Digital Foundry Direct Weekly #100: Retrospective & News
Celebrating 100 Episodes
This landmark 100th episode of Digital Foundry Direct Weekly features the entire team reflecting on the program's success. The show highlights the unique camaraderie that defines the team, moving away from scripted content to provide a more authentic, unfiltered perspective on the industry.
State of Play Impressions
The team discusses the recent Sony State of Play with mixed reactions:
• PSVR 2: Panelists feel the hardware is impressive, but Sony's marketing strategy remains bafflingly low-key, lacking high-profile support for launch titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village.
• Suicide Squad: The team expressed significant disappointment, criticizing the shift toward games-as-a-service elements, gear scores, and generic loot-based gameplay, which sharply contrasts with the high polish of previous Arkham titles.
• Other Titles: Positive notes were shared regarding Street Fighter 6 and Resident Evil 4, though concerns remain about the artistic direction and lighting in the former.
Industry Acquisitions & News
"Basically, the games as a service has been, you know, they've been dropping like flies this year."
The panel explores the ongoing Activision Blizzard acquisition saga, specifically focusing on Microsoft's efforts to appease regulators through:
• Nintendo Commitment: Promises to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms for 10 years.
• NVIDIA Agreement: Pledging Xbox titles to GeForce Now, offering a high-quality cloud alternative for 4K/120Hz gaming.
Technical Deep-Dives and Q&A
The episode concludes with an extensive Ask Me Anything session covering:
• Hardware & Retro: Memories of the Xbox 360 and the technical marvel of the PSP.
• Professional Growth: The team discusses their journey at Digital Foundry, the impact of their supporter community on their well-being, and the challenges of maintaining quality in an era of day-one patches and suboptimal PC ports.
• Community Spirit: Gratitude is expressed for the positive environment fostered by the Discord community, providing a contrast to typical internet toxicity.