Published by Games and Not Games
Janet Garcia and Isaiah Smith talk Games and Not Games every week. The Games section includes topics like what we've been playing, co-op adventures, opinions on the industry etc. and the Not Games section includes lighthearted conversations and debates, events we attend together, movies, shows, and more.
Listen on Apple PodcastsJanet and Isaiah talk about their time so far playing Big Walk, the new prox chat puzzle game by House House. While still pretty early, the gang tries their best to describe what they game is and what makes it so fun WITHOUT giving anything away so that you can experience it for yourself still ( GAMES ). Then they talk about the latest hobby in the house, Pokemon card collecting. What started off as a spur of the moment browse at Anime Expo has turned into the two going to all the local card shops in search of cards featuring art by Yuka Morii for Janet and any cards of the original 151 Pokemon for Isaiah ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 05:17 Games / TKTKTK 42:49 Not Games / TKTKTK 01:31:20 Poll of the Show 01:44:21 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah go over their time playing through Resident Evil 5 together. It’s a replay for Isaiah but a first for Janet so they talk about what they expected, how the game compares to some of the other Resident Evil games, and what’s next for the duo to co-op ( GAMES ). Then they talk about going to Anime Expo 2026! Having gone last year they generally know what to expect (or so they thought), but each year shows it’s going to be a little bit different from the year before. They talk about what changed this year, what panels they managed to attend, and also go over their haul of purchases ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 02:36 Games / Resident Evil 5 55:16 Not Games / Anime Expo 2026 01:43:14 Poll of the Show 01:48:22 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about their time playing Pokemon Pokopia, both together and on their own. Janet played a bit around launch but Isaiah was late to the party, and as you’d expect, Isaiah somehow lapped Janet in hours played. Listen to find out their thoughts on the game so far, what they would like to see improved, and if they think they’ll keep playing long term ( GAMES ). Then the gang talks about going to not one, but TWO FIFA World Cup games! Being fortunate enough to live in LA which was the host to a few games since kickoff, Janet got to live out one of her life long dreams and Isaiah was there for the ride ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 01:08 Games / Pokemon Pokopia 50:58 Not Games / Attending World Cup 2026 Games 01:44:08 Poll of the Show 01:47:22 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah dive into the games, announcements, and demos they got to spend some time with at Summer Game Fest 2026. This year Isaiah was able to join in on the fun and attend so they talk about what going in person is like compared to following online ( GAMES ). Then, Isaiah’s birthday just passed so they talk a bit about what they did for it, how they like to celebrate, and what birthday traditions they follow going forward as a family ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 00:47 Games / TKTKTK 01:49:36 Not Games / TKTKTK 02:20:27 Poll of the Show 02:30:15 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah have an episode all about their habits when it comes to redoing things. First they talk about what games they’ve replayed multiple times, what was the last replay they’ve done, and what modern game they think might become a goto replay for them in the future ( GAMES ). Then they talk about their re-consumption of other media. What books might they reread, what tv shows or movies do they rewatch, and even what places would they like to revisit ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 03:33 Games / History with replaying games 50:41 Not Games / History with consuming media 01:43:03 Poll of the Show 01:51:08 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about Pragmata, the latest sci-fi arcade shooter from Capcom (with a bit of Resident Evil DNA if you ask Isaiah). They also talk about their goal of beating Slay The Spire 2 together playing as the same character and how that journey has been ( GAMES ). Then they talk about travel. Having just came back from Chicago they go over their travel habits, tips, tricks, worst moments, and future goals ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 02:22 Games / Pragmata 28:18 Slay The Spire 2 Twinsies Challenge 49:30 Not Games / Travel Tips and Tricks 01:41:21 Poll of the Show 01:54:42 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about some comfort games they’ve been playing lately. Isaiah relaxing with the “Picross meets Minesweeper” game Proverbs and Janet getting things done with Spirit City: Lofi Sessions ( GAMES ). Then they talk about having sports on in the house, what did