The Comics Pals

Is the Comic Book World Turning on Marvel? | The Comics Pals Episode 46

This week on The Comics Pals is a Marvel-centric one as the Pals talk about the series of bad news for Marvel that sparks a discussion about whether or not Marvel’s time on top of the comics world has passed, what they’ve done so wrong to turn off so many people, and what Marvel needs to do to bring their fans back. You don’t want to miss this discussion! Pals Pulls News: Jared Leto Confused About WB Joker Plans: http://www.ign.com/…/suicide-squads-jared-leto-a-little-con… John Cena a Frontrunner to Play Shazam: http://www.cbr.com/shazam-cena-sasse-billy-batson-characte…/ Justice League Second Most Anticipated Fall Film: http://comicbook.com/…/justice-league-most-anticipated-fal…/ Relationship Between Thor & Loki Central to Thor:Ragnarok: http://www.ign.com/…/thor-ragnarok-odin-knew-of-cosmic-thre… Aspects of Gorr The God Butcher Used For Hela in Thor: Ragnarok: http://comicbook.com/movies/…/09/05/thor-ragnarok-hela-gorr/ Drew Goddard to Direct X-Force Film: https://www.polygon.com/…/xforce-deadpool-cable-drew-goddar… Sony Hack Reveals Required Peter Parker Character Traits: http://variety.com/…/sony-hack-peter-parker-spider-man…/amp/ Inhumans Causes Rift Between ABC & Marvel: https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/marvel-inhumans-1202547854/ Comic Shops Refuse to Buy Into Marvel’s Lenticular Covers: http://comicbook.com/…/marvel-legacy-comic-shop-owners-tak…/ Big Bang Comics on Twitter Talks Secret Empire Failure: https://twitter.com/TheBigBang_/status/905558314255253505 Sales for Secret Empire: http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssal…/2017/2017-07.html Main Topic: Is the comic world turning on Marvel? Marvel comic book sales are down this year from 2016's numbers. Secret Empire drastically underperformed and was met with heavy backlash from fans and critics alike based on its premise alone. Retailers are outright refusing to buy-in on the Marvel Legacy lenticular covers. Confidence in Marvel is nearly as low as it's ever been, leading to two obvious questions: is Marvel's time as the unrivaled king of the comic book world at an end, and what can be done to right this ship? The Comics Pals (may) have the answers! The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Cale: twitter.com/Totointow Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_ Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

PewDiePie, South Park & Social Issues in Gaming | The Video Game Pals Episode 20

Between PewDiePie's latest controversy and the news that South Park: Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider is tied to your character's skin color, race is on the mind of lots of gamers this week. The Pals dive in to the controversy and discuss how games as a medium can tackle social issues effectively. PLUS: Pete's reviews for Sonic Mania, Life is Strange: Before the Storm and Uncharted: Lost Legacy. RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK: favorite multiplayer game? DA NEWS: 1. Nintendo of America’s President Reggie Fils-Aime “strongly” urges you not to buy a scalped SNES Classic: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-exec-comments-on-snes-classic-supply/1100-6453238/ 2. Speaking of Nintendo shortages, if you were waiting until Christmas to pick up a Nintendo Switch you may be disappointed according to Reggie: http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/nintendo-president-switch-holiday-sales-1202550623/ 3. Rockstar is releasing 4 new versions of L.A. Noire on November 14: http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/60266/4-New-Versions-of-L-A-NOIRE-Coming-November-14 4. IGN is reporting that Crystal Dynamic’s upcoming Avengers game will at least in part be an online 3rd-person action adventure: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/05/marvels-avengers-project-will-be-an-online-3rd-person-action-adventure 5. PUBG is unstoppable: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/8/16273604/pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-concurrent-players-one-million-steam 6. Since we’re recording the show Monday night instead of Sunday, we caught the latest controversy around YouTuber Felix Kjellberg, AKA PewDiePie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMq65CslbZA https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/10/16285188/pewdie-pie-racist-slur-firewatch-retaliation-dmca 7. South Park: The Fractured but Whole's difficulty slider changes the color of your character’s skin: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-07-south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-difficulty-slider-changes-the-colour-of-your-skin Meat and Potatoes: How do you feel about political statements being made through gameplay mechanics? Do you want to see more things like this? What do you think the best way to tackle these kinds of issues is in the context of video games as a creative medium? Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Superman Controversy & G.I. Joe Fans v. Aubrey Sitterson Explained | The Comics Pals Episode 47

