Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams: A Video Game Podcast

In this episode of Spawn On Me, I sit down with IGDA Foundation Executive Director Alyssa Walles for a real conversation about what it actually takes to get more game developers the funding, mentorship, and access they deserve. We dig into the Foundation’s mission to break down barriers for underrepresented and marginalized creators around the world, and how their programs help devs find the resources they need to build sustainable careers and bring their games to life. We talk about how access to capital, professional development, and community can change everything for a developer trying to break into the industry. Alyssa shares how the Foundation is building pathways through scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and direct support that connect talented creators with real opportunities. If you care about equity in games, want to understand how funding pipelines really work, or are looking for ways to support the next generation of developers, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

What's good, y'all! Welcome back to episode 565 of Spawn On Me - we're officially back and kicking off 2026 right! I know it's been a minute since I've been in your ears consistently, but your boy has been in the trenches getting things together, and I'm excited to be back in Brookago with all of you beautiful people. This episode, we're diving deep into some real conversations about the gaming industry, from HighGuard layoffs to how we approach criticism. We need to chill with the immediate hate on everything that drops before we even give it a chance. We dig into State of Play, PS6 potentially getting delayed, and my time at DICE as well. Follow us and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@SpawnOnMehttps://open.spotify.com/show/SpawnOnMehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spawn-on-mehttps://twitch.tv/spawnonmehttps://x.com/SpawnOnMehttps://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast

We just got back from Los Angeles after spending several hours hands-on with Highguard, the new free-to-play raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, a studio led by developers with deep roots in games like Apex Legends and Titanfall.On paper, it is easy to dismiss Highguard as “another shooter,” especially in a crowded 2026 lineup. But after playing multiple full matches, sitting down with the design and product leads, and seeing how the systems work together, it is clear this game is aiming for something genuinely different.Highguard introduces a new take on competitive shooters through a multi-phase raid structure built around strategy, teamwork, and base defense. Each match flows through gearing up, intercepting the shield breaker, and launching full raids against enemy bases. Wardens are distinct without overpowering gunplay, abilities are additive instead of dominant, and every match feels meaningfully different based on player decisions.We also break down how Highguard approaches live service in a way that feels unusually respectful. The War Chest battle pass is free, there is no pay-to-win, no loot boxes, no RNG storefront pressure, and cosmetic purchases are straightforward and permanent. The team already has a full year of content planned, with new episodes, maps, wardens, and modes rolling out at a steady cadence.We also talk about the Game Awards reveal, the online backlash, and why the current cycle of “is this game dead” discourse does more harm than good to the industry. After hands-on time with Highguard, we believe this is a game that deserves to speak for itself.If you are curious about raid shooters, the future of live service design, or what happens when experienced developers try to rethink the genre instead of chasing trends, this is one you should be watching.About the Show: Spawn On Me spotlights gamers of color and the intersection of games, culture, and community—through interviews, reviews, and real talk about how games affect the world.Follow & Subscribe:YouTube: youtube.com/spawnonmeSpotify: Spawn On MeApple Podcasts: Spawn On MeX/Twitter: @SpawnOnMe, @kahliefadamsInstagram: @spawnonmepodcastTikTok: @spawnonmeBusiness / bookings: spawnonmepodcast@gmail.comSupport The Spawnies (our annual awards show): Learn more, see winners, and rewatch: thespawnies.com (presented by Spawn On Me; culture-forward categories and community-driven celebration).Disclaimers: Opinions are the host’s/guests’ and do not reflect employers or partners.Go Here To Follow Us on Twitter, snag some merch and subscribe to our podcast!! https://campsite.bio/spawnonme

In our latest episode, we share some of my favorite gear from 2025 and much more!

We are closing out 2025 with a double-feature episode packed with fresh tech and big game energy. First, we sit down with Napoleon Smith (CMO, Cubios) to break down the WowCube, a modern twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube that turns nostalgia into a fully loaded, interactive device, complete with games, apps, customization, and a real push into STEM learning. Then we link up with Tom Eastman (President, Trinket Studios) to talk Battlesuit Aces, a story-rich, fully voiced, mecha-anime-inspired card battler that blends deckbuilding, visual novel storytelling, and deep customization into one cohesive ride. We dig into how the team iterated their way to the game’s core identity, why characters became the “cards,” and how themes like found family, community, and care show up in the design. To wrap, we reflect on the year, show love to the community, and look ahead to what we are bringing into 2026, including year 13 of Spawn On Me and some big ideas we are exploring for the future.

Hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane joins Spawn On Me for an exclusive convo about legacy, tech, and his new interactive Viverse experience. Plus Andranik Aslanyan (HTC Viverse, Head of Growth) talks about the future of fan worlds. Then we break down The Game Awards 2025 and why Bungie’s Marathon has me extra excited. You can check out Big Daddy Kane's Viverse world here - https://worlds.viverse.com/NbuFNCa

We sit down with the head of the ESA, Stanley Pierre-Louis, to unpack the Power of Play 2025 report—what 24k+ players across 21 countries say about gaming’s impact. We also discuss their current policy mission and what it is like working with the current administration. Read the report here: https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PoP-2025-v10-web-spreads.pdf. the ESA Follow Spawn On Me everywhere: X: https://x.com/SpawnOnMe Instagram: https://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SpawnOnMe Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spawnonme

We dig into the current state of the Xbox business and ask the big question: is this a good move or not for players, partners, and the platform’s future? Then we review two premium gamepads head-to-head: the Razer Raiju V3 Wireless Pro and the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless. We cover build quality, sticks and triggers, remap options, latency, battery life, and who each controller is for. Plus, what Xbox’s strategy signals for first-party releases, Game Pass, and third-party partnerships. Stick around for our verdicts and buyer advice. Follow Spawn On Me everywhere: X: https://x.com/SpawnOnMe Instagram: https://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SpawnOnMe Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spawnonme

After 13 years, Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally here... and it's both exactly what we wanted AND a massive letdown. The combat is incredible, the gore is satisfying, and the challenge will test even veteran players. But the story? The characters? Absolutely lifeless. In this review, I break down everything you need to know about Ninja Gaiden 4 - from the revolutionary Bloodbind Ninjutsu system to the brutal Master Ninja difficulty, and why both Yakumo and Ryu feel like empty shells despite being at the center of what could've been an amazing story. 🔔 Subscribe for more honest game reviews!💬 Are you picking up Ninja Gaiden 4? Let me know in the comments!

What is Keeper, and why is it already living rent-free in our heads? 👀 Lee Petty (Double Fine) pulls up to Brookago to talk craft—how Keeper’s vibe, rules, and art style work together, and how the team keeps things fair, surprising, and fun without spoilers. We talk design pillars, those “ohhh, I get it” moments, and why this project hits different if you love discovery.Chapters below. Tap in and roll with us:• Smash that sub on YouTube (Spawn On Me)• Follow on Spotify & drop a 5★ on Apple Podcasts• We go live at Twitch.tv/spawnonme• Say hey: @SpawnOnMe (X), @spawnonmepodcast (IG)

Battlefield 6 Review: Best Since BF4? In this review, I dig into why BF6’s multiplayer finally feels like Battlefield again. The return to four classic classes (Assault, Engineer, Support, Recon) brings clear squad roles, while a smart movement overhaul—including the much-praised drag-revive—keeps fights tactical and team-first. Launch content is strong, with nine maps across five theaters (yes, Operation Firestorm is back) that rotate well across Conquest, Rush, and Breakthrough. On PC, performance is accessible without heavy bells and whistles, and cross-play keeps lobbies full. The campaign has highlights but can’t match the pull of “one more match.” With massive player peaks on Steam, this feels like the most complete Battlefield in years. I’ll show my recommended settings, class picks, and where the maps shine—then give a straight verdict on whether it truly rivals BF4. Drop your favorite class and map in the comments—let’s squad up.

Acclaim is BACK! and we’re unpacking the strategy behind it. Director of Publishing and Partnerships Marc Anthony Rodriguez joins Spawn On Me to discuss how a classic brand can reintroduce itself to today’s players. We talk about the deals and partnerships that matter, what a modern publishing slate looks like, and how to honor Acclaim’s legacy while building something new. Marc also walks through his career across the games industry, lessons learned working with developers and IP holders, and candid advice for anyone trying to break into publishing. We dig into community building, what success looks like in 2025, and MUCH MORE!

