Sandwiched right between 2024's game calendar winding down and our GOTY podcasts kicking off next week, why... it's the Game Awards! We spend this week's show dissecting all the news about The Witcher 4, the Okami sequel, Naughty Dog's new IP, and plenty of other stuff.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:01:59) We've recorded too much stuff, we have no chance against our fake selves
(00:08:50) Alex is happy for the winter foods
(00:12:23) The 2024 Game Awards
(00:20:28) Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound [Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] Q3 2025
(00:22:07) Note: Audio might sound different until the break. We had a recording issue.
(00:23:02) Shadow Labyrinth [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:27:21) Rematch [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] Q3 2025
(00:29:47) Game Awards presentation and trappings
(00:31:45) The Witcher IV [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] TBD
(00:36:43) Elden Ring: Nightreign [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:38:16) Untitled GenDesign Game [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(00:41:16) Split Fiction [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Mar 06, 2025
(00:44:27) The Outer Worlds 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] 2025
(00:45:55) Steel Hunters
(00:47:56) Game Changers Award
(00:49:13) Borderlands 4 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(00:51:21) Untitled Virtua Fighter Game
(00:55:24) Project Century
(00:57:42) Turok: Origins [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on TBD
(00:59:56) Helldivers 2: Omens of Tyranny [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 12, 2024
(01:03:14) Onimusha: Way of the Sword [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on 2026
(01:06:08) Hunt: Showdown 1896 [PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 15, 2024
(01:08:30) Stage Fright [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:11:29) Double Dragon Revive [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 23, 2025
(01:12:55) Screamer [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5] on 2026
(01:15:31) Den of Wolves [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:16:31) Game of Thrones: Kingsroad [Android, iOS] on 2025
(01:17:43) Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds [PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on TBD
(01:19:03) Mafia: The Old Country [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Q3 2025
(01:21:52) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(01:22:25) Dispatch [PC (Microsoft Windows)] 2025
(01:24:48) Sam Lake / Max Payne bit
(01:25:21) Okami Sequel
(01:28:21) Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet [PlayStation 5] on TBD
(01:35:43) Closing thoughts on The Game Awards
(01:42:30) Wrapping up

The holidays approach, so we're in GOTY cramming mode with discussions this week about such games as Indiana Jones, Mouthwashing, Infinity Nikki, Beyond Galaxyland, Kill Knight, and Marvel Rivals, plus some loose Game Awards predictions, emails, and plenty more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:04:05) A bit of coffee talk
(00:05:03) Happy to see Technology Connections get what he wants!
(00:07:53) Back to talking about coffee
(00:13:44) Indiana Jones and the Great Circle [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 09, 2024
(00:33:09) Mouthwashing [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:49:49) Infinity Nikki [Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Dec 05, 2024
(00:56:00) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:59:45) Kill Knight [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One] on Oct 03, 2024
(01:03:32) Tactical Breach Wizards [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Aug 22, 2024
(01:05:06) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(01:11:04) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(01:14:24) Marvel Rivals [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Dec 06, 2024
(01:25:14) The Game Awards rumor mill is spinning
(01:37:18) Sony stock prices are rising...
(01:38:28) ...while the industry still tries to find its footing
(01:49:23) Emails
(01:58:52) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:01:01) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:02:24) Nextlander content updates
(02:04:22) See ya!

We're back from Thanksgiving and catching up on the news (Sony might be making a handheld, Ubisoft is shutting down Xdefiant, NES Tetris returns at last), games (Star Wars Outlaws, Dragon Age, STALKER 2), and your emails (Alex's celebrity doppelganger, our dream farewell concerts). Podcast!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:07) Rank everything, including months
(00:05:47) Is December lit?
(00:09:54) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:31:51) Satisfactory [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 10, 2024
(00:39:12) Star Wars Outlaws [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 30, 2024
(00:47:25) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 20, 2024
(00:51:23) Nuclear Nightmare [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 20, 2024
(00:54:05) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:55:01) The PS5 some fun anniversary business
(01:00:07) Is Sony gearing up for another handheld?
(01:15:22) XDefiant is shutting down
(01:24:10) More studios stopping operations
(01:30:05) Avatars will be going away on your modern Xbox
(01:34:33) Some Tetris news for Tetris fans!
(01:40:42) Emails
(01:53:49) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:59:11) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:00:38) Nextlander content updates
(02:01:12) Headiest old GOTY memories
(02:03:38) See ya!

With the NXL crew off for the holiday, we bring you another very special episode of Never Been a Better Podcast featuring Austin Walker, Jeff Bakalar, and lengthy discussions about Jell-O universes and pizza drones.

