Episode 116 - Sony's Helldiver 2 PSN Fiasco vs Xbox's Hi-Fi RUSH Studio Closure

Gamers Week is back from hiatus, and what a wonderful time to return! Sony and Xbox seem to be duking it out this week to see which one can make the most baffling, business-killing decision.

First it was Sony's surprise requirement that Helldivers 2 would require a PSN account to play on Steam (a decision it quickly walked back due to player outrage). Next it was Xbox's mystifying announcement that it's closing a handful of studios, including Tango Gameworks (makers of Hi-Fi RUSH, one of the best games of 2023).

We discuss these mind-blowing moves and wonder... do these two gaming behemoths have any clue what they're doing anymore?

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Hosts: retrogamebrews, donniegretro, wrytersview
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

Chapters

• 4:45 Updates to Gamers Week
• 6:29 Reviews, Reactions, and Requests
• 8:21 Patron shout-outs
• 12:50 Quick-takes
• 20:48 PlayStation Accounts Won't Be Required for Helldivers 2 PC Players
• 28:45 How can any Xbox studio trust Microsoft now?
• 40:02 Top 3 New Releases
• 50:43 Retro Rewind: May 1997