Day Zero Podcast

Day Zero
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Day Zero is a podcast on video games featuring Rahul Majumdar and Rishi Alwani breaking down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world's greatest entertainment industry. dayzeromedia.substack.com

  1. Steam Update: How Indie Devs Survive the New Algorithm & Wishlist Velocity

    4d ago

    Steam Update: How Indie Devs Survive the New Algorithm & Wishlist Velocity

    While Summer Game Fest brought with it a stellar line up of games reminiscent of the best days of E3, Valve dropped what’s likely the most consequential update for game developers in recent memory. After being in beta for a few months, the Company that Can’t Count to Three revealed a Steam store refresh that changes how industry conducts business on the biggest storefront for PC games. For this special episode of Day Zero, we have Lokesh Joshi, marketing lead at Tathvamasi Studios, the developers behind Suri: The Seventh Note, an upcoming PlayStation India Hero Project game for PS5 and PC. Disclosure: Day Zero podcast host Rishi Alwani has consulted with the studio in the past. From the personal calendar coming in clutch closer to release date for some publishers (such as Loopr Partners who were generous enough to let us talk about Zombutcher as a current case study) to harnessing wishlist velocity and timing the right release date, we got you covered. Time stamps as follows. Introduction and Guest Welcome * 00:00:03: Host Rishi Alwani introduces the episode and guests: Rahul and Lokesh Joshi (marketing lead of Tathvamasi Studios). * 00:00:52: Introduction to the main topic: Big changes and updates to Steam. The Steam Client Refresh (June 5th Update) * 00:01:32: Overview of the June 5th update, including UI changes and backend management for developers. * 00:01:54: Details on the new homepage, featured section, and general usability improvements. * 00:01:59: Introduction of the personal calendar feature for players to track release dates and wishlist games directly. * 00:03:07: Changes to the “Popular Upcoming” algorithm, requiring higher wishlist counts to appear on the list. Impact on Wishlists and Discovery * 00:04:12: How the personal calendar affects niche genres by recommending games based on user taste. * 00:04:30: Speculation on whether wishlists are still the primary metric for success. * 00:05:21: Discussion on how the calendar might help developers acquire “meaningful wishlists” with higher conversion rates. * 00:07:12: The concept of “Wishlist Velocity”—the importance of recent wishlists over older ones. * 00:08:05: Setting context on the “previous meta” where wishlists were the sole driver of visibility and funding. * 00:10:53: Identifying the bottleneck for developers: the requirement of a hard release date to appear on the personal calendar. Platforms and Visibility Case Studies * 00:14:25: Case study of the game Zombutcher and how the Steam update affected its launch visibility. * 00:15:58: The role of Steam Next Fest as a source of free visibility for indie developers. * 00:18:04: Comparison of developer support between Steam and PlayStation, highlighting Sony’s YouTube slots and blog posts. * 00:23:24: Discussion on Steam’s algorithmic nature compared to PlayStation’s storefront. Marketing Strategies for Indie Developers * 00:24:18: The importance of community building and organic content. * 00:24:32: Leveraging Instagram Reels for wide reach and using Reddit for organic feedback. * 00:27:53: Utilising Twitter for the indie community, specifically “Screenshot Saturday”. * 00:29:18: Advice on paid advertising: Don’t do it until you have a playable demo. * 00:31:46: Examples of “gold standard” social media accounts, including No Man’s Sky and Among Us. * 00:32:50: Using Steamworks data to track impressions, conversion rates, and “wishlist deletions”. * 00:35:14: Tips for standing out during Next Fest, including working with content creators and using the Tagging Wizard. * 00:40:40: A reminder that product quality and QA are more important than marketing efforts. What We’re Playing This Week * 00:41:08: Lokesh discusses playing Space Marine 2. * 00:41:44: Rahul discusses the demo for 1666 Amsterdam and the backstory of creator Patrice Desilets and Ubisoft. * 00:44:16: Rahul discusses Echoes of Aincrad (a Sword Art Online title). * 00:46:15: Rahul discusses Valor Mortis, a first-person French “souls-like” set in the Napoleonic era. * 00:49:16: Rishi discusses playing Dishonored 2 and his frustrations with the pacing of Alan Wake 2. Closing and Recommendations * 00:50:31: Final recommendations for games to wishlist: Suri: The Seventh Note, Zombutcher, and Arms Dealer. * 00:51:25: Outro and where to find the hosts and guests on social media. Welcome to Day Zero. This is a podcast about video games breaking down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Linkedin - Lokesh Joshi * Instagram - @Lokesh Joshi * Twitter/X - @RishiAlwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    52 min
  2. The Xbox Reset: Analysing Asha Sharma and Satya Nadella’s Strategic Turnaround

