From Arcades to Evercade: A Lifelong Love of Gaming with YouTuber Andrew Bender

From Arcades to Evercade: A Lifelong Love of Gaming with YouTuber Andrew Bender

In this episode of Retro Titans, we head across the Atlantic to talk retro gaming, arcades, Evercade and the journey from lifelong gamer to YouTube creator. Phil is joined by Andrew Bender, one half of the Ronnie and Andrew YouTube channel, which has built up a huge library of videos covering retro and modern gaming. Andrew talks about how the channel developed, what he has learned along the way, and why sharing his passion for games has become such an important part of the hobby. Andrew's gaming story goes much further back. We explore his love of Falcom games, his experiences with the American arcade scene, collecting arcade hardware, and why the social experience of playing games in an arcade still has a magic that is difficult to recreate at home. There's plenty of Evercade discussion too, including Andrew's approach to reviewing cartridges and discovering games he might otherwise never have played. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ From gamer to YouTuber How Andrew and his wife started creating gaming content, and the learning curve involved in building a channel with more than 600 videos. 2️⃣ Growing up with games and discovering the arcade Andrew shares his gaming history and why arcades became such an important part of his passion for the hobby. 3️⃣ The magic of arcade hardware From cabinets and fighting games to Neo Geo and pinball, we discuss what makes playing on original or dedicated hardware such a different experience. 4️⃣ Evercade, collecting and discovering old games Why physical cartridges and curated collections appeal to Andrew, and how reviewing Evercade releases has introduced him to games from across gaming history. 5️⃣ Why retro gaming still matters Andrew and Phil discuss nostalgia, collecting and the communities that continue to celebrate classic games and hardware. 🔗 Links Roni and Andrew on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GameOverRandA [https://www.youtube.com/@GameOverRandA] Andrew's arcade tour (mentioned in the interview) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naT_bFW2a_0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naT_bFW2a_0] 🎙️ Credits Sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing [https://www.thalamusdigital.co.uk/] Produced by Rocket Media Voiceover by Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna

Rebroadcast - E1 Crazy Burger's introduction to Evercade

Today's episode is a replay of Season 1, Episode 1 with YouTuber Crazy Burger - recorded back in February 2024. So much has changed since we started Retro Titans. From resurgence of retro gaming and the evolution of Evercade to my own rediscovery of the games I loved. Looking back, I recorded this episode only four weeks into my Evercade journey. I'm slighly suprised by my bold brass to think I could make a podcast about something I knew barely anywayhing about. Hey ho, thankfully Crazy Burger made it easy for me. Since then, I've discovered so much more in retro and indie gaming, recorded over 50 episodes of Retro Titans, and made a load of friends in the process. So, while we wait for the fresh new episodes, thanks to everyone who's listened and supported Retro Titans so far. Are you ready to play...? Thanks Phil July 2026

Turrican, Neo Geo, Home Computer Handhelds & the Future of Retro Gaming | Blaze Entertainment's Andrew Byatt & Sean Cleaver

To reflect on Evercade's first half of 2026, we welcome back two familiar faces from Blaze Entertainment: CEO Andrew Byatt and Head of Communications Sean Cleaver. From the headline-grabbing Evercade Nexus announcements to the arrival of Turrican, Doom teasers, and the exciting new Home Computer Handheld range, we explore how Blaze continues to grow the Evercade ecosystem while balancing nostalgia, innovation and community feedback. We also discuss the challenges of licensing classic games, the future of retro gaming, the importance of preserving gaming history, and why physical media still matters in an increasingly digital world. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ Evercade's biggest year yet Andrew and Sean reflect on six years of Blaze Entertainment and the announcements that are shaping the future of Evercade. 2️⃣ The stories behind the latest releases From Turrican to NeoGeo, Rare, Doom and beyond, we talk about some of the standout games, cartridges and partnerships. 3️⃣ The Home Computer Handhelds Why Blaze decided to bring the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 back in handheld form, and what players can expect. 4️⃣ Licensing, preservation and community How Blaze works with rights holders, listens to fan feedback and balances classic favourites with new discoveries. 5️⃣ Looking ahead What excites Andrew and Sean most about the future of Evercade, retro gaming and the growing community around the platform. Whether you're an Evercade collector, a lifelong retro gamer, or simply curious about where classic gaming is heading next, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most passionate companies. 🔗 Guest links Blaze Entertainment: https://blaze-entertainment.com [https://blaze-entertainment.com] Evercade: https://evercade.co.uk [https://evercade.co.uk] 🎙️ Credits This episode is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing [https://www.thalamusdigital.co.uk/]. Produced by Rocket Media. Voiceover by Mark Silk. Theme music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna.

Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 | James Deighan on Evercade & Modern Retro Gaming

In this episode of Retro Titans, we're joined once again by James Deighan, co-founder of indie game studio Mega Cat Studios. He returns to discuss the launch of Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 on Evercade and how the studio continues to create brand-new games for classic hardware. From its roots in the homebrew community to becoming one of modern retro gaming's most respected publishers, Mega Cat Studios has spent more than a decade creating fresh experiences for the consoles and computers many of us grew up with. James shares the company's journey, the passion behind its success, and why physical retro gaming continues to thrive. In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ The story behind Mega Cat Studios How a group of collectors, homebrew developers and ROM hackers built one of retro gaming's most influential publishers. 2️⃣ Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 James takes us behind the scenes of the latest Evercade collection and the games that made the cut. 3️⃣ Why modern retro keeps growing From physical cartridges to community events and homebrew development, we explore why retro gaming is stronger than ever. 4️⃣ From passion project to publishing powerhouse James reflects on balancing creativity with business growth while supporting independent developers around the world. 5️⃣ The future of retro gaming We discuss what's next for Mega Cat Studios, the evolving indie landscape, and why classic platforms continue to inspire today's developers. Whether you're an Evercade fan, a homebrew enthusiast or simply fascinated by modern retro gaming, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into one of the studios helping shape its future. 🔗 Guest links • Mega Cat Studios: https://megacatstudios.com [https://megacatstudios.com] 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing [https://www.thalamusdigital.co.uk/]. Produced by Rocket Media. Voiceover by Mark Silk. Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna.

From Llamas to Light Synths: Jeff Minter and Heart of Neon with Paul Docherty

In this episode of Retro Titans, we dive into the colourful world of one of gaming's most original creators: Jeff Minter. Joining us is filmmaker and C64 pixel artist Paul Docherty, whose new documentary Heart of Neon chronicles Minter's remarkable four-decade journey from the VIC-20 era to becoming one of the industry's most fiercely independent creative voices. Paul's own story is deeply intertwined with gaming history. Known to many as "Doc" from the Commodore 64 scene, he created iconic loading screens for classics such as The Last Ninja, Druid II and Flying Shark before embarking on a successful career in documentary filmmaking. Now, he's brought those two passions together in a labour of love that celebrates the games, artistry and philosophy of Llamasoft founder Jeff Minter. Together, we explore the making of Heart of Neon, the challenges of documenting a gaming icon, and why Minter's unique blend of arcade action, psychedelia and artistic expression continues to resonate with players today. In this episode, we cover: 1️⃣ The making of Heart of Neon How Paul Docherty went from Commodore 64 pixel artist to documentary filmmaker, and why Jeff Minter became the subject of his most ambitious project. 2️⃣ Jeff Minter's extraordinary legacy From Gridrunner and Llamatron to Space Giraffe and beyond, we discuss the games, ideas and innovations that shaped a four-decade career. 3️⃣ Video games as art Why Minter's work challenges conventional ideas about game design and continues to inspire developers, artists and creators. 4️⃣ The golden age of home computing Paul reflects on the Commodore 64 era, the UK games industry of the 1980s, and the creative opportunities that helped launch his career. 5️⃣ Preserving gaming history The role documentaries play in capturing the stories behind the games, people and movements that shaped retro gaming culture. Whether you're a lifelong Llamasoft fan, a lover of retro gaming history, or simply curious about one of the medium's most distinctive creative minds, this is a fascinating conversation about imagination, technology and the enduring power of independent game development. 🔗 Guest links * Heart of Neon documentary * Paul Docherty * Llamasoft 🎙️ Credits Retro Titans is sponsored by Thalamus Digital Publishing Produced by Rocket Media, with voiceover from Mark Silk Music: "8 Bit Skyway" © Piotr Pacyna Used under licence from shockwave-sound.com