Podcast Spotlight: Video Games Real Talk

Last updated on September 16th, 2021

Thanks to a decade of keyboard warriors’ attempts to simultaneously undermine and deify the concept of “games journalism,” it’s more difficult than one might think to find deep-dive insightful interview podcasts about the video game industry. Video Games Real Talk, while not explicitly sold as such, fills a niche of podcasting-about-the-industry. Hosts Alexander Fernandez and Stefan Baier interview boots-on-the-ground experts from across the spectrum of positions and careers that work together to create the amorphous entity that is “the industry.” 

Video Games Real Talk bucks expectations set up by the title and the joystick-sporting logo. It is very much a podcast about video games, but without the talk show-esque vibe of a discussion podcast that has experts on to share curated, fun anecdotes in exchange for an opportunity to promote whatever project they’re currently working on. VGRT offers a more formal, business-minded alternative. One won’t find extended discussions about how Mrs. Pac-Man was the first game to have a cutscene or other minutiae, but they will find longform discussions with industry veterans like Jay Wilber and deep dives on normally dry topics like branding, marketing, all business that goes into video games. A must-listen for upcoming devs and superfans alike.

We were fortunate to talk with Fernandez about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

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DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

Fernandez: We started Streamline from the ground up and bootstrapped our way into the business. We’ve always felt it important to share knowledge so anyone who wants to get in can learn from our mistakes. We’ve always been open to talking about the business of video games. Usually we go to events and share our insights, but the pandemic restricted that connectivity so we looked for other ways to continue to share our 20-year industry knowledge. The podcast is it. We can reach everyone who is interested in the games industry, discuss all sides of the business behind the products, and the business that is driving huge economic and social changes in the world. 

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Video Games Real Talk? What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

Fernandez: VGRT (Video Games Real Talk) is about real-talk not marketing jargon. We know how to make games and understand the business of game development, which allows us to ask real questions and have informed discussions with our guests. In many ways it’s like eavesdropping on an exciting conversation between people who love video games.The format allows for all perspectives to be heard, and the feedback we’ve received says as much. People are finding the material relatable because the hosts and guests range from 20-60 years old, they entered the games industry from all walks of life, geographies, and backgrounds (both professionally and personally), and video games is the common ground.

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

Fernandez: Right now we use Rig, a Mac-Pro loaded that utilizes Zencastr to record. It creates a clear recording for each participant, and makes it easier to edit in post. I personally have a Neumann TLM 103 microphone plugged into an Apollo Twin, and use Logic editing suite, Rx8 for sound tuning, and mix on a Neumann set of cans. 

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

Fernandez: Time is the hardest thing. Finding adequate time to schedule, record, and edit podcasts. 

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

Fernandez: There’s a sweet spot between education, practical application, and guidance. Having more opportunities to interact with our community while also connecting other influencing factors like macro finance and economy is a goal.

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

Fernandez: Harvard Idea Cast, Real Vision, and Hidden Forces.

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

Fernandez: Compounding knowledge is how one goes from good to great and for anyone who wants to be in video games understanding how things work from a macro and micro perspective is extremely important. It’s important to feed the mind on all levels not just development.