TechLinked — Steam AI Debate, Nvidia Skips GPU VRAM, EU vs. Tech Scams + More!
Date: November 29, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group
Episode Overview
In this episode, the TechLinked crew dives into the latest controversies and quirks in the world of technology and gaming, including:
- The debate over generative AI labeling on Steam games
- Nvidia’s strategic move to omit VRAM from GPU shipments for smaller partners
- The European Union’s new regulations targeting tech-enabled scams
- Major news involving Apple and Intel's chip manufacturing partnership
- The real threat of AI to US jobs and Nvidia’s response
- A spooky podcast hitchhiking exploit on Apple devices
- Taiwanese authorities targeting a notable chip executive
- A fascinating scientific advance on pain intervention
The hosts blend news, banter, and signature tongue-in-cheek humor while dissecting each story.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Steam AI Debate: Transparency vs. the Future of Gaming
(00:28 – 02:09)
- Main Story: Steam is requiring developers to disclose how AI is used in their games, sparking heated reactions:
- Tim Sweeney (Epic Games CEO) calls the policy “dumb,” arguing “AI is the future of games anyway” and questioning where disclosure stops.
“Might as well force devs to disclose what shampoo brand the developer uses.” — Tim Sweeney, quoted by Host [01:51]
- Valve artist Ayi Sanchez supports transparency, saying it’s not inherently negative.
- Some developers, like Arc Raiders, have the AI label but still enjoy commercial success.
- Sanchez provocatively suggests:
"The only devs afraid of an AI label are the ones that know their product is low effort." — Ayi Sanchez, quoted by Host [01:38]
- The hosts poke fun at the disclosure logic and Sweeney's hyperbole.
“If a developer did find some way to develop a game using shampoo, I would want to know that.” — Host [01:55]
- Tim Sweeney (Epic Games CEO) calls the policy “dumb,” arguing “AI is the future of games anyway” and questioning where disclosure stops.
2. Nvidia Skipping VRAM for Smaller GPU Partners
(02:12 – 03:22)
- Situation: Due to ongoing memory shortages, Nvidia is reportedly no longer including VRAM with GPU modules it sells to smaller board partners (per Golden Pig Upgrade).
- For major vendors, this is business as usual; for smaller partners, it’s a significant setback, likened not-so-seriously to “waiting outside a 711 to panhandle for spare RAM.”
- Snacks and Marketing Quirk: 7-Eleven Korea and SK Hynix create “HBM Chips” — both a snack and a playful nod to High Bandwidth Memory tech.
“Who are just bouncing off the walls with hype over the next hot new snack from their favorite semiconductor manufacturer.” — Host [03:00]
3. EU vs. Tech Scams: Holding Platforms Liable
(03:22 – 04:41)
- Legislation: The EU adopts rules holding payment providers (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) and social media platforms (Meta, TikTok) liable for hosting scams.
- Applies once scams are reported and not removed, signaling the EU’s ongoing crackdown outside of the more controversial AI regulatory battles.
“The EU is still doing stuff to keep big Tech in check as long as it's not AI related.” — Host [03:43]
- Political Tensions: US pressure threatens some EU tech legislation; French President Macron critiques Brussels for lacking resolve.
- Joke Buildup: The hosts note the temptation for a Brussels sprouts–macaroni pun but veto it for the sake of comic restraint.
4. Apple May Tap Intel for ‘Lower-End’ US-Made Chips
(04:44 – 06:22)
- Major Industry Shift: Apple is in talks with Intel to manufacture the lower end of a new M chip series in the US (per analyst Ming Chi Kuo), using Intel’s 18A process.
- This would diversify Apple’s supply chain beyond TSMC, which retains the high-end contracts.
- The hosts crack wise about “desperation rekindling relationships” — a nod to Apple and Intel’s past breakup and now potential reunion.
“Let’s have a baby, that’ll save our marriage.” — Co-host [06:18]
5. AI Threat to US Jobs & Nvidia’s Internal Debate
(06:22 – 07:13)
- MIT Study: 11.7% of US jobs could already be covered by existing AI; this “iceberg index” is more about flagging risk than predicting layoffs.
- Nvidia’s Take: CEO Jensen Huang quells employee fears, saying AI won’t replace Nvidia staff, and questions managers who discourage AI usage.
“Are you insane?” — Jensen Huang, paraphrased by Host [06:42]
- Financial Worries: Nvidia, concerned about “Enron” comparisons, assures analysts their accounting is sound.
“A business bringing up Enron feels a bit like saying Macbeth in the theater.” — Host [07:08]
6. Apple Podcasts Glitch — A Potential Security Scare?
(07:13 – 07:55)
- Creepy Bug: Apple devices start auto-opening random podcasts, some with silent audio and potential sketchy links.
- Security Research: Patrick Wardle verifies the bug isn’t a full hack, but it’s a worrying exploit vector. Apple, as expected, declines comment.
7. TSMC Intel Espionage Drama
(07:55 – 08:32)
- National Security Probe: Ex-TSMC exec Lo Wei Jiang is investigated for allegedly leaking secrets to Intel (who deny any sensitive info was acquired).
- Taiwan’s Stance: Chip tech is deemed vital for sovereignty, so authorities take the issue seriously; the hosts joke, “If Intel had secrets, their chips would be faster.”
8. Groundbreaking ‘Pain Switch’ Discovery
(08:32 – 09:11)
- Medical Science: Tulane University scientists find an enzyme, VLK, that controls pain signal amplification post-injury.
- Mice without VLK function mostly unbothered by pain, hinting at promising new, side-effect-free pain therapies.
“Pain relief may have just gotten a whole lot less painful.” — Host [09:07]
- Lighthearted riffing ensues on the ‘pain switch in the (mem)brain’.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On AI labeling in gaming:
“If we label the games now, the clankers will be upset later. Oh no, I said it.” — Host, referencing Tim Sweeney [00:56]
- On snackified semiconductors:
“Whoa, you got the new SK Hynix. Yeah man, smoke some weed.” — Host [03:06]
- On multinational chipmaking drama:
“If they had gotten secrets you’d definitely see their chips running a little bit faster by now.” — Host [08:24]
- Pain switch recap:
“Pain switch in the membrane, pain switch in the brain.” — Co-host [09:11]
Notable Segment Timestamps
| Segment | Start Time | |---|---| | Main Steam AI debate | 00:28 | | Nvidia skips VRAM, HBM Chips snacks | 02:12 | | EU rules against tech platform scams | 03:22 | | Apple x Intel manufacturing news | 04:44 | | AI jobs impact & Nvidia internal culture | 06:22 | | Apple podcast security scare | 07:13 | | TSMC–Intel espionage probe | 07:55 | | Tulane University pain switch | 08:32 |
Episode Tone and Style
The episode maintains TechLinked’s trademark blend of fast-paced, witty news delivery and pop culture flair. Commentary is casual and irreverent, featuring regular tech banter, offbeat analogies, and inside jokes alongside factual reporting.
For listeners: This summary gives you the full sweep of tech news, industry drama, and meme-worthy moments – all the essentials, minus the ads and fluff.