Gamer Galaxy with Cher Hwang

NewsNation
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On the Gamer Galaxy podcast, NewsNation delivers the latest trending gaming news with thought-provoking insights on topics that matter to gamers, while maintaining our fact-based approach to news for all Americans.

  1. 4d ago

    Why this Epic Games executive left to build a new game engine | Gamer Galaxy

    Why do so many AAA games feel increasingly expensive — but increasingly familiar?After 12 years at Epic Games and 27 years working with Unreal Engine, veteran game developer and executive Sjoerd De Jong left the company to help build something new: Immens Engine.In this episode of Gamer Galaxy, Sjoerd joins host Cher Hwang to explain why he believes the video game industry has reached a pivotal moment. They examine ballooning development costs, market saturation, risk-averse studios, the limitations of free-to-play games and the growing divide between older gamers and a younger, social-first generation raised on Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite.Sjoerd also explains what Immens Engine is designed to do differently from Unreal Engine and Unity—and why he believes AI can help developers experiment faster without replacing human creativity.Key takeaways:📌 Why AAA games have become increasingly formulaic📌 What Roblox understood before much of the traditional games industry📌 The problem facing free-to-play and live-service games📌 Why Sjoerd left Epic Games after 12 years📌 How Immens Engine differs from Unreal Engine and Unity📌 He sees AI’s strongest near-term role as accelerating prototypes, testing and iteration—not replacing developers.Subscribe to NewsNation for more Gamer Galaxy and conversations about the technology, business and culture reshaping video games.🚨Follow Cher Hwang on YouTube ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/Learn more about Immens Engine: https://immens.devLearn more about Sjoerd De Jong: https://www.hourences.com/#UnrealEngine #GameDevelopment #GamingIndustry#EpicGames #ArtificialIntelligence #GameEngine #AIinGaming #IndieGamesChapters00:00 Introduction to Industry Challenges and Opportunities02:10 Chud Ryong's Transition from Epic Games to Entrepreneurship04:28 Current Challenges in the Video Games Industry08:45 Market Saturation and Player Engagement Trends12:12 What a Healthy Game Industry Looks Like13:20 The Creation of Immense Engine17:14 Reflections on Unreal Engine's Legacy20:13 The Future of Business Models in Gaming22:28 Generational Shifts and Gaming Preferences33:30 Introducing Immense Engine and Its Goals36:38 How Immense Engine Supports Developer Creativity39:17 The Role of AI in Future Game Development43:41 Development Timeline and Future Plans for Immense Engine45:20 The Evolving Landscape of Game Engines|Credit:Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSenior producer: Cher HwangEditor: Irit NaydenNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYppFind us on cable: https://trib.al/YDOpGyGHow to watch on TV or streaming: https://trib.al/Vu0Ikij

  2. Aug 28

    The next election could be won inside a video game | Gamer Galaxy

    In this episode of "Gamer Galaxy," Katie Harbath, former Facebook elections lead and CEO of Anchor Change, joins host Cher to unpack why gaming is becoming a serious political channel. They explore how campaigns are using Twitch, livestreams and in-game ads to reach voters, why AOC’s gaming presence matters and how platforms are grappling with transparency, monetization and foreign interference.In this conversation: Katie says the strongest evidence that gaming matters is simple scale too many voters use these platforms for campaigns to ignore them.Katie Harbath explains how her background in campaigns, Facebook, and elections led her to pay closer attention to gaming as a political medium.They discuss why gaming still gets dismissed as a “gimmick” even though half of U.S. gamers are age 35 and up, according to the ESA.Katie argues gaming is increasingly a community-building space, especially as social platforms shift toward more entertainment-driven, less connected content.She shares how tech companies think about political activity on their platforms, including influencer monetization, disclosure rules, and reputational risk.

  3. Aug 21

    Inside Xbox's 3,200 layoffs: Bethesda and id Software workers speak out | Gamer Galaxy

