This week, the crew kicks off their 2025 Game of the Year series by debating a variety of award categories. From the vast puzzle rooms of the Mount Holly Estate in Blue Prince to branching narratives of Dispatch and so much more, there’s a game here for everyone. Let’s close out 2025 in style. Stay tuned for the next episode for the reveal of the Crossplay Conversations Top 10 Games of 2025!

Find Timestamps for this Episode Below:

• 0:00 - Intro

• 4:20 - Best Gameplay Loop

• 42:41 - Most Underrated Game

• 1:17:07 - The Business Boy’s 2025 Bit of Bad Business

• 1:58:11 - Outro

Find us on BlueSky for show updates and more:

• Podcast: @crossplayconvos.bsky.social

• Jacob: @jacob.bsky.social

• Luke: @lukewarmlewis.bsky.social

• Joseph: @th3hoopman.bsky.social

• Claire: @clairebearrose.bsky.social

Check out our other shows:

• Player Player Podcast
• Left Behind Game Club
• The LukeWarmGames Podcast
• Cutscenes: A Video Game Movie Podcast

This week, Jacob and Luke give their thoughts on the 2025 Indie Game Awards! Please note that this episode was recorded before the IGA Team announced that they would be retracting awards for Debut Game, Game of the Year, and one of the Indie Vanguard recipients. If you would like to learn more about the process for the decision you can view the statement by the IGA Team below:

Episode Resources:

• IGA Eligibility Statement: https://www.indiegameawards.gg/faq

• Our Blue Prince Review & Spoilercast: https://youtu.be/In647FS-reU?si=jb7dIcWAdHqIcIJ-

Find Timestamps for this Episode Below:

• 0:00 - Intro

• 1:47 - Icebreaker Question: How are you enjoying playing Expedition 33?

• 8:56 - The GOTY category

• 11:38 - Indie Game Awards overall thoughts and breaking down our highlights of the night

• 13:47 - The Indie Vanguard Class of 2025

• 16:12 - Double Aggro Crab win!!17:20 - Solo Development19:24 - Best Narrative

• 24:03 - Bite-Sized

• 26:29 - Gameplay Design30:53 - Best Visuals

• 32:43 - Best Music

• 36:47 - Emotional Impact

• 41:05 - Showcase Award Categories and Community Picks

• 46:49 - Our Crossplay Conversations Game of the Year Awards

• 52:57 - Outro

Find us on BlueSky for show updates and more:

• Podcast: @crossplayconvos.bsky.social

• Jacob: @jacob.bsky.social

• Luke: @lukewarmlewis.bsky.social

• Joseph: @th3hoopman.bsky.social

• Claire: @clairebearrose.bsky.social

Check out our other shows:

• Player Player Podcast

• Left Behind Game Club

• The LukeWarmGames Podcast

• Cutscenes: A Video Game Movie Podcast

• Video Game Trivia **

This week, Joseph and Luke give their thoughts on the 2025 Game Awards! From award winners to game announcements, the crew unpacks their reactions.

Find Timestamps for this Episode Below:

• 0:00 - Intro

• 1:11: Ice Breaker Question: What are your overall thoughts on the Game Awards 2025?

• 5:25: Breaking down the winners

• 31:42 - Announcement highlights

• 1:04:42 - Outro

Find us on BlueSky for show updates and more:

• Podcast: @crossplayconvos.bsky.social

• Jacob: @jacob.bsky.social

• Luke: @lukewarmlewis.bsky.social

• Joseph: @th3hoopman.bsky.social

• Claire: @clairebearrose.bsky.social

Check out our other shows:

• Player Player Podcast

• Left Behind Game Club

• The LukeWarmGames Podcast

• Cutscenes: A Video Game Movie Podcast

• Video Game Trivia

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-51cd63 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Crossplay Conversations: A Video Game Podcast.