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Sacred Symbols, Episode 23: The Censorship Conundrum

Should video games be censored, or should anything go? The PlayStation ecosystem has recently found itself having to answer this important question, one framed around a peculiar (and often distasteful) grouping of fan service-heavy games. Some niche devs are claiming that they're being stymied, the consumers of those games aren't happy about it, and Sony itself has admitted that the rules are shifting. So, let's chat about where to go from here. Plus: December's PS+ games have arrived, GameStop posts a major financial loss, the FTC has its eyes on lootboxes, Fallout 76's drama continues, Rocksteady isn't making a Superman game, WayForward joins the Bloodstained team, and much more, enveloped -- as always -- by your questions, comments, and concerns. Oh, and it's Chris' birthday, so Colin got him a very appropriate gift. More details within.

Timestamps:

0:00:17 - Intro.
0:01:15 - Colin gives Chris a birthday present.
0:03:15 - A reminder on our December recording schedule (episodes will be released on schedule).
0:03:56 - What do we hope to see at The Game Awards?
0:07:04 - Stories about getting games for birthdays/Christmas.
0:10:18 - Kingdom Hearts III fans rebel.
0:12:08 - How are we going to deal with PlayStation 5 rumors moving forward?
0:12:54 - A Blockbuster Video-related correction.
0:13:52 - An unnecessary clarification on what the hell YoRHA means.
0:14:34 - What could PSVR do as it is right now on a hypothetical PS5?
0:16:24 - A new patent gets Vita fans unnecessarily excited.
0:17:08 - What games have we been playing?
0:24:25 - It seems Sony really is censoring (particularly niche) games.
0:30:43 - December 2018's free PS+ games are...
0:31:47 - GameStop posts a major financial loss.
0:33:11 - The FTC may get involved in regulating lootboxes in the US.
0:35:19 - The Fallout 76 drama continues (plus Q's).
0:41:33 - Japanese devs are beginning to confirm work on "next-gen" consoles.
0:42:22 - Starbreeze Studios is in financial trouble.
0:43:46 - Fortnite hits a new player milestone.
0:44:34 - Rocksteady Games confirms it's not working on a Superman game (plus Q's).
0:47:43 - WayForward joins the team behind Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (plus Q's).
0:50:40 - Minor game announcements and release date information.
0:53:38 - This week's new releases for PS4, PS Vita, and PSVR.
1:07:14 - We talk about studios' importance, but what about the actual people?
1:10:47 - Did Sony botch the PlayStation Classic?
1:21:36 - When publishers quickly drop game prices, does that screw gamers?
1:26:14 - Outro.

Sacred Symbols, Episode 23: The Censorship Conundrum

Comments

Appreciate that you've looked into it. Thanks Colin!

Manny M

I wish I could do that for you, but Patreon doesn't allow it, unfortunately. I've asked!

Colin Moriarty

Ok thanks for clarifying. I'm using the free sacred symbols feed over my private feed as I want to auto download sacred symbols only. Would be great if we could get a private rss link to just sacred symbols.

Manny M

Here on Patreon? Absolutely not. On the free feed? They place ads in there randomly.

Colin Moriarty

Am I going fucking insane or was there another entire podcast (shit they don't tell you) sliced in for a minute at 25:20??

Manny M

I'm sorry to hear that, and would love for you to reconsider, but I totally understand your decision, and I wish you the best. You can see my full comment on what's happening with Patreon here: <a href="https://twitter.com/notaxation/status/1071636548880384000" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/notaxation/status/1071636548880384000</a>

Colin Moriarty

If only.

Colin Moriarty

Naturally, but they could perhaps have a little autonomy, too, like Naughty Dog does.

Colin Moriarty

Yeah, I think I was wrong there. Will correct in next week's episode. Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Colin, I'm afraid I will be leaving Patreon over their banning of Sargon of Akkad. I will look for other ways to support your shows. Ironic timing considering this episodes title/content.

Anthony N Sowinski

Schick Hydrobot for Smash DLC!

Korey Burns

Rocksteady is owned by WB they have to make whatever they tell them too

Elias Salcedo

It makes perfect sense. Thank you for clarifying!

Daniel Schiffer

The nes and snes classic did come with power cable and small power adapter, also i could of sworn Chris had a older sister but died in a car crash.

Hose A Contra Razz

Hey Daniel! Good question. The simple answer is: I try to not post more than once a weekday on Patreon (with some rare monthly exceptions, like elections). Fridays are wide open, so I like posting the threads then. The other, also pertinent answers: Not everyone listens to the episode right when it comes out, and -- possibly most important -- I've found that if you give people a short time to answer something, you actually get more answers. =D Hope that makes sense.

Colin Moriarty

Hey Flappycat! Each Friday, a thread posts here on Patreon where you can submit your questions/comments/concerns/thoughts/ideas for the next episode. Keep an eye out!

Colin Moriarty

Thanks. For such a Photoshop moron like me, that took a little research. LOL.

Colin Moriarty

I don't necessarily want the show to change, and Colin is real damn good at answering our comments here after the show, but I'm right there with you, Daniel. I never have any questions before the show, but I often find myself wishing I could take notes and ask a bunch of questions/interject comments afterwards. Nature of the beast i suppose. Haha!

