“Git gud.” Over the past few console cycles, this has become a rallying cry for those who enjoy a good challenge in their video games. From the emergence of the Soulslike genre, to challenging roguelikes and pixel-perfect platformers, there’s no shortage of self-humiliation in which to indulge.



But are difficult video games anything new? In the latest episode of The Punished Podcast, we unpack the history of video game difficulty — from the arcade cabinet to the modern console. We also explore what makes a game challenging, whether that concept equates to “fun,” and more.



The games we discuss may be tough as nails, but this episode is easy listening. You’re in for a treat.



– David Silbert, Editor and Host



The Punished Podcast Episode 19



Note: This podcast was recorded on May 15, 2025, a few days after we covered PAX East 2025 and several weeks before the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. If it sounds like we were obsessed with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 at the time … it’s because we were.







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David Silbert | Sam Martinelli | Gary Wilson | Kei Isobe



Timestamps




* 0:00 – 4:05: Intros + an icebreaker



* 4:05 – 6:26: A brief history of video game difficulty



* 6:26 – 19:16: Our personal histories with game difficulty



* 19:16 – 42:08: Do games have to be hard to be “fun” or “good”?



* 42:08 – 1:03:21: How will difficulty influence game genres moving forward?



* 1:03:21 – 1:12:34: Let’s gush about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33



* 1:12:34 – 1:15:18: Is modular game design the future of video game difficulty?



* 1:15:18 – 1:17:09: A quick shout-out to the “easy” side of game difficulty



* 1:17:09 – 1:18:55: Kei talks Elden Ring as a cozy game, Bill Simmons, and Jayson Tatum



* 1:18:55 – 1:23:08: Who Ya Got?! Difficulty Edition (Rounds 1-3)



* 1:23:08 – 1:28:28: Halftime Interlude!!! Let’s talk Souls-likes (and Clair Obscur again)



* 1:28:28 – 1:43:20: Who Ya Got?! Difficulty Edition (Round 4, Semi-Finals, and Final)



* 1:43:20: Outro: Whatcha Playin’?




Further Reading: Games & Concepts We Discussed




* Elden Ring (21:15) — Elden Ring Works Best When You Let Go (Sam Martinelli)