NickSchaden

My favorite games of 2025

12.24.25 | Gaming | ∞

It’s exciting to see that most of my favorite games of the year came from smaller studios willing to take big risks with story and gameplay. They offer an essential counterbalance to tired franchises that rely on micro transactions and familiarity to stay relevant.

Yet as great as it was to play such creatively daring output, it was an especially tough year for the industry. Widespread layoffs, corporate consolidation, and rising costs from tariffs and AI have many questioning gaming’s sustainability heading into 2026. And as bleak the state of gaming was, the world beyond it often felt worse. Amidst an otherwise gloomy news year, I take comfort in several great selections that should stand the test of time.

The Netflix-Warner Bros merger is a potential disaster for the movie industry

12.15.25 | film | ∞

Netflix planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for $82 billion could deliver a massive blow to the movie industry. There are hurdles to cross — antitrust regulators, Trump’s whims, and a hostile bid from Paramount. But a record breaking $5.8 billion breakup fee signals high levels of confidence that the deal will close.

If it does, the consequences will be profound: lower quality mainstream films, rising subscription prices, theater closures, a shrinking video on demand and Blu-ray market, and reduced access to classic films. Many filmmakers will lose their jobs and have a less competitive market to distribute their movies. The waning cultural relevance of film will accelerate.

Netflix, of course, disagrees. Ever since the news broke, CEO Ted Sarandos has tried to assuage fears of a theatrical collapse and mass industry layoffs. But based on the streamer’s past behavior, the results will likely be far worse than they suggest.

The mid-budget film crisis and Hollywood’s failure to react

12.01.25 | film | ∞

Once again the box office is in crisis. Almost none of the fall dramas and comedies have succeeded financially. These films — original stories not based on existing franchises, often star-driven with budgets lower than a typical blockbuster — are struggling.

Cue the think pieces and finger pointing. Variety faults subject matter that isn’t entertaining enough. The Hollywood Reporter suggests problems with a wide release model. Industry podcast The Town blames moviegoers trained to ignore all but the biggest event movies.

But the main problem is demand, not supply. Younger generations are less interested in movies than older audiences are. Films are just one option among endless digital entertainment alternatives, from TikTok to PS5 gaming. No supply side fix — lower ticket prices, longer theatrical windows, fresh original screenplays, or new release strategies — can reverse that trend.