SAG-AFTRA video game performers are on strike, and Roblox reportedly has a child safety problem. Sam and Kaitlyn break down these stories, then interview entertainment journalist Collier “CJ” Jennings about covering San Diego Comic-Con.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:01:42 – What Does the SAG-AFTRA Gaming Strike Mean for the Industry?

00:21:59 – Roblox’s Child Safety Problem

00:38:30 – Collier “CJ” Jennings on Covering San Diego Comic-Con

00:40:12 – Deadpool and Wolverine

00:45:51 – CJ’s SDCC Experience

01:03:19 – What Makes a Good SDCC Panel?

01:12:27 – Where to Find CJ’s Work

Stories discussed:

Los Angeles Times – Video game actors are on strike. Here's what that means

Slate – The Video Game Industry Is More Successful Than Ever. Why Are the Workers Treated Like Garbage? 

Aftermath – SAG-AFTRA Striking Because Companies Won’t Offer Same AI Protections To Voice And Physical Performers, Not Happy About GTA VI Exemption

Bloomberg – Roblox’s Child Safety Problem 

Digiday – 'A long-game move': Why Coach is entering Roblox to win over younger shoppers

AIPT Comics – SDCC '24: Hulu's Animayhem Factory returns, bigger and better than ever

AIPT Comics – SDCC '24: Titmouse provided the most unique interview experience in con history

Follow CJ on Twitter @CJWritesThings, and read his work on AIPT Comics and Collider.

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [email protected]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.

Microsoft is raising the price of Xbox Game Pass…again. Join Kaitlyn and Sam as they discuss Microsoft’s decision to hike Xbox Game Pass prices, the changes in tier options, and what Microsoft’s long-term strategy may be. 

Then, in the show’s new “Read of the Week” segment, Sam and Kaitlyn discuss Polygon’s Spicy Take Week story about Roger Ebert’s famous quote that “Video games can never be art” and whether or not video games should be deemed art. They may even share their own spicy takes. 

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:00:34 – Summer So Far Recap

00:09:07 – Xbox Game Pass Changes

00:27:29 – Can Game Pass Compete with Apple Arcade

00:38:54 – Xbox and Amazon Fire TV

00:43:30 – Read of the Week Segment (Polygon's Spicy Takes Week)

00:56:26 – Kaitlyn’s Spicy Gaming Take

01:00:15 – Sam’s Spicy Gaming Take

01:04:34 – Outro

Stories discussed:

The Verge – Microsoft is hiking the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and launching a new ‘Standard’ tier

IGN – Xbox Game Pass Price Hikes Were ‘Inevitable’, Analysts Say 

GamesIndustry.biz – Price hike shows Xbox is determined to make Game Pass work | Opinion

Polygon – Roger Ebert saying video games are not art is still haunting games

Polygon – Watching a video game is basically playing it 

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [email protected]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.

2024 is expected to be the last year before Nintendo’s next console, so is the Nintendo Switch going out with a bang? Logan Plant, host of IGN’s Nintendo Voice Chat and database manager for IGN Playlist, joins Sam to answer that question. They break down the latest Nintendo Direct, their favorite reveals, and when they expect to hear from Nintendo next.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:01:48 – Logan’s Favorite Non-Switch Nintendo Console

00:08:17 – Nintendo Direct (June 2024) Review

00:11:17 – Mario & Luigi: Brothership Impressions

00:18:14 – Why Does Nintendo Hide Its Developers?

00:22:54 – The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Impressions

00:33:40 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Impressions

00:39:09 – Other Direct Highlights

00:50:01 – When Will the Next Nintendo Direct Be?

00:55:26 – What Is IGN Playlist?

01:04:00 – Outro

Follow Logan on Twitter @LoganJPlant, listen to his weekly Nintendo podcasts, Nintendo Voice Chat and Toadstool Boardroom, and check out IGN Playlist here.

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [email protected]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.

Freelance games writer Jason Fanelli joins Kaitlyn and Sam to share his impressions from Summer Game Fest Play Days 2024 and break down what makes a good preview experience for press. Topics include Jason’s favorite SGF demos, if the event can eventually replicate E3, and the most memorable preview events from his career.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:06:24 – Jason’s Most Anticipated Upcoming Games

00:26:18 – SGF Play Days Impressions

00:44:15 – How to Plan Coverage for SGF Play Days

00:49:18 – What Makes a Good Game Preview?

