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It is nearly upon us, the moment Final Fantasy VII fans have been eagerly anticipating, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is mere days away. Sean is joined by Gaming Trends Writer at Inverse Hayes Madsen. Hayes has reviewed and played the full game already ahead of its official release.In this SPOILER-FREE discussion about the game, Hayes gives his thoughts on the new additions, what's improved from Final Fantasy VII Remake, does going open-world make this everything we've ever dreamed of for FFVII? Hayes' favorite mini-game, what is so awesome about the new card game Queen's Blood, anything that stands out as a negative, and more!You can go read Hayes's review here: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-reviewYou can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/ukmBOegaKGoTimestamps:00:01:00: START00:02:25: Talking about the state of Gaming and Games Journalism00:08:30: Hayes's history with Final Fantasy VII00:09:45: Discussing all things Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Spoiler-Free)- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/- Check out other W2M Network Shows -Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/eqDDMGJKTD4Radulich in Broadcasting's Lisa Frankenstein Review: https://youtube.com/live/VagxcEgQMG0Radulich in Broadcasting's Madame Web Review: https://youtube.com/live/QO4MZDd0k6E- Our Friend's Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Reviews -Hayes Madsen's Review over at Inverse Gaming: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-reviewAndrew Agress Review over at The Outerhaven.net: https://www.theouterhaven.net/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-review-the-pinnacle-of-a-journey/- Follow on X (Twitter): -Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/W2MSeanW2M Network on Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork- Other Social Media -Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9dFollow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetworkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork

This was a week of anticipation for the industry focused more so looking forward to two major games that are coming in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Not to mention, Nintendo finally dropped that Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase as well.Sean and Marc discuss all of these things, how reviews are shaping up for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, thoughts on the Elden Ring DLC Trailer, and also on the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.They've also been playing some games, with Marc having some Helldivers 2 Impressions, and also can discuss the server issues preventing him from playing the game. He's also made it further in Persona 3 Reload and Regency Solitaire 2. Sean has more to say on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden after spending a significant amount of more time with it.Plus, Sony will make it possible for PSVR 2 to work on PC so that the tech owners can access more games. The latest Circana report for January 2024 has dropped and brings with it some interesting info on game sales. SEGA's Crazy Taxi reboot has a Battle Royal mode and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/0dNAPYroo1g   Also, Sean did an extra VG2M this week discussing all things Final Fantasy VII Rebirth w/ Hayes Madsen: https://youtube.com/live/ukmBOegaKGo Timestamps:00:00:00: START00:01:30: Housekeeping-------------- Games We Are Playing ---------------00:03:25: Helldivers 2 (Marc)00:13:43: Persona 3 Reload (Marc)00:23:38: Regency Solitaire (Marc)00:24:10: Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (Sean)--------------- MAIN TOPIC ---------------00:30:50: Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase Reactions00:41:05: Elden Ring DLC Trailer------------ What's in the News -----------00:44:25: January 2024 Circana Report & Suicide Squad Kill the Justice doesn't meet Warner Bros expectations00:49:48: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Comes out to Great Reviews and a 94 on Metacritic00:54:10: Could There Be a Bloodborne Remake?00:56:38: Sony is working on allowing PSVR 2 to work on PC01:02:55: Crazy Taxi Reboot is a AAA game with a 100-person Battle Royal Mode01:07:40: Short interlude discussing the Sony Non-Spiderman Spidey movies & DC's New DCEU01:12:25: EA is trying to get over 11,000 College Players to sign up to be Licensed for EA Sports College Football 2501:15:25: Some discussion on HALO TV Series Season 2 and if Star Wars Jedi could be a TV Series01:18:10: Discussing the Borderlands Movie Trailer & IGN Creators Guild Gets Accepted------------------ The End ------------01:20:25: Games Coming Out This Week: Pacific Drive, Promenade, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth & More!- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/- Check out other W2M Network Shows -   Also, Sean did an extra VG2M this week discussing all things Final Fantasy VII Rebirth w/ Hayes Madsen: https://youtube.com/live/ukmBOegaKGo Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/UNiAW0VlvNERadulich in Broadcasting's Lisa Frankenstein Review: https://youtube.com/live/VagxcEgQMG0Radulich in Broadcasting's Hazbin Hotel Review: https://youtube.com/live/YHZp-tbEkFs- Our Friend's Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Reviews -Hayes Madsen's Review over at Inverse Gaming: https://www.inverse.com/gaming/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-reviewAndrew Agress Review over at The Outerhaven.net: https://www.theouterhaven.net/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-review-the-pinnacle-of-a-

What's up Internet? After a winter hiatus, Last Word Soccer Club Radio is back. Rachael Kriger, Dan Sperry, and Matt Pollard sit down to get caught up ahead of the opening week of the MLS season. We banter about all the new MLS jerseys, talking about the new designs, and sorting the kits into Drippin, Trippin, and training tops. Then we have a full 2024 MLS season preview.  We predict teams that will go from making the playoffs to missing the playoffs. We debate which teams are still bad and who the likely trophy contenders are. Of course we have to throw in some chaos predictions as well. We predict who will win Champions League, MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, the Open Cup (with and without MLS teams), and the Wooden Spoon.  MLS is back baby and we are so excited! Listen to us all season long as we cover the 29th season of Major League Soccer.  Last Word SC is brought to you by Athletic Greens. Get started with all-in-one nutrition today at the link below. https://athleticgreens.sjv.io/LWPN

Randy Isbelle joins Sean and Marc on this week's big episode, as Microsoft had its business update and wound up announcing four games will be coming to other console platforms. And while they did not announce which ones they are, reports are already out there that namedrop Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Pentiment as the four coming over. There's also new console hardware being worked on and even announcements coming in the fall regarding a possible mid-gen thing. Should this be enough to calm the fears? Or is this just the start of a whole new strategy for Xbox?On the other side, a recent earnings report from Sony had their president, CFO, and COO Hiroki Totoki state that no major franchise exclusives are coming in 2024, that they need to be more mindful of business when it comes to developing games, and even mentions being more aggressive about PC. Could Sony also be looking at modifying their strategy a bit?Unfortunately, layoffs and bad news also continue with Embracer Group once again leading the way in both categories and now in making terrible statements concerning these layoffs as well. Bandai Namco also admits they had to cancel games amid big losses. What does this say about where the industry is right now? And how has Nintendo seemingly been able to stay above all of it?Plus, Sean's been playing the newly released Banishers: Ghost of New Eden, Marc's been playing Persona 3 Reload, Regency Solitaire 2, and the Pacific Drive Demo. Nintendo may not release the Switch until Q1 2025, a Mandalorian game is coming from Respawn and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/4B-B85zTOBk   Timestamps: 00:00:00: START00:01:45: Housekeeping------------------ MAIN TOPIC --------------00:04:15: Discussion on the Xbox Business Update and discussing Xbox's subtle new strategy00:27:55: Sony may be more aggressive with putting games on PC in the future---------------- Games We Are Playing ------------00:44:25: Persona 3 Reload (Marc)00:49:40: Pacific Drive Demo (Marc)00:51:25: Startruckers Demo (Marc)00:52:40: Banishers: Ghost of New Eden (Sean)00:56:40: Turnip Boy Robs a Bank & Final Fantasy VII Remake (Randy)------------------- What's in the News ---------------01:02:30: Yoshitaka Moriyama passes away01:04:35: Bandai Namco had to cancel some games and didn't have great earnings01:07:40: Embracer Group gives more details on how close they are to ending the restructuring01:11:40: ZA/UM cancels Disco Elysium expansion and incurs some layoffs01:13:25: Respawn is working on a Mandalorian Star Wars game01:17:45: Nintendo Switch 2 May Not Release until Spring 2025---------------- The End ----------01:23:10: Games Coming out this week- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/- Check out other W2M Network Shows -Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/UNiAW0VlvNERadulich in Broadcasting's Lisa Frankenstein Review: https://youtube.com/live/VagxcEgQMG0Radulich in Broadcasting's Hazbin Hotel Review: https://youtube.com/live/YHZp-tbEkFs- Check out Randy's work as well -The latest episode of Bad Brackets, Best Super Bowl Moments: https://youtu.be/uXYnAdYHiP0The latest episode of the R & R Sports Report: https://www.youtube.com/live/cLUI5NFsXsg- News Story Links -The Verge's Interview with Phil Spencer: https://www.theverge.com/24073666/microsoft-gaming-phil-spencer-interview-ps5-swi

In this episode of the Necessary Roughness Podcast, host Nikolas Donadic dives into Super Bowl LVIII. He also touches on why firing DC Steve Wilks was the 49ers only real move to make, can’t help but discuss Patrick Mahomes’s GOAT trajectory, and poses his own Super Bowl conspiracy theory. Enjoy the show and join us March 15th for the following episode!

This week has been a whirlwind of rumors, speculation, and reports centered around Microsoft's possible direction for the future of Xbox as a brand, as a console, and what that means for the gaming world in general. Gaming social media imploded so crazily that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had to reveal a business summit is occurring next week that will cover this.Sean and Marc discuss this possible major change to gaming, will it really be all that bad? Is it a big deal if Xbox no longer has any "true exclusives?" does this mean that it is now Game Pass or bust? What avenues does Microsoft gaming really have at this point? And is this the death of the Xbox Console?Also, Marc is near the end of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Sean has some thoughts on Persona 3 Reload and speaks generally (without spoilers) about the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo and some things from the State of Play.Plus, Disney invests big money into Epic Games and promises a major Fortnite partnership, Capcom asks which of their franchises you'd like to see make a return, rumors on the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, Knuckles TV show news, and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/PFov4lQW9cYTimestamps:00:00:00: START00:01:50: Housekeeping-------------- MAIN TOPIC ----------00:03:10 What's going on at Xbox? Are they about to go Multi-Platform? Is the Xbox Console Dead?00:35:30: Ubisoft defends the $70 Price tag of Skull & Bones because it is a AAAA Game-------------- Games We Are Playing ---------00:41:30: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Marc beat it)00:51:25: Persona 3 Reload (Sean)00:57:35 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Demo (Sean)----------- What's in the News --------01:02:25: Report comes out that Nintendo Switch 2 could have its announcement in March01:04:55: Capcom asks in a survey what games you'd like to see get remade or have a sequel01:09:55: Disney invests $1.5 Billion into Epic Games01:15:35: Yoshinori Kitase says he'd change the Junction system for a Final Fantasy 8 Remake01:17:55: Kadokawa acquires Octopath Traveler Developers Acquire01:21:15: Knuckles TV Show gets release date---------------- The End ----------01:22:50: Games Coming out this week- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/- Check out other W2M Network Shows -Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/7AUIjsRmzz4Radulich in Broadcasting's Argyle Review: https://youtube.com/live/Go4t0HbiumoRadulich in Broadcasting's Percy Jackson Season 1 Review: https://youtube.com/live/U94u4q8wc5E- News Story Links -Ubisoft defends Skull & Bones Pricing: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-ceo-defends-skull-and-bones-70-price-despite-its-live-service-leanings-calls-it-quadruple-a/Nintendo Switch 2 Could Be Announced as early as March 2024: https://gamerant.com/rumor-nintendo-switch-2-reveal-march-2024/Capcom asks about old franchises in a survey: https://www.ign.com/articles/capcom-asks-players-if-they-want-sequels-to-okami-dead-rising-mega-man-and-moreDisney Invests $1.5 Billion in Epic Games: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/7/24065281/disney-epic-games-investment-fortnite-metaverseYoshinori Kitase says he change the Junction system for a Final Fantasy VIII Remake: https://insider-gaming.com/final-fantasy-8-director-would-rework-battle-system-in-a-remake/- Follow on X (Twitter): -Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/W2MSean

In this episode of the Necessary Roughness Podcast, host Nikolas Donadic dives into Super Bowl LVIII. He also discusses his confusion over Myles Garrett winning DPoY over TJ Watt, weighs in on the NFLPA’s comments on the NFL’s gambling policy, and examines the long-reaching implications of SB58. Enjoy the show and join us next weekend for the following episode!

This week, Sony graced us all with a rather lengthy PlayStation State of Play showing off the promised games such as Stellar Blade and Rise of the Ronin, but also delivering a few surprises such as an almost 10-minute look at Death Stranding 2 among other announcements. Sean and Marc give their thoughts on the State of Play and if they are more hyped about anything that was shown than they were previously.Also, Marc has been playing quite a lot of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, as he traverses through Hawaii with Ichiban and friends exploring the beaches, the Animal Crossing-like Dondoko Island, and battling it out with the Sujimon. Sean unfortunately hasn't been able to play much, but both of them will be able to discuss Persona 3: Reload next week at least.There's also a rumor that Sony may be working on a PlayStation Vita 2 or at least a true original portable device, but that it would not be released for at least another two years. Would it be possible to even have a PlayStation 5 portable? Does this mean we will see this become an even bigger trend in gaming? Or is this just another case of PlayStation and potentially Xbox going after Nintendo a little too late?Plus, sadly, more layoffs at Embracer Group, and SEGA of America also is set to have layoffs as well. games being delisted with no warning off Steam and consoles, Square-Enix saying a Final Fantasy VI remake would take 20 years to make, info on the PDP Fortnite Festival guitar and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/8WzNlRXhOsMTimestamps:00:00:00: START00:01:10: Housekeeping------------------ MAIN TOPIC -----------00:02:40 PlayStation State of Play Reactions------------- Games We Are Playing ---------00:20:45 Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sean & Marc)00:35:40 Discussing if they are gonna play Persona 3: Reload, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and Helldivers 2------------- What's in the News ------------00:38:25 SEGA of America laying off 61 people and Embracer Continues Layoffs as well at Eidos Montreal, Cancels Deus Ex game too00:41:25 Spec Ops the Line and Devil Mary Cry 3 & 4 Special Editions get suddenly Delisted00:44:40 Some European retailers to stop selling physical Xbox Games in stores00:48:10 According to a Hardware Leaker, there's a possible PlayStation Vita 2 or Original Portable in Development with AMD00:54:45 Yoshinori Kitase says it would take 20 years to make a FFVII-style remake of FFVI00:58:40 Sean talks about the PDP Rock Band 4/Fortnite Festival Guitar1:00:15 Skull & Bones is going to have an Open Beta February 8-11 and some random thoughts---------------- The End ------------01:01:35 Mario versus Donkey Kong has a Demo on Nintendo Switch and the Games Coming out this week!- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/- Check out other W2M Network Shows -Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/VldMlSaoodwRadulich in Broadcasting Triple Feature: Streetfighter Live-Action/Street Fighter 2/Mortal Kombat Annihilation: https://youtube.com/live/MmcWXk95DDA- News Story Links -PlayStation possibly working a separate Vita 2 or non-Remote Play handheld: https://insider-gaming.com/sony-new-playstation-handheld-console-development/Devil May Cry 3 and Devil May Cry 4 Special Editions Delisted: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/devil-may-cry-3-special-edition-and-devil-may-cry-4-del

In this episode of the Necessary Roughness Podcast, host Nikolas Donadic recaps last week’s NFL Championship weekend and gives his picks for the NFL’s end-of-year awards. He also wonders why all the blame for the Lions loss is being heaped upon HC Dan Campbell, catches up on the offseason coaching carousel, and discusses if the MVP and DPoY awards have become too focused on QBs and sack leaders respectively. Enjoy the show and join us next weekend for the following episode!

In a total shocker, the first big move from Microsoft acquiring Activision-Blizzard-King becomes 1,900 employees being laid off. Many of them involved Activision-Blizzard employees and also Xbox employees leading to a 9% cut in Xbox's total gaming division among all of their studios. They also canceled the Blizzard survival game, "Odyssey" due to the engine being used to make the game being far away from being ready, and the game being many years from release.Sean and Marc attempt to do their best to discuss the story, the statements, and the aftermath, was this all really inevitable? Could something have been done to prevent it? And what does it say that the workers that have unionized were not part of these layoffs? Do the industry's employees need to do more to fight for themselves? And does this put a damper on acquisitions seeing such large-scale layoffs like this?Unfortunately, the layoffs don't end there, as Riot Games also suffered layoffs this week (530 employees) and closed their studio Riot Forge which were in-charge of their external partnership games furthering the lore of League of Legends. Embracer Group continued its string of layoffs by lowering the workforce of Black Forest Games by 50% as well.There are other things discussed in this episode, but it felt very weird to lead with that. Sean has early impressions of the newly released Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Nintendo puts out a statement indirectly about Palworld, rumors continue to grow about Nintendo Switch 2 releasing in 2024 and now with an 8-inch LCD screen to boot. Square-Enix wanting to focus on quality over quantity with their games lineup, and much more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/j7XMD1OmNSELinks:Preparing for two years of pain article from Christopher Dring: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/games-industry-leaders-braced-for-up-to-two-years-of-painMicrosoft lays off 1,900 gaming division employees: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-cuts-1900-staffers-from-its-games-divisionRiot Games lays off 530 employees and closes Riot Forge: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/riot-lays-off-530-staff-riot-forge-shutting-downNintendo Switch reportedly will have 8-inch LCD Screen: https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-reportedly-has-an-8-inch-lcd-screenRadulich in Broadcasting's Review of Marvel's Echo on Disney +: https://youtube.com/live/6HaPqS0OD6QThe latest episode of Otalku Cafe: https://youtube.com/live/wgPJz036u3cOur Friend's over at The Outerhaven.net's newest Spectator Mode Podcast: https://youtu.be/FavWyBkhV4Q?siTimestamps:00:00:00: START00:01:50: Housekeeping---------------------- Games we are Playing -------------00:03:50: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sean)00:11:50: Far Cry 6 and Team Fortress 2 (Marc)----------------- MAIN TOPIC ---------------00:14:00: Xbox introduces Xbox Selects Program for to help indie games with visibility00:18:20: Microsoft lays off 9 % of the Xbox gaming division including workers from Activision-Blizzard-King, Xbox, and Zenimax/Bethesda, and also Blizzard's Survival Game "Odyssey" canceled-------------- What's in the News -------------00:37:40: Square-Enix wants to diversify its portfolio of games and lessen its reliance on their big franchises00:47:35: Dragon's Dogma 2 Dev says Using Fast Travel means your game is boring00:53:15: Nintendo Switch 2 will have an 8-inch LCD screen according to analyst00:57:50: A little VR interlude00:59:05: Nintendo issues a statement on defending its copyright with Pokemon mention Palworld indirectly and Palword's first roadmap01:07:15: PlayStation is going to put Until Dawn on PS5 and PC01:08:45: Gamers want Tifa from Final Fantasy VII in Tekken 8, and Harada responds------------------- Entertainment Corner ---------------01:10:35: Millie Gibson may be done with Doctor Who and the first sea

