Game Scoop! Episode 813 Summary: "The Witcher 3 & Cyberpunk Hit Important Milestones"

Release Date: May 30, 2025

1. Introduction and Upcoming IGN Live Event

The episode kicks off with host Damon Hatfield introducing the primary topics: the impressive sales milestone of The Witcher 3 and the pre-production status of Cyberpunk 2. He also teases an exciting segment on IGN Live.

Damon Hatfield [02:12]: "We've got a great show for you this week... CD Projekt Red has unlocked a couple of achievements with The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2. We'll dig into all of that."

The hosts announce the upcoming IGN Live event in downtown Los Angeles on June 7th and 8th, highlighting features like live game demos, celebrity panels, and exclusive giveaways.

Justin Davis [04:16]: "As of this afternoon, the IGN Live schedule is announced... It's really, really cool. And I am so excited to be in LA and party with everybody next week."

Damon reveals a special code for listeners to obtain free tickets to IGN Live.

Damon Hatfield [04:38]: "Use code 'ScoopGuest' to get a free ticket to IGN Live."

2. CD Projekt Red’s Milestones: The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2

The discussion shifts to CD Projekt Red's recent achievements. The Witcher 3 has reportedly sold 60 million copies, positioning it as either the best-selling RPG of all time or closely trailing behind Skyrim.

Damon Hatfield [05:52]: "The Witcher 3 has sold 60 million copies. 10 years after launch... it's up there with eternally popular games like Skyrim."

The hosts explore the sales figures, comparing them to other top-selling games like Terraria (64 million), Wii Sports (83 million), and Grand Theft Auto V (215 million).

Sam Claiborne [07:30]: "There are two really great games to take the number one and number two crown... Skyrim and The Witcher 3."

3. The Challenges of AAA Game Development

Cyberpunk 2’s entry into pre-production is met with enthusiasm tempered by concerns over lengthy development cycles typical in the AAA sector.

Damon Hatfield [18:15]: "Cyberpunk 2 is coming, what changes would be made or improvements that would get it to a 9 or a 10 in your book?"

The hosts lament the extended wait times for sequels in major franchises, pondering the sustainability of the current development model.

Justin Davis [20:35]: "It's like the video game industry might be cooked."

4. AI's Impact on Game Development and the Industry

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the role of Artificial Intelligence in game development. The hosts discuss how AI could streamline processes, potentially alleviating the burden of massive teams required for blockbuster projects.

Sam Claiborne [30:02]: "Can AI keep the industry employing people? Maybe it'll assist games coming out on time so they're not canceled."

Damon shares anecdotes about AI applications beyond gaming, including driverless cars and AI-generated art, highlighting both benefits and societal concerns.

Damon Hatfield [32:17]: "Waymos and driverless cars are going to be one area where replacing humans will be a good thing, in my opinion."

5. EA's Cancellation of the Black Panther Game

The hosts express disappointment over EA's decision to cancel the Black Panther video game and shut down the developer Cliffhanger Games, which was set to produce the title as part of a deal to create three Marvel-based games.

Justin Davis [22:23]: "It's like the Marvel situation alone is just incredible... How are we not playing amazing comic book open-world Marvel games all the time?"

Developer Carla Ortiz shares her heartbreak over the cancellation, emphasizing the game's potential.

Carla Ortiz [24:10]: "We were so excited to show the world. It was truly special."

The discussion reflects broader concerns about the viability of large-scale licensed games in the current market.

6. Current Games and Personal Experiences

The conversation transitions to the games the hosts are currently engaged with:

• Damon is playing Monster Train 2, praising its depth and replayability.

  Damon Hatfield [38:14]: "Monster Train 2 is my game of the year so far. It's so good."

• Sam is immersed in a special project game and commends the level of puzzle integration reminiscent of Breath of the Wild.

• Justin shares his experiences with Expedition 33 and The Last of Us Season 2, highlighting varying levels of engagement and emotional impact.

7. Review of The Last of Us Season 2

The hosts delve into a critical analysis of The Last of Us Season 2, discussing its narrative choices and emotional tones. While some appreciate the depth and character development, others find the story's bleakness overwhelming.

Sam Claiborne [41:14]: "There's just no person in this whole series now where I'm like, oh, the world's gonna get better, and this person's gonna have a great life."

Damon Hatfield [43:41]: "The second game has great gameplay, but the story leaves you with a lot of big questions."

8. Listener Interaction: Video Game 20 Questions

In an interactive segment, the hosts engage in a game of 20 Questions suggested by listener Colby from Topeka, Kansas. The question revolves around a game based on a movie franchise released in the 70s, 80s, or 90s. Despite numerous attempts, the hosts struggle to guess the game, ultimately revealing it to be Stranglehold, a sequel to the 90s film Hard Boiled developed by Midway.

Damon Hatfield [68:08]: "It's Stranglehold, a sequel to Hard Boiled."

The segment adds a fun, light-hearted element to the episode, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and gaming knowledge.

9. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with promotions for IGN Live, upcoming shows like Nintendo Voice Chat, and acknowledgments to the production team.

Damon Hatfield [73:04]: "For the latest Switch 2 updates, first impressions, and lively discussions, tune in to Nintendo Voice Chat every Friday morning."

Notable Quotes:

• Damon Hatfield [05:52]: "The Witcher 3 has sold 60 million copies. 10 years after launch... it's up there with eternally popular games like Skyrim."

• Justin Davis [20:35]: "It's like the video game industry might be cooked."

• Sam Claiborne [30:02]: "Can AI keep the industry employing people? Maybe it'll assist games coming out on time so they're not canceled."

Concluding Thoughts:

Episode 813 of Game Scoop! provides an in-depth look at significant milestones in the gaming industry, particularly focusing on CD Projekt Red's successes and the challenges faced by AAA game development. The discussion around AI and its potential to revolutionize game creation underscores the evolving nature of the industry. Additionally, the cancellation of EA's Black Panther game highlights the precarious balance between creative ambition and market viability. Personal anecdotes and interactive segments enrich the episode, offering listeners both valuable insights and entertaining moments.

For more detailed discussions and expert opinions, tune into Game Scoop! every week on the Geek Media podcast network.