Episode 528: Back From Disaster

Jonah’s desktop PC finally died completely from irretrievable hardware failure, and this episode was recorded clumsily on his cellphone. Meanwhile, TJ has been enjoying Apex Legends enormously, and gives it a rave review.

Otherwise, this week’s news includes:

  • Activision-Blizzard lays off 800 employees
  • World War Z gets an April release date
  • Dragon Quest Builders 2 comes to Switch, PS4 this summer
  • Chucklefish boss says Sony is responsible for lack of PS4 crossplay

The Question of the Week is “Which game would you love to see remade?”

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Episode 266: Get That E3 KickEpisode 266: Get That E3 Kick

Jonah Falcon and Paul S. Nowak return from the magical E3 2012 videogame convention and everyone has their own opinions on what they thought were the highlights and lowlights of E3. They also make their own predictions, as Dan Quick contemplates writing hate mail to Jonah for having access to SimCity and Need for Speed: Most Wanted.

The podcast also features some great news, including:

  • THQ closes their San Diego Studio, sells the UFC license
  • Ubisoft states annual Assassin’s Creed releases funded AC3
  • Vivendi may sell Activision-Blizzard

There’s also some Reader Feedback, as well as the new Question of the Week, “What did you take away from E3?”

World of Warcraft, Early November Release RumorWorld of Warcraft, Early November Release Rumor

There is a new rumor running around showing off some 7-eleven computer systems which list World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King showing a “tentative” release date of November 4th, 2008. The suggested retail price is $39.99 and this source also claims a “midnight” release (again) which, at this point, should be common sense.

Their Burning Crusade content had a great turn out when we went to pick it up at BestBuy’s midnight release, this expansion should be no less. An early November release would be great for those planning to stand in line during the late night rather than sticking it out in the cold winter nights here in New England.

This is just a rumor, but many of the rumors involving employees covertly sliding out photos or paperwork on games at retail stores tend to be closer to the mark than not.

Anyone planning on waiting in the line if this turns out to be true?

(Thanks, 1up)

War On Video Game ExclusivesWar On Video Game Exclusives

Typically, we have “exclusive” fallout from the console war which forces the hand of the consumer to purchase all consoles to play all the games they love. Many hardcore gamers are into first person shooters like Halo and Gears of War but also like their Grand Theft Auto and Final Fantasy fixes. In years prior, you’d have to invest in Microsoft and Sony’s solutions to get your fix. Now things are changing.

With these third party developers playing neutral in the war on consoles, Microsoft and Sony are forced to rely on near “first-party” titles to keep their army strong. Metal Gear Solid is a Sony exclusive and Gears of War and Halo have been Microsoft’s hype babies for a year or so now. The problem? Many of these exclusive games are not divisions, subsidiaries or in any way under the wing of the console makers.

Nintendo holds exclusive rights to almost all their hard hitting titles. Mario, Link, Zelda, Samus Aran and all their mascot style characters are designed, developed and marketed under the name “Nintendo.” These characters are all part of Nintendo’s lineup of solid best selling titles including the Metroid, Zelda and Super Mario Bros. series and all their spin-offs. Nintendo has the power to re-implement their characters into games like Mario Party, Mario Kart, Links Crossbow, Metroid Prime, Metroid Pinball and a huge array of other first party titles.

Microsoft and Sony must continue to play nice with Konami, Bungie, and Epic Games to keep their exclusivity. What happens if one of these developers “betrays” their console and starts shipping multi-platform?

(more…)