CoD: WWII Invades The GiN Lounge
With all the modern warfare and future warfare going on, it’s been a long time since we got back to our Call of Duty roots in World War II. And with wonderful reviews pouring in, we figured it was time to bring WWII back into the lounge.
Lounging in Mass Effect: Andromeda
This week the GiN Lounge gang head out to a galaxy far, far away. No, not that one, the one from Mass Effect: Andromeda. After waking up from a 600-year sleep, we dive into one of the largest open-world space games this side of the Milky Way.
The GiN Lounge at Star Wars Celebration 2017
Marion Constante from The GiN Lounge gang was hanging out with thousands of other Star Wars fans in Orlando this week at Star Wars Celebration 2017, one of the coolest places in the galaxy. She brought back movie, comic book, Rebels and videogame news for us about all things Star Wars.
Ghost Recon Wildlands Announces Narco Road DLC Expansion
Today, Ubisoft announced that the first Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands expansion, Narco Road, will be available to season pass owners simultaneously across all platforms on April 18. Season pass owners will have access to Narco Road one week before it releases for individual purchase on April 25 for the suggested retail price of $14.99. […]
GiN Lounge: About those GOTY Winners…
It’s all said and done, and we are left to sweep up the confetti after an amazing Game of the Year party. Thousands of you cast your votes and painstakingly choose the best games that 2016 had to offer. Join us in the lounge as we celebrate the winners this week!
Great Star Wars Gaming Through the Years
May the force be with you all this week as the GiN Lounge gang talks about great Star Wars videogames over the years. From TIE Fighter to Star Wars Galaxies to Battlefront and beyond, it’s all Star Wars, all the time. Tune in and see if we get to your favorite Star Wars title.
The GiN Lounge: Great Videogames Closing Out 2016
The end of the year is almost upon us, but before we start talking about game of the year candidates, there are a few games sneaking in under the wire that deserve mention. So check out some of the best videogames that are closing out 2016.
The GiN Lounge Talks Diversity in Games
GiN’s own Chella Ramanan moderated a panel on diversity in videogames at the European Women in Games Conference this year. We chat with her in the lounge this week about how well the industry is doing, and where we can improve.
Lounge Live: Call of Duty XP 2016
We connect with GiN Reporter Marion Constante live at the Call of Duty XP 2016 event out in LA, where she is both checking out the pending Infinite Warfare game and covering the Call of Duty World League Championships. We are running and gunning CoD-style this week in the lounge.
Surprising Games of 2016 so Far
Can you believe that 2016 is more than halfway over already? Luckily for gamers, we have experienced some really great games already this year, though not all of them were expected. We dive into which games gave our reviewers a surprise this week in the GiN Lounge. And we welcome to new GiN reviewer Marion Constante!
Wrapping Up E3 2016 with The GiN Lounge Podcast
After listening to every conference at E3 2016 and reading just about every major press release, the GiN Lounge crew go over everything that was said, implied and promised from E3 in 2016. What games and new hardware should you most be looking forward to playing?
Marching with the Banner Saga 2
This week Chella and John head over to the local mead hall, also known as the GiN Lounge, load up their tankards and talk about their experiences playing the Banner Saga 2. Everyone seems to fall in love with this deeply beautiful game and its mix of combat, role-playing and storytelling.
Breaking down the Game of the Year Nominations
Since 1997, Gameindustry.com has allowed the people to pick the games of the year. And we like it that way! Some of our editors may not always agree on every pick, but we love letting folks have a voice in supporting the games that they love. We break down some of the more interesting nominations this week in the Lounge, and look forward to the final picks.
What Games Should Everyone Play at Least Once?
If you are lucky enough to be a gamer, then hopefully you will have run into at least one videogame, and hopefully more, that really demonstrated the magic that games can contain. We try to come up with a few for your gamer bucket list this week in the GiN Lounge. How did we do?
Fallout 4: The Nuclear Podcast
Achieving nearly impossible perfect scores with three different reviewers on three different platforms is setting up Fallout 4 for a serious Game of the Year run. As the final GiN Lounge podcast of the year, we jump in and talk about all the great Fallout goodness.
Wild Podcasting With The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best role-playing games to come out in years, and this is coming from people who were lukewarm about the first two games. Come and see why The Witcher 3 is worth your time this week in The GiN Lounge.
E3 Expo Press Conference Reactions
With the dust starting to settle on what was a very exciting E3 Expo, the GiN Lounge gang come together to rate and react to the major press conferences put on by Bethesda Software, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Square Enix, Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.
Digging Into Mass Effect 4 Rumors
Like the infamous Mako (which is reportedly making a return) rumors are flying about what is going into Mass Effect 4. We take everything with a grain of salt, but then go ahead and discuss each one this week in the lounge. What part of ME4 are you most looking forward to seeing? It looks like there will be a lot to love.
Going Undercover As A Female Gamer
For the past two months, Michael Blaker has been working undercover. He posed as a female gamer to find out if all the talk about women players being mistreated in games was true. Come learn how he did it, and some of the surprising things he learned in the GiN Lounge this week.
Why is Super Smash Bros. so Great?
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is the fourth installment in a long series of fighting games by Nintendo, and it just keeps getting better. But what is this amazing game’s secret? We try and find out this week in The GiN Lounge.
Analyzing the Games of the Year
With the GiN Games of the Year awards complete for 2014, the inevitable controversy over who won what can begin. Did the best games win? That, as always with the games of the year contest, is open for interpretation. But come on, that’s what makes the whole thing so much fun.
Taming Those DLC Monsters
Downloaded content for games, or DLC, can be a great way to extend the gameplay beyond what is originally offered for those who love the game. But these days, there is quite a lot of crappy DLC, day one DLC that should be part of the main game, or inconsequential items that aren’t worth the money. How can we tame those DLC beasts?
Game of the Year Nominations
The game of the year nominations are in, and what a great crop of titles you have to choose from when you cast your final votes. Come by and see what the GiN Lounge crew have to say about them.
Playing Now — Early Games For 2015
This time of year is traditionally kind of dull for gamers. It’s after the holidays but before the summer releases. But this year, there are several games that we can start playing now, with no need to wait. We’re off to a really good start!
What Titles Deserve Game of the Year Nominations?
With the GiN Game of the Year nomination phase in full swing, we take some time to talk about which games we think deserve special consideration this year. Agree or disagree, ultimately the choice is up to you.
The Best Is Yet To Come? Our 2015 Gaming Wishes
Last year was a bit of a transitional time, which meant that not a lot of great games came out, though there were a few. However, with a new found focus, the industry seems ready to tear it up in 2015. These are our 2015 gaming wishes.
The GiN Lounge Holiday Show
This has been a great year for gamers, and now we finally get some time off to enjoy all those amazing titles that you know have been piling up. Here’s hoping that your holiday is bright, filled with cheer and full of amazing games!
Conquering The World With BattleGoat Studios
BattleGoat Studios makes some of the most impressive deep strategy games on the market today, and they do it with a small staff and an independent studio. Find out the magic behind Supreme Ruler this week in the GiN Lounge.
Being Thankful on Thanksgiving
It’s Thanksgiving, and the GiN Lounge crew are taking time away from stuffing their faces to talk about the other cool thing about the turkey holiday – a long weekend to play the hottest games. Be it Smash Bros, GTA or an indie game of choice, may your feast be merry and fun!
Shall We Play Some Spooky Games?
Ghosts and goblins take over The GiN Lounge this week as we discuss some of the classic spooky games of yesteryear and some of the modern titles that should be on your list of must-have games that deliver a fright.
The Walking Dead Season Two Wrap-up
Billy White has been walking with the dead for two seasons now, and he’s ready to rule on how Telltale’s season two did in bringing us the continuing adventures of Clementine and the other survivors from The Walking Dead video game.
A Rough Week For Gamers
Some weeks are better than others, but last week was particularly bad. We had terrible personal attacks against a female developer, hackers hitting consoles and gamers being slandered. We break it all down in the lounge.
Console Streaming or Downloading?
With both Sony and EA competing for the hearts and minds of console gamers, and battling between streaming and downloading, it means that gamers will soon have some choices to make.
More Talking About The Dead
The Walking Dead Season 2 Episode 3: In Harm’s Way took things for Clementine and the other survivors in a somewhat expected direction, but also added more of the role-playing aspects that we all love.
3 Major Conferences That Opened E3 Expo
Another E3 Expo has rolled in on us again as the 2014 show opens its doors. To kick things off, Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo pulled back the curtains to show what they will be planning for us in the next year.
New Game-based Novels
The GiN Lounge crew looks at some of the fascinating books and novels our reviewers have been reading, and examines where these excellent adventures fit in with their game worlds.
E.T. finally phones home
News that the urban legend of Atari burying thousands of Atari 2600 copies of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has been confirmed. This has led the lounge crew to think back on other terrible games that should have probably been tossed in as well.
Divided We Stand
The Walking Dead video game is heating up with the second episode of its second season. We talk about Clementine’s choices, a ghost from the past, and try to unmask a true villain in the lounge this week.
Talking About The Dead
The new season of The Walking Dead by Telltale Games is out, and Billy has already reviewed the first episode. As we await more, we chat about where we think the game series is heading.
Nomination Time
It’s awards season time again. And that means you get to nominate the top games that kept you happy all through 2013. The lounge crew has a few suggestions for that.
Hidden Holiday Gems
Not every amazing game is well-known or marketed. The lounge crew talks about a few hidden gems that you might want to check out to make your holiday a little brighter.
Best Characters Of The Year?
