Podcast Summary
Impact of COVID-19 on Video Game Industry Causes Delays: COVID-19 caused delays in game releases due to front-loading production and labor sharing, but the consequences are now being felt with an increase in delays from various games.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact the video game industry, leading to numerous delays in game releases. Last year, many projects were able to come out on time due to front-loading production and bringing people from one project to help with another. However, this year, we are seeing the consequences of those short-term sacrifices, with a noticeable increase in delays from various games. It remains to be seen what this year will look like for the video games industry, especially considering the boom in games last year. For those interested in the industry, it might be an opportunity to catch up on their backlog or explore older titles.
Impact of gaming hardware shortage on media outlets: Gaming websites like Polygon faced challenges during hardware shortages and game delays, leading them to commission stories about lesser-known games to maintain traffic and success.
The shortage of new gaming hardware like PlayStation 5 and graphics cards, as well as game delays, have significantly impacted the video game industry and media outlets that cover it. For individual gamers, these challenges can be frustrating but manageable. However, for gaming websites like Polygon, which rely on major releases to drive traffic, it presents a significant challenge. The senior games editor at Polygon shared how they had to commission stories about less-prominent games during this period due to the lack of major releases. This situation not only affects the coverage of new games but also the overall success of gaming websites. Despite these challenges, the editor found the opportunity to cover lesser-known games, which can be a silver lining. Overall, the gaming industry is experiencing a unique moment, and both gamers and media outlets must adapt to these changing circumstances.
Impact of COVID-19 on Video Game Industry: The pandemic led to a focus on popular games, cancellation of larger projects, and new challenges for developers, publishers, and journalists in the video game industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the video game industry, leading to changes in how games are developed, marketed, and covered by journalists. At Polygon, this has meant focusing on games that are popular among average consumers, especially those who have recently purchased new consoles. For instance, games for the best-selling console of the year, the Nintendo Switch, have been performing well due to the large number of new players. However, the remote nature of production has posed challenges for larger projects, leading to the cancellation of Anthem Next by EA, despite previous promises to revive the game. The small team working on the overhaul was not large enough to tackle the project effectively, and COVID-19 was also cited as a contributing factor. The cancellation of Anthem Next, which had been in development for several years, was a surprise to many, especially after EA's insistence that the game was not dead. Overall, the pandemic has brought about new challenges and opportunities in the video game industry, requiring adaptability and innovation from developers, publishers, and journalists alike.
Anthem's cancellation: Lack of core experience and investment led to failure: Anthem failed due to a weak foundation and insufficient investment, highlighting the importance of a clear core experience and consistent development for game success.
The lack of a clear, compelling core experience and the inability or unwillingness to fully invest in the development of Anthem led to its cancellation. The discussion highlights that Anthem, despite having some elements that could have been promising, lacked the "magic" or unique selling point that successful games possess. This, coupled with the high cost and time required to integrate unfinished content into the new build, made it an unjustifiable investment for Electronic Arts. The sentiments expressed online ranged from sadness over the loss of potential to acceptance and even relief that the game was being put to rest. Comparisons were drawn to games like No Man's Sky and Final Fantasy 14, which had a clear central experience and were given the resources and time to fully develop. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation and consistent investment in game development to create a successful and enduring experience for players.
EA shifts Dragon Age 4 to single-player RPG due to player demand: EA responds to player feedback by pivoting Dragon Age 4 to a single-player RPG, while facing resistance within the studio. Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy, faces backlash due to a producer's gamergate ties and J.K. Rowling's transphobic comments, but will include trans-inclusive character options.
The gaming industry is undergoing significant changes as companies respond to player feedback and societal shifts. A notable example is Electronic Arts (EA) and its studio EA Studios, which has pivoted Dragon Age 4 from a multiplayer game to a single-player RPG based on player demand. This shift came about due to the new leadership at EA, specifically Laura Meehl, who is focusing on giving players what they want. However, this change has faced resistance within Bioware. Another controversial topic is the new Harry Potter game, Hogwarts Legacy, which has faced backlash due to the involvement of a producer with gamergate sympathetic views and J.K. Rowling's transphobic comments from last year. Despite this, the game will include trans-inclusive character customization options. These developments highlight the importance of listening to players and being inclusive in the gaming industry. Additionally, the industry continues to grapple with the impact of controversial figures and societal issues on game development.
Developers speak out against J.K. Rowling's views on transgender issues: Developers voiced disagreement with Rowling's views, went public to maintain game's inclusive representation, sparking discussions on artistic expression and creator's impact.
The developers of a highly anticipated video game have spoken out against controversial views expressed by the game's creator, J.K. Rowling, on transgender issues. These developers wanted their stance to be made public to show their disagreement and to prevent any potential changes to the game. The situation arose when Rowling's views became widely known last summer, causing distress for the developers who had been working on the game for years. The developers' decision to go public with their stance sparked discussions about the representation of transgender characters in the game and the impact of creators' views on their work. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing artistic expression with personal beliefs and the potential consequences of public figures' statements on creative projects. The developers' actions also underscore the importance of inclusive representation in media and the role of the gaming industry in promoting diversity and acceptance.
Harry Potter's binary morality and gender roles: Despite its complex characters and intricate world-building, Harry Potter's black-and-white perspective and challenging representation of queer stories make it complex for creators to expand the universe
The Harry Potter series, while beloved for its complex characters and intricate world-building, is rooted in binary morality and gender roles. The Sorting Hat and the portrayal of characters like Tom Riddle (Voldemort) and Snape exemplify this black-and-white perspective. The idea of complex characters and redemption arcs, as discussed on the Shrieking Shack podcast, may not hold up upon reevaluation as adults. This binary nature makes it challenging to tell queer stories within the Harry Potter universe. Additionally, the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling's transphobic views and her significant financial influence on the Hogwarts Legacy game development make the situation even more complicated. The people working on the game are in a tough position, as they have invested a lot of time and effort into the project and may not have the means to easily find alternative employment. Ultimately, it's a complex issue with no easy answers.
The influence of creators on their work: J.K. Rowling's handling of diversity in Harry Potter and Nintendo's Direct event with new announcements for various audiences, despite some fan disappointments.
The involvement and impact of creators, especially those as deeply involved as J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series, can significantly shape the final product and its representation. This was highlighted in the discussion about her handling of diversity in the Harry Potter universe. Regarding the Nintendo Direct, it was a long-awaited event with several exciting announcements, including new games like Mario Golf, Splatoon 3, and Project Triangle Strategy. The inclusion of Outer Wilds on the Switch was also noteworthy, allowing more people to experience this critically acclaimed game. Despite some underwhelming reactions, the Direct offered a variety of content for various audiences. However, the absence of any Metroid news left some fans disappointed.
Looking beyond the latest Nintendo Direct: Fans may be disappointed with the lack of major announcements, but the port of Skyward Sword without motion controls and its improved controls on Switch offer reasons to be excited.
Despite the perceived disappointment of the latest Nintendo Direct, there are still reasons to be excited about upcoming games, such as the port of Skyward Sword without motion controls. Some fans may have high expectations for announcements like Breath of the Wild 2, but given the challenges of development during COVID, it's understandable that progress might be slower than anticipated. Skyward Sword, which has been criticized in the past for its traditional formula and motion controls, may be reappreciated now that Zelda has broken free from those constraints. The game's music and aesthetics are standout features, and playing it with proper controls on the Switch could enhance the experience. Overall, while some may be disappointed by the lack of major announcements, there are still reasons to look forward to the future of gaming with Nintendo.
Enhancing Visual Experience with Big Screens and Upcoming Consoles: Nintendo Switch games' portability is great, but bigger screens significantly improve visual experiences for certain titles. Upcoming consoles like the Switch Pro might offer 4k resolution, making games even more stunning.
