The VGBees podcast

2:16:23

This week, Niki and John were supremely lucky to have Jeff Gerstmann on the show to discuss the shocking sale of Polygon to Valnet (laying off the vast majority of the team there) and the implosion of Giant Bomb, the very website Jeff cofounded 17 years ago. We did not plan Jeff's appearance like this! We promise. Niki, as of this recording, was still technically under contract there! Very wild and sad and emotionally-draining day, but we still go around to other topics, including: What to make of the State of Play for Borderlands 4 Apple losing the ability to block third party payment platforms Xbox price hikes Skin Deep , the new hilarious immersive sim from Blendo Jar Jar's in Fortnite now Clair Obscur is still unbelievably French We even got Jeff to briefly talk about Blitzball. What a treat. As usual, we pulled your burning HIVE QUESTIONS straight from our Discord like we do every single week.…

1
French Robert Pattinson w/ Fūnk-é Joseph 2:07:36

10 days ago2:07:36

2:07:36

This week, Niki and John are joined by game developer and former colleague (and current friend) Fūnk-é Joseph to discuss the Nintendo DS! That's it! That's all! Just two hours of Nintendo DS! Actually, you'd probably be totally cool with that, but we did move onto other topics, including: the Nintendo Switch 2 preorder mess Donkey Kong Bananza's clear connection to Red Faction how Mario Kart World is attracting the haters Marathon alpha Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , the world's most French game explaining Blue Prince All of this and your HIVE QUESTIONS , answered each and every episode.…

1
Possums in the Blueprints w/ Jessica Cogswell 2:06:44

17 days ago2:06:44

2:06:44

This week, Niki and John are joined by the wonderful Jessica Cogswell of Gamespot dot com. We talk hot neighborhood gossip including a harrowing tale from Jess right from her own back yard. Of course, we also talked about games, including: The reveal of Bungie's Marathon New Mario Kart World details The good and bad of Blue Prince, one of the year's most polarizing games Leaving the bloat behind in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Also, Jess commits to getting John into Magic: The Gathering at SGF this year. Niki's clean and will not participate. Finally, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , featuring some bangers about music, mediocre games that never drop price, and snacks.…

1
Inquiries On Animes w/ Lotus 1:27:25

24 days ago1:27:25

1:27:25

This week, John & Niki are joined by former Fanbyte colleague and current social media manager at System Era, Lotus ! We started by getting caught up on Starseeker , the next game from the makers of Astroneer , one of the many titles affected by the odd YouTube technical issues during the Nintendo Direct. Also: More tariff changes More Switch 2 preorder delays The GameCube controller has bizarre limitations The Piranha Plant camera for Switch 2 is 480p Those Titanfall 3 rumors A Slay the Spire mod with waifus Also, we played: South of Midnight Hot Wax MTG Arena As always, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , which you can ask each and every week if you're a member of The Hive.…

1
Trade War 2025 w/ Imran Khan 47:38

4 weeks ago47:38

47:38

Only two short days after the announced details of the Nintendo Switch 2 and about twelve hours after we recorded this week's main VGBees Podcast episode, Donald Trump's trade war with the rest of the world created the environment responsible for Nintendo announcing the delay of US pre-orders for their new console. I decided it was worth recording a public feed bonus with my friend and former colleague Imran Khan to discuss the event. We covered a lot of ground, including: A recap of Wednesday's announcements Trump's specific new tariffs announced Wednesday afternoon Nintendo's response on Friday How this expands WAY beyond Switch 2 Why manufacturing jobs will not be created sustainably here in the US Why this moment may or may not radicalize the average gamer How these conditions may cause more delays, price increases, and supply issues If this is your first time thinking about things like this, welcome! We don't judge! Just consider looking at your hobbies getting priced out of your comfort zone as the first step in looking at the world in a more intersectional way! Okay!?! If you like the idea of maybe making more bonus podcasts, consider supporting us at vgbees.com/join .…

