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We are back discussing the epic Gamescom and State of Play announcments including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, the Songs of the Past new Witcher 3 expansion, and the new free Mario Kart 8 update that brings 8 player splitscreen for Switch 2 users along with other free enhancements. We discuss this trend of older games getting renewed support, expansions, and remasters and ask if more publishers should pursue this. Then we discuss Sony's new State of Play, what games we are excited about and then dive into a bit more discussion on the importance of consumer protections as they move into the all digital era. We talk Xbox's new disc to digital program, September game releases, and more. Thanks for listening. Show links: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/over-700-games-launched-on-steam-in-one-week-for-the-first-time-though-74-had-fewer-than-10-reviews  https://www.msn.com/en-us/gaming/xbox/xbox-disc-to-digital-supports-delisted-games-too-here-s-every-title-that-works-so-far/ar-AA2bscYc  https://www.flyingpenguin.com/doctorows-disinvention-of-the-vcrs-history/  Jampackd Magazine: https://jampackd.quest/  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm    Pod-zine: https://glitch.mov/products/dual-comm-podzine-1-the-feelings-test  00:00 What We’ve Been Playing 06:58 The Witcher 3’s Huge Gamescom Comeback 15:09 Should Old Games Keep Getting New Content? 25:51 Are Classic Gaming Franchises Making a Comeback? 35:11 All Digital PlayStation... 42:50 State of Play: Our Favorite Games 52:04 September Is Absolutely Stacked 54:50 Xbox Disc-to-Digital & The Future of Physical Games 1:18:18 700 Games in One Week: Steam, Indies & Discovery Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

A lot has happened in gaming since our last show, so we had plenty to catch up on. We talk about our early impressions of Halo Campaign Evolved, Xbox’s massive restructuring, and why Sony moving away from physical games feels like such a breaking point. Epos also shares his surprisingly positive experience with the new Steam Machine, while we get into game ownership, preservation, and why convenience matters more to us as we get older. Plus, we talk Monster Hunter, older consoles, YouTube’s continued evolution, and plenty more along the way. Jampackd Magazine: https://jampackd.quest/  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm    Pod-zine: https://glitch.mov/products/dual-comm-podzine-1-the-feelings-test  00:00:00 Intro & Jam-Packed Magazine 00:03:56 Games of the Week 00:6:08 Video of the Week: Sony and Physical Games 00:7:22 Wind Waker, Pokémon FireRed & Emulation 00:13:47 Steam Machine Impressions 00:26:53 Xbox’s Reset & Bethesda Layoffs 00:39:15 Sony’s All-Digital Future 01:01:42 Is a Hobby Still a Hobby? 01:05:08 Halo Campaign Evolved Impressions 01:18:55 Sony’s Lost PlayStation Handheld 01:20:47 Replaceable Batteries & the Original Switch 01:24:07 Switch 2 OLED Rumors 01:28:40 The Value of Older Consoles 01:30:37 Convenience Over the “Best” Way to Play 01:36:33 Monster Hunter Wilds & Capcom 01:42:29 YouTube Algorithms & What Comes Next 01:52:29 Outro Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

We really enjoyed the new State of Play, and in this special Dual Comm episode we recap the entire presentation and our thoughts on the games that were shown. Then we talk about friction free gaming, the one platform mindset update, and the Steam Deck pricing increases that just happened. Thanks for listening and have a great week!   00:00:00 Incredible State of Play 00:01:40 Game of the Week 00:02:31 Wolverine  00:06:26 Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls 00:07:50 Rayman Legends Retold 00:09:00 Bancho The Chef 00:10:14 Kemuri 00:11:34 Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis 00:14:06 The Lost Wild 00:14:37 Phantom Blade Zero 00:15:43 Dune: Awakening 00:17:15 Dynasty Warriors 3 Complete Edition Remastered 00:20:00 No Rest For The Wicked 00:22:00 Onimusha 00:24:10 Ace Combat 8 00:31:02 Stuntman Hollywood 00:33:08 Control Resonant 00:34:31 Marathon 00:35:17 Runescape Wilds 00:37:19 Until Dawn 2 00:37:52 God Of War Laufey 00:52:08 State Of Play Reception 00:58:27 The One Platform Mindset 01:07:08 The Feelings Test Awareness 01:14:00 Friction Free Gaming 01:19:11 Steam Deck Price Increase Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

