Video Games are Real

Category: Podcasts

A single feed containing Caleb J. Ross podcasts including Important Question, The Velvet Podcast, and The World’s First Author Podcast as well as a collection of live readings by Caleb J. Ross and his writing contemporaries.

  • Are Video Games Better Without Stories? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 016

    Are Video Games Better Without Stories? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 016


    [powerpress] Author & professor Ian Bogost theorized that video games, as a medium, are poor conduits for storytelling and that games are better without stories. Do Caleb & Scott agree? (more…)

  • What Do Gamers Think About Gaming in 2018? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 015

    What Do Gamers Think About Gaming in 2018? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 015


    [powerpress] Caleb & Scott dive into a new report by social site Qutee about what video gamers think about gaming in 2018.  They examine the results of the report and ask whether it actually tells us anything scientific about gamers or the game industry. (more…)

  • Which Game Publisher SHOULD Microsoft Acquire? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 014

    Which Game Publisher SHOULD Microsoft Acquire? – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 014


    [powerpress] The rumor mill is running wild about Microsoft buying EA, Valve, or PUBG.  We look at why those don’t make sense and propose three new contenders for who we think House Xbox SHOULD acquire.

    Show Notes

    • Gaming Archaeology:
      • Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups
    • Epic Set List:
      • Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts
    • What’s News:
      • Toys R Us closing 20% of its stores – we reminisce about TRU and Kay*Bee Toys
      • I spent 453 hours in Fallout 4 and all I got was this stinking inner peace
      • A truly unique piece of Zelda: Breath of the Wild art
      • Mario Kart coming to a smartphone near you
      • Red Dead Redemption 2 delayed
      • Nintendo Switch’s online service finally gets a date
      • Father of Playstation stepping down as Sony’s CEO
    • Main Event:
      • Rumors abound about a potential looming video game publisher acquisition by Microsoft.  We look at the rumored names – EA, Valve, and PUBG Corp – and then ask who SHOULD Microsoft acquire?  Turns out… it’s not one of those three.
  • Overwatch League & Twitch; YouTube Demonetization – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 013

    Overwatch League & Twitch; YouTube Demonetization – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 013


    [powerpress] No shortage of news this week as we discuss the Overwatch League debut, CES video game announcements, Nintendo unveiling cardboard Legos, and a business look at the YouTube demonetization drama.

    Show Notes

    • Gaming Archaeology:
      • Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups
    • Epic Set List:
      • Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts
    • What’s News:
      • Twitch paid Blizzard $90M for the rights to the Overwatch League; is that an insane price?
      • You probably love video games… but can you LOOOOVE video games?
      • Switch console sales in Japan have gone to Ludicrous Speed
      • Nintendo Labo… perhaps you’ve heard of it?
      • Controllers Galore!  We discuss some awesome game controller announcements from CES
    • Main Event:
      • We discuss YouTube’s recent controversial decision to demonetize small channels – do the perspectives of a content creator and a video industry insider clash?
  • Video Gaming’s Rich Legacy at CES – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 012

    Video Gaming’s Rich Legacy at CES – Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 012


    [powerpress]

    This week the global electronics industry descends on Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES).  These days, the show is dominated by televisions, the Internet of Things, and 5G smart toasters, but it wasn’t always so… in this episode of Masters of Unlocking, we take a look back at the rich history of video gaming at CES. (more…)

  • Happy 30th Birthday Final Fantasy- Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 011

    Happy 30th Birthday Final Fantasy- Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 011


    [powerpress]

    It’s that time of year – Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, and Final Fantasy’s birthday.  Want to feel old?  The Final Fantasy franchise turns 30 years old this month. We discuss some of our memories from the landmark franchise.
    (more…)

  • Couch Co-Op Holiday Family Fun- Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 010

    Couch Co-Op Holiday Family Fun- Masters of Unlocking Podcast Episode 010


    [powerpress]

    Take a timeout from your crazy family conversations this holiday season and gather ’round for some great family-friendly couch co-op games! We list our recommendations for best local multiplayer games to play with gamers and non-gamers. (more…)