    Jun 17

    The Xbox Reset: Analysing Asha Sharma and Satya Nadella’s Strategic Turnaround

    At this point we might as well call this the Xbox Podcast rather than Day Zero what with the sheer number of times we’ve had to discuss the platform’s ups and downs on the podcast. After a successful Summer Game Fest showcase, it appears that Microsoft realises that a paltry three percent margin isn’t enough to run the Xbox business and cuts are afoot. To the point where not only did Xbox CEO Asha Sharma surface the business margins publicly, but Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called out that Xbox makes more money from YouTube than games. Yikes. In this episode we discuss what to expect from the House of Halo. As well as highlight one of the cooler indie games out of India, Malhaar. It’s a slice-of-life RPG that warrants a wishlist or 20. Time stamps as follows. Xbox Leadership and Initial Reset (February – May 2026) * 00:01:04: Introduction to Asha Sharma’s timeline starting from her joining as Xbox CEO in February 2026. * 00:01:18: Asha Sharma’s first internal memo prioritising human art over “AI slop”. * 00:01:33: Leadership overhaul, including Matt Booty’s promotion to Chief Content Officer. * 00:01:43: Strategic realignment with the hiring of Matt Ball as Chief Strategy Officer. * 00:01:49: Shift in success metrics from Game Pass subscriber counts to Daily Active Users (DAU). * 00:02:03: Rebrand of “Microsoft Gaming” to “XBOX” in all caps. * 00:02:18: Internal discussions regarding the return of console exclusivity. Major Announcements and Fiscal Transparency (June 2026) * 00:02:34: Asha Sharma’s major Bloomberg interview discussing an internal reset and reaching players across all platforms. * 00:02:48: Global price decrease for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. * 00:02:53: Leaks regarding the next-gen hardware codename, Project Helix. * 00:03:05: Xbox Fan Fest highlights, including the translucent green Xbox and announcements for Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. * 00:04:04: Detailed breakdown of Asha Sharma’s memo regarding a three percent accountability margin and a half-billion-dollar revenue decline over five years. * 00:05:20: Critique of the “toxic positivity” of previous management (Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond) compared to Sharma’s transparency. * 00:06:11: Analysis of the unsustainability of the Game Pass model and the difficulties of keeping publishers happy in a subscription service. Strategic Challenges and Future Revenue Models * 00:09:40: Matt Ball’s comments to The Game Business regarding the challenges facing the company. * 00:10:27: Discussion on the failed “This is an Xbox” campaign and the lack of a clear reason to buy a $500–$650 console. * 00:12:10: Exploration of potential revenue streams, including ad-supported tiers similar to Netflix and Prime Video. * 00:14:07: Identification of the target audience for these executive statements: investors and VCs rather than gamers. * 00:16:10: The expansion of the Xbox Game Studio Store and physical merchandise (e.g. Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fable Collector’s Editions),. Satya Nadella’s “Hard Fork” Interview and Structural Changes * 00:18:27: Detailed look at Satya Nadella’s interview with the Hard Fork podcast. * 00:19:02: Nadella’s “nuke”: Asserting that Xbox must become a sustainable business after 25 years of investment. * 00:19:34: Nadella’s admission that Microsoft has been subsidising entertainment, noting that monetisation is happening more on YouTube than on Microsoft platforms,. * 00:21:00: Rumours from The Information regarding spinning off the Halo franchise to external studios. * 00:21:32: Criticism of Microsoft’s failure to capitalise on the success of the Fallout and Halo TV shows with timely game releases. * 00:24:52: Concerns over the loss of institutional knowledge following the closures of studios like Arkane Austin. Hardware Future and Developer Impact * 00:25:46: Disclosure of A-B testing showing that pushing individual games sometimes performs better than pushing Game Pass. * 00:27:42: Potential risks to the Developer Acceleration Program (XDAP) and funding for developers in regions like India and Southeast Asia,. * 00:29:03: Discussion on rising component prices (up to 5x–7x). * 00:29:56: Estimated timeline for Project Helix hardware (late 2027 or early 2028). * 00:30:18: The possibility of Xbox moving to a reference design model, allowing third-party OEMs (like ASUS or HP) to build Xbox consoles. * 00:32:02: Rumours of over 1,000 layoffs planned for July 2026, specifically targeting marketing and regional teams. * 00:33:30: Mention of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 announcement. * 00:34:55: Final thoughts on Xbox entering its “Dreamcast era”. * 00:35:21: Wishlist callout for Indian indie game, Malhaar and wrap-up. Welcome to the Day Zero Podcast. Every week we break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    36 min
  3. Why FF7 Revelation, GoW Laufey, & Xbox Exclusives Won Summer Game Fest

    Jun 11

    Why FF7 Revelation, GoW Laufey, & Xbox Exclusives Won Summer Game Fest

    E3 is dead only in name. The Summer Game Fest has embodied the spirit of what used to be the convergence of the video games industry. And while everyone and their grandma’s cat has given a blow-by-blow account of what was, this episode of Day Zero takes a slightly different approach. We discuss what we believe are the biggest announcements from the week that was the Summer Game Fest. From Sony’s State of Play to Xbox’s exercise in exclusivity and even a sterling third-party showing from the likes of Capcom, Square Enix, and Sega, there’s a lot to unpack. And despite rising hardware prices and dubious decision-making, there’s some gaming goodness yet to be had this year. Bear in mind this was recorded before the Nintendo Direct or Microsoft’s ongoing public relations disaster that is its Xbox leadership. We’ll probably touch on those next week. Oh and if you were expecting us to opine on the India Game Showcase, we explain why we don’t in the first minute or so. Time stamps as follows: Introduction and Overview * (00:00:03): Welcome and introduction by hosts Rishi Alwani and Rahul Majumdar. * (00:01:04): Analysis of Sony’s State of Play (or what the hosts argue should be called a “PlayStation Showcase”). * (00:01:55): Discussion of major Sony first-party showings: Wolverine, Until Dawn 2, and God of War: Laufey. * (00:02:40): Commentary on missing Sony announcements like Fairgames (potentially renamed Break In) and the focus on Marathon Season 2. * (00:03:05): Analysis of the slump in exclusive sales and the unsustainable cost of game development. * (00:04:31): Frustration over the high pricing of PS5 consoles in India, which have reached 80k–90k INR ($800–$900) at exclusive stores in 2026. Xbox Strategy & Messaging * (00:06:03): Transition to Xbox’s “exclusive pivots” and confusing messaging. * (00:06:35): Comparison of exclusivity stances: Gears of War: E-Day remaining exclusive while Halo Campaign Evolved is announced for PS5. * (00:10:12): A historical look at Xbox’s 25-year relationship with exclusivity, noting that major IPs like Halo and Fable have historically been ported to PC. * (00:12:28): Discussion on the difficulty of buying Xbox hardware in India and the reliance on the used market. * (00:13:10): Reaction to strategist Matthew Ball’s admission that Game Pass lost millions of subscribers after price hikes. * (00:13:25): Critique of new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and the narrative surrounding her “first 100 days”. * (00:15:24): Surprise announcement of Senua coming to PS5. * (00:20:55): Announcement of 25th Anniversary Xbox Series X and controller in translucent green. Summer Game Fest Highlights * (00:22:52): Deep dive into Final Fantasy VII Revelation, including its use of Unreal Engine 4 and its simultaneous multi-platform release. * (00:24:50): Note on Travis Willingham replacing Tyler Hoechlin as the voice of Sephiroth. * (00:27:47): Technical discussion of Gears of War: E-Day, highlighting new movement mechanics (manual jump, prone cover) and ray-traced global illumination. * (00:32:52): Highlight of the Thief Remaster from Night Dive Studios, expected at the end of 2026. * (00:34:09): Discussion of God of War: Laufey, confirming it is a side-narrative taking place concurrently with the 2018 and Ragnarok titles. Final Segment: What We’re Playing * (00:42:43): Rahul’s impressions of Mouse: PI for Hire, noting its serious narrative balance and noir inspirations. * (00:45:29): Rishi’s experience with the rhythm strategy game War Drum and a “high chaos” run of Dishonored 2. * (00:46:40): Closing remarks and social media handles for Rahul Majumdar and Rishi Alwani. Day Zero is a video games podcast from Rahul Majumdar and Rishi Alwani. We break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Comments? Opinions? Good takes or bad? Find us with yours at the handles below: * Twitter/X - @RishiAlwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    47 min
  4. The State of PlayStation 2026: Few PS5 Exclusives, Many PSN Hacks

    May 31

    The State of PlayStation 2026: Few PS5 Exclusives, Many PSN Hacks

    This episode of the Day Zero Podcast is out earlier than expected simply because we wanted to discuss all things PlayStation before the big PS5 State of Play later in the week. In this episode, we dissect ongoing security concerns that plague PlayStation users which can essentially have your entire digital library taken away from you. Along with this we also talk about the ungodly pricing for PS5 hardware (which doesn’t need be given how much money the megacorp makes), the PlayStation retreat from PC which makes exclusives the norm at the cost of accessibility, and high PS Plus Subscription costs to name a few. It’s not all doom and gloom though, we also highlight some of the good the company is doing through its India Hero Project programme, which is, in our opinion, the gold standard in how indie game devs should be treated. Time stamps as follows: Introduction and Overview * 00:00:03: An overview of the “State of PlayStation” discussion. * 00:00:25: Summary of topics to be covered: PSN security, the state of exclusives, anti-consumer hardware pricing, and indie studio support. PlayStation Network (PSN) Security * 00:00:59: Discussion on reported PSN security vulnerabilities and account theft. * 00:01:21: Detailed account of games media personality Colin Moriarty’s account hack, including how hackers spoofed official support numbers. * 00:04:37: Insights into how easily hackers can gain access using rudimentary information, such as credit card receipts from restaurants. * 00:05:52: Discussion on the high value of early PSN accounts and Sony’s lack of public acknowledgement regarding these security issues. * 00:06:58: Recommended security measures for users, such as using 2FA authenticators and removing payment information from the store. Future Hardware and Digital Strategy * 00:13:29: Discussion on evidence of Sony’s next-gen plans, including two versions of the PS6 and a PS6 handheld. * 00:13:51: Analysis of the shift toward a digital-only ecosystem and the push for PS Plus and cloud streaming. * 00:15:32: Comparison with Nintendo’s handheld success and Valve’s Steam Deck. PlayStation Exclusives and PC Strategy * 00:17:52: News regarding major exclusives like Wolverine and Saros potentially no longer coming to PC. * 00:18:35: Critique of Sony’s “territorial” move regarding accessibility and the mixed success of previous PC ports like The Last of Us Part 1. * 00:26:52: Discussion of the ballooning budgets and labor costs of AAA development in North America. Sony Studio Management and Live Services * 00:28:12: Analysis of studio mismanagement, such as using Bluepoint for live service pitches and the cancellation of The Last of Us online project. * 00:31:04: Critique of the “Jim Ryan era” focus on live services and the waste of specialized single-player talent. * 00:31:31: Discussion of the Bungie acquisition, the end of support for Destiny 2, and the failure of Concord. Hardware Pricing and Indie Support * 00:36:43: Discussion on why PS5 hardware prices have remained high years after launch and the increase in PS Plus subscription costs. * 00:39:57: Overview of Sony’s positive work with the India Hero Project and other regional indie initiatives. * 00:41:14: Recognition of Shuhei Yoshida’s influence on the indie division and second-party deals for games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Favorite Games of First Half 2026 * 00:44:05: Segment on the best games worth playing from the first half of 2026. * 00:44:11: Rahul’s highlights: Resident Evil 9 Requiem, Nioh 3, and Pragmata. * 00:47:37: Rishi’s highlights: Fishbowl, Dosa Divas, and War Drum. * 00:49:14: Discussion of other notable titles: Esoteric Ebb, Romeo as a Dead Man, and Forza Horizon 6. Conclusion * 00:50:36: A look ahead to upcoming releases like Phantom Blade Zero and Gears of War: E-Day. * 00:51:27: Final wrap-up and social media handles. Welcome to the Day Zero podcast. We break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    52 min
  5. Tencent’s India Strategy, PS Plus Price Hikes, and AC Black Flag Resynced Preview

    May 28

    Tencent’s India Strategy, PS Plus Price Hikes, and AC Black Flag Resynced Preview

