A More Perfect Union (Video Game Layoffs, More Epic Games Mismanagement)

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).

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The hosts engage in a conversation about the games from 2023 that they still intend to explore, expressing anticipation and curiosity.

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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.