The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators E374 | Video Game Trends to End and AIs Impact on Video Games

This week on The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan dive into a packed lineup of gaming chatter, industry trends, and a retro review that hits all the right notes.
They kick things off with their latest game pickups and what’s been dominating their playtime, setting the stage for a broader look at how modern gaming continues to evolve. From convoluted pre‑order bonuses to the growing mess of fragmented game editions, the duo breaks down why these trends are frustrating players and reshaping expectations.
The conversation then shifts to the serious legal battles currently facing major video game companies. John and Ryan explore how these lawsuits raise tough questions about accountability, addiction, and the responsibilities developers have toward their audiences.
On a more uplifting note, the hosts spotlight Sandfall Interactive’s new DLC for Clare Obscure Expedition 33, praising its generous free content and thoughtful difficulty adjustments. They also take time to discuss AI’s expanding role in game development sparks a lively debate between the two — where it helps, where it hurts, and why opinions across the industry are so divided.
To wrap things up, John and Ryan revisit Lumines on the PSP for this week’s retro review, digging into why this rhythm‑puzzle classic still shines years later.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast01:24 Recent Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming05:19 Current Games and Gameplay Experiences23:00 Trends to End in 202633:03 News of the Week and Closing Thoughts33:42 The Impact of Video Games on Children46:14 The Role of AI in Game Development52:10 Game Difficulty and Player Experience01:05:22 Luminous Puzzle Fusion: A Classic Review
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E373 | Our Games of the Year Are NOT What You Expect

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts Jon and Ryan dive into their latest game pickups, including the cult favorite Sky Gunner and a stack of retro gaming books. They also share fresh updates from their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, highlighting new character arcs, unexpected encounters, and the chaos their parties have stirred up.
From there, the conversation shifts to their favorite games of the year—what stood out, what fell short, and which titles earned a spot on their personal lists. To wrap things up, they take on another round of the inflation‑deflation challenge, this time putting the holiday oddity Daze Before Christmas under scrutiny to see whether its current market price is naughty or nice.
00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast02:17 Game Pickups and Recent Acquisitions06:21 Dungeons & Dragons Updates and Campaign Recaps12:18 Homebrewing D&D Campaigns and Storytelling Techniques18:14 The Role of AI in Game Mastering26:06 Game Reviews and Recommendations28:40 The Plucky Squire: A Charming Adventure30:59 Games of the Year: A Reflection on Favorites40:39 Looking Ahead: New Games Resolutions47:29 Elder Gamers: A 92-Year-Old Champion51:59 Magic: The Gathering's New Casual Format56:42 Exploring Days Before Christmas Game01:03:21 The Lack of Christmas Games01:10:05 Looking Ahead to New Year's Games
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E372 | 2025 Game Awards Reactions + New Year, New Games

In this week’s episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan bring a packed agenda to the table. The duo kicks things off with fresh updates from their ongoing Strixhaven D&D campaign, sharing the latest twists, character antics, and how the story is evolving.
Looking ahead, they set their New Games Resolutions for 2026, laying out the titles they’re determined to play, backlog goals, and what they hope to accomplish as gamers in the new year.
The conversation then shifts to the 2025 Game Awards, where John and Ryan break down the highlights of the show, their favorite (and least favorite) trailers, and whether the event lived up to the hype.
Adding a more analytical angle, the hosts dive into a new Boston Consulting Group report on gamer purchasing habits, exploring what the data says about how players are spending, and what it could mean for the industry moving forward.
Finally, they wrap things up with a retro spotlight: a review of Batman Returns for the SNES, revisiting the beat ’em up classic to see if it still holds up today.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:17 Recent Game Pickups and D&D Updates03:36 D&D Campaign Adventures and Challenges10:58 Future Campaign Plans and Game Mechanics19:39 Current Gaming Experiences and New Game Resolutions27:48 Nostalgia in Collectibles and Blind Boxes28:21 Exploring Metal Gear Solid: A Legendary Experience34:19 New Game Resolutions and Game Picks38:08 Game Awards Highlights and Reactions49:17 Exciting Game Trailers and Anticipations56:43 The Changing Landscape of Gaming Purchases01:01:03 Backlogs and Gaming Habits01:04:31 Inflation vs. Deflation: Game Pricing Discussion
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E371 | Does Nostalgia Ruin Gaming – Video Game Past and Future Collide

