Video Games Are Better Than Ever But The Industry Is Falling Apart - EP91 Kit & Krysta Podcast

[@RogersBase]

Thank you for everything, Krysta's Mom!

[@kitandkrysta]

Mama Yang sends her love :)

[@JsYTA]

One last big thank you to Mama Krista for providing the temporary space for you both to grow! 9 episodes short of 100 too! Cant wait to experience what is next

[@Orakio]

"I've bent over enough for that company." It's quips like this that make the podcast more than worth it.

[@switchingitup_]

Wow, last podcast in mum's studio, the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The echo, the emptyish shelves and no plants, you know it is move out week. Congrats on finding a new space you two! Sending underscore power your way for your move! Also FREE YOSHI!! 🎉

[@solarblitzX]

I was laid off my job at a games studio in the beginning of April. 😭 I got another job pdq, but many more haven't. It's absolutely terrible. And Microsoft are bragging about these new AI solutions for generating scripts, and then The Game Awards retweeted that announcement, and _on the other hand_ SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild went on strike and got amazing results.

[@TreJowy]

You would have received at least 100 street passes at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo! I got around 105 total, counting a few duplicates. FINALLY completed all of my panels! And awesome news about your new studio! Well deserved, and I can't wait to see what you're inspired to create there!

[@saininj]

Thank you for covering this. Been saying it for years, but now it's apparent everywhere.

[@casualmusicnerd]

I’m glad y’all brought up the Wii Fit set up in this episode. I was 10 years old when Wii Fit came out and let me tell you, setting up my profile for that game is a core memory that I will never forget. For the first 10 years of my life I never thought of myself as a fat person, I was kinda husky in the early years and started to gain more weight probably around age 8 or 9 but in my mind I was not a fat person. Seeing my Mii grow 10 sizes larger and seeing that balance board sweat after it took my weight shatter my entire self image instantly. If I remember right, I think I cried for a good while after seeing that. While I still have times where my body size it’s something I’m actively thinking about, ever since that moment it is something that I’m reminded of frequently. I don’t fully blame Wii Fit because the way our society is designed would’ve crumbled that illusion my child brain had eventually anyway, but it did impact me in a way I will never forget. With what little I’ve played of Ring Fit that game seems to be a much better implementation of the ideas behind Wii Fit and I don’t remember feeling shamed when playing it. I’m glad to see Nintendo has improved these ideas because I do believe they are good products for the world, just maybe don’t shame children who are on the larger side. 😂

[@josiasrios31]

Mama Yang as a special guest!! 😊😂

[@WhyYouWahYoo]

I don’t mean to be a silly Nintendo fanboy, but I think it says a lot about Nintendo that they not only haven’t been a source (many of) these issues this year, AND that they were a major source of great games this year as well. It just speaks to the very different workflow and mentality they have compared to other big companies. They don’t gamble budgets on huge games, they clearly value employees more, and all the while they just keep doing well despite the rough conditions of gaming as an industry at this point. Not saying they’re perfect, but it’s as Krysta said; they focus on what they excel at and don’t waver their vision

[@SonnyO]

Japanese employees are paid a fraction of an American/European dev. Nintendo’s dev costs aren’t no where near something like Sony’s, who has a ton of Western studios.

[@Tamacat388]

@@mysticdigital5936 Theyre not doing that because they "hate fans" lol

[@WhyYouWahYoo]

@@Tamacat388 I’m not excusing it, they’re destroying jobs and intruding on a community that just wants to play the game, but the idea that it’s out of hatred or malice has always been laughable imo. They’re just paranoid about copyright and brand perception.

[@jacksonlanterns3731]

To many trend chasers, not enough innovators.

[@corrinflakes9659]

@@SonnyO Do we know if Nintendo pays the Japanese standard? Because if it is higher than standard, this is kind of like pointing out how animators in Japan are paid poorly and dismissing what has been Kyoto Animation's exception to the rule with full salaries (long before the tragic arson attack).

[@cyberrb25]

There is some video not long ago of John Oliver talking about firms that advise companies, and one specifically that just had two answers to any company to improve: Pay more to c-suites and lay off people. And that they became so popular that that is the reason these things begun happening on the regular.

[@cyberrb25]

We're going to have a rough couple of years in 2025-2028 when those layoffs will be felt in the games launched at that point.

[@The.natrix]

Congrats on the new space! Excited to see you guys continue growing :)

[@KriZtiaN17VL]

39:54 Guys, Do you know that Opera GX has a built in calendar of all releases? I love it

[@MedalionDS9]

Congrats on moving to a new space! The Kit and Krysta Podcast Empire is expanding!!!

[@kitandkrysta]

Thank you!!

