The Gangcast

Janet and Isaiah go over the results of The Game Awards 2025, share some of their favorite announcements and highlights, and tally up their prediction scores along with the GANG community to see how everyone did. Then they look forward into 2026 and share their Gaming Resolutions for next year (GAMES). Then they talk about what’s on their Todo lists before the end of the year, help each other decide what to lock-in on and what to let go of (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah go down the list of categories for The Game Awards 2025 and share their personal picks and predictions for who the winners will be (GAMES). Then they dive into what it’s been like getting back into reading, their reading habits, and what books they’ve been enjoying since picking the hobby back up (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah go over some games on the horizon that have them a little scared for one reason or another. Whether they think the game might be mad, a little disappointing, or just too massive, they walk through some of their fears and hopes for the titles (GAMES). Then, in the spirit of resurrecting the dead, Janet and Isaiah talk about some hobbies they’ve brought back out, what made them pick these hobbies up again, how progress with things are going, and what they still hope to achieve now that the hobby is back (NOT GAMES).

...

Janet and Isaiah talk about their time with Hollow Knight: Silksong now that they’ve both had some major time to play it. What they think of the first act, how it compares to Hollow Knight 1, and if it lands on their Top-10 games of the year so far. They also both have started Pokemon: Legends  Z-A and share some initial thoughts on that adventure (GAMES). Then, it finally happened! Janet and Isaiah talk about their wedding day, what it was like planning their wedding, what went well, what went wrong, and what advice they might have for others doi...

Janet and Isaiah talk about when is it time to give up on a game, what are reasons you abandon playing a game to the end, and what games are on the chopping block to get dropped by them? They also compile a quick list of all the reasons they think someone might commonly abandon a game (GAMES). Then they talk about The Matrix movies. Isaiah only having seen the first 1 and Janet only having seen 2 - 4, they come together to talk about which of the movies are good, which are bad, and ultimately decide which are even worth...

Janet and Isaiah talk about Janet going international to attend Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany. From Opening Night Live, to playing indie games, Janet and Isaiah recap some of the announcements and go over what games caught their attention (GAMES). Then they talk about their trip to Minnesota, trying out the (in)famous Juicy Lucy, seeing some Gangcast fans at the MinnMax meetup, and exploring the Mall of America (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about Janet maybe starting Monster Train? Having Slay the Spire experience under her belt, they touch on if they think it’s a good time to pick up something new. They then pick a handful of games studios and try to find out what’s the best game from each one, touching on their history with the studio, its franchises, and more (GAMES). Then they talk about their past, present, and future with pets. Going over what pets they had growing up, sharing some fun and not so fun stories with pets from their childhood, and...

Janet and Isaiah talk about the latest updates in Janet’s Slay the Spire journey. They then talk about if they’re bananas for Bananza, their thoughts on the latest DK game, what they like, what they don’t like, and how they think it sits against other games in the genre (GAMES). Then they talk about cooking in the Garcia-Smith household. They go over what their goto meals are, their best recipes, and how they want to grow their skills in the kitchen (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Time...

Janet and Isaiah talk about Slay the Spire, a modern classic roguelike deckbuilder that’s captured Janet’s attention while playing around with Nintendo Switch 2’s virtual game card sharing. From poisoning foes to building energy, Janet seems to be really enjoying her runs so far. Lets just hope this doesn’t take a turn for the worse (GAMES). Then they talk about attending Anime Expo 2025 in the Los Angeles Convention Center. They managed to catch a panel about Janet’s newest anime love Frieren, listened to some NASA scientist discuss if anime science is based on fact or fiction, s...

Janet and Isaiah talk about finding time to game. With recent changes to their day-to-day schedules and their backlogs continuing to pile up, they go over what gaming time used to be like for them, what its like most recently, and what they hope to transform it into in the near future (GAMES). Then they talk about just what has caused the recent changes in their day-to-day life, Isaiah getting a new job! They touch on how the new job has changed their sleep patterns (for the better?) as well as what going “back to work” shopping was like when...

