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Artwork for Watch Out for Fireballs!

Watch Out for Fireballs!

Duckfeed.tv
Cyberpunk 2077
Nintendo
Wasteland 3
Horror Games
The Last Door
Mass Effect
Super Mario 64
Resident Evil 6
Video Games
The Talos Principle
Diablo II
Game Design
Super Mario World
Skald: Against the Black Priory
Realms Of the Haunting
Capcom
Mouthwashing
Outer Wilds: Echoes Of the Eye
Against the Storm
Night City

Watch Out for Fireballs! is a game club podcast that covers video games from every era, from retro to newer releases, indie to AAA. Each week we dive deep into the game's mechanics and narrative to figure out what works and what doesn't. Hosted by Gary Butterfield and Kaye Ross, this show has been going since 2011. New episodes every Thursday. For full versions of our premium episodes, back us at ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes798Founded15 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Video GamesLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Watch Out for Fireballs!

Latest Episodes

We answer your questions... and more. * Wink. *

Upcoming WOFF Games:

June:

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Arcade Book Report

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Loop Hero

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Baby Steps (Premium)

July

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Neon White (with Producer Gwen)

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Grunn

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Parodius

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Super Mario Wonder (Premium)... more

YouTube

What would it take for id to make a game that's so unremarkable, we barely remember it exists? Rage is here to answer that question. Chasing so many trends, Rage barely feels like a game at all some times. Paired with it's non-descript name, it was a... more

How far are you willing to go to make sure humanity survives on an off-Earth colony? Embracing player empowerment to design their own experience, Rimworld wants to meet you exactly where you're at. Watch the hours melt away as Rimworld invites you in... more

The Last Spell is an intricate tactical RPG with a roguelite structure that could possibly become your forever game. By day you build a base, and by night to fight to protect it from vast hordes of mutant zombies. We reflect on why something that fee... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

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Recent Guests

Bob Mackey
Member of Retronauts, a long-running retro gaming podcast
Retronauts
Episode: [PREVIEW] Watch Out for Fireballs! Premium: The Best and Worst 7/10 Games (feat. Retronauts)
Jeremy Parish
Member of Retronauts, a long-running retro gaming podcast
Retronauts
Episode: [PREVIEW] Watch Out for Fireballs! Premium: The Best and Worst 7/10 Games (feat. Retronauts)

Hosts

Gary Butterfield
Co-host of the show, long-running analytical voice with deep dives into game systems and design.
Kaye Ross
Co-host who provides critical perspective, narrative analysis, and supportive chemistry with Gary.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • The best!

    Some of the only people on the internet that are actually good at talking about video games! Modridge rules

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bigoldgorpy100
    United Statesa month ago
  • It's not edited to hell and back or full of ads (just patreon stuff mostly) which puts WOFF above the vast majority of podcasts in general, these days. Also Gary and Kaye talk refreshingly little about combat sports.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    sambair
    a month ago
  • Didn't work for me

    I personally play Metroidvanias almost exclusively and this is the first gaming podcast I ever tried. I thought content was ok (ocassionally an interesting comment or context), but I listened to three episodes (Aria of Sorrow, Ender Lillies, Tunic or at least the public part) and in all three they just complained about the combat (or bosses) being too hard. I should probably have tried to find one game they liked to see what they're into. But if you want a podcast that complains about combat a l... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    OdedGu
    United Statesa month ago
  • A chore to listen to

    Constant passive aggressiveness and a slog to listen to. Kaye is especially dry and boring but Gary’s pick me energy is even worse.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Dopetydopedope
    United States2 months ago
  • I used to really like them but the endless media references and in-jokes with no context or explanation, and the way one host seems to strong-arm the other's opinions wore me out. I haven't watched the Simpsons or King of the Hill much so I have no idea what they are talking about sometimes. Also, they misappropriate terms like "critical thinking" from academic analysis, in a way that suggests they might think it means "negative criticism" which it doesn't, necessarily.

    Podcast Addict
    2
    RPL
    2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

A few reviews note a perceived bias or controversial takes on social topics, contrasting with the game-focused critique.
Listeners praise empathetic storytelling and depth of analysis even when not familiar with every title discussed.
Some comments criticize the hosts' politics or perceived echo chamber tone, indicating polarized reception among segments of the audience.
Thoughtful and detailed analyses of both retro and more recent games; two-host chemistry is strong and consistently engaging in long-running network shows.
Overall, the show is regarded as a high-quality, veteran gaming critique with robust research and thoughtful critiques.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

WOFF Dispatch: When It's Not For You
Q: What animal sidekick would you inflict maximum annoyance on your co-host?
Gary suggests a super ape from the Rampage film for Kaye, while Kaye picks lying cat for Will, noting the truth-telling aspect.
WOFF Dispatch: When It's Not For You
Q: What makes good chemistry between game friends?
Gary emphasizes the importance of having similar gaming values and being equally invested in keeping gaming sessions going.
WOFF Dispatch: When It's Not For You
Q: What is the most scared you've ever been playing a video game?
Gary recalls being terrified of the Butcher in Diablo, while Kaye shares a notably overwhelming experience playing Silent Hill 3.
[PREVIEW] Watch Out for Fireballs Dispatch Roundup Q4 2025
Q: Which reviews from 'Review with Forrest MacNeil' would you want to perform?
They express a desire to perform light-hearted reviews such as riding in a rowboat, being Batman, and even more controversial ones like having sex with a teacher, acknowledging the comedic but grim potential outcomes.
491: Mouthwashing
Q: How effective is the gameplay in conveying the story?
While the gameplay has some strong moments that enhance the narrative experience, it may at times detract from the overall impact due to added complexity that diverts from the main themes.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Watch Out for Fireballs!

What is Watch Out for Fireballs! about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts discuss games across eras with deep dives into mechanics and narrative, blending practical play insights with thoughtful cultural context. Episodes spanRetro to modern titles, indie to AAA, and frequently explore how design decisions shape player experience, modding, and community ecosystems. Premium content and a long-running network presence add depth and consistency, making it a reliable source for listeners who want rigorous analysis, entertaining banter, and recommendations that cut through hype.

A notable strength is the duo's willingness to connect game systems to broader themes in storytelling and game culture, often leaning into long-form conversations, diverse game histories, and passionate debates. This combination—pre... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Watch Out for Fireballs!?

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How many listeners does Watch Out for Fireballs! get?

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How many subscribers and views does Watch Out for Fireballs! have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Watch Out for Fireballs! has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Watch Out for Fireballs!?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Watch Out for Fireballs!:

1. Retronauts
2. The Cane and Rinse videogame podcast
3. Abject Suffering
4. Axe of the Blood God: An RPG Podcast
5. Remember The Game? Retro Gaming Podcast

How many episodes of Watch Out for Fireballs! are there?

Watch Out for Fireballs! launched 15 years ago and published 798 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Watch Out for Fireballs!?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Watch Out for Fireballs!?

Recent guests on Watch Out for Fireballs! include:

1. Bob Mackey
2. Jeremy Parish

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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