Press Row Podcast: Entering Awards Season
Two of the biggest annual gaming events have just taken place between the PlayStation Experience and The Game Awards. Both were sure disappointments for anyone hoping to see sports games represented. This episode of the Press Row Podcast features discussion on the events and why, despite their place dominating sales charts and high cultural relevance, sports games continue to go without recognition.
Also in this episode a look ahead at possible features for NHL 19, the announcement of a s...
Press Row Podcast: Diving deep into NBA 2K18
We welcome Scott O’Gallagher from the NBA 2K development team back to the show this week! Along with host Rich Grisham, Scott explores NBA 2K18‘s gameplay, including ‘chalkboard’ sessions to help players understand what’s happening on the court – and why. They also discuss the game’s push into eSports, how different segments of fans look for widely varying experiences​, and what the transition from support from ‘yearly’ to â...
Press Row Podcast: Evolution or Revolution
It's an especially tumultuous time for the gaming industry as aggressive monetization tactics face intense pushback from media and consumers. Even as sports games consistently reside near the top of the sales charts and generate extraordinary digital revenue publishers are looking ahead for how to not only sustain that success but grow even further.
In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the subject of microtransactions/loot boxes and their influence on game design is revisited with dis...
Press Row Podcast: Xbox One X and Sports Games
What can more powerful hardware do to improve some already very good sports video games? We got the answer this week with the release of the Xbox One X and in this episode of the Press Row Podcast the benefits of the pricey new console are examined.
The likes of Madden NFL 18, FIFA 18, NBA 2K18, and Forza can now be played in native 4K with HDR (true also of the PS4 Pro) but the improvements go beyond the visuals on Xbox One X. Framerates can be better and loading times are significantly ...
Press Row Podcast: Team Builders
The Ultimate Team style modes in sports games are more popular with consumers than ever before, and they're also leaned on more than ever by publishers for the revenues they provide. What is it about these team building, card collecting modes that have proven to be so compelling and successful? What challenges do they face right now and into the future? A panel of experts on the various modes throughout the genre discuss the phenomenon on this episode.
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Press Row Podcast: Loot boxes and an industry at a crossroads
Whether it’s the VC in NBA 2K18 or the increased presence of “loot boxes” in other high-profile games, the influence on development directly related to monetization efforts is at the forefront of discussion right now amongst gaming press and consumers.
In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the panel covers why it has taken until now for such immense backlash to formulate, the necessity of publishers/developers to find ways to generate digital revenue post-release, wh...
Press Row Podcast: The big business of sports video games
Sports video games are enjoying – in many cases – their most profitable releases ever. In other areas, however, there are reasons for concern. We’re joined by Mat Piscatella from the NPD to explore all the angles around the big business – and big money – of sports video games. What does all of this mean to consumers? What about developers? Who are the big winners, and who stands to be left out of the party? It’s a fun and fascinating look at the busi...
Press Row Podcast: Game Informant
With the recent avalanche of releases how does a sports gaming fan choose where to spend their money and time? Matthew Kato of Game Informer is welcomed for this episode of the Press Row Podcast to help sort through all the games that have recently arrived. Discussion includes which of the soccer games is the one to get, how microtransactions are affecting series like NBA 2K and Forza, the best sports game for the unfamiliar or inexperienced, the biggest surprises and disappointments as of l...