PODCAST · leisure
Swapping Joysticks
by Ben Austwick & Ed Nightingale
Swapping Joysticks is your home for LGBTQIA+ gaming content presented by Twitch streamer Ben Austwick (BiggusBennus) and games journalist Ed Nightingale (ed_nights).
Episodes
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Does Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave Take Too Long To Get Good? - Swapping Joysticks #193
This week, we're both playing Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, but is it too easy, and does it take far too long to get going? Ben's finally finished The Blood of Dawnwalker and gives his verdict after 45 YouTube episodes, while Ed's looking forward to Phantom Blade Zero. We also chat about Dragon's...
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Star Wars Meets Burnout! Galactic Racer & Final Control Resonant Thoughts - Swapping Joysticks #192
We've both been playing Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and it seems that mixing Star Wars, Burnout and a roguelite is very much our thing. Ed has also finished Control Resonant and has plenty to say about what worked and what really didn't, we've tried the Castlevania: Belmont's Curse demo, and we…
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Control Resonant, Resident Evil Movie, Xbox Fanfest & Games Out In Oct - Swapping Joysticks #191
This week, Ed's been playing Control Resonant and has a few things to say about it, while Ben's very excited about the Destiny 2 news. We also went to Xbox FanFest (and missed out on playing Fable), Ed's seen the new Resident Evil film, and we look ahead to the games coming out in October....
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Is Wolverine Actually Any Good? Fire Emblem & World of Warcraft Forever - Swapping Joysticks #190
This week, Ed’s almost finished Wolverine and has some strong thoughts on whether it actually lives up to the hype, while Ben can’t stop playing Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and has jumped into World of Warcraft Forever. We also get into the never-ending discourse around game reviews and critics,...
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The Ocarina of Time Remake Looks Wrong + Onimusha & Blood of Dawnwalker
This week, Ed’s finished Onimusha: Way of the Sword after spending far too long fighting its final boss, while Ben’s still loving The Blood of Dawnwalker and experimenting with its day and night quests. We also chat Blizzard’s latest announcements, Nintendo’s latest Direct and why Ed really isn’t...
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Onimusha, Exodus, Blood of Dawnwalker & Star Wars Zero Company - Swapping Joysticks
This week, Ed’s been loving Onimusha: Way of the Sword, while Ben's been getting stuck into The Blood of Dawnwalker and discovering that becoming a vampire does terrible things to his usual moral compass. We also chat Star Wars Zero Company, Final Fantasy Resonance, Exodus, PlayStation’s latest...
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Fable, GTA 6, The Witcher 3 & Blood of Dawnwalker - We're back from Gamescom 2026!
We’re back from Gamescom 2026! After a week in Cologne, we’re talking through the best games we played and saw at the show, including Fable, The Blood of Dawnwalker, The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past, Castlevania and Gears of War. We also go through the biggest announcements from Gamescom Opening...
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The Duskbloods Isn't What We Wanted + Gamescom 2026 Preview
The Duskbloods finally had its network test - and Ed has spent the weekend finding out exactly what FromSoftware's strange new Switch 2 exclusive actually is. Part Bloodborne, part Nightreign, part PvP game... and somehow part Mario Party. Ed breaks down how The Duskbloods works, why its combat…
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Star Wars Galactic Racer Impressions + What We Want From Final Fantasy XVII
This week Ben's been hands-on with Star Wars Galactic Racer, the new high-speed racer from Fuse Games and Secret Mode. We chat about its Burnout DNA, roguelike structure, spectacular crashes and whether Star Wars and arcade racing might be a perfect combination. We also look to the future of…
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Beast of Reincarnation, Marvel Tōkon & The Return to Final Fantasy XIII
This week we're looking at what happens when Game Freak steps outside the world of Pokémon with Beast of Reincarnation, before getting hands-on with Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Ed has also dug out his PS3 to revisit Final Fantasy XIII. Has one of the series' most divisive entries aged better…
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007 First Light vs Splatoon Raiders - Which Game Won Us Over?
We weren't expecting Splatoon Raiders to become one of our favourite games of the summer, but Nintendo surprised us. We also dive into 007 First Light, discussing why IO Interactive might have nailed the James Bond formula while still making something very different to Hitman. Elsewhere we chat...
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Forza Horizon 6 and Kylie Minogue
We've both been hooked by how incredible Forza Horizon 6 is. Ed, a non-racing game fan, and Ben who does dabble in them are loving this latest installment. Plus, we've both watched the latest Kylie doc and have mixed views. We also chat about games we're still playing 10 years later and ones we...
