What Would Make You Give Up On Gaming?
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In this episode of WhatCulture Gaming, hosts Scott Taylor and Joe Johnston dive into a wide-ranging discussion about the state of gaming, from the cultural impact of recent movie adaptations like the Mario Galaxy film to the financial and emotional toll of modern gaming's commercialization. They explore personal boundaries around gaming, with Joe reflecting on his long-standing resistance to the Silent Hill 2 remake and Scott expressing his growing disillusionment with games like Crimson Desert, which he feels are soulless, trend-chasing products. The conversation turns to the future of the hobby, with both hosts agreeing that rising console prices and the industry's shift toward live-service models could eventually push them to step back—though they emphasize that the vast back catalog of classic games offers a sustainable alternative. They also discuss the potential of literary and historical source material for future games, advocating for more diverse storytelling beyond the usual sci-fi and fantasy tropes. The episode closes with lighthearted banter about hypothetical OnlyFans content and a nostalgic debate over the greatest console of all time, with the PS2 and original Xbox emerging as top contenders.
The gaming hobby can be sustained through revisiting classic libraries, even if new releases become too expensive or uninspiring.
Games like Crimson Desert and the Silent Hill 2 remake highlight the risks of trend-driven development and lack of creative authenticity.
Rising console prices and live-service models may eventually lead fans to disengage, but the medium remains resilient through its rich back catalog.
There's a growing appetite for video game adaptations of literary and historical works, especially those with unique settings and tones.
The PS2 and original Xbox are celebrated as golden eras of innovation, creativity, and developer autonomy.
The Mario Galaxy Movie: A Candy Rush or the End of Cinema?
“It's not really a movie, it's a good time. You know, it's a good series of images. It's a good dollop of candy for us.”
The Egg Debate: Scrambled, Poached, or Omelette?
A playful detour into breakfast preferences, where the hosts share their favorite ways to cook eggs, including omelettes, poached eggs, and the 'good morning burger'—a buttered toast with scrambled eggs and smoked fish.
Games We Regret Buying: Crimson Desert and Call of Duty
“It looks like a fake game. I literally just did a video about why I'm giving up on it because I came out of it going like this depresses the hell out of me.”
The Future of Gaming: When Will You Walk Away?
“I think the price stuff is crazy, but I honestly think the market, the various companies will reject this stuff. No one... I don't think them suddenly charging £790 in the UK is going to meaningfully move the needle.”
From Books to Games: What Novel Should Be Adapted?
The hosts explore the underrepresentation of literary and historical source material in video games. They advocate for adaptations of works like *Devil in the White City* and *Soot*, and express a desire for more noir, detective, and period-specific games beyond the usual fantasy and sci-fi staples.
“It looks like a fake game. I literally just did a video about why I'm giving up on it because I came out of it going like this depresses the hell out of me.”
“I think the price stuff is crazy, but I honestly think the market, the various companies will reject this stuff. No one... I don't think them suddenly charging £790 in the UK is going to meaningfully move the needle.”
“It's not really a movie, it's a good time. You know, it's a good series of images. It's a good dollop of candy for us.”
Hosts
Scott Taylor
person
Joe Johnston
person
PS2
other
Mario Galaxy
media
Resident Evil
other
Crimson Desert
other
Original Xbox
other
Yakuza
other
Silent Hill 2 Remake
other
Call of Duty
other
Is Remaking Resident Evil: Code Veronica Too Risky?
WhatCulture Gaming • 1h 27m • 4/2/2026
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Deserves More Love
WhatCulture Gaming • 42m • 4/7/2026
What's The Worst Launch Video Game Ever?
WhatCulture Gaming • 55m • 4/10/2026
Xbox Are Turning Things Around
WhatCulture Gaming • 51m • 4/13/2026
Three PlayStation 6s, Jeremy? That's Insane.
WhatCulture Gaming • 53m • 4/16/2026
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