In 2011-2012, the gaming world was in flux. While iconic figures like Sonic celebrated milestones, the industry grappled with newfound freedoms and responsibilities, thanks to the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. Entertainment Merchants Association. This decision affirmed video games as expressive art, prompting developers to venture into uncharted territories. Meanwhile, controversies swirled, from the PlayStation Network hack in retaliation to Sony's lawsuit against George 'Geohotz' Hotz, to EA's contentious "Project Ten Dollar" and the emergence of loot boxes. Amid this, Epic Games unveiled Fortnite, hinting at future trends. 2012 saw Sony's PlayStation Vita and Nintendo's Wii U launch, with both navigating murky waters. The Vita battled its identity amidst the mobile gaming surge and the cross-buy initiative's challenges, while the Wii U grappled with marketing missteps. Yet, as consoles stumbled, PC gaming surged, and esports, bolstered by Twitch's rise, began its mainstream march. This period encapsulated the industry's transformative journey, marked by innovation, challenges, and the reshaping of gaming's cultural footprint.

Featured Games:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Zelda: Skyward Sword, Portal 2, Dark Souls, Beyond Good & Evil, Halo Reach, Mass Effect 3, Battle Toads, Max Payne 3, Journey, FTL: Faster Than Light, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, The Walking Dead, & Halo 4.

• (00:00) - Episode 9