‘GTA’ Leaks, Copycat Clones, and How to Get Back Into Gaming

Ben and Matt James deliver their hands-on impressions of failing to play FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods during a disastrous network test. Then, they react to recent news: fresh Grand Theft Auto VI leaks, another live-service snafu for Sony in Horizon Hunters Gathering, Dave Bautista’s selection as a recast Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War, Disney’s decision to double down on Kingdom Hearts, and a sequel funded by a mysterious, rich patron. After that, Ben brings on prolific reporter Nicole Carpenter to talk about an epidemic of game cloning, the moral and legal lines between inspiration and imitation, and how the industry’s copycat problem pertains to Steam sensation Meccha Chameleon, Roblox smashes Grow a Garden and Steal a Brainrot, and Palworld. Finally, Ben brings on writer (and doctor) Rany Jazayerli to explain what it’s like to give up gaming for decades before finally returning to the fold.

Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Matt James, Nicole Carpenter, Rany Jazayerli
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell