The Character Issues Podcast

98 episodes deep and a full panel, we're back with two more important characters.Got something to say, email us on characterissues@gmail.com or, visit YouTube.com/characterissues to watch Brian's retro rodeo, or don't...whatever, just don't tell Mom, ok?www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 09/07/26ONL and Gamescomhttps://www.thegamer.com/everything-announced-gamescom-onl-2026/Zero Company gets good reviews and the devs get fuckedhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/around-80-of-star-wars-zero-company-studio-bit-reactor-was-reportedly-furloughed-weeks-before-its-release/States of Playhttps://blog.playstation.com/2026/09/03/state-of-play-state-of-play-japan-all-announcements-trailers/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Leah is out but the boys are here to rank a couple of completely ridiculous characters.  Join us as we get some real legends on this list.  www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/24/26KINGDOM FUCKING HEARTShttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/kingdom-hearts-d23-blowout-confirms-anime-series-release-window-and-more/Saber being Saberhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saber-ceo-privately-apologies-to-ex-writer-after-publicly-insulting-her-as-studios-ai-disclosure-is-added-to-steam/Duskbloodshttps://www.ign.com/articles/the-duskbloods-preview-hands-on-fromsoftware-switch-2-exclusivehttps://www.gamespot.com/articles/ive-never-played-anything-like-the-duskbloods-and-i-cannot-wait-to-play-more/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Technical issues on Brian's PC requires a highly technological solution! Here for the first time ever, Br1anb0t joins the team. A gaijin episode this time folks, a bit of literature club and a quiz for your Monday ears.Back to normal soon.www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/10/26STORY 1 - EA https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ea-could-be-set-for-mass-layoffs-as-it-aims-to-cut-costs-following-saudi-acquisition/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/electronic-arts-completes-its-acquisition-deal-is-now-officially-owned-by-saudi-arabias-pif/STORY 2 - GTAhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/an-extended-look-at-gta-6-is-coming-to-netflix-later-this-month/STORY 3 -   ANDREW ELMOREhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1Ecf6cXjEWeather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

This time we tackle the important characters....the ones with hair awnings gloriously covering their upper lips.  Join us as we get back to the important business.ko-fi.com/characterissueswww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/27/26STORY 1 - AC Black Flaghttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-exceeded-annual-expectations-in-its-first-two-weeks-ubisoft-says/STORY 2 - Disc Saleshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/only-seven-playstation-games-have-sold-more-than-100000-physical-copies-in-the-us-this-year-analyst-says/STORY 3 -   Xbox Confusionhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-are-committed-to-making-this-clearer-xbox-exec-says-its-not-obvious-to-players-which-games-will-be-exclusive/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-has-started-testing-the-option-to-stream-games-for-free-with-ads-at-the-start/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Brian is off on assignment, Leah's hosting, prepare for bullshittery.Thanks to you all.www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/13/26STORY 1 - XBOX Layoffshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-confirms-plans-to-cut-5-studios-and-thousands-of-jobs/STORY 2 - Positivity Break!  What have we been playingSTORY 3 -   Playstation's Discless Futurehttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-announces-the-end-of-disc-games-starting-in-january-2028/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for joining us on this, most auspicious of podcasts. We're reranking, recalibrating, making us stronger and more powerful.This podcast gratefully features the music "Let's Go Up" by Origami Repetika, available for reference on the Free Use Archive.www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/29/26STORY 1 - XBOX?https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-already-planned-ninja-theory-closure-when-it-announced-senua-its-claimed/STORY 2 - Steam Machinehttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/north-of-a-grand-is-the-floor-analysts-debate-whether-steam-machine-means-ps6-and-xbox-helix-will-cost-1000/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-xbox-series-x-hits-800-lenovo-warns-memory-prices-will-likely-never-return-to-normal/STORY 3 -   GTA VIhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gta-6-disc-hopes-dashed-as-report-disputes-post-launch-physical-release/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Hey, so.....plans change.  The Re-Rankapalooza was derailed by forces out of our control so Brian and Rich are here to talk a bunch of smack and rank a new character.  Join us if you please!www.brianbabbleson.com

SUMMER GAME FEST WRAPUPhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-games-showcase-heres-everything-announced-during-xboxs-big-show/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/summer-game-fest-2026-heres-every-announcement-from-sgfs-big-live-show/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/state-of-play-heres-every-announcement-from-playstations-big-live-stream/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-direct-heres-everything-announced-during-nintendos-show/www.brianbabbleson.com

