God of War Laufey, Marvel's Wolverine, Silent Hill Townfall & More! June State of Play - Beyond 948

GTA 6 Is Already Outselling Everything Else - Beyond 951

Jul 1, 20261h 35mSummary

In this episode of Beyond, the hosts dive into the massive cultural and industry impact of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. The discussion highlights the game's unprecedented pre-order numbers, which are significantly higher on PlayStation 5 compared to Xbox, and analyzes the unique position Rockstar Games holds as a studio that can command a premium price for a title without having shown substantial gameplay. The panel expresses skepticism regarding the industry-wide trend of increasing console costs and the potential for supply shortages, describing the current generation as a difficult period for consumers. They also engage in a spirited debate over the shift toward an all-digital landscape, criticizing the lack of physical media options and the "fear of missing out" tactics being employed via digital-exclusive content and store access. Furthermore, the hosts explore the idea that GTA 6 is poised to cannibalize the entire gaming market, overshadowing other AAA releases and potentially changing how shareholders and developers set expectations for future sales. Throughout the episode, the group examines the "blind faith" players place in Rockstar and the complex, often anti-consumer, realities of modern console gaming.

Everyone’s Celebrating Big Anniversaries Except Sony, What Gives? - Beyond 950

Jun 24, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of Beyond, hosts Max Scoville, Brian Altano, and Jada Griffin examine the current landscape of video game anniversaries and the curious case of Sony's marketing strategy compared to its competitors. The hosts discuss how industry peers like Microsoft, Nintendo, Capcom, and Sega are heavily leaning into nostalgia to celebrate milestone birthdays for iconic IPs, often through remakes, remasters, or multimedia initiatives. In contrast, they observe that Sony’s efforts feel disjointed, often prioritizing limited-edition hardware—which is frequently difficult to obtain—or one-off projects rather than consistently nurturing their classic catalog. The conversation dives into the challenges of maintaining a legacy, noting that corporate acquisitions and shifting IP ownership make coordinated celebrations difficult. The hosts also touch upon the "graphics snobbery" of the current generation, questioning whether the push for photorealism at the expense of smaller, experimental projects is the right direction for the brand. Ultimately, the team reflects on the importance of balancing high-end technological showcases with the kind of smaller, creative risks that keep long-standing franchises relevant and accessible to new generations of players.

Who's The Best PlayStation Character (NOT Owned By Sony?) | IGN Live 2026 - Beyond 949

Jun 6, 202630 minSummary

In this special live episode of Beyond, the hosts tackle a fun and highly debated challenge: crowning an honorary PlayStation mascot from a list of iconic gaming characters not owned by Sony. Navigating schoolyard-style rules and a bracket-style tournament, the team forces themselves and the live audience to defend various candidates—including Lara Croft, Cloud Strife, Agent 47, and Solid Snake—who all share deep historical roots with PlayStation hardware despite being owned by third-party publishers. The episode features high-energy, humorous debates as the hosts attempt to persuade the audience. Throughout the show, the participants grapple with the complexities of legacy and brand identity, even veering into absurd scenarios like comparing the merits of a violin-playing Tony Hawk against the tactical espionage of Solid Snake. Ultimately, the audience acts as the jury, utilizing a gladiator-style thumb-voting system to eliminate contenders round by round. By the end of the spirited competition, the discussion highlights the lasting impact these third-party franchises have had on the PlayStation ecosystem, culminating in a final verdict that captures both the audience’s nostalgia and the playful, chaotic spirit of the podcast.