(#52) - Starfield DLC Bombs, AI Dooms Privacy, and Google Hides the Skip Button

Join us on Episode 52 of Plugged as we break down the latest gaming and tech news that has everyone talking! First, we discuss the Starfield: Shattered Space DLC disaster. The expansion has been slammed by players and critics alike for being incredibly shallow, with most of the new content being rehashed assets and a main story that can be completed in just a few hours. To make matters worse, Bethesda is charging $30 for this lackluster content. We break down the community’s response and consider whether major studios are still capable of releasing quality games. Next up, we dive into the alarming story of college students using Meta’s smart glasses to create “I-XRAY,” an AI-powered program that doxes people in real-time. This technology can link facial recognition data to public databases, revealing private information like names and addresses, raising serious privacy concerns. On the topic of online frustrations, Google is hiding the skip button on mobile YouTube ads, forcing users to sit through the entire ad before accessing their content. As Google continues to crack down on ad blockers, is the era of ad-free browsing coming to an end? We then look at Wimbledon’s decision to replace its 147-year tradition of line judges with AI at the 2025 tournament. With advanced technology tracking the ball’s movement and handling all “out” and “fault” calls, will this transition be smooth, or are we headed for more controversies like those seen in other sports? Plus, we highlight a groundbreaking discovery in brain research, where scientists have, for the first time, revealed waste-clearance pathways in the human brain. This discovery could pave the way for future Alzheimer’s research and potential treatments to maintain brain health. Finally, we share our thoughts on the rise of AI-driven interactive radio stations and what it means for the future of traditional radio. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers, tech enthusiasts, and privacy advocates alike! </p>

01:09:25

(#51) - Ubisoft Blames Gamers, Valve’s Anti-Cheat Frog Mode, and Earth’s New Moon?

Join us on Episode 51 of Plugged as we tackle the most ridiculous headlines and surprises in the gaming world this week! First, we break down Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot’s controversial statement blaming the poor sales of Star Wars Outlaws on gamers having “too high expectations.” With the game riddled with technical issues, a predatory pricing model, and broken AI, Guillemot’s comments have left many fans fuming. We discuss how this backlash, combined with recent flops like Skull and Bones and XDefiant, has led to an internal investigation and delays for Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed title. Next, we provide a TwitchCon Recap where Mark and Slum share their favorite moments from the event, including an overview of the wild “Subtember” algorithm that saw unexpected sub-gifting spikes. Was this a feature, or just a happy accident? In game news, Valve’s new title Deadlock is introducing a hilarious anti-cheat feature that allows players to turn detected cheaters into frogs instead of just booting them from the game. This innovative approach offers a unique (and very satisfying) way for players to deal with rule-breakers. We also delve into the latest astronomical discoveries: Earth has temporarily captured a new “moon,” and scientists have found a tiny, Earth-like exoplanet orbiting Barnard’s Star just 5.96 light-years away. Although uninhabitable, the discovery of Barnard b adds to the growing list of planets that could potentially support life. Finally, we discuss the ongoing fallout from Google’s decision to kill uBlock Origin through a Chrome update, which could mean a significant downgrade in the browsing experience for many users. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! <br /> </p>

01:15:30

(#50) - PS5 Pro Price Controversy, Concord's Collapse, and Warhammer 40K's Surprise Hit

Join us on Episode 50 of Plugged as we dive into the latest highs and lows in the gaming and tech world! First, we break down the heated reaction to Sony's new PS5 Pro. With its upgraded GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI upscaling, the console offers impressive new features but at a steep price of $700—a 40% increase over the current PS5. We discuss why gamers are so upset and what former Blizzard CEO Mike Ybarra suggests for those who find the price too high. Are these upgrades worth the cost? Next, we highlight the positive buzz around Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2. In a year filled with disappointing releases, this third-person shooter is a refreshing success, delivering a challenging, action-packed experience that stays true to its gory, lore-filled universe. We explore why this game has resonated so well with fans and discuss its potential to set a new standard for Warhammer games. We also have an update on Concord, the ill-fated hero shooter that shut down just three weeks after launch, despite eight years of development and a significant investment by Sony. We look at what went wrong and whether this marks a new low for game development. In Slummy's Trailer Park, Slum presents a selection of must-watch trailers that have caught his eye this week. We revisit the recent decision to block the FTC's noncompete ban in federal court, with a Texas judge ruling it would cause "irreparable harm." We discuss what this means for workers nationwide and what could happen next. Finally, we discuss Google's latest move to eliminate the popular adblocker uBlock Origin through a Chrome update, a decision that may impact millions of users' browsing experiences. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike!</p>