[@elitepeach]

I loved Style Savvy as well, and I'm enjoying Fashion Dreamer, but I agree that it needs a few things lol. I could make a short list of things I'd want them to add or change. It is fun though! Love customizing clothing pieces and making a whole outfit that's entirely my own.

[@ImmacHn]

All of these companies always trying to catch up, then there's Nintendo doing its own thing, reaping all the rewards of actually caring about what they sell. If you chase trends, you will always be behind.

[@mr_m4613]

Yep, because you're not innovating.

[@mysticdigital5936]

"Actually caring about what they sell" Unless it's Pokemon sadly

[@Tamacat388]

It was so crazy seeing Phil Spencer whine about how "good games wont sell Xboxs" or whatever when Nintendo released the Switch three years into the generation and outsold the other two consoles on the mere promise of good games lol

[@TriforceWisdom64]

​@@Tamacat388Nintendo also had absolutely no competition in the mobile market, not counting phones. If you were a 3DS or PSP gamer, or you wanted to play home console games on the go, Switch was the only option besides playing Genshin on your phone. It's also cheap compared to all the other options, so for parents or people who aren't graphics/performance snobs, it's a no-brainer.

[@Josiahbruh]

Where did you get the smb3 sweater?

[@TheGift137]

Here comes a long comment focused of the Spider-Man games... I just finished getting back into the Spider-Man games. I still dont have a PS5, but I hadnt played the DLC of Spider-Man & didnt even play SM Miles Morales. As of last weeked, Ive beaten both. I really enjoyed them & Ive gotta say to Kit....despite his outfit usually having bright colors, Spider-Man is extremely well suited for stealth. Not just Miles cause he can turn invisible, but Peter as well. I greatly enjoy going thru whole bases with nothing but stealth takedowns (if possible). Playing as Miles was a lot of fun. The Venom attacks really spiced up the attack combos but midway thru the game it felt like my enemies were going down really easy lol as fun as Miles was, I missed a lot of Peter's various gadgets & suit abilities (especially the trip mine...I loved using that for stealth). All in all Im excited to play the game featuring both of them....whenever I get the chance

[@DuhstinK]

Thanks for covering this topic!

[@mr_m4613]

There's several reasons why the gaming industry is "falling apart". Number one, nobody's innovating, instead they're just chasing trends. Two, the cost it takes to make these games are too high and when they flop they can't recoup the costs, so they lose money and lastly, Nintendo technically has a stronghold on the gaming industry, when you look at the hardware and software sales for Nintendo its plain to see where the consumers money is going to, Nintendo.

[@everem_]

I totally agree with Bla 48:50 I also am a software dev who has debated getting into games. I just do game dev as a hobby and will probably keep it that way

[@juzzbee929]

Silent watcher here. Congrats on the new space guys!

[@MellowFelloh]

It is without a doubt the best year of gaming. Most people mention just the big Triple A games but nowadays there a TON of indie games coming out constantly and not just regular indie games but great ones. To name some from the top of my head: Have a Nice Death, Slay the Princess, My Friendly Neighborhood, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Thunder Ray, Dave the Diver (Techincally not indie), Volcano Princess, Witch Spring R, Pseudoragalia, Sea of Stars, Little Goody Two Shoes, etc. Not to mention all the Remakes and Remasters we got this year too that other years wouldnt get especially from a decade ago onward.

[@xiongkuniu]

Just wanted to say that the conversation around the gaming (and entertainment broadly) industry was very fascinating. Appreciated the discussion.

[@danlev3365]

Kit & Krysta moving in together?! Jkjk, grats guys, looking forward to seeing what else you have planned for the channel.

[@mrshmuga9]

42:35 A good reminder/example, is Jan-March. It used to be pretty dead about 5-10 years ago. But now it’s basically become more common to release some big games then. That said I can understand these companies’ hesitation, because Black Friday and Christmas are the big shopping seasons. After that there is some risk that people might not buy (especially as a gift). That said, because there’s not a rush and _everything_ is on sale, it can help you stand out more. But no one wants to be the one that takes that initial risk to disprove the rule.

[@y2kinder]

So happy for you guys, can't wait to see the new space! Onwards and upwards

[@HaruVibes_]

Congrats on the new space!! You guys deserve so much more exposure because of the unique perspective and experiences you share. Can't wait to keep seeing you guys grow.

[@90shandheldgamer]

Congratulations on getting a new studio! I look forward to seeing what new stuff you both have in store. Great content!

[@geminisfl]

58:09 I find so charming and sweet the way you talked about foot odor .... It would have been so easy to make a joke about it, but instead you showed mercy and compassion.... I'm amazed! You guys are so f***ing sweet ♥

[@mrshmuga9]

Projects that take too long, require too many people, and cost too much, with no effort to budget it more affordably. It’s a problem that applies to nearly all AAA games these days. And if you’re jumping on trend, it can be even riskier. Because you won’t know if that trend will still be popular in 3-5 years after you finish making your game.

