The Gift of Gaming Podcast

Darren's back after his holiday with all the gaming news from March! Check out the news items covered below:The Krafton Lawsuit Updatehttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/bombshell-judgment-demands-krafton-immediately-reinstate-ousted-ceo-and-return-his-authority-over-subnautica-2The Nvidia DLSS 5 Problemhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/theyre-completely-wrong-nvidia-ceo-responds-to-widespread-criticism-of-dlss-5/Fortnite Layoffshttps://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/mar/25/fortnite-staff-layoffs-redundancies-epic-gamesXbox Games Pass Could Get Cheaperhttps://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-ceo-could-make-game-pass-less-expensive-report-says/1100-6538978/The Sony Console Price Increaseshttps://www.ign.com/articles/sony-announces-price-rises-for-ps5-ps5-pro-and-playstation-portal-blames-continued-pressures-in-the-global-economic-landscapeCheck out more news on our Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren is joined by Colm and Andy for an off the cuff discussion on video games. The guys are all back playing Gen 1 of Pokémon, they look back on memories of Minecraft and discuss how today's review system may not be fit for purpose.Darren is on holidays for the next two weeks so if you're looking for GoG Pod content, check out our patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgamingLet us know what you think of the podcast! Email us at [email protected] Do you listen to your podcast on Youtube? All our episodes are now available there at youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming

Darren is joined by Craig to talk about the remakes they want to play the most.Why not tell us what remakes you want to see? [email protected] Looking for more? We discuss what games we might get our hands on in 2026 in our post show. Check it out over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren is joined by Chris and Daniel for the first ever time to look back on all the gaming news from February. From Xbox woes and new DLC for very old games, its all covered here on the Gift of Gaming podcast!Xbox Shakeuphttps://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-retiring-sarah-bond-out-matt-booty-promoted-as-microsoft-ai-exec-asha-sharma-named-new-xbox-boss-exclusiveXbox Consolehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c875we893ggoDiablo 2 DLChttps://www.polygon.com/diablo-2-reign-of-the-warlock-review/Bluepoint Closedhttps://www.ign.com/articles/playstation-shuts-down-demons-souls-shadow-of-the-colossus-remake-studio-bluepoint-gamesHighguard Shutdownhttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/highguard-is-permanently-shutting-down-barely-a-month-after-debutMonster Hunter Wilds Expansionhttps://www.polygon.com/monster-hunter-wilds-expansion-title-update-4/Check out our Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren sits down with Kev and Andy and with a combined playtime of over 600 hours, these guys are ready to give all of their thoughts just ahead of the games next "Expedition". So sit back relax and enjoy the show.This week's post show is all about Live Service games. Check it out on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming Check out Youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming for all of our podcasts!

Given the recent releases of the cast of the God of War TV series, here's an older post show where Darren gives his cast ideas to be rated by the panel. Enjoy!

Hello listeners! This will be our final drop of bonus content as we have fixed our tech issues and will be back to normal scheduling this Thursday with our Games Club of Arc Raiders coming out. Until then, please enjoy our post show content as our apology and if you like it, you can find loads more here: patreon.com/thegiftofgamingDarren, Andrew and Craig talk about what they would want from the Playstation 6 and if it would be enough for them to be a day 1 adopter of the next gen console!

Sorry guys! We're still fixing our equipment but fear not! We have a post show for you to enjoy this week.Check out more at Patreon.com/thegiftofgamingDarren is joined by Chris and Andrew and Darren has a big question. Does it release in 2026?! The guys look at GTA 6, Light No Fire, Duskbloods and even Kingdom Hearts 4 and discuss the chances of these games releasing over the next 11 months.

Due to our audio interface on the fritz, we've not been able to deliver an episode this week but instead, please enjoy one of our post shows! If you like the content, check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for more episodes just like this one:Darren and Craig workshop the FF7 Part 3 Title after news that Nomura has chosen one!

On this week's episode its the news! Darren Luke and Chris check out whats happening with Ubisoft's reset, Valve's lawsuit, the possibility of a Switch 2 price increase and much more! Looking for more news? On this week's post show, GTA goes full digital and Larian are making their stance on AI somewhat clear. Check it out on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming The News:ASUS price increase:https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/asus-is-now-implementing-strategic-price-adjustments-and-retailers-are-already-hiking-prices-for-laptops-from-other-brands/Nintendo price increases:https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-faces-a-price-increase-in-2026-research-firm-predicts/Gamestop closures:https://www.polygon.com/gamestop-retail-store-closures-2026/Fable NPCs:https://www.ign.com/articles/itll-be-a-bit-of-work-but-you-could-marry-them-all-fable-has-1000-handcrafted-npcs-for-you-to-play-around-withUbisoft reset:https://www.gamesradar.com/games/ubisoft-hits-major-reset-button-cancels-6-games-including-prince-of-persia-remake-delays-7-more-reportedly-including-assassins-creed-black-flag-remake-and-confirms-4-new-ip/Vavle lawsuit:https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/usd900-million-lawsuit-accusing-steam-of-overcharging-gamers-in-the-uk-and-abusing-a-dominant-market-position-will-proceed-after-valve-loses-appeal-against-it/

This week its just Darren and Craig and they've spent time playing some different games. Darren's on FF Tactics and Far: Changing Tides while Craig finally got to play the Horizon Forbidden West DLC and even put some serious time into Fantasy Life. Hear their thoughts right here, on the Gift of Gaming podcast!Interested in anything Final Fantasy 7? Check out today's post show where Darren and Craig look at how FF7 Part 3 might be announced and what we might see. patreon.com/thegiftofgamingWant to listen to our podcast on Youtube? Check out youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming for all our videos!

Darren is joined by Andy and Chris on this week's episode of the pod! Today the discussion is all about the games we'll play in 2026. The GoG pod team sees this year as a good year for our backlogs so its a nice blend of new and old! What do you plan on sinking your teeth into in 2026? Let us know at [email protected] Want more content to listen to? Check out our Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming where you'll find all our post shows including today's episode all about what games we will (or won't) see release in 2026!Watch your podcasts on Youtube? Check out youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming for all our podcasts!

The Gift of Gaming podcast is back in 2026 with a look back at some of gaming's headlines from December. Join Darren, Luke and Chris as they look at new possible takeovers, a fallen giant and mandatory overtime. All this news and more, on today's episode!Need more news? Check out our Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for more news and bonus episodes!Prefer to have your podcasts on Youtube? Why not check out our Youtube channel at youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming

Its Christmas! And the final episode of the GoG Pod in 2025. What better way to play out the year then a GoG tradition. Blue, Green, Red, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo; Who came out on top? Who performed the worst? Join Darren, Luke and Craig as they rep their corners and have the conversation, who was the best of The Big 3?! Merry Christmas to all our listeners, thank you so much for all your support! If you're looking for more GoG content, head over to Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for loads more content! Why not give us the gift of Christmas and sign up to our post shows for so much more content.

Darren, Andrew and Craig are back on the mics! And don't worry, they won't fight this time. This episode is all about the games that define them, from Final Fantasy 7 and Kingdom Hearts (of course) to games like World of Warcraft, the guys delve into what makes them look at games the way they do.Check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for loads more content and to help the pod out!3

Darren, Andrew and Chris sat down to watch The Game of the Year Award show 2025 until 4 in the morning. Listen in for a breakdown of all the awards, announcements and whether or not we enjoyed video games biggest annual show in 2025.No post show today due to the extra long episode we have but post shows will be back next week!

This week's episode is all about news! Darren, Chris and Luke look at Rockstar's Union busting, Square Enix's use of gen AI and Valve's new lineup or hardware. Looking for more content? Check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for even more news content. This week its all about game delays and Horizon's MMO.Want to listen via Youtube? Head over to Youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming where all our episodes are now available!News:RockStar Union Bustinghttps://www.gamesindustry.biz/iwgb-accuses-rockstar-of-union-busting-following-reported-dismissal-of-over-30-employees PS5 Cross Buyhttps://www.ign.com/articles/playstation-5-cross-buy-graphic-spotted-sparking-hope-that-sony-will-finally-introduce-dual-ps5-and-pc-purchases Square Enix and AIhttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/square-enix-wants-to-use-gen-ai-to-automate-70-percent-of-qa-and-debugging-by-late-2027 The New Valve Hardwarehttps://www.polygon.com/valve-new-hardware-steam-machine-frame-controller/

Darren, Andrew and Craig get on the mics to discuss, what was meant to be an episode on the games that defined them, but it quickly turned into a fiery debate on remastered games in the gaming industry. Don't worry, we're all still friends! So if you're interested in what our strong opinions are on remastered games, listen in!FYI - Our debate was so fiery that the mics took a beating. We've done our best to manage the sound quality on this one but we're sorry its not up to the usual standard!Looking for more? Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming where we talk about what we want to see from the Playstation 6.Wanna let us know what you think? Message us at [email protected] you want to listen to the episodes on Youtube? You're in luck! Check out youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming for all our episodes!