Ellie from The Last of Us. Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite. Trevor from Grand Theft Auto V. Drippy From Nu Ko Nuni. All amazing characters. But which one did you like best?
Putting Grand In Theft Auto
This week the lounge is all about Grand Theft Auto V, first impressions, story progression and some of the more controversial moments in the game that is sure to leave a mark.
November Rains Consoles
We now know it all. The specs. The launch dates. The exclusive titles. The price. The only question left is, are you getting an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4?
A Gamescom 2013 Wrapup
Gamescom has become one of the biggest trade shows in the world, rivaling E3 in terms of size and number of vendors. So what big news came out of the show this year?
Taking Ouya For A Spin
Todd is working on a full-fledged review of the new Ouya console, but came into the lounge for a few minutes to give us his first impressions. Should this be on your list?
A Brave New World
Sony pulled back the covers on their next big MMO, EverQuest Next. We bring in an expert player to the lounge who has served proudly in the first two games to analyze the third.
League of Legends Gets Sports Status
The US Government has recognized League of Legends as an official sport, enabling player athletes to obtain visas to compete in tournaments. Some LOL players weigh in on the news.
What Sells Games?
A funny thing happened to reporter Lisa Campos at E3 this year. She noticed that nobody was trying to sell their games based on how they looked. So if graphics are secondary, what sells games?
Playing With Zombies In The Last of Us
Once in a great while, a game is so good, breaks so many barriers and receives so much acclaim that we devote a whole GiN Lounge show to it. The Last of Us is one of those.
Serving Up New Games
During the previous GiN Lounge show, all anyone wanted to talk about was the console wars. So today, we take some time to salute the actual games that shined brightly at E3.
E3’s Console War Shootout
Nintendo sneaks into E3 at the last second, but the real shots are between Microsoft and Sony, as the battle for the hearts and minds of console gamers goes into overdrive.
Why We Love Voice Actors
First we learn that David Hayter won’t be cast as Snake, and now Kevin Conroy won’t be Batman? What’s the deal with publishers firing all our favorite videogame voice actors?
The Xbox One
Microsoft reveals the XBox One. We talk about what we know, what we don’t know, and what gamers still need to find out about the world’s newest console.
Cover Girls
Recent decisions to eliminate female characters from the cover of top games, or to push them to the back, were made in the name of increased sales. But don’t we all like cover girls?
Spending Less, Getting A Bit More
Gaming is an expensive habit sometimes, but there are lots of ways that a frugal player can have some fun without digging too deeply into their wallet.
First Quarter Hits
Breaking tradition, the year 2013 starts out with a bang, with almost a dozen top tier titles hitting the streets in three short months, with more are on the way. Happy days are here again!
Best Games of 2012
Over 100,000 of you voted on the top games of the year, and you made some amazing choices. Our chief editor heads to the lounge to give his insights and opinions on your picks this week.
Guns In Games
There is a serious debate raging in the United States about gun control, and the game industry has been pulled into it. Are games too violent? Or is it all in good fun?
Opening Shots: The PlayStation 4
Now that we’ve all had time to digest what Sony revealed about the PlayStation 4, and also what they didn’t say, it’s time to talk about it in the lounge. Did the opening gambit impress?
Another Advertising Blunder
With offensive scandals last year surrounding game ads for titles like Hitman and Tomb Raider, you would think the industry learned some lessons. Wrong. Enter Torso-gate for Dead Island: Riptide.
Game Of The Year Nominees
Left alone in the lounge while everyone else covers the PS4 announcement, Breeden does his best to muddle through the show this week, talking about the nominees for Game of the Year.
We’ll Miss You THQ
Industry standard THQ is no more. Most of its game properties have scattered and been sold off to other companies. It’s had its last rodeo. So, as a post-mortem, what the heck went so wrong?
PC Gaming From Your Couch
Although the Piston shown at CES wasn’t the enigmatic Steambox, because everyone thought it was, Valve had to come clean about their future plans. Are you ready for PC gaming, on your TV?
Ready For Games Of The Year?
It’s safe to say that 2012 was a banner year for gaming, with plenty of AAA titles tearing it up, and lots of surprises from indy developers as well. But it’s almost time to declare some overall winners.
The Holidays Came Early?
Gamers are experiencing something unique and cool this holiday season. Most of the top games are already on sale. From Borderlands 2 to Halo 4, Call of Duty to Hitman, the gifts came early.
The End Of City of Heroes
Two of the game’s biggest fans reluctantly say goodbye to City of Heroes. Despite desperate pleas from players, NC Soft will close the heroic city for good on November 30.
The Halloween Show
It’s getting scary out there. This is the time of year when ghosts and goblins come out to play, and the gang talks about horror games. Be afraid this week in the GiN Lounge.
The Improving Economy
Obviously the economy is still struggling, and the game industry is no different, but there have been some very encouraging signs lately. Could we be back to normal by 2014?
