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REMEMBER BOOTH BABES?! There was a time when E3 and gaming conventions were filled with elaborate booths, beautiful promotional models, and an unapologetically over-the-top atmosphere. Then came years of criticism from gaming journalists and activists, including the broader debates surrounding Anita Sarkeesian and representation in games. Today we're revisiting the booth-babe controversy, reacting to the arguments that helped change gaming culture, and asking whether the industry lost something special along the way. NEVER FORGET WHAT THEY TOOK FROM US! Sources: - https://x.com/SmashJT/status/2111905862428271005 - https://x.com/SmashJT/status/2111905862428271005 - https://x.com/SmashJT/status/2112310825960804519 - https://x.com/PolishTamales/status/2111906511907959121 - https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/15/ignxbox-presents-tecmos-dead-or-alive-3-girls-of-e3-2001 - https://x.com/AI_EmeraldApple/status/2112217437345374251 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsT02S7Lw0w

IS GTA 6 ABOUT TO BE THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT IN GAMING HISTORY?! AndyPants Gaming just released "The Pussification of GTA 6," arguing that Rockstar and Take-Two have changed dramatically and questioning whether the upcoming Grand Theft Auto can live up to its legendary predecessors. Today I'm reacting to Andy's arguments about Jason, Lucia, modern Rockstar, and the possibility that GTA 6 has traded the franchise's rebellious identity for safer corporate storytelling. Are these legitimate warning signs, or is everyone getting worked up before the game even launches? Source: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dvJs2cKRQg

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO BIOWARE? Following reports of studio closure and Mass Effect 4/5's cancellation, I look back at BioWare leadership, LGBTQ PRIDE, and development priorities. From Gary McKay's statements about DEI and studio's Pride campaigns to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and promises surrounding Mass Effect's return, did BioWare lose sight of what made its games successful? Sources: - https://x.com/bioware/status/1532132570636251137 - https://blog.bioware.com/2017/06/23/celebrate-pride-with-bioware/ - https://blog.bioware.com/2022/07/15/bioware-developer-story-pride-edition/ - https://x.com/Mangalawyer/status/2113694699131383978 - https://x.com/DrClownPhD/status/2113724422389457196 - https://x.com/RenfailSoL/status/2113075198681399449 - https://x.com/Pirat_Nation/status/2113601331751448802 - https://blog.bioware.com/2014/12/04/building-a-character-cremisius-krem-aclassi/ - https://x.com/Cyael/status/1852057372602056926 - https://x.com/Mangalawyer/status/2113707306554642553

BIOWARE IS GONE... AND POLYGON IS STILL DEFENDING DRAGON AGE: THE VEILGUARD?! Following the reported closure of BioWare, Polygon published an article asking whether we can finally agree that The Veilguard was actually terrific. Yes, seriously. Despite acknowledging that the game reached only half of EA's expectations, the article blames corporate interference, online outrage, and competition while praising The Veilguard's legacy. Today we're going through this remarkable article and examining the arguments, contradictions, and spectacular levels of cope. Sources: - https://x.com/Polygon/status/2113334604094472218 - https://www.polygon.com/dragon-age-the-veilguard-bioware-rpg-retrospective/ - https://www.polygon.com/author/ari-notis/ - https://muckrack.com/ari-notis - https://bsky.app/profile/trickweekes.bsky.social/post/3myga7cg3rk2r - https://x.com/Cyael/status/1902073066727104581 - https://x.com/Cyael/status/1932828331210117316 - https://x.com/Cyael/status/1927478629912428576

I WASN'T EVEN IN THE DEBATE... BUT DEL WALKER COULDN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT ME?! Mike Hollow hosted a Chud Debate featuring game developer Del Walker, Leon from Words of Paradise, and Kaida and Atraes from New Black Street. Throughout the conversation, Del repeatedly brought up Smash JT, accusing me of hating women in gaming and beyond. But where were the actual examples? Today I'm reacting to the debate, breaking down Del's claims, and explaining why I'm VERY glad I didn't participate. Apparently I don't even have to show up to live rent free! Source: - https://www.youtube.com/live/VbSLg8IPos0

THE GAMING INDUSTRY HAS A SERIOUS PEOPLE PROBLEM! Former Xbox executive Laura Fryer just released "When Studios Stop Listening," examining how BioWare and Bungie respond to criticism and why angry customers are better than customers who no longer care. Today I'm reacting to Laura's video and explaining why I believe the problem goes even deeper. Western game studios need to rethink their hiring priorities, leadership, and workplace cultures. When ideological conformity becomes more important than talent, creativity, and listening to customers, the entire industry suffers. Sources: - https://x.com/realLauraFryer/status/2113718191839182994 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2nm_pt2ue8