Press Row Podcast

This episode of the Press Row Podcast features impressions of the beta currently being held for EA Sports UFC 3. With the series coming off an improved effort the potential for the third entry is very high, and the beta has provided the first opportunity to assess gameplay advancements as well as a revamped Ultimate Team mode.   

Additionally the latest developments involving game monetization are discussed, and specifically the building concern that legislators will put into place roadblocks related to loot boxes/card packs and how that uncertainty is already severely harming EA.

On the show this week:
Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)
MillsGamingTV, Operation Sports (@MillsGamingTV)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_249.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:49am EDT

We welcome Scott O'Gallagher from the NBA 2K development team back to the show this week! Along with host Rich Grisham, Scott explores NBA 2K18's gameplay, including 'chalkboard' sessions to help players understand what's happening on the court - and why. They also discuss the game's push into eSports, how different segments of fans look for widely varying experiences​, and what the transition from support from 'yearly' to 'always' has meant to the NBA 2K crew.

On the show this week:
Rich Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)
Scott O'Gallagher, 2K Sports (@ScottOGallagher)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_248.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50am EDT

It's an especially tumultuous time for the gaming industry as aggressive monetization tactics face intense pushback from media and consumers. Even as sports games consistently reside near the top of the sales charts and generate extraordinary digital revenue publishers are looking ahead for how to not only sustain that success but grow even further.

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the subject of microtransactions/loot boxes and their influence on game design is revisited with discussion on how publishers are now responding to the backlash, the adjustments they are making and will have to consider going forward, and the prospects of a subscription-based future which sports games may be best suited and most prepared for of any genre.

On the show this week:
Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_247.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:40am EDT

What can more powerful hardware do to improve some already very good sports video games? We got the answer this week with the release of the Xbox One X and in this episode of the Press Row Podcast the benefits of the pricey new console are examined.

The likes of Madden NFL 18, FIFA 18, NBA 2K18, and Forza can now be played in native 4K with HDR (true also of the PS4 Pro) but the improvements go beyond the visuals on Xbox One X. Framerates can be better and loading times are significantly shortened - and Madden is the game that seems to have benefited the most.

Other topics discussed include the first news on EA Sports UFC 3 and the release strategy for MLB The Show 18.

On the show this week:
Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre)
Rich Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_246.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50am EDT

2017 has proven to be, in many ways, a banner year for racing games. From Forza 7 to Gran Turismo SportF1 2017 to NASCAR Heat 2Dirt 4 to Project Cars 2, there are plenty of interesting choices for the casual and hardcore racing game fan alike.

However, even the most ardent fans of these titles have concerns. How do lootboxes and in-game economies truly impact Forza 7? How does the non-traditional approach in Gran Turismo translate to fans? Can F1 2017 appeal to people who may not be big fans of the specific series? These questions – and much more – are debated by an excellent crew of racing game experts.

On the show this week:
Rich Grisham, OOTP Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)
Pete Dodd, The Doddcast (@atpetedodd)
Dr. Ken Parker, Hit The Pass (@Chairman7)
Greg Sewart, Player One Podcast (@sewart)

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_245.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45am EDT

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