In this week’s episode of The Game Deflators Podcast, John and Ryan bring a packed agenda to the table. The duo kicks things off with fresh updates from their ongoing Strixhaven D&D campaign, sharing the latest twists, character antics, and how the story is evolving. Looking ahead, they set their New Games Resolutions for 2026, laying out the titles they’re determined to play, backlog goals, and what they hope to accomplish as gamers in the new year. The conversation then shifts to the 2025 Game Awards, where John and Ryan break down the highlights of the show, their favorite (and least favorite) trailers, and whether the event lived up to the hype. Adding a more analytical angle, the hosts dive into a new Boston Consulting Group report on gamer purchasing habits, exploring what the data says about how players are spending, and what it could mean for the industry moving forward. Finally, they wrap things up with a retro spotlight: a review of Batman Returns for the SNES, revisiting the beat ’em up classic to see if it still holds up today.   00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast01:17 Recent Game Pickups and D&D Updates03:36 D&D Campaign Adventures and Challenges10:58 Future Campaign Plans and Game Mechanics19:39 Current Gaming Experiences and New Game Resolutions27:48 Nostalgia in Collectibles and Blind Boxes28:21 Exploring Metal Gear Solid: A Legendary Experience34:19 New Game Resolutions and Game Picks38:08 Game Awards Highlights and Reactions49:17 Exciting Game Trailers and Anticipations56:43 The Changing Landscape of Gaming Purchases01:01:03 Backlogs and Gaming Habits01:04:31 Inflation vs. Deflation: Game Pricing Discussion   Want more Game Deflators content? Find us at www.thegamedeflators.com     Find us on Social Media Twitter @GameDeflators Instagram @TheGameDeflators Facebook @TheGameDeflators YouTube @The Game Deflators   Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18