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The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal countdown is well underway with a firm deadline of March 2025 -- but when will Nintendo officially announce and reveal the next-gen successor to Switch? Will it be this year? Or early 2025? Pending on reveal timing, so goes the release window. Will Switch 2 release in early 2025 or could it find its way to the latter half of 2025? Furthermore, has the Nintendo Switch exceeded expectation in 2024 as Nintendo begins to transition to new hardware? We discuss this & more.

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While the PS5 enjoys strong software and hardware sales, the system has been burdened with first-party software draughts; but a controversial tactic has been used to ease these slow periods. Are we on the precipice on a software eruption from Sony's internal teams? How will Sony address their shortcomings in the Games as a Service/Live Service production? When will the PS5 Pro launch and does the industry/consumer need a mid-gen refresh like the PS5 Pro? We discuss all this & more.

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As 2024 begins, so does a new dawn for the Xbox Series X|S. With 2023 behind us & a clearer vision for what is to come from Microsoft & the Xbox Series in the near future, there is much to be excited about when it comes to Xbox & gaming. We discuss what we know & what we expect from the Xbox in 2024 -- including new announcements, releases, & MS exploring bringing their titles to other platforms.

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The PlayStation 5 has launched & many are excited for Sony's latest hardware. With an innovative new controller & a strong launch lineup of first-party releases, the PlayStation 5 has a fresh feeling to it; but are the games serving as distractions to other issues? While an impressive piece of hardware, certain areas of the PS5 feel incomplete. Are these concerns just a firmware update away from being rectified? We discuss.

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The dawning of a new console generation is upon us, with Microsoft serving as the creator. However, something is amiss with this console genesis, at least on Microsoft and the Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S side of things. When compared to previous next-gen introductions, the new line of Xbox hardware has a noticeable problem: software. Is this a reason for pause? Should you question your purchase? We discuss. 

With the Xbox Series X and Series S now in the hands of consumers,  what is next for Microsoft? We discuss how Microsoft needs to build momentum leading into 2021 and how they can excite the Xbox base and prospective buyers with software announces, new acquisitions, and more.

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The Nintendo Switch hardware is expecting a new arrival in 2021 with the release a revision of the hybrid model, but could Nintendo release another formfactor? Some industry analysts think Nintendo should drop the hybrid and favor the Lite; but we think Nintendo should add another form: home console. 

With Cloud Versions of select software now available on Switch in all regions, what could the arrival mean for the Switch Pro revision? Will we see Switch get Cloud Versions, while Pro gets native ports? We discuss. 

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Nintendo have enjoyed strong sales in 2020; but this is the calm before the storm that awaits in 2021. With a hardware revision poised for release & hotly anticipated sequels set for launch, the Nintendo Switch is in the perfect position to deliver a year that rivals 2017 in terms of first-party output. Factor in third-party support & 2021 could be one of the strongest years in Nintendo history. It's an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan and 2021 has all the makings to be the year that many have been waiting for.

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The subject matter of crunch in gaming has been an ongoing topic of conversation throughout 2020 & it has once again surfaced due to mandated crunch at CD Projekt Red in regards to the development of Cyberpunk 2077. However, the crunch culture isn't exclusive to CDPR. In fact, it permeates through the entire industry. We talk with a developer about their own personal experience with crunch, what causes it, & how it can be changed.

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Sony have officially detailed their backwards compatibility solution for the PlayStation 5 and it is more promising than expected. Touting support of over 4,000 games on launch day, the PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility plan is similar to what Microsoft has crafted for Xbox Series X; but one company still holds an advantage. 

How does the PlayStation 5 compare to the Xbox Series X in this regard? We discuss. 

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Microsoft has been transparent & open about many of their initiatives with the Xbox Series X and Series S -- including their backwards compatibility solution. With media getting their hands-on the Xbox Series X, we now know how the platform will handle backwards compatibility & enhance our old games. Does this feature provide the Series X with a system selling advantage over the PS5? We discuss.

