In My Perfect Console, Simon Parkin, award-winning author video game critic for The Observer invites well-known guests from the worlds of gaming, film and television, music, comedy and more to pick the five video games they would like to immortalise on a fictional games machine. They discuss those five games in chronological order of release, interspersed with biographical chat about the guest’s life and career –– a lens that often leads to new and unexpected insights.
"Thoroughly modern and ahead of its time...a gift." - NEW YORK'S VULTURE
"Charming, insightful." -- THE GUARDIAN
TIME OUT'S 50 Best Podcasts
VULTURE's Best Podcast of the Year
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In My Perfect Console, Simon Parkin, award-winning author video game critic for The Observer invites well-known guests from the worlds of gaming, film and television, music, comedy and more to pick the five video games they would like to immortalise on a fictional games machine. They discuss those five games in chronological order of release, interspersed with biographical chat about the guest’s life and career –– a lens that often leads to new and unexpected insights.
"Thoroughly modern and ahead of its time...a gift." - NEW YORK'S VULTURE
"Charming, insightful." -- THE GUARDIAN
TIME OUT'S 50 Best Podcasts
VULTURE's Best Podcast of the Year
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest today is an American visual artist whose work is redefining how we think about mystery, architecture, and imagination in interactive storytelling. In 2013 he founded Dogubomb, a Los Angeles-based independent Film and Game Studio making music videos, films, and commercials for clients such as Magic the Gathering and Netflix.
In 2016 my guest started work on a video game of his own. Having been selected for the interactive category at Tribeca last year, the game, Blue Prince, launched in April. It’s surreal and atmospheric, inviting players to explore an endlessly shifting mansion, where each new room builds not just the house, but the story itself. Praised for its originality and design vision, Blue Prince has placed my guest at the forefront of a new wave of experimental game-makers.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
Take the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025
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Brian Gibson is a musician, artist, and game designer best known for blurring the lines between sound, movement, and chaos. As the bassist for the legendary noise-rock duo Lightning Bolt, he’s released seven studio albums and played countless ferocious, high-velocity live shows. But he’s also spent much of his life working on video games, first as an artist for the music-game developer Harmonix, which he joined in 2001, and more recently as the co-designer of Thumper—a rhythm-violence game that marries kinetic speed and hypnotic visuals.
Since its release, Thumper has become a cult classic, earning acclaim for its singular aesthetic and for redefining what a rhythm game could be. A follow-up, Thrasher, originally released for Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro is now out on Steam.
LINKS
Brian's personal site: https://laserbeast.com/
Wishlist Thrasher
Lightning Bolt - Dead Cowboy @ TAICOCLUB'14
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Take the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025
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In this special correspondence edition, Simon reads out your letters and answers your questions.
Why has The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time never made it onto a Perfect Console? Where have in-person gaming communities gone, and can they be revived? What happened to educational games after the days of Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiego?
Which made-up game languages are the most memorable? And where exactly is the line between a video game and… not a video game? All this and much more.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Ralph Panebianco is an Australian video game reviewer and YouTube creator known for his sharp insights, no-nonsense delivery, and deep love of the medium. His reviews have been watched more than three hundred million times, and since 2015 his channel, Skill-Up, has become one of the most popular destinations for game criticism, both in Australia and around the world.
He has built a loyal following with his in-depth reviews, industry commentary, and honest takes on everything from blockbuster releases to cult indie gems. With a growing reputation as one of the most thoughtful voices in games criticism online, he’s earned the trust of viewers looking for substance over spectacle.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Greg Jenner is a historian, author, and broadcaster who has made the past delightfully accessible to millions. Born in Kent, he studied Archaeology & History at the University of York, then mediaeval studies, before serving as historical advisor to the BBC’s hit children’s series Horrible Histories. He has since authored several acclaimed books that combine rigorous research with witty storytelling, including Dead Famous, Ask A Historian, and You Are History.
Since 2019 he has been the host of the award-winning podcast You’re Dead To Me, bringing together comedians and academics to explore everything from ancient Rome to Victorian medicine with clarity, humour, and heart. His latest book, out now, is Totally Chaotic History: The Stone Age Runs Wild. With a rare gift for making history feel alive, urgent, and wildly entertaining, he’s helped redefine how we learn about the past.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Nathan Brown is a writer, editor, and consultant with a deep well of experience in the video game industry. After starting his career in finance he switched to become a journalist, he spent more than a decade at the British publication Edge magazine, where he eventually rose to the role of editor.
