2021-2023: An era marked by significant upheavals and unexpected twists in the gaming world. The industry, in 2021, contended with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing challenges from software delays to a global semiconductor shortage, leading to game postponements and cancellations. Amid this turmoil, the retro gaming sector flourished, with vintage games reaching record auction prices, though concerns of market manipulation cast shadows. 2022 pivoted to consolidation, headlined by Microsoft's colossal acquisition of Activision. While giants pursued acquisitions, the demise of E3 marked the end of an expo era, and EA's return to single-player games, highlighted by successes like Dead Space and Skate, offered a silver lining. 2023 began with the gaming community at an inflection point, with Google Stadia's shutdown and the closure of the Nintendo eShop triggering debates on the trajectory of cloud gaming and digital platforms. As consolidation remains a dominant trend, the industry anticipates emerging innovations and challenges that will shape its destiny. We extend our gratitude to our viewers for accompanying us on this exhilarating exploration of the ever-transforming gaming universe, with your unwavering support propelling our passion.

Featured Games:
Resident Evil: Village, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Deathloop, Halo Infinite, Elden Ring, Stray, & Hitman Trilogy.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

• (00:00) - Episode 15
• (00:06) - 2021
• (24:06) - 2022
• (40:51) - 2023

• Leila F.
• swoopisbird
• JXSH
• Shifting Pixel
• Nace27
• Tabreez Siddique
• Mynx
• Ritsu
• Studio Devil
• Dallay_g
• Razu
• The Golden Bolt
• MykonosFan
• ErbBetaPatched
• Killer Space
• Autocharth
• History With Kayleigh
• Benjamin Steele
• Nick Makris

2019-2020: A period of rapid evolution and unexpected challenges. In 2019, with Google's ambitious launch of Stadia and the next-gen console announcements from Sony and Microsoft, the gaming landscape seemed primed for monumental shifts. Yet, the loot box controversy continued to cast a shadow, prompting legal scrutiny worldwide. Ray tracing, Auto Battlers, and the ever-growing dominance of mobile gaming painted a picture of a vibrant, evolving industry. But it was also a time of change on the personnel front: the retirement of giants like Reggie Fils-Aime and Kaz Hirai marked the end of an era, while Bungie's tumultuous split from Activision underscored the complex dynamics between developers and publishers. Transitioning to 2020, the gaming world, like the rest of the planet, grappled with the challenges of a global pandemic. Yet, in adversity, the industry found growth, with streamers and gaming platforms seeing unprecedented engagement. Noteworthy events like Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax and the expanding cloud gaming frontier signaled that the industry was far from static, even in the face of global challenges. Reflecting on these years, one can't help but ponder: In a rapidly transforming world, both within and outside gaming, what lies on the horizon for this dynamic industry?

Featured Games:
Shenmue 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, The Outer Worlds, Apex Legends, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Hades, Among Us, Doom Eternal, & Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

• (00:00) - Episode 14
• (00:06) - 2019
• (20:58) - 2020

• Leila F.
• swoopisbird
• JXSH
• Shifting Pixel
• Nace27
• Tabreez Siddique
• Mynx
• Ritsu
• Studio Devil
• Dallay_g
• Razu
• The Golden Bolt
• MykonosFan
• ErbBetaPatched
• Killer Space
• Autocharth
• History With Kayleigh
• Benjamin Steele
• Nick Makris

The years 2017-2018 presented a roller coaster of highs and lows for the gaming world. In 2017, Nintendo's Switch revitalized the company's image, while the loot box debacle, with Battlefront 2 at its heart, ignited fierce debates on game monetization. This controversial gaming mechanic not only drew ire from players but also caught the attention of global regulatory bodies. Acquisitions like IGN's purchase of Humble Bundle, and Funko Pop's unfortunate IPO, spotlighted the business machinations behind the scenes. Yet, amidst these industry tremors, retro revivals like Sonic Mania showcased the enduring power of nostalgia. The unexpected success story of Okami highlighted the game's journey from an initial commercial disappointment to a cult classic. Fast forward to 2018, the battle royale genre, spearheaded by PUBG and Fortnite, swept the globe. Epic Games' foray into the digital distribution domain with the Epic Games Store challenged existing giants, promising better deals for developers. Simultaneously, China's freeze on new game approvals sent ripples through the industry, emphasizing the country's growing influence in the gaming sector. However, amidst the gold rush, the darker side of the industry emerged, with studio closures amplifying calls for unionization. These tumultuous years posed critical questions about the future of game design, monetization, distribution, and the very structure of the industry itself.

Featured Games:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon: Zero Dawn, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Cuphead, Yakuza 0, Destiny 2, God of War, Marvel's Spider-Man, Fortnite, Warframe, Red Dead Redemption, & No Man's Sky.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

• Leila F.
• swoopisbird
• JXSH
• Shifting Pixel
• Nace27
• Tabreez Siddique
• Mynx
• Ritsu
• Studio Devil
• Dallay_g
• Razu
• The Golden Bolt
• MykonosFan
• ErbBetaPatched
• Killer Space
• Autocharth
• History With Kayleigh
• Benjamin Steele
• Nick Makris