Kotaku Splitscreen

After a short hiatus the gang is back and ready to dive deep into Microsoft's plan to buy Activision Blizzard. This week we're going through the Game Awards nominations....and more or less tearing them apart. We discuss how the deal came together, the future of Call of Duty exclusivity, and what it means for consolidation and unionization in the games industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're going through the Game Awards nominations....and more or less tearing them apart. Listen to hear us go through the award categories and give our two cents about who we think will win, who we think should win, and which games the Game Awards snubbed entirely.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week the crew is giving thanks...and talking games, of course. First, we kick things off with a discussion about the most recent gaming news (including what's going on at Activision Blizzard), then we give our honest reviews on the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles. And finally, we each share what we're thankful for this year—both in terms of games and...everything else.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, in honor of the release of Halo Infinite, we're taking a deep dive into the series as a whole. First, we kick things off with a little In The Headlines discussion, then we talk about the 20th anniversary of Halo, our thoughts on Halo Infinite, and how the game has changed over time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise, we're diving deep into the many iterations of the beloved game. First, we kick things off with a recap of what's new in the Happy Home Paradise DLC, then we discuss and rank the best and worst versions of Animal Crossing. And finally, we round things out with a brief discussion of other Animal Crossing-like games out there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're joined by Kotaku Staff Writer Isaiah Colbert and are diving deep into Grand Theft Auto as the remaster trilogy is due out soon. First, we kick things off with a discussion on recent video game news, then we look back at GTA and our own experiences with it. Finally, we talk about the games we've been playing and recommend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of the spooky season, we're talking spooky games this week on Splitscreen. First, we kick things off by naming the games that are too scary for us to play. Then, we give our best scary game recommendations. And finally, we finish things off by recounting our own dorky (I mean amazing) costumes of yesteryear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're diving into the intense (and sometimes scary) world of gaming fandoms. First, we discuss how gaming fandoms have evolved over the years, and give our hot takes on some of the biggest fandoms out there. Then, we dive into the dark underbelly of gaming fandoms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're diving into MMOs and talking about Amazon's New World. First, Lisa Marie challenges us on what actually defines and MMO as we discuss our first experiences with MMOs. Then, Fahey takes us through New World, and we round out with Fahey professing why MMOs have a special place in his heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking Super Smash Bros and we're joined by none other than Kotaku's resident fighting game expert, Ian Walker. First, we kick things off with a conversation about the history of the famous brawl game and our own experiences with it. Then, Ian leads us in a conversation on the recent revelations of Smash as well as the journey to the final characters. And finally, we round things out discussing other Smash-inspired games.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're joined by Kotaku staff writer Isaiah Colbert and are talking about all things Nintendo Direct—our highlights and irritations from the most recent event, the history of the event, and the culture and fandom surrounding it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back this week with guest host Renata Price who's filling in for Fahey as he gets better (we miss you, Fahey!). And this week we're discussing time loops via Deathloop of course. First, we kick things off with our honest reviews of Deathloop. Then, we discuss other games with unexpected time loop mechanics. And finally, we end with a list of our favorite time loops in other media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking about the disaster that is video game award shows. To kick things off, Nathan runs us through the brief (and odd) history of video game award shows. Then, despite ourselves, we present the very first Splitscreen Awards. And finally, we finish with a crosstalk segment in which we continue to dive into why video game awards are meaningless.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we dive into the weird world of video game twists, and spoiler alert: there WILL be spoilers. First Ash leads us in a discussion on the controversy of spoilers in the gaming world. Then, Nathan takes us through a speed run on the history of the MGS2 twist. And finally, Fahey quizzes us on the most memorable video game twists via bullet points.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether we like it or not, September is upon us. And that of course means we're reminiscing about the back-to-school days. First, we're talking about our memories of attempting to play games during school, then we discuss our all-time favorite fall releases. And finally, we talk about the best games that are set in school.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're diving into metroidvanias—what the heck are they, how do we define them, and how do we really feel about them? Plus, we try to re-name the terribly-labeled genre with something a bit more apt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking about that good ol' classic game, The Sims. First, we kick things off with a discussion on our first encounters with The Sims (some of us took to it more than others). Then, Lisa Marie breaks down what the big deal is about The Sims anyway, and gives us the low down on Sims fandom. Finally, we wrap with Ethan and Fahey attempting to come up with their own dream Sims expansions that don't already exist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're talking video game movies starting with one of the most infamous, of course, 1993's Super Mario Bros. Then, special guest journalist/comedian Brock Wilbur takes us through the weird-but-real history of infamous movie producer Uwe Boll, most known for video game movies like Alone in the Dark, Postal, and In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale. And finally, we wrap with a discussion of how, miraculously, video game movies seem to be improving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back! And with a couple of new cats! Please welcome Kotaku staff editor Lisa Marie Segarra and Kotaku staff writer Ethan Gach to the Splitscreen team. We're talking about our own (at times) controversial takes on our beloved household pets, as well as the all-time most memorable video game cats in history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We'll be right back after these Fahey messages.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we have a very special (and very sad) episode, in which we say our final goodbyes to hosts Nathan Grayson and Ashley Parrish. To kick off this goodbye-themed episode, we start with a short discussion on games we haven't finished specifically because we can't bear to say goodbye. Then, we get into a conversation about the all-time best video game goodbyes. And finally, we wrap by Nathan, Ash, and Fahey reflecting on their time at Kotaku—from the weirdest and best reader emails, to the ways they've each changed during their time at Kotaku.Fear not listeners, we'll be back soon with a revised version of the podcast in just a couple of weeks. And Fahey's still here! But for now, we wish Nathan and Ash all the best on their new adventures!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're diving into the topic of TIME. First, Fahey leads us in an exploration of the games that utilize time manipulation mechanics. Then, Nathan walks us through the history of the video game holiday season madness. And finally Ash closes us out with a crosstalk segment on the video games that do, and do not, respect our time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of the heatwave that's currently dominating July, we thought we'd do a special heat and fire-themed episode. First, we kick things with a discussion on the best and worst video game fire levels of all time. Then, we talk about gaming's role in heating up the planet. And finally, we end things with some HOT Takes on hot stuff in video games.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we're exploring the weird ways we've changed foreign video games for American audiences (Kirby's eyebrows, for instance?), as well as the reverse: the weird ways we've altered American video games for foreign gamers. Then, after talking through these weird Americanizations, we create our own Americanized version of Yakuza. And yes, you'll wish our game actually existed when we're through. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

It's a snacky Snacktaku special this week as we dig into our favorite in-game snacks and road-test G Fuel to see what all the hype is about. (Spoiler alert: WE GET IT. WE GET IT NOW.) Plus, special guest Dan Goubert of The Empty Bowl podcast and of Cerealously joins us for a discussion on the history of gaming snacks.Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

This week we're reviewing our experience with E3. First, we kick off on a positive note with a discussion of the games we liked most coming out of the showcase. Then, we talk about what the actual experience itself was like this year and how it compares to years past. And finally, we end by lamenting all the games that were NOT announced, much to our disappointment.

This week we're discussing video game mascots. First, Fahey quizzes us on our knowledge of video game mascots through the ages. Then, we discuss mascots in the headlines (mainly Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart), which ultimately becomes an Ask Fahey Questions segment about Ratchet. And finally, we end with an interview with Chris Sutherland, former programmer at Rare and co-founder of Playtonic Games, who helped create Banjo Kazooie.

In honor of the upcoming E3, we're talking about our weird personal experiences at the major industry expo. First, we quiz Nathan on his knowledge of E3 history. Then, Nathan and Fahey talk about their most memorable E3 experiences. And finally, we make predictions for what to expect at this year's E3.

This week we're talking morality meters and the complicated decisions we're forced to make in our favorite games. First, we kick things off with a history of moral choices in video games. Then, we discuss the toughest choices we've made in our gaming careers. Finally, we round things out with a chat about how morality meters have evolved in video games and where we stand now.

Inspired by the fact that the main character of Resident Evil Village can't stop losing his, we're talking about hands this week. We kick things off with a little history of hands in video games, followed by a discussion about the team's rankings of the best and worst video game hands. Then, we're joined by Valve developer Kerry Davis, who lets us interview him about the creation of the hands in VR game Half-Life: Alyx.

In honor of Mass Effect's Legendary Edition, we're talking about party members this week. We kick things off with a segment on our first party member experiences, then get into a discussion on the best and worst party members of video game history. Finally, we round out the episode with a segment we're calling Fuck, Marry.....Chill, in which we determine who lives and who dies of the Mass Effect party members.

This week we're talking villages—from Resident Evil Village to the best villages in video game history. First, Kotaku's own Ian Walker joins us to tell us about his experience playing RE8 (and of course we ask him about the Big Lady). Then, we define what we consider to be a village and discuss our own favorite video game villages. And finally, we finish with an Imaginarium segment and make our own goddamned village.

This week we're talking about dead video games (or as Nathan likes to put it, "the ephemerality of video games"). First, we kick things off with an In The Headlines segment to discuss Resident Evil's timed demos, Sony almost getting rid of PS3 and Vita stores, and more. Then we have a discussion on how updates and expansions keep game worlds feeling alive but also get rid of some content forever, to our despair. And finally, we interview Matrix Online archivist Vesuveus.

This week we're talking about video game backlogs. Yes, those guilt-tripping, nagging, I'll-get-to-you-but-not-actually list of games in your hard drive. First, we kick things off by defining what we mean exactly by "backlog," and discussing what we have in them. Then, we get into how the concept of a video game backlog feels so backward when video games are something that is meant for pure enjoyment. And finally, we each officially delete (gasp!) and banish a video game from our own personal backlogs.

This week we're talking loot boxes. First, we kick things off with a conversation with Diablo game designers Erich Schaefer and David Brevik who discuss how their loot boxes came to be. Then, the gang discusses their hot takes about loot boxes, and finally, Fahey makes us a very special loot box.

