Was Cyberpunk 2077's Fake E3 Demo Unethical? (Preloaded Podcast Ep 22)

In this episode of the Preloaded podcast, hosts Josh and Jackson discuss various gaming news, including Ninja Theory’s Project Mara and the creation of a new Sony studio in San Diego. They also delve into the topic of ethical marketing in the gaming industry, addressing the question of whether faking gameplay trailers is unethical and sharing their personal gaming experiences.

In this episode of the Preloaded podcast, hosts Josh and Jackson discuss various gaming news and dive deep into the topic of ethical marketing in the gaming industry. They begin by mentioning the news from Ninja Theory about their upcoming project called Project Mara, which features a realistic apartment setting. They also discuss the creation of a new Sony studio in San Diego that will work on existing franchises. Next, they talk about the new trailer for the game Atomic Heart, which showcases impressive ray tracing technology.

The hosts then address the question from a listener about the ethics of faking gameplay trailers. They discuss the difference between showcasing current features and misleading consumers about the final product. They also mention examples of games that have had misleading marketing campaigns, such as Watch Dogs and Spider-Man. They delve into the challenges faced by developers and publishers in marketing games effectively while maintaining ethical practices, highlighting the importance of clear communication and managing player expectations.

As they move into their personal gaming experiences, Jackson shares his enjoyment of Hitman 3, praising its continuation of the series’ gameplay and story. Josh talks about his progress in Mortal Kombat 11 and Dishonored, noting the great stealth mechanics and level design in Dishonored. In response to a listener question, the hosts reveal AAA games they enjoyed but never finished, including Batman: Arkham Knight, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Resident Evil 7, and the original Dark Souls.

The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to write in with questions or feedback and to leave reviews on the audio platforms. Josh teases his upcoming video on 25 exclusives for PlayStation consoles, while Jackson shares his latest video on Hitman 3 tips. They sign off and provide their social media handles for listeners to stay connected.