In this second part of our journey into the Woke Games Steam List, Matt, Jem, and Alex continue dissecting the spreadsheet compiled by a Steam group determined to flag games they believe are “too woke.” The list includes 1,600 titles categorised based on content they find politically or socially objectionable, particularly anything seen as pro LGBTQ+, progressive themes, or diverse narratives.

In this episode, the GTS Pod explores what motivates this kind of cataloguing, who benefits from it, and what it tells us about gamers and the industry.

Absurd - Calling Hades out for LGBTQ+ characters - you've read some Greek myths right!?

Overt - Elden Ring - overly pro-LGBT!? - There's not a single overt moment in the game.

No stone left unturned - You have to play a lot of The Witcher 3 to find a minor character's hidden gay backstory.

“They’ve done a really good piece of research here… what they’ve shown is that people want woke games.” — Jem

“You don’t need to understand why these horrifying things happen, just that they can—and that should inform how you live.” — Matt

“They have to play the shit out of these games to get some of the conclusions they’ve got.” — Alex

While serious in theme, this episode balances critique with a touch of dry humour and clear-eyed reflection. The hosts neither dismiss the spreadsheet outright nor let its authors off the hook. Instead, they explore how such attempts to gatekeep culture often backfire—offering more insight into societal change than the creators may have intended.

As always, the team brings an intersectional feminist lens to the conversation, grounding their analysis in empathy, history, and an unflinching look at how backlash often reveals more about fear than fact.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

In this first half of our two-part deep dive, the Gaming the System crew tackles a bizarre and troubling corner of the gaming world: a Steam curator list designed to help players avoid so-called “woke” games. Yes, really.

Matt, Jem, and Alex dissect this extensive (and often baffling) database compiled by those who see diversity, empathy, and inclusion as threats to gaming. We explore the origins of the term "woke," how it's been weaponised by the political right, and how it's used here as a catch-all for anything remotely progressive, from LGBT+ representation to pro-environmental themes.

What does “woke” even mean anymore? Why are empathy and awareness now considered dangerous? And what can this curated list tell us about the broader culture war in games?

You’ll hear reflections on historical context, linguistic appropriation, and how control over language shapes the battlefield. We also look closely at the group's supposed “discussion rules” behind the list, and what those reveal about attempts to mask ideological extremism behind a facade of reasonableness.

From mocking the list’s contradictions to tracing its deeply political implications, we keep things sharp, critical, and (as always) intersectionally feminist.

Highlights:
Shifting definitions of “woke” and its appropriation across decades
Representation in games becomes a lightning rod for backlash
Forum rules can serve as a cloak for exclusionary ideology
Children of Men, the roots of the term “stay woke,” and more
DEI or DIE?

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

In the second half of our conversation with Chris on writing in games, we dive even deeper into how writing has evolved across the gaming industry. From the early days of text-based adventures to cinematic storytelling powerhouses like God of War and Baldur's Gate 3, we explore what makes game writing work.

We touch on the layered history of iconic characters like Lara Croft and James Bond, and how their portrayals reflect broader societal shifts. Is Lara’s journey just about tomb raiding, or does it say something deeper about class, identity, and representation? Why does 007's timeless charm continue to appeal?

Don't miss:

• How good writing transformed a rage machine into a compelling father figure in God of War.
• Marvel-style quippiness is invading game scripts - good or bad?
• Can dialogue be Shakespearean in a game about space marines?

If you care about how stories are told in games—whether through dialogue, narrative structure, or absence thereof—this one’s for you.

Links and Mentions:

• Baldur’s Gate 3
• The Witcher
• Disco Elysium
• Tomb Raider (Classic to Modern Trilogy)
• God of War (2005 & 2018)
• Uncharted
• The Last of Us
• Forspoken
• Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy books
• Lutin (YouTube channel)

Join the conversation:
Do you think quippy dialogue ruins a game? Can a storyless game still be good? Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned for more deep dives.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

After two long years of anticipation, The Last of Us is back – and so are we! In this extra-long, spoiler-packed premiere special, Matt and Jem dive deep into the first two episodes of Season 2 in a raw, emotional, and fiercely analytical conversation that kicks off our brand new series.

This double-length special sets the stage for the rest of our TLOU coverage, which will continue exclusively on Patreon. So if you’re as obsessed with this show as we are, head over to patreon.com/gamingthesystem to stay with us every step of the way.

In this episode, we cover:

• The controversial casting and portrayal of Abby: What were the showrunners thinking?
• Why Abby and Ellie must be two sides of the same coin – and what’s lost in the adaptation.
• Jackson as a utopia? Exploring its scale, symbolism, and fragility.
• The introduction of new threats and what they do to the show’s tension.
• Therapy, community, accountability, and what Jackson tells us about hope.
• Ellie’s rage and recklessness - Bella Ramsey’s incredible performance.
• That brutal final scene… and what we think Joel wanted to say before the end.

From reckoning to revenge, tenderness to terror, we dissect the character arcs, worldbuilding choices, and emotional beats that make this series so powerful – and so devastating.

Moments:

Want more? This was just the beginning.

We'll be releasing the rest of the series fortnightly on our Patreon, diving further into the shifting morality, brutal storytelling, and gut-punch moments that make The Last of Us one of the most brilliant game adaptations on TV.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

Alex, Jem, and Matt are joined by lifelong writer and gamer Chris for a rich and unfiltered conversation on the craft of video game writing. They get into what sets game writing apart from other media like film, television, and books, exploring the challenges and unique storytelling power.

Chris shares insights from both his hands-on experience of writing and his deep love for gaming. The episode considers how interactivity and non-linearity shape the narrative experience, as they meander through topics such as relinquishing control, the strengths (and failings) of exposition in games, and the intricacies of crafting stories that players actively shape.

Highlights:

• Game writing is fundamentally different: it must accommodate player choice and non-linear narratives.
• Interactivity changes everything: Writers share control of how a story is experienced and interpreted.
• Good writing supports immersion: Subtext, environmental storytelling, and silence often say more than exposition dumps.
• Bad writing breaks immersion: Clunky story telling or dialogue can pull players out of the experience.

Featured games - Elden Ring, The Witcher 3 , World of Warcraft, Split Fiction and Space Marine 2 to name a few.

Whether you're a player, a writer, or just curious about the storytelling potential of games, this episode pulls back the curtain on how narratives are built in the world of interactive entertainment.

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into writing choices, player agency, and what makes a truly great narrative in gaming.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

In this final instalment of our Gamer Guilt series, we delve into the emotional baggage of gaming: the backlog shame spiral, perfectionism, and the internalised pressure to “do it right.” Hosted by Jem, with Alex and Matt in conversation, this episode is a thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt wrap-up on how guilt seeps into our gaming habits—and how we can begin to let it go.

Do you really need to finish every game you start?
From towering game libraries to piles of unread books, we explore the guilt of not finishing—and why sometimes we need to remember that the journey, not the destination, is enough.

Therapy, spreadsheets, and the Hitman roguelike spiral
Matt walks us through his epic journey modding Hitman: Freelancer, tracking progress via spreadsheets, and why he abandoned completionism in favour of joy.

Game shame: Are mobile games ‘real’ games?
We challenge our own gaming snobbery: Is playing FIFA or mobile puzzle games somehow less valid than a 100-hour epic RPG? And what does our choice of games say about us?

Wisdom from Gotham’s Hugo Strange
Yes, really. We discuss

Favourite moments from the episode:

• Alex’s reflections on (not) finishing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla— and why that’s okay.
• Jem and her daughter finally completed It Takes Two after months away from it, rediscovering its warmth and wit.
• Matt shares an unexpectedly moving quote from Gotham, featuring a truth-serum-induced confession and a villain’s twisted kind of absolution.

If you struggle with Gamer Guilt, listen to this episode. We guarantee you'll remember that it’s okay to enjoy yourself. No justification required.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

In the fourth and final episode of our Baldur’s Gate 3 FanCast, Matt, Alex, Jem, and returning guest Fin wrap up our casting choices and fawn over the companions who’ve stolen our hearts and party spots. This time, it’s all about Karlach, Jaheira, and the one and only Boo - no, Minsc.

From Minsc's psychology to shaking hands with Neil Newbon, this episode celebrates everything we love about BG3: heart, trauma, power, and a surprising amount of hamster love.

Missed the earlier episodes? Catch up for hot takes on Astarion, Shadowheart, Lae’zel, Gale, and more in our previous FanCast episodes!

In This Episode:

Minsc & Boo: Space Hamster Royalty
Castings the most chaotic duo in Faerûn—including a surprisingly stylish take on Boo and the perfect pick for Minsc’s earnest dimbo energy.

Jaheira: Druidic Dignity & Lesbian Icon Energy
Jem reflects on Jaheira’s OG BG1 legacy, while the team debates the best fit for her fierce, wise, and exasperated persona—from Cate Blanchett’s mythic gravitas to Salma Hayek’s layered nobility.

Karlach: The Tiefling Barbarian With a Heart (And Engine) of Gold
She’s tough, sweet, and canonically a “muscle mommy.” From non-binary rep to fiery feelings, we celebrate Karlach’s big heart and bigger hugs—with casting picks ranging from Gladiators’ Saber to Emma D’Arcy in full GQ glory.

Fin’s Comic Con Chronicles
Fin shares the joy (and posing panics) of meeting some of the BG3 cast, the Astarion tattoo they kept respectfully hidden from Neil Newbon, and what it meant to be seen in a moment of overwhelm.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​

In this episode, Alex, Jem, and Matt get stuck into more of March’s gaming headlines, with their signature intersectional feminist lens. From thick-thighed anime girls to cancelled superhero titles, the team digs into what’s driving trends—and who’s really benefitting.

Highlights:

1. Economic Recession = Thicker Thighs?
   A Japanese game producer claims that plumper character designs are recession-driven. The team tears apart this bizarre argument, calling out the continued objectification of women in anime and gaming.
2. Who Are Gamers, Really?
   Jem shares new research from MIDEA on why people play games. The group unpacks escapism, challenge, and social play—and highlights the lack of nuance in how gamer motivations are measured and marketed.
3. Wonder Woman and the Fall of Monolith
   Matt reports the sad news of Monolith Productions' closure and the cancellation of its Wonder Woman game. The team reflects on the ongoing collapse of creativity in AAA studios, where chasing profit often comes at the expense of people.

📢 Support the Podcast!

Let us know on BlueSky (@gamingthesystem.bsky.social), Instagram (@gamingthesystempodcast) or in the comments on YouTube!

If you love Gaming The System, consider supporting us:
🔹 Patreon: patreon.com/gamingthesystem – get exclusive content!
🔹 PayPal Donations: gamingthesystem@gmail.com
🔹 Subscribe & Review: Share the podcast with fellow gamers!

🎙 Gaming The System releases new episodes every Thursday

Thanks for listening, and remember – there’s always another game to play that isn’t full of nonsense. 🎮✨

#GamingTheSystem #GamingNews #MarvelRivals #BoobPhysics #GamingCulture #FeministGaming #ElonMuskGamingScandal #GamerGuilt #feministgamingpodcast​ #feministgamers​ #intersectionalgaming​ #equalityingames #girlgamer​ #gamergirl​