My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin

Epizodes

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  Correspondence Special #9: Which games should have been on the podcast by now (and much more) 17.09.2026 38min

  In this special correspondence edition, Simon reads out your letters and answers your questions.Is there a cut-off point for working in games journalism? Which video game does Simon think should surely have been picked by now but hasn't? Who decides how long guests talk about their game choices? How does Simon actually make the show — from bookings to post-production to those musical stingers? What is Simon's new book about, and how did he uncover the untold legal battle thxat changed the shape of the video game industry? And did you know the UK government has a Head of Video Games and Esports who listens to the show? Us neither! All this and much more.And congratulations to letter-writer Chris Law, who wins a signed copy of Blood Echoes: A Bloodborne Anthology..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.
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  Chris Cantrill, comedian, writer Saturday Night Live UK. 15.09.2026 1h 29min

  Chris Cantrill is a British comedian, writer, and actor from West Yorkshire whose work combines rapid-fire jokes with an off-kilter view of everyday life. He first came to prominence as one half of the acclaimed sketch duo The Delightful Sausage, alongside Amy Gledhill, earning Edinburgh Comedy Award nominations for Best Show in both 2019 and 2022. As a solo performer, he added another nomination in 2024, before returning to Edinburgh this summer and finally winning the Comedy Award for Best Show in 2026.Alongside stand-up, he has appeared in programmes including Alma’s Not Normal, Daddy Issues, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, and Avoidance, while his writing credits stretch across television and radio. Most recently, he joined the writing team of Saturday Night Live UK, which returns for its second season this week.LINKSChris CantrillWebsiteInstagramThe Delightful SausageSaturday Night Live UKSNL UK on SkySimon's Observer FeaturesHow Saturday Night Live Landed in the UKJack Shep on That Princess Di ImpressionChris's Perfect ConsoleDuke Nukem: Time to KillFinal Fantasy VIIBloodborneAnimal WellThe Case of the Golden IdolOther games discussedCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDark SoulsSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceResident Evil 2 RemakeThe Witcher 3Elden RingStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderBecome 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.
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  Sarah Maria Griffin, poet, author (Eat the Ones You Love; Strange is the Light) 08.09.2026 1h 25min

  My guest today is an Irish writer, poet, critic, and podcaster. Born and raised in Dublin, she began writing seriously as a teenager, studied English, Media and Cultural Studies at IADT, and later completed a Master’s in Creative Writing at NUI Galway. Her early work included the poetry collection Follies and Not Lost, a book of essays about emigration written after she moved to San Francisco in 2012.Since returning to Ireland, she has published a series of acclaimed novels, including Spare and Found Parts and Other Words for Smoke, which won Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. Her 2025 horror novel Eat the Ones You Love was followed by a shortlist for Author of the Year, and she is now the 2026 Arts Council Writer Fellow at Trinity College Dublin. Alongside her fiction, she writes about games for The Guardian. Her new horror novel, Strange Is the Light, is out now, and she is currently working on another book, about video games, titled Everything Not Saved.LINKSSarah Maria Griffin – books & socialsSarah Maria Griffin – official websiteSarah Maria Griffin – Instagram (@sarahgriffski)Sarah Maria Griffin – SubstackSarah Maria Griffin – writing about games for The GuardianStrange as the Light (out 8 September 2026)Strange as the Light – WaterstonesStrange as the Light – Titan BooksStrange as the Light – Bookshop.org UKEarlier novelsEat the Ones You Love – WaterstonesOther Words for Smoke – WaterstonesSarah's Perfect ConsoleEarthBound (SNES, 1994) – WikipediaEarthBound – Nintendo Switch OnlineThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask – WikipediaPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – NintendoPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – WikipediaNight in the Woods – official siteNight in the Woods – SteamWandersong – official siteWandersong – SteamOther references mentionedDisco Elysium – SteamChicory: A Colorful Tale – official site (Greg Lobanov, also made Wandersong)826 Valencia – literacy non-profit, San FranciscoDublin Youth TheatreTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – WaterstonesRock, Paper, Shotgun – games journalismGlenn Moore – Button Boys podcastNext week's guestChris Cantrill – Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show winner 2026 (Rewilding)Chris Cantrill – Chortle profileSaturday Night Live UK – ITVSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Mike Diver, journalist, author (Aliens: The Video Games) 01.09.2026 1h 27min

  Mike Diver is a British journalist, editor, and author whose career has moved fluidly between music criticism and video games writing, always with an eye for subculture, history, and stories beyond the mainstream. He began at the music website Drowned in Sound, where he rose to become content editor, before going on to work with Clash and contribute to publications including Kerrang! and Rock Sound.Later, he turned increasingly to video games, writing for outlets including Edge and Kotaku - as well as heading up teams at VICE Gaming (later Waypoint) and GAMINGbible - and bringing the same curiosity and critical energy to games culture, retro hardware, and the history of the medium. Alongside his journalism, he has written six books on video games and edited several more, covering subjects from indie games and esports to Sonic the Hedgehog and Final Fantasy. His latest book, Aliens: The Video Games, continues that fascination with the way great pop-cultural worlds mutate and endure through interactive form.LINKSMike Diver – website & bookMike Diver – Aliens: The Video Games: An Unofficial Guide (Waterstones, out 30 August 2026)Aliens: The Video Games – publisher White Owl / Pen and SwordAlien games discussedAlien: Isolation – SteamAliens: Dark Descent – SteamAliens: Colonial Marines – WikipediaAliens: Infestation (Nintendo DS) – WikipediaAliens vs. Predator (Capcom, 1994 arcade) – WikipediaAlien: Rogue Incursion – SteamAlien: Isolation 2 – official announcement trailerMike's Perfect ConsoleSensible Soccer (1992) – WikipediaSensible World of Soccer – WikipediaStreets of Rage 2 – WikipediaStreets of Rage 4 – official siteSnatcher – Wikipedia1944: The Loop Master – WikipediaCapcom Arcade 2nd Stadium (includes 1944) – SteamThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – official siteThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – SteamOther games and references mentionedDrowned in Sound – Wikipedia (music website where Mike began his career)Vice Gaming / Waypoint – WikipediaAftermath – independent games journalism siteRespec – independent games journalism siteMina the Hollower – Yacht Club GamesYuzo Koshiro – composer of Streets of Rage 2 soundtrack, WikipediaHideo Kojima – WikipediaEvercade – retro gaming handheldNext week's guestSarah Maria Griffin – official websiteEat the Ones You Love – Sarah Maria Griffin's latest novel (Waterstones)Sarah Maria Griffin – writing about video games for The GuardianSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Soren Johnson, game designer (Civ III, Civ IV, Spore, Old World) 25.08.2026 1h 36min

  Soren Johnson is an American programmer and game designer whose work has helped shape the modern strategy genre. After earning a master’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, he joined Firaxis Games, where he worked as both a programmer and designer on Civilization III before going on to lead the design of Civilization IV, one of the most celebrated strategy games yet made.Over the years he has contributed to a wide range of projects, including Spore, Dragon Age Legends, and Offworld Trading Company, bringing a distinctive blend of historical insight, systemic thinking, and player-driven design. Today he is the founder and design director of Mohawk Games, where he recently led the development of the acclaimed historical strategy game Old World. Alongside his development work, he continues to explore the craft of game design through his long-running blog and podcast, both of which are titled “Designer Notes”.Soren Johnson – website & podcastSoren Johnson – Designer Notes blogDesigner Notes podcast – episode archiveDesigner Notes – Apple PodcastsDesigner Notes – SpotifyMohawk Games & Old WorldMohawk Games – official siteOld World – official pageOld World – SteamOld World – GOGOld World – Epic Games StoreOld World: Empires of the Indus DLC – Mohawk GamesSoren's Perfect ConsolePinball Construction Set (1983) – WikipediaM.U.L.E. (1983) – WikipediaSeven Cities of Gold (1984) – WikipediaLegacy of the Ancients (1987) – WikipediaSid Meier's Alpha Centauri (1999) – WikipediaOther games and references mentionedCivilization IV – WikipediaCivilization III – WikipediaSid Meier's Pirates! (2004 remake) – WikipediaCivilization Revolution – WikipediaOffworld Trading Company – SteamSpore (2008) – WikipediaBalatro – SteamVampire Survivors – SteamSchedule I – SteamLethal Company – SteamBennett Foddy – personal siteDanielle Bunten Berry – Wikipedia (designer of M.U.L.E.)Trip Hawkins – Wikipedia (founder of Electronic Arts)Jake Solomon – WikipediaGame Developers Conference (GDC) – official siteSimon's bookTrial of the Space Invaders – pre-order (Bookshop.org UK)Trial of the Space Invaders – pre-order (Amazon UK)Support the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Glen Henry, gamemaker, co-founder Jamaica Game Developer Society. 18.08.2026 1h 15min

  My guest today is a Jamaican game developer and studio founder. Based in Kingston, he is the founder of Spritewrench Studios, a narrative-focused micro studio he built after realising, in his final year at university, that he did not need to leave Jamaica or join a hundred-person team to make games of his own.Inspired by that possibility, he began creating small projects, taking part in game jams, and steadily turning Spritewrench from a name into a company. His work is shaped by a commitment to cultural representation that reaches beyond cliché, and by a wider effort to grow the local scene through the Jamaica Game Developer Society, where he has worked to connect creators and open up pathways into the industry. Now, with Duppy Detective Tashia, a point-and-click mystery rooted in Caribbean folklore, he is bringing that vision to a wider audience.Glen Henry & Spritewrench StudiosSpritewrench Studios – official websiteSpritewrench – itch.io (all games)Glen Henry – Instagram (@spritewrench)Duppy Detective TashiaDuppy Detective Tashia – SteamDuppy Detective Tashia – itch.ioJamaica Game Developer SocietyJamaica Game Developer Society – official siteJGDS – YouTube channel (Crash Course series)Glen's Perfect ConsoleThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – WikipediaViewtiful Joe (GameCube, 2003) – WikipediaSpelunky Classic – free download (Derek Yu's site)Spelunky Classic – WikipediaHades – official siteHades – SteamHollow Knight: Silksong – official siteAlso mentionedBastion – Supergiant GamesTransistor – Supergiant GamesIndie Game: The Movie – official siteBlack Voices in Gaming – community DiscordRami Ismail – game developer and advocateChase Bethea – composer (Duppy Detective Tashia)Bubblexity – BChaotic (Jamaican student dev team, Steam)TIGSource – indie game development forumsGlobal Game JamNext week's guestSoren Johnson – designer of Civilization IVOld World – Mohawk Games (Steam)Simon's bookTrial of the Space Invaders – pre-order (Bookshop.org UK)Trial of the Space Invaders – pre-order (Amazon UK)Support the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Amelia Tait, journalist, children's author. 11.08.2026 1h 10min

  Amelia Tait is a British journalist and author whose work has made her one of the sharpest observers of modern life online and off. As a freelance writer, she has built a reputation for following the strange, revealing currents of contemporary culture — writing about the internet, and remarkable people for publications including The New Yorker, The Guardian, Wired, and the New York Times.Her reporting is often drawn to the places where technology and absurdity collide, finding the human story inside subjects other people might dismiss as niche or ephemeral. Now she has turned that same wit and curiosity to fiction with her debut children’s book, Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller, a funny, fast-moving adventure about a girl bouncing through history while trying to survive friendship drama and the general embarrassment of being thirteen.LINKSAmelia Tait – website & writingAmelia Tait – official websiteThe Waiting Room – Amelia's Substack newsletterLily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time TravellerLily Tripp – Waterstones (Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, June 2026)Lily Tripp – Amazon UKAmelia's Perfect ConsoleTheme Hospital (1997) – WikipediaThe Simpsons: Road Rage (2001) – WikipediaThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – WikipediaThe Sims Bustin' Out (Game Boy Advance, 2003) – WikipediaStardew Valley – official siteStardew Valley – SteamOther games mentionedAnimal Crossing: New Horizons – NintendoThe Simpsons: Hit & Run – WikipediaAmelia's journalism – selected piecesAre Disney Adults the Happiest Debtors on Earth? – The New YorkerAmelia Tait – articles on The GuardianNext week's guestDuppy Detective Tashia – Glen Henry / Spritewrench Studios – SteamSpritewrench Studios – itch.ioSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  James Trickey, comedian. 04.08.2026 1h 16min

  James Trickey is a British comedian whose work blends sharp writing, physical comedy, and, in his new show, one of the more extraordinary Edinburgh Fringe stories in recent memory. By day he works as an accountant; by night he has been building a reputation as one of the most promising young voices on the live circuit, with appearances across the UK, a Chortle Student Comedy Award nomination, and a Best New Show nomination at the Leicester Comedy Festival.Last year, his sold-out Edinburgh debut, Don’t Count on Me, marked him out as a rising talent, earning strong reviews and an enviable word-of-mouth reputation. Since then, he has appeared on the BBC’s Funny Parts and returned to the Fringe with a new show shaped in part by the strange and unexpectedly dramatic events of last summer.LINKS:James Trickey – follow & ticketsJames Trickey – Instagram (@jamestrickey_)James Trickey: Split – Edinburgh Fringe 2026 tickets (Pleasance Courtyard, 9:25pm, 5–30 August)James Trickey: Split – Avalon press releaseJames's Perfect ConsoleThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – WikipediaThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered – SteamHalo 3 – WikipediaUndertale – official siteUndertale – SteamGod of War (2018) – PlayStationGod of War (2018) – WikipediaThe Last of Us Part II – PlayStationThe Last of Us Part II – WikipediaBristol comedians to watchAbi Clarke – comedian and content creatorAlex Kitson – Chortle profileJessie Nixon – Chortle profileTed Milligan – British Comedy GuidePravanya Pillay – PBJ ManagementAlso mentionedAlfie Brown – comedianGlenn Moore – at the Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh FringePokémon Crystal – WikipediaSuper Mario Advance (Game Boy Advance) – WikipediaLeague of Legends – official siteSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Pierce Brown, science fiction novelist (Red Rising series). 28.07.2026 1h 32min

  Pierce Brown is an American novelist whose work has made him one of the defining voices in modern science fiction. After a restless childhood that saw his family move repeatedly and left him passing through more than ten schools, he began writing in earnest just after high school. After years of rejection, he found his breakthrough with Red Rising, the first instalment in an epic saga that fused classical tragedy, Roman myth, and space opera into an international bestseller.Since then, the series has grown into a global phenomenon, winning a devoted readership for its high-stakes politics and fierce emotional intensity. Alongside his work as a novelist, he has embraced gaming culture—contributing to the Red Rising board game and speaking openly about his love of everything from StarCraft II to Mass Effect and Cyberpunk. Now, as the series is being reissued in special tenth-anniversary editions, a new generation of readers is discovering the world that made his name.LINKSPierce Brown – website & booksPierce Brown – official websiteRed Rising – the complete sagaRed Rising: Sons of Ares – prequel comic seriesPierce Brown – Instagram (@piercebrownofficial)Red Rising board gameRed Rising – Stonemaier Games (designed by Jamey Stegmaier)Pierce's Perfect ConsoleCommand & Conquer (1995) – WikipediaCommand & Conquer: Red Alert – WikipediaCommand & Conquer: Tiberian Sun – WikipediaShogun: Total War (2000) – WikipediaTotal War series – official siteBaldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn – WikipediaBlack & White (2001) – WikipediaThe Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – WikipediaBooks and other references mentionedPlato's Republic – WikipediaAntigone by Sophocles – WikipediaThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – WikipediaEnder's Game by Orson Scott Card – WikipediaThe First Law trilogy by Joe AbercrombieGattaca (1997 film) – WikipediaGustave Doré – illustrator, WikipediaSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  John Robertson, comedian, creator The Dark Room. 21.07.2026 1h 36min

  John Robertson is an Australian comedian, writer, and performer who has carved out a singular space between stand-up, theatre, and video games. Beginning his career on the UK and international comedy circuit, he became known for his high-energy, unpredictable style—before creating The Dark Room, a live-action text adventure where audiences shout commands, face absurd deaths, and attempt to survive his chaotic world.The show has toured globally, sold out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and grown into an online phenomenon, streamed to millions and adapted into digital formats. Alongside this, he has written and performed a wide range of solo shows and interactive work, creating a unique space where comedy, games, and audience participation collide.John Robertson – website & showJohn Robertson – official websiteThe Dark Room – live show informationThe Dark Room – live dates and ticketsThe Dark Room – Edinburgh Fringe 2026 at the Gilded BalloonThe Dark Room – Dark Room Deathstravaganza at Leicester Square Theatre, 22 NovemberJohn Robertson – Twitch (Robbotron)John's Perfect ConsoleSonic the Hedgehog 2 (Mega Drive, 1992) – WikipediaSuper Puzzle Fighter II Turbo – WikipediaWii Sports Resort – WikipediaSid Meier's Civilization V – WikipediaHitman: World of Assassination – official siteHitman: World of Assassination – SteamOther games and references mentionedCaves of Qud – official siteCaves of Qud – SteamPAX West – Seattle gaming conventionSwitch Sports – NintendoNext week's guestPierce Brown – official websiteRed Rising – Pierce Brown's debut novelSupport the showMy Perfect Console – episode archiveSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Andreas Thorstensson, former Counter-Strike champion, founder GOALS AB. 14.07.2026 1h 19min

  Andreas Thorstensson is a Swedish entrepreneur, former professional gamer, and studio founder whose career has moved from the early days of esports to the challenge of rebuilding one of the world’s biggest sports genres from the ground up. Born in Stockholm, he began programming as a child and later emerged in competitive Counter-Strike under the name ‘bds’, becoming world champion in 1999 and earning a reputation as both a player, and builder of tools, platforms, and communities around the game. In 2001, he co-founded SK Gaming, helping turn esports into a more professionalised business, and later spent a decade in technology and startups. In 2021, frustrated by the state of football games, he returned to development to found GOALS AB, a Stockholm studio with an ambitious aim: to give football the video game it deserves. Its first title, GOALS, is a free-to-play, cross-platform football simulator built around a gameplay-first, fully skill-based philosophy. 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.
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  Abigoliah Schamaun, comedian. 07.07.2026 1h 24min

