In today's Dead Drop, Mario Kart goes open-world, Bloober gets bleak with Cronos, and the Playdate gets a surprise hit from the FTL devs. We’ve got layoffs, licensing weirdness, and a 4/20 GTA update that’s… on brand. Plus, one mascot agency that might just steal your heart. ***** Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner podcast of Coffee with a Podcaster ! Recommend this podcast to a friend who needs news on the daily from the games industry, and give it a rating and review to tell othe...
Apr 18, 2025•5 min•Ep. 97
Today on The Dead Drop , Roblox gets legally served over a TikTok dance, Embracer slices itself into thirds, and Ninja Gaiden slips back into 2D like it never left. I’m Matthew Bliss, guiding you through a crisp collection of headlines featuring mobile spending regrets in Japan, RuneScape’s dragon-fueled detour, and Pocketpair’s unexpected pivot into publishing. We’ve also got Doom-branded Xbox gear, Netflix’s latest narrative experiment, and a $900 million lawsuit that sounds like someone rage-...
Apr 17, 2025•5 min•Ep. 96
In today’s Dead Drop, Sony hikes PS5 prices again (cheers, inflation), Kojima lets you skip boss fights (merciful legend), and Hollywood keeps poaching our IPs—with Story Kitchen cooking up some serious adaptations. We dive into tariff trouble hitting the Switch 2, Death Stranding 2 updates, new releases, and layoffs shaking up gaming media. It's your no-nonsense cache of the biggest gaming news, with just enough sarcasm to keep it spicy. ***** Thanks for listening to The Dead Drop: a partner po...
Apr 15, 2025•5 min•Ep. 95
In today’s Dead Drop, we dive into Ubisoft’s courtroom confidence over The Crew , Astro Bot cleaning house at the BAFTAs, and why Nintendo still says “nah” to achievements. You’ll hear about ASMR gaming bliss, indie surprises like Blue Prince , and even a comeback attempt from one of the worst games ever made. Yes, really. Also, STALKER 2 rises against the odds, The Last of Us evolves its infected, and Warhammer 40K quietly conquers Roblox. It’s a weird, wonderful mix — just how we like it. ****...
Apr 14, 2025•4 min•Ep. 94
Today on The Dead Drop, we’re talking Black Ops Gulf War, Unity’s painful staff cuts, and a Barbie game that’s, believe it or not, actually happening. Plus, Hades II gets its early access date, Helldivers 2 players face PC chaos, and Destiny 2 nostalgia hits hard. We’ve also got the Suicide Squad’s redemption roadmap, Phil Spencer teasing Xbox’s cloudy future, and fresh whispers from CD Projekt Red’s next Witcher saga. It’s all here—quick, sharp, and ready to go. ***** Thanks for listening to Th...
Apr 11, 2025•4 min•Ep. 93
Warner Bros games revenue down 41% during Q2 due to Suicide Squad | GamesIndustry.biz https://www.gamesindustry.biz/warner-bros-games-revenue-down-41-during-q2-due-to-suicide-squad Bandai Namco profits rose 56% during Q1 FY25 | GamesIndustry.biz https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bandai-namco-profits-rose-56-during-q1-fy25 Indie poker roguelike Balatro tops 2 million copies sold | News-in-brief | GamesIndustry.biz https://www.gamesindustry.biz/indie-poker-roguelike-balatro-tops-2-million-copies-sold ...
Aug 08, 2024•8 min•Ep. 92
Today's Headlines: THQ Nordic has teased a new Darksiders game | VGC (videogameschronicle.com) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/thq-nordic-has-teased-a-new-darksiders-game/ At the end of a THQ Nordic showcase, we see the Charred Council (aka fiery stone heads) proclaiming the four horseman will ride again. Could mean Darksiders IV but, you know… Darksiders III sucked. Development build of Call of Duty Black Ops 6 leaks as footage floods social media | VGC (videogameschronicle.com) https:...
Aug 06, 2024•4 min•Ep. 91
Nintendo has changed it's tournament community rules to exclude gamers with accessibility requirements, and more stories today on Thursday 26th October 2023. INDUSTRY Nintendo’s new tournament controller rules are ‘a huge step back for accessibility’, it’s claimed | VGC (videogameschronicle.com) Nintendo is shaking up its Community Tournament Guidelines to lock down issues it has with the current protocols, but it has had an unintended consequence to a large sub-section of the gaming community. ...
Oct 26, 2023•8 min•Ep. 90
INDUSTRY Nintendo Accounts will ‘help ease the transition’ to Switch’s successor, says platform holder | VGC (videogameschronicle.com) Nintendo is back in the headlines again after Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser reiterated the importance of Nintendo accounts to ease the transition between console hardware - still teasing the existence of the upcoming "Switch 2". In several reports over the last few months, the "Switch 2" so-called has been rumoured to release in the second half of 202...
