January 17th, 2025 Podcast Recap

In this week’s episode of Good Playing With You, we unpacked some of the hottest gaming news and controversies making waves right now. From the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 announcement to a spirited discussion on video game pricing and the role of journalists in the industry, here’s a quick recap of everything we covered.

Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement: First Impressions

Nintendo finally unveiled the Switch 2 with a teaser announcement. Sleek, black, and packed with new features like magnetic Joy-Cons and a USB-C port, the Switch 2 promises to be bigger and better. But what’s the catch?

While the initial teaser didn’t showcase any games (with the possible exception of Mario Kart 9), a full reveal is scheduled for April, with a rumored release in June. We shared our thoughts on the console’s form factor, potential hardware failure points (looking at you, Joy-Con “nubbins”), and how it might compare to competitors like the Steam Deck. Plus, the backward compatibility discussion has us intrigued but cautious, especially with an asterisk attached to some games.

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remake

Big news for Elder Scrolls fans! The long-rumored Oblivion remake is confirmed, with a release date rumored for June. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, this remake promises major gameplay improvements, including revamped systems for stamina, sneaking, blocking, and archery.

As massive Elder Scrolls fans, we reflected on our first experiences with Oblivion and how it set the stage for games like Skyrim. For listeners who fell in love with the series through Skyrim, we discussed what to expect from Oblivion—from factions to dialogue mechanics—and shared our excitement for the game’s potential updates.

The Video Game Pricing Controversy

One of the most heated topics this week was the push for raising video game prices, as sparked by articles from major outlets like Kotaku and GameSpot. These articles referenced an analyst suggesting that Grand Theft Auto VI could "save the games industry" by breaking the $70 price barrier and launching at $100.

We didn’t hold back on this topic, questioning the motives of video game journalists who seem to align more with corporate interests than those of gamers. Why are they advocating for price hikes when companies are already making substantial profits from digital sales and microtransactions?

We also pointed out how these conversations appear to be paving the way for future price increases, which could make gaming less accessible for the average player. While we acknowledged the challenges of rising development costs, we firmly believe the solution shouldn’t be to make gamers shoulder the burden. Instead, the industry needs to focus on innovation and efficiency.

Elon Musk: Gamer or Pretender?

Another juicy story this week centered on Elon Musk and his claims of gaming prowess, specifically in Path of Exile 2. After being accused by prominent streamers of paying others to play for him, Musk found himself in a social media feud, even leaking private DMs with streamer Asmongold.

While Musk’s gaming credentials are dubious at best, the real story here is his obsession with proving himself to be a “real gamer.” We explored what this says about his need for validation and how it reflects the broader culture of gaming.

Upcoming Game Spotlight: The Blood of Dawnwalker

We couldn’t wrap up the episode without highlighting a game that caught our attention: The Blood of Dawnwalker. Developed by former Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 devs, this action RPG promises a gritty, immersive experience. From the beautifully crafted cinematic trailer to the hints of Assassin’s Creed-like gameplay, this one’s already on our radar.

Gaming Fantasies and Resolutions for 2025

To close out the show, we shared our gaming resolutions for the new year. From finishing backlogged games to embracing new titles, our plans reflected our passion for gaming and the challenges of balancing it with daily life. And we couldn’t resist sharing our wildest gaming fantasies—think Ready Player One-level immersion and holodeck technology.

Join the Conversation!

What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2? Are you as hyped about the Oblivion remake as we are? And what’s your take on the ongoing discussion about video game pricing? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

As always, thanks for tuning in to Good Playing With You. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow gamers. Until next time—good playing with you!