  Abigoliah Schamaun is an American comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster whose open-hearted style has made her one of the most distinctive voices on the UK stand-up circuit. After cutting her teeth in the clubs of New York, she moved to Britain and there steadily built a reputation as a charismatic performer, becoming a popular headliner on the live comedy scene. Alongside her stand-up, she has appeared on shows including Pointless Celebrities, Captive Audience, Outrageously Funny Comedy, and I Live with Models.More recently, through the podcast Neurodivergent Moments, which she co-hosts with Joe Wells, she has spoken with warmth and candour about ADHD and neurodivergence,. Now, that podcast has inspired a new book, Neurodivergent Moments: Sex, Sunscreen, Turtles and How (Not) to Pack a Suitcase, a funny, personal collection of essays out now.Abigoliah Schamaun – official site & socialsabigoliah.com – official websiteNeurodivergent Moments – the bookNeurodivergent Moments: Sex, Sunscreen, Turtles and How (Not) to Pack a Suitcase – Linktree (buy links & live events)Neurodivergent Moments – the podcastNeurodivergent Moments podcast – AcastNeurodivergent Moments – Patreon (bonus content)All British Comedy Explained – the podcastAll British Comedy Explained – official siteAll British Comedy Explained – Apple PodcastsAll British Comedy Explained – SpotifyAbigoliah's Perfect ConsoleSuper Mario Land – WikipediaMortal Kombat (1992) – WikipediaBeat Saber – official siteMario Kart 8 Deluxe – NintendoOther people and references mentionedJoe Wells – co-author and podcast co-hostSea of Thieves – official sitePenelope Keith – WikipediaNerd of Mouth podcastSupport My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Luke Whittaker, gamemaker. (South of the Circle, Lumino City). 30.06.2026 1h 31min

  Luke Whittaker is a British game designer and creative director. With a background in animation and games design, he co-founded the BAFTA-winning indie studio State of Play in 2008, helping establish a reputation for meticulous, hands-on craft and playful experimentation. He was the creator and lead designer of Lumino City, the puzzle adventure built entirely from hand-made paper and card models, which won a BAFTA for Artistic Achievement.Since then he has worked on a string of distinctive projects including the Apple Award-winning pinball painting game INKS and the paper-crafted puzzle games KAMI and its sequel. As writer, director, and lead artist on South of the Circle, he even travelled to Antarctica to research a deeply human Cold War love story. Now, with Spycraft, a 1960s spy adventure that blends a physical board with video game mechanics—and comeswith a physical gadget built to play it—he continues to blur the boundaries between digital play and physical craft.Relevant Links:Luke Whittaker & State of PlayState of Play Games – official siteState of Play – about the studioSpycraft & the Board deviceSpycraft – State of Play Games pageSpycraft – on the Board storeBoard – the gaming device Spycraft runs onSouth of the CircleSouth of the Circle – State of Play Games pageSouth of the Circle – SteamSouth of the Circle – Apple App StoreLuke's Perfect ConsoleNorth & South (1989) – WikipediaIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure – WikipediaSega Rally Championship – WikipediaICO – WikipediaFirewatch – official siteFirewatch – WikipediaOther games and references mentionedLumino City – State of Play Games pageSamorost – Amanita DesignMachinarium – Amanita DesignKAMI 2 – State of Play Games pageShadow of the Colossus – WikipediaOxenfree – Night School StudioRetroPie – retro gaming on Raspberry PiThe Turner Contemporary – MargateSupport My Perfect Console on Patreon 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.
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  Rob Dubbin, comedy writer, game designer (The Colbert Report, Scripto). 23.06.2026 1h 53min

  Rob Dubbin is a comedy writer and game designer whose work spans late-night television, journalism, and interactive storytelling. After studying History and Literature at Harvard University, he began his career in comedy, becoming an Emmy-winning writer on The Colbert Report and later The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Away from television, his writing has appeared in publications including The New Yorker and The Verge.More recently, he has moved into game design and tools, becoming the co-creator of Scripto, a collaborative writing platform for format-driven work—from television scripts to video games—where he serves as Head of Games. His current projects include co-hosting The Secret Lives of Games podcast and he recently launched the boardgame Starfriends. Across all of his work, he has become a thoughtful advocate for clarity and economy in writing—particularly in games, where he believes every word must earn its place.SHOW LINKS:Rob DubbinRob Dubbin – official websiteRob Dubbin – work & projectsRoblemsolving – Rob's blogRob Dubbin – itch.ioBrainfruit Studio / Star FriendsBrainfruit Studio shopStar Friends – official siteStar Friends – Kickstarter campaignScriptoScripto – collaborative writing softwareScripto – aboutScripto – eight takes on game writingThe Secret Lives of Games / EggplantEggplant – the Secret Lives of Games podcast networkEggplant – aboutThe Secret Lives of Games – on Apple PodcastsRob's Perfect ConsoleZZT – zzt.org archive and communityZZT (1991) – Internet ArchiveStar Control 2: The Ur-Quan Masters – open source portFree Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters – SteamMaster of Magic Classic – SteamMaster of Magic Classic – GOGSlice & Dice – developer siteSlice & Dice – itch.ioSlice & Dice – SteamCaves of Qud – official siteCaves of Qud – SteamCaves of Qud – itch.ioOther games and references discussedLetterboxd – film rating and diary appWavelength – party gameApples to Apples – official siteGame Developers Conference (GDC)Harvard UniversityThe Colbert Report – Comedy CentralThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert – CBSBecome 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.
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  George Osborn, strategist, author (Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence.) 16.06.2026 1h 29min

  George Osborn is a journalist, strategist, and analyst whose work explores the increasingly fraught intersection of video games, business, and politics. He has worked as a reporter, consultant, and as Head of Campaigns and Communications at Ukie, the UK trade body for games, developing a rare vantage point on how the medium shapes, and is shaped by, power.He is also the founder of Half-Space Consulting and the editor of the Video Games Industry Memo newsletter, where he examines the forces driving the modern games business. In his new book, Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence, he argues that games have become far more than entertainment: they are now digital third places, contested spaces in which authoritarian regimes, populists, and extremists seek to wield influence.LINKS:George Osborn:The book: Power Play – buy via Bookshop.org UK (supports independent booksellers)Power Play – WaterstonesPower Play – Bookshop.org US The newsletter: Video Games Industry Memo – George's newsletter (free to subscribe)The Games: GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64, 2000) Championship Manager 01/02 Mass Effect 2 BalatroAlso mentioned Bellingcat – investigative journalism outlet founded by Eliot Higgins Support My Perfect Console on PatreonBecome 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.
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  Gabríel Ólafs, pianist, composer, founder Reykjavík Orkestra. 09.06.2026 1h 22min

  Gabríel Ólafs is an Icelandic pianist, composer, and producer whose work blends classical tradition with fantasy and a strikingly modern sense of atmosphere. Born in Reykjavík in 1998, he began playing piano at the age of five, receiving both classical and jazz training before emerging as a recording artist while still a teenager.His debut album, Absent Minded, was released in 2019, and his subsequent work has expanded steadily in scope—from the solo intimacy of Piano Works to the folk-inspired Lullabies for Piano and Cello, which grew out of a 1906 Icelandic songbook he discovered in an antique shop.He is also the co-founder of the Reykjavík Orkestra, and has quickly become one of the most distinctive young voices in contemporary instrumental music. Most recently, with Polar, he has moved further into speculative, atmospheric composition, drawing in part on the dreamlike emotional language of video games.Gabriel Ólafs: Website Releases Archive Spotify Apple Music YouTube InstagramPolar: Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Buy CD (Decca Classics) Buy from Decca Records US YouTube PlaylistPolar: Traveler's Log: Listen on SpotifyPolar: Building A World: Watch on YouTubeThe Waves: Listen on SpotifyForza Horizon 6: Official Site XboxOther Gabriel Ólafs Releases / Labels: Oli Records Decca Classics Releases ArchiveJóhann Jóhannsson / IBM 1401: Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTubeNils Frahm: Website SpotifyGabriel's Perfect Console: World of Warcraft The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered God of War Death Stranding Baldur's Gate 3Other Games Discussed The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Diablo IV Metal Gear Solid 2Become 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.
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  Elise Kova, romantic fantasy novelist. 02.06.2026 1h 31min

  Elise Kova is a fantasy novelist whose rise from online serial writer to international bestseller has made her one of the defining voices in modern fantasy. She began writing young, producing her first novella in sixth grade, and later returned to storytelling in earnest when she started Air Awakens in 2012 as a hobby, posting chapters online and building an early community of devoted readers. After querying the book without success, she chose to publish it independently in 2015, a decision that gave her full creative control and transformed her career.Within a year she had become a full-time author, and soon afterwards her work began appearing on bestseller lists, from USA Today to the New York Times. Since then, her novels have reached readers around the world, selling millions of copies and spawning a string of beloved fantasy series, including the Loom Saga, Married to Magic, Dragon Cursed and Arcana Academy. Next, she returns to that world with Prince of Swords, one of her most eagerly awaited books yet, publishing in July 2026.Elise Kova – Website & Books: Elise Kova's official website Elise Kova – About & FAQ Prince of Swords – Elise Kova's website Prince of Swords – Penguin Random HouseThe Games:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeFinal Fantasy XShin Megami Tensei: NocturnePersona 3BloodborneMusic mentioned: Zedd – Clarity (Spotify)Simon's books & projects: Trial of the Space Invaders: The Case that Changed Video GamesLook for the Light: The Last of Us Anthology – Tune & Fairweather (pre-order) Support My Perfect Console on PatreonNext week's guest Gabríel Ólafs – Polar (Spotify)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.
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  Brendan Greene, game-maker (PUBG, Prologue: Go Wayback!) 26.05.2026 1h 23min

  Brendan Greene is a game designer whose work reshaped the landscape of competitive multiplayer video games. Raised on a barracks in County Kildare, he grew up in an army family with little more than an Atari 2600 for company. He studied Fine Art in college, taught himself web design, and spent years freelancing — even moving to Brazil — before rediscovering video games through the DayZ mod for Arma 2. What began as hobbyist tinkering on Reddit forums became something much bigger when he created the Battle Royale mod in 2013, inspired by the cult Japanese film. Three years later, the mod became PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. PUBG’s brutal, hundred-player survival format exploded into a global sensation, helping cement the battle royale genre as a dominant force in modern video games. Now, through PlayerUnknown Productions, he has returned to his fascination with emergent storytelling with Prologue: Go Wayback!, a game that challenges players to navigate nature’s unforgiving systems and carve their own path through the wilderness.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.
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  Stephen Totilo, journalist, editor. 19.05.2026 1h 40min

  Stephen Totilo is an American journalist whose career has helped redefine how video games are reported and understood. After studying at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, he became MTV News’ first dedicated video game reporter in 2005, bringing serious coverage of the medium to a mainstream audience. Four years later he joined Kotaku, where he rose to become editor-in-chief and spent nearly a decade pushing the site toward deeper reporting, broader cultural coverage, and a more ambitious vision of what games journalism could be. My guest later joined Axios, building its games coverage through a widely read newsletter before striking out on his own. Now, as the founder and author of the popular Substack Game File, he continues to pursue the stories he believes matter most—combining deep industry reporting with a conviction that games, and the journalism around them, should be taken seriously.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.
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  Jerk Gustafsson, studio director, MachineGames (Wolfenstein series; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle). 12.05.2026 1h 27min

  Jerk Gustafsson is a Swedish game developer whose career has been shaped by a builder’s instinct — first in the physical world, and then in virtual ones. He left school at fifteen to work as a bricklayer, before discovering PC games in his twenties through Quake, the id Software classic that opened his eyes not only to play, but to the thrill of creating spaces of his own. After teaching himself level design through modding tools, he joined Starbreeze in 1998, where he worked on acclaimed titles including The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness, eventually stepping into a lead design role. Later, as a founding force at MachineGames, he helped guide the studio’s bold revival of Wolfenstein with The New Order and The Old Blood. Today, as Studio Director, he has overseen the studio’s expansion into some of its most ambitious work yet, most recently with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.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.