Friends Per Second

Visit http://buyraycon.com/friends to get at least 15% of your purchase of the all new Everyday Earbuds. --This week we're joined by Paul Tassi of Forbes for a deep dive, spoiler free discussion on Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Paul liked it, Skill Up didn't, Lucy's kinda in the middle and Jake hasn't played it, so we cover a lot of ground from a lot of different perspectives. We're also joined by Ryan Payton, head of the studio that just put out the truly excellent Batman Arkham Shadow. He chats with us about his career, his thoughts on the VR industry and what it was like to follow in Rocksteady's footsteps. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:29 Dragon Age Discussion with Paul Tassi49:18 Raycon (ad)52:10 User Question58:38 Batman Arkham Shadow with Ryan Payton01:31:16 What We've Been Playing02:01:25 Show and Tell02:13:16 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!--This week we do a spoiler free deep dive into Metaphor: Fantazio, and we're lucky enough to by joined by Jess Cogswell who reviewed the game for Gamespot (scoring it a perfect 10, no less). We're also joined by the one and only Shawn Layden, former President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Shawn is in Singapore for Gamescom Asia and shares his thoughts on not only the rapidly evolving South East Asian gaming market, but also the broader gaming industry as it confronts things like rising development costs, declining console sales and the chase for the next live service white whale. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:29 Ralph's TGS Wrap Up17:27 State of the Industry Chat with Shawn Layden 38:36 AG1 (ad)41:31 User Question51:13 Metaphor ReFantazio Chat with Jess Cogswell of Gamespot01:31:33 What We've Been Playing02:12:41 Show and Tell02:28:08 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends TODAY to get twenty-to-FIFTY percent off, sitewide! That’s right, you’ll get up to FIFTY percent off everything on Raycon’s website when you go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.--This week we're joined by the charming Ben Hanson from @minnmax (a truly top tier gaming podcast, we don't mind telling you), plus Jason Schreier joins to discuss his recently released book: 'Play Nice: The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment'--Timestamps:00:00 Intro / Catch Up with Guest Host Ben Hanson of MinnMax15:19 User Question43:21 Raycon (ad) 45:29 Interview with Jason Schreier About His Book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment"01:26:54 What We've Been Playing01:56:08 Show and Tell02:02:44 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!--Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! --A big thanks to Austin and @MrMattyPlays for joining us this week, as well as members of the Ara History Untold dev team: Matt Turner and Gabriela Leskur. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:35 User Question 129:02 Dragon Age: The Veilguard Impressions with Austin and MrMattyPlays58:37 AG1 (ad)01:00:36 Dragon Age Wrap Up01:04:55 User Question 201:14:46 Interview with ARA: History Untold team: Executive Producer Matt Turnbull and Narrative and Experience Lead Gabriela Leskur01:39:27 Incogni (ad)01:41:49 What We've Been Playing02:11:24 Show and Tell02:20:38 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends for a limited time to get 15% off and free shipping on your Raycon order! Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS.--This week we're lucky to be joined by Nicolas Doucet, game director of Astro Bot, for his first interview after the review scores went live. A big thanks to Jordan Middler of VGC for stopping by as well. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:46 Sony Kills Concord36:34 Astro Bot Discussion51:50 Raycon (ad)53:57 Interview With Team Asobi Studio Director Nicolas Doucet01:25:51 User Question01:36:03 What We've Been Playing02:23:22 Show And Tell02:41:11 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! --Timestamps:00:00 Intro07:25 Show and Tell (With Gifts!)16:23 Special Guests Alex Jordan and Ben Starr53:59 Incogni (ad)56:03 What We've Been Playing (Gamescom Impressions)01:28:35 User Questions from the Audience01:45:40 Wrap Up--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Schreier, a renowned journalist known for his insightful gaming industry reporting, dives into Bungie's recent layoffs and their impact on the company’s future. He discusses the challenges facing Bungie, particularly the dip in Destiny 2's player engagement, and reflects on the broader implications for the gaming industry. Additionally, the Game Informer team shares heartfelt memories as they confront the bittersweet closure of their publication, exploring its significance in gaming history and the emotional connections formed over the years.

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! --If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Timestamps:00:00 Intro12:31 The Vibes Are Off46:23 AG1 (ad)48:05 Incogni (ad)50:08 User Question 101:02:31 What We've Been Playing01:40:49 User Question 201:48:50 Show and Tell02:06:25 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends TODAY to get 15% off your Raycon order, plus free shipping! Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS.--If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/--Timestamps:00:00 Intro09:10 Xbox Game Pass Changes27:10 User Question 137:15 AG 1 (ad)39:59 What We're Excited For In 2024 (The Second Half)01:10:26 User Question 201:20:06 Raycon (ad)01:23:00 What We've Been Playing02:15:17 Show and Tell02:28:28 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondSubscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head to https://factormeals.com/fps50 and use code FPS50 to get an exclusive 50% off your first Factor box, plus 20% off your next month! Thanks to Factor for supporting FPS.--Head to https://manscaped.com and use code FRIENDS to get an exclusive 20% off + free shipping! Thanks to Manscaped for supporting FPS.--Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:45 Catch Up12:47 Elden Ring Expansion Chat With Mitchell Saltzman of IGN01:00:18 Factor (ad)01:03:10 Elden Ring Wrap Up Into User Question01:17:05 Live QnA from the GameOn Cancer Charity Stream Featuring Alanah Pearce02:06:28 Manscaped (ad)02:09:27 What We've Been Playing02:36:11 Show and Tell02:49:22 Wrap Up--Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! --Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices