In this episode of Spawn On Me, I sit down with IGDA Foundation Executive Director Alyssa Walles for a real conversation about what it actually takes to get more game developers the funding, mentorship, and access they deserve. We dig into the Foundation’s mission to break down barriers for underrepresented and marginalized creators around the world, and how their programs help devs find the resources they need to build sustainable careers and bring their games to life. We talk about how access ...
Feb 23, 2026•37 min
What's good, y'all! Welcome back to episode 565 of Spawn On Me - we're officially back and kicking off 2026 right! I know it's been a minute since I've been in your ears consistently, but your boy has been in the trenches getting things together, and I'm excited to be back in Brookago with all of you beautiful people. This episode, we're diving deep into some real conversations about the gaming industry, from HighGuard layoffs to how we approach criticism. We need to chill with the immediate hat...
Feb 17, 2026•1 hr 31 min
We just got back from Los Angeles after spending several hours hands-on with Highguard, the new free-to-play raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, a studio led by developers with deep roots in games like Apex Legends and Titanfall.On paper, it is easy to dismiss Highguard as “another shooter,” especially in a crowded 2026 lineup. But after playing multiple full matches, sitting down with the design and product leads, and seeing how the systems work together, it is clear this game is aiming ...
Jan 26, 2026•29 min
In our latest episode, we share some of my favorite gear from 2025 and much more!
Jan 01, 2026•30 min
We are closing out 2025 with a double-feature episode packed with fresh tech and big game energy. First, we sit down with Napoleon Smith (CMO, Cubios) to break down the WowCube, a modern twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube that turns nostalgia into a fully loaded, interactive device, complete with games, apps, customization, and a real push into STEM learning. Then we link up with Tom Eastman (President, Trinket Studios) to talk Battlesuit Aces , a story-rich, fully voiced, mecha-anime-inspired ca...
Dec 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane joins Spawn On Me for an exclusive convo about legacy, tech, and his new interactive Viverse experience. Plus Andranik Aslanyan (HTC Viverse, Head of Growth) talks about the future of fan worlds. Then we break down The Game Awards 2025 and why Bungie’s Marathon has me extra excited. You can check out Big Daddy Kane's Viverse world here - https://worlds.viverse.com/NbuFNCa...
Dec 16, 2025•1 hr 16 min
We sit down with the head of the ESA, Stanley Pierre-Louis, to unpack the Power of Play 2025 report—what 24k+ players across 21 countries say about gaming’s impact. We also discuss their current policy mission and what it is like working with the current administration. Read the report here: https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PoP-2025-v10-web-spreads.pdf . the ESA Follow Spawn On Me everywhere: X: https://x.com/SpawnOnMe Instagram: https://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast YouTube: h...
Oct 29, 2025•50 min
We dig into the current state of the Xbox business and ask the big question: is this a good move or not for players, partners, and the platform’s future? Then we review two premium gamepads head-to-head: the Razer Raiju V3 Wireless Pro and the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless . We cover build quality, sticks and triggers, remap options, latency, battery life, and who each controller is for. Plus, what Xbox’s strategy signals for first-party releases, Game Pass, and third-party partnerships. Stick around ...
Oct 27, 2025•1 hr
After 13 years, Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally here... and it's both exactly what we wanted AND a massive letdown. The combat is incredible, the gore is satisfying, and the challenge will test even veteran players. But the story? The characters? Absolutely lifeless. In this review, I break down everything you need to know about Ninja Gaiden 4 - from the revolutionary Bloodbind Ninjutsu system to the brutal Master Ninja difficulty, and why both Yakumo and Ryu feel like empty shells despite being at th...
Oct 20, 2025•7 min
What is Keeper, and why is it already living rent-free in our heads? 👀 Lee Petty (Double Fine) pulls up to Brookago to talk craft—how Keeper’s vibe, rules, and art style work together, and how the team keeps things fair, surprising, and fun without spoilers. We talk design pillars, those “ohhh, I get it” moments, and why this project hits different if you love discovery.Chapters below. Tap in and roll with us:• Smash that sub on YouTube (Spawn On Me)• Follow on Spotify & drop a 5★ on Apple ...
Oct 17, 2025•36 min
Battlefield 6 Review: Best Since BF4? In this review, I dig into why BF6’s multiplayer finally feels like Battlefield again. The return to four classic classes (Assault, Engineer, Support, Recon) brings clear squad roles, while a smart movement overhaul —including the much-praised drag-revive —keeps fights tactical and team-first. Launch content is strong, with nine maps across five theaters (yes, Operation Firestorm is back) that rotate well across Conquest, Rush, and Breakthrough. On PC, perfo...
Oct 13, 2025•28 min
Acclaim is BACK! and we’re unpacking the strategy behind it. Director of Publishing and Partnerships Marc Anthony Rodriguez joins Spawn On Me to discuss how a classic brand can reintroduce itself to today’s players. We talk about the deals and partnerships that matter, what a modern publishing slate looks like, and how to honor Acclaim’s legacy while building something new. Marc also walks through his career across the games industry, lessons learned working with developers and IP holders, and c...
Oct 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ghost of Yotei has been called everything from “the wokest samurai game ever” to a next-gen masterpiece. After spending 50+ hours with the game, here’s my spoiler-free review.In this episode, I’ll cover: The story setup of Atsu and her path as the Ghost of Yotei (without spoilers) How the game explores themes of vengeance, justice, and consequence Erika Ishii’s powerful performance and why it elevates the experience Gameplay evolution from Ghost of Tsushima (stances, weapons, stealth, fear mecha...
Sep 26, 2025•22 min
In this episode, we sit down with the team from Anima Interactive , the developers behind Take Us North — the narrative-driven survival game that’s been at the center of heated conversations online. The creators share the real vision behind the project , how it was inspired by first-hand research and lived experiences, and why they believe games can build empathy around complex issues like migration. 👉 Support the game and learn more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/takeusnorth/take-u...
Sep 02, 2025•39 min
Join hosts Kahlief Adams and Cam Hawkins as we count down the Top 10 games from Gamescom 2025 that have us absolutely hyped! From surprise announcements to long-awaited sequels, we break down why these titles are dominating our must-play lists. In this episode, we also dive deep into our hands-on previews and reactions to some of the games we've been playing, like Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, the brutal action of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, our thoughts on the Xbox ROG Ally X handhel...
Aug 25, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Join us on Spawn on Me as we sit down with the incredible Victoria Tran to uncover her latest must‑read—and learn how community management is evolving in 2025. Victoria breaks it all down with insight and practical wisdom. Whether you're building niche communities, hosting IRL meetups, or craving authentic connection in a digital world dizzied by automation—this interview is the compass you didn’t know you needed. Tap in to discover the future of community building, one conversation at a time Go...
Aug 14, 2025•57 min
I just spent 8 HOURS playing Battlefield 6, and let me tell you - this game is about to change EVERYTHING! From the insane destruction physics to the massive 128-player battles, EA has finally delivered something that might actually dethrone Call of Duty. After 8 hours of pure gameplay, I can confidently say this might be the comeback Battlefield desperately needed.
Aug 04, 2025•9 min
We sit down with the creative minds behind Last Flag, the brand new 5v5 capture-the-flag shooter from Night Street. Hear directly from the team—and voice actor Eli Harris—about what makes this retro-inspired, game show-style shooter stand out. Plus, we dig into how Imagine Dragons made the leap from chart-topping musicians to launching a full-fledged game studio.Learn how this bold new project mixes music, mayhem, and multiplayer magic to bring something truly different to the CTF genre.
Jul 21, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Spawn On Me , I sit down with Ben Kvalo, CEO of Midwest Games , to dive into what makes this new publishing label stand out in an ever-evolving industry. We explore the role of publishers in today’s market, the challenges indie developers face, and whether the gaming industry is oversaturated with too many titles. Ben shares his thoughts on building sustainable careers for the next generation of developers, and the value of player feedback, and we discuss how platforms like Xb...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 26 min
In Episode 550 of Spawn on Me, host Kahlief Adams and guest host Cam Hawkins dive into the massive Xbox layoffs and the fallout from Summer Game Fest coverage we missed.Xbox Layoffs Recap: Dissecting Microsoft’s July 2nd cuts of approximately 9,000 jobs across Xbox and gaming studios including Rare, Initiative, Turn 10, ZeniMax, and King Barcelona. We also discuss the cancellation of major projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark.Industry Reaction: We analyze Phil Spencer’s internal memo and the ...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this exciting episode of Spawn On Me, Kahlief sits down with Rick Thiher, the General Manager of EVO, the premier fighting game tournament. They dive deep into EVO's latest expansion efforts and how the organization is working to enhance the experience for players and fans around the world. Discover the motivations behind expanding to new countries, the challenges faced, and the importance of making fighting games accessible on a global scale. Whether you're a competitive gamer, a fighting ga...
Jul 05, 2025•43 min
In this powerful episode of Spawn on Me, we sit down with Olivia Brown from Project Unloaded to dive deep into the critical work of tracking and analyzing gun violence data. Olivia shares insights into how Project Unloaded is revolutionizing our understanding of gun violence through comprehensive data collection and community-driven research. We explore the challenges of gathering accurate gun violence statistics, the impact of data transparency on policy decisions, and how grassroots organizati...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr
Join Kahlief Adams and special guest Cameron Hawkins as they break down the absolute best games that caught their attention at Summer Game Fest 2025. From the jaw-dropping surprise reveal of Resident Evil Requiem to exciting sequels like Mortal Shell 2 and Death Stranding 2, they dive deep into what made this year's showcase memorable and which games have them most hyped for the months ahead. Whether you missed the event or want to hear fresh takes on your favorite announcements, this episode of...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 54 min
In this episode, we tackle a blockbuster lineup: Bungie’s Marathon reboot is under fire for using fan art. We also break down Jade Raymond’s surprise departure from Haven Studios and what it means for one of PlayStation’s most talked‑about first‑party newcomers.That’s just the warm‑up—fitness guru Walt Chambers joins us to share how his Infinite RPG program turns workouts into epic quests, and we close with a hands‑on verdict on the premium Victrix PRO KO fightstick. Strap in for controversy, ca...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 20 min
We’re back with a jam-packed episode! We sit down with the team at Stoic to talk about their exciting new game Towerborne , give our first impressions of Borderlands 4 , and share thoughts on Bungie’s Marathon . Plus, we break down the recent layoffs at Respawn Entertainment and what it could mean for the future of the studio. 👉🏾 Don’t forget to like , subscribe , and share the show on YouTube, Spotify, and all podcast platforms to support indie gaming coverage that centers our stories!...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 19 min
What if your gaming time could help power a greener future? In this special Earth Day episode of Spawn On Me , we're diving into how Cleanplay is changing the game—literally—by turning your playtime into real-world investments in clean energy. We sit down with the team to talk about how players can support solar and wind energy projects just by doing what they already love: gaming. Cleanplay is on a mission to make sustainable energy accessible and fun. Their platform rewards players for time sp...
Apr 22, 2025•41 min
On this episode of Spawn On Me, Kahlief Adams sits down with writer and critic Sam DeLong for an in-depth conversation about South of Midnight — the game that’s redefining Southern Gothic storytelling in the world of action-adventures. From its bold art style and unique setting to its themes of identity, grief, and folklore, we break down what makes this game so special. We explore the creative risks Compulsion Games took, how the story resonates with diverse players, and what the game gets righ...
Apr 11, 2025•49 min
In this week’s episode, we break down how Trump’s proposed tariffs could spike prices on video games and Nintendo hardware—what that means for your wallet and your wishlist. We also dive into the rave early impressions of South of Midnight , the surprise of the season so far, and what makes it stand out. Plus, we gear up for Bungie’s Marathon gameplay reveal this weekend—will it live up to the hype? And we round things out with early impressions of Clawpunk and Pathfinder —two very different gam...
Apr 09, 2025•52 min
South of Midnight is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unique titles of 2025—and in this deep dive, I’m breaking down exactly why. From its jaw-dropping art direction to its fluid, character-driven gameplay and rich Southern Gothic narrative, this game isn’t just another action-adventure—it’s a bold new vision from Compulsion Games.In this spoiler-free review, I explore the core gameplay mechanics, world-building, visuals, character design, and storytelling approach that sets South o...
Apr 03, 2025•15 min
In this episode of the Spawn On Me Podcast, we delve into the latest developments in the gaming world: Crimson Desert's Stunning Engine Demo: We discuss the impressive graphics and mechanics showcased in the recent Crimson Desert demo, highlighting the capabilities of Pearl Abyss' BlackSpace Engine. Tencent's $1.25 Billion Investment in Ubisoft: Analyzing Tencent's significant investment in Ubisoft's new subsidiary, which encompasses major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbo...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 3 min
