Most gamers are excited for the upcoming Gears of War release, but this week’s industry news reveals the stark reality — rising costs, console price hikes, and shifting strategies threaten to reshape your gaming experience forever.Deep in the weeds of industry economics, Nintendo’s surprise price increase, widespread inflation, and the impact of tariffs paint a clear picture: gaming’s golden age is changing. We analyze how these price hikes—up to $50 for the Switch 2 and consoles like the PlayStation 5—are just the beginning of a new era where affordability shifts into rarity. You’ll discover the real reasons behind the rising prices, including global supply chain shortages, burgeoning RAM costs driven by AI demand, and Sony’s cautious approach to PlayStation 6 development amid economic headwinds.We break down:

• The implications of Nintendo’s bold price hike and limited edition bundle strategies that might just be a sign of things to come.

• How tariffs, chip shortages, and AI boom are driving the cost of gaming hardware through the roof.

• What the future holds for PlayStation 6 and Xbox Series X — will we see another price spike or a game-changing console?

• The surprising tie-ins between WWE, Gears of War, and the upcoming release windows that hint at a fall retail rush.

• Why this economic squeeze could be a blessing in disguise for players willing to adapt, and what those changes mean for your wallet—and gameplay.

• Introduction to the show, available on Patreon with video and audio options.

• 0:26 - Discussion about subscription tiers and upcoming busy week.

• 1:20 - News about a Kickstarter to revive "The Last of Us Online."

• 2:19 - Petition details and community reactions.

• 3:13 - Analysis of Sony's strategy with live service games.

• 4:03 - Cancellation of "The Last of Us Online" and internal changes at PlayStation.

• 5:00 - Personal reflections on online gaming and PlayStation's direction.

• 6:27 - Class action lawsuit against Sony for digital game purchases.

• 7:24 - Details on eligible games for refunds.

• 8:50 - Speculation on refund amounts and process.

• 11:40 - Rumors about a sequel to "Until Dawn."

• 12:38 - Development details and speculation about PlayStation's future.

• 15:24 - Discussion on PlayStation's focus and strategy.

• 18:20 - Comments on Naughty Dog's upcoming game "Intergalactic."

• 21:05 - Tony Hawk's financial decision regarding royalties.

• 23:24 - Insights into Rockstar Games' work environment and GTA 6 development.

• 26:35 - Expectations for GTA 6 sales and marketing strategy.

• 28:27 - Early information on PlayStation 6 and next-gen consoles.

• 30:08 - Speculation on PlayStation's next-gen game development.

• 32:56 - Rumors about "Final Fantasy VII Part III."

• 35:26 - Changes in Xbox leadership and strategy.

• 38:52 - Closing remarks and motivational message.

1. Introduction and Patreon Update (0:01)

* Derrick welcomes listeners and discusses updates for Patreon subscribers.

2. Super Mario Galaxy Movie Release (1:24)

* Details about the digital release and Derrick's excitement for the movie.

3. Legend of Zelda Movie Discussion (4:31)

* Thoughts on the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie and its potential challenges.

4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Demo (7:22)

* Announcement of the demo release and Derrick's plans to play it.

5. PlayStation DRM Issues (19:23)

* Discussion on recent DRM changes affecting PlayStation users.

6. Gaming Industry Insights (26:22)

* Derrick shares insights on the gaming industry, including historical context and personal anecdotes.

7. Grand Theft Auto 6 Expectations (48:39)

* Speculation on the release and pricing of GTA 6.

8. Conclusion (54:48)

* Derrick wraps up 

XBOX is making real changes, Uncharted 4 was almost cancelled, Jim Ryan f*cked us all over and more. This is The Week in Gaming. Press Play!

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Today we take a look behind the scenes on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic provided by Variety.

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JJ Wetherholt is the Cardinals guy. But cause must be exercised before they screw with him like they did with Jordan Walker

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And.......we are back! The Derrick Lamon Show will feature excerpts from my weekly patreon shows. Take a listen and sub to the patreon below.

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