Summary In this GZ Chop Shop gaming podcast episode, hosts Gregory and Daniel welcome Elizabeth Howard, the Chief Advisor of Services for Midwest Games. With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, including roles at Bungie and 2K Games, Elizabeth shares her journey into gaming, insights on the evolution of game development, and the challenges faced by developers today. The conversation covers the importance of understanding business models, the role of shadow publishing in supportin...
May 29, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 174
We had the opportunity to sit down with actor Patrick Gallagher as he shared insights from his extensive acting career, discussing his roles in video games and film, the intricacies of performance capture, and the collaborative nature of character development. He reflects on the importance of improvisation, the nerves that come with acting, and the evolution of video games. We also discussed our fond memories of arcades. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Patrick Gallagher 02:56 Transitioning Roles ...
Apr 10, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 173
Summary In this episode of the GZ Chop Shop, hosts Daniel and Greg dive deep into the world of Nintendo, focusing on the upcoming Switch 2. They discuss the console's specs, pricing controversies, and the impact of scalpers on the gaming market. The conversation also touches on the graphics debate, the role of the PC community, and the challenges faced by GameStop in the evolving gaming landscape. The hosts engage with listeners, encouraging them to share their thoughts on Nintendo's strategies ...
Apr 09, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 172
Summary In this episode host Projektitachi speaks with Ghost Recon Wildlands lead writer Lewis Manalo, and level designer/Creative Director Matt Patak from Old Glory Studios about their transition from military careers to the gaming industry, their experiences working on major titles in the Clancyverse, and their new project, Victory's Grave Outflank. They discuss the evolution of gaming narratives, the challenges of game development, the role of AI, and their vision for creating a unique gaming...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 171
Summary In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse deep dive into the world of Solo Leveling, discussing its origins as a webtoon and light novel, character development, and the nuances of the anime adaptation. They explore the themes of humanity and power, the importance of character emotions, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming live-action adaptation. The conversation wraps up with final thoughts on the series and an invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast. Chapter...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 170
Summary In this episode Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent Sony server shutdown, reflecting on its impact on the gaming community over its nearly two-day blackout and comparing it to past incidents. They explore the transition from physical to digital gaming, highlighting the implications for ownership and access. The conversation also delves into the rise of subscription models in gaming, examining how they affect game development and player experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction an...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 169
In this episode our hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse dive into the world of video game remakes, discussing classic titles they wish would be revived. They explore the nostalgia associated with classic games, and the impact of live service models on the industry, and share personal memories of beloved titles like Nightmare Creatures, Legend of the Dragoon, and Shadows of the Empire. Chapters 00:00 Reviving Classic Games: The Case for Remakes 04:12 The Appeal of Nostalgia in Gaming 08:01 Star Wars...
Feb 06, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 168
In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse dive into the latest installment of the Castlevania series, 'Nocturne', discussing their expectations and the reality of the show. They explore the differences in writing and character development compared to the original series, highlighting the impact of changes in the creative team. The conversation then shifts to the Ys series, a long-standing RPG franchise, where they discuss its convoluted timelines and the unique storytelling approach of t...
Jan 23, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 167
In this episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse engage in a lively discussion about anime, upcoming movie adaptations, and the challenges of streaming services. They share recommendations for new anime, analyze the Castlevania series, and express excitement for the upcoming adaptations of popular games like Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Zero Dawn. The conversation also addresses the frustrations of accessing anime across different streaming platforms and the impact of marketing on movie releas...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 166
Summary In this episode hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse celebrate the new year and discuss their commitment to highlighting indie games. They dive deep into their experience with the VR mech game Iron Rebellion, sharing insights on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and the future of VR gaming. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and mods in enhancing gaming experiences. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to 2025: New Beginnings 01:21 Diving into Indie Games 04:10 Exploring Iron Reb...
