The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.

  1. 3d ago

    The Game Deflators E401 | The Truth About Digital Games

    Xbox disc‑to‑digital testing, Sony ending physical games, Krafton bonus payouts, gaming pickups, and an Onimusha Warlords review with guest Barry Carenza of PM‑Studios. 00:00 Intro 03:31 Video Game Pickups 21:59 Digital Transformation in Gaming 27:05 Digitizing Game Collections 29:24 The Challenge of Storage Space 31:27 The Future of Digital Ownership 34:20 Game Sharing and Family Plans 36:51 Sony's Shift to Digital 40:41 The Impact on Consumers 43:07 The Economics of Digital vs Physical 46:28 The Future of Gaming Ownership 01:00:28 The Infinite Backlog of Games 01:01:55 Digital vs Physical: The Game Ownership Debate 01:03:01 Licensing Issues and Game Availability 01:05:45 The Future of Digital-Only Gaming 01:10:28 Consumer Power and the Importance of Physical Sales 01:12:19 The Good News: Crafton and Subnautica 2 01:17:45 Inflation vs Deflation: Onimusha Warlords Review 01:32:09 Outro Video John and Ryan are joined this week by Barry Carenza of PM‑Studios and the Nintendo Fuse Podcast for a packed conversation covering pickups, industry shifts, and retro action classics. The trio opens with their recent gaming pickups, comparing what they’ve added to their collections and what’s currently grabbing their attention. They move into Microsoft’s latest experiment as Xbox begins testing disc‑to‑digital conversions, followed by reactions to multiple companies making fun of Sony’s decision to end physical games. This leads into a deep, extended discussion on Sony’s move away from physical media and the massive ripple effect this shift could have across collectors, retailers, preservation, and the broader gaming market. The group also covers the news of Krafton paying out bonuses to employees after a longstanding disagreement, noting how rare positive labor outcomes are in the industry. To close out the episode, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week features a review of Onimusha Warlords on PS2/PS4, as the hosts revisit the samurai action classic and evaluate how it holds up today.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 31m
  2. Jun 29

    The Game Deflators E400 | 15 Video Games You NEED to Play

    Xbox Helix pricing leak, new Steam Machine pricing, and 15 essential video games everyone should play — featuring Will from PlayStation Ain’t Dead. Chapters: 00:00 Celebrating 400 Episodes and Game Picks 03:13 Game Recommendations and Collecting Magic Cards 06:17 Exploring Game Soundtracks and Vinyl Collecting 09:03 Current Gaming Experiences and Upcoming Titles 12:14 Game Collecting Adventures and Rare Finds 15:10 Diving into Unique Game Narratives 18:13 Final Thoughts on Game Collecting and Deals 22:12 Vinyl Collecting and Gaming Nostalgia 24:46 Current Gaming Picks and Strategies 28:46 Digimon's Resurgence and Legacy 32:00 The Challenges of Game Saving 32:14 Steam Machine Pricing and Market Dynamics 41:38 Project Helix: The Future of Xbox Gaming 44:14 The Future of Gaming Consoles 47:11 Game Pass and Digital Gaming Trends 48:11 Hidden Gems in Gaming 56:13 Exploring Unique Game Mechanics 01:00:07 Family-Friendly Gaming Experiences 01:13:27 Halloween Costumes and Game References 01:14:09 Exploring Prey: A Unique Gaming Experience 01:17:43 Will's Game Recommendations: A Ninja's Perspective 01:20:13 Resident Evil 2: A Classic Horror Experience 01:21:24 Twisted Metal 2: The King of Vehicular Combat 01:24:10 Metal Slug: The Iconic Run and Gun Game 01:26:43 PUBG: The Battle Royale Phenomenon 01:29:58 Recap of Must-Play Games 01:37:07 Outro John and Ryan are joined this week by Will from the PlayStation Ain’t Dead podcast for a focused, discussion‑heavy episode built around industry updates and personal game picks. The trio starts by breaking down the leaked pricing details for the Xbox Helix hardware, followed by reactions to the Steam Machine pricing that was recently announced. From there, each host selects five essential games they believe everyone should play, creating a combined list of 15 standout titles across genres, platforms, and eras. The conversation centers on why these games matter, what makes them memorable, and how they represent the best of what gaming has to offer. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 37m
  3. Jun 22

