Skill Check

Well, it the morning after the Game of The Year Awards, and we’re a bit tired. We take a look at the winners and announcements from last night.

Away from the awards, we also chat GTA6, Sony releasing its first PS5 controller for disabled gamers, chat a Lego Fortnite special, and Andy plays Lost words: Beyond The Page.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

This week, Becky and Andy plan a trip to Scotland for The Game On Exhibition. Plan how getting Becky playing Grand Theft Auto - with thanks to them coming as part of Netflix, while Andy gets upset over Google going back into gaming. (Less then 12 months after Google Stadia). 

We talk all things party games, and Andy fan boys over Sonic Superstars - a game he didn't expect to like. 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Shortened version of the podcast this week. We look forward to Black Friday, and share some advice from HotUKDeals on making sure we dont spend more than we intend. There is some sad news from from the gaming industry, Safe In Our World are a fab Mental Health charity who have plenty of advice around redundancies that can be found here: https://safeinourworld.org/news/redundancy-support/ Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

This week's big news is that the GTA6 trailer and a live-action Zelda is on its way. (Apparently, the GTA6 trailer will arrive first!) We talk about games that bring joy. And This week's game of the week is Celeste. The game appears to be a difficult platformer, but its more about perseverance, and self-acceptance. Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

With some building work in the studio, its all a little remote this week, to which Andy tries to record in a shed.

We chat finding your comfort game, and take a look at Mario Wonder.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Becky is back this week, and we reflect last weeks episode on Twitch, its community, what it is, and the good news from it. We also talk gaming news. What does the Microsoft Activision merger mean? How expensive should a video game be? And how many units is Minecraft selling? On the subject of Minecraft, Andy is finally a fan, and accidentally offers a very parent review of Minecraft. Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Its all a bit content-heavy this week as we've got a couple of Twitch streamers in to talk about all things Twitch, what it is, and whether it is a good thing? With massive thanks to Damian and Rob, Sorry if this feels all a bit rushed - this episode could easily have been 4 times longer at least! Featuring talk about Twitch history, equipment used, parenthood, and the community found. A Youtube channel we recommend for practical help with all things streaming is https://www.youtube.com/@StreamScheme A previous chat can be found here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skillcheck/episodes/Twitch-Streaming--What-is-it--and-how-do-you-get-started-e1r9mo8 Find them at https://www.twitch.tv/whiffawaffle https://www.twitch.tv/d_tronics_uk (Streams might not be family friendly) Credits Video by Juan Carlos from Pixabay Video by Nino Souza Nino from Pixabay gaming Video by computergottyt from Pixabay gaming Video by computergottyt from Pixabay – flashy ness Video by Nino Souza Nino from Pixabay – Broadcasting Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

We're doing things a little differently this week. After putting on HotWheelsUk during our resident cafe, the residents challenged one of our support team to beat their best lap time. This is how Nath got on.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

What if, gaming can be used to help us have emotional language to help us express ourselves?

We also chat the latest Microsoft / Activision merger news, Samsung helping gamers make content, and Fortnite having to pay up.

In this weeks Game of The Week, we introduce Nath from our support team.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Can Video Games be educational?

Not "educational video games", but video games that aren't seen as educational - can they be educational?

We look at Minecraft, Lego Worlds, Stardew Valley, and Assassins Creed.

We also chat Unity, Government funding, and Roblox coming to Playstation. (Is this the future of family gaming?)

And this weeks game of the Week is Child of Light.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Well Starfield is out. So we spend most of our time talking about that.

First impressions of Starfield.

Starfield helping people get sober.

And a chat about what it means to have an 18 rating.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Why do video games help with stress? Netflix Gaming, and World of Goo.

This week, at the height of Summer, we look at gaming and stress. More specifically, WHY do we say that gaming helps with stress? We attempt to look at some of the science behind gaming and stress.

We also chat mobile gaming, Netflix moving into the gaming space, and World of Goo.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Its THE great British summer, and its raining! What games are there to play during a rainy day?

We also chat PS5 going cheap, Sandbox, and ALL THE LEGO GAMES!

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

We're recording on a different day this week, and all a bit unsure of whats going on...

But in the podcast we talk.

Fig - A Playtient Journey, a game with depression, bipolar, and healthy habits in mind.

GYLT - A game with a focus on bullying, and self worth in mind.

and we also talk how gaming is influencing car design.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

We talk the price of Game Pass and XBox going up, that ALL the games are coming out soon, and Zelda impacting inflation?

We fall down a rabbit hole, looking at games that are good for anxiety.

Gaming wise, Andy has started Jedi Fallen Order. Again.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Is Gaming Good For You? We try and bring an answer.

We also chat Sony and cloud gaming, Microsoft still not buying Activision, and Cassette Beasts. Cassette Beasts. Turns out. Is really very good fun.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Planet of Lana has come out on Game Pass and is looking lovely, meanwhile Gollum has released - and is ANOTHER game that isn't looking good.

Meanwhile Andy has downloaded Orna. One of those games that you have to get out and play on the streets. Picture Pokemon Go meets D&D.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Find out more about YMCA Exeter on @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Zelda Tears of The Kingdom is getting universal acclaim, from pretty much everywhere. But the journey to get there wasn't quick - it seems that is a good thing.

Theres a LOAD of Sony news out, Google games on PC, and we have a chat about being a female gamer online.

Game wise we chat Spirit of The North.

Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is THE BIG game for this week. Its also Mental Health Awareness Week - and we chat games that cover mental health including Hellblade: Senua’s Journey, Celeste, Psychonauts, and Actual Sunlight. Whilst Andy plays and crashes a lot in Lonely Mountains: Downhill.

Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

The 100 Best Games of all time has been released, Zelda: Tears of the kingdom is out, and Star Wars Jedi Survivor is still giving Andy trouble.

With chat about Star Wars Episode 1 Racer (Free on Microsoft Live Gold for this month!), the coronation, and Free games on Epic Store.

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Well Jedi Survivor has landed in our worlds, and it looks great! Technically there are a few problems...

Discord is going through changes, Fortnite finds another home with Amazon Prime, and we talk freedom of information in games.

Andy also gets nostalgic for Pokemon Go.

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

We're back after Easter.

This week we talk Ubisoft, and their pricing! Last of us - and being Disappointed. The JOY that is The Mario Movie, and Andy plays Unravel 2.

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Its Easter! Well nearly Easter.

So we chat all things Easter. Easter Eggs, Chocolate, Twitch, and Jesus on Steam.

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

This week Metacritic have announced Sony as the winner of 2022. We talk Sea Hero Quest and its use in science, and Netflix taking over the mobile gaming universe. (Andy has already started downloading Spiritfarer for the iphone)

We also talk DLC for Sonic Frontiers - Which Any has finally finished! (No Spoilers!)

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Well after The Last of Us Season Finale, how can we not at least try and talk about it? No spoilers here, as Becky hasn't seen it yet. 

We also chat Microsoft and Boosteroid, working in games, and a new Fifa Game???? 

Gaming wise we somehow chat Red Dead Redemption 2, and Plants v Zombies pretty much at the same time. 

We have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

We take a moment to chat all things non gaming, and share ideas of what to get up to when we're away from the screen. 

Also we have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

After talking Human Fall Flat the other week, we're spending more time talking about frustration in video games. What that frustration could look like, where it comes from, and what games make us frustrated. (ECCO THE DOLPHIN I'M LOOKING AT YOU!) 

Other games mentioned include, Fall Guys, Fortnite, Mario 64, Rocket League, and Sonic The Hedgehog???

Also we have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

With the half term coming up with chat locations to explore in video games. Including New York, Egypt, London, and the western frontier.   Nintendo Direct has released lots of news, including that Game Boy games are finally coming to The Switch. 

And Andy wonders if Wilderness is the perfect game to have a "quiet moment". 

Also we have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube.

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Hello! We're back after feeling ill last week. Still feeling rough this week though...

This week wetalk Grandparents gaming, XBox saving the planet, And finding Shakespeare in Fallout.

Andy plays and gets frustrated at Human Fall flat. 

Valiant Hearts is cheap at the moment. 

Also we have new social medias! Find us @YMCAExeterGames on Twitter, Facebooks, Instagram, and youtube. 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

The Last of Us has started this week, And we're really very impressed. 

Also this week, Google Stadia has closed. Which isn't a good.  Andy chats some of his gaming memories with Stadia.

This weeks game of the week is Journey of The Broken Circle: "It’s a game about this little something that always seems to be missing…a better job, a nicer place to live, an ideal relationship…"

And currently available for 89p from the Nintendo Switch store!

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Its meant to be Blue Monday this week, and looking at the weather I believe it. So we chat games and apps to get us through what is thought to be one of the more depressing times of the year. 

Apps and games we mention include:

• Mind Shift
• Pokemon Go
• Calm App
• Headspace
• Animal Crossing
• Wilderness
• Kinder World
• Cats and Soup

Also. Andy has been getting spooked by Luigi's Mansion. 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Its Christmas, and we're talking what Christmas games to play at Christmas. 

We're also seeing how many times we can say "Christmas". Sorry about that...

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Its nearly Christmas, and we're talking all things party games but paid and free party games. 

As well as all things party games, we catch up on Gaming News including a drop on mobile gaming spending, and Tesla including the option to game within the cars?

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Its the morning after The Gaming Awards and there are a load of announcements to talk about including NEW Mario Movie footage, new Cyberpunk and Horizon DLC, and Jedi Survivor!

We wonder how Call of Duty on The Switch will ever work, and Andys been playing Sonic Frontiers.

We also welcome Becky back to the podcast!

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

This week we have a guest presenter joining us. Damian is our IT guy, and streams on Twitch in his spare time. We have a chat about what that all means, as well as how and why he got into it. 

This weeks Game of the Week is World of Tanks.

Gaming news wise, its all about new content coming to the Switch. New Mario Kart, and new Switch Sports!

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

There's no Becky this week, and my guest host is poorly (Get Well Soon!), so its just me this week!

With gaming news looking at the end of Fortnite Chapter 3 (and what does that MEAN??), Wolverine coming out, and extension coming out for Cyberpunk. 

This weeks game of the week is the whimsical deep story that is  The Journey of The Broken Circle. 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

There's an odd feeling around the podcast cupboard today, with Becky going on holiday for the next three weeks - we talk all things gaming on holiday. We chat Fifa games to maybe not look out for, and the joy that is Golf with Friends.

We also try and bring some commentary in regards to the virtual headset that can apparently kill you. (Nice)

Andy is around next week with some special guest presenters 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook

Today is about the positive gaming news, particularly about the groom who met his mates in person for the first time at his wedding. Are online relationships any less real than people we know face to face? 

We also find a report on how the cost of living in the UK is impacting gamers.

Gaming wise we talk Sims 4 (Which is now free), and Tomb Raider 2013. 

Come say hello to us or give us ideas for games you want to hear about at @YmcaExeter on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook