In 2019, gamers from across the globe turned detective in order to track down and apprehend an active killer in a nerve-shredding manhunt. This is Maroon's true story.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Producer: Nathan Jones

In 2019, gamers from across the globe turned detective in order to track down and apprehend an active killer in a nerve-shredding manhunt. This is Maroon's true story. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Producer: Nathan Jones

Maroon: Tracking a Killer

What happens when a druid catches feelings for a rogue? A love story, as told by world of Warcraft.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

What happens when a druid catches feelings for a rogue? A love story, as told by world of Warcraft. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Laurie & Josh: Love and Warcraft

Since childhood, Jim has suffered from a terrifying form of psychosis. In 2017, a game called Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice helped him come to terms with it. Jim tells us his story and meets with the game's developers: actor Melina Juergens and director Tameem Antoniades.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this programme then you can find help and resources by visiting www.mind.org.ukDo you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

Since childhood, Jim has suffered from a terrifying form of psychosis. In 2017, a game called Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice helped him come to terms with it. Jim tells us his story and meets with the game's developers: actor Melina Juergens and director Tameem Antoniades. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this programme then you can find help and resources by visiting <a href="http://www.mind.org.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.mind.org.uk</a> Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Jim: Fight, Flight or Freeze

In 2018 esports saw an underdog story that would go down in gaming history. A story of betrayal, a bitter rivalry and 11 million dollars.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at Thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

In 2018 esports saw an underdog story that would go down in gaming history. A story of betrayal, a bitter rivalry and 11 million dollars. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at Thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Fly & N0tail: Gaming's Biggest Grudge Match

What happens when you spy on other gamers? You become an emperor. Aoife tells the story of the infamous Alexander Gianturco, also known as The Mittani.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

What happens when you spy on other gamers? You become an emperor. Aoife tells the story of the infamous Alexander Gianturco, also known as The Mittani. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Alexander: King of Spies

Author and Guardian games editor Keith Stuart bought a creepy game in 1984. Aoife and Julia find out if it's cursed.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

Author and Guardian games editor Keith Stuart bought a creepy game in 1984. Aoife and Julia find out if it's cursed. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Keith: The Cursed Game

Mat tells the story of his nephew Michael, and how video games gave him hope in his darkest hour.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

Mat tells the story of his nephew Michael, and how video games gave him hope in his darkest hour. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Mat: Space Buddies and Fuel Rats

Ryan Hart

The true story of Ryan Hart, who beat homelessness and became arguably the greatest fighting game champion of all time.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.ukProducer: Nathan Jones

The true story of Ryan Hart, who beat homelessness and became arguably the greatest fighting game champion of all time. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk Producer: Nathan Jones

Ryan Hart: Champion of the World

Fatima Al Qadiri

The true story of Fatima Al Qadiri, who became a successful musician after a childhood spent playing Castlevania to escape the horrors of the Gulf War.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Music included from Castlevania (1986) © Konami Digital Entertainment.Producer: Nathan JonesDo you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

The true story of Fatima Al Qadiri, who became a successful musician after a childhood spent playing Castlevania to escape the horrors of the Gulf War. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Music included from Castlevania (1986) © Konami Digital Entertainment. Producer: Nathan Jones Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Fatima Al Qadiri: Gulf War Vampires

Charlie Brooker

Charlie Brooker chats to Aoife and Julia about the video game he almost made, his digital testicles and the games that changed his life.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Producer: Nathan JonesDo you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Charlie Brooker chats to Aoife and Julia about the video game he almost made, his digital testicles and the games that changed his life. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Producer: Nathan Jones Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Charlie Brooker: My Life in Video Games

Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. New episodes every Thursday.

The astonishing true story of Abdullah, who risked his life to escape the Syrian Civil War and then made a video game about it.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Producer: Nathan JonesDo you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

The astonishing true story of Abdullah, who risked his life to escape the Syrian Civil War and then made a video game about it. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Producer: Nathan Jones Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Abdullah: Escape in an Oil Barrel

The unbelievable true story of Arsenio, who now works for NASA and has sent something into space, all because of a video game.Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time.Researcher: Phoebe McFarlaneProducer: Nathan JonesDo you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

The unbelievable true story of Arsenio, who now works for NASA and has sent something into space, all because of a video game. Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy are best mates who love video games and have worked in the industry for years. They find the most shocking, moving and inspiring true stories about how gaming changed people’s lives forever. Join them to hear about the guy who works for NASA because of a game, the couple who fell in love on an MMORPG, the man who turned his escape from civil war into a video game and the gamers who caught a killer in real time. Researcher: Phoebe McFarlane Producer: Nathan Jones Do you have a great, true story about a video game? Email us at thisgamechangedmylife@bbc.co.uk

Arsenio: Rocketships and Wiimotes

Julia Hardy and Aoife Wilson hear from guests all over the world about one game that changed everything.

Welcome to This Game Changed My Life

In a lot of society, gaming is looked at as frivolous activity and perhaps not something that changes the world. In this show, Aoife Wilson and Julia Hardy find amazing, sometimes heart-wrenching stories of just how important gaming can be to people, how it changes lives, often for the better, how it can lead to hope and inspiration for millions of people all over the world. 

This podcast is for everyone. Whether you are a gamer or not, whether you look favorably on gaming or not, if you appreciate heartfelt stories, then this podcast is for you. 

Fair warning: you may need tissues from time to time.

A podcast everyone should listen to

This podcast is well produced and the style of comment/interview is infectious. Aoife and Julia present how the world of gaming and passion collide to create positive life change. They do so in an upbeat and whimsical way that you can’t help to be smiling and motivated by the end of the episode. Honestly, I think this podcast came out at the right time given the current state of the world. 

If you need a pick-me-up and love the power of video games, give this a listen! Hope it motivates you the same way it motivated me.

Great Take on Highlight the Gaming World.

This Game Changed My Life

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Self Improvement, Growth & Development

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!