The Forecast

On today's episode #217, "The Search for More Money" is officially happening as Spaceballs 2 gets announced, more goes wrong with the troubled development of Marathon at Bungie, and Keigh-3 events have all but taken over our news cycle. Plus, Nightreign is finally here and we have another Borderlands 3 deep dive on our hands.

FLASHBACK Ep. 146 | Venerable BanglesWe weren't able to meet to discuss Elden Ring Nightreign this week so instead reflect on our first time playing Elden Ring back in 2022 with us!Owen talks Steam Next Fest. Aaron describes games well. Chad talks Fortnite and New World updates. Jake yells at Aaron's neighbor. Caleb has a Steam Deck. #eldenring

On today's episode #216, Polygon is approaching irrelevance by degrees as its vision lacks angles congruent to the market, Giant Bomb is somehow resuscitated at the last moment, and some big content drops in the DOOM universe. Plus, Clair Obscur lives on in our hearts and minds, and Ben sends updates as he plays Elden Ring Nightreign.

On today's episode #215, Microsoft doubles down on price increases, multiple video game companies turn again to layoffs as a financial solution, and some big content drops. Plus, Alex takes a Borderlands 3 deep dive right on time and Ben sends updates as he plays Elden Ring Nightreign.

Unfortunately we couldn't get everyone together to record this week. With the probable imminent drop of the Oblivion Remaster, I thought it might be appropriate to FLASHBACK to September 2023 so we could relive the discussion of Bethesda's latest open world RPG, Starfield.On today's episode #180, the SAG-AFTRA board unanimously votes to give an interactive media strike to members, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem was so successful it's getting a video game sequel, and Apple reps for their next event. Also, Baldur's Gate III has dropped out of the top 10 highest-rated games of all time list, Starfield makes some weird choices, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #214, we got big news all around this week. Ubisoft making big changes, Marvel Rivals reveals, and the long awaited Nintendo Switch 2 gets a proper showcase. Plus, we're sad Aaron's not here to talk about Khazan, and Alex finally finished FFVII Rebirth. Lets talk about that big character moment at the end, shall we?

On today's episode #213, Balatro wins again - this time amongst developers, the Oscars happens, and the Future Game Show happened but none of us watched it. Plus, Split Fiction is absolutely dominating the GOTY list so far, recombobulate is not a word, and Ben beat the Elden Ring DLC.

On today's episode #212, Sony is now leasing PlayStations in this economy, steam hits a record number of concurrent users, and Discord might be going public? Plus, Steam Next fest has some bangers, more nVidia news from Chad, and Ben beat the Elden Ring DLC.

On today's episode #211, Marvel Rivals hits a major milestone, Valve is being Valve again by giving away the TF2 Source Code and targeted bans, and things are happening in Overwatch 2? Plus, quantum computing, nVidia 50 series delays, issues, and problems, and Ben beat Elden Ring while he was in Puerto Rico.

On today's episode #210, we talk about our Game of the Year list to see if we're still confident, the Multiverse was canceled, and studios try the Fantastic Four, again. Plus, Steam is making changes with early access, Resident Evil is Resident Eviling again, and, Ben beat Elden Ring while he was out of the country.

On today's episode special edition episode #209, we dive into the games we loved playing this year, talk about our most anticipated games for next year, and battle over our top 10 to ultimately crown one our 2024 Game of the Year.

On today's episode #208, NVIDIA has some huge announcements at CES, Sonic 3 sets a record for its own franchise, and Ubisoft is somehow still valuable enough to buy. Plus, several new games that we definitely haven't been waiting on were teased, Ben beat Elden Ring, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #207, the Game Awards revealed their nominees, which blew up the internet, Steam has a new season pass policy, and Arcane, the final season comes out. Plus, we raised over 10k for Extra Life, Ben beat Elden Ring, and - of course - we've been playing games.

FLASHBACK to May 2022 and it's weird how cyclical time is. We discuss the first Overwatch 2 beta in this episode and all the changes that come with it and now in November 2024 we are playing Overwatch Classic. What a world we live in.Aaron and Alex are excited about the movies they watched. Jake is baffled by Square Enix moves. Caleb plays relaxing Games, Owen doesn't like anything, Chad gets a house. #horizonhouse

On today's episode #206, more studios and teams were disbanded, Russia fines Google just a small amount of money, and one of the best board games you've never played gets another expansion. Plus, we mentally prepare for Extra Life Game Day(s), Ben beats Elden Ring, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #205, a major security breach rocks the Pokémon world, Uzumaki faces some animation woes, and we might be breaking the new Steam Family Sharing system a bit. Plus Blizzard can't figure out what to do with Sombra, Dragon Age has taken over the cast, and - of course - we've been playing games.

