Episodes

In this episode, I start with articles mentioning the US. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in their court case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision. Blizzard observes Juneteenth for the first time. Leviathan has moved from the Diablo Immortal team to the Diablo IV team. June 23 Hotfix list is up. Wowhead has advice about Dungeon side quests for renown. Maxroll has nightmare dungeon tier list, farming guides, and more. Season one of Diablo IV will require a brand new character. And more! ...

In this episode, I talked about Pride in Overwatch 2, and Story Missions. Several news sources mentioned the U.S. FTC filing to block Microsoft’s Activision acquisition. Diablo IV made $666 million in five days. There is an official Diablo IV Patch Notes page, and also a Diablo IV Forum about hotfixes, etc. You can listen to the Diablo IV soundtrack on Spotify. Kotaku wrote about nerfs to classes. There are two short stories about Diablo IV characters. Several articles about Diablo IV. Maxroll ...

In this episode, I talked about Microsoft might withdraw Activision merger from the UK. Overwatch celebrates Pride Month, and Running of the Trolls (WoW) will support the Trevor Project. Blizzard Pride gear is still available. Western Digital has expandable storage cards for Xbox S | X. McFarland Toys will make collectible figures based on Diablo and World of Warcraft. In Diablo IV news, Whoopi Goldberg had things to say about it. There is an official Diablo IV patch notes (that updates). Diabl...

Things I talked about in this episode include: SecretLabs, an out-of-touch interview with Bobby, KFC, and a whole lot of Diablo news! Things mentioned in this episode: @Secretlabchairs tweeted that the Lilith and Inarius chairs have sold out. Wowhead posted an article titled: “The History of Lilith, Mother of Sanctuary and Daughter of Hatred” – written by Neinball Variety posted an article titled: “Bobby Kotick Breaks His Silence: Embattled Activision CEO Addresses Toxic Workforce Claims as ...

In this episode, I talk about accessibility awareness. Microsoft posted a Transparency Report. Boosteroid customers will access more games soon. Activision Blizzard King is hiring. Activision sent cease and desist letters to companies modding CoD games. Steel Series has some hellish things for you to buy. SecretLab made two gamer chairs featuring Inarius and Lilith. Things mentioned in this episode: Microsoft posted an article titled: “Global Accessibility Awareness Day – Accessibility at the ...

In this episode, I point you toward Blizzard Pride Merchandise (from the Blizzard LGBTQ+ Employee Network). The European Commission approved the Microsoft merger. UK CMA is not happy about that. BlizzCon is back! There is a Diablo Cookbook! Unrelated, there was a “Meat Shake”. Windows Central wrote a long post about Diablo lore and history. Diablo IV gets accessibility options. And plenty of other stuff about Diablo IV. Things mentioned in this episode: Blizzard Gear Pride Merchandise Support...

This episode is a bit late because I spent a whole lot of hours on the Diablo IV Server Slam. Some of the topics in the show include: accessibility in gaming, “Danger Dumplings”, Diablo Immortal, and a whole lot about Diablo IV! Can I Play That announced awards for accessible games Inverse posted an article titled: “‘Danger Dumplings”: How Arachnophobia Inspired a New Type of Gaming Innovation” Xbox Wire posted an article titled: “Xbox Partners with USO to Support Military Service Members and...

In this episode, I point you toward a World of Warcraft story written by Christie Golden. Xbox Chief Phil Spencer laments losing the Xbox One generation. Discord wants to make you change your name. World of Warcraft appears to have considered using AI for development. BlizzCon 2023 details coming soon. NVIDIA drivers apparently support PCs during the upcoming Server Slam. Another “LOFI BEATS” has been released by Blizzard. Developer Update Livestream coming up. And more! Things mentioned in th...

In this episode, I read to you the CMA’s decision regarding the Microsoft / Activision King acquisition, along with various other articles that provide additional details. Activision Blizzard posted a “commitment to equity” and its first quarter financial results for 2023. NetEase is NOT suing Activision. Microsoft is still making deals. Another FTC Commissioner has resigned. Blizzard posted information regarding the Server Slam, including the system requirements PCs need in order to play Diabl...

In this episode, I read to you an article about Blizzard putting together a “Crisis Map”. I also included several articles from Wowhead, one about Diablo II: Resurrected, and many about Diablo IV. David Brevik told a true story on Twitter. Mike Ybarra pointed out the rewards you can obtain in the Server Slam. And more! Things mentioned in this episode: TheGamer (via Microsoft Start) posted an article titled: “Blizzard Puts Together “Crisis Map” Of Games It Cannot Ship Due To Staff Losses” Wow...

In this episode, I mention Microsoft launching its PC Game Pass in 40 countries. Microsoft also may be getting ready to add PC games to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Wowhead found a WoW pet named “Baal’ial”. Game Informer showcased its two magazine covers featuring Inarius on one and Lilith on the other. In Diablo IV news, I read to you an email I got with my stats from the Open Beta. Siliconera wrote about Altars of Lilith. Blizzard posted “Transforming Feedback Into Change”. IGN has a post with a poll a...

In this episode, I read to you articles about Activision Blizzard surveilling workers doing a walkout. Activision Blizzard is also in trouble regarding eSports. Sony appears to be really cranky about the incoming Activision Blizzard acquisition by Microsoft. Wowhead interviewed two Diablo IV developers. There is a HumbleBundle with books from Blizzard’s games. I also talked a bit about Diablo IV. Things mentioned in this episode: Engadget (Via Yahoo! News) posted an article titled: “NRLB says ...

In this episode, I read to you a thread by ABK Workers Alliance, and another thread from CODE-CWA. Also read some of the Federal Trade Commission’s questions regarding document requests. Some members of Congress think Sony is hurting Xbox in Japan. The JFTC reviewed the Activision – Microsoft merger. Bobby Kotick had things to say. Microsoft now appears to be likely to complete Activision Blizzard acquisition. Also talked a little bit about the Diablo IV betas. Things mentioned in this episode:...

In this episode, I read to you part of an article about accessibility. I also caught you up on Microsoft who appears to have big plans (if the Activision Blizzard acquirement goes through). Eurogamer had an interview with Rod Fergusson and Joe Shely. Blizzard has specs for the Open Beta for PC, Xbox, and Playstation. Adam Fletcher wrote a lot about queues and server disconnects (in the first beta). I also read you articles from Seasoned Gaming, IGN, and Wowhead. Adam Fletcher also wrote about w...

In this one, I bring you up to date on the Microsoft – Sony battle for favor from various regulators. Microsoft signed more Call of Duty deals with more companies. A bunch of gaming companies argued Microsoft’s bid to buy Activision Blizzard should go ahead. Toward the end of this episode, I started talking about my experience in the Diablo IV Early Access Beta. Things mentioned in this episode: Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) tweeted: about Microsoft and Ubitus (@ubituskk) Ubitus K.K. tweeted: ...

In this episode, I talked about CODE_CWA upset about Activision firing workers who did not want to return to office. Xbox Boss was downplaying importance of Activision merger. The FTC allowed Microsoft to access Sony documents. Sony might have to reveal what it pays for exclusives. Activision had a data breach. Microsoft took out full page ads about Call of Duty – and so much more! In Diablo news, Diablo Immortal has Sea Reavers for Season 11. Diablo III Season 28 is still live. You can opt-in ...

In this episode, I brought in a special guest who many of you will recognize: Neinball. We talked about a variety of things including Diablo IV, Diablo I, Starcraft, and Warhammer. We also talked about arcades and video games from back in the day, and more! Things mentioned in this episode: Westmarch Workshop The Diablo Podcast Where to find Jen’s Content Creation: Shattered Soulstone T-shirts now available on Jen’s Redbubble! Shattered Soulstone Pride shirts now available on Jen’s Redbubbl...

In this episode, I read to you several news articles regarding Microsoft, the Activision-Blizzard acquisition, and Microsoft’s deals with gaming companies (if the acquisition goes through). Diablo III: Season 28 is live – and that means Level With A Cause is happening! I also pointed you towards videos from Blizzard developers about Diablo IV, and how to get into the beta/redeem a beta code for Diablo IV. Diablo Immortal added fishing. Amazon has revealed that the Legends of the Barbarians: Bul-...

In this episode, I read you articles about Activision Blizzard forcing workers back to the office. I also pointed out what some governmental agencies had to say regarding disabilities and working from home as an accommodation. Mike Ybarra apparently flubbed a Q&A meeting. TwitchCon will happen this year, and IGN Fan Fest starts on February 18. I also went into detail about Diablo III’s Season 28 (and Level with a Cause). Diablo II: Resurrected’s ladder season 3 is live. Diablo Immortal had some...

In this episode, I talked about the UK’s CMA regarding the Microsoft-Activision acquisition. Bobby Kotick and Lulu Cheng Meservey had… things to say. Twitter is limiting Tweet frequency. Blizzard Entertainment has been in the industry for 32 years. Other topics include: D.I.C.E., Diablo Hell’s Ink tour, Interview with Chris Metzen, and things connected to Diablo II: Resurrected, Diablo III and Diablo Immortal. Things mentioned in this episode: Gov.UK posted a press release titled: “Microsoft –...

In this episode, I started off with Activision Blizzard paying a fine to the SEC. I read you part of a lengthy thread regarding PIPs and stack ranking. An Overwatch 2 artist has advice for those who want to become a video game artist. Overwatch 2 strongly emphasizes that you should report people ASAP. Hell’s Ink Tattoo Shop Takeover is coming back! Diablo II: Resurrected PTR is over. Diablo III PTR is live. Diablo Podcast posted Episode 17. Things mentioned in this episode: U.S. Securities and...

In this episode, I talked about Proletariat withdrawing their union petition, and a New York Times article about unions and video games. I read to you a thread regarding GDC and COVID safety. I also talked about a Bloomberg article that feels sketchy to me. The person mentioned in the Bloomberg article tweeted what really happened. Blizzard released patch notes and/or PTRs for Starcraft II, Diablo II: Resurrected, and Diablo III. Things mentioned in this episode: Polygon posted an article tit...

In this episode, I talked about Proletariat’s upcoming NLRB vote. I read to you a bunch of articles regarding a “breakup” between Blizzard and NetEase. Judge drops shareholder lawsuit against Activision board. EU is not thrilled about Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard. However, the EGDF backs Microsoft. Google and Nividia have jumped in. Microsoft is firing at least 10,000 workers. Everything’s Great! I also brought you news about a Diablo book, Diablo II: Resurrected PTR, Job o...

In this episode, I talked about a “paid holiday” (in Hell). I provided information on a California law that requires tech companies to post pay ranges in job postings. I also mentioned news from CWA, Proletariat, and CODE_CWA regarding unionization. Microsoft removed part of its argument against the FTC. Diablo II: Resurrected has a ladder reset coming up. Diablo Immortal has a lot going on including an easier way to join the Shadow faction and a new event called Tong-Shi’s Renewal Lunar Year Ev...