    Xbox workers from Bethesda Game Studios and id Software are speaking out about Microsoft’s planned 3,200 job cuts — and warning that the consequences could reach far beyond the people losing their jobs. In this special episode of "Gamer Galaxy," Cher Hwang speaks with three current and recently laid-off Xbox studio workers represented by the Communications Workers of America: Nathan Hahn, a technical producer at Bethesda Game Studios; Andrew Willis, a producer at id Software and union bargaining-committee member; and Elisabeth Whyte, a former senior user researcher at Bethesda whose entire research team was eliminated. The workers discuss why they believe Microsoft’s layoffs threaten institutional knowledge, game quality and the future of franchises gamers love. They also explain their union’s fight for first contracts, layoff protections and fair severance — and why they believe Microsoft’s Game Pass strategy, aggressive profit expectations and embrace of AI are colliding with the realities of making great games.In this conversation:• What happens when entire teams are eliminated• Why id Software workers fear losing critical technical expertise• The union’s allegations regarding Microsoft’s bargaining process• How layoffs could affect Bethesda, Doom, Halo and other Xbox franchises• Why workers say Game Pass created conflicting expectations for studios• The human cost of losing pay, healthcare and job security• Whether AI can—or should—replace game developers• What players can do to support the people making their favorite games Microsoft/Xbox was contacted for comment before this interview but had not responded at the time of recording. Claims concerning Microsoft’s labor practices, management decisions and motivations represent the guests’ accounts and opinions.#Xbox #XboxLayoffs #gameindustry 🚨Follow Cher Hwang:✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/The Xbox player voice feedback post that has passed 4,000 upvotes: https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/69b8ec0b-7479-f111-9b47-6045bdbd0989Information for how people can help on the OneBGS bsky. https://bsky.app/profile/bethesdaunion.bsky.socialUnited Video Game Worker's Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/videogameworkers.bsky.socialChapters List:00:00 Introduction to Xbox layoffs and unionization efforts02:00 Personal stories from affected game industry workers04:06 Impact of layoffs on game development teams06:54 Reasons behind the protests and union negotiations10:55 Microsoft's management and understanding of game studios17:09 The difference between SaaS and game development cycles24:10 Fan support and industry future concerns37:01 The role of AI and automation in gaming industry43:00 Call to action for fans and industry reformCredit: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSenior producer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen KeeferNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/

  4. Aug 7

    Airports are getting million-dollar gaming lounges

    On this week's episode of "Gamer Galaxy," host Cher Hwang is joined by Gameway co-founder Emma Walbridge. Gameway is the high-end gaming lounge that's coming to an airport near you, in hopes of offering a more enjoyable experience for passengers of all ages. They talk about how the concept works, why airports bought in, and now asking for more.In this episode, they cover:- Gameway’s concept and business model: A gaming and entertainment lounge inside airports, designed to make travel more fun and less stressful.- Who it’s for and why it works: Especially millennials and Gen Z, but also parents, kids, and nongamers who want a welcoming airport experience.- Founder story and mindset: How Walbridge and her husband went all-in to pitch airports, overcame red tape and construction challenges, and scaled location by location.- Community and accessibility: How Gameway creates connection, supports different kinds of travelers and builds an inclusive space for everyone.- Gaming as mainstream culture: How gaming overlaps with travel, hospitality and everyday life more than people often realize.🚨Follow Cher Hwang:✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/🚨Check out Gameway: https://gameway.gg/Chapters List:00:00 What is Gameway?03:54 Inspiration and research behind creating gaming lounges06:04 Design influences and atmosphere of Gameway locations08:02 Target audience and accessibility features09:56 Pricing, booking, and gaming options13:47 Challenges faced in airport construction and expansion16:14 Business growth, expansion plans, and future goals17:53 Emma Walbridge’s background and entrepreneurial journey21:05 The role of women in the gaming and hospitality industries23:59 Why gaming is mainstream and its cultural impact26:59 Educating airports and industry stakeholders about gaming lounges30:12 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in gaming and hospitality32:56 The future of gaming in airports and beyond39:04 Balancing family life and entrepreneurship42:04 The community and social benefits of gaming loungesCredit: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSenior producer: Cher HwangEditor: Robert Alvarez, Maria Morales-Salazar

  5. Jul 24

    GTA 6, Xbox Game Pass, Layoffs & AI: What does it all mean?

