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Episode 273 AI-assisted modding is rapidly enabling things that were deemed impossible mere months ago. From native PC ports of console exclusive games to modded mashups of games (like Mario in Elden Ring), the AI-modding scene is on the verge of creating a permanent paradigm-shift within the industry. Today, we discuss how this technology will likely have a dramatic impact on game development and make predictions for how major gaming companies will reckon with the opening of Pandora's box. We also discuss the newly released Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve and give our impressions. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve). This episode was recorded in October 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - AI Mods and Their Impact 38:47 - Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Episode 272 Despite all odds, Destiny is not done. Bungie has announced plans for their future, including the intention to support Destiny 2 and future Destiny projects in a stunning reversal of their earlier decision. Today, we discuss how the Destiny community saved the game and what this means for the future of both Bungie and the Destiny franchise. We also discuss the highly anticipated Control Resonant after putting several hours into the game. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Control Resonant, Batomon Showdown). This episode was recorded in October 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:11 - Destiny 2 and Bungie's Future 33:22 - Anticipating Ace Combat 8 36:38 - Control Resonant 1:05:20 - Batomon Showdown

Episode 271 The Steam Frame price is revealed and impressions are out, and it seems to be the latest in a continuous glut of overpriced hardware. How does Valve's latest hardware compete in the VR space, and is it worth the asking price? The discussion on the Steam Frame naturally dovetails into assessing the current state of VR. Do VR's prospects seem any better or worse since the last time we discussed it? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Monster Hunter Wilds). This episode was recorded in September 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:35 - The Steam Frame 20:15 - The Current State of VR 38:41 - Valve's VR Ambitions 1:01:25 - Onimusha: Way of the Sword 1:08:25 - Monster Hunter Wilds

Episode 270 Nintendo has hit us with not one, but two Nintendo Directs! The first is a Zelda 40th anniversary direct, where we finally see extended gameplay of the much-anticipated Ocarina of Time remake. Then, they have a traditional direct showing upcoming new games for Switch 2 like Metroid Ravenous and Kirby and the World Beyond. We offer our thoughts on Nintendo's upcoming slate of games and extensively discuss the Ocarina of Time remake. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Monster Hunter Wilds, Slay The Spire 2). This episode was recorded in September 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 7:41 - Nintendo Direct + Thoughts On New Games 31:19 - Ocarina of Time Remake Impressions 55:28 - Onimusha: Way of the Sword 1:13:49 - Monster Hunter Wilds 1:20:21 - Regarding Marvel's Wolverine 1:26:34 - Slay The Spire 2

Episode 269 Sony's statement that "reasonable consumers" know that they don't own their games has brought the topic of digital ownership back to the forefront. What does owning a digital good look like in 2026, and how do the laws regarding digital ownership need to change to ensure a prosperous digital-only future for consumers? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Big Walk, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Bloodborne). This episode was recorded in September 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 10:22 - Analyzing Digital Ownership in 2026 39:12 - Big Walk 50:06 - Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls 1:06:11 - Bloodborne

Episode 268 After over a decade, the next Grand Theft Auto is imminent, and the lead-up to release has deviated from Rockstar's well-laid plans. An anonymous leaker has obtained an early build of the game and has leaked several clips online. How will these leaks impact the perception of the game? Plus, Rockstar has finally officially shown off an extended first look at the game. Are these reveals enough to sway our opinions on GTA VI? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Iron Nest: Heavy Turret Simulator, Super Mario 64 / Hollow Knight Archipelago, Big Walk, Pokémon Unite). This episode was recorded in August 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 3:45 - GTA VI Leaks 17:36 - Rockstar's GTA VI Extended Look 43:51 - Iron Nest: Heavy Turret Simulator 46:41 - Dota 2 50:09 - Super Mario 64 / Hollow Knight Archipelago 54:50 - Big Walk 1:00:30 - Pokémon Unite

Episode 267 Linux-based gaming is steadily growing, pushed forward by Steam and capitalizing on the numerous mistakes made by Windows. How is gaming on Linux in 2026? Today, we discuss our Linux-based gaming experiences and predict where it'll go in the future. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Halo: Campaign Evolved, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Marvel's Spider-Man 2). This episode was recorded in August 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 5:48 - Linux Gaming Overview 13:29 - Connor's Experience Switching To Linux 51:37 - Halo: Campaign Evolved 1:00:22 - Yoshi and the Mysterious Book 1:05:00 - Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Episode 266 It's time for the second episode in our "Games of Yesteryear" series! Today, we take a look at one of the all-time great years in gaming history: 2007. We discuss the best games from that year, and crown Gametalk's 2007 Game of the Year. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Slay The Spire, Ship of Harkinian, Battlefield 6). This episode was recorded in July 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:52 - Top 16 35:23 - Quarterfinals 48:22 - Semifinals 58:15 - Finals (Game of the Year 2007) 1:12:57 - Slay The Spire 1:16:28 - Ship of Harkinian 1:25:15 - Battlefield 6

Episode 265 2026 is zooming by, and the time has come for our annual mid-year analysis episode. How do we feel about gaming in 2026 so far, and what surprises do the rest of the year hold for us? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Destiny 2, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Super Mario 64, Stardew Valley). This episode was recorded in July 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:23 - 2026 Analysis and Predictions 18:49 - Game Highlights in 2026 So Far 48:11 - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 56:25 - Destiny 2 1:02:00 - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 1:09:49 - Super Mario 64 1:12:31 - Stardew Valley

Episode 264 Xbox has announced mass layoffs throughout their studios. Some of the cuts, such as the reduction of id Software by half, are particularly egregious. How will Xbox reconcile their lofty ambitions in the industry with their seemingly callous disregard for the games they are making? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Destiny 2, Teamfight Manager 2, Sid Meier's Civilization VII). This episode was recorded in July 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 1:45 - Xbox Layoffs and Studio Divestment 17:37 - id Software Gutted and Xbox's Goals 45:43 - Destiny 2 51:21 - Teamfight Manager 2 57:43 - Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Episode 263 Sony has announced that starting in 2028, they will no longer print discs. With Microsoft's Project Helix already confirmed to be discless, this statement effectively declares the end of physical, disc-based games. Today, we analyze this wildly unpopular decisions and the potential negative ramifications of an all-digital console future. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Meccha Chameleon, Fall Guys). This episode was recorded in July 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:35 - Sony Kills Physical Games 37:51 - Meccha Chameleon 43:05 - Fall Guys 46:59 - Our Game Development Projects

Episode 262 The Steam Machine is imminent - it was reviewed by several creators and priced at an eye-watering $1049 for the most basic SKU. Today, we give our thoughts on the Steam Machine in the context of its price and the current hardware landscape. Is the pricing an anomaly or a foreboding sign of things to come? As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Halo 3, Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon, Mario Tennis Fever). This episode was recorded in June 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 6:40 - Steam Machine Pricing / Impressions 31:24 - Steam Hardware Speculation and Comparisons 52:14 - Halo 3 1:00:44 - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon 1:07:09 - Mario Tennis Fever

Episode 261 In today's episode, Dylan makes his podcast debut! We speak at length about the future of the games industry and how it might parallel the film/music industries, as well as some of the challenges that the industry may face in the years to come. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Destiny 2, Resident Evil). This episode was recorded in June 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Game Ownership Replaced With Access 11:13 - Game Companies Have Increased Risk Aversion 23:34 - Individual Creators Become More Valuable 27:29 - Increased Emphasis On User-Generated Content 35:01 - Game Discovery Becomes A Massive Problem 43:49 - AI Will Open Up Game Development To The Masses 55:31 - Attention Becomes The Most Valuable Currency 1:01:25 - Will Gaming Become The Dominant Entertainment Medium? 1:08:49 - The Dire Xbox Situation 1:16:13 - Destiny 2 1:33:52 - Resident Evil (Series)

Episode 260 Summer Games season is over, and it was packed to the brim with exciting games! We go through Geoff Keighly's Summer Games Fest, the Xbox Showcase, and the Nintendo Direct and discuss all the games that caught our eye. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing (Mina the Hollower, Slay The Spire 2, 007 First Light, Final Fantasy XIV, Destiny 2). This episode was recorded in June 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 4:38 - Summer Games Fest 2026 30:57 - Xbox Summer Showcase 2026 53:17 - Nintendo Direct Summer 2026 1:35:13 - Mina the Hollower 1:41:44 - Slay The Spire 2 / 007 First Light 1:45:48 - Final Fantasy XIV 1:53:29 - Destiny 2

Episode 259 Summer Games Fest season kicks off with PlayStation's State of Play, and there is much to discuss! With a deluge of single-player games shown, could this be Sony beginning to course-correct from their misguided live-service venture? We give our thoughts on the State of Play, then discuss the end of Destiny 2 and the situation Bungie finds themselves in. As always, we conclude with the games we're playing. This episode was recorded in June 2026. Intro and outro music composed for Gametalk by Dylan Chase. Chat us up in Discord - discord.gg/JZCj5Qn Or email us at [email protected] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/369MuzfFy8RB6vFULVY7Zy?si=26cb1639927c4cc8 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastGametalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastgametalk Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastgametalk Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/podcastgametalk.bsky.social Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Banter 4:56 - State of Play June 2026 46:03 - The Death of Destiny 2 1:01:00 - Miscellaneous Games We're Playing