• #396 | These Changing Years, They Add To Your Confusion
    Feb 2 2026
    With the chase for AI obliterating affordability in computing-related markets, it should come as no surprise that Sony may be deliberating a delay for PlayStation 6's rollout and release. But recent commentary from a well-connected financial analyst suggests that PS6's purported delay may be more substantial than we thought, perhaps precipitated by more factors than we initially thought. When does the gaming world need the next PlayStation? Could we go potentially several more years on PS5 alone? We discuss. Plus: Chris has played Highguard extensively and has a lot to say, Rockstar may take our advice and forego physical copies of GTAVI at launch to avoid spoilers, Ubisoft unions are agitating for an international strike at the publisher's many offices, MLB: The Show 26 gets its cover athlete and a release date, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Are mini-maps useful or distracting? How do we feel about Final Fantasy VII Remake's new "Streamlined Progression" update? Is New Game+ functionality catering to an older, diminishing audience? Did Dustin enjoy his romantic California getaway with Brad? This week, PrizePicks has a special Max Discount for the Big Game, live in the app now! Drake Maye just needs 1 passing yard for the Max Discount to win! Just add another player to your line up and if your picks hit you can cash in! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SACRED and use code SACRED and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/symbols and get on your way to being your best self Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/sacred Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:18:45 - Dustin's weekend away0:30:16 - The Persona concert0:42:43 - 2026 snow storm0:53:47 - Football story1:00:25 - PlayStation 6 could be delayed1:28:06 - PS5 Pro and Portal attach rates1:34:00 - Real PS4 Portable1:37:12 - Rumor that GTA VI will be digital only at launch1:50:21 - Ubisoft strike2:13:38 - MLB: The Show cover revealed2:17:03 - February PS+ games2:21:00 - What We're Playing (Front Mission 1st Remake, Castlevania Requiem, Highguard, The Exit 8, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow, Code Vein II)3:15:47 - Mini maps in games3:23:29 - FF7 Remake update3:29:17 - Should we support PlayStation live service?3:36:34 - Are huge games unsustainable?3:46:37 - Kotaku evolved?3:54:25 - Is replaying games unc coded? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    4 horas e 12 minutos
  • #395 | It Never Made Much Sense
    Jan 26 2026
    The Ubisoft that we knew is dead. In its place, a new structure has emerged, a federalized series of five "Creative Houses," each with its own studios, IP, revenue flow, and responsibilities. Ultimately, it's the new Ubisoft's way of giving their employees all the leeway they need to make great stuff. But then again, you know what they say about getting too much rope. Will the once-great French publisher survive and thrive again? One thing's for sure: The old way of doing things has long been a nonstarter. Other news this week includes a March 5th release date for Marathon, the spinning-off of Sony's TV business, more Xbox games en route to PS5, cumulative 2025 software sales data for the American market, and more. We then end things -- as we always do -- with six listener inquiries from our beloved audience. When should we expect word on Persona 6? Will we replay Returnal in preparation for Saros? How should Naughty Dog navigate the choppy marketing waters surrounding Intergalactic? Will Colin survive the upcoming winter storm? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:25:27 - Prayers for Gene0:32:11 - Colin preparing for snow0:41:07 - Isla Vanal0:46:21 - Burrito mishap0:54:08 - Ubisoft details their reorganization1:45:56 - Sony spins-off TV business1:59:01 - Marathon has a release date2:13:37 - Four new Xbox games coming to PlayStation2:39:02 - ThiGames made a lot of money2:40:40 - December 2025 Circana data2:48:57 - Crimson Desert goes gold2:49:16 - Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake coming2:49:47 - What We’ve Been Playing (Mega Man 11, Front Mission 1st Remake, Jak & Daxter, Kingdom Hearts 23:05:59 - Naughty Dog noise3:14:58 - Settings unexplored in gaming3:19:46 - When will we see Persona 6?3:23:47 - How long will Highguard last?3:32:55 - Plans for Saros3:35:50 - Trendy tropes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    3 horas e 57 minutos
