Best Playably Podcasts (2025)

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 24: Revolutionizing Rainy Days: How Brella Shoppe is Disrupting the Umbrella Market 26:00

1d ago26:00

26:00

Turning Rainy Days into Runway Moments: How Brella Shoppe is Redefining an Untapped Market with Shauna Cowit In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Cowit, founder of Brella Shoppe, to explore how she’s transforming umbrellas from boring afterthoughts into must-have fashion accessories. Shauna shares how her "toxically opti…

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Ep.174 – Randomness Reloaded: Shadows, Severance & Spicy Takes 1:05:36

1d ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Episode Notes Buckle up, nerds! This week, the mics are hot, and the topics are all over the map. We dive deep into the newly revealed Assassin’s Creed: Shadows 🗡️—is it the shinobi experience we’ve been waiting for, or just another stealthy step in the series? Then, we revisit the mind-bending world of Severance 🧠—what’s really going on down at Lu…

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Ep.173 – Severance Shocks & Acclaim Returns – What’s Next?! 🎮🔥 58:13

7d ago58:13

58:13

Episode Notes 🎙️ Nerds With Mics: Severance Shocks & Acclaim Returns – What’s Next?! 🎮🔥 This week, we dive into Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed, Marvel Rivals, Severance, Reacher, and more! Plus, the Oscars are right around the corner—who are the frontrunners? 🏆 🔥 In gaming news:⚡ Acclaim is BACK! The legendary ‘90s publisher behind Mortal Kombat, WWF…

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ModChat 131 - The Xbox 360 Hypervisor Exploit is Here! Bad Update Overview & Demonstration 1:00:33

8d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

At last the long awaited Xbox 360 Hypervisor exploit shown by Grimdoomer has arrived in the form of Bad Update! This means that unsigned code can be run on any Xbox 360 up to Kernel/Dashboard 17559 using only a USB drive and the NTSC version of Tony Hawk's American Wasteland. This does not require any other modifications to be done to the hardware …

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Ep.172 – GTA 6’s Game-Changing Future, MCU Confusion & Assassin’s Creed Leaks! 1:10:50

14d ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Episode Notes 🎙️ Nerds With Mics Ep. #172 – GTA 6’s Game-Changing Future, MCU Confusion & Assassin’s Creed Leaks! 🤯🔥 🚀 GTA 6’s “Project ROME” could change gaming forever! Rockstar is taking inspiration from Fortnite and Roblox, aiming for a fully modifiable, ever-evolving world. Could this be the ultimate gaming metaverse? 🎬 The MCU is so broken th…

1
ModChat 130 - PSP Gets Online Again, PS5 JAR Loader for 7.61, Game Bub Open Source FPGA Handheld 42:00

23d ago42:00

42:00

Some great new functionality being added to consoles old, new, and even a whole new FOSS based handheld to check out! The wpa2psp plugin for PSP was released and took off, allowing most PSP consoles to get back onto modern WiFi networks again. The PS Vita gets some more love with a couple more ports, one for Carmageddon and another being the Ultima…

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PlayAbly Episode 23: Better Customer Journeys and Better SEO with Easy On-site Engagement 14:43

28d ago14:43

14:43

Gamification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the future of e-commerce engagement and SEO strategy. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we explore how incorporating interactive experiences can transform your online store into a high-performing powerhouse. Our Account Director, Gabi, joins us to break down how gamification enhances user engagement, r…

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Ep.171 – GTA Controversy, Magic Meets Final Fantasy & Ubisoft’s Risky Future! 53:41

22d ago53:41

53:41

Episode Notes 🚀 Ubisoft doubles down on live-service & open-world games—but is that what gamers really want? Plus, Rainbow Six Siege is getting a massive overhaul with Siege X! 🎭 GTA & violence—here we go again! A Rockstar dev says they aren’t worried about GTA influencing real-world crime. But should they be? We dive into the age-old debate. 🃏 Mag…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 22: How Tariffs Are Reshaping E-Commerce: Strategies for Staying Competitive 25:05

1M ago25:05

25:05

Tariffs are back in the spotlight, and e-commerce brands are feeling the impact. In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we break down what tariffs really mean, who pays the price, and how they’re shaking up global trade. Join our host and PlayAbly CEO, John, as we explore how brands can navigate rising costs, diversify supply chains, and leverage…

1
Ep.170 – State of Play, Siege 2, & Elden Ring: What You Need to Know! 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Episode Notes In this episode of Nerds With Mics, we’re diving into the biggest gaming news, some mystery topics, and of course—our unfiltered hot takes! 🔥 Buckle up, because we’re covering:🕵️‍♂️ Mystery Topic of the Week – What are we teasing? You’ll have to tune in! 👀💣 Siege 2 Rumors – Is Ubisoft about to drop a bombshell on February 16? 🎯💰 EA Sa…

1
PlayAbly Podcast Episode 21: Gamifying Growth – How Playfield Created a Viral DTC Brand with Engagement & Community 21:06

1M ago21:06

21:06

In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with Ivana, founder of Playfield, the pet accessories brand behind the viral Bailey Kit. We dive into her journey from Google to launching a DTC brand, the challenges of bootstrapping, and how she’s building a community-driven brand with playful, engaging experiences. We also discuss the Playfiel…

1
PlayAbly Podcast Episode 20: Designing Play: Why Every Brand Needs a Game Designer (and What Makes a Game Great!) 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

What does a game designer really do, and why does it matter for your brand? In this episode, we sit down with Seema, our Head of UX and Game Design, to uncover the psychology behind great game design and its impact on customer engagement. From building shoppable games that drive conversions to creating immersive ecommerce gamification strategies an…

1
Ep.169 – Battlefield’s Big Comeback & Xbox on Switch 2?! 1:10:22

1M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Episode Notes 🚀 Is the next Battlefield the redemption we’ve been waiting for? EA is ramping up playtests, and rumors are swirling about massive improvements. Could this be the franchise’s comeback story?🎮 Xbox & Nintendo teaming up?! Phil Spencer hints at Xbox games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, and we break down what this means for the gaming …

1
ModChat 129 - Dreamcast Port Galore (GTA3, DOOM 64) and DOOM in a PDF 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

A Dreamcastic (or maybe Dreamtastic?) episode of ModChat starting off 2025 with some awesome ports for Sega's last console! We talk about the recent Grand Theft Auto III port being released in an open-alpha test, the DOOM 64 port, and even the beginning of a port of Xash3D for Half-Life! PC players also got an AWESOME port of Star Fox 64 in the for…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 19: NRF 2025 Recap: How Playably Stood Out and What’s Next for Retail 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

In this episode, we dive into the excitement of the NRF conference, where over 6,200 global brands gathered in New York City to explore the future of retail. Join us as the Playably team reflects on their experience, including: Insights from showcasing shoppable games and engaging with industry leaders. Behind-the-scenes moments, from assembling ou…

1
Ep.168 – Switch 2 Teaser, Sony’s Game Shake-Up, & Bungie’s Dram 1:07:31

2M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Episode Notes 🎧 Buckle up, nerds! This week, we’re diving into: •🚀 The Nintendo Switch 2 teaser and what it tells us about the future of gaming. •❌ Sony’s decision to cancel another live-service game—a God of War spin-off, no less. •🛑 Bungie’s big leadership veto on single-player games—what does this mean for fans? 🎙️ Don’t miss this jam-packed epi…

1
PlayAbly Podcast 18: Breaking the Bounce- More Sales Through Engagement 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

Bounce rates have been a persistent pain point for websites, but why do so many visitors leave before engaging? In this episode of the Playably Podcast, our CEO John Cheng dives deep into the psychology behind bounce rates and what makes websites "sticky." We explore: 🎯 Why bounce rates remain high despite advancements in eCommerce. 🧠 The psycholog…

1
Ep.167 – Switch 2 Rumors & Cross-Play Dreams 55:24

2M ago55:24

55:24

Episode Notes 🎧 Welcome back, Nerds! In this episode of Nerds With Mics, we dive deep into:🔥 The importance of 3rd party support for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.🌟 Why Cross-Save and Cross-Play are absolute game-changers for gamers like us. 🚀 Don’t miss this packed episode filled with all the nerdy discussions you love! 👉 Follow us on your favorit…

1
Ep.166 – Pixels vs Playability: Do Graphics Make or Break a Game? + Our Cozy Game Picks! 1:09:25

2M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Episode Notes 🎯 Topic of the Week: Are stunning graphics essential for an epic gaming experience, or does gameplay always come first? 🖥️🎮 🛋️ Cozy Game Picks: Our go-to games for relaxation—perfect for winding down after a long day. 🧸🎲 📰 Recent News Round-Up: 🤖 PUBG’s AI Partner: Meet PUBG’s NVIDIA ACE-powered AI companion that plays, strategizes, a…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 17: From Monopoly to McDonald’s: What Board Games Teach Us About Customer Engagement 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

What do Monopoly, UNO, and McDonald's Monopoly all have in common? They’ve mastered the art of engagement by tapping into human behavior, nostalgia, and fun. In this episode, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Design, to explore the timeless principles behind the games we grew up loving. From competitive moments (hello, UNO reverse ca…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 16: Stop Putting Spinners on Your Website 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

Ever felt personally victimized by a discount spinner? You know, those flashy wheels of disappointment promising 50% off but always landing on a measly 10%? Seema, our UX and game design guru, is here to spill the tea on why spinners are the awkward middle child of eCommerce gimmicks. In this episode, we unpack: 🎡 Why spinners are the digital equiv…

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ModChat 128 - RXDK for OG Xbox, RPCS3 on Raspberry Pi 5, Overscanning Dreamcast Secrets 24:23

3M ago24:23

24:23

Last episode of the year for ModChat! This time around we've got some awesome developments for original Xbox developers, a whole Lightshow for the Xbox 360 just in time for the holidays, the power of the PS3 being shown on a Raspberry Pi 5, and finally some Dreamcast secrets many could have dreamed of.…

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Ep.165 – Justin Was Wrong, but Black Myth Still Lost GOTY 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Episode Notes 🎮🎬 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎬🎮Episode #156 of Nerds with Mics is live! 🎧 This week, we’re diving into the world of video game adaptations and discussing the huge successes that are changing Hollywood’s approach to gaming IPs! 🎮💥We chat about the Witcher 4 announcement 🔥, the new Silo seasons 🏙️, the upcoming Karate Kid Legends starring Jacki…

1
PlayAbly Podcast Episode 15: Gamification, Taylor Swift, and the Eras of E-Commerce: How to Build a Brand Fans Love 16:28

3M ago16:28

16:28

What do Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and ecommerce gamification have in common? Turns out, everything. In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we dive into how Taylor Swift has mastered gamification to build unmatched fan loyalty, from surprise songs to Easter eggs and fan-driven experiences. We explore: 🎤 The gamified strategies behind the Eras Tour’…

1
Ep.164 – Marvel Rivals and Christmas Fun 1:01:41

3M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Episode Notes Get ready for a jam-packed episode of Nerds With Mics! 🚀 We're diving deep into everything nerdy this week, from gaming news and predictions to holiday classics. 🧑‍🎄🎮In this episode, the crew gets into what they've been up to—Travis is feeling nostalgic with some Home Alone, Jarred is leveling up his PC, and Justin’s all about Shrinki…

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PlayAbly Podcast 14 - Gamification Everywhere: Lessons from Temu and Beyond 17:10

3M ago17:10

17:10

In this episode of the Playably Podcast, we sit down with CEO and founder John Cheng to deconstruct how gamification has become a cornerstone for global success stories like Temu. From interactive spinners and loyalty programs to personalized engagement strategies, we explore how brands are using gamification to hook customers, drive loyalty, and g…

1
Ep.163 – Sony Handheld Rumors, Bloodborne Hype, and GOTY Debates 1:15:53

3M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Episode Notes In this episode of Nerds With Mics, the gang dives into juicy rumors about a new Sony handheld console and the possibility of a long-awaited Bloodborne remaster! 🕹️🎮 We also talk about Game of the Year contenders, including whether Black Myth: Wukong deserves its place on the list. Plus, we tackle some big questions: Should epic three…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 13: Crafting the Perfect Interactive Experience with PlayAbly’s Head of UX 18:27

4M ago18:27

18:27

In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we’re joined by Seema, PlayAbly’s Head of UX and Game Design. Seema works directly with customers to help them shape the games and interactive experiences that boost engagement. Today, she shares insights into balancing client ideas with best UX practices, designing games that work for different customer per…

1
Ep.162 – Retail Horror Stories and Sequels! 53:10

4M ago53:10

53:10

Episode Notes In this week's episode of Nerds with Mics, we dive into what we're thankful for, reflecting on the things that keep us grounded and inspired in the world of nerd culture. We also get into the shady side of Pokémon GO—is it still a fun, innocent game, or has it become a little more suspicious? Plus, Jarred shares his thoughts on the up…

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ModChat 127 - Xbox 360 Slim Printable Shell, Xbox-Scene Modfest, DoomBIOS for OG Xbox 31:37

4M ago31:37

31:37

An Xbox centric episode of ModChat with a side of preservation to wrap up the month of November! We cover what seems to be the first Xbox 360 Slim 3D printable shell for use with a DVD-driveless console out there. Xbox-Scene gets a bit of a shout with the announcement of their upcoming Modfest, covering both hardware and software categories across …

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Ep.161 – Thanksgiving, Game Award Nominations, and More! 1:07:53

4M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Episode Notes This week on Nerds with Mics, we’re diving deep into the holiday season with a Thanksgiving special! 🥧 But that's not all — we’ve also got hot takes on: 🎮 The Game Awards Nominations: Who’s making the cut? What games should've been nominated?🎮 Sony & FromSoftware: What’s brewing with these gaming giants?🥧Thanksgiving and Black Friday,…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 12: How AI and Personalization are Transforming E-commerce: Insights from Playably CEO John Cheng 14:42

4M ago14:42

14:42

In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, I’m joined by Playably CEO and founder John Chaeg to dive into the transformative power of AI and personalization in the e-commerce industry. John shares insights from his extensive experience building companies focused on personalization, discusses how AI is being used to enhance the customer journey, and e…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 11: Black Friday Strategy Part 3 12:58

4M ago12:58

12:58

In the latest episode of the Playably Podcast, Kajal and Gabi dive into a key Black Friday Cyber Monday strategy: maximizing engagement with playable ads. With BFCM season fast approaching, brands are vying for shoppers’ attention in a shorter-than-usual holiday window. Gabi explains why ecommerce gamification is critical for driving meaningful con…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 10: Black Friday Strategy Part 2 18:53

4M ago18:53

18:53

In this second episode of our Black Friday series, CEO and Founder John Cheng breaks down how advent calendars can drive customer engagement and boost holiday sales. Discover the psychology behind these calendars and why they’re an effective tool for capturing customer attention in a high-competition season. John shares examples of how brands can l…

1
PlayAbly Podcast Episode 9: Black Friday Strategy Part 1 11:08

4M ago11:08

11:08

Black Friday Episode 1 of a 3 Part Series In this episode, Angelo and Kajal dive into practical ways brands can harness gamification to boost holiday sales and engagement. From advent calendars to streaks, learn how interactive experiences and themed content keep customers returning. Discover how ecommerce gamification can help your brand stand out…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 8: Landing Pages, Turning Clicks into Conversions 13:50

5M ago13:50

13:50

In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets behind landing pages—those crucial first impressions that can make or break your conversions. We'll dive into everything from design and messaging to optimization tips, transforming your landing page into a true conversion powerhouse. For eCommerce brands, we'll also discuss how ecommerce gamification, s…

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Ep.160 – 🎃 Trick or Treat-Yo-Self 🍬👻 43:57

5M ago43:57

43:57

Episode Notes In this spook-tacular episode, Travis and Jarred dive into all things Halloween! 🕸️ From their favorite eerie memories to spine-tingling traditions, these nerds share what makes Halloween the best time of year. 🎃 Plus, they reveal their go-to Halloween candy 🍫🍬 and debate the ultimate treats and tricks. Get ready to laugh, reminisce, …

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ModChat 126 - PS5 and Xbox 360 Hypervisor Exploits, SSD Support on Retail Xbox 360 Incoming! 41:47

5M ago41:47

41:47

Some truly hyper news over Hypervisors for not one, but TWO different consoles! We discuss the recent PS5 Hypervisor exploit released named Byepervisor, the Nintendo Switch emulator Ryujinx shut down, and give some credit where credit is due with... Well, a hidden credits screen found in Majora's Mask on the GameCube! We also discuss two amazing br…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 7: ShopTalk Fall Recap 17:06

5M ago17:06

17:06

In PlayAbly Podcast 7: ShopTalk Fall 2024 Recap, we chat with Seema and Angelo from PlayAbly, fresh from their ShopTalk Fall experience. They share key highlights, including engaging conversations about gamification, exciting trends, and unique insights from their meetings with top brands. Seema discusses the growing demand for gamified shopping ex…

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Ep.159 – Our Long Lost Games 1:21:48

5M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

Episode Notes This week we talk about what abandoned game franchises we want to see return. Find out more at https://nerds-with-mics.pinecast.co

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 6: Boosting Paid Media with SEO: How Strategic Blogging Can Transform Your eCommerce ROI 11:34

5M ago11:34

11:34

In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we sit down with Gabi, the main point of contact for our major accounts, to explore how aligning your blog content with paid media strategies can significantly impact your eCommerce performance. Discover why relying solely on ad spend can limit your growth and how a strategic SEO approach using blog posts ca…

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Ep.158 – Our Favorite Scary Movies! 1:01:28

5M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Episode Notes In this episode of Nerds with Mics, we’re taking a deep dive into our all-time favorite movies! Join Travis, and Jarred, as they share their top picks and what makes these films special to them.We’ll also discuss the upcoming Xbox Partner Preview on October 17th, packed with exciting trailers and reveals that you won’t want to miss! P…

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PlayAbly Episode 5: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Shopify Migrations: Insights from PlayAbly’s CEO 18:16

5M ago18:16

18:16

In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, CEO John Cheng joins us to dive into the complexities of website migration, particularly for ecommerce brands transitioning to Shopify. Drawing on his background from Unity and years of experience in the gaming industry, John shares insights into the most common pitfalls ecommerce businesses face when migrat…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 4: Creating Games That Fit the Brand and Why Discount Spinners are Never the Answer 16:12

5M ago16:12

16:12

In this episode, we sit down with Seema Rao, Head of UX and Game Development at PlayAbly, to explore the art and strategy behind creating engaging games for brands. Seema, with over 20 years of experience in game development, shares her insights on why it’s essential to align games with a brand’s identity and target audience, and why generic soluti…

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Ep.157 – Halo Updates and What Makes a Great Horror Game? 1:25:32

5M ago1:25:32

1:25:32

Episode Notes In this week’s episode, we explore exciting updates in the gaming world and dive into the chilling realm of horror games. We kick things off with news about Horizon Zero Dawn, Riot Games and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag .We also discuss the upcoming Space Marine 2 update. Shifting gears, we cover the rebranding of Halo Studios from 34…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 3: Beating Algorithm Changes and Optimizing Paid Social Ads 16:15

5M ago16:15

16:15

In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into the ever-evolving world of digital advertising with our special guest, Ray, a seasoned ad tech expert with nearly a decade of experience at top companies like Google and TikTok. We explore the complexities of optimizing ad campaigns across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and u…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 2: Lessons from Barry’s Bootcamp 5:22

6M ago5:22

5:22

In this episode of the PlayAbly podcast, we explore how Barry’s Bootcamp integrates gamification into fitness to create a highly engaging workout experience. Angelo, a Barry’s veteran with over 1,900 classes under his belt, shares insights into how the brand’s challenges, loyalty programs, and community-building tactics keep members coming back for…

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Ep.156 – State of Play, Tokyo Game Show, and Meta Quest 3S 1:22:39

6M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Episode Notes This week, we add a third member to our crew! We want to welcome Jarred to the show! You may remember him from a previous episode years ago... well now he's ON THE TEAM! Oh, and we also talk about the Sony State of Play, the Tokyo Game Show, and the new Meta Quest 3S. Find out more at https://nerds-with-mics.pinecast.co…

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ModChat 125 - Xbox One Games Playable on Windows & A New PS5 Jailbreak for 5.00 is Here! 20:58

6M ago20:58

20:58

Just a couple of topics for this month's episode, but we first talk about XWine1, an upcoming translation layer capable of running dumped Xbox One games on Windows. Second is a new jailbreak for the PS5 in the form of UTMX, currently working through WebKit up to firmware 5.00 and with capabilities of working up to 7.61 using an alternative entrypoi…

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PlayAbly Podcast Episode 1: Taylor Swift and the Gamification of Friendship Bracelets 14:47

6M ago14:47

14:47

In our debut episode, we explore the gamified world of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour TikTok challenge, where fans completed weekly missions to earn friendship bracelets representing different eras of her career. We discuss the campaign's strengths and areas for improvement, from collectible digital rewards to the potential for more impactful incentives,…

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