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Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast

Last Stand Media & Studio71

Defining Duke is a weekly podcast dedicated to all things Xbox co-hosted by beloved YouTuber MrMattyPlays and Lord Cognito. Whether you're a fan and player of Xbox Series X|S, still hanging around on Xbox One, or have fond memories of Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, our show is for you. We go over the news, talk about the games we're playing, scour rumors and speculation, and much more. We publish each and every Sunday, and you can get the show three days early and ad-free by supporting us on Patreon at patreon.com/laststandmedia

We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4

For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com

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33 episodes
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Avg 3 hr 48 min
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#304
Sunday · 5 hr 32 min
#304 | More Money & More Problems For Xbox...
In a quieter week for Xbox, we deliver to you our longest episode in show history. Don't say we never spoil you! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 8:25 - Health Is Wealth 1:17:30 - Nickname ideas for the Dukes 1:21:02 - We might have a Helix handheld nickname issue 1:25:53 - Xbox’s 25th anniversary is soon 1:31:44 - Why do canceled games almost always look great? 1:38:13 - Phantom Blade Zero reviews are in 1:40:49 - So, your future GOAT game used AI… 1:55:06 - Why does developers flocking to Fallout generate excitement? 2:04:10 - Xbox overextends in missed Netflix deal 2:18:34 - Arkane Lyon’s leash gets extended 2:28:38 - Original Xbox games seem to be getting achievements soon 2:34:35 - Call Of Duty is losing momentum 2:45:23 - Inside Xbox’s COO exiting the company 3:01:20 - Xbox is working on their review situation 3:13:28 - Microsoft offers 60,000 buyouts 3:23:59 - The Gears Of War: E-Day budget situation 3:46:31 - Xbox execs are missing performance targets 3:51:25 - The financials are in for Xbox 4:06:40 - Mass Effect rally continues on 4:42:43 - What We’re Playing 5:19:09 - Wrapping up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#303
October 25 · 5 hr 6 min
#303 | Xbox's Next Gen Handheld & Pricing Have Leaked...
5 hour Duke? Happy days! Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:05:17 - Health Is Wealth 0:43:37 - Nicknaming The Dukes 0:46:23 - Disc to digital benefits 0:48:41 - Is Xbox moving too fast? 0:54:03 - When are more retro Xbox games getting achievement and PC support? 0:56:23 - What is the rest of 2026 gaming schedule looking like? 1:01:10 - Fallout Day 2026 1:06:45 -Xbox hasn’t forgotten physical media 1:20:23 - Xbox buyout was explored 1:39:32 - Xbox Cloud Gaming prices revealed 1:44:58 - AMD FSR 4.1 is coming to Xbox consoles and handhelds 1:50:14 - BioWare is shutting down 2:40:04 - A new sub franchise is headed to Call Of Duty 2:43:04 - Nuance in the AI conversation? 3:13:36 - Star Wars Battlefront 3 is on the menu 3:31:47 - Another new update is coming to Cyberpunk 2077 3:35:46 - What We’re Playing 4:10:06 - Massive investigation on Xbox reveals next gen pricing, changes to Game Pass, and plenty more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#302
October 18 · 4 hr 27 min
#302 | Another Week, Another NEW Xbox Initiative...