they watch growing up, how do they watch games now, and what sports personalities might they try to watch together in the future ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 07:59 Games / Proverbs 32:58 Spirit City - Lofi Sessions 58:56 Not Games / Sports Watching Habits 01:47:48 Poll of the Show 01:56:42 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about going from really disliking a game to eventually liking it, is it something that’s happened to them, and how likely is someone to go through this. They also talk about their time playing NBA The Run as part of the (semi) open playstest, if they liked what they played, how does it compare to NBA Street, and if they’re planning on playing more once it’s finally out ( GAMES ). Then they go through with a segment that they’ve been sitting on for a minute and talk about perspective questions, see where they agree (or disagree), and ultimately learn a bit more about each other in the most silly of ways ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 01:32 Games / From Disliking To Liking Games 39:59 Playtesting "NBA The Run" 48:04 Not Games / Perspective Questions 01:48:21 Poll of the Show 01:54:18 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about what they’ve been playing. Isaiah dives into extraction shooters with Marathon and Janet gets the jump on things revisiting Hollow Knight Silksong’s Act 3 and Pragmata ( GAMES ). Then they talk about wrapping up the Demon Slayer saga in the house. Having now seen the Infinity Castle movie when it returned to theaters, they go over what it was like (re)watching the show, how do they feel about the movie and where it leaves things, and ultimately try to figure out what’s the next anime for Janet ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 01:54 Games / Marathon 26:50 Silksong (Act 3) 41:09 Gaming Organization 51:17 Not Games / Demon Slayer (Spoiler Free) 01:09:29 Janet’s next anime 01:23:08 Demon Slayer Spoilercast 01:52:51 Poll of the Show 01:58:31 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about their time with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest in the survival horror franchise. First going over things spoiler-free then diving into the nitty gritty on what they liked and disliked ( GAMES ). Then they talk about concerts. One loves them, the other not so much, but they go over their history with concerts, what about live music do they like the most, and who they’d still like to see live before it’s too late ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 2:18 Games / Resident Evil Requiem (Spoiler Free) 20:34 Resident Evil Requiem Spoilercast 57:52 Not Games / Concerts and Live Music 02:01:10 Poll of the Show 02:05:17 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about jumping into Slay the Spire 2 now that it’s finally out in early access! They go over their history with the game, what they like about the sequel, what’s new, and how it compares to the first ( GAMES ). Then they talk about how they’re back from their moving break. Packing up your life and moving to another apartment is never easy, but this one really took a lot out of the crew. They go over how the adventure all began and how they feel about their new place now that they’ve had time to settle ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 2:29 Games / Slay the Spire 2 52:02 Not Games / Moving Adventures 01:54:34 Poll of the Show 02:00:48 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about their time playing Love Eternal, a gravity flipping difficult platformer, and God of War Sons of Sparta, a surprise 2D metroidvania entry set in the world of God of War ( GAMES ). Then they talk about going to a Resident Evil x Porsche launch event and their time riding in a very, very expensive and fast car ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 5:03 Games / Love Eternal 26:24 God of War Sons of Sparta 01:04:09 Not Games / Resident Evil Requiem x Porsche 01:30:12 Poll of the Show 01:52:23 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about their recent PC Gaming renaissance happening in the house, what sparked this interest, what games they’ve been playing, and what they think isin store for them in the future ( GAMES ). Then they talk about going to sleep. They’re on a quest to find their ideal bedtime routines to get the best sleep they can and talk about what those routines are, how they try to track their sleep, and what’s left for them to improve on ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 10:01 Games / PC Gaming Renaissance 56:58 Mixtape Preview 01:05:12 Not Games / Quest for Healthier Sleep 01:46:20 Poll of the Show 02:00:15 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah try to figure out what does it mean to be an exceptional game, what does it mean to innovate in a game, and ultimately try to decide if innovation is a requirement for making an exceptionally good game ( GAMES ). Then they talk about their media consumption, how many things they try to consume at once, and what media are they consuming and when ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 03:44 Games / Do exceptional games require innovation? 