63.7K
Downloads
202
Episodes
Podcast by Work To Game covering Final Fantasy XIV and other Square-Enix Games and News
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
Welcome to the latest episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! Brian is joined by Chris and Mark as they dive into a variety of exciting topics in the gaming world. The episode kicks off with a discussion on Square Enix's recent financial challenges, analyzing their sales figures and the impact of exclusivity deals on their bottom line. The hosts explore the intriguing dynamics of launching games on multiple platforms and the potential lessons Square Enix can learn from past releases.
The conversation then shifts to Xbox Play Anywhere, with Dragon Quest 3 2D HD remake being highlighted as a Play Anywhere title. The hosts delve into Xbox's evolving marketing strategies and the implications of fewer games being added to Game Pass. They provide insightful commentary on the shift towards broader platform availability and its potential impact on the gaming landscape.
The episode also covers the much-anticipated release window for Star Citizen's Squadron 42. Brian shares his excitement about the game's progress and the technological advancements required to bring this ambitious project to life. The hosts discuss the appeal of simulator-like experiences in gaming and the challenges of developing such expansive titles.
Ashes of Creation's ongoing PvP drama is another hot topic. The hosts discuss the dynamic player interactions and the unique narratives that emerge from such gameplay experiences. They reflect on the potential for games like Ashes of Creation to carve out a niche audience and the challenges of sustaining a player base in a PvP-focused environment.
In a lighter segment, the hosts touch on the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, sharing their thoughts and predictions on this highly publicized event. They explore the entertainment value and the business model behind such matchups, offering a humorous take on the spectacle.
The episode wraps up with a "Game of the Year" watch discussion, where the hosts share their current picks for game of the year and reflect on any gaming regrets from 2023. From standout titles to disappointing releases, they provide a comprehensive overview of their gaming experiences this year.
Join Brian, Chris, and Mark for a lively and insightful discussion on the latest trends and happenings in the gaming industry. Don't miss out on their expert opinions and engaging banter!
5 days ago
5 days ago
Welcome to this week's episode where we dive into a variety of gaming topics, starting with the much-anticipated confirmation from Nintendo about the Switch 2's backwards compatibility. This news has been a relief for fans who were concerned about the possibility of having to repurchase their game libraries. We discuss the implications of this decision and speculate on what the Switch 2 might bring to the table.
Next, we explore the recent changes announced by GeForce Now. Nvidia has introduced a new 100-hour gameplay cap per month for their cloud gaming service, sparking a mix of reactions from the community. We delve into the potential impact of this decision and what it means for the future of cloud gaming.
Our special guest Mugen Lord joins us to share insights into his upcoming comic book company, Venus Orion Comics, and his journey in bringing his creative vision to life. He gives us a sneak peek into his first series, VK, and his plans for expanding into gaming and animation.
We also tackle the controversy surrounding the latest Dragon Age release, The Veil Guard. Despite mixed reviews and heated debates over its content and direction, we examine whether the game has been a success and discuss the broader implications for the industry.
In this episode, we touch on various gaming trends, from the cultural shifts affecting game development timelines to the role of media and algorithms in shaping public perception. Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of today's gaming world and share our thoughts on what's next for gamers and developers alike.
Stay tuned for more discussions and insights, and don't forget to check out Mugen Lord's exciting new projects!
5 days ago
5 days ago
Welcome to another episode of the Crystal Core Radio podcast! In today's episode, hosts Brian and Elio dive into the exciting world of gaming, discussing everything from the latest Monster Hunter Wilds beta to the intricacies of Final Fantasy XIV's evolving narrative.
The episode kicks off with a lively discussion on Monster Hunter Wilds, where Brian shares his experiences with the beta and how it compares to previous iterations like Monster Hunter World and Rise. Elio, a seasoned Monster Hunter player, provides insights into the game's evolution, highlighting the improvements in accessibility and gameplay mechanics that Wilds brings to the table.
The conversation then shifts to broader gaming trends, including the impact of cross-platform releases and the changing landscape of third-party exclusivity. Brian and Elio discuss the implications of recent industry moves, such as Ubisoft's decision to return to Steam and the potential for AI to revolutionize QA testing in game development.
In the latter part of the episode, the focus turns to Final Fantasy XIV. Elio shares his thoughts on the current state of the game, addressing the community's mixed reactions to the story and character development post-Endwalker. The hosts also explore the potential for future updates and expansions, considering the game's subscription model and its place in the ever-evolving MMO market.
Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that covers the latest in gaming news, industry trends, and the beloved world of Final Fantasy XIV. Whether you're a Monster Hunter enthusiast, a Final Fantasy fan, or simply a gaming aficionado, this episode has something for everyone!
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Welcome to another riveting episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! Join hosts Brian and Chris as they sit down with the insightful Smash JT to delve into some of the most pressing topics in the gaming world today.
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the emergence of Gamergate 2.0 in 2024, a movement that Smash JT believes could be the first successful video game boycott in history. The conversation explores the goals of Gamergate 2.0, which aims to steer the gaming industry away from certain modern trends and focus on creating games that resonate with gamers' true desires.
As the discussion unfolds, the trio tackles the broader implications of the movement, touching on topics such as the quality of game releases, the impact of ideologies on game design, and the evolving landscape of gaming journalism. Smash JT shares his perspective on how ideologies, when injected into gaming, can sometimes detract from the escapism that games traditionally offer.
The conversation takes a turn as Brian, Chris, and Smash JT examine the role of representation in gaming. They debate the importance of allowing players to see themselves in their RPG characters versus maintaining a fantasy world free from modern-day ideological influences. The episode also highlights the tension between creative freedom and the push for inclusivity in character design, with a particular focus on recent controversies surrounding character creation in games like Dragon Age.
In the latter part of the episode, the hosts address the viral controversy surrounding a recent podcast appearance by Smash JT. They discuss the boundaries of comedy, free speech, and the potential impact of viral clips on public perception. The conversation underscores the importance of context in media consumption and the challenges of navigating free speech in a world driven by clips and soundbites.
Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that spans gaming culture, free speech, and the future of the industry. Whether you're a gamer, a developer, or someone interested in the intersection of media and culture, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives.
Saturday Oct 19, 2024
Saturday Oct 19, 2024
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! Join hosts Brian, Chris, and Mark as they dive deep into the ever-evolving world of MMORPGs in 2024. This season has brought a resurgence of interest in the genre, and our hosts are here to share their experiences and insights.
The episode kicks off with Chris sharing his recent re-entry into the world of "World of Warcraft: The War Within." After taking a break from full-time streaming, Chris discusses the challenges of balancing gaming with a busy life and his enthusiasm for Blizzard's new direction. He explores the latest expansion, sharing his thoughts on the storytelling, gameplay improvements, and the joy of rediscovering WoW.
Mark brings a fresh perspective as he discusses his adventures in "Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred" and "Dragon Ball Sparking Zero," offering insights into the allure of new and nostalgic gaming experiences. He also shares his excitement for the Warhammer universe, exploring the lore and the art of miniature painting, which has become a creative outlet amidst a busy life.
Brian dives into the revitalization of "New World: Aeternum" with its console debut. He discusses the game's narrative enhancements, cross-play functionality, and the exhilarating new PvP zones that add a dynamic layer to the gameplay. Brian provides valuable insights into the game's progression and the potential impact of cross-progression on the player experience.
The hosts also engage in a lively discussion about the future of MMORPGs on consoles, exploring the possibilities of "World of Warcraft" expanding its reach to new platforms. They delve into the challenges of subscription models and the evolving landscape of the genre, considering how new titles like "Throne of Liberty" and established games like "Final Fantasy XIV" are adapting to changing player expectations.
In this episode, the team also reflects on the storytelling aspects of MMORPGs, particularly the mixed reception of "Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail." They explore the importance of narrative in shaping player experiences and the challenges of meeting community expectations.
Join the conversation and discover the latest trends and developments in the world of MMORPGs. Whether you're a veteran player or new to the genre, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging discussions on the games that are shaping the future of online gaming.
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! This week, Brian is joined by Gaming Kinda, Jim Tasty, and Chrono for a dynamic roundtable discussion. We dive into the biggest gaming news and developments, starting with the fascinating transition of Halo from 343 Industries to Halo Studios. Our hosts debate whether this rebranding can address past issues and what it means for the future of the beloved franchise. They also discuss the potential of a Halo battle royale and the importance of including core modes at launch.
We then shift gears to explore Sony's recent decision to raise prices and their stance on exclusivity in the gaming world. The panel debates the impact of these changes on the gaming community and how Microsoft's "play anywhere" philosophy offers a competitive advantage. As they delve into the landscape of game streaming, the conversation turns to Xbox's Game Pass strategy and the limitations of xCloud.
The episode also touches on the resurgence of classic PlayStation 2 RPGs, with a challenging game of 20 Questions focusing on a fan-favorite title. Throughout the discussion, our hosts share insights on the gaming industry's evolution, from console exclusives to cross-platform play, and the role of major publishers like Square Enix and Bandai Namco in shaping these trends.
Tune in for a deep dive into the world of gaming, where nostalgia meets the cutting edge, and the future of gaming platforms is up for debate. Don't miss this engaging episode with your favorite gaming experts!
Saturday Oct 05, 2024
Saturday Oct 05, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! In this intriguing discussion, we delve into a topic that has been at the forefront of the video game industry in 2024 - video game activism. Joining Chris in this episode are two special guests: McDizzle, returning for his second appearance, and Volte, making his debut. Inspired by a dynamic conversation on Twitter about the activism within gaming companies, this episode seeks to explore the nuances of activism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Volte kicks off the discussion by sharing his perspective on the current state of the industry, questioning whether the activism from the right is a response to the left's ideologies being integrated into video games. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of gaming and how it shapes young minds, while also addressing the natural pushback that occurs when ideologies are perceived as extreme.
McDizzle joins in, emphasizing the dangers of extremes in any form and reflecting on the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within companies. The discussion navigates through the challenges of integrating DEI in gaming, touching upon the complex dynamics between developers, the market, and cultural shifts.