Janet and Isaiah talk about their time with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. First with a review of the game, what they liked, what they didn’t, and everything in between while keeping it spoiler-free. Then they go into full blown spoiler cast talking story, mechanics, favorite strategies, and their overall thoughts on how the game plays out (GAMES). Then they talk about going to their first swim lessons (Janet a complete beginner and Isaiah having a light history with swimming). What their first lessons were like, their expectations, and if they’re excited for more lessons  (NOT GAMES).

Po...

Janet and Isaiah talk about their time with the Switch 2 so far! Janet wishes she could be playing more while Isaiah goes on a rant about Mario Kart World. They also talk about their Summer Game Fest 2025 highlights, from announcements at the live show to rapid fire thoughts from hands-on time with games (GAMES). Then they talk about going to see an LA Dodgers vs NY Mets game before SGF formally kicked on, their history with baseball, and finish with chatting through some recent pulls they had opening up some trading card packs (NOT GAMES).

Poll...

Janet and Isaiah talk about what it’s like when one hates a game the other loves, what it means to “Hate Finish” a game, and what do we know when the other likes/hates a game (GAMES). Then they play a new game of “Guess The Character”. They decide to make it a special “all pets” edition in honor of everything going on with their pet Bruce (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about their Game of the Year contenders so far. From indie driving strategy games to wacky split-screen adventures, they go over what they think will ultimately make their Top 10 by the end of the year (GAMES). Then they talk about recent developments in Janet’s anime journey! They go over the recent shows they’ve tried, what worked, what didn’t, and initial thoughts on the latest show they’re diving into (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about their journey trying to secure a preorder for the Nintendo Switch 2. Then they talk about their time playing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, what they like about it, what they wish was better, and their overall thoughts on the game so far (GAMES). Then they talk about one of the hottest movies in theaters right now, Sinners. Starting with spoiler-free discussions before going into full spoilers, they talk about why they think this movie is killing it in the box office, who they think it’s for, if it’s “too scary”, and ultimately if they think yo...

Janet and Isaiah talk about all the latest info about the Nintendo Switch 2. They go over the price, launch window games, if its still a “must buy”, and even some of Janet’s hands-on experience. They then talk about the latest boat games they’ve been playing (strange coincidence) and Janet’s time with a pixel art city builder (GAMES). Then they talk about their unofficial sports filled week, getting their LA Galaxy MLS replica rings, going to their season ticket holder open practice session, and checking out their first NHL game with the LA Kings (NOT GAMES).

Poll...

Janet and Isaiah talk about what they’ve been playing. Isaiah recently finished Alan Wake II, Janet shares her thoughts on South of Midnight, and they both go over their time so far with the latest gaming craze Blue Prince and try to answer if this is a “dumb friendly” puzzle game (GAMES). Then they take turns having some fun doing blind rankings that the other has prepared for them (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about their various attempts at making the best dual gamer setup for them, what worked, what didn’t, and what their current setup is now (GAMES). Then they talk about how they use the app You Need A Budget (or “YNAB”) to better manage their money, pay off their debt, and save for the future (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Send...

Janet and Isaiah take a drive up to San Francisco to go to the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC), attend the Game Developer Awards, take a look at some Xbox indie games, and attend some amazing talks put on by industry friends and veterans  (GAMES). Then they talk about doing their first race of the year with the 2025 L.A. Chinatown Firecracker 10k, how prepared they were, and what their next running goals are (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah continue with part 4 of the “GANG Gaming Time Capsule”, coming together to choose games for the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, PSVR, and Xbox One (GAMES). Then they reach into their mailbag and talk about their relationship with distance running, how they got into it, what their goals are, and tips and tricks they recommend for people looking to try the hobby (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah continue with part 3 of the “GANG Gaming Time Capsule”, coming together to choose games for the Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PSP, and Xbox 360 (GAMES). Then they talk about Janet’s time watching Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, what she liked about the show, what she didn’t, if it lives up to the hype that Isaiah set for it. They finish the discussion by going over what the next anime for Janet to watch should be (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah continue with part 2 of the “GANG Gaming Time Capsule”, coming together to choose games for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Nintendo 64, Gamecube, Gameboy Advance, and original Xbox (GAMES). Then they go over their first time attending a Lakers’ game, what it’s like sitting in the suites, and being there for Luka Dončić’s first time in purple and gold. Lastly, they talk about what seeing soccer at “Goalchella” is like and how they spent their time at the Coachella Valley Invitation pre-season soccer event (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

T...

