Noclip Crewcast Noclip's 2025 GOTYs - Episode 3: The Category Awards (2/2)
Jan 18, 2026
The hosts debate the best Steam Deck game and share personal stories about portable gaming. They passionately discuss favorite original characters, awarding Nate from Baby Steps for his awkward charm. The panel unanimously calls out generative AI as the worst trend affecting gaming. From intense difficulty to award-winning soundtracks, they highlight top contenders for various categories. A lively discussion on games that would shine in multiplayer or single-player rounds out the conversation, alongside reflections on gaming titles that will age well or poorly.
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Episode notes
Soundtracks Become 2025's Curated Playlist
- Music choices often define a game's emotional identity and cross into stand-alone playlists.
- Several 2025 soundtracks (Look Outside, Sektori, Expedition 33, Luminous Arise) earned repeat listening outside gameplay.
Game Pass Helped Rematch Find An Audience
- Frank used Game Pass to discover Rematch, a football game he wouldn't have bought otherwise.
- Access via subscription amplified its player base and made lobbies lively at launch.
Podcast Games Need Low-Attention, Repeatable Play
- 'Podcast games' work when gameplay needs low audio attention and supports background listening.
- Battlefield 6, Ball Pit, and some Souls runs fit this role for different reasons.