The GamesIndustry.biz Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How should Rockstar handle GTA 5's transphobia for next-gen release? Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics and discuss the biggest news of the past week.

First up, following an article by Kotaku's Carolyn Petit and a call from OutMakingGames, we discuss how Rockstar Games should handle the transphobic elements of Grand Theft Auto 5 as it prepares to release the best-selling title on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

OutMakingGames and Petit both call for the content's removal, or a context disclaimer decrying transphobia in today's society, but whether or not that's something Rockstar will do is another matter.

We also delve deeper into the topic of accessibility, not only following the discussions around Deathloop but also our in-depth guide on how to make your game more accessible to a wider audience and why it's important to do so.

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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Debating the value of Nintendo Switch Online Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gathers around their mics and discusses the biggest stories of the past week.

On this episode, we take a deeper dive into the announcements from the recent Nintendo Direct -- particularly the decision to lock N64 and Genesis/Mega Drive games to a new, more expensive tier.

We discuss Nintendo's approach to online and the subscription model, the value of making retro games available on modern platforms, and the baffling price tag for those classic controllers.

Elsewhere, we discuss other highlights of the Direct -- such as Kirby's The Last Of Us -- and the lowlights (hello, Mr Pratt).

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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The many discussions of Deathloop Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest stories of the past week.

First, we're joined by indie developer Shahid Ahmad to pay tribute to Sir Clive Sinclair, the inventor of the ZX Spectrum who passed away last week.

Then we reflect on the Epic vs Apple judgement and the reactions that have emerged since it was released.

Finally, we discuss the launch of Arkane's acclaimed Deathloop and how, for all the praise it has garnered from critics, it's an example of certain aspects where AAA is still lacking.

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the Best Boss: Fireside chat with Creative Assembly's Gareth Edmonson Sep 16, 2021

Show notes

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK.

In our final podcast of the week, we continue our tradition of interviewing last year's winner of the Best Boss award before this year's winner is revealed.

During this chat with GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring, Creative Assembly studio director Gareth Edmonson talks about taking over a team during a pandemic, and the lessons he's learned about being a good manager.

You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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Mental health in the games industry: The ongoing journey Sep 15, 2021

Show notes

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK.

For our third session, we focus on mental health and share best practices on supporting staff.

The panel features Third Kind Games' Heidi Slee, Creative Assembly's Sarah Howell and Safe In Our World's Sarah Sorrell, and is hosted by GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring.

You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Climate Change: How The Games Industry Can Fight Back Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK.

In today's session, a panel of professionals discuss the fight to address climate change and what more the games industry can do to aid these efforts.

The panel featurs Playing for the Planet's Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, Ustwo Games' Jane Campbell, Games London's Michael French and Sports Interactive's Miles Jacobson. It is hosted by GamesIndustry.biz's Christopher Dring.

You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz.

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We're not talking about diversity. We're talking about our future Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

This week, we're presenting audio versions of the panel discussions from this year's Best Places To Work Awards UK.

Today, Amiqus' Liz Prince hosts a discussion about the importance and influence of leadership on culture and diversity.

Rather than focusing solely on why a diverse team is important for your business, this panel offers some actionable steps that leadership can take to accelerate their EDI journeys.

You can find the full video at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fortnite fumbles with Martin Luther King tribute Sep 02, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss some of the biggest stories from the past week.

First up, we discuss reactions to Fortnite's March Through Time, a scenario designed to explore the impact of Martin Luther King and educate a new generation about his work and iconic speech.

For all its good intentions, the mode quickly attracted criticism and even had to be modified to disable the use of emotes. We share our thoughts on how Epic has handled the implementation of this tribute, and the potential for educational experiences in games.

Next, we follow up on our interview with Supercell about Everdale, the Clash of Clans studio's co-operative, "peaceful" multiplayer game -- and how difficult it is to create a free-to-play, engagement-driven multiplayer title that is dominated by a certain type of player.

Finally, we use the retirement of Nintendo's Lance Barr, the man who redesigned the NES and SNES for the West, to weigh up our favourite and least favourite console designs of all time.

Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Episode produced by Alix Attenborough.

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Twitch do better? Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news of the past week.

First up, we explore the current backlash Twitch is facing over increased hate raids targeting marginalised streamers, which has prompted content creators to plan a day-long strike from using the platform.

Twitch claims it is working to improve its tools, but the site's own transparency report and our exposé on the company culture aren't in its favour.

Next, we discuss the scrutiny around Roblox and its divisive monetisation model, further thrown into light by a recent investigation suggesting the company is exploiting young game developers.

Finally, we touch on the conversation around Boyfriend Dungeon, its triggering storylines, and the delicate balance between exploring sensitive subjects in games and impacting your audience in an unintended way.

Title music composed by Thomas Marchant. Episode produced by Thomas Quilfeldt.

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do the post-lockdown financials really say? | Podcast Aug 11, 2021

Show notes

The GamesIndustry.biz team gather around their mics to discuss the biggest news from the world behind video games.

This week, Chris, Brendan and James take a deeper look at the trends seen across the most recent wave of financial reports, which represents the first quarter that can be directly compared to a period where the majority of the world was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While most major companies saw at least one key metric decline year-on-year, there's more to the numbers than other reports might have you believe.

The discussion also explores Nintendo's strategy for the remainder of the Switch's lifecycle and what it might do beyond that, as well as how Sony can reinvigorate PlayStation Plus (if it even needs to do so).

As always, you can get more news, insight and analysis at www.gamesindustry.biz.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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