Mailbag Monday, plus some great deals on games.

Welcome to the Nerd Nest, a Video Game podcast hosted by Bill Fairchild, Each episode is recorded live over on the YouTube channel. Bill hosts and is joined by other content creators as they talk about all things gaming. From the Steam Deck and PC gaming to Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo and even the cloud! Each episode covers gaming news as well as discussions of the industry all without the console wars tribal mentality. So join the thousands that have watched or listened to Nerd Nest Video Game discussion and Subscribe!

Video Games

Games & Hobbies

Leisure

Takeaways


Microsoft is rumored to be bringing other stores onto Xbox, potentially beating Valve to a set-top box PC.
The future of Xbox looks a lot like PC, with the possibility of having other stores available to buy games.
Microsoft is considering bringing backwards compatibility of Xbox console games to PC.
The conversation highlights the benefits of open platforms and the importance of leadership in shaping the direction of companies.
The participants discuss the potential for Xbox to become a PC and the desire for a console-like experience on PC. Microsoft's commitment to open platforms and value for openness is evident in their actions and statements.
Game Pass may evolve into its own platform, similar to Roblox and Fortnite, with a free-to-play component.
The conversation highlights the love for classic Game Boy games and the nostalgia associated with them.
No Rest for the Wicked and Fallout games continue to captivate players with their immersive gameplay and rich storytelling.
Bellatro receives high praise from Rich, showcasing his genuine enthusiasm for the game.
Bill expresses his deep admiration for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and his inability to stop thinking about it. Bill is excited about playing Final Fantasy VII and eagerly awaits the next installment.
Cary appreciates well-done CRT shaders in retro gaming and recommends the RetroTINK 4K upscaler for an enhanced experience.
Rich prefers not to use CRT shaders, while Russ uses them on TVs but prefers crisp pixels on handheld devices.
The LG OLED C4 TV is mentioned as a potential option for retro gaming with CRT shaders. The RetroTINK is discussed as a versatile device that can enhance the gaming experience on various consoles.
Console exclusivity can impact game sales, and there is speculation about Sony adopting a multi-platform strategy.
The rise of PC gaming and the potential for cross-platform play are changing the gaming landscape.
There is a discussion about the possibility of Sony bringing Helldivers to Xbox and the evolving relationships between gaming companies.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Rumors of Microsoft Bringing Other Stores onto Xbox
13:16 Xbox as a Set-Top Box PC
36:08 Prioritizing User Experience over Monetization
45:51 The Significance of Cloud Saves in Gaming
01:00:50 Obsession with a Video Game
01:14:59 The Delta Emulator on iOS
01:25:15 Enhancing the Retro Gaming Experience
01:33:01 Sales Figures of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
01:44:06 The Future of Xbox and PlayStation in PC Gaming



The Future of Xbox is PC

Summary
In this episode of the Nerd Nest Podcast, Bill and Russ discuss the Triple-I Initiative showcase and the juxtaposition between indie games and AAA games. They also talk about the controversy surrounding Ubisoft's pricing and the removal of content from the base game. The conversation then shifts to game preservation and the importance of allowing players to continue playing games even after servers are shut down. Finally, they discuss the games they have been playing, including Helldivers 2 and Destiny 2. The conversation covers topics such as playing modern games like Helldivers and The Last Guardian, the popularity of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, the experience of playing Fallout 4 after many years, the release of iOS emulators on the App Store, and the possibility of a Sega Saturn Mini console. In this conversation, Russ and Bill discuss their experiences with Sega Saturn and the possibility of a Sega Saturn Mini console. They reminisce about their past experiences with Sega consoles and the frustration of constantly upgrading to new systems. They share their favorite Sega Saturn games and express their desire to play them on a dedicated mini console. They also discuss the idea of leaving tips for game developers and the challenges of implementing such a system. They touch on the topic of selling ROMs officially and the fair pricing for old games. Russ shares his recent video about the Game Boy FPGA and his positive experience with it.
Keywords
Triple-I Initiative, indie games, AAA games, Ubisoft, pricing controversy, game preservation, server shutdown, Helldivers 2, Destiny 2, modern games, Helldivers, The Last Guardian, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Fallout 4, iOS emulators, App Store, Sega Saturn Mini, Sega Saturn, Sega Saturn Mini, Sega consoles, favorite games, tips for game developers, selling ROMs, fair pricing, Game Boy FPGA
Takeaways
The Triple-I Initiative showcase highlights the creativity and diversity of independent games.
The pricing controversy surrounding Ubisoft's games raises questions about the value of content and the treatment of consumers.
Game preservation is important to allow players to continue enjoying games even after servers are shut down.
Helldivers 2 and Destiny 2 are enjoyable games that offer different gameplay experiences. Playing modern games can be a fun and enjoyable experience, even if they are not your usual genre or style.
The popularity of a game like Final Fantasy 7 Remake can have an impact on its future development and success.
The release of iOS emulators on the App Store opens up new possibilities for retro gaming on mobile devices.
The possibility of a Sega Saturn Mini console is exciting for fans of the classic gaming system. The Sega Saturn was a beloved console for many gamers, and there is a desire for a dedicated Sega Saturn Mini console to play favorite games.
Leaving tips for game developers is an interesting idea, but the logistics and fairness of distribution would be challenging.
Selling ROMs officially could be a way to preserve old games, and a fair price for old games would be around $5-10.
The Game Boy FPGA offers an authentic Game Boy experience with modern enhancements, and it has received positive reviews from Russ.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Overview
09:44
Controversy Surrounding Ubisoft's Pricing and Content Removal
30:28
Nostalgic Gaming: Helldivers and The Last Guardian
44:51
The App Store Emulator Update
56:01
The Excitement of a Sega Saturn Mini
01:09:20
The Controversy of Tipping Game Developers
01:22:32
The Game Boy FPGA: An Authentic Game Boy Experience

