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Artwork for The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast

The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast

Samuel Roberts and Matthew Castle
Video Games
Nintendo
Nintendo Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bonanza
Goldeneye
Xbox 360
Mario Kart World
Yakuza
Nintendo Switch
Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Japan
Steam Next Fest
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Breath Of the Wild
Playstation
Promise Mascot Agency
Square Enix
PC Gaming
Video Game Features

Games media writers Matthew Castle (NGamer, Rock Paper Shotgun) and Samuel Roberts (PC Gamer, gamesTM, TechRadar) talk about video games and their years covering them professionally. Our logo is by John Strike, and our theme tune is by Barry 'Epoch' Topping (@nostoppingepoch on Twitter).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes306Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Video GamesLeisure

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Artwork for The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast

Latest Episodes

Emergency Nintendo Direct chatter, powered by the reveal of sequels to two of our favourite Switch games (Metroid Dread and Kirby and the Forgotten Land), then another pile of games from the September 2026 mountain.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p... more

The September release schedule avalanche begins. Games discussed: Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Star Wars: Zero Company, Guns of Eschaton and Super Mario Sunshine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From outlawing the L3 and R3 buttons to combat-oriented games with bad platforming sections, our listeners have submitted 12 more possible game design crimes for Room 101...sorry, Room 64 (double copyright infringement!). Our returning guest, actual ... more

Four giant men select their favourite DS and 3DS games in our latest 3-hour draft episode. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into both consoles. Vote for the winner in the announcements channel of our Discord server.

These are the categories:

* Gam... more

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Recent Guests

Dave Scarborough
Game enthusiast and podcast guest.
Episode: The All-Star Japanese Game Developer Draft (with Ashley Day and Dave Scarborough)
Ashley Day
Game developer and podcast guest.
Episode: The All-Star Japanese Game Developer Draft (with Ashley Day and Dave Scarborough)
Matthew Handrahan
Portfolio Director at Kepler Interactive, former Editor-in-Chief at GamesIndustry.biz, and passionate about gaming culture.
Kepler Interactive
Episode: gamesTM vs Edge (with Matthew Handrahan)
Jen Simpkins
Returning guest discussing video game character customization
Episode: What We've Been Playing (Death Stranding 2, Rematch, Date Everything, MindsEye)
Matt Handrahan
Former Imagine colleague and storyteller, now at Kepler Interactive
Kepler Interactive
Episode: What We've Been Playing (Death Stranding 2, Rematch, Date Everything, MindsEye)
Geraint Evans
Former journalist at N64 Magazine and Gamesmaster, now head of publishing at PQube.
PQube
Episode: From N64 Magazine to Gamesmaster to Games Publishing (with Geraint Evans)
Katharine Castle
Games writer and journalist
Eurogamer
Episode: The Nintendo Switch Draft (with Katharine Castle)
Joe Skrebels
A returning guest and video game journalist with a deep knowledge of the Monster Hunter series.
GameSpot (formerly at IGN)
Episode: We Play Monster Hunter Wilds – and Dive into the Series' Massive Success (with Joe Skrebels)
Dave Jewitt
Games media writer and content creator
EXP (YouTube channel)
Episode: Video Game Guns and the Best Warhammer Games (with Dave Jewitt)

Hosts

Matthew Castle
Co-host and participant in the podcast
Samuel Roberts
Co-host and participant in the podcast

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 954 ratings
  • Look forward to it each week!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    BrainSpoon
    7 months ago
  • Excellent video game podcast

    The hosts are really informed, thoughtful, and the industry knowledge makes a big difference. If you like Vidjagame Apocalypse or Crate and Crowbar, this will be a great listen. I really liked the People Can Fly episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alba White
    United Statesa year ago
  • Political drivel now

    Unfortunately, they now spew their inane political views on this video game podcast. Cancelled my monetary support. Maybe worry about your UK grooming gangs and inept PM.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    fulltilted
    United Statesa year ago
  • Amazing

    This show is perfect, the information to the humor is 100% episode 97 is my favorite of all time. Can’t wait to hear more content moving forward. Greetings from Essex Junction Vermont.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Paxmeterson
    United Statesa year ago
  • My favourite Friday pick me up. A duo of bath lads who cover games from triple A's to Niche indies and everything in between. Probably my favourite podcast going! Highly recommend

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Super Camus
    a year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The hosts are really informed and funny with industry insight.
Great dynamic and interviews; keeps gaming journalism history engaging.
Audience appreciates thoughtful takes and guest interviews, with occasional critiques about political commentary.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Oral Histories of Video Games (with Matt Leone)
Q: How did you kind of graduate from, you know, sort of fan scenes to a more professional sort of path? What was kind of jumping on point there?
I started doing websites focused on arcade games, which led to getting a job with gamers.com and later an internship with Official Xbox Magazine, eventually leading to a job at 1UP.
Mailbag – Two Giant Ben Edition
Q: Do you have any favorite game held back moments in games?
Matthew mentions moments like getting the jetpack in San Andreas and flying in GTA V, while Samuel talks about unlocking the paraglider in Tears of the Kingdom.
Mailbag – Two Giant Ben Edition
Q: As an English teacher, was there anything you read at school that really impacted you in your later life?
Samuel reflects on how Don Quixote and Of Mice and Men were significant influences, while Matthew discusses Middle English poetry from his studies.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games – Played!
Q: How does the new stand seem?
No, all the ones I used were quite locked in.
Nintendo Switch 2 Games – Played!
Q: Do you think the Switch 2 will get an achievement system system-wide?
There's no in-built achievement system. I think if there's going to be anything, it will be like the Zelda. Donkey Kong seemed to have some kind of trackers in it.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast

What is The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two veteran video game journalists host thoughtful, often humorous discussions about games, gaming culture, and the industry's history. Episodes blend personal experiences from their long careers editing and writing for prominent mags with deep dives into journalism, development, and beloved titles across eras. They frequently bring in guests and run formats that showcase the field's past and present, while maintaining a witty, accessible banter that appeals to both nostalgia-minded listeners and industry professionals. This show is likely to stand out for its strong host chemistry, insider insights, and a willingness to cover both classic moments and contemporary gaming discourse.

Listeners may appreciate behind-the-scenes context on game... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast:

1. The Cane and Rinse videogame podcast
2. IGN UK Podcast
3. The Computer Game Show
4. Button Boys
5. Retronauts

How many episodes of The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast are there?

The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 306 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast?

Recent guests on The Back Page: A Video Games Podcast include:

1. Dave Scarborough
2. Ashley Day
3. Matthew Handrahan
4. Jen Simpkins
5. Matt Handrahan
6. Geraint Evans
7. Katharine Castle
8. Joe Skrebels

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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