Darren and Chris talk GOTY nominees as they come fresh off the press from Geoff Keighley himself! Which 6 games from 2025 make it to the coveted spot to be in with a chance to win Game of the Year?Looking for more content? Darren and Chris give their own 6 nominations for GOTY over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

After months of nothing but negative news, Darren takes to the mic with Luke to discuss all the goings on at Xbox and what its future might look like, if there is a future at all!Check out the Patreon at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for today's post show where Darren and Luke let us know what it is they would do to try to steady the Xbox ship.

Its news week once again and Darren is joined by Chris and Luke as they discuss the Arc Raiders launch, PS6 and the new Xbox due date and Gold Joystick nominations for the end of year competition. Check out patroen.com/thegiftofgaming for more news on Crash Bandicoot and a Manga based on the life of Smash Bros. creator Sakurai!Want to watch on Youtube? All our episodes are uploaded on Youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming

As Darren continues to be smoothered by a cold, please enjoy this Post Show instead! Last month, Nintendo dropped a direct showcasing some new Pokémon updates and needless to say, Darren and Craig aren't happy about it.

Darren was struck down by the winter bug and, unable to do any recording, some Post Show bonus episodes are here! On this Post Show episode, Darren, Andrew and Craig break down what they see as the absolute requirements a game should have to be a GOTY contender.

It's here! Our review of Hades II. Darren takes the mic with Craig to discuss what they like, love and what issues they have with the newest success from SuperGiant. What are you own thoughts? Let us know at [email protected] for more content? This week on Patreon, Darren and Craig discuss what games they might dip into for the remainder of 2025. You can check it out over at patreon.com/thegiftofgamiing to help support the podcast!

Its the news team supreme! Darren, Chris and Luke break down the news from September. From the latest game reviews, to Xbox Games Pass and more laws are being passed on Loot boxes! All this and more, in this months news episode!Check out all the podcasts on Youtube at youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming Want more? We're over on Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

The Nintendo Direct celebrating 40 years of Mario came out at the weekend and Darren and Craig are here to break it down! There are some worrying trends sprouting up in Nintendo's business model it seems and Craig is ready to be fully critical of it!There's more Pokémon news! And its not very exciting.... check out Darren and Craig's opinions on the Pokémon section of the Nintendo Direct over at patreon.com/thegiftofgamingAll our episodes are slowly being added to Youtube! Check out youtube.com/@thegiftofgaming if thats how you prefer to consume your podcasts!

Darren is away at Disneyland this week so instead, please enjoy a bonus post show episode where Chris does his best to convince Darren that PC gaming is the best way to game!Enjoying this episode? There's loads more like it! Check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for loads more content like this!

We're late but we're back! Darren wanted to get some time in with Hollow Knight: Silksong and Chris was just about to finish Expedition 33 so we decided to hold off so we could get the conversation flowing! Listen in on Darren, Chris and Craig discuss the games they're currently playing, first thoughts on Hollow Knight: Silksong and even Chris' overdue review on Expedition 33.Looking for more? Check out patreon.com/tehgiftofgaming for even more gaming content.

Darren is joined once again by Luke and Chris to muse on this months news! Unknown World's lawsuit saga continues, there might be a possible Jak and Daxter reboot and we've gotten a release date for Hollow Knight's Silksong after such a long wait! All this and more is available on this week's episode of the pod!There's even more news to be had, from a Smash Bros. update and info on the Nintendo Switch 1. Check it out over on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming and help support the pod!We're adding all our episodes to Youtube! Check us out over at youtube.com/@thegiftofgamingWant to join the conversation? Email us at [email protected] Our news links:Unknown Worlds lawsuit: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/unknown-worlds-claims-ousted-founders-pilfered-business-records-intellectual-property-and-more-in-new-lawsuitJak and Daxter reboot thoughts: https://www.gamingbible.com/news/platform/playstation/uncharted-5-leak-541041-20250813EVO's business update: https://evo.gg/news/2025-business-updateHollow Knight's update: https://www.polygon.com/hollow-knight-silksong-release-date-indie-games/Elden Ring is not performing on the Switch 2: https://www.thegamer.com/elden-ring-tarnished-edition-nintendo-switch-2-major-performance-issues/

