The Punished Podcast

In this podcast episode, we discuss the joy in familiarity, difficulty, hype, and gameplay loops as we consider video games as comfort food. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 32 – Games as Comfort Food appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this podcast episode, we discuss video game protagonists. We debate create-a-character versus heroes and share our favorites. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 31 – Video Game Main Characters appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of open-world video games: the good, the bad, and everything in between. (Also, GTA VI!) The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 30 – Open-World Games appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this Fantasy Gaming-centric episode, we recap the first half of 2026 before delving into our first waiver wire of the year. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 29 – 2026 Fantasy Waiver Wire #1 appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the rise and fall of E3, game trailers, authenticity, and the big bucks. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 28 – The Hype Cycle appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the past, present, and future of games media and journalism. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 27 – Video Games Media appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we reflect (and debate) the games that should be prioritized in our backlog in 2026. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 26 – Backlog Challenge 2026 appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss the role of review scores in the gaming industry, especially for us as critics. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 25 – Video Game Review Scores appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

In this episode of The Punished Podcast, we discuss and listen to the best video game soundtracks, composers, and sound design. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 24 – Video Game Music appeared first on The Punished Backlog.

Presenting the most anticipated video games of 2026, but in a stylish package: our annual Fantasy Gaming league. New year, new season. The post The Punished Podcast: Episode 23 – 2026 Fantasy Gaming Draft! appeared first on The Punished Backlog.