Podquisition 430: A Champion In Our Midst

Have you heard the news?

Games we played this week include: 
Boneraiser Minions (9:35)
Vampire Survivors (23:15)
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet (24:45)
Aliens Infestation (34:45)
Anemoiapolis (38:10)
Void Scrappers (44:05)
Bloom (51:05)
You Cannot Go Back (55:50)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Ubisoft implementing machine learning to write NPC dialogue (58:55)
https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-ai-writing-scriptwriting-ghostwriter-machine-1850250316

Sony claims the loss of Call of Duty would be irreparable to their business  (1:06:50)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6411a823d3bf7f79daa1123b/Sony_Interactive_Entertainment_s_response_to_the_provisional_findings.pdf

But Microsoft believes that Sony can replicate Call of Duty if they try (1:09:45)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6418811b8fa8f547c1112371/Microsoft_s_supplemental_response_to_the_notice_of_possible_remedies.pdf


EU regulators push back date of their decision on the Microsoft merger (1:13:25)
https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/microsoft-offers-eu-remedies-seeking-ok-activision-deal-2023-03-17/

Microsoft to launch their own mobile app store (1:14:05)
https://www.ft.com/content/7707705e-b288-4531-b30d-7fa993325018

Canadian judge says EA loot boxes aren’t ‘illegal gambling’, lets deceptive practices claim move forward (1:16:51)
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/canada-judge-rejects-unlawful-gambling-accusation-in-ea-loot-box-lawsuit

Rare’s co-founder now has to lick a 25 year-old BAFTA made of chocolate (1:18:15)
https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/03/random-tim-stamper-has-to-lick-25-year-old-chocolate-bafta-because-banjo-kazooie-won-a-twitter-tournament

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 430: A Champion In Our Midst

Make sure people know what they mean to you before it’s too late.

Games we played this week include: 
France Horn (8:50)
Bloom (11:20)
Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Demo (16:40)
Dome Keeper (32:50)
Core Fault (37:55)
Fatal Frame Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (44:35)
Generations (53:20)
Down the Oubliette (56:00)
BROK the InvestiGator (58:20)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Microsoft takes out ads in UK papers to promote Activision-Blizzard merger (56:00)
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/8/23631142/microsoft-really-wants-call-of-duty

Microsoft makes more deals promising to keep Call of Duty non-exclusive for ten years (59:20)
https://news.microsoft.com/2023/03/14/microsoft-announces-partnership-with-cloud-gaming-provider-boosteroid-to-bring-more-games-to-more-players-around-the-world/
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1635989326202011655

Microsoft claims confidence in ability to bring Call of Duty to Switch (1:04:00)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64088cf9d3bf7f25f61ff804/Microsoft.Activision_-_Response_to_Remedies_Notice_-_NCV__2_.pdf

Sony suggests Microsoft might use dirty tactics to make Call of Duty less desirable on PlayStation (1:03:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/sony-says-microsoft-may-release-a-playstation-version-of-call-of-duty-where-bugs-and-errors-emerge-only-on-the-games-final-level-or-after-later-updates

Newly discovered cockroach species named after Pokémon (1:05:30)
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/new-species-of-cockroach-discovered-in-singapore-named-after-pokemon

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 429: Distance Between Us

Podquisition 428: Positive Feedback

He’s trying.

Games we played this week include: 
b360 (15:50)
Ratcheteer (18:35)
Dome Keeper (20:55)
Final Fantasy IX (27:20)
Recommendation Dog (33:50)
Reel Steal (35:50)
A Joke That’s Worth 99 Cents (39:05)
Wo Long (41:15)
Super Princess Peach (43:20)
GameKid (48:05)
Super Corporate Tax Evader (50:15)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Square Enix reportedly planning to replace CEO Yosuke Matsuda (56:00)
https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-square-enix-ceo-nft-crypto-blockchain-1850184312

Yuji Naka admits to insider trading (57:50)
https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/03/yuji-naka-admits-guilt-during-insider-trading-case

ABK acquisition expected to be cleared by EU regulators (59:20)
https://www.polygon.com/23604013/blizzard-entertainment-mike-ybarra-qa-meeting

Microsoft releases survey results suggesting few CoD players will jump ship from PlayStation (1:04:00)
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/06/microsoft-key-call-of-duty-sony-uk-cma

FTC judge gives Microsoft access to Sony communications regarding exclusivity agreements (1:03:25)
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-granted-access-to-sony-documents-the-ftcs-response-in-detail

Activision accused of firing QA employees over protest (1:05:30)
https://kotaku.com/activision-accused-of-illegally-fired-qa-testers-over-r-1850171073

Jack Black’s huge swinging balls censored on daytime television (1:09:35)
https://kotaku.com/jack-black-bowser-super-mario-bros-movie-balls-nbc-1850181162


---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 428: Positive Feedback

It's all about those family values.