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The Nintendo Switch "Pro" is back in the news due to three occurrences over the last week: a retail listing, a Nintendo of America job posting, and a Twitter rumor. Do any of them provide substantial information? Or are all three just random events that provide little to no new insight about Nintendo's 2021 Switch revision?

Furthermore, Sony's marketing is once again confusing people; however, this time due to a curious decision with an upcoming PlayStation 5 launch release -- Marvel's Spider-Man. Is this a sign of things to come? Or is this a one time instance? We discuss. 

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Microsoft have made an industry changing move by purchasing Bethesda and strengthening their first-party studio development team. Microsoft now owns iconic IP, of which include: Doom, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Fallout, Starfield, and The Evil Within. 

Initially, Microsoft will retain contractual agreements, like those on Ghostwhire Tokyo and Deathloop being PS5 timed-exclusives; but how will Microsoft approach future releases? Will the company keep Elder Scrolls exclusive to Xbox, PC, GamePass and xCloud? Or will they bring the franchise to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo platforms? We discuss this and more.

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Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase & announced brand new games for the Switch platform -- including Monster Hunter Rise. We share our thoughts on the show & discuss Nintendo's recent statements about using "cutting edge" technology for future Nintendo hardware. 

Furthermore, we examine the emulator used in Super Mario 3D All-Stars & how it could be applied to other Nintendo 64 and GameCube games for HD eShop releases. Could we see Nintendo use this emulator further to provide Switch owners access to a greater range of legacy software beyond the Nintendo Switch Online service? We discuss.

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The Game Awards are upon us & with it comes predictions. Which company will surprise with an unexpected announcement this year? Will Microsoft bring a major game reveal or GamePass announcement? Could Capcom share with us a first-look at a new Monster Hunter? Will Nintendo have any presence? Could Sony date Death Stranding 2 for PS5?   We discuss our predictions for the show and more.

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Sony officially dated & priced the PlayStation 5 at $399 for PS5 Digital Edition & $499 for PS5 Disc Edition for release on November 12 in North America. Launching alongside Sony's new hardware will be Demon's Souls and a few other Sony published titles, but there's a catch -- Spider-Man: Miles Morales is also releasing for PS4 this holiday season. Despite claims that such a release would not happen, Sony has plans for several more cross-gen games & it includes a major 2021 release. Did Sony lie and deceive with their early PS5 marketing? Or was this just a case of normal business?

Furthermore, we learn that Sony will price PS5 software as high as $69.99. How will this impact consumer buying habits? We discuss this and more.

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Sony is hosting the next PlayStation 5 Showcase this week & they are expected to introduce us to the PS5's price & launch date. We discuss the potential pricing Sony may target with the PS5 and it may surprise you for several reasons. Furthermore, we predict the launch day and launch lineup of PS5 software, evaluate the launch window (opening few months) and how it compares to Microsoft and the Series X.

Beyond announced software, we predict and share our expectations as to what new software Sony may announce at the Showcase and how they may surprise with a new third-party exclusive and, perhaps, a hype inducing first-party announcement to excite fans.

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Nintendo have announced their big holiday 2020 release & it took many by surprise. It may not be The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, but it is the next best thing -- a prequel to Breath of the Wild but presented in the style of a Hyrule Warriors game. Taking place 100 years before the events of the first Breath of the Wild, players will assume control Link, Zelda, and the Guardians as you battle the army of Ganon. Does the release of the prequel give us hints as to when we can expect to see Breath of the Wild 2? Will Nintendo use Age of Calamity to heighten our interests in Breath of the Wild 2's story?  

With the holiday title now known, what does this mean for Nintendo Direct presentations in 2020? There is now little need for a General Direct, but Mini and Partner Showcases remain pivotal for marketing upcoming third-party software. Will we see more of these showings in 2020? If so, how can Nintendo improve the quality of the shows & excite fans with Directs that lack first-party software?

We discuss all this and more.

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The Nintendo Direct presentation of August has aired & it was another installment to the Partner Showcase brand of Directs. Are these the only Direct-style presentation we'll see in 2020? We discuss how Nintendo may approach the remainder of 2020 in terms of how they handle announcing & dating first-party software. This year has proven the games industry is as fluid as ever and nothing is certain.

