229: The Beginner's Guide (with Matt aka Stormageddon - "Fun" and Games, Reignite)

Update 10/1/2026 Several references were made in this podcast to YouTuber and critic Jacob Geller and his work. This podcast was released before his sexual assualt on another person was brought to light. Matt and I condemn these actions, and our hearts go out to the victim and everybody else who had traumatic memories brought up to the surface by the news. -Dave

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After the breakout success of The Stanley Parable, Davey Wreden's next game is a bit darker and a lot more personal. The Beginner's Guide (Everything Unlimited Ltd, 2015) examines a lot of things, but at the forefront is the relationships we have with others and some complex and slippery situations that can arise. To say more would be to start spoiling things, but luckily we have a discussion longer than the game itself. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!

Guest info: Matt aka Stormageddon (they/them)

Listen to "Fun" and Games https://funandgamespod.com/

Listen to Reignite https://reignitepod.libsyn.com/

Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/djstormageddon.com

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Title Card

0:16 Introductions

4:38 Our Histories with Davey Wreden's Games

9:49 Top-Level Thoughts

13:38 Story and Game Setup

19:53 Narration and Thematic Overview

24:42 Who Should Play?

31:53 "Fun" and Games and Reignite

37:36 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous

39:51 Spoilers- Davey & Coda

58:53 Spoilers- Thematic Exploration

1:31:24 Spoilers- More Thematic Exploration

1:52:51 Spoilers- Ending

Music used in the episode is credited to Ryan Roth. Tracks used: Vertibrae, The Whisper Machine, Stars, D.S. Al Coda, Escape from This Place

Check out Dave on Super Pod Saga talking about some great games you can get for under $5 full price- https://superpodsaga.com/episodes/5-buck-bangers-downwell

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures Support Tales from the Backlog