Checkpoint

20 Aug 2018

Checkpoint Intimates: The Bloat 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 Cam discuss the idea of “bloating” when it comes to video games. What we mean by that is when a game maybe only has about 10 hours of story, but is then padded out and stretched to much more game time through the use of open worlds, sometimes meaningless quests and collectibles and more just to get that elusive 100% completion.

We discuss games that use bloat and busy work to pad and lengthen their game, including the times that bloat works well, eg The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, along with games that are bogged down by bloat like Mass Effect: Andromeda, and concerns about Red Dead Redemption 2’s possible bloat as we get nearer to its release date.

For all the latest updates as always, head to our official website at checkpointgaming.net.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:08 — 17.5MB)

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26 Feb 2026

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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

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

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