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It's the final week of August & the Nintendo community is ready for what's to come. Expectation is high. Excitement has the fans shiver in anticipation. The next Nintendo Direct is near, but will it be what fans hope or is Nintendo going to throw a curveball & catch everyone off-guard? 

A tale old as time is the story of the impending Nintendo Switch Pro. Reports & rumors of this fabled hardware have circulated for many moons; but in 2021 the timing is right for a Switch revision. If Nintendo is to launch a new Switch model in early 2021, what can we expect from it in terms of performance and what software does Nintendo release to launch the new model?

We discuss this and more.

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It's been a while since Nintendo hosted an Indie World presentation, but they have confirmed such an event is taking place tomorrow & we are here to share our predictions for the event. Last year's Indie World played host to the announcement of Microsoft's Ori & the Blind Forest for the Nintendo Switch. Could we see a repeat take place this year with Microsoft announcing Ori & the Will of the Wisps for the Switch? Furthermore, many indie titles are need of updates; of which include: Hollow Knight: Silksong, Cuphead Delicious Last Course, Sports Story, Pixel Junk Eden 2, and many more. 

We discuss what we think may be announced during the Indie World presentation & it sounds like it'll be a fun show.

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The month of August will play a pivotal role in Nintendo's Switch software 2020 release planning. To be blunt: it's now or never for Nintendo. Speculation, rumor, and our information suggests that Nintendo has at least one event/presentation set for the month of August - with the high potential for a second, and Nintendo has to detail their 2020 lineup and give fans an idea of what the company is planning for the future. 

Beyond Nintendo, Microsoft is encountering their own communication nightmare, as Halo Infinite for the Xbox Series X & Xbox One family of hardware is now delayed into 2021. Is this delay a major concern or just a significant fall for Microsoft and the Xbox Series X launch momentum?

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Microsoft held their highly anticipated Xbox Games Showcase and the event has received a mixed reaction from fans. While some consider the event to be a disaster for Microsoft,  others have been able to see the long-term vision that the company has as it builds a foundation for a stronger tomorrow. Showcasing software like Halo Infinite, a new Fable, and Avowed, a new IP from Obsidian, Microsoft has a plethora of software on display; yet it felt like the show was missing something. 

We discuss our opinions of the show and what Microsoft offered. 

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After a lengthy period of silence, Nintendo has awakened and begun to open the lines of communication with fans in the form of a Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase. This was the first Nintendo Direct-style presentation since late March, so expectation and hopes were high. For some, this new format delivered; while others are left wondering if Nintendo has abandoned 2020.

We discuss and share our reaction and thoughts to the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase and how Nintendo could use this new platform to their advantage. We also delve deep into Nintendo's marketing plans for 2020 and how they may approach announce and detail their software for not only the remainder of 2020, but for early 2021, as well.

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Many things about the Nintendo Switch 2 remain unknown; but based on leaks and testing, we have a general idea of what type of performance we can anticipate from the yet-to-be announced hardware. With ray-tracing being a key feature of modern hardware, we explore what type of ray-tracing performance we may see on Nintendo Switch 2 & how it'll compare to the PS5 and Xbox Series X.  We discuss.

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A Nintendo Direct is expected to take place on Monday, July 20 and we want to share our predictions of what may happen during this rumored event. Nintendo has been silent for many months now and with no games dated for the remainder of 2020, it is time for them to communicate with fans... directly. 

Will we finally see the long-rumored 3D Mario Collection for the Nintendo Switch? Could Breath of the Wild 2 make an appearance? And what about Metroid? We discuss these titles and many others in our prediction discussion for the yet to be announced Direct.

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Microsoft is going to host an Xbox Software Showcase on July 23 and finally give us a look at what Microsoft's internal first-party studios are making for the Xbox Series X. Microsoft's Phil Spencer is confident in what they have planned for the show, but will it be enough to counter & match what Sony showed us for the PS5 last month? Plus, Microsoft has a couple of major moves they could potentially announce at this event that could alter the gaming landscape in their favor. Cyberpunk 2077 on GamePass, anyone? Join us as we talk with Jeff Grubb and Rand Al Thor about Microsoft's Xbox Series X Software Showcase & learn what we know and what we expect from Microsoft's upcoming event.

