Nulls, Procs, and Imposter Syndrome

Gaming Escapades

The hosts share their recent gaming experiences, highlighting how video games provide a much-needed escape from their busy work lives. Joe Zack mentions his love for Overwatch, a game he finds particularly enjoyable due to its fast pace and fun characters. Michael Outlaw and Alan Underwood join in, discussing their favorite heroes and the game's dynamic nature 1 2.

I have been playing the heck out of some video games lately. And so if I'm not working, I'm still sitting in the same spot, but either playing Overwatch or one of the games that I just bought in the Steam sale.

--- Joe Zack

They also touch on the importance of finding games that match their play styles, with Joe preferring characters that don't require precise aiming 2.

   

Game Comparisons

The hosts compare Overwatch to other popular first-person shooters like Call of Duty and Halo. Joe Zack finds Overwatch more enjoyable due to its pacing and lack of frustration, while Michael Outlaw notes that the absence of a level-up system might affect its long-term popularity 3.

My son theorized that the game would lose popularity rather quickly compared to other games, like a Halo or a Call of Duty, because you don't have to earn anything. You just start the game and you have everything you want.

--- Michael Outlaw

Despite these concerns, they agree that Overwatch's accessibility makes it fun for everyone right from the start 3.

   

Board Games

The conversation shifts to board games, where the hosts discuss their favorites and the strategic thinking involved. Michael Outlaw introduces C-Jump, a programming-themed board game that teaches coding concepts through gameplay 4. Joe Zack shares his excitement about attending a board game convention, noting the strong connection between programming and complex board games 5.

Board games, especially European ones, are kind of a funny programmer interest. They usually are some sort of really arbitrary, complex system that you manipulate. It does kind of remind me a little bit of programming.

--- Joe Zack

They also mention other favorites like Pandemic and Seven Wonders, highlighting how these games stretch the brain and require serious strategic thinking 4.