Games we played this week include:
Ragnarock (08:25)
Octopath Traveller 2 (15:39)
Humanity Demo (44:28)
Tentacular (49:05)
Resident Evil Village VR (49:55)
Kirby Return to Dreamland Deluxe (52:08)
Laura's Playdate Corner (1:00:00)
Battleship Godies (1:00:48)
Forrest Byrnes: Up in Smoke (1:03:35)
Fantavision (1:06:08)
Sector's Edge Beta (1:20:31)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Final Fantasy XVI Producer uses "Gamer Pride" to Justify Accessibility Option Choices (1:09:45)
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-xvi-producers-pride-as-a-gamer-influenced-new-take-on-difficulty-settings/1100-6511849/?fbclid=IwAR2eKM3uCCLPgO6_B3nhRAQSN0-Qp3Cfangbkv_yxSD4KCTqduefvLR7KaI

Atomic Heart Contains a Racist Cartoon (1:23:33)
https://www.eurogamer.net/mundfish-apologises-after-racist-cartoons-were-discovered-in-atomic-heart?fbclid=IwAR2SD5OvQIZT0CVt7VYUz1yDJpA3g0GDfNyE0ARCTspZwzj-WZ4LOFMRqwA

Beyond Good & Evil 2 studio reportedly under investigation for "unprecedented" burnout and sick leave (1:25:48)
https://www.eurogamer.net/beyond-good-evil-2-studio-reportedly-under-investigation-for-unprecedented-burnout-and-sick-leave?fbclid=IwAR1gV-LDO9JU0K_cUskP1ZlDHRbYI7QG1GKxSzQ27_4D2tO7wS42dnhCIco

EA Lays Off 200 Apex Legends QA Workers (1:28:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/ea-reportedly-lays-off-200-apex-legends-qa-testers?fbclid=IwAR3UqMSL0EzK85VSfHGnBJ7mubWlML-MId3yDO_5X869CALiqI2W5oPWX1E

Rovio Hides Angry Birds Because It Doesn't Have Enough Microtransactions (1:32:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/angry-birds-will-leave-android-store-developer-says-its-just-too-popular?fbclid=IwAR2aeomYoT3KMo_XpPhAfjn7V4wVjT1rAnMhJBH8eOOSpd45lFWu9ai3PVA

Podquisition 427: Mr. Chimney Pot

After a while, it all runs together.

Games we played this week include: 
Rez Infinite (08:15)
Horizon: Call of the Mountain (10:00)
What the Bat? (11:45)
Thumper (12:35)
Tetris Effect Connected (13:05)
Theatrhythm Final Bar Line (13:30)
Townsman VR (24:45)
Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge: Enhanced Edition (25:15)
Moss 1 & 2 (26:30)
Kayak VR Mirage (27:50)
Jurassic World: Aftermath Collection (29:10)
Atomic Heart (30:30)
Cities VR (40:40)
Gran Turisimo 7 (41:15)
Atelier Breaker (44:40)
Wanted: Dead (47:50)
Snak (50:15)
Sasquatches (52:40)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Microsoft makes deals with Nintendo and Nvidia in attempt to placate antitrust regulators (56:00)
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/21/23608634/microsoft-activision-blizzard-deal-nintendo-nvidia-partners

Microsoft says ABK acquisition will not happen without Call of Duty (57:45)
https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2023-02-21/microsoft-says-no-to-activision-merger-without-call-of-duty

Mike Ybarra responds poorly to employee concerns at Blizzard (1:00:20)
https://www.polygon.com/23604013/blizzard-entertainment-mike-ybarra-qa-meeting

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom art book leaks, reveals loads about the unreleased game (1:04:00)
https://kotaku.com/legend-zelda-tears-kingdom-spoilers-art-book-leak-1850134905

Monster vaginas are in The Witcher III for a limited time (1:05:25)
https://kotaku.com/witcher-3-wild-hunt-mod-hd-monsters-reworked-vaginas-1850114314

Podquisition 426: What Are We Doing Again?

A very special friend returns.

Games we played this week include: 
Redtape (15:45)
Wanted: Dead (21:00)
Spellcorked (35:00)
Inventory Hero (40:00)
Satisfactory (44:30)
Metroid Prime Remastered (49:00)
Commodore 64 Games (59:10)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Saudi Arabia believed to have increased investment stake in Nintendo (1:19:00)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saudi-arabia-has-reportedly-increased-its-stake-in-nintendo-again/

Metroid Prime Remaster doesn’t credit original Metroid Prime team (1:20:15)
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/metroid-prime-engineer-let-down-by-exclusion-of-original-credits-in-remaster

Bobby Kotick expected to stay in CEO role at Activision Blizzard if Microsoft merger fails (1:20:15)
https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/activision-ceo-kotick-will-stay-in-unlikely-event-microsoft-merger-fails

Sony claims Microsoft demands for documents in FTC case are harassment (1:24:55)
https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-gaming-5a973220-9675-4245-964a-3476a3e9c4ec.html

Square Enix delivers one obvious detail about their first blockchain game and little else (1:26:30)
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/02/15/gaming-company-square-enix-partners-with-polygon-for-nft-art-project/

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 425: The Duke Lives

Never trust a banana.

Games we played this week include: 
Hi-Fi Rush (11:55)
Final Fantasy XII (29:30)
Final Fantasy XV (35.40)
Star Sled (42:55)
Saturday Edition (45:30)
Tomodachi Life (53:40)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
UK regulators determine Microsoft and ABK merger might be bad for consumers, make demands (1:00:55)
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/02/uk-regulators-come-down-hard-against-microsofts-activision-acquisition/
https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1623320803738517504?s=20&t=XSLimLtI9cihZE4jOiLQfQ

Bobby Kotick suggests UK opposition to Microsoft merger could ruin its economy (1:05:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhgIxo1Xi0

Unannounced single-player Titanfall/Apex Legends game gets axed, 50 employees affected (1:10:10)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-01/electronic-arts-cancels-secret-apex-legends-game-in-development

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 424: Fruit Deception

Welcome to your home for the hottest reviews of imitation beef.

Games we played this week include: 
Dead Space (2:20)
Hi-Fi Rush (27:00)
Forspoken (45:00)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Ubisoft Paris workers perform strike action, plan more (1:00:55)
https://www.axios.com/2023/01/30/ubisoft-workers-strike-paris

Xbox exec claims Last of Us TV success means FTC should leave merger alone (1:02:20)
https://kotaku.com/last-us-tv-xbox-activision-blizzard-acquisition-sony-1850051036

All three console manufacturers expected to pass on E3 show (1:08:15)
https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-nintendo-sony-skipping-e3-2023

Run-up to Sony VR2 launch doesn’t seem to be going well (1:14:40)
https://kotaku.com/playstation-vr2-price-preorder-sony-ps5-virtual-reality-1850052811

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 423: Fake Meat Metrics

A brand new show comes to the Jimquisition Podcast Outlet! Our lovely Trashgirls Stephanie and Elsa try to stick to the script as they discuss everything around the topic they set out to discuss. Collector's editions, sausage boxing, Dragon Age, and the beloved Stranger of Paradise hat... what more could you want?

The Trashgirl Diaries: Hat Of Paradise

We’re seeing them.

Games we played this week include: 
Forspoken (7:45)
Cyberpunk 2077 (33:10)
Hyper Meteor (46:10)
Zipper (47:10)
Theatrhythm Curtain Call (53:00)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Yves Guillmot tried to walk back “ball is in your court” comment to workers (1:01:45)
https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-assassin-s-creed-mirage-far-cry-delay-canceled-1850001343

Ubisoft Paris workers will be striking (1:02:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/ubisoft-paris-unions-call-for-strike-on-friday

Games industry layoffs are brutal (1:04:05)
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/unity-lays-off-nearly-300
https://kotaku.com/microsoft-layoff-xbox-343-halo-bethesda-coalition-1850002600

Study finds self-regulation is inconsistent at labeling games with loot boxes (1:15:15)
https://osf.io/asbcg/

Workers at Activision-Blizzard studio Proletariat drop bid to unionize following CEO pressure (1:20:55)
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/proletariat-unionization-vote-request-dropped

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 422: Freakin' Dragons

One option seems less desirable.

