2024: The vibes are in shambles | Friends Per Second Ep #50

[@SkillUp]

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS. -- Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode!

[@JulesNekro]

Don't

[@1_underthesun]

Best video game ad was that super creepy PS2 commercial with the laughing baby doll..... That commercial had people talking.

[@herkihrc809]

Ralph destiny 2 final shape vid? Plz?😊

[@jtaggtheone4430]

Just so you guys know you seem to almost get to the thought but you guys seems to come short of realizing all this woke bs and politics being inserted to all our games is ruining the passion and escapism you get from playing games it sucks 1 big example for me is pacific drive cool concept cool game then 3hrs into the game after you get into they hit you with all the woke LGBT bs its the only customization you can put on your car …. I instantly deleted the game I can’t stand that shit not a single heterosexual customization. Plus you guys won’t acknowledge sweet baby inc or any of assassins creed bullshit with Ubisoft so of course you guys are going to lose viewers.

[@KingPorkbun]

I'll tell you why this year feels different. The weight of all our societal troubles is overwhelming discourse around the things that bring us joy. Between all the wars around the world, politics being as inflammatory as ever, inflation crushing North America, and then the more industry localized things like all the layoffs and shutterings. It's hard to maintain an enthusiasm for all the great games we're playing when we finish a session and are reminded of the times we live in.

[@philbarton2832]

Nailed it.

[@yapp2yapp2]

It is very important that you don't lose hope. It's very deliberate that the campaign from the right is focused on making you feel hopeless for the future. It's how they win, they want you to feel isolated and alone. ITs how that H guy got away with the stuff in the 19 fourties. These kinda freaks are a very small minority with strange views. A lot of it is "hidden", for example with a*mongold constantly talking about how bad the world is. You need to unsub and blacklist channels like that because they give you a false and propagandistic view of reality. It's mean to isolate you and disconnect you from your fellow people.

[@yamahkogribbis6212]

We are all waiting to see if America will send the entire free world into the orange hands of fascism.

[@mistro0014]

WW3 is coming and Aliens are here. Our species is on path for massive change

[@sneezingmango]

I feel this, most of us play games to escape all the horrible shit in real life but lately it feels like there's a strange bleed over effect happening that makes it harder to play games they way we all used to.

[@FluxCrush]

Ive never had a greater desire to step away from “screens” in general. Something about this year has made me want to stop spending so much time on my phone, computer, TV, etc. I feel like I need a break, and for lack of a better way to say it, to go outside and touch grass lol.

[@philbarton2832]

The world's in a messed up place dude, I don't blame you for being exhausted with it all. Go outside, take a knee, smell the rose's ✌️

[@lordsysop]

With political divide being pretty intense for the last decade, covid, ww3 around the corner/ukraine, cost of living/renting and palestine vs israel. Then there is reddit/youtube/tik tok and all the rest. I don't think we have had screen burn out this bad. At least in the old days your internet and connection to the world was at home. Now the world is on a constant iv into our blood streams. Oh I also forgot the aaa space imploding etc. Woooosssaaaa

[@lordsysop]

​@philbarton2832 there needs to be an updated "we didn't start the fire" song by Billy Joel lol

[@wesleywittekiend423]

“How much Room can it actually…” “Ba” 😂 Lucy was on point with that one.

[@noirionC]

3:59

[@None-lx8kj]

Can someone translate that interaction into Boomer please?

[@Pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

@@None-lx8kj They were talking about roombas. Room-ba... So Lucy finished Ralph's thought by treating "Ba" as a verb. Like "Room-Ba" is a thing that, um, "bas" the room. Lol. I dunno. Jokes are usually less funny when you explain them

[@None-lx8kj]

@@Pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Oh.... Wow. That's so good, and so bad.

[@sabihrashid252]

No idea where Skillup is getting his movie reviews from, but the early reviews for Deadpool were pretty positive from critics and the audience reception is better.

[@rodkimble11]

Jake all the time, "I am not smart, I'm a dumb person," Also Jake, "the mental bandwidth for something new is not there, but the need for comfort and familiarity is required." Casual king shit, also the dragons joke was fun - silliness is also required

[@sbeve3888]

Yeah, Jake fucks tbh. I never feel like my weekend started until I hear the "pizza's on me" in the Friday show, too

[@DogginsFroggins]

Ironically considering that you might not be the smartest person around is sterotypical intelligent behaviour, doubt and introspection.

[@lukew6725]

Typical videogame journo trying to act like he's sooooo much smarter than everyone else. 🥱

[@yapp2yapp2]

@@lukew6725 Jake: Says something introspective and thoughtful You: WOW HE'S SO ARROGANT. We don't like you weirdos. Go away nancy reagan type.