Darren is joined by his fellow liberators; Kev and Andy as they break down all aspects of Helldivers 2! Ahead of the Xbox release of Helldivers 2 on Aug 26th, Darren and the guys cover everything from the gameplay itself to loadouts, customisation and objectives, giving their thoughts and review on the game that's brought them so many hours of laughter these past few months. If you've not played Helldivers 2 yet and are still on the fence, then you're in the right place! If you're an avid player and lover of managed democracy then sit back, relax and enjoy the show!All our episodes are getting added to Youtube! If you prefer to consume content over there, check out youtube.com/@thegiftofgamingWant more? We have loads more content over on Patreon! There's so much content over there that nows the best time to get on board at patreon.com/thegiftofgamingWhy not tell us what you enjoyed about Helldivers 2 over at [email protected]

On this week's episode off the GoG Pod, Darren is demanding a bigger focus on PvE games rather than PvP. Joined by Chris and Andy, Darren's about to find out he's very much out of the loop....Do you consume your podcasts on Youtube? Would you much rather listen to the Gift of Gaming podcast there? Fear not! Darren is slowly adding the full catalogue of GoG episodes over at youtube.com/@TheGiftofGamingWant to give Darren your recommendations of PvE games? Email us at [email protected] more of this kind of content? Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

This week Darren, Chris and Luke take a look at stories covering Splitgate 2's own unlaunch, an Italian retro gaming reviewer getting raiding by police and the upcoming lawsuit between Krafton and the directors of Unknown Worlds, creators of Subnatica.Want more? Check out round 4 of the GoG Battle Royale over on Patreon.com/thegiftofgaming !

There's no topic for this week's episode! Just an easy chat on video games. Darren, Craig and Chris discuss everything from Donkey Kong Bananza to Pokémon, Tactics and even a little CGI. There's no post show this week due to a scheduling issue but check out patreon.com/giftofgaming for loads of other content you don't want to miss!

Darren, along with Craig and Andrew give you their recommendations of newer and older games that they believe are perfect to play now in 2025.What games do you think are worth playing in 2025? Let us know at [email protected] today's Post Show, the guys give their thoughts on what makes a Game of the Year in their eyes. Check it out, along with loads of other content over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Its the news team supreme this week. Darren, Chris and Luke cover an Xbox heavy news episode with updates on the Street Fighter movie cast and good news for Tango Gameswork! There's even more news on the post show! Switch 2 sales info as well as a Halo remake! Check it all out at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren and Craig have had some time to get to know their Switch 2s and they're ready to tell all! Not sure on a Nintendo Switch 2? Have a listen and maybe we can help! If you've any questions you can always reach out to us at [email protected] Check out what PS5 games we're excited to play on our post show over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

The Podcast is back after a week's absence and Darren, Chris and Luke are reviewing the announcements made from Playstation's State of Play and the Xbox Showcase. With Silent Hill f, a new Game Freak game and some sought after remasters coming to Xbox and Playstation, there's plenty to unpack!The Post Show today is all about the Nintendo Direct on Donkey Kong Bananza! Check it out on Patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren and Chris are back for more news and May has been a doozy. From EA's destruction of Star Wars Battlefront 2 with microtransactions and its rise from the ashes 8 years later to their closure of a fairly new studio and lay offs, they're back to themselves again. Bungie is in trouble for theft and Kingdom Hearts 4 is alive and well! Its all on this week's episode of The Gift of Gaming Podcast!Need more news? We've got you covered. Check out our Patreon over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for news on GTA 6 and XBox's handheld.News articles:https://screenrant.com/star-wars-battlefront-2-timeline-development-good-explainer/https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-cancels-black-panther-game-closes-cliffhanger-gameshttps://www.gamesradar.com/games/kingdom-hearts/the-kingdom-hearts-4-drought-is-over-after-1-131-days-as-new-screenshots-of-the-rpg-reveal-another-keyblade-playable-mickey-mouse-and-more/https://thegamepost.com/ex-bungie-dev-marathon-leadership-extremely-toxic-humiliating/https://thegamepost.com/marathon-art-director-joseph-cross-issues-personal-apology-for-plagiarized-art/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-launches-beta-for-ai-chatbot-that-reads-your-xbox-profile/1100-6531875/https://kotaku.com/gta-6-delay-bloomberg-chaos-ea-battlefield-publishers-1851780047