    The Game Deflators E399 | Xbox FUTURE in Question

    Video Game playthrough updates, upcoming releases, PlayStation and Xbox news, Nintendo breach, Game Pass impact, and a retro review of Yu‑Gi‑Oh! Forbidden Memories. 00:00 Introduction 03:15 Game Pickups and Collectibles 06:22 Current Gaming Experiences 09:17 Investments in Gaming Stocks 12:15 Upcoming Game Releases 15:23 Remote Play and Gaming on the Go 18:13 Industry News: PlayStation Exclusives 21:11 Future of Gaming: Digital vs Physical 24:12 Nintendo Data Breach Discussion 33:18 The Future of Xbox Exclusives 39:15 The Impact of Game Pass on Console Sales 48:12 Studio Closures and IP Ownership 57:13 Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories Review 01:09:05 Outro Video John and Ryan jump into another packed week of gaming talk, starting with what they’re currently playing. Ryan shares his time with Mina the Hollower, while John continues working through Killzone Shadow Fall. The conversation then shifts to upcoming releases the duo is excited about before moving into a discussion on remote play and gaming on the go. Industry news takes center stage as they explore the latest updates around PlayStation exclusives and what those decisions mean for the platform. That leads into a broader conversation about the future of gaming, specifically the ongoing debate between digital and physical media. The episode also covers the recent Nintendo data breach and what’s known so far, followed by a look at where Xbox exclusives may be heading. John and Ryan then break down the impact Game Pass is having on console sales and how subscription models continue to shape the market. They wrap up the news segment with a discussion on Xbox studio closures and IP ownership. To close out the show, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week takes a nostalgic turn with a review of Yu‑Gi‑Oh! Forbidden Memories, as the guys revisit the PS1 classic and evaluate its place in today’s retro market. Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 9m
  4. Jun 15

    The Game Deflators E398 | Nintendo's Epic Fail and Summer Game Reveals

    Showcase week breakdowns, Nintendo legal updates, rising hardware costs, current playthroughs, and a retro review of Monster Rancher Battle Card. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 09:19 Magic: The Gathering Insights 16:01 Brave Fencer Musashi Thoughts 23:10 Current Gaming Adventures: Killzone Shadowfall 23:40 Exciting Game Pickups 25:27 Digital Gaming Trends and Preferences 31:21 Exploring Mina the Hollower: Gameplay and Mechanics 36:28 Diving into Pathfinder: A D&D Experience 38:01 Nintendo vs. Pow World: Legal Battles in Gaming 42:24 Is Gaming a Luxury Hobby? 51:37 Highlights from Summer Games Fest 2026 58:47 Gaming Showcase Highlights 01:01:13 Nintendo Direct Overview 01:06:34 Ocarina of Time Remake Discussion 01:11:33 Monster Rancher Battle Card Review 01:24:54 Outro Video  John and Ryan are back with a full week of gaming updates, starting with their recent pickups and what they’re currently playing. Ryan shares his time with Mina the Hollower, while John dives into Killzone Shadow Fall as part of his ongoing backlog adventures. The conversation moves into Nintendo’s ongoing legal situation, as new analysis suggests the company may only receive a $30,000 payout in its Pokémon‑related case involving Palworld developer Pocketpair. From there, the guys tackle a broader industry question: whether rising hardware prices are pushing gaming closer to becoming a luxury hobby. The episode then shifts into showcase season, with full rundowns of Summer Game Fest 2026, the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, and the June 2026 Nintendo Direct. John and Ryan highlight the major reveals, announcements, and trailers across all three events, comparing how each platform approached its big summer moment. To wrap things up, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week takes a retro turn with a look at Monster Rancher Battle Card on the Game Boy Color, as the duo revisits the spin‑off’s mechanics, presentation, and current market value.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 25m
  5. Jun 8

    The Game Deflators E397 | PlayStation Comes Out Swinging

    Nintendo news, Steam Machine launch, PlayStation State of Play highlights, MTG Marvel set records, and a retro review of Magic: The Gathering Battlemage on the Game Deflators Podcast. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:11 Pickups and current plays 06:09 John's PlayStation 5 Troubles and Game Resolutions 09:11 Ryan's Inflation Deflation Challenge and Game Recommendations 12:11 Mina the Hollower: A Game of the Year Contender 18:20 Innovative Mechanics in Mina the Hollower 24:05 Nintendo's Patent Loss and Switch 2 Developments 30:18 Valve's Steam Machine Release and Pricing Speculations 35:50 Pricing and Marketing Strategies for New Consoles 36:45 PlayStation State of Play Highlights 49:47 Wolverine Game Mechanics and Expectations 51:18 Upcoming Game Events and Releases 52:24 Magic: The Gathering's New Marvel Set Discussion 01:00:32 Review of Magic: The Gathering Battle Mage 01:11:06 Outro John and Ryan return with a full slate of gaming and TCG news. They start with Nintendo’s recently denied touchscreen‑related patent, discussing what the decision means as the company continues navigating its separate legal battle with Pocketpair over Palworld. The conversation then moves to Nintendo’s confirmation that the upcoming Switch 2 will feature a replaceable battery in the EU, adding another notable detail to the next‑gen hardware rollout. The guys also cover Valve’s announcement that the new Steam Machine is officially set to ship this summer, marking the company’s latest move in the hardware space. From there, they break down all of the major reveals and trailers from the June 2026 PlayStation State of Play, highlighting the biggest announcements from the showcase. Magic: The Gathering makes headlines as the new Marvel crossover set breaks records, prompting discussion about the momentum behind the release. To wrap up the episode, John and Ryan revisit the PS1 era with a look at Magic: The Gathering – Battlemage for this week’s Inflation Deflation Game, giving the retro title a fresh evaluation.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 11m
  6. Jun 1

    The Game Deflators E395 | PS6 Rumors and Steam Deck Price Hike

    The Game Deflators break down new pickups, big gaming news, PS6 backwards compatibility rumors, a Steam Deck price jump, and a retro review of Woody Woodpecker on PS2. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:34 Game Pickups and Retro Game Books 06:45 Magic Card Collection and Trading Insights 09:44 Valkyrie Profile Gameplay Experience 12:40 Saros Game Review and Gameplay Mechanics 15:33 Upcoming Game Releases and Personal Gaming Plans 18:51 Microsoft's Exclusive Titles and Banjo Kazooie Nostalgia 35:39 Nostalgia and Character Development in Gaming 37:38 The Future of Xbox Exclusives 40:46 Lenovo's Controversial Handheld Console 47:45 Steam Deck Price Hike and Market Impact 54:43 PlayStation 6 and Backward Compatibility 59:42 Woody Woodpecker Game Review and Nostalgia 01:11:12 Outro John and Ryan return with a fresh round of gaming talk, starting with new pickups from RetroGameBooks.com and a look at what each host has been playing. John is closing in on the finale of Valkyrie Profile, while Ryan celebrates completing Saros and shares thoughts on its final stretch. The conversation shifts to community sentiment as Xbox players voice a growing desire for a revival of Banjo Kazooie. The guys break down why the franchise still resonates and whether Microsoft might finally listen. From there, the episode takes a sharp turn into hardware drama. Lenovo has pulled a handheld device that shipped preloaded with Nintendo and Sega games, raising questions about licensing, oversight, and how something like this makes it to market. The Steam Deck also enters the spotlight after a major price hike that has players debating value, timing, and Valve’s long‑term strategy. PlayStation rumors heat up as reports suggest the PS6 could support PS3 titles thanks to a new CPU design. John and Ryan explore what this could mean for backward compatibility and how it might reshape Sony’s next generation. To wrap up the show, the Inflation Deflation Challenge features a retro review of Woody Woodpecker: Escape from Buzz Buzzard Park on the PS2. The guys revisit its chaotic platforming, oddball charm, and current market value to decide whether it still holds up.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 12m
  7. May 25