[@ThePokestopPapi]

Poetic as fuck 🥲

[@Death_MTL_Dude]

“Everyone’s taking a break from video games” Yeah when companies charge $70-$100+ for unfinished slop in an inflated economy, people put priorities over video games. As well as COVID being over. Not that difficult.

[@marcusclark1339]

@@Chopzi11a yup

[@jfells4838]

It’s $70 full stop. If you’re paying for more than you are buying a “deluxe” edition. Also like… what? This year we’ve had bangers like ff7 rebirth, rise of the ronin, shadow of the erdtree, stellar blade, helldivers 2 and more that I’m too lazy to name. Just bc a couple of bad live service games come out doesn’t mean all games are “unfinished slop”. The only thing I agree with is inflation.. the fact that almost everything has increased in price has definitely stopped a lot of people from being able to buy as many games and just be able to enjoy a lot of things in general nowadays.

[@HazyLooks]

Covid over? 😅

[@leeroy1986]

Also working on older games. I'm still on Shadow of the Erdtree for example.

[@lukeg1940]

​@@Chopzi11a there are sooo many actual problems with triple a gaming we don't need to throw the imaginary wokeness boogeyman on top of that come on man

[@EmmaEquinox]

"Time Crisis is a metaphor for my life now" And i felt that on a deep personal level, Jake haha

[@EmmaEquinox]

BUT ALSO I AGREE. TIME CRISIS FCKING RUUUULED

[@EmmaEquinox]

The kickback on the guns. The dip diving ducking and dodging. The cheesy dialogue. Proper action. And shit. Good times

[@it-s-a-mystery]

​@@EmmaEquinox I forgot the guns had kickback until I read this comment To "overshare" real quick.. You literally unlocked core memories of going to the cinema an hour early to spend some time in the arcade with my now estranged dad. Not a had thing BTW, the memories are bittersweet.

[@mikeb8138]

I love how Ralph falls into his 'review' cadence when talking about what he's playing, he even naturally gives a summary and a score at the end 😂I was half expecting him to throw to an ad

[@reutermo]

This most have been their longest intro yet and I loved it. More episoded where they are just chatting, like the christmas one!

[@EhEhEhEINSTEIN]

I was surprised no one went for the private jet during the $1b hypothetical. After the car, house and financial advisor upgrades, the private plane has got to be it.

[@drgonzo123]

My gaming ebbs and flows throughout the year. After I beat a game I usually go through a bout of post game depression. I have trouble on deciding what to play next and dabble in a lot of different games to try and figure out what I’m in the mood for (unless there’s a major release I’ve been waiting for). It’s just really easy to jump back into an old game that I know I like, and know the vibe and way it makes me feel. Case in point, I just put over 100 hours in Cyberpunk, not wanting it to end because I got so comfortable in that world.

[@ULTRAxCHEZ]

I don't think it's gaming specific. I just think most people are tired and enduring tough times (emotional, financial, etc.) until things get better. I can't speak for anyone else, but when I feel like that I just play stuff that's familiar and comforting to me, and don't really try anything new or dive into online discussion.

[@Conner112]

As a diehard video listener, I feel personally attacked by Lucy's comment at 11:37

[@thaddaeussmith]

I came here for this comment😂. Cheers!

[@Barbeedood]

Diehard video listener, and ocasional peeker. I feel you 😂

[@hogg1220]

How dare she slander us this way 🤣

[@onlyenkei]

There are dozens of us! Dozens!

[@mursejoyy]

Jake “I’m on the subreddit” Ralph “but how much room can it actually…” Lucy “Ba?” This chain of events fuckin sent me

[@swolradguy7170]

I feel like if you’re a big fan of niche JRPGs like I am you’ve been eating this year but if you aren’t then this has been a pretty dead yeae

[@joshleslie2825]

Which ones are you playing I love a good jrpg. I'm looking forward to Metaphor Refantazio

[@Simonbergot]

There was lots of excellent metroivanias. Biomorph, Nine sols, Bo, etc

[@joshleslie2825]

@@Simonbergot not super big into metroidvanias do like me some hollow knight though

[@Saz103]

Are you into the trials series by chance

[@joshleslie2825]

@@Saz103 the Trails series? I haven't played any but I hear they are good just beat Persona 5 and Octopath Traveler 1 and 2

[@zacharykoplik6135]

“How is that profitable for frito lay” was an underrated reference and incredibly underrated movie

[@hogg1220]

Source?

[@owllinz]

@@hogg1220Game Night

[@Cuan-gp4ws]

Your whole discussion about the lull was like being given the red pill. You vocalised what I didn't realise I'd been feeling. Lately, I've drifted into a gaming malaise where nothing satisfies me and I'm only 'excited' for something new just to have something to 'do' as oppose 'enjoy'. Zeitgeist is the wrong word, but there's definitely something in the air that's endemic of a generational moment. Like the gaming equivalent of quiet quitting. I think people are fed up but don't know how to fix it; also, people would feel weird about admitting that to themselves as an encroaching gaming passivism is the king of first-world problems. The other day, I was feeling agitated and annoyed with Flintlock that I uninstalled it and bought a flurry of older and smaller titles so I could feel inspired by games that were innovative or a reminder of more earnest times (shout out to KOTOR and Arranger).

[@yapp2yapp2]

Zeitgeist is the right word. People are rightfully scared of another orange term. The possibility of another divisive term has people uncertain, america is a conduit for western culture. Last time he was in office a lot of the "western" spirit and cooperation took a major hit, and we've not recovered. Another term would probably mean a complete collapse. There are ways to get involved to stop the march of fa**ism, these are an extremely small minority and their strategy is to make you feel hopeless. Talk with the people around you, things are not so bleak

[@Jeremus717]

This episode is exactly how I've been feeling. Like so many people in modern America, I don't really have any friends who are also interested in video games to talk about this stuff. It feels incredibly validating to see that my experience is not unique, but really plays into a larger zeitgeist shared by the community that I am still tangentially part of by virtue of my interests.

[@mikesannitti6042]

I literally have been doing my own gaming podcast for 13 years with a few distant friends with almost no listeners but we continue to do it for this reason.

[@muke392]

BEST intro banter in any episode so far. Holy fuck. I hope Jake buys unnecessary replacement knees

[@calonfire]

for a certain type of gamer, this is a huge year, satisfactory 1.0, factorio expansion, and announcements for anno 117, planet coaster 2, its happening

[@Greippi10]

There's definitely fatigue in the air. I think a big part of it is that we've finally settled down from covid. It happened to tech industries last year already (+interest rates), but for consumers last year was still propped up by incredible titles. Casual gamers who had quit gaming previously have gotten their fill for the next ten years, and hardcore gamers probably feel like "wow that was a lot of gaming, maybe I should do something else now." Regarding the view numbers Jake mentioned, I think it's definitely a widespread thing. This is all anecdotal, but I feel like many streamers who were boosted by 1k+ views by covid have lost a lot of what they gained and are again struggling. YT's longform content is loosing views to shorts and TikTok. I'm sure there are those who are still growing, but like the gaming industry the growth is probably consolidating on a select few. Nostalgy seems to be a broader thing in the culture too. I don't go to music festivals anymore, but I read a piece on how Finnish festivals have a lot of focus on old names from 20+ years ago now. Music worldwide has been sampling a lot of 80s, 90s and 00s hits in a pretty unimaginative way for years now. I don't know if there's a link to covid in nostalgy too, but it might be that we were waiting for things to be a bit better after the pandemic. Instead of that it feels... Uneasy. The only winners have been tech giants with AI. So people want comfort and the "good old times". Gaming is going to bounce back, it always does, no reason for it not to. But I do think the audience shrunk or at least stagnated, people who didn't play before covid are mostly back to not playing. Hardcore gamers will flock around a select few f2p titles. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[@TheLamppost444]

I'm millenial age and can't for the life of me get into tiktok, it's not for me. I was very surprised to learn recently however that people stream games on tiktok. A coworker streams on tiktok and Twitch, and he said he gets better viewership on tiktok (though it's still almost zero). Not really relevant to your comment I guess...just felf like sharing lol

[@DataButcher]

Shoutout Lucy w/ the HEALTH t-shirt, great band! 👍

[@Justjoshinh]

first nine inch nails, now health, we need her rep prodigy, tool and rage against the machine next lol

[@Justjoshinh]

maybe kavinsky ,m83 , gunship and the midnight for more current groups

[@Deadsubstance]

Theyre pretty good, but I feel like they can do even better lol. I just feel like theyve been underbaking all their work since the beginning but we'll see

[@EteriskSigerik-dg7ul]

Hey, I just wanted to say I love the podcast while I'm in the gym. Finally, I got the courage to leave a comment! So keep it up. There is demand here for this content!

[@peterhodges3106]

This year has been pretty decent, but after 2023, the blockbuster year of games, it has been hard to compare. But I have enjoyed some great stuff this year. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, was a fantastic metroid-vania, The Finals reinvigorated my love for multiplayer FPS's, Shadow of The Erdree was sublime, Another Crab's Treasure was a creative take on the Souls genre and The Final Shape was a brilliant crescendo and a return to form for Destiny. Now I just wait for Silksong. It'll happen.

[@aquagiraffe1988]

I have not completed a single 2024 video game this year. The only one I think I have even played is Helldivers 2. Been just working on the backlog finally finishing Cyberpunk and the OG FF7

[@snipinpixihunter]

Stellar Blade was really fun! And rise of the ronin. Ronin is pretty long, though, but they're both a good time if you're interested when they are on sale

[@marccreation1052]

Helldivers 2 gets great at the high difficulties, especially with buddies and Discord.

[@Calladim]

Would you say all of cyberpunk is worth it or should I go straight to phantom of liberty?

[@dark_winter8238]

​@Calladim definitely do all of cyberpunk. I do not thing phantum Liberty really works stand alone.

[@Calladim]

@@dark_winter8238 thank you for the insight

[@Alarios711]

Time Crisis II has eaten so many coins off me, in the end I was doing a complete run on a single life. Basically my entire childhood when we were in holydays at the coast. Good times man.

[@rennelope]

Not to mention with a cost of living crisis... I can't afford $125 AUD for a new game, so I totally understand people playing/replaying games from 5-10 years ago or free to play games, because either a) they're free in terms of f2p, b) people already own them, or c) because they came out a while ago they go decently on sale. It's what I'm doing now, I started a new Mass Effect playthrough last night.

[@devinkonquer3334]

Inflation is still crazy all over the world if these companies think spending will just return is insane its going to get worse before it gets better they are penny pinching us at every corner and it's going to continue to cost them

[@grahamgilmore42]

Thank you for answering my question! Absolutely made my day.

[@GoneHollowMedia]

I see it as more of a gaming industry situation. Work to life balance getting tougher, rising cost of living. What media is out there all competing for our limited time. I've wanted to start something new for a while, but like Jake said, the mental bandwidth isn't there to put in the time RN. I end up sticking Diablo on for half an hour or wasting an hour of my life fighting Radahn over and over again until I'm beaten into submission 🤣

[@captnbeebopaloobop]

The Playstation "tavern" ads with all the characters toasting a portrait of a dude with a controller was PEAK videogame marketing!!!

[@austinpreble9652]

Small suggestion for the podcast but I think it would be nice if when they’re talking about a game they have some game play on where a fourth person would be. That way we can see what the Lucy ass games look like as she’s talking about them

[@lordsysop]

Yeh something to watch in a fourth box or their little heads on a border?

[@ashthegeek7400]

Really cool idea!

[@RegularToasty]

What Jake mentioned about the anticipation of the next thing is exactly how function. Ive been excited about gaming less, cause I haven't had that drive or that excitement for releases. I've been trying to put time into other hobbies I enjoy (like DnD and stuff like that), and go through my gaming backlog of course

[@Calladim]

Spending time with other hobbies then returning to gaming for a big rpg or multiplayer release is quite the feeling!

[@mewtlyon5492]

Thank you for championing Kunitsu-gami Lucy and Ralph! ❤ I have found it a very meditative experience, I think its the omission of dialogue and voice acting for me that makes it feel very immersive.

[@vitev009]

The Halo 3 Diorama commercials were the GOAT

[@Tetsuo6995]

I have a lot of respect for you guys reviewing all kinds of games for us. The gaming industry is a jungle too massive to explore on your own. And we got great people like you guys exploring that for us and helping us find hidden secrets. Growing up it's more difficult for me to get out of my comfort zone for games. I want more and more that instant gratification of getting my "fix" for my current years old unoriginal games. Really impressed you can check out so many different games and giving them what seem like equal opportunity to shine at the same time. Thank you ! I'm currently playing Kunitsu-Gami and I would have never touched it without the review from Ralph. It's a game so unique it doesn't really have any comparison point and yet it makes complete sense when you play it. Also, there is definitely this feeling of this being a passion project. Someone who had a clear vision of the game and the rest of the team got along with it perfectly to help make it a reality (even though you get out of Kunitsu as if you were dreaming). Great stuff !

[@lithographer]

"Look at banner Michael" 10/10 🤣

[@sirdanzig4412]

Your discussion at 30:00 was the same thought process I've had recently. I put my never ending "to play" list of video games away and I've just been playing nostalgia games. And it feels lovely. Yall deserve to go make happy!

