2025 was a turbulent year for the video game industry, marked by studio closures, hardware uncertainty, delayed releases, and a growing sense that modern gaming has lost clear leadership and creative direction.

In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, Antonius and Super SSS Rank break down the biggest industry failures and frustrations of 2025, including Xbox’s identity crisis, Nintendo’s changing perception among longtime fans, the increasing reliance on Rockstar Games to drive innovation, and the absence of true “must-play” cultural moments that once defined gaming eras.

The conversation also explores the rising cost of technology, the impact of AI on accessibility, the future of handheld gaming, and why PC, mobile devices, and platforms like Steam are reshaping how and where people play. Despite the challenges, the episode highlights positive trends such as the rise of indie developers, improved crossplay support, stronger game adaptations, and promising titles heading into 2026.

This episode serves as a candid reflection on where gaming stands today—and what it will take for the industry to regain trust, creativity, and leadership moving forward.

The Game Awards 2025 sparked mixed reactions, surprise wins, and growing questions about the future of the gaming industry.

In this episode of the Press Start Select Podcast, the crew breaks down what worked, what fell flat, and why the show felt strangely hollow this year. We discuss Clair Obscur’s Game of the Year sweep, the ongoing frustration with CGI trailers and live-service fatigue, and whether gamers are officially in “backlog season.”

The conversation also touches on Resident Evil 9, Sega’s absence from the show, Nintendo’s Amiibo-locked DLC, Xbox’s continued struggles, and the growing role of AI in game development.

Plus, a major moment for the show as Tim announces his departure from the physical podcast after more than 70 episodes.

Netflix acquiring Warner Bros might be the biggest entertainment industry shake-up in years — and the ripple effects could permanently change gaming, streaming, and how major IPs are handled going forward.

In Episode 72 of Press Start Select Podcast, we break down what this deal could mean for DC, Mortal Kombat, HBO, and WB Games, why it feels like both a power move and a panic move, and whether this level of consolidation is actually healthy for the industry.

We also talk about Digimon’s unexpected resurgence with Time Stranger, honest thoughts on Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Bleach Rebirth of Souls, and why AAA gaming feels like it’s hitting a breaking point as Eastern developers continue to rise. Plus, we close out the episode with our Game Awards predictions, Sonic 3’s nomination snub, surprise trailer expectations, and a deeper conversation about nostalgia-driven franchises and anime power scaling chaos.

If you’re into gaming industry conversations, anime debates, and watching the business side of entertainment collide with nostalgia, this episode delivers.