True Avatars - A Queer Video Game Podcast

Ep. 73 - Pokémon turns 30, which means we’re old!

Sorry for the late episode this week, True Avatars! I am traveling again but there is a lot of queer game stuff happening these days, thankfully.
This week’s headlines include Stardew Valley’s 10th anniversary (with new marriage candidates), Overwatch has a new (mobile) spin-off, Until Then has DLC (with trans rep), Wolverine has a release date, eSports are coming to the Gay Games, and a pretty big update about the Discord age verification scandal.
Pokémon just reached its 30th anniversary and they had tons of news to share in their Direct-style live stream. Amy-Lynn and Nicole are back to discuss it all, including the new games: Winds and Waves!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:05:21 - News
00:35:17 - Pokémon Turns 30 and Announces Winds and Waves
 
This Pokémon segment was recorded on Feb 27 2026 and the news segment was recorded on March 2 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Amy-Lynn: https://www.instagram.com/amethystlylac
Nicole: https://www.instagram.com/nicoletyngs
 
Sources:
https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/
https://www.pcgamer.com/software/platforms/discord-delays-its-global-age-verification-rollout-and-cuts-ties-with-peter-thiel-backed-verification-vendor-after-upsetting-almost-everyone-on-earth-weve-made-mistakes/
https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/article/24244645/development-update-overwatch-rush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geiTg6Z7w3A
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-finally-confirms-marvels-wolverine-release-date-and-its-coming-before-gta6/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7GI-k5Gqnw
https://cogconnected.com/2026/02/until-then-is-getting-the-afterimages-dlc-later-this-year/
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/uk-retailer-game-closes-all-standalone-stores-as-it-enters-administration
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-27/sony-s-bluepoint-pitched-bloodborne-remake-before-closure?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3MjIyMjY3OSwiZXhwIjoxNzcyODI3NDc5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUQjRWUTJLR0NURlowMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.s6maZIveh-F152mZBWUNjPFeE0Lm7AFRegwaizQvVlA&leadSource=uverify%20wall
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/eas-skate-studio-confirms-layoffs-as-it-moves-to-better-support-the-games-long-term-future/
https://www.gamefile.news/p/tencent-timi-montreal-closed
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/games-media-set-for-more-layoffs-as-ign-owned-eurogamer-cuts-editorial-staff/
https://checkpointgaming.net/news/2026/02/valve-sued-by-new-york-attorney-general-for-promoting-illegal-gambling/
https://bsky.app/profile/kemowoomy.bsky.social/post/3mfqenszzxk2l
https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-sues-game-developer-promoting-illegal-gambling-through
https://gaymingmag.com/2026/02/gg-valencia-the-gay-games-welcomes-esports-to-the-quadrennial-event-for-the-first-time/
https://www.gaygames.org/
https://www.ign.com/articles/saudi-owned-rts-takes-full-ownership-of-evo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh2WcRJOVPU
https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/see-the-new-trailer-for-pokemon-winds-and-pokemon-waves-coming-to-nintendo-switch-2
https://x.com/SerebiiNet/status/2027436478591103269?s=20
https://serebii.net/news/2026/27-February-2026.shtml
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/pokemon-pokopia/

Ep 72.5 - BONUS - These games want you to examine your mental health!

Steam Next Fest is back and Ekamy, Cleo, and I checked out 6 (or more…?) very exciting queer game demos!
 
00:00:00 - Intro and What We’ve Been Eating
00:04:36 - Fishbowl
00:12:40 - Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery
00:18:27 - Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts
00:24:04 - I'm Making a Monster
00:35:02 - The Witch's Bakery
00:45:06 - 1348 Ex Voto
00:53:15 - The Wide Open Sky is Running out of Catfish
 
This episode was recorded on February 25 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Ekamy: https://www.twitch.tv/ekamy
Cleo: https://www.instagram.com/cleostrophobia
 
Demos:
Fishbowl: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1638070/Fishbowl/
Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945150/Feline_Forensics_and_the_Meowseum_Mystery/
Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3119540/Scriptorium_Master_of_Manuscripts/
I'm Making a Monster: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4047160/Im_Making_a_Monster/
The Witch's Bakery: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2967950/The_Witchs_Bakery/
1348 Ex Voto: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1895900/1348_Ex_Voto/
The Wide Open Sky is Running out of Catfish: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172760/The_Wide_Open_Sky_is_Running_out_of_Catfish/
All Will Rise: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3165340/All_Will_Rise/
Moorage: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4178140/Moorage/

Ep. 72 - Is it time to cut the Discord?