[@SchoolofRockNRoll]

Im gonna miss mama yang's piano teaching in the faint background.

[@jacksonlanterns3731]

I think one of the biggest issues is that there are to many trend chasers, and not enough innovators. Most of the innovation comes from indie developers, big companies need to stop being afraid to take chances. I think that's what separates Nintendo from the rest.

[@Iheartseattle1]

What are you gonna do in the new space without mama yang’s food?

[@RiksterF]

Good for you guys really happy for you guys!

[@thawhole9]

Haha that bit about the 11 year old and street pass 🤣 Kit you literally detailed my 10 year old kid, five nights at Freddy's and gallons of Prime drink 😭

[@Canderson1989]

I prefer Krysta saying "switching it up UNDERSCOOOOOORE" I also prefer Kit saying 'ZROID' LOL Congrats on the new studios. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with at the new location. Been watching from the beginning and don't plan to stop anytime soon.

[@heatherfryling4868]

Congratulations on the upgrade!😊

[@SamirSingh19-6]

Where did you get that hoodie Kit! I want one!

[@DougyFreshGames]

I remember following an concept artist on Twitch some time ago and it seemed normal to do a contract from one company and move on to the next. idk how it works but it definitely looks like a problem, just no sustainability. 19:19 Kit said it best, its sad to watch. Maybe game devs like bouncing around? I doubt that though.

[@rtara11]

Another great episode! I’m wondering if you guys will still be able to do the big Japan trip and share content with all of us :)

[@kitandkrysta]

Yes, we're in really good shape for the Japan trip! Just a bit more to go and we should be able to do it in 2024.

[@rtara11]

@@kitandkrysta awesome!!

[@Christopher-md7tf]

38:48 Alan Wake 2 was published by Epic

[@KriZtiaN17VL]

AMIZING TOPIC!!! You almost got me to subscribe hehe, looking forward to hear what you have to say

[@GigaHellblaze]

I never read a article with Nintendo having people being fired or laid off only people leaving for their own reasons.

[@markieman64]

Spider-Man 2 is fantastic. I got the platinum in it. Didn't really intend to and had only just got it in Myles Morales before that, but it was so engaging. I really loved it!

[@Rudykawa]

THats capitalism and free market for yall. Unrealistic expectations and budgetary goals. At somepoint a market needs to crash to reset expectations because its unrealistic to expect that all companies have profits that goes from 1 bilion this year, 20 next year, 300 next, 1 trilion the next, etc, like free market usually expects things to go, to infinity.

[@billclay2701]

The rush to 4k. What a mess its been.

[@natoriousthehopeful2786]

You two have become my go to source for gaming news, and I am equal parts happy sad you guys are moving locations: I'm going to miss Mama Krysta's studio Thanks for the video, and God Bless you 😇✝️

[@feliciajohnson6350]

so good 🤩

[@thepokekid01]

I miss Streetpass... I wish Nintendo was able to bring Streetpass and Miiverse back and modernized for the next Nintendo system.

[@tomsimmons7673]

Alan Wake 2 was published by Epic.

[@SamirSingh19-6]

Best podcast

[@jellojiggler1693]

After zoomers chug prime and watch five nights at freddie's, they get on tik tok.

[@XanderVJ]

Two words : Interest Rates.

[@KriZtiaN17VL]

Gosh HelloFresh must be really struggling

[@sirmel11]

Why?

[@FreedomArtAI]

Bruh, the only time video games have been worse was during Atari. The average non-indie game is buggy, a clone of everything else, has more talking and walking than actual gameplay, have horrible and unlikable protagonists, and nearly all are depressing and not fun.

[@MedalionDS9]

#SkiLuge

[@sneedis9909]

Naming cyberpunk an example for the industry is ridiculous. You spend half an hour talking about the issues with AAA gaming then when it comes to naming game that does things write you mention the game most guilty of all the issues you mentioned.

[@canbe1945]

Krista send me silk Sonic bundle with your extra vbucks lol 😂

[@thawhole9]

Kit & Krysta: so yeah here's yet another damning example of how Nintendo the company isn't all amazing and awesome to have worked for. Viewers: Durrr Nintendo is just different than everyone else they are infallible and perfect 🤡🤡🤡

[@jguerrero7033]

Gaming as Service is hot trash - Epic Games ruined Rocket League when they purchased it - 🚮 -

[@splubber99]

Yall should say the name of your podcast at the start instead of just saying “today” Sure, it’s all there on the screen, but most people are likely just listening

[@JETEP3]

58:14 *sigh* I'm so tired of y'all being hush on naming folks. You act as if we are going to expose them further or it will keep you out of the games industry again or something. If anything, naming folks will humanize them, make us see higher-ups as more equals.