1
Bananza at Jungle Jim's w/ Charles Harte 2:41:14

4 weeks ago2:41:14

2:41:14

In this supersized episode, John and Niki are joined by Game Informer Associate Producer Charles Harte to unpack the 60 minute Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 and all of the accompanying (and globally relevant) stories coming out of the event. Including: The console's price point Mario Kart World 's features & $80 price point What $80 Nintendo games mean for the industry Why Switch 2 costs what it costs Double mice with Drag x Drive The shocking reveal of Bloodborne spiritual successor The Duskbloods Enhanced editions of Nintendo Switch games Donkey Kong Bananza Also, we discuss games we've been playing, including: South of Midnight Atomfall Avowed Finally, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , including one about exploring weird themed grocery store Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati.…

1
Galileo Galiwho w/ Ben Pack 2:05:08

5 weeks ago2:05:08

2:05:08

This week, John and Niki are joined by the wonderful Ben Pack to discuss this week's fascinating, funny, and sometimes confusing Nintendo Direct ! The strange (reported) rollout plan for Switch 2 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Eternal Life of Goldman Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Rhythm Heaven Groove Marvel Cosmic Invasion Nintendo Virtual Game Cards (?????) Also discussed: Cristiano Ronaldo joining Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Tencent & Ubisoft creating a new subsidiary to house certain IP Avowed R.E.P.O. All Systems Dance Assassin's Creed Shadows The crew also answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week!…

1
An Immigration Conversation with Abogada Kate 28:14

6 weeks ago28:14

28:14

Texas, my home, has been a battleground over the soul of the American Dream as it pertains to immigrants from around the globe. I want to use whatever platform I have to educate myself and my audience about things that matter to me. Right now, our laws are eroding around us and immigration attorneys like my guest in this bonus episode are part of a group fighting for the vulnerable every day. Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch (aka Abogada Kate ) is an immigration attorney in Austin, TX, serving families and individuals through the complicated and sometimes harrowing immigration process. In this conversation we cover: How the day to day work of an immigration law office has changed since November 2024 and since Trump took office How our rule of law has eroded and what advice Kate would have for citizens and non-citizens during this unstable period Thoughts on the Mahmoud Khalil case How the legal profession is responding to the Trump administration's tactics The process of becoming a US citizen The prospect of overhauling our immigration system The beauty of being a country of immigrants How attitudes about labor can shape the immigration conversation for better and for worse How we can protect non-citizens and permanent residents If you would like more resources on the rights of immigrants, go to https://www.abogadakate.com/safety/ to download guides on what to do if an immigrant is approached at home, at work, in their cars, etc.…

1
The Draft Kings of Gaming w/ Tim Rogers 2:35:56

6 weeks ago2:35:56

2:35:56

This week, Niki joins (for about half an hour) from the Fandom Chamber of Audio Recording in San Francisco to help John find a Lexus LS 400 he can buy. They're joined by special guest Tim Rogers , who helped the crew rethink their camera and monitor setups. Whatever notes John had for the show...don't worry about it. Instead, Tim and John spent 2.5 hours discussing: Yasuke being cool as hell in Assassin's Creed Shadows The Easy-Bake Oven Witcher 3- ification of Assassin's Creed Sports gambling and the possible equivalent in games Horse Armor Pomeranians Lost media (and if that's even what we'd call what people are referring to as "lost media" now) Kitchen Nightmares And a lot more, honestly! We also answer some of your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , including a rundown of all the weird things we call our dogs.…

1
Suing Yourself for Fun & Profit w/ Pat Gill 1:51:10

7 weeks ago1:51:10

1:51:10

This week, Niki and John are joined by Polygon's Patrick Gill, who goes deep on why Monster Hunter Wilds is so good, his most recent video guide on the game, and which weapons Niki and John should used based on their chosen professional wrestling style. Good stuff. Also: The fucking Strains are at it again Scopely buys Niantic's gaming wing for $3.5b Saudi fund inks 3-year deal with Capcom for Street Fighter 6 tournaments The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion is getting a remake soon Power Wash Simulator 2 announced Also discussed: Fortnite The Forever Winter Skin Deep Half Sword Avowed Mullet Madjack Fragpunk As always, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week! Lots of wrestling chat in this one, if that's your pleasure.…

1
Jesus Underscore Christ with Andrea Shearon 1:53:53

8 weeks ago1:53:53

1:53:53

This week, Niki and John are joined by former Fanbyte colleague and current PC Gamer writer Andrea Shearon! We had to ask our resident Final Fantasy XIV expert about Yoshi-P leaving the Square-Enix Board of Directors and about the future of the company. Also: Sega is the best-reviewed publisher of 2024 Sega is releasing fewer games but doubling down on big franchises Monster Hunter Wilds has a massive launch Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 25 years of PlayStation 2 Avowed Lost Records: Rage & Bloom Rue Valley Fruit Fight Kingdom Come Deliverance II Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week.…

1
Marketing Strategies for CEOs: A VGBees Masterclass w/ Michael Higham 1:49:40

9 weeks ago1:49:40

1:49:40

This week, Niki and John are joined by bestie of the show Michael Higham to discuss cooking habits, the games we're playing, and the news of the week, including: the secret to great homemade ranch the Pokémon Presents Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokémon Champions Warner Bros. closing Monolith and canceling Wonder Woman CEOs and their marketing strategies Bossa Games' CEO's weird LinkedIn post Avowed South of Midnight We also answer ONE of your Hive Questions this week. Yep. Ran out of time. We're going to record a bonus to get to the rest of them, so stay tuned for that if you're a Hive Member !…

1
The Saudis Own VGBees Now w/ Merritt K 1:44:17

10 weeks ago1:44:17

1:44:17

This week, John and Niki are joined by the one and only Merritt K, one of the brilliant minds behind Fledgling Manor . The show starts, of course, with the most important news of the week: how much the Nintendo Tip Line cost per minute. Also: NetEase laying off the Seattle Marvel Rivals team Microsoft's new Muse generative AI initiative Niantic in talks to be purchased by Scopely for $3.5b Hades II gets a big update (and into some interesting territory with SAG-AFTRA) Also, we talk about Avowed and 1994's hottest game, Stone Protectors . We answer your HIVE QUESTIONS , including who we would cast in this year's star-studded Call of Duty ad.…

1
Not About Divorce and Being Mean to Your Kid 1:54:31

11 weeks ago1:54:31

1:54:31

This week, John asks Niki all about Split Fiction , the follow-up to award-winning It Takes Two . It is another one of those, for better or worse (mostly better). They also dive way, way, way into the big changes coming to Overwatch 2 . What are they? Do they matter? Where did this franchise lose its way? Also: Sony's State of Play Saros Tides of Annihilation Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Darwin's Paradox Onimusha Reality Break Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition Avowed Of course, your HIVE QUESTIONS are also answered like they are each and every week!…

1
John & Niki: True iicons 1:44:57

12 weeks ago1:44:57

1:44:57

This week, John and Niki discuss what it would take to get them to attend the new ESA-fronted conference called iicon starting next April in Las Vegas. It's like GDC but worse, somehow. Also: Metal Gear Solid Delta gets a release date Grand Theft Auto 6 confirmed for fall 2025 timeline on new Nvidia cards coming back in stock Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Marvel Rivals Eternal Strands Animal Crossing: New Horizons Of course, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week.…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Emergency Basketball Podcast: The Luka Doncic Trade 1:36:03

13 weeks ago1:36:03

1:36:03

The entire sports world was shocked when 5-time All-NBA 1st Teamer and 25 year old megastar Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a Randy's donut and some unpaid parking tickets. Okay maybe it's not quite that bad, but it's really, really, really close. Your local basketball experts and fans of both teams in question, John and Niki, break down what you need to know about why the trade happened, what happens to both of these teams, and the long-term effects this trade may have around the league. They also get into why sports are great and why the current crop of major team ownership is in it for entirely the wrong reasons. Come for the jokes about how this basically shaved 10 years off of John's life, stay for the genuinely heartfelt conclusion about why sports are all about community. Some media you might be interested in: ESPN's longform piece about the trade The bizarre Nico Harrison press conference The Shams tweet everyone thought was fake…

