Welcome back to Your Friendly Neighborhood Gamers! In this episode, hosts Andrew Kimball and Dylan Wren are joined by Phil Barrera from the Wait For It Podcast to dive deep into the world of live service games. We explore the impact these types of games have had on the current generation of gaming, discuss the phenomenon of industry giants chasing the "Fortnite model" and evaluate whether this pursuit has led to wasted potential in the industry.

From PlayStation's recent cancellation of several planned live service games, to Ubisoft's attempts to integrate live service elements into beloved franchises, no topic is left untouched. The crew defines what makes a game "live service" and considers the pros and cons of the ever-growing trend. We also touch on the broader implications for the gaming industry, including the financial pressures, the role of corporate decision-making, and the long-term effects on game development.

Our conversation doesn't stop there! We also discuss the potential and pitfalls of cross-generational games and the notorious Xbox Series S controversy. And for a fun twist, we wrap up with a game segment involving the most anticipated games of 2025 and the best Marvel Rivals characters.

Whether you're a die-hard gamer or just curious about the industry's direction, this episode is packed with insightful discussion and plenty of entertainment. Tune in for a thorough examination of live service games and what the future holds for gamers everywhere.

Guest: Phil Barrera

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/waitforitpodcast

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Thank you so much for listening, and as always, stay friendly, gamers!