Sacred Symbols+, Episode XXIX: Sophia the Games Journalist

Great ep 👏🏽

Dimitreus Newell

Cool, that's good to know! You mentioned a couple of weeks back that he asked you to be on. Look forward to listening to that show. :D

Johnny Shoulder

The culture war does indeed brew furiously.

Colin Moriarty

LOL, Jason and Danny hate me, Greg ignores me, and I'll never get access to Jim Ryan. I will be on Review Tech USA in a couple of weeks, though. =)

Colin Moriarty

Nice! Thank you for your support, and welcome!

Colin Moriarty

Awesome. She'll be back. =)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening!

Colin Moriarty

It's funny, during the storm of Gamergate itself, I used to say that this kind of thing will happen again, except it won't be about games, it'll be about everything. Sadly, I was right and the culture war we've been experiencing is gamergate times 1 million. That controversy didn't 'cause' anything, it was a SIGN of things to come...

JusticeSoulTuna

Really enjoyed this show, found it very insightful! More guests please, my vote goes to the following: Jason Schreier, Danny O'Dwyer, Greg Miller, Jim Ryan or anyone from Square Enix. More seriously, I reckon the guy from Review Tech USA would be cool!

Johnny Shoulder

I became a patron because of this one - did not disappoint! Looking forward to more.

Anguis Viridis

One of my favourite ever podcast episodes. Sofia was a great guest and hope to see more of her on the show.

Rishab Sinha

What a great episode. Can't wait for Sophia to be on again :)

Melissa Maxwell

Thanks for listening!

Colin Moriarty

Finally listened. What a fantastic episode. More Sophia please 👌🏻❤️

Shoulder

Was on mobile and I think it got confused. It's back now. Thanks!!

Julian LP

No... it should be there. Are you on a browser?

Colin Moriarty

Can't see the download link for any SS+ episodes anymore. Am I doing something wrong?

Julian LP

I totally understand I just thought it was one of those topics that could educate the masses. I am happy either way. Keep up the good work Colin

Jack Branch

No doubt about it. It's a lesson we can all endlessly learn. Thanks for listening!

Colin Moriarty

I really enjoyed this podcast. I think we all need reminding, at times, there's an endless supply of people to argue with online.

Mr Worry

Sure. Works for you, too. Hence why I've started to listen to you in the first place. 😊

Zibi Majewski

Eh, seems unfair to the Patrons to do that!

Colin Moriarty

I have no idea why that would be happening. I hate to be this guy, but as I have no technical power (literally) here on Patreon... have you tried reaching out to Support?

Colin Moriarty

Horseshoe. =)

Colin Moriarty

I'll just pretend you were talking to me.

Colin Moriarty

I was wrong!!!

Colin Moriarty

This was a great episode and very insightful. Personally, given the issues that you and Sophia talk about here, I would make the episode available for everyone. I think everyone should hear about the dark and hypocritical side of games media. Would love to hear more of these types of episodes. Keep em coming!

Jack Branch

Lol

Kc Wright

I break everything. Sorry.

sophia narwitz

Everytime I try to download it says downloaded unsuccessful? Had no problem downloading other CLS podcsts

Kc Wright

One of my favorite episodes on any platform. Hits the nail on the head regarding this authoritarian “left” narrative.

Travis B

I don't believe that. The way you speak, the rhetoric at play is extremely hard to just imitate, but you have this natural flow to words you phrase with such a high vocabulary at display is no small feat; that's not something you train for, that's what defines you. Beautiful mind, Sophia. An honor to listen to your thoughts.

Zibi Majewski

I only play an intellectual on tv, I’m actually very dumb.

sophia narwitz

"Triple X"

Chase Blauvelt

Love that episode. Still listening to it but Sophia comes across as very intelligent and cool person.

Zibi Majewski

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. <3

Colin Moriarty

I don't know, but it's up to you on whether you can split a person's content from who they are. I'm unable to do that with Danny and Noclip. Danny was friends with me one minute and bashed me and threw me away the next, and I can't just ignore that.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening.

Colin Moriarty

It definitely does feed our worst instincts. It ain't good, and it won't change unless we pretty much universally agree to change our approach.

Colin Moriarty

I'm sure we will collaborate again.

Colin Moriarty

It's crazy that that K&L fiasco was literally 13 years ago. Getting old!

Colin Moriarty

Nerd.

Colin Moriarty

Glad you liked it.

Colin Moriarty

It's real to me, damnit!

Colin Moriarty

O! Canada!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. Your support and kind words mean a great deal!

Colin Moriarty

Oh, we will. =)

Colin Moriarty

Colin - I _loved this episode_. I think highly of Sophia, and I enjoy the synchronous Colin & Sophia dynamic. It's fun to hear you interview again after Knockback, it's fun to hear the more newsy news - it's just fun and interesting. Big props.

Michael Schofield (making Audio Dramas)

I'm a bit split after this episode. On one hand I found every second of it greatly informative and interesting, what made the episode an excellent one. While also I hate that this is the reality. Months ago I noticed that Jason is pushing the union agenda wherever he can on the Splitscreen podcast and that the show becomes a one way road, so it is not that surprising. ResetEra being a shitpit is also no news, but never realised the influence is that dangerous. I really like noclip content, so hearing about Danny also is sad. Man. Why cannot people be better :(

Germanos

Great SS+. Enjoyed your first appearance on TRR Sophia -- been a fan of your work ever since. Would like to see you on Hoeg Law's podcast -- Virtual Legality. Keep lighting them fire crackers under people seats.

Tim Baker

Thanks for doing the episode but my major takeaway is that social media often brings out the worst in everyone. To each their own, but if the goal is authentic interaction with human beings, Twitter remains an alarmingly deceitful artifact of the ‘real thing’ upon Plato’s cave.

Ryan B.

Best episode of SS+ yet! Would love more episodes of you two going back and forth - even on topics outside of the political realm.

Nathan Guergis

I didn’t know that the Tell Me Why protagonist was originally not transgendered. Kinda sours it for sure. But, I respect Dontnod for what they’ve done with Life Is Strange so far, specifically how they handled the Hispanic protagonists in 2, so I’m hopeful they made the change more for their own story purposes and then reached out to GLAAD after. I like Gone Home more than The Witcher 3 based on my time with the latter. 🤷🏻‍♂️ GameSpot was a site I used to use all the time back in the day, probably second only to IGN, but I haven’t been back since that Kane & Lynch mess. Jeff didn’t deserve that shit.

NeO JD

Its so true Zach! I squealed when someone at work i didnt know dropped a wrestling term and i said... do you... watch.. wrasslin? And it was a friendship immediately lol

Greg Kolisnyk

awesome show. thanks for this.

Joey Finelli

Many great comments here about the insightful, salient, and important points in the conversation, so I'll just throw in a lighter remark appreciating the shout-out to the scripted "sport". Wrasslin' fans always love to find fellow wrasslin' fans.

Zach Brown

Wow. What a fantastic conversation. I appreciate you Sophia, and the honesty and humility you brought to the conversation. You definitely made a positive impact on a wee nerd up in northern ontario! Keep sharing your thoughts, makes the world better for all of us.

Greg Kolisnyk

If he doesn’t bring me on for Cyberpunk 2077 discussions or The Last Of Us 2, let’s all riot!!!

sophia narwitz

Me too!

sophia narwitz

Big fan of Sophia!

GameSimp

This was a great episode, SS+ is perfect for delving into these kinds of topics. Would love to have Sophia on again to talk about something a little more uplifting and light hearted, like favourite video games, upcoming games or what ever, maybe do a ménage à trois with you two plus Chris? Keep up the great work! / form the dark, cold and barren hell hole that is Sweden in February.

Frej Karlsson

I love this content. It it makes me proud and reinforces my instint to support Colin. I never liked, probably 98% of game journalist. Their work is one thing, but the hints of personality that emerge is almost always a turn off. I never been a sheep. I'm see through bull shit too. I appreciate the integrity, honesty, freedom, and intellectual thinking CLS consistently delivers. In and out of videogames I know I can trust and be entertained here. Bravo

OrochiNewsTeam

Best episode yet. Keep fighting the good fight both of you.

Logan

Much appreciated! Thanks. ☺️

sophia narwitz

Me too! 😂

sophia narwitz

Loved this episode and would love to have Sophia on the show more regularly!

Sammy

Thanks! She'll certainly be back.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening!

Colin Moriarty

I've talked to her fairly extensively about her Twitter use. Here's the thing: I want Sophia to be herself. That's who she is, and I don't want to change her. But I'm happy to help guide her towards a more... let's call it socially solvent place, by being less aggravated and more funny and snarky. Which is where she is now, and I respect it. I don't agree lockstep with anyone that works for me, or their opinions. That's a completely unrealistic expectation. But I do want everyone that works for me to uphold themselves to some code of decency, and I think Sophia mostly hits that mark (as I mostly do, too).

Colin Moriarty

Duly noted.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! That's high praise.

Colin Moriarty

I didn't say it was hypocritical of the Disco Elysium devs to make a game supporting communism; I said it's hypocritical of them to be avowed Marxists while reaping the benefits of the capitalist system that is making them rich. It's complete nonsense. People try to deflect Sanders' wealth as not an issue, but it is. It's so much an issue that he himself has stopped referring to "the greed of the millionaire class" as soon as he became one. As for your black history month comment, that completely takes out of context what I was even saying, and I think you know that. All I said was that these months of cultural celebration seem strange when we should just be celebrating these people all the time, as we should be celebrating all good people and their contributions.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

I find the entire premise of Persona a little strange, honestly. LOL.

Colin Moriarty

Say Nope to Dope.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! <3

Colin Moriarty

LOL. I suppose you can look at it like that!

Colin Moriarty

I only want open-minded collaborators, even if they don't completely agree with me. =)

Colin Moriarty

That's a great compliment. Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

Colin Moriarty

Sophia, thanks for fighting the good fight. And on the point of Void Point and Ion Fury, I ignored all the hate and played the game (cause it looked really cool) and loved it. Thanks for doing your part to support their team!

Jayce Tamulevich

This was fantastic, Sophia is so great. Can't wait for her return.

Marcus Brown

God you brought up her toxicity on twitter.. for someone who was supposedly against it she wasn’t doing herself any favors for the cringe stuff she would say to contribute to it. Good to own up to that shit.. it can come off as a reflection of Colin by association and I didn’t find it to be a good look at all.

Craig Carter

This could have been 4 hours and I would have been okay with it.

TheLaosMonster

This is honestly one of the best Podcasts I’ve listened to in a very long time and I listen to a lot. Excellent job both of you. I’m totally up for more of Sophia, she’s awesome.

Shaun Wilkinson

Really enjoyed this conversation. Sophia's viewpoint is refreshing and I hope you have her on more, Colin. I do have a couple criticisms, though. It's not hypocritical of the Disco Elysium devs to make a game that supports communism. And it's not hypocritical for Bernie to be a millionaire and want more taxes on himself. People can support ideas that don't benefit themselves. You don't need to give in to this knee-jerk reactionary mindset. It's the kind of thing that gets people on the left to dismiss you. Supporting Stalin is horrendous. That should be enough. And do you really need to take issue with black history month, Colin? Pick your battles man. I understand this reactionary temptation because of all the woke nonsense nowadays, but you're smart enough to not give into it.

Jake Z

Should also say I really enjoyed this episode and found the conversation very interesting. Was great to hear from Sophia.

Matthew Cooper

Really great episode, really enjoy having a guest on!

Tanner Brant

The Persona situation is so wierd. I'm a fan and as a kid my perverted self had no problem romancing a 16 yr old. As an adult I find it odd that you as a 16 year old are just fucking anyone and everything when you max their stats, but a sleazy gay couple flirting with a 16 year old is outrage worthy?