The VGBees Podcast

1
It's Hard to Let Go 1:40:14

13 weeks ago1:40:14

1:40:14

This week, Niki and John dive into the news that BioWare is downsizing and outsourcing part of Mass Effect 5 's development. More than that, it strikes our hosts that maybe the series should go away if it means saving the jobs of the remaining employees tasked with such a burden. Anyway, it's a good discussion about a complicated problem. Also: the Video Game History Foundation's excellent new digital archives have launched Forza Horizon 5 is coming to PS5 with crossplay Microsoft's two-sided strategy Eternal Strands Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. Ninja Gaiden II Black We also answer your HIVE QUESTIONS , including "what's the video game equivalent of 'hot singles in your area?'"…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Boy the Musical 1:35:42

14 weeks ago1:35:42

1:35:42

This week, Niki and John take in the most recent Xbox Direct showcase and dive into each game discussed, including: Ninja Gaiden 4 South of Midnight Expedition 33 Doom: The Dark Ages They also discuss the cancelation of Celeste follow-up Earthblade and the blog post announcing it. In addition, the news that EA is disappointed in the sales of both Dragon Age: The Veilguard and EA Sports FC 25 is examined through a lens that understands the latter is much, much, much more interesting and noteworthy than the former. As always, the duo answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , including whether $100 video games will catch on and which game would make the best musical.…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Mario Kart 2 1:50:53

15 weeks ago1:50:53

1:50:53

This week, Niki and John discuss the biggest story in games. That's right, it's the MegaByte Nation Gaming Expo from Los Angeles, CA! What are Game Hogs up to? What does a UMD of old Family Guy episodes cost? Oh also we discuss the official announcement of Nintendo Switch 2, including: form factor changes Joy-Cons are also mice? guesses about the new Mario Kart speculation on release date and much more! We also answer your Hive Questions like we every single week! Which game would change the hearts and minds of a Footloose- style town that hates video games?…

The VGBees Podcast

1
All the Ingredients for a Speedrun 53:03

16 weeks ago53:03

53:03

This week, Niki is laying low to escape the horrible fires facing Los Angeles. John runs solo, discussing the games news of the week, including: Nintendo Switch 2 rumors the delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows Tencent's designation as a military organization the new LEGO Game Boy We also answer your HIVE QUESTIONS and discuss John's fleet of emulation devices. Here are some links for donations/causes to help aid in the recovery of Los Angeles. Watch Duty - donations go toward running an incredibly helpful tracking service for Angelenos Canine Rescue Club - helping match displaced pets with fosters in times of great distress like this Gear Drive Fire Support - organizing local needs in a handy spreadsheet Pasadena Humane - providing emergency care and treatment of animals affected by the fires California Community Foundation - donating to their wildlife recovery fund directly contributes to local recovery efforts World Central Kitchen - providing meals for first responders and others in need of nourishing meals All Power Books - local Los Angeles bookstore organizing distribution of shelf stable food, water, and other necessities to people in need…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Why Don't These Games Make Me Cry? 1:24:09

17 weeks ago1:24:09

1:24:09

This week, Niki and John both shake off their respective Holiday illnesses to come together for the first episode of 2025! They reflect on what they might have missed in 2024, including: Mouthwashing 1000xResist Metaphor: ReFantazio The Rise of the Golden Idol Also, what would the first episode of the new year be without predictions for games to play in 2025: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach FBC: Firebreak Pokemon Legends: Z-A Skate Judas We also answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week!…

The VGBees Podcast

1
The VGBees 2024 Games of the Year 1:31:28

19 weeks ago1:31:28

1:31:28

It is that time of year! VGBees has awarded its official (well John and Niki's) Games of the Year 2024! We had two overlaps, so we cover eight total games and wow we had a blast revisiting the year's very best games. Not to spoil the surprise (stop reading if you don't want to know), but in alphabetical order we discuss: Astro Bot Balatro Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Content Warning Crow Country Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Path of Exile 2 Thank Goodness You're Here! No HIVE QUESTIONS in this special episode, but you can always join and ask us questions every single week and we'll answer them on the show!…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Brick & Jack: Football Geniuses 1:58:16