Jan 09, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 165
In this final episode of the GZ Chop Shop for 2024, the hosts reflect on the year's events, beginning with the disappointments within the gaming community, and the ongoing issues of racism and representation in gaming. They critique the tendency to judge games before release and explore the cultural sensitivity surrounding gaming narratives. The conversation also touches on the misunderstood concept of fanservice in anime, the nostalgia for classic games, and the value of the Microsoft PC Game P...
Dec 26, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 164
In this episode of the GZ Chop, hosts ProjektItachi and Warnurse discuss the recent Game Awards, highlighting winners and notable announcements for upcoming titles. They delve into the excitement surrounding upcoming games like Elden Ring Nightreign and The Witcher 4, addressing the controversies and fan reactions. The episode also spotlights the indie game Betamax, discussing its unique gameplay mechanics. This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Try the 7-day challenge with Projektitachi and e...
Dec 19, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 163
Summary In this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss their predictions for the Game Awards, focusing on the Game of the Year category. The conversation shifts to the controversy surrounding a DLC nominated for Game of the Year, exploring the implications it will have on the gaming industry. Finally, they discuss the current state of anime fandom and reactions to shows like Dan to Dan. This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Try the 7-day challenge with Projekti...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 162
Summary In this episode, Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent news of Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa Productions, a major player in the anime and gaming industry. They explore the implications of this acquisition, the ongoing trend of consolidation in the gaming industry, and the impact on consumers and creators. The conversation also touches on the historical context of corporate acquisitions, the future of anime and manga distribution, and the importance of healthy competiti...
Nov 28, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 161
In this episode of the GZ Chop Shop, hosts Projektitachi and Daniel discuss IGN's decline, focusing on its inconsistent ratings and biased reviews. They critique the recent movie adaptation of Overlord, highlighting the ethical dilemmas presented in the story and the impact of IGN's reviews on the anime and gaming community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authentic reviews and the need for fans to rely on their experiences rather than mainstream outlets. Chapters 00:00 The Fall of...
Nov 14, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 160
In this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Daniel reflect on the gaming year, discussing their favorite titles of 2024 and the upcoming Game Awards. They delve into the rise of live service gaming, its implications for the industry, and the nostalgia for completed games from the past. The conversation highlights the challenges gamers face today, including the impact of casual gaming trends and the commercialization of gaming experiences. Chapters 00:00 Year in Review: Gaming H...
Nov 07, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 159
Summary In this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Daniel dive into the spooky season by discussing their favorite horror games, movies, and shows. They reflect on the legacy of Silent Hill, the portrayal of ghosts in media, and the fear of the unknown, particularly in the context of zombie apocalypses and viral outbreaks. The conversation also touches on the unique storyline of the DC Comics series 'Deceased', exploring the implications of a zombie outbreak spread through tec...
Oct 31, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 158
Summary In this episode hosts Projektitachi and WarNurse discuss the exciting gaming lineup for October, focusing on the release of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. They delve into the mixed reviews of the game, particularly criticizing the way major review platforms assess games. The conversation shifts to the game's unique 'what if' scenarios that allow players to explore alternate Dragon Ball histories. They also address the game's difficulty and the expectations of modern gamers, emphasizing the i...
Oct 17, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 157
We chat with one of the lead vocalists for Larian Studios hit game Baulders Gate 3 Mariya aka Melethiel, and discuss her career journey on stage, other projects, and LARPing. We also discuss fan favorite song "Raphael's Final Act" which also led to BG3 winning an award for best music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:00 Maria's Journey to Baldur's Gate 3 06:03 The Experience of Performing in Theater 09:01 Voice Acting and Music in Gaming 11:55 LARPing: A Unique Hobby 14:56...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 5Ep. 156
Summary Sony's announcement of the PS5 Pro has raised concerns and disappointment among gamers. The podcast hosts discuss the questionable decisions made by Sony, including the lack of a disc drive and the absence of a stand for the PS5 Pro. They also criticize Sony's abandonment of the VR 2 and the limited compatibility of the $200 portal. Chapters 00:00 Disappointment with Sony's Decisions 05:05 Sony's Push into the Hardware Ecosystem 09:21 Lack of Competition for Sony 13:32 Optimization and G...
