The Best Gaming Blogs, Vlogs, and Podcasts for Newbies

Gaming can be an overwhelming world to dive into, especially for beginners. The sector has its own jargon – many of us will scratch our heads on hearing terms like skins, NPCs, hit-boxes, and DPS – which can make it feel like a closed door. Yet, gaming is now so broad that it has many access points. Indeed, while it may feel daunting for beginners, it is highly accessible. Part of that accessibility comes through the broader gaming ecosystem; online communities and media platforms that have sprung up to support an industry that now counts its members in the billions. Below, we have picked out some of the best that are useful for newbies beginning their gaming journey. Blogs KotakuKotaku is a great blog for both new and seasoned gamers. What we love about it is that it finds the right blend of being informative without assuming that everyone reading is an expert. It’s a broad platform, covering the latest gaming news, reviews, and in-depth analysis of trending games. Those new to gaming will appreciate its mix of industry updates and beginner-friendly tips, such as its “how-to” posts that break down complex gaming concepts and strategies. Rock Paper ShotgunIf you go from start to finish on a gaming journey, it’s almost inevitable that you will end up a PC gamer. That’s the focus here. Rock Paper Shotgun is all-in on PC gaming, and it’s a landing point for experts. Yet, it is full of reviews, guides, and how-tos that open up a world for beginners. It also has an excellent free newsletter. McLuck Blog Hosted on its social casino platform, McLuck’s iGaming blog offers insights into everything in the world of casino entertainment. If you want to find out how to understand slots RTP or are curious about the history of Las Vegas gaming, then this one has you covered. Full of quirky stories, facts, and expert insights, it’s a must-read for iGaming fans. VlogsTheRadBradOften referred to as the “King of YouTube Walkthroughs,” – a walkthrough is a video showing the steps to complete a game – TheRadBrad’s YouTube channel is perfect for new players who want to learn about a specific game or game mechanics in general. The streamer has a dedicated following, so you will find plenty of tips and good banter in the comments section, too. JacksepticeyeWhile not everyone’s cup of tea, Jacksepticete is one of the biggest personalities in gaming, combining humor with insightful gaming tips. His energy makes it fun to watch, and his content often introduces new gamers to trending or popular games. His Let’s Plays (a stream of a game with commentary) can tell you a lot about modern gaming tactics. GamingBoltProbably the most comprehensive YouTube channel for gaming around. If you want a two-hour video on the complete history of the Red Dead Redemption series or a five-minute review of Battlefield 2042, go here. The channel has well over 7,000 videos, covering just about everything in gaming past and present. 

PodcastsWhat’s Good GamesWhat’s Good Games is hosted by four women who are industry veterans and avid gamers. Their podcast offers a balanced mix of gaming news, analysis, and playful banter. Aside from the gaming insights, the hosts have caught lightning in a bottle in being able to make listeners feel they are in the room with them. The Giant BombcastHosted by the team behind the popular gaming website Giant Bomb, this podcast is full of personality and gaming wisdom. While it’s a little more advanced than some of the gaming media platforms mentioned on this list, it’s still accessible to newbies. It’s particularly useful if you want to learn about the gaming industry as a whole. Kinda Funny Games DailyKinda Funny Games Daily is perfect for newbies who don’t want to listen to long, in-depth podcasts. If you want daily gaming news in bite-sized chunks, then subscribe. Each episode covers the top gaming stories of the day, with hosts breaking them down in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.