It's an especially tumultuous time for the gaming industry as aggressive monetization tactics face intense pushback from media and consumers. Even as sports games consistently reside near the top of the sales charts and generate extraordinary digital revenue publishers are looking ahead for how to not only sustain that success but grow even further. In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the subject of microtransactions/loot boxes and their influence on game design is revisited with dis...

What can more powerful hardware do to improve some already very good sports video games? We got the answer this week with the release of the Xbox One X and in this episode of the Press Row Podcast the benefits of the pricey new console are examined. The likes of Madden NFL 18, FIFA 18, NBA 2K18, and Forza can now be played in native 4K with HDR (true also of the PS4 Pro) but the improvements go beyond the visuals on Xbox One X. Framerates can be better and loading times are significantly ...

Whether it’s the VC in NBA 2K18 or the increased presence of “loot boxes” in other high-profile games, the influence on development directly related to monetization efforts is at the forefront of discussion right now amongst gaming press and consumers. In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the panel covers why it has taken until now for such immense backlash to formulate, the necessity of publishers/developers to find ways to generate digital revenue post-release, whether games f...

Sports video games are enjoying – in many cases – their most profitable releases ever. In other areas, however, there are reasons for concern. We’re joined by Mat Piscatella from the NPD to explore all the angles around the big business – and big money – of sports video games. What does all of this mean to consumers? What about developers? Who are the big winners, and who stands to be left out of the party? It’s a fun and fascinating look at the business behind the games that we ...

With the recent avalanche of releases how does a sports gaming fan choose where to spend their money and time? Matthew Kato of Game Informer is welcomed for this episode of the Press Row Podcast to help sort through all the games that have recently arrived. Discussion includes which of the soccer games is the one to get, how microtransactions are affecting series like NBA 2K and Forza, the best sports game for the unfamiliar or inexperienced, the biggest surprises and disappointments as of l...