Best History Respawned Podcasts (2025)

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Ten Wrestling Feuds That Quietly Changed History 39:25

Play Pause

19h ago39:25

39:25

Everyone remembers Austin vs. McMahon or Rock vs. Cena, but what about the stories buried beneath the main events? From brutal mid-card wars to short-lived showdowns that shaped entire eras, these ten forgotten feuds prove that history isn’t written by the winners — it’s written by the ones who left a mark when nobody was watching. If you love wres…

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From Suplexes to Saving Throws: WWE Meets D&D 41:43

8d ago41:43

41:43

WrestlePalooza brought the chaos—and we’re breaking it all down. From the matches that flopped to the ones that stole the show, We pull no punches. We dive into Cody Rhodes’ crossroads moment: is he stronger as the face of the company, or is a heel turn looming? Then it’s a trip down memory lane with AJ Styles vs. John Cena, a legacy clash that rem…

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Episode 1.5 Wrestlepalooza Predictions and Baulders Gate 3 Playthrough 48:56

16d ago48:56

48:56

This week we discuss our wrestlepalooza predictions and go over our Baulders Gate Playthrough

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Episode 1.4 Jeff Jarret's Impact On The Industry And Our Mount Rushmore Of TNA 54:05

29d ago54:05

54:05

In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked yet pivotal roles that Abyss and Samoa Joe played in shaping TNA's legacy. Discover how Abyss's hardcore style and Samoa Joe's unmatched intensity brought a new level of excitement and innovation to the ring. Join us as we explore their unforgettable matches, storylines, and the lasting impact the…

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Episode 1.3 The Hood legend Jeff Hardy and crying over Japanese gangsters 1:18:12

1M ago1:18:12

1:18:12

This week we discuss games/games series that need a revival or remake. Gaming moments that had us speechless. we Dive into our Mount Rushmore of wrestling and current news and rumors in Pro WrestlingBy Chance Wirick and Joshua Shults

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Episode 1.1 The Opening Bell 1:20:13

1M ago1:20:13

1:20:13

In our debut episode we talk about the matches that got us hooked on wrestling and the games that turned us into gamersBy Chance Wirick and Joshua Shults

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Episode 1.2 Rumors, Faction Wars and Persona 3 1:08:52

1M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

in this episode, we explore the dynamic world of wrestling factions and their profound influence on the industry, alongside the captivating realm of video games. From the NWO's groundbreaking invasion of WCW to DX's unforgettable antics, we delve into how these groups reshaped wrestling narratives. Additionally, we discuss the impact of video games…

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Episode 108: The Hajj Trail with Tyler Kynn 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

Bob talks with Dr. Tyler Kynn about his project The Hajj Trail. Topics include game development as a historian, games in the history classroom, games about non-western history, and history games as scholarship.By History Respawned

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Episode 107: Assassin's Creed Mirage Codex and the History of Baghdad with Dr. Glaire Anderson 42:07

2y ago42:07

42:07

In the 10th Anniversary Episode of History Respawned, Bob talks with Dr. Glaire Anderson about working with Ubisoft on Assassin's Creed Mirage's Codex and its History of Baghdad feature. Topics include historians using game development tools, teaching game developers medieval history, and de-centering northern Europe in medieval history.*Audio from…

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Episode 106: Atari 50 44:56

2y ago44:56

44:56

Bob talks with Jon-Paul Dyson from The Strong National Museum of Play about Atari 50. Topics include the history of Atari, game preservation, and what's new at the Strong Museum in 2023. For more on The Strong, visit: https://www.museumofplay.org/Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawned*Audio from a video episode p…

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Episode 105: The Saboteur 32:37

2y ago32:37

32:37

Bob talks with Pieter Van den Heede about The Saboteur (2009). Topics include the Second World War, Second World War memory in North America and Europe, Occupation and Resistance, Collaboration, NPCs in Open World Games, and new trends in Second World War video games. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawned…

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Episode 104: History Games at Not E3 2023 1:19:09

2+ y ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Bob and John discuss the history game news coming out of the NOT E3 season, including announcements from Ubisoft, Xbox, and PlayStation. Topics include Assassin's Creed Mirage, Assassin's Creed Nexus, Assassin's Creed Codename Jade, Clockwork Revolution, the Gilded Age in games, Lamplighter's League, Fable, Metal Gear Solid 3, The Pirate Queen, Ecu…

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Episode 103: 2022 History Game Awards 1:39:19

3y ago1:39:19

1:39:19

Bob, John, and some special guests discuss the best history games of 2022. Topics include Weird West, The Case of the Golden Idol, NBA 2k23, Cult of the Lamb, Horizon Forbidden West, Card Shark, Victoria 3, Train to Sachsenhausen, Atari 50, Crusader Kings 3, The Legend of Tianding, Valiant Hearts Coming Home, Hades II, Contraband, Mask of the Rose,…

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Episode 102: Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall on Slave Revolt on Screen 37:25

3y ago37:25

37:25

Bob talks with Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall about her new book, Slave Revolt on Screen: The Haitian Revolution in Film and Video Games. Topics include the historiography of the Haitian Revolution, collecting sources for a book about films and games, Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry, comparing historical games and historical films, and the games of Muriel…

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Episode 101: Kate Cook and Jane Draycott on Women in Classical Video Games 51:10

3y ago51:10

51:10

Bob talks with Kate Cook and Jane Draycott about their new edited collection, Women in Classical Video Games (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/women-in-classical-video-games-9781350241930/). Topics include the popularity of classical video games, their appearance in the classroom, the relationship between classical games and classical films, and "hist…

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Episode 100: Ubisoft Forward and Esther Wright on Rockstar Games 1:22:01

3y ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Bob talks about the history game news from Ubisoft Forward, and then (19:15) chats with Esther Wright about her new book, Rockstar Games and American History: Promotional Materials and the Construction of Authenticity (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110716610/html). Bob and Esther also talk a bit about the recent leak of Grand T…

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Episode 99: History Games at Gamescom and Civs 101: The Inca 1:22:52

3y ago1:22:52

1:22:52

Bob and John discuss recent game news, including games announced during Gamescom, upcoming history games releases, and what games they’ve been playing recently. Topics include The Great War: Western Front, Wyrdsong, Pentiment, Age of Empires IV, Tortuga, Under the Waves, Where the Winds Meet, Company of Heroes 3, Victoria 3, Skull and Bones, Mask o…

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Episode 98: Ubisoft News, Assassin's Creed Lesson Plans, and Civs 101: Germany 1:08:01

3+ y ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Bob and John talk through recent updates from Ubisoft, including new game modes for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, rumors of Skull & Bones, and Discovery Tour Lesson Plans. This episode ends (28:12) with a rebroadcast of Civs 101: Germany, in which Bob talks with Dr. Jeremy Best about the German Civ. Topics include the long and complicated history of G…

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Episode 97: Hall of Fame, New Games, and a Fool and his Money 1:32:29

3+ y ago1:32:29

1:32:29

Bob and John run through history game news as well as a list of upcoming history game releases. They wrap up by talking about what they've been playing recently, and Bob's questionable gaming purchases. Topics include Civilization in the Hall of Fame, Assassin's Creed Valhalla more popular than ever, Call of Duty blames WWII, Card Shark, Isonzo, Vi…

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Episode 96: Peter Hirschmann on Medal of Honor Above and Beyond 50:52

3+ y ago50:52

50:52

Bob talks with Peter Hirschmann from Respawn Entertainment about Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. Topics include the history of the Medal of Honor series, bringing the series to VR, Above and Beyond's Gallery, winning an Oscar, and why WWII games are still so popular.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic i…

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Episode 95: Leyla and Soren Johnson on Old World 36:27

3+ y ago36:27

36:27

Bob talks with Leyla and Soren Johnson of Mohawk Games about Old World, History Respawned’s History Game of the Year for 2021. Topics include the response to Old World, the historical research that went into the game, Old World’s Order System, how Old World fits into the historical 4X genre, and future plans for the game. Please consider supporting…

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Episode 94: Forging a new Oregon Trail 25:27

3+ y ago25:27

25:27

Bob talks with historians Dr. Margaret Huettl and Dr. Katie Phillips about their experience working on the latest version of The Oregon Trail from Gameloft. Topics include how they got involved in the project, what their experience was like working with game developers, how they incorporated indigenous history and culture, and how The Oregon Trail …

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Episode 93: 2021 History Game Awards 1:32:02

4y ago1:32:02

1:32:02

Bob and Esports Champion John Harney discuss the best history games of 2021. Topics include Stronghold Warlords, Lake, Humankind, Hell Let Loose, Blackhaven, Jupiter Hell, Loop Hero, Overboard, The Forgotten City, Valheim, Armored Commander 2, Age of Empires IV, Old World, Deathloop, Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour: Viking Age, Wildermyth, Svoboda …

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Episode 92: Maxime Durand on Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour: Viking Age 32:43

4y ago32:43

32:43

Bob talks with Maxime Durand, the World Design Director of Discovery Tour for Ubisoft, about Discovery Tour: Viking Age. Topics include the history of Discovery Tour, reaching an academic audience with games, working with scholars for Viking Age, game play changes to Discovery Tour, and Viking Age characters.Support History Respawned on Patreon at …

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Episode 91: New World, MLK in Fortnite, and upcoming history games 1:24:02

4y ago1:24:02

1:24:02

Bob and John discuss what they've been playing and what they are looking forward to in the fall. Topics include Amazon's New World, MLK in Fortnite, Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour Viking Age, Age of Empires 4, Call of Duty Vanguard, Diablo 2, Deathloop, Back 4 Blood, Press Reset, and Masters of Doom.…

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Episode 90: Blackhaven 38:53

4y ago38:53

38:53

Bob talks with historian and game designer James Coltrain about his new game Blackhaven. Topics include presenting history through games, the importance of historical memory and challenging official histories, the influence of environmental storytelling, and future projects from Historiated Games.Play Blackhaven for free on Steam: https://store.ste…

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Episode 89: Civs 101: Scotland 36:08

4y ago36:08

36:08

Bob talks with Dr. Michelle Brock about the Scottish Civ. Topics include Scotland in the popular imagination, the "Braveheart Effect," Outlander, Robert the Bruce and Scottish independence, golf courses, Scotland and the slave trade, the Covenanter Movement, and Flower of Scotland. *For our talk of slavery, I completely forgot about the Triangular …

1
Episode 88: Civs 101: China 37:14

4y ago37:14

37:14

Bob talks with John about the China Civ. Topics include China's new leaders in Civilization VI, the changing perspectives on Chinese leadership over the twentieth century, state influence historiography, and the problems that game developers and historians share. This episode features audio pulled from a video episode.Please consider supporting us …

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Episode 87: Assassin’s Creed Infinity, Old World, and the REnaissance 54:44

4y ago54:44

54:44

Bob and John discuss recent gaming news, including Assassin’s Creed Infinity, Deathloop, and Robocop Rogue City. They wrap up by talking about what they’ve been playing recently, including Old World, Resident Evil Village, and Mass Effect 3.By History Respawned

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Episode 86: Historians on E3 2021 1:25:59

4+ y ago1:25:59

1:25:59

Bob and John discuss E3 2021. History games include Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour Mode, Valhalla's Siege of Paris DLC, Age of Empires 4, Plague Tale Requiem, Immortality, House of Ashes, Gloomwood, Lake, Contraband, and Terra Nil. Other games include Starfield, Halo Infinite, 12 Minutes, Back 4 Blood, Metroid Dread, and Legend of Zelda Breath of …

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Episode 85: The End of the Beginning 1:15:33

4+ y ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Bob and John talk about recent news in historical games, including game reviews in the American Historical Review, the announcement of Victoria 3, ongoing problems at Ubisoft, and new plans for book reviews on Civs 101. They also discuss what they've been playing recently, including Cuphead, Darkest Dungeon, Tetris Effect, Watchdogs Legion, Before …

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Episode 84: History Conference Panel 1:37:17

4+ y ago1:37:17

1:37:17

Bob shares audio from a recent history conference panel called "Taking Video Games Seriously." Topics include the critical analysis of games by historians, using video games in historical research, and teaching American history with video games. Panelists include Jonathan Jones, Anne Ladyem McDivitt, Esther Wright, Jeffrey Lawler, Sean Smith, and R…

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Episode 83: Civs 101: Zulu 25:15

4+ y ago25:15

25:15

Bob talks with Dr. T.J. Tallie about the Zulu Civ. Topics include the long history of Shaka in popular culture, the emphasis on military exploits in Zulu history, the potential for other Zulu leaders in Civilization, and Dr. Tallie’s longstanding grudge against Wilfrid Laurier.*This podcast features audio taken from a video recording.…

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Episode 82: Historical Games Network 56:26

4+ y ago56:26

56:26

Bob talks with Adam Chapman and Esther Wright about the Historical Games Network (HGN). Topics include the origins of HGN, goals for the network, and HGN events. We wrap up by talking about what Adam and Esther have played recently, including Enlisted, Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and the Last of Us 2.To learn more about th…

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Episode 81: Civs 101: Greece 27:21

4+ y ago27:21

27:21

Bob talks with Dr. Kate Cook about the Greece Civ. Topics include the new leaders for Greece in Civ VI, Athens versus Sparta in historical memory, Greece as the "cradle of civilization," and the influence of Athens on the idea of Greek civilization. *Apologies for Bob's audio on this episode. The original wav file was lost and a backup was used. Ka…

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Episode 80: Civs 101: America 26:32

4+ y ago26:32

26:32

On the introductory episode of our new limited series, Civs 101, Bob talks with Dr. Robert Greene II about the America Civ. Topics include the idea of an American "civilization," Rough Rider versus Bull Moose Teddy Roosevelt, and other possible, non-presidential, leaders for the America Civ.*This podcast features audio taken from a video recording.…

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Episode 79: New series, new COD, new WWI 45:59

4+ y ago45:59

45:59

Bob and John discuss a new upcoming limited series for History Respawned. Plus, a new WWII Call of Duty Game, a new WWI game, Humankind delay, Suzerain, Monster Hunter, Bowser's Fury, and Days Gone.By History Respawned

