In this episode of Deep in the D-Pad, RK Taylor and Carlos Gutierrez consider the implications of the increasing consolidation of the gaming industry. During the D-Pad Delights they discuss Elden Ring & Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They round out the episode with a hot take on hard drive caps!  Appearances by Activision-Blizzard, Zennimax, and the EA graveyard.

Intro-00:00:00

D-Pad Delights-00:02:27

Deeper into the D-Pad- 00:14:30

Hot Take- 01:07:48

Outro-01:24:30

Further reading:

• Biggest video game acquisitions: From Activision Blizzard to Oculus–https://www.windowscentral.com/list-biggest-video-game-acquisitions
• Microsoft Deal for Activision to Be Reviewed by FTC in U.S.--https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-01/microsoft-deal-for-activision-to-be-reviewed-by-ftc-in-u-s
• Studios EA Has Killed: A History–https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/
• Understanding Antitrust Laws– https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/09/antitrust-law.asp#:~:text=Antitrust%20laws%20are%20statutes%20developed,%2C%20price%20fixing%2C%20and%20monopolies.
• Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions– https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp

Special thanks to 8-bit Jazz & Kevin MacLeod for supplying music for the show and Julia Eldred for creating the artwork.