Super Best Friends Video Game Sleepover The HP Video Game Podcast Network

In this episode, Adam and David sit down with the handsomely-faced Eric Krueger (may his handsome face be praised) to chat about the games they’re currently playing, including Hades and Hades II, Helldivers 2, God of War Ragnarök, and Tunic. They then dive into the latest news, discussing rumors about Valve’s new game, Larian’s new development studio, and strange reports from Take-Two’s boss claiming that studios reported as shut down aren’t actually closed.

Then we delve into the meat and proverbial potato of the podcast: the state of AAA game development. With all the layoffs over the past several months, we discuss whether AAA development is dying and explore the incredible momentum that indie games are currently experiencing.
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Adam, Mike, and David sit down together to remember and celebrate the life of their friend, Gabe Patillo. They discuss his legacy, the impact he left on them, and share fun memories they have with him.

After the discussion, we play some hand-selected clips of Gabe throughout the many years and times he appeared on our show. Gabe was a very funny guy, so prepare to laugh along with us as we look back and fondly remember our friend.
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In Episode 197 of SBFVGS, Adam, David, are joined by special guest PattyHayesJr! Adam has returned both to the podcast and to "God of War Ragnarok," drawn back by its narrative and action, while David has dived into "Baldur's Gate 3," experimenting with mods to enhance his gameplay experience. PattyHayesJr, on the other hand, recounts his adventures in "Fallout New Vegas," exploring its vast, post-apocalyptic world for the first time and enjoying the modding scene. Their varied experiences reflect the wide-ranging appeal of video games, from epic storytelling and immersive worlds to the creative possibilities mods offer.
The meat of the discussion shifts to the burgeoning trend of Live Service games, as AAA publishers increasingly focus on this "Golden Goose." The trio unpacks the mixed bag of potential and pitfalls these games represent—when successful, they seem to print money for their publishers, yet they also risk oversaturation and consumer fatigue. Citing examples like "The Avengers" and "Suicide Squad" games, they debate the balance between monetization strategies and player satisfaction. This episode offers a nuanced look at the impact of Live Service games on the industry, questioning whether this focus benefits players or primarily serves the bottom line of publishers​
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In the latest episode of "Super Best Friends Video Game Sleepover," hosts David Tate and Mike Lopez, along with their guest ShabbySheikah (find her on Twitch at https://twitch.tv/shabbysheikah), delve into their latest gaming endeavors. They discuss games they’ve been playing, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Golden Sun, Lies of P, Helldivers 2, Lethal Company, Final Fantasy VII Remake (this time with no ragequits from David), Spider-Man 2, and Persona 3 Reload

The conversation heats up as Mike shares his strong dislike for the survival/crafting genre, a stark contrast to Shabby's deep affection for it. This difference in opinion sparks a lively debate over the merits and drawbacks of games like "Minecraft," "Valheim," "Palworld," and "Nightingale." They delve into the elements of survival mechanics, resource management, and crafting systems, discussing how these aspects either enhance the gaming experience or detract from it. The discussion, rich with personal insights and broader observations about game design and player preferences, captures the divisive nature of the genre, making for an engaging and insightful exchange.
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In episode 195 of the Super Best Friends Video Game Sleepover podcast, David and Mike engage in a diverse and insightful discussion covering a range of gaming experiences and news. David takes the listeners through his engaging experiences in "Baldur's Gate 3," highlighting the game's complexity and challenges, and shares his excitement about the innovative "Lego Fortnite" mode. Meanwhile, Mike offers a detailed recount of his 70-hour playthrough of "Bloodborne," shedding light on the game's depth and immersion, and discusses the broader impact of Game Pass subscriptions on the gaming industry.
The episode also ventures into important gaming news, with a focused discussion on Naughty Dog's decision to cancel "The Last of Us" online game. This topic paves the way for an in-depth conversation about the future of live service games and the strategic directions of major gaming studios. Adding a significant highlight, the episode features the eagerly anticipated and coveted SBFVGSVGAGOTY’s (Super Best Friends Video Game Sleepover Video Game Awards Game of the Year) awards. This segment promises an exciting and unique perspective on the year's best games, complete with intriguing debates and unexpected outcomes.
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Mike talks about his favorite FromSoftware game with Super Best Friend Casey Lawrence.
The episode covers Mike and Casey's history with the "Soulsborne" genre, some of our favorite Bloodborne mechanics (as well as some criticisms), and short dive into the lore that is bound to leave you more confused than you were before you listened to it. 
Spoiler warnings for Bloodborne and Elden Ring.
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