In this episode of the Necessary Roughness Podcast, host Nikolas Donadic dives into the NFL Conference Championship matchups. He also touches on the Ravens 2nd half domination of the Texans, weighs in on Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s ongoing beef with Baker and the Bucs, and gives his take on Jon Anik’s remarks about fans and social media toxicity. Enjoy the show and join us next weekend for the following episode!

This week it feels like 2024 in gaming has begun in earnest with Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct 2024 where they showed off Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, and the first look at the Machine Games Indiana Jones. Sean and Marc have their reactions primed and ready on the showcase itself, what they think of each game, if the surprise of Visions of Mana is a big deal or not, and much more.Also, a Ubisoft executive got the company into some hot water when speaking on its newly rebranded Ubisoft + Premium streaming service after being misquoted by gaming websites for saying "Gamers need to get used to not owning their games." This led to a lot of discussion on the state of Gaming subscription services and if we should be afraid of them taking over gaming like they have for television shows, music, and film distribution. Should we be worried about this? Or is there data that shows it isn't a concern?Plus, Sean has some impressions on the newly released Early Access and Xbox Game Pass title, Palworld, (also known as Pokemon with Guns), Hogwarts Legacy officially is the best-selling game of 2023, Stalker 2 Delayed, Foamstars on PS Plus for February, and much more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/qU4IuVj4NkgLinks:Ubisoft executive says Gamers need to get used to not owning games for subscription services to thrive: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-subscription-boss-says-gamers-are-still-used-to-owning-games/Radulich in Broadcasting's Review of Marvel's Echo on Disney +: https://youtube.com/live/6HaPqS0OD6QThe latest episode of Otalku Cafe: https://youtube.com/live/wgPJz036u3cTimestamps:00:00:00: START00:02:18: Housekeeping------- BIG Topic ---------00:04:10: Xbox Developer Direct Reactions00:21:50: STALKER 2 Delayed Until September 2024------- Games We Are Playing ------00:23:00: World of Warcraft and the Retro Gen (Marc)00:24:15: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Sean)00:25:55: Palworld (Sean)------- BIG Topic -------00:31:00: Ubisoft exec believes Gaming subscriptions will thrive once players get used to not owning their games.------- What's in the News -------00:48:50: Hogwarts Legacy is officially the #1 Selling game of 2023 in the United States00:54:50: Harmonix announces that Rock Band 4 Weekly DLC will end on January 25, 2024.01:00:20: Foamstars to be one of the PS Plus Monthly Games for February 202401:06:20: Embracer Group lays off employees from Lost Boys Studio, Thunderful Group lays off 20% of its staff, and Dead By Deadlight developer also suffers layoffs-------- The End -------01:10:00: Games coming out this week: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Tekken 8, Another Code: Collection and more!--------- Entertainment Extra -------01:13:40 Discussing The Doctor Who Specials and Christmas Special, the return of David Tennant, and the debut of Ncuti Gatwa- Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44LAmazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTWPodchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/Follow on X (Twitter):Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/W2MSeanW2M Network on Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork- Other Social Media -Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9dFollow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetworkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork