Indiana Jones and the Great GPU
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PC System Requirements Revealed - Article by IGN
The release of a new Indiana Jones game brought a tempered reaction from the guys. While there’s a hope that the game will be good, expectations are low given its seemingly poor optimization and lack of standout appeal in the trailer. The game’s punishing PC requirements were the primary topic of discussion, sparking frustration and skepticism about its accessibility.
Players will need an Intel i7 10700K or Ryzen 5 3600 processor, 16–32GB of RAM, and GPUs like the RTX 2060 or RX 6600 just for minimum settings. For ultra settings, an RTX 4080 or equivalent hardware is required, placing it firmly out of reach for many gamers.
Josh voiced disappointment over the ballooning hardware demands of modern games, particularly since the trailer visuals didn’t seem to justify such high specs. The guys criticized this trend of “brute force” hardware requirements, contrasting it with older, better-optimized games like Red Dead Redemption 2.
Andy highlighted the industry’s over-reliance on cutting-edge tech, noting that the visual difference between low and ultra settings is often negligible unless players have ultra-high-resolution displays. This led to a broader critique of how modern games prioritize flashy visuals over accessibility and gameplay depth.
Blizzard Updates: Warcraft Remasters and WoW Player Housing
Blizzard is delisting Warcraft 1 and 2 from GOG - Article by PC Gamer
The World of Warcraft 20th Anniversary Celebration Update is Now Live!
Andy revisited Blizzard’s recent announcements, starting with remastered versions of Warcraft 1 & 2. While the remasters will feature updated visuals and resolutions, Blizzard’s decision to delist the original versions from platforms like GOG was criticized as another cash grab.
The guys also discussed World of Warcraft’s upcoming addition of player housing, a feature that fans have been requesting for nearly two decades. While details are scarce, the announcement was seen as a significant step forward for the game’s evolution.
The AAA Gaming Bubble: Insights from Laura Frier
Games Industry Bubble - Video by Laura Frier
Laura Frier, a former gaming industry executive and producer of major titles like Gears of War, was praised by the guys for her thoughtful analysis of the AAA gaming space on her YouTube channel. Her videos tackle pressing issues, including the mismanagement of major projects, the dangers of toxic positivity, and the growing disconnect between game studios and their audiences.
The guys highlighted her perspective on how AAA developers often ignore player feedback in favor of overly positive reviews from gaming media outlets. Andy brought up the concept of “toxic positivity” and how it creates an echo chamber, allowing studios to avoid accountability for subpar games.
The discussion also delved into societal issues affecting the gaming industry, including backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The guys criticized the toxic masculinity prevalent in gaming communities, which often leads to unfair dismissal of voices like Frier’s or other women in the industry.
Ubisoft’s Struggles and X Defiant’s Cancellation
Ubisoft pulls the plug on XDefiant, to close San Francisco and Osaka studios - Article by Reuters
The guys spent considerable time unpacking Ubisoft’s decision to discontinue X Defiant, a free-to-play first-person shooter. Josh explained that the game’s lackluster performance led to the closure of production studios in San Francisco, Osaka, and Sydney, resulting in layoffs for about 150 employees.
Ubisoft’s reliance on the games-as-a-service model, which has become increasingly unpopular with players, was identified as a significant factor in the company’s struggles. The guys noted that while games like Rainbow Six Siege and The Crew have seen some success, newer titles like Star Wars Outlaws have failed to impress both critically and commercially.
Nick pointed out that Ubisoft’s stock has lost half its value in 2023, reflecting broader issues within the company. The conversation concluded with a critique of Ubisoft’s direction, with the guys agreeing that the company seems to prioritize profit over quality and player engagement.
Intel’s New Graphics Cards: A Beacon of Hope for Gamers
Intel Announces Next-Gen B580 and B570 Graphic Cards for Budget-Friendly PC Gaming - Article by IGN
Andy brought some exciting news about Intel’s upcoming Arc graphics cards, part of the Battle Mage series. These new GPUs are aimed at competing directly with Nvidia’s RTX 4060 but at a significantly lower price point.
The B570 and B580 cards promise comparable or even superior performance, with the B580 offering up to a 40% uplift in some games compared to the RTX 4060. More importantly, these cards are expected to be $100–$150 cheaper, with prices ranging from $249 to $299.
The guys were optimistic about what this could mean for gamers, especially as hardware prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Andy emphasized that increased competition in the GPU market could help drive prices down and make PC gaming more accessible to a wider audience.
Indie Spotlight: Gnomes
Gnomes - Deploy your gnomes, tend to your garden and prepare your defenses. Every day the map expands further into goblin territory, revealing new threats and resources. Earn gold, invest wisely and carefully combine your upgrades. Survive as long as you can in endless mode. No two runs are the same. - DYSTOPIAN - (Steam, Coming Soon)
Nick introduced the group to Gnomes, a charming indie tower-defense game with roguelike mechanics and a unique aesthetic. In the game, players build gnome villages while defending against waves of invading goblins. The gameplay combines elements of Lemmings (for its nostalgic UI design), Loop Hero (strategic progression), and Luck Be a Landlord (meta-upgrade systems).
The guys were impressed by the game’s creative mechanics, such as growing plants that earn resources while damaging enemies and creating caravans to move gnome houses for better defensive positioning. They praised the demo for its balance and engaging gameplay and encouraged listeners to try it out on Steam.
Broader Gaming Trends and Community Engagement
The guys wrapped up with reflections on the state of the gaming industry, lamenting the lack of innovation in AAA games and the over-reliance on PR to sell unfinished products. They expressed nostalgia for a time when gaming offered more polished, diverse, and engaging titles.
To end on a high note, they shared their plans for the coming weeks. The guys will be streaming the PC Gaming Show on December 5th and the Game Awards on December 12th. They’re also considering hosting social gaming events, such as Jackbox sessions, to play with the community during the holidays.
