The Character Issues Podcast
Leah, Rich and your host Brian use an extremely scientific process to develop the definitive list of the best videogame characters of all time.
101. Bio where?
Thanks for listening. Thanks for downloading. We love you all.
Feedback please to [email protected], we take good, bad and indifferent.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 10-19-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 10/19/26
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/epic-says-its-vibe-coded-its-new-epic-games-launcher-with-ai-because-programming-is-hard/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/asha-sharma-forms-xbox-labs-in-response-to-explosion-of-ai-powered-mods-and-ports/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-lastest-game-from-the-creator-of-dragon-quest-was-made-in-about-30-minutes-with-ai/
https://kotaku.com/inside-the-failed-fight-to-unionize-one-of-gamings-most-idealized-studios-2000742755
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck9qzwqgv12po
Weather Forecast -
...100. You Know We Had To Do It....
Holy cow! Gee whiz!!! Great Scott!!!!!! We did it! 100 episodes, all thanks to your support. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did recording it.
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 10-05-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 10/5/26
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-officially-announces-more-layoffs-and-widespread-changes-to-its-entire-studio-structure/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/naughty-dog-will-fully-reveal-intergalactic-in-2027/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-officially-skipping-ces-for-the-first-time-in-decades/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sources-naughty-dog-is-working-on-uncharted-5/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/remarkable-sony-reveals-new-ps5-upscaler-tech-qssr/
Weather Forecast -
...
99. Football and Trucks, The Things We Love
This week we are joined by Alex Perry from Mashable to discuss Control Resonant, the NFL, and big ass trucks. Join us for a crazy cool episode. Thanks as always for listening!
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 09-21-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 09/07/26
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-direct-heres-everything-announced-during-nintendos-presentation/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/i-was-just-shocked-and-surprised-hideo-kojima-says-sony-told-him-physint-was-being-cancelled-over-a-zoom-call/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/netflix-says-gta-6-an-extended-look-got-31-1-million-views-and-topped-its-charts-in-nearly-every-country/
Weather Forecast -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026
Ko...
98. The Path of Buttholes
98 episodes deep and a full panel, we're back with two more important characters.
Got something to say, email us on [email protected] or, visit YouTube.com/characterissues to watch Brian's retro rodeo, or don't...whatever, just don't tell Mom, ok?
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 09-06-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 09/07/26
https://www.thegamer.com/everything-announced-gamescom-onl-2026/\
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/around-80-of-star-wars-zero-company-studio-bit-reactor-was-reportedly-furloughed-weeks-before-its-release/
https://blog.playstation.com/2026/09/03/state-of-play-state-of-play-japan-all-announcements-trailers/
Weather Forecast -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_released_in_2026
...97. The Leahb0t Cometh
Leah is out but the boys are here to rank a couple of completely ridiculous characters. Join us as we get some real legends on this list.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 08-24-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/24/26
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/kingdom-hearts-d23-blowout-confirms-anime-series-release-window-and-more/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saber-ceo-privately-apologies-to-ex-writer-after-publicly-insulting-her-as-studios-ai-disclosure-is-added-to-steam/
https://www.ign.com/articles/the-duskbloods-preview-hands-on-fromsoftware-switch-2-exclusive
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ive-never-played-anything-like-the-duskbloods-and-i-cannot-wait-to-play-more/
Weather Forecast -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li...
96. Introducing Br1anb0t
Technical issues on Brian's PC requires a highly technological solution! Here for the first time ever, Br1anb0t joins the team.
A gaijin episode this time folks, a bit of literature club and a quiz for your Monday ears.
Back to normal soon.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 08/10/26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 08/10/26
STORY 1 - EA
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ea-could-be-set-for-mass-layoffs-as-it-aims-to-cut-costs-following-saudi-acquisition/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/electronic-arts-completes-its-acquisition-deal-is-now-officially-owned-by-saudi-arabias-pif/
STORY 2 - GTA
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/an-extended-look-at-gta-6-is-coming-to-netflix-later-this-month/
STORY 3 - ANDREW ELMORE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1Ecf6cXjE
Weather Forecast -
95. Mustache Gang
This time we tackle the important characters....the ones with hair awnings gloriously covering their upper lips. Join us as we get back to the important business.
ko-fi.com/characterissues
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 07-27-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/27/26
STORY 1 - AC Black Flag
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-exceeded-annual-expectations-in-its-first-two-weeks-ubisoft-says/
STORY 2 - Disc Sales
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/only-seven-playstation-games-have-sold-more-than-100000-physical-copies-in-the-us-this-year-analyst-says/
STORY 3 - Xbox Confusion
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-are-committed-to-making-this-clearer-xbox-exec-says-its-not-obvious-to-players-which-games-will-be-exclusive/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-has-started-testing-the-option-to-stream-games-for-free-with-ads-at-the-start/
<...
