e536 — Can we skip all AI this time?

Published 22 December 2025

e536 with Andy, Michael R, and guest host newly-retired Ian “Epredator” Hughes – a dive into gaming in 2025, retro computing and games, how to fix old paintings, and what’s coming to the public domain on January 1st.

The show kicks off with a number of gaming topics, discussing what the hosts have been playing lately, including the results of the Steam Replay for 2025. There’s also a chat about Commodore (joysticks, and the new Commodore 64 Ultimate), ZX Spectrum, and other retro machines. Netflix has been making acquisitions in the gaming space, where will they lead?

Michael is fascinated by the process of restoring old paintings; Andy and Ian have seen a lot more of this on TV in the UK!

In the wrap, the hosts cover an incident of apparent smart glasses-induced rage on the subway; and briefly talk about what’s coming into the Public Domain on January 1st 2026.

Wishing all our listeners a happy and peaceful break to close out 2025, and we’ll be back with new episodes in 2026.

Selected Links

Gaming

• Open Source Cannon Fodder Engine
• Steam Replay shows high interest in older games
  • Andy’s Steam year in review
  • Michael’s Year in review
• Uber Eats spoofed by SNL
• Old new Commodore 64 Joystick
  
• Hackster review of Commodore 64 Ultimate

• ESP32 Rainbow (ZX Spectrum Re-created)
• Picocomputer 6502 board
  
• Netflix buys Ready Player Me

Makers

• A satisfying painting restoration on YouTube

• UK alternatives:
  • Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
  • The Repair Shop

Media

• Smashed smart glasses
• Public Domain Day 2026

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:53 — 51.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Podcast Index | Youtube Music | RSS | More