This week we're talking memes and their unique history with video games with special guest and meme librarian Amanda Brennan. After a deep dive into meme history, Fahey quizzes us on our video game meme knowledge, followed by a conversation about Resident Evil's big lady.

This week we're talking about games as a service: what is considered a live service game? And how did they come to be? First, we'll dive into the history of service games (as Ash suddenly remembers to feed her dying Neopets). Then we discuss our service games of choice, and round out the episode talking about the service games that are in the headlines lately.

It's a snacky Snacktaku special this week as we dig into our favorite in-game snacks and road-test G Fuel to see what all the hype is about. (Spoiler alert: WE GET IT. WE GET IT NOW.) Plus, special guest Dan Goubert of The Empty Bowl podcast and of Cerealously joins us for a discussion on the history of gaming snacks.

This week we're talking monetization—from the money-grabbing features in video games to, of course, those freakin' NFTs. First, we talk about the history of popular ways that video games have, and continue to glean money from people. Then, we're joined by Kotaku senior editor Luke Plunkett to talk all things NFTs—what they are, how they've impacted the gaming world, and why they indisputably suck. And finally, we finish off the episode with a discussion on the recent developments of video game monetization.

This week we're reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the pandemic by talking about the games that got us through it. Then, we do a good ol' AFQs (Ask Fahey Questions) segment, followed by an interview with James Vaughan, creator of Plague Inc.

This week we're talking survival games, from Oregon Trail to Valheim. First, we go on a journey through the history of survival video games. Then, we talk about the sh*t that annoys us most about survival games (spoiler: it's the actual sh*t). And finally, Nathan and special guest video game journalist John Walker convince Ash why she should to start playing Valheim.

This week we're talking video game movies starting with one of the most infamous, of course, 1993's Super Mario Bros. Then, special guest journalist/comedian Brock Wilbur takes us through the weird-but-real history of infamous movie producer Uwe Boll, most known for video game movies like Alone in the Dark, Postal, and In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale. And finally, we wrap with a discussion of how, miraculously, video game movies seem to be improving.

This week we're tearing into our bosses—video game bosses of course. First, we kick things off by reviewing a few boss origin stories. Then, we discuss the best and worst video game bosses in great detail. And finally, we grill our former boss (and special guest), the one and only Stephen Totilo.

We're talking video game romances this week on Kotaku Splitscreen. First, Ashley fulfills her life-long dream of discussing the best and worst of BioWare romances. Then, the team collaborates on their dream dating sim. (It's a bit unconventional.) And finally, we're joined by game designer and Twitch streamer Nina Freeman (twitch.tv/ninamarie), designer of Cibele—a game about love, sex, and the internet. Listen to hear Nina and Fahey discuss some of their gaming romances from years past.

We had to do it. How could we not talk about GameStop this week? First, Ash leads us down memory lane by getting all of us to reminisce about our most salient times at the good ol' gaming store. Then, we discuss our own experiences of working in brick and mortar gaming stores, from GameStop to FYE (anyone remember FYE??). And finally, we're joined by Kotaku staff writer Ethan Gach about his reporting on the GameStop Wallstreet fiasco.

This week we're talking about licensed games. That's right, we're looking at your Star Wars, James Bond, and all those Disney games. First, Nathan regales us with the story of one particularly bad licensed game that led to the video game crash of '83. Then, Fahey leads us through the history of licensed video games from the beginning to the present day. And finally, Ash walks us through which licensed games are in the headlines these days.

Yes, it's true. We're talking about presidents this week on Splitscreen. (How topical!) First, Fahey stumps Ash and Nathan on a presidential quiz (that spans both video game and real-life presidents). Spoiler alert: we know nothing about presidents. Then, we talk about the best and worst video game presidents. And finally, we wrap with a discussion on video game governance.

This week we dive into the weird world of video game twists, and spoiler alert: there WILL be spoilers. First Ash leads us in a discussion on the controversy of spoilers in the gaming world. Then, Nathan takes us through a speed run on the history of the MGS2 twist. And finally, Fahey quizzes us on the most memorable video game twists via bullet points.

Happy New Year! This week on Splitscreen we're sharing our 2021 gaming resolutions, discussing our most anticipated (or hoped-for) games of the year, and our gaming predictions.

For our first episode of the new and rebooted Splitscreen we’re discussing...wait for it...reboots! Join us as we chat about the difference between a reboot and a remaster, argue about which of our favorite reboots is the best, and Nathan holds us all hostage as he obsesses over the 2012 remake of the Atari hit SpyHunter.

Happy Holidays, Splitscreeners! This week, to be somewhat on theme with the time of year, we're talking all things ice levels. First Fahey kicks us off by talking about the (supposed) very first ice level to show up in a video game, then we discuss our very favorite and our most-hated ice levels in video games. Finally, we wrap up with an interview with Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky, to talk to him about what gives with the ice levels!