Deister Brew Studios

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Video Games

Video Games

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Technology

Technology

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Marketing

Marketing

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Oct 30

Epic vs Steam: Tim Sweeney Keeps Complaining, Players Keep Ignoring

Episode OverviewEpic is whining about Steam's dominance and Sweeney is still running the same old playbook: complain about a 30% cut while ignoring Epic’s own lock-ins. Brett Deister walks through why Steam won, picks apart Epic's excuses, and calls out industry nonsense, from inflated GPU prices to PC classic preservation. HighlightsSweeney claims Valve has "held gaming back for years," conveniently forgetting that Epic keeps failing to build what players actually want 00:00:00.The 30% Steam cut? It's not even flat, and Brett Deister points out how Steam’s model differs from Apple and Google's tight OS grip 00:07:18.Steam's value is in the library, the network, and years of actual usable features like Instant mod installs, game recording, and a calendar, unlike Epic’s bare-bones store that thinks free games buy loyalty 00:06:04.Epic’s free games and paid exclusives: Brett Deister calls it anti-consumer and admits nobody hangs out on Epic for community 00:09:41.Sweeney's "lock-in" hypocrisy: Unreal Engine’s own rewards all nudge developers to launch on Epic while pretending Steam is the only walled garden 00:11:05.Nvidia GPU price chaos: 5080 and 5090 quietly pulled, third-party prices reach absurd levels as Brett Deister questions the so-called "memory shortage" 00:15:56.Microsoft’s new DirectX ray tracing update could finally make it usable, eventually, if developers bother to implement it 00:19:52.GOG’s preservation program is actually doing some good: Mortal Kombat 4 and Gabriel Knight now playable again for modern retro fans 00:32:31. Resources MentionedTim Sweeney (Epic Games CEO)Epic Games StoreValve/SteamUnreal EngineSteamworksVideo Game Insights (analytics)Nvidia GeForce, RTX 5080/5090DirectX Agility SDK (Microsoft)Funcom (Dune Awakening)GOG classic games preservation Next StepWant Brett Deister's opinions in your feed every week? Subscribe to Digital Coffee: Gaming Brew and don’t forget to drop your answer: have you ever bought a game on Epic that wasn’t free?
Jan 2

The Future of Gaming 2026: PC Building Woes, RAM Prices, and the Rise of Linux

Let’s just cut to the chase: if you’re not optimizing your game, what are you even doing? Seriously, this episode is all about how crucial it is for developers to get their act together and start optimizing their games for everyone, not just the high-end rigs. We’re diving into the wild world of 2026, where RAM prices are through the roof and building a PC feels like trying to find a unicorn in a field of horses. And don’t even get me started on the AAA studios—yeah, they’re still floundering, probably because they think throwing money at the problem will magically make it better. So grab your drink, kick back, and let’s roast these absurdities together as we navigate the future of gaming. Takeaways: Optimization isn't just a buzzword; it's basically a survival skill for developers these days. Seriously, get it together!The gaming market is headed for a rough patch with rising prices and bloated AAA studios that can't figure out their mess. Good luck, folks!It's time for developers to stop relying solely on fancy AI and actually optimize their games for all systems. Like, hello?Expect some surprises in the indie gaming scene as AAA studios continue to fumble the bag. Let's hope they don't trip over their own feet!We might finally see a shift towards more affordable gaming hardware if these overpriced RAM and GPU prices ever calm down. Fingers crossed!Microsoft’s struggle in the gaming sector isn’t ending anytime soon. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck, and I can’t look away. Companies mentioned in this episode: MicrosoftAAANo Man's SkyEADICEBattlefieldRespawnActivisionSteamValveUbisoftTencentNvidiaAMDIntelSamsungMicronStardocksFencesStart 11Eric RaidersSplitgateCleared HotDispatchGrand Theft AutoBattlefield 6BethesdaCD Projekt RedWitcher 3Cyberpunk 2077UnrealEpicSteam MachineOpenAISkhenix
Oct 23