Sep 12, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 155
Summary In this episode of the GZChop Chop podcast, the hosts discuss the game Black Myth Wukong. They praise the game as a phenomenal first game from indie studio Game Science and compare it to other action games like God of War. The hosts share tips and tricks for playing the game, including the importance of experimenting with different builds and abilities. They also discuss the voice acting in the English dub and the game's stunning visuals. In this conversation, the hosts discuss their enj...
Aug 29, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 154
In this episode, Projektitachi and Daniel discuss the high prices of DLCs in video games, specifically focusing on the recently announced DLC for Mortal Kombat 11. They express their frustration with the $49.99 and $59.99 price tags for the DLC, which they believe is excessive and unfair to players who have already purchased the collector's edition of the game. They also discuss the trend of game developers charging extra for DLCs and its impact on the gaming community. Additionally, they touch ...
Jul 31, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 153
Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the lore of Elden Ring and dive into the story of the DLC. They explore the characters' motivations, including Mikela, Radon, Moog, and Marika. They also touch on the role of the Horned Sent and the Potnecks. The hosts speculate on the connections between the characters and the greater will, and discuss the potential for future DLCs. Overall, they express their love for the game and its addictive nature. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19 ...
Jul 11, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 152
On this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. They speculate about the storyline and characters, including the possibility of Miquella being the ultimate evil and the role of the outer gods. They also analyze the complex family tree in Elden Ring and how it may impact the DLC. The hosts explore the themes of balance, power, and manipulation in the game's lore. Overall, they provide an in-depth analysis and theories about the upcoming DLC. Chapters 00:00 E...
Jun 06, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 151
Metal Gear singer/voice actress Donna Burke, is known for her work in video games and as the English announcing voice on the Shinkansen bullet train. Now she joins the GZ Chop Shop podcast in an unforgettable interview that discusses her new venture, Royal Flush, living in Japan, cultural differences, and her journey in the gaming and television industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Royal Flush 02:11 Japanese Toilets and Cultural Differences 06:21 Living in Japan and Comparing ...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 150
In this episode, the hosts discuss the current state of the anime community and the lack of respect for older, original anime. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the influence and impact of classic anime on the industry today. They also touch on the role of social media in shaping opinions and the need for fans to think for themselves and appreciate the diversity of anime. The hosts encourage listeners to read manga and light novels to get a deeper understanding of the stories and ch...
May 16, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 149
Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss Microsoft's recent studio closures and the impact of their acquisition of Bethesda. They express their concerns about Microsoft's trend of shutting down studios and prioritizing Game Pass over game development. They also discuss Sony's decision to require PC players of Helldivers 2 to log in with a PlayStation Network account. The hosts highlight the need for the gaming community to speak up against unfair practices, such as microtransactions and incomp...
May 09, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 148
Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the trend of gaming franchises being revived and then quickly abandoned by developers. They specifically focus on EA's decision to put the Dead Space franchise back on ice after the successful remake. They explore possible reasons for this, including the inability to monetize the franchise through microtransactions and the impact of subscription services like Game Pass. They also discuss the larger issue of developers prioritizing long-term monetization...
Apr 18, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 147
In this episode of the GZ Chop Chop podcast, the hosts discuss the struggles and potential of Microsoft's Game Pass. They explore the subscription model, the challenges of generating revenue, and the impact on game sales. They also touch on the controversy surrounding the character designs in the game Stellar Blade. The hosts express their opinions on the sexualization debate in the gaming industry. Takeaways Game Pass is not struggling on the surface, with millions of active subscribers, but be...
Apr 11, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 146
Summary In this episode of the Jeezy Chop Shop podcast, the hosts discuss the controversial topic of microtransactions in the upcoming game Dragon's Dogma 2. They explore the different perspectives on microtransactions, including the benefits for busy players and the criticisms of pay-to-win mechanics. The hosts also touch on the banning of modders by Capcom and the impact of mods on the gaming experience. They delve into the challenges faced by game developers and the addictive nature of compet...
Apr 04, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 145
