ww...2022-02-0404 min

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat44 Our 5 Favorite Games of ALL TIME (#5)Welcome to the first episode in a very special series, where we discuss the 5 most important video games we've ever played, and why. Colette and Matt do not know what the other has picked, and reveal #5 on their lists. We discuss the criteria for our choices, the weight of nostalgia, and what the word "best" and "favorite" mean in this context.We want to hear YOUR picks! What's your 5th favorite game of all time? Write in to our email: HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comAnd join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJ...2022-01-281h 03

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat43 We Are Excited to Announce That We Have Acquired Square Enix Co, Ltd.On this very special episode, we are thrilled to share that we have acquired video game publisher Square Enix for $800 billion and will only be making '90s RPGs from now on.Colette's playing: LittlewoodMatt's playing: InscryptionEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c...2022-01-211h 26

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat41 You Had Me at "Poop Gems"This week we planned to talk about a topic and then completely didn't even talk about it! Because that's what professional podcasters DO.Instead, we get real about our favorite ARGs (Alternate Reality Games), feeding squirrels in VR, ethical free-to-play business models, and the only digital currency that matters: Poop Gems.Colette's playing: Cook Out and Puzzle Quest 3Matt's playing: Civilization VI and Slime RancherEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFo...2022-01-071h 36

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat38 Star Dews & Star Don'ts (Sky Burkson Returns)We have the power to record and save everything in our lives with the slab of plastic in our pocket. But ... should we? Miniature artist and video game enthusiast Sky Burkson returns as our guest to discuss the philosophical implications of social media, the transitory nature of art, and most importantly: leveling up your dodgeball skills.Also, remember when animals at the L.A. Zoo made their E3 predictions? Colette sure does: https://www.destructoid.com/the-animals-of-the-l-a-zoo-make-our-e3-2010-predictions/Sky's playing: Her Story & Dodgeball AcademiaColette's playing: Stardew Valley (Maybe?)Matt's playing: EvolandNotable link: Kurko...2021-12-171h 37

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat37 Daenerys Targaryen Simulator (with Sky Burkson)Colette is recovering from a cold this week, but we called in some backup. Streamer and miniaturist Sky Burkson joins us as a guest co-host in her absence to talk about the explosion of miniature craft online, all things Metroidvania, when games overstay their welcome by 25%, and what we're currently enjoying on the Personal Computer.Sky's playing: Lunch Lady, Blasphemous and Pony IslandMatt's playing: Rift Wizard and Century: Age of AshesFollow Sky on all the things: https://linktr.ee/skyburksonEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@g...2021-12-101h 49

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat34 Hand SprinklesThis week we discuss the ongoing misconduct investigations at Activision Blizzard, whether the industry has reached a tipping point toward meaningful change, and representation in games. Also, why Animal Crossing should just become a live service game already, VR discomfort, the chef's kiss difficulty curve of Metroid Dread, and why holding a naked Switch is a crime.Colette's playing: Resident Evil 4 VR and Animal Crossing New Horizons: Happy Home ParadiseMatt's playing: Metroid Dread, Unpacking, and Skyrim Anniversary EditionEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.com...2021-11-191h 36

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat33 Pistol Whipped (w/ Antony Stevens of Cloudhead Games)This week we're joined by Antony Stevens, writer and designer at Cloudhead Games, a Canadian VR studio best known for Colette's favorite obsession: Pistol Whip.It's a VR experience that transcends multiple genres, often referred to as a "first-person shooter, action, rhythm game." It's like if SUPERHOT, Beat Saber, John Wick, and The Matrix had a baby.We chat with Antony about how Cloudhead was building VR games before there was even a market for them, and why Pistol Whip hit all the right notes just in time for VR's resurgence. Also, player "good will"...2021-11-121h 14

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat31 Telephone GamesTen years ago, we all turned our noses up at casual app store gotcha games. But the Free-to-Play model has evolved, often to be more ethical. Our phones have 20x more horsepower. Today, we can carry MMOs in our pockets. And as busy adults, often the mobile form factor is the entry point for new game genres.This week we discuss mobile games we're enjoying , the horror game pantheon, and regrets from blogposts gone by.Colette's playing: Hungry Hearts Diner 2 and Resident Evil 4Matt's playing: Metroid Dread and EVE EchoesEmail us with what you're...2021-10-291h 28

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat30 Non-Fungible MemesThere's just something about the image, text, and mood of memes that make them such a precise communication vehicle. We discuss some of our favorites, what's up with NFTs, what you've been playing, and of course, what we've been playing.Colette's Playing: Unpacking and InscryptionMatt's Playing: Spiritfarer and EVE EchoesEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and su...2021-10-221h 18

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat29 brb, afk vol. 3Matt calls Colette to find out what the hell is going on.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz84B9RRJFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com/c/freedadvideosOur theme music is by Azure Flux: https://azureflux.bandcamp.com/Our logo is illustrated by @JustCallMeKatarina: https://www.instagram.com...2021-10-1507 min

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat27 Vidya Games From The CloudNetflix's recent acquisition of Oxenfree developer Night School got us thinking about the future of game streaming services. High quality games beaming down from the Cloud™ to any device is so close we can taste it. And yet it's so complicated and far away. We discuss our hopes and dreams for game streaming services, and the uphill battle Netflix will face against Microsoft, Amazon, and others.Also, why we hate the cultural baggage around the word "gamer." Colette's playing: Actraiser RenaissanceMatt's playing: GriftlandsEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the sho...2021-10-011h 40

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat26 AOL Instant Messenger SoundsThis week we get nostalgic for software environments: buttons, interfaces, and of course the sounds of '90s online chatrooms. But more importantly, GAMES!We discuss everything you're playing this week, the joy (and danger) of getting hooked on one live service game forever, the wholesome vibes of video game photography, and keeping shop on Nintendo Switch.Also, our review of W A V E S of D E A T H, a first-person shooter where you can't move for some reason and the protagonist uses misogynistic slurs from a discount audio library.Colette's pl...2021-09-241h 51

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat24 WAVES-OF-DEATH.exePrinters. You can't live with them, you can't throw them in a lake. Or can you?Colette stopped playing video games all week because she's watching some sort of anime from the '80s. But we still have PLENTY to talk about, including the maiden voyage of a new segment possibly titled: Steam Roulette!We'll spin the wheel and choose a RANDOM game from the entire Steam catalog. As long as the game isn't $800, we are forced to play it! It could be a turd or a hidden gem!But there's more: We'd...2021-09-101h 55

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat23 Pure Rogue JuiceGrinding gets a bad rap, but when the carrot is juicy enough, the grind is worth the squeeze. This week we discuss what makes a Roguelike (or Roguelite) game stick. It's often a combination of mechanics, feel, forward momentum, story, and aesthetics. When all of these hit the mark, even non-Rogue players can find their groove.Also, the relaxing feeling of pure, unbridled killing.Colette is still playing: ReturnalMatt is playing: Spelunky and TownscaperEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord c...2021-09-031h 39

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat22 Tetris Connect: AffectedWhen is it worth replaying old favorites when there's an infinite amount of new games to play? What if tomorrow, all new games stopped coming out forever and we could only play things that came before?These philosophical quandaries and MORE await you in this week's Chat. Also, why forward momentum is so important in Roguelikes, and the spiritual mindfulness of great Tetris.Colette's playing: ReturnalMatt's playing: Tetris Effect: ConnectedEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz...2021-08-271h 23

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat21 Buying Dog Hats (with Lisa Blakie of Runaway Games)This week we welcome Lisa Blakie, narrative designer for Colette's new favorite game, Old Friends Dog Game, a pet sim where you run a shelter for elderly dogs that also exists in the real world.Lisa shares the fascinating story of the shelter's rise to prominence online, and the origin of the beloved game. She also explains the ethos of Runaway Games, a small New Zealand studio making mobile experiences about the natural world.Also, have you heard of Chess?Lisa is playing: If Found...Colette is playing: Overcooked 2Matt is playing: Chess Em...2021-08-201h 08

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat20 PC Master Race to the BottomWe can't believe this is Episode 20! Those two decades flew by.How about Steam, eh? It gives us unlimited access to thousands of PC games that will sit in our library and never get played. Is there a better way to keep track of the dreaded "Steam Backlog?"This week we discuss the Steam ecosystem, what we (mostly) love about it, the longevity of PC gaming, and the paralysis of choice when it comes to finding something new to play.Also, an adorable mobile clicker about shelter dogs...where you can adopt the...2021-08-131h 47

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat19 Easy Mode (With Alex Q. Ryan, Sr. PR @ Koch Media)Today we learned the valuable lesson that no matter how fond you are of a classic game, you can't pass your own nostalgia to your kids.Destructoid/RetroforceGO alum Alex Q. Ryan joins us this week, and after a lot of screaming and virtual hugs, he explains what he does these days as the Senior PR Manager at Koch Media, working on franchises likes Saints Row, Metro, Dead Island, and the upcoming release Hot Wheels Unleashed.We discuss saying goodbye to a massive retro game collection, start a feud between Windows and Mac lovers, and f...2021-08-062h 05

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat18 The Best Retro Emulator Is Your *Mind* BroAre CRT filters a silly gimmick, or the way God intended retro games to be played? A great listener email kicks off a discussion about how art and media are viewed through the lens of time.Also, that feeling when you find a new game that really speaks to you, and you can't wait to play it.Colette's playing: Layers of Fear 2 Matt's playing: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac AgeEmail us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comJoin our Discord community: https://discord.gg/5xz8...2021-07-301h 12

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat17 Legend of Skyward Steam Deck HD (with Aaron Linde, Narrative Designer at 343 Industries)This week we're joined by Colette's old friend from Destructoid, Aaron Linde. These days, Aaron is a writer and narrative designer for AAA video games, including Gears of War, Battleborn, Destiny 2, and an upcoming, little-known indie darling called Halo Infinite.We reminisce about ye olden days of digital media, Aaron's leap into the fascinating world of game dev, and the big news on everyone's mind: Should I pre-order the Steam Deck so I can finally play Rimworld in the bathtub?Also, we look back at The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword in a post-BoTW world...2021-07-232h 15

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat15 Who Is the New Nintendo Switch OLED Model For?The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is here, and we're not sure the point of it? We discuss why the negative reaction in the gaming community will probably have zero effect on sales, and possible future iterations of the Switch hardware line.Also, does playing and watching a lot of horror make you more resistant to being scared? And why some games are great to watch on stream, but not necessarily to play. We also discuss the exciting but uncertain future of cloud gaming.Also: Colette's going to get lost in a forest, but in real l...2021-07-091h 56

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat14 Why God Quit Rocket League (w/ God from The God Pod)We enjoy playing simulations, but what about the ultimate simulation: Life? We have burning questions for The Maker, and are thrilled to be in the presence of God to ask Him about the most important topic, video games.God shares His favorite games and what He's played recently, including Red Dead Redemption, Civilization, and why kids yell at him while playing Rocket League.We also unravel the greatest mysteries of the Cosmos, including (but not limited to): Why do Madden games suck now? Where are all the good Star Trek games? And why do the...2021-07-0256 min

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat13 Would You Play a Nintendo Live-Service Game?This week we continue our quest to find out what lives in the Venn diagram where a "Colette Game" and a "Matt Game" overlap. The answer might be Sable, an upcoming nomadic desert hoverbike adventure.Also, why doesn't Nintendo make any live service games? And if they did, what franchises make the most sense? Speaking of online games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons vs. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and why we all broke our island economies during the pandemic.Colette's playing: Sable (Demo)Matt's re-playing: Darkest Dungeon: Ancestral EditionEmail us...2021-06-251h 20

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat12 E3 Debrief (w/ Saira Mueller, Editor at WIRED Games)E3 2021 has come and gone, and there are TOO MANY GAMES to keep track of. But there are a few that have our full attention.This week we're joined by WIRED Games editor and esports journalist Saira Mueller, who tells us about the time she wished for a SNES and got a lame-ass Playstation instead. Saira shares what she's currently playing, and the games she's looking forward to.Also, why don't they make controllers for different sized hands?Saira's playing: Cozy Grove, Spyro, It Takes TwoColette's playing: The Last CampfireMatt's playing: Super Bomberman R O...2021-06-181h 34

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat11 Our Most Hyped GamesE3 and Summer Game Fest 2021 is upon us, and the trailers are flying in faster than we can keep up. We asked you what new titles, sequels, DLCs, and tech you're most hyped about for 2021 and beyond. We share our excitement for the near and far-flung future of games.Email us with what you're playing and we'll read it on the show! HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comFollow and subscribe to Colette:https://twitter.com/colettebennetthttps://www.twitch.tv/hellococobeeFollow and subscribe to Matt:https://twitter.com/Matt_Silverman/https://www.youtube.com...2021-06-111h 54

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat10 What 3 Games Would You Bring to a Deserted Island?You're on a deserted island for the rest of your natural life, but you have a magical device and Internet connection that lets you play only 3 video games. You can get all the updates, DLC, mods, and multiplayer you want, and you can communicate with other players outside of the game ... but you can never play anything else. What do you bring?Also, there's a fish with teeth on the Battle Net installation screen.Email us with your picks: HaveEnteredTheChat@gmail.comTake the Meyers-Briggs gamer test in Colette's Discord: https://discord.gg/682...2021-06-041h 53

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat09 The Gaming Historian, Norman CarusoNorman Caruso, aka The Gaming Historian, has been meticulously documenting the history of video games (and their weird peripherals!) on YouTube since 2008. It took him 7 years before this passion project became a full-time job. More than 90 million views later, his channel is among the most rigorous and well-respected in the world of games journalism. Norman has covered topics as ubiquitous a Tetris and Super Mario Bros. 3, all the way down to failed tech like the Sega Mega Modem and an IRL fishing module for the Game Boy.We chat with Norman about how he got his start...2021-05-281h 47

