As boring as numbers may seem to some people who don’t like math, they tell exciting stories. If you don’t believe us, scroll through our editor-in-chief Heiko’s extensive annual review. Or stay here, because the most successful GameStar podcasts in 2023 also tell a story. A story of surprising masterpieces, controversial complications and technical problems.
The GameStar Podcast itself also grew massively in 2023. With Géraldine we have a new full-time presenter, and we have also launched GameStar Talk as a video podcast. You can listen to the highs and lows of this trip here in Micha and Géraldine’s review:
Link to Podcast content
In this article, we’ll break down all the secondary and main arms of the GameStar podcast separately. You will find the top 5 plus premium podcasts and the top 5 regular podcasts – always measured by views.
The 5 most successful plus podcasts
In addition to the regular podcasts, GameStar also publishes special episodes for our plus audience. Here are the top 5.
5th place: Forget Metaverse and cryptogaming: AI will change everything
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Published: 18 January 2023 | Guests: Human Nagafi, René Heuser, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? In the industry special podcast, Micha Graf talks to AI expert René Heuser and management consultant Human Nagafi about the importance of rapidly advancing AI technology for the gaming industry. And the consequences for indie studios and large publishers.
Why successful? The podcast always gives us as an editorial team a very elegant opportunity to invite people with a lot of expertise to delve deeper into hot topics. Hardly any other technical topic will occupy the world as much in 2023 as ChatGPT and AI technology – even beyond gaming. No wonder you’re interested in a podcast about it.
4th place: Problem children 2023: These five games will have a difficult time in 2023
PLUS
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Problem children 2023: These five games will have a difficult time in 2023
Published: 6 January 2023 | Guests: Micha Graf, Christian Fritz Schneider, guest appearance by Holger Harth
What’s the matter? Every six months, Micha Graf and Christian Fritz Schneider look at the biggest current problem children and assess the state of affairs. Which games have a hard time? Which favorites should you pay particular attention to when pre-ordering?
Why successful? Our problem children episodes have been a hit for years because the biggest problem children often give rise to the most exciting debates. In addition, you obviously value our classifications. Thanks for that!
3rd place: The best games of all time: Géraldine’s personal top 25
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Published: March 15, 2023 | Guests: Géraldine Hohmann, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? In a special long-form podcast, editor Géraldine raves about her favorite 25 games of all time. There are bizarre Sims spinoffs, a trashy adventure gem and lots of horror!
Why successful? A core characteristic of our Plus community is their keen interest in our team members. Not only does this mean a lot to us, but it also gives us the chance to talk for two hours about our personal favorites and get paid for it.
2nd place: The best games of all time: Fritz’ personal top 25
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Published: February 1, 2023 | Guests: Christian Fritz Schneider, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? Christian Fritz Schneider is not only an absolute GameStar veteran, but has also played tons of games in his gaming life. In its 25 highlights you will also find older masterpieces such as Rogue Squadron 2 or Heart of Darkness.
Why successful? As with Géraldine’s Top 25, the same applies here: You love a look behind the scenes of our personal gaming tastes. And Fritz definitely has diverse tastes.
1st place: The best PC games of all time: Michael Graf’s personal top 25
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Published: 11 January 2023 | Guests: Micha Graf
What’s the matter? Michael Graf is not only the king of the podcast, but has also been with GameStar for 20 years. But even after two decades, he can still rave about great games for hours – and that’s what he does in this special podcast!
Why successful? Now for the third time, how do we articulate that the Plus community loves personal podcasts? Hmm… the Plus community loves personal podcasts. Especially that of Michael Graf.
The 5 most successful regular podcasts
So now let’s talk about the five most successful regular podcast episodes. Here too, measured in terms of access. You will encounter a recurring theme.
5th place: Does Baldur’s Gate 3 set role-playing standards that are too high?
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Does Baldur’s Gate 3 set role-playing standards too high?
Published: July 24, 2023 | Guests: Fabiano Uslenghi, Géraldine Hohmann, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? In July 2023, before its release, our role-playing professionals Géraldine, Micha and Fabiano discussed whether Baldur’s Gate 3 had the potential to conquer the gaming world after three years of early access.
Why so successful? At this point, no one could have imagined how much of an impact Baldur’s Gate 3 would have. Yes, the role-playing game did well in early access, but that so would be good? But you were already interested in the topic back then.
4th place: Record rating for Baldur’s Gate 3? – That makes us so euphoric
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Record rating for Baldur’s Gate 3? – That makes us euphoric
Published: 12. August 2023 | Guests: Sascha Penzhorn, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? Jump in time: A month after the fifth most successful podcast, Baldur’s Gate 3 was actually released – and the gaming world shook. Together with our main tester Sascha, Micha discusses why the exceptional role-playing game deserves the highest rating in GameStar history.
Why so successful? There is probably no need to explain why a podcast about Baldur’s Gate 3 took off like a rocket immediately after its release.
3rd place: Middle finger to the AAA industry: Baldur’s Gate 3 was no coincidence
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Middle finger to the AAA industry: Baldur’s Gate 3 was no coincidence
Published: 10. October 2023 | Guests: Micha Graf, Leah Jankowski, Human Nagafi
What’s the matter? Baldur’s Gate 3 is more than just a game. Developer Larian exemplifies a business model that seems almost impossible: as a huge indie studio with over 400 people, creating a masterpiece that wipes the floor with the entire AAA competition. Together with MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya and management consultant Human, Micha discusses the appeal of the exceptional game.
Why successful? Even in 2024, Baldur’s Gate 3 will still interest the GameStar community like no other game (currently). It was no different in October 2023.
2nd place: The 13 worst devaluations in GameStar history
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Published: 14 January 2023 | Guests: Florian Franck, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? If a game appears in a technically disastrous condition, then we downgrade it. For example, the otherwise fantastic Batman: Arkham Knight. In the podcast, Micha and Florian summarize the highest devaluations of GameStar.
Why successful? Unfortunately, technical devaluations were as relevant as ever in 2023. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Hogwarts Legacy, even Baldur’s Gate 3 – various hits appeared on the PC with technical quirks. No wonder you are interested in the topic.
1st place: Shadow over Hogwarts Legacy: Between controversy and quality concerns
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Published: 28 January 2023 | Guests: Natalie Schermann, Eleen Reinke, Micha Graf
What’s the matter? Even before its release, Hogwarts Legacy was a sensitive topic. Many critical voices even called for a boycott of the game because of the controversial statements made by Harry Potter creator JK Rowling. At the same time, the game itself raised many questions, which GameStar editor Natalie discussed together with GamePro editors Eleen and Micha.
Why successful? After an extremely poor 2022, Hogwarts Legacy was the first big blockbuster in ages at the beginning of 2023. Even beyond the Rowling controversy, interest was huge. In addition, podcasts collect views throughout the year, which means podcasts that appear in January have an easier time making it into the top 5 over the following 12 months.
If you are fundamentally interested in such numerical reviews, then let us know: In theory, we still have a ton of top 5 up our sleeves that we could share with you, including the most successful news, tests, videos and, and, and. Maybe you’ll discover exciting content that you’ve missed before, or at least get a very interesting insight behind the scenes of our daily decisions.
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