MMOG Podcast Roundup: Dec. 28th - Jan. 18th
Every week, hardworking Massive gaming fans put their voices on the line to bring us news, opinions, and 'critiques' of their favorite games. Podcasts are a staple of many hobbies nowadays, and fans of online worlds are especially fortunate in this regard ... there are a ton out there.
As such, every so often we'll try to update you on the podcasting world. Keep your eyes on this space for links to your favorite MMO-commentary celebs. Good and bad, straight-man or blue-mouthed, they all have something to offer about this amazing style of gameplay.
Something happened this month that only occurs roughly once a glacial cycle, and I want to make sure to point it out: WoWcast put out a new episode. Not only that, but Alachia (WoWcast host) has updated twice since the beginning of January. I kid cuz I care, you see: the last time Alachia put up a new episode was in September, in the wake of BlizzCon, so it's been a pleasant surprise to hear from her so much in 2008. Her show is well worth listening to, despite the infrequent updates. She has a soulful quality to her solo discussions of in-game events, a contemplative tact that makes for some really thought-provoking stuff. Without a doubt one of the most interesting World of Warcraft podcasts out there.
To be honest, she's just a touch emo. But I mean that in the best possible way! Go check out some greatest hits, like her discussion of discussion of the 'realities' of virtual living, a heartfelt discussion of gaming addiction, and a fascinating audio diary celebrating BC's launch day.
There's plenty more 'casting goodness below, so make sure to read on.
WoWcast: Alachia's put up two new shows since the beginning of the year! Rejoice! Episode 30 is one of her usual longform discussions, talking about relationships in World of Warcraft. Episode 31 is a short, sub-ten-minute discussion of the Darkmoon Faire traveling event.
WoW Insider Radio: Episode 18. Just prior to the end of last year, Mike Schramm, Dan O'Halloran, and Turpster sit down for a round of New Year's resolutions. Episode 19. The big names from our sister site talk about the year in Warcraft, in review. Specially discussion of the 'boy who feigned death'. And don't forget, a new episode of the WoW Insider show is going up tomorrow (Saturday the 19th).
BlizzCast: Episode 1. The inugural episode of Blizzard's official podcast is chok-a-block with information. A discussion with a concept artist and a chat about the Sunwell raid event are the highlights. Know what you want them to talk about in the future? Toss them a few questions!
Limit Break Radio: Episode 27. A lengthy discussion of the world of Vana'diel, complete with a huge beginners guide to the challenging world.
Gamer Over: Episode 10. The HammerHeads talk about the Agency and the possibility of taxing us for our online amusements.
Game/On: Reader's Choice Episode. Jon Wood and Keith Cross chat about the MMORPG.com reader's choice awards, along with the recent problems for the Star Trek Online project.
Official SOE Podcast: Episode 28. A post-holiday episode talking all about the SOE caster's holiday break, CES, and ... the Pizza Guy?
The Jester's Court: Episode 87. The CoH patch reversion oopsie gets talked up, as does the new announcements about Jumpgate and the (inevitable) Perpetual/STO discussion.
VirginWorlds: Episode 97. Brent and Darren (of SUWT) discuss recent news, including the 'official' second Blizzard MMO announcement, Linden's misfortune, and the (woot) word of the year. Episode 98. Brent and an assembled roundtable of guests discuss the year in Massive games. Episode 99. A now-annual event: MOG Army and VirginWorlds combine to make a horrible two-headed lovechild. NSFW!
Voyages of Vanguard: Episode 30. Troy and Karen settle in for a discussion of the holidays in Vanguard, and get in a minor tiff over armor dyes.
Warp Drive Activate: Episode 25. I always feel at a loss discussing WDA because the episodes are always so varied. "Winterblink and Urban Mongrel talk about EVE. Drama is discussed. Hilarity ensues."
Online Gamers Anthology: Episode 9. Part two of the Asheron's Call lookback.
EQual Perspectives: Episode 7. Troy and Karen are together for another podcast, putting the smack down on the worlds of Norrath.
TabulaCast: Episode 7. Shawn runs down some tips for mid-level characters, and looks ahead to patch 1.4.
Channel Massive: Episode 22. The hate on RMT, and holidays in Massive games. Episode 23. A roundtable of prognostications for 2008. Episode 24. Interested in the problems associated with guild leadership? Got you covered.
Games for Windows: 1/16/2008. Among many, many other topics, the PC gaming wizards chat about the viability of licensed MMOGs.
Legendary Thread: 1/10/2008. Speculation about the next Blizzard MMOG and PotBS chat round out this WoW-specific cast.
DDOcast: Episode 49. Rheebus' top ten list, and casters who fight. It's like a Letterman episode, only about goblins. Episode 50. Module 6 information and suggestions for new players round out this episode with goodness. The DDOcast folks are also getting a chance to talk to the developers. Want to tug on Turbine's ear? Go toss them a question.
Epic Dolls: Episode 18. Raiding and patch 2.3.2 are the topics of the day. Episode 19. The ladies interview the crafty mind behind PETopia.
Massively Online Gamer: Episode 88. In the very definition of NSFw, Gary and Ryan discuss Brad McQuaid's heroin addiction.
PC Gamer: Episode 116. Who isn't talking about the Perpetual/STO debacle? Seriously. I think this is on CNN.
Pet Food Alpha: Episode 82. It's hard not to love a discussion of NMs. Did you know some of them can kill you and then make you unclothed? Episode 83. It's awesome to level, and the RDM is my favorite job! Double-fun!
The Instance: Episode 91. Dang this is a reliable podcast. Gold sellers raiding guild vaults? Huter pets unfairly persecuted? Noooo! Episode 92. The big time BG Honor debate.
SWGwYaMB: Episode 85. Yivvits and Mr. B kick it hardcore, with three epsisodes so far this month. Their first deals with the holidays in-game ... Episode 86. ... the second explores the possibility of server merges, and the third is a quickie discussion of the Chapter 8 release.
Warhamma the Podcast: Episode 8. All news, all dropped hardcore by Ted. Episode 9. A discussion of the December newsletter.
