Heart UK

Friends Per Second

Three nerds. Three microphones. Zero clue what we're talking about - a video game podcast from Skill Up, Jake Baldino, and Lucy James.

🔒 Get 20% off DeleteMe by going to https://joindeleteme.com/friends and use code FRIENDS to protect your privacy!  🙌

--

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Guest Host Ben Hanson

07:21 Beast of Reincarnation Discussion

18:51 Ben's been playing Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls

30:01 Lucy's been playing Onimushia: Way of the Sword

37:17 DeleteMe (ad)

39:23 Jake's been playing Updates for Crimson Desert and Ghost Recon Wildlands

49:39 Ralph's been playing Star Wars: Zero Company

59:07 Lucy's been playing Servant of the Lake

01:04:55 Factor (ad)

01:07:20 User Question

01:19:33 Ben's been playing Big Walk

01:33:28 Ralph's been playing Stormforge

01:38:41 Lucy's been playing Contact Protocol

01:46:08 Ralph's been playing Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave

01:57:25 Show and Tell 

02:21:54 Wrap Up

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Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James was a Senior Producer at Gamespot for more than a decade before striking out on her own, founding https://lookingfor.game/, a newsletter and games discovery platform that serves up cool suggestions (and demo codes) directly to your inbox. She also co-hosts the annual Summer Games Showcase alongside Geoff Keighly. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest games of the year are about to release (and we played a bunch of them) | FPS Ep #102

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 20% off Raycon audio products. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

07:22 Ralph and Jake have been playing Halo Campaign Evolved

45:17 Raycon (ad)

48:38 Lucy's been playing Silent Hill: Townfall

01:04:26 Ralph's been playing Splatoon Raiders

01:14:57 Jake's been playing Rhythm Heaven Groove

01:16:58 User Question

01:31:10 Lucy's been playing Clicky Islands, The House Dreams Along With Them, and The Incident at Galley House

01:36:43 Show and Tell

01:47:25 Wrap Up

--

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James was a Senior Producer at Gamespot for more than a decade before striking out on her own, founding https://lookingfor.game/, a newsletter and games discovery platform that serves up cool suggestions (and demo codes) directly to your inbox. She also co-hosts the annual Summer Games Showcase alongside Geoff Keighly. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Halo Campaign Evolved, do we want/need a Halo 2 Remaster? | FPS Ep #101

Get 20% off DeleteMe by going to https://joindeleteme.com/friends and use

code FRIENDS to protect your privacy! 

--

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 20% off Raycon audio products. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro ft. Guest Host Chris Grant

18:08 Xbox Discussion

32:50 DeleteMe (ad)

35:46 Factor (ad)

38:11 State of the Industry Discussion

01:06:22 Raycon (ad)

01:09:10 User Question

01:18:11 Ralph and Lucy have been playing The Blood of Dawnwalker

01:28:27 Jake's been playing AC Black Flag Resynced

01:37:58 Chris's been playing Doom The Dark Ages Revelations and Deltarune

01:49:33 Lucy's been playing Denshattack!

01:55:28 Steam Machine Discussion

02:12:15 Show and Tell
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is modern gaming cooked? | Friends Per Second #99

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 20% off Raycon audio products. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

A huge thanks to Kyle Bosman for joining us. Pleas do check out his stuff over at https://www.youtube.com/@UCSJL4mrS3z_nnvsJ-gkOQ5A 

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James was a Senior Producer at Gamespot for more than a decade before striking out on her own, founding https://lookingfor.game/, a newsletter and games discovery platform that serves up cool suggestions (and demo codes) directly to your inbox. She also co-hosts the annual Summer Games Showcase alongside Geoff Keighly. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sony ditches physical media, but will gamers ditch Sony in response? | FPS Podcast #98

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:05 What's Going On with XBOX

37:36 Control Resonant Interview with Mikael Kasurinen and Sean Durrie

53:26 Control Resonant Impressions

1:04:11 Summer Game Fest Impressions

2:04:57 Show and Tell

2:12:31 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James was a Senior Producer at Gamespot for more than a decade before striking out on her own, founding https://lookingfor.game/, a newsletter and games discovery platform that serves cool suggestions (and demo codes) directly to your inbox. She also co-hosts the annual Summer Games Showcase alongside Geoff Keighly. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The honeymoon is over as Xbox prepares to close multiple studios | Friends Per Second #97

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 15% off Raycon audio products this holiday season. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro / Housekeeping

07:50 Sony State of Play

34:14 Raycon (ad)

35:50 Interview with God of War: Laufey Director Ariel Lawrence

1:04:41 Summer Game Fest Showcase

1:37:17 Interview with That's No Moon, CCO Taylor Kurosaki and Game Director Jacob Minkoff

2:13:04 Xbox Showcase

2:29:05 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked the God of War Laufey Game Director about that cube.... | Friends Per Second #96

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!



NOTE: We recorded this before the Bungie/Destiny 2 news broke. 

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:21 PlayStation

10:16 Ralph's played a preview of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

28:45 Factor (ad)

31:34 Lucy's been playing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies

42:40 Jake's been playing Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

55:56 Ralph and Jake have been playing Forza Horizon 6

01:08:29 Ralph's been playing Deep Rock Galactic Survivor

01:12:10 User Question

01:24:08 Show and Tell

01:38:42 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sony is back in the exclusives business - will Xbox follow next? | Friends Per Second #95

Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs at http://WarbyParker.com/FRIENDS — and using our link helps support the show.

--

Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at http://square.com/go/FRIENDS 

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 15% off Raycon audio products this holiday season. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals + a free breakfast for life! Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:25 Starfox 2026 Discussion

14:25 Steam Controller Discussion

27:33 Square (ad)

30:12 Warby Parker (ad)

33:34 Mixtape Interview with Johnny Galvatron and Woody Woodward

49:54 Mixtape Discussion

01:03:40 User Question

01:09:10 Raycon (ad)

01:11:23 Hello Fresh (ad)

01:13:55 Jake's Thoughts on 007 First Light

01:27:15 Ralph's Been Playing POE 2, Diablo IV, and AC Black Flag (original)

01:42:41 Lucy's Been Playing Dead as Disco

01:44:54 Show and Tell

02:02:11 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We asked the Mixtape devs how they made 2026's highest rated game | Friends Per Second #94

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Nutribullet Ultra +2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System on your 3rd box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS.

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

05:49 Xbox News

26:48 Hello Fresh (ad)

29:14 Interview with Saros Creative Director Gregory Louden

50:16 Jake and Ralph Have Been Playing Saros

01:05:23 Ralph's Been Playing Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred

01:11:05 Everyone's Been Playing Pragmata

01:21:31 Lucy's Been Playing Vampire Crawlers, The Expanse Osiris Reborn, and Titanium Court

01:39:02 Interview with Titanium Court Creator AP Thomson

02:00:57 Show and Tell

02:10:02 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So far, the new Xbox boss is saying (and doing ) the right things | Friends Per Second #93

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get 20% off. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box, new subscription only. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro

00:16:34 Mario Galaxy Movie Review

00:33:44 PS5 Price Hikes

00:55:25 Raycon (Ad)

00:57:48 Factor (Ad)

01:00:32 User Question

01:08:27 Samson Review

01:19:09 I Am Just Christ Review

01:26:35 Forza Horizon 6 Impressions

01:35:09 Raccoin Impressions

01:37:28 Fishbowl Impressions

01:39:48 Fix Force Impressions

01:42:06 Neverway Impressions

01:45:50 Lenovo Legion Go S Impressions

01:53:41 Show & Tell

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These PS5 price hikes are a serious problem | Friends Per Second #92

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsOPEN to get 20% off. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Update Day / Movie Talk

07:44 Ralph's New Setup and Kojima Beef

12:23 Crimson Desert Discussion

49:02 Raycon (ad)

51:51 Interview With Kliff (Alec Newman) and Duane (Alex Jordan) From Crimson Desert

01:20:01 Hello Fresh (ad)

01:22:18 User Question 1

01:27:59 User Question 2

01:36:43 Lucy's Been Playing Pokemon Pokopia

01:42:57 Jake's Been Playing Screamer

01:48:04 Lucy's Been Playing Oh My AI and The Sims

01:59:14 What's Coming Out Soon

02:06:09 Show and Tell

02:15:15 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exclusive: Crimson Desert voice actors react to the game's reviews and  INSANE reception | FPS #91

Have your dog try The Pets Table at https://thepetstable.com with code fps55 to get 55% off your first box PLUS 10% off your next two. Thanks to The Pets Table for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro / GDC Discussion

11:11 Lucy Played Zero Parades

19:37 Ralph Played Screenbound 

22:42 Lucy Played At Fate's End

28:59 Lucy Played My Arms Are Longer Now

32:19 Mixtape Discussion

34:26 Xbox Next Gen Discussion

43:36 Pokemon Pokopia Discussion

54:17 The Pet's Table (ad)

57:08 Resident Evil Requiem Discussion With Grace (Angela Sant'Albano) and Leon (Nick Apostolides)

01:13:54 Hello Fresh (ad)

01:16:54 Crimson Desert Discussion

01:25:00 Lucy's Been Playing Minos

01:25:54 Lucy's Been Playing Canvas City

01:28:16 Jake and Ralph Have Been Playing Marathon

01:40:17 Show and Tell

01:54:17 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crimson Desert is the most hyped game since Elden Ring - can it deliver? | FPS #90

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off Raycon audio products this holiday season. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Resident Evil Requiem is absolutely peak ft. TheSphereHunter (FPS #89)

Have your dog try The Pets Table at https://thepetstable.com with code fps55 to get 55% off your first box PLUS 10% off your next two. Thanks to The Pets Table for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Chubbies is here to keep you comfy and looking good year-round. Get 20% off with code FRIENDS at http://chubbiesshorts.com/friends #chubbiespod 

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Catch Up

06:58 Horizon Hunter's Gathering Discussion

22:26 User Question

32:02 Mewgenics Interview with Creator Edmund McMillen

59:54 Pet's Table (ad)

01:01:56 Chubbies (ad)

01:03:52 Everyone's Been Playing Cairn

01:30:42 Jake's Been Playing Menace

01:37:59 Lucy's Been Playing TR-49, Bloodletter, Mixtape, Hozy, and Titanium Court

01:46:00 Hello Fresh (ad)

01:48:52 Reanimal Interview with Tarsier Studios CEO Oliver Merlöv

02:11:04 Show and Tell

02:30:42 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mewgenics creator Edmund McMillen stops by to chat life, review scores & more | FPS #88

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://raycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 15% off Raycon products sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Guest Host Chris Plante

12:53 Xbox Dev Direct Discussion

29:05 Factor (ad)

31:39 Resident Evil Requiem Impressions

50:44 Thoughts on Highguard

01:30:09 Raycon (ad)

01:33:10 User Question

01:40:48 Chris's Been Playing Perfect Tides: Station to Station

01:45:46 Jake's Been Playing Halo Fireteam Raven

01:48:53 Lucy and Jake Have Been Playing Cairn

02:02:13 Ralph's Been Playing Silksong

02:23:18 Show and Tell

02:35:05 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We played (and loved) Resident Evil Requiem | Friends Per Second #87

Level up your game and get 10% off @TurtleBeach with code FPS at http://turtlebeach.com/FPS

#turtlebeachpod

--

The Pets Table at https://thepetstable.com with code fps55 to get 55% off your first box PLUS 10% off your next two. Thanks to The Pets Table for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://raycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 20% off Raycon products sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Catch Up

15:36 Jake's Been Playing the Avatar Frontiers of Pandora DLC

17:15 Jake's Been Playing Hytale

25:48 Ralph's Been Playing Hollow Knight Silksong

37:26 Raycon (ad)

40:28 Hello Fresh (ad)

43:42 Movie and Book Recommendations

54:36 Lucy's Been Playing Demos from the Steam Detective Fest

01:00:49 Games We're Excited for in 2026

01:36:39 Turtle Beach (ad)

01:39:22 The Pets Table (ad)

01:41:29 Show and Tell

01:58:19 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026 is going to be an absolute huge year for videogames | Friends Per Second #86

Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at http://trueclassic.com/friends #trueclassicpod 

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals +  a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

16:15 Game Awards Recap

52:55 True Classic (Ad)

54:59 AI Discussion

01:33:53 Hello Fresh (Ad)

01:36:12 User Question

01:44:31 Jake's Been Playing Skate Story

01:49:59 Lucy's Been Playing Puzzmo

01:52:40 Jake's Been Playing Terminator 2D: No Fate

01:56:02 Ralph's Been Playing the New Diablo Season, Darktide and Hollow Knight: Silksong

02:02:55 Show and Tell

02:13:58 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AI situation is crazy | Friends Per Second #85

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off Raycon audio products this holiday season. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

05:56 Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Discussion

28:53 Horses Discussion

48:24 Raycon (ad)

50:43 Interview with Treasa McCabe, Paul Conway, and Dave McCabe About Making The Seance of Blake Manor

01:22:44 Factor (ad)

01:24:48 User Question

01:32:04 Ralph's STILL Playing Arc Raiders

01:39:21 Lucy's Played the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC

01:44:52 Jake's Been Playing Marvel Cosmic Invasion

01:47:53 Jake's Been Playing Red Dead Redemption AGAIN

01:53:36 Game's We're Excited to Play (Skate Story and Terminator 2D No Fate)

01:55:21 Show and Tell

02:12:18 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We played the banned game (Horses) + Metroid Prime 4 review chat | Friends Per Second #84

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals + a free item for life. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsopen to get up to 30% off Raycon audio products sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Go to http://uncommongoods.com/friends for 15% off your next gift.

--

Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/FRIENDS

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:13 Game Awards 2025 Discussion

32:16 Valve's Hardware Announcements

48:55 Raycon (ad)

51:41 Hello Fresh (ad)

54:23 Interview with Valve's Lawrence Yang and Pierre-Loup Griffais

01:36:22 Uncommon Goods (ad)

01:39:27 True Classic (ad)

01:41:57 User Question

01:48:09 Jake's Been Playing Where Winds Meet

01:55:45 Ralph and Jake Have Played Metroid Prime 4

02:03:34 Lucy LOVES The Seance of Blake Manor

02:12:42 Ralph's Been Playing Kirby Air Riders

02:18:25 Ralph's Been Playing Arc Raiders

02:21:40 Lucy's Been Playing Demon School and Ambrosia Sky

02:27:03 Jake's Been Playing Anno 117: Pax Romana

02:32:31 Ralph's Been Playing Lumines Arise

02:37:33 Show and Tell

02:46:18 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We ask Valve the big questions around the Steam Machine, Frame & Controller | FPS Podcast #83

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friendsopen to get up to 30% off Raycon audio products sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro / Mummy Discussion

05:56 GTA Delay & Rockstar News

14:53 Jake's Played Ball x Pit & Ralph's Played Lumines Arise

19:51 Jake's Turned His ROG Ally X Into a Steam Deck

28:16 Dispatch Discussion

36:42 Raycon (ad)

40:13 Dispatch Dev Team Interview with Nick Herman and Pierre Shorette

01:08:09 Factor (ad)

01:11:02 User Questions

01:29:47 Ralph's Played Outer Worlds 2

01:41:06 Jake's Played Arc Raiders

01:48:34 Ralph's Played Battlefield 6: Redsec

01:54:20 Lucy's Played Powerwash Simulator 2, Fractured Blooms, and The Seance at Blake Manor

02:10:11 Jake's Played Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Night

02:14:05 Show and Tell

02:31:51 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These Rockstar firings don't look good | Friends Per Second Ep #82

Go to http://uncommongoods.com/friends for 15% off your next gift.

--

Head to https://trueclassic.com/FRIENDS to try True Classic for yourself. 

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals + a free item for life. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:45 Xbox ROG Ally X Impressions

26:24 Xbox News

40:33 Uncommon Goods (Ad)

43:44 Interview with Tim Schafer and Lee Petty of Double Fine

01:01:47 Keeper Discussion

01:14:28 True Classic (Ad)

01:16:20 Ball X Pit

01:29:14 Arc Raiders Interview with Executive Producer Aleksander Grondal

02:08:59 Raycon (Ad)

02:11:21 Hello Fresh (Ad)

02:13:14 What We've Been Playing (Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2, Battlefield 6, Dispatch)

02:52:14 Show and Tell

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Arc Raiders was able to generate the buzz that Marathon couldn't | FPS Podcast #81

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro / Thoughts on AAA Coverage

11:32 Xbox Game Pass Price Hike & The Continuing State of Xbox

34:42 Raycon (ad)

37:10 Interview with Shuhei Yoshida

01:12:22 User Questions

01:27:17 Factor (ad)

01:29:34 What We've Been Playing

02:19:08 Show and Tell

02:33:59 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shuhei Yoshida talks life after Sony, VR, the the future of the console business | FPS Podcast #80

Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code FPS at https://shopmando.com!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code FPS10FM to get 10 free meals + a free item for life. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

Intro 00:00

03:30 Tokyo Game Show Highlights

28:02 Mando (Ad)

31:05 Ghost of Yotei Thoughts

48:00 Kojima Beyond the Strand

56:05 Raycon (Ad)

58:06 Hello Fresh (Ad)

01:00:26 User Question

01:11:28 Silent Hill f Thoughts

01:31:48 What We've Been Playing

01:41:10 Show and Tell

01:50:42 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Silent Hill f is dividing fans of the series | Friends Per Second #79

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free breakfast for 1 year. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

00:00 Intro

06:34 Hollow Knight Silksong discussion

22:39 Cronos: The New Dawn Discussion

36:03 Raycon (ad)

39:00 Lucy's Gamescom Picks (Silent Hill f, Vampire The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2)

01:01:13 Factor (ad)

01:03:45 Hell Is Us Interview with Creative Director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête

01:33:19 Hell is Us Discussion

01:50:32 User Question

01:56:34 Show and Tell

02:12:35 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Hell is Us' Game Director on what worked (and didn't) | Friends Per Second Ep #78

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Guest Host Parris Lilly

01:09 The State Of Xbox

12:55 Parris's Gamescom Impressions

58:53 What We've Been Playing

01:41:26 Show and Tell

01:52:28 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metal Gear Solid 3: Unreal Engine 5 Edition | Friends Per Second Ep #77

Go to http://shop.sandisk.com and use promotional code FPS10 for an extra 10% off your

purchase of the Extreme Portable SSD for PS5 now through the end of August.

