Sacred Symbols, Episode 218 | Savage Guardin' (Patreon)

Sony's procurement of its first-ever mobile studio isn't something to get excited about, and we're not even gonna pretend to try. However, the acquisition of Savage Game Studios does suggest a new strategy for PlayStation, one that seeks to protect its various flanks even if it's not yet necessarily begun to fight on said front. Mobile gaming is a good example: They've said they've wanted to do something, and they have, but they don't acknowledge or pay attention to anything that results. It's as if it's not very important, but clearly, that's all about to change. We discuss. Plus: Sony acquires 14% of FromSoftware, SNK says there's interest in both sides for a Capcom vs. SNK revival, Quantic Dream gets scooped up by a Chinese firm, Mafia IV is early in development, and more news, followed (as always) by listener inquiries. Should we embrace the term "I" and "Triple I" when it comes to indies? Is there such a thing as "too much accessibility" when it comes to gaming? Why are console-exclusive pre-order bonuses so darn persistent? Is Colin fearful of Dustin's growing podcasting power?

Timestamps:

0:00:00 - Intro

0:06:05 - RIP Zeus

0:07:59 - Ben is fanboying over Succession cast members hearing a podcast he edits

0:10:13 - Will Dustin get his surgery?

0:17:30 - Does Colin hate Dustin?

0:23:05 - Old men in public restrooms are the worst

0:26:19 - Is a burger without cheese still a burger?

0:31:13 - The Last of Us: Part 1 is out

1:04:00 - A State of Play may be imminent

1:04:29 - Assassin’s Creed Mirage has been confirmed

1:06:34 - A UK regulator is slowing down the Activision acquisition

1:12:21 - The Twisted Metal show’s first season is in post-production

1:12:38 - Game Informer’s new cover is dedicated to God of War: Ragnarok

1:13:56 - A new PS5 model brings some minor changes

1:14:28 - A Ukrainian developer is enabling players to write messages on shells to Russia

1:19:52 - Where are we on Star Ocean: The Divine Force?

1:22:31 - Sony may be acquiring First Contact Entertainment

1:24:20 - Sony’s Discord functionality is coming soon

1:28:48 - Embracer’s acquisition of Square Enix properties is final

1:29:27 - A Kickstarter is in the works for Armed Fantasia and Penny Blood

1:34:55 - Journalists don’t know when acquisitions are happening

1:39:03 - What have we been playing?

1:55:03 - Sony has acquired Savage Game Studios

2:12:24 - Tencent and Sony have acquired larger stakes in From Software

2:24:10 - New PlayStation Plus games have been announced

2:32:27 - Quantic Dream has been purchased by NetEase

2:43:00 - A Capcom vs. SNK revival is not ruled out

2:47:27 - A new Mafia game is in development

2:53:59 - Triple I?

2:57:49 - What’s the best way to promote a podcast?

3:11:38 - Is there such a thing as too much accessibility in games?

3:19:59 - What games are as fun to watch as they are to play?

3:25:15 - Does Colin miss anything about being on the inside of the industry?

3:28:11 - Has any exclusive content enhanced our experience of a game?