Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat

151 Discord's New Ads May Not Be as Bad as We Thought

Episode Summary

Plus: Reverse-Powerwash Doggo Simulator

Episode Notes

After years of monetizing through premium features and publicly dismissing the prospect of ads, Discord will soon roll out its new "Sponsored Quests," as reported by The Wall Street Journal. But unlike algorithmic news feeds or mid-chat interruptions, these ads will be centered around video game discovery and Discord's livestreaming features. We discuss how — if done responsibly — this model could sidestep the "enshitification" that so many other platforms fall victim to.

Plus, STOP what you're doing right now and play this free game about being a filthy Pomeranian pup who messes up the house. Also, "Pepper Grinder" is a phenomenal 2D platformer, a return to "No Man's Sky," and a deep conversation about games, mental health, and social connection in a post-Covid world.