Crystal Core Radio

Gaming in 2024 - Industry Insights and Controversies

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.

PlayStation 5 Pro Price Point Debate and the Future of Gaming

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! This week, host Brian is joined by regulars Chris and Mark, who is back after a near-death experience, and special guest Umbra. If you're not following these gentlemen yet, check out their links in the description. We have a packed episode, so let's dive right in!

The episode kicks off with Umbra taking the stage to discuss the much-anticipated PlayStation 5 Pro price point. The panelists share their initial reactions to the price and ponder what Xbox might do in response. Umbra dives into the specs, comparing it to other high-end GPUs like the 4070, and discusses the potential impact on frame rates and performance. The conversation also touches on the controversial $30 stand and whether the $700 price tag is justified for what the PS5 Pro offers.

Mark and Chris weigh in on the broader implications for the gaming industry, including how this price point might influence the next generation of consoles. The discussion also explores the loyalty of Sony's fan base and whether the PS5 Pro will achieve significant market penetration. The panelists speculate on how Microsoft will respond and the ongoing R&D efforts for future Xbox consoles.

The conversation shifts to the digital future of gaming, examining the role of streaming services and cloud gaming. Brian shares his personal experiences with xCloud and GeForce Now, highlighting the convenience these services offer. The panel discusses the potential for a unified gaming experience that blends PC and console ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and accessibility for gamers.

As the episode progresses, the panelists explore the financial aspects of the gaming industry, including the impact of inflation on game financing and the cost of entry for gamers. They delve into the differences between single-use and multi-purpose gaming devices, pondering the future of dedicated consoles in a world increasingly dominated by versatile, portable gaming solutions.

The episode concludes with a fun game of 20 Questions, where the panelists and chat work together to guess a mystery game. This week's game is a current-gen title with both single-player and multiplayer components, published by a Chinese company. After much deliberation and some helpful hints, the panelists finally guess the correct game: V Rising.

Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode that covers everything from the PS5 Pro's price point to the future of gaming. Tune in to hear expert opinions, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions on the latest trends in the gaming world.

Crystal Core Radio: The Fall and Rise of Concord, Game of the Year Contenders, and 20 Questions

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Crystal Core Radio! In this week's roundtable discussion, we are thrilled to welcome back Jim Tacey, the number one Concord streamer on Twitch, and our regulars, GamingKinda and Chrono. We dive deep into the world of Concord and hear from Jim about his recent streaming adventures and what makes the game tick despite its short-lived lifespan.

Chrono and GamingKinda share their recent gaming experiences, including the latest season of Fortnite and a surprising tabletop RPG app called Dawncaster, which has captivated them both. We also delve into the intriguing world of Marvel tie-ins and the highly anticipated Marvel Rivals game, comparing it to other popular titles like Overwatch.

The discussion takes an interesting turn as we analyze the current state of the gaming industry, especially the challenges faced by AAA titles like Concord. We debate the impact of woke vs. anti-woke arguments on game success and how the gaming community's sentiments can shape a game's future. The conversation also touches on the importance of game quality and the role of microtransactions in the modern gaming landscape.

As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, Jim shares his excitement for upcoming releases like Marvel vs. Capcom collection, Zelda Echoes of Wisdom, and the potential game of the year contenders. We also discuss the unique marketing approach of Hello Games and their upcoming title, Light No Fire, speculating on its potential impact on the gaming world.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a thrilling game of 20 Questions, where the team guesses the iconic game, Super Mario Galaxy 2, in just 13 questions. The episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a deep dive into the games that define our year.

Join us for this engaging episode of Crystal Core Radio and stay tuned for more exciting discussions and special guests in the weeks to come!

