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Amanda and Stacy discuss some of the actions taken by some of the giants in the game industry. See how they responded to COVID-19 on this episode.
Do you like this episode? Wanna complain about something we got wrong? Let us know what you think by dropping a comment below or emailing us at info@templeofgeek.com. We really want to hear your opinions!
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Intro Music – Final Impasse By Ground is Lava
CHECK OUT OUR LAST FEW EPISODES
- What To Play During Your Self-Quarantine (Or If You Are Bored)
- It’s 2020, Where Are The Flying Cars And Futuristic Gaming VR Rigs?!
- Our 100th Episode – A Look Back On Episode One The Horror Episode
THE GAME INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Good
Loads of game companies are participating in the World Health Organization collab called #playaparttogether across digital media. The list includes Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, and the Amazon Appstore. There’s been quite a bit of buzz on social media.
Also, loads of gaming companies have donated millions to aid COVID-19 relief efforts including Sony, CD Projekt Red, and the Humble Bundle. Although we think some could be doing more, it’s always good to see companies putting their hands in their pockets for a good cause.
The Bad
The new Resident Evil includes pay-for XP boosts. With real money. That’s the worst. How does it make sense for people to buy the game and then pay the defs for it to be over quicker? We’re shook.
Next, close quarters and more screen time are expected to increase the desire for in-game transactions among children and adults. Please, please set limits and put a password on your devices to prevent any nasty surprises.
The Ugly
GameStop; as we all know, tried to get classed as an essential business and forced its employees to go to work without any safety precautions. After telling their employees to wrap their hands with a plastic bag and go to work, Massachusetts stores have finally shut for the lockdown. You can’t make this stuff up.
Game X Change also came under fire for initially refusing to close and instead of sending their employees’ bogus health advice. Tips included gargling vinegar, drinking water to kill the virus and using the sun to kill germs. That’s just reckless.
WHAT WE’RE PLAYING
Stacy – I’m still taking advantage of the killer 100% XP bonus for World of Warcraft. I’ve been revisiting old zones and replaying earlier content. I just rolled a Pandaren and I’m enjoying it.
Amanda – Well, I’m still fishing! I’ve been playing more Fishing World Sim and I’ve graduated from Amateur circuit to semi-pro and it seems like the fish are getting smarter. It’s like you have to think about more things including the weather and casting conditions. Crazy!
GAME REVIEW – ARK SURVIVAL EVOLVED
Amanda says, “there must be a steep learning curve to this game. No matter where I started, a level bajillion dino came out of nowhere and killed me. I could barely figure out the controls. Died loads. It didn’t even look that good.
Verdict? Pass!
WHAT TO PLAY
Lockdown games from our Instagram followers:
@therealchinaman – Jackbox Party Pack, Kentucky Route Zero, any of the Telltale games and Animal Crossing
@thisdorkynerd – Disney Infinity
Telltale games were on our list already, 100%. Stacy can vouch for Kentucky Route Zero as a solid title and Amanda says that Jackbox Party Pack is fun… as long as you don’t live alone. It’s a couch co-op. Stacy had a moment with Disney Infinity but now he has to keep the dog from eating the figures and Amanda lowkey always wanted to play it… looked fun. The whole world seems to be mad for Animal Crossing at the moment and millions of people are probably not wrong.
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