The Game Deflators E376 | The Gaming Industry Is Stuck and Is the PS6 Already Doomed?

John and Ryan return with a packed episode full of fresh pickups, tough gameplay impressions, and a look at the latest industry buzz. Ryan dives into his ongoing run through Returnal, breaking down the game’s relentless roguelike loops and the thrill of surviving its bullet‑hell chaos. John follows up with his experience playing Stellar Blade, sharing thoughts on its combat, pacing, and whether it delivers on its stylish promise.

The guys also tackle two big stories shaking up the gaming world. First, they discuss new data showing that the most‑played PlayStation and Xbox games of 2025 were virtually unchanged from 2024, with juggernauts like Fortnite, Roblox, GTA V, Minecraft, and Call of Duty continuing to dominate player time despite a wave of new releases. Then they dig into the heated debate surrounding the rumored PS6 price point, as speculation about a higher‑than‑expected launch cost has fans split and wondering what the next generation will look like.

To wrap things up, it’s time for this month’s theme: Video Games With Agonizing Tutorials. The Inflation Deflation Challenge spotlights The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Does its famously slow intro still drag the experience down, and where does the game’s value sit today?

00:00 Introduction 14:14 Current Gaming Picks and Experiences 25:04 Analysis of Most Played Games 29:18 The Impact of Sandbox Games 31:06 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entertainment 33:57 The Evolution of Gaming Preferences 36:44 Anticipating the Next Console Generation 39:07 The Impact of Game Availability on Consoles 42:05 The Future of Gaming and Streaming 44:21 The Legacy of Zelda Games 56:49 Collecting and Valuing Video Game Guides

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