--

Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals + a free item for life. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:46 Mafia The Old Country Discussion

20:26 Battlefield 6 Beta Impressions

36:12 SanDisk (ad)

38:15 Interview with Sword of the Sea Creator Matt Nava

01:07:25 Hello Fresh (ad)

01: User Question

01:21:42 What We've Been Playing

01:37:59 Show And Tell

02:02:52 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Mafia: The Old Country' reminds us that it's ok to love mid games | Friends Per Second #76

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

A big thanks for  @ForceGamingYT  for joining us to co-host this week's, as well as to Vince Zampella, Byron Beede and Abubakar Salim for joining us as guests. 



Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Guest Host Force Gaming

12:04 Battlefield 6Interview with Vince Zampella and Byron Beede

29:33 Raycon (ad)

33:00 Battlefield 6 Impressions with Bruce Greene

56:08 What We've Been Playing

01:32:27 Factor (ad)

01:34:18 Cronos: The New Dawn

01:48:07 Dead Take Interview with Abubakar Salim

02:11:55 What We've Been Playing Part 2

02:43:49 Show and Tell

02:55:11 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Battlefield 6 hands on impressions feat. interview with Vince Zampella | Friends Per Second #75

Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://www.trueclassic.com/FRIENDS

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS

--

Check out Skill Up's website: https://www.thisweekinvideogames.com. It's 100% ad-free and you can sign up for free to get access to news, reviews and previews, as well as a weekly newsletter. Become a Supporter to get access to op-ed features, expert columns, a bonus newsletter and an ad-free version of the news show. 



Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:54 Ralph Launches a Website!

17:17 Lucy's Thoughts on Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

26:41 Ralph And Jake Duke Out a Death Stranding 2 Discussion

48:45 True Classic (ad)

51:43 Interview With Ghost of Yotei Creative Directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell

01:19:14 Raycon (ad)

01:21:26 User Question

01:30:13 What We've Been Playing

01:54:40 Show and Tell

02:10:17 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview: Ghost of Yotei Directors share their ambitious plans for the sequel | FPS Podcast #74

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

11:01 What is Happening at Xbox?

59:52 Raycon (ad)

01:02:01 Death Stranding Discussion

01:35:12 Factor (ad)

01:37:45 What We've Been Playing

02:00:49 Show and Tell

02:04:40 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox has done it again (derogatory) | Friends Per Second Ep # 73

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro and SGF Wrap Up

13:41 Switch 2 Discussion

36:35 Interview with Brendan Greene (PlayerUnknown)

01:14:42 User Questions 1&2

01:37:50 What We've Been Playing

02:20:32 Show and Tell

02:32:05 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindseye is very, very not good | Friends Per Second Ep #72

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro with Special Guest Host Tamoor Hussain

03:18 Sony State of Play

28:17 Factor (ad)

30:52 Summer Game Fest

58:05 Raycon (ad)

01:00:22 Xbox Showcase

01:36:51 Interview With Alex Jordan

02:12:13 What We've Played in LA!

02:52:57 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best games we played (and saw) at Summer Game Fest 2025 | Friends Per Second #71

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:30 Video Game Movie Adaptation Discussion

14:35 Randy Pitchford and the Price of Games

24:54 Marathon Discussion

42:03 Raycon (ad)

43:56 FBC Firebreak Interview with Mike Kayatta (Game Director) and Anssi Hyytiäinen (Lead Designer)

01:10:33 FBC Firebreak Impressions

01:37:48 User Question 1

01:44:34 User Question 2

01:49:48 What We've Been Playing

02:28:22 Show and Tell

02:40:50 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We cast the Elden Ring movie + our trip to Remedy studios for FBC Firebreak | Friends Per Second #70

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!

--

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!

--

Note: this episode was recorded Monday May 5th - it went out late due team travel stuff. 



Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

5:40 Ralph's Visit to Kojima Productions

28:06 GTA VI Trailer Discussion

42:09 Raycon (ad)

44:47 User Question 1

51:21 Doom the Dark Ages Discussion

01:07:17 Microsoft Price Hikes

01:18:01 Factor (ad)

01:20:34 User Question 2

01:31:48 What We've Been Playing

01:46:11 Show and Tell 

01:55:46 Wrap Up

--

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond



Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/



Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond

--

Let's meet our hosts!

- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino



- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 



- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That GTA 6 trailer got us all hot and steamy... | Friends Per Second Ep #69 (Nice)

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 15% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
06:19 Oblivion Remastered Discussion with Guest Host MrMattyPlays
28:34 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Discussion
53:17 Interview with Andy Serkis
01:01:43 Raycon (ad)
01:04:08 User Question 1
01:11:57 Video Game Adaptations Chat with The Weekly Planet
01:59:20 User Question 2
02:09:54 What We've Been Playing
02:22:00 Show and Tell
02:34:23 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is the best rated game of 2025 ft. Andy Serkis | FPS Ep #68

Try Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/fps50off with code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!
--
This is part 2 of episode #67, recorded on Fri Apr 11th. We had to split the episode into two because there was too much to cover between the Switch 2 reveal stuff and the trip to Bungie for Marathon. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:58 Thoughts on the Minecraft Movie
13:54 Switch 2 Discussion
01:01:03 Factor (ad)
01:02:50 What We've Been Playing
01:26:39 Show and Tell
01:38:26 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We need to talk about Nintendo | Friends Per Second Ep #67 (Part 2)

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Marathon Discussion and Impressions Part 1 
13:42 Interview with Game Director Joe Ziegler
38:01 Raycon (ad)
40:24 Marathon Discussion and Impressions Part 2
01:34:32 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marathon game director explains why it won't be free-2-play | Friends Per Second Ep #67

Try Factor at https://www.factor75.com/pages/podcast and get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:10 GDC Wrap Up
12:56 Ubisoft News and AC Shadows Thoughts
51:47 Factor (ad)
54:03 User Question 1
01:03:40 Interview with Alex Van Aken About the Rebirth of Game Informer
01:28:59 What We've Been Playing
02:02:16 Show and Tell
02:17:29 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inside story of how Game Informer rose from the dead | Friends Per Second Ep #66

Eat smart with Factor. Get started at FACTOR MEALS dot com slash fps50off and use code fps50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. That’s code fps50off at FACTOR MEALS dot com slash fps50off to get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. Link is in our description!
--
Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends to get 20% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds! Brought to you by Raycon. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro with Guest Host Alanah Pearce!
11:40 Xbox's Handheld and Hardware Strategy
38:38 Raycon (ad)
41:11 Interview with Josef Fares of Hazelight Studio
01:24:25 Factor (ad)
01:26:52 User Question
01:40:11 What We've Been Playing
02:36:40 Show and Tell 
02:52:51 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview: Joseph Fares reacts to Split Fiction's GOTY-level review scores | Friends Per Second #64

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends to get 20% off the best-selling Everyday Earbuds! Brought to you by Raycon. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
12:01 What's Happening in the AAA Space?
27:46 How to Use Video Game Reviews
01:11:01 Raycon (ad)
01:13:33 What We've Been Playing
01:56:15 Show and Tell
02:05:26 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game reviews and why it's important to not care about them too much  | Friends Per Second Ep #64

Try Factor at FACTORMEALS.com/fps50off and get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Thanks to Factor for sponsoring FPS!
--
This week we react to the Sony State of Play, take a deep-dive look at Avowed and chat with Jakub Szamałek, formerly a lead writer from CDPR who work on The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and now the Narrative Director at Rebel Wolves, the studio comprised of former CDPR talent who just revealed their first game: Blood of the Dawnwalker. Great to have Alanah Pearce along for the ride, too. 

Note: This episode was recorded Wed 12th of Feb, 2025.
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro with Guest Host Alanah Pearce
08:37 Sony State of Play Recap
46:55 Factor (ad)
50:24 User Question 1
01:06:22 Interview with Rebel Wolves Narrative Director Jakub Szamałek
01:42:26 User Question 2
01:48:03 What We've Been Playing
02:17:16 Avowed Discussion
02:56:27 Show And Tell
03:08:33 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avowed review discussion - why we didn't love it (feat. Alanah Pearce) | Friends Per Second Ep #63

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 20% off sitewide for the perfect gift. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!
--
Subscribe to the FPS Podcast Highlights channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC82taKHHS0vOY-b8r311Ijg 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
08:37 Xbox Developer Direct Recap
31:31 Sony News
42:26 Assassin's Creed Shadows Thoughts
01:05:20 Raycon (ad)
01:08:13 User Question 1
01:16:17 User Question 2
01:23:17 Bigmode Discussion with Leah
01:44:22 What We've Been Playing
02:11:08 Show and Tell
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playing AC Shadows got us thinking about Ghost of Tsushima | Friends Per Second #62

Use our Displate code FRIENDS at checkout for exclusive discounts on your order at https://displate.com/@friendspersecond - Thanks to Displate for sponsoring FPS!
--
Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and if you’re a new subscriber you’ll get a FREE Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 travel packs in your first box. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro / Welcome Back! 
13:18 Displate (ad)
16:46 What We've Been Playing / Doing Over Break
01:07:25 AG1 (ad)
01:10:30 User Question Bonanza!
01:43:52 Show and Tell
01:55:22 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AND WE'RE BACK! | Friends Per Second Ep #61

