🎮 Unpacking the Power of Gaming: A Conversation with Convince Me Gaming
By Rosabel V. Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Blog
In a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I enjoyed sitting with Ryan White and Darrin, co-hosts of Convince Me Gaming. These two longtime friends brought an incredible mix of passion, humor, and insight as we explored the evolving world of video games—from nostalgic childhood memories to the growing presence of indie developers and the emotional impact gaming can have on our lives.
Why Start a Gaming Podcast?
Ryan and Darrin manage full-time jobs and family life, yet they’ve carved out space to create a podcast centered on their lifelong love for gaming. Their mission? To open people’s eyes to video games' depth, creativity, and emotional power and “convince” others to give them a chance.
As Darrin put it, “We’ve been playing games our whole lives, but only recently has it become socially acceptable. We want to share that joy and passion with others, especially those who may not consider themselves gamers.”
The Netflix of Gaming: Xbox Game Pass
One interesting topic weiscussed was Xbox Game Pass, which Ryan described as “Netflix for games.” With this subscription service, players get access to a library of downloadable games—,, manyf which are from smaller studios that otherwise wouldn’t grreceive widespreadttention.
“It removes the financial barrier,” Ryan explained. “You're more likely to try something new when you don’t have to spend $70 upfront.”
From creative indie gems to massive titles, Game Pass encourages exploration and has introduced players to unforgettable experiences like Lies of P. This dark and challenging game exceeded all expectations.
What Makes a Game Stand Out?
Asking lifelong gamers what makes a game special is like asking a writer what makes a book suitable—it’s layered. For Ryan and Darrin, it comes down to:
- 🎵 Music & Sound Design: A powerful soundtrack creates deep emotional resonance. “We’ve had entire episodes about game music,” said Darrin.
- 🕹️ Gameplay Style: Whether you love single-player immersion or multiplayer fun, the variety of experiences matters.
- 🎨 Art & Design: From hyper-realistic graphics to whimsical animation, visual style sets the tone.
- 🎠Storytelling: Great games don’t just entertain—they move you. Ryan shared how the ending of Kingdom Hearts brought him to tears at age 12—and still does.
Gaming as Emotional Catharsis
Games are more than a hobby. For many, they’re a source of emotional support and healing. Darrin spoke about how The Witcher 3 helped him through a tough breakup and the stress of grad school. I shared how Candy Crush helped me decompress during my early nursing days—and even helped my 80-year-old friend stay sharp and engaged.
“Gaming is for everyone,” Ryan emphasized. “It doesn’t have to be violent or competitive. It can be calm, cozy, and healing.”
The Beauty of Indie Games
One of the most refreshing parts of our conversation was exploring the world of indie game developers. Unlike large studios driven by profits, indie devs often create games purely out of love for the craft. With limited resources, they still produce some of the most innovative and heartfelt experiences.
“These are passion projects,” Darrin said. “It’s not about chasing money—it’s about expressing creativity and sharing a vision.”
Their recommendation for beginners? Unpacking—a peaceful game where you simply unpack a woman’s belongings through different stages of her life. No stress, no timer—just storytelling through everyday objects.
Gaming Builds Community
Beyond the screens and storylines, Ryan and Darrin shared how games have helped build lasting relationships. They’ve been friends for over 2twenty years, and their inside jokes, memories, and shared passions are rooted in gaming. Darrin even formed friendships through online gaming communities—, ome of which led to real-life weddings and travel.
Gaming, they emphasized, is more than a pastime. It’s a platform for connection, growth, and healing.
🎧 What’s Next for Convince Me Gaming?
Ryan and Darrin have big plans for future episodes, including:
- Convince Me to Go Back – Revisiting older games they missed as kids.
- Nostalgia Episodes – Revisiting childhood favorites to see if they still hold up.
- Convince Me Versus – A friendly showdown where each host plays a game and tries to convince a guest to choose theirs. (I may be a future guest—stay tuned!)
Final Thoughts: Everyone Deserves a Voice (and a Controller)
As someone who once thought she wasn’t a “gamer,” I came away from this conversation inspired. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters, emotional RPGs, or cozy puzzle games like Candy Crush, there’s space for everyone in the gaming world.
Reflecting on this episode, I’m reminded of the power of unscripted connection, the beauty of doing what you love, and the creativity that blooms when no one’s telling you what to say or create.
So go ahead—pick up that controller, download that game, or enjoy the stories told through pixels and soundtracks. You might be surprised at the emotional journey waiting for you.
🎙️ You can find Ryan and Darrin on Spotify at Convince Me Gaming, Instagram, and YouTube under Convince Me Media.
💬 Did this episode inspire you to try a new game? Share your thoughts in the comments below—and don’t forget to subscribe to Life Unscripted for more conversations that explore every corner of the human experience.
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