Jake plays hard games. Aaron wants to discuss lawsuits and negative latency. Alex isn't ready for Alextime. Caleb talks events. Owen talks Charlize Theron.

On today's episode #204, Some fresh lawsuits are brewing, Sony keeps shooting itself in the foot, and the future of destiny is... mobile? We have some previews for exciting tabletop RPG Ember and exciting video game RPG Dragon Age. Plus, we've been checking out Valve's not so secret new project, Deadlock and - of course - we've been playing games.

Flashback Episode 18: PETA, Re-Releases, and ESO

On today's episode #203, Gamescom opens with some bangers and the studio behind Hi-Fi Rush is saved by an unlikely publisher.. Plus, we try out slay the spire, but in board game format, Ben misses the podcast because he can't beat Margit, the Fell Omen, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #202, Borderlands the movie makes a splash in the box office, more bad news from video game realm, and Turkey takes a stance on Roblox of all things. Plus, Ben has prepared comments after beating all of Elden Ring, Chad ponders the phonetic spelling of spectre, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #201, and Video Game developers are planning a strike due to familiar concerns, the IOC unanimously approves a sport that nobody thought would ever be recognized, and Twisters wrecks more than small towns in Oklahoma in the box office this weekend. Plus, Ben has prepared comments after beating 0 bosses in Elden Ring, Extra-Life United happened and our team may or may not have raised some money, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's special episode #200, we have an especially lame episode for you full of nothing especially special, Japan is being Japan again and making the rest of the world look lame, and an animated film makes a splash in the summer of 2024. Plus, Game Pass makes some pricing adjustments, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #199, 2022's game of the year drops a huge DLC (though not as huge as the base game), Dr Disrespect finally reveals why he was banned from Twitch in 2020, and some interesting news lands from Nintendo Direct. Plus, Steam rolls out new features for streamers, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #198, Exciting updates in games industry layoffs, a new teaser for Arcane dropped, and we have some info about the show's future. Plus, we have the Summer Game Fest and an Xbox Showcase to go over, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #197, Sony does a dumb again and this time it's a big one, Minecraft is coming to the big screen, and Furiosa bombs at the box office. Plus, League of Legends showcases an inexpensive skin, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #196, Netflix is really into live shows now, Helldivers and Sony play the TTRPG Fiasco, and Chad watches Nick Cage's The Rock for the first time. Plus, a new secrets-filled Metroidvania lands at just the right time, Ben is preparing for a solo podcast, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #195, Catan dusts off an old title that is finally coming to life this summer, Take-Two is not unfamiliar with layoffs and changes, and the Escape from Tarkov dev team is in hot water with players at a really bad time. Plus, Dragon's Dogma sales outpace Final Fantasy, Alan Wake ‘isn't profitable,' and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #194, Silksong creators are rude, but we're still excited, Keanu Reeves lands his best role yet, and one of our favorite indie games of 2023 is getting a movie. Plus, Ubisoft is being Ubisoft again, Final Fantasy is underperforming and Cait is sad, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #193, Amazon is not as artificially intelligent as expected, the CFPB is taking a look at transactions in video games, and a group of us went to PAX East. Also, Helldivers 2 war updates with Caleb, Crash goes indie, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #192, Paul Atreides sees a narrow path, TikTok sees the beginnings of a ban in the US House of Representatives, and PS5 pro specs are leaked? Also, Helldivers are still uniting under the flag of liberty, D&D celebrates 50 years, and - of course - we've been playing games.

Flashback Episode 17: So Friggin' Strong

On today's episode #191, Sam Altman asks for a little bit of money while Nvidia sees a record valuation, Madame Web finds itself in the company of other great films, and Sony makes a bold statement. Also, Helldivers is taking the internets by storm, Microsoft and Sony are somewhat working together, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #190, our game of the year goes into open beta, TikTok and UMG get in a fight over music rights, and Disney makes a huge investment and a surprise announcement. Also, Steam Next Fest is happening, Microsoft will soon found Super Earth, and - of course - we've been playing games.

