Checkpoint

9 Jun 2018

Checkpoint Intimates: The Whales Conversation

Video Games

Checkpoint Intimates is a weekly podcast where two members of the team go one-on-one on a topic that they both feel strongly about, talking in a more deeper and, yes, intimate context.

This week, Elliot and Jake are here to talk about whales. No, not the whales that are in the ocean, but rather the slang term which essentially means “people who spend big money and splurge on microtransactions”. We’re talking loot boxes, skins, founders packs… all of that needless stuff that sometimes costs a lot of money! One bundle in particular for Star Citizen cost $27,000. Seriously!

We discussed the hobby of gaming and compare it to other expensive hobbies, along with talking about the people who have a lot of money to spend and don’t mind splurging on their favourite past-time. In contrast, we also talked about people who can’t afford it, but spend anyway because of the satisfying gambling-like nature of things like loot boxes and how this links with addiction.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 20:15 — 18.5MB)

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26 Feb 2026

Pokémon’s 30th anniversary

Games & Hobbies, Other Games, Tech News, Technology, Video Games

Join Elliot, Luke, Edie, and James in this episode of Checkpoint on JOY where they celebrate Pokémon's 30th anniversary.   Catch the ...

24 Feb 2026

Up To Date: Phil Spencer retires from Xbox

Games & Hobbies, Other Games, Tech News, Technology, Video Games

Join Elliot, Luke, Edie, and James in this episode of Checkpoint on JOY where they talk about Phil Spencer retiring ...

19 Feb 2026

Couples gaming

Games & Hobbies, Other Games, Tech News, Technology, Video Games

Join Luke, Charlie, Edie, and Bree in this episode of Checkpoint on JOY where they talk about couples gaming. Catch the ...