Player One
Society & Culture
About
Delving into all things gaming in and around Naarm/Melbourne. From the latest hits and under-the-radar indies to tabletop roleplaying games and LARP, Player One is the show for every gamer.Player One is a SYN Media Podcast.
Episodes
- Can We Speak To Your Manager?
Join Phil, Tom, Marko and Light as they discuss some anticipated games, what makes a good rhythm game, and Tom's love for Just Dance. Tune in to find out why we're talking about the woman we're all afraid of - Karen - and internet culture…
- Happy Easter! Time For Easter Eggs & "Bunnies"
Happy Easter from Player One! Tune in to hear Harrison, Phil, Marko & Light discuss their favourite easter eggs - spoiler: they're not chocolate! Listen to Harrison's rollercoaster of emotions during this week's quiz because of a single ru…
- A Monetary Shift In Video Games
Join Player One this week where Harrison, Marko, Rav & Tom discuss the implications and effects of Epic Games layoffs, Playstation price increases and the push of digital ownership. Listen this week to find out Yoshi's real name - Yes, Yos…
- Industry Power Moves & A.I. in Games
Light, Marko and Tom are in-studio this week talking about recent launches, game industry stability and game developer & audience perceptions on generative A.I. in the games. Tune in to also hear their most anticipated games and updates in…
- Radio Package: The TGXperience
Player One is back at The Game Expo Melbourne at the MCEC! Phil talked to some attendees and creators and created a package that highlights people’s hype for TGX and hopes for Australia’s indie game scene. See omnystudio.com/li…
- Who's that Pokemon? It's Player One, all about Gen 10!
The recent Pokemon Presents has got the Player One hosts feral for the new announcement of Generation 10 - Winds & Waves. With the evolution of Pokemon games, we discuss how games have veered towards open world and how we feel about them.…
- Tom Lefroy Joins The Party!
We're back with another new host, Tom! Phil, Rav, Marko and Tom get to know each other and discourse about physical media preservation and whether or not we're blinded by nostalgia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- State of Play & Switch 2 Hopes
This week Harrison, Phil & Light discuss the first big games announcement of 2026 - the State of Play and what games they're excited for! We also delve into a big gaming question - do we own anything entertainment-related anymore? See omny…
- A New Year Of Player One!
Harrison and Rav of Player One welcomes new presenters: Light and Marko, and makes predictions for gaming in 2026! Tune in as we talk about the end of 2025, what's to come, and Harrison's quiz tradition that hazes the new hosts. See omnyst…
- PAX Student Showcases and a GTA VI delay
We're back with more from PAX Aus! Phil spoke to the students presenting their games at the convention to hear from the up-and-coming game developers across Australia. We also discuss what we've been playing and the latest delay to hit&nbs…
- Player One is going to PAX AUS!
In this episode Darcy and Hugo reminisce on flash games of old and finally discuss the recent State of Play. Not to mention player one is heading to pax so Darcy gives the audience and Hugo a rundown of what to expect for his first time &n…
- Console debates and Pokémon traits
What do Pokémon and the console wars have in common? they both have generations. With announcement of a Snake Eater Remake, Darcy and Hugo discuss there thoughts on how video games have changed over the years Make sure to share the…
- IT'S HUGO'S BIRTHDAY
Listen to find out Hugo's favourite cake and what games he cant put down. Hugo and Phill also discuss the announcements from Gamescom and what they're are excited for, particularly the horror announcements. Make sure to share the sho…
- Indie Gaming (feat. Indieformer)
This week Hugo and Phil dive into all things indie games! They talk local gems, their favourite hits, and are joined by Josh from Indieformer, the Melbourne-based guide for indie gaming - check it out at indieformer.com ! Make sure to shar…
- Darcy's Last-minute Extravaganza
Darcy and special guest Maddie discuss Five Nights at Freddy's, Mobile Games and controversial takes on The Last of Us season 2! Make sure to share the show around and get in touch with us on Instagram @PlayerOneSYN You can listen to Playe…
- The reboots episode
We're back with a new logo! And just in time, we're talking about reboots - games we'd like to see a comeback from. We also chat a bit about the past of the Nintendo Switch and the future of Super Smash Bros. Make sure to share the show ar…