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Mixtape, Star Fox, Satisfactory and difficult games
In between challenging SAROS runs, Ed's played and completed Mixtape in one sitting and he's got a lot to say about it (and all the topics surrounding it). He's also get very strong opinions about the new Star Fox designs and Ben's been in a Satisfactory shaped hole that's swallowed every second…
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SAROS and the hottest new games in May 2026
There's only one game we've been playing this week and it's a good one - SAROS. Ed's even had a chance encounter with Rahul Kohli himself and has obviously whizzed past Ben in the game. We also chat about games where the sequels are better than the original, as well as looking ahead at games…
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SAROS early impressions, Pragmata, and FFXIV's Evercold
Your weekly dose of gaming news, views and inane chatter. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:32 - Final Fantasy XIV - EverCold announcement 00:31:42 - SAROS very early impressions 01:05:01 - Pragmata 01:21:10 - What you've been playing 01:27:27 - Outro Thank you to PlayStation for the SAROS code. #SAROS ▼...
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Pragmata, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream & BAFTA Games Awards winners
We've both started new games this week - Ed's a couple of hours into Pragmata, and Ben's had a few cursed hours of playing Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. We also chat through some surprising BAFTA Games Awards winners and this week's discussion is all about physical v digital games. 00:00:00 -...
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CURE - A Hospital Simulator, Returnal, BAFTA Games Awards predictions - Swapping Joysticks
Ed’s become a bit of a platinum hunter - he’s picked up Mass Effect 2, 3, and is close to finishing Returnal. Ben’s fully leaning into his weird management sim phase and is now hooked on CURE - A Hospital Simulator. We also have a go at predicting next week’s BAFTA Games Awards and judge your top…
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The Division Resurgence, Mass Effect 2 & 3, Forza Horizon 5
Ed's finished Mass Effect 2 and has the platinum! He's now playing through Plus we chat about what's coming out in April and what you've been playing this month. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:08:30 - Dreamhack and gaming cons 00:38:50 - Mass Effect 2 & 3 00:45:24 - Forza Horizon (series chat) 00:57:44…
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Games out in April 2026 and more Pokémon Pokopia & Resident Evil Requiem
Similar mix of games as last time, but with some actual endings this time round. Ben has rolled credits on Pokémon Pokopia, while Ed has some strong opinions about it. He’s also finished Resident Evil Requiem and, because he feels like it, has started playing through Mass Effect 2. Plus we chat...
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Pokémon Pokopia, Resident Evil Requiem & Minishoot' Adventures - Swapping Joysticks
Pokémon Pokopia has grabbed Ben by the Pokéballs and will not let go. Also, Ed's been attached to Resident Evil Requiem and Minishoot' Adventures when he wanted a palette cleanser. After last week's gaming drought, we've made up for it now. Also - a chat about Reading and chicken restaurants.…
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Steam Next Fest demos, FC Pro 2 & games coming out in March - Swapping Joysticks
We've not been playing a ton of games this week in anticipation of the Marathon Server Slam and Resident Evil Requiem, so let's talk about what's coming up in March! Plus this week's gaming news and what you've been playing. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:12:15 - Ed catch-up (Nioh 3 & Resident Evil 3)...
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Nioh 3, Resident Evil 3 & a Steam Next Fest preview - Swapping Joysticks
This time it's Ben's turn to play some Nioh 3 and unsurprisingly he's having a lot more trouble with it. Ed's been playing Resident Evil 3 Remake in anticipation of Requiem, and they also chat about what demos they're looking forward to playing during Steam Next Fest next week. Plus this week's...
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Reviewing Sony PlayStation's blockbuster State of Play - Swapping Joysticks
We're back and hopefully better than ever! We chat about what we've been up to the past 6 months and chat about everything revealed at last night's PlayStation State of Play. 00:00:00 - Intro and life updates 00:32:00 - PlayStation State of Play 01:25:45 - Outro #StateofPlay ▼ Swapping Joysticks…
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We're back! Let's chat Metroid Prime 4, Dispatch and much more - – Swapping Joysticks Live
We're back and it's time to explain everything to those who haven't been watching the Twitch streams. ▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼ ● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com ▼ Ben's links ▼ ● Follow on Twitch - http://twitch.tv/biggusbennus ● Follow on Bluesky -...
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Death Stranding 2, Lies of P: Overture DLC, The Alters, Fast Fusion – Swapping Joysticks
It’s been a little while since our last regular episode, but we’re back and there’s plenty to catch up on. We’ve both been fully immersed in Death Stranding 2, and we’re loving every minute of it. Ed has also wrapped up the Lies of P DLC, Overture, and has been enjoying Fast Fusion on the Switch…
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Switch 2 Review: Nintendo Finally Got It Right – Swapping Joysticks
We've had the Switch 2 in our hands for a week, so what do we think? Is the hardware up to scratch? Is Mario Kart World's open world a waste of time? Why would anyone play the Welcome Tour? Tune in and find out! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:15 - Initial console impressions & Welcome Tour 00:37:54…
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Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Already Game of the Year Material? - Swapping Joysticks
We're back to regular episodes, and this week we're chatting about just how impressive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is. Ben's only just reached Act 2, so no spoilers here - just a relaxed look at what makes the game stand out so far. We also talk about South of Midnight, the chaos of Grandma, No!,...