Its finally here! Darren and Craig reached the epilogue of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and are finally ready to give their thoughts. A GOTY contender? Listen along to find out. 1st 40 minutes are our spoiler free review but everything after is all about the twists and turns of Expedition 33. Sit back, relax and see if you agree with our Games Club on Expedition 33.Need more? We're talking about midnight releases and the joy they used to bring on our post show. Check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for tonnes more content and all for less than the cost of a coffee a month!

This week's episode with Darren and Craig covers everything from the new GTA6 trailer, the Switch 2 hype and the cost and pricing of video games in 2025.Check out patreon.com/thegiftofgaming where this week its all about the games in Darren's backlog!Want to join the conversation? Why not send us an email at [email protected]

On today's episode of the podcast its just Darren and Chris shooting the breeze. From discussing the current status of fighting games, to the expensive that awaits the invested gamer in the future and even on how Playstation has work to do on their digital storefront, there's plenty to get through in this week's episode!On the post show over at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming, Chris is going to lay out to pros for being a PC gamer. Will Darren ever become the console hating, PC playing? Check out Patreon to find out!Why not join the conversation? Email us at: [email protected] to let us know your thoughts!

Its the news team supreme going over the news from April.. We had a Switch 2 announcement, an Oblivion Remastered shadow drop and cinemas have been plagued by the Minecraft movie. All this and more, on the Gift of Gaming Podcast.Not enough news for you?! Check out Patreon.com/thegiftofgaming for even more GoG news recaps!

On this Gift of Gaming quiz its Kev vs. Craig. There's general knowledge, Final Fantasy and of course, Kingdom Hearts. Who comes out on top?!The GoG Battle Royale continues with Luigi vs. Master hand. Check it out on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren and KP, both big superhero fans go back through their catalogue of Marvel and DC Games they've played and discuss the highs and lows of the Marvel and DC gaming universes.Today's post show is a look at where the Marvel and DC cinematic universes are heading and if we'll ever recapture the golden age of Avengers Endgame and the Batman trilogy. Check it out on Patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren, Chris and Luke sit down to discuss the Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2 as well as Pokémon Go selling up and what a new Xbox handheld could and should be!Check out extra news on our Patreon over on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Its another Games Club and one that is well past due. Darren sits down with the two most hardcore Monster Hunter players, Craig and Andrew to delve into their first thoughts on how good this game can be.Check out our Patreon for our Battle Royale series. This week, its Cloud Strife vs Tommy Vercetti in the last 16. patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren, Chris and Luke are back on the news and in this months episode they're breaking down the Pokémon showcase, WB games closing some studios and even an update on hardware from AMD. All this and more, on this week's episode of the Gift of Gaming podcast.

The very first gift of gaming quiz is here! Darren hosts 5 rounds of gaming's best questions with Andrew and Daniel as the very first contestants! Who knows more? Who's willing to steal points to take the win home? Who's aware of what happens in Kingdom Hearts? Listen to find out!Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/thegiftofgaming to see all of our post shows including this week's "Rate My Cast" where Darren brings his God of War Ragnarok to the table for the guys to rate.Why not take part in the quiz and tell us how you did? [email protected]

Darren, Craig and Luke discuss Playstation, Nintendo and Xbox's performance during 2024. With Darren representing the blue corner or Playstation, Craig representing the red corner of Nintendo (and last year's winner) and Luke representing the green corner of Xbox, who comes out on top of this triangle of gamings big 3?!Check out our Patreon for the last 16 knockout stage of our GoG Battle Royale: patreon.com/thegiftofgaming

Darren, Andy and KP sit down for a friendly chat. With no topic on hand, they get into everything from this week's State of Play, GTA6 and what it might look like in such a PC orientated world to the new Wolverine game and even a heap of God of War. Its all here on this week's episode of the GoG Pod.Check out our Patreon over on patreon.com/thegiftofgaming