Path of Exile 2 Dev on AAA: “That’s Not Where the Action Is”
I sat down with Path of Exile 2 Game Director Jonathan Rogers to talk about everything coming in the next major update, including the long-awaited Druid class, the design challenges behind Wolf, Bear, and Wyvern forms, and how 0.4 moves POE2 closer to full release. Jonathan also explains how the team is improving performance, expanding endgame goals, and preparing players for what comes next.We also dig deeper into GGG’s design philosophy, why the studio has “always been against dark patterns,” and how their approach to monetization and player trust shapes the future of the game. Jonathan shares why he personally wrote the gameplay code for the new league, how POE2 compares to POE1, and why he feels AAA studios “aren’t where the action is” anymore as indie hits gain momentum.Whether you're excited for the Druid, curious about the release timeline, interested in ARPG development, or just want more insight into Grinding Gear Games’ approach, this conversation is packed with new info, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few surprises straight from the source.(00:00) Intro(00:36) GGG Favorite New Addition(01:32) Druid's Evolution(04:02) Endgame Grind(05:50) Important(06:25) POE1 vs POE2 SteamDB Figures(09:00) POE1 vs POE2 Satisfaction(11:05) Steam Deck Performance(12:39) Is AAA Innovation Dead?(14:11) Dark Patterns(19:17) Navigating Community Criticism(20:17) GOTY(21:23) Map Inspirations?(23:35) Script Writing(24:20) Consultants(25:35) Proud Accomplishments(27:19) Wyvern Inspirations(27:40) Top Class(30:30) Time Mechanic (31:50) Cosmetics That Didn't Sell(32:30) Excited Topics(32:54) POE2 Release Date(34:38) Class Equiptment(35:09) Druid Beast Forms(35:51) Messing with Streamers(36:09) Flesh Surgeon(36:49) Maps Repeat Q(37:57) Lightning Arrow Buffs(38:29) Endgame(40:29) Druid Hurdles(42:36) Performance Buffs(44:24) Performance Causes(45:17) Wyvern Inspirations(46:16) Druids Uniques(46:45) Druid Skins
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"It’s kind of like The Hunger Games out There" | Dean Hall (Kitten Space Agency)
I sat down with Dean Hall, CEO of RocketWerkz, to talk about Kitten Space Agency, its surprising public pre-alpha launch, and the tech powering it. We get into the Brutal framework, KSP comparisons, monetization, fundraising, platform strategy, AI in development, the Steam Machine reveal, and the broader shift happening across the games industry. Check out Kitten Space Agency https://ahwoo.com/store/KPbAA1Au/kitten-space-agency(00:00) Intro(00:26) KSA Launch(02:23) Kerbal Reaction(03:23) KSA Tech(05:36) Distribution Strategy(10:06) Fundraising Success(13:00) Monetization(15:10) The Future of Game Dev(17:54) Steam Machine Thoughts(19:58) Platforms Targeted(22:09) Tech in KSA(28:00) AI Thoughts(34:58) Feedback so Far(38:10) GOTY for Dean?(40:18) Shifting Studio Habits
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Valve, Xbox, and PlayStation Are Eyeing the Next-Gen Hardware | Save State Plus
The next generation of gaming hardware is starting to take shape — and Valve might be the one pushing everyone forward.With the Steam Machine revealing early pricing expectations, anti-cheat updates, the 8GB VRAM debate, and AMD’s new FSR Redstone announcement, the industry is already shifting. Xbox and PlayStation aren’t far behind as both companies prepare their own next-gen strategies.In this episode of Save State Plus, we break down what Valve’s latest moves mean for the future of console and PC hardware, how devs are reacting, and where Xbox and PlayStation fit into the picture.Plus.• Fallout Season 2 trailer shows New Vegas, Lucy, The Ghoul, and major lore drops.• Elder Scrolls 6 remains years away, according to Todd Howard.• New Xbox updates including open publishing documentation for all devs.• Halo Operation Infinite preview.• PlayStation updates — PS Portal usage, Ghost of Yotei sales, Destiny 2 performance, Concord servers coming back online.• Early reactions to The Game Awards nominations.Let’s get into it.Subscribe Here! https://www.youtube.com/c/thedestinchannel?sub_confirmation=1Become a member to support this channel!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgUOWrjLEhmHE9tqYtoeS_g/join(00:00) Show Starts(01:11) PC News(10:30) Xbox News(36:26) PlayStation News(45:28) Nintendo News(49:57) Industry News
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Should Xbox Be Worried Right Now? | Save State Plus
Valve’s new Steam Machine dropped and instantly set off alarm bells. Between the 8GB VRAM debate, developer concerns, early reactions, and what this means for the PC and console market, the question is simple.Should Xbox be worried right now?In this episode of Save State Plus, we break down the Steam Machine reveal, the industry response, and where Xbox fits into the picture. Plus.• Fallout Season 2 trailer shows New Vegas, Lucy, The Ghoul and major lore drops.• Elder Scrolls 6 is still years away according to Todd Howard.• New Xbox changes including opened publishing documentation for all devs.• Halo Operation Infinite preview.• Big PlayStation updates — PS Portal usage, Ghost of Yotei sales, D2 performance, Concord servers returning.• And early reactions to The Game Awards nominations.It was a wild week. Let’s break it all down.(00:00) Show Starts(00:15) Steam vs Xbox(26:04) Xbox News(30:22) PlayStation News(53:21) Nintendo News(56:15) All Other News
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GTA 6 Delayed. Rockstar Under Fire - LAG Nov, 11th 2025
Rockstar confirms Grand Theft Auto 6 is delayed to November 19, 2026, citing the need for more polish. But inside the studio, tension is boiling over with protests, firings, and union-busting accusations making headlines.Meanwhile, Nintendo raises its Switch 2 sales forecast, Halo Infinite announces what could be its final major update, and BioWare celebrates N7 Day with new Mass Effect teasers.All that and more in this week’s LAG Recap, your late-access look at the biggest stories in gaming.
Save State Plus is a weekly show dedicated to having conversations about the state of the video game industry. Join us as we have people from all over the industry join to discuss the industry, coverage about the industry, and what the future holds at this specific Save Point in time.
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