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What's the future hold for the Nintendo Direct program and will Nintendo surprise us with a big holiday game? Thus far, 2020 has been a strong year for the Nintendo Switch in terms of software and hardware performance; but that means little to the consumer. Switch owners are craving new software & Nintendo has been reluctant in sharing information about what they have planned for the remainder of the calendar year. We discuss if a July Direct could be in the cards for Nintendo and, if so, what it could reveal. Plus, we grade Nintendo's marketing strategy for the first half of 2020 and how they'll need to approach these final months aggressively to counter Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X.

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Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Part 2 has now released & the reception to the game has been polarizing, to say the least. While divisive releases are nothing knew to the industry, the discourse surrounding The Last of Us Part 2 has been peculiar. While some have indulged in civil conversation to discuss their likes and dislikes, others have leapt to extreme measures, of which include a petition to have Naughty Dog recant the story of The Last of Part 2 and to create a new narrative that a select few feel would be more befitting of the game. We discuss if this is a realistic proposition or an example of gamer entitlement.


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The pricing war between the PS5 and Xbox Series X is going to play a pivotal role in the success of both platforms, but the introduction of Xbox Series Lockhart and the PS5 Digital Edition presents a unique pricing situation that no generation before has witnessed. We discuss and evaluate which company has the advantage when it comes to pricing their next-gen hardware and give realistic pricing for PS5 and Xbox Series X. How important will Lockhart and PS5 Digital Edition factor into the pricing wars? We discuss this and more.

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The PlayStation 5 has officially been revealed and Sony showcased a diverse library of software from first party and third party partners. With games like Demon's Souls and a digital-only PS5 now confirmed, it is clear that Sony is approaching their holiday 2020 launch with laser focus and are ready to challenge Microsoft for the next-gen crown. We discuss how Microsoft can respond to Sony and if Sony's recent wave of announcements has given them the edge of marketing momentum. Sony has shown the future of gaming and that future is now.

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Sony is ready to introduce the world to the PlayStation 5 & we expect them to showcase a range of impressive titles. While we don't expect Sony to talk price or launch date at this event, we do anticipate an exciting PS5 software showcase, in which both first-party developers and third-party partners highlight their PS5 offerings. Will Silent Hill make a return on PS5? Will we finally see BluePoint's new game? We discuss this and more.

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The Nintendo Switch has been the home to a few miraculous software ports, and those responsible for such achievements have now claimed they can port any PS4 and Xbox One game to Nintendo's hardware. Do these claims have merit or are they simply a marketing tool to incentivize developers to contract their studio for potential projects? We discuss if Switch could handle titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and CD Projekt Red's CyberPunk 2077.

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The year without an E3 is now underway. We talk with Venture Beat's Jeff Grubb about the Summer Game Fest and what we can expect from Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft in terms of approach and new announcements. Will Sony show a lot at the PS5 reveal in June? Will Microsoft go heavy with major announcements in July? And what does Nintendo have to announce for the summer and second half of 2020? We discuss this and more.

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Sony partnered with Epic Games to give us a glimpse into the future with the debut real-time gameplay demo of Unreal Engine 5 running on the PlayStation 5. It may not be a real game from an established IP, but the demo showed real gameplay and we now know what Unreal Engine 5 is capable of on PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, there is more to UE5 than meets the eye, as the engine will also be compatible with the Nintendo Switch - thus alleviating concern of future support. We discuss how UE5 shapes the future of gaming and how Sony was smart to use UE5 as a marketing tool for PS5.

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Sony have released the PlayStation Portal: a streaming device that allows users to play their PS5 library wherever, whenever -- well, at least in principle. We have given the PlayStation Portal a battery of tests, played a variety of games & report to you our full thoughts & impressions. Given the portable nature of the device, do we see it replacing our Nintendo Switch in the future or influencing our buying habits in a way that benefits Sony? We discuss.

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The Nintendo Switch achieved several sale milestones in recent weeks, but their latest earning's report sheds light on their 2020 lineup & it may be cause for concern. We analyze Nintendo's latest guidance as it suggests a significant probability that Breath of the Wild 2 not only misses 2020, but also early 2021. How will Nintendo counter PS5 and Xbox Series X? We discuss.

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Microsoft gave the gaming community a glimpse into what the Xbox Series X would offer in terms of software, but the presentation didn't leave a memorable mark. Leaning too heavily on trailers, Microsoft's Inside Xbox showcase failed to show us why the Xbox Series X is a major leap for the industry. Will this marketing mistake prove costly & give the PS5 an edge in the next-gen conversation? Or is Microsoft & the Xbox Series X still in a strong position vs. Sony and the PS5? We discuss.

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Sony have issued an official statement confirming they have caught the individuals responsible for leaking The Last of Us 2. Exact specifics as to how the game was accessed remains unknown, but there are two likely scenarios as to what happened... and both are concerning. We discuss them & let you determine which is the most realistic.

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Microsoft's Phil Spencer compared the coming of Xbox Series X to the revolutionary shift from 2D to 3D gaming. Is there merit to these claims? Will the implementation of ray tracing, SSD, and other hardware upgrades bring a similar revolution? We have John Linneman of Digital Foundry join us to discuss these important topics & much more.

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The champagne isn't pouring at the Naughty Dog or Sony offices to celebrate the new release date for The Last of Us Part 2. Instead, an act of selfishness has tarnished the celebration and turned what should be a day of joy into a day of despair. We discuss the ramifications of the leak and how it not only impacts Sony & Naughty Dog, but the industry and gaming community as a whole.

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The latest Nintendo Switch firmware may have leaked the development profile of an unannounced Switch console. Could the device be a TV-only Switch? A digital-only Switch? Or perhaps something more revolutionary? With a 2020 release unlikely to happen, we discuss what the new Switch hardware may be and when we will see it.

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The PlayStation 5's controller, the DualSense, has been officially detailed by Sony and the controller is a radical change from the DualShock brand. As next-gen plans heat up, the PS5 controller shows a drastic change in direction from Sony as they prepare to compete with the Xbox Series X later this year. What new gameplay possibilities will the DualSense offer? We discuss.

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Square Enix's handling of Final Fantasy 7 Remake has brought forth questions of their marketing intents & whether or not they misled consumers in the lead up to the title's PS4 launch day. With Kimerex Project

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Naughty Dog has delayed The Last of Us Part 2 indefinitely and the ramifications of this delay will extend far beyond Sony and PS4. This is the first of many impending 2020 video game delays, as the delays may soon reach the next-generation launch plans of the PS5 and Xbox Series. Aside from delays, the economic and logistical impacts may have a long-term effect on the video game industry in 2020 and beyond.

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Nintendo is set to celebrate Super Mario's 35th anniversary in a BIG way, as reports suggest the company plans to bring Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy to the Nintendo Switch with new enhancements. Will this trio play a pivotal role in Nintendo's 2020 holiday lineup?

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Nintendo recently gave a statement which aimed to dismiss reports of Switch 2 tech demos at Gamescom earlier this year; but the statement's masterful wordsmithing has created some confusion amongst the Nintendo community. Furthermore, Nintendo has modified slides shown to investors, which may have provided clarity on their ambitions concerning the Switch and the shared software between it & its successor.   We discuss.

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After months of rumors, official PlayStation 5 specs have been revealed. As Sony's next-gen hardware prepares to go up against Microsoft's Xbox Series X, we discuss the PS5 specs & compare them to the Xbox Series X to see which has the edge entering this epic next-generation confrontation.

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With companies withdrawing from PAX East, GDC and other international events, the threat of the COVID-19 is being felt throughout the video game industry. We discuss the potential impacts the virus may have on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, software releases in 2020 and even E3 and other industry events. 

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Crunch time in the video game is nothing new, but the topic has been renewed in recent years as reports of employee burnout and poor management become more prevalent in industry. 

Nate the Hate and MVG discuss how crunch effects the video game industry and how it might be alleviated.

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