#012 | Why Do People Play Games They Hate?

This week on Weaponized, we discuss Xbox's move to increase pricing to $80 for first-party games, as well as the recent revelation that "turn-based RPGs are revived".

This week on Weaponized, we sit down to discuss whether or not the outcry over $80 games will have an impact in the end or not, gacha advertising, and the success of the Minecraft movie.

This week on Weaponized, we're sitting back to discuss our thoughts regarding why so many on social media insist on not allowing others to enjoy things, in addition to reactions to the latest Nintendo Direct.

Episode 1 1 of Weaponized covers the newly discovered Persona 4 Remake domain and the implications of this release, our initial impressions of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and more.

In Episode 10 of Weaponized, we discuss the incredible pre-order trailer for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach and break down our thoughts on whether or not Kingdom Hearts IV will outsell Kingdom Hearts III.

In Episode 9 of Weaponized, we discuss Solo Leveling and its community, our reactions to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, and first impressions on Split Fiction.

In Episode 8 of Weaponized, we share our reactions to the Pokémon Presents 2025 presentation, our impressions of Monster Hunter Wilds, and even discuss our thoughts on the last few years of Star Wars.

So far, Square Enix has been absolutely silent in 2025 outside of releasing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC and reconfirming Dragon Quest I + II HD-2D Remake for later this year. Is the silence concerning, and does it perhaps speak loudly about what we should expect from the company this year? Join us in Episode 7 of Weaponized for a discussion on Square Enix and operating a media outlet in 2025.

In Episode 6 of Weaponized, we discuss the sad nature of the NetEase layoffs, which impacted the entire US team for Marvel Rivals. Is there any hope left for a sustainable industry in the United States, or should we expect the layoffs to continue throughout 2025?

In Episode 5 of Weaponized, we sit down to discuss our overall thoughts and reactions to the February 12th State of Play. With the very clear lack of first party games, the importance of legitimate rivalry in the games industry is clear more than ever.