    Is the gaming industry facing a temporary correction — or a permanent transformation?In this episode of Gamer Galaxy, Cher Hwang speaks with veteran gaming journalist Dean Takahashi about the Xbox and Microsoft layoffs, the rapid yet painful adoption of artificial intelligence in game development, the future of Xbox Game Pass and the enormous expectations surrounding GTA 6.Could AI make game development faster and more accessible? Or will it be a barrier for studios? Can subscription services such as Game Pass remain sustainable? And could the unprecedented anticipation and pre-launch demand for Grand Theft Auto VI change how publishers approach major game releases?Dean also examines the global transformation of the gaming business, including shifting development hubs, regional gaming markets, cultural diversity, rising hardware costs and the changing employment landscape for developers.In this conversation:• What the Microsoft and Xbox layoffs reveal about the state of gaming• How AI is changing game development—and why workers are concerned• Whether Xbox Game Pass and gaming subscription models are sustainable• GTA 6 pre-launch demand, expectations and potential industry impact• Why game development and employment are shifting globally• The effect of rising hardware and development costs#GTA6 #Xbox #ArtificialIntelligence #Microsoft #videogames #gamer #layoffsCHAPTERS03:06 Dean Takahashi’s 30 years of covering games05:00 Pandemic Impact and Industry Reset08:23 Competition09:58 Unionization and Developer Concerns12:24 Game Engines and Cost-Cutting Measures13:44 Layoffs and Union Issues16:28 Microsoft’s Acquisition Strategy and Financial Challenges17:55 Microsoft’s Focus on Core Franchises22:16 Gamer Influence and Industry Transparency31:05 Gamers’ Concerns About AI and Industry Changes33:52 Western vs. Asian Attitudes Toward Gaming Technologies41:24 GTA 6 Expectations and Industry Impact47:22 Tech Innovations and Hardware Challenges49:30 Global Market Shifts and OpportunitiesCREDIT: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonProducer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen Keefner

  6. Jun 10

    Tim Howard on Playing Himself in EA Sports FC + His Bold 2026 World Cup Prediction | Gamer Galaxy

    Tim Howard is a U.S. men’s national soccer team legend and the most capped goalkeeper in history. "The Secretary of Defense" shares insights on the U.S. hosting the World Cup this year, the evolution of soccer in America and his experiences with EA Sports. Learn how Howard sees the sport growing in the U.S., the impact of video games on fan engagement and Howard's personal journey from player to commentator.#timhoward #worldcup2026 #soccer CHAPTER SUMMARY:00:32 Significance of the 2026 World Cup in the US00:56 Home Field Advantage and Community Support01:33 Evolution of Soccer in America: MLS and International Influence02:02 Predictions for US Men's National Team in 202602:44 From World Cup Record to Video Game Stardom03:28 The Impact of EA Sports on Soccer Fandom in the US03:56 Howard's Personal Experience with Video Games04:12 Balancing Playing and Commentating: Challenges and Rewards04:51 Favorite Summer Drink and Closing RemarksSOCIALS:🚨 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 🚨 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SUBSCRIBE for video game news: ‪https://www.youtube.com/@NewsNation📩 FOLLOW CHER📸 ON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/https://x.com/NewsNationhttps://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnow

  7. May 28

    Queen of Cozy Gaming Liv Charette on the Business of Gaming Content Creation | Gamer Galaxy

    In this week's episode of Gamer Galaxy, explore the world of cozy gaming with Liv Charette, a lifestyle gaming and tech content creator. Discover her journey from figure skating and country music to content creation, plus learn how she balances creativity, business, and passion in the evolving gaming industry.CHAPTER SUMMARY:01:09 Liv's Journey from Figure Skating to Music to Gaming04:23 Defining Cozy Gaming and Its Appeal07:56 Liv's Experience as a Female Gamer and Content Creator12:00 Liv's Childhood and Early Gaming Memories19:35 Balancing Creativity, Business, and Mental Health24:26 The Challenges and Rewards of Content Creation26:23 Transition from Music to Full-Time Content Creation31:13 Managing Business and Brand Collaborations36:44 Authenticity and Community in Liv's Content41:58 Overcoming Stigmas and Negative Comments50:49 Diverse Gaming Preferences and Cozy Gaming Myths55:43 Future Plans and Expanding Content HorizonsSOCIALS:https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/https://x.com/NewsNationhttps://x.com/cherhwangtvhttps://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnow Liv Charette:  https://www.instagram.com/livcharette/ https://www.tiktok.com/@livcharetteofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@livcharetteisagamerCREDITS:Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSr Producer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen Keefner

  8. May 14

    Inside the $8.5 Billion Indie Game Boom | Gamer Galaxy

    NewsNation's "Gamer Galaxy" is presented by Xsolla — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.In this episode of "Gamer Galaxy," we explore how small studios from across the world succeed, consider the importance of community, and discuss the evolving landscape of the global gaming industry. We also see how indie game developers are finding direction and financial relief from a scholarship with Xsolla. Find out how the video games of the future are being made and who is building them!

    Inside the $8.5 Billion Indie Game Boom | Gamer Galaxy
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On the Gamer Galaxy podcast, NewsNation delivers the latest trending gaming news with thought-provoking insights on topics that matter to gamers, while maintaining our fact-based approach to news for all Americans.

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