Explore every episode of the podcast The Character Issues Podcast

This week we are joined by Alex Perry from Mashable to discuss Control Resonant, the NFL, and big ass trucks.  Join us for a crazy cool episode. Thanks as always for listening!

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 09/07/26

1. Nintendo Directs

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-direct-heres-everything-announced-during-nintendos-presentation/

1. Physint

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/i-was-just-shocked-and-surprised-hideo-kojima-says-sony-told-him-physint-was-being-cancelled-over-a-zoom-call/

1. GTA VI

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/netflix-says-gta-6-an-extended-look-got-31-1-million-views-and-topped-its-charts-in-nearly-every-country/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

Rich

1. Gears of War E-Day - 82
2. Orbitals - 89 (82)
3. Castlevania Belmont’s Curse - 92
4. Control: Resonant - 88 (85)
5. Ocarina - 91

Brian

1. Ace Combat 8 - 84
2. Wolverine - 90 (79)
3. Silent Hill Townfall - 80 (82)
4. Fire Emblem Path of Buttholes - 85 (90)
5. Ocarina - 90

Leah

1. Onimusha Way of the Sword - 88 (86)
2. Star Wars Galactic Racer - 85
3. Final Fantasy Resonance - 86
4. GTA 6 - 94
5. Ocarina - 92

www.brianbabbleson.com

98 episodes deep and a full panel, we're back with two more important characters.

Got something to say, email us on characterissues@gmail.com or, visit YouTube.com/characterissues to watch Brian's retro rodeo, or don't...whatever, just don't tell Mom, ok?

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 09/07/26

1. ONL and Gamescom

https://www.thegamer.com/everything-announced-gamescom-onl-2026/\

1. Zero Company gets good reviews and the devs get fucked

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/around-80-of-star-wars-zero-company-studio-bit-reactor-was-reportedly-furloughed-weeks-before-its-release/

1. States of Play

https://blog.playstation.com/2026/09/03/state-of-play-state-of-play-japan-all-announcements-trailers/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Leah is out but the boys are here to rank a couple of completely ridiculous characters.  Join us as we get some real legends on this list.  

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/24/26

1. KINGDOM FUCKING HEARTS

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/kingdom-hearts-d23-blowout-confirms-anime-series-release-window-and-more/

1. Saber being Saber

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saber-ceo-privately-apologies-to-ex-writer-after-publicly-insulting-her-as-studios-ai-disclosure-is-added-to-steam/

1. Duskbloods

https://www.ign.com/articles/the-duskbloods-preview-hands-on-fromsoftware-switch-2-exclusive

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ive-never-played-anything-like-the-duskbloods-and-i-cannot-wait-to-play-more/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Technical issues on Brian's PC requires a highly technological solution! Here for the first time ever, Br1anb0t joins the team. 

A gaijin episode this time folks, a bit of literature club and a quiz for your Monday ears.

Back to normal soon.

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/10/26

STORY 1 - EA 

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ea-could-be-set-for-mass-layoffs-as-it-aims-to-cut-costs-following-saudi-acquisition/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/electronic-arts-completes-its-acquisition-deal-is-now-officially-owned-by-saudi-arabias-pif/

STORY 2 - GTA

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/an-extended-look-at-gta-6-is-coming-to-netflix-later-this-month/

STORY 3 -   ANDREW ELMORE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1Ecf6cXjE

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

This time we tackle the important characters....the ones with hair awnings gloriously covering their upper lips.  Join us as we get back to the important business.

ko-fi.com/characterissues

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/27/26

STORY 1 - AC Black Flag

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-exceeded-annual-expectations-in-its-first-two-weeks-ubisoft-says/

STORY 2 - Disc Sales

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/only-seven-playstation-games-have-sold-more-than-100000-physical-copies-in-the-us-this-year-analyst-says/

STORY 3 -   Xbox Confusion

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-are-committed-to-making-this-clearer-xbox-exec-says-its-not-obvious-to-players-which-games-will-be-exclusive/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-has-started-testing-the-option-to-stream-games-for-free-with-ads-at-the-start/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Brian is off on assignment, Leah's hosting, prepare for bullshittery.