BioWare Shuts Down, Mass Effect Future Uncertain, and Modern Warfare 4’s PC Stutter Problem

Bioware is closing — yep, that beloved name that made Baldur’s Gate and Mass Effect is getting shuttered and the early development on the next Mass Effect was canned. I walk you through why this isn’t just sad headline bait: years of key talent leaving, three recent misfires (Andromeda, Anthem, and Valeguard) that hollowed out trust, and EA’s financial housecleaning after that massive buyout likely nudging them toward cost cuts and maybe selling IPs. I also rant about my hands-on with Modern Warfare 4’s early campaign — fun missions, solid gunplay, but on my PC the cutscenes stutter so hard it kills the moments the story’s trying to land. We don’t gloss over the real human cost either; people lost jobs and that’s not a joke, even if the culture-war takes love to turn dev hiring into headlines. Finally, I toss a cautious eye to the future — Exodus and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn might scratch our sci‑fi RPG itch, but they’re not Mass Effect and we’ll only believe it when they ship. Takeaways: I loved the Modern Warfare 4 campaign's pacing and shooting, but I'm annoyed every cutscene stutters hard on my PC despite DLSS, uncapped framerate, and driver tweaks.We say it bluntly: BioWare's Edmonton studio is closing after EA killed early Mass Effect development, and yeah, that's dozens of people's careers — not just another corporate press line.I don't deny nostalgia, but the BioWare that made Baldur's Gate and KOTOR slowly drifted away as founders left, and three messy launches—Andromeda, Anthem, and Valeguard—really hurt the studio's credibility.Look, we can parse the politics: the PIF-led buyout and EA's plan to cut $700 million a year don't prove causation, but they sure make selling or burying IPs like Mass Effect feel disturbingly likely.I'm going to be blunt and sarcastic: Valeguard's handling of a non‑binary character wasn't the single death blow, but poor writing and stripped player agency absolutely amplified fan backlash and damaged trust.Hope isn't a plan — new teams like Exodus and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn might fill the sci‑fi RPG gap, but we want finished games, not vaporware hype; dates move, trailers lie, so stay skeptical. Companies mentioned in this episode: BioWareElectronic Arts (EA)NVIDIAActivisionMaxisRipple Effect StudiosMotive StudiosRespawn EntertainmentVertical SliceEurogamerBloombergKotakuObsidian EntertainmentBlack Isle StudiosPublic Investment Fund (PIF)Silver LakeAffinity PartnersArchetype EntertainmentOwlcat GamesSteam
08/06/2025

Charging What You’re Worth: Robin Waite on Pricing, Packages, and Business Mindset

Welcome back to Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew! In this episode, host Brett Deister sits down with Robin Waite, founder of Fearless Business, renowned business coach, and the bestselling author behind titles like "Online Business Startup" and "Take Your Shot." Together, they dive into the ever-evolving world of freelancing and entrepreneurship, focusing on how to truly understand your value, price your services ethically (and profitably!), and move beyond the trap of hourly rates and relentless social media grinding. Robin shares his insightful journey from running a marketing agency to building a successful coaching practice by challenging conventional marketing wisdom. Instead of hustling for attention online, Robin advocates for building intentional partnerships, offering real value, and focusing on results-driven packaging for your services. You'll hear practical tips on rethinking your pricing strategy, growing your business sustainably, and, above all, taking fearless action—even when doubt creeps in. Whether you’re a freelancer, coach, or agency owner, this episode is packed with advice on how to double your income, find better clients, and create a business (and life) that works for you. Grab your coffee and get ready to elevate your approach to business growth—without the burnout! 3 Fun Facts:Robin Waite, despite being British, prefers coffee over tea and surfs—he joked he'd fit right in in California.After appearing as a guest on Ali Abdaal’s podcast (with 6 million subscribers), Robin received 3,000 leads and shipped 700-800 copies of his book globally in just six weeks.Robin once switched off social media entirely for his business, focusing instead on building strategic partnerships and appearing on other people’s platforms. Key Themes:Ethical pricing and getting paid true valueMoving away from hourly rates for servicesBuilding partnerships instead of social media grindFocusing on delivering results, not hoursPower of intentional relationship building for growthPackaging services for greater efficiency and incomeTaking fearless action and pursuing big goals Get your signed copy here: www.fearless.biz\tys
04/30/2025

Amazon FBA Success: Brand Building, Profit Margins, and AI Innovations With Neil

Welcome to another episode of Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew! In today’s show, host Brett Deister sits down with Neil, CEO and cofounder of Voltage Holding Company, to dive deep into the fast-moving world of Amazon FBA and e-commerce growth. With more than fifteen years of experience building, launching, and acquiring brands, Neil shares his invaluable insights on how businesses can thrive on Amazon by avoiding common mistakes, building strong brands, and navigating the ever-changing challenges of logistics and profitability. Get ready to learn why standing out in a competitive marketplace is about much more than price, how the right mindset and patience are key to building lasting success, and what the future holds as AI transforms the way sellers connect with customers. Whether you're just starting out on Amazon or looking to elevate your business to the next level, this episode is packed with tactical advice, firsthand stories, and the trends every seller needs to watch. So grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we explore what it really takes to succeed on Amazon—and beyond! Guest Bio:Neil grew up in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, a place he remembers as the birthplace of drive-through coffee kiosks—like the now-famous Dutch Bros. He’s witnessed firsthand how these roadside stands sparked a national love affair with coffee, a trend that rapidly spread over the last few decades. Despite America’s growing coffee craze, Neil enjoys sharing a calming ritual with his wife every evening: sipping a turmeric-blend tea together for its anti-inflammatory benefits and a bit of daily connection. 3 Fun Facts:Neil grew up in Oregon, where the first coffee drive-thru kiosks appeared, and his family hosts full-scale tea parties with vintage china and treats.Neil prefers to only sell products on Amazon with at least $12 in net profit per unit, often focusing on higher-ticket items like $200 audiophile cables instead of low-margin, high-volume commodities.Neil predicts that Amazon’s upcoming AI tech, called "Cosmo," will fundamentally change product discovery from keyword-based to intention-based, making it even more important for sellers to have high-quality, well-optimized listings. Key Themes:Strategies for Amazon FBA profitabilityImportance of brand building and trustNavigating shipping and logistics challengesAdapting to AI and automation trendsThe value of patience and perseveranceLeveraging omnichannel ecommerce approachesOptimizing listings through strong visuals/copy
10/15/2025

User First, Google Second: The Local SEO Playbook

The spotlight's on local SEO in this episode, where they dive deep into how reviews can totally make or break a business’s online presence. Speaker A kicks things off by dropping some serious knowledge, emphasizing that it's not just about appeasing Google—it's about what customers think and feel. He’s all about putting the user first, which he believes is the secret sauce for climbing those search rankings. They chat about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with reviews, pointing out that while bad reviews can come in hot and heavy, getting those golden good ones is a task that often feels like pulling teeth. With wit and charm, they explore the nuances of local SEO, highlighting the importance of keeping your Google Business Profile in tip-top shape and the power of content in building trust with potential customers. Buckle up, because this convo is packed with gold nuggets for anyone looking to up their local game! What You'll Learn:The biggest misconceptions about local SEO and how they impact your bottom lineWhat separates businesses that dominate local search from those that remain invisibleStrategies for consistent local rankings across different service areasThe crucial role of reviews in local SEO and how to get more positive onesThe future of local SEO and emerging trends to watch Takeaways: Local SEO thrives on reviews, it's not just a Google thing but a user trust thing. Understanding marketing channels is key; ignorance can cost local businesses big time. User signals, like engagement and reviews, are increasingly vital for local SEO success. Content helps Google know what you do; it’s a powerful tool for visibility online. Putting the user first, then Google, is the mantra for effective SEO strategies. Multiple locations in SEO require careful planning to avoid self-cannibalization of search presence. Links referenced in this episode: brightbeam SEO.com@brightbeam SEO Companies mentioned in this episode: Google Bright Beam SEO Waze
05/15/2024