While the portability of Nintendo Switch games is a major selling point, for titles like Outer Wilds, playing on the biggest screen possible enhances the visual experience significantly. The Switch Pro, rumored to be announced soon, could offer 4k resolution, making games like Breath of the Wild 2 even more stunning. In other news, Dragon Age 4 will be single-player only, and the Final Fantasy 7 remake is getting a PS5 version with Yuffie DLC. Square Enix also announced mobile versions of Final Fantasy 7, including a remake and a battle royale game. Google Stadia, a cloud gaming service, has failed, but it came close to offering IP that would have been of interest to gamers. The discussion also touched upon the lack of proper translations for older games and the potential for improving them.
Google Shuts Down Stadia First-Party Studios: Google's Stadia, a game streaming platform, is pivoting to a third-party model after failing to gain traction with exclusive games and long-term investment, due in part to its history, console launch approach, poor marketing, and pandemic restrictions.
Google's Stadia, a game streaming platform, is shutting down its first-party development studios and pivoting to a third-party model. This shift comes after promises of exclusive games and being a major player in the gaming industry, similar to Xbox and PlayStation. The failure of Stadia can be attributed to a few factors, including Google's history of not investing in projects long-term, an old-school console launch approach, and poor marketing and branding. Additionally, the lack of opportunity for travel, a key selling point, due to the pandemic didn't help. The outcome is a disappointment for fans, leaving them questioning what could have been.
Google's Stadia launch: A disappointing start: Google's approach of launching in beta and gradually growing user base could have led to a more successful Stadia launch, but grandiose marketing and high investments set unrealistic expectations, resulting in a significant miss on sales and user targets.
Google's entry into the gaming industry with Stadia was met with lackluster response due to a small user base and high investment costs. The product was marketed as a console competitor, but Google's typical approach of launching things in beta and gradually growing the user base would have likely been more successful. However, the grandiose marketing campaign and significant financial investments, including paying tens of millions to publishers, set unrealistic expectations. The result was a significant miss on sales and user targets, leading to a disappointing launch for Stadia.
Control in youth stardom is an illusion: Young celebrities often lack control over their careers and personal lives, despite appearances, and the media can complicate the situation
Control over one's life and public image, especially during youth, can be an illusion. The discussion revolved around two essays, one by Tavi Gevinson about the documentary "Framing Britney Spears" and Britney Spears' loss of control over her career and personal life. The other by Mara Wilson, a child actress from the '90s, reflecting on her own experiences. Both essays highlight how young celebrities are often taken advantage of and lack true control, despite appearances. The media's obsession with Britney Spears' life and image further complicated the situation. The takeaway is a reminder that the facade of control can be deceptive, and it's essential to recognize the power dynamics at play.
Deciding Between Power and Challenge in Gaming: Consider personal enjoyment, time constraints, and game elements when deciding whether to use an overpowered cheat or stick to the challenge in gaming.
We often face difficult decisions when playing video games, especially when an overpowered option becomes available. Robin Williams' encounter with Mara Wilson serves as a reminder of the joy found in shared experiences and the magic of make-believe. Meanwhile, in the gaming world, players are faced with the dilemma of whether to use an overpowered cheat or stick to the challenge. This decision can depend on various factors, including personal enjoyment, time constraints, and the appeal of the game's story or other elements. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what provides the most satisfaction and enjoyment for the player. While some may prefer to bypass challenges and move on quickly, others may find more value in the journey itself. It's essential to consider these factors when making decisions in both real life and in the virtual world of gaming.
Balancing visuals and comfort in Spider-Man: Miles Morales: Players can choose between 30fps for better visuals or 60fps for a smoother experience in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The combat system is immersive but can cause thumb strain. Swinging is improved at 60fps. Be mindful of RSI from prolonged button pressing.
The PS5 version of Spider-Man: Miles Morales offers a more seamless gaming experience at 60 frames per second, but the visual quality of some elements, like character textures and cutscenes, appear better at 30 frames per second. The combat system is enjoyable but can cause strain on the thumbs due to excessive button pressing. The swinging mechanic is improved at 60 frames per second, allowing for a more immersive experience. However, the game may cause repetitive strain injury (RSI) due to prolonged button pressing. Overall, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a well-crafted game with an engaging combat system and beautiful graphics, but players may need to find a balance between visual quality and comfort when choosing their frame rate.
