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This week for community questions on the podcast, we'll have Ben Hanson and Leo Vader podcasting from GDC 2022! We'd love to have your questions about the show itself. It's your turn to make the show better by leaving a question, BetterQuest goal, or anything else for us to read on the show as a comment below! We’ll choose our favorite and iam8bit will ship out a great prize for the winner! We'll stop pulling questions around 10am Central on Wednesday.

On this week’s episode we’ll be talking about...

- GDC Highlights

- Ghostbusters: Sprits Unleashed

Everybody at the Backstage Pass tier can watch us record the show live, with an exclusive pre and post show on Wednesday. You could do us a favor by subscribing to the audio version of the podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app, telling a friend, leaving a review, and subscribing to our YouTube channel!

https://apple.co/3lRbzbE

https://www.youtube.com/minnmax

Comments

Thom Blackburn

Illfonic seems to have found their genre of 4v1 multiplayer, but they haven't nailed it yet. With 2 whiffs with Predator and Friday the 13th, I really hope that the Evil Dead game isn't overshadowed by this team's 3rd try. Can you compare the upcoming Evil Dead game to the Ghostbusters game?

Dustin L

What's something that you enjoy collecting? Playstation trophies? Vinyl Records? Bars of soap? Collectible spoons? For me it's video games (shoutout #VitaIsland), especially ones I'm nostolgic for, but I think a lot of MinnMax prefers digital now. No cop out answers like memories either!

Mathias Jülich

Hey Ben and Leo, hope you have a great time at GDC! Are there any misconceptions about certain games or developers that drive you nuts? For example, people would often bring up, how Halo introduced the twin stick-controls of modern console fps: While I don't know you really was first, I do know that TimeSplitters came out before Halo and had the control-scheme. Enjoy your time, stay healthy Mathias from Berlin

Maniac

In response to the eldritch abominations that are the Sonic 2 themed 'hairy controllers' from Xbox. Some of the community had a hilarious and spirited discussion in the MinnMax Discord; So. What textile or clothing texture would make the best controller material. You have to choose one and defend it. (I advocated for corduroy, with classy leather patches on the grips)

Ramses Garcia

What up, Benjamin. So I been playing Shim Megami thensin 5 and I feel like I have had to grind for hours since the game started. My question is do you like grinding? What is the worst and best grinding experience you have had?

Chris Logan

Hey Ben and the 'Horts: What food have you done the biggest 180° on in your life?

RickyWinterborn

can ya'll do some channel 5 style awkward interviews on the show floor? Leo could pull that off.

RickyWinterborn

what's your personal favorite small detail that GDC talks cover?

Mackenzie Beyer

Hey all, I hope you're having a great GDC! I was supposed to attend this year but had to cancel last minute and I'm pretty bummed about it! So to make me feel better, what's something about GDC you don't like? Or feel they could improve upon? I'm having major FOMO right now and need to feel better!!!

Christian Jimenez

Hi Ben and Leo, I remember vividly back right before the start of the pandemic how excited you were about going to GDC. At the time the talk of the virus was very unknown so when we first heard rumblings about it you felt like GDC was still on the table and how it was going to be a big moment for MinnMax and introducing it to a new audience. Can you take us back to that week and the rollercoaster that it was both internally and emotionally? Thanks!

Devin

Hey Ben and Leo. Have you seen any cool "gimmicky" things at GDC so far? Is there anything, tech-wise, other than VR, that anyone seems to be working on? Any new peripherals or just neat gameplay gimmicks that seem to be trending right now? I'm not expecting a new Rock Band kit or anything, but I haven't seen any real weird peripherals announced for any of the next gen systems. Is that all behind us now? Let us know what you're seeing out there. Thanks,

Steven Sell

Hello, dynamic duo. What has been the most memorable interaction/encounter that you have had at a games conference? Thanks!

Josh LaBaw

What are the best "bedtime" games to relax with?

Hootz

After attending GDC, I can only assume that Minnmax is well on its way to announcing its first game as a developer. What does the first game developed by Ben Hanson and Leo Vader look like? Give us your pitch.

gybones

What is your go-to, never fail restaurant when traveling? Have a safe trip!