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CHAPTERS:
(00:01:10) Intro
(00:01:41) Fun times with the oral surgeon
(00:18:17) Bakalar lives in a sitcom
(00:26:08) Let's talk some Batman
(00:38:03) What happens with a reverse Superman?
(00:42:32) The Alan Moore Theory
(00:44:35) The Whole Universe is Jell-o
(00:50:20) John Carpenter
(00:54:05) You'll never think of Sam Neil the same way again...
(00:55:37) Now, I'm no big city scientist...
(01:02:09) Repo Man and Repo Men are very different movies
(01:05:14) The World's Library
(01:07:27) Recalibrating the Smart Board
(01:12:22) The pizza drone is no joke
(01:13:36) Don't arm the pizza drone...
(01:17:51) Wrapping up
(01:19:42) Ok, now really wrapping up
(01:20:02) See ya! (edited)

MinnMax's Ben Hanson stops by to share production stories, his love for Final Fantsy 7: Rebirth, his thoughts on The Game Awards nominees, and much more!

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:37) The positive energy of Ben Hanson!
(00:04:18) Everyone SAYS it's cool to take time off...
(00:08:38) Let's talk Game of Year logistics
(00:20:05) MinnMax Spotlight about EverQuest
(00:25:55) Filming in spaces in 2024
(00:31:03) Other MinnMax adventures
(00:41:21) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 [PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 19, 2024
(00:57:37) LEGO Horizon Adventures [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Nov 14, 2024
(01:05:52) Tricky Madness [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Nov 15, 2024
(01:10:11) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Mac] on Nov 12, 2024
(01:13:40) The other "currently playing" games
(01:14:20) Overwatch 2 [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Aug 10, 2023
(01:19:46) The Game Awards Nominees
(01:44:53) Sony to possible acquire FromSoftware owner?
(01:50:51) Somehow there's a new DK Rap?
(01:53:39) New documentary about Half-Life 2 is out!
(02:04:41) Emails
(02:10:13) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:13:33) Mysterious Benefactor shoutouts
(02:16:19) See ya!

This week, video games and the people who love them: the PlayStation 5 Pro, Rise of the Golden Idol, Tetris Forever, the return of Battle Aces, backwards compatibility on the successor to Nintendo Switch, a future handheld Xbox, and more.

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CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:56) Entertainment mistakes may have been made
(00:08:35) The PlayStation 5 Pro and the fans have something to say!
(00:28:14) That Indiana Jones game is looking alright!
(00:32:05) The Rise of the Golden Idol [Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:45:04) Tetris Forever [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 12, 2024
(00:59:52) Battle Aces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:07:45) ...and many more!
(01:09:23) News
(01:10:34) There is some Switch 2 news!
(01:18:45) Are we getting an Xbox handheld in the future?
(01:22:36) The original PSVR adapters are going away
(01:26:14) Tony Todd (the voice of Venom) has passed
(01:28:56) Lego Horizon Sylens voice actor revealed
(01:33:05) Andrew Wilson 3.0 has been activated
(01:35:28) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:41:36) See ya!

Time to talk about video games into microphones again, with chatter this week about the great Call of Duty account fiasco, Metal Slug Tactics, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the full list of PS5 Pro games, big changes coming to Star Wars Outlaws, how to put in your two weeks, dream airplane gaming setups, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:11:37) Too many logins for games...
(00:21:50) Dragon Age: The Veilguard [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:34:54) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:40:10) Metal Slug Tactics [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Nov 05, 2024
(00:49:35) Some misc games at which we're chipping away
(00:50:49) Beyond Galaxyland [Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:52:41) News
(00:52:43) PS5 Pro Enhanced Games
(01:03:28) More Square games on Xbox?
(01:08:38) Star Wars Outlaws gets new Creative Director
(01:12:22) Update your graphic drivers
(01:17:22) Minecraft is forever
(01:20:18) Emails
(01:33:47) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:35:43) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:38:54) Whelp...
(01:39:21) See ya

They did it: they shipped a new Dragon Age game, and we grapple with this momentous event, along with the definitive end of Concord and Firewalk Studios, a disappointing decision from the US Copyright Office about old game access. Plus, our thoughts on Echo Point Nova, the Vampire Survivors Castlevania DLC, Sonic x Shadow Generations, the Shadows of the Damned remaster, our group-pizza dealbreakers, and plenty more!

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:09) Intro
(00:02:58) Never not weird to podcast during rough news
(00:05:05) Corporations are not your friends
(00:09:50) Cleaning is a way to relieve stress
(00:12:50) Gotta get clean for the VR
(00:17:30) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:21:04) Life is Strange: Double Exposure [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 29, 2024
(00:27:19) Sonic X Shadow Generations [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 25, 2024
(00:34:03) Echo Point Nova [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Sep 24, 2024
(00:45:21) Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania [PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:53:36) Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch] on Oct 31, 2024
(00:57:24) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(01:01:55) Sony shutters Concord studio
(01:10:10) US says no to remote access for old games
(01:21:05) Dragon Age Veilguard is reviewing well
(01:29:38) Emails
(01:51:54) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:56:58) See ya!

New on the show this week: Fear the Spotlight, Neva, and some hot Steam Next Fest recs. Plus, follow-ups on the Silent Hill 2 remake, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Phoenix Springs, along with Remedy's reveal of FBC: Firebreak, Nintendo's maybe-sorta MMO/crafting playtest, no Prince of Persia sequels anytime soon, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:02:51) Do not pay your bill before or after the due date!
(00:10:45) Collecting everything and owning nothing
(00:17:38) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:24:32) Silent Hill 2 [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] on Oct 08, 2024
(00:34:18) Fear the Spotlight [Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 22, 2024
(00:48:36) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:53:07) Neva [Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 15, 2024
(00:59:51) Alex's favorite Steam Next Fest Demos
(01:00:04) Worshippers of Cthulhu [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 21, 2024
(01:01:23) Knights in Tight Spaces [PC (Microsoft Windows)] TBD
(01:02:00) Karate Survivor [PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 30, 2024
(01:03:15) Keep Driving [PC (Microsoft WIndows)] TBD
(01:03:59) My Arms Are Longer Now [PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch] Q3 2025
(01:06:24) FBC: Firebreak [Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5] 2025
(01:12:45) Xbox Partner Preview mentions
(01:18:19) Nintendo's Switch Online Playtest
(01:26:21) Netflix Closes Team Blue Studio
(01:29:37) There will be no more Prince of Persia: Lost Crown
(01:33:37) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:37:32) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(01:39:11) See ya!

This week on the show we discuss Vinny's journey into the wilds of Windows 11, games like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Phoenix Springs, and Space Marine 2, the alarmo-ing news about the origin of Pokemon, fear of flying professionally, the goth-child duality, and more.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!

CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:01:45) The highs and lows of a fireplace
(00:03:35) The greatest game of all... installing Windows 11
(00:25:08) Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Sep 09, 2024
(00:30:49) The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Nintendo Switch] on Sep 26, 2024
(00:41:30) Phoenix Springs [Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)] on Oct 07, 2024
(00:44:26) Metaphor: ReFantazio [PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S] on Oct 11, 2024
(00:57:54) Balatro [iOS, Android] on Sep 26, 2024
(01:02:52) News
(01:03:05) Game Freak (Pokemon) has huge data leak
(01:13:31) Steam alters its language on owning a game
(01:22:46) Please welcome Alarmo
(01:34:46) Emails
(01:49:15) Wrapping up and thanks
(01:50:25) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutout
(01:52:25) Nextlander content updates
(01:52:56) See ya!

Jason Schreier joins us on a deep dive about the history, making, and almost undoing of Blizzard as chronicled in his new book Play Nice.

Advertise on The Nextlander Podcast at Audioboom, or support us on Patreon!


CHAPTERS

(00:00:00) NOTE: Some timecodes may be inaccurate for versions other than the ad-free Patreon version due to dynamic ad insertions. Please use caution if skipping around to avoid spoilers. Thanks for listening.
(00:00:10) Intro
(00:00:53) Welcome Jason Schreier
(00:02:27) How do book sales work?
(00:08:05) The book tour
(00:11:08) The Games Industry: Bleakness AND Hope?
(00:16:42) Let's talk about Blizzard's early years
(00:43:41) Moving to middle Blizzard
(01:00:53) Project Titan
(01:08:07) Overwatch saves the day
(01:12:12) Overwatch League
(01:19:49) The first of the PR disasters
(01:24:32) Reckonings at Blizzard
(01:27:02) Overwatch 2
(01:33:26) Briefly mentioning some other Blizzard games during this time
(01:34:56) The end of Activision Blizzard
(01:49:11) Any tips for navigating news?
(01:52:04) Microsoft enters the picture
(02:03:12) Some other news that is actually related
(02:03:18) 343 rebrands to Halo Studios
(02:07:55) Is Tencent going to buy Ubisoft?
(02:13:03) What is the next book?
(02:18:33) Thanks again to Jason for joining us
(02:20:22) Wrapping up and thanks
(02:20:57) Mysterious Benefactor Shoutouts
(02:22:04) Nextlander content updates
(02:23:21) See ya!