The panel mourns the loss of two titans of video game journalism, considers the future of games reporting, and imagines a horse covered in human skin. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. SHOW NOTES: Andor The Mandalorian DMC DeLorean Marcus Aurelius Mark Antony 1: Let us begin by mourning the losses of game journalism (02:42) Polygon sold to Valnet, editorial staff hit with layoffs Michael McWhertor Fandom Blows Up Giant Bomb Was the Media’s Big “Pivot to Video” All Based on a Lie? 8-4 Shane Bettenhausen Jeremy Parish Tencent lays off nearly all of staff at its gaming site Fanbyte Kotaku The Verge Valnet Blues: How Online Porn Pioneer Hassan Youssef Built a Digital Media ‘Sweatshop’ 1Up Digg Gamergate (harrassment campaign) Simon Car

The 2025th Game Developers Conference has ended, and only Liz Ryerson and Brandon Sheffield covered it in the way it was meant to be covered: on-the-floor stories from the industry’s finest minds, and an extensive tour of booths reflecting the state of video games as we know it. Hosted by Brandon Sheffield and Liz Ryerson, with Leaf, Schera Wyss, Frank Cifaldi, K.K. Dream, Alexander Martin, Ty Underwood, Leo Burke, Max Kreiger, and Justin Bortnick. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Chapters: Brandon talks with Leaf about Funko taking down itch.io (00:00) Liz seeks the origins of Slugworld with Schera Wyss (13:01) Brandon chats with Frank about game history (17:02) Liz trades business cards with K.K. Dream (30:17) Liz joins friends to reveal the current state of video games, based on the GDC Expo Floor booths (42:24) Insert Credit Gaiden is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Brian David Gilbert of Dropout.tv, Unraveled, and his own excellent youtube channel joins our panel to cover Switch 2 preorders, Donkey Kong dating your friends, and the legendary Nier butthole. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and Brian David Gilbert. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Mystery Men (1999) Flaming Carrot Comics The Legend of Zelda series Video game Sega PlayStation Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty Nintendo Nintendo 64 1: We’re recording this the day that preorders have gone live for the Switch 2. What’s the worst case you’ve ever seen of Preorder Madness? (08:05) I got my Switch 2 preorder the old-fashioned way: lining up at GameStop Crysis Pepe the Frog Alan Wake II GameStop 2: What’s the right amount of bullshit to put in a video game? (15:13) Demonschool

Frank, Ash, and Brandon begin an endless and inescapable descent into our listener-submitted Question Hole, and in the process learn to run an inn, make Ash crack up at Metafore ReFantazio again, and mention the same four guys that get mentioned every episode. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: The Price is Right Press Your Luck Ep. 385 - David Uncage 1: What are your all-time favorite single performances on a game soundtrack? (02:52) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Faith No More Wu-Tang Clan Mega Ran Simple and Clean Kingdom Hearts Quake Nine Inch Nails Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Crazy Taxi Penn & Teller’s Smoke and Mirrors Debbie Harry Nick Cave Snake Eater Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 2: Whywhy asks, what is th

Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield answer Alex Jaffe’s questions on A Minecraft Movie, canceling people in gaming, and most importantly, the SCUMPI II. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Downfall (2004) 1: Mike Drucker asks, what’s an exactly correctly rated game? (01:49) Deadly Premonition Metacritic Blue Prince Mother Brain The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Mario Kart World 2: Ash, what was it like covering a console launch? (06:45) Everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2 Bomberman: Act:Zero Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Arms Wii Sports Ethan Gach Stephen Totilo 3: What do you think A Minecraft Movie is? (13:30) A Minecraft Movie (2025) Minecraft Tenacious D

Emmy-nominated writer and comedian Mike Drucker joins Brandon and Esper in answering Alex Jaffe’s questions on the Nintendo S2iitch, the ultimate fan experience, and the impossibility of defending your Persona 5 romance choice. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Brandon Sheffield, Esper Quinn, and Mike Drucker. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Judas Priest Topic Lords Full Frontal with Samantha Bee The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Bill Nye Saves the World Good Game, No Rematch Aftermath Hours Kinda Funny 1: Hey, you guys hear about the Switch 2? (03:19) Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Princess Peach’s New Outfits Tom Nook Barbie Barbie series Bratz series Mario Paint Astro Bot Super Mario Maker series Ninte

Screenwriter Aaron Stewart-Ahn hangs out with Brandon to talk about why plot isn’t so important, the career resurgence of Nicolas Cage, and Werner Herzog’s splash damage. Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with Aaron Stewart-Ahn. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED: Mandy (2018) David Lynch Lynch on Lynch The Substance (2024) Coralie Fargeat Panos Cosmatos On the Silver Globe (1988) Boba Fett Casual Viewing Ryū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza universe Baldur’s Gate series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Christopher Ford P.T. Guillermo del Toro Twin Peaks The Hardy Boys Inland Empire (2006) Basket Case (1982) David Cronenberg Chappell Roan

