Sacred Symbols, Episode 293 | Natural Selection (Patreon)

We know that Xbox games are migrating to PlayStation, and by the next episode of this very show, we'll have a much better idea of what a future slate of Microsoft products on Sony's console may look like. In the meantime, however, we're left to wonder how we got here in the first place. One could easily argue that PlayStation's and Xbox's rivalry essentially concluded with the end of the 360/PS3 era (Microsoft has been nowhere near Sony in terms of quality, mindshare, or revenue ever since), but we may very well be on the cusp of a true sea change not seen since the decline of SEGA. While we wait for answers, let's speculate and analyze to our hearts' content. Let's also delve into some other news -- Stellar Blade protagonist complaints, Disney's marriage with Epic, The Last of Us: Part III rumblings, and more -- and conclude with listener inquiries, like we always do. Are we amped for Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden? Is IGN's staff unionization drive a wise move in this environment? Do we overestimate the importance of the Uncharted franchise to gaming? Could we maybe tone it down a bit on the nearly-six hour episodes?

Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro

0:18:00 - Colin does know many Ryans

0:22:05 - Correction on Advent Children

0:23:28 - Give Dustin a break

0:26:47 - Settle down on the length

0:29:15 - LSM fans unite!

0:34:44 - Giving up gaming

0:41:04 - Stellar Blade drama

0:51:29 - Xbox going 3rd party

1:48:08 - Capcom elections

1:57:28 - New PS5 beta

1:59:31 - Disney is investing in Epic Games

2:09:01 - Is the Last of Us Part 3 coming?

2:17:52 - New cast announcements for TLOU HBO

2:20:47 - Dreams PC/PS5 port is dead

2:24:17 - Valiant Hearts sequel coming to consoles

2:25:51 - Call of Duty open world rumors

2:33:12 - What We’ve Been Playing

3:00:56 - Gut check on Banishers: Ghost of New Eden

3:06:33 - Is Ballistic Moon gearing up to make more Until Dawn games?

3:10:05 - Thoughts on IGN’s union

3:22:10 - Is the media obsessed with layoffs?

3:35:35 - Is the recent State of Play games unappealing to some?

3:45:58 - Is Uncharted actually popular?