What They Play

Nicole and Dana are joined this week by the inimitable Jeff Green, who joins in as they talk about whether games make you near-sighted, if game addiction is an actual disease, and what classic game makes a great family investment.

The paltry summer release schedule continues, with just a handful of titles coming out this week. Fortunately, we've got a slew of gaming news, including why games (and other technology) might make kids behave like brats, whether children should look at 3D, and the potential for exercise ratings on games. Plus, we examine how games get the ratings they get and why it varies from region to region.

The summer schedule continues, as we are back for what has become a monthly podcast. (Sorry about that -- hopefully this will be the last time that happens.) Dana and Nicole chat about how companies are getting around advertising restrictions through games, discuss theoretically whether we'd ever subscribe to an MMO for our kids, plus go over the week's new releases. Plus: what we've been playing, and tourist mocking!

It's been another long absence, partially caused by a drought of games. However, even though it's the quiet season, there have still been a couple of really great family games -- including the best kid-friendly game Nicole has ever played. Tune in to find out what it is, plus hear Dana and Nicole chat about the upcoming Supreme Court decision and what it might mean for video games, the most recent study to talk about the effect of games on kids, and the scientific proof that review scores make a difference.

Dana and Nicole are back after an accidental absence, one that was so long it caused Dana to forget which episode it was. This week they dissect the Big Three's big hardware moves and talk about whether they'll be in line for Kinect, the PlayStation Move, or the 3DS when they hit store shelves. Also, the week's new releases, including the kid-targeted game based on a movie franchise that's actually good.

It's a busy week for Dana and Nicole, which is why this week's podcast is shorter than usual -- so much to do! However, we pack a lot into that time, including some good news for video games, what we're playing, and the week's new releases.

After almost two months of very few new games, this week finally sees an onslaught of huge new titles hitting store shelves, and we couldn't be happier -- even if Dana isn't sure when she'll find the time to play them.

Nicole and Dana rejoice over the slew of upcoming family-friendly games that foster creative thinking and open play -- and shockingly, the list includes a movie-based game! And as usual, they talk over the week's new releases and also give away an iTunes gift card to the asker of their favorite question from the week.

It's What They Play's 50th podcast, and Nicole and Dana decide to celebrate with a giveaway -- listen to find out what it is and how to win. Also in this week's recording: Dana's pet peeve concerning pop culture and video games, plus the week's new releases.

Videogames are on trial -- or rather they're going to be -- and Dana and Nicole talk about some of the possible implications the upcoming Supreme Court case could have for the game industry. Also on the docket: this week's game releases, reader mail, and the breaking news story that hit Dana's inbox right before recording. What could it be?!?

What are we hoping to see at this year's E3? Dana and Nicole talk about some of the upcoming technology (Natal, PlayStation Move, 3DS) that may be at the show, plus they offer their game recommendations to a reader who wants to convert his wife into from casual to hardcore. Plus, this week's new releases.

Hooray for technology, especially when it fails and you end up recording the same podcast twice in a row! Technical difficulties are finally surmounted, however, and now you can listen to Dana and Nicole talk about their favorite iPhone apps, what parents should know about cyberbullying, and the week's new releases. Plus, find out which What They Play alum Dana ran into just before recording this podcast!

The What They Play podcast is back, now coming to you (non)live from San Francisco. Turns out we didn't miss much gaming-wise in the past couple of weeks, but that doesn't stop the rambling. Dana and Nicole rejoice in their new digs, get sidetracked talking about calorie counts on menus, and weigh in on the merits (or lack thereof) of oversized gadgets (hello, iPad and DSi XL!). Plus: recommendations on games by kids, for kids.

Kratos is back on the rampage, and Dana and Nicole debate just how extreme is too extreme in the land of gore and violence. Also, what they learned about family games at the 2010 Game Developer Conference, and what it's like playing with Sony's new motion controller, the PlayStation Move.

After technical difficulties throw off the podcast, Dana and Nicole strike back, and hopefully you won't even be able to tell they (OK, Dana) screwed up! This week sees the duo discussing the dangers of Facebook games, how developers are thinking about kids, all of the week's new releases, and a new feature that will help you find games for your family.