Are you ready, Helldivers?! Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James discuss how online co-op shooter ‘Helldivers 2’ became a surprise sensation and feel-good gaming story by building a new model for live-service storytelling and community (to go with great gameplay). Then they offer five rapid-fire recommendations for recently released, lower-profile games to play between blockbusters (58:00).
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Steve Ahlman and Matt James
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal
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How ‘Helldivers 2’ Broke the Live-Service Slump | Button Mash

The Ringer-Verse is your go-to nexus podcast feed for all things nerd culture and fandom, featuring:
'The Midnight Boys': Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman react to the latest in fandom and share their instant reactions to the newest nerd culture releases, all while bringing the banter every week.
'Mint Edition': Steve, Jomi, and Jessica Clemons gather every other week to share their unique takes on the movies and shows that are animating the fandom.
'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and Jessica discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays.
'Splash Page': Jessica breaks down the latest Easter eggs and theories from all of your favorite content. Not sure if that was a Mephisto reference in the latest 'Loki' episode? Wondering what exactly that post-credits scene means? Eager to know how a new trailer sets up your most anticipated release of the season? Jessica will answer all of those questions and more in her video podcasts.
Follow the new House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!

TV & Film

Jomi and Steve are joined by producer Kerm to discuss some of their favorite comics from the month of April! Along the way, the guys discuss ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ (00:00), ‘Deadpool’ (00:00), and ‘Rat City’ (00:00).
Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman
Producer: Jonathan Kermah
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
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April Comics Check-In | Mint Edition

Another episode of 'X-Men 97' is here and the Midnight Boys are back to talk about what they liked (12:29). They also have a discussion on the ins and outs of critiquing the state of fandom today, as well as their first installment of 'Midnight Musings' (67:25).
Hosts: Charles Holmes, Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
Social: Jomi Adeniran
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'X-Men 97,' the Criticism of Nostalgia, and 'Midnight Musings' | The Midnight Boys

The entire Ringer-Verse and 'House of R' crew assembles, crosses the streams, and forms a team beam for the inaugural edition of 'Ringer-Verse Recommends,' a new bite-sized monthly podcast and video series in which the hosts shout-out fandom favorites from TV, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were recently released but haven’t been covered in-depth on a full-length episode.
Hosts: Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Charles Holmes, Van Lathan, Ben Lindbergh, Jomi Adeniran, Arjuna Ramgopal, and Steve Ahlman
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
Social: Jomi Adeniran
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer-Verse Recommends: April 2024

Ben Lindbergh and Jessica Clemons banter about the anniversary of Thanos’s fateful ‘Fortnite’ appearance, the most popular crossover characters in ‘Fortnite’ history, and whether to play ‘Hades 2’ in Early Access or wait for the finished game (2:00), then discuss the full first season of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ spinoff ‘Knuckles’ on Paramount+ and the future of the ‘Sonic’ franchise (14:20) before breaking down (in a spoiler-free manner) new PlayStation 5 release ‘Stellar Blade,’ both as a game (43:37) and as a flashpoint in the gaming culture wars (57:00).
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guest: Jessica Clemons
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal
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‘Knuckles’ and ‘Stellar Blade’ Reactions | Button Mash

The Midnight Boys are back to give you another jam-packed episode. First, they take a look at the latest 'Deadpool & Wolverine' trailer (11:45). Then, they talk about the beautiful finale of 'Shogun' (26:33) as well as the latest episode of 'X-Men '97' (67:06). All before finally talking about some of the goings-on that happened at Van's birthday party (82:03).
Hosts: Charles Holmes, Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
Social: Jomi Adeniran
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How ‘Helldivers 2’ Broke the Live-Service Slump | Button Mash

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