01:11:34 Not Games / Juggling media consumption 02:10:31 Poll of the Show 02:19:22 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah create a new Backloggd account for Games And Not Games. In doing so they must come together and work out just what their shared Top 5 Favorite Games are ( GAMES ). Then they get into their financial life after being married and talk about what’s new, what’s been added, what’s just a little bit different, and what even is a credit union ( NOT GAMES ). Follow us on Backloggd ! Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 02:55 Games / GANG Top 5 Favorite Games 01:06:12 Not Games / Finances After Marriage 01:40:58 Poll of the Show 02:05:12 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Backloggd: GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about their history and goals with retro gaming. Having just went to a few stores in LA, they go over what they’re currently looking got, when they pull the trigger on a retro game, and when do they reach for… other means… to get their classic games ( GAMES ). Then they bring back a recent format and talk about their “lock-ins” and “leave-its” for the new year, helping each other decide what to bring forward into 2026 and what to ultimately drop ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 02:03 Games / Retro Gaming 58:35 Not Games / 2026 Lock-Ins & Leave-Its 02:01:38 Poll of the Show 02:06:28 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Twitter/X: @GamesAndNot Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah talk about what they’ve been playing during the holiday break and also go over what 2026 games they’re most excited to play ( GAMES ). Then they talk about going snowboarding together, what it was like, their experience with the sport, and if they’ll go again. Finally they talk about Janet finally going to The COSM to see The Matrix in “Shared Reality”, their thoughts on the experience, how does The COSM stack up against other movie-going experiences, and if they think its worth the money and hype ( NOT GAMES ). Poll of the Show: https://gamesandnotgames.com/poll Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 11:36 Games / What we’ve been playing 32:56 Games we’re looking forward to 01:05:27 Not Games / Snowboarding Over New Years 01:28:18 The Matrix @ The COSM 01:46:56 Poll of the Show 01:47:27 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Twitter/X: @GamesAndNot Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
Janet and Isaiah go over the second 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 2025's GANG of the Year! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Opening Ceremonies 02:06 Video Game of the Year 01:07:53 Board Game of the Year 01:26:40 Movie of the Year 01:58:41 Show of the Year 02:20:19 Album of the Year 02:54:58 Experience of the Year 03:19:14 Food of the Year 03:36:25 GANG of the Year 03:46:15 Poll of the Show 03:58:28 Outro Winner Links: Video Game of the Year Board Game of the Year Movie of the Year Show of the Year Album of the Year Experience of the Year Food of the Year 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/X: @GamesAndNot TikTok , Instagram , Threads , BlueSky : @GamesAndNotGames Follow the hosts: Janet: @Gameonysus Isaiah: @IsaiahByDayah
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: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 03:16 Games / TGA Results 09:36 TGA Announcements & Highlights 46:09 TGA Community Poll Results 49:23 2026 Gaming Resolutions 01:13:45 Not Games / End-of-Year Todo Lists 02:03:01 Poll of the Show 02:10:36 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Twitter/X: @GamesAndNot Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev
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: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Catching Up 09:10 Games / The Game Awards 2025 Picks and Predictions 10:24 Most Anticipated Game 12:57 Games for Impact 19:00 Debut Indie Game 21:16 Best Sports/Racing Game 26:09 Best RPG 28:44 Best Independent Game 33:23 Best Family Game 37:08 Best Action/Adventure Game 40:42 Best Action Game 44:45 Best Score & Music 48:14 Best Performance 51:10 Best Narrative 01:00:12 Best Multiplayer 01:08:16 Best Game Direction 01:11:09 Best Audio Design 01:13:38 Best Art Direction 01:19:31 Game of the Year 01:26:46 Not Games / Getting (back) into reading 02:02:36 Poll of the Show 02:06:24 Outro Send your questions and topics to the email address Inbox@GamesAndNotGames.com For more Games And Not Games: YouTube.com/@GamesAndNotGames Twitch.tv/GamesAndNotGames BlueSky: @GamesAndNotGames.com TikTok , Instagram , Threads : @GamesAndNotGames Twitter/X: @GamesAndNot Follow the hosts: Janet: @gameonysus.bsky.social Isaiah: @isaiahsmith.dev