Sean is joined this week by Daniel Navaroli 1/3 of the Nerdic Gods Podcast, which you can find on Youtube in video format (https://www.youtube.com/@NerdicGods) or in audio format on Podcasts everywhere.


And well, we have somewhat unexpected breaking news to discuss, as Judge Corley has denied the FTC their injunction, paving the way for Microsoft to close the acquisition deal that would have them make their most significant move yet to end this whole saga and see Activision-Blizzard-King become part of Xbox. At the same time, the CMA has moved to stay any court action and try to work out a compromise with Microsoft as well.


Now that it finally feels more attainable for Microsoft and Xbox, do we think this starts a chain reaction of acquisitions? Do we actually see governments make moves to block some of them, or will this be more of an individual studio-type M & A movement? Does Sony retaliate at all? And do you think this leads to even more exclusive deals? Or could it actually level the playing field a bit?


Also this week, Sean and Daniel go through what they feel are the best Games of 2023 so far, they also give some picks on games they haven't played yet but would like to, and also some games they are looking forward to for the rest of 2023 too.


Plus, Sean has even more thoughts on Final Fantasy XVI, Daniel gives his gaming origins, Square-Enix seems interested in more remasters of older games, Capcom as well doesn't rule out redoing more Resident Evil titles, does Banjo Kazooie have an audience? And much more!

You can also watch this episode on the W2M Network Channel, please give us a like, comment, and follow over there too: https://youtube.com/live/nt7yL4Chatc

Timestamps:

00:00:30 START

00:02:35 Housekeeping

- BREAKING NEWS -

00:04:10 Microsoft Wins Their Case Against the FTC & CMA is Looking to Negotiate Again, What's Next for the Industry Itself, the Xbox Game Pass price increase, and could we see Banjo Kazooie come back
- Other Things in the News -

00:36:40 Which Games we'd like to see get Remastered from Square-Enix and what Resident Evil Games should Capcom make next

00:50:30 A Second Black Panther Game is being made at EA

- Getting to Know Daniel -

00:57:45 Daniel's Gaming Origins (His Favorite Games, Genres, and gaming podcasts, How Nerdic Gods started, his thoughts on where gaming is at today, and more!)

- What Games We Are Playing -

01:45:30 Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Daniel)

01:48:20 Final Fantasy XVI (Daniel & Sean)

02:06:25 Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis Beta (Sean)

- Major Topic -

02:13:30 Best Games of 2023 So Far

- The End -

03:00:10 Games That Come Out This Week & Promo Time


Guest Links:

Nerdic Gods Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NerdicGods

Nerdic Gods on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NerdicGods


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https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
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https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/


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Daniel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielNavaroli
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