00:53:23 – The Benefits of Virtual Previews

00:59:47 – Preview Do’s and Don’ts

01:06:26 – Jason’s Most Memorable Game Previews

01:14:34 – Where to Find Jason’s Work

01:17:13 – Outro

Follow Jason on Twitter @BigManFanelli, and read his SGF coverage at GameSpot, VGC, and MMORPG.

A new Doom game, Perfect Dark is back, and too many exciting indie games to count… summer showcase season is here. Kaitlyn and Sam break down Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Games Showcase, their favorite games shown, what makes a good showcase trailer, and why Geoff tempered expectations this year.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:15 – Is Summer Game Fest Close to E3 2.0?

00:11:48 – Summer Game Fest 2024 Review

00:23:35 – Comparing the SGF and Xbox Showcases

00:35:47 – Favorite Games from the Xbox Showcase

00:54:55 – Favorite Games from the Xbox Showcase

01:09:42 – Why We Loved the Astro Bot Trailer

01:13:37 – Outro

Stories discussed: 

GamesIndustry.biz – The spirit of E3 could be felt in LA – now let's bring it back | Opinion

Rock Paper Shotgun – Don't expect big reveals at Summer Games Fest, says Geoff Keighley

Game Informer – Geoff Keighley Says 'People Are Setting Themselves Up For Failure' When Asked About Kingdom Hearts IV At SGF

Kotaku – Geoff Keighley: Big Companies Have To Treat Their Developers Right

Kotaku – A 1-Minute Trailer At Summer Game Fest Costs $250K [Update] 

IGN – Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Addresses Studio Closures - IGN Live 2024 

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [email protected]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.

Andy Lunique wears many hats as a cook, author, and influencer marketing expert in the games industry, and he combined those skills to write “The Ultimate Gamers Cookbook” and “Diablo: The Official Cookbook.” Andy joins Kaitlyn and Sam to discuss how he crafts gaming-friendly recipes, how influencers (including himself) find their brand, and how to reach people without losing authenticity.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:18 – Andy’s Go-To Game Night Meal

00:09:33 – Andy’s Love (and Advice) for Pancakes

00:15:11 – Writing The Ultimate Gamers Cookbook

00:27:53 – Why Are Food and Gaming Synonymous?

00:34:28 – Key Learnings from Andy’s First Two Cookbooks

00:49:43 – How Andy Applied Influencer Marketing to His Book

01:00:21 – How Creators Find Their Brand

01:13:25 – How Andy Keeps Up with the Creator Space

01:20:28 – How Andy Stays Motivated

01:23:06 – Outro

Buy The Ultimate Gamers Cookbook on Amazon, or get a signed copy here. Follow Andy on Twitter @AndyLunique and on TikTok @Andy_Lunique.

Microsoft is betting big on Game Pass by adding Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to the service at launch. Kaitlyn and Sam discuss what this means for Microsoft’s publishing strategy, Xbox’s upcoming showcase, and the price of Game Pass. Then they break down how IGN Entertainment’s acquisition of Gamer Network affects games media.

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:03:37 – Assassin’s Creed Shadows Announced

00:06:40 – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Launching on Game Pass

00:11:03 – What Does This Mean for Call of Duty Sales?

00:17:51 – What Does This Mean for the Microsoft Showcase?

00:25:04 – Will Game Pass’ Price Increase?

00:33:45 – IGN Entertainment Acquires Gamer Network

00:50:34 – Outro

Stories discussed: 

The Verge – Microsoft confirms Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is coming to Xbox Game Pass

Wall Street Journal – Microsoft Plans Boldest Games Bet Since Activision Deal, Changing How ‘Call of Duty’ Is Sold

GamesIndustry.biz – IGN Entertainment acquires Eurogamer, GI, VG247, Rock Paper Shotgun and more

Game Developer – IGN Entertainment buys GamesIndustry, RockPaperShotgun, other Gamer Network outlets

Game Developer – Reedpop looking to sell Eurogamer, GI.biz parent company Gamer Network  

Video Games Industry Memo – IGN buys Gamer Network

Media discussed:

“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [email protected]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.

