140: Making Sense of Nintendo’s Wild News Week with Jason Schreier
Oct 17, 2024
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In this lively discussion, Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, known for his insights on labor issues in gaming, delves into his book about Blizzard Entertainment's turbulent journey. He shares thoughts on Nintendo's recent bizarre announcements, including a Pokémon leak and a puzzling online playtest. The conversation explores the ever-evolving gaming industry, touching on corporate culture contrasts and the impact of public relations missteps. Join to hear insightful stories and the challenges faced behind the headlines!
Jason Schreier's book delves into the cultural evolution of Blizzard Entertainment, examining the interplay between corporate decisions and internal dynamics over time.
Recently, Nintendo experienced a surge of peculiar news including a mysterious online playtest, raising questions about its future strategies and community engagement.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community connection, showcasing how interactions with fans drive creativity and enhance content for the speakers.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the speakers' vlogs on Japan, revealing distinct perspectives on gaming culture between Kyoto and Tokyo through their engaging storytelling.
Jason highlights ethical dilemmas in gaming journalism, discussing the journalist's role in maintaining trust while navigating sensitive leaks and delivering accurate news.
Deep dives
Jason Schreier's New Book on Blizzard
The discussion centers around Jason Schreier's recently released book about Blizzard, which compiles various rumors and internal insights about the company. Schreier's book explores the intricacies of Blizzard's culture, detailing the changes over time and the impact of various corporate decisions. The author offers a nuanced look at key figures within Blizzard, including their motivations and decisions that led to pivotal moments within the company. This comprehensive account aims to provide readers with a clearer understanding of Blizzard's rise, fall, and the complex dynamics shaping its future.
Nintendo's Strange Week of News
A significant topic covered is the unusual week of news surrounding Nintendo, including a data breach involving Game Freak and its implications. The podcast discusses the reaction within the community to Alarmo, a newly launched alarm clock featuring a Nintendo theme, and how it has captured the attention of fans. Additionally, there are mentions of a mysterious online test that intrigued many, raising questions about Nintendo's direction. These developments have sparked curiosity about Nintendo's operational strategies and future engagements with its fan base.
Love for the Community
The speakers celebrate their vibrant community and the joy it brings to their projects. They share stories about amazing community members delivering special items, like Alarmo, directly to them, highlighting the strong bond formed through shared experiences. The speakers express how their relationships within the community have been essential in shaping their content and driving engagement. They emphasize that this connection fuels their motivation and creativity, illustrating how their audience remains an integral part of their journey.
Excitement Around Japan Vlogs
Listeners are treated to a recap of the speakers' recent Japan vlogs, which detail their adventures and experiences during their visit. They provide insights into the difference between their Kyoto and Tokyo vlogs, explaining that while the Kyoto video centered around Nintendo, the Tokyo content showcases a broader perspective on gaming culture in Japan. The speakers encourage viewers to grab some popcorn and settle in for the detailed storytelling presented in their 90-minute vlog. The enthusiasm reflects their genuine love for sharing these experiences and connecting with their audience.
Spoilercast Excitement
A highlight of the podcast is the upcoming release of their spoiler cast for Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which promises an engaging discussion about the game's narrative and themes. The speakers note that, as with other titles they cover, those in the Notification Squad and higher tiers on Patreon will receive exclusive access. They also recount their previous spoilercasts, such as Links of the Past, emphasizing their intent to create a growing library dedicated to exploring gaming narratives. This approach reflects their commitment to catering to their audience's interests while diving deep into the gaming lore.
Pretty Litter Sponsorship
The podcast includes a segment promoting Pretty Litter, a unique cat litter brand that changes color to signify potential health issues in pets. The speakers endorse the product based on their personal experiences, highlighting its convenience and effectiveness in monitoring their cats' well-being. They share the benefits of having it delivered directly to their homes, eliminating the hassle of transporting heavy litter. The sponsorship reiterates their enthusiasm for products that enhance pet care, aligning with their audience's likely interests.
Jason's History and Insights
As Jason Schreier joins the studio, he shares insights about his journey in game journalism and his experiences covering labor issues within the industry. His background highlights a focus on storytelling, unique narratives, and labor dynamics as central themes in his work, including this latest book. The speakers express admiration for his detailed approach, showcasing a deeper understanding of the complexities related to game development. This conversation illuminates the significance of transparency and communication in fostering a healthier work environment in the gaming industry.
The State of Gaming Journalism
Jason discusses the evolving landscape of gaming journalism, particularly how news media interacts with game companies. He underscores the challenges that arise from leaks and how journalists navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by reporting on sensitive information. The podcast highlights the delicate balance that journalists must maintain between delivering news and respecting the confidentiality of source material. This insight opens a broader discussion about the responsibility of gaming news to inform audiences without compromising the trust of developers and publishers.
Future Outlook for Blizzard
The conversation delves into Blizzard's uncertain future, discussing the significant impact of corporate changes and the ongoing challenges it faces. Jason emphasizes the cultural shift that Blizzard has undergone in recent years, compared to its storied past filled with innovation. They analyze the implications of the recent Microsoft acquisitions, layoffs, and how these factors impact game development and corporate culture. This discussion leaves listeners pondering what lies ahead for Blizzard as it navigates this new landscape.
Nostalgia for Nintendo Games
The podcast wraps with humor and nostalgia as the speakers reflect on their experiences with various Nintendo franchises and recent game releases. They share their love for classic games and how those experiences influence their current content. The discussions often steer towards joyful memories tied to specific titles and what makes Nintendo unique in the gaming space. This blend of nostalgia paired with contemporary developments serves as a vibrant lens through which listeners view the evolving world of gaming.
Hello and welcome to episode 140 of the Kit & Krysta Podcast. We're joined by special guest, Jason Schreier today to talk all about his book - Play Nice The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment AND we're reacting to all the weird and zany Nintendo news. From the mysterious Nintendo Switch Online playtest to the Pokemon Teraleak to Alarmo. Weird things are happening all around us! We also talk about games we're playing and wrap it all up with some great questions from our Patreon subscribers.
0:00 - Welcome Jason!
8:18 - Let's talk about Jason's book
1:13:08 - News (Pokemon Teraleak, Nintendo Switch Online playtest, Alarmo, Antonblast delay)
1:33:12 - Games we're playing
1:47:08 - Questions from our Patreon subscribers
Check out Play Nice: The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment here: https://a.co/d/28tb34Y
Patreon shout-outs!
- All Hail the Final Boss - Aaron Hash
- Ben Eichorn, MaruMayhem, Eigenverse, KissMyFlapjack, Mike Chin, Roy Eschke, Switchingitup_, vgmlife, Link The Hero of Winds, Angela Bycroft and her pig Molly, Thomas O’Rourke, Kyle LeBoeuf, Roberto Nieves, Fredrik Ulf Konradsson, Andrew Youhas, Chilly, Simon, krashuri, Master Discord, Ash, Ajay Kundlas, Fortygig
