Will a warm reception for Episode 1 make for a better Episode 2? This week, Scott and Nate discuss the stresses of selecting a difficulty level from both the developer and player perspectives. Plus, a little about the Witcher 2 Combat Mod and X-COM for iOS.

The Most Difficult Criticism

You've heard them. They're they guys at the party who seem to be locked in interesting conversation. Then you hear words like, "player-driven narrative," "sandbox gameplay," and "well-crafted tutorial section." Before they can say "stealth mechanics," you walk away.Yeah, we're those guys.

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Aviation

Maturity and violence have long gone hand in hand in the gaming industry. But do they have to? If the only axis on which we judge our games' maturity is how violent they are, it is unlikely that we will see other modes of play moving into dominant positions. Perhaps other concepts, such as delight, might be better vectors for enjoyable gaming experiences.Fragments: Alora's Tear, Volume I (Barham Ink)Warlords of DraenorCan joy be more 'adult' than violence?Rebecca Black? Friday! Friday!

Push Button, Make Thing Happen

Controversy. How does an industry with games that feature so many guns and so many deaths not have controversy? According to this week's feature article, there are no controversial games. Nate and Scott try their best to understand and shed some light on the issues facing gaming and its audience. NotesThe Glorious Master Race!Yahtzee Croshaw, Zero PunctuationNew study suggests violent video games improve moral behaviorE-sports tournament now open to all genders after internet outrageThere are No Controversial Videogames

To Hell with Tim Curry

Theme is more than a simple bullet point to be added amongst the various graphical effects, multiplayer modes, and stat systems. When big name titles aim for thematic resonance, is there ever a possibility in which they can be successful in the way that writing and filmmaking can be? If not, the possibility exists that AAA games are just not the place for thematic subtlety. Notes Big games are often light on themesDestiny on PC is a heavy point of discussion at ActivisionYoshida: PS4 games are being delayed because of the console’s power and potential

Don't Insult our Intelligence

When does marketing become sheer deception? It's one thing to manipulate the audience in benign ways, getting them excited for a product that the creators are equally or more so excited about. It's entirely something else when he marketing dictates what will be included in a game or when a game must be shown in order to generate revenue. Notes:Open-world ZeldaUbisoft Is Excluding Women From The New “Assassin’s Creed” And People Are FuriousDan Golding — Notes on Ubisoft’s Charlotte CordayIs 'we don't have the resources' an OK excuse for keeping female heroes out of games?Animating women should take 'days,' says Assassin's Creed 3 animation directorAre E3 Demos Intentionally Deceptive?Monument Valley iOSRepublique 

dEc3ption

What qualifies someone who is passionate about a topic? Be it art, film, or gaming, there is a tendency to designate between those who feel strongly about a medium—and demonstrate those feelings by spending vast amounts of time on it—and those who simply care enough to spend what little time they have being involved. With games, this designation usually produces negativity. Is there a way to be both passionate and spend less time than others or even your past self? Show Notes:Guilt, Conflict, and Loathing on being a "Passionate Gamer"Watch Dogs Promotion Triggers Bomb Squad Response to Major PublicationHow to Pronounce UbisoftDo You Have a Mountain Bike?

The Most Difficult Criticism

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