The years 2015-2016 marked a transformative period for the gaming industry, with pivotal advancements and cultural shifts. In 2015, PC gaming's resurgence and the rise of mobile gaming shifted industry norms, with titles like Pokémon Go showcasing the potential of augmented reality. Digital sales surged, and China's Tencent emerged as a dominant force. The controversial release of No Man's Sky spotlighted the importance of developer transparency, while VR's potential and AR's immediate success painted a diversified picture of immersive gaming's future. Mid-generation console refreshes and the increasing dominance of mobile gaming, generating a staggering $41 billion, signaled a redefinition of gaming platforms. Tencent's dominance persisted, and the budding esports scene witnessed Activision's significant investments. The gaming industry's cultural influence was evident as Japan's Prime Minister celebrated gaming at the Olympics, contrasting sharply with past regulatory stances. As VR and AR technologies matured, and mobile gaming continued to expand, the gaming landscape underwent rapid evolution, prompting questions about its future direction and the experiences it would offer.

Featured Games:
Majora's Mask, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Terraria, Bloodborne, Rocket League, Halo 5: Guardians, Overwatch, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Amplitude, Undertale, Stardew Valley, & Firewatch.

• (00:00) - Episode 12