Games we played this week include: 
Melatonin (5:00)
Hades (10:40)
Cyberpunk 2077 (19:45)
Omaze (38:40)
Demon Quest 85 (41:35)
Chibi-Robo! (45:25)
A Short Hike (51:10)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (46:50)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Ubisoft delays Skull & Bones again and ends development on three unannounced games (1:05:35)
https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/01/11/ubisoft-cancels-three-unannounced-games-skull-and-bones-delayed-again

Beyond Good & Evil 2 allegedly still in development despite other cuts at Ubisoft (1:09:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/beyond-good-evil-2-still-in-development-ubisoft-insists

Ubisoft stock plummets, Yves pressures staff to take responsibility (1:13:40)
https://kotaku.com/ubisoft-skull-bones-delay-assassins-creed-far-cry-cuts-1849975925

Workers being called to strike at Ubisoft Paris (1:15:25)
https://twitter.com/SolInfoJeuVideo/status/1615263954955116546

Activision acquisition now coming under fire from Google, Nvidia (1:18:55)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-12/google-nvidia-express-concerns-to-ftc-about-microsoft-s-activision-deal

The EU has their own antitrust concerns about Microsoft acquiring ABK (1:20:15)
https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-faces-eu-antitrust-warning-over-activision-deal-sources-2023-01-16/

The Bored Ape game is hilariously convoluted and bad (1:22:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7LiVBCZ69Q

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 421: Your Choice of Crabs

Go go go Zilla.

Games we played this week include: 
Satisfactory (11:20)
Flipper Lifter (14:00)
Echoic Memory (16:20)
Chained Echoes (19:00)
Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem (30:45)
Baba Files His Taxes (35:15)
Hades (36:40)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (46:50)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Sony announces an accessibility controller (57:15)
https://blog.playstation.com/2023/01/04/introducing-project-leonardo-for-playstation-5-a-highly-customizable-accessibility-controller-kit/

Majora’s Mask devs used in-game dialogue to express unhappiness about crunch (1:03:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/majoras-masks-most-infamous-line-is-actually-all-about-crunch

Microsoft didn’t mean to file claim FTC lawsuit was unconstitutional (1:05:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-admits-unconstitutional-ftc-lawsuit-claim-was-a-mistake

Vampire Survivors dev talks about how their mobile version happened (1:17:40)
https://www.vg247.com/vampire-survivors-developer-talks-mobile-port

Bloober Team won’t be touching the plot in their Silent Hill 2 remake (1:13:35)
https://www.dreadxp.com/interview/bringing-the-fear-interview-with-anna-jasinska-from-bloober-team/

The Last of Us television series seems to be a critical darling (1:16:15)
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_last_of_us/s01/reviews

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 420: There Goes Tokyo

Fun with bodies.

Games we played this week include: 
Pick, Pack, Pup (15:30)
Lost Your Marbles (18:00)
Tamagotchi Pix Party (22:30)
Satisfactory (31:55)
Super Lesbian Animal RPG (37:15)
Lil’ Gator Game (41:25)
Spelunky 2 (50:45)
Dragon’s Dogma (52:30)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Zenimax QA union formally recognized by Microsoft (53:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-recognises-300-person-zenimax-testers-union

Microsoft’s responds to FTC suit attempting to block ABK acquisition (59:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-claims-ftcs-lawsuit-against-activision-blizzard-buyout-is-unconstitutional

Square Enix dropping Bravely Default live service game, reiterates all-in position on blockchain (1:13:20)
https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2023/html/a_new_years_letter_from_the_president_3.html

Yuji Naka formally indicted on charges of insider trading (1:17:40)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-indicted-in-square-enix-insider-trading-case/

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 419: Medical Surprises

Thanks for spending some of it with us.

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 418: It Was A Year

One for you, one for me.

Games we played this week include: 
High on Life (13:30)
Vampire Survivors Moonspell DLC (50:40)
Potion Craft (56:50)
Blacktail (1:10:10)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Expensive Dual Sense Edge has less battery life than standard PS5 controller (1:07:40)
https://www.theverge.com/23518070/sony-ps5-dualsense-edge-gamepad-battery-life


Tesla cars can now play your Steam library (1:11:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/tesla-rolling-out-steam-integration-in-cars

Activision COO leaving to run the ape JPEG company (1:15:10)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-19/activision-s-departing-coo-to-lead-startup-behind-bored-ape-nfts

Chocobo Racing GP abruptly announces end of services (1:21:20)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/phil-spencer-claims-playstation-wants-to-grow-by-making-xbox-smaller/

Self-described “video gamers” file suit to prevent Microsoft acquisition of Activision-Blizzard (1:23:15)
https://kotaku.com/microsoft-activision-merger-lawsuit-ftc-call-of-duty-1849917017

Goat Simulator 3 trailer pulled on copyright grounds for including leaked GTA VI footage (1:27:15)
https://www.eurogamer.net/indie-dev-suggests-players-dont-buy-his-game-as-the-relationship-with-their-publisher-has-dissolved

Limited edition G-Fuel energy drink powder based on Conker’s Bad Fur Day (1:29:55)
https://gfuel.com/products/conker-mighty-poo-collectors-box

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 417: Yuletide Perils

Aw geez.

Games we played this week include: 
High on Life (5:45)
Yum Tum Cookstar (28:55)
Clumsy Rush Ultimate Guys (33:15)
Armored Core IV (37:25)
Crisis Core Reunion (43:05)
Potion Craft (54:00)
Octopath Traveler (1:04:25)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Twitch drops anti-LGBTQ hate group from its list of supportable charities (1:07:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/twitch-removes-hate-group-from-approved-charities-following-backlash

Activision countersues California Civil Rights Department, implies collusion with unions and media (1:10:20)
https://www.axios.com/2022/12/08/activision-lawsuit-california-civil-rights-department

FTC files to block Microsoft acquisition of Activision-Blizzard (1:15:10)
https://www.eurogamer.net/ftc-suing-to-block-microsofts-69bn-activision-blizzard-acquisition


Phil Spencer accuses Sony of attempting to grow by eating Microsoft’s dinner (1:20:10)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/phil-spencer-claims-playstation-wants-to-grow-by-making-xbox-smaller/

Microsoft reportedly offered to allow Call of Duty on PlayStation Plus to appease Sony and regulators (1:23:00)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-12/microsoft-s-offer-to-sony-for-call-of-duty-includes-subscription-service#xj4y7vzkg

Indie dev sued by publisher after discouraging players from buying game, defacing Steam page (1:25:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/indie-dev-suggests-players-dont-buy-his-game-as-the-relationship-with-their-publisher-has-dissolved

Days Gone director attributes his failures to ‘woke’ critics (1:30:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/days-gone-wasnt-a-hit-because-reviewers-were-too-woke-director-claims

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 416: Rollin’ with Roiland

All doctors are bastards.

Games we played this week include: 
Callisto Protocol (6:00)
Marvel’s Midnight Suns (27:55)
Mirror Forge (39:35)
The Devil In Me (49:45)
Gungrave (56:25)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (1:06:20)
Void Scrappers (1:12:45)
Beautiful Mystic Survivors (1:15:55)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Microsoft agrees to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo for 10 years after Activision-Blizzard acquisition (1:20:10)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-agrees-10-year-deal-to-bring-call-of-duty-to-nintendo-if-activision-blizzard-buyout-goes-through
https://www.eurogamer.net/ftc-reportedly-softens-stance-on-blocking-microsoft-activision-blizzard-merger

QA unions formalized at Blizzard Albany and Zenimax studios (1:26:00)
https://www.polygon.com/23490063/activision-blizzard-albany-qa-union-vote-win
https://kotaku.com/microsoft-zenimax-bethesda-elder-scrolls-fallout-union-1849855756

Polygon’s games industry unionization explainer (1:29:35)
https://www.polygon.com/23485977/video-game-unions-guide-explainer


Twitch implements long-needed tools to deal with hate raiders (1:31:35)
https://www.eurogamer.net/twitch-implements-shield-mode-to-improve-hate-raid-protection

Newly published research shows loot boxes are harmful to children (1:32:20)
http://www.gaminggamblingresearch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ESRC-BGG-Final-Report-2022.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMmNy11Mn7g

Vampire Survivors first DLC announced (1:33:45)
https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/6/23496626/vampire-survivors-legacy-of-the-moonspell-expansion-dlc-release-date

Victoria 3 players are surprised to learn how communism and fascism work (1:34:25)
https://kotaku.com/victoria-3-communism-op-paradox-simulation-capitalism-1849832954
https://twitter.com/Ancommiey/status/1599211229339594752


Yuji Naka has been arrested for insider trading… again (1:42:20)
https://www.eurogamer.net/former-sonic-boss-yuji-naka-re-arrested-as-fresh-insider-trading-allegations-emerge

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 415: Strep Yourselves In

Keep your head.

Games we played this week include: 
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (14:10)
Evil West (21:30)
Gungrave VR (51:20)
Gungrave G.O.R.E. (56:15)
Roller Drama (1:00:45)
What the Bat? (1:13:40)
Among Us VR (1:16:40)

---
News things talked about in this episode:
Latest Super Mario Bros. movie trailer provides more plot and character details (1:23:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnGl01FkMMo

Australia now looking to regulate loot boxes (1:30:20)
https://www.eurogamer.net/australian-mp-proposes-loot-box-regulation-bill

Microsoft likely to make concessions on CoD exclusivity to avoid antitrust concerns (1:31:55)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-likely-to-make-eu-concessions-in-activision-blizzard-deal-soon
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/23/exclusive-feds-likely-to-challenge-microsofts-69-billion-activision-takeover-00070787

UK gaming startup announces gaming console specifically for dogs (1:34:55)
https://www.axios.com/2022/11/28/dogs-video-games-joipaw

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 414: Consummate Professionals

May all your issues be joyful.

Games we played this week include: 
Gingrave G.O.R.E. (14:40)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (27:15)
The Evil Dead: The Game (1:06:10)
Ghost Lore (1:09:15)
God of War Ragnarök (1:11:05)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Microsoft offered to let Sony have Call of Duty for a decade after acquisition (1:15:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-says-it-offered-sony-10-year-deal-to-keep-call-of-duty-on-playstation

Activision loosens multiplayer requirements, allowing non-contract phone plans for online gaming (1:17:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/activision-blizzard-eases-sms-verification-requirements-for-call-of-duty-and-overwatch

Cooking Mama Cookstar publisher gets judgment in suit against developer (1:19:50)
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/cooking-mama-ip-holder-sues-planet-entertainment-for-sale-of-cooking-mama-cookstar

Yuji Naka arrested on charges of insider trading (1:23:45)
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221118/p2a/00m/0na/042000c

Riot and Ubisoft coordinating their chat logs with AI to fight online harassment (1:29:40)
https://www.vg247.com/riot-games-and-ubisoft-team-up-in-ai-research-project-using-player-chat-logs-as-training-data

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 413: Fappy Holiday

The fan base is fucking insufferable.

Games we played this week include: 
Sonic Frontiers (9:30)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (16:00)
Fallout 4 (34:10)
God of War Ragnarok (38:45)
Ghost Song (44:20)
Sonic Forces (54:50)

---
News things talked about in this episode:

Translated tweet from Sonic Frontiers director suggests game shipped unfinished (59:45)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sonic-frontiers-is-a-global-playtest-and-there-are-still-improvements-to-be-made-director-says/

ZA/UM dispute raises questions about company sale and employee mistreatment (1:03:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/fired-disco-elysium-director-claims-new-owners-took-control-of-zaum-through-fraud

Microsoft did make a streaming-only Xbox, literally shelved it (1:07:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/phil-spencer-says-xbox-shelved-game-streaming-box-because-it-was-too-expensive

Sony files patent for means of tracking digital ownership with NFTs (1:08:25)
https://gamesual.com/news/sony-patent-tracking-history-assets/

Rockstar was pitched a Grand Theft Auto movie with Eminem for the lead in 2005 (1:09:55)
https://www.eurogamer.net/rockstar-once-rejected-a-gta-film-starring-eminem

---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com

Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.

Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

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