We are back to the science with a new CI podcast and we are only ONE episode away from the next rerankapalooza.  Get ready to have your ears bleed from awesomeness.kofi.com/characterissueswww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/01/26STORY 1 - XBOX!https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/fable-has-been-delayed-to-2027/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-ceo-calls-ps5-logo-decision-a-miss-and-promises-to-rethink-games-showcase-policy/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/after-a-fan-poll-microsofts-new-games-boss-is-rebranding-xbox-to-xbox/STORY 2 - Critical Successhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/007-first-light-is-already-ios-fastest-selling-game-ever/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/shovel-knight-studios-make-or-break-new-game-has-the-highest-reviews-of-the-year/STORY 3 -   Playstackhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/balatro-owner-playstack-sold-to-parent-company-of-fandom-gamespot/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Thank you as always dear listeners. Please get in touch using characterissuespodcst@gmail.com and heck out our Retro Rodeo on our YouTube channel @characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/18/26STORY 1 - Sales successeshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/subnautica-2-sells-2-million-in-12-hours-with-over-600k-concurrent-players/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/forza-horizon-6/STORY 2 - In trouble?https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saros-had-a-lukewarm-start-with-300000-sold-in-2-weeks-analytics-firm-estimates/https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reports-765-million-impairment-loss-due-to-underperformance-of-marathon-developer-bungieSTORY 3 -   SUPAGAMEhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-has-canceled-development-of-its-super-game-as-it-pivots-away-from-f2p/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks listeners, you're the best!www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/04/26STORY 1 - Xboxhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-know-we-have-work-to-do-xboxs-asha-sharma-comments-on-latest-financials-as-xbox-revenue-declines-again/STORY 2 - Nintendohttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/japan-physical-charts-tomodachi-life-holds-onto-top-spot-as-pokemon-pokopia-nears-1-million-physical-sales/STORY 3 -   PS5 https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-finally-explains-30-day-timer-for-digital-games-says-its-only-a-one-time-check/https://kotaku.com/sony-set-pay-7-8-million-to-playstation-users-after-jude-approves-preliminary-settlement-in-psn-digital-games-class-action-lawsuit-2000692676Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

We are back and we get back to ranking.  There were some audio issues toward the end but, you know us, we rolled with it.  www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 04/20/26STORY 1 - BAFTA'shttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-obscur-and-dispatch-lead-2026-bafta-games-awards-winners/https://www.bafta.org/awards/games/STORY 2 - BLOODBORNE MOVIEhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bloodborne-is-officially-returning-as-an-r-rated-animated-movie/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

With Brian away, return with us to the Character Issues library for some fun readings. Thanks for your patience!Featured music:Beethoven - Minuet in GSaint Saens - Le Cygne (from Carnival of the Animals)Gustav Holst - NeptunePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowerswww.brianbabbleson.com

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sources-nintendo-is-planning-a-new-star-fox-and-a-major-zelda-remake-this-year-but-no-3d-mario/https://youtu.be/CnuTGIq5JzI?si=ZWrKOrpR-nxi22Sgwww.brianbabbleson.com

Good games, thanks for listeningwww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/23/26STORY 1 - DLSS5?  More like Does Look Super Shitty 5, amirite?https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/this-is-just-a-garbage-ai-filter-nvidia-met-with-criticism-for-dlss-5s-photoreal-graphics-alterations/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nvidias-dlss-5-reveal-trailer-only-has-16-likes-on-youtube-as-players-make-their-voices-heard/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/theyre-completely-wrong-nvidia-ceo-responds-to-widespread-criticism-of-dlss-5/STORY 2 - Crimson Desert Nonsensehttps://opencritic.com/game/19373/crimson-desert/reviewshttps://www.ign.com/articles/think-of-it-like-riding-a-bike-it-comes-naturally-after-you-learn-it-crimson-desert-exec-responds-to-controls-complaint-amid-mixed-steam-reviewsSTORY 3 - Subnautica and Kraftonhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/court-tells-subnautica-2-publisher-krafton-to-reinstate-fired-ceo-and-let-him-handle-its-early-access-release/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/reinstated-subnautica-2-studio-ceo-says-publisher-krafton-self-servingly-chose-its-release-date-without-permission/Human Interest Storyhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/starfield-is-finally-coming-to-ps5-next-month-alongside-new-content-and-ps5-pro-support/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcastwww.brianbabbleson.com

Welcome back!  www.brianbabbleson.comwww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/09/26STORY 1 - Bluepointhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-shutting-down-bluepoint-developer-of-demons-souls-remake/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-27/sony-s-bluepoint-pitched-bloodborne-remake-before-closureSTORY 2 - Games, huh?https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/at-5-million-sales-resident-evil-requiem-is-likely-the-series-biggest-launch-ever/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-pokopia-is-currently-the-highest-rated-pokemon-game-ever-on-metacritic/STORY 3 - Xbox Changeshttps://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2026/02/20/asha-sharma-named-evp-and-ceo-microsoft-gaming/https://kotaku.com/xbox-microsoft-asha-sharma-birthrates-ai-fertility-2000672756https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/im-proud-of-what-weve-built-outgoing-xbox-president-sarah-bond-breaks-silence-after-exit-news/Human Interest Storyhttps://www.polygon.com/slay-spire-2-steam-concurrents-record/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026www.brianbabbleson.com

Back, working out what to do with Voldo, and discussing two new characters.www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/23/26STORY 1 - Sony State of Playhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/heres-everything-announced-during-playstations-state-of-play-presentation/STORY 2 - RAM-A-JAMAhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-deck-is-out-of-stock-in-the-us-as-valve-warns-of-intermittent-memory-and-storage-shortages/https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/how-to-save-on-desktop-pc-memory-ram-shortage?test_uuid=04IpBmWGZleS0I0J3epvMrC&test_variant=ASTORY 3 - Highguard, I guess?https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/designer-claims-most-of-highguards-dev-team-have-been-laid-off-weeks-after-launch/Human Interest Storyhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/hideki-sato-designer-of-segas-consoles-dies-age-75/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameswww.brianbabbleson.com

