Shows
The VGBees PodcastAre You Strong Enough To Be My Cat w/ Charles HarteSUPPORT US BY JOINING THE HIVEFolks, this week was VERY jam-packed with discussion-worthy games news and that was BEFORE we even welcomed Game Informer's Charles Harte to the show. Together, Lotus, Niki, John, and Charles discussed:Mewgenics' blend of deep, enjoyable tactical combat and off-putting breeding mechanicsThe, let's call them rancid, vibes of Mewgenics' central thesisMewgenics' commitment to not understanding a punchlineMewgenics' bewildering cameo listSony's State of Play was very busy, as well, including:A Return to PS2 Era of sortsKena: Scars of KosmoraA new Dead or Alive game in a...
2026-02-152h 44The VGBees PodcastTycho and The Heavy FoldThis week, the whole gang is back together to discuss the biggest games news of the week, which sometimes wasn't about games at all! Including:Iron Lung opens #2 at domestic box office, paving the way for perhaps a new wave of independent film distributionAshes of Creation developer closes after clash between Creative Director and BoardBorderlands 4 Nintendo Switch 2 port "on pause" indefinitelyPoker Night at the Inventory is getting a new release after years of license limboCrunchyroll to produce original gamesPlus, there was a Nintendo Partner Direct:Orbitals was best in show (again)Resident Evil Requiem...
2026-02-082h 07The VGBees PodcastAbandoning Your Launch Strategy 101With Lotus on the International Space Station this week, John and Niki wasted no time discussing these completely relevant topics:MoisturizerHaircarePelotonTchoukballOkay but they did get down to the most important games news of the week, including:The Highguard team quit their shadowdrop plans to take a slot at The Game AwardsCould Geoff not fill the last slot of the evening?What does it mean for next year's pricing for trailer space?Why Highguard's reworked launch strategy might not pay offWhy the Highguard preview event could've worked in their favor with a different strategyDr Disrespect...
2026-02-012h 43The VGBees PodcastUbisoft Creative House Six: Earmarked for the Public Investment FundThis week, Niki, John, and Lotus confront the biggest gaming stories of the week, including:Ubisoft's major reorg, including game cancelations and new structuresTencent getting into podcasts, which we're sure will go greatMarathon gets a release date and a surprising collector's editionCapcom experiments with generative AI to stop being creativeFable takes a baffling stance on morality in the year 2026Highguard is out so very soonWe played:Animal Crossing: New HorizonsSéance at Blake ManorPocoTR-49Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord.
2026-01-252h 22The VGBees PodcastTwo Bucks is Free (Except When It's Not)This week, Lotus, Niki, and John set out to dissect the price sensitivity opus laid out by Peak's devs in an interview with Stephen Totilo. Is eight bucks really five bucks? This and much more, including:AGDQ's haul and interesting futureHytale's long path to Early AccessMeta's VR investment goes toe upSteam Community Awards face major changesSpry Fox spinning out of NetflixInverse & The Verge see games-related layoffsSteam rewrites their generative AI disclosure rulesWe played:Animal Crossing New HorizonsAngeline EraType HelpAlso, your burning HIVE QUESTIONS are answered from our lovely Discord.
2026-01-182h 05The VGBees PodcastPEGI 16: Bad Language, Drugs, DiscourseThis week, Lotus, Niki, and John are back and ready to tackle the first fresh news of 2026, including:The passing of Sega cofounder David RosenDiscord files for an IPONew Life is Strange is leaked to ratings siteJason Schreier causes Take-Two's stock price go down, kindaMinecraft getting new baby animalsLarian's CEO still doesn't seem to understand Gen AIIndependent Games Festival nominees announcedWe played:Vital ShellAlso, your burning HIVE QUESTIONS are answered straight from our lovely Discord.
2026-01-112h 35The VGBees PodcastRunning Out of Stuff to Safely Say About Gen AI in PublicThis week, John, Niki, and Lotus stare down the barrel of a very slow gaming news week, so they tackle some additional stuff, too, including:Twitter's Gen AI CSAM and sexual violence catastropheMicrosoft's CEO begging us to stop calling Gen AI "slop"GOG cofounder buys GOG from CD PROJEKT (which he also cofounded)GPUs are going to get even more expensiveSplitgate sequel is not going very wellWe played:Formless Star, the follow-up to sublime FrankenFinal Fantasy IX, perhaps the best of the entire franchiseWe also answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS straight...
2026-01-041h 50The VGBees PodcastVGBees Games of the Year 2025Note: a better quality audio upload will be available in a couple days.Hello! Another year has flown by and Niki, Lotus, and John are here to talk about their favorite games and gaming-adjacent things from 2025! Included in the GOTY chat:Donkey Kong BananzaHades IIAvowed*Ball X PitPokemon Legends: Z-ABlippo+KinophobiaMario Kart WorldThe Nintendo Switch 2Also, the news of the week!Star Citizen will eclipse one billion dollars in investment soonClair Obscur's Indie Game Award was rescinded for AI inclusionVince Zampella dead at 55We answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our...
2025-12-281h 44The VGBees PodcastGibbed in the MRI MachineThis week, Niki treats John and Lotus to the first ever VGBees Podcast Edition of Scam Text Theatre! After this momentous occasion, the crew turns its sights to the biggest news of the week, including:Larian's CEO decides to drag his company into a gen AI quagmirePeople Make Games boycott Xbox (and transforms John's thinking in the process)League of Legends is getting a massive reworkNaughty Dog is already crunching on Intergalactic: The Heretic ProphetJK Rowling likely to pocket a ton of royalty dollars on the Harry Potter x Fortnite collab
2025-12-212h 38The VGBees PodcastProtecting Muppet KayfabeEditor's note: this week's episode failed to upload individual stems of each recording, which means this final product is a bit rougher than usual. This is John and Streamyard's fault. Jordan did a great job with it.This week, Niki, Lotus, and John are all here to discuss the Biggest Night in Gaming™ aka The Game Awards. Included in the overall discussion:Casey Hudson's Star Wars RPGLarian's horrifying trailer for DivinityCapcom flubbing Leon Kennedy and Mega Man, somehowControl Resonant isn't quite what we want but that's okayStar Wars Galactic Racer is the Y2K game our fa...
2025-12-141h 57The VGBees PodcastEverything is Safe in Netflix's Capable Hands!This week, John and Lotus celebrate the return of Niki to the show by immediately yelling at them for saying no one knows who Ron Gilbert is. Also!Netflix is buying Warner Bros. for $82.7b, including WB's gamesRon Gilbert's Death by Scrolling had big trouble finding publisher moneyHorses banned by Epic Games StoreEA's buyout is going 93.4% to the SaudisMina the Hollower needs to be a huge hit, Yacht Club admits for some reasonNo Players Online is back on Steam after spurious DMCA takedownTim Cain is back...well kind of he wasn't ever really gone it seems like...at...
2025-12-073h 21The VGBees PodcastHold Your HorsesThis week, Lotus and John dissect the biggest news stories of the week, including:Horses banned from Steam and the oddities surrounding itSplash Damage enters consultation ahead of layoffsCoatsink to lay off roughly half their studioNintendo to acquire 80% of Bandai Namco Studios SingaporeDDR5s and SSDs face massive price hike amidst shortageDemonschool does something fun with their creditsHere's what we played this week:HYPERBEATMorselsFinally, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord.
2025-11-302h 34The VGBees PodcastThe Joe Pesci of PodcastsThis week, Lotus and John are feeling particularly thankful for the handful of absolutely bananas stories that dropped in their laps! Including:Tencent's ultimate investment in UbisoftYoko Taro's projects keep getting canceledUnity coming to UnrealMegabonk withdraws from The Game AwardsUnknown Worlds vs Krafton gets unbelievably weirdRoblox CEO says the wildest things you can imagine on a podcastAlso, Lotus and John played/watched/listened to:One Battle After Another (film)Lingo 2Berserk B.I.T.S.The Phlegms' new album Gulp (album)Pluribus (television show)We, of course, answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS...
2025-11-233h 05The VGBees PodcastEven You Could Be Samus Aran's Sidekick!This week, Lotus and John tackle an absolute boatload of games news and notes, including:Valve's Steam Machine, Frame, and Controller all due in 2026Halo Infinite's final update coming this monthThe mishandling of The Game Awards Future Class is another black mark on whatever legacy Geoff Keighley is trying to leaveSony's fiscal report shows 40% share of software revenue to live service gamesMarathon apparently coming by the end of March 2026Arc Raiders uses AI voices and people are weird about people being weird about itAmbrosia Sky suddenly has a complicated release structure for some reasonThe Indie Game Awards are...
2025-11-162h 45The VGBees PodcastMatt Booty's 10,000 TestersThis week, Niki returns after a taxing move to talking to Lotus and John about a game they played called Life's Eternal Puzzle. Not out on any consoles I can find but still interesting!Also!Grand Theft Auto VI is delayedRockstar's fired employees were allegedly leaking information (uh huh)Protests erupt outside RockstarTexas sues Roblox (get ready to get acquainted with Ken Paxton, one of the worst dudes in the world)Borderlands 4 sales laggingAvowed 2 might be coming (according to disgraced Obsidian founder)Surprise! Executives believe Steam has a monopoly on PC Games market!Marvel 1943: Rise of...
2025-11-092h 53The VGBees PodcastSneakadoodle Interview w/ Joe is Hungry (Bonus Episode)From the VGBees Bonus Feed -- join The Hive today to get bonus episodes like this all year.John gave himself such a strange and wonderful birthday gift this year by asking Joe from the Joe Is Hungry YouTube channel for ninety minutes of his time. Joe, kindly, obliged. And this is the result. If you've never watched Joe Is Hungry, it is a fast food review channel with a growing and vocal fandom. You'll understand. Interview includes:Joe's background as a nursethe origin of the huge knifethe cats!Joe's video editing philosophies and how he...
2025-11-031h 31The VGBees PodcastCompeting with Steam as a GoofThis week, Niki has been taken by the Swamp Monster so Lotus and John are fending for themselves. Lucky for you, they love to yap! Included in the gab sesh:EA's generative AI tools all suck and no one likes themAmazon is cutting tens of thousands of jobsMany Amazon Games projects have shut downAmazon Games was apparently (???) competing with Steam the whole timeDon't Nod is working with Netflix IP for upcoming projectHuge Animal Crossing New Horizons update is comingNintendo is selling a huge Breath of the Wild vinyl setTake-Two & Rockstar do some union bustingStasisDeep Sleep TrilogyKinophobiaNinja Gaiden: RageboundShinobi...
2025-11-022h 34The VGBees PodcastPhil & Todd Flood the ZoneOn this week's episode, Niki, Lotus, and John discuss Microsoft's extremely weird week/month/year/decade. Including:the 30% margin mandateflooding the zone with Fallout news, The Outer Worlds 2, Keeper, and Ninja Gaiden 4the inevitable return of HaloHalo Campaign Evolved being one of the worst titles everGrunts aren't supposed to glistendev kits see huge price hikePLUS:Krafton is "AI first"Jennifer Hale doesn't know Mass Effect 5 is doomedPokemon Legends Z-A is really funny??? On purpose????Ball x Pit is one of John's games of the yearWe also answer your BURNING HIVE QUESTIONS...
2025-10-261h 50The VGBees PodcastBody Works, Body Worlds, Body Bath & BeyondHi folks! This week, Niki fills out an application for an apartment, John gets something wrong (again), and Lotus explores Steam Next Fest! Included in their discussion:Assassin's Creed lead departs UbisoftTencent and Sony apparently worked on a The Last of Us project togetherTomunobu Itagaki's legacyHard Drive's descent into 2005 internet bullshitQuantic Dream's new multiplayer projectLumines AriseBall x PitPokémon Z-ADanchi DaysHorripilantThe Third ShiftThe Séance of Blake ManorSepulchronand much more!Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord.
2025-10-192h 31The VGBees PodcastAssassin's Creed: Roku CityThis week marks the beginning of the Lotus era at The VGBees Podcast. She joins John and Niki as the third permanent cohost of the show and immediately brings insight to the program like...what if Nintendo likes making money?But also!the dense delight of Digimon Story: Time Strangerthe apparent end of Hyper Light Breaker's developmentthe rumor that AMD needed a 10,000,000 unit commitment for Xbox's dedicated handheldNintendo's slide into DisneyficationUbisoft's canceled Reconstruction Era, anti-Klan Assassin's Creedwhy is former Halo art director vagueposting on LinkedIn?Megabonk's relationship with cringe and Risk of Rain 2Shadow Labyrinth being...
2025-10-122h 54The VGBees PodcastFlashing Neom Lights of Late Stage CapitalismThis week, Niki and John have a lot to chat about in and around a busy few days in video games, including:Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's huge price hikeinterpreting the latest in Microsoft's non-planObsidian bearing the brunt of Microsoft's decision-makingJared Kushner and Saudi Arabia are taking EA privateSeumas McNally Award Winner Consume Me's greatnessWheel of Fortune on the PlayStation 5Hades II is simply wonderful to playFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles gets an apology from JohnSuper Mario Galaxy 2 continues the odd but welcome tradition of cutting room floor direct sequelsAll of this and your BURNING...
2025-10-052h 27The VGBees PodcastIt's Time For Wolf Girls w/ Michael HighamThis week, Niki and John are joined by none other than Michael Higham on this, the very special 69th episode of The VGBees Podcast. In this jam-packed episode, we cover:Wolverine's profoundly bloody introductionthe Returnal of it all of Sarosa brief look at new Virtua Fighter Project detailsthe impossible bigness of Anantaa conversation about remakes prompted by the perplexing Deus Ex remasterForza Horizon 6 and how the game can recapture past magicEasy Delivery Co. and John unironically calling a game cozy in 2025Niki's evolving relationship with skate.Higham going long on Trails in the Sky and its new remakeBaby...