This week we talk about Thronefall as our game of the week. Epos built the ultimate locked down laptop for a dialed family experience. We look at an amazing custom motherboard PS2 handheld. We discuss Sony moving away from PC releases for their first party singleplayer games. Then in the back half we discuss numerous gaming news items, along with our main topic, will gaming ever feel hopeful again. Thanks for watching! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm  Pod-zine: https://glitch.mov/products/dual-comm-podzine-1-the-feelings-test  00:00:00 Game & Video Of The Week 00:18:30 Intentional Laptop For The Kiddo 00:29:15 Handheld PlayStation 2 00:40:49 Looking At YouTube Studio 00:45:10 PS5 No More On PC 01:00:00 PS Plus Price Increase 01:01:23 Plex Lifetime Pass $750... 01:11:12 Steam Download Tab Update 01:13:04 Helldivers 2 Tech Update 01:17:25 Discord Gets End to end encryption 01:19:19 Marathon Getting More PvE Support? 01:24:33 Will Gaming Feel Hopeful Again? Show links: VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Hank Green “I just want to fix things” https://youtu.be/WnG6l7voITY  GAME OF THE WEEK: Thronefall https://store.steampowered.com/app/2239150/Thronefall/  Google Search Going Away https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/19/google-search-as-you-know-it-is-over/  INSANE portable PS2 made with original chips but custom motherboard https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/enthusiast-crams-reversed-engineered-ps2-into-a-handheld-designs-custom-motherboard-bespoke-playstation-2-portable-pairs-modern-features-with-original-silicon  PlayStation Exec says PC releases are DONE https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social/post/3mm5jzsls5s2a  PS+ Price Increases https://x.com/playstation/status/2056404450793938989  Plex makes its lifetime license unaffordable, move to Jellyfin https://www.plex.tv/blog/new-lifetime-plex-pass-pricing/  Helldivers 2 is finally getting FSR/DLSS/Reflex https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/666114279352566049  Discord updates Linux client, adds E2EE for video calls https://discord.com/blog/every-voice-and-video-call-on-discord-is-now-end-to-end-encrypted  Marathon getting PVE/story content https://kotaku.com/marathon-reveals-an-ambitious-blueprint-for-making-it-a-game-more-people-want-to-play-2000696161    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

This show we dive into how stimulating the modern internet can be, and how it takes a lot of effort to truly disconnect. But that effort to get a bit more offline has immense benefits and joys behind it. We then talk about finding your own taste in gaming and being confident in the mechanics you enjoy. We close by talking about Sony's step away from PC releases and PC language regarding their games and what that could mean. Thanks for watching or listening! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm  Chapters: 00:00:00 Video of the week 00:10:52 Internet Over stimulation & Attention 00:40:49 Finding Your Taste In Gaming 00:57:40 Inbox Zero & Deep Work 01:18:02 PlayStation Scrubbing PC References Show Links: Over stimulation Topic: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/general/scientists-say-social-media-detox-can-reverse-10-years-of-damage/ar-AA20vNun PC Gamer article: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/your-joys-will-always-be-someone-elses-junk/ PlayStation scrubbing PC References: https://gameobserver.com/playstation-studios-removes-nearly-all-pc-references-from-websites/ Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

On this episode we talk about the freedom that a game like Minecraft provides and the generational memories it has built with millions of players. We dive into freedom of play in a sandbox game and how nostalgia impacts every generation. We talk about ways you can make your PC less distracting to help get into games with less friction. Then we talk about game curation, choice, and the new era of a more saturated market. Finally we talk about how rad and fun gaming can be these days. Thanks for listening!  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm    Video of the week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKQ0XEi_Ttw  Game of the week: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3919490/Driftline_Peaks/  Show links: Epos' DLSS 5 video: https://demodisc.zone/t/dlss-5-sent-me-into-the-woods-aka-spring-break-travel-photog-trip/347  More Music Released In A Day Than A Whole Year https://www.nme.com/news/music/more-music-released-in-a-single-day-in-2024-than-the-whole-of-1989-says-study-3815719  Steam Game Releases By Review Count: https://bsky.app/profile/brkeogh.bsky.social/post/3mgvde43i722q  00:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Video Of The Week 00:07:00 Game Of The Week 00:10:47 Minecraft, Memories, Freedom, & Nostalgia 00:30:57 De-Distract Your PC  00:54:00 Game Saturation, Curation, & Enjoying The Process 01:28:49 Gaming Is Pretty Awesome Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