94. Sans Brian.
Brian is off on assignment, Leah's hosting, prepare for bullshittery.
Thanks to you all.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CINN 07-13-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 07/13/26
STORY 1 - XBOX Layoffs
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-confirms-plans-to-cut-5-studios-and-thousands-of-jobs/
STORY 2 - Positivity Break! What have we been playing
STORY 3 - Playstation’s Discless Future
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-announces-the-end-of-disc-games-starting-in-january-2028/
Weather Forecast -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...
93. Rerankapalooza Three
Thanks for joining us on this, most auspicious of podcasts. We're reranking, recalibrating, making us stronger and more powerful.
This podcast gratefully features the music "Let's Go Up" by Origami Repetika, available for reference on the Free Use Archive.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 06-29-26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/29/26
STORY 1 - XBOX?
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-already-planned-ninja-theory-closure-when-it-announced-senua-its-claimed/
STORY 2 - Steam Machine
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/north-of-a-grand-is-the-floor-analysts-debate-whether-steam-machine-means-ps6-and-xbox-helix-will-cost-1000/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/as-xbox-series-x-hits-800-lenovo-warns-memory-prices-will-likely-never-return-to-normal/
STORY 3 - GTA VI
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gta...
DEE-Rankapalooza
Hey, so.....plans change. The Re-Rankapalooza was derailed by forces out of our control so Brian and Rich are here to talk a bunch of smack and rank a new character. Join us if you please!
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 06/15/26
SUMMER GAME FEST WRAPUP
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-games-showcase-heres-everything-announced-during-xboxs-big-show/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/summer-game-fest-2026-heres-every-announcement-from-sgfs-big-live-show/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/state-of-play-heres-every-announcement-from-playstations-big-live-stream/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-direct-heres-everything-announced-during-nintendos-show/
www.brianbabbleson.com
91. 1000 Needle Bottom
We are back to the science with a new CI podcast and we are only ONE episode away from the next rerankapalooza. Get ready to have your ears bleed from awesomeness.
kofi.com/characterissues
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 06-01-2026
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 06/01/26
STORY 1 - XBOX!
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/fable-has-been-delayed-to-2027/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-ceo-calls-ps5-logo-decision-a-miss-and-promises-to-rethink-games-showcase-policy/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/after-a-fan-poll-microsofts-new-games-boss-is-rebranding-xbox-to-xbox/
STORY 2 - Critical Success
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/007-first-light-is-already-ios-fastest-selling-game-ever/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/shovel-knight-studios-make-or-break-new-game-has-the-highest-reviews-of-the-year/
90. Preparation
Thank you as always dear listeners. Please get in touch using [email protected] and heck out our Retro Rodeo on our YouTube channel @characterissuespodcast
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 05/18/26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/18/26
STORY 1 - Sales successes
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/subnautica-2-sells-2-million-in-12-hours-with-over-600k-concurrent-players/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/forza-horizon-6/
STORY 2 - In trouble?
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/saros-had-a-lukewarm-start-with-300000-sold-in-2-weeks-analytics-firm-estimates/
https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-reports-765-million-impairment-loss-due-to-underperformance-of-marathon-developer-bungie
STORY 3 - SUPAGAME
h...
89, Is Pizza Medicine?
Thanks listeners, you're the best!
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 05/04/
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 05/04/26
STORY 1 - Xbox
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/we-know-we-have-work-to-do-xboxs-asha-sharma-comments-on-latest-financials-as-xbox-revenue-declines-again/
STORY 2 - Nintendo
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/japan-physical-charts-tomodachi-life-holds-onto-top-spot-as-pokemon-pokopia-nears-1-million-physical-sales/
STORY 3 - PS5 https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-finally-explains-30-day-timer-for-digital-games-says-its-only-a-one-time-check/
https://kotaku.com/sony-set-pay-7-8-million-to-playstation-users-after-jude-approves-preliminary-settlement-in-psn-digital-games-class-action-lawsuit-2000692676
Wea...
