Jimquisition

Podquisition 363: Ghosts of Flavor

Seltzer is nonsense.
Games we played this week include:
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (10:55)
Gunfire Reborn (15:35)
Kill It With Fire (21:50)
Dauntless (23:40)
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance (27:30)
Mindscanners (30:10)
Paradise Lost (37:05)
Space Warlord Organ Simulator (41:10)
Lawn Mowing Simulator (45:35)
Townscaper (46:50)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Former Activision Blizzard employee comes forward in press conference (48:20)
https://kotaku.com/sexually-harassed-activision-blizzard-employee-holds-pr-1848180146
Walkout staged at Raven software following QA layoffs (51:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-06-raven-software-employees-walk-out-following-layoffs-in-the-qa-team
State treasurers getting involved in Activision Blizzard (56:35)
https://www.axios.com/state-treasurers-pressure-activision-over-misconduct-352fe2e6-64d4-4f30-ba7e-39e0e13419de.html
PlayStation exec fired after amateur pedophilia sting (1:00:05)
https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/sony-terminates-playstation-exec-who-allegedly-appeared-in-pedophile-sting-video/
Ubisoft acknowledges their handling of workplace abuse has damaged trust in them (1:02:30)
https://www.axios.com/ubisoft-workplace-scandal-anika-grant-interview-aac56bc7-1551-465a-85b8-6e6d7ca36816.html
Ubisoft details first steps toward NFT integration in Ghost Recon Breakpoint (1:09:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-07-ubisoft-quartz-is-an-energy-efficient-nft-platform-for-aaa-games
Voice acting studio OMUK agrees to union contract protecting workers (1:17:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-06-uk-voice-acting-studio-reaches-agreement-with-equity-to-safeguard-voice-actors-working-in-games
Retail release of Halo Infinite unplayable for several hours after release due to online update (1:20:15)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-08-no-you-cant-play-halo-infinites-campaign-now-even-if-you-have-the-disc
Pokémon Shining Pearl already beaten by speedrunners in 15 minutes (1:22:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-08-pokemon-shining-pearl-finished-in-only-15-minutes
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 362: The Saddest Animals

No, not gamers.
Games we played this week include:
Ender Lillies (14:30)
Death’s Door (19:20)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (24:30)
Gunfire Reborn (33:00)
Warlock of Firetop Mountain (38:30)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
GTA San Andreas gets remastered with fog to hide how it looks (44:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-30-gta-trilogy-san-andreas-adds-ground-fog-option-to-improve-visuals
Activision Blizzard protest organizer leaves company, decries Kotick on way out (47:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-01-activision-blizzard-protest-organiser-leaving-company
Nintendo’s gender equality in management is pretty bad (49:30)
https://kotaku.com/less-than-5-percent-of-managers-at-nintendo-hq-are-wome-1848137143
Twitch to identify ban evaders with machine learning (57:00)
https://safety.twitch.tv/s/safety-news/detail?language=en_US&post=Using-Machine-Learning-to-Curb-Ban-Evasion
Sony patent emerges for mobile phone controller clamshell (1:01:00)
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-planning-a-playstation-mobile-controller-patent-suggests/
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.
Photo Credit: Chris Birmingham, 2012. Used under CC BY 2.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Podquisition 361: Text of No Merit

Courtesy of Dwight J. Ingle
Games we played this week include:
Binding of Isaac: Repentance (10:35)
Dead Estate (16:50)
Death’s Door (19:00)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (23:05)
NERF Legends (26:25)
Bloodrayne Revamped (27:05)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Exiting Activision Blizzard boss Jen Oneal offered equal pay after resigning (31:45)
https://www.ign.com/articles/blizzard-jen-oneal-mike-ybarra-equal-pay-after-resignation
All three console manufacturers distance themselves from Activision Blizzard (35:20)
https://www.fanbyte.com/news/nintendo-issues-internal-response-to-activision-blizzard-reports/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-17/playstation-chief-criticizes-activision-response-to-allegations
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-18/xbox-chief-says-he-s-evaluating-relationship-with-activision
Activision Blizzard employees petition for Kotick’s removal and stage walkout (41:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-19-more-than-1300-activision-blizzard-staff-call-for-bobby-kotick-to-resign
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/11/16/activision-blizzard-kotick-walkout/
Activision Blizzard board backing Kotick, announces “Workplace Responsibility Committee” (44:50)
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/activision-blizzard-doubles-down-on-kotick-defense-in-all-hands-meeting
https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-blizzard-board-directors-continues-build-upon-its
Kotick reported to be willing to step down if unable to quickly address discrimination and harrassment (47:45)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-blizzard-ceo-bobby-kotick-tells-colleagues-he-would-consider-leaving-if-he-cant-quickly-fix-problems-11637533064
Former PlayStation employee alleges Sony fired them for raising discrimination issues (49:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-23-former-playstation-employee-files-lawsuit-alleging-gender-discrimination-and-wrongful-termination
Avengers Spider-Man DLC is just Spider-Man and that’s it (54:55)
https://www.ign.com/articles/avengers-spider-man-dlc-no-story-missions
Chris Pratt’s got a special accent for Mario (58:05)
https://toofab.com/2021/11/22/mario-producer-chris-meledandri-defends-casting-non-italian-chris-pratt/
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer encouraging legal emulation for game preservation (1:01:35)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-18-emulation-should-be-used-to-preserve-older-games-xbox-chief-phil-spencer-suggests
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 360: Face the Music

On the Third Day, A New World Record, Out of the Blue.
Games we played this week include:
Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Definitive Edition (13:30)
Halo Infinite (27:15)
Kill It With Fire (33:20)
Skyrim (40:15)
Shin Megami Tensei V (44:20)
Binding of Isaac: Repentance (48:40)
Dead Estate (49:30)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (55:45)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Bobby Kotick knew about sexual assault years ago (1:00:20)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/activision-videogames-bobby-kotick-sexual-misconduct-allegations-11637075680
Elder Scrolls V confirmed launching exclusively on Xbox/PC (1:12:20)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-15-xbox-boss-discusses-the-elder-scrolls-6-console-exclusivity
Nintendo acknowledges JoyCon drift (1:12:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-15-doug-bowser-says-nintendo-are-making-continuous-improvements-to-joy-con-controllers
Chip shortages delay Steam Deck (1:14:10)
https://www.pcmag.com/news/valve-delays-steam-deck-launch-by-2-months-due-to-component-shortages
Spider-Man finally coming to Avengers (1:15:45)
https://www.polygon.com/22532264/spider-man-marvels-avengers-dlc-release-date-ps5-ps4
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 359: Obvious Comedy Discourse

Have we said something to offend you?
Games we played this week include:
Lost in Random (8:25)
Inscryption (14:15)
Forza Horizon 5 (22:50)
Popeye (31:50)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (38:15)
Dying Light (39:15)
Resident Evil Revelations 1&2 (39:55)
Dorfromantik (41:15)
Binding of Isaac: Repentance (43:00)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Ubisoft staff seek public support for better working conditions with petition (45:30)
https://t.co/dqmQV96FOm
EA wants to make NFT games too (48:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-04-ea-says-nfts-will-be-an-important-part-about-the-future-of-our-industry
Nintendo can’t stop leaking games (58:05)
https://kotaku.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl-leak-early-1848012271
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 358: Moral High Ground

The time has come.
Games we played this week include:
Happy Game (14:05)
Unpacking (18:25)
What the Golf (22:20)
Lady in a Leotard with a Gun (26:00)
Netflix Games on Android (33:50)
Inscryption (38:10)
MARS (41:10)
Head Over Heels (47:50)
Moon (49:10)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Actiblizz commits to some changes that ABK were pushing for (54:00)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/28/technology/activision-blizzard-diversity-workplace.html
Bobby Kotick takes a PR pay cut (56:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-28-activision-blizzard-boss-bobby-kotick-asks-for-huge-pay-cut-until-company-woes-sorted
Valve isn’t allowing NFTs on Steam (59:15)
https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/steam-is-removing-nft-games-from-the-platform-3071694
Ubisoft commits to contribute to global ruin with blockchain games (1:00:20)
https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/11/01/ubisoft-reveals-plans-to-develop-blockchain-games-and-nfts
Facebook rolling back account login requirement for their headsets (1:01:20)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-28-facebook-ditching-oculus-branding-as-part-of-company-name-change-to-meta
Paid Twitch Boosts are now in the wild (1:04:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-29-twitch-tests-paid-boost-feature-despite-negative-feedback-from-streamers
Seth Rogan allegedly to star in Donkey Kong spin-off film (1:07:50)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-03-seth-rogen-donkey-kong-solo-movie-reportedly-in-development
Jen Oneal stepping down from co-lead position at Blizzard after only three months (1:10:30)
https://kotaku.com/blizzard-is-already-losing-its-first-female-studio-co-h-1847985147
Blizzard games are bleeding players (1:11:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-03-as-blizzards-internal-troubles-continue-the-companys-games-continue-to-shed-players
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 357: Spook Central

The horror is real (and somewhat itchy).
Games we played this week include:
Nuclear Blaze (3:15)
Inscryption (7:30)
Guardians of the Galaxy (13:20)
Zombies Ate My Neighbors! (22:30)
The Wine (26:30)
Legend of the Mystical Ninja (29:30)
Hentai vs Evil (31:00)
Crysis 2 (32:30)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Resident Evil VR doesn’t account for people with boobs (34:00)
https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/qd8zbf/chest_items_a_practice_in_boob_punch/
Judge in sexual harassment lawsuit against Activision Blizzard denies move to pause proceedings (37:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-25-judge-rejects-activision-blizzards-attempt-to-pause-california-sexual-harassment-lawsuit
Activision Blizzard skipping Blizzconline, conveniently avoiding uncomfortable questions (39.15)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-26-next-years-blizzconline-on-pause-as-activision-blizzard-looks-to-reimagine-event
Warner Bros reportedly working on crossover fighter(40:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-25-smash-bros-style-warner-bros-crossover-platform-fighter-reportedly-in-the-works
Overwatch's McCree no longer named after serial abuser (41:10)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-22-overwatchs-mccree-will-be-renamed-cole-cassidy-next-week
Sony patents function allowing stream viewers to boot players from games (44:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-21-sony-granted-patent-for-spectators-to-pay-to-remove-players-from-games
Notorious Games, new studio formed by former Blizzard staff announced (45:30)
https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/25/notorious-studios-breaks-free-from-world-of-warcraft-to-build-its-own-worlds/
Eidos properly credits former trans employee for their contribution (52:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-26-trans-dev-has-new-name-credited-in-guardians-of-the-galaxy
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 356: The Moon Goddess Strikes Back

Can we interest you in a chalice?
Games we played this week include:
The Good Life (12:45)
Back 4 Blood (19:30)
World War Z Aftermath (21:35)
Lego City Underground (24:15)
Tanuki Sunset (32:40)
Dusk (43:20)
Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes (46:15)
Nuclear Blaze (52:20)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Twitch addresses contents of their massive leak (58:10)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-07-twitch-confirms-data-exposed-in-major-leak
Twitch also had a do not ban list (1:00:00)
https://kotaku.com/report-yes-twitch-once-had-a-do-not-ban-list-1847884492
Mercury Steam not crediting former staff for work on Metroid Dread (1:03:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-14-mercurysteam-responds-to-complaints-some-metroid-dread-devs-were-left-out-of-credits
FIFA 22 pitch line feature causing issues for visually impaired players (1:08:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-19-fifa-22s-customisable-pitch-lines-are-causing-an-accessibility-problem
More than 20 Activision Blizzard staff have now "exited" company since sexual harassment lawsuit became public (1:09:05)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-20-more-than-20-activision-blizzard-staff-have-now-exited-company-since-sexual-harassment-lawsuit-became-public
New Animal Crossing DLC causes confusion regarding Nintendo online subscription (1:13:45)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-13-animal-crossing-new-horizons-gets-final-big-free-update-in-november
Valve working on a ratings system for Steam Deck so folks will know before purchase if a game will run okay or not (1:24:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-18-valve-reviewing-entire-steam-catalogue-for-new-steam-deck-compatibility-ratings-system
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 355: You’re Toast!