01:06:35

(#49) Concord Flops Hard, Twitch's Price Hike Backlash, and Wendy's Saucy Nuggets

Join us on Episode 49 of Plugged as we explore the latest controversies, surprises, and delicious updates in the gaming and tech world! First, we dive into the disappointing launch of Concord, the latest addition to the hero shooter genre. Despite nearly eight years of development and significant hype, the game has failed to attract even 700 concurrent players on Steam. We discuss the possible reasons behind this flop, including the oversaturation of hero shooters, unappealing character designs, and a hefty $40 price tag that has turned many players away. Next, we check in on the ongoing issues with Star Wars Outlaws and Escape From Tarkov. Both games have been plagued by bugs and controversial updates, leading to player frustration. We also explore the bizarre bug in Tarkov where dying from a cultist knife poison could lock players out of their accounts, and the subsequent fixes that have only created more problems. In a surprising move, Twitch has significantly increased the price of mobile subscriptions from $5.99 to $7.99, citing the need to cover app store fees. We delve into the community's reaction and the impact on streamers' revenue. Meanwhile, Wendy's has launched a new line of Saucy Nuggets, with flavors like Spicy Ghost Pepper and Garlic Parm, posing a real challenge to Slummy's tummy. We also cover the tragic story of a man suing Disney after his wife died from an allergic reaction at one of their restaurants. Disney's initial attempt to block the lawsuit using a streaming service clause sparked massive backlash, leading them to back down. In legal news, a Texas judge has blocked the FTC's ban on noncompete agreements, a decision that could have significant implications for workers nationwide. Finally, we discuss Google's latest move to kill the popular adblocker uBlock Origin through a Chrome update, which will likely degrade the user experience for many. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! </p>

01:05:55

(#48) Backyard Sports Returns, Tarkov Wipe Woes, and Controversial Game Guidelines

Join us on Episode 48 of Plugged as we break down the latest excitement, frustrations, and controversies in gaming and tech! First up, a blast from the past: Backyard Sports is back! Fans of the iconic franchise, especially those who fondly remember the legendary Pablo Sanchez, are thrilled with the news of its return. We discuss the nostalgia and excitement surrounding this classic sports gaming series making a comeback. Next, we dive into the disappointment surrounding Arena Breakout Infinite. Despite promises to avoid "pay-to-win" mechanics, the game launched with in-game currency purchases and other monetization features that have frustrated players. We explore the impact on gameplay and community reactions. In a quick update, we check in on the latest Tarkov Wipe, which has been plagued with server issues and new bugs. The community's frustration is palpable as players grapple with the game's ongoing technical problems. We then turn to the surprising success of Wukong: Black Myth, which has seen an incredible launch. However, controversy has arisen over leaked guidelines sent to creators and reviewers, with strict instructions on what not to discuss, including COVID-19 and "feminist propaganda." We analyze the implications of these guidelines and the game's reception. In a shocking moment from the Pokemon Masters World Championship, a favorite to win was disqualified for making an obscene gesture during the tournament. We discuss the role of sportsmanship in gaming and whether such actions have a place in competitive settings. We also cover the tragic story of a man suing Disney after his wife died from an allergic reaction at one of their restaurants. Disney's initial attempt to block the lawsuit using a clause from their streaming service's terms of service sparked massive backlash, leading to a reversal in their stance. Finally, we discuss a recent ruling that blocked the FTC's ban on noncompete agreements, as well as Google's move to kill the popular adblocker uBlock Origin through a Chrome update. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! </p>

01:05:38

(#47) Arena Breakout Pay-to-Win Controversy, Twitch Gifting Debt, Borderlands Movie Bombs