It’s an episode jam-packed full of controversy, drama, and discourse! Where to begin?
Well, there’s lots of good news! Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is already in full swing, Sonic 4 has found its Amy voice, and This Bed We Made is getting a sequel.
But there were more layoffs, AI is gaining ground in the games industry, and the RAM shortage impacts are felt even more. And what else could go wrong? Since you asked, Yakuza Kiwami 3 removed a pro-trans storyline…
In the second half, I’m joined by Devona to discuss the Discord age verification news. What does it all mean? How worried should we be? Is there even a good alternative?
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:41 - What We’ve Been Playing
00:11:56 - News
00:53:14 - Discord Age Verification Controversy
01:38:06 - Queer Game of the Week: Monster Prom
 
The news segment was recorded on February 21 2026 and the Discord segment was recorded on February 22 2026..
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Devona: https://www.twitch.tv/heldevo
 
Sources:
https://x.com/pokemon/status/2024757682851233891
https://x.com/pokemon/status/2024756120313807015
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sonic-4-kristen-bell-voice-amy-rose-1236508342/
https://comicbook.com/movies/news/jim-carreys-dr-robotnik-return-in-sonic-4-gets-a-major-update/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/yakuza-kiwami-3-dark-ties-review/
https://www.thegamer.com/yakuza-3-remastered-transphobic-sidequest-removed/
https://www.resetera.com/threads/yakuza-kiwami-3-cuts-the-original-games-trans-acceptance-substory-that-was-originally-removed-for-the-west-but-added-back-in-later-with-the-remaster.1430275/
https://www.reddit.com/r/yakuzagames/comments/1r0wgdn/people_focusing_on_the_removed_trans_substory/
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/stardew-valleys-new-update-for-nintendo-switch-2-is-now-live
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/stardew-valley-creator-teases-two-more-marriage-candidates-for-update-1-7
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/bethesda-releases-skyrim-update-1-2-for-switch-2-includes-60hz-mode-and-much-more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Ga_cAccQg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoInIGhXHYY
https://www.nintendo.com/jp/switch/blfga/index.html?modal=1
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/destiny-2-fans-face-long-wait-as-bungie-delays-and-overhauls-next-major-update/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-deck-is-out-of-stock-in-the-us-as-valve-warns-of-intermittent-memory-and-storage-shortages/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-considering-holding-back-playstation-6-until-2028-or-2029-report-claims/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/huge-xbox-shakeup-phil-spencer-retiring-sarah-bond-resigns-microsoft-ai-boss-becomes-new-microsoft-gaming-ceo/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/numerous-video-game-company-share-prices-dropped-following-googles-project-genie-ai-rollout/
https://www.ign.com/articles/tunic-night-in-the-woods-publisher-says-tiktok-is-creating-and-running-racist-genai-ads-for-its-games-without-permission
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xcoms-jake-solomon-announces-his-new-studio-is-closing-reveals-now-cancelled-ai-driven-narrative-game/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/midsummer-studios/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-confirms-layoffs-at-toronto-studio-but-insists-splinter-cells-remake-is-still-coming/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/sony-is-shutting-down-the-playstation-studio-bluepoint?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3MTUyNzAyNiwiZXhwIjoxNzcyMTMxODI2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUQVBZWlBLR0lGUFkwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.utABYnI4m_K6kqNqybZarBQ9T5WW_aWCH6NI3kt8Q64
https://kotaku.com/sony-email-bluepoint-hermen-hulst-studio-closing-why-2000671437
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAbyOXDwRXM
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/02/assassins-creed-shadows-claws-of-awaji-expansion-lands-switch-2-release-date
Lost & Found: A This Bed We Made Story: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4333200/Lost__Found_A_This_Bed_We_Made_Story/
https://x.com/lowbirthgames/status/2024625302815518790
https://www.theverge.com/tech/875309/discord-age-verification-global-roll-out
https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service
https://www.pcgamer.com/software/platforms/oh-good-discords-age-verification-rollout-has-ties-to-palantir-co-founder-and-panopticon-architect-peter-thiel/
https://www.pcgamer.com/software/security/security-researchers-claim-persona-the-provider-behind-discords-uk-age-verification-experiment-performs-269-individual-verification-checks-on-user-data-including-those-for-terrorism-and-espionage/
https://mashable.com/article/age-verification-may-impede-on-adults-rights-study-suggests
Ring Lost Dog Superbowl Ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OheUzrXsKrY
https://www.reddit.com/r/discordapp/comments/1r05vkj/comment/o4j5nl1/?context=3
https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally#age-assurance-clarification

Ep. 71 - The number of gaymes they just announced is… UNBEATABLE

I took a week off from recording and during that time, there were so many queer game announcements that it’s gonna take me an hour to get through them all! We’ve got Final Fantasy, Diablo, Overwatch, Horizon, Hollow Knight, Oblivion, Fallout, and… Thomas the Tank Engine…?!
In the second half, Cleo joins me for our long overdue discussion of the off-the-wall rhythm game UNBEATABLE. Was the game actually beatable after all? Cleo gives us all the details (including a dose of spoilers in the last 10 minutes)!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:10:51 - News
01:02:41 - UNBEATABLE
01:28:34 - SPOILERS for UNBEATABLE
 
The news segment was recorded on Feb 16 2026. The UNBEATABLE segment was recorded on January 28 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Cleo: https://www.instagram.com/cleostrophobia
 
Sources:
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/den-of-wolves-studio-10-chambers-confirms-large-number-of-layoffs-including-several-co-founders/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alex-graner-a37262114_alex-graners-resume-activity-7427480816940892161-hmDh/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/designer-claims-most-of-highguards-dev-team-have-been-laid-off-weeks-after-launch/
https://www.polygon.com/ubisoft-strike-workers-france-italy/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/overwatch-is-dropping-the-2-adding-10-new-heroes-and-coming-to-switch-2-in-major-revamp/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-agree-that-she-can-be-even-better-overwatch-director-vows-to-redesign-anran-following-player-and-voice-actor-backlash/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/france-gives-28-clair-obscur-developers-a-knighthood-and-says-video-games-have-reached-a-new-level-of-recognition/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-obscur-expedition-33-wins-five-awards-at-the-d-i-c-e-awards-2026-including-game-of-the-year/
https://deadline.com/2026/02/baldurs-gate-3-tv-show-craig-mazin-hbo-1236710583/
https://deadline.com/2026/02/jason-momoa-helldivers-release-date-1236715868/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JubgL46Xkmk
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-and-guerrilla-announce-tactical-co-op-horizon-game-horizon-hunters-gathering/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88Ym9SCKFpc
https://www.teamcherry.com.au/blog/hollowknightupgraded
https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Granblue-Fantasy-Relink-Endless-Ragnarok-3017587.html?srsltid=AfmBOorhQ3-uZMqM7eIViFQbSYBIcz5otAFbrhK6pxKj9UoBleVhUWBe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tnOYh_jIZ0
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3839790/Granblue_Fantasy_Relink__Endless_Ragnarok_Upgrade_Kit_Standard_Edition/
https://x.com/Borderlands/status/1970609156936868102
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGdFBim7nYY
https://www.konami.com/games/darwins_paradox/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/fromsoftware-owner-reiterates-duskbloods-is-still-coming-this-year-exclusive-to-nintendo-switch-2/
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/01/psa-apex-legends-switch-version-shutting-down-this-august
Diablo 30th Anniversary Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnAsWN-6hvw
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/diablo-2-gets-its-first-new-class-in-25-years-as-diablo-4-director-promises-players-will-freak-out-at-whats-coming/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/valve-confirms-steam-machine-price-and-release-details-have-been-delayed-by-exploding-component-prices/
Valve release date schedule (Valve time): https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Valve_Time
https://www.wondersofsodor.com/gb
https://x.com/cartycinema/status/1880062136766067108?s=20

Ep. 70 - Tomodachi Life has become “Homodachi Life”

Nintendo fulfilled its promise to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life, but they didn’t stop there! Just how queer is the new Nintendo wacky life-sim? We’ve got all the big gay details!
Lloyd joins me for this episode in which we also discuss the first steps into our Celeste journeys, plus the news, and finally a discussion about generative AI in video games.
Headlines include game developers reportedly *maybe* skipping the Game Developer Conference, a bold industry response to the Ubisoft layoffs/restructuring, and Scott Pilgrim EX has a release date.
Please note that our connection was a bit weaker than usual so there is a bit of a delay between some of mine and Lloyd’s discussion. Sorry about that, True Avatars!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:04:06 - What We’ve Been Playing
00:38:18 - News (incl. Tomodachi Life)
01:15:49 - Generative AI in Video Games
 
This episode was recorded on January 30 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Lloyd: https://www.twitch.tv/lloyd_lloydster
 
