Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Submit Your Question For The MinnMax Show Podcast - Haley MacLean Takeover! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-11-18 16:19:56
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Content

This week for community questions, Kyle Hilliard, Janet Garcia, Jacob Geller and Leo Vader will all be under Haley MacLean's iron rule! It's your turn to make the show better by leaving a question, news story, BetterQuest goal, or anything else for us to read on the show as a comment below. We’ll choose our favorite and iam8bit will ship out this AWESOME prize below for the winner! We'll stop pulling questions this week at 9am Central on Wednesday ahead of recording at 2pm Central.

On this week’s episode we’ll be talking about...

Dispatch

Deadpool VR

Goodnight Universe

"Haley's Special Sauce" (none of us know what this is and I don't think she does yet either)

Everybody at the Backstage Pass tier can watch us record the show live on Wednesday at 2pm Central, with an exclusive pre and post show. The unedited archive will be available to view after the fact. You could do us a favor by subscribing to the audio version of the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app, telling a friend, leaving a review, and subscribing to our YouTube channel!

https://apple.co/3lRbzbE

https://www.youtube.com/minnmax

You can also find the Hero of Time 2xLP (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) for sale in iam8bit’s online store, and you can use the promo code TURDUCKEN for 10% off everything under $100. Psst… please don’t post that promo code anywhere else on the internet. It’s a MinnMax-exclusive thing. https://www.iam8bit.com/collections/all

Files

Comments

Neal McMahon

Who beats the most games out of the whole MinnMax team. My guess’s is that Ben has the least due to his long list of CEO duties, and Haley has the most due to her secret ability to warp in extra time from some black hole in space. Does this sound about right?

Swansonge

Hey cohorts! I’m curious, have you ever had a nickname that has shaped you as a person?

Xavier Perez

Hi Haley and MinnMax crew, I recently finished NG+ for Silent Hill F and I was amazed about how significantly it changes the game from the base playthrough. I’m sure many people are going to only play it once and miss out on a lot. Do you think developers need to do more to make sure gamers know when playing a game once won’t actually get you the full experience? What are your thoughts on when games require multiple play throughs?

Fancygraham

Inspired by the question for Ana last week. If this applies to you, how do you take care of your facial hair?

Chris Cwik

I love Haley in a completely healthy, non-parasocial way, but her insistence on fielding a whole team of shiny pokemon in every game is completely unhinged. What’s the most unhinged thing you do in video games?

Jason Wojnar

Is there a game you dearly love but can’t get into anymore? I have this issue with GTA V. I have beaten it 3 times and have two hundred+ hours in the PS4 version alone. I want to beat it again before GTA VI but every time I boot it up there is just no passion or desire there.

Blazingscourge

Hey MinnMax, you think Dracula and the Belmonts are serving Wall Turkey for thanksgiving or are they going through the extra effort for a fresh oven turkey?

RTz13

Hiya folks! That time of the year again when we're getting closer to the 2-10s. Since I read the book titled 'Factfullness', I love to get the context when it comes to numbers! How big was your pool of games this year that you need to squeeze into 20 now? Love from UK, RTz13

Mike Lynch

Leo called Arc Raiders "Tarkhov for people with jobs." What's a game you would play if someone made an easier version of it?

Travis in Fargo

What’s the best thing about Mondays? And the worst thing about Saturdays?

Steve Bellegarde

Hey MinnMax, In my opinion, dispatch works so well because it allows its gameplay to be unique to its conceit and does not feel the need to let you walk around and click on every object or talk to every npc. This helps with the pacing immensely. What other games use this less is more approach to similar effect?

Geebeesee

Hey Minnmax, What’s your go to unconventional lunch?

Travis in Fargo

Without being gross, what’s the #1 best feeling?

Freddy Fro

Now that Ben is gone, we can finally listen to you all talk about him behind his back and dish out the hottest gossip by answering: what’s something you like, respect, or appreciate about Ben?

Robert Draa

Hey Minnmax, My 4-year-old loves to watch me play games but is only just getting all the skills together to actually play some herself and I have discovered that a lot games, even ones I would consider easy, a very happy to shove you into a fail state in a matter of seconds if you aren't that good at using the controller and don't have fast reactions. Her favorite game to play right now is skate 4. I take the character off the board and she can just walk around unfettered and the game will never stop her from playing even if she falls over or whatever. My question is: do you have any recommendations for games she might actually like to play?

Jt

It seems we're closer than ever to forcing Valve to release the Half Life 3 files. What do you think is in there?

Qax

Would love to hear yalls all time favorite vocal Stims or just some recent favs. Lately, I've been saying "gang gang" as an affirmative response to questions!

Vilis

Haley, as part of your takeover, did you make sure to bring enough Timbits for everyone?

Catpurrnicus

I've never played Pokémon or had any interaction with Avatar. What's the most popular franchise you've never interacted with?

kajmo

Hey Minnmaxers, what argument are you proudest of for making someone else play a game?

Cashewual

Dear MinnMaxers: First we got New Donk City festival section in Mario Odyssey, a few years later Alan Wake 2 blessed us with "Herald of Darkness". What's the next game that should get a kickass musical section?

GreenMountainState

Given everyone here has other jobs outside MinnMax content I'd love to hear what other parts of your work you're most proud of this year and what you're most excited about that's on the horizon for next year. Hopefully this isn't too self indulgent!

resnet

Hi gang! Does any of the gamification stuff work on you? Like an app that incentives doing chores by giving you scores to buy little hats or leader board at school for quizzes

Stevelution

Hey everyone. We’re coming up to the time of year where folks start making resolutions and setting personal goals. But I’m wondering what each of you do when you need to get yourself back on track with goals, whether personal or professional?

Seneca Kier

Hey minnmax crew! Swords, axes, and spears have had their time in the limelight. It’s time to find America’s (which is by extension the world) next top iconic video game melee weapon! What candidate are you backing? Will it be the ever mysterious and foreboding scythe? Or the powerful and sweeping glaive? Give us your scalding hot takes that are sure to shake up the hierarchy (and don’t give me any of that scythes are just swords and spears put together crap, everything is made up of everything else and it’s all imaginary. I’m also disallowing gun-fu even though it’s very cool that’s a weapon stance at best). Best of luck!

MyNameIsDan

Hi guys. Can we pretend for just this moment that Ben is not on paternity leave and actually decided to leave the show? Could you guys please make up some reasons as to why he decided to leave you guys high and dry?

Nicholas Cross

What game or series soundtrack would you like to see iam8bit make into an album?

Victor Pham

F---, Marry, Kill: Kiryu, Majima, and Ichiban?

Sam Kennedy

Is there a discontinued food or drink that you’re still deeply attached to?

MakeItUnclear

What's the right move if you're walking down a long hallway with someone walking the other direction? Acknowledge them early with a wave? Ignore them until you pass each other and give them a "hey"? Look at your feet the whole time and pretend like they don't exist because their business is not your business? Please advise - it's kind of an emergency.

Troy Ellison

Hey Minnmax, in honor of the new hit segment "Haley's special sauce" what is the best sauce?

Tom Rickard

Hey crew! It’s almost Thanksgiving so I’m curious, do any of you have a specific Black Friday where you feel like you made out like a bandit? I remember in 2016 I went to a super rural Walmart and grabbed Dark Souls 3 for 15 bucks and Titantfall 2 for 20 bucks. Felt like a steal. Thanks for all you guys do while our best friend Ben is gone!

MrButtons

Hey MinnMax crew, 2025 was unquestionably the year of the ninja, with the release of 5 new games taking on the ninja fantasy. Place your bets now, what will be the theme/trend for major gaming releases in 2026?

Lamb Dance

Hey MinnMax, the Game Awards nominations were announced - so can we get pissy and tell everyone what you're mad wasn't nominated? (I'm not a Sonic sicko or anything, but I'm still kind of mad Sonic the Hedgehog 3 wasn't nominated for Best Adaptation!)

AnAttackCorgi

Since we’re nearing the end of the year with all the awards, glitz and glam, it got me thinking about the Oscars. We know the term Oscar Bait for movies, but are there Game Awards Bait, or even more specifically, 2-10s Bait, video games? Also, Kyle, have people started calling you the Bossman or is that too on the nose? Also Leo, you’re way too powerful with those copy reads brother. You gotta rain it in! I already bought two simultaneous lifetime subscriptions of MeUndies!

BEEFCAKE

What's the best holiday side dish?

Cass Wilkinson Saldaña

Hii MinnMax! One of the reason why I love your shows, and games journalism in general, is that in many cases I actually like *thinking* about games more than playing them. This is generally seen as weird - and I get it! Games are fun! Play game to have fun! Nonetheless, there's something about a game's delicate balance of design decisions that means every game creates experiences on the edge of success and failure. I like asking - why does a game work for this person? And I love when a critic helps me place their experience within a broader context - like resisting AI slop, or how a micro-genre like roguelike deckbuilders evolves over time, or the history of "girl games" (in quotes). Relating to games in this way is such a specific kind of learning + geeking out. But it's meaningful to me. My question for you: What parts of games other than the literal playing of games do you find most fascinating and enjoyable? Is the moment to moment time you spend playing the game always your favorite part? (Thank you!)

