Episode 110 - Immortals of Aveum: EA's $125 Million "Truly Awful Idea"

A new report is shedding light on just how much EA invested in its single-player FPS Immortals of Aveum, which received mixed reviews and was deemed a financial flop, resulting in about 45% of the studio's workforce being laid off shortly after release. The studio's CEO blames the packed release schedule of 2023 that put Immortals of Aveum up against behemoths like Diablo 4, Tears of the Kingdom, and Baldur's Gate 3. But developers who actually worked on the game are telling a different story. We're joined by Bill Tucker, host of A Gamer Looks At 40 Podcast, to discuss the reasons why Immortals of Aveum may have failed, as well as what it might mean for the future of AAA games.

We'll also be talking about the new study that shows more gamers than ever are identifying as LGBTQ, how the developers behind the upcoming and long-awaited Silent Hill 2 remake are blaming Konami for the game's poorly received combat trailer, and how gaming's least famous but most recognizable voice has broken cover to chat PEGI 18 and his €200 paycheck.

Finally, class is in session in our Gaming History 101 segment. This week, we're looking at defunct retail chains that sold video games despite not being gaming-focused stores.

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Hosts: donniegretro, wrytersview, agamerlooksat40
Opening theme: "Gamers Week Theme" by Akseli Takanen
Patron theme: "Chiptune Boss" by donniegretro
Closing theme: "Gamers Week Full-Length Theme" by Akseli Takanen

Chapters

• 7:17 Reviews, Reactions, and Requests
• 7:56 Very Important Poll
• 16:45 Patron shout-outs
• 21:56 New Study Shows More Gamers Than Ever Identify As LGBTQ, But Representation Lags Behind
• 32:57 Silent Hill 2 Remake’s Poorly Received Combat Trailer Is Konami’s Fault, Says Dev
• 40:52 After years of anonymity, gaming's least famous but most recognisable voice has broken cover to chat PEGI 18 and his €200 paycheque
• 47:14 Top 3 New Releases
• 53:43 Main Topic: EA flop Immortals of Aveum reportedly cost around $125 million, former dev says "a AAA single-player shooter in today's market was a truly awful idea"
• 1:12:34 Gaming History 101: Defunct retain chains that used to sell video games