State of the Games Industry & Is Game Pass A Failure with MuganLord

Crystal Core Radio #177 - Blue Protocol Canceled Socials, Discord, & Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/gingerprime Become a channel member: youtube.com/@GingerPrimeGaming/join Check out @GamingKinda @MugenLord @GingerPrimeTV @VenusOrionComics https://x.com/VenusOrionComic https://www.instagram.com/venusorioncomics/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asy9xtt9J_E&t=288s https://www.strikekeotees.com/ 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 #blueprotocol #podcast Chapters: 00:00:00 - Arcade Machine: Marvel vs. Capcom 2 00:03:09 - Building a Business with 3D Hentai 00:05:58 - Fulfilling My Dad's Dream 00:08:53 - Getting Back into Creating Art & Stories 00:11:50 - Introducing Mugan Lord and Strike and Kots 00:15:08 - The Importance of Being Informed 00:17:59 - Making a Difference in the Gaming Industry 00:20:52 - Addressing the Conflict in Gaza 00:23:48 - Frustrations in the Gaming Industry 00:26:45 - Console Loyalty & Usage 00:29:52 - Trying to Understand Roblox 00:32:54 - Cyclical Christmas Gifts 00:35:50 - The Challenges of Game Development and Cost of Doing Business 00:38:55 - Reflections on Hell Divers 00:41:43 - Marvel OverWatch and Concord Comparison 00:44:47 - The Console Wars and the Future of Exclusives 00:47:44 - The Impact of Console Exclusives and First-Party Games 00:50:36 - The Restrictiveness of Sony's OS 00:53:48 - The Frustration of Collecting Expensive Hobbies 00:56:44 - Game Pass and its Impact on Game Purchases 00:59:32 - The Value of Game Pass 01:02:29 - Time Wasted on Farming Simulator 01:05:18 - Playing "20 Questions" (Part 1) 01:09:21 - Discussing Final Fantasy Tactics 01:12:54 - Introduction to Final Fantasy Tactics 01:15:49 - Final Fantasy and Video Game News 01:18:52 - And We Out

Navigating the Future of Xbox: Exclusive Games, Cloud Gaming, and Console Wars

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast! In this week's episode, Chris, a.k.a. GamingKinda, and GingerPrime dive deep into the latest developments in the gaming world, joined by special guest J-Job City. The discussion kicks off with a casual pre-show banter where Chris tests out a new feature on StreamYard, and the hosts share personal anecdotes about their week.

The conversation swiftly transitions to the heart of the episode: the current state and future of Xbox. Our hosts and guest delve into the implications of Xbox's recent announcements, including the surprise reveal that the much-anticipated Indiana Jones game will be available on PS5 in spring 2025. This leads to a broader discussion about Xbox's strategy, the impact of Game Pass, and whether the console war is effectively over.

Key points discussed include:

• The implications of Xbox's decision to bring more games to PlayStation and other platforms.
• The role of exclusivity in the gaming industry and how it affects gamers' purchasing decisions.
• The potential future of Xbox hardware, including rumors of a handheld device and the next generation of consoles.
• The rise of cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and their impact on traditional console gaming.
• A fun and challenging game of 20 Questions where Chris and J-Job City try to guess a classic video game based on a series of yes-or-no questions.

Tune in to hear thoughtful insights, industry analysis, and a lively debate about where Xbox is headed and what it means for gamers everywhere. Don't miss this engaging episode as our hosts navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming world!

Join us live every Friday, or catch up on past episodes on your favorite platform. Whether you're a die-hard Xbox fan or just interested in the latest gaming news, Crystal Core Radio has got you covered!

Gaming Industry Insights with Mark Kern: From WoW to Ember and Everything In-Between

In this engaging episode of the Crystal Core Radio Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Mark Kern, also known as Grums, a legendary figure in the gaming industry known for his work on World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Firefall. Joining our regular hosts, Chris (aka GameyKinda) and Crono, we dive deep into the intricacies of game development, industry controversies, and the future of gaming.

The episode kicks off with a pre-show chat as we await Mark's arrival, discussing current gaming trends and community interactions. Once Mark joins, the conversation takes a fascinating turn as he shares his extensive background in game development, from his early days at Blizzard to his current project, Ember. Mark recounts his experiences working on iconic games like StarCraft and World of Warcraft, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of developing some of the most beloved games in history.

Mark delves into the controversial aspects of his career, addressing accusations and setting the record straight on his departure from Blizzard and the development of Firefall. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the gaming industry, including the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and the rise of cancel culture. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining creative freedom and the dangers of over-politicization in game development.

The conversation also touches on Mark's current project, Ember, a spiritual successor to Firefall. Mark explains the unique milestone-based crowdfunding approach he has adopted for Ember, emphasizing transparency and accountability. He addresses the challenges faced during the development process, including personal health issues, and reassures the community about the future of the game.

The episode concludes with a Q&A session, where Mark responds to questions from the chat, offering insights into his views on free speech, censorship, and the role of politics in gaming. He also provides updates on the development of Ember and shares ways for the community to stay involved and support the project.

Join us for this insightful and candid conversation with Mark Kern, as we explore the past, present, and future of the gaming industry. Whether you're a fan of classic Blizzard games, interested in game development, or curious about the inner workings of the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

The Future of Destiny and Bungie: A Deep Dive with Joker

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the latest episode of the Crystal Core Radio podcast. Brian here, joined by Chris and Joker, as we dive into the current state of Destiny. In this episode, we discuss the impact of recent industry layoffs in 2024 and the potential future of Bungie and Destiny, particularly with Sony's apparent takeover of the platform.

