Podcast Summary
Predicting The Game Awards 2023 and a Tiebreaker: The hosts have a tiebreaker for their annual predictions game, determining the winner by the number of correct predictions in the Game Awards categories, making their choices more significant.
During this episode of Triple Click, the hosts discussed the anticipation leading up to "gaming's biggest night" – The Game Awards 2023. They also mentioned their annual predictions game and how they came up with a tiebreaker in case of a tie. If there's a tie in the predictions, the tiebreaker will be determined by the number of correct predictions in the Game Awards categories. The hosts believe that this tiebreaker will make them care more about the winners of each category, as opposed to just accepting the outcome. They will go through all 31 categories, regardless of their knowledge about them. Additionally, they reminded listeners to support their listener-supported show, Maximum Fun, by becoming members at maximumfund.org/join. This will help them continue making the show and provide access to bonus episodes.
Discussing the 2023 Game Awards' Game of the Year nominees: The Game Awards' Game of the Year nominees included a diverse range of games, with debates surrounding the merits of remakes and expansions. Ultimately, Baldur's Gate 3 was predicted to win.
2023 has been an exceptional year for video games, with a impressive lineup for the Game Awards' Game of the Year category. The nominees include Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Spider Man 2, Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Brothers Wonder, and Tears of the Kingdom. The discussion revolved around the merits of each game and the validity of certain entries, such as remakes and expansions. There was a consensus that Resident Evil 4's remake and Phantom Liberty's expansion could be potential substitutes. The group also acknowledged the challenge of defining categories like "best game direction" and the role of fan votes in the outcome. Ultimately, the group made their predictions for the awards, with Baldur's Gate 3 being the popular choice for Game of the Year. The conversation highlighted the excitement and complexity of the video game industry, with a diverse range of opinions and perspectives.
Alan Wake and Alan Wake 2 in the running for awards: Alan Wake and Alan Wake 2 are highly regarded for their narrative, direction, and music, making them strong contenders for various awards in the gaming industry.
Both Alan Wake and Alan Wake 2 are strong contenders for various awards in this year's gaming industry, particularly in the categories of Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Score and Music. The speakers in this discussion express their personal preferences for these games, as well as their predictions based on the voting system and public perception. Critics and fans alike seem to hold Alan Wake in high regard, with its influential director Sam Lake and compelling narrative being key factors in its recognition. Alan Wake 2, on the other hand, has also gained significant attention for its art direction and score. Ultimately, it appears that both games are deserving of recognition, and the outcome of the awards will likely be a close call between them.
Zelda and Hi-Fi Rush battle for Best Music and Audio Design awards: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Hi-Fi Rush are strong contenders for the Best Music and Audio Design awards due to their innovative and impressive audio designs. The debate between the two games is ongoing, with performances in Baldur's Gate 3 and Final Fantasy 16 also being notable contenders.
Both Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Hi-Fi Rush are strong contenders for the Best Music and Best Audio Design awards in the upcoming game awards. Zelda's innovative use of repurposed music from Breath of the Wild and the sheer volume of new music in the game make it a standout. Hi-Fi Rush, on the other hand, boasts impressive audio design that sets it apart from other games in the category. The debate between the two games is ongoing, with some predicting Zelda to take the top spot due to its recent release and the buzz around its music. However, Hi-Fi Rush's unique audio design and memorable performances could also sway voters. In the Best Performance category, Neil Newban's standout work as Asterion in Baldur's Gate 3 and Ben Starr's captivating performance as the protagonist in Final Fantasy 16 are top contenders. Ultimately, the awards will depend on the jury's preferences and the impact each game leaves on the gaming community.
Game Awards 2023: Accessibility and Community: Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, Chia, Venda, Cyberpunk 2077 - Recognized for accessibility features, cultural significance, and community engagement. Cyberpunk 2077 stands out for ongoing content and fan engagement.
This year's video game awards are recognizing titles that not only offer great gameplay experiences but also prioritize accessibility and community engagement. Diablo 4 and Street Fighter 6 stood out for their accessibility features, making them strong contenders in the Best Accessibility category. In the Game for Impact category, titles like Chia and Venda were highlighted for their cultural significance and innovative gameplay. Cyberpunk 2077 was a top pick for Best Ongoing and Best Community Support due to its impressive post-launch content and fan engagement. Despite some nomination mishaps, like Dave the Diver in the Best Independent Game category, the overall consensus was that these games have made significant strides in their respective genres and have resonated with players.
Predictions for Game Awards based on popularity and innovation: Despite varying personal preferences, some games stood out due to their popularity or innovation in various game award categories.
