Episodes
-
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Missing episodes?
-
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris reflects on his nostalgic experiences with the Roller Coaster Tycoon video game series. He shares fond memories of playing the original game at his cousin’s house as a child and later purchasing Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 during a winter sale in college. Recently, he learned that Atari plans to release the original game on the Nintendo Switch in December but expresses reluctance to buy it due to its outdated graphics. However, he is excited about the prospect of revisiting Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, believing it will provide a fun and nostalgic gaming experience despite the graphical limitations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recent release of the PS5 Pro and its mixed reviews. He notes that upgrading from a standard PS5 may not be worthwhile for most users unless they have high-end display equipment. While he appreciates the advancements the PS5 Pro brings to gaming technology, he believes it doesn’t make sense for the average consumer. Harris also comments on an Xbox ad campaign that blurs the line between gaming consoles and other devices, suggesting it could undermine the appeal of buying an actual Xbox console. He references remarks by Xbox head Phil Spencer about shifting focus towards software over hardware, acknowledging the need for a strong strategy to compete with PlayStation, which currently leads the console market. Ultimately, he emphasizes that while PlayStation has the upper hand now, Xbox must innovate to remain competitive in future generations.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In this episode, Jermaine Harris discusses his progress on an upcoming gaming website, and provides a motivational word for entrepreneurs.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his disinterest in the newly released Black Ops 6. He acknowledges that while he follows some YouTubers who have played the game, he hasn’t engaged with Call of Duty since August and doesn’t feel a strong urge to buy the new title. After viewing gameplay footage, he notes that it resembles previous entries in the franchise and questions the value of purchasing another similar game for $70, especially considering the typical bugs that come with new releases. Despite his current apathy towards Call of Duty, he contemplates potentially getting Black Ops 6 next year but remains nostalgic for the earlier days of the series, particularly Modern Warfare 2, which he feels offered a better gaming experience without modern issues like microtransactions. He invites listeners to share their experiences with Black Ops 6 in the comments.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses a recent change by Steam, the PC gaming platform, which now warns customers in their shopping cart when they are purchasing a license for a game instead of owning it outright. This update comes ahead of a California law set to take effect next year, requiring clearer notifications about the nature of digital game purchases. Jermaine appreciates Steam’s proactive approach but expresses frustration that most digital games are merely licenses, limiting users’ ability to play them indefinitely. While he understands that some games with online components may become unplayable if servers are shut down, he argues that all games should include offline features, except for those inherently dependent on online connectivity, like World of Warcraft. Overall, Harris emphasizes his dissatisfaction with not being able to access games he has purchased, regardless of whether they are digital or physical copies.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the upcoming release of Red Dead Redemption for PC on October 29th. He reminisces about his enjoyment of the game since its original launch in 2010 and expresses surprise at its absence on PC until now. Harris also shares his excitement for the anticipated release of Spider-Man 2 on PC in January 2025, praising the previous titles in the franchise for their engaging gameplay and storytelling. He invites listeners to share their thoughts on both games in the comments.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his evolving gaming habits. He notes that he hasn’t played Call of Duty since mid-August and has instead focused on playing MLB The Show on his Nintendo Switch, rediscovering his love for baseball games after not playing one for over 15 years. Harris appreciates the portability of the Switch, allowing him to enjoy gaming while engaging in other activities at home. He expresses interest in eventually acquiring a Steam Deck to play his Steam games away from his desk, hoping to find one on sale within the next couple of years.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses a significant development in the gaming industry where Lightspeed LA, a video game developer, reached an agreement with a union amidst a strike that began on July 26th, led by SAG-AFTRA. The strike arose due to concerns about game developers using motion capture data for AI training without permission or compensation, threatening job security for performers. Harris expresses hope that more developers will adopt similar agreements, as they benefit employees, companies, and ultimately consumers. He anticipates that smaller studios may follow suit, and if these companies produce quality games, larger publishers will likely take notice and respond accordingly.
Sources:
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/lightspeed-l-a-signs-with-sag-aftra-agrees-to-ai-protections-for-performers
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/sag-aftra-calls-huge-win-as-80-games-agree-to-the-union-s-ai-terms
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recently announced specifications and pricing for the PS5 Pro. He highlights that the new console features a significantly faster GPU, promising up to 45% improved rendering for gameplay. However, he criticizes the high launch price of $700, particularly noting the absence of a built-in disk drive, which forces users with physical games to purchase an external optical drive. Harris expresses skepticism about the value of upgrading from the current PS5, especially for existing owners, and feels that the additional costs—like the separate purchase needed for a vertical stand—reflect a greedy marketing strategy by Sony. He concludes that he is unlikely to buy the PS5 Pro at its current price point and may consider acquiring a used PS5 instead.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris reflects on the recent shutdown of Game Informer after over 30 years, expressing his nostalgia for the magazine and hope for its former employees to find new opportunities. He also discusses the Halo TV show that aired on Paramount Plus from 2022 to early 2023, noting that it ran for two seasons. Many fans criticized the series for not accurately portraying the character of Master Chief and felt the story was lacking, suggesting that the creators may not have fully understood or appreciated the Halo franchise. Instead of staying true to the source material, they seemed to prioritize creating a modern sci-fi narrative, which ultimately led to disappointment among viewers.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the recent release of “Star Wars Outlaws,” a game developed by Ubisoft. He admits to having forgotten about its launch and, although he hasn’t purchased it yet, he’s seen enough gameplay videos to form an opinion. Harris expresses disappointment with the game’s quality, citing a history of underwhelming experiences with Ubisoft titles over the past decade. He notes that “Star Wars Outlaws” launched in a buggy state, with some players on PS5 even having to delete their save files to continue playing, which he finds unacceptable. Harris critiques the gaming industry’s trend toward prioritizing profit over quality, suggesting developers focus more on early revenue than delivering polished games. He predicts that sales for “Star Wars Outlaws” may not be strong and anticipates a price drop in the near future due to a lack of player enjoyment and enthusiasm.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In this episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the video game Concord, which was released on August 23, 2024, but was taken offline by its publisher, Sony, just two weeks later due to disappointing popularity. This swift action highlights the competitive nature of the gaming industry. Harris notes that there wasn’t much positive buzz around Concord prior to its launch and suggests that its lack of uniqueness compared to established games like Overwatch 2 contributed to its failure. He emphasizes the need for innovation in game design, such as incorporating a story mode, to attract a broader audience. Harris invites listeners to share their experiences with Concord and their views on the direction of the gaming industry.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In the latest episode of the Mastering the Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses his disappointment with Madden 2025, which was released recently. After reviewing gameplay footage, he feels that the game lacks significant improvements and seems more like a roster update with enhanced graphics rather than a new installment in the franchise. Harris criticizes EA for not innovating the series in recent years and points out the removal of features such as play creation and custom formations, which were available in earlier versions. He expresses hope for the return of these features but, based on his observations, is unlikely to purchase this year’s game unless there are notable changes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Summary
In the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the upcoming video game “Black Myth Wukong,” set to release in mid-August. He highlights controversy surrounding the game, particularly a list of guidelines issued by Hero Games, a major investor in the game’s development. The guidelines include a brief list of do’s, which simply encourages players to enjoy the game, but the don’ts raise eyebrows. While some rules are straightforward, like avoiding insults toward other influencers, others are more peculiar, such as prohibiting discussions on feminist themes, certain sensitive terms like “quarantine” or “COVID-19,” and any commentary on China’s gaming industry policies. Harris speculates that these restrictions might indicate an attempt to control the narrative about both the game and China, suggesting a potential state agenda, though he admits he lacks concrete evidence to support this theory.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/black-myth-wukong-marketing-team-offers-content-creators-a-steam-key-but-bans-feminist-propaganda-and-all-%20alk-of-covid
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this episode of the “Mastering the Game” podcast, host Jermaine Harris discusses the TV show “Mr. Robot,” which premiered on USA Network in 2015. The series follows Elliott, a cybersecurity worker by day and hacker by night, as he attempts to orchestrate a significant hack against a major corporation in the first two seasons, with the subsequent seasons exploring the aftermath of that hack. Harris appreciates the show’s realistic portrayal of hacking, contrasting it with typical exaggerated representations in media. He also highlights the show’s sensitive depiction of Elliott’s mental health struggles, particularly his dissociative state, which is explored more deeply in the fourth season. While he feels the series concluded well, Harris expresses a desire for a fifth season to further develop some plotlines and provide additional context about Elliott’s future following his character’s realizations at the end of the series.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this episode of the Mastering The Game podcast, host Jermaine Harris shares a spoiler-free review of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Show more