Player, Too

This week, Rade and Dave dive into the big announcement from Sony and the ramifications for the industry. Is distribution via physical media completely on its way out, and why? What does this change mean for gaming - and gamers? Also, praise for a developer in the Game of the Week segment, and a special canine guest! (Oh, hi doggie!)

Join Rade, Dave, and guest Jason Schklar of UX Is Fine for a wide-ranging discussion on UX and UI development in 2026, the practical value AI tools can bring to the table, and how UX Is Fine built their unique and special culture. Also, Bungie layoff news (ugh), Steam hardware costs, and a grab-bag of Jason's Game(s) of the Week!

This week, it's unfortunately time for Rade and Dave to revisit the topic of game industry layoffs. Join us for the conversation as we search for signs of hope in the pile of scary rumors out there. Also, Arc Raiders numbers in the news, and a very special edition of Game of the Week!

Rade and Dave welcome guest Marcus Montgomery - game industry veteran and creative director of Cornerstone Interactive Studios - for a wide-ranging and thoughtful discussion on indie development in 2026. How can game-makers do it better in 2026? Also, the latest industry news!

A feistier debate than normal this week as Rade and Dave dig into the success of Roblox, what it means for the industry, and how developers can achieve their goals in 2026. Also, the latest on Switch 2 sales, box office numbers in the news, and a Game of the Week that might surprise you.

A rocky launch can kill a game, but sometimes redemption is possible. When should a game be killed in its infancy, and when should it be given a chance at a comeback? Join the discussion with Rade and Dave! Also, hardware in the news, the triumphant return of Rade's sign, and the first of a rotating series of new themes for the podcast (since Riverside changed its built-in music provider).

Gamers are often skeptical of licensed titles, but making a game that leverages an existing IP has a lot of upside. Rade and Dave discuss their experiences, both positive and negative. Also, the latest industry news, and a book review (what?!) instead of a Game of the Week!

This week, "Player, Too!" welcomes Greg Phillips for an in-depth discussion of the console space in 2026, and what the future holds for gaming hardware. Also, Subnautica 2's launch in the news, another gaming fund, and Greg's Game of the Week!

How do games measure success? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but Rade and Dave discuss some of the ways teams can evaluate their games. Also, Gamestop and Roblox in the news again, and revisiting Arc Raiders half a year in!

How should games be priced in 2026? Join Rade and Dave for one of their more spicy conversations. Also, the latest game industry news, and a Game of the Week that Rade might actually like.

Is the game industry making the right products in 2026? Join Rade and Dave for their thoughts, as well as the latest updates on Game Pass changes, Meta turning an Orwellian eye on its employees, and a pair of throwback games-of-the-week.

In Rade's absence this week, the podcast welcomes a guest co-host: longtime podcast friend Jennifer Lane! Join Dave and Jennifer for a great discussion about how the role of game production has evolved over the years. Also, news on Game Pass and Roblox, and a surprising Game of the Week!

This week, we dig into the tricky problem of discovery. What should developers do to make sure their products reach the right audience? We welcome our friend John Osvald for a wide-ranging discussion. Plus, the latest game industry news and not just one but two Games of the Week!

Cutting through the hype and noise, what's it really like developing a product using AI? Game developers are uniquely positioned to navigate the muddy waters of new development processes well. Join us this week for a case study with returning guest Jennifer Lane. Also, the latest industry news and a Game of the Week celebrating its ten-year anniversary.

In the wake of Epic's layoffs, Rade and Dave discuss Fortnite's legacy and what the game has meant to the industry. Also the latest news on console prices, the end of Sora, and an update on our Crimson Desert bet from last week.

This week, Rade and Dave look to the future and the rebirth of the game industry. (It's happening right now!) Also, Krafton and DLSS5 in the news, plus a few already-out-of-date thoughts about Crimson Desert in our Game of (Next) Week segment.

Rade and Dave break down the vibe at GDC 2026. Also, industry news, a super-secret game of the week, and a brief digression about industry graybeards.

As developers, we like to stay heads-down in our creative work - but the outside world often intrudes into gaming. This week, Rade and Dave dig into a (mostly) nonpartisan discussion about the intersection of gaming, law, and politics.

Wrapping up our series on what the game industry can do better, we discuss our takeaways and discuss the executive perspective. Also, news on changes in Microsoft gaming leadership, and a Game of the Week about... cats!

In Part 3 of our series on how the game industry needs to change, we dig into design with Last Keep CEO Dave Pottinger. We also chat about hardware shortages in the news, and grill Dave on the games he's playing lately to wrap things up. Join the conversation!

We take a break from our ongoing series on what needs to change in the game industry as Rade gives us the inside scoop directly from DICE! (Audio from Rade's hotel lobby is a little spotty - apologies!)

We continue our series how the game industry operates in 2026 and what needs to change. Join us and our guest, product leader Jennifer Lane, for a wide-ranging conversation about production - and a fresh look at a game we all know and love.

In this episode, Rade and Dave begin a new series on the industry's challenges and the path forward. This week, they dig into how the industry finances games with special guest Laurent Saurel.

Rade and Dave offer advice on navigating the game industry job market in these uncertain times. Also, a boiler explosion in the news, and a game with cute beavers.

What happened to VR? In the wake of recent Meta layoffs, Rade and Dave discuss the VR space. Also a great narrative game you may have missed. 00:00 Introduction 00:34 News - Steam Sales Trends, Meta Layoffs 07:04 Discussion: What Happened to VR? 29:17 Game of the Week: Pathologic 3 34:58 Wrap-Up