19 weeks ago1:58:16

1:58:16

Niki and John go through a whirlwind of big games news this week, including the revelation that Woody Johnson is steering New York Jets personnel decisions with advice from his sons, Brick and Jack, derived from Madden 25 player stats. Also: the Charlotte Hornets Grinch a PS5 away from a child Sony invests big in Kadokawa (FromSoftware's parent company) the Switch 2 is called Switch 2 (probably) As far as what we've been playing, well: Path of Exile 2 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Marvel Rivals As always, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS on the show and this week we went deep on why we're not convinced Indy's new adventure is a true immersive sim. Stay tuned this week for our first ever Hive Five Games of the Year podcast!…

The VGBees Podcast

1
The Game Awards 2024 Postmortem 1:58:12

20 weeks ago1:58:12

1:58:12

This week, Niki worked an entire human day within the span of two human days to work Gamespot/Giant Bomb's TGA coverage and lived (thrived!) to tell about it. John asks burning questions like "what was the deal with those long sandwiches Dan Ryckert was giving to people?" Then, they get into the meat of The Game Awards 2024, including: The Witcher 4 Elden Ring Nightreign Virtua Fighter Onimusha: Way of the Sword Okami Sequel Project: Robot Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Astro Bot winning Game of the Year and much more! Also, what did giving the Game Changer Award to a (perfectly nice and helpful) business development director at Tencent say about the industry's current tenuous situation? We, of course, answer your HIVE QUESTIONS like we do every single week.…

The VGBees Podcast

1
99 Potions: Dragon Age: The Veilguard 1:43:34

21 weeks ago1:43:34

1:43:34

HARK! An early holiday gift from VGBees is upon us! We have reunited Nerium, Natalie Flores, and Michael Higham to unpack Dragon Age: The Veilguard in the style of acclaimed former Fanbyte podcast 99 Potions. Did we like it? Who are our favorite companions? Did Solas live up to the villain hype? If you like this bonus, know that in the future, we'll be putting big fancy bonus episodes like this behind The Hive , VGBees' premium subscription. Your support allows us to do many more of these! We'd love to do more of these!…

The VGBees Podcast

1
They're Coming Through the Walls 1:48:05

21 weeks ago1:48:05

1:48:05

This week, Niki calls in from the cartoon construction zone that is their house this week. That didn't stop Niki and John from talking about this week's video game news, including: Ubisoft studio closures XDefiant 's shutdown Elden Ring follow-up not in development the forbidden conversations we're hearing during Call of Duty matches We also talk about the stuff we're playing AND we answer so so so so many of your amazing Hive Questions , which had us planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Mazda Bongo Brawny 55:19

23 weeks ago55:19

55:19

It's a Thanksgiving Week miracle! Niki and John recorded a podcast early in the week so they could take the rest of the week off! Wow! What foresight! Sure, there's some video game talk, but Niki also introduces the podcast to Car From Japan , the most important website of all time. Need a short truck? Need an old Lexus LS 400? This site has you covered. Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS , including: What has to be in your Thanksgiving spread? Which games get you in the holiday spirit? Which games have you played many times and still return to? What's the "but doctor, I am Pagliacci" of video games?…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Time to Woman 1:38:35

23 weeks ago1:38:35

1:38:35

This week, Niki presents John with a long dissection of Days Gone , not even remotely a new video game. Still, it is welcome information which it is a game both of them missed when it came out five years ago. Did you know the main character's name is Deacon St. John? Now you do! Also: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 YIIK: A Postmodern RPG Star Wars Battlefront Battlefield Titanfall Apex Legends We also gave The Game Awards on this one! You're welcome, Geoff! As always, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS and it took us directly to the heart of All Elite Wrestling this week.…

The VGBees Podcast

1
International House of Podcasts 1:41:31

24 weeks ago1:41:31

1:41:31

This week, Niki is back and with them comes the revelation that Xbox has gone and found itself an official breakfast partner. That's right IHOP is the official breakfast partner of Xbox and Niki and John are going to bring you all the crucial details right here on this very podcast. In less vital news: Nintendo's desired damages from Pocket Pair Everything is Xbox (according to Phil Spencer) Balatro Star Wars Outlaws Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Dragon Age: The Veilguard Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket And of course, all of your burning HIVE QUESTIONS are answered!…

The VGBees Podcast

1
Well Okay, Now What? 57:24

25 weeks ago57:24