Game Scoop! Episode 812: "Real Fans, Uh, Find a Way"

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Damon Hatfield, Sam Claiborne, Mark Medina
Produced by: IGN & Geek Media

1. Discussing Game Pricing and Industry Trends

Borderlands 4 Pricing Controversy
The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the anticipated release of Borderlands 4. Mark Medina voices concerns from the community regarding the potential $80 price tag:

"Some fans were saying they hope Borderlands 4 is not $80."
[05:00]
Daemon Hatfield adds to the frustration about rising game prices and the perceived disconnect between developers and their fanbase:
"It's a weird thing to lump together real fans with their ability to pay."
[09:04]

Comparing Game Values
Mark draws parallels between Borderlands 4 and other titles like Doom and Oblivion, emphasizing the disparity in price versus gameplay hours:

"The gripe is coming from the fact that the game is $70 and it's a 10 to 15-hour game versus others that offer more bang for your buck."
[12:20]
Sam Claiborne highlights the inherent challenges in pricing games developed by smaller teams versus AAA titles:
"It's really an expensive calculation that everybody has to make here."
[13:17]

2. Deep Dive into Current Games

Stellar Blade 2 Excitement
Mark Medina shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming Stellar Blade 2, expressing his wishlist and anticipation:

"Just more costumes. All the costumes that I can possibly look at and make videos about."
[19:42]
He praises the original game for its solid action and compelling story, anticipating an engaging sequel.
"It is a super solid action game with a serviceable story and some of the best music in a video game that you'll ever listen to."
[20:31]

Monster Train 2 Release
Daemon Hatfield introduces Monster Train 2, a sequel to the acclaimed deck-building roguelike:

"Monster Train 2 is out now. It's on Steam for now. It has my highest recommendation for people who like those types of games."
[26:17]
Mark and Sam discuss the gameplay mechanics, comparing it to Slay the Spire, and highlighting the new features like room and equipment cards:
"Each clan has their own card set, and as you play, you unlock new cards for whichever clan you're playing."
[29:47]

3. Nostalgia and Classic Game Celebrations

Perfect Dark's 25th Anniversary
The hosts engage in a nostalgic conversation about the legendary Perfect Dark, celebrating its 25th anniversary:

"It was the gold standard for a console FPS for one year because Halo would be out the next year."
[37:00]
They reminisce about the game's innovative features, such as the voice acting stored on cartridges and memorable multiplayer hacks like the laptop gun:
"The laptop gun had a firing range hack where it could kill all the targets in it, which was such a good hack because it unlocked a bunch of stuff in multiplayer."
[36:12]
Mark Medina reflects on Rare's evolution post-Perfect Dark, discussing the company's transition and acquisition by Microsoft:
"Rare was known for 3D platformers and first-person shooters, but after key members left, the focus shifted."
[39:27]

4. Movie Discussions and Pop Culture

Thunderbolts Review
Daemon shares his unexpected enjoyment of the Thunderbolts movie, focusing on its action sequences:

"The action scenes are totally good. That's like the most important thing to me."
[44:59]
Sam and Mark discuss specific moments, such as the intense tower defense scene and character performances:
"Everyone's just coming at him and he's just flicking them away, which is really, really well done."
[45:30]
Mark expresses anticipation for upcoming superhero films like Fantastic Four and Superman, while Sam praises the Murderbot series for its unique storytelling:
"It's been one of my favorite reads the past 10 years, and I'm super happy this just came into existence."
[53:25]

5. Interactive Segments

Video Game 20 Questions: Perfect Dark's 25th Anniversary
In an engaging segment, the hosts participate in a game of "Video Game 20 Questions," aiming to guess a game celebrating its 25th anniversary. Through strategic questioning, they narrow down the options:

"Is it Pilot Wings for the Nintendo 3DS?"
[62:33]
The answer reveals Perfect Dark, tying back to the earlier discussion of its legacy and impact on the gaming industry.

6. Upcoming Events and Recommendations

IGN Live 25 Announcement
Mark Medina expresses excitement about hosting live developer reactions at IGN Live 25, hinting at special content related to Claire Obscure Expedition 33:

"It's going to be super fun."
[65:15]
Damon Hatfield invites listeners to join the event, emphasizing the collaborative and interactive nature of the live stream.
"Join us live and maybe, maybe Justin will be there. Who knows?"
[66:35]

Humble Bundle Shout-Out
The hosts briefly mention the Humble Bundle offers, encouraging listeners to support charity while grabbing game deals:

"Check out the Xbox Game Studio publisher bundle for just five bucks."
[53:59]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark Medina: "Some fans were saying they hope Borderlands 4 is not $80."
  [05:00]

• Daemon Hatfield: "It's a weird thing to lump together real fans with their ability to pay."
  [09:04]

• Mark Medina: "The gripe is coming from the fact that the game is $70 and it's a 10 to 15-hour game versus others that offer more bang for your buck."
  [12:20]

• Sam Claiborne: "It's really the problem that game prices are increasing without adding proportional value."
  [13:17]

• Mark Medina: "I love Borderlands. Can't wait for that game."
  [25:11]

• Sam Claiborne: "It's not accurate to say Doom Eternal is not selling well because it's on Game Pass."
  [15:42]

• Sam Claiborne: "People need to vote with their wallets. If you feel games are too expensive, don't buy them."
  [15:50]

• Damon Hatfield: "Perfect Dark is turning 25 this week."
  [37:09]

• Mark Medina: "Superman looks great, I think they've got it right."
  [46:24]

Concluding Thoughts

Episode 812 of Game Scoop! delves deep into the pressing issue of game pricing in the modern industry, balancing the excitement for upcoming titles with nostalgia for timeless classics like Perfect Dark. The hosts engage in lively debates, share personal anecdotes, and involve listeners with interactive segments, all while maintaining their signature insightful and entertaining style. Whether discussing the merits of Stellar Blade 2 or reminiscing about the golden days of Rare, Damon, Sam, and Mark provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the current gaming landscape.

For those who missed the episode, Game Scoop! continues to be a trusted source for the latest in gaming news, reviews, and discussions. Stay tuned for more expert insights and lively debates in future episodes.