AAA Games are making Mistakes, Indies to the Rescue

Summary


In this conversation, Bill and Rich discuss the definition of indie games. They explore the relationship between budget and creativity, and how it impacts the indie label. They also touch on the Triple-I Initiative and the importance of creative freedom in indie game development. The conversation highlights the subjective nature of defining indie games and the importance of celebrating the creativity and novelty they bring. In this conversation, Bill and Rich discuss various topics related to gaming, including the release of a new Prince of Persia game, the definition of indie games, Xbox's commitment to game preservation and forward compatibility, and the Stop Killing Games campaign. They also share their thoughts on the Steam Deck and ask viewers to vote on whether they would prefer a bigger battery or an OLED screen.


Keywords


indie games, budget, creativity, Triple-I Initiative, creative freedom, gaming, Prince of Persia, indie games, Xbox, game preservation, forward compatibility, Stop Killing Games, Steam Deck, battery life, OLED screen


Takeaways


The definition of indie games is subjective and can vary from person to person.
Budget alone does not determine whether a game is indie or not.
Creative freedom and novelty are important factors in defining indie games.
The Triple-I Initiative aims to support indie games with higher budgets and name recognition.
Indie games provide an opportunity to celebrate creativity and unique experiences. The gaming industry has seen the release of a new Prince of Persia game, developed by Evil Empire and backed by Ubisoft.
The definition of indie games is subjective, with factors like creative freedom and financial backing playing a role.
Xbox is committed to game preservation and forward compatibility, ensuring that games from previous generations can be played on future Xbox hardware.
The Stop Killing Games campaign aims to prevent developers from shutting down online games without providing players with a way to continue playing.
The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC, has sparked discussions about the importance of battery life and OLED screens.
Viewers are invited to vote on whether they would prefer a bigger battery or an OLED screen for the Steam Deck.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
03:45 The Triple-I Initiative and Low Power Games
09:08 Defining Indie Games
13:12 The Subjectivity of Defining Indie Games
25:42 The Triple-I Initiative: Showcasing Larger Indie Developers
29:03 The Complex Relationship Between Budget and Creativity
32:08 Exclusivity Deals and Crowdfunding: Supporting Indie Games
33:34 The Rise of Independent Developers
36:28 Defining Indie Games
44:48 Xbox's Commitment to Game Preservation
58:13 The Stop Killing Games Campaign
01:05:12 Steam Deck: Battery or OLED?
01:07:57 Engaging with the Gaming Community



I know what indie is when I see it

Summary by Riverside
In this episode, the hosts discuss the possibility of an Xbox handheld and the potential impact it could have on the gaming industry. They also explore the idea of introducing other stores, such as Steam, on the Xbox platform. The conversation then shifts to the future of gaming and whether handhelds will become more prevalent than household consoles. Finally, they review the features and specifications of the Orange Pi Neo, a Linux gaming handheld. The conversation covers various topics including the Steam Deck, concerns about its price and functionality, games being played by the hosts, and the announcement of the Marvel 1943: The Rise of Hydra game. The conversation covers various topics including interest in the game Rise of Hydra, the Max Payne 1 and 2 remake, the Nintendo Switch emulator, and incentivizing developers for the Steam Deck.
Takeaways
The idea of an Xbox handheld is intriguing, but it remains to be seen whether Microsoft will actually release one.
Introducing other stores, like Steam, on the Xbox platform could provide more gaming options for players, but it may not be financially beneficial for Microsoft.
While handheld gaming is growing in popularity, household consoles are likely to remain a significant part of the gaming industry.
The Orange Pi Neo offers an affordable Linux gaming handheld option with impressive features and specifications. The Steam Deck's price and features are compared to other handheld gaming devices.
Concerns are raised about potential issues with the Steam Deck, such as trackpad functionality and unknown factors.
The hosts discuss the games they have been playing, including Final Fantasy VII Remake, Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Diablo 4, and Horizon Forbidden West.
The announcement of the Marvel 1943: The Rise of Hydra game generates excitement among the hosts. Rise of Hydra is an interesting game for those who enjoy story-driven games, but gameplay will ultimately determine its success.
The Max Payne 1 and 2 remake has the same development budget as Alan Wake 2, showing the success of the game.
The Nintendo Switch emulator Yuzu was taken down, but a new emulator called Suyu has emerged.
Valve could incentivize developers to optimize their games for the Steam Deck by offering a lower revenue cut.

Xbox Handheld the Future of Gaming?

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Mailbag Monday, plus some great deals on games.

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