- Game jams and making choices
This week, Darcy and Phil are talking game jams, handheld games, and tough choices in games. They also prepare for The Game Expo 2025 - stay tuned for our coverage of the convention! Make sure to share the show around and get in touch with…
- Death Stranding 2: Quokka on the Beach
This week Phil reflects on Australian animals that have made their way into the gaming world, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach featuring the ever lovable quokka. Make sure to share the show around and get in touch with us o…
- Pokemon presentations and giving games a chance
A new Pokemon game is on the way! Darcy and Phil unpack the recent Pokemon Presents, giving their thoughts on Pokemon Legends Z-A . They also talk local events, gaming adaptations, and games they wish were given a chance. Make sure to shar…
- Meet the team behind a monstrous new dating sim
Phil and Zack were joined on this week's show by Haydon Bakker, the technical designer at the Melbourne-based indie studio, Ghost Moth. Ghost Moth recently released their puzzle dating simulator, Matchmaker: Dungeon Heart , which Phi…
- Holiday Gaming and the State of Play
This week we had a State of Play showcasing a whole bunch of new games, including the new direction for the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise and a brand new Sonic racing game. The team unpacks their favourite announcements, as well as cha…
- Co-op games and PC ports
This week Zack, Darcy, and Harrison talk co-op games you can play with that special someone in your life (or your friends, that also works). We also discuss the Multiversus shutdown, ACMI's upcoming gaming exhibits, the Magic the Gathering…
- Player One's Games of the Year 2024
It's the grand finale! The Player One team are talking about the best games they played in 2024. It was an incredible year for games, with plenty of high-octane action, mysterious worlds, devious puzzles and multiplayer thrills to go aroun…
- Great Games (With a Wizard)
This week Zack is joined by a mysterious, Harrison-sounding Wizard! The wizard peeks into their crystal ball as the two cast their guesses for The Game Award nominees and argue about the award show indie curse. The pair also look back on G…
- The Best Worst Switch Prediction
Zack and Harrison look into their crystal ball and attempt to predict what the Switch 2 could (or maybe should...) look like and trust me, this one's a doozy! The duo also talk Pokemon's new online TCG, the year in gaming TV shows, and som…
- Dungeons & Dragons & Disappointment
This week Zack, Rav and Harrison get nerdy with some Dungeons and Dragons talk as they unpack the latest edition/revision/update/whatever the new DnD book is supposed to be. We also hear from Aussie streamer JustShads_ about games streamin…
- Our favourite games from PAX Aus 2024
We've had a very busy weekend at PAX Aus 2024, watching, talking about, and of course playing plenty of games on the showroom floor. Zack and Harrison unpack the event, from their general thoughts to their favourite games. We also hear fro…
- Gaming Communities and PAX Preparation
This week Bianca, Darcy and Rav get on board the hype train for PAX Aus 2024! The team talk best community games, video game adaptations, and of course what they're keen to see and do at the convention. We'll be on the scene at PAX so we'r…
- Here's what's happening this Melbourne International Games Week!
Melbourne International Games Week kicks off this week with plenty of events for all sorts of gamers. Tune in to hear the low-down on what you can expect this week! You can also find the full program here . We also hear from Martin Stradli…
- Card Games and Queer Games
We're back from our season break with a whole lot of gaming news! Tune in to hear our thoughts on the PS5 Pro (hint: it's not good), find out what games we've been playing, and catch our chats with some very special guests! We were joined…
- Will Shadow the Hedgehog Wield a Gun?
It's the final show of season 3, and we've been blessed with not one, but two video game movie trailers! Zack and Darcy talk about why the Minecraft movie looks... unpleasant, but at least Sonic the Hedgehog 3 looks good! The team also tal…
- Gamescom 2024 and Melbourne International Games Week
Lots to cover this week as Zack and Darcy tackle the wonderful slew of announcements from Gamescom 2024 and dive into the Melbourne International Games Week program! MIGW is running 3-13 October with so many events, from theatre shows to p…
- Are the Series X and PS5 disappointing?