2025-09-272h 22The VGBees PodcastBorderlands: The Borderlands of Borderlands: Now With More BorderlandsThis week, John regrets to inform you and Niki that Borderlands 4 is just more Borderlands, for better or worse. John thinks maybe worse. Niki's right, it's just 2K's Madden. Also:the very interesting misfire that is Skate.Dying Light: The Beast is apparently great but we can't get past the Hinterlands of Dying Light 2the poor PC performance of Borderlands 4 and Randy Pitchford's admittedly very, very, very funny (if wildly unprofessional) responses to that criticismthe flatness of NBA 2K26Tears of the Kingdom two and a half years laterPeloton's Lanebreakthe inextricable link between Queen Elizabeth dying and our...
2025-09-201h 53The VGBees PodcastPokémon DinkumThis week, Niki and John dive way way way into the mega-sized Nintendo Direct this week. Did you know that Super Mario is 40 years old??? Just like John! Wow! Also:paying for Super Mario Galaxy againNintendo remembers Super Mario Galaxy 2 existsthe new Mario movie is just Super Mario GalaxySuper Mario Wonder for Switch 2Mario Tennis FeverYoshi and the Mysterious BookVirtual Boy on Nintendo Switch OnlineSamus has a cool bike in Metroid Prime 4 Beyond nowHades II is out SO soonPokemon PokopiaDinkumFire Emblem Fortune's WeaveDonkey Kong Bananza DLCDragon Quest VII Reimaginedand more!Also, we answer your burning HIVE...
2025-09-132h 33The VGBees PodcastSilksong Is And Always Was Coming OutHello! This week, John and Niki discuss the most explosive game release of the year, Hollow Knight: Silksong. 500,000 concurrents? Broken shops? Unfathomable discourse? You got it, baby.That, and:The downfall of games critThe value of asking piracy forum dwellers to weigh in on the most popular game of the year007 First Light gameplayFootball Manager 26College basketball coming to NBA 2KFiraxis layoffsKirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2Also, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord.
2025-09-062h 26The VGBees PodcastThis Podcast Was Built In The Frostbite EngineThis week, John is back at full strength and here to discuss all the games Niki has played! Among the discussion points:Layoffs at Giant Squid & Rec RoomConversation boundaries and etiquetteSword of the SeaWe Are OFKCircuits RoyalePokemon Red Rescue TeamPokemon Rescue Team DXMetal Gear Solid 3 Deltaand more!Also, we answer your BURNING HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord.
2025-08-301h 40The VGBees PodcastStuck in a House, No Outside w/ LotusWith John on the International Space Station, Niki and Lotus talk all things Gamescom 2025, including:Call of Duty: Black Ops 7Black Myth: Zhong KuiResident Evil RequiemWorld of Tanks: HeatGhost of YoteiWorld of Warcraft MidnightUNBEATABLEJohn Carpenter's Toxic CommandoHollow Knight: SilksongLEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark KnightPlus, a big, big dive into why Lotus is DONE with Marvel Rivals.Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS directly from our Discord.
2025-08-241h 58The VGBees Podcast1-900-GAMBLER w/ LotusThis week, Niki and John are joined by Lotus, who has a lot of smart ideas about how messy the "reporting" around itch.io has gotten, frozen alcohol, and whole word comprehension. Also:the breakdown of "games journalist" as an ideaHardspace Shipbreaker goes to Blackbird 100%common core mathdrinking in parking lotsFrankenstein shoesadult bracesgetting addicted to going to the hospitalWe also answer your BURNING HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord.
2025-08-162h 09The VGBees PodcastTwelve Minutes, Not the Video GameNiki and John had a great time talking about the Nintendo Indie World Showcase this week on the show right after they spent twelve minutes talking about a thing that's embargoed! When will you hear about it? Next week!What remains is still a rip-roaring two hours of video game bliss, including:Mage ArenaMerge MaestroPrimal PlanetFortnite's new Power Rangers/Halo seasonPuzzmoand more!Also, we answer ALL your HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord.
2025-08-091h 58The VGBees PodcastBattlefield Now with More BattlefieldThis week, John and Niki discuss the latter's big media day with Battlefield 6, the game that's aiming for 100,000,000 players! Do they think it can happen? You'll have to listen to find out. Also:The stranger side of big PR gaming eventsTerri Schiavo (really)Ray Romano's net worthNintendo Partner ShowcaseDonkey Kong BananzaWhich eight Capcom games outsold Monster Hunter Wilds this quarterand much more!We also answer your BURNING HIVE QUESTIONS straight from our Discord.
2025-08-022h 24The VGBees PodcastThe Podcast with All the AnswersHi there! This week, Niki and John went super long and recorded three solid hours of discussion, including:College Football 26Donkey Kong BananzaWhat if the Switch 2 Lite has an OLED?The simple brilliance of TennoconWhat other PR teams miss about the process of making gamesThey also go very deep on this week's payments processor crackdown on adult Itch.io games and the government's continued assault on sex work, queerness, disability, etc. We offer a whole lot of unfiltered thoughts with very little by way of a solution. :-)Anyway, we also had a...
2025-07-263h 05The VGBees PodcastDonkey Kong Will Fix YouNiki's live from London, Ontario this week at Tennocon while John's getting up at the crack to podcast. What a show, too! We're absolutely loving Donkey Kong Bananza and John might be obsessed with the Horse Girl Game????Also, we discuss the rise of fascism as expressed via:Roblox verifying the identities of children via AIFinancial transaction companies cracking down on Steam's adult contentThe 24/7 amateur surveillance stateAlso, books! Ever heard of them? We answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS directly from our Discord.
2025-07-191h 44The VGBees PodcastThe We Ate Too Much Hurtado BBQ SpecialNiki is IN JOHN'S HOUSE this weekend. Wild stuff. They grabbed lunch at Hurtado BBQ and ate a truly irresponsible amount and then decided to podcast! Smart? Not really. But here we are! Discussion points:AEW All In TexasThe Steam Summer SalePeakRematchSongs/games of the summerSeasonal/weather-specific gamesWe also answer your HIVE QUESTIONS from Discord.
2025-07-1459 minThe VGBees PodcastBig Head, Keg Torso, Can't Lose w/ Grant StonerOn a very special public bonus of the show, John is joined by fellow disabled games media person Grant Stoner (IGN, Polygon, VGBees) to celebrate Disability Pride Month! How do they celebrate? By regaling each other with tales of crippledom from yesterday and today! Also:The importance of sources in investigative journalismAdvice for disabled writers working in the fieldThe most out of pocket interactions we've had as disabled people (oops, all Christian mysticism!)The joy of breaking outside of accessibility coverage (to some extent)The excitement of community reportingHow layoffs disproportionately affect disabled workersAnd much more!...
2025-07-111h 16The VGBees PodcastBeard Care At the End of the World w/ Garrett MartinThis week, Niki and John are joined by perhaps the greatest games media talent scout in the industry's history, Endless Mode's Editor-in-Chief Garrett Martin. He hung out to tell us about the new site, what to expect from its amazing writers, and, of course, theme parks! Also:nearly half an hour of AEW All In Texas preview discussion (sorry non-wrestling fans)Kotaku's sale to KeleopsMicrosoft's astonishing layoff round of 9,100 employeesPerfect Dark reboot canceled and studio shutteredEA's bonkers 100,000,000 player expectation for BattlefieldBonk!Shmups!Half SwordSGDQ 2025Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord.
2025-07-052h 04The VGBees PodcastThe Miracle of ChildbirthThis week, Niki and John go deep (again) on Mario Kart World and its most head-scratching design choices. Tired of us talking about that? Okay! We also talked about:Andrew Wilson's obscene pay bump at EAMicrosoft's upcoming massive layoffPeak sells 2m copiesNintendo "fixes" something everyone thought was fine in Mario Kart Worldthe dark corners of Cyberpunk 2077and much more!Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord!
2025-06-281h 46The VGBees PodcastThis Sense of Impending Doom Is an XboxJohn returns to the podcast after spending last week in the hospital and joins Niki to talk about the second full week of Switch 2 as well as:the indefinite Marathon delay3rd party titles apparently lagging on Switch 2historic sales figures for Switch 2Xbox's core strategyMario Kart WorldDonkey Kong BananzaCyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2PoxelFBC: FirebreakDeltaruneAlso, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our lovely Discord community.
2025-06-211h 33The VGBees PodcastGamifying HIPAA Violations w/ LotusThis week, John was zooted in the hospital recovering from surgery (he's fine!), so Niki and Lotus took the reins and delivered a banger of an episode, featuring:Summer Game Fest swagSonic Racing: CrossworldsLumines AriseMindsEyeMario Kart Worldthe rise of fascism and incompetence of our oppressorsNintendo Switch 2 first week sales figuresand much, much moreAlso, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS straight from our lovely Discord.
2025-06-151h 49The VGBees PodcastAudio Poison: The VGBees SGF Mixer 2025John broke his ankle in a car accident so couldn't make it out to SGF this year, so instead Niki attended the planned VGBees Mixer and we decided to set up a little area for John to digitally greet guests. And then we decided to make it into an episode. Smart? Not really! Jordan Mallory, our intrepid producer, did a marvelous job making this at least listenable, but conceptually it was not smart. But we did it anyway!The VGBees Way.Is it a fun episode? Yes. John tackles the Sony State of Play and...
2025-06-071h 28The VGBees PodcastThere's An Ys In Here SomewhereNiki and John are riding solo this week while we prepare for Summer Game Fest. Included in their hangout:Coverage expectations of Geoff's big showEA's cancelation of Black Panther and the closure of CliffhangerMemories of E3Battle Aces shutting downTencent's recent catalogXbox moving away from proprietary handheld (for now)Elden Ring Nightreign's PC problemsgetting paid to hate a gameAlso, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord!
2025-06-012h 05The VGBees PodcastRandy's Looking Over Your Shoulder w/ Dan RyckertThis week, Niki and John are joined by one fifth of the owners of Giant Bomb, the unfathomable Dan Ryckert! Yes, wrestling comes up. Yes, fast food brands are discussed. Yes, extremely local minutia is mentioned. Also:Joe is HungryTommy Tallaricoowning a business like owning a car?Death Stranding 2: On the BeachTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical TakedownTo a TDeliver At All CostsStar CitizenWe answer your HIVE QUESTIONS from our Discord like we do every single week!
2025-05-232h 01The VGBees PodcastBasic Bogging w/ Jenna StoeberHello Hive! This week, Niki and John are joined by extremely talented and funny video essayist, streamer, and podcast host Jenna Stoeber! In addition to a lively discussion of whether can is barrel, the group discussed:Jenna's PAX EastKaraoke go-tosEnding our time with Blue PrinceNintendo Switch 2 colliding with Summer Game FestThe non-story of Kingdom Hearts IV's screenshot dropBungie possibly lifting stolen art directly into Marathon's alphaand more!Also, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS, which you can provide for us every single week on our Discord.
2025-05-161h 50The VGBees PodcastConclave Elimination ChamberThis week, John and Niki ride as a duo to talk about the big American Pope. Also:big questions about how independent games outlets can survivekilling Avatar Aang in Fortniteflying an X-Wing in Fortniteglitching a car out of existence in Fortnitethe genius of Fortnite nearly eight years inthe act of play in Despelotegrounding yourself when you're disappearing into games (or whatever, frankly)We answer your HIVE QUESTIONS every single week on the show, but you must JOIN THE HIVE to do so!
2025-05-091h 47The VGBees PodcastInside Blitzball w/ Jeff GerstmannThis week, Niki and John were supremely lucky to have Jeff Gerstmann on the show to discuss the shocking sale of Polygon to Valnet (laying off the vast majority of the team there) and the implosion of Giant Bomb, the very website Jeff cofounded 17 years ago. We did not plan Jeff's appearance like this! We promise. Niki, as of this recording, was still technically under contract there!Very wild and sad and emotionally-draining day, but we still go around to other topics, including:What to make of the State of Play for Borderlands 4Apple losing the...
2025-05-022h 16The VGBees PodcastFrench Robert Pattinson w/ Fūnk-é JosephThis week, Niki and John are joined by game developer and former colleague (and current friend) Fūnk-é Joseph to discuss the Nintendo DS! That's it! That's all! Just two hours of Nintendo DS! Actually, you'd probably be totally cool with that, but we did move onto other topics, including:the Nintendo Switch 2 preorder messDonkey Kong Bananza's clear connection to Red Factionhow Mario Kart World is attracting the hatersMarathon alphaClair Obscur: Expedition 33, the world's most French gameexplaining Blue PrinceAll of this and your HIVE QUESTIONS, answered each and every episode.
2025-04-252h 07The VGBees PodcastPossums in the Blueprints w/ Jessica CogswellThis week, Niki and John are joined by the wonderful Jessica Cogswell of Gamespot dot com. We talk hot neighborhood gossip including a harrowing tale from Jess right from her own back yard. Of course, we also talked about games, including:The reveal of Bungie's MarathonNew Mario Kart World detailsThe good and bad of Blue Prince, one of the year's most polarizing gamesLeaving the bloat behind in Final Fantasy VII RebirthAlso, Jess commits to getting John into Magic: The Gathering at SGF this year. Niki's clean and will not participate.Finally, we answer...
2025-04-182h 06The VGBees PodcastInquiries On Animes w/ LotusThis week, John & Niki are joined by former Fanbyte colleague and current social media manager at System Era, Lotus! We started by getting caught up on Starseeker, the next game from the makers of Astroneer, one of the many titles affected by the odd YouTube technical issues during the Nintendo Direct. Also:More tariff changesMore Switch 2 preorder delaysThe GameCube controller has bizarre limitationsThe Piranha Plant camera for Switch 2 is 480pThose Titanfall 3 rumorsA Slay the Spire mod with waifusAlso, we played:South of MidnightHot WaxMTG ArenaAs always, we answer your burning HIVE...
2025-04-111h 27The VGBees PodcastTrade War 2025 w/ Imran KhanOnly two short days after the announced details of the Nintendo Switch 2 and about twelve hours after we recorded this week's main VGBees Podcast episode, Donald Trump's trade war with the rest of the world created the environment responsible for Nintendo announcing the delay of US pre-orders for their new console.I decided it was worth recording a public feed bonus with my friend and former colleague Imran Khan to discuss the event. We covered a lot of ground, including:A recap of Wednesday's announcementsTrump's specific new tariffs announced Wednesday afternoonNintendo's response on FridayHow this expands...