If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat with CDPR about Ciri, new weapons, the lore & more in The Witcher 4 | Friends Per Second #60

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get up to 25% off everything for the ultimate holiday gift. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS!
--
This week we're joined by a number of special guests. Michael Higham from IGN joins us to talk through STALKER 2. We've all played it and all have wildly different takes on it (for both technical and non-technical reasons). After that we're joined by Frederick Thylander and Drew Rechner of Ubisoft Massive, who right now are leading up efforts fix some of the core issues that plagued Star Wars Outlaws at launch. Finally, Alanah Pearce joins us to chat about PlayStation and Xbox handhelds, as well as what we've all been playing this past two weeks. 
--
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
05:02 STALKER 2
43:15 Ad - Raycon
45:47 User Question
53:34 Star Wars Outlaws Interview
01:22:44 PlayStation and Xbox handhelds
01:38:58 User Question
01:47:54 What we've played
02:15:50 Show and Tell
02:31:20 Wrap up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ubisoft devs chat about their plans to improve Star Wars Outlaws | Ep #59

Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!
--
This week we're joined by John Linneman of Digital Foundry to discuss the PS5 Pro. It's been out for a few weeks now so we wanted to check in on how it's been doing post launch, how the library of games is performing and guess what the future holds. Plus we're lucky enough to be joined by Yevhenii Kulyk of GSC Game World, who right now is putting the finishing touches on STALKER 2. We talk through the challenging road to launch, what players should expect on day one and what the future holds for both STALKER 2 and the studio. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:15 PS5 Pro Discussion with John Linneman of Digital Foundry
45:48 AG1 (ad)
47:57 User Question 1
56:13 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Chat with Technical Producer Yevhenii Kulyk 
01:12:20 User Question 2
01:20:55 What We've Been Playing
01:59:01 Show and Tell
02:12:09 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PS5 Pro post-launch deep dive featuring Digital Foundry + Stalker 2 Interview | Ep #58

Visit http://buyraycon.com/friends to get at least 15% of your purchase of the all new Everyday Earbuds. 
--
This week we're joined by Paul Tassi of Forbes for a deep dive, spoiler free discussion on Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Paul liked it, Skill Up didn't, Lucy's kinda in the middle and Jake hasn't played it, so we cover a lot of ground from a lot of different perspectives. We're also joined by Ryan Payton, head of the studio that just put out the truly excellent Batman Arkham Shadow. He chats with us about his career, his thoughts on the VR industry and what it was like to follow in Rocksteady's footsteps. 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:29 Dragon Age Discussion with Paul Tassi
49:18 Raycon (ad)
52:10 User Question
58:38 Batman Arkham Shadow with Ryan Payton
01:31:16 What We've Been Playing
02:01:25 Show and Tell
02:13:16 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dragon Age situation is crazy | Ep #57

Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!
--
This week we do a spoiler free deep dive into Metaphor: Fantazio, and we're lucky enough to by joined by Jess Cogswell who reviewed the game for Gamespot (scoring it a perfect 10, no less). We're also joined by the one and only Shawn Layden, former President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Shawn is in Singapore for Gamescom Asia and shares his thoughts on not only the rapidly evolving South East Asian gaming market, but also the broader gaming industry as it confronts things like rising development costs, declining console sales and the chase for the next live service white whale. 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:29 Ralph's TGS Wrap Up
17:27 State of the Industry Chat with Shawn Layden 
38:36 AG1 (ad)
41:31 User Question
51:13 Metaphor ReFantazio Chat with Jess Cogswell of Gamespot
01:31:33 What We've Been Playing
02:12:41 Show and Tell
02:28:08 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Metaphor: ReFantazio is a sudden GOTY front-runner | Ep #56

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends TODAY to get twenty-to-FIFTY percent off, sitewide! That’s right, you’ll get up to FIFTY percent off everything on Raycon’s website when you go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.
--
This week we're joined by the charming Ben Hanson from @minnmax (a truly top tier gaming podcast, we don't mind telling you), plus Jason Schreier joins to discuss his recently released book: 'Play Nice: The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment'
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro / Catch Up with Guest Host Ben Hanson of MinnMax
15:19 User Question
43:21 Raycon (ad) 
45:29 Interview with Jason Schreier About His Book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment"
01:26:54 What We've Been Playing
01:56:08 Show and Tell
02:02:44 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Silent Hill 2 remake is (surprisingly) great + Jason Schreier talks Blizzard drama | Ep #55

Try AG1 here http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS!
--
Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! 
--
A big thanks to Austin and @MrMattyPlays for joining us this week, as well as members of the Ara History Untold dev team: Matt Turner and Gabriela Leskur. 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:35 User Question 1
29:02 Dragon Age: The Veilguard Impressions with Austin and MrMattyPlays
58:37 AG1 (ad)
01:00:36 Dragon Age Wrap Up
01:04:55 User Question 2
01:14:46 Interview with ARA: History Untold team: Executive Producer Matt Turnbull and Narrative and Experience Lead Gabriela Leskur
01:39:27 Incogni (ad)
01:41:49 What We've Been Playing
02:11:24 Show and Tell
02:20:38 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dragon Age The Veilguard is make-or-break for Bioware (feat. MrMattyPlays) | Ep #54

Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends for a limited time to get 15% off and free shipping on your Raycon order! Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS.
--
This week we're lucky to be joined by Nicolas Doucet, game director of Astro Bot, for his first interview after the review scores went live. A big thanks to Jordan Middler of VGC for stopping by as well. 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:46 Sony Kills Concord
36:34 Astro Bot Discussion
51:50 Raycon (ad)
53:57 Interview With Team Asobi Studio Director Nicolas Doucet
01:25:51 User Question
01:36:03 What We've Been Playing
02:23:22 Show And Tell
02:41:11 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astro Bot game director reacts to 94 metacritic review score | Ep #53

Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! 
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
07:25 Show and Tell (With Gifts!)
16:23 Special Guests Alex Jordan and Ben Starr
53:59 Incogni (ad)
56:03 What We've Been Playing (Gamescom Impressions)
01:28:35 User Questions from the Audience
01:45:40 Wrap Up
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our First Ever Live Show (feat. Ben Starr and Alex Jordan) | Ep #52

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
--
Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends for a limited time to get 20-40% off your Raycon order! Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS.
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
09:27 Bungie Layoffs with Jason Schreier 
58:12 Raycon (ad)
01:01:20 User Question 1
01:10:32 Game Informer Closure with Marcus Stewart, Brian Shea, Alex Van Aken
01:59:54 AG1 (ad)
02:02:22 Plucky Squire Interview with Jon Biddle (Bidds) and James Turner
02:29:10 User Question 2
02:34:37 What We've Been Playing
03:02:21 Show and Tell
03:14:38 Wrap Up
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Schreier joins to talk Bungie cuts + Game Informer crew discuss closure

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
--
Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! 
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
12:31 The Vibes Are Off
46:23 AG1 (ad)
48:05 Incogni (ad)
50:08 User Question 1
01:02:31 What We've Been Playing
01:40:49 User Question 2
01:48:50 Show and Tell
02:06:25 Wrap Up
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep #50: The Vibes are in Shambles

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
--
Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends TODAY to get 15% off your Raycon order, plus free shipping! Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS.
--
If you wanna check out our brand new newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
09:10 Xbox Game Pass Changes
27:10 User Question 1
37:15 AG 1 (ad)
39:59 What We're Excited For In 2024 (The Second Half)
01:10:26 User Question 2
01:20:06 Raycon (ad)
01:23:00 What We've Been Playing
02:15:17 Show and Tell
02:28:28 Wrap Up
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep #49 - What we're looking forward to for the rest of 2024

Head to https://factormeals.com/fps50 and use code FPS50 to get an exclusive 50% off your first Factor box, plus 20% off your next month! Thanks to Factor for supporting FPS.
--
Head to https://manscaped.com and use code FRIENDS to get an exclusive 20% off + free shipping! Thanks to Manscaped for supporting FPS.
--
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:45 Catch Up
12:47 Elden Ring Expansion Chat With Mitchell Saltzman of IGN
01:00:18 Factor (ad)
01:03:10 Elden Ring Wrap Up Into User Question
01:17:05 Live QnA from the GameOn Cancer Charity Stream Featuring Alanah Pearce
02:06:28 Manscaped (ad)
02:09:27 What We've Been Playing
02:36:11 Show and Tell
02:49:22 Wrap Up
--
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
--
Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! 
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep #48: The Elden Ring Difficulty Discourse Is Missing The Point

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.
--
Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link here to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond. Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! 
--
This week, we're back where we started: together in LA. We're joined by Tam for a look at the highs and lows of Summer Games Fest 2024. We also got to chat with Julian Gerighty and Frederick Thylander of Ubisoft Massive, discussing the imminent release of Star Wars Outlaws. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:13 Summer Game Fest Recap
29:53 Ubisoft Forward Recap
42:44 AG1 (Ad)
43:37 Interview with Julian Gerighty and Fredrik Thylander about Star Wars Outlaws
01:12:49 Xbox Showcase Recap
02:15:36 Incogni (Ad)
02:17:54 What We've Been Playing (Play Days Hands On Impressions)
03:00:15 Wrap Up

Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep #47: Summer Games Fest ain't no E3, but it's alright.

