The #Backlog Breakdown

In this episode of the PWN Call, Nate, Josh, and Paul catch up on life and talk about the media, hobbies, and experiences they've been enjoying lately. From reflections on Hebrews 9 and Christian fellowship to Dragon Ball toys at Burger King, Rurouni Kenshin live-action films, poetry projects, storms, friendships, and also some talk about video games, this episode is a celebration of enjoying good things and sharing them with friends. The PWN Call is a casual conversation podcast from members and friends of the Play Well Network, where we discuss video games, books, movies, faith, and the media that's been shaping our lives. Rabbit trails may or may not be included. Enjoying the conversation? Follow The Backlog Breakdown, leave a review, and help us encourage thoughtful engagement with video games, faith, and culture. 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

What are the most artistic video games ever made? In this episode of The Backlog Breakdown, Josh and Nate build their definitive list of games that demonstrate the artistic potential of the medium. Rather than focusing solely on visuals, they examine games that use interactivity, storytelling, game design, and player agency to create experiences that could only exist as video games. The discussion features titles such as Journey, The Stanley Parable, Hyper Light Drifter, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, What Remains of Edith Finch, Silent Hill 2, Spec Ops: The Line, and The Last of Us, while exploring broader questions about narrative games, meaningful experiences, and video games as art. As a Christian gaming podcast, The Backlog Breakdown seeks to help listeners engage gaming culture thoughtfully and responsibly while appreciating the unique strengths of the medium. Enjoying the conversation? Follow The Backlog Breakdown, leave a review, and help us encourage thoughtful engagement with video games, faith, and culture. 🔗 Support the show, read our articles, and connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown

Welcome to another episode of The PWN Call, where members of the Play Well Network gather for a relaxed conversation about the media they've been enjoying recently. The discussion ranges across video games, books, movies, and music as the hosts share recommendations, reactions, and personal experiences. Topics include returning to challenging games like Bloodborne, adventures in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, revisiting classic literature through Sherlock Holmes, thoughts on the latest Spider-Man film, and reflections on new music from Weezer. Our conversations are filled with laughter, friendly banter, and the kind of organic discussion that happens when passionate media fans get together and cut up for a bit. More than a simple recommendation episode, we hope this conversation highlights how Christians can thoughtfully engage with entertainment. The hosts explore what draws them to certain stories, how different forms of media resonate with them, and why paying attention to the things we consume can be a meaningful part of living faithfully in today's culture. If you enjoy Christian gaming conversations, media criticism, book recommendations, movie discussions, and thoughtful reflections on faith and culture, this episode offers a little bit of everything. Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering The PWN Call for the first time, pull up a chair and join the conversation. Check out all of The Backlog Breakdown social media channels over on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

🎮🔥 Headlines & Hot Takes | August 2026 Video Game News Roundup 🔥🎮 In this episode of Headlines & Hot Takes, Nate breaks down some of the biggest stories in gaming and digital media, examining them and sharing his opinion as a follower of Christ. This month's discussion includes: 🕹️ The Stop Killing Games Initiative and whether its use of the word "theft" helps or hurts the conversation around digital ownership and consumer rights. 💿 Sony's reminder that digital purchases are licenses, not ownership, and what that means for the future of gaming. ♻️ Microsoft's disc-to-digital initiative, and why it may actually be a consumer-friendly step forward. 🚗 New Grand Theft Auto VI leaks, the ethics of sharing leaked content, and how gaming communities should respond. 🎮 Terranigma's surprising return and how modern distribution can preserve gaming history. ⚖️ Roblox, online safety, and responsibility, including discussion surrounding a recent lawsuit and the challenges of protecting children in digital spaces. Throughout the episode, we explore questions of ownership, responsibility, consumer rights, digital preservation, online ethics, and how Christians can engage thoughtfully with gaming culture. If you enjoy conversations about video games, faith, technology, and culture, be sure to subscribe and join the discussion. Check out our social media by going to[ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown ](

Is Bravely Default A Flawed Masterpiece or Forgotten Classic? In this episode, Wes, Josh, and Nate dive deep into Bravely Default: Flying Fairy and its HD Remaster across Switch, Steam, and Xbox. We trace its origins from Final Fantasy: The Four Heroes of Light to the Octopath Traveler series, break down why the "Brave & Default" risk-reward combat system was ahead of its time, and share why this game holds such a special place in our gaming memories. Is Bravely Default the ultimate evolution of classic turn-based JRPGs, or does its controversial late-game structure hold it back from true greatness? 💬 What are your thoughts on Bravely Default? Did you finish the late-game loop, or did you drop off? Which job combo was your favorite? Let us know on Discord or our other social media channels, linked on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

This week's a party! On the call this time around we have the Backlog Bros. Nate and Josh, Wes the HenshinDad, Paul the TechnoFunkBoy, and Mark from Quickplay all on to talk about some of their favorite things they've been in to lately, like the anime Haikyu!!, the Series of Unfortunate Events Netflix series, Kingdom Hearts, Okko's Inn, and Spiderman: Brand New Day. Join the conversation and check out all of The Backlog Breakdown social media channels over on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

On the last episode we made the case that now is the time to focus on playing through your gaming backlog. Well, how exactly should you go about doing that? This week, the guys share their best tips and tricks to prioritize your backlog in a sustainable way. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Have you ever been interested in dipping your toes into one of Nintendo's most beloved series, but quickly shied away due to its deep and expansive lore? Well, fear no more, because The TechnoFunkBoy is here to share the tales of the mysterious beginnings and ongoing saga of Pokeman! Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

The Techno Funk Boy joins the Backlog Bros. for another PWN Call, discussing Masters of the Universe, a so-bad-its-good movie Troll 2, and a look bad at the emergent church movement, among other things. Join the conversation and check out all of The Backlog Breakdown social media channels over on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

July was a huge month for video game news, and Nate is here to give you his hot takes! In this episode, he addresses some pitfalls and suggestions with Sony's announcement of an all-digital future beginning in 2028, Microsoft's massive layoffs and network troubles, and Nintendo's...continuing to be Nintendo by quietly releasing good games. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

In the immortal words of Shia Lebeouf: "DO IT. JUST DO IT. Don't let your backlog dreams be dreams. Yesterday you said tomorrow. SO JUST DO IT. MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE." Okay, well he didn't actually say "backlog", but we did. With everything going on in the tech and gaming space, there is no better time than now to focus on playing what you already have. Now is the time to cultivate contentment and thankfulness in what God has given you. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Paul, the Techno Funk Boy, and Mark from Quick Play join Nate and Josh to catch up a bit and talk about some of the media and games they've been playing lately, including a recommendation and dismissal of anime as a medium, and a diatribe on the pitfalls of using certain substances while creating art. Join the conversation and check out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

Settle in for a cozy fireside chat between Nate and Trash Turkey as they discuss the merits and pitfalls of Sony's all-digital future. While it's called a "bite sized" episode, it's the spirit of the thing that counts. This episode was spurred on by a voice chat session that Nate opened up in our Discord. To join in, check out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Since the early days of the podcast, the guys have had on fellow PWN members Paul and Wes to discuss The Legend of Zelda series. And, true to form, this year our discussion is on the Gameboy classic (and now Switch remaster), Link's Awakening. Unfortunately, Wes was unable to join this time around, but perhaps we'll hear his thoughts on the game in a later installment. For now though, tune in to hear about each of our experienced with the game, both old and new! Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

This month, Nate flies solo to discuss some shakeups at Microsoft, including a high profile hire and some development studio divestitures. And, not to be excluded from the conversation, Sony spills some tea about Bungie while also re-commiting themselves to live service games. We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Welcome to our inaugural episode of PWNCalls, the show where we get together to catch up, talk about what we've been playing, and share what we’ve been enjoying lately - with the occasional rabbit trail or 3. If you're familiar with The Backlog Breakdown, this is similar to what we'd discuss on the first half of the show--now with 50% more Play Well Network input! Join the conversation and check out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

Yes, we leaned into the "we need to talk" thing that is prevalent on Youtube, but don't worry--we actually have some exciting announcements for you! Join the conversation and check out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown Learn more about the Play Well Network at playwellnetwork.com And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown

As followers of Christ, how shall we then play video games? This week, Nate shares his thoughts on whether the amount of time required to play through a video game is a helpful metric to judge if it's right for you. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Today we're setting out to teach noobs the language and landscape of gaming by forming a Top 10 list of games that do just that! What games do you think would be best for new players to play to understand the medium better? Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Josh talks about his very subjective experience playing one of his top 10 favorite games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While it is critically acclaimed as one of the best games ever made, has its luster worn off with time? What makes it so great, and can it be replicated? Moreover, does the game speak into the real world in a way that conforms to a biblical worldview? Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

One of the lowest rated games of the last few years bears the rights and atmosphere of one of the most beloved fictional worlds of the 21st century: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. But is it really that bad? And, if so, why are we playing it in the first place? For this episode, Nate and Josh are joined by John, who nominated the game for them to play. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

This month, Nate brings on Parker and Micah to discuss some recent gaming news topics like the slim possibility of a Destiny 3, the sales numbers of old Pokemon games contrasted with a new Sony exclusive, and how gaming console prices continue to rise. Links for new articles on the topics are available here: PSN Vulnerability: https://kotaku.com/hacker-targets-high-profile-playstation-podcaster-raising-concerns-about-account-security-2000697446 Destiny 2 being sunsetted: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/05/21/the-end-of-destiny-2-all-expansions-canceled-maintenance-mode-incoming/ Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green outselling Saros: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/pokemon-firered-and-leafgreen-are-already-best-sellers-on-the-switch-eshop-charts https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-exclusive-saros-gets-off-to-lukewarm-start-with-around-300000-copies-sold-according-to-analyst-data Sony and Microsoft are rethinking exclusivity: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-boss-says-single-player-games-wont-come-to-pc-going-forward/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/gaming/gaming-platforms/microsoft-launches-xbox-player-voice-to-gather-feedback-fans-immediately-demand-a-return-to-exclusives/ar-AA23BiLI Everyone is raising prices including Nintendo: https://nintendowire.com/news/2026/05/11/nintendo-president-states-switch-2-price-increase-wont-cover-all-cost-increases/ We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

5 of our friends hopped on with us to discuss our book club game: A Game About Digging a Hole. The hole game can be beaten in about an hour, but is there more about the game than what is on the surface? Join us for a deep dive as we excavate what this game can teach us about how we play games. Even if you dig the game, is mindless fun enough? Or are there hidden gems to be uncovered? Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

In this bite sized episode, Josh looks at a marketing report from IGN Entertainment that addresses the way that different generations play video games. What does this mean for the future of gaming and how companies will decide to target the audiences that are spending money on video games? And what ways do YOU play? The Games Industry article, with links to the report, can be found here: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ign-entertainment-releases-internal-data-as-public-report-developed-by-kantar-and-uc-berkeley We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

How did we get to the place where gaming journalists are openly antagonistic toward the general gaming audience, and regular gamers use "gaming journalist" as a byword? Moreover, how should we, as Christians, react? This week, the boys have brought on Mark from the Quick Play podcast to discuss #Gamergate, why it was a cultural phenomenon, and how it has impacted the gaming landscape today. Join the conversation by checking out all our social media channels over on our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com Also, if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts Here. Get PWNed, scrubs.

Nate brings on Parker to to discuss some of the biggest news in gaming over the past month, including some remarks by Shuhei Yoshida, the Xbox Game Pass price drop, and a lot of leaks. We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.