On today's episode #189, literally the entire video game world is laying people off, Palworld is destroying the internet, and - in case you didn't see it - we crowned Starfield as our GOTY. Also, Todd Howard makes an incredible new game, Pantheon is the animated series you need to watch from 2023, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's special edition episode #188, we dive into the games we loved playing this year and battle over our top 10 to ultimately crown one our 2023 Game of the Year.

Jake like, likes Kingmaker. Alex gets excited about John Wick. Caleb talks Haptix. Aaron transitions things. Owen interviews the Washington Justice. #GOTsux

On today's episode #187, E3 is officially dead, more layoffs plague the the games industry - this time at Hasbro, and we slowly read through every nominee and winner for the Game Awards. Plus, A24 has made the video game movie deal of the century and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #186, Aaron is out and Cait is in so we return to rating lists, there is controversy over what is or isn't considered an “indie game”, and we have more game delays as always. Plus, with the strike over we have a bunch of TV shows to talk about, OG Fortnite has brought the game back to life, and we've been playing a bunch of games.

On today's episode #185, the SAG-AFRTA strike ends after nearly four months with some notable concessions from the studios but some concern remaining in the grey area of AI, Formula One (a sport we have probably never covered on this podcast) has to deal with the repercussions of overestimating Vegas attendance and underestimating the savant-like nature of one of their drivers, and the Game of the Year award nominees have been revealed. Plus, Rockstar has an interesting announcement, iPhone might be actually joining the rest of the smart phone world, and Larian Studios has a novel idea - games-playable-on-disc.

On today's episode #184, new breaks on the former FTX CEO Sam-Bankman Fried, the International prize pool for the biggest esports tournament in the world was lackluster this year, and Layoffs and delays again plague the video game development community. Also, Extra Life game day is happening this Saturday - so stop by, join us for some fun, and donate if you can!

On today's episode #183, Pumpkin Spice takes over everything in the United States in the fall, Sony decides that the PS5 needs a smaller, sleeker design, and ChatGPT is used again to write something it shouldn't. Also, we played another one shot - this time with 10 people - and Extra Life game day is happening in two weeks.

On today's episode #182, the writer's strike comes to a conclusion after 148 days, Backerkit takes a stance after Kickstarter makes an unpopular choice, and many, many video games are unplayable lately. Also, Aaron wants more people to start Cultural Appreciation nights, which we'll talk about in our film section.

On today's episode #181, Unity decides to backtrack on a controversial price hike for their software amid backlash from developers, Neuralink begins open recruitment for their recently approved BCI implants, and we'll take a look at the list of who is striking in the US today. Also, announcements from several showcases, we tried out another one-shot, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #180, the SAG-AFTRA board unanimously votes to give an interactive media strike to members, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem was so successful it's getting a video game sequel, and Apple reps for their next event. Also, Baldur's Gate III has dropped out of the top 10 highest-rated games of all time list, Starfield makes some weird choices, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #179, we cover national news for Alex because he keeps seeing headlines but scrolling, and Charles Martinet is replaced by Chris Pratt as the voice of Mario. Plus, we played an RPG that we couldn't pronounce, Overwatch 2 gets an absolute gem of a rating on Steam, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #178, Twisted Metal on Peacock of all streaming services has a 94% audience score while EVE Online gets a new board game. Plus, Baldur's Gate III was released to nearly universal acclaim, the LotR novels are passed by the total amount of dialogue in Baldur's Gate III, and of course, we've been playing Baldur's Gate III.

On today's episode #177, the brother of the guy from Ancient Aliens talks UAPs with Congress while the division between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP deepens. Plus, Activision Blizzard lays off 50+ people from their esports division, Frosthaven hits a special rank on Board Game Geek, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #176, we talk a lot about Final Fantasy but since we're hipsters it's not about the most recent game. Plus we dive into Dave the Diver, remakes, remasters, development hell, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #175, the best movie of the summer so far features a callback to multiple video games in the franchise and the FTC is pushing back against the Microsoft / Activision merger/acquisition. Plus, CDPR has opinions on your opinions of Cyberpunk 2077, BlizzCon announces that it will be streamed free this year, Tim is getting ads to go to work in American Truck Simulator, and of course, we've been playing games.

On today's episode #174, all of the major summer games showcases happened and we're going to spend the entire podcast talking through the good news, and the bad. Plus, Sports Illustrated's video games section notes that ‘Starfield being 30fps on Xbox is a complete non-issue', it's been four years since MP4 was announced, October officially has too many games released, and of course, we've been playing games.