Gamers Week Podcast

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For the last several months, it seems like video game news has been little more than a layoff-of-the-week carousel. With a fairly bleak release schedule ahead, upcoming projects getting canceled left and right, and the industry as a whole barely recognizable from the pandemic booms just a few years ago, it's worth asking... are we on the brink of another video game crash? Spoiler: No, but we discuss the reasons it seems that way and what we think may be happening instead.

We'll also be talking about how the developer of the Switch emulator Yuzu will pay $2.4 million to settle with Nintendo a mere week after news of the lawsuit broke, how Rooster Teeth (the company behind the popular Halo parody Red vs. Blue) is shutting down after 21 years, and how the Alan Wake 2 composer "violated one piano with adult toys" to create the horror game's nightmarish soundtrack.

Finally, Donnie takes us all the way back to March 1996 in Retro Rewind.

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Hosts: wrytersview, donniegretro, retrogamebrews
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Lay Off Fest 2K24 continues as Sony announced on Tuesday it will be laying off 8% of PlayStation employees around the world, or 900 people. The layoffs will affect even major PlayStation studios (such as Naughty Dog, Insomniac, Guerilla Games, etc.) that are home to some of the company's most successful IP, like The Last of Us, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Zero Dawn, and more. We're joined by SanityCrypto of It's Virtually A Podcast to discuss the state of the industry, what the heck is happening at Sony, and how games released five or so years from now will be affected by the mass layoffs in the gaming industry in 2023 and 2024.

We'll also be talking about how Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Switch emulator Yuzu alleging that the software had helped enable the illegal downloading of one million copies of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and how indie podcast network Realm has appointed Peter Levin to its board of advisors to help them adapt video game IPs into podcasts.

Finally, class is in session in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at the Tomb Raider theme park ride.

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Hosts: donniegretro, wrytersview, SanityCrypto
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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With PlayStation's recent announcement that it won't have any new entries in its major first party IP this year and Xbox's big "business update" being little more than a meeting that should have been an email, it's time to admit it -- the console wars just aren't what they used to be. In fact, it seems like both Sony and Microsoft have different ambitions altogether. We're joined by RedAuxPDX and Ducks in Disguise of Pixel Pond production company to talk about the future of consoles, console wars, and whatever the next big technological jump may be.

We'll also be talking about the new trailer for the Borderlands movie adaptation, how Respawn is developing a first-person Star Wars Mandalorian game, and how the 1997 cult film Starship Troopers is getting a new lease on life thanks to the popularity of Helldivers 2.

Finally, class is in session in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at the Nokia N-Gage.

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Hosts: wrytersview, donniegretro, redauxpdx, ducksindisguise
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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A new report is shedding light on just how much EA invested in its single-player FPS Immortals of Aveum, which received mixed reviews and was deemed a financial flop, resulting in about 45% of the studio's workforce being laid off shortly after release. The studio's CEO blames the packed release schedule of 2023 that put Immortals of Aveum up against behemoths like Diablo 4, Tears of the Kingdom, and Baldur's Gate 3. But developers who actually worked on the game are telling a different story. We're joined by Bill Tucker, host of A Gamer Looks At 40 Podcast, to discuss the reasons why Immortals of Aveum may have failed, as well as what it might mean for the future of AAA games.

We'll also be talking about the new study that shows more gamers than ever are identifying as LGBTQ, how the developers behind the upcoming and long-awaited Silent Hill 2 remake are blaming Konami for the game's poorly received combat trailer, and how gaming's least famous but most recognizable voice has broken cover to chat PEGI 18 and his €200 paycheck.

Finally, class is in session in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at defunct retail chains that sold video games despite not being gaming-focused stores.

We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
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Hosts: donniegretro, wrytersview, agamerlooksat40
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Rumors have been in circulation for weeks that Microsoft might publish some of its exclusive games on competing consoles. Microsoft has neither publicly confirmed nor denied the report, but on Monday, Xbox boss Phil Spencer posted on X, “We're listening and we hear you. We've been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox. Stay tuned.” As the internet predictably freaks out, we're joined by Zach Hugethanks of "Absolutely the Best Podcast: A Work in Progress" to discuss the road ahead for Xbox and make predictions about next week's big event.

We'll also be talking about how the FTC has hit Microsoft with a federal complaint over the company's game division layoffs, how Disney is buying a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games and kicking off a multiyear project with the studio that'll see a new "persistent universe" of familiar properties, and how Kurt Russell has opened up about why he didn’t voice Solid Snake in Hideo Kojima’s original Metal Gear Solid.

Finally, Donnie takes us all the way back to February 1994 in Retro Rewind.

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We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
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Hosts: wrytersview, donniegretro, Zach Hugethanks
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Sony's first State of Play of 2024 brought over 40 minutes of updates on more than 15 games coming to PlayStation consoles, including Rise of The Ronin, Stellar Blade, Death Stranding 2, Sonic x Shadow Generations, and more. We discuss all the biggest announcements from the showcase, including our favorites and... not so favorites.

We'll also be talking about how Microsoft’s Xbox brand is now reporting record growth following last week's mass layoffs, how searches for "Suicide Squad refund" surged 791% following the game's early access launch disaster, and how Arzette, the love letter to the CD-i Zelda games, will also be reviving the console's awful controller.

Finally, class is in session with Professor Ryebread in our Nostalgia 101 segment. This week, Ryan is sharing his favorites from the TGIF tv lineup.

 We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
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- Visit A Gamer Looks At 40 at linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40

Hosts: retrogamebrews, donniegretro, wrytersview
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Palworld, the game that's accurately been described as “Pokémon with guns” has been a punchline since its announcement in 2021. However, within three days of its January 18th release, it sold 5 million copies and became the #1 game on Twitch. With its derivative yet winning formula and plagiarized-ish art style, could this little game from an unknown Japanese indie studio become the superhit of the year?

We'll also be discussing how Microsoft is once again being criticized for the appearance of ads on the Xbox dashboard, how Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is heading back to US theaters ahead of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's release, and how the Florida Joker is demanding that Rockstar Games let him voice the character based on his likeness in Grand Theft Auto 6.

Finally, class is in session with Professor Ryebread in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at the keyboard terrorist hacking group Lizard Squad.

 We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
- Connect with CafeBTW at linktr.ee/cafebtw
- Visit A Gamer Looks At 40 at linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40

Hosts: donniegretro, wrytersview, retrogamebrews,
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Just in time for the rebranding of its subscription service to Ubisoft+ and the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Ubisoft has found another way to make sure its name is at the forefront of gamers' minds this month. Philippe Tremblay, director of subscriptions at Ubisoft, has stated "gamers are used to...having and owning their games. That's the consumer shift that needs to happen." But does it though? We discuss this claim and whether there's any merit to it, as well as wonder which will be the next company to take a similar bold step.

We'll also be talking about how Twin Galaxies has restored Billy Mitchell’s scores following a legal settlement, how GameStop is bidding farewell to crypto with the closure of its NFT marketplace, and how Peanut Butter, GDQ’s first dog speedrunner, is adorable and extremely good at Gyromite.

Finally, class is in session with Professor Ryebread in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at the infamous GTA: San Andreas "Hot Coffee" mod.

 We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
- Connect with CafeBTW at linktr.ee/cafebtw
- Visit A Gamer Looks At 40 at linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40

Hosts: wrytersview, retrogamebrews, donniegretro
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

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Send us Fan Mail

CES, “the most powerful tech event in the world,” kicked off its 2024 event in Las Vegas on January 9th. While CES bills itself as “the only trade show that showcases the entire tech landscape at one event,” the gaming industry has already been getting its fair share of headlines. So for our main topic this week, we’re looking at a roundup of CES 2024 news, including how SAG-AFTRA has pulled a 180 and approved AI voice acting for video games, the newly announced MSI Claw, and how Aromajoin has unveiled its new scent-based XR devices.

We'll also be discussing Valve's newly updated rules on how Steam will approach AI content, how Netflix is reportedly exploring adding in-game ads to its gaming service, and how Kim Kardashian's mobile game is shutting down after players spend millions.

Finally, Donnie takes us all the way back to January 2004 in Retro Rewind.

We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
- Connect with CafeBTW at linktr.ee/cafebtw
- Visit A Gamer Looks At 40 at linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40

Hosts: retrogamebrews, donniegretro, wrytersview
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Once again, it's prediction time! As is tradition, we look at predictions from industry analysts for the coming year and review how well they guessed last year. Then it's our turn to grade our 2023 predictions before gazing into the crystal ball and making our own forecasts for 2024.

We'll also be discussing the shocking revelation that a 13 year-old has "beaten" Tetris, how Square Enix's new years resolution is to become "aggressive in applying AI," and how Mario mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto supposedly has no plans to ever retire from Nintendo.

Finally, class is in session with Professor Ryebread in our Nostalgia 101 segment. In this episode, we're looking at the top 6 toys Ryan coveted as a child but never owned.

We love our sponsors! Please help us support those who support us!
- Check out the Retro Game Club Podcast at linktr.ee/retrogameclub
- Connect with CafeBTW at linktr.ee/cafebtw
- Visit A Gamer Looks At 40 at linktr.ee/agamerlooksat40

Hosts: donniegretro, retrogamebrews, wrytersview
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

Support the show