Oct 24, 2023•7 min•Ep. 89
Industry News: Bandcamp dismisses 50% of its staff amid Epic Games mass layoffs | GamesIndustry.biz Half of the workforce in Bandcamp is affected by a mass of layoffs by parent company Epic Games. Bandcamp was acquired in March last year, but in September this year Epic announced that they would be laying off 16% of the total workforce in the company. Epic Games is also finalising the sale of Bandcamp to Songtradr, announced at the same time as the layoffs. Songtradr has said that Bandcamp becam...
Oct 18, 2023•7 min•Ep. 88
Industry News Activision Blizzard is officially part of Microsoft | GamesIndustry.biz Microsoft announced on the 13th October of this year that the Activision Blizzard deal has finally been confirmed and completed. The final obstacle we mentioned last week, the UK Competition and Markets Authority, has finally given the green light and the acquisition can continue. Now the big questions we've long awaited answers to: Will Microsoft's promises of a less toxic culture be realised? Phil Spencer say...
Oct 16, 2023•9 min•Ep. 87
INDUSTRY Ubisoft says it's "on the right path" following sexual harassment allegations | Eurogamer.net Ubisoft is now claiming that they've improved their workplace culture after allegations of sexual harassment against long-time employees and senior staff in 2020. Their Chief People Officer, Annika Grant, has been in place since 2021 and remarked last month that they've been navigating the "misconduct crisis" and that "HR was part of the problem". Ubisoft has now improved their internal reporti...
Oct 12, 2023•6 min•Ep. 86
Thanks for joining me again on the Dead Drop for your secured delivery of game news headlines! The stories for today: Unity Software CEO exits after pricing backlash | NYSE:U (proactiveinvestors.com.au) CEO of Unity Software John Riccitiello is retiring from his position at the company following the backlash to the new pricing structure for game developers last month. He is quoted as being proud of his 9 years with Unity and the impact he had on the company, and yet it was leadership that fell u...
Oct 10, 2023•6 min•Ep. 85
Dead Drop Game News is back, baby! It's been too long since I've been making episodes, so its time for a return and a refresh of the game news podcast that you know and love! In this episode I talk about: What I've been up to What is coming for the podcast What will change and, How you connect with the new show. I'm so happy to be back, and looking forward to delivering you the no-fluff, succinct and informative gaming news updates again! ❤️ ***** Do you have a gaming podcast you'd like featured...
Oct 09, 2023•8 min
//DeadDrop{FEED-DROP}: Jay of The Waffling Taylors podcast has allowed me the privilege of sharing his episode on gatekeeping, mental health and video games. The subject matter in this episode is important for all gamers who wade out into the world of social media and communities - give it a listen and learn how to protect your own mental health as a gamer or if you care for someone who is. Dead Drop Game News is a video game news show, but I love spotlighting other podcasters who do great work ...
Feb 28, 2023•21 min
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”27th Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Everything from Sony’s February State of Play; Suicide Squad is live service, online-only and disappointing fans; Valve traps cheaters with memory honeypot; Embracer bringing back Lord of the Rings; Rez creator announces bonkers new title; Nintendo WILL NOT be at E3; and even more! Welcome to Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_DROP*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: EVERYTHING ANNOUNCED AT THE FEBRUARY ...
Feb 26, 2023•10 min•Ep. 84
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”23rd Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Microsoft has made deals with Nintendo and Nvidia to bring Xbox games to their platforms when the Activ-Blizz deal goes through; Northern Territory government creates fund for game dev; Activision hacked in Dec 2022; Bungie wins suit against Destiny 2 cheat software; Mario Movie Direct coming on March 9th; and even more! Welcome to Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_DROP*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episod...
Feb 23, 2023•10 min•Ep. 83
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”20th Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: CDPR forgot to remove an uncredited nudity mod for Witcher 3; CMA report reveals GamePass cannibalises game sales; Nintendo won’t consider reducing the cost of Switch console; Square Enix releases details of blockchain-base game; Metroid Prime Remastered now available; and even more! Welcome to Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_DROP*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: CD Projekt Red To Remove "Unintende...
Feb 19, 2023•10 min•Ep. 82
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”9th Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: A Nintendo Direct dropped today with tonnes of game trailers, including Zelda; Hogwarts Legacy reviews well, but the trans community speaks out; Bobby Kotick squares up against UK CMA; Sony’s PS Plus collection disappearing; Super Mario Bros movie poster confirmed; and even more! Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: And the first Grammy for video game mu...
Feb 09, 2023•10 min•Ep. 81
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”6th Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Marvel’s Midnight Suns director calls Gunn’s DC plans “a nightmare”; Redfall requires an internet connection; Activision Blizzard to settle with SEC; EA cancels unannounced Titanfall title; The Day Before gameplay trailer disappointment; and even more! Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: Marvel's Midnight Suns director calls DC's plans "a nightmare" for...
Feb 05, 2023•9 min•Ep. 80
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”2nd Feb, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: EA cancels mobile games and closes Industrial Toys studio; Tess actor from The Last of Us pass away; Xbox, Nintendo and Sony not at E3; PSVR2 shipping half the units; Australian Government games fund to return; and even more! Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: EA cancels mobile Apex Legends and Battlefield games, shutters Industrial Toys studio - Games...
Feb 01, 2023•9 min•Ep. 79
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”30th Jan, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Everything announced at the Xbox Bethesda Developer Direct; Proletariat studio dropping their union election; The Last of Us renewed for Season 2 at HBO, D&D licence now open and free again; Justin Roiland resigns from Squanch Games; and even more! Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: “EVERYTHING ANNOUNCED IN THE XBOX + BETHESDA DEVELOPER DIRECT” - ...
Jan 30, 2023•10 min•Ep. 78
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”26th Jan, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Forspoken has entered the discourse and opinions are critical; Manager at Blizzard leaves after being forced to give a good employee a bad performance review; Nintendo warns of Switch condensation; Riot Games is hacked, game source stolen; Resetera bans discussion of Hogwarts Legacy. Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: “Forspoken | Critical Consensus” ...
Jan 25, 2023•9 min•Ep. 77
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”23th Jan, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: More layoffs hit games, including Jess O’Brien and Jason Oestreicher of Giant Bomb; 343 confirms they’ll continue Halo series; The Last of Us ex-staffer bemoans lack of credit on TV show; Sony confirms PSVR2 launch game catalogue; Ubisoft CEO apologises; PowerWash Simulator getting an update. Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: “GameSpot and Giant Bomb...
Jan 22, 2023•10 min•Ep. 76
//DeadDrop{NEWS}:”10th Jan, 2023”// Encrypted in this episode: Ubisoft Paris staff to strike after comments from CEO; Blizzard games to go offline in China; Starfield rumoured to be delayed even further; Nvidia, Google & EU opposing Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard; The Last of Us TV show premiere wows everyone! Welcome the Dead Drop Game News, your quick source for gaming news. $CLEAR_CACHE*LOG_OUT News Sources in this episode: “Blizzard is blaming NetEase for its games going of...
Jan 18, 2023•10 min•Ep. 75
The Dead Drop has been on hiatus for a while, but now is our triumphant return! Among the return of the podcast are format changes, a sprucing-up of podcast art and titles, new segments, a new website URL and plenty more! Listen to this bonus episode for all the details, and make sure you're subscribed to get a notification of the first episode of 2023 coming this Thursday. ***** Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Website Check out deaddroppodcast.com for transcripts, news sources and more. Send...
Jan 17, 2023•5 min
//DeadDrop{TRANSFER}:"12th December, 2022"// Today's transfer includes my summary and thoughts on Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards plus all the announcements, a Loot Box bill submitted to Australian parliament, the FTC sues Microsoft to block Acti-Blizz acquisition, Sifu gets a movie adaptation, and plenty more! Welcome to The Dead Drop, your secret cache of game news delivered safely and securely to your podcast player. Pre-show Promo: I was lucky enough to guest on the “Crossed Wires” podcast ...
Dec 12, 2022•9 min•Ep. 74
//DeadDrop{TRANSFER}:"24th November, 2022"// Today's transfer includes governments in Australia and Ireland offering subsidies to game development, Sony hinting it will ban devs selling “easy-Platinum” shovelware, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet players demand refunds for performance, Ubisoft games return to Steam, and plenty more! Welcome to The Dead Drop, your secret cache of game news delivered safely and securely to your podcast player. Sources for the stories in this episode: Story 1: Australian and...
Nov 23, 2022•10 min•Ep. 72
//DeadDrop{TRANSFER}:"21st November, 2022"// Today's transfer includes Google’s anti-competitive “Project Hug” paid game studios, Blizzard and NetEase dispute over games in China, Sonic Creator accused of insider trading, Dead Island 2 delayed, and plenty more! Welcome to The Dead Drop, your secret cache of game news delivered safely and securely to your podcast player. Guest on the Dukes of Gaming podcast! “A Plague’s Tale: Requiem” Spoilercast with Dukes of Gaming and Game ’n Watch was a great...
Nov 21, 2022•10 min•Ep. 71
//DeadDrop{TRANSFER}:"17th November, 2022"// Today's transfer includes Game of the Year nominations from Game Awards, Playstation patents blockchain in games, video games at the Grammys, Bethesda bites Mick back, and plenty more! Welcome to The Dead Drop, your secret cache of game news delivered safely and securely to your podcast player. Podcast Recommendation: “Decoder with Nilay Patel”, or the podcast of Lead Editor of The Verge, interviewed Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) about the acquisitions ...
Nov 17, 2022•10 min•Ep. 70