Join us on Episode 47 of Plugged as we dive into the latest frustrations and surprises in the gaming and tech world! First up, we discuss the backlash against Arena Breakout Infinite (ABI) for breaking its promise to avoid "pay-to-win" features. Despite earlier assurances, the game launched with the ability to purchase in-game currency, secure storage rentals, and other monetization strategies that have left players fuming. We also touch on the impact this has had on the in-game economy and the community's response. Next, we check in on Helldivers 2, where frustrated players are letting the AI faction invade Super Earth due to ongoing dissatisfaction with game updates. It seems the game’s troubles are far from over. In a wild turn of events, a man revealed on The Ramsey Show that he amassed $50,000 in credit card debt by gifting subs on Twitch over the course of a year. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder to support streamers responsibly. We then share some good news for fans of Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within: Tango Gameworks, recently at risk of closure, has been acquired by Krafton Inc., ensuring the studio's future and the potential for a Hi-Fi Rush sequel. In movie news, the new Borderlands film is a major flop, currently holding a dismal 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. We explore why video game adaptations often struggle in theaters and discuss what it takes to make a successful one. Finally, we delve into a light-hearted yet revealing deep dive into Ash Ketchum's Pokémon journey, where it’s discovered he only caught about 7% of all available Pokémon. Does this make him the most overrated Pokémon Master? We also cover Google’s latest move to kill the popular adblocker uBlock Origin through a Chrome update, and what this means for the future of ad-free browsing. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike!</p>

01:04:40

(#46) Strikes in Gaming Industry, Twitch DJ Revolution, & Google Faces Antitrust Ruling

Join us on Episode 46 of Plugged as we dive into the latest controversies and developments in gaming and tech! First, we explore the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike against the video game industry. Over 160,000 members are now on strike due to disagreements over AI protections for voice and motion actors. This could affect major titles in production, though games developed before August 2023, like GTA6, remain unaffected. Next, we delve into the controversy surrounding iShowSpeed's viral stunt of jumping over two cars on a live stream. With accusations of video editing and masking techniques, we question the authenticity of online content and the challenges of distinguishing reality from digital manipulation. In the world of streaming, Twitch introduces its new DJ program, allowing DJs to stream music without fear of DMCA issues. By partnering with music labels, Twitch creates a new platform for DJs to grow their online presence. We also cover Roll20's integration with Discord, making it easier for Dungeons & Dragons players to connect and play online. This new feature enhances communication and accessibility for the growing community of tabletop gamers. In legal news, Google faces a significant antitrust ruling for creating an illegal monopoly by making its search engine the default across devices and browsers. This ruling could lead to substantial changes in the tech industry and impact how search engines compete. Finally, we discuss Logitech's quick retraction of their controversial "Forever Mouse" subscription concept after public backlash. This pivot highlights the challenges companies face when proposing innovative yet unpopular ideas. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! </p>

01:02:40

(#45) Olympic Controversy, Quidditch Champions Revealed, and Another Microsoft Outage

Join us on Episode 45 of Plugged as we dive into the hottest topics and controversies in gaming and tech! First, we explore the backlash against the International Olympic Committee's announcement of the Olympic eSports Games for 2025. While it's exciting news for eSports athletes, the game choices have sparked debate. Popular competitive titles like Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Overwatch are missing, replaced by less mainstream options like Tic Tac Bow and Virtual Regatta. We discuss the implications and the community's reactions. Next, we delve into the newly announced Harry Potter Quidditch Champions game by Warner Bros and Unbroken Studios. With a promising gameplay trailer and various modes, could this be the next big hit in sports video games? We also debate the infamous snitch rule in Quidditch and its impact on gameplay. In the world of game reviews, IGN is under fire for their glowing preview of Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws despite numerous visible bugs and gameplay issues. We examine the role of game reviewers and the trustworthiness of early reviews. We also highlight a quick update from the Olympics, where the US Women's Rugby team secured a historic medal with a last-second score. In tech news, less than two weeks after the Crowdstrike fiasco, Microsoft 365 experienced another global outage due to a DDOS attack. We discuss the recurring issues and their impact on businesses worldwide. Finally, we look at Logitech's innovative concept for a "Forever Mouse" that would require a subscription and software updates, potentially revolutionizing peripheral devices. Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! </p>

