EXPENSIVE
Looks like we’re gonna see Titanfall 3 at The Game Awards, a former Larien big-wig goes indie, and then we complain about everything being too expensive for about twenty minutes.
Titanfall 3 Rumors and Hopes
The guys dive into rumors suggesting Titanfall 3 might be revealed at the 2025 Game Awards, with a potential 2026 release. Leakers like Yoritsuki have hinted at Respawn Entertainment working on the project, though details remain unconfirmed. They reminisce about the first two games, praising Titanfall 1's class-based mechanics and chaotic battlefield AI, while Titanfall 2 gets love for its innovative movement systems. The guys speculate that EA might be holding back announcements to avoid overshadowing Apex Legends, and they express hope that Titanfall 3 could breathe new life into Respawn’s lineup.
Indie Gaming and Aionic’s New Venture
The conversation shifts to indie gaming, sparked by news of Arthur Mustavvoy, a former Larian Studios lead, joining Aionic as head of games. The guys describe Aionic as a collaborative hub for small studios, offering resources while preserving creative freedom. They cheer the trend of industry veterans backing indie devs, pointing to hits like Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors as proof of the scene’s potential. However, they also voice caution about corporate influence creeping in, balancing excitement with a healthy dose of skepticism.
AAA Pricing Concerns
The guys tackle rising game prices, from Nintendo’s Switch 2 titles,to rumors of Grand Theft Auto 6 costingover $100. They blast bloated AAA budgets, arguing that skyrocketing development costs and executive payouts are driving up prices without matching improvements in quality. Indie games, they note, often deliver just as much fun for a fraction of the cost. The discussion highlights the growing gap between corporate profit goals and what players can realistically afford.
The State of Game Development
Frustration bubbles over as the guys critique the sameness of AAA titles, with yearly Call of Duty releases and live-service models dominating the market. They wonder why studios don’t take more risks on smaller, innovative projects instead of chasing safe revenue streams. Examples like Fallout: New Vegas—developed by Obsidian under Bethesda’s IP—show how outsourcing can create beloved games without blockbuster budgets. The segment ends with a call for studios to rethink their approach to creativity and risk-taking.
Nintendo’s Upgrade Pricing
The guys discuss Nintendo’s $10 upgrade fee for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2, admitting it’s more reasonable than they expected. While they poke fun at Nintendo’s usual pricing tactics, they appreciate the low cost for enhanced versions of existing games. This sparks a broader chat about backward compatibility and whether other companies
should follow suit.
Final Thoughts: Indie vs. AAA
Wrapping up, the guys champion indie games as a refuge from AAA excess, praising their affordability and fresh ideas. They urge listeners to support smaller studios while holding big publishers accountable. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the guys believing the industry’s future lies in balancing creativity with player-friendly practices—whether through long-awaited sequels like Titanfall 3 or the next indie gem.
Rumor: Titanfall 3 Coming in 2026
GTA 6 Listed for Super High Price at Retailer
Nintendo Confirms $10 Price Tag For Zelda Switch 2 Upgrade Packs - GameSpot
Former Larian Studios head, Arthur Mostovoy, joins Aonic as head of games | GamesIndustry.biz
THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2
