Hello!

{hope you’re enjoying the summer so far}

Geeks & Grounds was on summer break for the month of July, so I wanted to kick off with a quick re-introduction for the folks who’ve signed up in the meantime (and are probably wondering: what’s going on here?) as well as use this as as refresher for anyone who would like one.

First, who am I? I’m Jenny! I go by Kimchica online, and I love video games because they’re fun AND are an incredible medium for us to learn more about ourselves and the world around us.

I want to encourage more people to play games, especially indies, and try out titles they may not have discovered on their own. In addition to that, I want to provide a space for folks to slow down and savor what they play. To be able to create memories with games so that we can look back and feel like we got something out of our time with it. Geeks & Grounds — my game discussion club — has been my passion project for the last five years, and one of the ways I hope to achieve that goal.

Each month, we play one game — really percolate over it, if you will. These games are (usually) shorter titles, under 10-12 hours, are usually available on a variety of platforms, and most are either indie or older (to help with the cost). We do have exceptions though (spoiler alert: the next two months will be an example of that!) You can see a list of all the games we’re playing for the club this year here and you can read more about the format here.

Playing with the intention of sharing your experience with others in the club — whether you participate in the Discord, write back to the newsletter, or jot notes in your own journal, encourages thoughtful reflection and curiosity while also having a good time with a medium we love. This club is for people who want to dig a little deeper in what they play, think about games (and life) a little differently, and get excited by questions like:

• Why do we love the games we love? Conversely, why didn't we connect with a game (and what lessons can we still draw from our time with it)?
• What makes those moments in-game especially memorable? What causes us to lose that sense of immersion in the experience?
• How does our daily life impact how we play, and what we're drawn to?
• What does the game potentially say about the world around us?
• How can I be more intentional when I play games, and perhaps try out titles I wouldn't normally gravitate towards or have discovered on my own?

And that brings us to our game of the month, the "brew" that we'll be spending our time with: Yakuza: Like A Dragon!

This Month's Brew ☕ Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Why This Game?

{and why it may be something you should try}

• Voted in by the Geeks & Grounds community as a title we should play this year!
• A surprisingly wholesome (and violent and absurd) game where bros talk about their feelings and try to be the best they can be.
• It’s one of the most approachable milestones in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise (which covers nearly 25 games and decades of lore and backstory)
• Set in 2019 in a fictional world heavily inspired by the Isezakicho district in Yokohama.
• Entertaining characters, especially with new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga.
• The series first shift to turn-based combat
• PLENTY of side quests and mini-games to keep you entertained (Dragon Cart, managing a corporation, and karaoke are just a few examples!)
• Nominated for “Best RPG” at The Game Awards 2020 and “Role-Playing Game of the Year” at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards

*Want to vote for upcoming games for the club? Stay tuned! We’ll be opening up nominations in October!

The Schedule

{play how you like, but here's a general guide for pacing if you'd like to use it}

Normally, we play each game over the course of one month -- this game is our 2026 exception! We'll be playing Yakuza: Like A Dragon over a two-month span because one month would just simply be too quick. Below is the general schedule we'll be following for the podcast, if you'd like to follow along with your playthrough:

August 11, 2026: Podcast (Setting The Scene)
​ August 25, 2026: Podcast (Chapters 1 - 5)
​ August 29, 2026: Monthly Discord Hangout
​
​ September 11, 2026: Podcast (Chapters 6 - 10)
​ September 22, 2026: Podcast (Chapters 11 - 15)
​ September 26, 2026: Monthly Discord Hangout

Who'll Be Joining Us?

{meet this month's podcast co-host}

Matt Storm aka Stormageddon (They/Them) is a pansexual non-binary nerd who has been hosting, editing and producing podcasts 14+ years. They are one of the co hosts two nerdy video game podcasts, Reignite and "Fun" & Games Podcast. They love gushing about Mass Effect, Carly Rae Jepsen and Venom among many other nerdy things.

Find them at funandgamespod.com​

Brewing For Next Time ☕

{look forward to more discussion coming your way}

Our discussion and first podcast episode kicks off officially on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026. We'll set the scene for the game, providing context on the series' history, provide tips for playing, and present reflection questions and extra materials for your enjoyment as you go through the first five chapters of the game.

I feel rested from the month break and SO excited to be revving back up the engines for Geeks & Grounds again after the holiday. So, get ready to take a page from Ichi's book: let's bring in a new age of heroes!

🌻💌 Until next time, Jenny

PS: If you got this far, yay! Here's a bonus link you'll want headphones for.