Janet and Isaiah come together to decide what video games they’d put into the “GANG Gaming Time Capsule” (GAMES). Then they go over the things the other does that makes them have to ask…”Why, Bro?” (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

Janet and Isaiah talk about what they’ve been playing so far this year, the games they’ve already beaten, and how they’re hoping to tackle games this year (GAMES). Then they go over time strategies they use as full-time freelancers, what routines are easier than others, and how their work life balance has changed (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about Isaiah’s first BANANAGRAMS win (according to him), keeping score of board game winners in the house, and what announcements at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 are they excited for and eager to play (GAMES). Then they go over the recent winter break changes to their apartment layout, which changes are a big improvement, and which changes they are already regretting (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about the official reveal trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2, what they’re excited for, and what they want to see from Nintendo at launch. They also go over some of the games they’ve been playing over the holiday break (GAMES). Then they go over their history with TikTok as it (seemingly) is getting shut down in the United States. Finally, with Janet’s birthday having recently passed, they go over what were birthdays like for them growing up as well as how they like to celebrate things now that they’re older (NOT GAMES).

Duration: 02:20:21

Janet and Isaiah say goodbye to 2024 with some final Game and Not Game shout outs! Then Janet and Isaiah say hello to 2025 with their New Year’s Resolutions!

Timestamps:

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

Follow the hosts:

Janet and Isaiah go over the first annual GANG of the Year awards. For each of the 7 "Games and not games" categories, Janet and Isaiah talk about their top choices, discuss what wins each category, and ultimately pit the 7 winners against each other to decide what walks away with the honor of being 2024's GANG of the Year!

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah go over the TGA winners, see which of their predictions were correct, and chat about this year’s announcements and trailers. They also go over their PlayStation Wrap-Up and reflect on their gaming throughout the year (GAMES). Then they go over their Apple Music Replay, chat about Isaiah having wisdom teeth surgery, and how Trello has made a return and is helping them plan their lives (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah go over what they’ve been playing. Isaiah talks about the collection of games he’s started and beaten since the last episode while Janet gets into her time with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as well as Infinity Nikki (GAMES). Then they go over attending the MLS Cup Finals and watching the LA Galaxy win it all and become the 2024 MLS Champions (NOT GAMES). 

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah go over what they’ve been playing as well as their Thanksgiving day fun (GAMES). Then they go over their new Thanksgiving Day approach to food, chat about modern day Black Friday shopping, and ask the question “How early is too early to decorate for Christmas?” (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about platinuming LEGO Horizon Adventures and Isaiah finishing Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Then they get into their predictions for The Game Awards (GAMES). Janet and Isaiah then get into their thoughts on Deadpool & Wolverine (spoiler free & spoilers) (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Timestamps:

Janet and Isaiah talk about Lorelei and the Laser Eyes as well as Lego Horizon Adventures (GAMES). Then they discuss attending their first Clipper’s game at the brand new Intuit Dome and review the experience. Lastly, they talk about exercise (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Timestamps:

Send your questions and to...

Janet and Isaiah preview Crimson Desert and talk about finally hate finishing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (GAMES). Then they talk about how they listen to music while unpacking some of the Grammy’s nominations (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Follow the hosts:
- Janet: @Gameonysus
...

Janet and Isaiah talk about the new Pokemon TCG and our platinum history (GAMES). Then we get into our workspaces and do a draft for the most iconic trios (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Follow the hosts:
- Janet: @Gameonysus
- Isaiah: @IsaiahByDayah

Janet and Isaiah talk about playing another edition of the at-home escape room game: Exit. We also talk about our backlog for the rest of 2024 (GAMES). Then we get into our social media habits, unpack Bluesky blowing up, and get into community questions (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames<...

