Just when we thought Rob was coming back—well, he got sick. Fortunately, we’ve still got Patrick, Chia, Janet, and Danika on this week’s episode of Remap Radio, where we recount our group’s sickness streak, react to the latest slate of nominees for The Game Awards, and remember legendary game developer Rebecca Heineman. Plus, we have a ton of games to talk about, including Constance, Dispatch, Lumines Arise, Goodnight Universe!, Hades II, Where Winds Meet, and more. Towards the end, a reader has us pondering friendslop again. Discussed: Chia and Janet's no good very bad week - 7:30 The Megabonk Dev Pulls Game from Game Awards - 27:43 Rebecca Anne Heinemman Passes at 62 - 55:28 Lumines ARISE - 59:44 Dispatch - 1:25:26 Hades II - 1:28:30 Constance - 1:43:02 Where Winds Meet - 1:53:41 Goodnight Universe - 1:59:24 The Question Bucket - 2:11:17 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Content Warning: Discussion and Description of Assault and Domestic Abuse from around 58:53 to 1:16:42 We did it. We attended a Buffalo Bills game. For years, Rob and Patrick have joked about traveling to other cities to attend a football game and take in the local culture. This past weekend, it finally happened. There was tailgating, excessive amounts of light beer, plates of buffalo wings, and a moment where we almost got in an altercation in the parking lot of Highmark Stadium. That last part was, uh, less fun. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a Remap week for the books - with Rob, Chia, and Janet out, Patrick has turned to his old friends Danika Harrod and Natalie Watson to talk Waypoint, a mysterious shape-shifting man, Hyrule Warriors, "friendslop," and more. Discussed: Waypoint 02:25 Arc Raiders and AI 25:07 Natalie joins episode 1:07:25 Valve hardware announcements 1:10:25 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment 1:35:00 Dispatch 1:57:40 Friendslop 2:13:10 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Rob out for personal reasons and Danika down with a migraine, it’s time for Remap Radio to throw a pokeball onto the field and see what comes out. Join Patrick, Janet, and Chia as they react to the ray of political hope from this past week, before digging into a slew of gaming news, including PlayStation Portal getting proper cloud streaming, EA promising Saudi Arabia won’t erase queer people from its games, and Fortnite getting backlash by overly monetizing pets. Plus, we’ve been playing a lot of games, including Janet finishing Silksong, Patrick being super impressed with Dispatch, and Chia’s many hours spent playing online mahjong with anime girls. Reminder: In early April, the a pro-Palestinian human rights movement BDS that’s pressuring Israel by promoting boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against the country added Xbox to its boycott list. Learn more here: https://www.bdsmovement.net/news/boycott-microsofts-xbox Discussed: Mamdani Minute - 6:40 Playstation Portal Can Now Stream Games From The Cloud - 32:44 EA Responds to Concerns around sale to Saudi Arabia - 55:42 Fortnite Faces Backlash over new Sidekicks cosmetics - 1:05:53 Silksong - 1:37:50 Keeper - 1:47:21 Silksong - 1:50:07 Dispatch - 2:05:14 Vampire's Best Friend - 2:17:50 Mahjong Soul - 2:25:28 End of Year Wishlist - 2:35:32 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once again, the Chicago Bears have been involved in a very weird football game. But once again, they have prevailed in a game that, in years past, they would have lost. Is this real? Are the Bears actually good? The answer is probably somewhere in the middle, but amidst the stress, we’ll be thankful for the lack of heartbreak—for now, anyway. Plus, the World Series is over and it was incredible. Is Shohei Ohtani keeping the Dodgers from entering their villain arc? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Remap Crew really gets into the Halloween spirit, mostly by dying from laughter and being otherwise childish. After an appropriately somber news section discussing the massive Amazon layoffs, Microsoft's ridiculous profit margin targets, and moral at EA deteriorating after workers are forced to use AI, we try our best to talk about the games we've been playing, or at least, have tried to play. Chia finds a new obsession, Janet continues her Silksong journey, Danika can't stop herself from laughing while Patrick tries to explain Ball x Pit, and Rob finds himself being left behind by a Paradox game. Discussed: Amazon hit with massive layoffs, including Games Division - 2:36 Microsoft Set 30% Profit Margin for Games Division - 33:03 Halo coming to PS5 - 46:15 The DHS Memes - 52:09 Internal Attitudes at EA Deteriorate around AI - 1:10:29 Silksong - 1:29:08 Pokemon Legends: Z-A - 1:37:53 