[@vincentclark8386]

I believe the consumer market in general is shifting and people aren't playing or spending as much on what they used too. My wife works in the entertainment performer industry and they are in a lull as well with consumer purchases. In regards to video game excitement nothing really has been grabbing my attention while replaying old games. However Sparking Zero has sparked (no pun intended lol) an incredibly high gamer interest and excitement. CAN'T. WAIT. I will also say that as we all get older our lives change and adjust so that could be a possibility to the "lull" in video games as well. Hope ya'll are doing great. Fantastic podcast as always

[@MrFraynejames]

I love returning to old media. As age changes my perspective, even a familiar story can feel brand new.

[@kiryukanzaki1141]

I think part of that more dimmed excitement for new releases is in part because there have been so many more buggy large-scale releases in recent memory that people have unconsciously tempered their own hype for stuff, leading to a lot less fervent discord about the next biggest thing from the triple A space. That, plus the fact that indies and f2p games have this easier onboarding process (cheaper price point/f2p) has led to more of a consumer trying out the games, but not necessarily sticking with them long enough to give major impressions.

[@christopheletourneau5057]

You guys really convinced me to play Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. Nice and fun episode as usual!

[@bencarlson4300]

My current personal gaming habit is to have 3 or 4 games to cycle through. 1 for co-op with friends (Helldivers 2 or Remnant 2), 1 for a single player story or challenging experience (Sekiro and Dark Souls recently), 1 for brain dead multiplayer fun (Titanfall 2 and Battlefront 2), and 1 for on the go (strategy or roguelikes primarily, The Last Spell, FTL, Rollercoaster Tycoon, etc). The trend I’ve seen with my friends is that even if they get new games, they go back to their favorites like KOTOR because that’s just what they know they like. I don’t mind changing things up, but I have such a big backlog that it’ll be years before I play a game I’m hyped for like Ghost of Tsushima or Black Myth Wukong because of the current high price and the amount of older games I want to get through first.

[@myleshawkins671]

I believe we're hitting the natural lull from the games that would have been greenlit during 2020. The stuff from pre-2020 got extra time in the oven during COVID and produced a great 2023, but I'd expect things to pick back up on the back half of 2025.

[@thisguyrighthere8502]

Last year was stacked with amazing games, this year definitely feels like a down year before more big releases come out next year.

[@JohnnyInVR]

Hey guys, thank you for answering my user question at 50:25 that was the highlight of my week. I kind of miss all those crazy things companies used to do back then to promote their games and consoles. Like with most things, companies are very risk adverse so everything is calculated to a point it all seems a bit stale and from the same mould nowadays.

[@KrustyBunion]

Feeling like the vibes are off seems like a thing for people who play all the new games. I don't play every new game and still play games from years past. So I don't notice a difference for me

[@servitorhosted]

The first newsletter I've ever willingly signed up for!

[@MtlRocker]

Probably one of the best cold opens to a show so far.

[@frazer4737]

I know this is late but just wanted to say in kunitsu gami, after you rebuild the bases, you can go back to get crystals and rations once in a while. Still pretty simple but its not totally useless

[@DonutFlavourJam]

The vibes are indeed shambolic and I found myself agreeing with all of it feeling "off". I can't help but think part of it is due to the overhype, disappointment cycle we've been through too many times now. Anyway, I'm going to go play DRG and Shadow of War again.

[@mattdabeast315]

I think that one of the reasons why we feel this hibernation as Ralph said is not only because of fewer big games but also because Covid is over and we can now have lives again so people are going out more. And I also think that inflation plays a big factor into why we are buying fewer games and why we go back to older games. Triple A games are now 70 dollars and some of them don’t work properly day one. Food, gas and more essentials are going up in prices. Most of us have back catalog of games that we got for less than 70 dollars that we can play now because it’s doesn’t require an internet connection. So we have to choose between a game that is most likely to be unplayable day one or food which we need to survive.

[@rykadawnreaver2075]

I love the thoughtful chats to start :) Theres been great stuff already this year, I like the idea of everyone taking time to play things from the past 5 years and such.

[@LeonidasGGG]

Ralph wouldn't change a thing about his life if he was a millionaire, because he's already living every gamer's deram. Good on you my boi! Good on you. 😉

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

Jake fixating on “the next thing” is so relatable

[@Silvermud21]

I played Lorelei and the Laser Eyes thanks to your recommendation a few weeks ago, and it was incredible. There are still plenty of great indie games out there, but for some reason they’re not garnering as much attention as previous indie games have.