  • #394 | You're A God
    Jan 19 2026
    As PlayStation's aggressive pursuit of crossmedia success continues, we have a new piece of news worth considering in the form of the casting of Kratos in Amazon's upcoming God of War series. 6'6" American actor Ryan Hurst has won the coveted role, joining notable writers, directors, and a famous showrunner to make what could very well be Sony's most promising TV property yet. We discuss. Plus: A notorious developer known for more than a thousand asset flip-slash-Trophy farming games has all of its titles removed from the PSN, compelling evidence circulates that 2016's The Division is getting a Definitive Edition on PS5 somewhat imminently, Xbox's Fable joins Avowed as yet another game slated for Sony's console, Call of Duty sales purportedly plummet 60% year-over-year, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! With Colin only a few Platinums away from 200, is there any game he's specifically targeting for the milestone? Following the closure of Meta's largest VR studios, is the pursuit of virtual reality in games officially dead? Could Sea of Thieves be the actual, original extraction shooter (for lack of a better term)? Do we anticipate we'll ever win the Golden Globe for Best Podcast? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:30:04 - Rest in Peace Mojo0:34:17 - Golden Globe's best podcast0:37:48 - Stand down Dave0:38:38 - Long Island lore0:43:56 - Ryan Hurst is Kratos0:56:57 - The Division: Definitive Edition?1:04:21 - Is Sony doing something about Trophy slop games?1:20:34 - Forza Horizon 5 sells over 5 million on PS51:26:51 - Fable is coming to PS51:41:15 - Is Call of Duty failing?2:04:02 - PS+ Extra Games2:06:58 - PSN Top games 20252:11:36 - What We’ve Been Playing (Mega Man 11, Destiny 1, Kingdom Hearts 2)2:28:58 - Colin's 200ths platinum plans2:32:39 - Lillymo DLC2:39:40 - Forgiveness for a 4 year old's gaming skills?2:43:56 - Fallout Season 22:48:49 - Meta shutting down studios3:04:07 - Why doesn't Sea of Thieves get enough credit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    3 horas e 21 minutos
  • #393 | Pleasantly Caving In
    Jan 12 2026
    Happy New Year! Well, maybe not so happy for Sony. That's because -- if rumors and percolations are true -- PlayStation 5's ROM keys have been leaked, meaning that the console is likely on the verge of being jailbroken. And for veterans of the PS3 era, you know precisely what that means: Chaos. Well, maybe? Let's discuss this potentially serious development. Also: Ruminations on the passing of legendary games producer Vince Zampella, new inbound DualSense and cover colors, Marathon's exiting art director, Gran Turismo 7 quietly amassing a huge player base, Kojima's plans to cast (and begin shooting) PHYSINT this year, China Hero Project title Convallaria running into serious issues, Wolfenstein 3 whispers, and much more. Then: Listener inquiries! With computing component pricing and rarity skyrocketing, should we expect a much-delayed PlayStation 6 launch? With only a few weeks until launch, is Wildlight's F2P shooter Highguard in serious trouble? Following a second Ghost game, what should Sucker Punch make next? Is Dustin quietly morphing into a furry before our very eyes? This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/symbols and get on your way to being your best self Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:34:01 - Shout out to Thomas!0:35:25 - Post break mindset0:43:26 - Naming rights college trust fund0:56:34 - Dustin furry allegations1:07:54 - Vince Zampella's passing1:24:17 - Will PS5 be jailbroken soon?1:41:27 - New DualSense and covers coming1:46:19 - Marathon's art director leaves Bungie1:54:11 - GT7 has 2 million MAU2:05:46 - PHYSINT casting and motion capture in 20262:18:45 - Sony patents "AI Ghost"2:27:13 - China Hero Project game Convallaria in trouble2:35:51 - Machine Games is working on Wolfenstein 32:39:22 - New Witcher 3 DLC?2:46:48 - 007: First Light delayed2:48:25 - No Hundred Line on PS52:53:41 - January PS+ games2:57:06 - ARC Raiders dominates PSN and PSN top downloads3:14:26 - Games sales news3:15:55 - What We’re Playing (Terminator 2D, Dying Light: The Beast, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, MM Legacy Collection 1-2, MM11, Mega Man X, Fallout: New Vegas, The Alters, Dragon Quest VII demo, Skate Story, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance)3:48:22 - Is PS6 getting delayed okay?3:59:47 - What's going on with Highguard?4:13:26 - Gaming Merch4:24:22 - What's next for Sucker Punch?4:30:37 - Talking about what you like vs dislike4:37:42 - Crunch at Naughty Dog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    4 horas e 57 minutos
  • #392 | Our Most Anticipated Games of 2026
    Jan 5 2026
    If rumors about PlayStation 6 are true, then we're well into the back-half of PS5's tenure as Sony's primary console. And -- as is often the case at this point in a generation -- the releases are starting to pick up drastically, especially dramatic considering the sheer number of options on the market these days. Thus, it's time for the second of our two yearly traditions here on Sacred Symbols, as we pre-record a couple of holiday episodes for Christmas break. While we gathered last week to look back at the year that was, it's now time to look forward at the year to come. Each of us has chosen five games (for 15 total) that we're looking forward to. The only rules are that they have to be PS5-bound and either confirmed or assumed for release in '26. That's it! So let's get into it, and see if any of your personal favorites made our list. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/symbols ⁠and get on your way to being your best self Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SACRED and use code SACRED and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hora e 55 minutos
  • #391 | Our Favorite PlayStation Moments of 2025
    Dec 29 2025
    The holiday season is here, which means we're off for a bit. But, of course, new episodes never cease rolling out! Thus, we've arrived at the first of our two Christmastime traditions: Recounting the most consequential 'moments' in the world of PlayStation and beyond for the past calendar year. As usual, we've each selected five choices for 15 total, and they touch on topics like the first concrete rumors surrounding PlayStation 6, Helldivers 2's surprise migration to Xbox as Microsoft itself brings its whole slate of games to PS5, multiple Grand Theft Auto VI delays, the reemergence of Insomniac's Wolverine, Hermen Hulst's sudden demotion, Sony suing Tencent over the blatant Horizon ripoff Light of Motiram, and much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 horas e 35 minutos
  • #390 | But Without Me, You're Only You
    Dec 22 2025
    Let's be honest: This whole Light of Motiram thing was shady from the get-go. A game that blatantly rips off Guerrilla's Horizon franchise, created by the publisher-and-developer combo that was later revealed to have unsuccessfully pitched Sony a Horizon spin-off beforehand? They call that 'dead to rights.' And now it's official, because Sony's lawsuit against Tencent over this facsimile has been dropped with prejudice, and the game has been delisted from Steam. That's a win for PlayStation, and an even bigger win for creativity in the AAA space. We discuss. Plus: Sucker Punch co-founder, long-time producer, and studio lead Brian Fleming is officially retiring from the team after 28 years, Bungie's Marathon is slated to come to PS5 in March, Hollow Knight: Silksong is getting a free nautical expansion in '26, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! Should we expect devs to lean more deeply into attractive characters? Do we think "made using AI" warnings will appear on games at some point in the near future? Who's to blame for Highguard's tepid response at The Game Awards? Is it strange if a wheelchair-bound listener wants to proudly wear a Stand Down shirt? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:37:46 - A nice note from William0:43:47 - Andrew and Steven0:52:25 - Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble is out in some European countries0:53:55 - Light of Motiram case dropped1:02:24 - Sucker Punch's co-founder is leaving1:15:19 - Marathon gets a release month1:28:21 - Silksong sells 7 million with an expansion on the way1:31:05 - Ubisoft acquires an Amazon team1:32:32 - Mega Man Star Force Legacy collection announced1:35:14 - US sales data1:47:35 - What We’re Playing (Terminator 2D: NO FATE, Dying Light: The Beast, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, The Outer Worlds 2, Destiny 2: Renegades (The Star Wars Expansion), Skate Story, Tomba 2, Metroid Prime 4)2:11:17 - Featuring "attractive female characters"2:27:14 - Game studios and AI2:45:51 - Will the DRAM shortage effect consoles?2:53:46 - One handed gaming2:57:39 - Highguard3:08:25 - Games that will never get revived Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    3 horas e 29 minutos
  • #389 | Something's Magnetic Here
    Dec 15 2025
    The Game Awards have come and gone, leaving in its wake a whirlwind of game announcements, release date reveals, and fresh perspectives on our industry. Indeed, there's something for everyone, a draw for all comers. For starters, what's new? Two Star Wars offerings, Larian's secret Divinity project, Jonathan Blow's long-awaited Order of the Sinking Star, a sequel to Remedy's Control, Toshihiro Nagoshi's anticipated Yakuza rival Gang of Dragon, two Tomb Raider games in the form of a remake and something unseen, a Cyberpunk-like called NO LAW, and even Mega Man 12 -- well, Mega Man Dual Override, anyway -- to keep Colin fed, and more beyond that. And new looks, too, at PlayStation games like Saros and 4:LOOP, as well as Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, Exodus, and Phantom Blade 0. And then there are the awards themselves, and the pomp and circumstance, and... well... there's a lot to discuss! Plus, we have all of the non-TGA happenings from the past week, too. PlayStation Wrap-Up is live, Deviation's cancelled second party shooter has leaked, London Studio's cancelled multiplayer game has seemingly reemerged under a new team, Call of Duty might be in trouble, and so on. Then: Listener inquiries! Could MLB: The Show succeed on PC with a Football Manager-style experience? Does Netflix really see no value in WB's gaming assets? Is a rumored $1 million for three minutes of advertising at The Game Awards too much? Remember when Dustin called DW from Arthur Double D? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:27:06 - Sacred Compliments0:33:32 - A happy write in for once0:45:45 - Double D0:48:04 - Slandering the English1:01:45 - Glass Snapple1:09:54 - The Game Awards overall thoughts1:25:51 - Pragmata1:30:02 - Tank Rat1:33:16 - Bradley the Badger1:37:49 - Stupid Never Dies1:42:15 - Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic1:50:40 - Divinity1:57:23 - 4LOOP2:04:34 - Coven of the Chickenfoot2:08:56 - Ontos2:13:45 - Resident Evil Requiem2:15:35 - Order of the Sinking Star2:24:09 - Exodus2:26:48 - Warlock: Dungeons and Dragons2:27:55 - Control Resonant2:35:28 - Gang of Dragon2:41:22 - Street Fighter movie2:45:11 - Lego Batman2:47:39 - Tomb Raider2:56:09 - Saros2:58:32 - NO LAW3:03:56 - DMC Season 23:04:20 - Ace Combat 83:06:40 - Star Wars: Galactic Racer3:07:37 - Out of Words3:10:33 - Phantom Blade 03:12:02 - Mega Man: Dual Override3:20:41 - Highguard3:34:27 - PlayStation Wrap-Up 20253:52:14 - PlayStation 20264:02:32 - Can we thank Flight Sim for Xbox on PlayStation4:09:26 - Deviation's cancelled game has leaked4:24:06 - Ex-London Studio's game reemerges4:35:37 - Maybe Call of Duty isn't doing so great?4:54:32 - Capcom wants to grow their smaller IPs4:58:08 - New PS+ games5:02:35 - What We’ve Been Playing (Metal Eden, Dying Light: The Beast, Skate Story, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Metroid Prime 4, YARG)5:32:21 - Rise of actors in games5:42:19 - Would Chris and Dustin play sports games?5:50:22 - PlayStation making a Football Manager game5:56:27 - Is WB games "worthless”?6:04:28 - $1 Million for a Game Awards trailer6:09:14 - Refunding Game Pass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 horas e 27 minutos