2025-04-0447 minThe VGBees PodcastBananza at Jungle Jim's w/ Charles HarteIn this supersized episode, John and Niki are joined by Game Informer Associate Producer Charles Harte to unpack the 60 minute Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 and all of the accompanying (and globally relevant) stories coming out of the event. Including:The console's price pointMario Kart World's features & $80 price pointWhat $80 Nintendo games mean for the industryWhy Switch 2 costs what it costsDouble mice with Drag x DriveThe shocking reveal of Bloodborne spiritual successor The DuskbloodsEnhanced editions of Nintendo Switch gamesDonkey Kong BananzaAlso, we discuss games we've been playing, including:South of MidnightAtomfallAvowedFinally, we answer...
2025-04-042h 41The VGBees PodcastGalileo Galiwho w/ Ben PackThis week, John and Niki are joined by the wonderful Ben Pack to discuss this week's fascinating, funny, and sometimes confusing Nintendo Direct!The strange (reported) rollout plan for Switch 2Metroid Prime 4: BeyondEternal Life of GoldmanTomodachi Life: Living the DreamRhythm Heaven GrooveMarvel Cosmic InvasionNintendo Virtual Game Cards (?????)Also discussed:Cristiano Ronaldo joining Fatal Fury: City of the WolvesTencent & Ubisoft creating a new subsidiary to house certain IPAvowedR.E.P.O.All Systems DanceAssassin's Creed ShadowsThe crew also answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week!
2025-03-282h 05The VGBees PodcastAn Immigration Conversation with Abogada KateTexas, my home, has been a battleground over the soul of the American Dream as it pertains to immigrants from around the globe. I want to use whatever platform I have to educate myself and my audience about things that matter to me. Right now, our laws are eroding around us and immigration attorneys like my guest in this bonus episode are part of a group fighting for the vulnerable every day.Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch (aka Abogada Kate) is an immigration attorney in Austin, TX, serving families and individuals through the complicated and sometimes harrowing immigration process. In...
2025-03-2528 minThe VGBees PodcastThe Draft Kings of Gaming w/ Tim RogersThis week, Niki joins (for about half an hour) from the Fandom Chamber of Audio Recording in San Francisco to help John find a Lexus LS 400 he can buy. They're joined by special guest Tim Rogers, who helped the crew rethink their camera and monitor setups. Whatever notes John had for the show...don't worry about it. Instead, Tim and John spent 2.5 hours discussing:Yasuke being cool as hell in Assassin's Creed ShadowsThe Easy-Bake Oven Witcher 3-ification of Assassin's CreedSports gambling and the possible equivalent in gamesHorse ArmorPomeraniansLost media (and if that's even what we'd call what people...
2025-03-212h 35The VGBees PodcastSuing Yourself for Fun & Profit w/ Pat GillThis week, Niki and John are joined by Polygon's Patrick Gill, who goes deep on why Monster Hunter Wilds is so good, his most recent video guide on the game, and which weapons Niki and John should used based on their chosen professional wrestling style. Good stuff. Also:The fucking Strains are at it againScopely buys Niantic's gaming wing for $3.5bSaudi fund inks 3-year deal with Capcom for Street Fighter 6 tournamentsThe Elder Scrolls: Oblivion is getting a remake soonPower Wash Simulator 2 announcedAlso discussed:FortniteThe Forever WinterSkin DeepHalf SwordAvowedMullet MadjackFragpunkAs always, we...
2025-03-141h 51The VGBees PodcastJesus Underscore Christ with Andrea ShearonThis week, Niki and John are joined by former Fanbyte colleague and current PC Gamer writer Andrea Shearon! We had to ask our resident Final Fantasy XIV expert about Yoshi-P leaving the Square-Enix Board of Directors and about the future of the company. Also:Sega is the best-reviewed publisher of 2024Sega is releasing fewer games but doubling down on big franchisesMonster Hunter Wilds has a massive launchClair Obscur: Expedition 3325 years of PlayStation 2AvowedLost Records: Rage & BloomRue ValleyFruit FightKingdom Come Deliverance IIAlso, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week.
2025-03-071h 53The VGBees PodcastMarketing Strategies for CEOs: A VGBees Masterclass w/ Michael HighamThis week, Niki and John are joined by bestie of the show Michael Higham to discuss cooking habits, the games we're playing, and the news of the week, including:the secret to great homemade ranchthe Pokémon PresentsPokémon Legends: Z-APokémon ChampionsWarner Bros. closing Monolith and canceling Wonder WomanCEOs and their marketing strategiesBossa Games' CEO's weird LinkedIn postAvowedSouth of MidnightWe also answer ONE of your Hive Questions this week. Yep. Ran out of time. We're going to record a bonus to get to the rest of them, so stay tuned for that if you're a H...
2025-02-281h 49The VGBees PodcastThe Saudis Own VGBees Now w/ Merritt KThis week, John and Niki are joined by the one and only Merritt K, one of the brilliant minds behind Fledgling Manor. The show starts, of course, with the most important news of the week: how much the Nintendo Tip Line cost per minute. Also:NetEase laying off the Seattle Marvel Rivals teamMicrosoft's new Muse generative AI initiativeNiantic in talks to be purchased by Scopely for $3.5bHades II gets a big update (and into some interesting territory with SAG-AFTRA)Also, we talk about Avowed and 1994's hottest game, Stone Protectors.We answer your HIVE...
2025-02-211h 44The VGBees PodcastNot About Divorce and Being Mean to Your KidThis week, John asks Niki all about Split Fiction, the follow-up to award-winning It Takes Two. It is another one of those, for better or worse (mostly better). They also dive way, way, way into the big changes coming to Overwatch 2. What are they? Do they matter? Where did this franchise lose its way?Also:Sony's State of PlaySarosTides of AnnihilationShinobi: Art of VengeanceDarwin's ParadoxOnimushaReality BreakTekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U EditionAvowedOf course, your HIVE QUESTIONS are also answered like they are each and every week!
2025-02-141h 54The VGBees PodcastJohn & Niki: True iiconsThis week, John and Niki discuss what it would take to get them to attend the new ESA-fronted conference called iicon starting next April in Las Vegas. It's like GDC but worse, somehow. Also:Metal Gear Solid Delta gets a release dateGrand Theft Auto 6 confirmed for fall 2025timeline on new Nvidia cards coming back in stockKingdom Come: Deliverance 2Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward VectorVirtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.Marvel RivalsEternal StrandsAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsOf course, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week.
2025-02-071h 44The VGBees PodcastEmergency Basketball Podcast: The Luka Doncic TradeThe entire sports world was shocked when 5-time All-NBA 1st Teamer and 25 year old megastar Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a Randy's donut and some unpaid parking tickets. Okay maybe it's not quite that bad, but it's really, really, really close.Your local basketball experts and fans of both teams in question, John and Niki, break down what you need to know about why the trade happened, what happens to both of these teams, and the long-term effects this trade may have around the league.They also get into why...
2025-02-041h 36The VGBees PodcastIt's Hard to Let GoThis week, Niki and John dive into the news that BioWare is downsizing and outsourcing part of Mass Effect 5's development. More than that, it strikes our hosts that maybe the series should go away if it means saving the jobs of the remaining employees tasked with such a burden. Anyway, it's a good discussion about a complicated problem. Also:the Video Game History Foundation's excellent new digital archives have launchedForza Horizon 5 is coming to PS5 with crossplayMicrosoft's two-sided strategyEternal StrandsVirtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.Ninja Gaiden II BlackWe also answer your HIVE QUESTIONS...
2025-01-311h 40The VGBees PodcastBoy the MusicalThis week, Niki and John take in the most recent Xbox Direct showcase and dive into each game discussed, including:Ninja Gaiden 4South of MidnightExpedition 33Doom: The Dark AgesThey also discuss the cancelation of Celeste follow-up Earthblade and the blog post announcing it. In addition, the news that EA is disappointed in the sales of both Dragon Age: The Veilguard and EA Sports FC 25 is examined through a lens that understands the latter is much, much, much more interesting and noteworthy than the former.As always, the duo answers your burning HIVE QUESTIONS...
2025-01-241h 35The VGBees PodcastMario Kart 2This week, Niki and John discuss the biggest story in games. That's right, it's the MegaByte Nation Gaming Expo from Los Angeles, CA! What are Game Hogs up to? What does a UMD of old Family Guy episodes cost?Oh also we discuss the official announcement of Nintendo Switch 2, including:form factor changesJoy-Cons are also mice?guesses about the new Mario Kartspeculation on release dateand much more!We also answer your Hive Questions like we every single week! Which game would change the hearts and minds of a Footloose-style town that hates video games?
2025-01-171h 50The VGBees PodcastAll the Ingredients for a SpeedrunThis week, Niki is laying low to escape the horrible fires facing Los Angeles. John runs solo, discussing the games news of the week, including:Nintendo Switch 2 rumorsthe delay of Assassin's Creed ShadowsTencent's designation as a military organizationthe new LEGO Game BoyWe also answer your HIVE QUESTIONS and discuss John's fleet of emulation devices.Here are some links for donations/causes to help aid in the recovery of Los Angeles.Watch Duty - donations go toward running an incredibly helpful tracking service for AngelenosCanine Rescue Club - helping match displaced pets with...
2025-01-1053 minThe VGBees PodcastWhy Don't These Games Make Me Cry?This week, Niki and John both shake off their respective Holiday illnesses to come together for the first episode of 2025! They reflect on what they might have missed in 2024, including:Mouthwashing1000xResistMetaphor: ReFantazioThe Rise of the Golden IdolAlso, what would the first episode of the new year be without predictions for games to play in 2025:Death Stranding 2: On the BeachFBC: FirebreakPokemon Legends: Z-ASkateJudasWe also answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS like we do each and every week!
2025-01-031h 24The VGBees PodcastThe VGBees 2024 Games of the YearIt is that time of year! VGBees has awarded its official (well John and Niki's) Games of the Year 2024! We had two overlaps, so we cover eight total games and wow we had a blast revisiting the year's very best games.Not to spoil the surprise (stop reading if you don't want to know), but in alphabetical order we discuss:Astro BotBalatroCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Content WarningCrow CountryIndiana Jones and the Great CirclePath of Exile 2Thank Goodness You're Here!No HIVE QUESTIONS in this special episode, but you can always join and ask...
2024-12-211h 31The VGBees PodcastBrick & Jack: Football GeniusesNiki and John go through a whirlwind of big games news this week, including the revelation that Woody Johnson is steering New York Jets personnel decisions with advice from his sons, Brick and Jack, derived from Madden 25 player stats. Also:the Charlotte Hornets Grinch a PS5 away from a childSony invests big in Kadokawa (FromSoftware's parent company)the Switch 2 is called Switch 2 (probably)As far as what we've been playing, well:Path of Exile 2Indiana Jones and the Great CircleMarvel RivalsAs always, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS on the show and this...
2024-12-201h 58The VGBees PodcastThe Game Awards 2024 PostmortemThis week, Niki worked an entire human day within the span of two human days to work Gamespot/Giant Bomb's TGA coverage and lived (thrived!) to tell about it. John asks burning questions like "what was the deal with those long sandwiches Dan Ryckert was giving to people?"Then, they get into the meat of The Game Awards 2024, including:The Witcher 4Elden Ring NightreignVirtua FighterOnimusha: Way of the SwordOkami SequelProject: RobotIntergalactic: The Heretic ProphetAstro Bot winning Game of the Yearand much more!Also, what did giving the Game Changer Award to a (perfectly nice...
2024-12-151h 58The VGBees Podcast99 Potions: Dragon Age: The VeilguardHARK! An early holiday gift from VGBees is upon us!We have reunited Nerium, Natalie Flores, and Michael Higham to unpack Dragon Age: The Veilguard in the style of acclaimed former Fanbyte podcast 99 Potions.Did we like it? Who are our favorite companions? Did Solas live up to the villain hype?If you like this bonus, know that in the future, we'll be putting big fancy bonus episodes like this behind The Hive, VGBees' premium subscription. Your support allows us to do many more of these! We'd love to do more of these!
2024-12-061h 43The VGBees PodcastThey're Coming Through the WallsThis week, Niki calls in from the cartoon construction zone that is their house this week. That didn't stop Niki and John from talking about this week's video game news, including:Ubisoft studio closuresXDefiant's shutdownElden Ring follow-up not in developmentthe forbidden conversations we're hearing during Call of Duty matchesWe also talk about the stuff we're playing AND we answer so so so so many of your amazing Hive Questions, which had us planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
2024-12-061h 48The VGBees PodcastMazda Bongo BrawnyIt's a Thanksgiving Week miracle! Niki and John recorded a podcast early in the week so they could take the rest of the week off! Wow! What foresight!Sure, there's some video game talk, but Niki also introduces the podcast to Car From Japan, the most important website of all time. Need a short truck? Need an old Lexus LS 400? This site has you covered.Also, we answer your burning HIVE QUESTIONS, including:What has to be in your Thanksgiving spread?Which games get you in the holiday spirit?Which games have you played...
2024-11-2855 minThe VGBees PodcastTime to WomanThis week, Niki presents John with a long dissection of Days Gone, not even remotely a new video game. Still, it is welcome information which it is a game both of them missed when it came out five years ago. Did you know the main character's name is Deacon St. John? Now you do! Also:S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of ChornobylCall of Duty: Black Ops 6YIIK: A Postmodern RPGStar Wars BattlefrontBattlefieldTitanfallApex LegendsWe also gave The Game Awards on this one! You're welcome, Geoff! As always, we answer your HIVE QUESTIONS and...