Janet and Isaiah finally get back to playing Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion and play Pokemon FireRed to raise money for the American Heart Association (GAMES). They also talking about their histories with scary movies and watch Scream for the first time (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Janet and Isaiah talk about The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom playing Metaphor: ReFantazio and doing their first game jam together (GAMES). Then they talk about becoming LA Galaxy season ticket holders for the 2025 season (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Try our jam game:
http://lnk.smaaws.com/inboxzero

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
...

Janet and Isaiah talk about platinuming Astro Bot, beating Starfield, and starting The Legend of of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (GAMES). Then they talk about catching up on media with Little Fockers, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer. They also get into what they plan to catch up on next (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot<...

Janet and Isaiah talk about their trip to Janet’s hometown: Chicago. This includes a trip to the eXchange, headquarters beercade, and more (GAMES). Continuing on the trip chat, they talk food, museums, tourist spots, and Janet’s neighborhoods (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Follow the host...

Janet and Isaiah talk the games they played at PAX West 2024 (GAMES). Then they talk about what they got into around Seattle outside of the convention (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Follow the hosts:
- Janet: @Gameonysus
- Isaiah: @IsaiahByDayah

Isaiah and Janet take the Amtrak Starlight train from LA to Seattle. They talk about the games they played to pass the time (GAMES). Then they break down the experience of being on the train. It was Isaiah’s first time on a train like this. Hear about the highs and lows of 36 hours in a tiny room together (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Duration: 00:52:51

Janet and Isaiah talk about their latest Lorcana game. Then they get into conventions pre Pax West 2024, discussing why they love them and sharing some tips (GAMES). Isaiah is new to freelance life and already feels like time has warped. They get into the challenges and freedoms of freelance (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot/status/1828136912248619431

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot<...

The show starts with Isaiah talking about getting laid off from his tech job (email him with freelance and part time opportunities HERE). Then Janet and Isaiah talk about their video game marathon memories (GAMES). Lastly, Janet and Isaiah talk about their relationship with stuff. Do they have too much? Not enough? And where do they put it (NOT GAMES)?

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
...

Janet and Isaiah talk about playing Lorcana, a Disney trading card game, for the first time together. They also get into how Fields of Mistria has become their new obsession (GAMES). Then, some reader mail leads them to talk about how they split chores, finances, and cooking (NOT GAMES).

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok...

Janet and Isaiah do a FF7 Rebirth Check-in and shout out their favorite mini games. Then they play a game together! It’s video game character "guess who" (GAMES). Then they talk about the snacks and chain restaurants they grew up on (NOT GAMES).

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Poll of the Show:
https://x.com/GamesAndNot/status/1820574818091278597

Janet and Isaiah talk about putting the glass case on the 3D printer and starting Delicious in Dungeon. Then they talk about what it means to feel sweet in a video game, how they rate games, and how they categorize them to decide what to play (GAMES). Finally, they talk about the things (apps, products, services, and more) they converted each other to and what they still hope to convince each other of (NOT GAMES).

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

...

Janet and Isaiah talk about EA Sports FC 25 based on Janet’s Hands-Off Preview. Then they go back and forth, drafting games, to make up their most anticipated games of 2024 list (GAMES). Next Janet and Isaiah talk about reading Start Finishing by Charlie Gilkey, a self-help book that has Janet finally taking on Inbox 0 and focussing on writing for Pen to Pixels while Isaiah gets back into Bullet Journaling and (maybe finally) putting that glass case on his 3D Printer (NOT GAMES).

Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com
For more Ga...

It's episode 1! We start off introducing the show concept and ourselves. Then Janet and Isaiah talk about Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and platinuming Overcooked: All You Can Eat (GAMES). And their first time at Anime Expo and the revamp of their studio space (NOT GAMES).

Hit us up with questions and topics at inbox@gamesandnotgames.com
For more Games And Not Games:

- YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames
- Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames
- Twitter: @GamesAndNot
- TikTok, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames

Follow the hosts:
- Janet: @Gameonysus
- Isaiah...