Dense Pixels - Video Game News and Reviews

TNP Studios
  • 4.8 (70)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Level up your gaming knowledge with Dense Pixels, the ultimate podcast for video game news, reviews, and industry insights. We cover everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, breaking down the latest game releases, industry trends, and must-play titles. With witty commentary, deep dives into gaming culture, and discussions on consoles, PC gaming, and next-gen technology, we keep you in the loop on everything happening in the gaming world. Whether you're into RPGs, FPS, esports, or retro classics, this is your go-to source for all things gaming. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the game!

  1. 10H AGO

    It's Not a Sprint (Pokemon Pokopia, Marathon, Slay the Spire II, Tencent investments)

    Carrie shares her early impressions of Pokemon Pokopia and the timeless RPG classic Chrono Trigger. Her insights offer perspective on how both games approach storytelling and gameplay. Brad expresses his genuine enthusiasm for Marathon's multiplayer experience while being completely blown away by the early access release of Slay the Spire II. The roguelike deckbuilder sequel has exceeded his expectations and he breaks down what makes it such a compelling follow-up. Highguard faces shutdown in a development that surprises few industry observers. The hosts analyze why publishers continue investing heavily in attempts to create the next massive live service hit despite the genre's notoriously high failure rate and the mounting evidence against this strategy. Google and Epic Games reach a settlement in their legal battle, with terms that could have significant and wide-reaching implications across the entire gaming industry. The hosts dissect what this settlement means for app stores, payment processing, and developer freedom. The Trump administration considers forcing Chinese publisher Tencent to divest their substantial US holdings and gaming investments. The hosts question why more people aren't recognizing this as a replay of the TikTok divestment playbook with potentially serious consequences for gaming. Nagoshi Studios' impressive action game Gang of Dragons faces an uncertain future after Netease unexpectedly pulls their funding from the project. The withdrawal raises concerns about the game's development timeline and eventual release. Battlefield 6 struggles with player retention issues despite an initially strong launch, leading to layoffs across multiple EA studios. The hosts examine what went wrong and why the game failed to maintain its playerbase. Sony begins testing dynamic pricing in the PlayStation Store, implementing variable pricing based on demand and other factors. The controversial move raises questions about digital game pricing and consumer value. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 45m
  2. Pokemon Presents...Excitement? (Marathon Server Slam, Resident Evil 9 impressions, Stardew Valley is 10)

    MAR 3

    Pokemon Presents...Excitement? (Marathon Server Slam, Resident Evil 9 impressions, Stardew Valley is 10)

    Micah shares his detailed impressions of two major releases with God of War: Sons of Sparta and Resident Evil 9. Carrie takes a nostalgic journey back to her childhood with the digital release of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, exploring how these classic Kanto remakes hold up in the modern era and what makes them special for longtime Pokemon fans. Brad and Terrence dive into their experiences with the Marathon Server Slam beta weekend, offering contrasting perspectives on Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter. While Terrence remains unconvinced by the world, Brad has become completely absorbed in Bungie's deep lore universe and shares his newfound enthusiasm. The hosts provide comprehensive coverage of last week's Pokemon Presents showcase, with Carrie expressing particular excitement for Pokemon Pokopia and the team analyzing the surprise announcement of Pokemon Wind and Waves. The presentation offered plenty of news for franchise fans. Stardew Valley marks its tenth anniversary milestone with an unexpected update that transforms one of the community's least favorite characters into a marriage candidate, sparking debate among the game's dedicated fanbase about developer ConcernedApe's design choices. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier delivers two major industry scoops this week, revealing behind-the-scenes details about Highguard's development struggles and identifying the parties responsible for why fans still haven't received a Bloodborne remake despite years of demand. The revelations shed light on complex studio politics. The podcast concludes with an extended Post Office segment where the hosts candidly discuss the games they've spent the most money on as whales, sharing personal stories about microtransactions, collector's editions, and gaming spending habits. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    2 hr
  3. Phil Spencer is Out; is AI In? (Xbox Leadership chaos, Bluepoint closure, Saudi EVO)

    FEB 24

    Phil Spencer is Out; is AI In? (Xbox Leadership chaos, Bluepoint closure, Saudi EVO)

    Microsoft shakes the gaming industry to its core with the stunning announcement of Phil Spencer's retirement from Xbox leadership, Sarah Bond's unexpected departure, and the promotion of former AI executive Asha Sharma to the position of Xbox CEO. The hosts provide deep analysis of Spencer's complex legacy at Xbox, explore the circumstances surrounding Sarah Bond's exit and whether she left voluntarily or was pushed out, and debate what Sharma's AI background could mean for the future direction of Xbox and their first-party studios. Sony makes the controversial decision to shutter the critically acclaimed Bluepoint Games despite the studio never releasing a single game under PlayStation's ownership. The hosts examine potential missteps by Bluepoint that may have contributed to this outcome while arguing that Sony's decision represents a terrible strategic move that wastes exceptional talent and damages developer confidence. The Saudi Arabian takeover of EVO is now finalized, raising important questions about what this ownership change means for the tournament's future and the broader competitive fighting game community. The discussion explores potential impacts on event culture and the esports scene. EA is using generative AI technology in the development process for EA Sports FC, and in a surprising twist, Carrie emerges as an unexpected defender of this controversial practice. The hosts debate the merits and concerns of AI integration in game development. Brad chronicles his journey into the original Dark Souls and discovers that his extensive Elden Ring experience provides surprisingly little help navigating the punishing classic. He shares the challenges of adjusting to the older FromSoftware formula. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 48m
  4. Mewgenics Has Claws! (Highguard Layoffs, Sony State of Play, Return of Konami, RAMpocalypse)

    FEB 17

    Mewgenics Has Claws! (Highguard Layoffs, Sony State of Play, Return of Konami, RAMpocalypse)

    Brad explores the bizarre and fascinating world of Mewgenics, a unique tactical game that combines turn-based strategy with cat breeding mechanics. The question is whether this quirky title can overcome his usual aversion to turn-based tactical games with its unusual premise. Carrie shares her excitement for Monster Hunter Stories 3 after diving into the substantial new demo that recently launched. Terrence embarks on an Xbox gaming spree, providing impressions of multiple titles including Black Myth Wukong, the stylish action game Rollerdrome, the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Remake, the co-op shooter Outriders, and the intense Warhammer 40,000 Boltgun. The podcast examines the surprisingly rapid layoffs at Riot's 2XKO studio and Highguard developer Wildgate Studios, questioning why new studios continue pursuing ambitious live service games despite the genre's notoriously high failure rate. The discussion highlights persistent issues in live service development. Sony delivered an exceptional State of Play presentation featuring exciting announcements including new God of War projects, Konami's impressive comeback, and updates on Marathon that have renewed Brad's cautious optimism for Bungie's upcoming title. The showcase demonstrated Sony's strong first and third-party lineup. Blizzard surprises the gaming community by introducing a new class to Diablo II Resurrected years after its release. Meanwhile, significant improvements to Overwatch have fans wondering if the franchise is experiencing a renaissance and return to form. A global RAM shortage crisis creates ripple effects across gaming hardware, delaying Valve's new hardware releases, making the Steam Deck unavailable for the first time since launch, and potentially forcing Nintendo to increase Switch 2 prices. The shortage impacts the entire gaming hardware industry. Discord's controversial attempt to implement oppressive privacy features and subsequent reversal sparks a broader conversation about Peter Thiel's influence and how tech billionaires are negatively impacting digital spaces and privacy rights. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    2h 5m
  5. Wicked Game (No Rest for the Wicked review, Google Genie, Ubisoft strike, Royal Rumble 2026)

    FEB 3

    Wicked Game (No Rest for the Wicked review, Google Genie, Ubisoft strike, Royal Rumble 2026)

    Terrence uncovers a hidden gem in the roguelite genre with his impressions of Kiborg, a brawler that deserves more attention from fans of challenging action games. The game combines roguelite mechanics with intense combat for a compelling experience. Brad provides an in-depth review of No Rest for the Wicked following Moon Studios' new co-op update that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. He believes this action RPG has the potential to become a major player in the ARPG space once it reaches its full release, praising the improvements and additions. Carrie explores Two-Point Museum, the latest management simulation from the beloved Two-Point series. Investors show misplaced enthusiasm for Google Genie's underwhelming game demos, paradoxically causing stock prices for Take-Two, Unity, and Roblox to drop sharply following the reveal. The hosts dissect why the market reaction reflects concerns about AI-generated gaming content. Ubisoft's decision to lay off over 200 employees at their Paris offices sparks plans for a company-wide strike by unionized staff, highlighting growing tensions between management and workers in the gaming industry. The podcast tackles serious industry issues including why video game executives appearing in the Epstein files shouldn't shock anyone familiar with tech industry culture. On a lighter note, the hosts share their personal comfort foods and discuss the current state of WWE following the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 44m
  6. Highguard impressions, Ubisoft's huge restructure, payment processors ignoring Grok, and more!

    JAN 27

    Highguard impressions, Ubisoft's huge restructure, payment processors ignoring Grok, and more!

