YoVG # 486 F Realism!
YoVideogames!
In this week's episode we wanted to keep it fun and light again. So, we talk about the true enemy of a good time: realism. Okay not always. Some realistic elements can really add to a game. Certain mechanics being realistic adds authenticity, or keeps a loop challenging and fresh. But when does realism go too far? Also in this episode: reasons Miami sucks. Reasons LA sucks. Matt finally played GTA5. Reasons so many people died on the Oregon trail. And The Hatchet.
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YoVG # 485 PS6 Rumors, Already!?
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There are already PS6 rumors gaining momentum. Does this further prove that PS5 has been sort of a dud? I don't know. And we aren't going into how true or possible this rumor is: just talking about what it would take to be a success. Plus, I share more YoVG deep lore. correction I misspeak about Marathon: I have only seen the official gameplay trailer and I say "when you watch the influencer/content creator gameplay it is much faster/more interesting." BUT I meant their videos TALKING about their gameplay. As far as I have seen, no content creator has released footage of themselves actually...
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YoVG # 484 Switch 2: Failure to Launch?
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The Switch 2 was revealed a week ago and for a short time, a very short time, spirits were high. Since then, Nintendo has had to push back the pre-order date, take back the announced price, and do damage control on their planned variable pricing for games. The biggest culprit? Trade uncertainty as big ol' tariffs start hitting everywhere. But it turns out: the increased price was planned BEFORE tariffs came into the picture... So, where does that leave gamers?
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YoVG # 483 Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Direct!
YoVideogames!
I think the technical term for this is: a pickle. In a vacuum, Nintendo had an excellent direct. This is shaping up to be a wonderful launch. Especially if you consider players who will only own a Switch 2 - there is a host of excellent games coming to the Switch 2 within the first few months, to say nothing of excellent games in the first year! But this isn't a vacuum, so we have to address the elephant in the room: tariffs. And that means higher prices. The Switch 2 will be $450 at launch ($500 bundled with Mario Kart and this is the much better deal here). Games will range from $80 to $90...
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YoVG # 482 Switch 2 Direct Predictions w/ Stealth40k!
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Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct is coming and all the rumors say it is going to be one hell of a show! We have special guest Stealth40k on to discuss what we know, rumors and hopes. Also, apologies for my audio quality on this one: Windows switched my mic to my webcam, and because we were recording when it happened - no pop up to let me know. So cool. Very good feature.
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YoVG # 481 We Were Wrong!
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We've gotten plenty of things wrong over the years. It's rare to say it as content creators, but for another evergreen episode this week, we thought: lets talk about being hilariously wrong. We cover everything from anime we were wrong about to being wrong about one of the biggest games of all time. So, lube up your ears and let us guide you on a journey of a few of our favorite missed calls!
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YoVG # 480 Best Genre Set in Each Decade (of the 20th Century)
YoVideogames!
Comin' in with another breezy fun evergreen episode! Industry news is still sort of rough - although there is some cool rumors/leaks - and we wanted another fun episode. So, let's talk about game genres. We are going decade by decade from 1900 - 2000 and picking a genre, and making up a game that would best encapsulate that decade in our minds. We are mostly referencing the USA, because we are of course USians, but this could be done with any country's history. It's a good excuse for me to learn more of another country's history, so hit me with a favorite decade and the genre/game!
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YoVG # 479 Standing 7s
YoVideogames!
Industry news is mostly sad atm and we decided we need a fun episode. A positive episode. We need to bring back the solid game. The 7 outta 10 - you're gonna have a good time, it's worth the money game. Maybe a hidden gem, maybe a game that we just need to admit got too much hate. Was I braver than Matt with my choices? Yes. Does that mean I am correct? Also, yes. I keep winning! Let us know your solid 7s!
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YoVG # 478 More Short Term Thinking From WB
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The hits keep coming to development teams everywhere. At least this time it can't be said to be a surprise... Well, at least not totally. WB "old yeller'd" 3 studios this week, including Monolith Productions. Which is surprising given that team's pedigree and the fact that it was working on a big budget Wonder Woman game. When we look closer at the Wonder Woman game, though, it seems it was still years from completion and perhaps WB saw short terms gains to cutting the cost.
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YoVG # 477 More Signs of Industry Pain
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Look, if you have a game that fails spectacularly you can expect to be laid off. If your game explodes, and hits the top of the charts? Well, you can expect to be laid off then, too. It's only business. An increasingly volatile, confusing business. Marvel Rivals has been a massive success for Chinese publisher NetEase, and just as season two is about to release: they did the natural thing. They laid off, or fired, the entire American development team. This could be politics. This could be "just business". Either way, it's rotten.
info_outlineState of Play 2024 was a mixed bag for me. Matt rates it as overall pretty good - a win - even before he got what he wanted: Ghost of Yotei. I rate it as so-so, even though there were a couple things that did genuinely excite me. Let's dive in and talk the state of play 2024/25