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, John and Ryan discuss their recent game pickups and titles they are currently playing. The guys then delve into the topic of nostalgia in gaming, questioning whether classic titles hold up to modern standards. The conversation shifts to industry news, including Mark Cerny's thoughts on Legend of the Dragoon and the ongoing lawsuit between Tencent and Sony. Finally, they finish things off with a review of Home Alone on NES.00:00 Introduction to the Game Inflators Podcast03:15 Game Pickups and Holiday Gaming Plans06:12 Current Gaming Experiences: Stellar Blade and More09:12 Nostalgia in Gaming: Revisiting Classic Titles12:14 Mark Cerny's Thoughts on Legend of the Dragoon15:16 The Impact of Nostalgia on Game Quality18:10 Exploring Backlogs and Gaming Resolutions34:18 Industry Lawsuits and Game Clones39:17 Horizon Franchise Discussion46:16 Magic: The Gathering and Game Collaborations51:08 Home Alone NES Game Review
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E370 | The Gaming Industry’s Biggest Battle: Creativity vs Cash

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, John and Ryan dive deep into the crossroads of creativity and commerce in the gaming industry. They explore how the Steam Machine’s pricing strategy could make or break its battle against heavyweights like the PS5, while reflecting on Dan Howser’s candid remarks about profit overshadowing innovation. The conversation shifts to the power of community and brand loyalty at gaming conventions, reminding us why shared passion keeps the industry alive. Finally, the guys visit Die Hard Trilogy on PS1, dissecting its gameplay mechanics and the enduring challenges of adapting blockbuster films into interactive experiences.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Game of Deflators Podcast01:38 Recent Gaming Pickups and Purchases06:46 Current Gaming Experiences and Reviews16:50 Discussion on the To The Moon Expo39:29 The Steam Machine: Pricing and Market Competition52:23 Creativity vs. Profit: Insights from Rockstar's Dan Howser01:00:29 Die Hard Trilogy: A Nostalgic Gaming Experience
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E369 | GameStop Wants Your Taxidermy Raccoon?!

In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, John and Ryan team up with Will from PlayStation Ain’t Dead for a lively crossover. The crew dives into pickups ranging from classic PS1 gems to modern horror titles, while debating the quirks of collecting sealed games. John and Ryan also share their experiences with Cyberpunk 2077, Metal Gear Solid, and The Witcher.
The conversation heats up as the trio debates GameStop’s outrageous “trade anything” promotion—marketing genius or pure chaos? Not to be outdone, the rise of AI-driven content takes center stage before NHL Hitz 2003 slams its way through the review section of the episode. 
Expect laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of gaming banter.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome06:14 Recent Game Pickups and Reviews09:20 Current Gaming Experiences12:11 Discussion on Game Technology and Trends15:10 Exploring GameStop's New Initiatives26:38 GameStop's Unique Trade-In Promotion29:31 The Chaos of Trade-In Day32:49 YouTube and Social Media Buzz35:06 Generational Shifts in Gaming Preferences39:25 AI's Role in Gaming and Content Creation45:45 The Future of AI in Gaming54:48 NHL Hitz Game Mechanics and Gameplay Experience01:02:25 Game Pricing and Value Assessment01:10:11 GameStop Experiences and Collecting Culture
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E368 | Valve’s Steam Machine Is BACK?! + Sony Cross-Buy

John and Ryan are back with another jam-packed episode covering the latest in gaming news, nostalgia, and industry trends. They kick things off by sharing their latest game pickups and games they are currently playing, before turning their attention to the newest updates and bans shaking up the Magic: The Gathering community. 
The conversation then shifts to Valve’s bold return to hardware with the Steam Machine, sparking debate about its place in today’s console market. From there, the duo explores the future of gaming consoles and PCs, weighing in on how the landscape continues to evolve. Sony’s cross-buy feature also takes center stage as they discuss its impact on market competition and digital game ownership. 
To wrap things up, John and Ryan take a nostalgic dive into Backyard Baseball, reminiscing about one of the most beloved childhood sports games.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:25 Game Pickups and Collectibles03:16 Exploring Board Games: Aldara and Twilight Imperium06:16 Current Gaming Experiences: The Witcher and Evil West08:14 TV Show Discussions: King of the Hill and Daria14:16 Magic: The Gathering Updates and Bans25:21 Steam Machine: Valve's New Console27:08 Valve's New Innovations in Gaming Hardware35:21 The Future of Gaming Consoles and PCs43:08 Sony's Cross-Buy Feature and Market Competition44:04 Backyard Baseball: A Nostalgic Dive
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E367 | Nintendo Patents Under Fire! Is their Lawsuit at Risk?

