Masters of Unlocking Podcast

The wild west’s Pinkertons are still alive and are setting their sights on Take-Two, Rockstar, and Red Dead Redemption 2.  But could the suit have implications for the entire concept of “Fair Use” and have wide-spread impact on YouTube and game streaming? Epic Set List Discussion of what video games we’ve been playing recently & give our spoiler-free thoughts: God of War Donut County Ripto’s Rage L.A. Noire Florence Among the Sleep Video Game Pickups Limited Run Games Super Rare Games Intellivision Fang Controller Tower What’s News Business & Law: Bungie leaves another partner at the alter.  Parting ways with Activision Blizzard prompts a shareholder lawsuit. Trademark vs. First Amendment: The real-life Pinkertons sue over Red Dead Redemption 2, but could the suit have implications for YouTubers & streamers? Psychology: The ESA is in talks with WHO about “Gaming Disorder.” Copyright: Another fan-developed remake of Konami’s infamous P.T. Hacks: Nintendo’s online subscription to add SNES games? Sales: Could the Playstation 4 break the Wii’s console sales record? Main Event We look ahead to 2019 and discuss our most anticipated games, The games we are most intrigued by, and then reveal our 2019 gaming goals. The post The Pinkertons vs. The First Amendment – Episode 031 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

We take a look back at the year that was 2018 in Video Games – critical hits, critical fumbles, guilty pleasures, and more. Epic Set List Discussion of what video games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts God of War Red Dead Redemption 2 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Spyro Jack Box Party Pack Holiday Recap What did we do over our 2018 holiday break? Video Game Pickups A holiday season full of gaming & game ephemera pickups VGCollectaholic completes a major North American set What’s News Law: Police respond to a noise complaint & end up playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Sony: Our players demand single-player experiences Psychology: Do video game players respond to crisis differently? Collecting: NES Classic & SNES Classic production ends Industry: The growth of The Game Awards Main Event Recaping the best and worst games from 2018 2018 games we wish we had played Things that intrigued us in 2018 The post The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly From 2018 – Episode 030 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

After a lengthy hiatus following the close of Season One, Masters of Unlocking returns!  In this episode, we explore potential legal problems for Fallout 76, initial thoughts on Red Dead Redemption 2, ask the question “Are Loot Boxes gambling?” and more… Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Fallout 76 Red Dead Redemption 2 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Pickups: We discuss our recent gaming-related pickups and scores from the 2018 Thanksgiving shopping holiday What’s News: Fallout 76’s bug-riddled release prompts one class action specialist law firm to investigate “deceptive trade practices” Valve discontinues Steam Link hardware Game guide publisher Prima Games will shut down in Spring 2019 Sony will skip E3 2019 – are they prepping for a 2019 Playstation 5 announcement? Resident Evil movie reboot plans to return the cinematic adaptation to it’s horror roots Eiji Aonuma teases a Zelda: Skyward Sword release on Nintendo Switch Microsoft rumored to be releasing an Xbox One S console without a disc drive Main Event: We dive into an impromptu discussion of whether Loot Boxes are gambling, prompted by the United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announcing that they will investigate the practice of Loot Boxes The post Fallout 76, Red Dead Redemption 2, & Are Loot Boxes Gambling? – Episode 029 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

LIVE from Chicago, it’s Masters of Unlocking’s first anniversary episode!  This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the first-annual Cartridge Club Con (C3) in Chicago, Illinois.  We delve into Chicago’s rich history in gaming, including developers based here, games set here, and historic gaming events that occurred here. Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Octopath Traveler (Nintendo Switch) Steamworld Dig 2 (Nintendo Switch) Sunset Riders (SNES) Zombies Ate My Neighbors (SNES) Looney Tunes Basketball (SNES) Pickups: We discuss our recent gaming-related pickups and scores – what did we pickup on our trip to C3? Main Event: Caleb & Scott celebrate their trip to the first annual Cartridge Club Con by diving into video gaming’s history in Chicago. Games Set in Chicago Sports, mobsters, airports, light gun shooters, train simulators, arcade games, action games, and more… CES in Chicago (1972 – 1994) Game Developers in Chicago Midway arcade games and the legacy the developer left on the Chicago dev scene The post A Video Game History of Chicago, Recorded LIVE! – Episode 026 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

We dive into a slew of gaming stories – Microtransactions, Google’s rumored console, gaming corpses, Nathan Fillion, ESPN & Overwatch , controller mods, Neo-Nazi scum, sex disorder, Fallout: New California, and more!  Plus we preview the Cartridge Club’s upcoming Chicago meetup! Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Pillars of Eternity Horizon Zero Dawn A Profound Waste of Time (magazine) Pickups: We discuss our recent gaming-related pickups and scores What’s News: Why should we care about a Google video game console? Family of slain teen has viewing with him propped up playing video games, surrounded by his favorite things Even more indie games are coming to Nintendo Switch Nathan Fillion finally plays Nathan Drake… is it any good? ESPN/Disney ink exclusive broadcast deal with Blizzard for Overwatch League Neo-Nazis using online games as recruiting playgrounds… in case the internet didn’t already suck enough First video games, now Sex… is there anything fun the WHO thinks is good for you? We learn which member of the iconic 1990’s trio TLC “Hey Past Caleb…” had the hots for Score 1 for Anti Microtransactions – Middle-earth: Shadow of War is now microtransaction-free! 8bitdo releases kits to mod your classic OEM Nintendo, SNES, and Genesis controllers with wireless bluetooth Fallout: New California fan mod receives thumbs up from Bethesda Guerrilla Games is growing Main Event: Caleb & Scott are headed to Chicago for a Cartridge Club meetup (July 27 – 29)!  If you’re in the Chicago area, we’d love to say hi!  Drop us a line. The post Microtransactions, Sex Disorder, & Gaming Corpses – Episode 025 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

By now everyone knows that Toys R Us is officially dead… but could it be rising from the dead with zombie-like ferocity?  We discuss the juicy rumors of TRU’s potential return, the WHO’s creation of Gaming Disorder, a new Nielsen report on the gaming industry, and more! Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Pillars of Eternity Horizon Zero Dawn A Way Out Pickups: We discuss our recent gaming-related pickups and scores What’s News: Just as Toys ‘R Us was closing the last of its stores this week, news broke that a comeback could be in the works! World Health Organization (WHO) officially classifies video game addiction as a disease – “Gaming Disorder” Sony unveils Playstation 4’s first wave of Greatest Hits releases – now called “Playstation Hits” Showtime officially greenlights Halo series Nintendo’s new CEO officially steps into office and has some interesting remarks that hint at the future of Nintendo The company behind Pokemon Go (Nantic) opens its AR platform to other developers We FINALLY get an update from Tetsuya Nomura on the Final Fantasy VII remake Main Event: Nielsen released their annual Games 360 Report exploring trends and behavior in video gaming.  We recap and discuss the report.  Download the full report and read along with us here! The post Could Toys R Us Return From the Grave? – Episode 024 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

E3 2018 is officially in the books!  We give a run down of the presentations from Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Bethesda, CD Projekt Red, and Ubisoft and discuss our thoughts. E3 Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Pillars of Eternity Bioshock Axiom Verge Recent Pickups Epic E3 Main Event: E3 2018 is officially in the books!  We give a run down of the presentations from Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, Bethesda, CD Projekt Red, and Ubisoft and discuss our thoughts.  Since this marathon episode runs nearly 3 hours, we provide timestamps below: Bethesda (timestamp: 0:21:20) Fallout 76, Rage 2, Doom Eternal, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot, Skyrim: Very Special Edition, Starfield, Elder Scrolls VI (Hammerfall??) Ubisoft (0:57:35) Beyond Good & Evil 2, The Division 2, Skull & Bones, Transference, Starlink: Battle for Atlus, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey Nintendo (1:16:46) Pokemon, Super Mario Party, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, My Friend Pedro Sony (1:24:29) Ghost of Tsushima, Last of Us 2, Death Stranding, Spider-Man, Deracine, Control, Resident Evil 2, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice CD Projekt Red (2:07:06) Cyberpunk 2077 Microsoft (2:10:41) New Studio Acquisitions Halo Infinite, Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, Battletoads, Gears of War 5 Plus, we discuss some of our various “old man sports injuries” The post Drinking & Knowing Things: E3 2018 Thoughts – Episode 023 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

We get ready for next week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) by taking a look at what has been announced/leaked thus far and what things we’d love to see. We also talk Best Buy, eSports, Let’s Plays, Fallout mods, and more! Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Bioshock Axiom Verge Pickups: Scott closes in on completing the OG Xbox set (42 to go) What’s News: Best Buy ends Gamers Club Unlocked program New study says 1-in-10 people globally will be fans of eSports or Let’s Plays by 2022 Overwatch League plans to add 6 new teams with an international focus for Season Two The gigantic “Fallout: New California” mod nearing completion – will Bethesda allow it? Main Event: E3 is next week, we discuss developer thoughts on leaks, explore pre-show announcements (like Fallout 76), and what items are on our wishlist for this year’s show. The post E3 2018 is Here… What’s On YOUR Wishlist? – Episode 022 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

If gaming has an all-digital future, then digital re-selling will have to be a thing.  Robot Cache, a new startup from the founder of Interplay and InXile launches with an eye on tackling re-selling of digital content. Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts God of War Night in the Woods A Way Out Pickups: Caleb contemplates God of War Collector Tips: Tracking & Managing Your Collection Scott discusses the video game collecting database app and software suite Collectorz What’s News: Sony sets an end date to physical Vita cart production in the West Nintendo Switch Online runs $20 annually, includes cloud saves, online gaming Nintendo releasing a $20 play & charge stand for the Switch Nintendo is being sued by Gamevice over the Switch’s design Electronic Arts has record year & CFO calls SAAS model (aka digital sales & DLC) “the bedrock of our business” Microsoft to launch a disability-friendly Xbox controller Main Event: If gaming has an all-digital future, then digital re-selling will have to be a thing.  Robot Cache, a new startup from the founder of Interplay and InXile launches with an eye on tackling re-selling of digital content. The post Can the All-Digital Future of Gaming Have a Used Market? – Episode 021 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

Sony & Nintendo recently released their 2017 fiscal year earnings reports – spoiler: they both did pretty damned well!  We dive into the results and ask what’s next? Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Okami HD Pickups: Scott buys ~900 OG Xbox games and a bunch of sealed Lynx games Caleb buys Nintendo Labo and gives his thoughts What’s News: Fortnite Scholarships: coming to a university near you Atari VCS (formerly Atari Box) pre-orders announced… why you shouldn’t care Capcom & iam8bit partner for Mega Man NES/SNES repros Game collector finds drugs inside NES carts Loot Boxes deemed illegal gambling in Belgium Valve acquires Firewatch developer Camp Santo The Loss Levels – a game about shock, grief, and powerlessness Main Event: Nintendo and Sony’s Playstation division both post fiscal year profits of $1.6 billion.  We break down the numbers and explore what’s on the horizon for the two gaming behemoths. The post Who Had a Better 2017, Sony or Nintendo? – Episode 020 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

Last weekend, Milwaukee Wisconsin played host to the annual Midwest Gaming Classic… and the worst April Blizzard in history.  We discuss the convention, it’s panels, personalities, vendors, and more. Show Notes Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Okami HD Subsurface Circular Collecting Tools of the Trade VGCollectaholic gives his tips and tools for Marker removal What’s News: Larian Studio’s CRPG Divinity II: Original Sin heads to consoles Sony Playstation 5 rumors run rampant, what do we think? The closing of Toys R Us prompts a return of KayBee Toys? Dishonored “King of Kong” Billy Mitchell promises proof that he didn’t cheat Main Event: VGCollectaholic went back to his home state of Wisconsin for the Midwest Gaming Classic – his first ever video game con.  We discuss the trip, the panels, the personalities, the vendor floor, the snow, and more. David Crane (Pitfall) Garry Kitchen (Keystone Kapers) Brian Collin (Rampage) Jeffrey Lee (Q*Bert) John St. John (Duke Nukem) Ben Heck Ken Horowitz (Sega-16.com) … and more! The post Snowed-In at Midwest Gaming Classic 2018 – Episode 019 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

