Mastering The Game Podcast

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recent release of the PS5 Pro and its mixed reviews. He notes that upgrading from a standard PS5 may not be worthwhile for most users unless they have high-end display equipment. While he appreciates the advancements the PS5 Pro brings to gaming technology, he believes it doesn’t make sense for the average consumer. Harris also comments on an Xbox ad campaign that blurs the line between gaming consoles and other devices, suggesting it could undermine the appeal of buying an actual Xbox console. He references remarks by Xbox head Phil Spencer about shifting focus towards software over hardware, acknowledging the need for a strong strategy to compete with PlayStation, which currently leads the console market. Ultimately, he emphasizes that while PlayStation has the upper hand now, Xbox must innovate to remain competitive in future generations.

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his disinterest in the newly released Black Ops 6. He acknowledges that while he follows some YouTubers who have played the game, he hasn’t engaged with Call of Duty since August and doesn’t feel a strong urge to buy the new title. After viewing gameplay footage, he notes that it resembles previous entries in the franchise and questions the value of purchasing another similar game for $70, especially considering the typical bugs that come with new releases. Despite his current apathy towards Call of Duty, he contemplates potentially getting Black Ops 6 next year but remains nostalgic for the earlier days of the series, particularly Modern Warfare 2, which he feels offered a better gaming experience without modern issues like microtransactions. He invites listeners to share their experiences with Black Ops 6 in the comments.

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses a recent change by Steam, the PC gaming platform, which now warns customers in their shopping cart when they are purchasing a license for a game instead of owning it outright. This update comes ahead of a California law set to take effect next year, requiring clearer notifications about the nature of digital game purchases. Jermaine appreciates Steam’s proactive approach but expresses frustration that most digital games are merely licenses, limiting users’ ability to play them indefinitely. While he understands that some games with online components may become unplayable if servers are shut down, he argues that all games should include offline features, except for those inherently dependent on online connectivity, like World of Warcraft. Overall, Harris emphasizes his dissatisfaction with not being able to access games he has purchased, regardless of whether they are digital or physical copies.

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the upcoming release of Red Dead Redemption for PC on October 29th. He reminisces about his enjoyment of the game since its original launch in 2010 and expresses surprise at its absence on PC until now. Harris also shares his excitement for the anticipated release of Spider-Man 2 on PC in January 2025, praising the previous titles in the franchise for their engaging gameplay and storytelling. He invites listeners to share their thoughts on both games in the comments.

SummaryIn this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his evolving gaming habits. He notes that he hasn’t played Call of Duty since mid-August and has instead focused on playing MLB The Show on his Nintendo Switch, rediscovering his love for baseball games after not playing one for over 15 years. Harris appreciates the portability of the Switch, allowing him to enjoy gaming while engaging in other activities at home. He expresses interest in eventually acquiring a Steam Deck to play his Steam games away from his desk, hoping to find one on sale within the next couple of years.

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses a significant development in the gaming industry where Lightspeed LA, a video game developer, reached an agreement with a union amidst a strike that began on July 26th, led by SAG-AFTRA. The strike arose due to concerns about game developers using motion capture data for AI training without permission or compensation, threatening job security for performers. Harris expresses hope that more developers will adopt similar agreements, as they benefit employees, companies, and ultimately consumers. He anticipates that smaller studios may follow suit, and if these companies produce quality games, larger publishers will likely take notice and respond accordingly.Sources:https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/lightspeed-l-a-signs-with-sag-aftra-agrees-to-ai-protections-for-performershttps://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/sag-aftra-calls-huge-win-as-80-games-agree-to-the-union-s-ai-terms

SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recently announced specifications and pricing for the PS5 Pro. He highlights that the new console features a significantly faster GPU, promising up to 45% improved rendering for gameplay. However, he criticizes the high launch price of $700, particularly noting the absence of a built-in disk drive, which forces users with physical games to purchase an external optical drive. Harris expresses skepticism about the value of upgrading from the current PS5, especially for existing owners, and feels that the additional costs—like the separate purchase needed for a vertical stand—reflect a greedy marketing strategy by Sony. He concludes that he is unlikely to buy the PS5 Pro at its current price point and may consider acquiring a used PS5 instead.

SummaryIn this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris reflects on the recent shutdown of Game Informer after over 30 years, expressing his nostalgia for the magazine and hope for its former employees to find new opportunities. He also discusses the Halo TV show that aired on Paramount Plus from 2022 to early 2023, noting that it ran for two seasons. Many fans criticized the series for not accurately portraying the character of Master Chief and felt the story was lacking, suggesting that the creators may not have fully understood or appreciated the Halo franchise. Instead of staying true to the source material, they seemed to prioritize creating a modern sci-fi narrative, which ultimately led to disappointment among viewers.