When GOTY Isn’t Good Enough - Easy Allies Podcast - Oct 25, 2024
Oct 27, 2024
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Ubisoft's controversial decision to disband the Prince of Persia team sparks a lively discussion about the disconnect between critical acclaim and commercial success. Excitement is in the air as the potential sequel to Tales of Kenzera is revealed. The hosts share thoughts on the eerie narrative of Alan Wake 2 and its DLC, while also exploring market dynamics from the September sales report. With insights into puzzle-solving in Wilmot Works It Out and reflections on the evolving landscape of gaming, the conversation captures both nostalgia and innovation.
Ubisoft's decision to disband the Prince of Persia team raises concerns about the franchise's future and marketing failures.
The September sales report reveals significant drops in hardware sales, reflecting the unpredictability of the gaming market.
The hosts discuss managing expectations around game releases and the disparity between marketing hype and actual game quality.
A segment on civic engagement highlights the importance of voting, encouraging listeners to participate in the upcoming election season.
Deep dives
Podcast Episode Overview
The episode begins with Daniel Bloodworth discussing the unique circumstances of recording due to various team members feeling unwell, including his own experience getting a COVID booster shot. The conversation shifts to upcoming topics, including a disbanded and the implications for the future of the Prince of Persia franchise, particularly after the release of 'Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,' which had good critical reception but faced sales challenges. The hosts dive deep into Ubisoft's failure to market the game effectively, discussing how poor pricing strategies and a lack of proper promotion may have affected sales outcomes despite the game's quality. They also express concern over the potential direction of the Prince of Persia series and whether it might be on the decline due to these corporate decisions.
Discussion on Sales Reports
The team transitions to discussing the September sales report, reflecting on the performance of various games in the market. They highlight significant drops in hardware sales, particularly for major consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. The hosts also analyze digital sales figures and the notable success of certain games, such as 'Brawl Stars,' which benefited from a collaboration with SpongeBob. They emphasize the volatility and unpredictability of the gaming market, noting how external factors can greatly influence sales trends.
Game Releases and Expectations
As they move on to new game announcements and releases, the hosts express excitement over upcoming titles while reflecting on their personal preferences and expectations. They discuss a range of games, including titles like 'Alan Wake 2' and horror-themed experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of preserving expectations, especially in an industry where marketing hype can wildly differ from the final product. They share their thoughts on how to manage personal excitement without falling into disappointment, highlighting the challenges inherent to previewing upcoming games.
Game Development and Studio Changes
The episode emphasizes the ramifications of studio changes in the gaming industry, particularly the recent news regarding Netflix shutting down its AAA game studio. The hosts note how it reflects a broader trend of major corporations struggling to navigate the gaming landscape. They argue that the shifting focus towards quick profits often leads to the termination of promising projects and teams, causing disruption for creative professionals in the industry. This sentiment resonates as they discuss broader themes of corporate responsibility and the impact on developers' careers.
Insights on Game Bets
The segment wraps up with the hosts engaging in a betting game about upcoming titles and their anticipated success. With each game discussed, they place bets on releases, sharing thoughts on what might be better for gamers based on their unique experiences. The discussions reveal insights into personal taste and industry knowledge, with bets oscillating between highly anticipated titles and lesser-known projects. This lively banter serves to both entertain and highlight the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, drawing on their familiarity with past and present games.
Community Engagement and Voting
The podcast concludes with a discussion around community engagement and the significance of voting, especially coming up to election season. The hosts encourage listeners to get involved in the voting process and emphasize the importance of civic duty. They reflect on their personal experiences with voting and the advantages of early voting, sharing a light-hearted take on how they engage with their communities. This segment sparks an essential reminder about participation in democratic processes and the fun anecdotes that come along with such engagement.
Final Thoughts on The Episode
Overall, this episode provides a wealth of insights into the current gaming landscape, weaving together personal experiences, industry analysis, and community interaction. The hosts navigate through various topics with humor and thoughtful discourse, resonating with a wide audience. They successfully blend lighthearted conversation with the seriousness of the industry, ultimately engaging listeners and encouraging them to reflect on their own interactions with games and game culture. The combination of experiences they share assures that listeners are both entertained and informed by the discussions.
Ep 446 - Prince of Persia is at the pinnacle of its genre, so of course, Ubisoft is disbanding the team that made it. Surgent Studios reveal a potential Tales of Kenzera sequel. The September sales report shows some juicy numbers, and we give our thoughts on the Alan Wake 2 DLC, Fear the Spotlight, and Wilmot Works It Out.
(0:00) - Intro
(3:28) - Prince of Persia Team Disbanded
(26:44) - Next Kenzera Game Revealed, Pending Funding
(31:22) - Alan Wake 2: The Lake House Impressions
(36:07) - Fear the Spotlight Impressions
(41:35) - A Word From Our Sponsors
(43:16) - September Sales Report
(1:08:17) - Wilmot Works It Out Impressions
(1:13:56) - Also This Week
(1:37:14) - L&R: Birthday Release Dates
(1:41:47) - L&R Game: Door Your Babies
(1:50:52) - L&R: Curbing Your Enthusiasm
(1:57:39) - Bets
(2:02:17) - Closing
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