DMG Gaming Podcast

Episode 99: Rise of "Mid" Gaming – AAA Flops Exposed & Clair Obscure Hype

Grant Roland & Ed Phillips Season 1 Episode 99

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In Episode 99, Grant and Ed go nuclear on the state of modern AAA game development. From broken promises to buggy launches, they dissect the rise of “mid” gaming—where major studios push out forgettable, soulless titles wrapped in marketing hype. Ubisoft, EA, BioWare, and Square Enix are all in the crosshairs.

Meanwhile, the hosts gush over their Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 playthroughs. From its emotional story arcs to reactive parry-dodge combat, combo spell systems, and breathtaking visuals, this 33-developer indie RPG is the antithesis of “mid.” They predict it will outperform most AAA games this year and spark an indie revolution.

🔥 Gaming News includes:

  • EA’s mass layoffs and Titanfall cancellation
  • Call of Duty’s new Seth Rogen operator skin
  • No Rest for the Wicked’s new Breach update
  • Henry Cavill's casting in the upcoming Highlander reboot
  • Thunderbolts film reviews and Babylon’s Fall backlash

💥 Disgruntled Gamer Rant:
The duo slam the death of innovation in AAA titles. Games like Anthem, Redfall, and Star Wars Outlaws represent massive budgets with minimal payoff—plagued by bugs, political bloat, and recycled mechanics. Indie hits like Clair Obscure prove tight teams and creativity matter more than marketing dollars.

🎮 Top 10 Worst AAA Games Ranked:
From Gollum and Resident Evil 6 to Anthem and Cyberpunk 2077 (launch version), they rank the most disappointing blockbusters ever made.

🎲 Random Game Roulette:
They roast Shakan: The Forever Man (Sega Genesis) for its clunky controls, edgy aesthetic, and brutal difficulty—but admit it’s got nostalgic charm.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Is AAA gaming officially in its “mid” era? Comment your worst AAA game of all time at dmggamingpodcast.com