Gaming Under The Influence

Did you know that the layoffs affecting the video game industry in 2023 and 2024 have been an exclusively western problem? Asian developers like Capcom, Fromsoft, Kojima and Neowiz continue to expand and hire while American and European studios shrink and collapse. Join Mike and Alex for a discussion of the situation and its cultural causes. References https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/07/amid-industry-wide-layoffs-capcom-is-increasing-starting-salary-in-japan-by-more https://www.neowiz.com/neowiz/careers/recruithttps://www.kojimaproductions.jp/en/careers https://www.gamesradar.com/as-layoffs-batter-the-industry-fromsoftware-boss-hidetaka-miyazaki-says-now-is-the-time-for-us-to-continue-to-grow-and-continue-to-cultivate-this-talent/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stevebendas_why-japanese-studios-arent-laying-off-staff-activity-7157859103757791232-rAoT https://www.pcgamer.com/the-impact-of-16000-games-industry-layoffs-in-one-chart/ https://infinitestart.com/2024/03/layoffs-hit-respawn-entertainment/

Microtransactions have been patched into Dragon's Dogma 2. Join Alex & Mike to discuss if microtransactions always ruin games.

What's the problem with consultancy firms like Sweet Baby Inc? The conversation has so far left the most important things unstated: the violation of artistic integrity and the putrescent ideology at play.

On the heels of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, join Alex & Mike for a rundown of the best games for newcomers to the JRPG genre.

Recent events consolidate the impression that the Western AAA video game industry is in dire straits. Creative interests are sacrificed in order to pursue defunct genres and monetization styles; this shows no sign of letting up.

What separates the best games from the rest? Join Alex & Mike for a discussion of the distinguishing feature[s] of the video game canon.

After some time with Fromsoft's Soulsborne games, returning to other things just doesn't cut it. Join Alex & Mike for a discussion of why playing souls ruins the experience of other games.

Is Bloodborne the best Fromsoft game? To answer this question, Alex and Mike compare chalice dungeons and caves, the secondary content in Bloodborne and Elden Ring respectively.

Whether you are new to the genre or revisiting it after a prolonged absence, you can join Alex & Mike for a run down of five essential tips to help you succeed at Soulslike games Gaming Under the Influence @ Green Dragon CVR with Mike + Alex; SUPPORT GreenDragonCVR https://greendragoncvr.com/store/support-green-dragon-cvr Website: https://greendragoncvr.com/

Alex & Mike discuss three promising Soulslike games featured at the Game Awards 2023