Twitch Drama, Intel Marketing Controversies, and Mixer's End
Intel's Questionable Marketing Tactics
The hosts dive into a critique of Intel's recent marketing slides that compare their 10th-generation mobile CPUs against AMD's Zen 2 processors. The discussion highlights several critical issues:
• Inconsistent Comparisons: Intel allegedly used different graphics card tiers (Max-P vs. Max-Q) to make their processors look significantly faster, which the hosts argue is highly misleading.
• Cherry-picked Benchmarks: Intel focused on obscure applications rather than real-world tools, avoiding common industry-standard benchmarks where they might not hold a lead.
• Credibility Loss: The hosts express frustration that Intel's marketing undermines the integrity of independent tech reviewers and technical experts alike.
"You're either evil or stupid at this point. Those are the only two options."
The Importance of Real-World Performance
The hosts clarify their stance on real-world performance. While consumers should prioritize the applications they actually use, it is disingenuous for companies to use that concept as a "shield" to hide poor overall performance behind cherry-picked, niche software.
Dr. Disrespect's Twitch Ban
The episode covers the breaking news that Dr. Disrespect was permanently banned from Twitch. The hosts speculate on what might have triggered this, considering the current climate of the #MeToo movement on the platform. They emphasize that hosting platforms should take accountability for who they partner with, as those creators inevitably reflect the platform's brand.
The Fall of Mixer and Future of Streaming
The show addresses Microsoft's decision to shut down Mixer and partner with Facebook Gaming.
• Lack of Growth: Despite signing massive exclusivity deals with streamers like Ninja and Shroud, Mixer saw almost zero year-over-year growth compared to Twitch and YouTube.
• The Streamer Exodus: With their contracts released, the hosts discuss where these top creators might go. They debate the risks of moving to Facebook Gaming versus returning to Twitch or settling for YouTube.
Industry News & Retail Trends
- Physical Retail Decline: Microsoft’s move to close all physical retail stores is discussed as a broader symptom of retail failing under modern economic pressures, similar to recent announcements from GNC and other chains.
- Tech Updates: Briefly updated on DirectX 12 Ultimate support and new Windows task manager features that display GPU temperatures.