Neopets Revival, Controversial Loot Boxes & Streaming Services Woes
1Welcome to the eleventh installment of the Trade and Raid podcast, where we trade smart and raid hard. Get ready for another exciting episode, packed with gaming news, industry insights, and engaging discussions, going live on July 19th, 2023 at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Kicking things off is our newest segment, Midweek Updates, where we bring you the latest from the world of gaming, geek culture, and everything in between. This week we discuss the rebirth of a beloved classic, Neopets, a quirky story about an unauthorized GTA San Andreas restaurant, and a hilarious hiccup with the Pokemon Sleep app. We also marvel at the recently released $1,699 Grimlock Transformers toy that transforms on its own and enjoy the nostalgia trip that is the new Sonic Superstars opening animation.
The next segment focuses on the controversial issue of gambling in video games, specifically with loot boxes. The UK games industry's recent decision to restrict access to loot boxes signals a change in the landscape, but at what cost? We discuss the potential impacts of these changes, delve into an enlightening article on how loot boxes in children's games can lead to gambling habits, and take a behind-the-scenes look at the manipulative tactics used by some companies to maximize their profits at the expense of their players.
We wrap up with a segment dedicated to the changing face of streaming services. Netflix's recent removal of its basic ad-free plan and Peacock's price hike signify a disturbing trend. Is the future of streaming starting to look too much like traditional cable TV? And are consumers growing tired of juggling multiple subscriptions just to watch their favorite shows? We’ll dive into these pressing questions and more.
Don't miss out on these and other intriguing topics in this week's episode. Catch us live on YouTube every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 p.m. EST. If you miss a live episode, don’t worry. We cut down our segments into bite-sized videos for your convenience. Remember to subscribe to our channel for regular updates and remember to trade smart, and raid hard!