The finest minds in video games cover both GDC and the Nintendo Direct, furniture options when playing games, and jade dizzies. Plus, a credit is spent! Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Hoka Bondi 7 Hootie & the Blowfish Darius Rucker Metaverse IZOD General Zod Credit Report (03:16) 1: merritt k asks, what game would you give the modern rerelease treatment? (04:55) Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties Bubsy series Digital Eclipse NieR The Last of Us: Part II Bloodborne Raw Danger! Road Rash series The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Bullet Witch cavia inc.

Brandon Sheffield subjects well known video game characters who just happen to be attending GDC 2025 to the famous Proust Questionnaire. Yes, we know it’s pronounced “proost.” Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with Matthew Burns, Frank Cifaldi, Naomi Clark, Nikki Grayson, David Hellman, merritt k, Shannon Liao, Laura Michet, Alx Preston, Liz Ryerson, Phil Salvador, and Derek Yu. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Luigi, via merritt k (00:14) Rick Taylor, via Derek Yu (07:12) Astarion Ancunín, via Shannon Liao (11:34) Squall Leonhart, via Phil Salvador (13:55) Headcrab, via Laura Michet (17:50) Samus Aran, via Alx Preston (20:53) Miles “Tails” Prower, via Liz Ryerson (25:44) Alan Wake, via Matthew Burns (31:02) Geralt of Rivia, via Naomi Clark (36:08) Django, via Nikki Grayson (41:30) Tim, via Dav

Writer/comedian merritt k joins Ash, Brandon, and guest host Eric Silver to figure out why Pokemon games look bad now, why Insert Credit doesn’t talk about Nintendo, and the LeBron James of Video Games. Hosted by Eric Silver, with Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Atari Jaguar Chun-Li Juri Elena Jackbox Party Pack Mario Party Princess Daisy Fighters Megamix 1: Will mainline Pokemon games ever not look like garbo again? (04:00) Pokémon main RPG series Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pikachu Mario Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Roblox Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu! The Legend of Zelda series 2: What is the best sword or gun in video game history? (10:10) Squal

The finest minds in video games assess their feelings on the current state of the medium, how best to scam gamers, and Midwest Zelda. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: 1: How do you feel about video games right now? (05:53) D.I.C.E. Summit Doom Duke Nukem Bundle of Joy Indika Xbox Live Arcade Super Nintendo Entertainment System Nintendo Switch Gears of War series Grand Theft Auto series Uncharted: The Lost Legacy 2: Rank these from best to worst: the x button, the o button, the square button, and the triangle button. (15:22) Super Mario World Sega Genesis NBA Jam Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Awesome Games Done Quick’s adorable dog speedrun was just the start 3: What’s the difference between a ROLE playing game, a role PLAYING game, and a role playing GAME? (20:08)

After being assigned the task of playing Knuckles’ Chaotix with their romantic partners, our panel returns with questions and opinions. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Mighty the Armadillo Charmy Bee Vector the Crocodile Sonic the Hedgehog Espio the Chameleon 1: How was everyone’s Knuckles: Chaotix experience? (02:25) Knuckles’ Chaotix Sonic Crackers Knuckles the Echidna 2: Explain Knuckles Chaotix (07:24) Sonic the Hedgehog 3: What did you think of the boss fights? (13:11) Dr. Robotnik Sonic the Hedgehog 2 4: Let’s talk about the 32X, and the bonus stages (19:03) Sega 32X Jaguar After Burner Complete Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire BC Racers Blackthorne

DigitalFoundry’s John Linneman joins Brandon Sheffield once again to delve into their video game collections, and contemplate liquid-cooled 3DOs, India-exclusive PS2 games, and the sensation of removing $300 worth of cellophane. Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with John Linnemann. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. SHOW NOTES: 1: Tomak: Save the Earth Again (02:44) GP32 Tomak: Save the Earth PC Genjin 2: Pyramid Intruder (06:32) Mega LD LaserDisc 3DO The Hive Scavenger 4 FM Towns Marty Silpheed Sega CD 3: Congo: The Movie: The Lost City of Zinj (11:56) Congo Jurassic Park Michael Crichton Sega Saturn John Romero’s Daikatana 4: Thexder (15:14) IBM 8086 Nintendo Entertainment

