Podcast Summary
Triple Click Live Event and Bonus Episodes: Triple Click hosts will perform live at The Bell House on May 18th, with a livestream option. Maximum Fun members get access to bonus episodes discussing games and TV shows.
The hosts of Triple Click, Matty Myers, Jason Schreyer, and Kirk Hamilton, are excited to engage with their audience both in person and online. They will be performing live at The Bell House in Brooklyn, New York on May 18th, and the event will also be available as a livestream. Additionally, listeners can become members of Maximum Fun, the podcast network that Triple Click is a part of, to gain access to bonus episodes where the hosts discuss various video games and TV shows in depth. The hosts also answered listener questions, including one about the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the prominence of a saxophone in the Tears of the Kingdom trailer. The hosts' enthusiasm for their work and engagement with their audience highlights the personal connections that can be formed through podcasts and gaming communities.
International tech mergers need global approval: Regulatory bodies in multiple countries must approve international tech mergers to prevent business disruptions and legal issues.
International tech mergers, such as Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, require approval from regulatory bodies in various countries where the companies conduct business. This is due to antitrust laws that prohibit breaking the law in a country and potentially preventing business operations there. The UK's recent blocking of the deal has empowered the US's regulatory body to take action, potentially leading to a domino effect of blocks or litigation. The global nature of video games and gaming companies, which create and distribute content for a worldwide audience, makes such mergers significant and far-reaching. This example also highlights how European regulators sometimes take a more assertive stance on tech issues compared to their American counterparts.
UK blocks Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, leaving Blizzard to face challenges on its own: The UK's decision to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard leaves the gaming company to navigate financial and reputational challenges without the influx of cash and potential leadership change that the acquisition could have brought.
The UK's decision to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could lead to significant changes for the gaming company. Financially, Blizzard is still a profitable entity, particularly with the continued success of World of Warcraft. However, the sequence of events leading up to the potential acquisition, including a California lawsuit, a scandal, and calls for the CEO's resignation, have left many questioning Bobby Kotick's ability to lead the company and win back public trust. With Microsoft's acquisition on hold, Blizzard will need to navigate these issues without the influx of cash and potential leadership change that the acquisition could have brought. The future of the company remains uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how Blizzard addresses these challenges on its own.
Exploring the Complexities of Business Mergers and Gaming Simulations: Mergers bring challenges like regulatory issues and conflicts of interest, while gaming sims offer immersive learning experiences in various topics
The business world, much like the fictional realm of Game of Thrones, can sometimes feel like a complex web of power and influence. The latest merger between Gojo and Waystar may be the biggest one yet, but the question remains whether it's too big. Regulatory issues and potential conflicts of interest are just a few of the challenges that come with such a merger. Meanwhile, in the world of simulator games, there seems to be no limit to the variety of topics they can cover. From business management to PC building, these games offer a level of immersion and control that can be both entertaining and educational. If given the chance, a perfect simulator for us might be a journalist simulator, complete with the challenges of balancing work and personal life, avoiding burnout, and navigating office politics. As for the perfect simulator game, there are already some great options out there, such as BC PC Building Simulator and a game where you design your ideal office or living space. For those with a technical bent, a simulator focused on home studio creation and optimization could be a fun and engaging experience. In the end, the world of business and gaming offers endless possibilities for exploration and learning. Whether it's navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions or building the perfect PC or office space, there's always something new to discover.
Exploring Themes in Video Games: Self-restraint and Heroic Narratives: Games like Dishonored and Hitman challenge players to consider the consequences of their actions and the nuances of heroic narratives, offering a more thought-provoking and memorable gaming experience.
Video games offer a wide range of experiences, from building recording studios in fantasy worlds to navigating the challenges of parenting. A fascinating aspect of gaming is the exploration of themes, such as self-restraint, which can add depth and complexity to the player's experience. Games like Dishonored and Hitman, which focus on stealth and the responsible use of power, provide intriguing contrasts to more action-oriented titles. These games challenge players to consider the consequences of their actions and the nuances of heroic narratives, offering a more thought-provoking and memorable gaming experience.
Chaos systems in video games impact gameplay and endings: Chaos systems in games like Dishonored 1 and 2 alter game difficulty and offer replayability through different outcomes, while Deathloop offers a more open-ended experience. Star Wars Jedi Survivor emphasizes the theme of restraint but doesn't fully incorporate it into gameplay.
