SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recently announced specifications and pricing for the PS5 Pro. He highlights that the new console features a significantly faster GPU, promising up to 45% improved rendering for gameplay. However, he criticizes the high launch price of $700, particularly noting the absence of a built-in disk drive, which forces users with physical games to purchase an external optical drive. Harris expresses skepticism about the value of upgrading from the current PS5, especially for existing owners, and feels that the additional costs—like the separate purchase needed for a vertical stand—reflect a greedy marketing strategy by Sony. He concludes that he is unlikely to buy the PS5 Pro at its current price point and may consider acquiring a used PS5 instead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris reflects on the recent shutdown of Game Informer after over 30 years, expressing his nostalgia for the magazine and hope for its former employees to find new opportunities. He also discusses the Halo TV show that aired on Paramount Plus from 2022 to early 2023, noting that it ran for two seasons. Many fans criticized the series for not accurately portraying the character of Master Chief and felt the story was lacking, suggesting that the creators may not have fully understood or appreciated the Halo franchise. Instead of staying true to the source material, they seemed to prioritize creating a modern sci-fi narrative, which ultimately led to disappointment among viewers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recent release of “Star Wars Outlaws,” a game developed by Ubisoft. He admits to having forgotten about its launch and, although he hasn’t purchased it yet, he’s seen enough gameplay videos to form an opinion. Harris expresses disappointment with the game’s quality, citing a history of underwhelming experiences with Ubisoft titles over the past decade. He notes that “Star Wars Outlaws” launched in a buggy state, with some players on PS5 even having to delete their save files to continue playing, which he finds unacceptable. Harris critiques the gaming industry’s trend toward prioritizing profit over quality, suggesting developers focus more on early revenue than delivering polished games. He predicts that sales for “Star Wars Outlaws” may not be strong and anticipates a price drop in the near future due to a lack of player enjoyment and enthusiasm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the video game Concord, which was released on August 23, 2024, but was taken offline by its publisher, Sony, just two weeks later due to disappointing popularity. This swift action highlights the competitive nature of the gaming industry. Harris notes that there wasn’t much positive buzz around Concord prior to its launch and suggests that its lack of uniqueness compared to established games like Overwatch 2 contributed to its failure. He emphasizes the need for innovation in game design, such as incorporating a story mode, to attract a broader audience. Harris invites listeners to share their experiences with Concord and their views on the direction of the gaming industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his disappointment with Madden 2025, which was released recently. After reviewing gameplay footage, he feels that the game lacks significant improvements and seems more like a roster update with enhanced graphics rather than a new installment in the franchise. Harris criticizes EA for not innovating the series in recent years and points out the removal of features such as play creation and custom formations, which were available in earlier versions. He expresses hope for the return of these features but, based on his observations, is unlikely to purchase this year’s game unless there are notable changes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the upcoming video game “Black Myth Wukong,” set to release in mid-August. He highlights controversy surrounding the game, particularly a list of guidelines issued by Hero Games, a major investor in the game’s development. The guidelines include a brief list of do’s, which simply encourages players to enjoy the game, but the don’ts raise eyebrows. While some rules are straightforward, like avoiding insults toward other influencers, others are more peculiar, such as prohibiting discussions on feminist themes, certain sensitive terms like “quarantine” or “COVID-19,” and any commentary on China’s gaming industry policies. Harris speculates that these restrictions might indicate an attempt to control the narrative about both the game and China, suggesting a potential state agenda, though he admits he lacks concrete evidence to support this theory.Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/black-myth-wukong-marketing-team-offers-content-creators-a-steam-key-but-bans-feminist-propaganda-and-all-%20alk-of-covid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the TV show “Mr. Robot,” which premiered on USA Network in 2015. The series follows Elliott, a cybersecurity worker by day and hacker by night, as he attempts to orchestrate a significant hack against a major corporation in the first two seasons, with the subsequent seasons exploring the aftermath of that hack. Harris appreciates the show’s realistic portrayal of hacking, contrasting it with typical exaggerated representations in media. He also highlights the show’s sensitive depiction of Elliott’s mental health struggles, particularly his dissociative state, which is explored more deeply in the fourth season. While he feels the series concluded well, Harris expresses a desire for a fifth season to further develop some plotlines and provide additional context about Elliott’s future following his character’s realizations at the end of the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mastering The Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris shares a spoiler-free review of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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SummaryIn the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses Microsoft’s decision to raise the price of Xbox Game Pass. The previous $11 tier, now replaced by a $15 option called Xbox Game Pass Standard, will no longer include day-one titles and offers limited access to games along with online multiplayer features. The highest tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, will cost $20 per month and provides full access to all Game Pass titles. Despite recent price increases, Harris believes that Microsoft will not face significant subscriber losses due to their extensive acquisitions in the gaming sector. He speculates that further price hikes may occur in the coming years and expresses hope for a return to a standalone Xbox Live subscription option. Harris critiques the transition from Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to the Game Pass model, suggesting it forces users to pay more than they may want for limited use, particularly those not interested in new games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the development of a Watch Dogs movie, based on the open-world video game franchise that involves hacking and stealth gameplay. Although he has not yet played the games himself, he expresses his interest in the franchise. Harris compares Watch Dogs to the TV show Mr. Robot, noting their similar moody atmospheres and themes centered around technology and computer skills. He hopes the movie will be produced, viewing it as a positive step for adapting video game franchises into films and television series in the future.Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/after-years-in-development-hell-ubisofts-watch-dogs-movie-finally-begins-shooting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris shares his experience playing Baldur’s Gate 3. Despite initial excitement and an attempt to give it a chance, he quickly realized the game wasn’t for him due to its high fantasy RPG elements. Jermaine found the combat system too cumbersome, requiring multiple steps to execute attacks, unlike the immediate style he prefers in games. Disappointed with the gameplay, he decided to stop playing and requested a refund, expressing regret that he couldn’t enjoy a game many others appreciate, primarily due to the combat mechanics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jermaine Harris, the host of the Mastering the Game podcast, revisits playing Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles after forgetting about it for a while. He notes the game’s similarity to the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm franchise, appreciating the art style and gameplay mechanics. As a fan of elemental combat, Jermaine enjoys the water and fire styles in Demon Slayer. While not heavily invested in the story mode, he finds it engaging enough. Jermaine recommends the game to fans of the Naruto series looking for a new anime-related gaming experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the “Mastering the Game” podcast hosted by Jermaine Harris, it was announced that Xbox has collaborated with Amazon to introduce Xbox cloud gaming on select Fire TV devices. Starting in July, users will be able to download the Xbox app on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the regular Fire TV 4K device. While Jermaine doesn’t personally play cloud games, he appreciates the accessibility it offers. This partnership benefits Microsoft and gamers by providing access to games without needing a console, requiring only an Xbox Game Pass membership and the mentioned Fire Stick devices. Although not all may have fast enough internet for cloud gaming, titles like Starfield and Fallout 4 are expected to be available in the library, along with potentially dozens more games. As high-speed internet access increases, cloud gaming is likely to grow in popularity. Jermaine prefers traditional console and PC gaming but acknowledges that cloud gaming is a great option for those who can’t afford specific consoles or PCs. Overall, he sees the Microsoft and Amazon partnership as a positive development for the gaming industry, offering more options for players with different preferences and financial constraints.Contact Form: https://forms.gle/1ev6LLoGL62eJw2C8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Jermaine Harris reflects on the past 50+ episodes.Contact Form: https://forms.gle/1ev6LLoGL62eJw2C8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn the “Mastering the Game” podcast hosted by Jermaine Harris, he discusses his love for the Hitman World of Assassination game. Although he hadn’t played any Hitman games as a kid, upon trying the latest trilogy a few years ago, he became enamored with the detailed level design and high replay-ability factor. The game’s stealth elements resonated with him, reminding him of his fondness for stealth games from his childhood. One aspect he appreciates about Hitman is the variety of options available to complete missions, providing a fun challenge for players. Jermaine recommends the Hitman trilogy to fans of stealth or action-adventure games, emphasizing the engaging gameplay and multiple ways to approach each mission.Contact Form: https://forms.gle/1ev6LLoGL62eJw2C8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his experience watching IGN Live over the past weekend. He highlights several upcoming games that caught his attention, including the new Warhammer 4000 game, Space Marine 2, set to release in September as a third-person shooter. Other games mentioned were Eternal Strands and Black Myth Wukong, with the latter expected to launch in August this year. Despite being initially forgotten, the recent reveal trailer has sparked excitement for Black Myth Wukong. Jermaine reflects on the busy week for gaming with events like the summer showcase, Xbox showcase, and IGN Live, expressing enthusiasm for the plethora of new game releases from various companies. He appreciates both existing and new IPs entering the gaming landscape and anticipates another great year for gaming ahead.Contact Form: https://forms.gle/1ev6LLoGL62eJw2C8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the “Mastering the Game” podcast hosted by Jermaine Harris, there’s speculation about Microsoft potentially adding Call of Duty to the Xbox Game Pass. The host wonders how this move might impact sales, considering that access to games on Game Pass is contingent on their availability in the library. Despite the potential risks, adding Call of Duty could broaden the player base and could be a strategy to assess interest. There’s a suggestion that Microsoft might eventually make Call of Duty exclusive to Xbox and available solely on Game Pass. While these are currently just rumors, the future implications remain uncertain, and it will be interesting to observe how things unfold over the next few years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson considering placing ads in their AAA games, which raises concerns given the recent price hikes in gaming. The base game prices have gone up from $60 to $70, with even pricier versions available. Harris worries about the impact of ads on gameplay immersion and fears that more studios will follow suit. While the idea of tipping game developers sounds appealing, Harris suspects the money would likely end up in executives’ pockets rather than benefiting the actual developers. This raises ethical concerns, especially if companies are not adequately supporting their employees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.