Podcast Summary: The Besties – “These Games Will Win at The Game Awards – Maybe!”

Release Date: December 6, 2024
Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
Episode Title: These Games Will Win at The Game Awards – Maybe!

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Besties, Griffin McElroy and Russ Frushtick delve into predictions for the upcoming Game Awards. With both hosts present—Justin McElroy and Chris Plante absent due to other commitments—the discussion centers around forecasting which games will clinch various categories at the awards show scheduled for December 12th.

Russ Frushtick (05:16):
"We're going to be talking about the Game Awards. We're going to be talking about who's going to win all the different nominees, who's not going to win by as a result of that and what are some of the big announcer renos we are expecting to come down the pipeline."

2. The Game Award Trophy Debate

Griffin and Russ kick off their conversation by scrutinizing the physical Game Award trophy. Griffin expresses his dissatisfaction with its design, deeming it nonsensical despite its aesthetic appeal.

Griffin McElroy (00:13):
"Yeah, sure. Here's my first sort of thought. It doesn't make any fucking sense."

Russ Frushtick (00:19):
"What do you mean? It's like a flying lady."

They humorously debate alternative trophy ideas, contemplating symbols more resonant with gaming culture, such as the Triforce from The Legend of Zelda.

Griffin McElroy (01:21):
"Wouldn't that be cool?"

3. Navigating the Game Awards Categories

Griffin takes on the challenge of reading aloud every award category, highlighting the extensive range from "Best Esports Team" to "Game of the Year." Both hosts acknowledge the diversity and number of categories, noting that while some may not resonate with them personally, the breadth caters to a wide array of gaming interests.

Griffin McElroy (05:56):
"How many categories could there be?"

Russ Frushtick (06:50):
"It is a buffet of video game award giving."

4. Category-Specific Predictions

a. Best Esports Team

With limited familiarity, Russ humorously bases his prediction on the team names rather than performance metrics.

Griffin McElroy (07:16):
"But yeah, like, you know, the triforce."

Russ Frushtick (08:01):
"I think techno gamers is going to take it just because of the Z."

b. Most Anticipated Game

Griffin confidently predicts Grand Theft Auto 6 to win, citing its high anticipation levels.

Griffin McElroy (10:09):
"Number one being Grand Theft Auto 6. Yeah. So that's the one that's going to win this award because it's Grand Theft Auto 6."

c. Best Multiplayer

The conversation shifts to popular multiplayer titles, with Helldivers 2 emerging as a strong contender due to its widespread appeal.

Russ Frushtick (11:27):
"I think it's gonna go to Helldivers 2. Cause I think everyone voting at least had a moment where they experienced it."

d. Best Family Game

Griffin and Russ discuss games suitable for families, highlighting Echoes of Wisdom as a favorite, especially among younger players.

Russ Frushtick (15:00):
"I have a quick cherry update. Seaside Drive got that cherry just barely."

e. Best RPG

The hosts narrow down their choices to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Elden Ring, ultimately leaning towards the former due to its expansive narrative.

Griffin McElroy (17:41):
"I think Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is going to win the game award for best rpg."

f. Game of the Year

After evaluating several nominees, Griffin asserts that Astrobot is the frontrunner for Game of the Year, considering its design and player reception.

Griffin McElroy (35:02):
"I think Astrobot's gonna win it."

5. Reflections on Previous Game Awards

Griffin and Russ reflect on past Game Awards winners, noting trends and the unpredictability of outcomes. They review winners from previous years, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 in the last year and Elden Ring in 2019, to contextualize their current predictions.

Griffin McElroy (36:07):
"Last year it was Baldur's Gate 3. [...] 2018, God of War, 2017, Breath of the Wild."

6. Sponsorship Segment: Aura Frames

A brief interlude features a sponsorship message from Aura Frames, highlighting their digital picture frames as ideal holiday gifts. The hosts commend the product's ease of use and aesthetic appeal.

Sponsor Message (05:16 - 05:25):
"With Squarespace, go to squarespace.com for a free trial. And when you're ready to Launch, go to squarespace.com/besties to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain."

7. Personal Experiences at The Game Awards

Russ shares his firsthand experience attending the Game Awards, discussing the event's structure, timing, and overall atmosphere. He advises potential attendees to eat beforehand due to the event's long duration and limited food options.

Russ Frushtick (38:17):
"There's very, very little sustenance in that theater."

Griffin reminisces about live-blogging the event, recounting moments like enjoying fast food during the broadcasts.

Griffin McElroy (42:58):
"I remember there was one year Justin was visiting Austin and we live blogged it together from his Airbnb that he was staying in."

8. Listener Mail Discussion

The hosts address listener questions and comments, including a discussion about cherry updates in games like UFO 50. Russ advises on the technical aspects of playing retro handheld games and shares his preference for seamless gaming experiences.

Griffin McElroy (52:19):
"Question. Some of the games included in UFO 50 have slowdown even on the better Linux based devices."

9. Honorable Mentions

Griffin and Russ highlight additional games they've been enjoying or have on their radar, such as the GTA trilogy remaster and the Dragon Quest 3 HD 2D remake. They also discuss upcoming challenges like earning cherries in certain games.

Griffin McElroy (55:06):
"I enjoy Astrobot... I enjoy, like, the design of it and the tone of it and how lighthearted and clever it is."

10. Conclusion and Tease for Next Episode

Wrapping up the episode, Russ and Griffin express gratitude to their Patreon supporters and tease the next episode, which will feature the return of all four hosts—Chris and Justin joining in—to battle out their Game of the Year picks.

Griffin McElroy (59:07):
"So join us next week for the besties because shouldn't the world, World's best friends pick the world's best games."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Griffin McElroy (00:13):
  "It doesn't make any fucking sense."

• Russ Frushtick (06:50):
  "It is a buffet of video game award giving."

• Griffin McElroy (10:09):
  "Number one being Grand Theft Auto 6. Yeah. So that's the one that's going to win this award because it's Grand Theft Auto 6."

• Russ Frushtick (16:48):
  "Someone for excellence, achievements."

• Griffin McElroy (35:02):
  "I think Astrobot's gonna win it."

• Russ Frushtick (38:17):
  "There's very, very little sustenance in that theater."

• Griffin McElroy (59:07):
  "So join us next week for the besties because shouldn't the world, World's best friends pick the world's best games."

Final Thoughts

Griffin McElroy and Russ Frushtick provide an engaging and humorous take on the Game Awards, offering insights and predictions across a wide spectrum of categories. Their camaraderie and deep knowledge of the gaming industry make for a compelling listen, especially for enthusiasts eager to hear informed speculations ahead of the awards ceremony. The episode balances serious predictions with lighthearted banter, ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.