This week we talk about Steam Next Fest which is starting now! We discuss the consumer electronics crisis that is being fueled by lack of supply. We then talk about Sony's newest State of Play and the games that stood out to us. Unreal Tournament 2004 is free and has been improved by the old unreal community. Then we talk about the importance of originality. Thanks for listening and have a great week! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm       Game of the week: Easy Delivery Co. https://store.steampowered.com/app/3293010/Easy_Delivery_Co/  Video of the week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG8JUDjtgtw    Show links: STEAM NEXT FEST (Feb 23 – March 2, 2026 @ 10AM PT) https://store.steampowered.com/sale/nextfest_feb26_press/    Lost Save's Video On Next Fest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf1LOHTaa14  Hardware Shortages: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/memory/many-consumer-electronics-manufacturers-will-go-bankrupt-or-exit-product-lines-by-the-end-of-2026-due-to-the-ai-memory-crisis-phison-ceo-reportedly-says/  https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/over-80-percent-of-companies-report-no-productivity-gains-from-ai-so-far-despite-billions-in-investment-survey-suggests-6-000-executives-also-reveal-1-3-of-leaders-use-ai-but-only-for-90-minutes-a-week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzTg5hhH5tE  https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/02/sony-considering-ps6-delay-to-2028-or-even-2029-new-report-says  State of Play Feb 12  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0e5YEXtZu0  God of War 2D spin-off article (VGC):   https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/what-the-f-are-they-thinking-god-of-war-creator-says-2d-spin-off-sons-of-sparta-doesnt-respect-the-license/  UNREAL TOURNAMENT 2004 (Free 4K Community Installer)   https://www.oldunreal.com/  Stardew Valley player sleeps for 1,000 years (Kotaku):   https://kotaku.com/stardew-valley-sleep-meteorite-mushroom-trees-stone-owls-2000669774    00:00:00 Intro 00:03:30 Game Of The Week 00:12:30 Video Of The Week 00:21:48 Steam Next Fest 00:30:36 Are Consumer Electronics In Jeopardy? 00:41:00 Consequences Of Steam Machine Delay 00:47:39 State Of Play 01:01:22 Unreal Tournament 2004 Free And Enhanced 01:08:20 Stardew Valley Player Sleeps For 1000 Years 01:10:00 You Have What AI Needs Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

In this episode we talk about Unreal Engine’s influence on movies and TV, the current AI panic in games, and why being constantly mad about tech is a losing game. We also dig into owning your services, GOG’s push toward Linux and preservation, and why mid-tier games deserve more love. Thanks for listening and have a great day! #gaming #gamingpodcast #gamingcommentary  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DualComm  Dual Comm Party Chat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMLyNxTXPdCKlZ9CMXkNPDMNNIKQARPd  Show Links: Featured Video Finis Coronat Opus — A Mirror's Edge Sniping Montage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHOLAMHBJ3k  Featured Games: Arcadium Space Odyssey https://store.steampowered.com/app/2352670/Arcadium__Space_Odyssey/  Don't Stop, Girlypop! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2610650/Dont_Stop_Girlypop/  Garlic https://store.steampowered.com/app/1250440/Garlic/  UNREAL ENGINE IN MOVIES / TV - VGC (Gore Verbinski quote about Unreal Engine): https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/greatest-slip-backwards-pirates-of-the-caribbean-director-says-unreal-engine-makes-films-look-too-much-like-games/  Tom’s Hardware (Project Genie / gaming stocks reaction): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/gaming-market-melts-down-after-google-reveals-new-ai-game-design-tool-project-genie-crashes-stocks-for-roblox-nintendo-cd-projekt-red-and-more  OWN YOUR TECH SERVICES / BEING DONE BEING MAD - Linus Tech Tips (I’m done being mad about tech): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZZf6LM3wAU  - Level1Techs (Adam + Wendell storage adventure feat. EposVox): https://level1techs.com/node/3347  Swagless Games https://www.polygon.com/code-vein-2-swagless-game/  Red Dead Redemption 2 vs. A Tiny CRT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_tohNLvkxk  Sony AI LLM Podcast Patent https://www.techradar.com/gaming/sony-patents-ai-generated-podcasts-with-playstation-characters-because-video-game-platforms-currently-lack-the-ability-to-provide-unique-and-targeted-content-to-gamers  00:00:00 Are We Reducing Our Setups? (Emulation) 00:05:03 Dual Comm Patreon 00:08:30 Featured Video Of The Show 00:12:16 Featured Games Of The Show 00:17:00 Is Unreal Engine Ruining Movies & TV? 00:24:49 AI Is Running Wild 00:44:00 Own Your Tech Services 00:56:10 GOG Bringing GOG Galaxy To Linux 01:02:42 Epos Doesn't Like Pick Up Videos Anymore 01:11:50 Done Being Mad About Tech 01:30:15 Mid Games Are Awesome 01:50:34 Epos & Fable   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