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends TODAY to get 15% off your Raycon order, plus free shipping! That’s right, you’ll get 15% off and free shipping at BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends. BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends.
--
No guests this week - just us talking smack. Enjoy. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:28 SGF Predictions
11:16 User Question1 
21:31 Call of Duty On Game Pass
42:26 Hellblade II Discussion
58:00 Raycon (ad)
01:01:10 IGN Buys Gamer Network
01:18:20 User Question 2
01:24:25 What We've Been Playing
02:03:21 Show and Tell
02:25:13 Wrap Up
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep #46: CoD on Gamepass feels like a big roll of the dice for Xbox

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.

Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond.

Head to https://factormeals.com/FPS50 to get 50% off your first FACTOR box plus 20% off your next! Thanks to FACTOR meals for sponsoring FPS.

--
This week we're joined by two sets of guests. The first is Dom Mathews, Studio Head at Ninja Theory. They're set to launch Hellblade 2 this coming week, but much of the discussion around the game has been centred on Xbox's studio strategy and what 'success' now looks like for smaller games like Hellblade. 

In addition we were joined by Ryan and Joe from Airship Syndicate. Wayfinders hit the rocks when it launched into early access, which cooincided with publisher Digital Extremes shuttering their entire publishing division. Airship are now pivoting Wayfinder to be an offline (peer to peer coop) game with no microtransactions, so we chatted with them about the journey to that decision. 

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:28 Xbox Talk
31:40 User Question 1
37:48 AG1 (ad)
40:22 Interview With Dom Matthews, Studio Head of Ninja Theory
01:10:57 Factor (ad)
01:17:16 User Question 2
01:24:24 Interview With Wayfinder Studio Airship Syndicate
01:55:56 Incogni (ad)
01:59:28 What We've Been Playing
02:22:41 Show And Tell
02:29:02 Wrap Up
--
Let's meet our hosts!
- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino

- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. 

- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. 
--
Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcast

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
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Ep #45: We chat with Ninja Theory Studio boss about Hellblade 2 (and xbox stuff)

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://manscaped.com ! That’s 20% off with free shipping when you use code FRIENDS. Thanks for sponsoring FPS!--It feels like Xbox is doing a soft-exit from the hardware business without saying it out loud, right? Alanah Pearce joins us for a discussion on the state of console platforms, plus we chat about Stellar Blade, No Rest for the Wicked, Dragon's Dogma 2 and more. We're also joined by Panic Co-Founder Cabel Sasser and famed indie developer Lucas Pope (Papers Please, Return of the Obra Dinn) to chat about the Playdate console and Pope's latest release: Mars After Midnight. Timestamps:00:00 Catch Up with Special Guest Host Alanah Pearce!13:19 The State of Xbox33:46 User Question 144:23 Squarespace (ad)45:52 Interview with Panic Co-Founder Cabel and Game Maker Lucas Pope01:25:30 Manscaped (ad)01:28:00 User Question 201:38:41 What We've Been Playing02:14:31 Show and Tell02:35:49 Wrap UpLet's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
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Ep #44: Xbox console sales are tanking, but does Microsoft even care anymore?

Head to https://factormeals.com/FPS50 to get 50% off your first FACTOR box plus 20% off your next! Thanks to FACTOR meals for sponsoring FPS.--Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first subscription at http://drinkag1.com/FRIENDS. Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--We watched the Fallout show and can confirm that it's good (not X-Men 97 good, but still pretty good). Plus we're joined by Abubakar Salim to talk about his debut as a game director: 'Tales of Kenzaru: Zau'.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:21 What Have We Been Doing? (Jake Vacation, Lucy BAFTA Awards)16:35 Fallout and Video Game Adaptation Discussion48:00 Factor (ad)51:00 User Question1:00:00 Interview with Abubakar Salim, Creative Director on Tales of Kenzera: Zau1:36:24 AG1 (ad)1:38:32 Creating Our Dream Video Game Hot Ones Interview 1:46:41 What We've Been Playing2:06:54 Show And Tell2:22:31 Wrap UpLet's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
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Ep #43: What makes a good videogame adaptation?

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://manscaped.com ! That’s 20% off with free shipping when you use code FRIENDS. Thanks for sponsoring FPS!--Oh shit - NakeyJakey is co-hosting while OG Jake is on vacation, plus we roll the secret CDPR we recorded while in Boston, chatting with Pawel and Gabe about what it's like to build an all new studio in Boston while also trying to build Cyberpunk 2. Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:08 A Conversation with NakeyJakey!53:13 User Questions 101:07:13 Squarespace (ad)01:08:37 Manscaped (ad)01:11:55 Interview with Gabe Amatangelo and Paweł Sasko of CD Project Red!01:51:13 The NakeyJakey Takeover Continues with User Questions 202:00:14 What We've Been Playing02:46:41 Show and Tell02:52:10 Wrap Up- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
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Ep #42: NakeyJakey co-hosts + exclusive CDPR interview

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends TODAY to get 20% off your Raycon order, plus free shipping! That’s right, 20%! BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends to score 20% off and free shipping. --FPS Exclusive! Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/friends Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Hello and welcome to a very special episode of the Friends Per Second podcast. Last week we were in Boston visting Ghost Story Games where we got to play 5 hours of Judas, followed by a deep-dive interview with legendary creator Ken Levine, whose previous works include Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite. This is not a 'preview' - this is a 'pre-preview', in that the game is still very much in development. Our conversation is focused on what Judas is, why it is the way that it is and what Levine and his team are aiming for as they continue development. While we were invited by Ghost Story Games and publisher Take Two Interactive, we paid our own accommodation and airfare costs so as to ensure our editorial independence. Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Impressions32:19 Raycon (ad)34:28 AG1 (ad)36:37 Interview with Ken Levine of Ghost Story Games02:22:40 Wrap Up- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond
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Ep #41: Exclusive - We played 5 hours of Judas and interviewed creator Ken Levine

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--Big show this week! First up we're joined by Tamoor Hussain of Gamespot and Gene Park of The Washington Post for a deep dive discussion into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (spoiler free). We all love it to different degrees, but some pacing and story issues threw a few of us. We also spent some time comparing the many (many) things that FFVII Rebirth delivers that FFVXI didn't. Following that we were joined by Seth Rosen, game director for Pacific Drive, a game that both Ralph and Jake reviewed and loved. It was a great chat delving into how the game came about, the biggest challenges developing it and how the studio is responding to feedback since launch. #FinalFantasy #PacificDrive #Dune2--Timestamps:00:00 Intro7:17 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Chat w/ Gene Park and Tamoor Hussain01:03:07 Squarespace (ad)01:04:45 User Question 101:14:17 Interview With Pacific Drive Game Director Seth Rosen01:54:10 User Question 202:02:38 What We've Been Playing02:16:45 Show And Tell02:35:51 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts!- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...
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Ep #40: We dare to compare: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth vs Final Fantasy XVI

FPS Exclusive! Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/friends Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS--Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond.--This week we take a good, long look at the state of the console business and the AAA releases that underpin it. For that conversation, we're lucky to be joined by Andy Robinson of Vidoegame Chronicle, regular news breaker and a former game developer. He brought an incredibly insightful perspective as someone who not only has worked as a game maker, but also soemone with a rich stable of sources to tap for inside info. Timestamps:00:00 Check In06:24 Console Crisis with Andy Robinson of VGC01:07:10 AG1 (ad)01:10:15 Incogni (ad)01:13:07 Nintendo Direct Discussion01:23:51 User Question 101:34:13 What We've Been Playing02:13:15 User Question 202:18:00 Show and Tell02:36:13 Wrap-UpLet's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond
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Ep 39: The changing face of the console business (Feat. Andy Robinson of VGC)

Go to BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends TODAY to get 15% off your Raycon order, plus free shipping! That’s BUY RAYCON dot com slash friends to score 15% off and free shipping. --Oh boy - what a week. We thought Suicide Squad discourse would be top billing (and we did cover that off with special guest Greg Miller) but it turns out something bigger came along: rumours that Xbox are getting out of the exclusives business. We did a deep dive into that with special guest Parris Lilly. To top it all off, we checked in with Keen Games co-founder Antony Christoulakis to talk through the success of Enshrouded as it tears it up over on Steam. --Timestamps:00:00 Catch Up07:42 Xbox with Parris Lilly from Gamertag Radio + Kinda Funny Xcast49:02 Raycon (ad)52:06 Suicide Squad chat with Greg Miller from Kinda Funny1:25:48 User Question 11:35:02 Enshrouded Interview with Keen Games Co-Founder Antony Christoulakis2:11:29 User Question 22:15:21 What We've Been Playing 2:30:13 Show And Tell2:41:07 Wrap UpLet's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 38: Imagining an exclusive-less Xbox future (feat Parris Lilly and Greg Miller)

Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at Manscaped.com. That’s 20% off with free shipping at manscaped.com and use code FRIENDS. Because your grooming upgrade awaits, ready to charm your Valentine's dates! --Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond.--And we're back - 2024 is here and while we don't expect it'll be quite as jam-packed as 2023, there's still plenty of stuff to look forward to. Here's a look at some of our top picks, plus a few things we're... less excited for. Note: this episode was recorded before the news broke of 1900 Microsoft gaming staff losing their jobs. We'll likely cover that next episode. Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:03 Games We’re Looking Forward To In 202401:07:01 User Question 101:14:01 Manscaped (ad)01:16:50 Icogni (ad)01:20:17 User Question 201:24:37 What We've Been Playing02:03:58 Show And Tell02:13:59 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at GameSpot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: 
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Ep 37: Here's what we're looking forward to (and fearing) in 2024

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--FPS Exclusive! Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/friends Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Thanks to our friends Incogni for sponsoring this episode! Use code FRIENDSPERSECOND at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/friendspersecond.--Welcome to the FPS Podcast!It's the last episode of the year, and rather than talk about videogames (again) we thought we'd just kick back and chill. It's been...a year, and it was nice to just shoot the shit for a bit as we farewell 2023. It's easily the least essential episode we've done to date, but we really enjoyed it and we hope you do, too. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:09 Jirard Update02:29 General Catch-up/Updates11:41 Questions For Each Other 31:47 Squarespace (ad)33:18 More Questions For Each Other01:03:50 Incogni (ad)01:07:11 AG1 (ad)01:10:10 Questions For Each Other Round 301:15:05 User Questions01:35:37 Wrap-Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 36: The Holiday (non-gaming) QnA Special

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--FPS Exclusive! Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/friends Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Welcome to the FPS Podcast!It's the day after The Game Awards (well, it was when we recorded this)! This week we're in LA, joined by resident podcast goblin Tamoor Hussain who is a regular fixture for any in-person recording. We're also honored to be joined by Megan Everett, Community Lead for Warframe, and Rebb Ford, Creative Director for Warframe. They talk us through their journey as leaders in the community management space, as well as what we should expect next from both Warframe and Soulframe. (Plus, we got ourselves a fancy new studio to record in - not bad, huh?)--Timestamps:00:00 Intro / General Catch-Up03:02 The Game Awards Discussion38:57 Squarespace (ad)40:27 Warframe Update With Rebecca Ford and Megan Everett1:21:00 AG1 (ad)1:23:17 The Game Awards Announcements2:03:11 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 35: An awards ceremony with (basically) no awards - TGA 2023

Welcome to the FPS Podcast. This week we're joined by Nick Calandra and Yahtzee Croshaw, formerly of The Escapist but now going independent. Their new venture is called Second Wind, and we really encourage everyone to check it out and support it if you can: Second Wind Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SecondWindGroup/postsSecond Wind YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondWindGroupTimestamps:00:00 Jirard Update02:16 General Catch-Up / Updates10:49 Game Awards Nominees42:48 Interview With Nick Calandra and Yahtzee Croshaw1:22:59 What We've Been Playing2:21:45 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 34: Yahtzee & Nick Reveal How The Escapist Died And Second Wind Was Born

FPS Exclusive! get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first AG1 purchase ➼ https://drinkAG1.com/FRIENDS Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring FPS.--Thanks to our friends Raycon for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get 20 to 50% off sitewide!--Welcome to a special episode of the FPS Podcast. This week it's a pretty huge guest line-up. First up is a who's who of Destiny content creation: Datto, MyNameIsByf and Aztecross join the show to discuss the recent layoffs at Bungie, the delay of the Final Shape expansion and Marathon, as well as  the current state of Destiny and the way its talked about both by players and the gaming community at large. Following that, we're honored to be joined by none other than Sam Lake and Kyle Rowley, the co-directors of Alan Wake II. The FPS crew went absolutely nuts for Alan Wake II, and to be able to speak to the people who led its creation was a rare treat. Timestamps:00:00 Intro18:19 Destiny 2 Discussion With Datto, MyNameIsByf, and Aztecross!01:19:38 AG1 (Ad)01:22:01 Alan Wake 2 Discussion01:34:02 Alan Wake 2 Discussion with Sam Lake and Kyle Rowley!02:23:50 Raycon (Ad)02:26:10 What We've Been Playing03:12:38 This Week In The Way Back03:23:35 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 33: Datto, Aztecross, Byf and Skill Up discuss the future of Bungie and Destiny

Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/friendspersecond and get extra subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.--This week we're joined by Ben Hanson of the MinnMax Show (https://www.youtube.com/@minnmax) as well as Bryan Intihar, game director for the recently released hidden indie gem: Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Timestamps:00:00 Ben Hanson of MinnMax Joins Us! General Catch-Up and Updates07:19 Interview Block - Bryan Intihar, Director on Spider-Man 2 (Spoiler Free)44:47 Nord VPN (ad)46:37 Spider-Man Discussion Deep Dive01:22:18 User Question01:33:23 Super Mario Wonder Discussion02:01:31 What We've Been Playing02:45:40 This Week In The Way Back02:55:26 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 32: Mario Wonder Is Genius + Spider-Man 2 Director Joins Us | Friends Per Second Ep 32

Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends and use the code BIRTHDAY now to get 20-40% off sitewide!--Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:54 Assassin's Creed37:22 Xbox Leaks47:31 Interview: Ben Brode 01:30:29 Raycon (ad)01:33:05 User Question01:38:50 Alan Wake II Impressions02:01:39 New Releases Discussion02:26:24 This Week In The Wayback02:35:36 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 31: Unpacking Assassin's Creed's Identity Crisis (+ Marvel Snap's Ben Brode)

FPS Exclusive! Grab our NordVPN deal at nordvpn.com/friendspersecond and you get extra subscription time for free. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thanks to NordVPN for sponsoring our show.--We're altogether in LA for the first time since Summer Games Fest in June! We talk through our impressions of Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and we're joined by Gabe Amantangelo, Game Director for both Cyberpunk 2077 and the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, currently in development at CDPR's new studio in Boston. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:15 Interview with CyberPunk Phantom Liberty Game Director Gabe Amatangelo48:13 Nord VPN (ad)50:42 Lies of P 01:05:52 Unity Discussion01:15:35 Ascendant Studios Layoffs01:25:26 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth01:43:03 Spiderman 2 02:01:59 User Question02:10:08 This Week In the Wayback02:17:30 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 30: Cyberpunk's Director talks Phantom Liberty, redemption arcs and Cyberpunk 2

Thanks to Liquid I.V. for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://www.liquidiv.com/ and use promo code ‘FRIENDS’ to get 20% off anything when you order.Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://buyraycon.com/friends to get 20% off sitewide and FREE shipping!--Thumbnail credit: thanks to @sergioodoardi on Twitter for the image of Todd. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro12:03 Gamescom and PAX Wrap up w/ Lucy & Jirard40:06 Starfield with Michael Higham01:42:48 Liquid I.V. (Ad)1:44:52 User Question1:52:08 Sea of Stars Discussion with Game Director Thierry Boulanger 2:42:16 Raycon (Ad)2:44:26 User Question2:55:05 What We've Been Playing2:57:03 This Week In The Wayback3:00:34 Wrap Up--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 29: Starfield - The Good and the Bad

#FriendsPerSecond #Podcast #Cyberpunk2077--Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:06:29 Gamescom00:31:45 Re-releases (Red Ded & MGS)00:50:03 User question - Coop games00:57:18 Charles Martinet01:14:29 User question - backlogs01:23:46 Wayfinder01:29:43 Immortals of Aveum01:42:22 Lords of the Fallen01:45:23 Space Marine 201:49:30 Cygni01:52:20 Way BackLet's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 28: Is there room for a 7/10 game in 2023?

Baldur's Gate III is now one of the highest rated games of all time on Metacritic, and we think it deserves every damn point (and then some). --Thanks to Liquid I.V. for sponsoring this episode! Head to https://www.liquidiv.com/ and use code ‘Friends’ to get 20% off anything when you order.--Timestamps:Timestamps:00:00 Intro10:16 Baldur's Gate 343:42 GOTY Half Year Discussion01:07:30 Interview Block with Airship Games01:53:00 Liquid I.V. (Ad)01:56:24 User Question02:05:00 What We've Been Playing02:35:28 This Week In The WayBack02:46:02 Wrap Up--#FriendsPerSecond #Podcast #baldursgate3 --Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 27: Did Baldur's Gate III just snatch GOTY from Zelda TOTK?

Swen Vincke, boss of Larian studios, joins us to talk about the release of what may well be the biggest RPG of 2023. --Timestamps:00:00 Intro08:36 Lucy and Jirard’s experience at SDCC25:05 Swen Vincke from Larian for Baldur’s Gate 3!01:03:25 News and UpdatesO1:29:09 New Releases01:56:12 User Question02:06:46 This Week in The Way Back02:13:44 Wrap Up--#FriendsPerSecond #Podcast #Gollum--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 26: Baldur's Gate 3 boss on Xbox Series S development and "redefining the RPG"

Thanks to Liquid I.V. for sponsoring this episode! Head to liquidiv.com and use code ‘Friends’ to get 20% off anything when you order.--A big thanks to Blessing for joining us. You can find him on Threads  @BlessingJr  Timestamps:00:00 Intro09:53 Lord of the Rings Gollum Studio Shutdown32:17 Xbox Series S controversy around next-gen performance41:39 Tears of the Kingdom spoiler conversation + Final Fantasy XVI conversation52:57 User Question1:01:00 Liquid I.V. (Ad)1:05:00 What We've Been Playing1:44:36 User Question 22:03:56 Game Preservation and This Week In the WayBack2:10:38 Outro--#FriendsPerSecond #Podcast #Gollum--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 25: Your Favorite Game May End Up GONE Forever

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: http://www.squarespace.com/skillup--Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:14 FTC Drama30:39 Squarespace (Ad)32:04 Nintendo Direct Discussion 47:38 Final Fantasy XVI01:38:12 User Question01:44:00 New Releases02:14:15 This Week In The Wayback02:22:56 Outro--#FriendsPerSecond #Podcast #FFXVI--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 24: Should Final Fantasy XVI be the future of the franchise?

