The Trophy Room - A PlayStation Podcast

THE PLATTIES Vote: https://forms.gle/3U3RAhbeDLrVfkzy6 - Support the show Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PSTrophyroom Discord: https://discord.gg/wPNp3kC  BSYK: https://tinyurl.com/3e24bn7y  Store: https://tinyurl.com/ktbsdw3s  - This week on The Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast, we break down the biggest gaming news and industry conversations shaping the future of PlayStation and beyond. We start with new reports claiming The Witcher 3 is set to receive a brand-new paid DLC in May 2026, which could serve as the official kickoff for The Witcher 4’s marketing campaign, currently expected to launch in Q4 2027. We discuss what a return to The Witcher 3 means nearly a decade later and whether this strategy benefits CD Projekt RED. Next, we dive into a newly discovered Sony patent for an AI-powered in-game assistant, designed to help players overcome challenges — or potentially complete sections of games for them. We debate the implications for accessibility, player agency, and the future of game design. We also cover reports that MachineGames is working on Wolfenstein 3, alongside a Rainbow Six Siege–style multiplayer project, as well as claims that StarCraft shooters and Fallout remakes may be in development at Xbox. Plus, we analyze the latest GTA 6 update from Jason Schreier, including why the game is reportedly not content-complete, what that means for its release window, and why PlayStation is said to be the primary platform anchoring Sony’s future lineup. To close out the show, we tackle a big industry question: How do we fix the modern video game industry? From budgets and studio size to jobs, AI, leadership, and sustainability, we discuss what needs to change — and what’s already working. We also hit Flash News, including PlayStation’s new Hyperpop PS5 accessory collection and the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for January, before wrapping up with Whatcha Been Playin’?

Follow The Trophy Room Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PSTrophyRoom Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2PglU1a Discord: https://discord.gg/wPNp3kC Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSTrophyRoom Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/badbit ****** This week on The Trophy Room, we close out the year with our PlayStation 2025 Wrapped episode, breaking down the biggest stories, defining moments, and industry shifts that shaped PlayStation and gaming over the past year. We also take time to honor a devastating loss to the video game industry. Vince Zampella — Battlefield franchise lead, Call of Duty co-creator, Respawn Entertainment founder, and one of the most influential figures in modern gaming — has tragically passed away. We reflect on his legendary career, from Medal of Honor and Call of Duty to Titanfall, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, and the record-breaking launch of Battlefield 6, and discuss the massive legacy he leaves behind. On the news front, Naughty Dog finds itself back in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. A new report reveals mandatory overtime (crunch) imposed on staff to complete a demo for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, reigniting conversations around workplace culture, missed deadlines, and sustainability inside PlayStation Studios. We discuss what this means for Naughty Dog, Sony, and the broader industry as crunch continues to clash with modern development values. Plus, we dive into: • Our full PlayStation Wrapped 2025 breakdown • Naughty Dog landing firmly on the “not nice” list this year • A look back at the highs, lows, and turning points of 2025 • Community reactions, reflections, and end-of-year takes This is a packed, emotional, and thoughtful send-off to 2025 — celebrating what went right, questioning what went wrong, and remembering one of gaming’s true legends.

Support the show Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PSTrophyroom Discord: https://discord.gg/wPNp3kC  BSYK: https://tinyurl.com/3e24bn7y  Store: https://tinyurl.com/ktbsdw3s  This week on The Trophy Room:  A PlayStation Podcast hosts Teegan, Kyle, and Joe talk about --------------- This week’s episode dives deep into major shifts across gaming, streaming, and the business of entertainment, with industry-shaking moves from Warner Bros., Sony, Bungie, and more. We start with breaking corporate news as Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to reject Paramount’s latest acquisition offer, choosing instead to move forward with its $82.7 billion Netflix deal. If finalized, Netflix would gain control of Warner Bros. Games, including massive IP like Mortal Kombat, DC, Harry Potter, and more. We discuss whether Netflix will license these franchises out—or finally go all-in on games—and what this could mean for the future of AAA development. Next, we look at alarming new data showing US hardware sales and physical game spending just hit their worst November in 30 years. Despite heavy Black Friday promotions, record-high console prices dragged sales down, even as PS5 emerged as the best-selling console for the month. We break down what this says about the future of physical games, hardware pricing, and consumer behavior. Then we tackle the ongoing AI controversy in game development, as Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke responds forcefully to backlash over AI usage following The Game Awards. Vincke makes it clear: artists are not being replaced. We discuss where AI fits responsibly in modern game development—and where players are drawing the line. The episode also covers Bungie’s major Marathon update, including a March 2026 release date, revamped visuals, deeper PvE, hardcore gameplay shifts, solo playlists, expanded weapon mod systems, and new lore teases. After months of controversy, Bungie appears to be rebuilding trust—so we ask: Is Marathon finally back on track? And can it stand alongside competitors like Arc Raiders? Plus, listener questions and reactions on Bungie, PlayStation strategy, and shooter fatigue.

Support the show Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PSTrophyroom Discord: https://discord.gg/wPNp3kC  BSYK: https://tinyurl.com/3e24bn7y  Store: https://tinyurl.com/ktbsdw3s  This week on The Trophy Room:  A PlayStation Podcast hosts Teegan, Kyle, and Joe talk about The Games Awards 2025! All the big reveals like former Bioware's Casey Hudson making a Star Wars Fate of the old republic game, Divinity, Tomb Raider Catalyst, Tomb Raider Reboot, Warlock and so much more. As well as Clair Obscur Expedition 33 absolutely sweeping the awards as well as Game of the Year and playstations big presents as well!

Follow The Trophy Room Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PStrophyroom Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2PglU1a Discord: https://discord.gg/wPNp3kC Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSTrophyRoom ****** This episode covers a wide range of major gaming and entertainment industry updates, including new adaptations, studio developments, and ongoing industry conversations. Justin Lin, known for his work on the Fast and Furious franchise, is officially set to direct Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions’ live-action Helldivers movie. With a script from Gary Dauberman, Lin is reportedly focusing on character, world-building, and thematic depth as he brings the popular Arrowhead Game Studios franchise to film. The long-anticipated Amazon God of War TV series is now moving into pre-production, with Frederick E.O. Toye directing the first two episodes. Casting has begun for Kratos and Atreus, putting to rest ongoing speculation about who will take on the lead roles. Toye’s previous work on Shogun, The Boys, Westworld, and Watchmen signals a high-quality adaptation. Meanwhile, recent rumors linking Christopher Judge to the role have been dismissed. A mysterious statue discovered in the Mojave Desert, tied to a teaser from Geoff Keighley, has sparked intense speculation about what game it represents. Fans have theorized connections to God of War, Diablo, Fallout, Doom, Baldur’s Gate, and even Half-Life due to nearby road names, but multiple insiders have ruled out several of these possibilities. The statue continues to generate discussion as more clues appear. Industry commentary also includes discussion around claims from HipHopGamer regarding a new PlayStation experience that could feature elements from all generations of PlayStation hardware and include a social component reminiscent of PlayStation Home. This speculation opens broader conversations about what PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gaming may look like in the next hardware cycle. The controversy involving Bungie’s Marathon art dispute has reached a resolution, with artist Fern “4nt1r34l” Hook stating that the issue has been resolved to her satisfaction. Bungie previously acknowledged that a former employee had used her work without permission during the game’s early development and removed the affected assets from the project. Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, is facing a critical moment as it prepares for the release of Mina the Hollower. According to Bloomberg, the studio’s future stability depends heavily on the game’s sales performance. With the team having downsized and paused work on a separate 3D Shovel Knight project, the success of Mina the Hollower may determine the direction of the studio moving forward. Additional updates include a significant reduction to Helldivers 2’s PC install size, a new limited-edition Genshin Impact DualSense controller for PS5, the soft launch of MLB The Show Mobile on iOS and Android, and new accusations that Sony used generative AI artwork for its PlayStation Advent Calendar promotional campaign. This episode brings together the biggest stories shaping PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and the wider gaming industry, with insight into upcoming adaptations, studio challenges, production reveals, and the future direction of gaming.