High and Mighty Podcast
Episode 492: Video Games (w/ Jake Rockatansky)
Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 492 of the High and Mighty podcast, hosted by John Gabris from Headgum, the spotlight shines on the immersive world of video games. Joining John is guest Jake Rockatansky, a seasoned podcaster and gaming enthusiast. Together, they delve deep into the multifaceted relationship between gaming, personal development, and mental well-being.

1. From Movies to Video Games: A Shift in Perspective

John and Jake kick off the conversation by exploring their experiences with movies, particularly how their appreciation evolved from childhood enjoyment to adult analysis.

• John's Insight:
  "There's a scene in Ghostbusters Afterlife where the kids get Egon's proton pack out of the basement. I'm wrestling between the kid who loves Ghostbusters and the guy who's been in Hollywood for forever... and that's hard to turn off."
  (Timestamp: 03:07)

• Jake's Reflection:
  "I didn't hate that one. I enjoyed that for a while and then got kind of tired of that territory."
  (Timestamp: 05:09)

This segment underscores the transition from a simple appreciation of films to a more analytical stance, highlighting the challenges of maintaining childlike wonder while engaging with content critically.

2. The Enduring Allure of Video Games

Transitioning seamlessly, the hosts shift focus to video games, discussing their long-term engagement and the personal significance games hold in their lives.

• Jake on Gaming Longevity:
  "From the age of like 10 until now, over three decades, I've been playing video games as a large chunk of my time in my life."
  (Timestamp: 07:02)

• John's Nostalgia:
  "My dad was a gamer; he was very into simulators. I have memories of trying to fall asleep and my dad booting up the computer to play games like F18 Hornet."
  (Timestamp: 07:43)

Both hosts recount their early introductions to gaming, emphasizing how lasting these experiences have been, shaping their hobbies and personal interests.

3. Video Games as a Tool for Mental Resilience

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how video games contribute to mental health and resilience.

• John on Persistence in Gaming and Life:
  "I've talked with my therapist about the persistence certain video games teach you and how it applies in the real world... like, 'You can't give up on this level.'"
  (Timestamp: 10:01)

• Jake's Coping Mechanism:
  "Video games have taught me that losing doesn't really matter. I'm only successful because I am still here."
  (Timestamp: 10:20)

They draw parallels between overcoming challenges in games and facing real-life adversities, highlighting gaming as a practice ground for building perseverance and problem-solving skills.

4. Building Routines and Combatting Anxiety Through Gaming

John and Jake elaborate on how gaming helps them establish routines and manage anxiety.

• Jake on Creating Systems:
  "Video games have taught me to create routines so that it's not as scary the next time."
  (Timestamp: 14:47)

• John's Therapeutic Routine:
  "Creating routines in gaming helps in real life to make decisions without feeling like an 11-year-old kid playing Sega Genesis."
  (Timestamp: 18:29)

This segment highlights the therapeutic benefits of gaming, where structured playtime fosters stability and reduces anxiety.

5. Personal Gaming Experiences and Favorite Titles

The hosts share anecdotes about their favorite games and memorable gaming moments, showcasing the diverse genres and personal connections they have with various titles.

• Jake's Favorite Game - Elden Ring:
  "Elden Ring scratches the perfect itch where I don't have to put too much thought into it, but it feels deep and engaging."
  (Timestamp: 46:24)

• John's Engagement with Baldur's Gate 3:
  "I played it out of curiosity and found the storytelling so compelling that I dove deep into the game."
  (Timestamp: 77:00)

They discuss titles ranging from role-playing games like Baldur's Gate 3 to action-packed adventures like Elden Ring, emphasizing how each game offers unique experiences that resonate with different aspects of their personalities and life stages.

6. The Social Aspect of Gaming and Community Building

John and Jake explore the social dimensions of gaming, including multiplayer experiences and the formation of gaming communities.

• Jake on Multiplayer Dynamics:
  "Playing with friends in games like World of Warcraft or Starcraft 2 creates a bond similar to any group activity."
  (Timestamp: 42:31)

• John on Streaming and Community Interaction:
  "Streaming games allows for a different kind of interaction where you're not just playing but also performing and engaging with an audience."
  (Timestamp: 37:00)

They highlight how multiplayer games foster teamwork and camaraderie, while streaming platforms like Twitch offer new avenues for social engagement and community interaction.

7. Reflections on Gaming Evolution and Future Aspirations

Towards the end of the main conversation, the hosts reflect on how gaming has evolved over their lifetimes and express aspirations for future involvement in game development.

• John on Game Development Ideas:
  "I want to create a zombie survival game that uses cloud computing to map a country-scale environment, allowing for emergent gameplay and deep storytelling."
  (Timestamp: 80:46)

• Jake's Enthusiasm for Collaborative Projects:
  "Let's start a game studio together. High and Mighty Games could bring our unique insights into game design."
  (Timestamp: 83:45)

This visionary segment underscores their passion for gaming and a desire to contribute creatively to the industry, blending their experiences and insights into potential future projects.

Conclusion

Episode 492 of High and Mighty offers a compelling exploration of video games beyond mere entertainment. Through heartfelt discussions, John Gabris and Jake Rockatansky illuminate how gaming intersects with personal growth, mental health, and community building. Their shared experiences and reflections provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the profound impact video games can have on one's life.

Notable Quotes:

• John Gabris:
  "Elden Ring is a game where when I start to die a lot, I start to die a lot, I go like, suck. You suck at this."
  (Timestamp: 11:05)

• Jake Rockatansky:
  "Video games have taught me that losing doesn't really matter. I'm only successful because I am still here."
  (Timestamp: 10:20)

• John Gabris:
  "Sometimes you talk to a friend who's been through it before, you've reached out for help and maybe you've read advice from strangers on the internet. It's not all that different from the kind of thinking that you have to do to try to move forward in life."
  (Timestamp: 13:01)

• Jake Rockatansky:
  "Video games have taught me to create routines so that it's not as scary the next time."
  (Timestamp: 14:47)

• John Gabris:
  "Making decisions that make me happy heals it for my dad in a way."
  (Timestamp: 66:14)

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode, highlighting the therapeutic and transformative power of video games in the hosts' lives.