Adrian Creates

Ben and crew, Are spoilers overrated? I mentioned on the last Party Chat that I thoroughly spoiled The Batman for myself before watching it. Before I spoiled myself I predicted I would like the movie about 6/10 based on trailers. After the Max Spoilers, I predicted I would like it 7/10. I went and watched it and at first I thought it was an 8 but after a day or so I realized it’s a 7/10 for me (mainly because I don’t feel compelled to go see it again any time soon). So what do you think about this experiment? Would any of you want to try it? This is my second time trying this and I think there’s just one more left to do: Spoil something REALLY important to me. I’m currently considering spoiling the upcoming Obi Wan series for myself.

Matt Rogers

Hey Ben and Leo! Last week you asked for people to let you know if they listen to MinnMax while they run and I’m one of those people! Deepest dives and interviews have gotten me through many long miles. Question for Leo…where have you been man? Have missed you on the podcast lately and glad to see you’re back!

Jordan Brown

Hey Ben and the Horts, With the announcement of Brandon Jones retiring from games journalism in May I was wondering if you guys had some Game Trailers or Easy Allies memories that would be fun to talk and reminisce about? Love and Respect, Jordan Brown

John Lee

Hello! When is the last time a game you were really into made you so mad you had to turn it off? Example: When I first got my PS5 I was excited to finally get around to The Last Guardian. I never played Ico but Shadow of the Colossus I had finished at least 4-5 times. So midway through TLG I just became extremely frustrated and over the controls. I understood that was a little of the conceit but I just couldn’t anymore. I turned it right off. My wife even said try again I know you wanted to finish this. So hey why not again, nope! After about 15 minutes stuck in a situation I hit the home button, deleted my save and the game and just sat in my frustration. 😅 I think about starting it up again but I just remember how annoyed I felt. Any examples for anyone else? OH! PS: just finished Echoes of the Eye! Sarah was right and it was too low on the Two Tens! Thanks for listening to my TED talk! Appreciate everyone’s work!

Jeff D

When flying what is your arm rest strategy when you sit beside a stranger? Do you forcibly take control of the armrest or try to share the armrest? Do you change your strategy for friends and family?

RevRando

Hey Gang! Glad to that GDC is back with in person attendance! I always hear about GDC and see people in the industry posting about it but have never really known much about it. Obviously, the event is more so for people in the industry to network and learn but is this something the general public should be paying more attention to? Keep up the amazing content!

Adam Castellanos

What is the most overrated city/state in America?

Collin C.

Hello Ben and Leo! Hope GDC has been treating you well and you're enjoying the great weather we lucked out with in the Bay Area! My question is are there major differences in how developers and their teams present in person compared to pre-pandemic? I'm not sure if you've been to GDC in person before, but curious how your experience so far compares to previously at game events. Thank you!

Ben Shively

Have either of you prestiged in a Call of Duty game? If so, which ones? I use whether or not I prestige in a CoD as a sign of how good it is.

Andrew

What games do you all think have the highest ratio of hours played to hours spent on development, and Vice-versa? My money is on something like Wordle having the most hours played to dev hours. Inverse is a little more tough - maybe “Inside”?

Kit N

Hey gang - What's the last game you cried at that wasn't titled Before Your Eyes?

Patrick Polk

Last week the weirdest Minnesota-based video game podcast coincidence occurred. Both Ben in the MinnMax show AND Alex Stadnik in the Game Informer Show (accidentally?) said that Elden Ring sold "12 Minute copies" instead of twelve million copies. And you two said it within a minute of each other in the time stamps of your respective shows (0:28:45 for Ben and 0:27:52 for Alex). That's really weird right? It's not a Minnesota thing? Or a joke I don't get? Anywaylovetheshowthanksbyeeeeee.

Riley Autumn Logue

What are your favorite sketch comedy shows? Ben, you strike me as a kids in the hall kinda guy, don't know why I get that feeling

Toby King

What are the socks you would wear to a conference that you could never don in your day to day life? I always have special socks for any work related occasion on hand. I don’t even coordinate to have them showing, I just like the feeling of empowerment from having them on. The mainstay in my rotation is a pair of dr. mario crew socks. They may be a little discolored but they have a lot of character and memories sweated out into their fibers. And before someone says it, yes I’ve been washing them with a shampoo lather. Of course I’ve been washing them with a shampoo lather!

Adam_CW

What’s the smallest thing at GDC you guys nerded out about?

WavingWorld

Hey MinnMaxers! I've had about 12 or so roommates, not including family, since I moved out for college. What are your strangest or most memorable roommate experiences? Thanks so much for all you do! ^-^

RiskyChrisP

What’s your favorite vacation you’ve ever been on? What made it so special? Bonus question: what’s the appropriate number of vacations to go on each year? One? Two? One every other year? Have fun and stay safe at GDC!

