2019-2020: A period of rapid evolution and unexpected challenges. In 2019, with Google's ambitious launch of Stadia and the next-gen console announcements from Sony and Microsoft, the gaming landscape seemed primed for monumental shifts. Yet, the loot box controversy continued to cast a shadow, prompting legal scrutiny worldwide. Ray tracing, Auto Battlers, and the ever-growing dominance of mobile gaming painted a picture of a vibrant, evolving industry. But it was also a time of change on the personnel front: the retirement of giants like Reggie Fils-Aime and Kaz Hirai marked the end of an era, while Bungie's tumultuous split from Activision underscored the complex dynamics between developers and publishers. Transitioning to 2020, the gaming world, like the rest of the planet, grappled with the challenges of a global pandemic. Yet, in adversity, the industry found growth, with streamers and gaming platforms seeing unprecedented engagement. Noteworthy events like Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax and the expanding cloud gaming frontier signaled that the industry was far from static, even in the face of global challenges. Reflecting on these years, one can't help but ponder: In a rapidly transforming world, both within and outside gaming, what lies on the horizon for this dynamic industry?

Featured Games:
Shenmue 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, The Outer Worlds, Apex Legends, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Hades, Among Us, Doom Eternal, & Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

• (00:00) - Episode 14