Episodes

In this episode, I brought you news about Raven Studios unionizing efforts (and Activision’s attempts to squash it). Some Activision Blizzard King workers are concerned about how the acquisition will affect them. I also talked about the “Unannounced Survival Game”, news related to Diablo II: Resurrected PTR, and content from the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: @ABetterABK tweeted that the Raven QA strike had ended Game Development posted an article titled: “Activision Bliz...

In this episode, I bring you all the news I could find regarding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. There was a lot of stuff to talk about, and I included some of my opinions about it. Towards the end of the show, Shawn (editor of Shattered Soulstone) weighs in with his opinions, and a discussion happens. Things mentioned in this episode: The Wall Street Journal posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard Pushes Out Dozens of Employees Over Workplace Misconduct”. The Wall...

In this episode, I bring you news from not only Activision Blizzard, but also from Microsoft, Google, and a few esports companies. The rest of the show is all about Diablo-related things, including the mysterious “Tales from the Horadric Library?” Things mentioned in this episode: GameSpot posted an article titled: “Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Calls for Cross-Platform Ban Program” Inverse posted an article titled: “Activision Employees Speak Out On the Company’s “Radio Silence” Amid Strike” Wired...

In this episode, I bring you updates from various gaming companies, including Activision Blizzard King. After that, I dig into Diablo content from the @Diablo account and the Diablo community. The Darkening of Tristram is now live! Things mentioned in this episode: @ABetterUbisoft tweeted a new profile pic and mentioned solidarity with @ABetterABK @ABetterABK tweeted about working with @ABetterUbisoft and other colleagues in the game industry @ABetterABK tweeted about the striking Raven QA w...

In this episode, I mention “25 Years of Diablo”. I also bring you good news for striking Blizzard workers, an article about a former Blizzard worker with bad takes, and a Riot Games settlement. In addition, I highlight content created by the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: @_TechJess tweeted that the striking Activision Blizzard workers confirmed pay from the Strike Fund. @ABetterABK tweeted the accomplishments of the ABK Workers Alliance. Kotaku posted an article titled:...

In this episode, I point you towards Lanntonio’s Spotfund. He is raising money for medical bills. I also talked about what was in the boxes that were sent to some Diablo players. After that, I briefly went over the latest unionization efforts, before talking about a Diablo III patch and the Diablo IV Quarterly report. Things mentioned in this episode: Lanntonio has a spotfund and is trying to raise money for medical bills his insurance won’t cover. The Washington Post posted an article titled...

In this episode, I review everything happening in regards to the unionizing efforts at Activision Blizzard. In short, when a company starts trying scare tactics in order to prevent its workers from unionizing – it shows the company is afraid. I hope the workers get their union as soon as possible. I also talked about patch notes for Diablo II: Resurrected, and pointed you towards creativity from the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: @ABetterABK tweeted about the #WeAreRaven ...

In this episode, I have a special guest who many of you may recognize. Leviathan joined me to talk about a variety of topics. This includes the exciting news that Leviathan will be joining Blizzard (Soon TM)! We also talked about what a future BlizzCon might be like, how the pandemic gave people time for introspection, what it is like to go through the process of getting hired at Blizzard, and what California weather is like. Of course, we also talked about Season 25 of Diablo III. Where to fi...

In this episode, I bring you up to date with the latest news regarding Activision Blizzard. I also talked about accessibility in gaming, patch notes for Diablo 2: Resurrected (for both PC and console) and the cool stuff we are getting in Season 25 of Diablo III! Things mentioned in this episode: NLPC posted an article titled: “NLPC Demands Coca-Cola Remove Besieged Gaming CEO from its Board” Penny Arcade posted a comic regarding Bobby Kotick. All Things Azeroth tweeted a Question of the Week...

In this episode, I mention a few Diablo-related Black Friday sales. I bring you up to date with the latest news regarding CEO Bobby Kotick. I also talked about Season 24 of Diablo III and the Diablo: Immortal Closed Beta. Things mentioned in this episode: Blizzard Black Friday Sale Carbot Animations Black Friday Sale Redbubble hoodies and shirts with Lilith’s face on them IGN posted an article titled: “Nintendo Joins Sony And Xbox In Calling Activision Blizzard Crisis ‘Disturbing'” Polygon p...

This episode may be hard to listen to for people who have been through certain kinds of abuse. Everything I talked about in the show is linked here in the show notes so you can pick and choose what you want to read. The short explanation is that CEO Bobby Kotick must go. Things mentioned in this episode: The Wall Street Journal posted an article titled: “Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Knew for Years About Sexual-Misconduct Allegations at Videogame Giant”. Archive.today has a copy of The Wall Str...

In this episode, I briefly go over what I’ve been up to with Diablo III lately. I pointed out another person who has left Blizzard Entertainment (from the Diablo Immortal team). There’s also some good news for Activision Blizzard King workers! I also point you toward art and videos created by the Diablo Community, and updates to the recent Diablo III patch notes! Things mentioned in this episode: @Diablo tweeted a short video of a Necromancer’s skeleton, running aimlessly. Blizzplanet posted ...