    Welcome to a special episode of Day Zero. With us this time around is friend of the show and editor-in-chief of Story Mode, Karan Pradhan to discuss Ubisoft’s upcoming remake of historical murder ‘em up, Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag. Rechristened as Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, he’s played a close to final build of the game in the run up to its July 9 release date. Be it Resynced’s faithfulness to the original (or lack thereof), comparisons to newer games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows or Ghost of Yotei, we got you covered. In addition to this, we also talk about Tencent’s India ambitions following its big event with the Indian government. Then again calling Tencent’s efforts here as ambitious is charitable given that the megacorp has committed a paltry USD 1 million over three years versus the likes of Krafton, Garena, Xbox, and PlayStation spending a whole lot more with a lot less noise. Along with this, the event had the Indian games industry’s lobbying for government funding into the sector (which is an exceptionally bad idea) which we touch upon as well. Finally, we dissect PlayStation’s price hike for its PS Plus subscriptions for India Welcome to the Show and What to Expect * 00:00:03 – Welcome and host introductions (Rishi Alwani, Rahul Majumdar, and Karan Pradhan). * 00:00:25 – Overview of the episode’s main topics: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, PlayStation Plus price hikes, and Tencent’s investment in India. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Preview * 00:01:03 – Karan discusses his hands-on preview at Ubisoft Pune. * 00:02:07 – Initial impressions: The game feels like a modern 2026 title rather than a simple remaster. * 00:03:10 – Discussion on controls and parkour mechanics, including changes to the sprint and jump buttons. * 00:05:11 – Confirmation that the modern-day sections are removed and replaced by the Animus Hub. * 00:06:31 – Analysis of moment-to-moment gameplay, planning missions, and the “insta-fail” eavesdropping missions. * 00:08:42 – Deep dive into combat mechanics, including parry windows, “ugly but effective” sword fighting, and comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima. * 00:10:02 – Discussion on the nature of preview events and how being “overpowered” in a demo can skew early opinions. * 00:13:08 – Technical details: Playing on high-end PCs, visual optimization, and the quality of water effects. * 00:15:41 – Gear and Progression: A shift from stat-based DPS to rewarding player skill and flare, plus the introduction of trinkets similar to Far Cry 6. * 00:18:23 – Tailing and Eavesdropping: How mission structures have been tweaked to be more fluid and less punishing than the original game. PlayStation Plus Price Hikes in India * 00:20:42 – Introduction to the subscription price increases in the Indian market. * 00:21:12 – Pricing Breakdown: * Essential: Increased from ₹4,000 to approximately ₹5,100 yearly. * Extra: Jumped from ₹6,700 to ₹8,700 yearly. * Deluxe: Increased from ₹7,600 to nearly ₹9,900 yearly. * 00:23:49 – Impact on accessibility and the “sweet spot” of the middle-tier subscription. * 00:25:12 – Discussion on cloud saves being “held hostage” and manual workarounds for backing up PS5 save files. * 00:27:31 – Strategic concerns regarding a surge in interest for jailbreaking consoles due to rising costs. * 00:28:31 – Comparison between PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass, focusing on library depth versus day-one releases. Tencent’s ₹100 Million Investment in India * 00:31:30 – Details of the MOU signed with the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) to develop India’s AVGC ecosystem. * 00:33:59 – Critique of the investment amount (approx. $1.2 million), noting it is relatively small compared to other industry players like Krafton. * 00:35:08 – Debate on whether the Indian government should provide grants for game development versus relying on venture capital. * 00:39:06 – Analysis of Tencent’s institutional approach to engaging with the government to prevent “overnight bans”. * 00:39:39 – “Hawkish” vs. “Dovish” views on Chinese corporate influence in creative outputs. * 00:41:02 – Rumours regarding Valorant Mobile being published by Tencent in India instead of Riot Games. What Have You Been Playing This Week? * 00:42:22 – Rahul: Saros (review), Mouse PI for Hire, and anticipation for Lego Batman and 007 First Light. * 00:43:30 – Karan: Zero Parades and initial impressions of Lego Batman. * 00:46:22 – Rishi: Thick as Thieves and Forza Horizon 6. Closing and Socials * 00:50:11 – Final notes on physical game pricing for 007 First Light and consumer advice for day-one purchases. * 00:50:50 – Where to find the hosts and their work (The Screen Zone, Story Mode) Welcome to the Day Zero Podcast. Every week we break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    52 min
  6. Nintendo India Timeline, Krafton ChatGPT Drama, and Forza Horizon 6 Impressions