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Episode 78: Cyberpunk 2077 39:23

4+ y ago39:23

39:23

John welcomes Professor Andre Sorensen to talk about Night City, the setting to CD Projekt Red's mammoth, ambitious - and troubled - follow-up to The Witcher 3. We talk about the setting as an urban dystopia, the historic notion of the city as a corrupting influence, and why Tokyo - or an imagined version of Tokyo - represents the future in so much…

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Episode 77: Not So Little Trouble in Big Gaming Companies 54:32

4+ y ago54:32

54:32

John and Bob sit down to offer their takes on the news of the gaming day, specifically Gamestop's sudden rise to the forefront of the American public imagination and problems at Amazon Games. After that Bob gives initial reviews of his Playstation 5 and John talks some Cyberpunk 2077... again.By History Respawned

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Episode 76: History Games of 2020 1:49:37

5y ago1:49:37

1:49:37

Bob and John discuss their favorite history games of 2020 (check show notes for categories). Topics include Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Iron Harvest, Pendragon, Command and Conquer, Cyberpunk 2077, Warsaw, Mobius Front '83, Hades, Radio General, Troy: A Total War Saga, Dionysus, Through the Darkest of Times, Attentat 1942, Humankind, Old World, The …

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Episode 75: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War 45:08

5y ago45:08

45:08

Bob talks with returning guests Dr. Chris Dietrich and Dr. Joseph Parrott about Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Topics include the Cold War in the 1980s, Operation Fracture Jaw, the game's depiction of Ronald Reagan, Reagan in popular memory, and the reality of the communist threat in the United States. *This episode includes minor spoilers for t…

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Episode 74: Reactions to Call of Duty Cold War. Plus CKIII, AC Valhalla, and Cyberpunk 2077 1:08:47

5y ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Bob and John discuss Bob's play through of Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War. Plus more talk of Crusader Kings III, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and exploring the history of the future in Cyberpunk 2077.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symphony 40 in G minor by texasradiofish (c) 2015 Licensed under a C…

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Episode 73: Assassin's Creed Valhalla 49:52

5y ago49:52

49:52

Bob talks with Dr. Daniel Melleno about Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Topics include the history of the Viking Age, raiding monasteries, Paganism vs. Christianity, Vikings and slavery, Norse Mythology, Roman ruins in England, and Vikings in popular culture. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symphony 40 …

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Episode 72: Initial Reactions to CK3 and looking forward to Iron Harvest 1:03:26

5y ago1:03:26

1:03:26

John and Bob get together to let John exult in the glory of Crusader Kings 3 coming out, and from there talk about the challenges in celebrating historical memory during a pandemic. We also talk about representations of the Cold War in the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and our excitement about the alternate history game Iron Harvest.…

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Episode 71: Historians react to more Not E3 Game News 1:23:59

5y ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Bob, John, Holly Nielsen, and Esther Wright discuss the history game news from July and August. Topics include Ubisoft's scandal, AC Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Watch Dogs Legion, Skull and Bones, Beyond Good and Evil, We Happy Few, Xbox Game Pass, game preservation, and upcoming consoles. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyr…

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Episode 70: Historical Games and Museums 52:31

5y ago52:31

52:31

Bob talks with museum professional Kyle Dalton about historical games and museums. Topics include Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour Mode, BioShock Infinite, what museums can learn from games, what games can learn from museums, and gamifying historical reenactment.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symph…

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Episode 69: Historians react to Not E3 Game News 48:18

5+ y ago48:18

48:18

Bob and John discuss the history game related news from June. Topics include Civilization VI, Old World, Total War Troy, Humankind, Little Devil Inside, Paradise Lost, Horizon Forbidden West, and The Last of Us II (no spoilers).Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symphony 40 in G minor by texasradiofis…

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Episode 68: Historians react to Assassin's Creed Valhalla 35:26

5+ y ago35:26

35:26

Bob and John discuss the reveal of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Topics include the Viking raids, historical revisionism, refugees, Brexit, RPG mechanics, and the long history of the Assassin's Creed series.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symphony 40 in G minor by texasradiofish (c) 2015 Licensed unde…

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Episode 67: Resistance! 36:10

5+ y ago36:10

36:10

From coronavirus induced isolation, Bob and John discuss the depiction of resistance in a set of recent World War II games, including Attentat 1942, Warsaw, and Through the Darkest of Times. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Symphony 40 in G minor by texasradiofish (c) 2015 Licensed under a Creative …

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Episode 66: Anno 1800 and History Games of 2020 46:55

5+ y ago46:55

46:55

Bob and John discuss John's playthrough of Anno 1800 as well as the history games that will be published in 2020. Topics include Anno 1800, Assassin's Creed, Iron Harvest, Crusader Kings III, Empire of Sin, Nioh 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Skull and Bones, and Humankind.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/historyrespawnedMusic is Sy…