On this week’s episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan share the latest additions to their gaming collections before diving into what they’re currently playing—John continues his long trek through The Witcher, while Ryan experiences Metal Gear Solid for the very first time.
The duo then shift gears to industry news, discussing Nintendo’s recent revelation about the percentage of Switch 2 owners who upgraded from the original Switch, Tencent’s unusual “Mickey Mouse defense” in its court battle with Sony, and the U.S. Patent Office’s decision to reexamine Nintendo’s patent on summoning mechanics.
Wrapping things up, the guys take a nostalgic detour with a quirky retro review of Mega Man Soccer for the SNES, debating whether this oddball spin-off is a hidden gem or simply a relic best left in the past.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Current Games03:21 Nintendo's Patent Issues and Market Trends06:02 Exploring the Witcher Series and Gameplay Experiences09:04 Ryan's Metal Gear Solid Journey12:06 Dungeons & Dragons Update15:17 Nintendo's Switch 2 Sales and Consumer Loyalty18:13 Nintendo's Patent Controversy28:56 Patent Controversies and Gaming Mechanics32:43 The Impact of Competition on Nintendo34:44 Crafting Games and Market Dynamics36:53 Trademark Battles and Character Design45:29 Mega Man Soccer: A Frustrating Experience55:22 Outro
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E366 | Palworld vs Nintendo: Patent DENIED! + Halo PS5 News

In this episode of The Game Deflators, John and Ryan welcome special guest Barry Carenza from PM Studios! Barry dives into the exciting lineup of upcoming titles from PM Studios and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how ESRB ratings are set up for video games—yes, there's more to it than just slapping a letter on the box.
The trio then tackles the latest legal drama surrounding Palworld, including updates on the Nintendo JPO patent denial and what it could mean for the game's future. In a surprising twist, they discuss the bombshell news of Halo making its way to the PS5—could this be the beginning of a new era in cross-platform gaming?
To wrap things up, the crew takes a nostalgic trip back to the 16-bit hardwood with a review of NBA Jam for the SNES. Is it still "on fire" after all these years?
00:00 Introduction to the Gameplayers Podcast02:30 Recent Game Pickups and Personal Updates07:57 Current Gaming Experiences and Reviews12:49 The ESRB Rating Process Explained19:17 Behind the Scenes in Game Development25:53 Navigating Game Quests and Challenges31:17 Looking Ahead: Future Gaming Plans32:31 Nintendo's Legal Struggles with Pal World39:15 The Impact of Competition on Game Development44:16 The Patent Office and Legal Maneuvering54:13 The Evolution of Console Wars01:00:15 Microsoft and Sony: A New Era of Cooperation01:08:21 The Future of Gaming Resolutions01:11:23 The Xbox Performance Dilemma01:13:34 Physical vs Digital: The Game Ownership Debate01:20:53 NBA Jam: A Classic Revisited
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18 

The Game Deflators E365 | You Won’t Believe What Xbox Might Do Next…

In this episode of The Game Deflators podcast, hosts John and Ryan unpack a wide range of gaming topics with their signature blend of insight and nostalgia. They kick things off by sharing their latest game pickups and current playthroughs, offering listeners a peek into what’s hot on their consoles right now.
The conversation takes a chilling turn as they revisit survival horror staples like Silent Hill and Dead Space, before diving into a full review of Dino Crisis on the original PlayStation. From its tense atmosphere and puzzle-driven gameplay to its place in Capcom’s horror legacy, John and Ryan break down what made Dino Crisis a standout—and why it still deserves attention today.
They also weigh in on the future of Xbox consoles and dissect the strategic implications of Sony and Tencent’s collaboration efforts.
00:00 Introduction to the Gameplayers Podcast02:04 Recent Game Pickups and Experiences05:05 Exploring The Witcher: Gameplay and Quests08:22 Spooky Game Recommendations and Experiences10:26 Discussion on Alien Isolation and Horror Games12:38 Engaging with Dead Space and Game Mechanics14:01 Exploring Indie Games: Limbo and Inside15:34 The Medium: A Spooky Game Recommendation17:33 Struggles with Silksong: Progress and Challenges20:50 Dungeons and Dragons: Strixhaven Campaign Update29:47 AI in Creative Processes31:48 The Future of Xbox Consoles34:39 Microsoft's Pricing Strategy and Consumer Reactions39:49 The Impact of Corporate Decisions on Gaming Culture46:16 Sony and Tencent: IP Control and Collaboration53:49 Dino Crisis: A Look Back and Future Remakes
 
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Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18