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30 Hours with Death Stranding 2 – Our Exclusive Kojima Productions Deep Dive! - Swapping Joysticks
We're back and we’ve got something special. Ed just returned from Japan, where he spent 30 hours playing Death Stranding 2. We've got exclusive details and fresh impressions you won’t hear anywhere else. He also got time with the Switch 2, but let’s be honest - you’re here for Kojima. 00:00:00 -...
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GDC Special - Phantom Blade Zero, Sunderfolk, Clair Obscur & more! - Swapping Joysticks
Ed is back from San Francisco with plenty to share about his time at GDC! From the games he played to the developers he interviewed, there's a lot to cover. Plus, he'll be sharing his thoughts on the city itself - the bars, the clubs, and of course, all the gaming. Tune in for the full rundown!...
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Elden Ring Nightreign with Doms Roundtable - Swapping Joysticks
We’re back with a special episode featuring Elden Ring expert (and gaming aficionado) Doms Roundtable! Both Ed and Dom attended an exclusive Nightreign preview event recently, and they’re here to share everything they learned. Plus, we dive into the art of creating in-depth video guides for...
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Xbox Developer Direct 2025, Returnal, Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth
We're recording this live following the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 and we go through all the games mentioned there. Also, Ed's been playing Returnal, Metroid Other M, Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon, and Ben discusses Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth. Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 -...
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All aboard the Nintendo Switch 2 hype train!
It's time for an emergency podcast that's luckily at the same time we do our normal podcast and of course there is only one thing to talk about - the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2! We delve into that trailer, what we'd like to see, what we expect, and a whole lot more. Plus, we talk about what...
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The Swapping Joysticks Game of the Year 2024
It's the big one - our Game of the Year 2024 podcast! Find out what we thought of all the games we played this year, a final top 10 ranking, and also your top 10 games voted by YOU! ▼ Swapping Joysticks ▼ ● All previous episodes available at http://swappingjoysticks.com ▼ Ben's links ▼ ● Follow…
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Our Favourite Games of 2024 w/ Meg Pelliccio, Rosie Caddick & Victoria Kennedy!
In this very special episode we're joined by PlayStation Access's Rosie Caddick, The Gamer's Meg Pelliccio and Eurogamer's Victoria Kennedy to chat about their favourite 3 games of 2024. If you don't have a list of games you must play/finish by the end of this episode I'll be stunned. 00:00:00 -...
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Dragon Age The Veilguard, F1 Manager 24, Wicked, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - w/ Issy Van Der Velde
We're joined by gaming industry journalist Issy Van Der Velde for the first in our special episodes over the next couple of weeks. We chat about what we've been playing, including Dragon Age The Veilguard, F1 Manager 24, and a whole movie section. We also chat with Issy about his top games of…
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Fantasian Neo Dimension, Infinity Nikki, 30 Years Of PS1 - Swapping Joysticks
Ed can finally talk about Fantasian Neo Dimension, the game he reviewed, and Ben's actually finished Dragon's Dogma 2. We also chat about Infinity Nikki and gacha games, and we finish with a PS1 quiz for its 30th anniversary. Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! Ben's CALM fundraiser:...
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No Man's Sky, Dragon's Dogma 2, PS5 Pro - Swapping Joysticks
Ed's been playing a game for a review so can't talk about that, but Ben's been getting lost in No Man's Sky (literally) and Dragon's Dogma 2 on the PS5 Pro. There's also a return to Musical Corner. Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:14:39 - PS5 Pro update 00:17:15 -...
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PS5 Pro Hands-On & Zelda Echoes of Wisdom - Swapping Joysticks
We've got a PS5 Pro and played a bunch of PS4, PS5 & PS5 Pro enhanced games to test out its capabilities. Ed's also finally got time to chat about Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Ben does a nice DanTDM name drop. And, as always - The News Quiz! Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 -...