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat08 The Only Good Water Level Is SubnauticaWhat draws people into MMOs and live service games? And if one game keeps evolving and adding content, maybe we don't need to play as many new games?We discuss your love of Destiny 2 and Final Fantasy XIV, why Matt played 500 hours of Warframe (and then had to stop), and why Colette doesn't like to play online (except in Diablo 2). Also, is Destiny just Space Diablo in 3D? Also, the classic days of WoW, Everquest, and EVE Online.Also, Colette is obsessed with (watching) Resident Evil Village, and discusses the difference between "helpless horror" and...2021-05-211h 34

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat07 Games We Loved That Don't Stand the Test of TimeGames are such a young medium. Also, a rapidly evolving one. So it's not surprising when we return to a game we played years ago (especially in our youth) to find the life-changing experience we remember is actually kind of ... meh?This week, we discuss the subjectivity of games as an art form on a continuum of culture, technology, and personal growth. Sometimes games are still great in their historical context, even if we don't like playing them in 2021. And sometimes, old games are true masterpieces that transcend their technological and cultural contexts.We also d...2021-05-141h 39

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat06 Who Is Todd Snap? (with Chelsea Stark, Executive Editor at Polygon)New Pokémon Snap is here, and apparently there's a character in it named Todd Snap? So says Chelsea Stark, the Executive Editor at an up-and-coming video game website we like to call Polygon.com. This week in chat, we discuss the sublime pleasures of bad games we still love to play. Also, can math ever be fun? Also, why won't Pokémon respect the "rule of thirds?" And WTF *is* picross, anyway?What we're playing:New Pokémon Snap, featuring Todd Snap!Murder By Numbers, a '90s-themed visual novel + puzzle gameLegend of Keepe...2021-05-071h 27

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat05 How to Play NES Games in VRWhen did nerd culture shift from being passé to the dominant force across all media? Where did all your fan fiction go before the Internet? Remember Blockbuster??Also, we make a decision on which '90s Star Trek to binge. Also, how did anime get so mainstream? Also, the difference between simple games, and complex games that are easy to access.And, you can play the original NES Zelda and Dragon Warrior in VR now for some reason?!What we're playing:Cozy Grove: Animal Crossing meets Spiritfarer (but not really!)3DSen PC: P...2021-04-301h 43

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat04 Does Dave Grohl Play 'Rock Band?' (with Sean Baptiste from Bethesda)This week we're joined by the wonderful Sean Baptiste, whose long career in the games industry led him to become the senior PR and streaming manager for Bethesda Softworks. Today, he works with influencers large and small on the publisher's biggest franchises like "Doom" and "Fallout."We talk with Sean about his extremely diverse career path (which includes play writing, standup comedy, and finding bugs in "Guitar Hero,"), what he's been playing lately, and that time he played "Rock Band" for Dave Grohl at the Grammys.Also, what makes a great "Persona" game, the extraordinary w...2021-04-231h 22

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat03 Playing 'The Legend of Zelda' (NES) Every YearWhy does Colette play the original "Legend of Zelda" every year? It's about way more than just nostalgia. Also, what's the deal with Hello Kitty, which '90s "Star Trek" is the best, and the JRPGs that fooled us by pretending to be good.What Colette is playing:No Time to Relax: Spiritual successor to Sierra's classic life sim "Jones in the Fast Lane"What Matt is NOT playing:Pac-Man 99: It's Pac-Man but craaaazy!Tracks: Toybox Edition: Toy trains but VIRTUAL, babyKatamari Damacy REROLL: Fuck this game.Email us with what you're playing a...2021-04-161h 48

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat02 The Alchemy of a Perfect GameWhat makes a game "stick" for you? And what happens when a game has every ingredient you love and you're still not feeling it? Colette & Matt share email from a new listener, discuss why challenge is both motivating and off-putting, and why personal headspace is a key ingredient in whether or not a game becomes an obsession. Also: Should you buy a Nintendo DS in 2021, quitting Hollow Knight, cross-cultural humor, and Colette is fully vaxxed!What we're playing:Rhythm Doctor, the perfect homage to / fresh take on Rhythm Heaven!Star Wars: Squadrons, competitive, emergent gameplay + pew-pew!2021-04-092h 05

Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat01 We Quit Gaming Crack for at Least 1 MinuteIt's our very first episode! This week, we talk about the gaming loops that keep us coming back for more, why we love to focus on one game at a time (whenever possible!), why Twitch and Discord are so special, and ye olden days of social media and games journalism.What we're playing:Silent Hill 2 Enhanced Edition, a fan-made remaster of the horror classicMagic:Legends, a Diablo-style ARPG with Magic cardsLoop Hero, a game that has no discernable genre!The Museum of Other Realities, a social VR art museum with mind-bending exhibitsEmail us with w...2021-04-022h 00