Episode 654: Witch Doctor

This week’s episode is very short, even though it’s packed with dense content. The crew discuss the faux Latin chanting in Elden Ring and The Quarry’s original deal with Google to be on Stadia.

The news this week also includes:

  • Activision Blizzard shareholders vote in favor of harassment report, despite board’s objections
  • Sonic Origins game modes detailed in fresh trailer
  • Fall Guys now free on Epic but de-listed from Steam
  • Blizzard confirms World of Warcraft Dragonflight expansion is out this year

Let us know what you think.

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Episode 666: Nintendo Hentai BanEpisode 666: Nintendo Hentai Ban

This week is plagued by the Mark of the Beast, but next week’s will be a giant landmark, too. No Gaming Flashback, but a lot of legal happenings in the past week.

The news includes:

  • USB-C charging ports will be required by law in the EU for most portable tech from 2024
  • NetherRealm’s next game won’t be revealed during Mortal Kombat anniversary events
  • Cyberpunk 2077 sequel is why there’s only one expansion, says dev
  • Nintendo has updated eShop rules on adult content, publisher says

Let us know what you think.

Diablo 3 Content Creation PhaseDiablo 3 Content Creation Phase

Now that Blizzard feels their engine is solid, it’s time to move on to creating content for the full game. Jay Wilson, Diablo 3‘s lead designer, says the game engine is in an advance stage of completion and much of the art team has moved onto Act 2. Don’t read into that, he said game engine.

Blizzard is obviously not hurting for money, given the success of World of Warcraft and they’ve always taken their time with projects to make them solid products. Blizzard’s name is on the line and they’re brand consists of three major franchises: Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo. When you produce so few games you’re expected to do them perfectly.

How do they do it? As Wilson says, “If we haven’t rebuilt something five times it really doesn’t deserve to be shipped. That’s pretty much our policy.” (eurogamer) While a game engine is the foundation for a great game experience, the content is king. Blizzard is deep in the mire of content production so, although the engine might be solid, the final product is probably still far from complete.

End result, expect a high quality product once again from Blizzard.