The Game Deflators E374 | Video Game Trends to End and AIs Impact on Video Games

This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry trends, and a retro review that hits all the right notes.

They kick things off with their latest game pickups and what’s been dominating their playtime, setting the stage for a broader look at how modern gaming continues to evolve. From convoluted pre‑order bonuses to the growing mess of fragmented game editions, the duo breaks down why these trends are frustrating players and reshaping expectations.

The conversation then shifts to the serious legal battles currently facing major video game companies. John and Ryan explore how these lawsuits raise tough questions about accountability, addiction, and the responsibilities developers have toward their audiences.

On a more uplifting note, the hosts spotlight Sandfall Interactive’s new DLC for Clare Obscure Expedition 33, praising its generous free content and thoughtful difficulty adjustments. They also take time to discuss AI’s expanding role in game development sparks a lively debate between the two — where it helps, where it hurts, and why opinions across the industry are so divided.

To wrap things up, John and Ryan revisit Lumines on the PSP for this week’s retro review, digging into why this rhythm‑puzzle classic still shines years later.

00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast 01:24 Recent Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming 05:19 Current Games and Gameplay Experiences 23:00 Trends to End in 2026 33:03 News of the Week and Closing Thoughts 33:42 The Impact of Video Games on Children 46:14 The Role of AI in Game Development 52:10 Game Difficulty and Player Experience 01:05:22 Luminous Puzzle Fusion: A Classic Review

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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18