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:50 Summer Game Fest Presentation26:22 Play Days01:08:17 Interview With Ben Starr (Clive Rosfield In Final Fantasy XVI)01:52:00 XBOX Showcase02:18:37 Ubisoft Showcase02:34:54 Outro--#FriendsPerSecond #SummerGamesFest #FFXVI--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 23: Unpacking a MASSIVE Week of Gaming Reveals feat. FFXVI's Ben Starr

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Thanks to Babbel for sponsoring this episode. Go to babbel.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout for 3 months free!.--For great earbuds at a great price, visit https://buyraycon.com/friends to get 15% off your order!--YouTube Description: Thanks to ExpressVPN for sponsoring this episode. Go to https://expressvpn.com/FPS to get 3 extra months free!--Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:36 Playstation Showcase01:03:00 Babbel (ad)01:05:00 Express VPN (ad)01:08:00 Overwatch 2 Cancels PVE Development01:27:00 Interview With Geoff Keighley02:03:35 Raycon (ad)02:05:27 New Releases02:47:42 This Week In The Way Back02:54:12 What We’re Excited About In June - Summer Games Fest!--#FriendsPerSecond #SummerGamesFest #MGS3--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 22: Geoff Keighley wasn't 'thrilled' with that MGS3 remake reveal

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://Manscaped.com. --If you’re looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to https://athleticgreens.com/FRIENDS. That’s https://athleticgreens.com/FRIENDS. Check it out.--For great earbuds at a great price, visit buyraycon.com/friends to get 15% off your oder!00:00 Intro00:19 Zelda Release Weekend!05:51 Redfall Discussion32:56 Raycon (Ad)35:03 Phil Spencer Interview with Kinda Funny Games58:54 Diablo IV Server Slam 01:04:39 User Question01:11:18 Honey (Ad)01:13:27 Athletic Greens (Ad)01:15:19 New Releases 01:17:39 Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Spoiler Free Discussion01:39:37 Humanity01:48:08 This Week in the Way Back01:57:49 Summer Game Fest Plans / Outro#FriendsPerSecond #JediSurvivor #PCPorts--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 21: It's official - Tears of the Kingdom is a goddamn masterpiece

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Thank you to ExpressVPN for sponsoring this video. Go to https://expressvpn.com/fps and find out how you can get 3 months of ExpressVPN free!--Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://Manscaped.com. --If you’re looking for an easier way to take supplements, Athletic Greens is giving you a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/FRIENDS. That’s athleticgreens.com/FRIENDS. Check it out.00:00:00 Intro00:02:16 CMA Blocks Microsoft Activision Deal00:18:59 Microsoft is Unhappy with Xbox00:30:30 Manscaped (Ad) 00:33:10 Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom00:58:55 New Releases01:05:04 Dead Island 201:14:31 Athletic Greens (Ad)01:16:49 Express VPN (Ad)01:19:04 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor01:46:34 PC Ports General discussion01:54:29 This Week in the Way Back02:04:24 Outro#FriendsPerSecond #JediSurvivor #PCPorts--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 20: Do publishers even care about the state of PC Ports in 2023?

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Visit https://buyraycon.com/FRIENDS to get 15% off your Raycon order--Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://Manscaped.com. --Start learning a new language quickly and easily. Visit https://babbel.com and use offer code FRIENDS to get an additional 3 free months on top of a 3 month subscription. 00:00:00 - Raycon (Ad break)00:01:48 - Intro00:10:51 - Our origins stories00:46:06 - Were our college degrees useful?01:02:34 - Manscaped (Ad break)01:05:05 - Interview with Jason Schreier01:53:58 - Babel (Ad break)01:56:34 - Biggest releases this week02:01:18 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie02:15:44 - Minecraft Legends02:27:01 - The Lord of the Rings: Gollum impressions02:33:32 - Everspace 202:36:37 - This week in the way back#FriendsPerSecond #JasonSchreier #GamesMedia--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 19: 'The games media business is in trouble' ft. Jason Schreier

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!--Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FRIENDS at https://Manscaped.com. 00:00:00 - Intro00:17:32 - E3 canceled!00:35:56 - User question #100:41:31 - Word from our sponsor00:45:30 - Dredge00:51:16 - Redfall01:03:57 - Exoprimal01:09:08 - Diablo 401:25:11 - User question #201:39:22 - Resident Evil 4 with Suzi02:16:42 - Today in the Way Back02:21:11 - Outro#FriendsPerSecond #Remakes #Podcast--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 18: E3 is dead (forever) feat. Alanah Pearce and TheSphereHunter

Ralph here. An important note is that this podcast was recorded before the sudden and tragic passing of Lance Reddick, film and television star and the voice of many iconic videogame characters including Commander Zavala of Destiny. I'm in the tower right now paying tribute to him as I write this and it's incredibly moving to see so many guardians gather to pay their respects. They're not saluting a videogame avatar; they're saluting a person who brought so much joy to others, one who was a true master of his craft and a thoroughly decent human being. RIP Lance. You will be greatly missed.--Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #Remakes #Podcast00:00:00 - Intro00:11:59 - Destiny 2 Lightfall interview with Joe Blackburn00:59:09 - Listener question #101:10:20 - Destiny 2 Lightfall review discussion01:18:45 - Resident Evil 4 Remake embargo lifts01:32:15 - Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe01:36:16 - Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon 01:40:47 - Dredge01:47:21 - Theatrhythm Final Bar Line01:53:57 - The Finals, Dead Island 2, Atlas Fallen - SkillUp’s lightning preview round02:03:58 - Listener question #202:09:32 - This Week in the Wayback02:18:00 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 17: Destiny 2 Director reflects on Lightfall's rocky reception

A big thanks to Blessing for joining us. You can find him over on KindaFunny or on twitter @blessingjr. Check out his video on black hair in videogames here: https://youtu.be/pepkcF9UXng#FriendsPerSecond #Remakes #Podcast--00:00:00 - Intro00:04:18 - Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad00:27:55 - Listener question #100:37:40 - Biggest Releases + PSVR200:56:03 - Destiny 2 Lightfall01:03:18 - Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty01:14:30 - Final Fantasy XVI01:28:30 - Hitman Freelancer01:37:36 - Lucy’s DICE experience01:46:15 - Listener question #201:53:52 - The Blessing Show02:06:41 - This Week in the Wayback02:14:47 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 16: Is the internet being too harsh on that Suicide Squad trailer?

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #Remakes #Podcast--00:00:00 - Intro00:07:57 - Are there too many remasters and remakes?00:30:11 - Listener question #100:40:33 - New releases00:42:23 - Hogwarts Legacy00:56:19 - Like A Dragon: Ishin!01:09:55 - Jirard and Shovel Knight speedruns01:14:30 - Hi-Fi Rush01:20:08 - Lucy and her Steam Deck01:25:58 - Wild Hearts01:33:42 - Listener question #201:40:14 - PSVR201:54:49 - This week in gaming!02:01:45 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 15: Is the games industry too reliant on remakes and nostalgia?

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #TheGameAwards #GodofWarRagnarok--00:00:00 - Intro00:02:16 - The Last of Us TV Show00:22:03 - Listener Question #100:32:10 - Fire Emblem Engage00:38:26 - Forspoken00:59:22 - Dead Space Remake01:14:26 - Hi-Fi Rush01:25:00 - Listener Question #201:34:17 - Gene Park interview02:10:26 - This Week in Gaming02:25:45 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 14: How are HBO going to handle TLOU Season 2?

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #TheGameAwards #GodofWarRagnarok--00:00:00 - Intro00:03:22 - The Game Awards discussion00:26:33 - Hades 2 reaction00:30:45 - Armored Core 6 reaction00:36:35 - The awards themselves00:42:36 - DS2 trailer00:50:07 - Reformed rabbi Bill Clinton00:56:28 - Interview w/ God of War Ragnarok director Eric Williams02:00:28 - Big releases02:06:17 - Callisto Protocol discussion02:15:50 - FPS highlights of 202202:27:25 - Most anticipated games of 202302;33;39 - Most memorable moments of 202302:35:12 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Tamoor Hussain is the Managing Editor of Gamespot, Creative Director at Giant Bomb and regular host on Kinda Funny. He wears a head-band to feel closer to his childhood hero, Solid Snake, and he always wears a glove on his right hand because...actually nm, I've said too much. You can watch him annoy people on twitter by following him at @tamoorh- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVide...) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardb.... He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspers...Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 13: GoW Ragnarok Director Eric Williams joins us, reacts to The Game Awards wins

Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code FPS at Manscaped.com. Thanks to Manscaped for sponsoring the video.--Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #Pentiment #TheGameAwards--00:00 - Intro06:07 - Game Awards44:45 - Sonic Frontiers57:06 - Pentiment Game Director Interview1:43:13 - Manscaped1:47:07 - What We've been Playing2:10:47 - Fortnight In Games / Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 12: Our Game Awards picks + we interview Pentiment Director Josh Sawyer

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #GodofWar #Starfield--00:00 - Intro06:12 - PSVR 225:41 - Nibel leaves Twitter41:11 - Matt Booty Interview1:30:01 - Games out this week1:36:43 - Resident Evil Village: Winters' Expansion1:46:25 - Potionomics1:51:29 - Bayonetta 31:59:00 - Marvel Snap2:06:20 - God of War: Ragnarok2:31:43 - Fortnight in Games2:37:34 - Listener Questions--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 11: Xbox Studio Boss Matt Booty talks Halo, Perfect Dark, Starfield and Xbox in 2023

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #GodofWar #GothamKnights--00:00:00 - Intro00:23:11 - Silent Hill showcase00:43:44 - Resident Evil Showcase00:55:33 - Lucy’s take on Overwatch 201:05:21 - Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope impressions01:16:07 - Gotham Knights impressions01:29:21 - A Plague Tale: Requiem impressions01:36:20 - Scorn01:42:25 - Bayonetta 3 impressions and controversy01:48:50 - God of War Ragnarok impressions01:58:40 - Listener questions02:13:23 - Fortnight in games/outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 10: Gotham Knights left a Batman-shaped hole in our hearts

Welcome back to the Friends Per Second Podcast! This week, Lucy is off galivanting around the Big Apple, so to pick up the slack we're joined by Blessing Adeoye Jr., seen most recently hosting the Disney Marvel Videogames Showcase. Blessing helps us tackle Overwatch 2's confusing (and troubled launch), eulogize Google Stadia and he even manages to convince some of the cast to play a FIFA game.  00:00:00 - Intro00:07:10 - Overwatch 2 is out… kind of00:41:53 - Stadia is dead01:01:47 - Indie check-in!01:26:41 - Major releases this week01:27:49 - Gotham Knights impressions01:41:52 - FIFA 23 impressions01:47:51 - Shovel Knight Dig impressions01:55:20 - OutroLet's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 9: Overwatch 2 isn't the sequel that we (or Blizzard) hoped for

Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This week Jirard is off sick so we're joined by the incorrigible Tamoor Hussain. We chat about those GTA VI leaks and wonder aloud: 'how is this different to a journalist leaking insider scoops (besides the whole, illegal break-and-entering thing). Plus, we sat down with the showrunner for Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Rafal Jaki, and he talked us through the show's creation from thought bubble in his brain to a show that is *kinda* rehabilitating Cyberpunk 2077 better than any patch or update ever did. Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up contact@friendspersecond.com. Make em weird but not *too* weird. You know what I'm talking about.00:00:00 - Intro00:02:06 - GTA 6 leaks00:26:42 - How we feel leaks00:40:29 - Dan Allen leaker blowback00:51:12 - Cyberpunk Edgerunners interview01:53:41 - New Releases01:57:43 - Forspoken02:00:28 - Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty02:02:26 - Scorn02:07:26 - Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope02:09:44 - The Last of Us Part 102:11:49 - Trombone Champ02:15:43 - Save Room02:17:21 - Hyper Demon02:18:54 - 20 Minutes Till Dawn02:19:51 - Lucy got a Steam Deck02:24:02 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 8: Cyberpunk Edgerunner's Showrunner joins us to explain how he pulled it off

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #GamingPodcast #thelastofus --Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This week Jake is away (in Iceland?!?) and as a replacement/upgrade we have the awesome Gene Park of The Washington Post. He joins us as we react to Jim Ryan's very public calling out of Phil Spencer over the Activision Blizzard deal, we ask 'is time up for 343i' and we go where no podcast has ever gone before: we argue about The Last of Us Part 1's $70 price tag. Our other special guest for the week is Graeme Struthers. He was one of the founders of Devolver Digital and he tells us how he and his colleagues built the most successful indie label on the planet, from Hotline Miami to Fall Guys and beyond. Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up contact@friendspersecond.com. Make em weird but not *too* weird. You know what I'm talking about. --00:00:00 - Intro00:09:06 - Phil Spencer, Jim Ryan, and Call of Duty00:26:28 - The Last of Us Part I discourse00:52:15 - Halo Infinite cancels couch co-op01:17:34 - Devolver Digital interview with Graeme Struthers02:23:06 - New Releases02:26:22 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection and Shredder’s Revenge02:29:56 - Tinykin02:37:57 - Temtem02:40:18 - Steelrising02:41:38 - Splatoon 302:46:30 - Xenoblade Chronicles02:49:05 - Jirard’s PAX West experience02:53:17 - Listener questions02:59:30 - Game anniversaries03:01:58 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 7: Sony calls out Xbox, but are they being hypocritical? (Feat. Gene Park + Graeme Struthers)

Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This week we're joined by one of Valve's senior designers, Lawrence Yang, who has played a pivotal role in the design and launch of the Steam Deck. We learn about the origins of the project, the roadblocks they had to overcome and what Valve are planning next for their breakthrough device. Also, how about those Embracer acquisitions? Turns out they own Gandalf now :/ We finish up with a look at the biggest games from the past fortnight including top-tier offerings like Rollerdrome and...not top tier stuff, like Saints Row :/Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up contact@friendspersecond.com. Make em weird but not *too* weird. You know what I'm talking about. 00:00:00 - Intro00:02:35 - Embracer00:19:51 - Knights of the Old Republic Remake00:22:16 - Opening Night Live announcements01:00:58 - Steam Deck interview01:50:29 - Rollerdrome01:59:33 - Kirby’s Dream Buffet, Cursed Golf, Midnight Fight Express02:07:01 - New Super Mario Bros, Quest 6402:11:04 - Saints Row02:27:30 - QnA section02:32:09 - Game Anniversaries02:35:36 - God of Work02:42:32 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 6: Valve tell us how they made the Steam Deck (and what's next)

Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast here or on your podcast platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond. Don't forget to follow us on all the social platforms while you're there!#FriendsPerSecond #GamingPodcast #NFTs--Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This we're joined by industry luminary Geoff Keighley, who tells us all about his little known start in the industry, his split from E3 and his upcoming plans for Gamescom and beyond. We also take a look at the harassment and threats that Bungie staff are currently experience and ask: what is the real, bottom line benefit of videogame 'communities?'. We have a quick chat about the biggest releases of the last fortnight including Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Cult of the Lamb, and we finish with our first ever QnA session. Enjoy!Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up contact@friendspersecond.com. Make em weird but not *too* weird. You know what I'm talking about. 00:00:00 - Intro00:10:46 - Destiny 2 and developer harassment00:43:00 - Geoff Keighley interview01:29:44 - Geoff Keighley interview debrief01:38:14 - Spider-Man On PC01:47:06 - Cult of the Lamb01:58:28 - Xenoblade Chronicles 302:03:56 - Mad Max02:05:07 - Multiversus02:09:08 - Klonoa02:10:09 - Kingdom Hearts 202:12:56 - Listener Questions02:30:36 - This Week in Gaming02:42:44 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Jirard (aka The Completionist: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatOneVideoGamer) has been doing YouTube since before Noah wore short pants. Over the course of more than a decade, Jirard has completed HUNDREDS of games to bring you the quality of review that almost no other reviewer dare bring you, getting the 100% completion trophy for every title before putting pen to paper. Jirard has a let's play channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/superbeardbros). He's a host on the newly re-launched X-Play (https://www.youtube.com/c/xplay) and in his spare time he fires off the occasional hot-take over on Twitter: @TheCompletionist- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since then. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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Ep 5: Special Guest Geoff Keighley has his doubts about E3 2023

Welcome back to Friends Per Second! This week Jirard is away so Tam has generously stepped in to fill the essential role of 'dude with a beard on a podcast'. We take a good look at the current state of Ubi and ask: 'can it be saved?'. We celebrate that Mojang NFT dunk but wonder if we're really winning The Great NFT War, and we lament that we (probably) aren't getting that KOTOR remake after all. Shoot us an email! We'd love to answer your questions. Hit up contact@friendspersecond.com. Make em weird but not *too* weird. You know what I'm talking about. 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:49 - Ubisoft is having a rough one00:38:57 - Minecraft takes a stance on NFTs01:01:13 - Knights of the Old Republic remake in trouble01:12:22 - New Releases01:12:52 - Stray01:30:42 - Forza Horizon 5: Hotwheels01:35:54 - Bear and Breakfast01:46:07 - Resident Evil 3 Remake01:56:01 - Saints Row Preview02:05:44 - As Dusk Falls02:10:32 - Outro--Let's meet our hosts:- Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter:  @JakeBaldino- Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot and a Creative Producer at Giant Bomb. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. Oh, and she streams, too: https://www.twitch.tv/lucyjamesgames- Tamoor Hussain is the Managing Editor of Gamespot, Creative Director at Giant Bomb and regular host on Kinda Funny. He wears a head-band to feel closer to his childhood hero, Solid Snake, and he always wears a glove on his right hand because...actually nm, I've said too much. You can watch him annoy people on twitter by following him at @tamoorh- Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he's never had a better job since then. --Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecondFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFPSPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecondpodcast/Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@friendspersecond--
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