Season 2 of the Dual Comm podcast has arrived. We discuss the Steam Deck LCD going away, likely due to RAM shortages. We talk about giving gaming less of yourself to enjoy the hobby more, and then dig into the self-help trend flooding YouTube around hobbies. We also talk about a PC Gamer article noting that the focus of major FPS releases is shifting away from competitive play and toward more relaxed co-op experiences. We wrap by talking about dopamine sensitivity, doing things for yourself, and creating. Thanks for watching. Dual Comm Party Chat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuMLyNxTXPdCKlZ9CMXkNPDMNNIKQARPd  Show Links: Welcome to the FPS Vibe Shift (PC Gamer) https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/welcome-to-the-fps-vibe-shift/  Chiral Drifter - Gaming Feels New Again (We Gave Gaming Smaller Pieces of Ourselves) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnIo2WWt848  Another video about giving gaming less of yourself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo4LUKi62jY  Epos new blog gamer.dad https://gamer.dad  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Season 2 Begins 00:01:48 - Finishing Horizon Zero Dawn and Starting Forbidden West 00:12:46 - Steam Deck Funded by Counter-Strike Skins 00:15:47 - The End of the Steam Deck LCD 00:20:53 - Launching the gamer.dad Blog 00:22:04 - Rediscovering RSS 00:23:27 - Giving Games Less of Yourself 00:31:24 - When Intentional Gaming Becomes the Default 00:51:21 - The FPS Vibe Shift 01:10:24 - YouTube, Algorithms, and Sensationalism 01:30:16 - Doing Things Just for Yourself 01:39:30 - Dopamine Sensitivity and Overstimulation Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

It's the one-year anniversary of the Dual Comm Podcast. Thank you for such an incredible year. In this episode we talk about the origin of the show with a cool surprise, then revisit some of our favorite topics from the first year and how our perspectives have shifted. We also dive into games that hit at the right place and right time, taking breaks before burnout even begins, and share some of our favorite games from the last year along with our goals for 2026. Thanks for making this such a great year. We appreciate you all. Disclosure: I received a free review copy of The Outer Worlds 2 from Xbox / Microsoft. Show Links: Taking a break from a certain type of gaming instead of being frustrated: https://demodisc.zone/t/taking-a-break-from-mainstream-gaming/251 Chapters 00:00:00 The Origin Of the Dual Comm Podcast + Surprise 00:05:35 Demo Discs Are Amazing & Should Return 00:19:40 Favorite Moments From Dual Comm Year 1 01:06:19 Games In The Right Place At The Right Time? 01:19:40 Taking Breaks Before Burn Out Sets In 01:27:45 Netflix Trying To Buy Warner Bros. 01:33:17 Surprise Topic #2 01:39:20 Free Prime & Epic Games 01:42:00 Favorite Game Of 2025 & Goals For 2026 Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc   Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

