Three Questions to: Dom Schott, Creator of the Podcast OK COOL

The podcast OK COOL, created by freelance journalist Dom Schott, serves as an alternative platform within the German games journalism landscape. Established in 2019, the outlet prioritizes long-form storytelling and human-centric narratives over traditional metrics such as review scores, technical specifications, or game length. By focusing on the individuals behind game development and addressing systemic industry issues—including working conditions, crunch, and social themes like colonialism and racism—the project seeks to foster more profound, nuanced discussions about the medium.

The initiative has transitioned from a personal collection of freelance work into a collaborative endeavor, recently expanding its team to include additional contributors supported by a growing community of subscribers. This growth reflects a broader ambition to challenge the limitations of established media outlets, which are often perceived as constrained by industry ties or commercial pressures. The project aims to increase audience empathy for developers while shedding light on the realities of the production process.

Operating within the German games industry, the project also provides a unique perspective on regional development hubs. Observations highlight a distinction between the Berlin and Hamburg scenes, noting that while Berlin maintains a larger, more established network, the Hamburg industry is currently in a dynamic phase of identity formation and network building. By documenting these shifts and prioritizing critical, human-focused reporting, the outlet aims to elevate the standard of discourse surrounding the German games sector and the people who drive it.