    Terrence shares his detailed impressions of Highguard and the hosts dive into predictions about the game's potential success in this competitive field in gaming. Brad reviews two charming indie games that deliver nostalgic throwback experiences with Vital Shell and Super 10 Pin. These smaller titles prove that indie developers continue to capture the magic of classic gaming while adding their own unique twists. Carrie recounts her amazing experience attending the Persona Live concert in Los Angeles, sharing highlights from the performance and what makes the Persona series music so special for fans. Ubisoft announces a major organizational shakeup that immediately impacts investor confidence, with share prices falling dramatically following the news. The hosts debate whether this restructuring could actually benefit the struggling publisher in the long term despite the market's negative reaction. The podcast explores a potentially groundbreaking verdict from a civil trial in the UK that could significantly impact how digital currencies are valued and owned, with implications reaching far beyond gaming into broader digital currency value. The hosts discuss the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer and share their reactions to Nintendo's latest animated venture. They also tackle the hypocrisy of payment processors who selectively enforce their policies, and dream about mini-consoles that never made it to market but absolutely should have. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 16m
  7. Meta pivots to AI, more Ubisoft layoffs, Monster Hunter Wilds performance, and more!

    JAN 20

    Meta pivots to AI, more Ubisoft layoffs, Monster Hunter Wilds performance, and more!

    Carrie shares her exciting experience attending and performing at MAGfest this year, bringing listeners behind the scenes of one of gaming's most beloved music and gaming conventions. Brad dives into his hands-on impressions of the new Tokyo Xtreme Racer, a game that authentically captures the PS2 era racing experience with both its nostalgic charm and its dated quirks. Meta makes a dramatic business pivot away from the Metaverse toward AI technology, resulting in the closure of two prominent game development studios, raising questions about the future of VR gaming. Massive Entertainment announces development of The Division 3, but the news is immediately overshadowed by Ubisoft laying off staff at the studio and the departure of their studio head to EA. The timing highlights ongoing turbulence in the AAA gaming industry. Valve updates their AI disclosure policies with a surprising loosening of restrictions, and the hosts make a compelling argument for why this change might actually benefit the gaming community despite initial concerns about artificial intelligence in game development. Monster Hunter Wilds faces severe PC performance issues, and the potential cause might be one of the most absurd technical problems in recent gaming memory. The podcast wraps with reactions to Sophie Turner's casting as Lara Croft in the upcoming Tomb Raider project, alongside sharp criticism of GameStop's social media team's complete loser behavior. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 27m
  8. Winter Break gaming, Zelda Age of Imprisonment, Rainbow 6 Siege Robin Hood, and more!

    JAN 6

    Winter Break gaming, Zelda Age of Imprisonment, Rainbow 6 Siege Robin Hood, and more!

    Brad went a little wild during the Steam Winter Sale and came away with a pile of indie games that mostly rule. He breaks down his early impressions of Reus 2, 9 Kings, and Sol Cesto, and explains why these smaller releases continue to outshine big-budget fare. Carrie has been catching up on her backlog with Blue Prince and The Legend of Zelda: Age of Imprisonment, and even dusted off the SNES to revisit Final Fantasy VI (formerly known as Final Fantasy III in the US). Terrence shocks everyone by purchasing an Xbox Series X, while Micah shares the unique challenges of co-op gaming with a kid who has very different priorities than finishing objectives. We also reflect on the passing of Respawn’s Vince Zampella and SEGA’s David Rosen. Elsewhere, a real-life Rainbow Six Siege Robin Hood gifted players millions in in-game currency, and the Indie Game Awards sparked controversy by revoking Expedition 33’s Game of the Year award over its use of generative AI. In the Post Office, we dig into hated gameplay tropes, sim racing rigs, and take an unexpected detour into the Billboard Top 100 hits of 1996. Dense Pixels is a weekly video game podcast covering gaming news, game reviews, and industry analysis. From AAA blockbusters to indie gems, we break down the latest game releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo Switch, PC gaming, Steam, Game Pass, fighting games, RPGs, esports, retro gaming, and the business side of the gaming industry. Hosted by Brad, Micah, Carrie, and Terrence. A TNP Studios production. New episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. Join our Discord at densepixels.com/fans. For more TNP Studios content, check out The Nerdpocalypse (movie & TV news), Black on Black Cinema (Black film reviews), and Look Forward (progressive politics).

    1h 51m
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4.8
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Level up your gaming knowledge with Dense Pixels, the ultimate podcast for video game news, reviews, and industry insights. We cover everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems, breaking down the latest game releases, industry trends, and must-play titles. With witty commentary, deep dives into gaming culture, and discussions on consoles, PC gaming, and next-gen technology, we keep you in the loop on everything happening in the gaming world. Whether you're into RPGs, FPS, esports, or retro classics, this is your go-to source for all things gaming. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the game!

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