The guys (Kareem, Ken, and Pat) are joined by guest Kurosh to review the state of gaming in 2025. Tangents include Nintendo being annoyed by gamer requests, the hoarding demands of geriatric millennials, Rockstar Games foreplay with gamers, and more.
Show Notes:
Xbox Direct 25 Showcase
The Xbox Direct 25 Showcase was a veritable feast for gamers, packed with announcements and gameplay reveals that left everyone buzzing. Key highlights included:


DOOM: The Dark Ages: Set in a dark fantasy world, this prequel promises a gritty and immersive experience. Players will battle demonic forces in a medieval setting, with a storyline that delves into the origins of the DOOM universe.


South of Midnight: This third-person action-adventure game offers a unique twist with its southern gothic aesthetic. Players can explore a richly detailed world filled with supernatural elements and folklore-inspired creatures.


Ninja Gaiden 4: The surprise reveal of this beloved franchise's next installment thrilled fans. Expect fast-paced combat, intricate level designs, and the return of Ryu Hayabusa in all his ninja glory.


Nintendo Switch 2
The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is at an all-time high. Here's what you can look forward to:


Larger Screen and Improved Joy-Cons: The new console boasts a bigger display for an enhanced gaming experience. The improved Joy-Cons have better ergonomics and responsiveness.


Magnetic Snap-On Joy-Cons and Two USB-C Ports: This innovative feature makes attaching and detaching controllers seamless. The addition of two USB-C ports allows for more versatile connectivity options.


Backward Compatibility: The Nintendo Switch 2 supports both physical and digital games from the original Switch, ensuring your existing library is still playable.


Launch Titles: Exciting new games are on the horizon, including a new Mario Kart and potentially a new 3D Mario adventure, promising a strong start for the new console.


Most Anticipated Games in 2025
The year 2025 is shaping up to be incredible for gamers, with a lineup of highly anticipated titles:


Grand Theft Auto VI: Rockstar's next installment in the iconic series is expected to push the boundaries of open-world gaming with a new city, storyline, and gameplay mechanics.


Fable: The long-awaited reboot of the beloved RPG series is set to offer a fresh take on the fantasy world of Albion, with a new narrative and improved graphics.


Doom: The Dark Ages: This entry makes a second appearance on our list due to its exciting premise and potential for epic gameplay.


Avowed: Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this RPG promises deep storytelling, immersive worlds, and complex character interactions.


Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, this game continues Samus Aran's adventures with new planets to explore and enemies to defeat.


Elden Ring: Nightreign: FromSoftware's next dark fantasy epic, building on the success of its predecessor with new lore, challenging combat, and expansive environments.


The Demoralized State of Video Game Developers
The gaming industry is facing significant challenges, impacting developers worldwide. Some key points include:


Widespread Layoffs: According to the GDC State of the Game Industry report, 11% of developers were laid off in the past year, reflecting the unstable nature of the industry.


Pressure on Developers: The increasing demand for live-service games has put immense pressure on development teams, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction.


Resilience and Innovation: Despite these challenges, developers continue to push boundaries and create innovative gaming experiences. The industry's resilience is evident in the constant stream of new and exciting games hitting the market.


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