Jimquisition

Audio home of The Jimquisition, featuring its lovely little podcast, Podquisition - starring Jim Sterling, Laura Kate, and Conrad Zimmerman!

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589 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes589

Newest first

Mar 17, 2022 · 57 min
Spoiler(ish)cast: Elden Ring With Gavin Dunne
Miracle of Sound Gavin Dunne rejoins the cast for a one-off Elden Ring special. Yes, we promised it years ago, and we delivered! Enjoy!
Mar 10, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
Podquisition 376: What the North Gets You
Big homes, low ceilings Games we played this week include: Steam Deck (9:40) Rune Factory 4 (21:20) Babylon’s Fall (24:35) Retroid Pocket 2 Plus (36:45) Are You With Us? (43:45) Uncharted Golden Abyss (45:00) Aperture Desk Job (50:45) --- News things talked about in this episode: Vita software made to run on Switch (49:15) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-new-tool-claims-to-run-ps-vita-software-natively-on-nintendo-switch/ Forza Horizon 5 sign language features arrive four months after release (51:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-03-01-forza-horizon-5-adds-sign-language-support-today Activision Blizzard attributes failure to hire women executives to MS acquisition (52:25) https://www.axios.com/embattled-activision-facing-increased-attrition-18d74c45-d570-4a61-abcd-fed77be7243d.html Family of Activision Blizzard employee blames company for their suicide, files lawsuit (54:20) https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/03/04/activision-blizzard-employee-suicide-lawsuit/ Former Epic employee claims they were terminated for speaking up about diversity practices (56:05) https://twitter.com/MagusFirebeard/status/1499767870003179520 You can pause Elden Ring (57:50) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-03-08-turns-out-you-can-pause-elden-ring-without-a-mod --- 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.
Mar 3, 2022 · 1 hr 26 min
Podquisition 375: It’s Just Soup
Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated? Games we played this week include: Steam Deck (11:15) Pokémon Legends Arceus (22:10) Elden Ring (23:50) Roboquest (49:20) Gran Turismo 7 (53:05) Undead Knights (54:45) Infernax (57:25) --- News things talked about in this episode: Intellivision Amico looks about to cut bait (1:00:30) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-03-01-intellivision-cuts-fundraising-campaign-for-amico-short-setting-alarm-bells-ringing Nvidia hit by crippling cyber attack (1:05:35) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-25/nvidia-is-investigating-cyber-attack-but-business-uninterrupted Valve open to having Microsoft Game Pass available on Steam (1:07:05) https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/valve-has-no-plans-for-a-steam-pass-but-would-help-microsoft-put-game-pass-on-steam/ Pokémon Scarlet/Violet announced (1:11:10) https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/ Ubisoft does, at least, protect its employees affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine (1:15:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-26-ubisoft-provides-additional-funds-advance-salaries-and-alternate-housing-to-staff-in-ukraine Ukranian developers discussing the invasion (1:16:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-25-ukraine-game-developers-speak-out-in-face-of-russian-invasion Lawsuits arise from Activision Blizzard King investors unhappy about Microsoft deal (1:17:20) https://www.polygon.com/22949594/activision-blizzard-shareholder-lawsuit-sec-violation Sony attempts to have gender discrimination suit dismissed (1:19:15) https://www.axios.com/sony-playstation-sexual-harassment-dismissal-dde3ab46-25c2-4b82-b028-582530617ece.html Epic Games is acquiring Bandcamp (1:21:15) https://blog.bandcamp.com/2022/03/02/bandcamp-is-joining-epic/ --- 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. Photo Credit: Katrin Morenz, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
Mar 2, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
The Spin-Off Doctors Monster Hunter
Wake us when it's over. -- Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com 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.
Feb 24, 2022 · 1 hr 18 min
Podquisition 374: Vampire Wine
A not-so-subtle blend. Games we played this week include: Nintendo Switch Sports (10:55) Infernax (17:10) Dying Light 2 (19:55) A Little to the Left (22:40) RoboQuest (26:35) Skul: The Hero Slayer (31:50) Pokémon Legends Arceus (38:30) Horizon: Forbidden West (39:10) Pinball Heroes (40:20) --- News things talked about in this episode: Activision Blizzard’s lawyers paint union members as “footloose and fancy free” (44:35) https://twitter.com/_TechJess/status/1496136624358494208 Accusations made against Activision Blizzard for union-busting practices at Raven Software (47:45) https://www.polygon.com/22939657/activision-blizzard-raven-software-union-nlrb-hearing Bobby Kotick has been covertly funding Republicans through businesses (53:35) https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/activision-blizzard-ceo-donated-to-republican-causes-3164956 Rainbow Six tournament in UAE, where homosexuality is illegal, is canceled (58:40) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-23-ubisoft-scraps-plans-for-rainbow-six-siege-tournament-in-abu-dhabi Ubisoft hints in earnings call that it may be open to a buyout (1:00:00) https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-02-17-despite-consolidation-ubisoft-says-it-can-still-go-it-alone The Street Fighter 6 logo bears striking similarity to a stock image (1:07:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-23-street-fighter-6s-logo-looks-like-an-adobe-stock-image-and-its-creator-wants-a-cut Platinum Games takes hard stance against NFTs (1:09:50) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interviews/platinumgames-2022/ Nintendo is closing the 3DS and Wii U eShops (1:10:40) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-16-3ds-and-wii-u-eshop-purchases-end-in-march-2023 --- 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.
Feb 17, 2022 · 1 hr
Podquisition 373: Order of Operations
One, then two? Two, then one? Games we played this week include: Horizon: Forbidden West (2:55) Infernax (16:25) Dreamscaper (27:15) Pokémon Legends: Arceus (34:05) God of War (39:05) --- News things talked about in this episode: Microsoft suggests they’re only going to keep the good employees at Activision Blizzard (41:30) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-is-watching-activisions-execs-so-the-right-people-are-in-power-after-its-acquisition/ Roblox has a sexual content problem, along with being a predatory child labor engine (43:25) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60314572 Ubisoft isn’t doing a damn thing in terms of the demands of its workers (44:45) https://twitter.com/ABetterUbisoft/status/1493231476980293636 Team17’s NFT push has pushed employees to push back on company direction (50:15) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-14-team17-exec-promises-change-following-last-weeks-report Ubisoft internal discussion of NFT project got considerable negative feedback from staff (54:00) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-11/ubisoft-employees-push-back-hard-on-blockchain-initiative --- 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.
Feb 10, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Podquisition 372: The PS Vita Special
A tribute. Games we played this week include: Pokémon Legends: Arceus (14:10) Sifu (33:20) Silent Hill Book of Memories (39:10) Killzone Mercenaries (41:35) God of War Chains of Olympus (44:30) Unbound Saga (44:55) Unit 13 (45:55) --- News things talked about in this episode: Pokémon Legends Arceus sells 6.5m copies in a week, probably because it’s good (18:30) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-04-pokemon-legends-arceus-sells-6-5m-copies-in-seven-days Google rumored to be dropping Stadia, trying to shop its tech around (46:40) https://www.vg247.com/stadia-reportedly-deprioritized-inside-google-which-aims-to-secure-deals-under-google-stream-label Microsoft is rolling out the anti-trust defense propaganda, points cheeky fingers at Apple (50:15) https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/02/09/open-app-store-principles-activision-blizzard/ Ubisoft is licensing their characters to third-party NFT producers (56:44) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-09-ubisoft-rabbids-added-to-blockchain-metaverse-the-sandbox Itch.io calls NFTs what they are: a scam (1:00:00) https://twitter.com/itchio/status/1490141815294414856 No, Nintendo isn’t going to be buying up developers like Sony and Microsoft (1:02:25) https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-03/nintendo-cuts-switch-outlook-again-on-supply-logistics-jam Kotaku feature on Steph (1:10:35) https://kotaku.com/jim-stephanie-sterling-youtube-interview-jimquisition-w-1848501185 --- 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.
