This week, Brett Deister dives into the gaming world, focusing on the upcoming sunsetting of XDefiant and its questionable Season 3 update, leaving players wondering about the value of the content. He also discusses the recent free Killzone cosmetic drop in Helldivers 2, which was a response to community complaints about pricing. The conversation takes a turn to the massive update for Stalker 2, highlighting its extensive fixes and improvements, despite the frustrating lack of fast travel. As the episode unfolds, Brett reflects on the disappointing game releases of 2024, suggesting a lack of memorable titles and a potential shift in the industry’s focus. He wraps up with a critical analysis of the current state of game writing, stressing the importance of character development and the need for a return to traditional storytelling values in gaming.

Takeaways:

• The gaming industry has seen a decline in quality writing since 2010, affecting character development.
• Stalker 2's massive update includes 1,800 fixes, enhancing the game's AI and overall performance.
• Helldivers 2 is addressing player complaints by offering free controversial skins as a response.
• XDefiant's future is uncertain as it heads towards its final season due to low player engagement.
• The podcast critiques the gaming industry's focus on superficial diversity instead of authentic storytelling.
• 2024 has been a disappointing year for game releases, with few notable titles attracting player interest.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ubisoft
• Arrowhead Studios
• Sony
• Hello Games