The episode also delves into the role of content creators and the monetization of gaming culture, exploring how this has changed the landscape for both players and developers. Chris and the guests discuss the influence of social media algorithms on content creation and the potential impact on gamer sentiment and market trends.
As the episode progresses, the conversation broadens to include the impact of business decisions on the industry, with a focus on companies like Ubisoft and their struggles in the current market. The guests ponder whether some of these challenges might be strategic moves for acquisitions, reflecting on the broader economic landscape and its implications for the gaming world.
In a candid and insightful dialogue, the guests share their thoughts on the importance of authenticity in gaming, the role of politics and diversity, and the potential for the market to self-correct. This episode of Crystal Core Radio Podcast provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between activism, culture, and the gaming industry, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs and what the future might hold.
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Sunday Sep 29, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! While Chris is off checking off a bucket list item, Brian and J-Dub are here to dive into the latest in gaming news and events. Get ready for a deep dive into the PlayStation and Xbox universes!
We kick off with a hot topic from our pre-show chat: Cosmos’s comment on Brian being wrong about the PS5 Pro. This segues into an in-depth discussion about the newly released PS5 Pro, including the challenges of securing one amidst bots and scalpers. J-Dub shares his experience and insights on PlayStation Direct's authentication process, which helps genuine gamers get their hands on the console.
The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of the PS5 Pro's release, including its impact on the potential pricing of future consoles like the PS6. Brian and J-Dub discuss the balance between price and performance, and how this influences consumer decisions, especially in comparison to high-end gaming PCs.
Next, we explore the ongoing console wars, specifically the dynamics between PlayStation and Xbox. With the recent PlayStation State of Play and the Xbox TGS presentation, there's plenty to discuss about upcoming games, exclusives, and the strategies of both gaming giants. The duo also touches on how Game Pass is shaping the gaming landscape and the potential challenges it presents for developers and consumers alike.
Another key topic is the influence of social media and online discourse on gaming culture. Brian and J-Dub delve into the grifting phenomenon, where outrage and controversy are often manufactured for clicks and engagement. They stress the importance of supporting developers and focusing on the quality of games rather than getting caught up in performative outrage.
The episode also features a nostalgic look back at the evolution of gaming, from the days of memory cartridges and codes to the current era of digital downloads and streaming. They reflect on how gaming has changed over the years and what the future might hold.
Join us for a lively discussion filled with insights, humor, and a genuine love for gaming. Whether you're a PlayStation enthusiast, an Xbox loyalist, or just a fan of great games, this episode has something for you.
Don't forget to follow J-Dub on Twitter at @JWCity16 for more gaming memes and commentary!
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Saturday Sep 21, 2024
Crystal Core Radio #181 - Square Enix Continued Disappointing Sales & Exclusivity Socials, Discord, & Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/gingerprime Become a channel member: youtube.com/@GingerPrimeGaming/join Affiliate Deals 💸 ExpressVPN: https://www.expressvpn.com/gingerprime ExitLag: https://www.exitlag.com/aff.php?aff=1015591 SecretLab Chairs: https://bit.ly/SecretLabGP Ashes of Creation: https://ashesofcreation.com/r/ZPKZJBYUWHNIF1UU Star Citizen Referral: https://robertsspaceindustries.com/enlist?referral=STAR-XTSY-6LGQ Click this link https://sponsr.is/bootdev_gingerprime and use my code GINGERPRIME to get 25% off your first payment for boot.dev. That’s 25% your first month or your first year, depending on the subscription you choose. Play Pax Dei: https://link.xsolla.com/5zv3ZMH2 #crystalcore #podcast #gamingnews
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Welcome to a special Monday night live edition of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! In this engaging episode, we bring you a roundtable discussion on the current state of gaming in 2024. Our host is joined by Sprague, a staff editorialist at Kotaku; McDizzle Gaming, known for his investigative work; and Chris, also known as Gaming Kinda. Together, they dive into a variety of topics that have been stirring the gaming community.
The conversation kicks off with introductions and quickly moves into an in-depth discussion about the complexities within the gaming industry. Sprague shares his thoughts on the current gaming trends and the difference in perspectives between gamers and industry leaders. McDizzle provides insights into his investigative work, particularly focusing on the controversial "Ember Scandal" involving Grums, a well-known figure in the gaming community.
The panel doesn't shy away from hot topics, discussing the impact of algorithms on media and gaming content, the role of legacy media versus YouTubers, and the ever-changing landscape of game funding and development. They examine Grums' efforts with his fan-funded game, Ember, and debate whether his approach is feasible or if it's leading to failure.
Throughout the episode, the guests share personal anecdotes and professional insights, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion. They also touch upon the impact of social media on public perception, the influence of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in game development, and the ongoing culture wars between the "woke" and "anti-woke" factions within the gaming community.
The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of empathy, the challenges of remote work, and the evolving expectations of gamers as technology advances. Whether you're a casual gamer or deeply embedded in the gaming industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the future of gaming.
Join us for this insightful conversation and stay tuned for more episodes of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast, where we explore the latest in gaming news and trends.