[@scottpolson514]

I’ve gone back into the ME trilogy on my ally. Just starting the Reaper IFF mission in ME2

[@AliG-ih8ku]

Totally agree on the gym stuff Ralph, I kept it up for a while but defs not stimulating enough. Now I've been Bouldering for 2 years and loving it, highly recommended if you want to do stimulating / social exercise

[@tuffc00kie]

17:03 Honestly, I’ve just spent like 700 hours in Warframe this year instead of playing solo games, because BG3 and AW2 broke me in the best way possible. They were so, so incredibly good that there’s not much space in my head/heart for anything beyond them for now.

[@ShadowedAgony]

30:30 holy shit same. Mass Effect is the ultimate comfort game

[@haitianptc333]

That cold open was SO long that I think I forgot you guys were going to talk about games until the music played. I loved it. Lol.

[@jirizarr_21]

One of the best recent campaigns was the Diablo 4 ad board in NYC saying Welcome to Hell. It happened during the Canadian wildfires so the sky over the city was red and it was just perfect timing.

[@jordanmaiden0073]

Jake, thank you for mentioning Anger Foot. I added that on my wish list forever go and had no idea it came out!

[@neversimon]

I wonder if one factor has to do with all the tens of thousands of people laid off from the games industry. These people didn't just work on the games, they were ambassadors and hyped them to their friends, family, and social circles. It's not much at an individual level, but man would it add up. These are ground level people, those who turn friends, family, etc into advocates, so the knock-on effects are gone too.

[@DavidDingoBleecher]

A couple of things. 1... why the hell are you still on Xitter? I jumped off that rat infested ship 2 years ago. 2. The industry decided to jump to $70 a game at the beginning of a huge bout of inflation. Everyone with a mic was saying, "well, they had to raise the price at some point"... Did they? These companies that went from millions to billions in profit when it was $60? (BTW, that's the sole reason I went with Xbox over PS). The companies that fire people when they make the greatest surges in profits? Nah, they can take it raw and sandy for that. 3. I've bought all of five games since I joined Game Pass a couple years ago. I used to buy about two a month. So, let's do the math: Game Pass = $20/mo New game= $60 (I'll never buy $70) $120*36(months) = $4320 $20 (game pass)*36= $720 Savings (that didn't go into the industry) = $3600 So, yeah, that's why.

[@Ozymillie]

Diablo IV in New York Times Square when the sky turned Red due to the forrest fires. Come on guys! XD

[@WonderGirl109]

Lucy bringing up the Paper Mario "free demo" was such a blast from the past- that ad is definitely a core memory for me

[@zupasha]

this year was definitely alright, especially considering that I have so much to do personally (working on my own indie game), this year not being as packed as other years is very much welcomed, then the ones I was looking forward to, I have time to play them and slot them in. It feels perfect.

[@massivive]

damn you guys should sign up for this newsletter, it's PACKED

[@stewbaby187]

The vibe you're feeling is overstation/overload. I always return to older things (currently Monster Hunter World) because I don't have to learn anything new. Usually, when this happens to me, it's because I've been trying to play EVERYTHING vs. being selective to the things I actually love. The vibe is a homogeneous feeling, where everything melds together. That's just me though! Time to refocus on what you actually care about, you may already be doing it. It's just getting rolled up into your daily routine and you can't recognize it.

[@blaarfengaar]

Shout-out to Lucy with the HEALTH shirt, I've gotten really into them this year after discovering them through Cyberpunk 2077

[@dem0nfr0g39]

I know it would probably be a lot more work, but having some gameplay or the trailer for the games during what did you play would be amazing

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

It would be neat if they added a 4th in the bottom alongside their faces while discussing certain games. I imagine it would be a pain in the ass for the editor but it could add a little flavor.

[@spectre-8]

@@FKDotFitzgeraldwell, there used to be 4 boxes not too long ago.. shouldn’t be too hard!

[@vivasenriqueccs]

As someone who lives in Montreal, it was pretty cool to hear Lucy talking about that artistic game...

[@nmarzano]

It hit me during your vibes convo: FPS may be the only gaming-related show that never features dudes getting worked up and yelling at any point. Even with shows I still enjoy, I find myself fast-forwarding or completely noping out of episodes whenever some guy (their name often rhymes with Smeg, Smeff, or Smike) gets shrill or angry, whether or not it's played as a bit. The world's on fire, everyone's already yelling and stressing pretty frequently, often for better reasons than 'video games.' When it comes to podcasts, this year I just want to hear chill, informed people having a calm, interesting conversation. The vibes are generally in shambles, but the FPS vibes are essential.

