Are gamers really getting older—and why does mobile win by a mile? We break down the ESA’s 2025 “Power of Play,” then spotlight our favorite Steam Next Fest demos—plus how play feeds community and faith.In this episode of the Checkpoint Church Podcast, Nerd Pastor Nate, Lizzie, and Wizen dig into the ESA’s 2025 Global Power of Play findings (age, gender, why we play), talk Xbox accessibility wins, and share our Steam Next Fest standouts (including a Paper-Mario-style gem and one surprisingly soulful skate RPG). We also ask our weekly question: How did you Checkpoint this week? Tell us below—your story might show up in the next episode.Chapters below. Games/series mentioned: Overwatch 2, Pokémon Legends: ZA, Deep Space Nine, To Be Hero X, Wind Breaker, House Mother Normal, This Here Flesh, Star Sand Island, Escape from Ever After, Skate Story.About Checkpoint ChurchWe help nerds, geeks, and gamers feel seen, connected, and spiritually supported. Whether you believe in God or not, you matter here.Indie GoGo Campaign:    • God Loves Nerds. Help Us Prove It. | Indie...  Join our Discord:   / discord  Support Checkpoint Church: https://www.checkpointchurch.com/supportGo directly to our Giving: https://bit.ly/givecheckpointSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/tothepointnewsFollow the blog: https://www.checkpointchurch.com/blogTimecodes:0:00 - Intro1:05 - Watching/Playing/Reading19:05 - Power of Play Report43:15 - CheckBox Ad44:26 - Next Fest Recap54:07 - Demo Game Memories1:00:32 - How did you Checkpoint this week?1:04:31 - Anti-Book Study AdCheckpoint Church is the place where all people from all walks of life are always welcomed with loving arms. We strive to steer clear from the modern temptations of being too ‘churchy’ or judgmental. We are the safe space for those who haven’t felt welcomed by the church before.