Won't Some Please Thing of Phil Spencer? (Xbox Closures, Hades II, EA Ads, V Rising)

Won't Some Please Thing of Phil Spencer? (Xbox Closures, Hades II, EA Ads, V Rising)

Author: TNP Studios May 14, 2024 Duration: 1:35:33
In this episode, Brad and Carrie dive deeper into their experiences with Hades II early access, sharing more detailed thoughts after spending additional time in the game. Brad explores V Rising but questions if survival games are his thing. Carrie returns to the Capital Wasteland, revisiting Fallout 3 after several years.

The gaming industry faces significant changes as Xbox shuts down several Bethesda studios, including the developers of Redfall and Hi-Fi Rush. Arkane's boss criticizes Microsoft executives for these closures. Xbox Studios' boss emphasizes the need for smaller, award-winning games, despite closing Tango Gameworks. Xbox President addresses the studio closures, stressing the long-term health of the business. Discussions around Call of Duty on Game Pass and a potential price hike are ongoing. Concerns about Xbox leadership's consistency in rewarding success versus failure are raised.

In other news, Helldivers 2 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Sony issues refunds for Ghost of Tsushima PC orders after implementing a new PSN requirement. EA's CEO discusses the interest in using AI to speed up game development and the potential inclusion of in-game ads in AAA titles. GameStop considers buying graded Pokémon Trading Card Game singles.


Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).





From the team at TNP Studios, Dense Pixels-Video Game News and Reviews offers a grounded and thorough look at the ever-shifting landscape of interactive entertainment. This isn't just a rundown of headlines; it's a series of conversations that unpack the stories behind the games, whether that's a massive studio release or a compelling title from a small independent team. Each episode aims to provide context and analysis, moving beyond simple scores to discuss what a game is trying to achieve and how it fits into the broader culture of the medium. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between new hardware, evolving business models, and the creative risks that shape the industry. The tone is informed and engaged, favoring substance over hype while still capturing the genuine excitement of discovering a great new experience. For anyone who wants to think more deeply about the games they play and the world that creates them, this podcast serves as a consistent and reliable resource. Tune in for regular episodes that blend critical perspective with a clear passion for the subject, all dedicated to making sense of the noise in modern gaming.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dense Pixels - Video Game News and Reviews
Podcast Episodes
REMATCH, Mario Kart World, Gen-Z Gamers, and Much More! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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It’s a community show this week, but first we dive into the games we’ve been playing.Terrence shares his love-hate relationship with REMATCH, calling it both his most beloved and most infuriating game of the year. He als…
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