Chaos systems in video games, as seen in Dishonored 1 and 2, can significantly impact the game's ending and overall experience. While Dishonored 1 makes the game harder with more chaos, Dishonored 2 offers more replayability by allowing players to choose between Corvo and Elizabeth, encouraging low and high chaos playthroughs. Deathloop, on the other hand, provides a more open-ended experience where player choices don't have the same weight or narrative consequences. Star Wars Jedi Survivor, like many Star Wars stories, emphasizes the theme of restraint and the consequences of using one's powers for evil. However, the game doesn't fully incorporate this tension into the gameplay mechanics. Overall, chaos systems can add depth and complexity to games, but their implementation varies greatly.
Games that limit powers can be less satisfying: Games that offer both power usage and restraint, while rewarding both, provide a more engaging and fulfilling experience.
The experience of playing a video game with the theme of restraint, where the player is unable to use their given powers, can be less appealing and less fun compared to games that allow the player to fully utilize their powers. This is because part of the appeal of power fantasy games is the temporary ability to live out the fantasy of having superpowers. Games that dangle powers in front of players but prevent them from using them can feel unsatisfying. Instead, games that offer both the option to use powers creatively and the choice to play restrained, while also rewarding players for both approaches, provide a more engaging and fulfilling experience. Examples of such games include Dishonored and Hitman. These games offer a balance between the use of powers and the choice to play restrained, while also rewarding players for both approaches, making the gameplay more dynamic and enjoyable.
Discussing the impact of unexpected elements and character crossovers in video games: Unexpected elements, like an alto saxophone in an epic orchestral soundtrack, can enhance video game experiences. Fans appreciate creatively reimagining familiar characters in new contexts, but game designers must ensure both playstyles are rewarding.
The use of unexpected elements, such as an alto saxophone in an epic orchestral soundtrack, can greatly enhance the overall experience in a video game. The discussion also touched upon the desire for certain characters to be made playable in different games. The listeners suggested Hornet from Hollow Knight for a sequel, and Zelda from The Legend of Zelda series for Dead Rising 2. The excitement for these possibilities highlights the fans' appreciation for creatively reimagining familiar characters in new contexts. Furthermore, the conversation highlighted the importance of addressing player agency in game design. In the case of Hitman, the game's narrative did not fully support the idea of restraint as a mechanical choice, leading to some players feeling punished for playing unrestrained. The developers needed to find a solution to make both playstyles feel rewarding. Lastly, the listeners shared their enthusiasm for various game trailers, including the Tears of the Kingdom trailer, which featured a prominent use of alto saxophone. This use of saxophone, described as strident and epic, added to the excitement for the upcoming game's soundtrack.
Exploring Unexpected Characters in Video Games: Discussing the impact and appeal of playing as unexpected characters in video games, the group explored examples from Sony first-party titles and suggested lesser-known characters in popular franchises, as well as new gameplay styles for spin-offs.
Playing as unexpected characters in video games can add depth to the story and make the experience more engaging. This has become a common trope in Sony first-party games, such as "The Last of Us 2" and "God of War: Ragnarok," where players take on the roles of Ellie and Atreus, respectively. This trend can be seen as a cliche, but it continues to be effective and beloved by players. During the discussion, the group also expressed interest in playing as lesser-known characters in popular franchises, such as Meryn in "Star Wars" or Zagreus' sister in "Hades." They also explored the idea of playing as a judge in a Phoenix Wright-style game, adding a new perspective to the well-known gameplay mechanics. The group also touched upon the possibility of spin-off games featuring these characters, such as a "Merenia" game in "Elden Ring" or a "Zelda" game where players control Zelda herself. They suggested various gameplay styles, such as an Assassin's Creed-style back-and-forth or a judge simulator, which could add new dimensions to these beloved franchises. In conclusion, the group's discussion highlighted the importance of exploring new characters and perspectives in video games, even if it means deviating from the established norms. This trend of unexpected character play has proven to be successful in various games, and it continues to excite and engage players.
Peak saturation in games as a service: Despite delays and criticism, multiplayer games with ongoing updates continue to be released, but the audience and appeal may be dwindling due to past failures and growing fatigue.
We may have reached peak saturation in the world of games as a service. With the release of Redfall and the continued development of Suicide Squad, both being multiplayer games with ongoing updates, the question of who these games are for and if there's still an audience for them arises. The failure of Marvel's Avengers and Anthem, and the significant response to Suicide Squad's trailer, indicate that people may be growing tired of this model. Delays in game releases, such as Suicide Squad's, can be attributed to various reasons, including strategic planning and bug fixing. Despite the delay, Suicide Squad is expected to remain the same, with its co-op shooter structure and microtransactions, which some find less appealing compared to more engaging and original games. The industry may need to adapt and find new ways to keep players engaged in the ever-evolving world of games as a service.