Joost van Dreunen knows the games industry. He literally wrote the book on the business of video games (One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games), and with his next book on the horizon, he joins Kaitlyn and Sam to discuss how gaming has changed since One Up was published in 2020, why so many layoffs are happening, and why the industry is pivoting to “games as a platform.”

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:03:07 – Joost’s Favorite Games

00:09:26 – Joost Explains One Up: Creativity, Competition, And The Global Business Of Video Games

00:12:21 – Why Study The Business Of Video Games?

00:24:44 – How the Industry Has Changed Since 2020

00:31:17 – The Difference Between Games As A Service And Games As A Platform

00:50:45 – What’s the Future of the Apple Vision Pro?

01:02:22 – What Makes Joost Optimistic About the Future of Gaming?

01:07:27 – Outro

Stories discussed: 

VentureBeat – How data can help you understand the game industry | Joost Van Dreunen interview

Buy Joost’s book on Amazon, Audible, or Audiobooks, subscribe to his newsletter here, and follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Microsoft closed a number of Bethesda studios, including Redfall maker Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks. Kaitlyn and Sam discuss the implications behind the closures, why these ones were a shock even amongst many closures and layoffs, and what the upcoming Xbox Showcase will look like. The duo also touch on the Nintendo Switch 2 update from Nintendo as well as a spoiler discussion on the finale of Prime Video’s Fallout series and what they’re looking forward to in Season 2. 

Timecodes: 

00:00:00 – Intro

00:02:43 – Microsoft Closes Multiple Studios

00:06:35 – Why Close Hi-Fi Rush Studio Tango Gameworks?

00:25:07 – How Will Xbox Handle Its June Showcase?

00:29:05 – Nintendo Confirms Switch Successor

00:36:50 – What Will Nintendo Release This Fall?

00:42:00 – Fallout TV Series Finale Review

00:54:17 – Favorite Episodes of the Show

01:03:28 – Outro

Stories discussed: 

IGN – Microsoft Closes Redfall Developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks, and More in Devastating Cuts at Bethesda

Bloomberg – Microsoft’s Xbox Is Planning More Cuts After Studio Closings

The Verge – Microsoft completes Activision Blizzard acquisition, Call of Duty now part of Xbox

Gamesindustry.biz – What do studio closures mean for Xbox strategy? | Opinion

Gamesindustry.biz – Nintendo profits rise to $6.2bn ahead of quiet year

TikTok is facing a U.S. ban, so what does that mean for influencers, marketers, gaming fans, and the future of short-form video? Kaitlyn and Sam answer that question, as well as explain Escape From Tarkov’s bad week and their thoughts on Fallout’s fifth episode and Fallout 4’s next-gen update.

Timecodes:

00:00:00 – Intro

00:03:19 – What’s the Future of TikTok With the U.S. Ban Looming?

00:15:10 – Potential Effects of the Ban

00:22:03 – How Influencers Will Be Affected

00:26:19 – Escape From Tarkov’s DLC Controversy

00:45:25 – Fallout Episode 5 Recap

00:52:53 - Fallout 4’s Next-Gen Update

01:03:48 – Outro

Stories discussed:

CBS News – TikTok ban measure signed by Biden. Here's what could happen next.

CBS News – After Biden signs TikTok ban into law, ByteDance says it won't sell the social media service

GamesIndustry.biz – The US is banning TikTok, could Fortnite and League of Legends be next?

TechCrunch – Gen Z is losing its political voice on social media

PC Gamer – Escape From Tarkov players rage as developers lock co-op PvE behind a new $250 edition, then say they'll offer previous buyers access for just 6 months (Updated)

PC Gamer – How Escape From Tarkov wiped out years of goodwill in one catastrophic week

IGN – Escape From Tarkov Dev's 'Shameless' Controversy Response Called Out By Fans and Esports Company

IGN – Escape From Tarkov Rival Gray Zone Warfare Shoots to Top of Steam Sales But Reviews are 'Mixed'

TechRadar – The Fallout 4 next-gen update will not be available to those who own the game through PS Plus, Bethesda confirms

PC Gamer – Fallout 4's most popular mods are now ones that remove Bethesda's disastrous 'next gen' update

PC Gamer – Bethesda beefing it with a calamitous 'next-gen' Fallout 4 update just as everyone's falling in love with Fallout again is the most Bethesda thing imaginable