The VGBees Podcast

VGBees
  • 4.7 (62)
  • Video Games
  • Updated Weekly

Host and founder of VGBees, John Warren, is joined every week by cohost Niki Grayson and illustrious guests adjacent to video games and culture for candid, funny, and enlightening conversations about an art form that is both uniting and dividing us. Every week, The VGBees Podcast will explore trends and touchpoints you need to know in order to have the most well-rounded idea of what's going on in games. Explore vgbees.com after each episode for notes on each episode as well as written pieces by our collaborators and guests. We all have to work together to build a brighter future for games, so Join The Honey Hive today!

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 107: Xbox Studios Facing Closure, EA's New Ad Platform, UK Teen Social Ban

    This week, John, Niki, and Lotus go very long on this week's seismic Xbox news, including the numerous studio closures on the table, key departures, and Microsoft CEO's Satya Nadella's curious take on why their gaming arm is struggling. 00:00:00 Intro & Lotus' Big Saturday 00:11:10 South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is the unsurprising yet disappointing first studio to confirm possible closure or spinoff 00:17:00 A long, great conversation about the games media's role in reporting on these layoffs and closures 00:28:00 How Xbox got here (mostly) 00:48:52 Satya Nadella seems to be confused about how Xbox got into this jam 00:54:00 That Senua sequel was only announced to help fuel a possible sale of Ninja Theory 01:02:14 The weight of working in corporate-owned game development right now 01:06:34 Key personnel leaving Xbox 01:07:56 What's the plan moving forward for Xbox? 01:16:10 EA introducing new in-game advertising platform 01:25:57 UK government is banning teens from social media; plan will not work 01:33:10 F**k's Quest 2 lacks consistent humor and mechanical clarity 01:37:07 Niki played the first two Sonic games on Genesis (skip this part, Sonic fans!!!) 01:45:10 John decided to give Ocarina of Time another try 01:49:10 Our latest (possibly final) thoughts on 007 First Light 02:02:47 Hive Questions 02:18:12 Outro Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    2h 20m

  2. Jun 14

    Ep 106: Xbox Preparing Layoffs, Nintendo Direct, Pokemon Go Military Defense Data

    Lotus, Niki, and John recovered from Summer Game Fest 2026 and reconvened (in home studios, not John's car) to discuss an extremely busy news week, including Xbox preparing major layoffs, Nintendo Direct revealing the Ocarina of Time remake, and more information dropping about Pokemon Go and its role in data gathering for defense purposes. 00:00:00 Intro & how waffle fries are made Go to nogamesforgenocide.com to learn more about the BDS movement and Microsoft's continued role in the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. 00:08:20 Asha Sharma writes memo to Xbox staff; heavy layoffs reported 00:25:00 Xbox console exclusives are returning 00:37:30 Lotus' 50 most anticipated indies from the week's showcases 00:40:10 Nintendo Direct reveals Ocarina of Time remake; is Nintendo bored? 00:47:10 Kingdom Hearts IV is here and looks like it looks 00:49:00 Final Fantasy Resonance strips the gacha out of mobile game inspiration 00:52:00 God of War Laufey creates an interesting branch for the series 00:55:37 How do waffle fries work? (part 2) 00:56:38 RGG wants to explore what Tupac's life could've been in Stranger Than Heaven 01:01:17 PlayerUnknown facing layoffs 01:03:56 RPG Maker forums shuttering and migrating 01:11:20 Team17 eliminating marketing department 01:13:24 Crazy Taxi reboot working with generative AI art flow 01:16:45 GOG sends out email with Nazi symbols in subject line 01:25:06 Ubisoft shutting down two studios 01:28:05 Pokemon Go likely being used to collect data for defense contracts 01:31:15 Blood Dungeon is Vampire Survivors in platformer mode 01:35:10 Onimusha: Way of the Sword is perfectly competent action combat from Capcom 01:40:18 John (almost) corrects the record on last week's Code Veronica misadventure 01:43:55 NBA The Run is a shallow facsimile of better arcade basketball games 01:46:20 Niki opens a Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes pack 01:50:45 Lotus went to Distant Worlds (the Final Fantasy concert) and did not have a great time 02:19:25 We answer your burning Hive Questions 02:44:06 Outro Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    2h 47m

  3. Jun 13 ·  Bonus

    VGBees SGF 2026 Post-Show Debrief

    Join Niki and John from Los Angeles as they debrief from a lively Summer Game Fest 2026. At this point, most embargoes were still in effect, but we hope you enjoy discussion regarding: Blood Dungeon, Messhof's latest gameSonic Pico ParkThe Games Business interview with Matthew Ballbad hotel fish tacos Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    23 min

  4. Jun 7

    Ep 105: Summer Game Fest 2026 Showcase, Tupac, Final Fantasy VII Revelation

    Folks, our schedules were so packed that John & Niki had to join Lotus from the car again. Sorry! This week, it's all about Summer Game Fest 2026 Showcase, which featured reveals of Resident Evil Veronica, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, and Tupac appearing in Stranger Than Heaven. Time stamps and more SGF bonus episodes coming soon! Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    1h 39m

  5. May 31

    Ep 104: Witcher 3 DLC, Steam Deck Price Hikes, & 007 First Light w/ Jeff Gerstmann

    John and Lotus are joined this week by Jeff Gerstmann to discuss the week's biggest games news, including: The Witcher 3's surprising expansion coming in 2027, Steam Deck's massive price hikes, and what we thought of 007 First Light. 00:00:00 Intro & podcasting at yourself 00:08:56 The Witcher 3 is getting new DLC in 2027 00:13:10 A moment for Unreal Engine 6 00:15:57 Ikaruga creator's next game has been canceled Go to nogamesforgenocide.com to learn more about the BDS movement and Microsoft's continued role in the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. 00:19:14 Microsoft must pay $250m to settle class action lawsuit 00:23:30 Modern Warfare 4 and the great Call of Duty fall-off 00:29:18 Fable delayed from fall 2026 to February 2027 00:38:30 Hoyoverse is investing $14.6b in AI initiatives in the next three years 00:42:20 Roblox and how to navigate its ubiquity as a parent 00:49:15 Steam Deck price hikes and the rare appreciation of gaming setups 00:57:13 Steam updates tags and Workshop features 01:14:44 TheGamer shifts to pay-per-click for its writers 01:24:32 The PlayStation 5 Pro is tall 01:27:01 007 First Light is a great Bond game even for people who aren't Bond superfans 01:38:32 Carrot Kingdom--not the Atari shareware--is a fun and very short puzzler 01:39:58 Panthalassa features a gorgeous underwater alien world 01:41:57 Phonopolis is the latest from Amanita Design 01:45:06 Mina the Hollower is Yacht Club's most interesting game 01:52:12 Pictonico is WarioWare for your phone...without the Wario 01:59:36 We answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord 03:01:23 SGF 2026 plans & outro Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    3h 8m

  6. May 24

    Ep 103: Embracer Restructures Again, Destiny 2 Development Ending, PS Plus Price Hikes

    John, Lotus, and Niki discuss the biggest news of the week, including Embracer's head-scratching restructure, Destiny 2's final update, and PlayStation Plus price hikes. 00:00:00 Intro & Niki Buys a Porsche 00:09:50 Terraria celebrates 15 years of absolutely bonkers player counts 00:25:15 Tom Kane passes away at 64 00:26:41 PlayStation Plus gets price hikes 00:35:47 US National Recording Registry adds DOOM soundtrack to its library 00:44:28 Stig Asmussen Dungeons & Dragons game canceled by Wizards of the Coast 00:55:20 Embracer restructures their game organizations again 01:04:20 Quantic Dream's MOBA is shutting down 01:06:14 Bungie ending Destiny 2 development and facing layoffs 01:27:30 Everyone roasts John for buying a PS5 Pro 01:39:00 Niki continues to build a NAS for their home 01:51:28 The crew answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from Discord 03:04:15 Outro & SGF Plans Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    3h 10m

  7. May 24 ·  Bonus

    The Pittcast Season Two w/ Danielle Riendeau

    Content Warning for graphic medical procedures, assault, sexual assault, suicide, and death in this episode. The Pitt is a show with a lot of tough ingredients thrown into a stew--we try to navigate these with tact and care but be forewarned the entire episode has a lot of potentially triggering discussion. GameDeveloper.com Editor-in-Chief (and Polygon, Waypoint, and Fanbyte alum) Danielle Riendeau joins John Warren for a recap of season two of The Pitt, one of VGBees' favorite television shows. Danielle lends her experience as a volunteer EMT in New York City to the duo's analysis and critique of the HBO Max medical drama. Included topics: The role of AI in healthcareThe role of compassion in emergency medicineUsing the show to demystify difficult subjects regarding sexual assault and deathICE and their miserable role in American healthcare in 2026and much, much more! Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    1h 43m

  8. May 17

    Ep 102: Subnautica 2 Smashes Sales Expectations, Leaked Xbox Controllers, More Game Unions

    Lotus and John discuss the biggest games news of the week, including Subnautica 2 creating a big bonus problem for KRAFTON's CEO, leaked Xbox controllers, and Marathon's interesting PVE-focused roadmap. 00:00:00 Intro & Buc-ees Fare 00:10:05 Subnautica 2's massive sales creates an interesting problem for KRAFTON's CEO 00:13:15 Steam Controllers look bad, feel good, and scream when you drop them 00:21:43 Sony takes huge loss on Bungie acquisition; Marathon gets new PVE-heavy roadmap 00:30:20 Wizards and Hasbro fail to recognize the new MTG: Arena union 00:33:25 Double Fine is also unionzing 00:35:35 New Xbox controllers were leaked 00:38:45 Microsoft fires executive for ties with Israel Ministry of Defense 00:41:35 Sony says studios are using AI, but we have questions 00:49:10 Tekken producer Harada leads new SNK studio 00:53:05 Niki joins the show on locations to run down news so far 00:54:45 Sega backs off of live services games 00:58:38 GameStop's offer to buy eBay thoroughly, hilariously, decisively rebuffed 01:04:12 Nintendo's fiscal report reveals reasons for Switch 2 price hike 01:07:40 House Hunters is the best hotel television show 01:09:10 The story in Digimon Story: Time Stranger is pretty bad 01:18:10 The crew answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord 02:21:50 Reviews & Outro Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review! We'll read it on the show and it helps us out a lot. VGBees is ad-free, AI-free, and completely supported by you! https://vgbees.com/join VGBees is a weekly games media podcast hosted by Niki, John, and Lotus.

    2h 28m
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4.7
out of 5
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About

Host and founder of VGBees, John Warren, is joined every week by cohost Niki Grayson and illustrious guests adjacent to video games and culture for candid, funny, and enlightening conversations about an art form that is both uniting and dividing us. Every week, The VGBees Podcast will explore trends and touchpoints you need to know in order to have the most well-rounded idea of what's going on in games. Explore vgbees.com after each episode for notes on each episode as well as written pieces by our collaborators and guests. We all have to work together to build a brighter future for games, so Join The Honey Hive today!

Information

  • Creator
    VGBees
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 VGBees
  • Show Website
    The VGBees Podcast

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