GZ Chop Shop

In this final episode of the GZ Chop Shop for 2024, the hosts reflect on the year's events, beginning with the disappointments within the gaming community, and the ongoing issues of racism and representation in gaming. They critique the tendency to judge games before release and explore the cultural sensitivity surrounding gaming narratives. The conversation also touches on the misunderstood concept of fanservice in anime, the nostalgia for classic games, and the value of the Microsoft PC Game Pass. The episode wraps up with a call for more recognition of horror games and a plea for remakes of beloved classics.This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Try the 7-day challenge with Projektitachi and enhance your focus, and mental clarity, while reducing stress with Magic Mind's mental performance shots. Visit magicmind.com/CHOPSHOP20 and use CODE: CHOPSHOP20 at checkout to get 48% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase.Chapters00:00 Year in Review: Reflecting on 202403:19 Disappointment in Gaming and Anime Communities07:54 Racism and Sexism in Gaming: A Hot Take16:10 The State of Fanservice in Anime25:31 Gaming Platforms: A Look at PC Game Pass32:16 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of the GZ Chop, hosts ProjektItachi and Warnurse discuss the recent Game Awards, highlighting winners and notable announcements for upcoming titles. They delve into the excitement surrounding upcoming games like Elden Ring Nightreign and The Witcher 4, addressing the controversies and fan reactions. The episode also spotlights the indie game Betamax, discussing its unique gameplay mechanics.This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Try the 7-day challenge with Projektitachi and enhance your focus, and mental clarity, while reducing stress with Magic Mind's mental performance shots. Visit magicmind.com/CHOPSHOP20 and use CODE: CHOPSHOP20 at checkout to get 48% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Kickoff05:37 Game Awards Highlights and Controversies11:37 Elden Ring: New Game Plus and DLC Discussion21:05 The Legacy of From Software Games29:51 Female Protagonists in Gaming35:09 Exciting New Game Releases

SummaryIn this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss their predictions for the Game Awards, focusing on the Game of the Year category. The conversation shifts to the controversy surrounding a DLC nominated for Game of the Year, exploring the implications it will have on the gaming industry. Finally, they discuss the current state of anime fandom and reactions to shows like Dan to Dan.This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind. Try the 7-day challenge with Projektitachi and enhance your focus, and mental clarity, while reducing stress with Magic Mind's mental performance shots. Visit magicmind.com/CHOPSHOP20 and use CODE: CHOPSHOP20 at checkout to get 48% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Game Awards Predictions10:40 Game of the Year Controversies20:35 DLC vs Full Games in Awards

SummaryIn this episode, Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent news of Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa Productions, a major player in the anime and gaming industry. They explore the implications of this acquisition, the ongoing trend of consolidation in the gaming industry, and the impact on consumers and creators. The conversation also touches on the historical context of corporate acquisitions, the future of anime and manga distribution, and the importance of healthy competition in the industry.Chapters00:00 Thanksgiving Greetings and Podcast Introduction01:44 Sony's Acquisition of Katakawa Productions08:59 Concerns Over Industry Consolidation15:10 The Impact of Corporate Decisions on Gaming19:51 The Future of Anime and Manga Distribution28:19 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement

In this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Daniel reflect on the gaming year, discussing their favorite titles of 2024 and the upcoming Game Awards. They delve into the rise of live service gaming, its implications for the industry, and the nostalgia for completed games from the past. The conversation highlights the challenges gamers face today, including the impact of casual gaming trends and the commercialization of gaming experiences.Chapters00:00 Year in Review: Gaming Highlights17:21 The Rise of Live Service Gaming35:27 Nostalgia vs. Modern Gaming Trends