With the World Video Game Hall of Fame set to induct its 2018 class, we take a look at the mark each of  the current Hall of Fame members made on the industry.  Then, we examine the 2018 nominees and reveal our Hall of Fame Ballots. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb J. Ross (@CalebJRoss) and VGCollectaholic (@VGCollectaholic) recap their recent game pickups Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts What Remains of Edith Finch The Stanley Parable Okami HD Collecting Tools of the Trade (a NEW segment!) VGCollectaholic gives his tips and tools for Sticker removal What’s News: The Internet Archive preserves your favorite LCD handhelds online iam8bit releasing a $375 Inside collector’s edition… with a sex doll?!? Main Event: The Strong National Museum of Play’s World Video Game Hall of Fame gets set to induct its 2018 class.  We explore the HOF’s current 16-game set of inductees and then turn our attention to the 2018 nominations… and ask who should get the call to the Hall? The post Exploring the World Video Game Hall of Fame – Episode 018 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

We sit down for a conversation with Giant Sparrow’s Ian Dallas – creative director of the 2017 hit What Remains of Edith Finch? and 2014’s The Unfinished Swan.   This episode of Masters of Unlocking follows a bit of a different structure than our normal episodes – we kick things off with our interview with Ian and, afterwards, Caleb & Scott dive into an in-depth discussion of our thoughts about the interview and the game itself. WARNING – the interview and following discussion contain SPOILERS about the game. Show Notes A Conversation with “What Remains of Edith Finch?” creative director Ian Dallas Thoughts on Storytelling Edith Finch’s origins as a scuba-diving simulator Why “What Remains of Edith Finch?” is best told via the video game medium The books in the house and why they were chosen The thinking behind gameplay mechanics What’s next for Giant Sparrow?   Caleb & Scott discuss their thoughts on “What Remains of Edith Finch?“ The post A Conversation With Giant Sparrow’s Ian Dallas – Episode 017 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

Author & professor Ian Bogost theorized that video games, as a medium, are poor conduits for storytelling and that games are better without stories. Do Caleb & Scott agree? Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb J. Ross (@CalebJRoss) and VGCollectaholic (@VGCollectaholic) recap their recent game pickups Epic Set List: Discussion of what games we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts What’s News: ESRB unveils its new “In-Game Purchases” label – is it a half-measure? Playstation Plus dropping PS3 and Vita from monthly free video game giveaway Judge bans teenager from playing “violent video games” Main Event: Professor Ian Bogost thinks Video Games as a medium are better without stories… is he right? Read his article in The Atlantic here The post Are Video Games Better Without Stories? – Episode 016 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

Caleb & Scott dive into a new report by social site Qutee about what video gamers think about gaming in 2018.  They examine the results of the report and ask whether it actually tells us anything scientific about gamers or the game industry. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts What’s News: Google rumored to be creating a new game console? Hawaii introduces new Loot Crate legistlation Did Nintendo download a ROM and sell it to us?  If so, is it legal? Assassin’s Creed: Origins’ new “Discovery Tour” mode goes live Using IFTTT to find free video game deals online Valve pulls a developer from Steam for reviewing its own games In the discussion, we mention a Harvard Business School article, “Fake It Till You Make It”… read the full article here Main Event: Social site Qutee releases a “study” on what video gamers think about gaming in 2018… we discuss the findings and our thoughts. Read the full report here The post What Do Gamers Think About Gaming in 2018? – Episode 015 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

The rumor mill is running wild about Microsoft buying EA, Valve, or PUBG.  We look at why those don’t make sense and propose three new contenders for who we think House Xbox SHOULD acquire. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts What’s News: Toys R Us closing 20% of its stores – we reminisce about TRU and Kay*Bee Toys I spent 453 hours in Fallout 4 and all I got was this stinking inner peace A truly unique piece of Zelda: Breath of the Wild art Mario Kart coming to a smartphone near you Red Dead Redemption 2 delayed Nintendo Switch’s online service finally gets a date Father of Playstation stepping down as Sony’s CEO Main Event: Rumors abound about a potential looming video game publisher acquisition by Microsoft.  We look at the rumored names – EA, Valve, and PUBG Corp – and then ask who SHOULD Microsoft acquire?  Turns out… it’s not one of those three. The post Which Game Publisher SHOULD Microsoft Acquire? – Episode 014 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