Unlocking SEO Secrets: Expert Tips from Phillip Stemann

Unravel the mysteries of SEO with expert Phillip Stemann on Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew! Join host Brett Deister as they dive deep into the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization, exploring successful strategies and the significant impact of AI on the field. Phillip shares practical tips to boost your website's visibility and outrank the competition, emphasizing the importance of both technical structure and original content. As they discuss game-changing SEO tools and techniques, listeners will gain insights into how to navigate the shifting landscape of SEO in 2024. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding of SEO and learn how to make your website stand out! Takeaways: SEO is not just about content; technical aspects like site structure and speed are crucial. AI can be a valuable productivity tool for SEOs, aiding in tasks like internal linking. Creating original content is essential; AI-generated content must be heavily edited for quality. User experience (UX) will be a key ranking factor for Google in 2024 and beyond. A solid Google Business Profile, filled with relevant information, is vital for local SEO success. Backlinks remain important for SEO; focus on quality over quantity to improve domain authority. Links referenced in this episode: www.forbes.comwww.ahrefs.comwww.authorityhacker.comwww.keysearch.cowww.microsoft.comwww.themeforest.net Companies mentioned in this episode: Forbes Authority Hacker Ahrefs Semrush Key Search Microsoft 💬 Want to get involved? Leave us a comment, give us a 'like,' and follow us for more insights. Join our Locals for lively discussions, and if you've got questions, email us at bdeister@digitalcafe.media! 👕 Check out our merch: www.digitalcafe.store 🌟 Review the Podcast if you loved this episode and share it with fellow marketers who could benefit from a treasure trove of podcasting wisdom. Tune in to "Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew" and let's brew up some success together!
01/17/2025

The Future of Gaming: Escapism Over Politics – A Call to Developers

Brett Deister dives into the latest gaming news, starting with the bizarre feud between Elon Musk and Asmongold over gaming hours, highlighting how trivial such disputes seem in the grand scheme of gaming. As the conversation unfolds, he praises Nvidia and AMD for their impressive GPU shipments this year, signaling a healthy market for gamers. The episode also explores the Steam Deck's growing compatibility and its significant impact on the PC gaming landscape. Brett discusses AMD's sharp criticisms of Intel's Arrow Lake and provides updates on the anticipated features of the game 'Manor Lords.' Wrapping up, he offers a candid critique of Western game developers, emphasizing the need for more engaging and escapist gaming experiences that resonate with players. Takeaways: Brett discusses the absurd feud between Elon Musk and Asma Gold over gaming hours.Nvidia and AMD have had a remarkable year with GPU shipments surpassing 251 million units.The Steam Deck's compatibility with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth marks a significant milestone for PC gaming.Brett critiques Western game developers for failing to create games that resonate with players.AMD's upcoming Radeon RX 970 XT is expected to compete closely with Nvidia's 5070 card.Brett emphasizes the importance of providing escapism in games rather than political commentary. Companies mentioned in this episode: Elon MuskAsmogoldNvidiaAMDIntelTSMCSteam
11/21/2025

Game Publishers, Hardware Makers, and the Struggle to Keep Gaming Affordable

Alright, so buckle up because we’re diving headfirst into the chaotic world of gaming economics and the absurdity of rising prices that’s got us all feeling a bit, well, crunchy. This week, we’re tackling the cringeworthy reality that gaming is becoming an unsustainable hobby—seriously, is it even worth building a PC anymore? With companies like Ubisoft playing hide-and-seek with their financial reports and neglecting the very gamers that fueled their success, it's safe to say the vibes are not great, my friends. We’ll also throw some shade at the costs of RAM and GPUs that have skyrocketed thanks to this wild AI craze, leaving us wondering if we should just stick to our trusty old consoles and games while the industry spirals into madness. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s spill the tea on why gaming is starting to feel like more of a chore than a joy! Takeaways: The gaming industry is going through some serious financial drama, especially with companies like Ubisoft delaying their earnings reports, which isn't a great sign for their future. With the rising costs of gaming, many of us are starting to wonder if building a PC is still worth it, especially when pre-built options are looking more appealing these days. AI is taking over the gaming market, but it seems the companies are forgetting the loyal gamers who actually keep them afloat, which is just absurdly ironic. Battlefield 6 is apparently the best selling shooter of the year, which is a wild turnaround after the disaster that was Battlefield 2042, showing that sometimes companies can learn from their mistakes. Ubisoft's latest games have been flops, and the trend of focusing on profits over quality is really hitting home, making us question whether it's even worth investing in their titles anymore. The gaming community is growing tired of the price gouging on hardware and games, and we might just start sticking to our old favorites if the new stuff keeps being so ridiculously priced. Companies mentioned in this episode: Ubisoft Arc Raiders Battlefield 6 Blizzard Overwatch Marvel Rivals EA Dice Samsung
Feb 27

Xbox Chaos: Studio Closures, Leadership Changes, and What’s Next?

Hold on to your mugs, folks, because this week on Digital Coffee: Gaming Brew, we're diving headfirst into the wild and wacky world of PC gaming chaos! First up, we've got the Marathon Server Slam. Spoiler alert: it’s a buggy mess with art direction that raises more eyebrows than it should. Then, we tackle New York's audacious lawsuit against Valve over those pesky loot boxes, and let me just say, parental responsibility might need a serious intervention. Dune Awakening is having a rough patch too, but it’s nothing compared to the complete circus that is Xbox right now—studio closures, leadership shake-ups, and a strategy that's about as clear as mud. To wrap things up, we’ll explore NVIDIA's ongoing chip shortage saga, which, surprise surprise, is just another day in the life for gamers. So, grab a drink and let’s spill the tea on this caffeinated chaos! Takeaways: Brett's hot take on the Marathon Server Slam reveals a mix of bugs and bizarre art choices, making you wonder if Bungie is still in touch with reality.The New York lawsuit against Valve for loot boxes is more about parental responsibility than it is about gaming ethics, highlighting a weird nanny state vibe.Dune Awakening's struggles are overshadowed by Arc Raiders' unexpected success, proving that sometimes a game just hits differently and takes over the scene.NVIDIA's ongoing chip shortage saga is like watching a bad soap opera that just won't end, leaving gamers to wonder if they'll ever see affordable graphics cards again.The chaos at Xbox is a classic case of corporate mismanagement, with studio closures and leadership shakeups that make you question who’s really in charge.Red Octane’s Stage Heroes is aiming to bring rhythm games back to life, but can it replicate the magic of Guitar Hero, or is it just another cash grab? Companies mentioned in this episode: ValveBungieEmbarkFuncomNvidiaWestern DigitalSeagateMicronSamsungSdhenixGuitar HeroDJ HeroRed OctaneStage TourGround Zero MissionMetal Gear SolidPhil SpencerAsha Sharp SharmaActivisionCall of DutyBattlefieldEADICEStarfieldHideo Kojima

Deister Brew Studios makes podcasts about gaming, tech and marketing, from a normal person’s point of view. We cover the news and issues that matter without repeating the usual talking points. Ideas come first.

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Deister Brew Studios

Top Shows

Epic vs Steam: Tim Sweeney Keeps Complaining, Players Keep Ignoring

The Future of Gaming 2026: PC Building Woes, RAM Prices, and the Rise of Linux

BioWare Shuts Down, Mass Effect Future Uncertain, and Modern Warfare 4’s PC Stutter Problem

Charging What You’re Worth: Robin Waite on Pricing, Packages, and Business Mindset

Amazon FBA Success: Brand Building, Profit Margins, and AI Innovations With Neil

User First, Google Second: The Local SEO Playbook

Unlocking SEO Secrets: Expert Tips from Phillip Stemann

The Future of Gaming: Escapism Over Politics – A Call to Developers

Game Publishers, Hardware Makers, and the Struggle to Keep Gaming Affordable

Xbox Chaos: Studio Closures, Leadership Changes, and What’s Next?

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