How do video game adaptations shape our identities and serve as modern-day myths? Join Dr. Gameology and Jenny LeBron on the Gaming Persona Podcast as we unravel the impact of gaming on who we become. This episode kicks off with updates from our recent gaming escapades. Jenny dives deep into her thrilling adventures with "Legends of Runeterra" and her newfound obsession with the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" book series. Meanwhile, I’m bubbling over with excitement about completing "Final Fan...

Life's a game, and we're all players—sometimes leveling up, sometimes facing the final boss in the form of daily challenges. That's the essence we're exploring today, as I recount the rollercoaster of moving into a new home, creating a sanctuary for my gaming passion, and grappling with the bittersweet symphony of Final Fantasy VII's legacy and its rebirth. Meanwhile, Jenny LeBron pulls back the curtain on her own saga, tackling the consistency of Legends of Runeterra amidst navigating the tu...

Ever wondered how the virtual worlds we immerse ourselves in can shape our minds and behaviors? Join us this as week while we navigate the labyrinthine connections between psychology and gaming. We're returning from a hiatus with renewed vigor, and despite a few production snags, we're here to unpack the psychological intricacies that make MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV a phenomenon for all types of players. From crafting die-hards to PvP enthusiasts, we dissect what makes these gaming...

Discover the profound legacy of Final Fantasy VII as we journey into the heart of its groundbreaking narrative and innovations that shaped the gaming industry. This week on the Gaming Persona podcast, we dissect the complex themes and emotional depth of a game that goes beyond entertainment, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the psychological intricacies that make Cloud Strife an unforgettable protagonist. With nostalgia and new perspectives, we connect the dots between...

This week, we're uncovering the layers of Final Fantasy, the iconic gaming series, revealing not just its influence on the industry but also its psychological tapestry that weaves into the fabric of our daily lives.  Navigating the rich history of Japanese RPGs, we stroll down memory lane with Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, reminiscing about their classic mechanics and the evolution of their narratives. These games didn't just entertain; they provided a framework for personal growth and...

The loss of a pet can pierce the heart with a sorrow as deep and raw as any we experience in our lives. Today, we dedicate our heartfelt episode to Gene's cat, Illyria, and embark on an emotional exploration of the profound connections we forge with our video game pets. We open up about our own experiences of pet loss, sharing those vulnerable moments that remind us of the joy and sorrow our animal companions bring into our lives, both in reality and within the pixelated worlds we...

This episode is a heartfelt journey through personal updates and gaming triumphs, as we review our "gaming persona" for a candid review of 2023. We're thanking listeners and Patreon supporters like you for your incredible support, and we're thrilled to reinvest that back into the podcast, bringing you richer and more engaging content.  It's been a year sprinkled with memories like confetti at PAX East, hands-on time with promising titles like Baldur's Gate III, and our amazing experiences at...

Ever grappled with your conscience during a game? This episode sees Gene and Doc recounting our latest gaming escapades, from the moral crossroads of "Abomination" to the celebrated "Baldur's Gate 3." Discover how board games can make you question your values and witness the transformation of a video game from its humble beginnings to a Game of the Year phenomenon. We share tales from the trenches of "Baldur's Gate," reminiscing about our D&D-inspired adventures, and discuss how these...

When the world of gaming collides with the delicate dance of relationships, where do you stand? That's the question Jenny Lebron and Dr. Gameology tackle as we dissect the "Me or the PS5" trend sweeping through TikTok in 2023. This episode isn't just about the memes; it's an eye-opener on how gaming fits into our lives and relationships. We'll share personal stories that resonate with anyone trying to juggle a love for gaming with the demands of a bustling life. Through the lens of Jenny's...

Is violence in video games, especially Call of Duty, instigating aggression in real life? Your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong unwrap this age-old debate in an absolutely thrilling episode of The Gaming Persona podcast. We'll be sharing our personal encounters with not just Call of Duty, but also our gaming adventures with Alan Wake 2 and Final Fantasy 14.  Have you ever wondered about the evolution of Call of Duty over the last two decades? It's time to satisfy your...

The magic number is three, as we explore the significance of threes in the gaming universe! Join us, your hosts Dr. Gameology, Jenny Lebron, and Gene Wong, as we mark our triumphant third anniversary with a vibrant discussion about our gaming journeys, the power of the number three in video games, and our top picks for the third installments in popular game series. From Janie’s passion for the board games Carcassonne and Dominion, to our shared experiences with Magic: The Gathering, we...

Are you ready to venture into the hero's journey of the modern gamer? This week, Dr. Gameology is joined by both cohosts, Jenny Lebron and Gene Wong, as they navigate through the exhilarating world of gaming. We tackle the fascinating role of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences and the concept of decision fatigue in gaming. Not forgetting a riveting tour of the Dungeons and Dragons realm and the latest gaming trends.  Ever pondered over the thrilling world of competitive gaming and...

Picture this: you're playing a classic video game on your new console, the familiar worlds and characters rendered in stunning modern graphics, the original gameplay intact. But how do these old games come to life in our modern systems? Robin Lavallée, CEO of Implicit Conversions, takes us behind the scenes of game preservation and porting in this episode. With experiences spanning from the PSP to Ubisoft, Robin's gaming wisdom is as broad as it is deep. Think back to your favorite old...

Ready for an adventure through the digital realms of video games with a psychological twist? Join us as we unveil the concept of the Shadow Self lurking in our favorite games, and we promise it won't be your typical podcast episode. We're bringing our personal experiences to the table, with Jenny sharing how she navigated the terrors of Dead by Daylight and Final Fantasy 14, and Gene revealing his battles in Silent Hill and Resident Evil 4. We're not just talking games here, but the hero's...

Strap on your headsets and grab your controllers, we're venturing into the fascinating realm of gamer sleep cycles! Have you ever wondered why we gamers are stereotypically associated with late-night marathons? Or how that impacts our brain's reward system? This week, we're turning off our screens and delving into this intriguing subject, sharing personal gaming updates and the hilarious excuses we make to keep gaming—no matter what. We channel our inner scientists, exploring the latest...

Uncover the extraordinary influence of video games on our lives, relationships, and even our culture with Stanley Pierre-Louis, CEO and President of the Entertainment Software Association. Stanley brings us exclusive insights from the ESA’s 2023 report, revealing fascinating data on video gaming trends and their impact on business and entertainment. With a staggering 65% of people immersed in games, we delve into the expanding role of video games in our daily lives, the plethora of gaming...

Can your gaming experience be affected by your personal insecurities? Have you ever pondered the psychological implications behind your in-game choices? This episode addresses the impact of perfectionism and imposter syndrome on gamers, probing deep psychological layers of personal quests, from the gallant worlds of Magic the Gathering to the intricate narratives of Final Fantasy 16. We'll journey through the mental undercurrents that shape each player's decision, such as class selection,...

Brace yourselves for another thrilling journey into the world of gaming as Jenny, Gene, and Dr. Gameology make a grand return to The Gaming Persona! We spill the beans on our latest escapades - Jenny's transition to a new home, exhilarating gaming sessions, mastering Lord of the Rings, Magic the Gathering, and the Alien board game. Not to mention the gripping gameplay of Final Fantasy 16. Gene gives the lowdown on the gaming mechanics and how the real thrill starts with the new game plus -...

Ever wondered how our gaming memories can influence our lifespan? Tune in as we take you on a journey through the riveting world of video games. We discuss our recent encounters like Overwatch 2, Legends of Runeterra, Darkest Dungeon 2, and Diablo 4, and ponder the crucial factors of a successful game experience. Reflecting on our gaming memories, we share how nostalgia can significantly impact a game’s longevity. Get ready to explore the profound influence video games exert on our lives. We...

Why don't games work when we're most excited to play them, and how do gaming communities recover from this disappointment? Those are the burning questions we tackle in this week's Gaming Persona podcast, where we share our experiences with the latest Lord of the Rings game, Gollum, and reminisce about the nostalgic 90's X-Wings from the book series and Nintendo 64 game, Rogue Squadron. We don't just stop there, as we reflect on the impact of the zeitgeist, exploring how popular media like...

This week, we're discussing the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We'll be taking a deep dive into Hyrule and what we expect for this new edition of the BotW formula.  Plus, we'll hear from Dr. Gameology about what it was like to restart playing both BotW and FFXIV games at the same time. Join us this week as we discuss the worlds of Hyrule versus Eorzea with The Gaming Persona! The Gaming BlenderEver wanted to design a video game?Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify ...

The latest episode of The Gaming Persona will discuss the positive mental health experience of playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We'll be talking about how this game encourages players to explore a wide-open world full of surprises and secrets, to take time away from the pressure of a linear narrative, and to appreciate the beauty and tranquility found in nature. We’ll also look at how the game's calming soundtrack helps to create a peaceful atmosphere for players to explore...

This week, we talk about the basic concepts which form Self-Determination Theory and apply them to video games. Motivation, competence, belonging, autonomy, mastery. What do video games do for you? Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon! Follow me on Twitch! Come hangout at the next Livestream to talk gaming psych and mental health! For more info, check out...

This week, Dr. Gameology and crew return to the recording studio to talk about any random thing that comes to their mind.  They go everywhere from Star Wars to Resident Evil, and end up some how on Space Mountain. Come listen to the chaos and support the show! The Gaming BlenderEver wanted to design a video game?Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now...