Robert Draa

Hey Minnmax, (this is technically my second question submitted this week but I've been meaning to ask the first one for a few weeks but keep forgetting by the time I'm actually at my desk.) During a recent carmen-sandiego-fueled nostalgia bender I found myself listening to Rockapella's version of "Zombie Jamboree", a well-known calypso song. At first I was getting squicked out because they sing the song with a fake Caribbean accent and they're all white guys who went to Brown University (forgive the pun but it's true). Then it occurred to me that actually people sing songs with fake accents all the time? British people sing with American accents. It's common when performing Irish or Scottish folk music to do the accent a little bit even if you otherwise don't have it. Many Country Western singers use a much stronger southern accent when they sing compared to their normal speaking voice. I guess my question is: Is this ok? Is it problematic? Is the whole damn system corrupt?

Chandler

I remember a long time ago Leo talked about how he listens to a podcast every waking moment of his day. I think he said he would even turn one on just to use the bathroom. I'm assuming he's either quit that or made peace with it by now. I feel like I'm on my way into that same habit and I'm just wondering what his thoughts are, as someone who has come out the other side.

Roy the Boy

Greetings Cohortium! With the (possible) announcement of Half Life 3 on the horizon, I'm feeling hype butterflies in my chest that I haven't really felt since I was a lad, and I'm not sure if it's the industry or just me that's changed. What I want to know is, what is the FIRST game that got you feeling like this, where you were counting the days to release and hanging on every little piece of news about it? For me it was the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, I don't think I've ever annoyed my parents more than in the months leading up to its release. What game caused you to annoy yours?

Cody A

Hey minnmax, Do you have something 'simple' or well established that you can't comprehend no matter how many times it's explained to you? For example my wife's is fax machines mine is vinyl records/record players. And that's coming from someone who listens to many vinyls

Philip Flood

A few weeks ago there was a question asking how often the cast actively washes their feet. Because of that conversation, now every time I scrub my feet (which, ben, is every time I shower...) the horrified reaction of Haley and Sarah to Ben's answer of once every 6 months flashes into my mind as I do it. This consequently means I have a daily occurrence where this podcast completely overtakes my internal monologue. My question is: is there any piece of media or content that always pops into your mind whenever you're doing something mundane in your day-to-day life?

Adam Castellanos

How often do you listen to video game music in your free time, and what are some of your go to albums for video game music? Thank you.

Memory Card

Industry legend Rebecca Heineman passed away this week and got to see some of people's eulogies before she passed. Are there any people in the games space you'd like to shout out while they're still around?

SuperThisWay

Inspired by an older community question: if you can blink and travel to anywhere in the world but only you, would you still go on plane rides or commute with your partner or family or would you be consumed by the power of instantaneous fast travel? Bonus: if the roles were reversed would you want your partner/fam to commute with you?

Fred Dinovo

Haley quick question, is that special sauce savory? sweet? spicy?

Tyler Jenkins

So the steam machine was revived and given a new life, is this the machine that finally breaks that barrier between consoles and PCs? This feels like what Xbox wanted to do but is just too late now unless their PC/Console hybrid is insanely powerful

Josh Lamm

I’ve had this idea kicking around for a while: an RPG made entirely of public domain characters—a kind of "Metaverse," if you will. The possibilities are endless, but I’d love to know: what three characters would you have in your party? Personally, I’d go with Tarzan, Paul Bunyan, and the Gingerbread Man. Or maybe an all-villain team: Baba Yaga, Captain Hook, and Frankenstein’s monster. Also, please let your listeners know not to steal this idea, because I fully intend to make a bajillion dollars from it. ©®™

Bryan Tylec

Hey, crew! Is “Most Anticipated Game” the most head-up-own-assy category of any awards show ever? And, yes, I realize that that is the point of an awards show, but that one goes too far.

Xavier Richardson

Only 1 of this year's fighting game of the year nominees is a new game that was fully released this year. My question is: Should awards shows be able to skip a category in a year where nothing really comes out? And if so, what category would you replace it with? This year I'd go with best samurai/ninja game as I think that would be a wacky debate

JTDenton

To Jacob: congrats on the NPR shoutout for "How a Game Lives"! I work at a public library, and we're looking forward to adding the book to our collection (assuming that's cool with you). I did want to ask: if you were putting your book in a display at a library or book store, what other titles would you want to showcase alongside it?

Tess

Hey Minnmax! I'm tired of people asking if Games are Art and I think more people need to ask are Art games. Are interactive art works or installations, like "Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) by Felix Gonzales-Torres, games?

RynaGoGo

Hey Haley and Cohorts! Tell us about an injury you’ve had. Fun story, it was 3 days before I drove to meet Jacob Gellar. I went to get a mini fridge from him I bought from the MinnMax charity stream. I got tripped up at work, fell on a steel beam and bruised my ribs. It was super painful and it turns out they can’t do much to help you with that. So, sorry Jacob if I wasn’t that talkative with you. My ribs were on fire and it hurt to breathe. Putting the fridge in the car about took me out. -Ryan

ian c

What would a Labubu video game be like?