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We're back from Japan! - Swapping Joysticks Special Episode
We're sadly back from Japan and in the spirit of an aunt who's just walked the Inca Trail, we've got a lot of stuff to show and tell. We chat about our time at the Godzilla hotel, Super Nintendo World at Universal, a traditional ryokan, Ben's embarrassing toilet moment, and a whoooole lot more.…
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Life is Strange Double Exposure, Xbox Partner Preview, MJ the Musical - Swapping Joysticks
Recorded just after Ben completed the first two episodes of Life is Strange: Double Exposure and minutes after the Xbox Partner Preview, this podcast is certified fresh! ...if people still use that phrase. Also, it's the return of musical corner, as Ben and Ed went to see MJ the musical last…
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Metaphor: ReFantazio (Spoiler-free), Peter Kay, and The News Quiz - Swapping Joysticks
Ed's 5* review of Metaphor: ReFantazio is out on Eurogamer, but what does he REALLY think about it? We have an in depth discussion as I've also played it for more than a dozen hours. We also chat about Lord of the Rings Online and have a brand new feature, THE NEWS QUIZ! Plus, we talk about what...
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Balatro on mobile, TCG Card Shop Simulator, Synapse, Tokyo Game Show - Swapping Joysticks
Ed's been playing a game for review this week so can't talk about it just yet! However, both Ben & Ed have been hooked to their phones playing Balatro at every opportunity and Ben's also hooked on TCG Card Shop Simulator. They also played the incredible Synapse. Plus, we talk bout what you’ve…
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PlayStation's State of Play, Ghost of Yōtei, The Plucky Squire, Elder Scrolls Castles
Recorded the day after the PlayStation State of Play, we chat about everything revealed there. We've also finished The Plucky Squire and Ben's finally got bored of Elder Scrolls Castles. Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:58 - PlayStation State of Play 00:46:29 -...
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Astro Bot, PS5 Pro & the Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Review - Swapping Joysticks
Another week off between episodes (we won't make a habit of this) and we're back with the long-promised FFXIV Dawntrail review. We also have a long discussion about the incredible Astro Bot and the PS5 Pro. Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 - Intro & @FinalFantasyUnion Pub…
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Concord, Star Wars Outlaws, Deadlock & in defence of Final Fantasy 9
After a week off and a Gamescom special, we've got plenty of games to talk about, and end up focusing on two. Ben played Concord before it was yeeted for good and has some very strong opinions on why it failed, plus Ed's been hooked on Star Wars Outlaws, despite not loving it. We also chat a…
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Gamescom 2024 Special: Monster Hunter Wilds, Metaphor: ReFantazio & more - Swapping Joysticks
We're finally back from Gamescom and we've got a TON of games to discuss. Check out the timestamps below if there are particular games you're interested in and look out for the individual YouTube videos for each of the games we played a lot of! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:31:12 - Metaphor: ReFantazio...
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Two Point Museum, Persona 3 Episode Aigis, Pre-Gamescom Chatter - Swapping Joysticks
We're back from Austria and Ed's even had a sneaky trip to NYC in the past week too, cranking up a bigger carbon footprint than Taylor Swift herself. Ed's been playing some retro Final Fantasy Tactics on Ben's Vita, and Ben's finally got round to playing Link's Awakening. Ed also chats about his...
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Thank Goodness You're Here, Taylor Swift & Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - Swapping Joysticks
Recorded hours before we head to Vienna for our cancelled Taylor Swift concert, we chat about Thank Goodness You're Here, comedy games in general, Ben's finished Elden Ring, and there's a new Zelda trailer! Plus, we talk about what you’ve been playing! 00:00:00 - Intro & Austria/Taylor Swift...
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Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail, Bungie layoffs & Twitch 'concerns' - Swapping Joysticks
We've finally allowed ourselves to talk about FFXIV Dawntrail, now that Ben is halfway through and Ed's a good chunk into it. Join us as we also discuss Ed finishing Dungeons of Hinterberg and Dark Souls Remastered DLC, as well as the awful layoffs affecting Bungie, and what they replaced Mario &...
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Dark Souls Remastered, The Slaystation Crystal Ball & Battle Passes - Swapping Joysticks
It's been a busy week and we've played pretty much nothing! We start off as a very artsy podcast, showcasing our vast knowledge of the art world, and then Ed has a little chat about Dark Souls, before we talk about the Slaystation Crystal Ball and what's been in the news. Plus, we talk about what...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Swapping Joysticks is your home for LGBTQIA+ gaming content presented by Twitch streamer Ben Austwick (BiggusBennus) and games journalist Ed Nightingale (ed_nights).
HOSTED BY
Ben Austwick & Ed Nightingale
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Swapping Joysticks have?
Swapping Joysticks currently has 202 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Swapping Joysticks about?
Swapping Joysticks is your home for LGBTQIA+ gaming content presented by Twitch streamer Ben Austwick (BiggusBennus) and games journalist Ed Nightingale (ed_nights).
How often does Swapping Joysticks release new episodes?
Swapping Joysticks publishes regularly with 202 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Swapping Joysticks?
You can listen to Swapping Joysticks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Swapping Joysticks?
Swapping Joysticks is created and hosted by Ben Austwick & Ed Nightingale.
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