Justin Ray

If Minnmax was responsible for a video game themed feast what video game themed food items would each cohort bring?

Jeorin

Does Leo have any plans to expand his kingdom by overthrowing the head of GDC? Does the head of the GDC even know there is a visiting monarch!?

Devin B

Hey Minnmaxers, It seems like kickstarter, specifically as it relates to video games, has fallen out of vogue recently. What game or idea would persuade you to drop money on a Kickstarter campaign in the future, if there is one?

Cade Mead

A lot of people know about the chip shortage and the price of silicon skyrocketing. Has there been much gdc talk about how it does/may impact the evolution of the tech itself, or the field in general?

MrButtons

Hey MinnMax! After almost a year of silence (and plenty of controversy) the Overwatch team at Blizzard announced they are decoupling multiplayer and the PvE campaign, launching a beta in April, and hoping to have more consistent updates throughout the year. My question is, do you have any excitement for this game or is this all too little too late? Overwatch was a gaming phenomenon when it launched but, even outside the workplace controversies, it seems like most players have moved on from the game. Keep up the good work!

Carlos Crespo

Hello! Recently, Brandon Jones from Easy Allies has retired, and his voice and opinions will be deeply missed. Which are your disapeared most missed podcasts, streams or video essays? In my case, I still miss everyday the fantastic Gaming Ride Home from Kyle. Greetings from Barcelona!

Alexi

Hey Minnmaxers, After listening to P.S. I Love You's recent discussions about Elding Ring and with the upcoming GDC I was reminded of a comment Janet had made during your discussion about God of War Ragnarok in that the basic plot of GOW PS4 wasn't necessarily a new idea but HOW they executed it made it special. So my question is what's your favorite game or gaming moment that was special because of HOW it was done not just what was done? Also 1 Rule: Let's just acknowledge right out the gate that Breath of the Wild falls in this category.

headclub

If you had to present at a conference, which conference would you choose and what would your topic be?

Fatt Mish

In 2011, Satoru Iwata talked about the increased cost (both financially and mentally) of game development. He mentioned his concerns over the lack of quality in "social" games and the overall lack of polish that could be missing from "high value" games. My question is, as some game devs continue to push the envelope in graphics, sound and overall production, have we now hit a point where this is no longer sustainable? I think about the countless delays (pandemic or not) and the amount of games that launch in an unfinished state and wonder if Iwata was right when he voiced his concerns over the never-ending push towards high end processors in game systems. What say you guys? Thank you for the great show, week in and week out. -Mars, from Minnesota

The_Smak

Hey MinnMax, how do you feel after finishing a game you really enjoyed? My first thought would be happy, but not always. Use a game as an example and describe how you felt after you beat it.

Brandon Scott

With elden ring being the ubiquitous GOTY, would a game from your favourite franchise unseat it as GOTY if it were to come out this year? Think FF7 remake part 2, or Hitman 4

MyNameIsDan

Hey friends, could you try describing GDC in three words using "G" "D" and "C" as the starting letter for each word (cannot use game, developers, or conference as any of the words)? Thanks, Dan

Solo

With what is going on in Ukraine, will there be any changes to games and media having Russian content? Most military shooters have Russia as a side in conflict or a team in multiplayer. Will there be less media about Russia? Or will there be no change. Bye.

Tanner Hoisington

Do you have a sense of how hot and heavy the developers at GDC are on the different platforms? Are they growing tired of the limitations of the Switch? Are they excited to develop for PS5/Series X? Any talk of the Playdate? And if you feel like sharing, how about your feelings in early 2022?

Cody Hester

Hello straight up giraffes, have you ever been summoned for jury duty? It would be interesting to hear some stories of time as a juror and what it's like. Thanks!

Otsego12

Hey MinnMaxers, first time asking a question. Do you have a song or album that always makes you think of a game, or vice versa? For me it’s B.O.B.’s Psychedelic Thoughts album and Fallout 4’s Nuka World DLC. Now every time I hear it I think of sneaking though the Nuka Quantum factory and discovering the Queen at the end. What’s yours?

SenttheProphet

Hi MinnMaxx? How’s it being around so many people at GDC after such a hiatus? Oh and anyone get to try the PSVR2?!