Since leaving traditional games media, he has carved out a unique space with Hit Points, a widely read industry newsletter offering sharp analysis and insider perspective on the ever-evolving world of games. Beyond writing, he also works as a consultant, advising developers and publishers on how to build and communicate their work effectively.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Kat Abu is a journalist, influencer, and digital powerhouse who’s taken her sharp wit and political insight from the internet to the campaign trail. Best known for her viral videos dissecting right-wing media as a senior video producer at Media Matters for America, she built a vast following online by blending incisive commentary with biting humour.
Now, she’s making a leap into politics as a candidate for Congress in Illinois, bringing her fierce advocacy, media savvy, and Gen Z energy to the national stage. Whether holding cable news accountable or challenging power directly, she is attempting to redefine what political engagement can look like in the 21st century.
Links
How 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' Fuels Extremism - New York Times
Tucker Carlson interview: Fact-checking Putin's 'nonsense' history - BBC News
Louis Theroux's Forbidden America - 'Extreme and Online'
'Alt-right groups are targeting young video gamers' - ABC News
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Jimi Famurewa is a British-Nigerian author, broadcaster and food critic whose writing blends cultural insight, wit, and deep empathy. As the former restaurant critic for the Evening Standard, he’s become one of the most recognisable voices in British food writing, known for capturing not just what’s on the plate, but also the people, stories, and histories behind it.
A regular guest judge on the BBC One series MasterChef, he was also one of the lead judges on Channel 4’s The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver. His debut non-fiction book, Settlers, explored the lives and legacies of Black immigrants in the UK. His new book, Picky, charts his journey from being a child who refused all vegetables, to becoming a Guild of Food Writers’ Restaurant Critic of the Year.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Ed Night is one of the sharpest and most original voices in British stand-up. He began performing comedy as a teenager and, in 2017 his debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, Anthem For Doomed Youth, saw him become one of the youngest ever nominees for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer. Since then, he’s established a reputation for his darkly funny, politically charged material.
His writing has been featured on shows including The Mash Report, 8 out of 10 Cats, The News Quiz, Mock the Week, and Comedy Central's Roast Battle, on which he also appeared. With a style that veers from laid-back charm to blistering satire, he’s become a cult favourite on the live circuit and beyond, and is about to embark on a new tour.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Cabel Sasser is a designer, developer, and co-founder of one of the most beloved indie software companies in tech. In 1999, he co-founded Panic, the Portland-based studio known for its beautifully crafted Mac software and, later, its publishing work on standout indie games like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game.
Most recently, he helped lead the creation of Playdate—a quirky handheld console that blends nostalgia, invention, and delight, to reimagine what portable gaming can be.
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Peter Whalen is a game designer and creative lead known for his work at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and competitive play. After graduating from Princeton with a degree in Mathematics, he earned his doctorate in algorithms at Georgia Tech.
He then began his career in video games, first at Blizzard, where he was a senior designer on Hearthstone. He then moved to Riot Games, where he now serves as the Game Director for Teamfight Tactics, Riot’s ambitious chess-like game set in the world of League of Legends.
With a deep background in systems design and a love for games that reward smart, skilful play, he’s helped shape some of the most beloved and finely tuned experiences in digital card gaming and beyond.
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Ray Chase is an American voice actor whose range and versatility have made him one of the most recognisable voices across anime, video games, and audiobooks. Known for bringing to life characters such as Noctis in Final Fantasy XV, Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cyclops in Xmen ’97, and Zukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, he has also voiced major titles like Genshin Impact, Persona 5, and Demon Slayer.
After a career spanning everything from gritty protagonists to eccentric sidekicks, he’s now entered the director’s chair for a video game of his own. Date Everything is a romance game in which you can date 100 objects from your house, including your shower, the couch, a grand piano, even a videogame console. And each item, of course, is voiced by a beloved actor.
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Robbie is a studio head with one of the most unusual origin stories in the games industry. A former content creator and streamer, he fell in love with Paragon, the ambitious MOBA from Epic Games—so much so that when Epic closed the game in 2018, he refused to let it die.