SummaryIn this GZ Chop Shop podcast episode, hosts Projektitachi and Daniel dive into the spooky season by discussing their favorite horror games, movies, and shows. They reflect on the legacy of Silent Hill, the portrayal of ghosts in media, and the fear of the unknown, particularly in the context of zombie apocalypses and viral outbreaks. The conversation also touches on the unique storyline of the DC Comics series 'Deceased', exploring the implications of a zombie outbreak spread through technology. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the evolution of horror movies, comparing the impact of traditional films with the unique storytelling of anime horror. They explore the cultural significance of films like 'Terrifier' and the psychological elements that make horror effective. The discussion shifts to the implications of AI and its potential interactions with extraterrestrial life, raising questions about humanity's future and technology's role in our lives. The conversation is rich with insights into the nature of fear, storytelling, and the intersection of horror with modern technology.Chapters00:00 Spooky Season Kickoff: Horror Games and Movies03:01 Silent Hill: A Legacy of Fear05:55 Ghosts and Apparitions: The Real Haunting09:04 The Unknown: Zombies vs. Viral Outbreaks14:56 The Deceased: A New Kind of Zombie Apocalypse21:41 The Evolution of Horror Movies27:56 Anime vs. Traditional Horror34:01 AI, Aliens, and the Future of Humanity

SummaryIn this episode hosts Projektitachi and WarNurse discuss the exciting gaming lineup for October, focusing on the release of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. They delve into the mixed reviews of the game, particularly criticizing the way major review platforms assess games. The conversation shifts to the game's unique 'what if' scenarios that allow players to explore alternate Dragon Ball histories. They also address the game's difficulty and the expectations of modern gamers, emphasizing the importance of patience and effort in gameplay. Finally, they touch on community feedback and the significance of Steam reviews in understanding player experiences. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the gaming industry, focusing on the recent release of Sparking Zero, the implications of Black Ops 6 being available on Game Pass from day one, and the ongoing issues with microtransactions. They delve into the struggles of Microsoft and the gaming industry, touching on the toxicity in gaming communities and fans' loyalty to franchises like Resident Evil and Call of Duty. The conversation also critiques Sony's recent decisions and the digital-only future of gaming, highlighting the importance of transparency in-game purchases. Finally, they reflect on Nintendo's market strategies and missed opportunities with the Switch.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and October Gaming Lineup03:36 Dragon Ball Sparking Zero: Initial Impressions12:35 The What Ifs: Exploring Alternate Dragon Ball Histories18:18 Game Difficulty and Player Expectations25:09 Steam Reviews and Community Feedback29:12 Sparking Zero and Community Engagement29:41 The State of Gaming: Black Ops 6 and Game Pass30:42 The Impact of Game Pass on Game Development31:23 Microsoft's Struggles and the Future of Gaming32:57 Microtransactions and the Call of Duty Franchise35:10 Toxicity in Gaming and Social Media Engagement36:10 Franchise Loyalty: Resident Evil vs. Call of Duty37:54 The Reality of Ownership in Gaming39:17 Sony's Recent Decisions and Consumer Reactions40:54 The Digital-Only Future and Its Implications42:46 The Importance of Transparency in Game Purchases44:49 Steam vs. Consoles: A Comparison of Digital Libraries46:31 Nintendo's Strategy and Market Positioning48:52 The Missed Opportunities of Nintendo's Switch50:39 Closing Thoughts and Community Feedback

We chat with one of the lead vocalists for Larian Studios hit game Baulders Gate 3 Mariya aka Melethiel, and discuss her career journey on stage, other projects, and LARPing. We also discuss fan favorite song "Raphael's Final Act" which also led to BG3 winning an award for best music.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:00 Maria's Journey to Baldur's Gate 306:03 The Experience of Performing in Theater09:01 Voice Acting and Music in Gaming11:55 LARPing: A Unique Hobby14:56 The Impact of Baldur's Gate 3's Music18:07 Live Performances and Concert Experiences21:11 Future Projects and Aspirations24:01 Training and Vocal Techniques26:59 Passion Projects and Dream Roles42:12 Voice Acting Aspirations44:19 Tavern Singing and LARPing Experiences52:18 Gaming Journeys and Preferences01:00:08 Exploring Horror Games and Lore01:06:27 Warhammer and Tabletop Gaming01:17:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations