In a recent episode of Post Games, host Chris Plante discusses the potential of video games to explore themes of death, speaking with Kaitlin Tremblay, developer of Ambrosia Sky. The conversation raises the question of what makes video games effective in addressing such profound topics. Tremblay suggests that games encourage players to engage interactively, fostering a unique connection to the narrative.
Plante, who previously served as editor-in-chief of Polygon, launched Post Games shortly after leaving the publication. He designed the podcast to appeal to a mature audience, contrasting it with many existing gaming media that primarily target younger demographics. According to Plante, over half of the 205.1 million people playing video games in the U.S. are older than 35, a demographic often overlooked in traditional gaming media. He argues that there is a significant demand for content that caters specifically to older gamers, which mainstream publications have largely neglected.
Post Games follows an NPR-style format of tightly edited segments and typically runs for about an hour. Each episode includes interviews and a discussion of gaming news, but the topics often diverge from current trends. For instance, early episodes have addressed niche subjects like the history of the Independent Games Festival.
The podcast is available for free, supported by advertising, but Plante offers a subscription service for early access to ad-free content and additional features. He mentions reaching 1,000 paid subscribers, which he views as a promising start for the show’s future.
Plante’s transition to independent media is part of a broader trend, as many journalists from traditional gaming sites are increasingly creating their own platforms. He emphasizes the mutual benefits of independent media for creators and audiences, aiming to serve the substantial but underserved population of older gamers.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/760244/chris-plante-post-games-podcast-old-gamers-polygon