    The Game Deflators E395 | PSN Security Fails & Valve Declares War on Scalpers

    A wild week in gaming as PSN accounts get stolen, Valve takes aim at scalpers, rare PS4 copies of Poop Slinger resurface, GTA 6’s publisher flexes its expected profits, and the Game Deflators review Ed Edd n Eddy on GameCube. 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Recent Game Pickups and Magic Cards Discussion 04:51 Gameplay Experiences and Strategies in Commander 07:55 Exploring New Game Mechanics and Deck Strategies 11:06 Valkyrie Profile and Other Game Updates 14:00 Insurance for Game Collectors and Cataloging Collections 16:54 Personal Gaming Experiences and Stardew Valley 19:58 Soros Gameplay and Progression 28:47 News on Limited Game Releases and Poopslinger 34:25 The Impact of Limited Rare on Game Value 34:55 PlayStation Network Security Concerns 37:17 Xbox's Customer Feedback and Exclusive Games 39:02 Grand Theft Auto VI: Anticipation and Financial Projections 47:17 Valve's Strategy Against Scalpers 01:00:42 Ed, Edd n Eddy: Misadventures Review and Nostalgia 01:13:14 Outro John and Ryan dive into one of the strangest and most entertaining weeks in gaming news, blending industry shake‑ups, collector surprises, and a retro review that hits right in the early‑2000s nostalgia. They kick things off with the unexpected return of Poop Slinger, the notoriously rare PS4 oddball that suddenly started appearing in game stores. The guys break down why this bizarre title became a collector legend and what its reappearance means for rarity chasers. From there, the tone shifts as they dig into a growing security mess: PlayStation Network account thefts. Hackers are reportedly exploiting minimal recovery info to hijack accounts, and John and Ryan unpack how this is happening. Next up is the biggest flex in gaming: GTA 6’s publisher openly bragging about the astronomical revenue they expect at launch. The hosts debate whether this confidence is earned hype or corporate chest‑thumping at its finest. Valve enters the spotlight with a surprisingly proactive move as the company unveils its plan to stop Steam Machine scalpers. John and Ryan explore how Valve intends to curb botting and whether this could become a model for future hardware releases. To wrap things up, the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week takes a nostalgic turn with a review of Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Mis‑Edventures on GameCube. Expect childhood memories, questionable physics, and a debate over whether this cartoon tie‑in deserves its current market price.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    1h 14m
  8. May 18

    The Game Deflators E394 | Building a Tabletop Hit with Odd Family Games

    John and Ryan chat with Odd Family Games about Herdvana’s origins, design choices, indie challenges, and the future of tabletop gaming. 00:00 Introduction to Odd Family Games and Hervana 01:42 The Concept and Development of Hervana 06:45 Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy 09:49 Expansions and Additional Features 13:35 Art Style and Visual Development 18:52 Kickstarter Experience and Manufacturing Challenges 23:12 The Journey to Kickstarter Success 24:46 Playtesting and Game Development Insights 27:33 Inspiration from Other Games 30:02 Future Plans for Herdvana 31:23 Navigating the Indie Game Industry 32:57 The Enduring Appeal of Tabletop Games 36:53 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers 41:02 Supporting Indie Games and Community Engagement 44:27 Outro Video John and Ryan sit down with Andrew and Thane of Odd Family Games to dig into the creative spark, design philosophy, and indie hustle behind their breakout tabletop title, Herdvana. The conversation traces how a simple family dinner‑table idea grew into a fully realized game world, why the team focused on a specific emotional experience for players, and how they shaped Herdvana’s visual identity. The group explores the realities of indie manufacturing and distribution, the player feedback that reshaped the game, and the classic titles that influenced Andrew and Thane as designers. They also break down the current state of the indie tabletop scene, why physical games continue to thrive in a digital‑first world, and what advice they’d give to first‑time creators. The episode wraps with how fans can best support Odd Family Games as they continue to grow.   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com   Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators   The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18

    45 min
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Game Deflators are a couple of gamers from Phoenix Arizona that are obsessed with video games dungeons and dragons, and all things nerdy. Check out their weekly episodes for gaming news, discussions and video game reviews.