GaaS games with unique aesthetics and gameplay are exciting for players: Unique features differentiate GaaS games from each other, keeping players engaged and excited
While games-as-a-service (GaaS) model, which includes continually updated online games that can generate revenue, is not going away, the specific type of GaaS game that feels repetitive and indistinguishable from other similar games on the market may be causing turnoff for some players. The discussion pointed to examples like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which was criticized for its aesthetic and gameplay resembling other looter shooters, despite being a GaaS game. On the other hand, games like Diablo 4, which is also a GaaS and multiplayer game but offers a unique action RPG experience with an isometric perspective and item collection, was met with excitement. The key difference seems to be the unique aesthetic and gameplay that sets Diablo 4 apart from other games in the market, making it an exciting prospect for players, even though it falls under the GaaS category.
Enjoying the Convenience of Smaller Games: The speaker values smaller games for their size and convenience, enjoying their portability and ease of pause on devices like the Steam Deck, and looks forward to playing games like Tears of the Kingdom that offer in-game cooking features.
The speaker believes Diablo 4 and similar smaller-scaled games fit better into their life due to their size, while larger games take up more space and time. They suggest that the gaming industry could benefit from creating more of these smaller games. The speaker also shares their personal preference for playing smaller games on smaller screens like the Steam Deck. Additionally, the speaker expresses their excitement for cooking in games like Breath of the Wild and looks forward to trying out the new game, Tears of the Kingdom. The speaker also mentions their appreciation for easy-to-pause games and the ability to cook and prepare meals in-game. Overall, the discussion highlights the speaker's enjoyment of smaller-scaled games and the convenience they offer in terms of time and portability.
New cooking features in Tears of the Kingdom: The new cooking system in Tears of the Kingdom allows for cooking multiple items at once and the availability of a portable pot, enhancing the gaming experience for players who enjoyed cooking extensively in Breath of the Wild.
The excitement for the new features in "The Legend of Tears of the Kingdom," specifically the ability to cook with a group of items at once and the availability of a portable pot. These enhancements are particularly appealing to the speaker, who previously enjoyed cooking extensively in "Breath of the Wild" but was limited by the need to remember pot locations. The anticipation for recipes and the freedom to cook anywhere is a significant part of their gaming strategy. Another highlight from the conversation was the recommendation of the TV show "Party Down," which features comedic performances from actors like Martin Starr and Ken Marino, known for their ability to portray uncomfortable situations in a hilarious way.
Exploring the magical worlds of Party Down and Magic for Liars: Discover the humor of Party Down's third season and the mystery of Magic for Liars, both offering unique takes on wizard schools and magical realism.
Both Party Down's third season and the book "Magic for Liars" offer unique and engaging stories that are worth checking out, especially for those who are fans of wizard schools and magical realism. Party Down's third season, created and produced by Rob Thomas, is a hilarious and highly recommended watch, with great cameos and a focus on the work of John Enbom. The show takes place in a catering company and follows the lives of the employees, with the third season featuring a lot of crossover with Veronica Mars. "Magic for Liars," on the other hand, is a detective story set in a wizard school that is far from the idealized version found in Harry Potter. The protagonist, a non-magical private investigator, navigates the complexities of high school and uncovers a murder mystery. The book is a solid read with a lot of queer representation and a unique blend of realistic high school life and magical elements. So, whether you're looking for a new TV show or a good book to read, consider giving Party Down and "Magic for Liars" a try.
Triple Click Podcast: Uncertain Event Attendance and Free Games: Listeners encouraged to try for event tickets, podcast focuses on comedy and culture, and some games and products discussed may be provided for free
The speaker on the podcast is uncertain about attending an event and cannot guarantee tickets for listeners, but encourages them to try. The podcast, Triple Click, is produced by Jason Schreyer, Maddy Meyers, and Kirk Hamilton, with editing, mixing, and theme music by Kirk. Some games and products discussed may have been provided for free. Triple Click is part of the Maximum Fund Podcast Network and can be supported through membership at maximumfund.org. Listeners can find the show on Twitter, email, and Discord, with links in the show notes. The podcast focuses on comedy and culture and is artist-owned and audience-supported.