With no prior game development experience and no plans to enter the industry, he founded Omeda Studios and set out to rebuild and evolve the game alongside its passionate community. The result was Predecessor, a fresh take on the MOBA genre. In just a few years, the game has developed a vibrant fanbase, while the studio has transformed from a grassroots effort into a serious player in the industry, proving that a community-driven approach can take on even the giants.
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In this special episode, five My Perfect Console supporters share the games they would like to put on their ideal, fictional games machine, and the reasons behind their choices.
If you would like to share your console with the My Perfect Console audience, head to this post for more details.
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My guest today is a Ukrainian game developer, entrepreneur, and one of the most respected community-builders in the video games industry. After graduating from East Ukrainian Volodymyr Dahl National University with a Master's in Computer Science she began her career in mobile game development. She founded initiatives such as Achievers Hub and Global Games Pitch, platforms that connect indie developers with publishers, investors, and collaborators around the world.
Since then, she’s become a tireless advocate for emerging studios, a sought-after speaker at international conferences, and a passionate voice for the Ukrainian game dev scene—especially in the face of extraordinary geopolitical challenges. Whether mentoring new talent or championing indie creators on the global stage, she’s played a vital role in shaping a more connected, inclusive industry.
Links:
Foyles Book Event for Orwell Prize
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Simon is joined by Glenn Moore for today's Game Club episode discussing the game we've been playing throughout May, former guest of the show Lucas Pope's Return of the Obra Dinn.
Throughout the month, Glenn, Simon, and many of you, the listeners, have been playing through the modern classic puzzle game, as chosen by comedy writer Joel Morris on his episode of My Perfect Console.
Glenn and Simon discuss their experiences with the game, why the board above Glenn's desk makes him look like a serial killer, Simon's experiences with Elden Ring: Nightreign, and much more.
NOTE: This bonus episode is one of the benefits you receive for being a Patreon supporter. Sign up at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole to listen to all of the Game Club episodes, past and future.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Bennett Foddy is a game designer, moral philosopher, and musician best known for creating challenging games that explore frustration, perseverance, and the nature of play. Originally from Australia, he played bass for the electronic group Cut Copy, then in 2008 came to global recognition with QWOP, a slapstick track-and-field simulation that became an internet sensation.
He followed that success with the equally maddening Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, which sparked viral streaming moments and intense discussions about game difficulty, patience, and our relationship with failure. He taught game design at NYU , and now works full-time as a designer, preparing for the release of an indie open world game, Baby Steps.
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Tomm Hulett is a game designer and director who has spent his career championing bold, narrative-driven experiences. While at Konami, he worked on multiple Silent Hill titles, including Book of Memories, a critically acclaimed reimagining of the franchise. On the internet, however, his name became linked with the struggles of later Silent Hill games. This made him the target of intense online harassment—even though many of the series’ creative decisions were out of his hands.
Since he left Konami, more than a decade ago, he has worked on beloved cult titles like Contra: Operation Galuga and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Today he continues to push storytelling in games in new and unexpected directions as a direct at the California-based studio WayForward Technologies.
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Grentperez is a 23-year-old Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in Sydney, he began sharing song covers on YouTube at the age of 13, soon amassing more than 100 million views. His 2021 debut single, Cherry Wine” achieved gold certification and topped Spotify's Viral 50 chart in multiple countries.
In 2024, he was honoured as Emerging Songwriter of the Year at the Australasian Performing Right Association Awards. Now, with his debut album, Backflips in a Restaurant, he continues to showcase his unique blend of indie pop and R&B.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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Alex Kealy is an English stand-up comedian. Born in Hampshire, he studied history at Oxford University, where he assumed the role of music editor on the student newspaper. After graduating, he worked as a researcher for The Institute of Art and Ideas. But the call of the stage proved strong, and in 2016 he debuted his first Edinburgh show, titled “Alex Kealy Is An Idea Whose Time Has Come.”
In the years that followed, my guest has taken five more shows to Edinburgh, one of which was described by a critic for The Daily Telegraph as “sharply witty, almost sexily cerebral.” My guest has also worked as a writer for BBC Two's Mock the Week, Radio 4's The News Quiz and The Now Show, and he co-presents the popular music podcast Gigpigs with his friend and fellow comic, Ivo Graham.
Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsole
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