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Sacred Symbols+, Episode 234 | The Heroic Gene Park

Please welcome Washington Post journalist Gene Park back to Sacred Symbols+. First and foremost: Gene has gotten through chemo, and he looks to be on the upswing. There's a fight ahead, but things are certainly looking up, and we talk all about it. And then: Our show itself. The topics are manifold. We get into the weeds with Xbox's and PlayStation's ongoing war over Activision-Blizzard, and the often-conflicting intersection of creativity and money. We also discuss some of this fall's biggest games, particularly Gotham Knights, which -- controversially and confusingly -- is launching on PlayStation 5 at 30 frames. How can this be? (Gene says it's "an L.") We've also witnessed a significant erosion of games media in the past week, with the destruction of the likes of Fanbyte and G4. Where does bad management and decision-making end and poor talent performance begin, as this game of musical chairs continues at speed? And then there's the small matter of authoritarian money in games, pouring in by the billions from Saudi Arabia and China, places that frankly share none of our cultural or societal values. But the cash is green all the same. Come join me (Colin!) and Gene for a deep-dive into our industry, with more hopefully to come.

Sacred Symbols+, Episode 234 | The Heroic Gene Park

Comments

Great to see Gene back, and so energetic, cancer is a terrible thing and I am so glad to see him fighting it like a champion, wishing him all the best. Great ep btw. 😊

Marco Maluf

That's true.

Colin Moriarty

We already had an Uncharted without Nathan Drake and it was fine.

Mark Whittington

He's always welcome.

Colin Moriarty

Very useful feedback.

Colin Moriarty

We'll have him on again, no doubt.

Colin Moriarty

I don't agree with your analysis. But you are entitled to it.

Colin Moriarty

Sacred Symbols + 234 EP "Like". In this episode like they talk about like games and stuff in the industry. Like like like, it's pretty good. Like. Believe me. Like like like. Very professional. Like like. It's good but like whatever. It's like a good episode, like you won't believe it like trust me. Cause like liking and not liking things happen a lot in this episode. Like I'm not trying to be a dick but like do you understand like my criticism? Use like words other than like cause ya know it gets annoying. Ok? ....LIKE.

BakerShop

This was fantastic, really glad he came back. To reaffirm, he'd be a fantastic addition to LSM, but I'm happy to see him as a guest since bringing him on isn't possible.

Jason Bolla

Good to hear for Gene great episode

Ben Haner

I wish people would stop comparing apples to oranges when it comes to Microsoft and Call Of Duty. The issue is not exclusives. Microsoft and Sony have always had their exclusives. The issue is the market. Look at MLB: The Show. The MLB decided that Sony had too much of the market, not even from an exclusivity deal. Anyone can make an MLB game it just couldn’t compete with The Show as a franchise. Imagine, if you will, Sony inking an exclusivity deal with EA for Madden. Madden is the closest seller to COD each year. That deal would be incredibly negative for Microsoft and they would fight it. That is a much closer scenario that could be made even more similar by imagining Sony purchasing EA to make it possible. Microsoft’s approach to exclusivity is dirty and antithetical to the creativity that makes games great. Still, this is a separate issue from the one Sony raises regarding Call Of Duty.

Greg Hommel

I think we should all be wary of 'too much of a good thing.'

Colin Moriarty

That's right.

Colin Moriarty

He will be back for God of War!

Colin Moriarty

Me too. =)

Colin Moriarty

Indeed. All are welcome.

Colin Moriarty

Gene is a real one

Joshua Brungardt

lol I actually would love a God of War novel or comic series.. Especially since I loved the God of War prequel comic from like 2019. But I loved it for the same reason I love some of the Star Wars books: you aren't missing anything essential for the story/lore by not reading it. It just adds additional exploration of the characters/world if that makes sense.

Josh Gamez

So happy to hear Gene is doing better. Would love to have him on more episodes, especially for him to just talk games!

Anthony Palerino

Gene rules, great to hear he's on the mend.

Reuben Barrett

Love hearing Gene again. He’s fair when he needs to be, and open minded. LSM and it’s community is as positive as they come. What I appreciate the most is the diversity of thought that’s fostered here. Just check the Patreon comments, folks from all sides, calling each other out or supporting each other as the need arises. That’s all you can ask for. All walks of life coming together on a basis of respect and acceptance, and in this case, videogames.

Noah Trujillo

Yes.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Me too. =)

Colin Moriarty

Gene is a treasure.

Andrew Gambill

This was one of your best talks ever Col. It flowed so naturally. Safe to say Gene is an honorary LSM contributor at this point. Side note: congrats on the engagement photos. It was nice to see you cheesing it up again. My favorite was the one where you’re looking at Micah like you just got the platinum. 😄❤️

NeO JD

Such a wholesome podcast. Love to see it!

Eric the human

Great to have Gene back, glad he’s feeling better!

Cincinnatus

He's a good dude. Grounded, experienced, fair.

Colin Moriarty

No doubt. <3

Colin Moriarty

Thanks for listening.

Colin Moriarty

Indeed.

Colin Moriarty

Fuck 'em, honestly. We're good without them, obviously.

Colin Moriarty

Sorry for your loss. =\

Colin Moriarty

You're welcome.

Colin Moriarty

Us too. =)

Colin Moriarty

He's a force for good.

Colin Moriarty

He'll see 'em. Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Yessir.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you.

Colin Moriarty

I think I will.

Colin Moriarty

We'll definitely have him back.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah!

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

I wish we could make that happen. Gene is a professional journalist; I honestly don't think we could pay him a fair wage for his full-time work.

Colin Moriarty

He's one of us, which is the most powerful thing. =)

Colin Moriarty

Enjoy.

Colin Moriarty

Agreed!

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Thanks for listening.

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

=)

Colin Moriarty

Glad to deliver it.

Colin Moriarty

He's doing better!

Colin Moriarty

Glad to hear it. =)

Colin Moriarty

Us too!

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Enjoy!

Colin Moriarty

=)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. He'll be back again, no doubt.

Colin Moriarty

Gene always seems like such a stand up dude. Between his appearances here and with Jaffe, I have such respect for that guy. He always seems gracious and willing to give the benefit of the doubt but will gently pushback when he wants to clarify something or give a counterpoint. Glad to hear he is doing well. Mad respect.

XnXblkout

Last stand media is hot in the streets lol. Thanks again for another good listen.

Mitchell Lundsberg

Dude, literally if you think $4000 is a lot of money then they is something wrong. So what if it pays your mortgage for 3 months, in the grand scheme of things its fuck all. You would want to be paid fairly for your work and no reason why Hellena shouldn't either!

Zack Fair

Great show guys! Love hearing what Gene has to say. Wishing you well Gene, keep fighting and staying strong!!

Zack Fair

I love this guy, so sincere and good hearted

Jason K

It sucks that Alex has that perception of LSM. I hope eventually he realizes that’s not the case because he seems like a nice guy. With that said, Digital Foundry’s content is too great for me to abandon lol. No one comes close to filling that void.

TJ

The people who characterise the community as a rightoid incel hivemind just need to look at the patreon comments from the fair number of lefties dunking on Colin whenever he says something vaguely socially conservative on the show lol. Great episode and love you Gene.

Jewelbox

Happy to see Gene back. Glad he is doing well. Lost my mom to cancer last September. Don't be afraid to get checked out if you are feeling off.

Fat Lee Adama

I stopped following digital foundry after the dude criticized Gene for being on SS

Peter Pham

Absolutely love this guy, thanks for getting him back on Colin.

Your Boi Nicky V

Glad to hear Gene is doing better!

Stonehorn

love hearing from Gene. he has always been really pleasant on Twitter

M0RR1S9

Awesome chat and great news on the health situation, hope the op goes well (please pass on my prayers)

Hozi

Saying $4000 isn't a lot of money and people are not adults if they think that, was a really bad take. That can pay my mortgage for 3 months. Actually most times someone from LSM brings up money it's usually just to talk down to others.

Mojo Patatoes

YESSSSS! love Gene so much, I'm glad he's back. FCK cancer! ❤️🙌

KendrickLuck

Again another well done Sacred Symbols plus. Also your point about communication was well said Colin.

AJ Kyle

Please go forward with that proposed op-ed on Chinese/Saudi Arabian money and submit it everywhere you can. I can’t see anyone other than you or Gene having the capability (and journalistic freedom) to do it.

Steve Forgione

Gene's so great. Glad to see him back and doing well. And Colin, make him a fourth chair. You guys riffing back and forth is great stuff.

PuppiesOnParade

Let's go, more Gene!! Love that man!

Ethan Barcelos

Welcome back, Gene!

Jay Bayles

Gene would be a great addition to the Sacred Team. I know it's probably not in his interests to be part of a "team" so to speak but maybe as a monthly regular would be great. Fun episode!

Aidan Cunningham

Shoutout to Gene for not only judging the community fairly and seeing it for what it actually is, but for being a great Twitter follow. Best of luck in his full recovery! The true definition of "based."

Michael (ObjoGaming)

Nice can't wait to Listen to this

shouty33

Nice to see Gene back!

Aladin_Slow

Gene rules, hope you’re doing well on the road to recovery!

Now Here's a Guy

Hi, Gene! Best wishes, Sir! Happy to see him back on the show and clear of chemo ✌️

Joe Perez

I was doing some yard work while listening to heavy techno, saw Gene was on and dropped the techno for the episode. Really great to hear Gene is doing well. His enthusiasm for games and chipper nature while talking about the steamdeck is contagious.

Kenneth Oms

Aw sh*t here we go again! I too have been playing gta 4 on my newly acquired steam deck because i miss it i really missed the DLC more Get well Gene!

Jesse spivey

Love seeing Gene back on the show!

Alex Bolton

Awesome! Happy to see this!

Drew Lee

Good to see Gene in the show.. I hope he's well and in good spirits.

Craig Carter

Wonderful to see Gene back!

NotSkyWalker

Yay! Love Gene. :)

Will Hahn

Love to see it

Bobby T

Hell ya! Love Gene. Can’t wait to listen!

Kienan DeLaney

Woohoo!! What an awesome surprise!!!

Ed Cruzat

Awesome! His appearance last time made me an instant fan and have been following him closely ever since. He is a great writer and a positive force for good in the industry. So glad you got him back!

Max Davis


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