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_0kl1WiSPg
https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/71317/
https://gamerant.com/gdc-2026-ice-concerns-us-safety-fears-dev-comments/
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gdc-organiser-says-it-hasnt-seen-cancellations-from-overseas-visitors-attendance-tracking-in-line-with-expectations
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-proposes-to-cut-18-of-workforce-at-france-headquarters-as-part-of-major-reset-plan/
https://insider-gaming.com/ubisoft-employee-suspension/
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-it-s-time-for-real-accountability-ubisoft-unions-call-international-strike?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky
https://bsky.app/profile/wario64.bsky.social/post/3mdgfmwvhtf2y
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/01/scott-pilgrim-ex-brings-more-beat-em-up-action-to-switch-in-march
https://www.polygon.com/gaming/604420/scott-pilgrim-ex-new-game-release/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simoncarless_interestingly-pc-video-game-platform-steam-activity-7417944215675908096-OGNg/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/valve-has-significantly-rewritten-steams-rules-for-how-developers-much-disclose-ai-use/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/google-rolls-out-prototype-of-project-genie-an-ai-tool-which-generates-playable-worlds/
https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-and-water-consumption
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/artificial-intelligence-types
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/computer-vision

Ep. 69 - Fable is Strange in 1348

Hosting solo again and covering a big week of queer game reveals: Life is Strange: Reunion, 1348 Ex Voto, and possibly even Fable.
There was a bunch of Mario news (including trans reps in the new movie), Warframe is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 very soon, the PS6 might be delayed, Ubisoft is laying off even more people, and so much more!
 
00:00:00 - Intro and What We’ve Been Playing
00:03:17 - What I’ve Been Playing
00:10:41 - News
 
Mild spoilers for the ending of Life is Strange: Double Exposure
 
This episode was recorded on January 25 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Sources:
https://youtu.be/b2eHeCKYHJc?t=1806
https://www.youtube.com/live/hXn6bvU1Kh4
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fables-evil-landlords-wont-grow-devil-horns-as-reboot-ditches-classic-character-morphing-due-to-a-lack-of-belief-in-objective-arseholery
https://1348exvoto.com/
https://x.com/1348ExVoto/status/2014714742108024903?s=20
https://www.gematsu.com/2026/01/1348-ex-voto-launches-march-12-for-ps5-and-pc-xbox-series-version-canceled
https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-cancels-6-projects-including-prince-of-persia-sands-of-time-remake-closes-2-studios-and-confirms-further-layoffs-in-major-company-restructure
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ubisoft-stockholm/
https://www.reddit.com/r/PS5/comments/1qk6qd6/rumor_sandstoneinsights_analysis_sony_expects_the/?share_id=jwMnzRpiBdD8gCbT0PdXG&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1
https://www.digitalextremes.com/news/january-warframe-devstream-highlights
https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/free-update-for-mario-kart-world-lets-you-race-as-a-team-in-knockout-tour/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVB3hZoOF0A
https://youtu.be/yP5RGz_CRFM
https://x.com/USJ_Official/status/2014203076266348758

Ep. 68 - The Lesbian Plot Twist

Ekamy and I dive into the strange queer game phenomenon: the Lesbian Plot Twist™. Isn’t it a little odd that so many gaymes prefer a mid-game “she’s actually a lesbian” surprise? Spoilers abound (see below).
We also discuss the news (including updates on the Life is Strange 5 and Sims 4 leaks, some queer games are being delisted, layoffs, and anniversaries), what we’ve been playing, and Queer Game of the Week!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:12:06 - What We’ve Been Playing
00:16:40 - News
00:47:37 - The Lesbian Plot Twist
01:23:58 - Queer Game of the Week: Of the Devil
 
SPOILER WARNING: Gone Home, Unpacking, This Bed We Made, The Last of Us Part I - Left Behind DLC, Life is Strange 1, Lock & Key, A Normal Lost Phone, Another Lost Phone, Tacoma
 
This episode was recorded on January 18 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Ekamy: https://www.twitch.tv/ekamy
 
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2eHeCKYHJc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rsi1cN3O48
https://www.ea.com/games/the-sims/the-sims-4/news/the-values-that-shape-the-sims
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-sims-studio-says-its-values-are-unchanged-including-inclusivity-as-eas-saudi-takeover-progresses/
https://x.com/accidentalq/status/1998069196224385420
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/meta-has-closed-several-studios-including-splosion-man-studio-twisted-pixel-and-asgard-wraths-sanzaru-games/
https://aftermath.site/meta-layoffs-camouflaj-batman-arkham-shadow/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-hits-the-division-and-avatar-studio-massive-entertainment-with-layoffs/
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-shuttering-freshly-unionised-halifax-studio-71-jobs-affected
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendos-share-price-has-dropped-33-in-the-last-five-months-in-japan/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4le852wgeo
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-announces-sonic-35th-anniversary-plans-to-celebrate-sonics-legacy/

Ep. 67 - Life is Strange 5 just LEAKED …and Chloe is back?!

I said I wasn’t gonna record a new episode this week, and then the Life is Strange: Reunion leak was just far too juicy to ignore. So I took the opportunity to also cover some older news stories I missed during December.
This week is a little shorter because it’s just me and it’s only the headlines. Other news includes Netflix buying Warner Bros and significantly undervaluing its games division, Fortnite is collaborating with She Who Must Not Be Named to offer Harry Potter cosmetics, more video game adaptations are coming to the big and small screens, and Sims 4 might have a new expansion coming soon.
PLUS, if you somehow missed it, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – remember that indie darling? – got DISQUALIFIED from winning one of its many Game of the Year awards (and that same awards show snubbed most of its queer nominees).
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:05:42 - News
 
SPOILERS for the ending of Life is Strange and mild spoilers for ending of Life is Strange: Double Exposure
 
This episode was recorded on January 10 2026.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Sources:
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-rating-has-leaked-an-unannounced-life-is-strange-sequel-with-strong-language-and-drug-use/
https://www.gematsu.com/2017/09/esrb-rates-grand-theft-auto-liberty-city-stories-vice-city-stories-max-payne-2-midnight-club-3-ps4
https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/s/FiwgBXORSD
https://x.com/NateTheHate2/status/2009691766191165501
https://larian.com/news/divinity-original-sin-2-is-now-available-on-switch-2-ps5-and-xbox-series-x-s_147
https://productionlist.com/filming-may-frederick-e-o-toye-direct-upcoming-series-fallout-season-3-santa-clarita-ca-united-states/
https://www.inverse.com/gaming/fallout-season-2-jonathan-nolan-interview-phil-spencer-xbox
https://screenrant.com/fallout-season-2-filming-wrap-ella-purnell-bts-photo/
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sonic-spinoff-movie-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-live-action-film-2028-release-dates-1236596459/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/helldivers-movie-justin-lin-sony-1236438370/
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/01/toby-fox-shares-development-update-on-deltarune-chapter-5
https://twistedvoxel.com/stardew-valley-shadow-drops-on-switch-2-with-free-upgrade/
https://x.com/concernedape/status/2006079498849247743
https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/2006086790311272546
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/12/fortnite-dragged-for-collaboration-with-jk-rowling-after-canceling-pride-celebration/
https://kotaku.com/netflix-warner-bros-games-batman-harry-potter-deal-2000651695
https://www.indiegameawards.gg/
https://insider-gaming.com/indie-game-awards-disqualifies-clair-obscur-expedition-33-gen-ai/
https://www.reddit.com/r/expedition33/comments/1prr5f6/sandfall_clarifications_about_their_use_of_genai/ (post was removed a day after I double checked it, but the paywalled source from the reddit user is the next URL)
https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-07-19/the-low-cost-creative-revolution-how-technology-is-making-art-accessible-to-everyone.html
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/battlefield-head-infinity-ward-co-founder-and-respawn-ceo-vince-zampella-has-died/
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/01/08/xbox-developer-direct-2026/
https://simstime.net/2026/01/04/confirmado-the-sims-4-legado-realeza-e-a-proxima-expansao/

Ep. 66 - What’s in store for queer gaming in 2026?

Cleo and Lloyd are back, and together we break down all the queer games scheduled for 2026! There’s tons of indies and AAAs, plus a whole bunch of non-queer games we’re excited for too!
But we don’t know everything that’s coming out next year; we also make some bold predictions for games (and where the industry might be heading).
Let’s find out what queer gaming is going to look like in 2026!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:09:23 - Looking Ahead to 2026
 
SPOILERS for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (and the original Tomb Raider)
 
This episode was recorded on December 18 2025.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Cleo: https://www.instagram.com/cleostrophobia/
Lloyd: https://www.twitch.tv/lloyd_lloydster
 