During a discussion about various game awards and predictions, it was noted that while personal preferences varied, some games stood out due to their popularity or innovation. For instance, while one person believed that "Cocoon" would win Best Indie Game, another thought "Dredge" had a better chance due to its debut. In the Best Mobile Game category, "Honkai Star Rail" was predicted to win due to its size and popularity, even though the speaker hadn't played it. In the Best VR/AR category, "Horizon Call of the Mountain" was chosen as the likely winner because it was a VR game and most voters might not have played the other nominees. In the Best Action Game category, "Hi Fi Rush" was predicted to win due to its unique gameplay. The discussion also touched on some genre categories, where "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" was predicted to win Best Action Adventure game due to its popularity, while "Star Wars Jedi Survivor" was seen as a deserving underdog. However, some criticisms were raised about the categories themselves, as games like "Alan Wake 2" and "Starfield" seemed out of place in their respective categories. Overall, the discussion highlighted the subjectivity of game awards and the challenges of categorizing games.
Group's Consensus on Game Awards Categories: Baldur's Gate 3 for RPG, Diablo 4 for multiplayer, Final Fantasy for action, Pikmin 4 for sim strategy, and Pikmin 4 for family game were the group's top picks. Disagreements existed for other categories such as best fighting game, best sports racing game, and most anticipated game.
Despite some disagreements and changes in predictions, the group is in consensus about several categories in the game awards. Baldur's Gate 3 and Diablo 4 were popular picks for best RPG and best multiplayer games, respectively. Final Fantasy was an unexpected choice for best action game. Pikmin 4 was the unanimous pick for best sim strategy game. For best family game, Disney Illusion Island, Party Animals, Pikmin 4, Sonic Superstars, Super Mario Brothers, and Wonder were among the nominees, with Pikmin 4 being the preferred choice. The group was less certain about other categories such as best fighting game, best sports racing game, and most anticipated game. The discussion also touched upon some disappointment about the absence of Hollow Knight Silksong in the most anticipated game category due to its lack of a specific release year announcement. Overall, the group's predictions were influenced by their personal preferences, past experiences, and name recognition.
Discussing favorite awards in gaming industry: Panelists shared their personal preferences for awards like content creator, best game, and esports categories, acknowledging they're not experts but admiring creativity and dedication in gaming community.
During a lively discussion about various awards in the gaming industry, the panelists shared their personal preferences for various categories such as content creator of the year, best game, best esports game, best esports athlete, best esports team, and best esports coach. Some of their picks included Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, People Make Games, Ironmouse, Quackity, Valorant, Faker, Evil Geniuses, and Christine Potter. While making their choices, they acknowledged that they are not experts in the esports world and some of their picks were based on names they had heard or seen around. The panelists also expressed their admiration for the creativity and dedication of individuals in the gaming industry, regardless of the specific genre or platform. Overall, the conversation highlighted the excitement and diversity within the gaming community and the various ways people engage with and appreciate different aspects of the industry.
Game awards events bring new game announcements and trailers: Anticipated game awards events like League of Legends World Championship and EVO 2023 offer fans new game announcements and trailers, generating buzz and excitement within the gaming community
The upcoming game awards events, such as the League of Legends World Championship, Blast dot TV, Baris Major 2023, Paris Major 2023, EVO 2023, international DOTA 2 championships 2023, and Valorant champions 2023, are highly anticipated, not just for the awards, but also for new game announcements and trailers. For instance, fans are eagerly waiting for updates on Elden Ring DLC, Death Stranding 2 (or possibly Life Stranding), Silksong release date, and Hades 2 early access date. These announcements can potentially generate significant buzz and excitement within the gaming community.
Anticipated video game releases and predictions: Hades' early access release in March and Silksong's potential fall launch excite gamers. DLC for Tears of the Kingdom and a possible Switch 2 announcement are speculative predictions.
There are several anticipated video games on the horizon, including Hades' early access release in March and potential fall launch of Silksong. The speaker expressed excitement for these games and shared their thoughts on other potential releases, such as possible DLC for Tears of the Kingdom or even a Switch 2 announcement at The Game Awards. While some of these predictions are speculative, the excitement and anticipation for these games is clear among gaming communities. The speaker also mentioned their personal preferences and anticipation for specific titles, highlighting the diversity and breadth of upcoming releases.
Anticipation for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and potential Rockstar announcements: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth trailer might be revealed soon, Rockstar could announce GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2 for current-gen consoles
The speaker is eagerly anticipating the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and believes there's a strong chance a new trailer will be revealed soon. They've seen plenty of trailers already but want to be surprised by the game itself. Indie studios and potential announcements from Rockstar, including GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2 for current-gen consoles, are also expected at the upcoming event. The speaker speculates that Rockstar might make such an announcement to keep the buzz going around GTA 6, which hasn't been confirmed yet. The speaker also mentions that Rockstar tends to be dormant for long periods and then become active with multiple announcements. Overall, the gaming community is excited for the upcoming event, where they might see trailers and announcements for various anticipated games.