01:08:00

Plugged Ep. 44: New Keyboard Controversy, Fortnite's 200-Player Lobbies, and a Major IT Outage

Join us on Episode 44 of Plugged as we dive into the latest debates and developments in the gaming and tech world! First, we explore the controversy surrounding the new “snap tap” feature on the Razer Huntsman keyboards. This feature has sparked outrage in the Counter-Strike community, with many arguing it gives players an unfair advantage similar to banned “null binds.” Is this new feature just another form of cheating? Next, we discuss the potential expansion of Fortnite lobbies to 200 players with the capabilities of Unreal Engine 6. Will this new feature enhance the gameplay or make it too chaotic? We also cover the massive IT outage caused by a faulty Crowdstrike BIOS update. This update bricked Windows machines worldwide, disrupting critical infrastructure like transportation, banking, and healthcare. Was this our version of Y2K? In health news, a new study suggests that the dietary fiber beta-glucan found in oats might offer weight loss benefits similar to the drug Ozempic, but without the side effects. Could oatmeal be the new superfood for weight loss? We then look at groundbreaking research from the University of Illinois Chicago on a new antibiotic that makes it nearly impossible for bacteria to develop resistance. Could this be the end of superbugs? Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike!</p>

01:05:05

(Plugged #43) NCAA Football Return, Baldur's Gate 3's Award Woes, Minecraft's Hawaiian Masterpiece

Join us on Episode 43 of Plugged as we dive into the latest buzz in gaming and tech! First, we celebrate the return of NCAA Football to consoles after a 10-year hiatus. Fans are thrilled to once again chase their Championship and Heisman dreams in this beloved EA Sports franchise. Despite some bugs and glitches, the excitement is palpable. But with its new features, has it lived up to the hype? Next, we explore the unintended consequences of Baldur’s Gate 3's overwhelming success. The game’s avalanche of awards has fragmented the development team, affecting their ability to work on new projects. Despite these challenges, Larian Studios continues to provide major updates, showcasing their dedication and prowess. In the world of Minecraft, one dedicated player has recreated the entire Hawaiian Islands, available for download. The sheer scale and detail of this 29 GB map is mind-blowing. Are you ready to explore Hawaii in Minecraft? We also discuss the controversy surrounding the blue check mark on Musk's social media platform, X. The EU claims that the changes to the verification system are deceiving users and violating social media regulations. Could this lead to significant changes on the platform? Finally, we step outside the tech realm to debate the worst rendition of the National Anthem. Ingrid Andress's recent performance has been widely criticized, with many comparing it to Fergie's infamous rendition. Which one takes the crown for the worst of all time? Tune in for all this and more as we break down the biggest stories impacting gamers and tech enthusiasts alike! Markstrom Twitch - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk1PVGxMQWg5ZWtUUzdvMWVzRGlYSkZYcXVGZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttaEtrQmVtb1ZZOUI1SmFLakNpMmtneDd2eERJMWNQV1kwRzNua1J3dERqU2NiYXJqVjRFQTV1ZmIyZVE0MlBfdUJnZDBIQzA4TmYzcUpkekd4UF8wVFB4OU43UzVab3RvRHpXcHFZZ0pzSTBBRVNRSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitch.tv%2Fmarkstrom&v=sCDIlfmpq3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">  / markstrom  </a> Instagram - MarkstromTV TikTok - MarkstromTV Slum / Dom <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1otUTVoTTRQN3VoZ2plWExvSTJCbjNkeEQxZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsdkMxNU83LXJwSUg3cS1XWmIwLUp3eE1QZG5xdUZoR1d5dGNveTNCQkhpWHV1VHVDMW1HNDh1MVJYekNJTFhlV2RsaFcybnJON0hVVjhQLVJhaHdYazI5NnRpODFTWDBoMmxKR2ctbVZWSXFnTUhCWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lts.media%2F&v=sCDIlfmpq3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.lts.media</a> Instagram - Dom.Fillari </p>

01:09:20