When the world’s gone crazy, sometimes you just need your comforts. Check out our latest episode if you’re in need of some of that, too.

The first podcast episode for 2026 is live! This month, Rian and Kris chat about writing habits, current projects and catch each other up on everything we’ve read, watched and played over the course of January. youtu.be/m40lQqCA1xY?...

It’s shaping up to be a great year for sci-fi, and of course I gushed about a ton of it. Does anyone else feel like we’re seeing a sci-fi resurgence? With AI and the state of the world politically, it makes sense. Today’s sci-fi feels smarter, more considered, returning to the heart of it: ideas.

Also been feeling this way. Also considering this. My PS5 mostly gets used to stream to the Steam Deck. Oh the irony. But also… what about GTA6? There’s always that one game, dammit.

Oof. This is one I relate to whole-heartedly. And timely, too, since I just (literally an hour ago) paid a once-off sub to Paramount+ to finally catch up on Discovery S5 and start Starfleet Academy. I felt (and still do) like I was being left out because of my values. Good to know I’m not alone.

No more chonky books for a while tho, k? *side-eyes The Stand and EXODUS*

The Dragon Quest VII Reimagined demo is now available on PS5, Xbox (Play Anywhere), Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch. Save data carries over into the full game: www.rpgsite.net/news/19299-d...

I’ve been looking for a new reading chair. Found this one and thought it gave big walrus vibes. Showed it to my partner and asked what she saw. She immediately yelled, “Jabba the Hutt!” So proud of her.

We took a look back, now it’s time to look forward! There’s nothing quite like a good yearly theme to serve as your North Star. Commence the Year of the Pen and Shovel (I kept the name… hey it’s one I can remember, and that’s half the point).

I read 36 books in 2025, but I also got every ending in The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy so let's say I read 65 books in 2025

Getting married in December is a great way to procrastinate on putting up Christmas decorations.

I refuse to get too hyped for this one until we see more of it, even though it’s directed by Casey Hudson. Been burnt waaaaay too many times in a row now. Game development is just different these days. youtu.be/lAmkl1jL0fo?...

New EXODUS trailer has dropped, and a release date: Early 2027! Kinda got goosebumps watching it. Love the li’l character quips to make something so epic in scope feel more grounded. Hope that’s the vibe in the game, too. youtu.be/_c80LMt_Uxs

Some recent James Baldwin pickups because a) sales and b) there was a very clear gap in my reading and collection (also picked up some Toni Morrison books). Anyone got a favourite out of these? Thinking of reading Notes of a Native Son first for context then jumping into Go Tell It on the Mountain.

Super simple, super awesome solution to a real frustration point for gamers. The Pocket Codex app for retro game guides. I can finally say goodbye to my annoying system of bookmarks. youtu.be/RO7-lkFfrKA?...

I made a thing I have some strong opinions about. I’m not sure @afictionalescapist.bsky.social agrees with me but I guess that’s half the fun? (he says while shaking in his boots because confrontation is scary) 😂 For real though, I think this one is worth talking about. Open to discuss, debate, etc

It's our last episode! We're so grateful to everyone who's listened to us for the past 7 years. We're using this occasion to talk about the state of science fiction and fantasy in the 21st century — and what has shaped the stories we've loved. www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/shownotes/20...

Novembers episode of #genreblenderpodcast was wolf-PACKED! Rian breaks out their interviewing skills to help celebrate the launch of Kris’s debut ALPHA 🐺 Kris delves into writing, world-building, and the journey to becoming a published author. youtu.be/pbIeDxYLgGI?...

This is exactly the kind of pre-release content that makes me stupid with excitement for a game. I love to know the nerdy details and better understand what the developers are paying special attention to. youtu.be/5QhrN4ed2aU

ALPHA is finally out in the wild! A huge thank you to everyone who liked, shared, pre-ordered, ARC read, early reviewed, you name it! This past week has been a blur! I’m extremely grateful 🙏 Happy reading! Welcome to the pack 🐺

I’ll say it plainly: I had more fun talking about this book than reading it. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book at all, or that it wasn’t good, or that it didn’t do its job as a video game tie-in, or… See, this is why the discussion was an hour long. It’s ✨complicated!✨

Anyone else who ordered the Savage Raven FissionGrip for Switch 2 getting their orders cancelled & refunded? Happened twice now with 2 different payment methods and all they could tell me was the system flagged it as a risk and was cancelled automatically. I’m starting to think they’re telling fibs.

I adore that all the comments on youtube are pointing out Owlcat’s audacity at releasing such a thing on N7 Day. (Genuine goosebumps from the music, though!)

I’m not as cynical about this as the rest of the internet appears to be. We got a pretty sizeable chunk of new info here. Let’s say cautiously optimistic is where I’m at.

Rad little interview from @readyaimfire.bsky.social with Jennifer Hale A.K.A. Commander Shepard. Happy N7 Day! youtu.be/MWzCV2NDTN4

Today Kris gets to gush about his dream of running a medieval tavern … with craft beers! youtu.be/zA_gjgTYGOM?...

I had an epiphany while editing this video. Turns out I actually LOVE horror as a genre, I just never considered what I was reading/watching/playing to be horror. Even Mass Effect has horror elements in it (the Reapers are bloody horrific!) Might expand on this thought in a future video.

Guess what Rian finally watched!!!! Tune in to this months episode of Genre Blender to find out. With a new format, we get to delve deeper into everything we’ve read, watched and played over the whole month! As well as delve into noteworthy news that excites us! youtu.be/9UwJCy1k_8s

I guess I gotta find some time to play The Outer Worlds 2, then. The glowing reviews are piling in. I fell off the first one—loved the concept and the humour but it was clunky AF. Seems most of the glaring issues are fixed.

Holy shit! That motherfucker TORE DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE!

My first solo video is out. Might as well start off by admitting something I’m self-conscious about. 😅 Yep, the English lit & creative writing major is scared of big books. It happens! Or maybe I’m supposed to say something like “I overcame Big Book Phobia and so can you with these 5 easy steps!”

🐺 ARC Sign ups are here 🐺 How many lives will be lost for the sake of a non-existent war? How many people will be sacrificed in the name of genetic enhancement? You’ll have to read it to find out! Want to read this early? Check out the link below!

Look, mum, I’m a real YouTuber now! 😂 Our first non-podcast YouTube-only duo video for the channel, with heaps more coming soon.

Iconic artist Drew Struzan, who created the movie posters for Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Back to the Future, has passed away: reactormag.com/drew-struzan...

Watch this space 🐺

Kris has told me about this game on repeat, but I never really got it ‘til this video. Actually, I *still* don’t really get it, but that’s probably a character flaw on my part. 😅

Trying to find a job in video games right now is like crawling through hell: aftermath.site/video-game-rec...

This is the ONLY thing that prevents me from playing Hollow Knight and Silksong. When I try to explain to people that I lack an inbuilt sense of direction, they never really get it. But this is how it manifests. I cannot play these games. I’ve tried. And ultimately, they become very un-fun.

If an overconfident numbskull stacks it in the woods, and nobody is there to witness it, did it actually happen? The gravel graze on my knee says yes, yes it did.

Super fun and nerdy conversation, plus this is the last episode in this format. There’s a li’l announcement at the beginning if you want to know what’s changing (all good things, I promise).

It’s time to get cozy with this weeks episode of Genre Blender as Rian and Kris chat about Tiny Bookshop! This gem of an indie title offers players the chance to give up the hustle and bustle of everyday life to open a book shop in a quaint seaside town. youtu.be/FmV10kcBzv0?...

Anyone else overwhelmed after tonight’s Nintendo Direct? 😅 ‘Spring 2026’ will be packed. The older I get, the more I gotta remind myself that I can’t play everything!

Finally finished this monster of a game. 65-70 hours. Lots of thoughts but they mostly boil down to: GREAT setup, they stuck the landing, but the last few chapters just went on and on and onnnn… Just JRPG things, I guess. 🙃

The Picture of Dorian Gray is jam packed full of heavy and reflective themes about how we as people view art, human nature, decadence, youth and so much more. Genre Blender - Episode 27: Art and Morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray | Book discussion youtu.be/jqHAf0ERRag

Have a howlin’ good time on your birthday, my friend. 🐺🎉

Ruin a book by adding “Tom Clancy’s” to the title. Tom Clancy’s Frankenstein (or the Modern Prometheus)

‘Replaced’ may just be my most anticipated game of 2026. It has better cinematography than many actual, y’know, films. And I say that having watched some demo footage and a trailer. For it to ALSO have RPG style progression & a robust action combat system is just insanity youtu.be/UAV3VdhixLE?...

I love the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck, but there’s just something about having a pocket-sized portable gaming handheld, y’know? Wiped and freshly modded PS Vita 2000. Booted up Persona 4: Dancing All Night to test the thing, and… couldn’t stop playing. 😅

Interested in a sci-fi survival story with elements of Animorphs, Orphan Black and the Hunger Games?!? Now available to add to your Goodreads shelves! Releasing November 20th 🐺

Lost Hellden looks amazing but it’s for Switch 1, not Switch 2!? The most frustrating thing about (the lack of) Switch 2 games is that there’s no comms about upgrades/new versions. If a S2 version is coming later then cool, I’ll wait. No info? Then I’ll just choose a different platform.