Death Stranding 2 and What Sells Us a Sequel?
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Hey! Welcome back. You may have noticed a lack of episode last week, and that is because of not one, but three freak acts of nature. It is not an exciting story, but it does emphasize that I might be cursed. Anyway, the delay meant that I could buy and check out Death Stranding 2. I didn't play DS1. I had seen enough of it at several E3s to know it wasn't gonna be my jam. But it is a Kojima game. So, I'd be a liar if I didn't say I was always tempted. Now, here comes a sequel. It looks like Kojima has gone maximalist. The writing? Max Kojima. Now with more combat. More stealth. More weirdness....
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YoVG # 494 Not E3 - The Dust Has Settled
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2025 Sony State of Play, Summer Games Fest, and the Xbox showcase have come and gone. We've had some time to step back, come down from the hype, and think of what really grabbed our attention last week. So, what stood out to you? What got you hyped in the moment, but now that you've had a minute, the optimism has cooled? Was Not-E3 a major success? For us: it's looking like a good year. Let's talk about why.
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YoVG # 493 Guest Rick Lagnese of Madfinger Games!
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This week we have a special guest on the show: Madfinger Games' PR and Comms Director - Rick Lagnese! Madfinger Games is currently developing Grayzone Warfare, an MMO FPS in early access, but has its beginnings in mobile games. You might think that is a huge leap, but there is a clear through-line from their earliest games to today. Developing and self publishing a AAA title is no easy feat and we get into what that means for the team and why early access is what makes it possible. Jump in, meet Rick, have good times with us!
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YoVG # 492 Sony State of Play - Summer 2025
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Oh, okay Sony. I don't know why people are so hard to please these days, but this was a solid presentation. Went from one game on the horizon to now like half a dozen dropping just in September? Pragmata isn't dead? Romeo IS dead? Overall this is one of Sony's better state of play presentations - let's get into why!
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YoVG # 491 The Doldrums 2025
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It's that time of year where things slow down. The calm before the storm of summer announcements. E3 may be dead but the excitement of E3 week lives on. Unfortunately, it means this time of year - unless there is a major leak - is usually quiet. But that's okay because this episode we talk about areas of the world, mythologies and cultures that could come to prominence in gaming. With the US industry seemingly stumbling, are there other countries that could grow to dominate the industry? Also, at the end of the end of the episode I mention a great horror book, but couldn't recall the exact...
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YoVG # 490 Is Any Game Worth $80?
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Subjectively, yes. There are games I would pay 80 for and not feel bad. Although one problem may be that you don't know until you own it and have played it - whether it is worth it. Profits in the game industry have never been higher, so why is Randy saying he needs the real fans to shell out 80 bucks for a game? What makes a game "high end" in his mind, and thus worth the extra money? The fact is: 80 dollar games are coming. And that means that the market is likely going to shrink. F2P is going to continue to dominate because most people will play that and only occasionally buy other games....
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YoVG # 489 Peak Anime & Summer Games Fest Possibilities
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Alright, who the hell knows what's coming for Summer GamesFest 2025. Microsoft has blown it's load so maybe we have a shocking Xbox Games Showcase in June, or maybe it is a dead zone. Sony has Ghost of Yotei and Marathon, but Marathon is in rough shape by many accounts. And Nintendo is going to do its own thing. What's that leave? Two hours of Death Stranding 2? We spend half the episode talking anime and movies too because it was fun.
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YoVG # 488 1000xRESIST Creative Director Remy Siu!
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1000xRESIST was a GOTY contender for Matt last year and by a twist of good luck we got to sit down with Remy Siu, the creative director, for the one year anniversary of release. With such a small team, Remy wore a lot of hats. He comes from a performing arts background, and during the COVID shutdown he found himself with the time to start learning Unity, and the prototype for 1000xRESIST was born. We talk inspiration, process, and delivery. Plus Remy drops hints for some special One Year Anniversary news. You can find Remy on: Bluesky @sunsetvisitor.studio & Twitter @remysiu
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YoVG # 487 Industry Obscur Expedition Stonks
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This week saw the buying of Polygon (and subsequent layoffs), GiantBomb's implosion (and subsequent staff exodus) and in a bright spot Clair Obscur Expedition 33 released (it is great!) So, why is the industry seemingly cannibalizing itself at the height of its fortunes? Well, we've said it before: short term gains to entice investors. Alanah Pearce just did a deep dive video all about it. In her video she discusses an investment analysis of the video game market and she talks to investors to get their takes. We reference her video a lot because it confirms things we have said over the last...
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YoVG # 486 F Realism!
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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.
info_outlineIt's that time of year where things slow down. The calm before the storm of summer announcements. E3 may be dead but the excitement of E3 week lives on. Unfortunately, it means this time of year - unless there is a major leak - is usually quiet. But that's okay because this episode we talk about areas of the world, mythologies and cultures that could come to prominence in gaming. With the US industry seemingly stumbling, are there other countries that could grow to dominate the industry?
Also, at the end of the end of the episode I mention a great horror book, but couldn't recall the exact title: Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman. Enjoy!