Splitgate 2 Hat Controversy, Layoffs at Bend Studios, and FPS State of Play

In this episode of Digital Coffee Gaming Brew, Brett Deister discusses the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike over AI voice replication, dives into gameplay and community feedback for 'Dune: Awakening,' and critiques the reveal of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.' He highlights various showcases from Microsoft, Ubisoft, and reveals his excitement for 'Blood of the Dawn Walker' led by the former director of 'The Witcher 3.' Brett also talks about new gameplay updates from 'Neverwinter Nights 2 Enhanced Edition,' and the intriguing but troubled 'MindsEye.' The show explores recent layoffs at Bend Studio and discusses insights into EA's handling of 'Dragon Age: The Veil Guard.' Additionally, there is coverage of the controversy surrounding 1047 Games' 'Make FPS Great Again' slogan. Rounding out the episode are updates on 'Rainbow Six Siege X,' 'Warhammer 40K: Space Marines 2,' and GOG's new 'One Click Mods' feature. Brett ties everything up with a reflection on the evolving market dynamics favoring AA games over AAA titles.

3 Fun Facts:

1. The new Dune Awakening game lets you build bases and survive sandstorms—just don’t get eaten by sandworms!
2. Good Old Games (GOG) introduced a “One Click Mods” feature, making it super easy to install mods for classic games like Fallout 4 and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines.
3. Warhammer 40K: Space Marines 2 sold a whopping 7 million units, and a sequel is already confirmed to be in development!

Key Themes:

1. SAG-AFTRA strike and generative AI concerns
2. Dune Awakening gameplay impressions and issues
3. Recent gaming showcases and game reveals
4. Good Old Games' one-click mod feature
5. Layoffs and restructuring in the gaming industry
6. Controversy over FPS genre and messaging
7. Developer struggles with understanding core audiences