My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

Jimi Famurewa is a British-Nigerian author, broadcaster and food critic whose writing blends cultural insight, wit, and deep empathy. As the former restaurant critic for the Evening Standard, he’s become one of the most recognisable voices in British food writing, known for capturing not just what’s on the plate, but also the people, stories, and histories behind it. A regular guest judge on the BBC One series MasterChef, he was also one of the lead judges on Channel 4’s The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver. His debut non-fiction book, Settlers, explored the lives and legacies of Black immigrants in the UK. His new book, Picky, charts his journey from being a child who refused all vegetables, to becoming a Guild of Food Writers’ Restaurant Critic of the Year.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Night is one of the sharpest and most original voices in British stand-up. He began performing comedy as a teenager and, in 2017 his debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, Anthem For Doomed Youth, saw him become one of the youngest ever nominees for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer. Since then, he’s established a reputation for his darkly funny, politically charged material. His writing has been featured on shows including The Mash Report, 8 out of 10 Cats, The News Quiz, Mock the Week, and Comedy Central's Roast Battle, on which he also appeared. With a style that veers from laid-back charm to blistering satire, he’s become a cult favourite on the live circuit and beyond, and is about to embark on a new tour.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cabel Sasser is a designer, developer, and co-founder of one of the most beloved indie software companies in tech. In 1999, he co-founded Panic, the Portland-based studio known for its beautifully crafted Mac software and, later, its publishing work on standout indie games like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game. Most recently, he helped lead the creation of Playdate—a quirky handheld console that blends nostalgia, invention, and delight, to reimagine what portable gaming can be. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Whalen is a game designer and creative lead known for his work at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and competitive play. After graduating from Princeton with a degree in Mathematics, he earned his doctorate in algorithms at Georgia Tech. He then began his career in video games, first at Blizzard, where he was a senior designer on Hearthstone. He then moved to Riot Games, where he now serves as the Game Director for Teamfight Tactics, Riot’s ambitious chess-like game set in the world of League of Legends. With a deep background in systems design and a love for games that reward smart, skilful play, he’s helped shape some of the most beloved and finely tuned experiences in digital card gaming and beyond.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Chase is an American voice actor whose range and versatility have made him one of the most recognisable voices across anime, video games, and audiobooks. Known for bringing to life characters such as Noctis in Final Fantasy XV, Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cyclops in Xmen ’97, and Zukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, he has also voiced major titles like Genshin Impact, Persona 5, and Demon Slayer. After a career spanning everything from gritty protagonists to eccentric sidekicks, he’s now entered the director’s chair for a video game of his own. Date Everything is a romance game in which you can date 100 objects from your house, including your shower, the couch, a grand piano, even a videogame console. And each item, of course, is voiced by a beloved actor.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robbie is a studio head with one of the most unusual origin stories in the games industry. A former content creator and streamer, he fell in love with Paragon, the ambitious MOBA from Epic Games—so much so that when Epic closed the game in 2018, he refused to let it die. With no prior game development experience and no plans to enter the industry, he founded Omeda Studios and set out to rebuild and evolve the game alongside its passionate community. The result was Predecessor, a fresh take on the MOBA genre. In just a few years, the game has developed a vibrant fanbase, while the studio has transformed from a grassroots effort into a serious player in the industry, proving that a community-driven approach can take on even the giants.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices.If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is a Ukrainian game developer, entrepreneur, and one of the most respected community-builders in the video games industry. After graduating from East Ukrainian Volodymyr Dahl National University with a Master's in Computer Science she began her career in mobile game development. She founded initiatives such as Achievers Hub and Global Games Pitch, platforms that connect indie developers with publishers, investors, and collaborators around the world.Since then, she’s become a tireless advocate for emerging studios, a sought-after speaker at international conferences, and a passionate voice for the Ukrainian game dev scene—especially in the face of extraordinary geopolitical challenges. Whether mentoring new talent or championing indie creators on the global stage, she’s played a vital role in shaping a more connected, inclusive industry. Links:Global Games PitchGame Dev Under BombsFoyles Book Event for Orwell PrizeBecome a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon is joined by Glenn Moore for today's Game Club episode discussing the game we've been playing throughout May, former guest of the show Lucas Pope's Return of the Obra Dinn.Throughout the month, Glenn, Simon, and many of you, the listeners, have been playing through the modern classic puzzle game, as chosen by comedy writer Joel Morris on his episode of My Perfect Console.Glenn and Simon discuss their experiences with the game, why the board above Glenn's desk makes him look like a serial killer, Simon's experiences with Elden Ring: Nightreign, and much more.NOTE: This bonus episode is one of the benefits you receive for being a Patreon supporter. Sign up at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole to listen to all of the Game Club episodes, past and future.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bennett Foddy is a game designer, moral philosopher, and musician best known for creating challenging games that explore frustration, perseverance, and the nature of play. Originally from Australia, he played bass for the electronic group Cut Copy, then in 2008 came to global recognition with QWOP, a slapstick track-and-field simulation that became an internet sensation. He followed that success with the equally maddening Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, which sparked viral streaming moments and intense discussions about game difficulty, patience, and our relationship with failure. He taught game design at NYU , and now works full-time as a designer, preparing for the release of an indie open world game, Baby Steps.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.