You love games, but you don't have time? Try these.

As an all around connoisseur of video games and video game culture I feel it's safe to say that I absolutely love video games. I love playing them, talking about them, reading reviews, watching trailers, hearing insider stories, sharing them with friends, and anything else you can do related to our all important hobby. Sadly though as an early 30's adult with a full-time job and a family to care for I just don't have the time to dedicate to my favorite pastime.

BUT FEAR NOT! ALL IS NOT LOST!

Seriously though even if you can't necessarily play the games you want there are many other avenues for game related content that you can absorb between your all important play sessions. Down below I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite game related content and I hope that you can find joy in it in the same way that I have.

1. The Game Informer Show

I'll admit I've never been a huge fan of the magazine. I always just skipped to the back of the magazine to read the reviews and usually that was it. That being said The Game Informer Show is a fantastic podcast from the Game Informer crew that gives a ton of insider knowledge, has great personalities, fun games, and just a generally fun and close knit vibe that you wouldn't normally think of when you think of a magazine company. I really really love this show. My only complaint is that it only comes out once a week. If you love video games as much as I think you do then you definitely won't regret listening to their podcast.

2. The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook

I just recently found this podcast and man, I wish I had found it years ago. While the podcast itself doesn't release new episodes often, the ones it does release are absolute bangers. Every episode is an interview with the absolute most top tier developers, designers, and composers across the games industry. If you need a jumping off point I might suggest the interview with Darren Korb, the composer for all of SuperGiant Games' games or the interview with Mike Bithell of Bithell games who is the creator of Thomas was Alone. Every single episode is an absolute gem and I cannot recommend it enough.

3. GameChops

GameChops is a record label centered around gaming remixes and was founded by DJ Cutman of "This Week in Chiptunes" fame. If you are a fan of video game music then there is something released under the GameChops label that I am sure you will love. From Sonic the Hedgehog to The Legend of Zelda and everything in between there is something out there for everyone!

4. Game Maker's Toolkit

If you are looking for really informative and highly produced videos on the different in's and out's of video games then look no further than Game Maker's Toolkit. Hosted and created by Mark Brown, Game Maker's Toolkit takes ideas such as Mario's jump and analyzes it forwards and backwards to show you exactly why it is so great. He has also created a great series called Boss Keys which examines in great detail the level design in different game series such as The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. You won't find a more comprehensive and well produced video game series anywhere else on the internet and if design is up your alley then you owe it to yourself to give his videos a watch.

5. Snoman Gaming's Good Game Design Series

For the last few years a fellow YouTuber by the name of Snoman has been creating an absolutely fantastic series on Game Design. One thing I really love about his series is that it is very well made and it showcases his love for different games. Snoman himself is quite the lovable guy and his content is suited for viewers of all ages. I adore this series and I'm so proud of how far he has come as a content creator. Please take a moment and give his series a look as I feel it's one of the best on the web.

Well that will wrap things up for today. This list is far from exhaustive, but it does include media that I consume literally everyday. I can't recommend this content enough. Show the creators some love and give them a like or a thank you to show them just how much you appreciate all of their hard work. Thank you so much for being here. I'll talk to you soon.

~Martyvader

#GameDesign #GameChops #GameInformerShow #AIAS #GMTK #Snoman