Feb 3, 2022 · 1 hr 36 min
Podquisition 371: Personal Best
Well, we almost made it. Games we played this week include: Pokémon Legends: Arceus (6:45) Pupperazzi (27:15) Bloodborne PSX (33:45) Terraria (42:50) Megaman Zero (44:20) --- News things talked about in this episode: Team 17 announces and abandons Worms NFTs in under 24 hours (48:14) https://www.pcgamer.com/overcooked-and-going-under-devs-revolt-against-publisher-team17s-nft-plans/ EA slowing its roll on NFTs (1:01:20) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-02-ea-seemingly-backtracks-from-earlier-nft-enthusiasm Troy Baker pulls out of his terrible NFT deal (1:03:10) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-31-troy-baker-u-turns-on-voice-nft-project Atari’s Loot Box NFTs are self-parody (1:05:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSQIdTE3Npo Sony set to acquire Bungie, leverage its live service experience (1:11:50) https://www.bungie.net/en/Explore/Detail/News/50988 https://www.vg247.com/sony-plans-to-release-10-live-service-games-by-2026 Techland very nicely asks players not to play Dying Light before release (1:18:05) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-01-techland-asks-dying-light-2-fans-with-early-retail-copies-not-to-play-until-launch Activision Blizzard QA internal slack message shows typical anti-union moves (1:21:40) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-02-01-union-busting-staff-message-from-activision-blizzard-released-online Dark Pictures Anthologies games offer “Friend Pass” co-op for month of February (1:31:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-31-dark-pictures-anthology-owners-can-invite-a-friend-to-co-op-for-free-throughout-february --- 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.
Jan 27, 2022 · 51 min
Podquisition 370: A Classic Jinkies Scenario
Just find a damned ledge already. Games we played this week include: Pokémon Legends: Arceus (5:40) Gods Remastered (17:50) Labyrinth Legends (20:30) Pupperazzi (26:30) Dante’s Inferno (29:00) Super Star Path (35:45) --- News things talked about in this episode: Raven Studios QA are forming their union Game Workers Alliance, ignored by Activision Blizzard (39:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-26-raven-software-union-bid-pushes-on-despite-activision-blizzard-missing-deadline-to-respond Kotick demonstrates typical disrespect to employees in all-hands meeting on Microsoft merger (43:55) https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/01/20/bobby-kotick-activision-blizzard-chat-layoffs/ The next three Call of Duty games reportedly have to come to PlayStation (47:05) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-26-next-three-call-of-duty-games-reportedly-heading-to-playstation-despite-microsoft-acquisition LEGO game developer TT Games reported to have harmful crunch culture (48:00) https://www.polygon.com/features/22891555/lego-star-wars-the-skywalker-saga-has-led-to-extensive-crunch-at-tt-games --- 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.
Jan 20, 2022 · 1 hr 51 min
Podquisition 369: Proper Sausage
Have a meaty one. Games we played this week include: The Procession to Cavalry (18:00) Buck Up and Drive (26:35) Super Bomberman R (32:28) Galaga Plus (38:35) The Anacrusis (39:10) Anvil (40:25) Forza Horizon 5 (41:20) Halo Infinite (45:30) Deep Rock Galactic (49:05) Blaster Master Zero 2 (51:45) The Gunk (58:35) Shadowman Remastered (1:00:55) Into the Pit (1:01:50) Baldur’s Gate Dark Alliance (1:05:45) --- News things talked about in this episode: Microsoft to buy out Activision Blizzard (1:07:00) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-is-reportedly-nearing-a-deal-to-buy-activision-blizzard/ Microsoft announces well-timed internal review of sexual harassment and gender discrimination (1:19:10) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-18-microsoft-to-review-its-sexual-harassment-and-gender-discrimination-policies Bobby Kotick’s golden parachute is predictably obscene (1:22:05) https://twitter.com/gamesbizuk/status/1483435864378290179 Kotick alleged to have attempted burying employment figures to make issues seem smaller (1:24:02) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-17-activision-blizzard-has-pushed-out-almost-40-employees-since-july-2021 James Stephanie Sterling turned into an NFT, proving them right about NFTs (1:34:35) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-17-gaming-youtubers-have-had-their-likenesses-stolen-and-sold-as-nfts Continuing the trend of leaks from Nintendo, Pokémon Arceus is in the wild early (1:41:00) https://www.polygon.com/22891556/pokemon-legends-arceus-full-pokedex-leak-new-hisuian-forms --- 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. Photo Credit: Gordon Joley, used under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0/
Jan 13, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min
Podquisition 368: Uncomfortable Number Two
There are many barriers, even dangers, but we have no choice. Games we played this week include: Grim Valor (13:30) Terraria (18:30) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (22:50) Uncanny Valley (27:45) Red Faction Guerilla (35:15) Shin Megami Tensei V (39:20) Breakneck City (42:30) --- News things talked about in this episode: LEGO puts Overwatch 2 release on hold (43:30) https://www.pcgamer.com/lego-halts-overwatch-2-set-while-it-re-evaluates-partnership-with-activision-blizzard/ Activision Blizzard claims they’re talking to Raven QA strikers, but… (48:30) https://twitter.com/RebelComicNerd/status/1479161800537034752 https://twitter.com/RebelComicNerd/status/1480673705391009794 Xbox relationship with Activision Blizzard has changed in light of allegations, won’t say how (56:30) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-11-xbox-has-changed-how-we-do-certain-things-with-activision-following-misconduct-reports Phil Spencer thinks cross-platform gaming should include cross-platform bans (1:02:20) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-11-xbox-boss-wants-console-makers-to-work-together-on-cross-platform-bans-and-user-blocking The latest Twitch fad involves illegally rebroadcasting television shows, with predictable results (1:04:15) https://gamerant.com/twitch-tv-show-meta-explained-dmca/ Horizon Forbidden West in the wild months in advance (1:09:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2022-01-11-horizon-forbidden-west-ps4-images-leak-online --- 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.
Jan 6, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
Podquisition 367: Wetter Is Better
Time to get soaked. Games we played this week include: Super Mario 3D Land (7:10) The Pedestrian (15:30) The Short Games Collection #1 (19:40) Connection Rehaunted (25:45) Olija (29:50) Mini Trains (33:00) Tracks Toybox Edition (33:25) Flight Simulator (33:40) Aliens: Fireteam Elite (36:15) Mario Party Superstars (38:30) --- News things talked about in this episode: Women of Treyarch issue statement committing to better working conditions (41:15) https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/1473355739246710785 Riot Games settling 2018 discrimination suit for $100 million, agrees to reforms (43:30) https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/12/27/riot-discrimination-100-million-settlement/ Square Enix CEO issues patronizing letter regarding their blockchain plans (47:15) https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/2022/html/a_new_years_letter_from_the_president_2.html Ken Levine’s new game reportedly in development hell after nearly 8 years (54:05) https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/the-next-video-game-from-bioshock-s-auteur-is-in-development-hell-1.1702538 Sony seemingly hasn’t given up on VR, announces new headset and controller (57:00) https://blog.playstation.com/2022/01/04/playstation-vr2-and-playstation-vr2-sense-controller-the-next-generation-of-vr-gaming-on-ps5/ --- 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.
Dec 30, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Podquisition 366: See You Next Year
Thank God it’s over. Games we played this week include: Aliens: Fireteam Elite (7:20) Earwax (13:45) Backbone (17:50) The Short Games Collection #1 (21:55) Bloodroots (31:40) Hot Wheels Unleashed (34:30) Dandy Ace (37:10) Lemnis Gate (39:40) Curse of the Dead Gods (44:00) --- 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.
Dec 23, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
Podquisition 365: The War on Christmas Special
Santa Claus is coming. Are you ready for him? Games we played this week include: The Artful Escape (7:00) Serious Sam 4 (14:01) Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue (18:15) Nightmare Creatures (22:45) A Year of Spring (26:00) Hot Wheels Unleashed (29:00) Dodgeball Academia (35:10) Enter the Gungeon (36:10) --- News things talked about in this episode: Workers are leaving Ubisoft in droves. (37:30) https://www.axios.com/ubisoft-assassins-creed-great-resignation-aef86e61-75a8-4446-8ad6-f2c58bd0b730.html Ubisoft NFT program has not been a hit, but they’re committed. (41:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-20-ubisoft-appears-to-have-sold-a-grand-total-of-15-nfts https://decrypt.co/88880/after-backlash-ubisoft-calls-gaming-nfts-a-major-change-that-will-take-time Peter Molyneux, on the other hand, is raking it in. (46:00) https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/peter-molyneuxs-next-game-has-sold-40-million-in-nfts Bungie having its own bad work conditions moment, HR head resigns position. (51:30) https://www.ign.com/articles/bungie-report-battle-soul-work-culture-harassment-crunch https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-16-bungies-head-of-hr-steps-down Chip shortage expected to persist into 2023 (57:30) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-21-intel-chief-reiterates-global-chip-shortage-will-continue-into-2023 --- 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.