Our main focus this week is an in-depth discussion on what lies ahead for Bungie and its popular IP, Destiny. Joker shares his insights on the internal struggles at Bungie, the effects of the Sony acquisition, and the studio's upcoming projects. We explore whether Bungie can recapture its former glory or if it's destined to struggle under new management.

We also touch on the latest news and personal updates from our hosts. Chris talks about his passion for the Summer Olympics and the CrossFit Games, while Joker shares a harrowing story of a fire in his apartment building. Brian updates us on his exciting interview with Thomas from Moon Studios, creators of Ori and the Blind Forest, and discusses the innovative roguelike elements in No Rest for the Wicked.

As always, we wrap up the episode with our fun segment, "20 Questions," where the hosts try to guess a game based on yes or no questions. This week's game had everyone stumped until the very last question, making for an exciting and memorable moment.

If you enjoy our podcast, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. We record every Friday-ish at around 11:30 AM Central, aiming for 50 episodes a year. Join us live for the next episode and be part of the conversation!

Is Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Too Hard?

Crystal Core Radio #173 - Is Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Too Hard? 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 #finalfantasy14

Blizzard Unionizes, No Rest for the Wicked Update, and Gaming Industry Insights

In this episode of Crystal Core Radio, hosts Brian, Chris, and Elio dive into some hot topics in the gaming industry. They kick things off with a comprehensive discussion on the recent unionization of Blizzard's World of Warcraft developers. This historic move involves both the California and Austin teams and has sparked widespread debate about the pros and cons of unionization in the gaming industry. The hosts share their perspectives on the potential implications for other studios and the industry as a whole.

Next, the conversation shifts to the latest update for the game "No Rest for the Wicked." Brian provides an in-depth review of the game's third update, which introduces the Crucible, a roguelike mode that has captivated his attention. He explains how this mode adds a fresh layer of challenge and excitement, making the game even more engaging. Brian also highlights the game's polished state despite being in early access and compares its combat mechanics to other popular titles like Diablo and Elden Ring.

In a broader discussion about the gaming industry, the hosts touch on the rise of indie games and the innovative approaches they bring to the table. They explore how smaller budgets and constraints can lead to more creative and enjoyable gaming experiences, citing examples like "Vampire Survivors" and other indie hits.

The episode wraps up with a look at the challenges and opportunities within the gaming industry, including the need for consumer advocacy and the impact of corporate decisions on game development and player experiences. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that covers a wide range of topics relevant to gamers and industry insiders alike.

N64 Nostalgia and No Man's Sky Innovations: Gaming Through the Ages

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Crystal Core Radio podcast! In today's episode, Brian returns as your co-host alongside Chris and Chrono, with special guest Chili. We kick things off by reflecting on last week's spoiler-free deep dive into Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail, which featured insightful perspectives from Elio and Chili. If you're avoiding spoilers but still want to stay updated, be sure to catch that episode.

This week, we celebrate a milestone of crossing 60,000 downloads, thanks to our dedicated listeners. The team discusses their current gaming adventures, from soft-modding the Wii U and playing Twilight Princess HD to diving back into Fortnite and Final Fantasy XIV. We also touch on the challenges of balancing new and old games and the nostalgia of titles like Age of Empires and Minecraft.

Our main topic of discussion revolves around the recent price hike of Microsoft's Game Pass. We explore the implications of the new standard tier, which excludes day-one releases for console players, and the FTC's reaction to this change. The panel shares their thoughts on the potential impact on consumers, the value of family plans, and the missed opportunities for adding more value to the Ultimate tier, such as including subscriptions to popular MMOs like World of Warcraft.

We then shift our focus to No Man's Sky and its latest 5.0 update, which brings it closer in visual fidelity to the upcoming title, Light No Fire. We discuss the impressive eight-year journey of No Man's Sky, the team's commitment to free updates, and the excitement around Light No Fire's promise of a fully rendered planet-size open world. The conversation also delves into the potential benefits of early access for Light No Fire and the innovative reuse of existing assets to create new gaming experiences.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a challenging game of 20 Questions, where the panel tries to guess a nostalgic N64 game. Tune in to find out if they can identify the game and join us for some fun and laughter along the way.

Don't miss this engaging episode filled with gaming insights, industry news, and a trip down memory lane. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future!