Jason Stafford

Hey Colin. I had a question regarding listener questions. Why don't you post these a day after the episode? Is it to give the episode room to breath? I only ask because I often think of questions during or not long after an episode of SS. But by the time the weekend rolls around I've often forgotten or I'm wrapped up in my weekend. I also understand you already get plenty of questions, so if it's another way to limit the chaff, that'd make sense too. Just curious. Loving the show as it continues to grow and improve!

Daniel Schiffer

Hi Chris and Collin - Whats the best way to submit a question to the show?

Cuggles

They might be lol. I don’t care what they do as long as I get evil within 3 and wolfenstein 3

John Lynch

Brilliant thumbnail hahah.

Michael Miller

Interesting anecdote: Bethesda Tweeted out that "millions" of people are playing Fallout 76. So maybe they're getting the last laugh, after all.

Colin Moriarty

I'm 10 years older than Chris, how do you think I feel?

Colin Moriarty

Indeed, indeed.

Colin Moriarty

I had no idea it was a CD Projekt game. I assumed not.

Colin Moriarty

That's what's up. &lt;3

Colin Moriarty

Atelier this, Atelier that.

Colin Moriarty

I'm very glad to be there for you. =)

Colin Moriarty

Colin is like to add to Bethesda’s financial troubles. The Evil within two sold horribly, it didn’t even sell close to the original sales even though the game was better in every way. I don’t doubt 76 was released as an attempt to grab a ton of cash because with all their critical and cult hits, thru aren’t doing well commercially

John Lynch

That moment when you notice you’re older than Chris...🤔 The Brawny wrapping killed me. 😂

NeO JD

Interesting that Sony is censoring games, but those same games are appearing on Switch uncensored. The world has truly flipped upside down.

Jason Stafford

Bought Thronebreaker on PC a few days ago, it is a CD Project game so the quality is obviously high, great writing and fully voiced, card battle system is like a better version of Gwent, i highly recommend this game, I'm not even a Witcher fan per say but this game is outstanding, just a fantastic RPG with a great battle system.

David Kramme

Helping me through the exam season ❤️

Brandon Sharkey

I love hearing you guys read the new releases, even when there are over 20 lol :) Also want everyone to know that I am one of those nerds playing all of these Atelier games! :D

Barry M. Johnson

Ah whoring my day of birth worked thanks mom and dad! That’s cool that I’m Wedged in between Chris and your brother. For my birthday I got a new job that pays a bit more and I’m pretty thankful for all the stuff you post it keeps me company while working at my current one.

Matthew Clarkson

Hey, I'm just saying it how the man who created the file format says it. That's all.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! That's very kind of you to say.

Colin Moriarty

New credits are being recorded today, and will be reflected in all shows beginning Monday through the month and into January. =)

Colin Moriarty

Oh. That is kinda sad.

Colin Moriarty

You're very welcome! =)

Colin Moriarty

He was the Anti-Christ.

Colin Moriarty

I hope it always follows you. Forever.

Colin Moriarty

Damn, eight days before Christmas. That's rough. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

Colin Moriarty

You should know better than to have infants around the show.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for listening! &lt;3

Colin Moriarty

Nice! Glad to hear it.

Colin Moriarty

Colin, I noticed at 00:05:59 you said GIF with a soft G. THANK YOU. I do too, and it is appreciated that you pronounce it correctly

Tyler

this podcast gets better and better each week. tuesdays fucking rule now.

Michal Dudic

Aw I didn't make the credits.... Im too nerdy lol another great episode

Episode went 1:29.59. I'm disappointed.

Joe McPartlin

Thanks for indulging my comment/question Colin &amp; Chris!

Brock Smith

I remember getting one of the Jampack Demo discs on PS2 that had Shadow of the Colussus on it, and I played that demo almost as much as I did the full game when I eventually got it. It was one of the first games that made me feel like I was living my own cinematic experience, despite the controls feeling clunky and counterintuitive.

Ethan Barbee

The razor guy from the last game awards was SchickTM HydroTM Man brought to you by the Schick Hydro Razor for men. But more commonly known as Schick Hydro Man, our lord and savior

Tyson Williams

Happy birthday Christopher, why does Gnomes Garden follow me everywhere Chris, why can’t I escape Gnomes Garden

Tyson Williams

Happy Birthday Chris! And Colin, please send a Happy Birthday greeting to Dagan as well! My birthday is on December 17th, so having to beg for gifts as a child a week before Christmas was always a drag, but I was also blessed with an awesome family that usually pitched in on one really nice gift for my birthday and then more thoughtful and sentiment gifts for Christmas. I’m curious to know what some of your favorite gifts that you’ve ever received are? Thank you SO much for the content and all the work you put into it, it’s easily the best $25 I could ever spend!

Ethan Barbee

I remember getting Shadow of the Colossus for Christmas. But my dad spoiled it for me because he was convinced he found the best game ever and couldn't keep it a secret.

Drew Sleezer

Just realised my son is 23wks old.... I should have called him Sacred Symbols 😂

Tony Colton

Nailed it, Colin. Thank you.

John Ceccarelli

Finally picked up DQ11 this week Col. Forgot how much I missed the grinding &lt;3

Tim J Weckwerth


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