No shortage of news this week as we discuss the Overwatch League debut, CES video game announcements, Nintendo unveiling cardboard Legos, and a business look at the YouTube demonetization drama. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts What’s News: Twitch paid Blizzard $90M for the rights to the Overwatch League; is that an insane price? You probably love video games… but can you LOOOOVE video games? Switch console sales in Japan have gone to Ludicrous Speed Nintendo Labo… perhaps you’ve heard of it? Controllers Galore!  We discuss some awesome game controller announcements from CES Main Event: We discuss YouTube’s recent controversial decision to demonetize small channels – do the perspectives of a content creator and a video industry insider clash? The post Overwatch League & Twitch; YouTube Demonetization – Episode 013 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

This week the global electronics industry descends on Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES).  These days, the show is dominated by televisions, the Internet of Things, and 5G smart toasters, but it wasn’t always so… in this episode of Masters of Unlocking, we take a look back at the rich history of video gaming at CES. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups VGCollectaholic adds a new complete game set to his collection Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts 2018 Gaming Goals We discuss our gaming-related goals for 2018 What’s News: Flog Gets Sacked How Wolfenstein II’s Hero Draws on his Jewish Heritage for Strength Platinum Games get Delisted from Online Marketplaces Microsoft Officially Kills Kinect Adapter World Health Organization (WHO) to Recognize “Gaming Disorder” as a Mental Health Condition in 2018 Mad Catz – Back from the Dead Main Event: We look back on the history of the Consumer Electronics Show and the many gaming introductions it brought us The post Video Gaming’s Rich Legacy at CES – Episode 012 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

It’s that time of year – Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, and Final Fantasy’s birthday.  Want to feel old?  The Final Fantasy franchise turns 30 years old this month. We discuss some of our memories from the landmark franchise. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups, including Soedesco indy games and Playstation VR rarities. Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for Nintendo Switch Geometry Wars Evolved Playstation VR fun with friends What’s News: Can a horror game still be scary without the threat of death? – Soma’s new “Safe Mode” We explore why fandom often devolves into arguments over “what is the RIGHT way to be a fan?” What was the one exciting tidbit to come out of 2017 Playstation Experience event? Do you have a Launch Model Playstation 3? If so, you can score up to $65 in Sony’s “Other OS” settlement We have a gaming console generations discussion spurred by gamers freaking out over a PS2 classics bug on PS4 store Main Event: The Final Fantasy franchise turns 30 years old this month.  We discuss what the franchise meant to our own personal histories with gaming.   The post Happy 30th Birthday Final Fantasy – Episode 011 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.

Take a timeout from your crazy family conversations this holiday season and gather ’round for some great family-friendly couch co-op games!  We list our recommendations for best local multiplayer games to play with gamers and non-gamers. Show Notes Gaming Archaeology: Caleb and VGCollectaholic recap their recent game pickups, including a Neo Geo AES system, flash carts, improved Switch Pro Controller, and more. Epic Set List: Discussion of what we’ve been playing recently & our spoiler-free thoughts South Park: Fractured But Whole, Rime, Ittle Dew 2+, & more. 2017 Game Awards Recap and Thoughts What’s News: Free Sony Playstation VR In-Home Trial MegaMan X Goes Next Gen Demon’s Souls Servers Set to Go to Hell Resident Evil on SNES?!? EA Thinks Physical Media is Here to Stay… For Now Assassin’s Creed Correctly Predicts Hidden Chamber in the Great Pyramid   Announcing the winner of the Masters of Unlocking free video game giveaway contest Main Event: Turn your family’s holiday gathering into a video gaming delight with our highly recommended current-gen couch co-op favorites!   (The awesome background image for this episode’s banner is by Haruningster on Deviantart.)   The post Couch Co-Op Holiday Family Fun- Episode 010 appeared first on Masters of Unlocking: A Video Game Podcast.