Dense Pixels - Video Games News and Reviews
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Video game news, discussion, important info on major new releases, and lots of humor from people who know, love, and live the gaming industry.
355 Episodes
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In our milestone 500th episode, we celebrate with some exciting updates! Carrie surprises us all by revealing her newfound role in a metal band and shares her exhilarating experience performing at VGM Con in Minnesota. Meanwhile, we dive into industry news, including Embracer's plan to split into three companies, with highlights on Middle Earth Enterprises and Friends. Additionally, we discuss Ghost of Tsushima's milestone as the first PlayStation game to offer PC trophy support. Carrie also expresses her enthusiasm for the new Amazon Prime Fallout show. In legal news, we cover 2K's victory in a lawsuit brought by LeBron James' tattoo artist and Take-Two's recent layoffs, despite earlier claims of no current plans for layoffs. To cap off the episode, we reminisce about our listeners' favorite moments from the first 500 episodes of Dense Pixels.
In this episode, Brad shares his impressions of two roguelikes, Fights in Tight Spaces and Slice & Dice. Meanwhile, Micah passionately discusses the Nomura-ing of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's ending. We also delve into former Blizzard boss Mike Ybarra's perspective on game development, as well as Saber Interactive founder's comments on the scrutiny faced by Embracer. Additionally, we hear insights from Larian Publishing Director regarding industry layoffs. Furthermore, we address allegations of toxic workplace culture at Life is Strange developer Deck Nine and the rumored casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie. To wrap up, we share our thoughts on Wrestlemania XL.
In this episode, Micah shares his impressions of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, while Carrie provides her initial thoughts on Final Fantasy VII Remake. Micah also delves into his experiences with Rise of the Ronin, exploring whether its various components come together to create something special. Additionally, we discuss Phil Spencer's interest in expanding digital storefronts like the Epic Games Store or itch.io to Xbox, as well as Vladimir Putin's directive to explore the development of a Russian games console. Furthermore, we cover Take-Two's acquisition of Gearbox from Embracer for $460 million and Embracer CEO's stance on the timing of studio acquisitions. To wrap up, we offer our predictions for Wrestlemania.
In this episode, we delve into the recent update patch for Helldivers 2, exploring the flying bugs terminids and uncovering valuable lessons for the wider gaming industry. Carrie shares her experiences diving back into Stardew Valley with the latest 1.6 update, discussing its impact and improvements. We also discuss comments made at the GDC Awards, including the criticism of publisher greed by Larian Studios head Swen Vincke. We react to the Baldur's Gate 3 news and Larian Studios' decision to move on from the franchise. Additionally, we examine the controversy surrounding microtransactions and DLC in Dragon's Dogma 2 as revealed in recent Steam reviews.
Capcom is increasing its starting salary in Japan by more than 25%, aiming to attract and retain talent. Activision QA workers unionize, demanding better working conditions as over 600 employees are laid off. Embracer Group confirms the $247 million sale of Saber Interactive assets and withdraws from Russia amid ongoing conflict. Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick reportedly expresses interest in purchasing TikTok. SAG-AFTRA considers striking over AI terms in video game contracts. Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection faces critical errors at launch, disappointing fans. Rooster Teeth shuts down under Warner Bros, signaling changes in the entertainment industry. Finally, Carrie discusses Nobuo Uematsu's comments on integrating film-style scores into gaming.
PlayStation is reducing its workforce by around 900 employees, approximately 8% of its total staff. EA has announced further layoffs affecting about 670 employees. There's a discussion about the permission structure around layoffs in the game industry and whether it will lead to consolidation or a crash. The creator of a Switch emulator settled a lawsuit with Nintendo for $2.4 million. Toys for Bob, known for Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot, is leaving Activision to become an independent studio. Brad explores the excellence of the original Half-Life and its relevance for modern developers. Developers express concerns about the future of Apple Arcade. Some Tekken 8 players express frustration over the game adding microtransactions.
Brad is completely captivated by the new poker-styled deckbuilding roguelite Balatro. Microsoft announced some games moving out of their exclusive catalog, raising questions about PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase revealed exciting new releases. EA Sports plans to iincentivize college players to appear in their upcoming game, College Football 25.
Micah shares his excitement about Tekken 8, expressing his belief that it could be the best installment in the Tekken series thus far. Brad enthusiastically dives into Helldivers II, describing it as one of the finest online shooters he has ever experienced and expressing his delight while playing. Micah delves into his immersive experience with Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, highlighting how it pays homage to longtime fans of the franchise and captures their hearts. Disney announces a significant investment in Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, with a stake of $1.5 billion, marking a notable development in the gaming industry. IGN creators' guild unionizes, impacting the landscape of games journalism and raising discussions about labor rights in the field. The FTC appeals against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, amid concerns about potential layoffs resulting from the deal. Brad shares his top picks from Steam NextFest demos, including Balatro, Gatekeeper, Tales of Kenzara: Zao, and The Land Beneath Us, discussing their standout features and gameplay experiences.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League receives worryingly low Metascore and Steam player count, raising concerns about its reception and performance in the gaming community. Reports surface alleging that employees at The Day Before studio face fines for mistakes, shedding light on potential workplace issues within the company. Blizzard appoints a former Call of Duty boss as its new president, signaling leadership changes within the company. Microsoft is reportedly considering releasing their exclusives on PlayStation, generating discussion about their future as a hardware maker in the games industry. Carrie shares her impressions of Persona 3 Reload, discussing how it compares to the original releases and its impact on the gaming experience. Carrie and Brad host an extended edition of the Post Office, covering topics such as Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and Wrestlemania booking involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
Microsoft announces a significant layoff of 1,900 employees across Xbox and Activision Blizzard, signaling major changes within the gaming industry. Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, follows suit with layoffs affecting 530 employees, highlighting ongoing challenges in the industry. The studio behind Destroy All Humans cuts half of its staff, reflecting a trend of layoffs affecting game developers. Eidos Montreal cancels a Deus Ex game, leading to further layoffs and raising questions about the future of the franchise. Blizzard announces a new era of Overwatch esports through a partnership with Saudi funding, signaling shifts in the competitive gaming landscape. Carrie shares her enjoyable experience at MAGfest, a gaming and music festival, offering insights into gaming community events. Rocksteady's Suicide Squad early access launch faces bugs, highlighting challenges in game releases. Brad gives a favorable review of Brotato, a game that compares favorably with Vampire Survivors. Micah briefly shares his impressions of Tekken 8, offering initial thoughts on the latest installment in the fighting game series.
The game PalWorld has achieved over 5 million copies sold in just three days; we have questions about its potential longevity and whether it will become a gaming juggernaut. Ubisoft's subscription boss suggests that consumers need to be comfortable with not owning games, reflecting a shift in the gaming industry towards subscription models. Rocksteady Studios founders have established a new studio called Hundred Star Games; what does that portend for Rocksteady Studios? Square Enix experimented with AI technology for FoamStars; is this the beginning of a slippery slope? A GDC survey reveals that one-third of developers have been impacted by layoffs in the last 12 months, shedding light on challenges within the gaming workforce. The announcement of Halo Infinite's Season 5 being the last and the switch to smaller updates raises discussions on the game's classification as a success or failure. Lastly, a quirky note about speedrunning a dog are mentioned.
Carrie starts the podcast by emphasizing that there are no excuses left to try Golden Sun.We discuss concerns raised by actors regarding the groundbreaking SAG-AFTRA AI voice agreement.The team shares their gaming resolutions for 2024.We discuss issues related to profitability and layoffs at Twitch and Discord, respectively.Micah provides his impressions of the new Prince of Persia: The Lost King demo, exploring its quality compared to reviews. And we talk some Tekken 8 in advance of its release (and why Brian Cox is awesome).
In the latest podcast episode, discussions include revelations from a former Call of Duty developer who criticizes Bobby Kotick's decisions, claiming they negatively impacted game quality.A 13-year-old achieves a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to beat Tetris, showcasing exceptional gaming skill.The exorbitant cost of the Star Citizen Legatus Ship Pack, priced at $48,000 RSI, raises eyebrows and sparks conversation about in-game purchases.Brad shares why the indie puzzler Chants of Sennar doesn't resonate with him, providing personal insights into the game.Carrie recounts her experience at the Sonic Symphony concert, highlighting the immersive and captivating elements of the event.Brad explores how Hitman's Freelancer mode has breathed new life into the game, discussing the positive impact on the longstanding franchise.The hosts engage in a conversation about the games from 2023 that they still intend to explore, expressing anticipation and curiosity.
In the latest podcast episode, the hosts discuss significant developments in the gaming industry, including a reported hack on Insomniac Games impacting data related to Wolverine and Spider-Man 3.Versus Evil experiences closure, affecting titles like TinyBuild, Banner Saga, and Pillars of Eternity. The hosts delve into the consequences and implications of such closures on the gaming landscape.PlayStation undergoes a U-turn regarding the removal of Discovery content that users had paid for, sparking discussions on user backlash and platform decisions.The episode also features the hosts sharing their impressions of several games, providing insights into Against the Storm, Persona 5 Tactica, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man who Erased His Name, Stellaris Nexus, Sea of Stars, and Darkest Dungeon II.