This week, the Pals comment on the passing of Len Wein, the case of deja vu brought on by our first look at David Harbour’s Hellboy, the ridiculous controversy surrounding Superman saving an immigrant -- which is exactly what Superman has always done, and we break down the witch hunt against Aubrey Sitterson being led by G.I. Joe fans, and what these two big stories say about the bigotry problem in comics. PLUS: A villain ha sabotaged the Pals?! Buy or Sell Pals Pulls News: Len Wein Passes: http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2017/09/10/len-wein-1948-2017 Zack Snyder Not Doing Press For Justice League: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/12/justice-league-zack-snyder-no-press/ Sam Humphries and Bernard Chang Take Over Nightwing: http://www.cbr.com/exclusive-sam-humphries-bernard-chang-nightwing/2/ Stan Lee Talks Rift With Steve Ditko: http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/09/12/stan-lee-reveals-argument-with-steve-ditko-over-green-goblin/ Stan Lee Returning to Florida Convention to Aid Relief Effort: https://www.newsarama.com/36393-stan-lee-breaks-florida-for-hurricane-irma.html?fref=gc&dti=833038996839182 David Harbour as Hellboy Revealed: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/13/hellboy-first-look-at-david-harbour-new-logo-revealed Daniel Dae Kim Lands Role in Hellboy as Ben Daimio: http://www.cbr.com/hellboy-daniel-dae-kim-ben-daimio/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_campaign=CBR-FB-P&view=list Marvel Two-in-One to Address Absence of Reed and Sue Richards: https://www.newsarama.com/36372-marvel-two-in-one-1-reunites-ben-grimm-johnny-storm-to-do-what-the-ff-does-best-in-marvel-legacy.html Superman Saves Immigrants Life, as He Should: http://www.cbr.com/of-course-superman-saved-immigrant-workers-its-what-he-does/ IDW Potentially Firing Aubrey Sitterson: https://www.themarysue.com/idw-actually-considering-taking-action-against-writer-based-on-the-whims-of-right-wing-harassers/ Aubrey Sitterson Timeline: https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/09/14/timeline-aubrey-sitterson-gi-joe/#.WbrePqI9pFM.twitter Main Topic: Superman and G.I. Joe: Symbols of Freedom and Idealism, or Standardbearers of Oppression? This week in comics, we got TWO conversations surrounding bigotry and whether or not comic book characters can be used to make political statements. The books in question are born out of social and political turmoil, but some fans believe that these characters should stay out of such politically charged discourse. We break down both situations this week and explain why Superman, G.I. Joe and similar characters will always fight on the side of the oppressed. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Cale: twitter.com/Totointow Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_ Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

The Future of Nintendo | The Video Game Pals Episode 21

On this week's show, The Pals follow up on PewDiePie & the SNES Classic, dig through last week's Nintendo Direct, and discuss the future of Nintendo post-Switch. PLUS: Thompson takes his nipples very seriously. -What We've Been Playing -RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK DA NEWS: 1. Ubisoft announced a new experimental FPS releasing today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPvmKeEpzWk https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/atomega/ 2. thatgamecompany, announced at last week’s apple conference that their next game “Sky” will launch first on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad this winter: http://thatgamecompany.com/first-details-announced-next-game-sky https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/907662619019845632?fref=gc&dti=833038996839182 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX3QP7yX_IA 3. Naughty Dog’s Bruce Straley is leaving the studio after 18 years: https://www.naughtydog.com/blog/a_messsage_from_bruce_straley 4. Felix Kjellberg a.k.a. PewDiePie has made a public statement regarding the backlash around him saying the n-word during a livestream of PUBG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLdxuaxaQwc&fref=gc&dti=833038996839182 5. It only took a week for PUBG to break the last Steam record: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/16/16320052/playerunknown-battlegrounds-concurrent-users-steam 6. SNES Classic/NES Classic Update: https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/907594720288718848?fref=gc&dti=833038996839182 7. The latest update for the Nintendo Switch Online app has solved one of the app’s most glaring flaws: https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2017/9/13/16300794/nintendo-switch-online-voice-chat-update 8. Breaking down last week’s Nintendo Direct: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/13/heres-all-the-news-from-todays-nintendo-direct Meat and Potatoes: 6 months in to the Nintendo Switch’s lifespan, it seems like Nintendo is back on top. Is this a new Nintendo, or are we just in an abusive relationship that’s hit a good patch? Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Could Doomsday Clock Spell Doom For DC Comics? | The Comics Pals Episode 48

In a week filled with huge news in the comic book world, the Pals share their thoughts on the first trailer for Netflix’s Punisher series, the return of the original Jean Grey to mainline continuity at Marvel (MUCH to Sean’s pleasure!), the announcement of HBO’s Watchmen, and just how big of a risk Doomsday Clock is to DC Comics. PLUS: COULD a lightsaber cut through adamentium?! -Buy or Sell -Pals Pulls News: Punisher Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIY6zFL95hE Nerdist Thor: Ragnarok Trailer: http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/09/18/thor-ragnarok-vhs-retro-trailer/ Defenders Least Watched Marvel Series on Netflix: http://www.cbr.com/defenders-least-watched-marvel-series/ Jean Grey Returning to Marvel Comics: https://www.polygon.com/comics/2017/9/18/16329394/marvel-comics-jean-grey-phoenix HBO’s Watchmen Series Moving Forward: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/20/watchmen-reboot-tv-series-hbo-damon-lindelof/ Zack Snyder Reveals He Has no Involvement With Justice League: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/19/why-zack-snyder-is-not-checking-in-on-justice-league Wonder Woman Ends Box Office Run: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/19/wonder-woman-ends-box-office-run/ Matthew Vaugn Talks Man of Steel 2: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/18/matthew-vaughn-superman-man-steel-2-story-ideas/ Greg Capullo to Draw Swamp Thing After Dark Nights: Metal: http://whatculture.com/comics/greg-capullo-will-draw-swamp-thing-next-year Geoff Johns Talks Doomsday Clock: https://www.polygon.com/comics/2017/7/25/16022798/geoff-johns-doomsday-clock DC SVP Says Doomsday Clock Will be Biggest Selling Comic of 2017: https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/07/21/dc-doomsday-clock-1-best-selling-comic/ DC to Release Doomsday Clock at 11:57PM: https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/09/20/dc-comics-release-doomsday-clock-1-11-57pm-tuesday-november-21st/ Main Topic: DC has built up plenty of goodwill since the launch of Rebirth, winning back a lot of lapsed fans and making quite a few new fans in the process. For most hardcore fans though, revisiting the Watchmen universe is seen as one of the few ‘third rail’ decisions a comic book company can make, up there with resurrecting Uncle Ben. Doomsday Clock does exactly that, but can DC Comics convince fans that there’s good reason use the Watchmen characters for this story? Does this monumental event put DC at risk of losing some of that goodwill? The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Cale: twitter.com/Totointow Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_ Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Iwata's Charm, Drama & Tokyo Game Show 2017 | The Video Game Pals Episode 22

This week on The Video Game Pals the boys discuss the hottest news out of Tokyo Game Show 2017, update some developing news stories and learn of a beautiful tribute to Satoru Iwata packed in every Switch. PLUS: "Fire Pokemon are trash!" -Andy Brown -What we’re playing! -Buy or Sell DA NEWS: 1. Rockstar Games’ Social media accounts promising an update on Red Dead Redemption 2 this week: https://www.facebook.com/rockstargames/posts/10155627743290097 2. First official trailer for the new Tomb Raider movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ndhidEmUbI 3. More Campo Santo v. PewDiePie news: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-19-firewatch-steam-review-bomb-pewdiepie-racism-incident 4. In response, Steam has decided to implement a histogram that will allow users to easily identify review bombings: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/19/16336298/steam-review-bombs-campo-santo-firewatch-pewdiepie 5. The issue of race has come up again in the press around South Park: The Fractured But Whole, but not for positive reasons: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16350524/south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-trailer-kanye-west-mother-only-one 6. Nintendo has included a beautiful tribute to the company’s former President Satoru Iwata in every Nintendo Switch: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/17/16323452/nintendo-switch-golf-emulator https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2017/9/20/16338508/nintendo-switch-golf-iwata-theory 7. Tokyo Game Show 2017: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/19/tgs-2017-all-the-news-from-sonys-playstation-conference Meat and Potatoes: That takes us into our meat and potatoes: what do you think of smaller game press events like TGS, Paris Games Week, PSX, etc.? They obviously don’t have the same fanfare around them that E3 does, but do appreciate getting these little blasts of news or would you prefer publishers save these announcements for bigger shows? Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Ryan O'Sullivan + Plaid Klaus Interview & The Future of DC Entertainment | The Comics Pals 49

This week the Pals are joined by two very special guests: writer Ryan O’ Sullivan and artist Plaid Klaus! The two talk about their new series Void Trip over at Image, and after Plaid gets sucked into the void himself, the Pals and Ryan talk about two huge Image titles headed to television, the ongoing saga of James Cameron v. Wonder Woman, and whether or not DC Entertainment’s new film strategy can save them from the free fall they’ve been in save for Wonder Woman. PLUS: -Apples and Origins -Reader Mail -Pals Pulls -News: Inhumans Showrunner Scott Buck Says Movie Plans Didn't Effect Show: http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/09/28/inhumans-movie-influence-scott-buck/ Tensions Rise Between ABC and Disney Over Mandate to Renew SHIELD: https://variety.com/2017/…/news/abc-idol-inhuman-1202573827/ Deadly Class Television Series Helmed by the Russos Headed to SYFY: http://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2017/09/27/deadly-class-comic-tv-series-syfy-russo-brothers/ Lazarus Television Series Headed to Amazon: https://www.newsarama.com/36638-lazarus-tv-series-coming-to-amazon.html James Cameron Responds to the Criticism His Wonder Woman Comments Have Received: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/27/james-cameron-wonder-woman/ Lynda Carter Claps Back at James Cameron: https://www.newsarama.com/36639-lynda-carter-hits-back-at-james-cameron-s-wonder-woman-critique.html Geoff Johns and Diane Nelson Talk DC Film Universe: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/09/27/james-cameron-wonder-woman/ Main Topic: Can DC's new vision for their film world turn the tide in their favor? In a revealing interview with Vulture, Geoff Johns and Diane Nelson talk about some of the problems the DCEU (which we learned is NOT the official name for DC's film universe) has experienced, and how they're planning to right the ship. Can these strategies be effective, or have people already made up their minds about DC's film offerings? The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Cale: twitter.com/Totointow Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_ Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

The SAG-AFTRA Strike | The Video Game Pals Episode 23

With the end finally in sight for the SAG-AFTRA strike, the pals decided it was time to unpack the boycott and it's affect on the industry. We've also got updates on Red Dead Redemption 2, PUBG on PS4 and the SNES Classic's release. PLUS: Hear the tale of Captain Sean Bartley! -What we’re playing -Watch Until Dawn on Pals Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9A1Kt_PksA -RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK DA NEWS: 1. Trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F63h3v9QV7w 2. #thompsonwasright about the Aratibox: http://mailchi.mp/ataribox/first-look-ataribox-design-36241?e=316bc4d53e 3. Bluehole has announced that the team working on PUBG has been spun off to a new subsidiary called PUBG Corp: http://www.pcgamer.com/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-gets-its-own-company-pubg-corp/ 4. PUBG Corp CEO says they're "in talks" with Sony for a PS4 version of the game: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-27/one-man-s-journey-from-welfare-to-world-s-hottest-video-game 5. Volition, the studio behind the Saints Row series, laid off over 30 people from it’s 200+ person team this week including general manager Dan Cermak: https://kotaku.com/big-layoffs-hit-agents-of-mayhem-developer-volition-1818844285 The Chinese Room, the team behind Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture has been forced to lay off all of its staff: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-09-25-the-doors-close-on-the-chinese-room-for-now 6. Nintendo has changed the terms for their YouTube partner program: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16384236/youtube-nintendo-livestream-monetization 7. Moving on to SNES Classic news, we’re happy to report Reggie made good on his word and the SNES Classic launch went off pretty smoothly!: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16387592/nintendo-snes-classic-retailer-launch As an added bonus, just like they did with the NES Classic, Nintendo has posted the manuals for all of the console’s games online, including EarthBound’s 135-page strategy guide, which has historically sold online for a LOT of money: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16384230/super-snes-classic-manual-earthbound-strategy-guide-mario-zelda 8. Eurogamer did a little investigative reporting by cracking open an SNES Classic to look at its innards, only to find…an NES Classic: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-snes-mini-teardown-confirmed-recycled-nes-mini-tech 9. 11 months after the strike began, video game voice actors represented by The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (hereafter referred to as SAG) reached a “tentative agreement” last Saturday with the 11 companies that they had been striking against: https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/25/16363872/video-game-voice-actors-strike-sag-aftra-agreement Meat and Potatoes: Since this story started before the Video Game Pals, we haven’t really covered it outside when it affected Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Now that the dust has settled, what do we think about this strike? Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Marvel Stumbles, DC’s Doomsday Clock Dazzles & More From NYCC 2017 | The Comics Pals Episode 50

The Pals (minus Cale) are united in New York City this weekend for New York Comic-Con! This week on the show they talk about all the biggest news coming out of the event, including the nightmare that was Marvel’s retailer-only Panel, the Marvel/Northrup Grumman partnership that was announced and ended within twelve hours, huge Walking Dead news and major announcements about DC’s Doomsday Clock. PLUS: We are very tired boys. News: Marvel’s Retailer-Only Panel Erupts: https://www.newsarama.com/36750-retailers-become-heated-over-marvel-variants-diversity-in-closed-doors-nycc-panel.html Marvel/Northrup Grumman Partnership Controversy: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/07/marvel-faces-fan-backlash-over-deal-with-arms-manufacturer Marvel and The Weeknd Debut New ‘Starboy’ Comic: http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/10/07/the-weeknd-starboy-comic/ Marvel Reveals ‘Weapon H’ Series: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/05/nycc-new-marvel-comic-stars-hulkwolverine-hybrid-weapon-h Marvel Legacy: X-Men Panel: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/07/which-iconic-x-men-character-isnt-returning-for-marvel-legacy Marvel and Netflix Cancel Punisher Panel, Possibly Delay Show Debut: http://comicbook.com/marvel/2017/10/05/marvel-netflix-reportedly-delay-punisher/ Marvel Reveal Stan Lee Documentary: https://www.newsarama.com/36808-nycc-17-stan-lee-joe-quesada-in-conversation.html Walking Dead Season 8 Footage Revealed: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/08/the-walking-dead-shows-season-8-scene-to-new-york-comic-con-fans F-Word Now Usable on The Walking Dead: http://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/2017/10/07/the-walking-dead-season-8-fuck-profanity/ The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead Will Crossover: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/08/the-walking-dead-to-crossover-with-fear-the-walking-dead Robert Kirkman Debuts New Series ‘Oblivion Song’: http://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/2017/10/06/walking-dead-robert-kirkman-oblivion-song/ DC Metal/New Age of Heroes Panel: http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/10/06/nycc-2017-dc-metal-new-age-of-heroes-panel-live-blog/ DC Reveals Milestone Resurrection as New Imprint: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/06/dc-resurrects-the-milestone-universe-and-tom-strong DC Doomsday Clock Panel: https://www.newsarama.com/36784-nycc-17-geoff-johns-doomsday-clock-panel.html Main Topic: The Pals talk about some of their coolest experiences at NYCC, including Sean attending the Doomsday Clock Panel. They then break down all the huge revelations from the panel and discuss how the big news changes the way they feel about this upcoming event. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Cale: twitter.com/Totointow Marco: twitter.com/woeismarco_ Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Have Loot Boxes Hit Their Breaking Point? | The Video Game Pals Episode 24

Pete, Thompson and Sean are away at NYCC with the rest of the Pals this week, but the show must go on! Andy is holding down the fort with our first-ever guest eSports reporter and all around cool lady, Peggy Forde a.k.a. Moirai. They're talking Star Wars Battlefront 2 (both old and new), the drama around Bethesada hating Nazis and the state of loot boxes. PLUS: Follow Peggy on twitter: @MoiraiOW What We're Playing RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK DA NEWS: 1. New Mario Oddessy trailer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcXvnb7dHZk 2. WOW are people mad at Bethesda https://twitter.com/wolfenstein/status/916075551382585344 a link to the weet 3. Netflix puts out Stranger Things mobile game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgLQLA2CQMI 4. OverWatch Halloween skins leak: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/09/overwatch-halloween-terror-event-skins-leaked 5. Star Wars Battlefront II (2005) gets multiplayer update and PC Crossplay: https://www.gog.com/news/star_wars_battlefront_ii_now_supports_crossplay 6. Battlefront II (The new one) had a multiplayer beta this weekend: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-battlefront-2-beta-extended-for-ps4-xbox/1100-6453903/ MEAT AND POTATOES: How do you feel about the rise of loot-box based progression in AAA games? Forza 7 and Shadow of War have gotten panned for their loot systems, which many have accused of being “play to win” Battlefront II feels in danger of going that way. Is this acceptable? Is it better to do it the way Overwatch/PUBG do it wherein you get cosmetics through boxes and can buy them but still earn them by playing? Or should it be the league model where you just buy what you want without gambling on it? Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel. The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete Andy: twitter.com/Tiger_Millions Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire