The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.

  1. 29m ago

    The Game Deflators E407 | Sony’s “Wall of Silence” and GTA 6 Marketing Strategy

    Wolverine PS5 bundle, Hobbit MTG set, Sony disc secrecy, GTA 6 Netflix exclusive, D&D prep, and a Reel Fishing PS1 review. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Game Deflators Podcast 00:21 Recent Game Pickups and 3D Printing Adventures 03:04 Dungeons and Dragons Campaigns and Character Development 09:06 Comic Book Discussions: Saga and Fables 14:15 TV Shows and Their Adaptations 15:58 Exploring Finny the Fish: Gameplay and Mechanics 18:49 Mad Maestro: Controller Challenges and Gameplay Experience 19:46 Lost Ember: A Journey Through Reincarnation and Exploration 23:07 Book Finds: R.A. Salvatore's Works and Collecting 24:51 Ryan's Gaming Updates: Fighting Games and Progression 30:12 Quick News: PlayStation 5 Wolverine Edition and Magic the Gathering 38:38 The Future of Physical Gaming: Sony's Wall of Silence 45:03 The Gatekeeping of Game Development Knowledge 46:08 Take Two's Marketing Strategy with Netflix 50:04 The Future of Marketing in Gaming 57:17 Real Fishing: A Nostalgic Dive into Gaming John and Ryan kick off the episode with their recent gaming pickups, including John’s new D&D miniature materials and 3D‑printing prep for an upcoming campaign, while Ryan shares what’s been grabbing his attention this week. They move into news with Sony’s newly revealed Marvel’s Wolverine PS5 bundle, breaking down the Battle Yellow and Adamantium designs, and limited‑edition appeal. The conversation then shifts to Magic: The Gathering as The Hobbit crossover set becomes one of the most unique releases of the year, prompting discussion about cross‑media collaborations and collector hype. Next, they explore Kotaku’s report on Sony’s secrecy around disc manufacturing, reacting to the “wall of silence” that makes homebrew disc creation nearly impossible — especially as PlayStation moves away from physical media entirely. The guys also break down Take‑Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s defense of Rockstar’s decision to debut the GTA 6 extended look as a timed Netflix exclusive, discussing whether this strategy helps or hurts fans and how it fits into Rockstar’s broader marketing push. To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Reel Fishing on PS1, as John and Ryan revisit the relaxing classic and evaluate its current market value. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  2. Aug 10

    The Game Deflators E406 | Will XBOX Support Physical Games?

    Marvel Tokon PC issues, Nintendo movie expansion, Sony physical‑media backlash, Microsoft disc‑support plans, and a Space Station Silicon Valley N64 review. Chapters: 00:00 — Episode preview 00:31 — Welcome & show intro 01:34 — John’s recent pickups and gaming 05:14 — Ryan’s LEGO pickup, Ori, and Guilty Gear Strive 10:50 — Marvel Tokon’s PC launch problems 14:52 — Nintendo’s expanding movie ambitions 22:21 — Sony, digital-only games, and physical media concerns 31:33 — Could Xbox preserve physical game support? 44:35 — Space Station Silicon Valley review 59:53 — Wrap-up John and Ryan break down another week of gaming news, starting with their recent video game pickups and what’s been keeping them busy. From new finds to ongoing playthroughs, they warm up the episode with what’s currently on their controllers. The news segment kicks off with Marvel Tokon stumbling to mixed Steam reviews as players call the PC port “miserable,” prompting a response from Arc System Works. The guys dig into what went wrong Next, they look at Nintendo’s expanding entertainment strategy as the company plans to double down on movies following the Super Mario Bros. film’s massive double‑billion success. They explore what franchises could be next and how this shift affects Nintendo’s broader identity. The conversation then moves to Sony, where the CFO addresses criticism about PlayStation dropping physical games — though not very convincingly. John and Ryan unpack the messaging, the backlash, and what this means for collectors and retailers. They also discuss reports that Microsoft originally planned to continue disc support before the internal “Xbox reset,” adding another wrinkle to the ongoing physical‑vs‑digital debate. To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week spotlights Space Station Silicon Valley on the Nintendo 64, as the duo revisits the quirky classic and evaluates its current market value. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  3. Aug 3

    The Game Deflators E405 | $250 Xbox Challenge!

    $250 Xbox collecting challenge, OG Xbox memories, console history, and ideal starter collections built on a budget. Chapters: 0:00 — Intro and the Starter Kit Showdown concept 1:31 — Budget rules, pricing, and original Xbox overview 3:02 — Personal history with the original Xbox and the Duke controller 5:09 — Launch lineup discussion 8:55 — First experiences with the console and Halo memories 12:54 — Standout titles and Halo’s impact 17:22 — “If you could play one game on an island” 23:54 — The $250 showdown begins 25:03 — John’s picks: Halo 1, Halo 2, retro collections, and Fable 27:44 — Blinx, Fusion Frenzy, GTA San Andreas, and SSX on Tour 33:47 — Tony Hawk Underground and Kung Fu Chaos 37:08 — Ryan’s picks: Dead or Alive 3 and Jet Set Radio Future bundle 40:39 — Halo 2, Morrowind, KOTOR, Splinter Cell, and Need for Speed Underground 2 47:20 — Fable: The Lost Chapters and Prince of Persia: Sands of Time 52:38 — Genma Onimusha and the Clone Wars/Tetris Worlds combo pack 55:11 — Price changes and collecting market discussion 56:53 — Final verdict and wrap-up 57:59 — Outro John and Ryan dive into a nostalgia‑packed episode focused entirely on budget collecting for the original Xbox. Each host is given $250 to build their ideal starter collection, breaking down which games they’d choose, why they matter, and how to stretch every dollar when collecting for Microsoft’s first console. Their lists highlight hidden gems, evergreen classics, and smart value picks that make the most of a tight budget. Along the way, they share their memories of the original Xbox, from launch‑era excitement to the console’s unique identity in the early 2000s. They also explore Xbox history — the hardware innovations, the rise of Xbox Live, and how the system carved out its place in the industry. The episode blends collecting strategy, retro nostalgia, and personal stories, making it a perfect listen for anyone looking to start or expand their OG Xbox library without breaking the bank. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  4. Jul 27

    The Game Deflators E404 | GameStop CEO: Discs Don’t Matter!

    Nintendo patent rejection sass, Switch 2 tariff dispute, GameStop CEO on disc‑less Sony, Xbox Back‑Compat for PC, gaming pickups, and a Greendog Genesis review. Chapters: 0:00 — Intro 2:11 — Pickups: Mio, Magic Cards & Discworld Books 7:35 — Currently Playing: Dino Stalker & Finny the Fish 12:50 — Favorite Disney Movies 14:55 — The Odyssey Movie Talk 19:32 — Currently Playing: Chrono Trigger 23:59 — Ryan’s Week: Ori & Guilty Gear Strive 31:10 — Gaming News 31:10 — Nintendo’s Patent Dispute 33:55 — Switch 2 Tariffs & Consumer Refunds 39:48 — Steam Deck Price Increase and Sales Drop 42:05 — GameStop, Physical Media & Digital Games 51:45 — Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC 56:13 — Inflation Deflation: Green Dog, the Beached Surfer Dude 67:08 — Next Episode Preview 67:39 — Outro John and Ryan kick off the week with their recent gaming pickups, including John’s time with Finny the Fish and a return to Chrono Trigger, while Ryan splits his playtime between Guilty Gear and Ori. They compare notes on what’s hitting, what’s surprising, and what’s keeping them hooked. In industry news, the Japanese Patent Office delivered a rare moment of public sass by rejecting Nintendo’s Palworld‑related patent — signaling frustration with the ongoing legal battle. The guys then break down Nintendo’s argument that Switch 2 customers have no right to U.S. tariff refunds because they “received exactly what they paid for,” a stance raising eyebrows across consumer rights discussions. Next, they dive into comments from the GameStop CEO, who claims Sony going disc‑less is “totally irrelevant,” noting physical software makes up only 12% of the company’s business. The conversation expands into what this means for retail, collectors, and the future of physical media. The episode also features hands‑on impressions of Xbox Back‑Compat for PC — a new initiative launching with four classic games and potentially signaling a broader preservation push from Microsoft. To wrap things up, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week spotlights Greendog: The Beached Surfer Dude! on Sega Genesis, as John and Ryan debate whether this tropical platformer is a hidden gem or just a relic of its era. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  5. Jul 20

    The Game Deflators E403 | PS6 Handheld Rumors Heat Up as Microsoft Loses a Court Case

    Microsoft lawsuit loss, Steam refund controversy, One Piece scalper chaos, PS6 handheld speculation, gaming pickups, and a Popcorn Rocket PS4 review. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Game Pickups and Inflation Deflation Challenge 02:21 Discussion on Popcorn Rocket Game 04:48 Nicktoons Dice of Destiny  08:15 Sky Gunner  10:58 Cold Fear  14:46 Finny the Fish and the Seven Waters 19:56 Dino Stalker and Cruisin Blast  22:49 Ryan's Gaming Week and SGDQ 26:09 Microsoft Lawsuit and Digital Ownership Discussion 30:24 The Future of Digital Ownership 32:12 Scalpers and the Manga Market 36:01 Steam Refunds and Developer Concerns 45:41 Sony's Shift to Digital 54:49 Popcorn Rocket: A New Indie Game Review John and Ryan dive into another week of gaming talk, starting with their recent video game pickups and what’s currently on their radar. From new finds to ongoing playthroughs, the duo breaks down what’s been keeping their controllers busy. The news segment kicks off with Microsoft’s latest legal setback as the company lost a lawsuit in a Brazilian court, raising questions about regional regulation and platform responsibility. They then shift to Steam’s refund policies for games under the one‑hour return limit, highlighting a recent developer’s experience that sparked debate about fairness, abuse, and consumer protection. Next, the conversation moves to Japan, where scalpers purchased One Piece magazines en masse due to a promotional card — another example of collectible culture colliding with opportunistic reselling. The guys then explore a big speculative question: Is the PS6 going digital‑only because it will be a handheld? They break down rumors, hardware trends, and whether Sony’s future might lean toward a hybrid device. To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Popcorn Rocket on PS4, as John and Ryan evaluate the quirky title’s gameplay, charm, and current market value. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  6. Jul 13

    The Game Deflators E402 | Mario Kart Tour Delisted and Xbox Layoffs Hit

    Gaming pickups, Xbox employee concerns, Mario Kart Tour shutdown, Xbox layoffs, PlayStation backlash, SGDQ talk, and an A Short Hike review. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Game Pickups and Miniatures Discussion 03:32 Current Games: Evil West and Short Hike 06:11 Physical Game Pickups and Onimusha 08:56 Summer Games Done Quick and Speedrunning Community 11:27 Xbox's Corporate Changes and Employee Sentiment 20:20 Mario Kart Tour Shutdown and Digital Game Concerns 23:21 Xbox's Restructuring and Layoffs 26:58 The Future of Game Studios 33:25 PlayStation's Digital Shift and Consumer Backlash 39:21 Game Review: A Short Hike 50:13 Outro Video John and Ryan return with another packed week of gaming talk, starting with their recent pickups. John adds A Short Hike and new D&D miniature materials to his collection, while Ryan dives into The Adventures of Elliot. John continues sharing his experience with Evil West on PS5, and Ryan spends time watching SGDQ and talking about standout runs. In the news, the guys break down reports that Xbox employees are unhappy with leadership, feeling the company is being run like a startup and prioritizing consumer sentiment over developer needs. They also discuss the shutdown of Mario Kart Tour this September, with no offline version planned. The conversation continues with Microsoft’s latest shakeup as Xbox lays off 3,200 employees, followed by reactions to PlayStation’s first tweet since announcing plans to end physical discs — and how poorly it’s being received. To wrap up the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of A Short Hike on PC, as John and Ryan evaluate the game’s charm, pacing, and current market value.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  7. Jul 6

    The Game Deflators E401 | The Truth About Digital Games

    Xbox disc‑to‑digital testing, Sony ending physical games, Krafton bonus payouts, gaming pickups, and an Onimusha Warlords review with guest Barry Carenza of PM‑Studios. 00:00 Intro 03:31 Video Game Pickups 21:59 Digital Transformation in Gaming 27:05 Digitizing Game Collections 29:24 The Challenge of Storage Space 31:27 The Future of Digital Ownership 34:20 Game Sharing and Family Plans 36:51 Sony's Shift to Digital 40:41 The Impact on Consumers 43:07 The Economics of Digital vs Physical 46:28 The Future of Gaming Ownership 01:00:28 The Infinite Backlog of Games 01:01:55 Digital vs Physical: The Game Ownership Debate 01:03:01 Licensing Issues and Game Availability 01:05:45 The Future of Digital-Only Gaming 01:10:28 Consumer Power and the Importance of Physical Sales 01:12:19 The Good News: Crafton and Subnautica 2 01:17:45 Inflation vs Deflation: Onimusha Warlords Review 01:32:09 Outro Video John and Ryan are joined this week by Barry Carenza of PM‑Studios and the Nintendo Fuse Podcast for a packed conversation covering pickups, industry shifts, and retro action classics. The trio opens with their recent gaming pickups, comparing what they’ve added to their collections and what’s currently grabbing their attention. They move into Microsoft’s latest experiment as Xbox begins testing disc‑to‑digital conversions, followed by reactions to multiple companies making fun of Sony’s decision to end physical games. This leads into a deep, extended discussion on Sony’s move away from physical media and the massive ripple effect this shift could have across collectors, retailers, preservation, and the broader gaming market. The group also covers the news of Krafton paying out bonuses to employees after a longstanding disagreement, noting how rare positive labor outcomes are in the industry. To close out the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Onimusha Warlords on PS2/PS4, as the hosts revisit the samurai action classic and evaluate how it holds up today.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

  8. Jun 29

    The Game Deflators E400 | 15 Video Games You NEED to Play

    Xbox Helix pricing leak, new Steam Machine pricing, and 15 essential video games everyone should play — featuring Will from PlayStation Ain’t Dead. Chapters: 00:00 Celebrating 400 Episodes and Game Picks 03:13 Game Recommendations and Collecting Magic Cards 06:17 Exploring Game Soundtracks and Vinyl Collecting 09:03 Current Gaming Experiences and Upcoming Titles 12:14 Game Collecting Adventures and Rare Finds 15:10 Diving into Unique Game Narratives 18:13 Final Thoughts on Game Collecting and Deals 22:12 Vinyl Collecting and Gaming Nostalgia 24:46 Current Gaming Picks and Strategies 28:46 Digimon's Resurgence and Legacy 32:00 The Challenges of Game Saving 32:14 Steam Machine Pricing and Market Dynamics 41:38 Project Helix: The Future of Xbox Gaming 44:14 The Future of Gaming Consoles 47:11 Game Pass and Digital Gaming Trends 48:11 Hidden Gems in Gaming 56:13 Exploring Unique Game Mechanics 01:00:07 Family-Friendly Gaming Experiences 01:13:27 Halloween Costumes and Game References 01:14:09 Exploring Prey: A Unique Gaming Experience 01:17:43 Will's Game Recommendations: A Ninja's Perspective 01:20:13 Resident Evil 2: A Classic Horror Experience 01:21:24 Twisted Metal 2: The King of Vehicular Combat 01:24:10 Metal Slug: The Iconic Run and Gun Game 01:26:43 PUBG: The Battle Royale Phenomenon 01:29:58 Recap of Must-Play Games 01:37:07 Outro John and Ryan are joined this week by Will from the PlayStation Ain’t Dead podcast for a focused, discussion‑heavy episode built around industry updates and personal game picks. The trio starts by breaking down the leaked pricing details for the Xbox Helix hardware, followed by reactions to the Steam Machine pricing that was recently announced. From there, each host selects five essential games they believe everyone should play, creating a combined list of 15 standout titles across genres, platforms, and eras. The conversation centers on why these games matter, what makes them memorable, and how they represent the best of what gaming has to offer. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.