Ghost of Yotei has been called everything from “the wokest samurai game ever” to a next-gen masterpiece. After spending 50+ hours with the game, here’s my spoiler-free review.In this episode, I’ll cover: And yes — I’ll dig into the controversy: Is Ghost of Yotei really “woke,” or is that just noise? Let me know what YOU think in the comments.This is a spoiler-free review — no major story reveals, just my honest impressions on gameplay, themes, and presentation.If you enjoyed this, please like, subscribe, and check out more gaming coverage here on the channel.

In this episode, we sit down with the team from Anima Interactive, the developers behind Take Us North — the narrative-driven survival game that’s been at the center of heated conversations online. The creators share the real vision behind the project, how it was inspired by first-hand research and lived experiences, and why they believe games can build empathy around complex issues like migration. 👉 Support the game and learn more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/takeusnorth/take-us-north 👉 Subscribe for more conversations about the games shaping culture: YouTube: youtube.com/spawnonme TikTok: @spawnonme Instagram: @spawnonme Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Spawn On Me

In this powerful episode, we sit down with the development team behind Take Us North , a narrative-driven survival adventure game that offers an immersive look at migrant and asylum-seeker journeys across the U.S.–Mexico border. We unpack: • The origins of the project and what inspired its creation • The research and real-life stories that shaped the game's design (including work with migrants, anthropologists, and migration scholars) • How the game challenges misconceptions and fosters empathy via interactive storytelling • The current Kickstarter campaign and how you can help bring this vital project to life Support the Take Us North Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/takeusnorth/take-us-north/ Subscribe and follow our show: • YouTube (hit the Subscribe button and ring the bell!) • TikTok • Instagram • Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Thank you for supporting meaningful storytelling through games—together, we can help more people find their way home.

Join hosts Kahlief Adams and Cam Hawkins as we count down the Top 10 games from Gamescom 2025 that have us absolutely hyped! From surprise announcements to long-awaited sequels, we break down why these titles are dominating our must-play lists. In this episode, we also dive deep into our hands-on previews and reactions to some of the games we've been playing, like Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, the brutal action of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, our thoughts on the Xbox ROG Ally X handheld, and the return of a legendary franchise with Ninja Gaiden 4. Whether you're looking for indie gems, AAA blockbusters, or the next game to consume your life, we've got you covered with our honest takes and hype levels for each title. Don't miss our hot takes on which games lived up to the hype and which ones surprised us the most! What games from Gamescom 2025 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more gaming content and hit that notification bell! Follow Spawn On Me: https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7gu7BteqvEnhZAP0MM2Ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spawn-on-me-with-kahlief-adams-a-video-game-podcast/id804065256https://www.tiktok.com/@spawnonme

Join us on Spawn on Me as we sit down with the incredible Victoria Tran to uncover her latest must‑read—and learn how community management is evolving in 2025. Victoria breaks it all down with insight and practical wisdom. Whether you're building niche communities, hosting IRL meetups, or craving authentic connection in a digital world dizzied by automation—this interview is the compass you didn’t know you needed. Tap in to discover the future of community building, one conversation at a time

I just spent 8 HOURS playing Battlefield 6, and let me tell you - this game is about to change EVERYTHING! From the insane destruction physics to the massive 128-player battles, EA has finally delivered something that might actually dethrone Call of Duty. After 8 hours of pure gameplay, I can confidently say this might be the comeback Battlefield desperately needed.

We sit down with the creative minds behind Last Flag, the brand new 5v5 capture-the-flag shooter from Night Street. Hear directly from the team—and voice actor Eli Harris—about what makes this retro-inspired, game show-style shooter stand out. Plus, we dig into how Imagine Dragons made the leap from chart-topping musicians to launching a full-fledged game studio.Learn how this bold new project mixes music, mayhem, and multiplayer magic to bring something truly different to the CTF genre.

In this episode of Spawn On Me, I sit down with Ben Kvalo, CEO of Midwest Games, to dive into what makes this new publishing label stand out in an ever-evolving industry. We explore the role of publishers in today’s market, the challenges indie developers face, and whether the gaming industry is oversaturated with too many titles. Ben shares his thoughts on building sustainable careers for the next generation of developers, and the value of player feedback, and we discuss how platforms like Xbox Game Pass are impacting discoverability. If you’ve ever wondered how publishers make decisions, support studios, or think about the long game in gaming—this one’s for you. Topics We Cover: What makes Midwest Games different from traditional publishers The growing difficulty of standing out in a crowded market How publishers can better support marginalized and new devs Are players giving developers helpful feedback? The real benefits and challenges of Game Pass for studios Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your crew on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.