Hello listeneeswww.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/09/26STORY 1 - Nintendo Directhttps://gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/02/05/everything-announced-at-the-february-nintendo-direct-partner-showcaseSTORY 2 - Obsidian Gameshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidian-isnt-making-outer-worlds-3-but-will-work-on-more-games-in-the-avowed-universe-despite-disappointing-sales/STORY 3 - Horizon on the Horizonhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-and-guerrilla-announce-tactical-co-op-horizon-game-horizon-hunters-gathering/Human Interest Storyhttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/switch-is-officially-nintendos-best-selling-console-ever-overtaking-ds/Weather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gameswww.brianbabbleson.com

Hello. Love you. Thanks.www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 01/25/26STORY 1 - Xbox Developer Directhttps://www.gamesradar.com/news/live/xbox-developer-direct-2026-everything-announced/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xboxs-big-fable-reveal-confirms-truly-open-world-and-xbox-and-playstation-release-this-autumn/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/double-fine-reveals-kiln-a-pottery-based-multiplayer-party-brawler/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-studio-game-freak-gives-a-new-look-at-its-ps5-xbox-and-pc-action-rpg-beast-of-reincarnation/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/forza-horizon-6-first-gameplay-details-revealed-and-release-date-confirmed/STORY 2 - Ubisofthttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-details-major-company-reset-6-games-canned-7-delayed-and-2-studios-closed/STORY 3 - Switch 2: Holy Fucking Shitballshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-sold-4-4-million-units-in-the-us-in-2025-remains-the-fastest-selling-console-in-us-history/Human Interest StoryMario Galaxy Movie DirectWeather Forecast -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_gamesEmail us at CharacterIssuesPodcast@gmail.comwww.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for downloading. Questions to characterissues@gmail.com.Love to you all!www.brianbabbleson.com

The second episode of our new news show!  Sources below.  Be excellent to each other. CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 01/12/26STORY 1 - AI Suckshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-ai-patent-will-see-playstation-games-play-themselves-when-players-are-stuck/https://www.eurogamer.net/actor-troy-baker-believes-ai-could-be-a-good-thingSTORY 2 - New Gameshttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-rating-has-leaked-an-unannounced-life-is-strange-sequel-with-strong-language-and-drug-use/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/machine-games-is-reportedly-working-on-wolfenstein-3-and-a-rainbow-six-siege-style-multiplayer-title/STORY 3 - Union Bustinghttps://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-has-closed-its-halifax-studio-but-claims-decision-is-unrelated-to-recent-unionization/Human Interest Storyhttps://www.eurogamer.net/hollywood-sure-sounds-keen-to-make-an-arc-raiders-filmwww.brianbabbleson.com

Brian and Leah meet to discuss all of the important things facing our future.  Colonoscopies, murder mysteries, and JRPG's.  Come get it.  www.brianbabbleson.com

The Character Issues News Network....For News is the number 1 video game news show on the internet.  Join Brian and Leah in the inaugural episode as they report on their findings from the field.Sources:https://thegameawards.com/winnershttps://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/nov/11/future-class-gamings-oscars-game-awardshttps://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2025-everything-announcedhttps://kotaku.com/intergalactic-heretic-prophet-naughty-dog-crunch-trailer-2000654650https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bloober-team-says-its-mysterious-nintendo-exclusive-will-please-fans-of-resident-evil-silent-hill-and-eternal-darkness/https://screenrant.com/january-2026-video-games-releases-schedule-line-up/ www.brianbabbleson.com

Brian and Leah discuss the finer points of regal rodents.  We also announce a new show and make several inappropriate jokes.  Happy Holidays!www.brianbabbleson.comwww.brianbabbleson.com

In honour of 90s supergroup the Spin Doctors, we're ranking royalty in the form of two princes.Happy to have you all here. Thanks for listening.www.brianbabbleson.com

Joining the science this week is guest Andrew Elmore, check out Andrew's great work on his website:https://elmore.designThanks listeners.www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for downloading, featuring guest from his podcast TALES FROM THE BACKLOG, Dave Jackson. Go check his podcast out immediately.www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for listening.www.brianbabbleson.com

www.brianbabbleson.com

Hi, thanks for being here. You're always welcome.www.brianbabbleson.com

Hi. Thanks for listening.www.brianbabbleson.com

Hi. You're welcome here and you're also welcome.www.brianbabbleson.com

Here. For your ears. Thanks.www.brianbabbleson.com

Hi. Have this. Thank you.Also, send us some feedback and questions at characterissuespodcast@gmail.comwww.brianbabbleson.com

Returning for more Characters, this time with two weird and wonderful boys.Thanks for listening.www.brianbabbleson.com

Back, for the sexiest episode (untrue, see episode 68) of Character Issues, shaking up the list, testing the science, vital work.Thanks listeners.www.brianbabbleson.com