Technology Episodes

Bungie just shut down Destiny 2. The final live service update — Monument of Triumph — drops June 9, 2026, and after that, active development is over. All future expansions are canceled. Significant layoffs are coming. And Destiny 3 is not in development. This is the full breakdown. On this episode of GZ Chop Shop, Gregory, Uly, and Ty go deep on the collapse of one of gaming's most ambitious live service games and what it means for Bungie as a studio going forward. This isn't just a news recap — it's the full story. We trace Bungie's journey from a Mac gaming startup in 1991, through the creation of Marathon, the Microsoft acquisition that turned Halo into the Xbox killer app, the split from Microsoft, the Activision publishing deal, and the birth of Destiny in 2014. Then we cover everything that followed: Destiny 2's rocky 2017 launch, the controversial move to free-to-play, the expansion highs and lows, Lightfall's quality miss, the 2023 and 2024 layoff waves, and Sony's $3.6 bi…

Digital ownership is a myth. When you buy a digital game, you’re buying a revocable license — not the game itself. And publishers know it. In this episode, Gregory and Uly break down the digital game ownership crisis: from server shutdowns that wiped paid libraries, to Ubisoft’s landmark The Crew lawsuit, to the Stop Killing Games petition that forced the EU’s hand with 1.3 million signatures. They also tackle the physical vs digital debate, why game collecting is making a comeback, and whether Game Pass is a lifeline or a trap.

In this lively gaming podcast episode, the GZ Chop Shop hosts delve into the latest industry news, Sony's controversial DRM practices, the evolution of Nintendo, and the future of gaming technology and subscriptions. They share insights, historical anecdotes, and bold opinions on the current state of gaming. This episode dives into the latest in gaming industry controversies, upcoming console changes, and the impact of studio decisions on game development. They explore Sony's potential price hikes, the fallout from canceled projects like Gang of Dragons, and the wild world of game crossovers, including Evangelion and Final Fantasy XIV.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent announcement of Discord going public and the implications it has for the gaming community. They delve into potential changes in pricing and advertising, the impact of AI on gaming, and the introduction of AI companions, such as Ava. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the gaming industry, the rise of indie games, and the future of AI technology in gaming. The hosts express concerns about the direction of the sector and the potential loss of the human experience in gaming due to AI advancements.

In this episode, host Greg interviews Indy Khabra, co-founder of LiveWire, a digital marketing agency focused on gaming audiences. They discuss the intersection of digital marketing and gaming, exploring how brands can effectively engage with gamers without being intrusive. Indy shares insights on the evolution of LiveWire, the importance of understanding player demographics, and the successful integration of brands in games like Fortnite. The conversation also explores future trends in gaming, including the rise of cloud gaming and the enduring popularity of collectibles.

Summary In this episode, the crew discusses the recent acquisition of EA by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 billion, exploring the implications for the gaming industry, including concerns over microtransactions, the future of EA as a private entity, and the potential impact on gaming culture. The conversation also delves into the struggles of Xbox, the pricing of Game Pass, and the importance of supporting indie developers in a rapidly changing gaming landscape. Join ...

In this episode, the hosts dive into the fan reactions surrounding Hollow Knight Silksong, discussing the backlash over its difficulty and translation issues. They then shift focus to the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting its lack of new games and its reliance on backwards compatibility. Finally, they compare the performance of Gears of War Reloaded and Helldivers 2, analyzing the differences in gameplay experience and community engagement. Join the newsletter Chapters 00:00 Hollow ...

Navigating the Digital Frontier Discover how gaming's legal frameworks have adapted to address challenges in intellectual property, esports, and user-generated content. Featuring insights from industry expert David Hoppe, the founder and managing partner of Gamma Law. This episode covers the complexities and legal intricacies that impact gamers and developers alike.

In this episode Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent Sony server shutdown, reflecting on its impact on the gaming community over its nearly two-day blackout and comparing it to past incidents. They explore the transition from physical to digital gaming, highlighting the implications for ownership and access. The conversation also delves into the rise of subscription models in gaming, examining how they affect game development and player experience.

In this episode hosts Projektitachi and Warnurse celebrate the new year and discuss their commitment to highlighting indie games. They dive deep into their experience with the VR mech game Iron Rebellion, sharing insights on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and the future of VR gaming. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and mods in enhancing gaming experiences.

Summary In this episode, Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the recent news of Sony's potential acquisition of Kadokawa Productions, a major player in the anime and gaming industry. They explore the implications of this acquisition, the ongoing trend of consolidation in the gaming industry, and the impact on consumers and creators. The conversation also touches on the historical context of corporate acquisitions, the future of anime and manga distribution, and the importance of healthy com...

Summary Sony's announcement of the PS5 Pro has raised concerns and disappointment among gamers. The podcast hosts discuss the questionable decisions made by Sony, including the lack of a disc drive and the absence of a stand for the PS5 Pro. They also criticize Sony's abandonment of the VR 2 and the limited compatibility of the $200 portal. Chapters 00:00 Disappointment with Sony's Decisions 05:05 Sony's Push into the Hardware Ecosystem 09:21 Lack of Competition for Sony ...

Summary In this episode of the GZChop Chop podcast, the hosts discuss the game Black Myth Wukong. They praise the game as a phenomenal first game from indie studio Game Science and compare it to other action games like God of War. The hosts share tips and tricks for playing the game, including the importance of experimenting with different builds and abilities. They also discuss the voice acting in the English dub and the game's stunning visuals. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the...

Metal Gear singer/voice actress Donna Burke, is known for her work in video games and as the English announcing voice on the Shinkansen bullet train. Now she joins the GZ Chop Shop podcast in an unforgettable interview that discusses her new venture, Royal Flush, living in Japan, cultural differences, and her journey in the gaming and television industry.

In this episode, the hosts discuss Microsoft's recent studio closures and the impact of their acquisition of Bethesda. They express their concerns about Microsoft's trend of shutting down studios and prioritizing Game Pass over game development. They also criticized Sony's decision to require PC players of Helldivers 2 to log in with a PlayStation Network account. The hosts highlight the need for the gaming community to speak up against unfair practices, such as microtransactions and incomplete games at full price.

Summary In this episode of the Jeezy Chop Shop podcast, the hosts discuss the controversial topic of microtransactions in the upcoming game Dragon's Dogma 2. They explore the different perspectives on microtransactions, including the benefits for busy players and the criticisms of pay-to-win mechanics. The hosts also touch on the banning of modders by Capcom and the impact of mods on the gaming experience. They delve into the challenges faced by game developers and the addictive nature of competitive games. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to share their thoughts on microtransactions and support the podcast.

In this episode, Projektitachi and Warnurse discuss the impending TikTok ban and the government's concerns about data privacy and national security. They highlight the hypocrisy of the government's actions and the lack of protection for citizens' data. They also explore the real reasons behind the TikTok ban, including American ownership and the fear of being outcapitalized. Finally, they shift to the topic of Sony's VR challenges, including the manufacturing issue and the competition with MetaQ...

Microsoft makes another major (and questionable) move in the month following the closing of their Activision Blizzard deal. The removal of all third-party controller support including those for disabled gamers. This comes on the heels of the previous announcement that they plan to also remove user-generated game save captures from their servers starting in January 2024, it's been a roller coaster of highs and lows for the Xbox community. ►Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Xbox to remove thi...

Microsoft is causing waves through its Xbox community again with its recent term changes on OCT 1st stating that starting in Jan 2024 game captures uploaded to their servers will start being deleted after 90 days. While it may seem minor to avid gamers, many casual players are furious over the uncalled-for change. What is the reason behind this and will it potentially be rolled back? Or are we seeing the first of many consumer experience changes? We also discuss our hypothesis over Phil Spencer'...

Have you noticed your streaming services getting more expensive? With the recent price hikes in PlayStation Plus, Disney Plus, and more, it's become harder to keep track of your monthly expenses. Are these streaming services worth their new prices? Find out in our video discussing whether streaming services have become the new cable and if they are worth it. Get the answers you're looking for about PlayStation and other streaming services now! Support the show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/osn...

What are your feelings on Starfield? Were you disappointed in what the game had to offer after all the hype? In this episode, we take a closer look at Bethesda's new title and dive into whether Starfield delivered on its promises, or if it was the fanbase that overhyped it. Get ready for an honest critique and discussion – let's see if Starfield lived up to its expectations! Support the show: Patreon: https://patreon.com/osnmedia Merch: https://www.osnmediashop.com/ Support this show http://...

Get ready to experience the world of Armored Core VI like never before - it's coming out in less than a month! FromSoftware is back and bringing their famous mech-action series back to life after a 10-year hiatus. Hear our thoughts on this upcoming title and everything it will bring - from fast-paced combat, detailed customization options, and an immersive storyline. Don't miss out on the next chapter of Armored Core VI. ► Support this show Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/osnmedia/memb... Be...

Twitch makes the bold move to charge affiliates that decide to leave their program. Is this in response to the wave of creators leaving the platform for those of Kick and Trovo? Links Support this show https://www.patreon.com/osnmedia/membership Be a GZ Chop Shop member at https://plus.acast.com/s/gzchopshop Visit our website: https://osn-media.com/ Continue the conversation at: https://discord.com/servers/osn-gaming-313019064177917962 Follow us on social media: Instagram https://www.insta...

What is Sony's Project Q gaming handheld and will it be worth the money? Sony takes its first step in years back into the handheld market along with Nintendo Switch and Steam's new Steam Deck after letting its PS Vita fall to the wayside years ago. With lukewarm reception to this new project, can Sony redeem itself in handheld gaming? We discuss the Flash film this week and the future of DCEU movies. Links Support this show https://www.patreon.com/osnmedia/membership Be a GZ Chop Shop member a...