Alan Ortega-Lopez

How far will it go though? You literally have sex with adults as a 16ish year old highschool student. Culturally though, Japan's legal age is different, so everything has to be looked at through a different cultures lense

Alan Ortega-Lopez

The Persona thing is a tough one because part of me is desperate to agree that Atlus shouldn't be touching their own writing and putting the game out as intended... But being super familiar with the context, there's a lot of reasons why I end up sympathizing with their choice. For one, the scene in question really is an outdated representation, to the degree that in a couple of decades it'll probably be looked upon about as warmly as we now look at blackface. I'm not saying the Atlus writers should go to jail or have their work forcibly changed, or even that we should excise blackface from cinema history (it's important to understand the way we were in the past, and how we've changed), but if someone today did an unironic blackface in the same tone of portrayal as P5's scene here (unlike, say, the blackface in Mad Men or Tropic Thunder, which were both used far more meaningfully), I think the public reaction would be justifiable. Now I wouldn't personally be too bothered if the scene were still in P5R, I could live with my distaste and move on with my life. So I definitely think people hounding them to change the scene are overzealous. But at the same time, the reactions have been a two way street, and I think a lot of people are being super reactionary in the other direction. It's totally understandable to me why they would look at the scene and think it's something that should be changed to make the product better. That's kind of the whole point behind Persona 5 Royal, which has tons of edits and changes to the story beyond just this one scene. I wish everyone would just calm down.

Travis Johnson

Dope

Daniel Schiffer

CLS putting out quality content as usual.

Jessica Gutiérrez

I do not say this kind of think lightly, but I do not see how someone can be pro-Stalin. He's one of the most prolific mass murderers in history. That is absolutely past a threshold. Would anyone be pro-Ted Bundy? I don't think he even got to triple digits, whereas Stalin's body count would be in the millions.

Matthew Cooper

Hey, look! Fireside Chats is back =D

Adam Barnes

Absolutely fascinating episode. I’m from the UK and feel we don’t really understand the gaming political divide over the pond. But thank god Colin and everyone he collaborates with is true to themselves and will say it how it is

Chris

Definitely one of the best episodes. Really makes me miss fireside chats.

Cole Helgerson

Gotta be honest; this is one of the best Sacred Symbols episodes, period. Great topics and insight!

Steve Appleton

Thank you for listening!

Colin Moriarty

Great episode. Sophia was awesome. Appreciate you both!

Tyler Floyd

Thanks for listening. <3

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! She'll certainly be back.

Colin Moriarty

Lemme think about it.

Colin Moriarty

I believe in meritocracy. =)

Colin Moriarty

I'd blame it on Dustin, but it's actually my fault. He actually fixed it. LOL.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, I just made a mistake.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah.

Colin Moriarty

Yes. It's fixed now.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, brain fart on my end.

Colin Moriarty

Sophia, it’s always a pleasure to listen to you and Colin! Two very intelligent people have a constructive and thoughtful conversation. My cup of tea.

Will Hahn

What kind of topics would you like to see covered?

sophia narwitz

<3

sophia narwitz

I loved this episode. I know this is mainly for the patrons, but I recommend this episode should reach the main feed. There’s so so SO much that was said here that needs to be heard and I agree with everything you’ve had to say Sophia. Chefs kiss.

Mark Zebro, Jr.

You killed it don’t worry about the breathing it isn’t even noticeable.

Brandon Lahood

I need to work on my asthmatic breathing not getting picked up on mic. 😅

sophia narwitz

You must have her on more often colin! Wasn’t to sure what to expect from this but its one if the best yet. Real insight into some of the shady goings on in the gaming industry, I believe you two could make some really great podcasts in the future!

Reece Taylor

Colin I have a proposal: you, me, mountains of meth, and a fight to the death in the octagon. Whoever lives will decide the legally correct pronunciation of "niche"

Watch Ergo Proxy

This is cool. I like having guests on the show! Also, I'm with you 100%. It doesn't matter about race, or gender, you should want the best talent possible! Also for some context, I consider myself on the mid right side of the political spectrum.

Anthony J Sanchez

But why?

Saúl Nolasco

We're all human people, mistakes happen.

Saúl Nolasco

It's funny, the download name is correct, it appears he just misnamed the post.

Joseph La Russa

Sacred Symbols+*?

Christian Cugini

Johnny Rosado

Shouldn't it be Sacred Symbols+?

NotYurRealDad

So excited for more side quests

Dann O.K.

This I called KnockBack, where's Dagan?

TheWirv