Yes, you, specifically.
Games we played this week include:
Rallyallyally (5:45)
Morse (8:05)
Neuronet: Mendax Proxy (9:45)
Back 4 Blood (11:50)
Paper Trail (16:00)
D*Fuzed (17:50)
You Suck at Parking (19:55)
Fantasian (23:45)
Grindstone (26:40)
Metroid Dread (31:50)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
EA exec confronted regarding loot boxes in FIFA interview, uses weasel words. (43:00)
https://www.eurogamer.net/amp/2021-10-05-the-big-interview-ea-fifa-and-loot-boxes
Twitch leak exposes years-long security flaws (46:45)
https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/7/22714160/twitch-hack-security-data-breach-problems
Microsoft investigating alternate approaches to “right to repair” (49:30)
https://www.vg247.com/microsoft-xbox-right-to-repair-consoles
Conflict over Activision EEOC settlement could destroy California labor lawsuit (54:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-12-latest-activision-blizzard-legal-twist-sees-californias-recent-usd18m-objection-questioned
Ubisoft employees raise concerns “role model” evaluation will suppress dissent (1:02:00)
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-12-ubisoft-employees-call-for-removal-of-role-model-evaluation-goal-over-concerns-of-misuse
Epic cops to ripping off Among Us, imply future collaboration
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-12-epic-games-now-credits-among-us-innersloth-as-inspiration-for-fortnites-imposters-mode
Paradox staff speak out about culture of silence protecting abusive executives (1:08:25)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-12-paradox-staff-slam-culture-of-silence-which-let-man-with-reputation-for-harassment-continue-in-role-for-years
Eidos Montreal instituting a four-day work week (1:11:55)
https://www.businessinsider.com/4-day-work-week-workweek-hours-salary-eidos-montreal-2021-10
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.

Podquisition 354: Leprechaun Lore

Gold provides many powers.
Games we played this week include:
Flynn: Son of Crimson (6:45)
Nightmare on Elm St (9:05)
Nier Reincarnation (13:30)
Unsighted (18:10)
ZombieRollerz (27:45)
Missing Orpheus (30:00)
Monster Train (32:10)
Mighty Goose (37:20)
Alan Wake Remastered (39:45)
Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz (42:25)
---
News things talked about in this episode:
Twitch testing paid boost feature (44:45) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-04-twitch-testing-new-paid-boost-feature
Twitch source code leaked online (48:40)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-06-twitch-source-code-leaked-by-anonymous-hacker
Sony adds game trials to PS5, starting when download begins (1:00:30)
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-02-sony-adds-game-trials-feature-to-ps5
Sony buys Bluepoint, will shift studio focus to new products (1:01:50) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-09-30-sony-buys-demons-souls-remake-developer-bluepoint-games
Bloomberg reports on 4K Switch dev kits, Nintendo denies, then a patent appears (1:02:30)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-29/nintendo-switch-4k-developers-make-games-for-nonexistent-console
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-09-30-nintendo-issues-denial-on-new-4k-nintendo-switch-report
https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-patent-details-an-ai-that-could-upscale-console-resolution-3060571
Xbox adding system-level accessibility options and clearer labeling for products (1:05:20) https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-01-microsoft-unveils-host-of-new-accessibility-features-for-xbox
---
Buy official Jimquisition merchandise from the Jimporium at thejimporium.com
Find Laura at LauraKBuzz on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, and Patreon. All her content goes on LauraKBuzz.com, and you can catch Access-Ability on YouTube every Friday.
Follow Conrad at ConradZimmerman on Twitter and check out his Patreon (patreon.com/fistshark). You can also peruse his anti-capitalist propaganda at pinfultruth.com.