This episode dives into why digital freedom and ownership matter more than ever. We quickly revisit the value of the PS4 in 2025, the importance and benefits of physical media, how to back up your PC games, and the smart TV settings you should turn off right now. From there we talk about Xbox trying to compete with TikTok, Windows 11 frustrations pushing people toward Linux, and practical ways to take back your digital freedom and build healthier tech habits. We also explore whether there are simply too many games to keep up with now, talk about Amazon’s failed attempt to rival Steam, and share Prime Gaming titles worth downloading today. Later we get into how everything online is starting to feel like advertising, then wrap up with TimeSplitters Rewind, fresh PS5 news, and the reveal of the new PlayStation gaming monitor. Thanks for listening.   Chapters 00:00:00 PS4 Is Still Awesome 00:11:00 Physical Media Mega Discussion Begins 00:13:00 How To Make Physical Copies Of Your PC Games 00:18:00 Your Smart TV Is Spying On You, Turn This Off Now 00:30:00 Xbox Competing With TikTok?! 00:39:00 Windows 11 Issues Motivating Linux Movement 00:48:00 Take Back Your Digital Freedom, Empower Your Tech Usage 01:00:28 Are There Too Many Games Now? 01:20:58 Amazon Failed To Compete With Steam 01:25:05 Prime Games To Download Now 01:25:50 Amazon Gaming Did Not Understand Steam 01:33:54 Everything Is Advertising 01:45:43 TimeSplitters Rewind Looks Awesome 01:48:00 PS5 News and PlayStation Monitor Preview Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking Show Links: Lost Save's PS4 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkCloXWp378  EVERYONE is misunderstanding "Xbox has to compete with TikTok": https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/10/29/satya-nadellas-plan-to-take-on-tiktok-with-xbox-makes-no-sense/  Your TV Is Spying On You. Turn These Settings Off: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features-a4840102036/  Are There Too Many Games?: https://bsky.app/profile/benjedwards.com/post/3m5aa2a3alc2f  Amazon Lays Off Entire Gaming Division: https://bsky.app/profile/catacalypto.bsky.social/post/3m4cbunnsss2j  https://bsky.app/profile/letitmelo.bsky.social/post/3m4bxweqs3k2u  Everything Is Advertising: https://bsky.app/profile/lukeplunkett.com/post/3m5adneejhs2h  TimeSplitters Rewind: https://www.timesplittersrewind.com/  PS5 PC Cross-Buy Discovery: https://insider-gaming.com/a-ps5-pc-cross-buy-option-has-been-discovered-verified/  PlayStation Store Dynamic Pricing Reports: https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/s/lXW7qPfGDY  https://twistedvoxel.com/playstation-experimenting-with-dynamic-game-pricing/  https://www.notebookcheck.net/PlayStation-Store-dynamic-pricing-criticized-as-sale-prices-on-PS5-games-vary-by-account.1156025.0.html  The New PlayStation Gaming Monitor: https://blog.playstation.com/2025/11/11/first-look-at-playstations-27-gaming-monitor/    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219  Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE  Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321  Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc

This week in the Dual Comm Podcast we discuss the games we've been playing recently, and the TV & movies we've been watching. We then shift to discussions about the PlayStation 5's unique features and why PlayStation 6 may be facing an uphill PR battle to earn buy in. Then we talk about the absolute immense value the PlayStation 4 offers players right now. Finally we talk about gaming nostalgia and the current algorithm trends, finishing with the discussion of reflection and third places and memories. Thanks for listening.     Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro - 1 Year Of Dual Comm Almost   00:04:31 What Games & Media Have You Been Playing And Watching   00:16:33 PlayStation 5 Graphics Discussion   00:28:57 Does PlayStation 6 Have Perception Challenge?   00:39:11 The Amazing Value Of The PS4 00:46:54 Are Creators Turning Nostalgia Into A Meme?   01:04:17 We Leave A Part Of Ourselves Behind Dual Comm Party Chat Episode 2:   https://youtu.be/-1dOITdMaOk?si=IQL5Pzqb6qQyvUOQ    We leave a part of ourselves behind:   https://youtu.be/vejSywwFq7Q?si=wTyOAtv8MeuWqhi6    Links discussed in today's show:   https://insider-gaming.com/ea-shuts-down-call-of-duty-inspired-battlefield-6-portal-maps/    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/ps5-has-been-special-thanks-to-ssd-dualsense-features-rather-than-visuals    https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/even-i-cant-tell-the-difference-shuhei-yoshida-thinks-ps6-needs-something-other-than-just-more-power    Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