Queer indies highlighted:
Usual June: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2702430/Usual_June/
Interplanetary Love Guide: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3390210/_Interplanetary_love_guide/
Hedgehog’s Dilemma: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3192120/Hedgehogs_Dilemma/
Monster Gal’s Voyage: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3743860/Monster_Gals__Voyage/
BrokenLore: Unfollow: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2133830/BrokenLore_UNFOLLOW/
Steel Century Groove: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1858950/Steel_Century_Groove/
Laugh Track: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3765430/Laugh_Track/
Scarlet Hollow Episode 5: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1609230/Scarlet_Hollow/
Key Fairy: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2878580/Key_Fairy/
Dead in Antares: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2511800/Dead_in_Antares/
Coffee Talk Tokyo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3161220/Coffee_Talk_Tokyo/
The Wide Open Sky is Running Out of Catfish: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3172760/The_Wide_Open_Sky_is_Running_out_of_Catfish/
Lap of the Gods: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3138230/Lap_of_the_Gods_A_Visual_Novel/
Building Relationships: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2666920/Building_Relationships/
Frame of mind: a game of thoughts.: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2515480/Frame_of_Mind__A_game_of_thoughts/
Hungry Horrors: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3048840/Hungry_Horrors/
Find this Pixel Anomaly: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3290400/Find_This_Pixel_Anomaly/
Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2945150/Feline_Forensics_and_the_Meowseum_Mystery/
High Times - Dating/Cooking Sim: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2251220/High_Times__DatingCooking_Sim/
Neo Junk City: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2378230/Neo_Junk_City/
Messy Hearts: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3892820/Messy_Hearts/
Paralives: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1118520/Paralives/
Sucks To Be In The Sticks: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3665100/Sucks_To_Be_In_The_Sticks/
Neverway: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2318330/Neverway/
Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix (technically not indie): https://store.steampowered.com/app/3509140/Fear_Effect_2_Retro_Helix/
IKUMA: The Frozen Compass: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1728620/IKUMA__The_Frozen_Compass/
Scott Pilgrim EX: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2640950/Scott_Pilgrim_EX/
Dosa Divas: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2950710/Dosa_Divas/
Cyber Paradise: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2431790/Cyber_Paradise/
WILL: Follow the Light: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3144860/WILL_Follow_The_Light/
Banned Together: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3551960/Banned_Together/
Love in the Time of Spellphage: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3825300/Love_in_the_Time_of_Spellphage/
Virtue and a Sledgehammer: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3743260/Virtue_and_a_Sledgehammer/
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3256150/Moomintroll_Winters_Warmth/
 
Sources:
https://www.ign.com/articles/after-a-relatively-quiet-the-game-awards-microsoft-says-it-has-a-packed-xbox-developer-direct-coming-in-january-2026
https://bsky.app/profile/anniemay.bsky.social/post/3ma6wi5kfvc2g
https://bsky.app/profile/unburntwitch.com/post/3ma4ozsue5c22
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/hardware-sales-and-physical-game-spending-in-the-us-just-had-the-worst-november-in-30-years/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/global-games-revenue-in-2025-is-expected-to-grow-7-5-compared-to-last-year-analysis-suggests/
https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-18/sony-s-naughty-dog-studio-orders-employee-overtime-on-intergalactic?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc2NjA4NTY0MSwiZXhwIjoxNzY2NjkwNDQxLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUN0hDRFNLR0lGUEUwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.jGluGdyZVa1EEBKJKLlY2aRo0tCwewmOk2TBd_9y2Iw

Ep. 65 - 2025 “Queer” in Review

2025 is almost over and I’ve invited Zoe, Ekamy, and Lloyd on to discuss our favourite moments from the year, as well as the many scandals.
This is also a much more conversational and laid back discussion than most episodes, a kind-of “party” vibe, so join us for a laugh or two!
 
00:00:00 - Intro
00:12:57 - 2025 Year in Review
 
This episode was recorded on December 16 2025.
 
Follow True Avatars:
Official website: https://trueavatarspodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueAvatars
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/trueavatars.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/TrueAvatars
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@trueavatars/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@true.avatars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueavatars/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569951551559
 
Guests:
Zoe: https://bsky.app/profile/zoeleet.bsky.social
Ekamy: https://www.twitch.tv/ekamy
Lloyd: https://www.twitch.tv/lloyd_lloydster
 
Sources:
Pixel art video Zoe mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC-8y2R6IxI
https://x.com/LenteGameDev/status/1991473653771599957?s=20
The many podcasts we recorded throughout this year! :)