Audio, audio for everyone!!
We are back and we get back to ranking. There were some audio issues toward the end but, you know us, we rolled with it.
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 04/20/26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 04/20/26
STORY 1 - BAFTA’s
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-obscur-and-dispatch-lead-2026-bafta-games-awards-winners/
https://www.bafta.org/awards/games/
STORY 2 - BLOODBORNE MOVIE
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bloodborne-is-officially-returning-as-an-r-rated-animated-movie/
Weather Forecast -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_in_video_games
Return to the Character Issues Literature Club
With Brian away, return with us to the Character Issues library for some fun readings. Thanks for your patience!
Featured music:
Beethoven - Minuet in G
Saint Saens - Le Cygne (from Carnival of the Animals)
Gustav Holst - Neptune
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowers
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 04/06/26
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sources-nintendo-is-planning-a-new-star-fox-and-a-major-zelda-remake-this-year-but-no-3d-mario/
https://youtu.be/CnuTGIq5JzI?si=ZWrKOrpR-nxi22Sg
www.brianbabbleson.com
G.I.T.Y 2025
Good games, thanks for listening
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 03/23/26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/23/26
STORY 1 - DLSS5? More like Does Look Super Shitty 5, amirite?
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/this-is-just-a-garbage-ai-filter-nvidia-met-with-criticism-for-dlss-5s-photoreal-graphics-alterations/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nvidias-dlss-5-reveal-trailer-only-has-16-likes-on-youtube-as-players-make-their-voices-heard/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/theyre-completely-wrong-nvidia-ceo-responds-to-widespread-criticism-of-dlss-5/
STORY 2 - Crimson Desert Nonsense
https://opencritic.com/game/19373/crimson-desert/reviews
https://www.ign...
87. Back to the Cave
Welcome back!
www.brianbabbleson.com
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS 03-09-2026
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 03/09/26
STORY 1 - Bluepoint
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-shutting-down-bluepoint-developer-of-demons-souls-remake/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-27/sony-s-bluepoint-pitched-bloodborne-remake-before-closure
STORY 2 - Games, huh?
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/at-5-million-sales-resident-evil-requiem-is-likely-the-series-biggest-launch-ever/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-pokopia-is-currently-the-highest-rated-pokemon-game-ever-on-metacritic/
STORY 3 - Xbox Changes
https://blogs.mi...
86. Much ado about Voldo
Back, working out what to do with Voldo, and discussing two new characters.
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News 02/23/26
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/23/26
STORY 1 - Sony State of Play
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/heres-everything-announced-during-playstations-state-of-play-presentation/
STORY 2 - RAM-A-JAMA
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/steam-deck-is-out-of-stock-in-the-us-as-valve-warns-of-intermittent-memory-and-storage-shortages/
https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/how-to-save-on-desktop-pc-memory-ram-shortage?test_uuid=04IpBmWGZleS0I0J3epvMrC&test_variant=A
STORY 3 - Highguard, I guess?
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/ne...
85. Smashin' it.
Hello listenees
www.brianbabbleson.com
Character Issues News Network for News February 9th, 2026
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 02/09/26
STORY 1 - Nintendo Direct
https://gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/02/05/everything-announced-at-the-february-nintendo-direct-partner-showcase
STORY 2 - Obsidian Games
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidian-isnt-making-outer-worlds-3-but-will-work-on-more-games-in-the-avowed-universe-despite-disappointing-sales/
STORY 3 - Horizon on the Horizon
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-and-guerrilla-announce-tactical-co-op-horizon-game-horizon-hunters-gathering/
Human Interest St...
84. Metal Gear Issues
Hello. Love you. Thanks.
www.brianbabbleson.com
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK.....FOR NEWS #3
CHARACTER ISSUES NEWS NETWORK….FOR NEWS!! - 01/25/26
STORY 1 - Xbox Developer Direct
https://www.gamesradar.com/news/live/xbox-developer-direct-2026-everything-announced/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xboxs-big-fable-reveal-confirms-truly-open-world-and-xbox-and-playstation-release-this-autumn/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/double-fine-reveals-kiln-a-pottery-based-multiplayer-party-brawler/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/pokemon-studio-game-freak-gives-a-new-look-at-its-ps5-xbox-and-pc-action-rpg-beast-of-reincarnation/
https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/forza-horizon-6-first-gameplay-details-revealed-and-release-date-confirmed/
STORY 2 - Ubisoft...
