Play, Watch, Listen 164. The State of Video Games in 2025
Jan 27, 2025
The conversation kicks off with the impact of recent LA fires on local musicians. A deep dive into the insights from a comprehensive report reveals the post-pandemic economic landscape of video gaming. Anticipation builds around pricing strategies for GTA 6 amidst evolving revenue models. The discussion then shifts to how gaming culture is transformed by subscription services, AI’s role, and changing consumer behavior. The competition between gaming and other digital platforms emerges as a significant theme, alongside speculations on the industry's future in 2025.
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Musicians' Losses from LA Fires
- The LA fires led to many musicians losing irreplaceable instruments and homes.
- Some musicians shared gallows humor and resilience despite their losses.
GTA 6's Price Could Shift Industry
- The gaming industry's pandemic surge resembled a bubble, not a new normal.
- Grand Theft Auto 6's anticipated price may set an industry-wide price increase precedent.
Live Service 'Black Hole' Effect
- Live service "black hole games" dominate player time, reducing engagement with other games.
- This industry shift creates competition to capture sustained player attention.