Middleware is defined as Software the serves as an intermediary between systems software and an application, and over the past generation has become a major part of the video game industries. Whether a graphics or physics solution, the games industry has grown accustom to these tools to allow development to focus on other elements such as gameplay or story development. With the widespread use of middleware, has the individuality and character of earlier 8 and 16 bit games been lost for the sake of shorter and more cost effective development time?

Eric had some big Super Bowl plans, so he was absent when we were recording. Mike and Jenni discuss topics including baby noises, bullshots, video game marketing tactics, and Starcraft class.

Game designer Cliff Bleszinski stated earlier this year at the Games Developer Conference that Gears of War 2 would be “bigger, better, and more badass,” leaving the question of how to improve on an already fantastic game and how they could…