Ben sits down with game studies lecturer and psychology researcher Laura Crawford to unpack player psychology, cozy games, and what makes Stardew Valley a fan favourite. Laura breaks down the science behind great game design, explores why players connect so deeply with virtual worlds, and shares her thoughts on AI, accessibility, game censorship, mentorship, and the future of the games industry. Along the way, they dive into Death Stranding, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and the games that shaped Laura's career, making this a must-listen for game developers, designers, students, and anyone who's ever fallen in love with a video game.

What does it take to build a 20+ year career in the video games industry? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Davey, a gaming industry veteran whose journey spans some of the most influential companies in gaming, including Blizzard Entertainment and Epic Games. Chris shares how a childhood fascination with home computers and consoles evolved into a global career across game development, marketing, public relations, brand management, and esports. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that shaped his career, the importance of understanding player communities, and what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment industries.

We explore Chris' passion for music and the role he had in bringing artists into interactive worlds. From Fortnite collaborations with The Kid LAROI and Tones And I to the future of virtual concerts, digital identity, and music discovery, Chris shares why games are becoming one of the most powerful platforms for artists to build audiences. Beyond the industry, Chris talks on Half Life 2, StarCraft 2 and titles that left the biggest impression on his life.

Whether you're interested in the gaming industry, music or the business behind blockbuster titles, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has lived it.

What is it really like working in the games industry—and how do you actually get a job in game development? In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Walker, an HR professional in the video games industry, to talk about careers in gaming, breaking into the industry, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at a game studio. We cover everything from Dani’s unconventional path into games to the realities of HR in game development and common misconceptions about the industry.Alongside all the career talk, we also get into Dani’s love for games - from her obsession with immersive single-player titles like The Legend of Zelda, her most replayable favourites, and the ones that seriously tested her patience. We chat about the evolution of games to big screen adaptations like Assassin’s Creed, Halo, and Fallout, and where the line sits between realism and actually having fun. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job in games, this episode is packed with practical advice on standing out, networking effectively, and crafting a resume that works. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or just love talking about games, there’s plenty here to relate to.