Dec 16, 2021 · 1 hr 25 min
Podquisition 364: Sharp, Shiny and Small
Ouch! Games we played this week include: Solar Ash (7:00) Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue (13:30) Loop Hero (23:30) Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon (33:00) Monster Rancher DX (40:20) Lawn Mowing Simulator (52:45) --- News things talked about in this episode: Support the A Better ABK Strike Fund (56:00) https://www.gofundme.com/f/abk-strike-fund Activision Blizzard trying to squash unionization effort with promises to do better (58:30) https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/12/09/activision-union-strike-fund/ Twitch Boost feature is as useless as expected (1:08:55) https://kotaku.com/twitchs-pay-to-win-boost-feature-doesnt-actually-help-p-1848216696 Roblox growth and policies can endanger kids, not just exploit them (1:11:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-14-roblox-accused-of-being-unsafe-environment-for-children Peter Molyneux is also doing a blockchain thing (1:17:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-13-peter-molyneux-is-creating-a-blockchain-business-sim --- 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.
Dec 9, 2021 · 1 hr 27 min
Podquisition 363: Ghosts of Flavor
Seltzer is nonsense. Games we played this week include: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (10:55) Gunfire Reborn (15:35) Kill It With Fire (21:50) Dauntless (23:40) The Binding of Isaac: Repentance (27:30) Mindscanners (30:10) Paradise Lost (37:05) Space Warlord Organ Simulator (41:10) Lawn Mowing Simulator (45:35) Townscaper (46:50) --- News things talked about in this episode: Former Activision Blizzard employee comes forward in press conference (48:20) https://kotaku.com/sexually-harassed-activision-blizzard-employee-holds-pr-1848180146 Walkout staged at Raven software following QA layoffs (51:50) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-06-raven-software-employees-walk-out-following-layoffs-in-the-qa-team State treasurers getting involved in Activision Blizzard (56:35) https://www.axios.com/state-treasurers-pressure-activision-over-misconduct-352fe2e6-64d4-4f30-ba7e-39e0e13419de.html PlayStation exec fired after amateur pedophilia sting (1:00:05) https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/sony-terminates-playstation-exec-who-allegedly-appeared-in-pedophile-sting-video/ Ubisoft acknowledges their handling of workplace abuse has damaged trust in them (1:02:30) https://www.axios.com/ubisoft-workplace-scandal-anika-grant-interview-aac56bc7-1551-465a-85b8-6e6d7ca36816.html Ubisoft details first steps toward NFT integration in Ghost Recon Breakpoint (1:09:40) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-07-ubisoft-quartz-is-an-energy-efficient-nft-platform-for-aaa-games Voice acting studio OMUK agrees to union contract protecting workers (1:17:40) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-06-uk-voice-acting-studio-reaches-agreement-with-equity-to-safeguard-voice-actors-working-in-games Retail release of Halo Infinite unplayable for several hours after release due to online update (1:20:15) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-08-no-you-cant-play-halo-infinites-campaign-now-even-if-you-have-the-disc Pokémon Shining Pearl already beaten by speedrunners in 15 minutes (1:22:25) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-08-pokemon-shining-pearl-finished-in-only-15-minutes --- 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.
