PixlBit

Was there an error with the podcast? It's only 8 and a half minute long in the Podcast app on iOS, and it's the same when listening from this page...

Great podcast gentlemen!

One point that was not brought up but also touches the ethics side of videogaming is the work conditions of developers. I am reminded of the relatively recent Lucasarts Eulogy, which outlined the cost of making games: families delayed because of projects, divorces, insane work hours, etc. Years ago, the "EA Wife" thing brought the whole thing to the forefront, but I don't think it's something that has been discussed since, and I suspect it hasn't really changed either.

As someone who is still trying to find the right balance between life and work (and avoid being fired in the process), this is one side of the gaming industry that needs to change. It took unions for workers of the manufacturing industry to get decent working hours and conditions, and while I'm not a fan of unions in general, I do think they can be useful.

Personaly, I hate working overtime, and I would not want to have to do it for months and years, especially if the end result of it is something that is going to be consumed as nothing more than mere entertainment. Sure developers might get nice bonuses and stuff like that, but personaly, if I had to choose between having a life or having more money, I would choose the former. I have no idea, however, if this is a popular opinion or not. And also, though I am not rich by any means, I still do pretty OK in terms of income, which probably colors my opinion somewhat.

Great episode, gentlemen!

Regarding the touch pad on the PS4 controller...  Since it does not do video, has Sony mentioned anything about using a Vita in a similar way as a Wii U gamepad? Sure, you're missing two shoulder buttons, but the back touchpad on the Vita should be an OK substitute. If the PS4/Vita features are good enough, that might make more people buy a Vita, too. However, those features would have to be non-essential, since I would not expect most PS4 owners to also own a Vita...