Dense Pixels - Video Games News and Reviews

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).

In the latest podcast episode, discussions include revelations from a former Call of Duty developer who criticizes Bobby Kotick's decisions, claiming they negatively impacted game quality.

A 13-year-old achieves a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to beat Tetris, showcasing exceptional gaming skill.

The exorbitant cost of the Star Citizen Legatus Ship Pack, priced at $48,000 RSI, raises eyebrows and sparks conversation about in-game purchases.

Brad shares why the indie puzzler Chants of Sennar doesn't resonate with him, providing personal insights into the game.

Carrie recounts her experience at the Sonic Symphony concert, highlighting the immersive and captivating elements of the event.

Brad explores how Hitman's Freelancer mode has breathed new life into the game, discussing the positive impact on the longstanding franchise.

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

In the latest podcast episode, the hosts discuss significant developments in the gaming industry, including a reported hack on Insomniac Games impacting data related to Wolverine and Spider-Man 3.

Versus Evil experiences closure, affecting titles like TinyBuild, Banner Saga, and Pillars of Eternity. The hosts delve into the consequences and implications of such closures on the gaming landscape.
PlayStation undergoes a U-turn regarding the removal of Discovery content that users had paid for, sparking discussions on user backlash and platform decisions.

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.

The latest podcast episode delves into The Game Awards that took place last week, with Brad and Micah providing a recap of the notable winners. The hosts engage in a discussion about the controversy surrounding The Game Awards, particularly the minimal time allocated to award recipients, and share their insights on how the show could improve in the future.

Brad and Micah review the announcements at The Game Awards that caught their attention, offering their perspectives on the exciting reveals and developments in the gaming industry showcased during the event.

The podcast also covers industry news, including the introduction of new Fortnite worlds featuring an array of content, Epic Games' unexpected win in a Google case, the cancellation of The Day Before by Fntastic, the closure of Timesplitters studio Free Radical Design, Microsoft QA workers unionizing under CWA, and the revelation that 15 percent of Baldur's Gate 3 playtime is spent in character creation.

Brad shares his progress in chipping away at his gaming backlog, providing reviews of Steamworld Build, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, and Unpacking. The hosts then dive into their impressions of the Grand Theft Auto VI teaser and share their experiences with the iconic Grand Theft Auto franchise.

In a thought-provoking segment, the podcast explores the news about Sony removing purchased Discovery TV shows from the PlayStation Store and the broader implications of digital ownership. The hosts also engage in a debate about the ethical stances on "acceptable" video game piracy, reflecting on how their opinions have evolved over the years.

The discussion includes insights into Xbox's significant investment, with the revelation that Xbox spends over a billion dollars a year on Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, the hosts cover EA's confirmation of layoffs at F1 developer Codemasters, providing context on the challenges faced by gaming industry developers.

Brad shares his review of the Steam Deck OLED, offering insights into the device's features and how it enhances the gaming experience. Additionally, he reflects on his early hours in Persona 4, discussing the challenges of going backward through a long-running franchise like Persona.

The podcast covers unfortunate industry news as layoffs hit Humble Games and Galaxy on Fire: Chorus developer Fishlabs. The hosts explore the impact of these layoffs on the gaming community and the developers involved.In gaming industry updates, the discussion includes news about Atlus announcing a 15 percent annual salary increase, and Sega Sonic Union facing layoffs in the Persona and Yakuza franchises. Insights are provided into the implications of these developments on the gaming landscape.

Finally, Brad and Micah dive into the surprising return of CM Punk to WWE, discussing the excitement surrounding the comeback and speculating on how long the honeymoon period with fans might last.

Micah and Brad discuss the recently announced nominees for The Game Awards. The conversation covers the exciting lineup of nominees, highlighting the diverse and competitive nature of the gaming industry.The discussion also touches upon the Eurogamer review of the Steam Deck OLED, emphasizing the beautiful display upgrade and additional features that enhance the gaming experience.Sony's confirmation of a delay to half of its planned live service games is explored, providing insights into the challenges and adjustments within the gaming giant's strategy.Take-Two boss credits a three-part strategy for avoiding mass layoffs this year, shedding light on the company's approach to personnel management amid industry challenges.Digital Extremes, the publisher of Warframe, experiences layoffs, prompting a closer look at the broader implications for the gaming industry and game development studios.

Carrie shares her detailed experience of moving across the country, offering insights and anecdotes from her journey. The hosts dive into the recent drama on PlayStation Twitter, involving Elon Musk and PS5. They also address the ongoing challenges faced by laid-off Dragon Age testers, who picketed BioWare. Capcom's warning about the reputational damage from mods that violate public order and morals sparks a discussion about content and the modding community. The podcast delves into the distressing news of layoffs affecting Ubisoft Montreal and the controversial developments surrounding Gamestop's warranty and pre-order rewards and employee healthcare benefits. Lastly, they explore the amazing scam conducted by the developers of Taimanin RPG and Exstasy Gem Gacha.

Join Brad and Micah on the Dense Pixels podcast for a thrilling episode filled with gaming insights, industry updates, and thought-provoking discussions. Brad reviews the significant changes to Diablo IV and how they've enhanced the gaming experience, particularly focusing on Diablo IV's Season of Blood as a template for top-notch content updates. The hosts passionately make the case for 2023 as the best year for gaming ever, exploring the exciting titles and trends that make it exceptional. They delve into industry news, including Xbox's efforts to block unauthorized third-party accessories and the unexpected layoffs at Destiny 2 developer Bungie. In a lighter segment, they share the shows they dream of guesting on one day. Lastly, they ponder the need for underlying subtext in creative writing and its significance in storytelling.

Dive into the gaming world with Brad and Micah on the Dense Pixels podcast. In this episode, Micah shares his spoiler-free review of Spider-Man 2, giving you insights into the highly anticipated game without giving away any key plot details. Brad provides his very initial impressions of Super Mario Wonder, offering a peek into what players can expect from this exciting title. The hosts also discuss the unfortunate layoffs occurring in the video game industry, with a focus on the impact on Dreams developer Media Molecule. They explore the latest developments in the gaming community, such as Twitch's new feature allowing simulcasting to other platforms and the Epic Games Store's enticing offer of 100% revenue for back catalogue games.

Join Brad, Carrie, and Micah on Dense Pixels as they navigate the latest developments and controversies in the gaming industry. They delve into the unfortunate layoffs at Telltale Games and the struggles faced by QA staff in the world of Dragon Age. The hosts also explore the challenges faced by former Dragon Age staff as they seek further compensation following layoffs. The discussion continues with the unionization of CD Projekt Red's developers after a series of layoffs within the company. It turns out they correctly predicted upper management being the cause of financial strife at Epic Games. In a surprising twist, Unity CEO John Riccitiello announces his retirement shortly after a pricing controversy. They also address the serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving ex-Ubisoft staff, highlighting the ongoing concerns within the industry. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the complexities of the gaming world.

Join Brad and Micah on Dense Pixels for a candid discussion about the latest developments in the gaming industry. They explore the recent layoffs at Epic Games, including the departure of Steam Spy creator Sergiy Galyonkin, and the reported halt in development for The Last of Us Factions. The hosts dissect the resumption of the FTC's case against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Jim Ryan's legacy at Sony. They also delve into Electronic Arts' decision to remove the FIFA back catalogue from digital storefronts ahead of the FC24 release. In a thought-provoking segment, Brad and Micah examine the concept of sequels that offer "more of the same" and whether it remains a viable approach for major game releases in today's industry.

Tune in to the latest episode of Dense Pixels, featuring Brad and Micah, as they share their final thoughts on Starfield after completing the game and exploring the possibilities with the new game plus mode. Micah also provides his impressions of Mortal Kombat 1. The hosts delve into the controversy surrounding Unity Engine's runtime fees and install changes, along with the concerns related to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft's cloud gaming initiatives. They discuss the departure of Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space, from the Callisto Project studio after a challenging release. Additionally, they cover the recent layoffs at Crystal Dynamics, known for their work on the Tomb Raider series. In a thought-provoking segment, Brad and Micah engage in a discussion about whether video games should continue to be assigned numeric scores.