James Medd

What's your favourite unsubstantiated but widespread gaming rumour? I like the "there's a Mew in the back of that truck" rumour from Pokémon Blue/Red. I remember having a really hard time convincing my friends I wasn't telling lies about there being an alternative ending in Starfox 64/Lylat Wars featuring Fox's dad; even now it sounds so implausible.

Abe

Hi, CLCs! What’s a game you really love but wish that you were “there” for the zeitgeist and release hype? I associate 2020 with Animal Crossing because it was a cultural moment, but I would have loved to see the reactions and conversations when Bloodborne came out.

Travis in Fargo

Would you rather have perfect hair with 0 effort, or have mastery over close up card tricks?

strategineer

What's the biggest challenge the cohort has faced so far with MinnMax host extraordinaire Ben Hanson being on parental leave?

Travis in Fargo

If you HAD to get a 2”x2” QR code tattooed on the back of your right hand, where would want it to link to?

K-Ham

Hi MinnMax! While playing Donkey Kong Bananza, I realized that the puzzles where you had to guide ice cubes down a hill by carving a path in the snow was eerily similar to an activity I did at summer camp as a child. We had a sloped riverbank that we called "Golf Ball Trail Beach" where groups of campers competed to design the best course for a golf ball to roll down the beach. All that to ask, was there ever a time where you realized a game mechanic was something youve done IRL in the past?

Andrew Burleigh

What's the most important thing from the Legend of Zelda video games that needs to be included in the live action movie?

Jesse Eberenz

Hey crew! What is one game you keep installed because you constantly revisit it? For me, it’s the Master Chief Collection. Nothing beats having (almost) every Halo game in one package. Halo 3 and Reach multiplayer are peak gaming memories for me, and it’s nice to be able to revisit them when I get that itch.

Cath

What is your food shame? Mine is that I put ketchup on poutine

Ronn

Hello! Simple question from me. Has traffic ever made you cry?

Malcolm Holliday

Hey MinnMax! I feel that Digimon Story Time Stranger was greatly snubbed in terms of Game Award nominations. Are there any games your surprised didn't get nominated for any particular categories?

Obruni

As the end of the year is soon, and you lot are gearing up for the two tens, I wanted to know what non-game works from 2025 you wanted to shout out as some of the best of the year. Could be books, films, albums, etc. Also, many thanks to Janet for the Jessie Reyez album recommendation earlier in the year

CrabPalace

What's your favourite song at the moment?

L Stockler

The Holidays are almost here! What gaming accessory do you feel like it would be a cool present this season?

Poofydoo

In a season where many people feel obligated to give a gift, what is some of your favorite unexpected gifts you have received or have given that come to mind?

Dorianmanyhats

We all know the big man in red delivers presents in the real world, but does he also in video game worlds? If there were to be a video game character to don the mantle of Santa and deliver presents in his stead, who would be your choice?

Travis in Fargo

I was raised in a conservative, midwestern family, so disagreeing about anything - from which type of Lutheranism is correct to where to go for lunch after church - was an uncomfortable exercise. But in my advanced years, I’ve found the joy of rigorous debate and disagreeing on things. What’s your thought on the topic? Do you enjoy debate and the practice of disagreement?

Josh LaBaw

Hello Cohorts, I have multiple hundreds of hours & years into Final Fantasy Games. Just last week I realized "Phoenix Down" means bird feather! 🤯 When was the last time something like this happened to you? Maybe not even game related.

Nick deVries

Hi MinnMax, I have recently started playing Witcher 3, and spoiler, it's very good! I'm about 3-4 hours in but very excited to see it through. What is your favorite game that you have arrived the latest to?

Graham Jones

Haley, A couple months ago on bonus pod you talked about wanting to give your opinions on Assassin's creed shadows for a future ep. Sooo what are you thoughts?

Tom Brien

What's the piece of marketing that jammed in your memory the hardest for a game you didn't buy or didn't like?

Aging_Poorly

Let’s play a game called: “Finish the Google Search”. I’m going to read the first several words of a google search that asks whether a popular video game is based on some other piece of media. For example, if I say that the google search is, quote, “is uncharted based on … dot dot dot”, the answer is “Indiana Jones”, because that’s the top search question on Google. If you can’t get it right away, I can tell you whether the answer is a book, TV series, movie etc. Get it? Let’s play. Start with an easy one: Q: Is Fortnite based on… Hint: Book Series A: The Hunger Games Q: Is The Last of Us based on… Hint: Book Series A: The Maze Runner Q: Is Bioshock Infinite based on… Hint: Religion Answer: Mormonism Q: Is Life is Strange based on… Hint: TV series Answer: Twin Peaks Q: Is Halo based on… Hint: Book Answer: Ringworld Q: Is Chrono Trigger based on… Hint: Anime Series A: Dragon Ball Z (I assume because of Chrono’s hair)

Jump On Everything

Across your entire life, do you think you've played more games or watched more movies+TV shows (you don't have to have finished it and it's total count so not counting replays/rewatches)

James Pinto

I know that Ben doesn't always like getting navel gazey so I figured I'd throw this in there while he's out. What's the most important lesson you all have learned from working at Minnmax?