2024-11-221h 38
Big Game HungerJohn E Warren has never committed a crimeJohn E Warren, game journalist and creator of VGBees, brings his adjacent knowledge of band management to a folklore-rich crime game based on the prompts: Subterfuge Local band management sim Okami 2 (folklore-rich zelda-lite) Despite the classy and restrained title, "Ballad of the Bands" is a down-and-dirty game about composing the best band.... through whatever means necessary. Check out the foot-pedal-controller at GLYDR at FeetLegal.com, a real website. Interstae 35, a moving and beautiful visual novel, is out now on Steam. Check out John E Warren's video game website VGBEES at VGBees.com, and listen to...
2024-11-1855 minThe VGBees PodcastInternational House of PodcastsThis week, Niki is back and with them comes the revelation that Xbox has gone and found itself an official breakfast partner. That's right IHOP is the official breakfast partner of Xbox and Niki and John are going to bring you all the crucial details right here on this very podcast. In less vital news:Nintendo's desired damages from Pocket PairEverything is Xbox (according to Phil Spencer)BalatroStar Wars OutlawsCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Dragon Age: The VeilguardPokémon Trading Card Game PocketAnd of course, all of your burning HIVE QUESTIONS are answered!
2024-11-151h 41The VGBees PodcastWell Okay, Now What?This week, Niki is on vacation and John is left to his own devices. After planning a 99 Potions reunion to discuss Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Election happened! Between the emotional fallout from that and other scheduling issues, we're delaying that for a couple weeks.So yeah! It's John, talking to you, dear listener, about video games.But also...the Election. If you're bummed about it and don't want to hear it, I understand. You can skip to the 24 minute mark to get past it and onto Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two CEO, being way too excited...
2024-11-0857 minThe VGBees PodcastAn NFT Game Most TimelyThis week, Niki and John explore the world of Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chornicles, an Ubisoft-published video game that wants you to shell out a preposterous amount of money on NFTs. Can you image a better time to be launching a game like this? Wow!Also, the dynamic duo discuss:the closure of Firewalk Studiosthe new Pokemon pack-opening gamethe Nintendo Music appCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Dragon Age: The VeilguardAnd much, much more. As always, your Hive Questions are answered, including John's admission of his worst ever Halloween costume. It's worse than you think!
2024-11-011h 29The VGBees PodcastCall of Duty: Pandemic SurpriseThis week, Niki and John could not for the life of them remember the names of the peak Covid Call of Duty games, so they leaned into it for content. Gotta find inspiration where you can these days. Frank Underwood also makes his return the show! VGBees only does big guests. Also:Hades 2 new updatesBalatroDave the DiverUFO 50Halo 2John enlists Niki to help him buy a new TV, which just depresses him. Why are TVs expensive?As always, we answer your burning Hive Questions, including one about whether VGBees is a pro Mario Party...
2024-10-251h 24The VGBees PodcastFrank Underwood's BlindfireOn this weeks' show, Niki and John go DEEP on the new NBA 2K25 DLC Gravity Ball. What does it mean for the franchise, its audience, and new players? Hope you like 50 minutes of exploring all of that!But that's not all! There was a big third party partner Xbox Showcase that was actually pretty good, including:Alan Wake II: The Lake HouseFBC FirebreakBlindfireCronos: The New DawnLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in HawaiiThere was a Pokemon leak, too! Busy week! And of course, we answer your burning Hive Questions.
2024-10-181h 32The VGBees PodcastThe Alarm Clock for Single People with Michael HighamEditor's note: this week's episode contains an incredulous collective unpacking of an explosive investigative report about Roblox which goes into the many ways the game is dangerous for children. While not going into graphic detail about what was found in the report, it's still a troubling look into the different ways Roblox and its ownership have put children in danger.This week, John & Niki are joined by none other than IGN's Michael Higham, VGBees' number one fan and supporter. Michael played all of Metaphor: ReFantazio and graced us with a deep dive on the game's vibes, story...
2024-10-112h 00The VGBees PodcastThis is My Cat, SephirothThis week, Niki goes deep on Starfield's DLC, Shattered Space. It's about the snake people, the most interesting part of the original Starfield. Does the DLC have the juice to get folks back into Todd's big space sandbox? Will John have a meltdown comparing the narrative depth and nuance of Tali's Pilgrimage quest in Mass Effect to what happens in Shattered Space? You'll simply have to listen to find out.The dynamic duo also answers your burning Hive Questions, covering ground including:naming pets after video game charactersworking on one game franchise for over a decadecomparing...
2024-10-041h 37The VGBees PodcastHuman Arrowing Your Way to EnlightenmentThis week, Niki and John discuss their favorites so far in the year's most astonishing release, UFO 50. What's your favorite from the collection? Also:Ghost of YoteiLegacy of Kain 1 & 2 RemasteredHell is UsOverwatchThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomAs always, your burning questions from The Hive are addressed and answered!
2024-09-271h 03The VGBees PodcastPaul Rudd's SNES GunNintendo decided to sue Palworld this week so Niki and John would have something to really dig into. Thanks, Nintendo!!!!!!!Also this week:Switch 2 possibly leakedConcord's team is in limboshockingly positive Dragon Age: The Veilguard previewsthe PSX-styled PS5 fleetthe breadth of UFO 50Your Hive questions are also answered and the podcast got emotional over the loss of communal spaces and arcades!
2024-09-201h 45The VGBees PodcastHow to Explain the Junction System to Your ZoomerThis week, John breaks the news of Annapurna Interactive's staff resignation to Niki. They also break down the PlayStation 5 Pro reveal and talk about the 650 additional people laid off from Microsoft this week. As far as specific game chat:Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade ClassicsPaper Mario: The Thousand Year DoorI Am Your BeastSuper Mario OdysseyAstro BotFinal Fantasy VIIISoulcaliburPower StoneAs always, we answer questions straight from The Hive!
2024-09-131h 29The VGBees PodcastThe Unrivaled Joy of Astro BotNiki has been blessed to have several days with Astro Bot and decided to tell John all about it, despite the fact that John can't play it for another few weeks. Tragedy. It sounds absolutely lovely and what a time for it, too. In addition to contemplating the overall state of games, the two discuss:ConcordMarvel SnapBalatroWe also answer your burning questions from The Hive and wow, y'all really asked some good ones this week!As always, you can join The Hive and ask us questions each and every week!
2024-09-061h 38The VGBees PodcastThe Bottomless Pit of Takes AllegiancesNiki and John have a good old fashioned "hey are we separating art from artist now" conversation they didn't plan for when tackling the receptions to Black Myth Wukong, Star Wars Outlaws, and the inevitable Assassin's Creed Shadows. In lighter fare, the two also discuss:Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door RemakeThe Legend of Heroes: Trails in the SkyAstro Botthe Double Dragon moviewho we'd put in Fortnite nextand much more!As always, we answer YOUR questions from The Hive! You can join The Hive right now and ask questions each and every week!
2024-08-301h 33
Giant Bombcast855: Pink CarpetWe are BUZZING here on the Bombcast this week as we have our dear friends Niki Grayson and John Warren from VGBees on! We chat about more of our adventures in Germany while attending Gamescom, Star Wars Outlaws, Tactical Breach Wizards, and other games that we checked out at Gamescom. We also catch up on all of the news from last week and answer all of your lovely emails!