Dec 2, 2021 · 1 hr 8 min
Podquisition 362: The Saddest Animals
No, not gamers. Games we played this week include: Ender Lillies (14:30) Death’s Door (19:20) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (24:30) Gunfire Reborn (33:00) Warlock of Firetop Mountain (38:30) --- News things talked about in this episode: GTA San Andreas gets remastered with fog to hide how it looks (44:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-30-gta-trilogy-san-andreas-adds-ground-fog-option-to-improve-visuals Activision Blizzard protest organizer leaves company, decries Kotick on way out (47:30) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-01-activision-blizzard-protest-organiser-leaving-company Nintendo’s gender equality in management is pretty bad (49:30) https://kotaku.com/less-than-5-percent-of-managers-at-nintendo-hq-are-wome-1848137143 Twitch to identify ban evaders with machine learning (57:00) https://safety.twitch.tv/s/safety-news/detail?language=en_US&post=Using-Machine-Learning-to-Curb-Ban-Evasion Sony patent emerges for mobile phone controller clamshell (1:01:00) https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-planning-a-playstation-mobile-controller-patent-suggests/ --- 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. Photo Credit: Chris Birmingham, 2012. Used under CC BY 2.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Nov 26, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
Podquisition 361: Text of No Merit
Courtesy of Dwight J. Ingle Games we played this week include: Binding of Isaac: Repentance (10:35) Dead Estate (16:50) Death’s Door (19:00) Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (23:05) NERF Legends (26:25) Bloodrayne Revamped (27:05) --- News things talked about in this episode: Exiting Activision Blizzard boss Jen Oneal offered equal pay after resigning (31:45) https://www.ign.com/articles/blizzard-jen-oneal-mike-ybarra-equal-pay-after-resignation All three console manufacturers distance themselves from Activision Blizzard (35:20) https://www.fanbyte.com/news/nintendo-issues-internal-response-to-activision-blizzard-reports/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-17/playstation-chief-criticizes-activision-response-to-allegations https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-18/xbox-chief-says-he-s-evaluating-relationship-with-activision Activision Blizzard employees petition for Kotick’s removal and stage walkout (41:50) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-19-more-than-1300-activision-blizzard-staff-call-for-bobby-kotick-to-resign https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/11/16/activision-blizzard-kotick-walkout/ Activision Blizzard board backing Kotick, announces “Workplace Responsibility Committee” (44:50) https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/activision-blizzard-doubles-down-on-kotick-defense-in-all-hands-meeting https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-blizzard-board-directors-continues-build-upon-its Kotick reported to be willing to step down if unable to quickly address discrimination and harrassment (47:45) https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-blizzard-ceo-bobby-kotick-tells-colleagues-he-would-consider-leaving-if-he-cant-quickly-fix-problems-11637533064 Former PlayStation employee alleges Sony fired them for raising discrimination issues (49:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-23-former-playstation-employee-files-lawsuit-alleging-gender-discrimination-and-wrongful-termination Avengers Spider-Man DLC is just Spider-Man and that’s it (54:55) https://www.ign.com/articles/avengers-spider-man-dlc-no-story-missions Chris Pratt’s got a special accent for Mario (58:05) https://toofab.com/2021/11/22/mario-producer-chris-meledandri-defends-casting-non-italian-chris-pratt/ Microsoft’s Phil Spencer encouraging legal emulation for game preservation (1:01:35) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-18-emulation-should-be-used-to-preserve-older-games-xbox-chief-phil-spencer-suggests --- 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.
Nov 18, 2021 · 1 hr 22 min
Podquisition 360: Face the Music
On the Third Day, A New World Record, Out of the Blue. Games we played this week include: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Definitive Edition (13:30) Halo Infinite (27:15) Kill It With Fire (33:20) Skyrim (40:15) Shin Megami Tensei V (44:20) Binding of Isaac: Repentance (48:40) Dead Estate (49:30) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (55:45) --- News things talked about in this episode: Bobby Kotick knew about sexual assault years ago (1:00:20) https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-videogames-bobby-kotick-sexual-misconduct-allegations-11637075680 Elder Scrolls V confirmed launching exclusively on Xbox/PC (1:12:20) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-15-xbox-boss-discusses-the-elder-scrolls-6-console-exclusivity Nintendo acknowledges JoyCon drift (1:12:50) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-15-doug-bowser-says-nintendo-are-making-continuous-improvements-to-joy-con-controllers Chip shortages delay Steam Deck (1:14:10) https://www.pcmag.com/news/valve-delays-steam-deck-launch-by-2-months-due-to-component-shortages Spider-Man finally coming to Avengers (1:15:45) https://www.polygon.com/22532264/spider-man-marvels-avengers-dlc-release-date-ps5-ps4 --- 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.
Nov 11, 2021 · 1 hr 7 min
Podquisition 359: Obvious Comedy Discourse
Have we said something to offend you? Games we played this week include: Lost in Random (8:25) Inscryption (14:15) Forza Horizon 5 (22:50) Popeye (31:50) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (38:15) Dying Light (39:15) Resident Evil Revelations 1&2 (39:55) Dorfromantik (41:15) Binding of Isaac: Repentance (43:00) --- News things talked about in this episode: Ubisoft staff seek public support for better working conditions with petition (45:30) https://t.co/dqmQV96FOm EA wants to make NFT games too (48:00) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-04-ea-says-nfts-will-be-an-important-part-about-the-future-of-our-industry Nintendo can’t stop leaking games (58:05) https://kotaku.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl-leak-early-1848012271 --- 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.