Xbox's pursuit of Activision Blizzard reached a new crescendo in recent days, as Microsoft President Brad Smith gave both private and public presentations to the European Commission about the virtues of the proposed deal. In its persistent recalcitrance and total unwillingness to get out of the way (particularly when it comes to Call of Duty's availability on PlayStation), Sony's strategy of silence may actually be paying off. Is Cryin' Jim really Thrivin' Jim? As always, we go deep into the weeds of this never-ending saga. Other news this week includes word of Diablo IV's open beta, Bungie suing cheaters into oblivion, and Embracer's presumably overleveraged position. Listener inquiries round things out, touching on topics like games that solve puzzles for you, our favorite so-called Sony-isms, the upcoming biblical title I Am Jesus Christ, and a potential Sacred Symbols sandwich at an Ohio-based deli. (Remember: We recorded a day earlier than usual because of our live event in Houston.)
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Timestamps: 0:00:00 - Intro 0:12:02 - Sneaky Ron’s is here to stay 0:14:32 - Should there be an LSM inspired sandwich? 0:17:39 - Are Dustin’s restaurant renaming habits concerning? 0:19:51 - In Long Island or On Long Island? 0:21:09 - A PSA for PS3 owners 0:28:47 - Cite your sources! 0:31:05 - Ozzy and Sharon are pimping PSVR2 0:35:54 - Elden Ring has surpassed 20 million copies sold 0:46:32 - SEGA has given its Japanese staff 30% raises 0:49:33 - The Saints Row reboot cost $100 million 0:57:14 - Square Enix promises Chrono Cross PS4 fixes… a year late 1:01:47 - Is Returnal unpopular on Steam? 1:05:58 - How do we feel about Lies of P? 1:14:19 - Doki Doki Literature Club has surpassed a million units sold 1:17:18 - Ubisoft confirms it will be at E3 if it happens 1:20:38 - What have we been playing? 2:10:27 - Microsoft has signed long-term deals with Nvidia and Nintendo (and lots more) 2:43:12 - Diablo IV has announced a beta 2:48:09 - Bungie’s cheating drama continues 2:59:35 - What is one Sony-ism that we enjoy? 3:02:58 - Are older games better than modern games? 3:06:11 - What games are great for a very busy new parent? 3:10:33 - Is there a place for faith-based games? 3:15:04 - Should games tell you the answers to puzzles? 3:17:57 - What do you do with someone who mainlines open-world games?
