Hosts | Ashton & Cassie (Cassie is fashionably late today) Guests | Dylan Speaks & Aaron Stranger

Game Preservation | We kick things off with a spotlight on GOG (Good Old Games), celebrating its DRM-free philosophy and its role in preserving gaming history.

Games | Bioshock 4, Star Wars Outlaws, Halo & Helldivers Crossover, and a new Resident Evil film directed by Zach Gregor, which promises a fresh narrative outside the franchise’s usual character arcs—while staying loyal to the game’s core mechanics

Amazon’s Kindle Policy Changes | Amazon will now block users from downloading eBooks to their computers. We explore the ripple effects on older devices, third-party software users, and low-income communities—tying it into a broader trend of media access restrictions and the rise of subscription-based ecosystems.

Video Rental Stores are Back | Now reimagined with coffee bars and community vibes, video rental stores seem to be making a resurgence. We share memories of browsing shelves and bonding over VHS tapes, contrasting it with the isolating overload of modern streaming platforms.

The Kids Love Old Tech | We reflect on the growing fascination with analog tech among Gen Z. From cassette players to dial-up internet, we explore why younger generations are craving simplicity in an age of constant connectivity—and what the decline of physical media means for our cultural memory.

Keep the conversation going | www.pastpresentshow.com

Stop Killing Games | Past Present Conversations

In this thought-provoking episode of Past Present Conversations, writer, gamer, and show contributor Aaron Strange joins Ashton for a deep dive into the Stop Killing Games initiative—a growing movement demanding accountability and transparency in the gaming industry. Together, they unpack the urgent issue of game preservation, the role of emulation in keeping digital history alive, and how corporate decisions—especially from giants like Microsoft Xbox—are impacting the future of play.

From shuttered servers to inaccessible titles, Aaron and Ashton explore how corporate culture is eroding the soul of gaming, and what players, developers, and fans can do to push back. Whether you're a retro enthusiast or a modern-day gamer, this episode challenges you to rethink what it means to truly own a game.

To learn more and sign the Stop Killing Games initiative, visit www.stopkillinggames.com

The Past Present Show | Damn Chicken, You Scary | Wednesday Aug 13th 2025

In this episode of The Past Present Show, hosts Ashton and Cassie dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the eerie world of horror gaming, personal phobias, nostalgic gaming memories, and their critiques of YouTube's potential ID Age Verification.

Game Spotlight: "Still Wakes the Deep"

• Cassie introduces the atmospheric horror game set on a oil rig, praising its Lovecraftian tone and strong character development.

Phobia Confessions

• Cassie reveals her unusual fears: birds (especially chickens) and mannequins.
• Ashton surprises listeners by admitting a fear of butterflies, sparking a humorous exchange about irrational fears.

Privacy Concerns: YouTube & ID Verification

• We discuss rumors of YouTube implementing ID verification, and it's role in a larger erosion of online privacy.