This week Zack, Darcy, and Bianca go through some hefty news, with studio acquisitions and ongoing legal feuds across the gaming landscape. In The Playlist, Zack gets back on the metroidvania train with Dead Cells while Bianca goes over a…
- Mods, Crossplay, and Rose-Coloured Glasses
Rav and Darcy take over this week! In news, we've got a new gaming festival launching in Australia, as well as the closure of an iconic gaming magazine. The team also talk what they've been playing this week - Darcy embraces teenage angst…
- Asymmetric Multiplayer and Our Favourite NPCs
We've got a hefty bit of news in this show, with video game actors going on strike and the closure of the iconic X-Box 360 store. We also catch up with Rav, Darcy and Zack to find out what they've been playing, before jumping into asymmetr…
- The Worst of the Best and Hate Playing Games
This week is all about the best of the worst and the worst of the best. Join Jack, Darcy and Rav as they talk hate-playing games, the ups and downs of battle-passes, and the worst levels in the best games. Games discussed: Gotham Knights,…
- We're Very Professional Trust Me
Kicking off season 3, Rav, Darcy and Jack talk going pro in gaming - E=sports and speedrunning! The team also go through their gaming backlogs, talk what they've been playing, and test each other's knowledge. Games discussed: Overwatch 2,…
- Couch Co-op and the Best DLCs
It's the season 2 finale! Join Jack, Darcy, Rav and Zack as they dive into the world of couch co-op, figure out why superhero games always get the best DLC, and of course get mad at each other during the quiz! Games discussed: Minecraft, H…
- 24 Hour Marathon Special!
As part of our annual radiothon, SYN's general manager (and 2019 Player One host) Ruby jumped in the studio for a whole 24 hours! Zack and Jack joined her for 2 of those hours to look back on the year so far, confess their gaming sins, and…
- Voice Acting with Guy Cunningham
Zack, Darcy, Jack and Rav were joined by Guy Cunningham, voice actor of Warframe 's Ticker and Head of Gaming with Bigmouth Voices. Listen to hear Guy's guide to getting started with voice over and voice acting as well as some industry ins…
- Console Exclusivity and Gaming Let Downs
Zack, Darcy and Jack discuss the ups and downs of console exclusivity after Sony's release of Ghost of Tsushima on PC. They also talk about their most wanted gaming adaptations, the biggest let-downs in games and of course all the games th…
- Crossover Games and Formative Experiences
This episode, Darcy, Jack and Jesse talk the best in the crossover game business. They also discuss the games that changed them and of course end with a heated quiz! Games discussed include: Batman Arkham VR2, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Wa…
- New Challengers Approach!
Zack and Rav are joined by some new faces! Meet new hosts, discover new games and have a few laughs right here on Player One! Games discussed include: Paradise Killer, Call of Cthulhu, Dead Island 2, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,…
- A Trip to ParaDICE
Zack and Rav roll dice and talk about video games! Zack discusses the highs of Hi-Fi Rush and the mysterious Paradise Killer while Rav tries out a stylish action roguelike with peak character design. Games discussed this week: Hi-Fi Rush,…
- BYTES: Interview with Exit from Made in Brazil
We spoke to counter-strike player Exit at Dreamhack Melbourne. A member of Brazilian e-sports team MIBR, Exit told us about his history with the game and what it took to become a professional competitor. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…
- Character Studies
This week Zack and Rav are talking all about characters! The team spoke about BAFTA's (frankly baffling) list of the 20 most iconic video game characters, quizzed each other on the who's who of gaming, and gave a little retrospective on th…
- Balatro is the Most Addictive Rogue-like Ever Made
This week we've been busy catching up on old favourites and discovering some new ones on the way. Ravindu talks about finally jumping into Inscryption while Zack becomes completely consumed by Balatro - check out his review here We also he…
- Frog Detectives and Lamb Cults
This week Ravindu went local with Frog Detective 2: Curse of the Invisible Wizard and Cult of the Lamb , while Zack dived into the wonderfully bizarre Yakuza: Like A Dragon . Games discussed: Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Inscryption, Frog Detect…
- You can't escape The Eleventh Beast
Zack and Ravindu go on some deep-dives into the games they've been playing this week. Creepy and bizarre card-game roguelike Inscryption left Zack with plenty of questions while Ravindu attempted to make the perfect university in Two Point…
- Why isn't there a good Percy Jackson game?
Zack's friend Ravindu joins the show to talk all things gaming with a tabletop focus! The team talk Xbox's business update and planned multi-platform releases, the D.I.C.E Awards, dream up a Percy Jackson ttrpg, and test each other's Dunge…