Indie Games Go Big
Developers are increasingly ditching their publishers and instead taking their games directly to players as independent studios. Today, with so many success stories, more will surly follow.
Women In Gaming
How does the game industry depict female characters? Lately the answer is: badly. But there are a few emerging bright spots, which we uncover in the lounge this week.
A Timely Arrival
Games like FEAR and Blades of Time, and the entire Max Payne series, feature some type of time manipulation mechanic. It’s become the darling of the game industry lately, and we examine why.
ME3’s Final Bow
After getting slammed by fans for the poor finale to Mass Effect 3, BioWare relented and released the new free extended cut ending as a DLC. Was it enough, or too little, too late?
MePin: Shielding Online Players
Online gaming is big business, and so are the many threats leveled against both players and companies. We invited MePin founder Markku Mehtala into the lounge to talk about their unique defense.
Wrapping Up E3 2012
E3 Expo for 2012 may be over, but things that happened there will chart the course of our industry for years. We look at the most important news from the show.
Five Things To Frustrate Gamers
This week we explore the things that truly frustrate us as gamers. We still play games, but the world would be much better without these few problems. (Show running out of order due to technical difficulties.)
Five Ways Games Keep Us Playing
We examine five reasons gamers keep on playing games, as opposed to the five things that really frustrate people, which we’ll look at later. This week: it’s all love baby!
Mass Effect 3 Wrap-up
From integrating multiplayer into the single player experience, to the questionable ending choices, we analyze the final game of this golden series from every angle.
Happy Birthday Snake!
Come party like Snake this week as the Metal Gear Solid series turns 25. Will these venerable games continue to change the industry as we know it for 25 more?
New Console Generations
Real, hard facts about the next generation consoles are difficult to find just yet, but our reporters have researched quite a few tantalizing rumors to investigate this week in the lounge.
So, what ya playing?
Even though this is the time of year when few new games hit the market, 2012 has seen a few gems bubble up to the surface of our becalmed seas. Find out what the lounge crew is playing.
Video Games Are An Art Form
The GiN Lounge heads to The Smithsonian American Art Museum this week to talk about their new The Art of Video Games exhibit with curator Chris Melissinos.
Games of the Year 2012
When we announced the winners of the Game of the Year contest, there weren’t too many surprises. So now we celebrate the best of the best, as chosen by you.
Games On The Go!
With the PS Vita now out and other platforms like the Apple iPad, Nintendo 3DS and Android going strong, it looks like mobile gaming is not only here to stay, but to get better too.
Top Games for 2011?
Over 50,000 of you cast ballots for the games of the year, and the voting is hot and heavy. The GiN Lounge crew goes over some of the more interesting nominations, and predicts the winners.
What Will 2012 Bring Us?
Unlike the last few years that started off kind of soft, 2012 began with a bang, with the news that many awesome games are slated to be released soon. From Mass Effect 3 to Hitman to Halo 4 to Bioshock 3, there’s something for everyone!
What will you nominate?
We begin the hunt for the best games of the year this week, and the GiN gang makes some suggestions as to which games you should consider. Remember, the top games are all up to you!
Glyde.com Offers Something Better
This week Glyde.com stops by The GiN Lounge to explain how they can offer more money to people selling their used games, and still give buyers a great deal too. Their business model makes everyone a winner.
Skyrim’s Beauty And Style
Our third in the possible Game of the Year titles shows, we focus this week on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Can the northern barbarians take the top prize this year?
Modern Warfare 3
Our second show in a series of possible Game of the Year titles focuses on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. But how does the powerhouse series stack up against Batman and Skyrim?
Batting 1,000
While other superhero games have had their hits and misses, the Batman series has consistently turned in some really great gaming. What’s the caped crusader’s secret?
Still Being Used?
Publishers and now some developers cry fowl when talking about the used game market, with some even claiming they’ve lost $30 million or more over it. But we smell just a little BS.
A New Grand Theft Auto!
News that Grand Theft Auto V is rapidly being developed stirred up passions last week with the surprise release of the game’s first trailer. We analyze the tiny bit shown, and talk about great GTA games of old.
Not Happily Ever After
In the United States, the divorce rate is 3.4 percent. But online in MapleStory, out of thousands of marriages, couples divorce 75 percent of the time. Are gamers doing something wrong?
Game Design For All?
Before GameSalad came along, you practically needed a computer science degree to make a good game. But today, with their innovative tools, almost anyone can turn their vision into reality.
The Future of Gaming
A recent panel of Sony developers predicted some amazing things for their games over the next ten years. We look at some of their claims and what they mean for the console giant, and the rest of the industry too.
In With The New!
We celebrate the launch of the new GiN Website this week, and point out the new features and functionality, plus shine a bit of light on the folks who help to make Gameindustry.com possible every single day.
Do You Finish Your Games?
Not even a 5.9 magnitude earthquake can keep us from this week’s GiN Lounge show. The trouble is, gamers don’t seem to have the same attitude about their games, as a survey shows most remain unfinished.
Diversity In The Industry
A surprising if not shocking video posted on our Facebook page shows the comical, misinformed and somewhat inexcusable way Native Americans have been portrayed in games. Sound familiar?
Happy 100th Episode!
The GiN Lounge achieves centenarian status by reaching its 100th episode! So we’re hosting a huge party in the lounge to celebrate, and everyone is invited. Come laugh it up in a most unusual show this week.
Innovation Always On My Mind
The game industry has often been accused of a lack of innovation, but quite a few titles have come out recently that deserve special praise. And what of the new games this holiday season?
Econ 301
Our third show on the economy in a year, publisher Wooley points out some interesting trends, like how the unemployment numbers can really affect the GiNDex and the industry’s overall health.
Jobs With Game Developers
A group of disgruntled employees are shining an unflattering spotlight on Team Bondi, developers of the hot LA Noire game, alleging hostile working conditions, long unpaid hours and low respect.
A Timely Time Waster
Every Saturday GiN brings you a special kind of review, the Time Waster, which shows you the best way to fritter away your precious time. Meet the genius behind the new feature, this week in the GiN Lounge.
The Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court ruled 7 to 2 that the California law banning the sale of violent games was unconstitutional, with some justices going so far as to declare that games are in fact, art. Funny, we’ve known that for a while.
E3 Expo 2011
E3 Expo 2011 turned out to be chocked full of surprises, from the Wii U to the newest Sony handheld, to an original Halo and a ton of cool-looking games. We digest all the news from the show this week.
The Halfway Show
Half the year is behind us, and half is right in front. While everyone gathers at E3 Expo this week to plot the second half of 2011, we take a look back at the six months under our belts so far, and gaze for future clues.
PS3 Vs. 360
Our own Gamer Geeks, two hardcore Xbox 360 players, have recently brought the Sony PlayStation 3 into their lives. So which console is better, and does it really matter anymore which one someone owns?
Sony’s Credit Crisis
News that 70 million subscribers on the Sony PlayStation Network had personal information, and possibly credit cards, stolen sent shockwaves through the gamer community. What happened, and who’s to blame?
A Cartoon Controversy
An angry cartoon reader makes us take a long look at the role of women in the game industry this week, both working behind the scenes and also as girl gamers. It’s a girl power lounge this week.
Streets of Rage Controversy
Sega apparently knew about the fan-based Streets of Rage remake for eight years, but waited until the free game was out for a week before quashing it legally. Question is: were they forced?
We are doing well, so far…
Ring-a-ding, baby! With the first few months of 2011 in the can, we find a year that’s off to a great start. So we pour some vodka into the computers (really, for cooling) and kick off a celebratory lounge.
The 2010 Games of the Year
With the Games of the Year announced, we go over the categories and look at the winners with a critical, but mostly praising, eye. After all, 50,000 voting gamers can’t be wrong, can they?
Games As An Art?
With the Smithsonian Institution setting up an exhibit about video games, we question which games deserve such recognition, and, gasp, if ANY games actually qualify as art.
Will Smurf Berries Kill Mobile Games?
Do you like downloaded game content on your mobile platform? Would you still like it if your child ran up a $10,000 bill for Smurfberries? That possibility is causing a stir in the industry.
Best…Character…Ever!
Playing video games means running into a lot of unique characters. Some are good and some are evil, but only a few claw their way into our hearts. Which ones made the list of most memorable?
It’s Cool To Be Casual
Casual gamers are rapidly outnumbering hardcore players, with some new titles getting 100 million players within weeks of their launch. Is this a brave new world being built, colorful brick by colorful brick?
Gaming In The Heart Of Winter
With the temperatures below freezing, we take a look at how playing habits are affected by the dark heart of winter. Do you hibernate and play MORE, or are you too depressed for gaming?
The 2010 Envelope Please…
You nominated your favorite games and now we can announce the official nominees for the 2010 Games of the Year. There are some real surprises, but anyone can win. Get the lowdown on them all in the lounge and then cast your vote.
Hot Genres Coming Through!
Certain genres like puzzle adventure titles are experiencing a huge boon in popularity, driven by things like the hot mobile games market. But other genres seem in danger of outright extinction.
The Games of 2011
Although it was slow to get started, 2010 turned out just fine in terms of games. So now we take a look at what hot new titles can be expected in the New Year. Will 2011 trump 2010?
Get Ready To Vote
Next week we begin the GiN Games of the Year process. May we humbly suggest a few titles that we think might be worthy of your vote?
It’s The Economy, Again
Our second show this year on the economy and the GiNDex in particular has some surprisingly good news for a change. But is that light at the end of the tunnel, or an oncoming train?
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas enters the Game of the Year race in a big way. Can Bethesda snatch away an award at the last moment again? We find three highly addicted gamers who think it might happen.
Kinect The Dots
Microsoft launches the Kinect to wide acclaim. Our reviewers talk about how Kinect will trigger massive furniture rearrangements, innovative gaming, and tons of weight loss.
Is Twice Really As Nice?
After years of complaining about the need for original content games, we are now deluged by sequel after sequel. The thing is, we really seem to like it. So what gives?
Could Games Be Regulated?
The Supreme Court could finally declare that video games are an art form worthy of protection, or set us on a path that could kill our beloved industry.
What Will Be Game Of The Year?
Some powerhouse titles are hitting the market as 2011 winds down to a close, leaving everyone wondering who has a shot at Game of the Year.
DLC Games Take The Forefront
Games delivered by download, called downloaded content, (DLC) are starting to outstrip more traditionally published titles. Is this a minor shift, or the end of publishing and retail stores as we know it?
What Could Have Been
Sometimes games have almost everything players want, except one little thing. And that one thing keeps a good game from becoming a great one. These are your ALMOST greatest hits.
Hoop Dreams!
NBA 2K11 is finally out, and looks absolutely amazing. Sit in with the developers of one of the most anticipated basketball titles ever created as they explain their vision for the virtual courts.
Saving Your Pennies
The PlayStation Move is out, Xbox’s Kinect isn’t far behind, and a slew of expensive music games are about to burst onto the market. It’s going to be a costly Fall for gamers.
GiN Invades Facebook
Today we reveal that GiN is now on Facebook. You can find us at www.facebook.com/gameindustry with daily updates, game trailers and news and reviews you can use. Come Friend us!
The Volatile Used Game Market
Publishers are crying foul at the surging popularity of the used game market, and even plotting how to best kill it. Meanwhile, gamers are embracing it with all their might. Who’s in the right here?
Coming Back To The PC
Those who long ago left the ranks of PC gaming for the shining console shores are doing something strange: they’re returning in droves, lured by the beauty that is Starcraft II.
Are Our Memories of Classic Games To Be Trusted?
Todd and John take a look back at classic games they thought were wonderful at the time, only to find that they might not have shined quite so brightly as in their memory.
We Like Girls
News that Activision is allegedly purging female leads from its games has riled up GiN’s female regiment, though they admit this is just part of a disturbing trend. Why can’t people realize that girls kick butt too?
An Offer You Can’t Refuse
With Mafia II coming out on August 24, the GiN Lounge plays fly on the wall of a developer conference to answer all your questions about this pending mafia masterpiece.
Even More Great Gaming Moments
The first Great Gaming Moments show was so successful, we’re doing a second. This one comes with multiple reader comments, and Gamer Geeks Todd and Kelly to boot. Hold onto your controllers!
Ready For Some…Lawsuits?
Everyone loves their college football team, but some players are feeling abused because they don’t get any compensation for using their likenesses. Former QB Sam Keller is suing EA Sports and the NCAA to get the money he says players deserve.
Virtual Items Net Real Money
Don’t like to shoot horses in Red Dead? Do you spend real money for MMO equipment? Perhaps it’s because virtual items (and characters) have real world value now?
The Greatest Moments In Gaming History
From the scariest to the most inspirational, to childhood dreams coming true, we discover those little magical moments in gaming that make everything worthwhile. It’s good to be a gamer, as you all should know!
What’s New In Music Games?
Music games are making a huge splash, with keyboards planned for Rock Band 3, a real guitar in the works for Guitar Hero, the brand new Seven45 Studios coming onto the scene, and more turntables for DJ Hero.
This Crazy Economy
A slow decline on the GiNDex has the Lounge Gang hitting the panic button this week, yes we really do have one, and trying to figure out what the heck is going wrong. Step one: Don’t Panic. Step Two: Panic.
Social Gaming
Social gaming on sites like Facebook and Myspace are the next big thing it seems, with some titles like Farm Town and Mafia Wars rocketing up to over 10 million players. But is this still a growth market, or has it become overly bloated?
Gaming In Three Dimensions
Spurred onward by the success of 3D movies like Avatar, the games industry is struggling to catch up and produce top 3D content. But we’ve got a ways to go it seems.
Are Game Design Degrees Worth It?
Lots of universities are now offering game degrees, but at least one executive from EA says they aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Instead, he urges degrees in more general fields, so grads can work outside the industry if needed.
Rockin’ With Red Dead
Red Dead Redemption blasted onto the scene like a hot knife through butter, bringing us an unheard of open world set in the American Old West. We celebrate that accomplishment this week in the lounge.
The Shifting Cultural Landscape
News that India-based Reliance Big Entertainment has bought a 50 percent share of Codemasters has triggered shockwaves throughout the industry. Will we start to see a cultural shift towards Indian history and culture in games?
Movie/Game Tie-ins of 2010
There is a rightfully deserved stigma against games based on movies. But lately, that curse is being broken by great titles like Up and How to Train Your Dragon. Why are these mediums suddenly getting along?
Election Day UK
England is going to the polls today to elect a new government. And surprisingly, support for the British video game industry has become a national issue. Chella sorts it all out, and endorses a winner.
Here Comes The Judges
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on a California case that could have serious repercussions for the entire game industry, and all gamers everywhere. There isn't much lounging in the lounge this week. Join the discussion.
Sports Talk Radio With GiN
The guys take over the lounge this week for some good old fashion sports talk. Everything is on the table from UFC, to the NBA to baseball. And hear a surprising way to end the Madden NFL cover athlete curse, once and for all!
Are minorities represented properly in games?
Several articles have come out in recent months showcasing the growing concern of properly representing minorities in video games. But can an industry populated overwhelmingly by white men be expected to realistically depict minorities?
Drug Usage In Games
Drugs have been around for as long as humanity, but only recently have they started creeping into computer games. Is there a place for them within a game's story, or should we start getting the banning stamp ready?
New Wave Shooters
Shooters have been a staple of the industry for almost as long as this has been an industry. But today innovative games like STALKER Call of Pripyat, Bioshock 2 and Borderlands are offering something a bit more.
The Best Games Of The Year
With close to 100,000 votes cast by GiN’s readers, the best games of the year can finally be defined. We discuss the winners in each category, see if anyone got snubbed, and generally celebrate the victories. Did the best games win?
The 2009 Games Of The Year Nominees
You picked them. We counted them. And now we’re gonna talk about them. The 2009 GiN Game of the Year nominees are here, as chosen by you. Which games will earn the top prize? Their fate is in your hands.
An Awesome Time After Christmas
Normally the hottest releases come out over the holidays, but the big bully that was Modern Warfare 2 claimed that glory. So now we have a ton of top-tier titles coming out like a second Christmas.
Dear Members of the GiN Academy
Everyone who subscribes to the free weekly GiN newsletter can nominate their favorite game for the GOTY contest. But we’ve dug up a couple gems that might not be on your radar, but deserve a second look.
DownLoadedContent (DLC)
Downloaded Content packs, or DLCs, are rapidly becoming the kings of gaming. From The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned in Borderlands to thousands of songs for Rock Band and Guitar Hero, there’s something for everyone (and cheap) online.
Ten Awesome Years
Almost nobody can claim as much growth in a ten year span as the game industry. From the PS2 to World of Warcraft, we take a look back at the most important innovations of the decade that truly changed the world.
The Year 2009 In Review
Even though we got off to a bit of a slow start, 2009 had some amazing games to be played. And while not every title can take home the Game Of Year Crown, we pause to toast a few that really impressed.
Flying Cars And Console Deaths
Got some cool console games under your tree? If Square Enix President Yoichi Wada's prediction holds true, that may be a thing of the past. Could digital distribution kill the console market? And would it put Santa out of business?
Happy Holidays Everyone!
This week our top two columnists talk about the titles you absolutely have to find stuffed in your stocking this year. However you celebrate the holidays, make sure at least one of these great games is a part of it.
Penny For Your Time
One of the newest forms of ad revenue is advertising within a game. And it’s also one of the most controversial. Listen as the fur flies this week. More money! Less fulfilling!
Modern Warfare 2 Review
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 hit the ground like a bunker-buster bomb, igniting both love and extreme controversy. Infinity Ward even tasked players with participating in a terrorist attack, something sure to stir up strong emotions.
The Dark Side Of MMOs
GiN business reporter Nate Wooley and chief editor John Breeden give tips about keeping safe when playing online. And we invite our business listeners to a free Webinar showing how you can easily defeat the complex problems of online payments.
It Takes Two, Baby
In the beginning, the one advantage consoles had over PCs was getting everyone together around the TV to play a game. And while many Wii gamers know this, others might have forgotten, with rare exceptions.
Number Two Son
Sequels sometimes get a bad rap, though most of the time they deserve a bit of lampooning. However, there are a few games where the sequel beats the original. Come celebrate number twos with us!
Land Of The Falling Sun
Japan used to be the vanguard of the game industry, leading the way by innovative examples and top technology. But lately, their influence is waning, replaced by young developers outside the land of the rising sun.
Innovate Good Times, Come On!
The GiN Gang looks at some major innovations found in recent games, and laments the fact that, sadly, most new titles are just more of the same. But innovation doesn’t always equal commercial success, so we understand.
The Really Small Screen
As technology advances, devices get smaller and a lot more fun. Today cell phones and other tiny gadgets have become true portable gaming machines, with developers producing some amazing titles.
This Means War — Again
The frontlines in the console war have been pretty static for a while now. But with Microsoft going for motion control and Sony finally lowering prices, could this be a renewed offensive against the Wii?