In this special Game of the Year episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about their personal picks for the best games of 2023. They share insights into the standout titles that have left a lasting impression and shaped their gaming experiences throughout the year.The podcast also covers industry news, highlighting the ongoing layoff streak at Embracer, impacting 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks. The hosts delve into the cancellation of The Last of Us Online and its multiplayer standalone component, exploring the implications for the gaming community.Hideo Kojima's journey to independence is a topic of conversation, with the hosts reflecting on his decision and the supposed "challenges" he faced, being opposed by peers, colleagues, and even relatives.Additionally, the hosts explore the emotional aspects of gaming, discussing the most poignant moments that resonated with them throughout the year.
The latest podcast episode delves into The Game Awards that took place last week, with Brad and Micah providing a recap of the notable winners. The hosts engage in a discussion about the controversy surrounding The Game Awards, particularly the minimal time allocated to award recipients, and share their insights on how the show could improve in the future.Brad and Micah review the announcements at The Game Awards that caught their attention, offering their perspectives on the exciting reveals and developments in the gaming industry showcased during the event.The podcast also covers industry news, including the introduction of new Fortnite worlds featuring an array of content, Epic Games' unexpected win in a Google case, the cancellation of The Day Before by Fntastic, the closure of Timesplitters studio Free Radical Design, Microsoft QA workers unionizing under CWA, and the revelation that 15 percent of Baldur's Gate 3 playtime is spent in character creation.
1Brad shares his progress in chipping away at his gaming backlog, providing reviews of Steamworld Build, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, and Unpacking. The hosts then dive into their impressions of the Grand Theft Auto VI teaser and share their experiences with the iconic Grand Theft Auto franchise.In a thought-provoking segment, the podcast explores the news about Sony removing purchased Discovery TV shows from the PlayStation Store and the broader implications of digital ownership. The hosts also engage in a debate about the ethical stances on "acceptable" video game piracy, reflecting on how their opinions have evolved over the years.The discussion includes insights into Xbox's significant investment, with the revelation that Xbox spends over a billion dollars a year on Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, the hosts cover EA's confirmation of layoffs at F1 developer Codemasters, providing context on the challenges faced by gaming industry developers.
Brad shares his review of the Steam Deck OLED, offering insights into the device's features and how it enhances the gaming experience. Additionally, he reflects on his early hours in Persona 4, discussing the challenges of going backward through a long-running franchise like Persona.The podcast covers unfortunate industry news as layoffs hit Humble Games and Galaxy on Fire: Chorus developer Fishlabs. The hosts explore the impact of these layoffs on the gaming community and the developers involved.In gaming industry updates, the discussion includes news about Atlus announcing a 15 percent annual salary increase, and Sega Sonic Union facing layoffs in the Persona and Yakuza franchises. Insights are provided into the implications of these developments on the gaming landscape.Finally, Brad and Micah dive into the surprising return of CM Punk to WWE, discussing the excitement surrounding the comeback and speculating on how long the honeymoon period with fans might last.
Micah and Brad discuss the recently announced nominees for The Game Awards. The conversation covers the exciting lineup of nominees, highlighting the diverse and competitive nature of the gaming industry.The discussion also touches upon the Eurogamer review of the Steam Deck OLED, emphasizing the beautiful display upgrade and additional features that enhance the gaming experience.Sony's confirmation of a delay to half of its planned live service games is explored, providing insights into the challenges and adjustments within the gaming giant's strategy.Take-Two boss credits a three-part strategy for avoiding mass layoffs this year, shedding light on the company's approach to personnel management amid industry challenges.Digital Extremes, the publisher of Warframe, experiences layoffs, prompting a closer look at the broader implications for the gaming industry and game development studios.
Carrie shares her detailed experience of moving across the country, offering insights and anecdotes from her journey. The hosts dive into the recent drama on PlayStation Twitter, involving Elon Musk and PS5. They also address the ongoing challenges faced by laid-off Dragon Age testers, who picketed BioWare. Capcom's warning about the reputational damage from mods that violate public order and morals sparks a discussion about content and the modding community. The podcast delves into the distressing news of layoffs affecting Ubisoft Montreal and the controversial developments surrounding Gamestop's warranty and pre-order rewards and employee healthcare benefits. Lastly, they explore the amazing scam conducted by the developers of Taimanin RPG and Exstasy Gem Gacha.
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