Jacob Mazanowski

I wish I could be as curious as Ben. What is something about another cohort that has inspired you to be more of? I.e. curious, kind, motivated, adventurous, whatever comes to mind

Nathan Ryer

Hey MinnMax! Who are the thirstiest Nintendo characters? It’s Birdo right?

Josh64

Hey MinnMax! What’s a game you love but recognize you’ll never be “good” at? I love the Tony Hawk series but I am absolutely trash maintaining combos, but I just love the vibes and the soundtrack so much I can’t stay away!

Brocquin Alexander

Hey MinnMax, I was thinking about Avatar the Last Airbender the other night since I went to one of the orchestral concerts they're doing right now. I remember watching the final episode of season 1 and just being in absolute awe, immediately needing to finish the series. Short version, I binged the rest that week and it's been my favorite show for 8 years now. Have you ever been watching or playing something and a moment made you know that it was going to be something incredible?

Thom Blackburn

You've just been told that a video game is being set in your home town. You are hired as a consultant to tell them what to use from your town. What game gets made?

Erin T.

Setting aside internet hype and the ~true gamer~ bubble here; what do you think the mainstream temperature for Half Life is these days? How big of a deal would a Half Life 3 *release* be, really, once the announcement hype dies down? It will sell well on Steam, no doubt. It will probably review well. But 20 years after HL2 came out, does the Half Life franchise move the needle much for gamers under 30?

Matthew Hornyak

Hello minnmax! With dispatches success what is the most obscure tv show or movie you always wanted a telltale game of? (Big fan of the Wallace and Gromit telltale game)

Spicy Egg

Thinking of a specific mechanic or story line, large or small, in a game that really pulled you in and made the game one of your favorites, what’s your most ridiculous spin-off game or mechanic expansion that would never be developed? My example is the horse mechanics in RDR2: Red Dead Remuda, a spin-off sim game where I catch and maintain the horse herd for the gang or ranch.

Chris Fantry

Hi MinnMax! If you had to have a song introduce you each individually on the podcast or whenever you walked into what would it be and why?

Nate Voris

Why does the phrase "every waking moment" refer to every moment in which you are awake regardless of how recently you just woke up? Are we constantly in a state of "waking" until we go back to sleep? Shouldn't the phrase specifically refer to the moment when we just woke up? Can you tell I've been struggling with insomnia lately?

Jordan Watson

I have always thought Bloodborne would make for an incredible ballet. The setting, the music, the costume, the music - all perfect for the medium! Are there any unusual adaptations you think would suit any specific games?

Eric Trapp

Hey cohorts! Fascinated by the promise (threat?) of a secret sauce. Which leads me to ask: How do y’all differentiate between sauces and condiments? What are your favorite sauces and condiments?

Frostphorus

I assume "Haley's Special Sauce" is how much she loves me! Ben's not here to say otherwise!

crab

hi minnmax! What's your go to slop meal or snack? My husband sometimes makes a desserty snack called goop where he mashes up a handful of oreos and puts them in a cup of milk and microwaves it. It's really good!!!

Brooke Gossard

Dear MinnMax crew, who is the goodest boy (or girl) in videogames? IOW, who are your favorite canine companions or characters?

Tommy Carver-Chaplin

Hi Hayley. In the unfortunate event of Ben's early retirement, what new rules and changes would you make over MinnMax as the new ruler?

OhMyBlob

In honour of Haley’s secret sauce, what is the metaphorical secret sauce of your favourite game series?

pork bun powered

Hi MinnMax! Inspired by a recent podcast discussion, what do you think would be your favorite game that you've never played (or only played a little)? Why haven't you played it yet?

Kevin Donnelly

Hi MinnMax Crew! We live in a world of video game remakes, remasters, and re-imaginings. Would any of you ever like to see a video game "de-make", where a current or relatively current game is remade, but in a retro art style? Whether that's 8- or 16-bit, N64/PS1 era, or otherwise. This wouldn't be a spinoff or game-within-a-game, but truly a game remade in a retro style - imagine Clair Obscur as a SNES JRPG, Bloodborne as a PS1-era game, or Death Stranding as an... Oregon Trails-like??

ABrownSpot

If you could wipe one game from existence and therefore all of the ripple effects it had on the industry what game's disappearance would improve the industry the most?

John Connor

Hey minmaxers, with the release of dispatch and the return of the Halloween thirst council, it's time re-ignite the important discussion, which video game has the thirstiest cast? I think Hades was the reigning champ for years, but do Baldurs gate and dispatch overtake it?

Wayward Prophet

Hey cohorts! I first discovered Jacob on the fantastic Cane and Rinse podcast nearly a decade ago, diving into games like Dark Souls III and The Last Guardian. I was surprised and delighted when he later resurfaced in my life through MinnMax and his YouTube essays. It made me wonder — what other projects, podcasts, or communities have the cohorts been involved in over the years that even regular listeners might not know about?

Luca Alberti

Hello MM crew, following the trail of the TGA nominees, allow me to spice things up: what are the most overrated TGA awards winners (of any category) in your opinion?

Ajay Nath

Is remapping the extra buttons on a controller to enter a key combination cheating?

Harrison Holt

Hello! If you had a wormhole outside the front of home that would take you to one specific place, for free, forever, where would you choose?

Michael Christoffel

Hey cohorts! What is a game that you have played but did not enjoy due to external factors, and not the game itself? Do you feel as though you would enjoy it more on a revisit, or is that experience completely ruined for you now? I personally did not enjoy God of War (2018) when I played it due to the amount of stress I was under from school, but then I loved it on replay a few years later!

Arturo Perez

Hi Minnmax! do you have any word usage pet peeve? Mine is how people is the word "Salsa", it just means sauce in spanish and idk what people mean when they say it and it drives me nuts! (I am a native spanish speaker btw) Have a great day and thank you for all the laughs!

Grant Jackson

Hey cohorts! Long-time listener, first-time caller here. As we all know, the Game Award nominees were announced this week and one nomination in particular stood out to me (derogatory): Clair Obscur being nominated for best indie game; call me old-fashioned, but it feels off to me that a game with big-name Hollywood talent like Charlie Cox and Andy Serkis is competing in the same category as solo devs and teams of 3-5 people. While I know it is *technically* correct to say Expedition 33 is an indie game, nominating it for that category doesn't really feel in the *spirit* of the award. I'd love to hear the panel's thoughts on this, is Expedition 33 *really* an indie game?

SlyCut

Hello all, If you couldn't keep your name, what would you want your name to be?

Sabai

This is something I've been thinking about since Silksong came out: Who is the most widely recognized videogame character with only one entry in their "series?" Cuphead struck me as the obvious answer but I feel like the animated show might disqualify him

ayr

How do you all view esports in the broader gaming community? It can feel like they're two different universes sometimes, and it was really interesting to hear Kelsey and Sarah talk about their experiences with League over on PPB, because I feel like most critics rarely talk about the competitive games they play since they aren't viewed as "current." What kind of impact do you think those games have on people's behaviors with gaming that isn't talked about as much? I will recommend the incremental game Q-UP this year to anyone who ever sunk thousands of hours into Dota 2 or Overwatch like me. Cheers, happy autumn <3

I_Am_Magnus

Hiya Minnmax I've always been af fan of what I'd call "autobiographical" games based on the developers life like Consume Me and Venba. I've even had an idea for my own game that's losely based on my own experiences growing up. Have any of you had an idea for a game based on your life experiences and if not do you think there still could be one? Thanks for all the hard work you do!

Duderado

If you had a GTA style stat screen of everything you've done in your life what would you look up first? I'd like to know how much time I've spent on loading screens.

CptCobblePot

Hello Crew, What’s the absolute best Friday dinner/meal? And don’t you dare tell me it’s SOUP! Context: After a fantastic day with my wife and kids going to a fun family activity. I suggested on my way home “why don’t we stop and get some pizza. That way we can save time on clean up and everyone can have something tasty.” My wife, in all her sweet lovingly ways says to me gently, “we have soup at home”. Why ruin the good vibes here? Is soup actually a good Friday meal? I feel like pizza is made for Fridays!

Devin Atlee-Nutts

Howdy MarriageMax, Which video game music do you think the most people have walked down the aisle to? Bonus question: Which is most used for the first dance?

Michael Griffin

Hello MinnMax! What is the console that you have had to rebuy the most number of controllers for due to them being worn down or breaking from lots of use? Mine is the Xbox 360. Lots and lots of halo multiplayer

Seabass

Hi Host Haley and Friends! I recently got a new job that involves an hour plus commute each way. Besides catching up with podcasts, is there an effective way I could be using this time? Thanks!

Fancygraham

What’s your opinion on kids playing games they’re probably not old enough to play yet? I overheard some grade 8 boys at the school I teach at talking about Dispatch and said to them “you shouldn’t be playing Dispatch”. But how can I judge since most people like myself played games like GTA 3/Vice City/San Andreas way before I should have.

Limp Bizquick

How are we feeling about the state of VR in 2025 and beyond? I’m curious to see if the Steam headset brings VR closer to the mass adoption people were expecting when things like the Oculus were first released or if VR continues to be more of a niche subsection of gaming.

Rick

All cohorts are busy and you are the host of this weeks Minnmax show! Pick a video game character, an actor, a musician and a flex(anyone you want) to accompany you

Kelsey Sims

Hey gang! Any tips for getting out of a gaming-slump? I've been really struggling to get anything to stick lately. Even games I was enjoying and in the middle of (Ghost of Yotei) feels like pulling teeth when I think about playing them

Bobby B

Growing up, I used to love using GameShark and Action Replay to break my games and do stupid and silly stuff (for example: unlimited rare candies in Pokémon). As an adult, I don’t use “cheats” in games because it robs me of the satisfaction of completing a game. But reminiscing recently, I got to wondering: Why don’t we see GameShark or Action Replay-like tools anymore? And if we did have them, would you use them?

Kyle Silva

Happy for the Pew Pew Gang for their first Con appearance at Really Rad Weekend, alongside their amazing Expedition 33 swimsuit cosplay shoot. J’adore! With all the dressup both MinnMax and PPB have been doing lately, what’s your dream cosplay outfit if you had the disposable income to work with and do you think it will ever be accomplished?

CaffeineDad

Hey gang! It’s that time of year again. The Game Awards Nominees have dropped, and there are so many genres that have had almost no representation for GOTY. What can be done to make these genres more critically acclaimed? * Racing games (0 nominations) * Fighting games (1 nomination: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, 2019) * Simulation games (1 nomination: Animal Crossing: New Horizons, 2020) * Card games (2 nominations: Hearthstone, 2014; Balatro, 2024) * Superhero games (2 nominations: Marvel’s Spider-Man, 2018; Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, 2023)

Sky Fellowship

What video game (Excluding Alan Wake 2 for obvious reasons) do you think would make the best Musical? Personally would love to see a Cult Of Lamb adaption, think the cast could have a lot of fun, think Book Of Mormon meets the Evil Dead Musical (Yes Evil Dead got an off broadway musical and it was brilliant)

Luis

What's the sketchiest hotel you've stayed at or experience you've had there?

Phelix Diaz

If you could watch any band/musician that no longer tours for whatever reason, but after that concert you won't be able to listen to their music anymore, would you? Who would you choose?

Colton Westbrooks

We all know about the turducken (chicken/duck/turkey stuffed into each other) but if you were creating your own Frankenstein version to serve as the centerpiece of your personal Thanksgiving dinner, what three foods would you shove into each other to create a new culinary tradition?

Jason MacLellan

What's your favourite World Biggest/Tallest tourist attraction you've ever visited? My wife loved the Worlds Tallest Filing Cabinet for some reason in Burlington, Vermont.

Charlie F.

What's the best game you've ever played that you played once and then never played again?

Bob Buel

What’s the last game you actually genuinely regretted playing?

Duderado

Which Zelda sidekick character do you want to see most in the upcoming movie?

Krakken Unleashed

Is there a game you think you woild love as is,except for the User interface or other similar user experience hurdles?

b_wood

Here are some interesting facts about The Game Awards as it celebrates its 12th year: After 3 active years and an official Discord announcement, The Future Class, TGA’s list of individuals from the video game industry who best represented the future of gaming, seems to officially be over. 2025 is the 2nd consecutive year they didn't induct anyone and previous inductees were removed from the TGA site. E33 has broken the nomination record with 12 nominations. The previous holders were TLOU2 and GoW Ragnarok with 11 each. If E33 wins GotY, then this would be the 3rd straight year the best selling game among the GotY nominees didn't win the award. The last time the best selling nominee won the award was in 2022 when Elden Ring won. This is the first year 2 or more games were nominated for both GotY and Best Indie Game (E33, Silksong, Hades 2). This is the 2nd year 3 nominations for Best Performance comes from the same game (E33). The first year was in 2016 (Uncharted 4). With Yotei not being nominated for GotY, PS’s 5 year streak of having a 1st party game being nominated for GotY is broken. Nintendo’s 6 year streak was broken last year. However, Nintendo has published at least one GotY nominee 9 out of 12 years. Sony has done the same for 12 straight years. This is the 2nd consecutive year none of the GotY nominees are also nominated for Innovation in Accessibility. The last game to be nominated for both is Spider-Man 2 in 2023. Until 2024, every year since the Accessibility award was created a GotY nominee was also a nominee for this category. Nintendo continues its 9 year streak of having multiple games nominated for Best Family Game. There are frequently 3 Nintendo games in this category, but every nominee has not been a Nintendo game since 2019.

Chris Pelley

What's a game you wish people would play if they get time off for the holiday... even if you know they won't go back to it after the weekend is done?

thejjuan1

Hi Minnmax crew. Does steamer mode hurt video games as an entertainment medium? I get why we need it because if not the record companies will copy-strike everything because of the use of the license music. But it sucks watching someone play Dispatch or HI Fi Rush with infinitely worse music and ruined powerful moments with that mode on. Imagine watching something like Rocky and it’s not playing “Eye of the Tiger”, instead it's some generic rock workout song.

