Marathon Is Losing Players - Inside Games Roundup

The Inside Games Roundup episode dives into the rocky launch and ongoing struggles of Bungie's Marathon, a $250 million live-service shooter that has seen a steep decline in player counts despite strong critical reception and a loyal core audience. The hosts discuss the game's punishing mechanics, balance issues, and growing concerns about cheaters, while acknowledging Bungie’s continued commitment to updates and long-term support. The episode also covers the poorly received free-to-play Pokémon Champions, developed by The Pokémon Company’s joint venture, which has drawn criticism for bugs, limited content, and monetization. Other highlights include the buggy debut of Samson from Liquid Swords, promising updates for Crimson Desert, and the controversial removal of Doki Doki Literature Club from Google Play over 'sensitive themes.' The segment wraps with a roundup of free games across platforms and a preview of upcoming titles like Before I Go, Replaced, and Sintopia, showcasing a diverse slate of upcoming releases. The tone remains critical but hopeful, emphasizing the resilience of developers and the importance of supporting games through their rough patches.