What’s better than playing games? Talking about them, dissecting them, and occasionally roasting them with people who get it.
Okay, maybe it’s not better—we all know nothing beats a late-night gaming session—but it’s still ridiculously fun and almost as satisfying.
Whether you’re trying to figure out if Starfield was worth the hype, still recovering from the emotional wreckage of The Last of Us Part II, or losing your mind over the next Elden Ring DLC, there are gaming podcasts out there that make you feel entertained and understood.
With that said, let’s take a close look at 10 of the best gaming podcasts for every kind of gamer.
1) Nextlander
Nextlander is hosted by seasoned gaming journalists Vinny Caravella, Brad Shoemaker, and Alex Navarro, who bring decades of experience to every discussion. They focus on in-depth conversations about the games they’re playing, offering nuanced takes you'd only expect from seasoned gaming veterans. Beyond games, they dig into industry trends and player culture, breaking down what’s happening and why it matters. Episodes will often take you on a trip down memory lane but also talk about modern design. So both retro and current-gen fans can find something to love about each episode.
2) Get Played
Get Played gets a round of applause for taking on games others might ignore. Heather Anne Campbell, Nick Wiger, and Matt Apodaca go all in on odd games, and experimental titles, and also discuss complete failures that were released, doing so critically, but with a dash of humor. That said, the show isn’t about trashing weird or bad games. It’s actually to understand why they exist in the first place, and what we can learn from them.
Recently, the hosts have expanded to cover cult classics and underrated gems, making it a podcast with surprising depth. And the best part? they've got guest appearances, from comedians to industry insiders, who always add even more to every episode.
3) CORE
CORE explores the deeper stories in gaming: why the biggest studios are buying up rivals, how indie developers are surviving in a crowded market, and what new trends are reshaping the games you love. Hosts Scott Johnson, Jon Jagger, and Beau Schwartz constantly tackle industry shake-ups like Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision or the rise of AI-driven game design. They also shine a light on hidden gems you might’ve missed. If you want smarter takes on what’s happening in gaming—and how it impacts you as a player—this podcast is what you need.
4) Retronauts
Retronauts is a podcast about context. Each episode takes a classic game, franchise, or era and examines its legacy with depth. Hosts Jeremy Parish and Bob Mackey use their expertise to explore how these games shaped the industry and influenced what we play today. The discussions involve a bit of nostalgia, but they cast a critical eye on design choices and storytelling techniques across a handful of video games. They could be unpacking the quirks of the 8-bit era, or celebrating the artistry of 16-bit RPGs, but in any case, it's the perfect gaming podcast for gamers who want to understand the impact of past games on today's industry.
5) Cane and Rinse
In each episode, Cane and Rinse will usually focus on a single game, analyzed from every angle: mechanics, narrative, sound design, and more. The hosts spend significant time playing and researching each title, which leads to thoughtful, well-rounded discussions. So while each episode will act as an extensive review to a game you love or want to play, it will also be an intellectual conversation as to what makes that game the gem that it is... Or a complete flop. This approach works pretty well, whether they’re covering blockbusters or obscure indie titles, giving every game the time and dedication they deserve for an accurate review.
6) Vidjagame Apocalypse
Vidjagame Apocalypse is as much about gaming culture as it is about the games themselves. Each episode starts with a creative top-five list that sets the tone for wide-ranging discussions. The hosts, led by Michael Grimm, bring sharp humor and storytelling to their conversations, while also tackling current gaming news and trends with a playful edge.
7) Giant Bombcast
Giant Bombcast is one of the longest-running podcasts about gaming for a reason. It combines detailed industry analysis with honest, unscripted conversations about the games the hosts are playing. Jeff Gerstmann and his team excel at breaking down why certain trends, mechanics, or genres succeed—or fail—without sugarcoating their opinions. They'll dig into popular titles, AAA games, and niche and experimental games. It’s a podcast for gamers who want a full-spectrum look at the industry, from the mainstream to, well, not-so-mainstream.
8) Game Scoop!
Hosted by Daemon Hatfield and a rotating team from IGN, the show covers breaking news, major releases, and the stories shaping the industry. You'll also get to enjoy a unique concept they call “Video Game 20 Questions”, a segment that adds a layer of fun without distracting from the core discussions. IGN has been a long-time player in the world of gaming content, and their team has a wealth of insider knowledge of the industry, so the information you get will not just be timely, but also accurate, making it ideal for gamers who want to stay informed.
10/10, has a little something for everyone. - IGN
9) Kinda Funny Gamescast
Greg Miller and his team bring strong opinions to the table, but those opinions are always backed by personal experience and a clear love for videogames. The show covers everything from first impressions to in-depth reviews. At its heart, the podcast is about sharing the joy and frustration of gaming as a player, not just a critic. So you'll get a few hot takes, and maybe a couple controversies along the way.
10) What's Good Games
What's Good Games is a video game podcast hosted by Join Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Kristine Steimer. They cover the latest news, analyze the video games of the week, give reviews and impressions of upcoming titles, and discuss their listeners' questions. Тhey talk extensively about everything from their favorite games industry news, new consoles, and hardware. It's a bit of an encyclopaedia of knowledge for gamers of all shapes and sizes. You'll get a taste of just about any gaming topic, and possibly some great advice if you're looking to change console, or indecisive between some of the latest releases.