WeGoGiant

Hello, MinnMax. In honor of thanksgiving you have to come up with food to share with your friends and family, but there's a catch. Every dish must be inspired by a video game that released in 2025. What are you making and what game inspired it?

Michael Nickley

Hey MinnMax crew, You can have any developer create an entry in a game franchise of your choosing (e.g., FromSoft making a Zelda game). What would be your dream scenario?

D M

What's a game or console that was announced, but never released that you wished came out?

Galexzzz

With the Game Awards GOTY nominations out, it seems to be the general consensus that Expedition 33 is (quite deservedly) going to take the top prize so I think it’s become a slightly boring discussion. If Expedition 33 wasn’t such a front runner who do you think has the next best claim for the award?

Tanner Hoisington

The success of Dispatch has revived a hobby horse of mine: Why don't more games reveal user stats (choices, builds, etc)? I know devs track all this stuff. What is an user behavior or decision from a game you wish had it?

Wajora

Does Miles Mackenzie know how hot Samus is?

Adam

Who at MinnMax do you suspect is the: worst singer? Biggest baby when sick? Most likely to fall for a catfishing scam? Best liar?

Unsupreme

For the most part in all forms of entertainment and media, things are generally released on fridays. But lately games have been bucking that trend with both Silksong and Hades 2 releasing on thursday and others on my wishlist coming out on a tuesday even. Is this a new galaxy brained strategy or does the day of the week for releasing just not matter as much in the gaming world?

Brian Lyness

Hey Crew, Just a quick question for Jacob, is the final boss of Nine Sols the toughest boss you've ever fought in your gaming lifetime? Thanks!

Thorn23

Hi Haley, Big Fan! lol Congrats on the podcast promotion! & making it to the big time!! 😂 As a self confessed PTCG aficionado, and hot on the heels of Pocket’s first anniversary, would like to get you’re thoughts on how u feel about it, and if your still playing/enjoying the game at all? Also as a “bonus pod”, bonus Q would like to know how the irl collection hobby is going as well? P.S. just fyi you’ve got a AAA personality - always great to listen to you (and the MinnMax crew = p) don’t change a thing! 👌 - 100 honest! hehehe #wholesome 😊 Take care! (& Have fun? Always w MM! 😜) - T-23 from the UpsideDown (formerly known as down under, but we don’t use that anymore 😝😜) 👋

Travis in Fargo

Please help settle the debate of the ages: how many “chuggas” before “choo choo?” I have heard people insist on anywhere from 1 to 6 chuggas.

SukinDik@HotdogJohnysDumpster4Mustard

Im going to make an absolute random guess and hope it's true. Part of Haley's "Special Sauce" is she can decide a show MinnMax is legally obligated to make. Haley, while your in charge now abuse this power and get an Adventure Time season by season Deepest Dive promised or Max Spoilers for Gravity Falls. If not that just talk about cartoons for a few minutes please. Love yall ❤️

alexok37

My personal special sauce is famous daves devils spit and chick fil a sauce. You don't have to read this on the episode, but that combo is exceptional and everybody should check it out. It definitely elevates my 2am nuggets and tots 👀

Ari

You know how in films and tv shows there are these moments where the parent, holding their newly born child will begin to tell them stories of their life. Well if you were in their shoes, what video game lore or story would you tell to your child?

Matthew Phelps

Hey MinnMax! Crazy development here on the Game Awards nominations. Vedinad, solo-dev for Megabonk has withdrawn the game for contention from the “Best Debut” category on the grounds that he feels it’s ineligible as he’s shipped games before at other studios. For me, this is interesting because as far as I’m aware and as evidenced by this, developers don’t submit their games to the Game Awards the way a movie studio might for the Oscars, meaning they don’t get a choice in how it’s considered or what categories they’re nominated for. Do you think that developers should have more say in how their titles are considered for The Game Awards? Should our lord and master Geoff Keighley add a game to the nominations list to fill the empty spot vacated by Megabonk? Thanks gang, hope you’re all keeping safe and that Ben’s paternity leave is going smoothly.

WinnietheBoo

The Xbox 360 turns 20 this week (sorry for making everyone feel old!) - looking back, what do you think made this Microsoft's most successful console by far? What are the most vivid memories you associate with this console?

Kenjamin

If they stopped making new games, how long would it take for you to lose interest in them completely? How long would your backlog alone keep you satisfied?

Kenjamin

What are your strategies for juggling multiple games and getting through them all at once? Do you have a limit on how many you let yourselves tackle at once? Does varying up the genres help? I always find it tricky to not just get absorbed by one game completely, meaning I end up returning to other games I started months ago, feeling lost and like I should just start over.

Kenjamin

What genre is the least likely to ever have a game that wins game of the year?

Eric Bushell

Does anyone know if they're starting late today? I didn't see the link on discord to watch via backstage pass