How do video games handle religion and spirituality?  It's a question that's been inspiring a fair amount of buzz. It's a big topic, so we decided to add a third seat on this week's show. Jorge and I are excited to welcome Richard Clark to the podcast.  Richard's a prolific writer who regularly tackles issues of religion and morality in video games.  As an added bonus, he's also an all around nice guy!  Be sure to check him out on Twitter, Kill Screen, Christ and Pop Culture, and Game Church.  As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for listening!

Some discussion starters:

- What are some of your favorite examples of religion in games?

- What kind of game (e.g., open world, adventure, strategy, etc.) is most conducive to tackling questions of spirituality?Open world vs. scripted story for considering spirituality?

- Have you ever unexpectedly encountered religion/spirituality in a game?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 53 min 55 sec
- "How do games handle the divine?  Accidentally." by Yannick Lejacq, via Kill Screen
- "Video games are a good fit for theological exploration," by Brian Crecente, via The Verge
- "Capcom Videogame ‘Asura’s Wrath’ Draws Hindu Critics’ Wrath," by Sriram Vadlamani, via Tech Wire Asia
- "Study: Video games depict religion as violent and problematic (interview)," by Stefanie Fogel, via Venture Beat
- Music provided by Brad Sucks

At long last, the much awaited Journey from thatgamecompany is available on PSN. Jenova Chen's discussion of his own creations always seem so lofty, can his team deliver what Scott and I have so eagerly desired since its announcement? Join us while we discuss our personal experiences, how Journey is more "gamey" than we imagined, and how the game tells a story. We go quite long in this one, so we appreciate everyone who puts in the time to listen. The task of discussing Journey is not an easy one, but we hope you enjoy this voyage with us nonetheless. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts on the game. Please leave them in the comments section below.

Show notes:

- Run time: 53 min 11 sec

- Music, "Apotheosis" and "Final Confluence", by Austin Wintory from Journey. Find more of his work here.

The yearly Game Developers Conference has come and gone, and while Scott and I sadly missed the event proper, we did keep our hear to the ground. This week on the podcast, we discuss some highlights that caught our attention. Join us as we touch upon Valve's approach to Portal 2, mobile pricing models, the problem with DRM, and the "mind your own business" mentality.

Show notes:

- Run time: 38 min 42 sec

- "Witcher developer CD Projekt Red abandons DRM for future releases," by Eric Caoili via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: 'Don't underprice your mobile product' - Cave COO," by Kris Graft via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Humor, meaning, cooperation and ambition: the microtalks," by Leigh Alexander via Gamasutra

- "GDC 2012: Portal 2: Making a sequel to a 'perfect' game," by Tom Curtis via Gamasutra

- Music provided by Brad Sucks

Turn down the lights and turn up the Marvin Gaye: this week, it's all about sex.  Inspired by Rich Stanton's recent article on the subject of sex in video games, we take a look at the more amorous side of medium we love.  We talk about everything from Wii waggling to polyamory in this episode, so there's bound to be something to arouse your interest.  As always, we're all about free love around here, so feel free to express yourself in the comments.

Some discussion starters:

- What games portray sex in a notable way?

- When it comes to portrayals of sex in video games, how do we differentiate schlock from good stuff?

- How does one's connection (emotional, physical, or otherwise) to their avatar impact the meaning of sex in games?

To listen to the podcast:

- Subscribe to the EXP Podcast via iTunes here. Additionally, here is the stand-alone feed.
- Listen to the podcast in your browser by left-clicking here. Or, right-click and select "save as link" to download the show in MP3 format.
- Subscribe to this podcast and EXP's written content with the RSS link on the right.

Show notes:

- Run time: 33 min 33 sec
- "Why Can't Games Do Sex?" by Rich Stanton, via Eurogamer
- Music provided by Brad Sucks