[@darkbornelines4587]

I would recommend ACG podcast also, they are chill and behave like adults without all the yelling

[@BayleafMoon]

Minnmax doesn’t either, fantastic podcast and shows from them

[@blaymeister]

Favourite new game for me? Dungeons of Hinterberg. An antidote to the bloat and cynicism. Wonderful, beautiful and enjoyable. Thank you GamePass. I wouldn't have played it without you

[@ReubenHelms]

Hoping to play this, this weekend. I tried Flintlock last weekend with some regret.

[@blaymeister]

@@ReubenHelms me too. Couldn't stand Flintlock. Which was a shame as I loved Banishers. Flintlock is an empty husk. Hinterberg is just beautiful and so easy to get sucked into

[@beccangavin]

30:33 I’m replaying Mass Effect right now! I mean, not right now. Right now I’m working….but when I get off of work I’m replaying Mass Effect!

[@rennelope]

I literally started a new playthrough last night!

[@MrJason0258]

Same!

[@mwdavis77]

I'm starting to think that my gaming habits don't align with this podcast anymore. I feel like there is an aloofness to their discussions, and they aren't really in touch with most gamers. Did they just say 2024 hasn't been as good as 2023, in terms of big releases? Consoles are not doing well? What planet are these influencers on? Consoles first, Switch is on track to be the biggest selling or 2nd biggest selling console of all time. The hype for the Switch 2 is off the charts, and I'm sure it will sell a ridiculous amount. The PS5 is ahead of the PS4, so does this mean the PS4 didn't do well? The reality is that consoles are doing well and the Xbox is the only one that has dropped the ball, so don't downplay the success of Nintendo and PS. Regarding game releases this year, these are just in the first 6 months and certainly not a complete list. Prince of Persia, Granblue Fantasy, FF7 Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Banishers, Dragon's Dogma 2, Rise of Ronin, Stellar Blade, Animal Well, Hellblade 2, XDefiant, Paper Mario, Final Shape, Erdtree, FFX14 Dawntrail. If you don't think there have been a ton of great games in the first 6 months of 2024, you don't like gaming, or you're just ignoring facts. My backlog continues to grow, and I don't see how I'm going to get to all of these. Recommendation for the FPS team, a little more critical analysis would be beneficial.

[@intothevoid2046]

I think what is going on is this: People are tired of company politics talk and console wars. They want to enjoy games and and there are now so many to chose from that they can just ignore what doesn't fir extremely close to their expectations. The market is flooded. The number of players is not increasing anymore, now that the baby boomers are retreating or simply die out. And many of the recent games are so short, that despite their quality they are quickly replaced by something else. And lastly, too often a hype ended in disappointment. People are not that easily excited anymore. This is a completely normal consolidation of an economy and community that had been living in a growing bubble for long enough. The industry has seen this coming, hence the preemptive strikes in the form of layoffs and other measures. It's just the players that are only realizing this now - or not at all.

[@Saviorprimo-incog]

I think lucy is right. Right now we live in very uncertain times, politically most countries are a mess and when the news is saying "democracy is at stake" on both sides its understandable why people are stressed, socially there's huge idea wars are going on everywhere, financially the average person doesn't have as much purchasing power compared to like 5 years ago and the prices of games are only going up. 5 years ago I would spend $10 pretty easily, now even after 200 hours in the first descendant I am hesitant to spend $10 for more descendant slots. Its nice to go back to a game that you know and already own, play it in the comfort of your own home and feel safe, and certain that you're going to have a nice relaxing time.

[@austinsmith4343]

It’s actually really interesting to hear the vibe discussion here from the crew. I have a slack channel at work that used to be buzzing with conversations but over the past 4 months its just kinda been dead

[@MaddieRaeGun]

Spot on yall - I’ve always lately felt the desire to stick to gaming comfort food. My fave games this year were FF7 Rebirth (just a love letter to FF7 fans), ER dlc, and lately I’ve gone back to start a fresh run of MGSV and it just feels comfy. I guess when everything else feels kinda awful, uncertain, and scary, it’s nice to take comfort in known quantities.

[@elliot97123]

The halo 3 ads were it for me, creating a whole live action documentary and an entire miniature battle. They were so cool back in the day

[@Friendly_Newb]

All the stuff I want to play are coming out in 2025... this year feels like a break from 2023....and the year of firing people.