On this episode we talk about the Xbox Game Pass subscription price increase and subsequently we then talk about what happens when you start ditching subscriptions and actually own the things you love again. From Jellyfin to physical media, there’s a real sense of freedom that comes with taking back control of what you watch and play. We dig into why old games feel so good right now, how subscription fatigue is shaping modern gaming, and why shorter, more personal play sessions might be the best thing you can do for yourself. Then we answer some great viewer comments. Thanks for listening! Chapters: 00:00:00 New Show "Party Chat" 00:03:54 Xbox Removed From Retailers 00:14:00 Ditching Subscription Services – Taking Ownership Back with Jellyfin and Physical Media 00:31:00 Game Pass Price Hike and the Future of Access-Based Gaming 00:34:00 Why Old Games Feel So Good Right Now 00:42:00 The Power of Personal Choice in Gaming 00:45:00 How Daydreaming Died – Escaping Peripheral Hobby Burnout 00:52:03 Epos’ Steam Sale Recommendations 00:56:52 Secret Topic – Game Difficulty and Player Expectations 01:04:00 Relearning How to Just Play and Stop Optimizing the Fun Out 01:07:04 The Power of Short Sessions and Rediscovering Flow 01:18:50 Viewer Comment – Gears of War: E-Day and Franchise Stagnation 01:35:53 Viewer Comment – Live Service Games Are the TikTok of Gaming Video we discussed regarding old games and personal connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rae6dQ18E4Q Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

In this episode we dig into why Souls games feel so challenging when life gets stressful, and how frustration can shape the way we approach gaming. We also talk about the end of console uniqueness, why Steam quietly won the console war, and what it means for how we choose platforms going forward. From there we get into the question of whether games are really relaxing or if they’re actually stimulation, and why that matters for how we spend our free time. We react to the new Switch 2 Direct and the familiar pull of FOMO, while trying to keep things grounded in what really matters. We share thoughts on the different types of gamers out there, and how our identities around competition and casual play have changed over the years. Finally, we wrap on why intrinsic fun is worth chasing over external rewards, and how that shift might be the healthiest way to keep enjoying games as adults. Thanks for listening! Chapters: 00:00:00 The Challenge of Souls Games & Finding Joy in Difficulty 00:21:18 Steam Won the Console War – Consoles Feel the Same Now 00:41:00 Choosing Your Platform: What Matters Most Going Forward 00:57:00 Games as Stimulation, Not Passive Relaxation 01:01:00 Switch 2 Direct Reactions & Handling FOMO 01:05:25 What Kind of Gamer Are You? 01:15:45 Playing for Fun: Intrinsic Rewards Over External Pressure Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking

Why does it feel like our focus is constantly under attack—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of the Dual Comm Podcast, we dig into the quiet, everyday battles for our attention, from endless phone scrolling to multitasking ourselves into brain fog. We talk about the lost joy of doing one thing at a time, the value of being bored, and how simple habits—like listening to an album start to finish or playing a game without a second screen—can help restore our attention span. We also get into the comeback of physical media, why buying CDs and ripping DVDs has become unexpectedly satisfying, and how infinite streaming choice might be making us less happy. Later in the episode, we talk Halo 3 playlist design, why modern FPS games miss the mark on fun, and a productivity warning signal to watch out for. It’s part nostalgia, part reflection, and part reminder that the best way to protect your focus might be to slow down, log off, and embrace the quiet moments. #gaming #gamingvideos Links to: Hutch's Florence & The Machine Montage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft4oAPA6DQY Bnet Archive: https://bnetarchive.haloman30.com/contente5a6.html?type=topnews&link=h3matchmaking Chapters: 00:00:00 AAA Gaming Has Hit a Wall 00:12:30 Blanding: Why Everything Looks the Same Now 00:26:33 Why We're Buying Physical Media Again 00:31:50 The Joy (and Value) of Being Bored 00:43:30 The Lost Art of Truly Focusing on One Thing 01:15:00 Halo 3’s Magic and Why Older FPS Games Gave Us More 01:58:00 Brain Fog: Symptom or Something Bigger? Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dual-comm-podcast/id1781108219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ls95EviV2hcBBnufcZ5ZE iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/240902321 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5752977a-04fd-4198-b7e3-2a25665b98fc Follow us on YouTube: @bbkdragoon | @EposVox | @lostsaves | @NeuroSpicy.Cooking