AI Game Coaches, Elden Ring Redemption, and Letting Go of Teen Independence | New Dad Gaming Ep. 356
This week on New Dad Gaming, the dads are back in the saddle after a run of sickness, vacation, and dad exhaustion. Trevor returns to Elden Ring—this time without cheats—and finds himself rediscovering the magic of adventure, danger, and dumb deaths in FromSoftware’s punishing open world. But with limited dad time, he turns to an unexpected ally: AI game coaching. Using ChatGPT with a custom prompt, he gets real-time build advice, weapon comparisons, and leveling tips—all tailored to his skill level and playstyle. It’s a game-changer for busy dads.
Jeff and Trevor dig into the future of AI in gaming. From Gran Turismo’s Sophie AI to Microsoft's investment in OpenAI, are we approaching a new age of in-game helpers, smarter bots, and system-level guides that eliminate the need for YouTube rabbit holes?
On the parenting side, Jeff reflects on a huge milestone: letting his teenager go to a sleepover at a house where he hasn’t met the parents. The shift from full control to guidance, trust, and independent communication is real—and so are the growing pains.
Also in this episode:
Nostalgic memories of sleepovers powered by instant coffee and Halo
Xbox’s leaked Steam integration tab and what it could mean for console-PC crossplay
The dream of every game, everywhere—no more platform wars
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#NewDadGaming #GamingDads #EldenRing #AIinGaming #ChatGPTGaming #SteamOnXbox #ParentingTeens #GamingPodcast #DadGamers #ConsoleVsPC #FromSoftware #PortableGaming #XboxSteam #LetThemGrow #GamingLife
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38:46
Gaming Through the Plague, Steam Deck Saves the Day, and League of Legends Dad Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 355
This week on New Dad Gaming, Jeff barely makes it back from the brink after being taken down by the dreaded dad plague—but thanks to the Steam Deck, he managed to game his way through recovery. Trevor and Jeff discuss how portable gaming is perfect for sick days, and why handheld gaming may be entering a new golden age.
Speaking of challenges, Jeff officially steps into League of Legends after watching Arcane—but is immediately hit with new player overwhelm, 170 characters to choose from, and a community that isn’t as toxic as expected (yet). Will he be able to hold his own in a father-son showdown, or is he already doomed to be carried by his kid?
Meanwhile, Trevor finishes Spider-Man (!) but sets his sights on something much tougher: Elden Ring. With his gaming backlog cleared (for now), he embarks on a fresh journey through FromSoftware’s brutal world, seeking adventure, frustration, and a whole lot of you died screens.
Also in this episode: Steam Deck game streaming surprises, resisting the temptation of free games, and the dream of a Half-Life 3 announcement that will never come.
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🎧 Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772
🎧 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw
🎧 Other Platforms:
https://newdadgaming.com/
Tags:
#NewDadGaming #GamingDads #SteamDeck #LeagueOfLegends #EldenRing #SpiderManGame #ParentingAndGaming #PortableGaming #GamingPodcast #DadLifeAndGaming
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38:49
Steam Deck Joins the Family, V-Bucks Bribery, and League of Legends Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 354
This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff welcome a new gaming dad into the Steam Deck Brigade! A listener writes in about choosing between a gaming PC and a Steam Deck—did they make the right choice? Jeff shares his insights on why the Steam Deck continues to be a fantastic option for dads on the go.
Meanwhile, V-Bucks have officially entered Trevor’s household—but not without some classic gaming dad negotiation. Did bribery finally break the gaming dad fortress? How do parents navigate the microtransaction minefield with kids in Fortnite? The dads discuss strategies, compromises, and whether this is just the beginning.
Also, Jeff has never played League of Legends, but after watching Arcane, he's intrigued. Can he survive a League of Legends challenge against his son with only a few hours of training? The dads outline a hilarious potential challenge that may just end in complete gaming dad humiliation.
Plus, Jeff wonders why Days Gone is getting a remaster, and Trevor dodges yet another tempting addition to his gaming backlog challenge.
Subscribe to the Podcast!
🎧 Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-dad-gaming/id1107330772
🎧 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/434cj9ksKBnX6aY2aBZ6Uw
🎧 Other Platforms:
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#NewDadGaming #GamingDads #SteamDeck #PCGaming #Fortnite #Vbucks #ParentingAndGaming #LeagueOfLegends #ArcaneNetflix #DaysGone #GamingBacklog #DadLifeAndGaming #GamingPodcast
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36:01
Backlog Progress, Balatro Controversy, and the Spider-Man Reality Check | New Dad Gaming Ep. 353
The dads are back with a backlog challenge update! Trevor thought he was nearly done with Spider-Man Remastered… until he realized he was only halfway through. Jeff, meanwhile, has to resist the temptation of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 while his son dives deep into Balatro—which brings up a discussion about gaming, gambling, and the importance of guiding our kids through digital experiences. Also, Trevor takes on UFO 50’s surprisingly brutal first game and Jeff actually finishes something!
Key Topics Covered:
Trevor’s Spider-Man Remastered reality check: Wait, I’m only halfway?
Jeff finishes Gran Turismo 7—the first backlog victory!
Balatro and the gambling discussion: When is a game just a game?
The challenge of resisting Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and other upcoming temptations.
Trevor’s fight with UFO 50’s Dark Souls-like difficulty.
The best non-alcoholic beers for dads who want to take a break but still enjoy a drink.
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Episode Hashtags:
#GamingDads #BacklogChallenge #Balatro #Parenting #SpiderManRemastered #Fortnite #VideoGames #Fatherhood #NewDadGaming
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39:28
Tackling the Backlog Challenge | New Dad Gaming Ep. 352
The dads are taking on a gaming challenge for 2025—no new games, just tackling their massive backlogs! Inspired by a listener, Trevor and Jeff set out to finally complete the games they've collected over the years. They discuss their personal goals, the struggles of resisting new releases, and the surprising discovery that Fortnite has its own version of Roblox-style content. Will they stick to the plan? Tune in to find out!
Key Topics Covered:
The Backlog Challenge – no new games in 2025!
Trevor's shocking discovery: Roblox-style games inside Fortnite.
Strategies to resist buying new releases and enjoy what they already own.
Jeff's daunting RPG list and Trevor's Fallout New Vegas confession.
How listeners can join the challenge and share their progress.
Join the backlog challenge! Share your backlog list and progress with us at New Dad Gaming or connect with us on social media @newdadgaming.
#GamingDads #BacklogChallenge #Fortnite #Parenting #NoNewGames #VideoGames #Fatherhood #GamingLife #NewDadGaming
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