[@Dan016]

Ontop of all the other comments and reasons, I think we’re still in a post-pandemic world/society, what I mean by that is just because we survived the world shooting down, I think most, or at least many of us are still sorting out how that affected us. So I think a general sense of not wanting to be on the screen so much or doing things on the screen by yourself has retracted a bit, vs in person events and the return of evo for example shows we’ve missed our social interactions and are craving them more than in the past

[@BobsRevenge]

Love the Arranger shoutout, what a great concept it is, I really like seeing these kinds of novel approaches to puzzle games

[@humblebird]

im ngl i genuinely enjoy listening to them chat shit at the start of the episode more than the games portion of the episode atp LOL so much fun

[@richardhunter9779]

Release draught is a great time for retro gaming! I have been working on my PS2 backlog and it reminded me how much I love that era of gaming.

[@Qwrk13]

44:28 choked on my drink when Ralph said "we definitely spanked that topic", thanks I guess

[@ReubenHelms]

Nothing is feeling as long as the wait for the next FPS episode.

[@VerakumGamer]

Regarding the start of the show talking about people not playing games and such, it is because games are REALLY expensive right now so people play only games bought a long time ago, and also there are so many games that you can sometimes stick with your old stuff.

[@js1879]

You guys are right about this lull going on in the desire to play games....i have been dragging my feet to finish anything and the desire to play is at an all time low. Black Myth Wukong is the only game im hyped about this year so we'll see if it will reignite the gaming fire

[@RizoftheDead]

I still feel like "Your mom hates Dead Space" was one of the best marketing strategies.

[@darthsader7089]

I think a better phrase to describe how we're all feeling is "We're in a holding pattern." And I've gotten the feeling to start Borderlands 2 & 3 back up.

[@Thiagoslaw]

Time to listen to the podcast!!! I'll do a shot every time Ralph says: " Sure"

[@spectre-8]

I took a shot every time he interrupted someone and I d*ed💀

[@Belgariad87]

Its crazy how all gamers are feeling various flavors of the same things. We just are not getting what we are used to from the current market of video games, and its worse for us long-time hardcore gamers because we knew a time when it was better and more exciting. You'd think with all the strides in tech and all the new devs cropping up who wanted to make games when they were kids because they were so good, that we would have reached a golden age by this point, but we haven't. Instead, late-stage capitalism and corpocracy is vacuuming all creativity and foolishly pushing for the "biggest blockbusters" more and more which is how we got to these 5-10 year development times, which are fine here and there but should absolutely not be the norm. In my version of a "golden age", we would have the big teams do these blockbusters, but we would also have far, far more of AA games by all these vets that are losing their jobs that use the current tech effectively and efficiently to push out decent graphics games but with fun, deep mechanics that aren't afraid to try new things and push the envelope. so many people are starving for rewarding and fresh gameplay that, since we aren't getting it, we are falling back on ol' faithfuls that did give us what we want. Obviously indie games will always have a place and there have been plenty of great ones even recently, but unfortunately most indie games fall short in some areas just by nature of their resources (graphics, depth, balance, etc.) and AA with these vets would really bridge that gap of dev time VS resources. at least in my head, maybe im missing something. i'm not psychic. Anyway, love the show as always guys, hope you stick around even with dipping viewers! you all deserve everything!

[@tijgerlil]

I feel the comfort thing, I haven't watched any new shows or movies in months! Lots of rewatching. I think as far as games go, I just don't have the same disposable income to spend on games. I have over 200 games on my wishlists across several platforms, but they have to wait...

[@GuiiBrazil]

I'm replaying God of War (2018) and almost completying it 100% again, waiting for Ragnarok to come out. With the buddies I'm playing Insurgency Sandstorm and Rainbow Six Siege, maybe 7 Days to Die 1.0 soon. And Helldivers in the next big update next month.

[@dookieshoes3585]

My gaming funk is here for the same reason I had one in 2022. The post-Elden Ring depression. No single player games hit the same after Elden Ring, so none of them have staying power for me. I use multiplayer games as a palette cleanser until I can forget how good Elden Ring was.

[@mychanelkte]

I feel like you guys stayed very safe in the beginning topic of this video. You feel bad vibes because greedy pos are running gaming companies and they don't care about making good games. Games are BAD right now, movies and shows too. Call out these multimillion dollar execs for giving us dog shit!!!

[@TheOtherOtherAccount]

BF3’s marketing beats were honestly perfect. That’s my vote for best marketing campaign.

[@joaopaschoal4553]

Please guys, you should do an episode about how the Super NES and Mega Drive generation learned what is videogame and how to play it, and how we are teaching this generation to play (smartphone mobile generation). I have a feeling that this generation issue is very important to the future of AAA gaming. Congrats for the show!