Friend of the show Kris Graft joins Ash and Brandon diving into the rest of 2024’s games, from GOTY contenders to Soccer 2: The Even More Beautiful Game. Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with Ash Parrish and Kris Graft. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: 1: Dragon Age: The Veilguard (03:48) Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dragon Age series Football Manager series 2: Helldivers II (12:03) Helldivers II 3: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (15:04) Balatro Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II Stellar Blade S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Sam Barlow Dear Esther Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 4: Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure (19:15) Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure 5: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (20:48) Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation, Ash Parrish of The Verge, and Brandon Sheffield of Necrosoft Games choose and rank the twenty-one best video games of the year 2024. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Credit Report (03:42) Balatro Cryptmaster UFO 50 Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League 1: Frank’s first nomination (09:45) Neva Gris Nomada Studio Fumito Ueda Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater HowLongToBeat.com 2: Ash’s first nomination (14:06) Mouthwashing 3: Brandon’s first nomination (19:47) Astro Bot Astro’s Playroom Ape Escape Super Mario series Astro Bot is the game you buy a PS5 for The Game Awards 4: Frank’s second nomination (24:26)

Brandon Sheffield roams the streets and parties of Tokyo Game Show 2024, interviewing famous developers, spotting soba restaurants affiliated with drift tracks, and espousing the beauty of Neo Geo Pocket sprites. Hosted by Brandon Sheffield, with Christian Whitehead, Paul Veer, Hunter Bridges, Yohan Leclerc, Brad Flick, Dylan Cuthbert, and KC. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Chapters: starting things off with caveats (00:24) a town called suwa (01:19) christian whitehead, are you sonic’s step dad? (14:31) paul veer, tell us about fuga memories of steel (23:13) hunter bridges, say what you were trying to do with the neo geo pocket emulator (28:43) yohan leclerc, what do you think about the encroaching AI problem? (35:10) brad flick, tell us about dialogue editing (40:09) running into dylan cuthbert on the train (46:59) the process for getting a business pass at tokyo game show (01:07:59) kc, what happened to your other chair? (01:10:37) last day in tokyo (01:13:35) mission success (01:15:56) Insert Credit Gaiden is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Journalist, podcaster, and PR person Ed Zitron joins the panel for the reveal of the Video Game History Museum Library, how to tell when a PR person is lying, and a precise rundown of how fucked video games are. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Brandon Sheffield, and Ed Zitron. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Alien: Romulus (2024) Aliens (1986) Alien vs. Predator (2004) Predator (1987) Kirby Toad Abba-Zabba Nintendo DS Birdo Credit Report (05:01) 1: Aaron Stewart-Ahn asks, have you ever gotten in serious trouble playing a multiplayer game? (05:12) Star Wars Galaxies Second Life EverQuest Habbo Hotel 2: Frank, tell us about the newly online Video Game History Museum Library (11:01) The Video Game History Museum Library Digital Eclipse What’s Up? Nintendo Power Myst

Screenwriter Aaron Stewart-Ahn joins a panel guest hosted by Esper to cover the current definition of “good graphics,” Nicholas Cage’s sublime beauty, and seeing Attack of the Clones on acid. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Fenrir Light Cycle Tron (1982) Kingdom Hearts II Tron Honda Motocompo Shadows of the Damned Mandy (2018) Yaiba Kusanagi CT-3X Cyberpunk 2077 Keanu Reeves Arch Motorcycle Alex Winter Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) Gran Turismo Polyphony Digital Tourist Trophy: The Real Riding Simulator Road Rash Sega Saturn Sony Playstation 3DO Full Throttle

Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield assemble to cover the Switch 2, video game console Marxism, and the shocking return of our most controversial segment. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Mount & Blade: Warband Infinity Nikki Dropout.tv Picross series Frédéric Chopin Live 105 1: merritt k asks, which 90s platformer mascots do you think will never get a cash-in nostalgia-baiting revival? (03:31) Awesome Possum Kicks Dr. Machino’s Butt Greendog: The Beached Surfer Dude! Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure Ristar Wild Woody Congo: The Movie - Descent into Zinj Congo (1995) Tim Curry Sackboy Astro Bot Malice Whiplash Shadow of the Coloss

Writer, game designer, and friend of the show merritt k joins the panel to discuss GDQ runs, the Radiohead of video games, and skeleton bone boobs. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, Brandon Sheffield, and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: alexjaffe.bsky.social frankcifaldi.bsky.social adashtra.bsky.social brandon.insertcredit.com merrittk.com mastodon.social dril 1: If you had to design and perform a gimmicky GDQ speedrun, what would it be? (05:13) Games Done Quick New Super Mario Bros. Wii While Playing Piano by Wes in 41:20 - Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 Bucephalus Elden Ring Peanut Butter the Dog Gyromite Ken Griffey Jr Presents Major League Baseball Ken Griffey Jr. Presents MLB by Peanut Butter the Dog & JSR_ in 29:48 - Summer Games Done Quick 2024 Elden Ring on Saxophone by Dr. Doot in 29:22 - Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 ALF