Thanks to you all.

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/13/26

STORY 1 - XBOX Layoffs

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-confirms-plans-to-cut-5-studios-and-thousands-of-jobs/

STORY 2 - Positivity Break!  What have we been playing

STORY 3 -   Playstation’s Discless Future

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-announces-the-end-of-disc-games-starting-in-january-2028/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for joining us on this, most auspicious of podcasts. We're reranking, recalibrating, making us stronger and more powerful.

This podcast gratefully features the music "Let's Go Up" by Origami Repetika, available for reference on the Free Use Archive.

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/29/26

STORY 1 - XBOX?

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-already-planned-ninja-theory-closure-when-it-announced-senua-its-claimed/

STORY 2 - Steam Machine

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/north-of-a-grand-is-the-floor-analysts-debate-whether-steam-machine-means-ps6-and-xbox-helix-will-cost-1000/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-xbox-series-x-hits-800-lenovo-warns-memory-prices-will-likely-never-return-to-normal/

STORY 3 -   GTA VI

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gta-6-disc-hopes-dashed-as-report-disputes-post-launch-physical-release/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Hey, so.....plans change.  The Re-Rankapalooza was derailed by forces out of our control so Brian and Rich are here to talk a bunch of smack and rank a new character.  Join us if you please!

www.brianbabbleson.com

SUMMER GAME FEST WRAPUP

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-games-showcase-heres-everything-announced-during-xboxs-big-show/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/summer-game-fest-2026-heres-every-announcement-from-sgfs-big-live-show/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/state-of-play-heres-every-announcement-from-playstations-big-live-stream/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-direct-heres-everything-announced-during-nintendos-show/

www.brianbabbleson.com

We are back to the science with a new CI podcast and we are only ONE episode away from the next rerankapalooza.  Get ready to have your ears bleed from awesomeness.

kofi.com/characterissues

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/01/26

STORY 1 - XBOX!

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/fable-has-been-delayed-to-2027/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-ceo-calls-ps5-logo-decision-a-miss-and-promises-to-rethink-games-showcase-policy/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/after-a-fan-poll-microsofts-new-games-boss-is-rebranding-xbox-to-xbox/

STORY 2 - Critical Success

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/007-first-light-is-already-ios-fastest-selling-game-ever/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/shovel-knight-studios-make-or-break-new-game-has-the-highest-reviews-of-the-year/

STORY 3 -   Playstack

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/balatro-owner-playstack-sold-to-parent-company-of-fandom-gamespot/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thank you as always dear listeners. Please get in touch using characterissuespodcst@gmail.com and heck out our Retro Rodeo on our YouTube channel @characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/18/26

STORY 1 - Sales successes

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/subnautica-2-sells-2-million-in-12-hours-with-over-600k-concurrent-players/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/forza-horizon-6/

STORY 2 - In trouble?

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saros-had-a-lukewarm-start-with-300000-sold-in-2-weeks-analytics-firm-estimates/

https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reports-765-million-impairment-loss-due-to-underperformance-of-marathon-developer-bungie

STORY 3 -   SUPAGAME

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-has-canceled-development-of-its-super-game-as-it-pivots-away-from-f2p/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks listeners, you're the best!

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/04/26

STORY 1 - Xbox

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-know-we-have-work-to-do-xboxs-asha-sharma-comments-on-latest-financials-as-xbox-revenue-declines-again/

STORY 2 - Nintendo

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/japan-physical-charts-tomodachi-life-holds-onto-top-spot-as-pokemon-pokopia-nears-1-million-physical-sales/

STORY 3 -   PS5 https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-finally-explains-30-day-timer-for-digital-games-says-its-only-a-one-time-check/

https://kotaku.com/sony-set-pay-7-8-million-to-playstation-users-after-jude-approves-preliminary-settlement-in-psn-digital-games-class-action-lawsuit-2000692676

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

We are back and we get back to ranking.  There were some audio issues toward the end but, you know us, we rolled with it.  

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 04/20/26

STORY 1 - BAFTA’s

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-obscur-and-dispatch-lead-2026-bafta-games-awards-winners/

https://www.bafta.org/awards/games/

STORY 2 - BLOODBORNE MOVIE

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bloodborne-is-officially-returning-as-an-r-rated-animated-movie/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

With Brian away, return with us to the Character Issues library for some fun readings. Thanks for your patience!

Featured music:

Beethoven - Minuet in G

Saint Saens - Le Cygne (from Carnival of the Animals)

Gustav Holst - Neptune

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowers

www.brianbabbleson.com

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sources-nintendo-is-planning-a-new-star-fox-and-a-major-zelda-remake-this-year-but-no-3d-mario/

https://youtu.be/CnuTGIq5JzI?si=ZWrKOrpR-nxi22Sg

www.brianbabbleson.com

Good games, thanks for listening

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/23/26

STORY 1 - DLSS5?  More like Does Look Super Shitty 5, amirite?

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/this-is-just-a-garbage-ai-filter-nvidia-met-with-criticism-for-dlss-5s-photoreal-graphics-alterations/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nvidias-dlss-5-reveal-trailer-only-has-16-likes-on-youtube-as-players-make-their-voices-heard/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/theyre-completely-wrong-nvidia-ceo-responds-to-widespread-criticism-of-dlss-5/

STORY 2 - Crimson Desert Nonsense

https://opencritic.com/game/19373/crimson-desert/reviews

https://www.ign.com/articles/think-of-it-like-riding-a-bike-it-comes-naturally-after-you-learn-it-crimson-desert-exec-responds-to-controls-complaint-amid-mixed-steam-reviews

STORY 3 - Subnautica and Krafton

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/court-tells-subnautica-2-publisher-krafton-to-reinstate-fired-ceo-and-let-him-handle-its-early-access-release/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/reinstated-subnautica-2-studio-ceo-says-publisher-krafton-self-servingly-chose-its-release-date-without-permission/

Human Interest Story

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/starfield-is-finally-coming-to-ps5-next-month-alongside-new-content-and-ps5-pro-support/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

Ko-fi.com/characterissuespodcast

www.brianbabbleson.com

Welcome back!  

www.brianbabbleson.com

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/09/26

STORY 1 - Bluepoint

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-shutting-down-bluepoint-developer-of-demons-souls-remake/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-27/sony-s-bluepoint-pitched-bloodborne-remake-before-closure

STORY 2 - Games, huh?

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/at-5-million-sales-resident-evil-requiem-is-likely-the-series-biggest-launch-ever/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-pokopia-is-currently-the-highest-rated-pokemon-game-ever-on-metacritic/

STORY 3 - Xbox Changes

https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2026/02/20/asha-sharma-named-evp-and-ceo-microsoft-gaming/

https://kotaku.com/xbox-microsoft-asha-sharma-birthrates-ai-fertility-2000672756

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/im-proud-of-what-weve-built-outgoing-xbox-president-sarah-bond-breaks-silence-after-exit-news/

Human Interest Story

https://www.polygon.com/slay-spire-2-steam-concurrents-record/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026

www.brianbabbleson.com

Back, working out what to do with Voldo, and discussing two new characters.

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/23/26

STORY 1 - Sony State of Play

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/heres-everything-announced-during-playstations-state-of-play-presentation/

STORY 2 - RAM-A-JAMA

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-deck-is-out-of-stock-in-the-us-as-valve-warns-of-intermittent-memory-and-storage-shortages/

https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/how-to-save-on-desktop-pc-memory-ram-shortage?test_uuid=04IpBmWGZleS0I0J3epvMrC&test_variant=A

STORY 3 - Highguard, I guess?

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/designer-claims-most-of-highguards-dev-team-have-been-laid-off-weeks-after-launch/

Human Interest Story

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/hideki-sato-designer-of-segas-consoles-dies-age-75/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

www.brianbabbleson.com

Hello listenees

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/09/26

STORY 1 - Nintendo Direct

https://gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/02/05/everything-announced-at-the-february-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase

STORY 2 - Obsidian Games

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidian-isnt-making-outer-worlds-3-but-will-work-on-more-games-in-the-avowed-universe-despite-disappointing-sales/

STORY 3 - Horizon on the Horizon

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-and-guerrilla-announce-tactical-co-op-horizon-game-horizon-hunters-gathering/

Human Interest Story

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/switch-is-officially-nintendos-best-selling-console-ever-overtaking-ds/

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

www.brianbabbleson.com

Hello. Love you. Thanks.

www.brianbabbleson.com

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 01/25/26

STORY 1 - Xbox Developer Direct

https://www.gamesradar.com/news/live/xbox-developer-direct-2026-everything-announced/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xboxs-big-fable-reveal-confirms-truly-open-world-and-xbox-and-playstation-release-this-autumn/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/double-fine-reveals-kiln-a-pottery-based-multiplayer-party-brawler/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-studio-game-freak-gives-a-new-look-at-its-ps5-xbox-and-pc-action-rpg-beast-of-reincarnation/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/forza-horizon-6-first-gameplay-details-revealed-and-release-date-confirmed/

STORY 2 - Ubisoft

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-details-major-company-reset-6-games-canned-7-delayed-and-2-studios-closed/

STORY 3 - Switch 2: Holy Fucking Shitballs

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-switch-2-sold-4-4-million-units-in-the-us-in-2025-remains-the-fastest-selling-console-in-us-history/

Human Interest Story

Mario Galaxy Movie Direct

Weather Forecast -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games

Email us at CharacterIssuesPodcast@gmail.com

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for downloading. Questions to characterissues@gmail.com.

Love to you all!

www.brianbabbleson.com

The second episode of our new news show!  Sources below.  Be excellent to each other. 

CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 01/12/26

STORY 1 - AI Sucks

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-ai-patent-will-see-playstation-games-play-themselves-when-players-are-stuck/

https://www.eurogamer.net/actor-troy-baker-believes-ai-could-be-a-good-thing

STORY 2 - New Games

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-rating-has-leaked-an-unannounced-life-is-strange-sequel-with-strong-language-and-drug-use/

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/machine-games-is-reportedly-working-on-wolfenstein-3-and-a-rainbow-six-siege-style-multiplayer-title/

STORY 3 - Union Busting

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ubisoft-has-closed-its-halifax-studio-but-claims-decision-is-unrelated-to-recent-unionization/

Human Interest Story

https://www.eurogamer.net/hollywood-sure-sounds-keen-to-make-an-arc-raiders-film

www.brianbabbleson.com

Brian and Leah meet to discuss all of the important things facing our future.  Colonoscopies, murder mysteries, and JRPG's.  Come get it.  

www.brianbabbleson.com

The Character Issues News Network....For News is the number 1 video game news show on the internet.  Join Brian and Leah in the inaugural episode as they report on their findings from the field.

Sources:

https://thegameawards.com/winners

https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/nov/11/future-class-gamings-oscars-game-awards

https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2025-everything-announced

https://kotaku.com/intergalactic-heretic-prophet-naughty-dog-crunch-trailer-2000654650

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bloober-team-says-its-mysterious-nintendo-exclusive-will-please-fans-of-resident-evil-silent-hill-and-eternal-darkness/

https://screenrant.com/january-2026-video-games-releases-schedule-line-up/

www.brianbabbleson.com

Brian and Leah discuss the finer points of regal rodents.  We also announce a new show and make several inappropriate jokes.  Happy Holidays!

www.brianbabbleson.com

www.brianbabbleson.com

In honour of 90s supergroup the Spin Doctors, we're ranking royalty in the form of two princes.

Happy to have you all here. Thanks for listening.

www.brianbabbleson.com

Joining the science this week is guest Andrew Elmore, check out Andrew's great work on his website:

https://elmore.design

Thanks listeners.

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for downloading, featuring guest from his podcast TALES FROM THE BACKLOG, Dave Jackson. Go check his podcast out immediately.

www.brianbabbleson.com

Thanks for listening.

www.brianbabbleson.com

www.brianbabbleson.com

Hi, thanks for being here. You're always welcome.

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Hi. Thanks for listening.

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Hi. You're welcome here and you're also welcome.

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Here. For your ears. Thanks.

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