New MMOs Take Flight
In the past few months since our last GiN Lounge show on MMOs, several new massively-multiplayer games have been released like D&D Online and Aion. We update you on the comings and goings of MMO worlds.
Race Game Fans, Start Your Engines
Racing games are more popular than ever, fueled by NASCAR-hungry fans and extreme racing titles like the Burnout series. We take a few laps with race game reviewer Todd Hargosh to predict what’s around the next corner.
Rated E For Everyone!
The ESRB is there to protect the kids, right? Not if you believe curmudgeonly reporter Nate Wooley, who says the current system puts moral choices in the hands of Wal-Mart. And Chella just wants to show us how it’s done across the pond.
The Life And Death Of Arcades
Once upon a time, video game arcades were the epitome of gaming society. But all things pass, and today it's hard to find a decent arcade in any town. This week we celebrate these great white elephants of yesteryear.
Graphic Novel Gaming
Can the game industry ever hope to capture the magic that makes a graphic novel or comic book series so delightful? The GiN Lounge Crew don their secret identities to find out this week.
It’s Fourth And Goal!
Football teams are busy training for the season and the new Madden game is inducing “the flu” in offices everywhere. It must be football season. We pitch the pigskin this week in the lounge.
Hearts Of Iron III
The quintessential grand strategy game of World War II is getting a makeover with the release of Hearts of Iron III. We chat with the team who created HOI3 to find out what surprises they have in store for us.
PC Gaming. Dying or Thriving?
A recent report written by a 15-year old Morgan Stanley intern is stirring up the industry, and has some people questioning the fate of PC gaming. We attack the issue from all angles.
Getting Your Band Back Together
You’ve played them. You love them. From Guitar Hero to Lips to the upcoming Beatles Rock Band game, it's all about music, rhythm and screaming fans this week in the lounge.
A +5 Show About Role Playing Games
Gather your steel and arm yourselves quickly this week as The GiN Lounge crew goes on a quest to explore the history of role-playing games and their sometimes rocky transformation to computers and consoles.
The Economy 101
This week The GiN Lounge is all about the economy. Our financial reporter examines how we got into this sorry state, what parts of the game industry are actually thriving, and when we might see light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.
Let’s Talk About Sex
Does sex belong in video games? Titles like Mass Effect would seem to suggest it’s possible to do well, while others like The Witcher and Saints Row 2 take a different path. It’s all about sex this week in the lounge.
War. What is it good for?
War games have been around as long as war itself, although only recently have realistic computer games been able to fully simulate the battlefield. But is it right for developers to turn war into entertainment?
E3 2009
The E3 Expo returns to L.A. this week in an attempt to regain some measure of its former glory. But is E3 even relevant anymore? We relive E3’s past splendor, and speculate on the show’s somewhat uncertain future.
Puzzles With Punch
Some people love them, others hate them. And many fear them. But they’re a staple of the industry, and are here to stay. The GiN Lounge crew noodle out what it means to be a perfect puzzle game this week. And you might be surprised.
All You Need Is Love
A great story, sandbox modes, and free downloaded content. Yes! It’s all stuff gamers love. In part two of this two part episode, The GiN Lounge crew praise gameplay elements that rise above the pack.
Things We Love To Hate
Save crystals, boss battles, and lame DLC packs. Oh my! It’s all stuff gamers love to hate. In part one of this two part episode, The GiN Lounge crew hunt down gameplay elements that need to die.
Video Game Addiction
Think you are addicted to video games? A new study suggests that it’s possible. Tune in as The GiN Gang takes the new addict test on air, and follow along to see if you qualify as a pathological game player yourself.
Unspoiled (and Unexplored) Genres
It has been a little while since we have seen any really unique games. After one developer writes the GiN Lounge asking for help, we set off on a quest to find out if there are any great unexplored game genres left out there in the untapped wild.
The Virtual Worlds
A recent report says that MMO subscriptions will grow to $2 billion by 2013, and our experts think even that might be a little low. But what’s a good MMO that can grab a big piece of that pie made of? We find out!
Games And Movies
Played any good movies lately? Not likely, as games based on movies are rarely very good. And movies based on games are often worse. So why can’t these genres get along? We find out.
Violence In Video Games
Bam! Pow! Blammo! This week The GiN Lounge crew tackles a rather explosive topic: violence in video games. Can they get through a whole show without coming to blows?
The Games Of The Year
Over 100,000 GiN Readers can’t be wrong! Can they? You picked the Games Of the Year, and now our editors have their say in this special double length Podcast of The GiN Lounge.
Horror Survival Games
Survival horror games have always been a staple of the industry, so we gripped our flashlights tightly and headed into the dark to investigate where they originated, and what they are crawling toward.
The Lounge Launches
Welcome to GiN Radio and our first regularly scheduled podcast show: The GiN Lounge. Kick back with a refreshing beverage and join our editors for lively discussions on all things gaming.