2024-08-282h 31The VGBees PodcastThe Return of the King, Peter MolyneuxThis week, Niki and John celebrate the return of Peter Molyneux to the world of games with his main stage appearance at Gamescom Opening Night Live. We were just talking about needing more weird guys in games, and wow we got our wish! Will his game ever come out? How much did he actually make on that NFT game he probably used to fund this new game? Will he be sued by Microsoft even though "Albion" is not a trademarked name? This and much more:Indiana Jones and the Great CircleCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 6Lynked: Banner of...
2024-08-241h 37The VGBees PodcastThe One Where We Admit Deadlock ExistsWe have a big confession to make, gamers. John and Niki have watched videos and read articles about a video game called Deadlock, which Valve has sworn us to secrecy never to divulge its very existence. Consider it then, dear gamer, a privilege that we've chosen your ears as the recipient of our knowledge. If we disappear from this earth, you will know our sacrifice. Also:2XKOMadden 25FortniteDragon Age: The VeilguardThe Plucky SquireWe also answer questions from The Hive and continue developing the all-important VGBees Census!
2024-08-161h 58The VGBees PodcastThe Important Work of Game Informer with Alex Van Aken!This week, John and Niki are joined by former Video Lead at Game Informer Alex Van Aken to talk about the abrupt, ghoulish closure of the storied publication. It's a great chat that illuminates what the past few months has been like at the magazine as well as a bit of a dive into some history and memories of the brand. Alex also pulls the curtain back on his new supporter-funded project Viewport.Also discussed:The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomThe Borderlands filmWolfeye's Dishonored/Prey-like new RPGCollege Football 25With Hive questions like:...
2024-08-091h 37The VGBees PodcastBuying Cars with Sony MoneyThis week, Niki and John discuss a terrible week for Bungie employees, a terrible week for Jon Blow, and a terrible week for AI discourse in video games. All in all, it's a laugh riot for two straight hours! Also discussed:Thank Goodness You're Here!Steamworld Heist IICollege Football 25Madden NFL 25NBA 2K25Also, Hive questions about:Richard GarriottPeter MolyneuxShane McMahonBubsy (essentially)Grand Theft Auto (complete with thorough discussion about why the modern political nature of these games is so goofy and outdated)As always, become a member of The Hive to have...
2024-08-021h 51The VGBees PodcastEvo Sportscast 2024This week, Niki and John got way into it about Evo 2024, the brilliance of fighting games, and the way sports have (and haven't) infiltrated the industry's biggest event for the genre. Also:No Man's Sky 5.0FlockDungeons of HinterbergThe crew also (clumsily) dissected the ramifications of Bethesda and World of Warcraft teams forming wall-to-wall unions this week. Seems particularly big in the face of Humble Games shutting down and the weird spin Ziff Davis put on the closure.Hive questions include:What's the gaming equivalent of saying Macbeth in a theater?Are curved...
2024-07-261h 49The VGBees PodcastMascot Head Theater with Kofie YeboahThis week, Niki and John tackle the most important news of the week, including:whether Niki should see Longlegsnot wearing headphones on video callshanging doorsOh also video games, including:Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessBioshock InfiniteEmio - The Smiling ManIn hour two, they're joined by Secret Base's Kofie Yeboah, who is as excited as everyone else about the return of EA Sports' college football...aptly called College Football 25. John also asks about Skip Bayless, in what is likely the only time he will ever come in on this program. Thanks for your...
2024-07-191h 51The VGBees PodcastJazz & Wine, a Podcast for Sophisticates with Ash Parrish!This week, Niki and John are joined by The Verge's Ash Parrish. On the agenda:- our favorite jazz musicians- which wines pair best with human aging- disgusting Aperol- Cody Rhodes' appalling chosen aestheticOH ALSO video games!- Zenless Zone Zero- Supermoves- Xbox Game Pass tier changes- Steam Deck- 2K's rumored FIFA game- College Football 25- Riot's canceled platform fighter
2024-07-122h 03The VGBees PodcastFragpunk, M. Bison, & The Land Beneath UsThis week, John's riding solo due to holiday scheduling apocalypses. Never fear! He's here to chat about the best in games this week, including:- The new Switch Online slate (it's weird)- Fragpunk's closed alpha- M. Bison is live in Street Fighter 6- The Land Beneath Us puts an interesting spin on roguelitesALSO, we answer questions directly from The Hive!- Will AAA development ever find a path to sustainability?- Which Kingdom Hearts game is the best?- Have...
2024-07-0548 minThe VGBees PodcastErdtree, Aiai, and Beahm: Attorneys at Law with Imran KhanJohn and Niki are back at it again with all the news and analysis in games you need to know. This time, they're joined by Imran Khan, who is totally normal when it comes to heating up leftovers!Anyway! The crew covered a lot of ground this week including:Guy "Dr. Disrespect" Beahm's overdue ouster from the public consciousness in the wake of the revelations of his "inappropriate" correspondence with a minor in 2017Elden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeSuper Monkey Ball Banana RumbleChained TogetherFortniteThe crew also discusses the best sales at the beginning...
2024-06-281h 54The VGBees PodcastNintendo Direct Recap w/ Merritt KJohn and Niki take a deep dive into a very strong Nintendo Direct, featuring discussion of:The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomMario & Luigi: BrothershipMetroid Prime 4: BeyondMarvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade ClassicsThe New Denpa MenLater, they're joined by writer, author, and budding miniature painting YouTuber Merritt K to chat everything Warhammer 40,000, including:What's in the heads of the guys from Space Marine 2?Do Space Marines have balls?Why did the Squats go away?and much more!Don't forget to Join the Hive!
2024-06-211h 36
Aftermath HoursLink’s Awokening (With John Warren) On this week’s episode, Nathan and Riley are joined by John Warren, formerly of Fanbyte and now of the just-launched VGBees. First we discuss John’s new reader and listener-supported website, which aims to provide a home to good writing about video games. The more the merrier, we say. Then we hop on the endless merry-go-round that is the question of what a game review should be, as inspired by discourse around Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. If said discourse makes you want to tear your hair out, don’t worry: You’re not alone! After that we talk...
2024-06-201h 39
The MinnMax ShowElden Ring DLC, New Zelda Revealed, Metroid Prime 4On this week's special, early episode, Ben Hanson, Kelsey Lewin, Jacob Geller, and Kyle Hilliard unpack all of the highlights from the surprising Nintendo Direct showing the last big games hitting the Nintendo Switch console. We talk about The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Metroid Prime 4 gameplay, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and the odd surprises of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Perfect Dark! Then Kyle talks about his time playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree in a spoiler-free discussion, we're also taking The Deepest Dive on this DLC masterpiece from From Software so stay tuned for that. Then we...
2024-06-192h 13The VGBees PodcastSGF 2024 Recap with Charles HarteNiki and John are joined this week by Game Informer associate editor and MinnMax contributor Charles Harte. All three were all in Los Angeles to cover Summer Game Fest 2024 and came away feeling mostly energized by what they saw and played.Covered in this episode:- LEGO Horizon Adventures- Wanderstop- Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind- Skate- Fable- Doom: The Dark Ages- South of Midnight- Gears of War E-Day- Dragon Age: The Veilguard
2024-06-141h 35