Episode 149 Sony has laid off around 900 PlayStation employees, or roughly 10% of their workforce. This is just the latest in a seemingly never-ending bombardment of workforce reductions in triple-A game studios. Industry experts have long-warned of the unsustainability of the triple-A games space, and it seems as though the bubble is in the midst of bursting. Today, we discuss the PlayStation layoffs and what they portend for the triple-A games industry as we know it. As always, we conclude by ...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 148 Helldivers 2 has come out and conquered the gaming world - with its frenetic (and hilarious) co-op action, the game has gone viral and its popularity continues to climb. In today's episode, we discuss the game and why it works so well, and what its successful launch could mean for Sony's future first party plans. As always, we conclude by talking about the games we're playing (Remnant 2). This episode was recorded in February 2024. The music in this episode is from Helldivers 2 (crea...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 147 After a week of frenzy and anticipation, Microsoft finally comes forward with their plans for the future of Xbox - and while their brief announcement threw cold water on the ongoing discussion, this week we talk about what Phil and co. said (and didn't say), and analyze Xbox's position going forward. As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (Red Dead Redemption 2, Tale of Two Wastelands, Persona 3 Reload). This episode was recorded in February 2024. Royalty free music fro...
Feb 16, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 146 Ahead of a major business announcement next week, we discuss the rumors surrounding Microsoft's potentially historic third party strategy, and what that could mean for the Xbox brand as well as the impact around the wider industry. As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (Sea of Thieves, Persona 3 Reload, Warframe, Fortnite). This episode was recorded in February 2024. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discor...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 145 In today's episode, we predict the shape of the games industry in 2024. Early signs are showing a scramble for maximum profits, with studios resorting to layoffs, consolidation, and AI to reach their goals. Conversely, we predict a strong year for VR and Nintendo, as they pursue their financial ambitions in more palatable ways. As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (The Quarry, Half-Life: Alyx, Volcanoids, NomaiVR). This episode was recorded in January 2024. Royalty fr...
Jan 31, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 144 In today's episode, we talk about Palworld! As always, we end with the games we're playing (The Finals). This episode was recorded in January 2024. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Palworld Impressions 9:52 - Palword Reception and Development/Design 16:14 - Our Experiences With Palworld 23:15 - Palworld vs Pokémon 40:00 - Palworld's Weird Tone 46:50 - Palworld's Future 51:1...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 143 In today's episode, we give our impressions on the Meta Quest 3, discuss the overall VR landscape, and talk about where the games industry is at with respect to VR adoption. As always, we end with the games we're playing (The Light Brigade, Asgard's Wrath 2, Vampire Survivors, Nintendo 64 games). This episode was recorded in January 2024. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Me...
Jan 17, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 142 In today's episode, we discuss the ransomware attack on Insomniac and the resulting industry details and future Insomniac project timelines that were leaked. As part of the leak, we also talk about sales figures for Sony's 1st party games in the PS4 and PS5 era, and what those numbers mean for Sony's present position in the industry. As always, we end with the games we're playing (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla). This episode was recorded in January 2024. Royalty free music from BenSo...
Jan 10, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 141 In today's episode, we determine Gametalk's game of the year for 2023! As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (In A Dark Cave, Lethal Company). This episode was recorded in December 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Check out Connor's new game here! https://proudmomgames.itch.io/in-a-dark-cave Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Tears of the Kingdom / Cocoon 5:55 - Armored Core 6 / Super Ma...
Dec 28, 2023•2 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 140 In today's episode, we pit consoles throughout the ages against each other to see what comes out on top as Gametalk's favorite console! As always, we end with the games we're playing (Pikmin 4, PowerWash Simulator, Diablo IV). This episode was recorded in July 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Round 1 20:15 - Round 2 54:53 - Quarterfinals 1:03:14 - Semifinals 1:11:10 -...
Dec 21, 2023•2 hr 53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 139 In today's episode, we discuss The Game Awards 2023! As always, we end with the games we're playing (Analogue Pocket GameBoy games, Super Mario RPG, PlayStation Portal). This episode was recorded in December 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Game Awards 2023 Critiques 17:52 - Game Awards 2023 Winners 35:35 - Game Awards 2023 Announcements 1:05:17 - Analogue Pocket 1:17...
Dec 13, 2023•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 138 In today's episode, we analyze the nominees for The Game Awards 2023 and give our predictions! As always, we end with the games we're playing (Dota 2, Alan Wake 2, Pokémon Emerald, Party Animals). This episode was recorded in November 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro Banter and Reveal Predictions 3:26 - Predicting The Winners for Various Categories 1:02:59 - Pre...
Nov 15, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 137 In today's episode, we pit controllers throughout the ages against each other in a tournament-style bracket to crown Gametalk's all-time favorite controller. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Sonic Frontiers, Assassin's Creed Mirage). This episode was recorded in October 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Round 1 58:18 - Round 2 1:11:59 - Quarterfinal...