Exploring language and culture through immersive gameplay: The indie game 'Chance of Sonar' challenges players to match symbols to words, immersing them in a rich language and cultural experience.
The indie game "Chance of Sonar" offers a unique and intellectually stimulating experience, fully engaging the player in learning different languages and bridging communication divides in a beautifully designed world. Kirk, a podcast host, shared his enthusiasm for the game, praising its clean line art style and the way it challenges players to match symbols to words, making him feel smarter and fully absorbed in the experience. He also emphasized that language is not just words, but an integral part of culture and activities, and the game explores this concept in a rich and engaging way. The game requires focus and is perfect for those looking for an immersive, language-based challenge. Kirk encouraged listeners to check out "Chance of Sonar" for a truly engaging and thought-provoking gaming experience.
Exploring Unique Indie Games: 'Journey to the Savage Planet' and 'Jusson': Discover two captivating indie games: 'Journey to the Savage Planet' offers a sci-fi adventure with language puzzles and 'Jusson' provides a quiet climbing experience in a desolate world.
"Journey to the Savage Planet" and "Jusson" are two engaging indie games that offer unique experiences. "Journey to the Savage Planet" is a sci-fi adventure game where players decipher a strange language to communicate and bridge gaps, creating a lovely exploration of language and unity. The game can be overwhelming at first but becomes increasingly engrossing once players get the hang of it. "Jusson," on the other hand, is a climbing game where players scale a massive tower in a desolate world filled with ships and logs that reveal the story. The game's quiet atmosphere and intricate climbing mechanics make for a captivating experience, reminiscent of games like "Flower," "Journey," and "Uncharted." Both games offer rich narratives and mechanics that set them apart from other titles, making them worth exploring for anyone looking for something new and engaging. If you're a fan of puzzles, language, and exploration, "Journey to the Savage Planet" is for you. If you enjoy climbing and eco-adventures, "Jusson" is the game to try.
A game that revolutionizes climbing mechanics: The game offers a unique, mechanically involved climbing experience, making it a dedicated and immersive adventure.
The game being discussed offers a unique and mechanically involved climbing experience, akin to a Nintendo game. It's not just about moving through the world, but an organic and satisfying process that grows more complex as you progress. Unlike some games where the climbing feels restrictive, this game's entire core conceit is climbing, making it a dedicated and immersive experience. The speaker also mentioned a book, "Going Infinite" by Michael Lewis, about Sam Bankman Fried, the boy genius of FTX. The speaker found the character interesting and was able to immerse with him just in time for FTX's explosion, which changed the course of the story. However, the speaker noted that Michael Lewis, as a journalist, can be overly credulous about his characters.
Michael Lewis' Sympathetic Portrayal of Sam Bankman-Fried: Despite potential red flags, Michael Lewis' portrayal of Sam Bankman-Fried in 'The SPF' was criticized for being overly sympathetic and failing to uncover potential scams in the crypto industry
Michael Lewis' portrayal of Sam Bankman-Fried in his book "The SPF" has been met with criticism for being too sympathetic and failing to uncover potential red flags. The book is written in Lewis' signature style of character studies, but some argue that his approach was not effective in exposing Bankman-Fried as a potential fraudster. Critics suggest that there were warning signs that a more skeptical journalist might have picked up on. For instance, some people had already raised concerns about crypto being full of scams, and there were even interviews where Bankman-Fried seemed to admit to being in a Ponzi scheme. However, Lewis seemed to be enamored with his subject, and his depiction has faced backlash. It's a reminder that different journalistic approaches can lead to vastly different narratives. While Lewis' book is an interesting read, some argue that a more critical perspective may have uncovered the truth sooner.
A Debate on Perspectives: Michael Lewis vs Zeke Fox's Accounts of the FTX Scandal: Michael Lewis's 'Going Infinite' and Zeke Fox's book offer contrasting perspectives on the FTX scandal, with some critics preferring Fox's more critical approach and others finding Lewis's more credulous take more engaging.
The book "Going Infinite" by Michael Lewis provides an entertaining read, although its perspective on Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX scandal may depend on the reader's preference. Some critics argue that Zeke Fox's book offers a more satisfying and cathartic account of the events, while others find Michael Lewis's more credulous approach more engaging. Regardless, both books offer unique insights into the world of crypto and finance, much like the dueling Fyre Fest documentaries on Netflix and Hulu. While the Triple Click team enjoys the show and recommends it to listeners, they also acknowledge that some listeners may not fully endorse their perspective. As always, they encourage open discussion and debate on their topics. Triple Click is a proud member of the Maximum Fun Podcast Network and can be found on Twitter, Discord, and Maximum Fund.org.