What Chia Did On Her Flight - 1:39:37 Pokemon Legends: Z-A - 1:49:11.230 Ball x Pit - 2:02:48 Slots and Daggers - 2:16:07 Absolum - 2:18:43 Europa Universalis V - 2:24:35 Master of Command - 2:44:36 Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines 2 - 2:51:04 Battliefield: Redsec - 2:56:15 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re sad to report that Danika is struggling through the brutal norovirus at the moment, but fortunately, Janet’s returned from the whole “getting married” thing to join Patrick and Rob to chat about a recent slew of developments about how video games are using AI and how we should feel about it. We’ve also got Silksong updates from Janet (deep into act two) and Patrick (done!), while Rob’s trying to figure out his role in Battlefield 6. Plus, is Ball x Pit actually good? Discussed: 1:55 - The Current State of "AI" in Games 55:31- Pokemon Legends ZA 1:11:12 - BallxPit 1:29:09 - Silksong 1:45:03 - Battlefield 6 2:04:21 - The Question Bucket See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's episode of Remap Radio, Danika's filling two pairs of shoes while Chia and Janet are out. Things get a bit unhinged as we veer into unexplored territory talking about jack-off bots. We also discuss Remedy's recent profit warning, friend-slop, game cancellations, the beauty and terror of palace intrigue, and more. Discussed: Jack-off bots 00:57; Remedy's FBC: Firebreak 23:43; ESA Power of Play report 42:32; Discord age verification and leaks 53:00; Ubisoft's cancelled Assassin's Creed 1:04:50; Road to Empress 1:25:38; games we're playing 1:48:30; Question bucket 2:11:52 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scheduling issues were going to prevent a full Sports! Recording this week, but Rob and Patrick privately committed to hopping on a microphone for a little bit if things went sideways—good or bad—for their beloved Bears. Now, the only question on their minds is: how BACK are they? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What a joy to say these words: welcome back, Danika! On the latest episode of Remap Radio, our old friend Danika Harrod is here to make Rob feel uncomfortable, bring up sexy Labubu during unexpected moments, and plenty more. There’s also plenty of talk about Hades 2, managing frustration in games, the “best value in games” known as Game Pass, and more. Discussed: Hot Wheels Unleashed 2:41, Gamepass price increases 32:29, Hades II 1:22:27, Persona 5 Royale 1:57:15 Question Bucket 2:21:08 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where else to begin than trying to understand the wild news that Electronic Arts is becoming a private company largely because of Saudi Arabia? We live in…well, we live in times. We truly do. Join Patrick, Rob, Janet, and Chia as they try to understand the nature of modern soft political power, the future of EA, and more. Elsewhere, Patrick’s “finished” Silksong, at times it’s unclear if Chia will stay awake to finish the podcast (vaxxed??), and we have lengthy impressions of Baby Steps and Endless Legend 2. Plus, a fun dip into The Question Bucket. Discussed: EA Goes Private and is partially owned by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund 0:47, Silksong 1:02:22, Games We May or May Not Play 1:46:01, Baby Steps 1:51:40, Endless Legend 2 2:11:45, Hell is Us 2:35:01, The Question Bucket 2:38:10, Outro and Announcements 3:09:20 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While most people are talking about playing Ghosts of Yotei, we’re still trying to figure out why the head of Sucker Punch wasn’t prepared for a basic question about firing someone over Charlie Kirk. Join Patrick, Chia, Janet, and Rob as they wonder what it means for Xbox hardware prices to keep rising, plus (more) thoughts on Silksong, Hell Is Us, Silent Hill f, and more. Discussed: Jimmy Kimmel Canceled, then Not, and the rest of the news from last week 2:32, Suckerpunch head responds to artist firing 7:19, Steam is abandoning 32 bit windows 29:42, Xbox hardware increased in price due to tarrifs 45:41, I'm Thinking We're Back 1:13:54, Silksong 1:26:20, Hell is Us 2:12:16, Silent Hill f, 2:30:17, World of Tanks 2:41:39, Outro and Announcements 2:57:43 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite Patrick’s best efforts, Rob doesn’t suddenly believe one dominant win over a pathetic Dallas Cowboys team means it’s Super Bears Super Bowl. Alas, we still find much to chat about when it comes to the institutional rot at our favorite sports team and the perhaps not-so-shocking amount of NFL times that decided Charlie Kirk was worth making everyone try to feel bad about. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you considered Owl nesting boxes for your property? No? I guess you don’t live near the Human-Wildlife Interface Zone! Learn all about this and more on the latest episode of Remap Radio, where Rob, Patrick, Janet, and Chia discuss ticks, engage in more Silksong discourse, try to wrestle with the industry’s reactionary turn in light of the killing of Charlie Kirk, and share thoughts on Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Ooo, World of Tanks (!!), and a single pig fighting God. Discussed: Rob's new animal situation 0:55, Silksong 30:48, Silksong Spoilers 32:26, Difficult Games and Authorial Intent 52:19, Sony Fires Artist at Sukerpunch over Charlie Kirk Tweets 1:24:16, Öoo 2:14:06, Shinobi: Art of Vengence 2:17:59, Silksong again for a sec 2:21:49, Silent Hill F Review Embargo Broken on Reddit 2:26:08, Discord, Steam. Twitch, and Reddit CEOs to testify In front of Congress 2:34:36, World of Tanks 2:40:58 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here's a preview of this week's HOA episode! It finally happened: Rob moved into his house! There are always surprises when you move. For example, what if someone is living on part of the land and you have no option but to become their landlord? You know, normal stuff. Join Patrick as he puts his head in his hands and becomes increasingly anxious hearing Rob describe what the last few weeks have been like. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob is back for this latest episode of Remap Radio, which kicks off with Janet, Chia, Rob, and Patrick mulling their early days online via dial-up. Real ones remember the days of RealPlayer. But we also dig into the future of Firaxis and Civilization in light of ongoing studio layoffs, before we dive deep into our initial impressions of Hollow Knight: Silksong. Plus, Patrick’s been messing around with the clever new puzzler Öoo and trying to finish Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. (If you think the end of that conversation sounds odd, it’s because Patrick’s internet cut out!) (editor's note: and listen past the outro if you want to hear what we heard on the call) Discussed: Layoffs at Firaxis 18:07, Layoff Trends in the Game Industry 51:05, Silksong 1:11:16, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, 2:32:33, Öoo 2:34:12, The Question Bucket 2:41:28, Outro and Announcements 3:06:22 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are so many video games out right now, so we had a genius idea: an entire podcast exclusively focused on the video games we’re playing. What a concept, right? Join Patrick, Janet, Chia, and special guest Renata Price as they work through a gauntlet of video games, including Despelote, Hades 2, Cronos: The New Dawn, Hollow Knight, Silksong (speculation), Rogue Prince of Persia, Labyrinth of the Demon King, Popucom, and, uh, probably others. Discussed: Hades 2 12:51, Hollow Knight 41:27, Despelote 52:26, Despelote Spoiilers 54:23, Chronos 1:09:51, Rogue Prince of Persia 1:52:05, Popucom 1:59:47, Labyrinth of the Demon King 2:16:02, The Question Bucket 2:25:47, Outro and Announcements 2:35:42 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Labor Day! Enjoy this preview of next week's Subscriber Only podcast, if you'd like to hear more you can go to remapradio.com/signup and sign up at the library tier for access to more sub-only podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Rob in the midst of moving houses, Remap Radio welcomes the return of Janet to the fold, joining Chia and Patrick as each of them recounts their recent experiences at border crossings. Some more harrowing than others. The group also reacts to Silksong finally getting a release date, prompting all sorts of other video games to scuttle into new release dates, before they dig into impressions of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Resident Evil 9, Herdling, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and a slew of other games. Plus, what’s it like to be in the crowd for a Keighley show? Discussed: Cado and Janet's International Adventures 2:55, Slay the Spire 43:46, Patrick Travels 48:56, Silksong is Rocking The Indie World 50:39, Hollow Knight 1:14:35, Herdling 1:17:36, Resident Evil 9 1:30:46, Shinobi Art of Vengence 1:42:40, Onimusha 1:52:50, Map Map - A Game About Maps 2:14:12, Band Together 2:16:36, Patrick's Switch Screen Woes 2:19:55, The Question Bucket 2:22:08 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every year, Rob and I hype ourselves into believing, like all good fans do, this could be the year team puts it together. The two hours we spent talking about the upcoming NFL season—and obviously, the Chicago Bears—was not that. We're becoming better, sadder, more realistic fans, baby! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.