Nov 01, 2023•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 136 In today's episode, we talk about October's two biggest releases: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder! As always we conclude with games that we're playing (Cities: Skylines II, Diablo IV). This episode was recorded in October 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Introductory Reflections 2:25 - Thoughts on Spider-Man 2 43:27 - Thoughts on Super Mario Bros. W...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 135 In today's episode, we talk about our favorite bossfights (among several other tangents), and excitedly anticipate Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Wonder. As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (Cocoon, Forza Motorsport, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim). This episode was recorded in October 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Upcoming Games, BandCamp, and Microsof...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 134 In today's episode, we talk about video game redemption stories. As always, we conclude with the games we are playing (Cyberpunk 2077, Pokémon FireRed). This episode was recorded in October 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello Games / No Man's Sky Redemption 12:21 - CD Projekt RED / Cyberpunk 2077 Redemption 21:23 - Games With Gradual Downfalls 32:27 - Final Fantasy...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 133 In today's episode, we talk about the long anticipated Starfield! We also discuss Unity's (terrible) new business practices. This episode was recorded in September 2023. The music in this episode was composed by Inon Zur and is from Starfield (2023) published by Bethesda Softworks. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Starfield Deep Dive 57:48 - Tangent Discussing PlayStation and Other Games 1:04:40 - Unity's T...
Oct 04, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 132 In today's episode, we talk about Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon! As always, we end with the games we're playing ("Better Than Adventure" Minecraft). This episode was recorded in September 2023. The music in this episode was composed by Kota Hoshino and Takashi Onodera, and belongs to ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. /©FromSoftware, Inc. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Armored Core VI Deep Dive 1:04:43 ...
Sep 27, 2023•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 131 In today's episode, we talk about the FTC Microsoft leaks. We also briefly discuss the Nintendo Direct and State of Play. As always, we end by talking about what we're playing (Dave the Diver, The Quarry). This episode was recorded in September 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Microsoft's Desire to Purchase Nintendo and Valve 11:02 - Next Gen Xbox Rumors and Cloud Dis...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 130 In today's episode, we talk about Baldur's Gate 3. This episode was recorded in August 2023. Music is composed by Borislav Slavov and is from Baldur's Gate 3, and is owned by Larian Studios. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Overall Thoughts 15:43 - Our Characters and Party 23:13 - How We Tackled 'The Grove' in Act I and Other Stories 31:51 - Performance on PC 36:23 - Critical Acclaim and Final Thoughts 43:0...
Aug 24, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 129 In today's episode, we talk about Summer Games Fest 2023 and major announcements from PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox. We then talk about the completion of the Activision deal and what it could mean for the industry, and discuss some of the leaks that dropped around the deal and what insights they provide into the AAA space. As always, we end the show with what we're playing (Pikmin 1 + 2, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Diablo IV, Dredge, Starship Troopers: Extermination, Redout 2). This episode wa...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 128 We're back from our multi-month hiatus! Today, we discuss our (relatively spoiler-free) thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This episode was recorded in May 2023. All music in this episode was created and is owned by Nintendo. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 127 In today's episode, we revisit older episodes where we discuss The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as we anticipate its release. At the end, we discuss the latest trailer and our final feelings as we come up to the release date. This episode was recorded in May 2023, three days before the release of the game. All music in this episode was created and is owned by Nintendo. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:0...
May 10, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 126 In today's episode, we talk about play times and our most played games. As always, we end the show with what we're playing (Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Medieval MC, Roboquest). This episode was recorded in March 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Our Most Played Games 29:01 - Our Ideal Play Times 49:19 - Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty 1:04:34 - Medieval MC 1:08:47 - Roboquest
May 04, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 125 In today's episode, we have special guest Tyler on to talk about tabletop games, and his experience creating official Magic: The Gathering card artwork! Today, we end the show by talking about memorable tabletop games we've played (Just One, Scythe, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Beyblade, Monikers, Settlers of Catan) This episode was recorded in March 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Check out Tyler's Magic cards here - https://secretlair.wizards.com/us/product/811031/draw-your-hand Follow Tyler...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 124 In today's episode, we (after a lengthy hiatus) are back and we have hot takes! We talk through our most seemingly controversial gaming opinions. As always, we end with the games we're playing (Returnal, Age of Empires III, PSVR2, Kerbal Space Program 2). This episode was recorded in March 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:45 - Hardware Limitations Are Good / L...
Mar 15, 2023•2 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 123 In today's episode, we talk about where gaming is at in early 2023. We discuss the big first party companies (Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft) as well as third parties (Ubisoft, EA) and indies. As always, we end with the games we're playing (Dead Space, HITMAN World of Assassination). This episode was recorded in January 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Sony's Increasing PC...
Feb 08, 2023•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 122 In today's episode, we talk about HBO's stunning adaptaion of The Last of Us. As always, we end with the games we're playing (PICO-8 games, One Piece Odyssey). This episode was recorded in January 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - The Last of Us and Video Game Adaptations 6:16 - The HBO Adaptation of The Last of Us 14:29 - Uncharted Movie Tangent 17:05 - Neil Druckmann...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 121 It's our 2023 debut! Today we offer our thoughts on grinding in games, and go on a couple tangents along the way. As always, we end with the games we're playing (The Riftbreaker, Disco Elysium, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Death Stranding). This episode was recorded in January 2023. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - Connor's New Gr...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 120 In today's episode, we talk about our games of the year for 2022, and recap what will surely go down in history as an exceptional year in gaming. As always, we end with the games we're playing (Sea of Thieves, Yakuza 0, Inscryption). This episode was recorded in December 2022. Royalty free music from BenSound. Questions or comments? Tweet @PodcastGametalk Or chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Timestamps: 0:00 - The Game Awards Recap 6:48 - Ahmed's Game of the Year 2022 and Ni...
Dec 28, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