In this episode, I provide a potluck of information that goes together about as well as any potluck can. I start with news about Activision Blizzard King financials, staff changes, and commentary from A Better ABK. I also mentioned updates on Blizzard games, including Diablo Immortal, Diablo 2: Resurrected, and Diablo III. Things mentioned in this episode: Merriam-Webster definition of “potluck” Yahoo! Finance posted “Activision Blizzard earnings beat expectations on bottom line, but miss Q4 ...

In this episode, I point out what’s been happening with the Activision Blizzard lawsuit. Some of it sounds like it could be good – but should be considered a starting point. I also talked about BlizConline 2022, Diablo Immortal Closed Beta, resources for Diablo II: Resurrected, and more! Things mentioned in this episode: BlizConline will not happen in 2022 Activision Blizzard posted “Creating A More Accountable Workplace” The Verge posted an article titled “Activision Blizzard is trying to g...

In this episode, I have a special guest whose voice will be easily recognized by long-time listeners of Shattered Soulstone. Our “Fourth Musketeer” – Lanntonio! We talked about a variety of things, including how he’s doing. We also talked about Diablo II: Resurrected, and a little bit about Diablo I and Diablo III. You can find Lanntonio on Discord at “lanntonio’s server”. Where to find Jen’s Diablo Content Creation: Shattered Soulstone T-shirts now available on Jen’s Redbubble! Book of Jen ...

In this episode, I bring you news about the various groups who are suing Activision Blizzard, and who are now fighting with each other. I read you part of an article about Diablo IV voice actors. I spent some time talking about the latest Patch Notes for Diablo II: Resurrected. And I ended the show by quickly pointing out things from the Diablo Community. Things mentioned in this episode: Wowhead posted an article titled “DFEH Expedited Request Denied, CWA Files Separate Intervention Against A...

In this episode, I discuss what is going on with the Activision Blizzard lawsuit, mention the Twitch hack, and talk about the Diablo IV Quarterly Update. I also pointed out some wonderful Diablo II: Resurrected art and other creations made by the Diablo Community. Things mentioned in this episode: The Verge posted “California just made it a lot harder for companies to cover up harassment and abuse” The California Law is called “Settlement and nondisparagement agreements” Kotaku posted “Calif...

In this episode, I talked about the settlement between Activision Blizzard and the EEOC. After that, I pointed out a ton of amazing artwork created by the Diablo community. The last part of the show focuses on forum posts from the Diablo team. Things mentioned in this episode: The Verge posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard strikes $18 million settlement with US employment watchdog” Kotaku posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard Settles With Federal Employment Agency For $18 M...

In this episode, I start by reviewing my week in gaming. This time it was both Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrected. Next, I provided an update on yet another Activision Blizzard lawsuit. Also highlighted people from the Diablo community who got some really nice in-real-life loot from Blizzard. Things mentioned in this episode: The Wall Street Journal posted “SEC is Investigating Activision Blizzard Over Workplace Practices, Disclosures” IGN posted “The SEC Is Now Investigating Activision Bl...

In this episode, I gave a short description of my Diablo III game play. From there I went through the latest shenanigans of Activision Blizzard, including a new lawsuit. The rest of the show is about Diablo games including Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrected. Things mentioned in this episode: Activision Blizzard press release states they hired outside of the company Vice posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard Workers Accuse Company of ‘Union Busting’ and ‘Intimidation'” National La...

In this video, I talked briefly about my week in gaming. I also have a mixed bag of topics that are sorta-kinda related. Most of it is related to Diablo II: Resurrected. Some is about Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft. Things mentioned in this episode: New Hearthstone to Hell episode was released on September 6 @TanyaBayerCos posted a photo of her amazing Lilith cosplay (Diablo IV) Pez Radar (Community Manager) posted a blue note titled: “Diablo II: Resurrected Console Lobbies, TCP/IP, & UW Up...

In this video, I talked a little bit about my week in gaming. I’ve been playing Diablo III. I also bring you an update regarding the Activision Blizzard mess, and then point out stuff connected to Diablo II: Resurrected and… Hearthstone? Things mentioned in this episode: Slate posted an article titled: “The Investors Trying to Fix the Most Toxic Company in Video”. FilthieRich (Community Manager) posted in the Forum about a patch update for Diablo III. Maxroll posted “A Deep Dive into Augment...

In this episode, I talked a little bit about the Diablo II: Resurrected Open Beta. After that, I went over new allegations regarding the Activision Blizzard lawsuit. As a reminder, it is okay to keep playing Blizzard games that you love because it helps the employees keep their jobs. Things mentioned in this episode: I found a bug in the Diablo II: Resurrected Open Beta! @Diablo tweeted that Diablo II: Resurrected will return September 23rd Hooley (Community Manager) posted in the Diablo II:...

In this episode, I quickly went over my week in gaming – including a little bit about my experience playing the Diablo II: Resurrected Open Beta on my Xbox S. I also included information that could be helpful to those who are also playing the beta this weekend. Things mentioned in this episode: @Diablo tweeted about the Diablo II: Resurrected Open Beta Blizzplanet tweeted helpful information for those playing the Diablo II: Resurrected Open Beta on PS5/PS4 and Xbox Series X Blizzard posted i...