    May 20

    Nintendo India Timeline, Krafton ChatGPT Drama, and Forza Horizon 6 Impressions

    It’s been a hot minute since the last episode of Day Zero, which we’ve been told, broke certain parts of the internet due to our reporting on all things Nintendo in India. For those of you that tuned in, subscribed, and reached out — thank you for supporting independent media. And for those of you that shamelessly stole our work without crediting it us for clout — may you be blessed with the sound of nails on chalkboards between your ears for all eternity. With that out of the way, this episode has us answering all your questions regarding Nintendo’s India entry. Along with this we also break down the company’s recent history of attempts to enter the country, its relationship with Indian developers, and discuss the surprisingly vibrant and vocal Nintendo India community. We also examine the subscription numbers for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass in India too. Furthermore, Subnautica 2 finds itself in the spotlight. Amidst a decline in the battle royale genre that Krafton itself pioneered and a CEO that’s more clanker than human — to the point of disregarding human legal advice in favour of ChatGPT leading to an embarrassing lawsuit with Subnautica 2’s developers — there’s joy to be had in the Korean megacorp’s comeuppance. Finally we discuss Xbox’s critical and commercial masterpiece that is Forza Horizon 6 in addition to what we played this week, including Dead As Disco. Time stamps as follows: Welcome to the Show, Here’s Why You Should Listen * (00:00:03): Introduction to episode 25 of the DayZero Podcast with hosts Rishi Alwani and Rahul Majumdar. * (00:00:13): Rishi’s career history, including his time as a games journalist at NDTV, IGN India, and his current work with games business newsletter and consulting. * (00:01:43): Rahul’s career history, including running the site TechQuila, working at IGN India and GLHF, his experience in the Indian film industry, and his current site, The Screen Zone. Nintendo’s Arrival in India * (00:03:45): Initial discussion on Nintendo officially entering the Indian market. * (00:04:32): History of Nintendo in India, specifically how consoles like the Wii and Switch have been available for years through the grey and parallel markets. * (00:06:30): Piracy vs. Spending Power, addressing the audience that chooses to spend on entertainment and the convenience of digital subscriptions like Nintendo Switch Online. * (00:07:34): The Indian Nintendo Community, highlighting the Super Smash Bros. scene and international representation. * (00:08:03): Comparisons to Sony’s PS2 strategy, discussing why Nintendo might launch the Switch 1 late in India. * (00:10:51): Logistics of the launch, including potential partnerships (Redington), the importance of the eShop, and after-sales service/warranties. * (00:12:30): Nintendo’s relationship with Indian developers, mentioning their support for games like Raji and interactions at the India Game Show. * (00:14:23): Manufacturing and BIS certification, discussing the possibility of local assembly and the hurdles of the Bureau of Indian Standards process. * (00:15:25): Broader state of the Indian gaming market, covering the dominance of PlayStation, PC gaming trends (laptops with 3050/4050 cards), and the small Xbox user base. * (00:17:09): Spending habits and the second-hand market, explaining the popularity of physical games due to resale value. * (00:18:49): Nintendo’s transmedia push, discussing how movies like Super Mario Bros. and the upcoming Zelda film factor into their expansion. * (00:20:26): Subscription numbers in India, estimating 100K-110K Game Pass subs and roughly 500K PlayStation Plus subscribers. Subnautica 2 and Krafton Controversy * (00:22:27): Overview of Subnautica 2’s successful early release and the drama involving studio Unknown Worlds and its parent company, Krafton. * (00:22:57): Hostile takeover attempt, detailing how the Krafton CEO allegedly used ChatGPT to consult on business decisions and tried to “kneecap” the studio to avoid paying a $250 million bonus. * (00:27:32): The state of the Battle Royale genre, noting its decline outside of mobile-heavy markets like India and China. Forza Horizon 6 * (00:31:07): Impressions of Forza Horizon 6, including performance on gaming laptops and the Xbox handheld (ROG Xbox Ally X), plus a weird launch bug requiring an “Alt-Tab”. * (00:31:34): Indian pricing concerns, comparing the high cost of Forza Horizon 6 (₹5,499) to Forza Horizon 5 (₹3,299) and the lack of a physical Xbox release. * (00:32:59): The “Fable Engine” debate, debunking the idea that Forza’s high optimisation automatically means the upcoming Fable game will run well on mid-range hardware. Games Played This Week * (00:37:00): Game of Thrones: King’s Road, an action RPG from Netmarble currently unavailable in India on certain platforms. * (00:38:13): Dead As Disco, with impressions of its “Arkham-style” combat and Suda 51-esque vibe. * (00:40:17): Replaced, a brief mention of picking up the game. Closing * (00:40:23): Social media handles and sign-off. Every week we break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry in the Day Zero Podcast. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    41 min
  7. Nintendo India Switch Launch Plans, Rockstar GTA 6 Crunch and the Mixtape "Controversy"

    May 13

    Nintendo India Switch Launch Plans, Rockstar GTA 6 Crunch and the Mixtape "Controversy"

    Another week, another reason for GTA 6 to be in the news cycle. And like every generational pairing, be it peanut butter and chocolate, America and oil, or AI and circular funding, a Rockstar-developed game and crunch is one you can definitely count on. In this episode of the Day Zero podcast we discuss rumours of Rockstar’s India team crunching to meet the GTA 6 release date along with taking an “insider” to task for confusing a company with a long history of mismanagement as an “Indian work culture issue”. Along with this we talk about Nintendo’s imminent India arrival. Potential timelines, release dates, prices, and what to expect (spoiler: not the Nintendo Switch 2 it seems) are all laid bare complete with our thoughts on the company’s belated India return. Also, we weigh in on the controversy surrounding Mixtape, the latest game from indie publishing powerhouse Annapurna Interactive. Like most things in life, this too seems exaggerated by a set of grifters. Finally we round things off with what we’ve been playing this week, namely: Forza Horizon 6, Pragmata, Saros, and Mixtape. Time stamps as follows: Introduction and Overview * 00:00:11 – Overview of the episode’s main topics: GTA crunch, Nintendo’s India plans, and the Mixtape indie game controversy. GTA 6, Rockstar India, and Industry Crunch * 00:00:36 – Discussion begins regarding Glassdoor reviews of Rockstar Bengaluru alleging intense crunch (3am work hours). * 00:01:00 – Reaction to claims by “insider” Kiwi Talkz that crunch is simply “normal day-to-day work in India”. * 00:01:33 – Refutes the claim that extreme crunch is the standard across the Indian games industry. * 00:02:16 – Contextualising Rockstar’s history of crunch, specifically during the development of Red Dead Redemption 2. * 00:03:19 – Confirming that crunch is happening on GTA 6 and discussing how Rockstar has “exported” the problem to countries with less games journalism oversight. GTA 6 Release and PS5 Bundles * 00:04:37 – Discussion on the projected November release and a potential PS5 bundle. * 00:05:10 – Updates on PS5 supply issues in India and expected price hikes for the disc and digital versions. * 00:06:50 – Analyzing the “worst of both worlds” where US crunch culture meets Indian entertainment industry work habits. * 00:07:57 – Personal anecdotes about crunch in gaming journalism and the impact of the lack of specialized talent in India. Nintendo’s Official India Entry Plans * 00:10:02 – Introduction of the rumor regarding Nintendo officially launching in India. * 00:10:20 – Details on the planned launch: early next year at a price point of approximately 20,000 rupees. * 00:10:33 – Clarification that this launch is for the Switch 1, likely the base model, not the Switch 2. * 00:11:14 – Discussion on distribution, with Redington named as the likely partner. * 00:12:12 – Targeted launch window of February or March and details on the Nintendo India team. * 00:13:06 – Discussion on the “weird decision” to launch a 10-year-old console and how it compares to current grey market prices. * 00:15:44 – The challenge of brand awareness in India and how consumers want to be treated as “first-class citizens” regarding global release dates. * 00:17:38 – The hurdle of piracy and the potential “big win” for Nintendo’s IP like Pokemon and Zelda. The Mixtape “Controversy” and Online Discourse * 00:18:16 – Transition to discussing the indie game Mixtape. * 00:18:50 – Contrasting the game’s critical acclaim (including 10/10 scores) with the “culture war” attacks it has faced online. * 00:19:59 – Evidence of review bombing on Steam and the debate over “games as art” vs. traditional gameplay. * 00:22:33 – Personal impressions of the game. * 00:24:43 – Addressing the controversy surrounding Annapurna’s ownership and their connection to AI and surveillance. * 00:27:52 – Analysing the backlash to the IGN 10/10 review and the general misunderstanding of how media outlets review games. * 00:30:09 – Discussion on the harassment of journalists, such as Gene Park, following positive coverage of the game. What We’re Playing This Week * 00:31:04 – Rahul discusses finishing Pragmata, noting its short length and Resident Evil-style progression. * 00:32:25 – Rahul shares his experience with Saros, comparing its difficulty and accessibility to Returnal. * 00:34:41 – Rishi discusses playing Forza Horizon 6 on PC and checking out Mixtape and Saros. Outro * 00:35:22 – Social media handles and sign-off. This is the Day Zero podcast. Every week we break down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    36 min
  8. Saros PS5 Review, Valve's $100 Steam Controller, and May's Massive Game Releases

    May 6

    Saros PS5 Review, Valve's $100 Steam Controller, and May's Massive Game Releases

    Another week, another episode. This time we’re focusing on Valve’s latest hardware drop: the new Steam Controller. It’s been a hot minute since the House Gaben built released its first-generation Steam Controller, only to be discontinued four years later. Fast-forward to now and the company’s second stab at it might be its most promising yet. We also discuss how you could get your hands on it if you aren’t living in a market Valve is selling the new Steam Controller in like India. Along with this, we discuss PS5 exclusive Saros’ gameplay chops and the early commercial response to it thus far, May Madness — our term for the veritable deluge of gaming goodness hitting shelves digital and physical this month such as 007 First Light, Dead as Disco, Thick as Thieves, and Forza Horizon 6, and Xbox’s revenue from games making it to the PS5 courtesy Alinea Analytics. Finally, we round off the episode with what we’ve been playing this week. Namely Crimson Desert, Pragmata, and Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. Time stamps as follows: Introduction and Overview * (00:00:00): High-level overview of topics: Steam Controller, Saros, and the May Madness of game releases. Valve’s New Steam Controller * (00:00:31): Initial impressions and discussion of the $100 price tag. * (00:01:21): Hardware features, including dual trackpads and new TMR analog sticks to reduce stick drift. * (00:01:46): Discussion on software limitations, specifically that it only works natively through Steam without workarounds. * (00:03:34): Challenges of buying Valve hardware to India, including grey market imports and lack of official distribution. * (00:09:03): Speculation on future “Steam Machines” from third-party manufacturers like Asus and HP. Saros Deep Dive * (00:11:01): Introduction to Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal by Housemarque. * (00:11:53): Impressions of the Saros haptic feedback and sound design on the DualSense controller. * (00:12:40): Comparison to other roguelikes like Hades regarding permanent progression and difficulty. * (00:13:30): Breakdown of new gameplay mechanics: shields, movement speed, and the Eclipse risk/reward loop. * (00:18:10): Analysis of the game’s sales performance and marketing in India,. Every Video Game You Should Care About in May 2026 * (00:19:21): Overview of the major titles releasing in May. * (00:20:22): Forza Horizon 6: Discussion on its Day 1 release on PS5. * (00:20:44): Lego Batman: How it differs from the Arkham series with a populated open-world Gotham. * (00:22:16): Thick as Thieves: Excitement for the new game from immersive sim veteran Warren Spector. * (00:23:06): Dead as Disco: A viral rhythm-based brawler entering early access. * (00:23:38): Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Discussion on the upcoming Switch port. * (00:25:11): Other notable mentions: Zero Parades for Dead Spies, Paralives, and Romestead. Xbox Game Sales on PS5 * (00:25:40): Breakdown of sales data from Alinea Analytics, highlighting that Forza Horizon 5 has sold 5.8 million units on PlayStation. * (00:26:49): The total gross revenue for the 13 analyzed titles reaching $667 million. What We’re Playing This Week * (00:28:01): Rahul’s progress in Pragmata via GeForce Now. * (00:28:20): Updates on Crimson Desert and its frequent patching. * (00:29:55): Rishi’s thoughts on Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and its “MCU-style” story. Closing and Giveaway * (00:31:21): Housekeeping and announcement of the Marathon Controller winner. * (00:31:41): Social media handles and sign-off. This is Day Zero, a podcast is about video games breaking down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world’s greatest entertainment industry. Have a request? Hot take? Insider tip? Reach us at the handles mentioned below: * Twitter/X - @rishialwani * Threads - @rishi.alwani * Instagram - @rishi.alwani * Twitter/X - @darthrahul * Threads - @darthrahul * Instagram - @darthrahul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dayzeromedia.substack.com

    32 min
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About

Day Zero is a podcast on video games featuring Rahul Majumdar and Rishi Alwani breaking down the bytes and bits behind the decisions that make and break the world's greatest entertainment industry. dayzeromedia.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Day Zero
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Day Zero
  • Show Website
    Day Zero Podcast