Blink and you might miss the new big thing Xbox is doing! Last week, it was XP. This is the home to Xbox's Products, Places, Partnerships, and Productions. Basically, where everything that is beyond the "box" goes. Sure, fine, that's a lot to talk about on its own. However, a wave of recomps, games running on browsers, and AI powered mods have led to yet another initiative to be stood up rather quickly. This time, it's Xbox Labs, and Xbox aims to take hold of the emerging "creator" space where they will sell new products. If that wasn't enough, a new survey leaked online and tells us that Xbox is looking at making literally everything exclusive outside of Call Of Duty. So, the Dukes heads are spinning to say the least. Let's chat through it all as we always do in what has become an incredibly unpredictable time for all of gaming. Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:08:32 - Health Is Wealth 0:34:05 - Super Mario World slander 0:38:36 - The last game mechanic to make you go “huh, that’s neat” 0:46:20 - Xbox still wants new IP 0:54:41 - Xbox announces the Nano controller 1:01:04 - Gears Of War: E-Day sales estimates are in 1:32:41 - Destiny 1 Remaster inbound? 1:38:54 - Epic is making a full AI game 2:17:46 - College Football is in jeopardy and Todd Howard is likely depressed to hear this 2:26:34 - Physical games are doing just fine 2:35:14 - More Silent Hill games inbound 2:38:28 - Great news for Star Wars: Zero Company 2:41:26 - What We’re Playing 3:00:59 - Xbox Labs is the newest Xbox initiative to be announced 3:27:26 - Xbox reveals XP 3:53:08 - Major exclusives coming to Xbox? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#301
October 11 · 4 hr 15 min
#301 | Xbox Isn't Done Changing EVERYTHING...
The aggression of Asha Sharma and Xbox's new leadership group continues on! In a leaked town hall, we learned of many of Xbox's plans for the future including a "family" of devices for Helix, incoming changes to Game Pass, and the streamlining to how games reach the platform. One of the more noteworthy comments was Asha's insistence that Xbox has not "earned the right" to avert their gaze beyond the console platform. This is something clearly in staunch opposition to what the prior leadership team stood for as they explored everything from gaming through TV apps to the Cloud. With the focus on the current generation of consoles, what does this mean for games even in the 2030s? The Dukes think you should get very cozy with the idea of still playing games on these devices even up to a decade from now. Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:10:09 - Health Is Wealth 0:28:54 - What game are we dropping everything for to obtain the Thic? 0:39:53 - A licensed game that could finally get its due 0:45:11 - What is next for Xbox Game Studios? 0:55:13 - Gaming for spooky season 0:59:26 - Fear of layoffs looming at The Coalition 1:19:44 - The Forza Bros are getting upset 1:30:48 - Rebs Gaming drops new Halo leaks 1:49:08 - A used PS5 pro is $1,400 at GameStop 2:03:29 - State Of Decay 3 Beta coming soon 2:10:03 - Layoffs begin at Ninja Theory 2:17:45 - Fan favorite PlayStation series set to make comeback? 2:32:16 - Capcom looking to turn RE Engine into an AI Generation Engine 2:41:28 - Kena: Scars Of Kosmora delayed to 2027 2:43:47 - What We’re Playing 3:12:22 - Xbox Helix details leak from internal Town Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#300
October 4 · 4 hr 15 min
#300 | Our Gears Of War: E-Day Review Is HERE - Did It Deliver?!
Happy 300 to all our fellow Dukes! For those of you have stuck by our side through both personal and professional highs and lows, we're eternally grateful that you're here. To the surprise of some of you, the Dukes DO take a lot of time to reflect and celebrate. Beyond that, we get into the main attraction. Xbox's first console exclusive in years is here in Gears Of War: E-Day. Cog and Matty have played the campaign. Did it deliver? There's only one way for you to find out. Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro/Reminiscing on 300 episodes of Duke 0:48:44 - Xbox Ally or Steam Deck? 0:53:02 - Mythic Achievements are real 1:09:00 - Xbox is NOT for sale 1:23:21 - What’s happening inside Destiny 2’s unvaulting? 1:34:52 - Unpacking the Physint budget drama 1:51:07 - Satya Nadella says Xbox’s streamlining is great 1:55:08 - Ex Bethesda dev says Starfield 2 is unlikely 2:18:16 - Witcher 3 Remaster is setting records 2:23:15 - Why Remedy didn’t use yellow paint in Control Resonant 2:27:31 - PlayStation reportedly polling about physical games 2:37:00 - Looking Ahead At Game Releases - October 2026 2:50:12 - What We’re Playing 3:33:44 - Rebs Gaming’s inside report on Halo’s future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#299
September 27 · 5 hr 18 min
#299 | The Death Of Halo Studios
Round 2 of the Xbox Reset has arrived thanks to none of other than the Green Reaper. Joining us is Gene Park to discuss the fallout of these events. Halo is now officially run by Activision as Xbox finally chopped down 343 aka Halo Studios. It has been a long time coming as 343 managed the franchise for 15 years. Their tenure brought us Halo Anniversary Edition, Halo 4, Halo 5 Guardians, Halo Infinite, Halo Wars 2, and Halo Campaign Evolved. Almost all of these were disasters in their own way and as Asha Sharma's team cleans house, this felt inevitable in the wake of poor sales for the latest Halo remake. So, how can Activision rebuild the franchise? What direction do they take things in? Is it time to rebuild from scratch and ignore literally anything done before? Are sprint, ADS, and mantling returning features? How long will all of this take? It is a seismic undertaking and one thing is clear: another 343 led Halo game that sucks would sting, but another new beginning that results in disaster would drive us all to the point of insanity. Xbox must nail this, but that goes for a number of their IP they're now looking to nurture. Obsidian has joined forces with Bethesda and it's no doubt that these two will be at the hip for a very long time as Fallout continues to peak in popularity. What is Obsidian's creative future? Are they forever attached to Fallout or are more experiments on the way? Plus, will InXile join the fold at Bethesda eventually as the Xbox Game Studios family has become incredibly lean. It's our largest episode ever, so do get comfortable, settle into the conversation, and enjoy! Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:07:02 - Addressing the nuclear Brad strike 0:14:02 - Health Is Wealth 0:17:02 - Is Trails 2 Remake worth it if you already played the original? 0:19:59 - The next chapter for Bungie 0:48:49 - Gene Park’s interview with Hideo Kojima 1:27:31 - Xbox’s platinum equivalent is here 1:37:46 - Why Fable was given a decade 1:47:36 - Undead Labs has gone independent 1:52:44 - Starcraft won’t be Xbox exclusive 1:58:55 - Blood Of Dawnwalker cost just $40 million 2:12:44 - Final Fantasy 7’s difficulty controversy 2:37:01 - Valor Mortis makes admirable price move 2:44:11 - What We’re Playing 3:20:16 - Round 2 of the Xbox Reset commences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#298
September 20 · 3 hr 20 min
#298 | A BIG Blizzard Approaches... (In 2030)
XBOX's continued investment in an avalanche of tentpole IP's came full circle at BlizzCon 2026! The Dukes enlist "The Reaper" of Overwatch and all things BLIZZARD to break down the latest ramifications! From World Of Warcraft's roadmap/controller future, Diablo 5, and StarCraft announcements to how far out some of these releases are! We also discuss a plethora of XBOX news, the Kojima and XBOX partnership aftermath, Asha Sharma handling your customer support tickets and more! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro/Health is Wealth 0:12:09 - Warm Up Questions 0:27:14 - Inside report on Kojima and PlayStation’s split 0:54:02 - Are Day 1 Game Pass Games done in 2027? 1:13:32 - Apparently, Asha Sharma is helping Xbox support herself 1:22:02 - The PlayStation Blackout failed 1:28:10 - Wonders Of O trademarked by Neowiz 1:33:34 - Major updates for Bungie & Marathon 1:46:07 - FF7 Remake team is handling Kingdom Hearts 4 1:57:05 - Injustice 3 inbound? 2:00:29 - SEGA is going all in on adaptations 2:10:04 - GenAI use is crushing Level 5 2:12:24 - Capcom Announcements from TGS 2026 2:16:36 - Sea of Thieves Signs Of Life 2:21:36 - What We’re Playing 2:49:05 - The Big Blizzcon Blowout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#297
September 13 · 4 hr 33 min
#297 | PlayStation Just Lost Hideo Kojima To XBOX...
In the wee hours of the night, an absolute stunner landed. Prolific and beloved game director, Hideo Kojima, has killed off his partnership with PlayStation for his upcoming action-espionage title, PHYSINT, and signed on with Xbox. According to the man himself, PlayStation was ready to cancel his game this June! After three months of searching, he found his partner in XBOX. It's a partnership where Kojima claims that they "share a common vision for the future" which says more than just about anything else within this next. Those who recall the PHYSINT announcement in 2024 will also remember that this was TV/movie deal as well. According to the XBOX Wire, they've got that too! So, what gives? Is this just a money play? Has Sony lost touch with optical wins when it was only last generation that they reaped the massive benefits of saving Kojima from Konami? What is XBOX's end goal in all of this? There is much to discuss! Beyond that, we talk about the Cloud Gaming snafu, the diabolical Steam achievement leak, and so much more! Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro (Gamescom and Pax West Debriefing) 00:34:17 - Health Is Wealth 00:46:26 - Will Metaphor: ReFantazio get a definitive edition? 00:49:43 - Cog’s thoughts on GTA 6 gameplay 00:55:41 - Nintendo Direct recap 01:04:04 - Ocarina Of Time Remake impressions 01:30:30 - Developers opt out of Xbox’s disc to digital program? 01:37:55 - Every NPC in Fable is handcrafted 01:41:42 - Hideki Kamiya once again requests to make Scalebound 01:48:31 - Rumors suggest Forza Horizon 6 isn’t coming to PS5 in 2026 01:50:43 - Blood Of Dawnwalker sequel in the works 01:55:54 - More Final Fantasy 7 beyond the remakes 01:59:20 - Capcom is focusing on reactivating IP 02:02:31 - Witcher 1 Remake is on hold 02:05:45 - PlayStation is looking to bring back Killzone 02:12:05 - Venom game is still in development 02:13:38 - Game Releases for September 2026 02:21:55 - What We’re Playing 03:04:45 - Hideo Kojima jumps ship to Xbox 03:54:14 - The catastrophic Steam achievement leak 03:18:37 - Xbox’s Cloud Gaming Snafu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#296
September 6 · 2 hr 54 min
#296 | Will Xbox Go All In On Physical Games?
Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for a rare one! Indeed, it is I, Matty, and I shall be tickling your ears across the airwaves in a solo venture here from Paris. Today, I dive into the post-Gamescom fallout in what has been an eventful trip for Xbox. For starters, BBC News briefly spoke with Asha Sharma and managed to snag a few answers from her on everything from Helix's "family of devices" to Halo getting some more focus over time. Most interestingly to me was her approach to physical games versus Sony's recent statement on how "reasonable consumers" know they don't own their digital games. Naturally as a game collector, I'm very interested to see where Xbox's disc-to-digital program goes. If this is the starting point, or "step one" as they've put it, then I can imagine great things arriving down the stretch. The question is: what does this mean for physical releases? Is it possible that Xbox pulls out limited runs of their games following the launch? I discuss that, plus Asha's thoughts on Xbox's approach to exclusivity which say more than I think most are considering! Beyond that, we dive into Fable's story length, Xbox's ambitious movie deal, my experience with State Of Decay 3, and (somehow) a whole lot more. Enjoy! Sign up with code DEFININGDUKE at DraftKings! Spend $5 to get $200 in rewards within 21 days Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:13:58 - State Of Decay 3 release plans 0:30:11 - Double Fine's Game Jam Kickstarter 0:41:00 - Xbox's Ambitious Movie Deal 0:51:59 - DOOM's DLC Crunch Story 0:59:11 - Thoughts on GTA 6's Gameplay Reveal 1:09:43 - Star Wars: Zero Company Devs Furloughed Ahead Of Launch 1:15:39 - A Motive's Iron Man Game Confirmed 1:54:05 - What I'm Playing 2:17:25 - Asha Sharma's comments on Helix, Physical Media, and Halo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#295
August 30 · 2 hr 3 min
#295 | We played Fable and State Of Decay 3 Early... (And In Person!)
IN PERSON DUKE ALERT! The Dukes have united in Germany for Gamescom 2026. This marks a first for the duo! Join us as we recollect on our adventures across Europe from jetlag to McDonalds and, yes, even Fable! Much has been said about the game following its delays, but now we have a clear look at combat. What about it is strong and are the comments about the enemy reactivity overplayed? We dive in. Plus more on State Of Decay 3 from graphics to feel. How is this shaping up as it hails from a former Xbox First Party studio? Naturally, we dive into that, plus all the other things we've seen and played while out here. It's a bit of a structureless conversation, so we appreciate you bearing with us and enjoy what is a rare type of episode for all of us. Due to the episode being in person, there are no timestamps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#294
August 23 · 3 hr 10 min
#294 | Xbox Has A Secret Game Announcement...
It's the week before Gamescom! Around this time, the Dukes never expect much as Xbox has already fired out their reveals for the year thanks to June's annual showcase. A recent rumor changed all of that! Thanks to NateTheHate, we are officially aware of a sequel to an Xbox owned IP being developed by a third party team which would see a release this year. The Dukes crack open the archives of Xbox and sift through all the dreams of what this could be. One thing is for certain: It's not Banjo. Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 2:47 - Health is wealth 18:26 - An Xbox first party game you’ve missed 27:38 - You can DoorDash games 30:22 - Harvey Smith is back 43:00 - Sledgehammer was prototyping a Halo game 56:05 - Xbox’s 25th Anniversary Controller details leak 57:46 - Fallout 4’s newest update has some serious lore 1:21:14 - Xbox is partnering with McDonalds 1:30:02 - Kingdom Hearts 4 news galore 1:45:04 - Shuhei Yoshida’s peculiar advice to Sandfall Interactive 1:50:18 - Trails In The Sky gets a unique localization patch 1:56:34 - PlayStation’s live service struggles continue 2:05:35 - Oxenfree studio Night School is shutdown by Netflix 2:11:57 - What We’re Playing 2:29:16 - Xbox has a secret game announcement coming to Gamescom 2:59:08 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#293
August 16 · 3 hr 27 min
#293 | We go down the Elder Scrolls VI Rabbithole...
How hungry are people for Elder Scrolls VI? Apparently, very! All it took was eight asterisks within the game's subtitle to send a flurry of fans into everything from lore wikis to decoding employee identification numbers in Starfield's Developer Direct. With such rampant curiosity, this led the Dukes down the rabbithole. What do these eight characters represent? Indeed, if the theories are true, they tell us more than you'd expect. Beyond that, we settle into a chat about the coming generation of consoles. Will Xbox weaponize Elder Scrolls VI as a lightning rod which can draw people into the ecosystem? Is it worth risking millions upon millions of dollars lost for this? Essentially, is this game going to find itself in a camp with Call Of Duty and Forza or Clockwork and Gears? There are compelling arguments for both sides, so join the very delirious Dukes as they settle into a lengthy conversation about Elder Scrolls! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 11:20 - Health Is Wealth 25:12 - Gears E Day beta sets records for series 38:32 - Currently hired ID Software dev blasts Xbox 1:02:12 - Xbox explains the big server outage 1:05:33 - Update on Halo Campaign Evolved sale’s estimates 1:20:34 - GTA 6 gets a gameplay reveal on Netflix 1:50:45 - Ghost Of Yotei Complete Edition announced 1:54:22 - Lord Of The Rings remasters inbound 2:00:15 - Atlus thinks they have to do Persona 1 & 2 Remakes 2:06:52 - Hog Leg 2 confirmed 2:09:56 - What We’re Playing 2:42:49 - The extremely desperate Elder Scrolls rabbithole 3:11:43 - Blizzard is Microsoft’s top performing studio 3:16:48 - Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#292
August 9 · 3 hr 20 min
#292 | Xbox's Game Preservation Program LEAKS...
In a time where game preservation feels it matters the least, here comes some much needed news. Leaked via The Verge, we now know Xbox is accelerating a program dedicated to preserving your games dating back to the original Xbox generation. That much has been known thanks to a program greenlit by Sarah Bond during her time at Xbox. However, the new wrinkle is not only that Xbox 360 games are headed to PC, but also that the backwards compatible library stands a chance to expand beyond what we already know. Now, the catch is that other developers would have to play ball, but more from a greenlight standpoint rather than any additional engineering. The icing on the cake? Xbox is finally bringing its platinum trophy equivalent to the platform. After two generations of waiting, they'll finally be getting with the times and you won't have to wait much longer to hear about it thanks to Asha Sharma. Plus: Xbox's "platform" game focus, more absolutely dismal news for Halo, the unaffordability of console gaming, and so much more! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 5:42 - Health Is Wealth 21:54 - In person Duke soon? 23:45 - Shoutout to SS+ 28:31 - A retro gaming solution? 30:00 - Asha Sharma confirms platinum trophy equivalent coming to Xbox later this year 44:18 - Asha Sharma’s leaked memo to staff 58:16 - Halo sales estimates are in 1:32:01 - Xbox console price increase confirmed for EU and UK 1:36:42 - ESO faces a content delay following layoffs 1:41:23 - A crazy Bethesda remaster candidate leaks 1:44:16 - Sony responds to shareholders about physical games 1:57:43 - Steam Machine reservations will be filled by end of year 1:59:18 - Mass layoffs expected at EA 2:02:19 - What We’re Playing 2:31:00 - Xbox’s Game Preservation Program Leaks 3:07:58 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#291
August 2 · 3 hr 48 min
#291 | We played Gears Of War E-Day EARLY...
Ah, like the good ol' days! It's time to talk a lot of Halo and Gears. Interestingly, one franchise has handled the baton pass much better than the other. Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 13:03 - Most Anticipated Games for the year 20:52 - Why do people care about Bethesda? 30:25 - The great Xbox outage 1:00:32 - Rebs Gaming on future of Halo 1:27:51 - Xbox optimizing download speeds 1:30:58 - Xbox’s gamescom plans 1:33:40 - The layoffs have begun at Double Fine 1:42:33 - Avatar Legends suddenly delayed on Xbox 1:49:26 - Stalker 2’s first expansion has a date 1:51:25 - Dragon Age Remasters dream is dead 2:03:12 - A new Cyberpunk game has leaked 2:07:03 - Looking Ahead At Game Releases - August 2026 2:13:08 - What We’re Playing 2:32:11 - Gears Of War E-Day 3:04:12 - Xbox’s ad supported game streaming has arrived 3:22:21 - Fable’s release date snag 3:37:09 - Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#290
July 26 · 4 hr 8 min
#290 | Our Halo Campaign Evolved Review Is HERE - Did It Deliver?!
The latest release by Halo Studios is here! While the run up to this launch has been far from clean, how does this game fare when separated from the noise? The Dukes who have deep ties to this game unpack it from the ‘super fan’ angle before rolling into what this means for those who have never played a Halo game. It’s a strange one, but we’ll do our best as always! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 4:51 - Health Is Wealth 21:06 - Hits Only versus New IP 40:35 - Xbox Reveals Backward Compatibility for PC 53:20 - Xbox’s Messaging on Exclusivity Gets Messy Again 1:03:31 - Xbox Leadership Reportedly Detests Game Pass 1:20:14 - Halo Roadmap Leaks from Rebs Gaming 1:35:07 - Marathon’s Director Bows Out 1:48:29 - Circana’s Dooming News for Physical Game Lovers 2:13:07 - KOTOR Remake in 2028? 2:20:14 - What We’re Playing (Halo) 3:07:26 - Bethesda Lays Out the Roadmap for Their Future 3:56:54 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#289
July 19 · 3 hr 36 min
#289 | The Fallout From The 'Xbox Reset'
A lot can happen in a week's time! Now that the dust is settling and we have a rare quiet moment for Xbox, it's time to fully unpack the immediate results of Xbox's Reset. We've learned that multiple Zenimax owned studios have returned to their smaller sized around the mid 2010s. When you look across the industry at the various indie and AA success stories, one has to wonder if AAA is no longer just borrowing creative ideas from these parts and, instead, emulating their business structure. Is there a lesson to be learned in Expedition 33 reaching 8+ million copies sold with a team of around 30 people and their strategic form of outsourcing? What of the 10+ person team at Mega Crit that works on the indie hit Slay The Spire 2? Does the industry truly need its titanic teams across the board or should there be exceptions to that rule in cases such as Rockstar? The reality is that we won't know for years how any of this pans out, but it's a good thought exercise nonetheless! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 10:51 - Health Is Wealth 25:04 - The Future of Elder Scrolls 33:49 - Leadership Issues at Halo Studios Again 1:02:46 - The Black Ops 1 and 2 PS5 Ports 1:08:59 - Microsoft Deletes a 25 Year Old Account 1:29:51 - The Slow Adoption Rate of PS5 and Series Consoles 1:39:37 - Obsidian Responds to Claims That They're a Different Team Nowadays 1:54:33 - Ryse: Son of Rome Was Supposed to Be Xbox's Assassin's Creed 2:00:52 - Glen Schofield Officially Retires from Making Games 2:10:17 - People Are Truly Backlog Gaming Like Crazy 2:13:41 - What We're Playing 2:34:44 - The Fallout of the "Xbox Reset" 3:25:04 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#288
July 12 · 3 hr 38 min
#288 | The Grand 'Xbox Reset' Is HERE... (it's a LOT)
What has Brad done this time? Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 12:27 - Health Is Wealth 27:44 – Xbox leaning into exclusivity 43:19 – TES 6 is 2–3 years away 52:27 – Obsidian is making a Fallout game 1:33:58 – Spyro devs are interested in Banjo 1:38:47 – Project Fantasy funding pull leads to studio shutdown 1:46:11 – What We’re Playing 2:01:14 – The Grand Xbox Reset is here 3:27:31 – Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#287
July 5 · 3 hr 31 min
#287 | We're Tired, Boss...
The bottom continues to fall out from the games industry. Approximately five impending studio closures was simply not enough. Here comes PlayStation who is shutting down their entire physical game operation. It's never been more clear than right now that many of us who have been gaming since the 90s are now truly considered "the old guard" as we continue to face off against staggering changes at a breakneck speed. Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 3:31 - Checking in with the Dukes 22:50 - Xbox announces more console price increases 48:38 - Is Xbox pulling third party deals from Game Pass? 55:26 - PlayStation goes all digital 1:18:37 - The Bungie cuts are official 1:34:27 - Will GTA 6 be 60 FPS? 1:38:57 - Oblivion Remastered gets Switch 2 port details 1:41:07 - What We’re Playing 2:06:09 - Xbox is eyeing Undead Labs for closure 2:29:24 - Xbox debates canceling Blade and shutting down Arkane 2:58:52 - Xbox pulls funding from Project Fantasy 3:12:12 - Wrap up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#286
June 28 · 3 hr 18 min
#286 | Steam Machine Prices and XBOX Helix effect...
The RAM-pocalypse has arrived and Valve has set the tone on hardware pricing! Jimmy Champane of Deck Ready and The Insipid Ghost of The Expansion Pass break down all the Steam Machine news! How does this affect Project Helix launch and pricing? Massive news week for the Dukes and we sift through it all. GTA 6 colossal news impact, Phil Spencer believing in Kojima/OD, Xbox going full Hollywood and so much more! Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 2:38 - Warm Up Questions 5:12 - GTA 6 Price revealed, details & performance 32:23 - Todd Howard likes Blade. XBOX rake inbound? 43:55 - XBOX triples down on HOLLYWOOD 58:28 - Halo’s Project Ekur latest rumors 1:11:21 - Kojima says Phil & Asha understood OD 1:21:58 - Marathon’s new PvE mode 1:38:59 - Sonic and Shinobi failed to meet expectations 1:47:21 - Obsidian sued in class action lawsuit 1:51:13 - EA holds third round of layoffs this year 1:56:24 - Looking ahead at game releases - July 2026 2:04:22 - What We're Playing 2:15:07 - STEAM MACHINE sticker shock & Project Helix effect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#285
June 21 · 3 hr 12 min
#285 | It's Happening AGAIN... - More Xbox Studio Shutdowns Soon
Brad's curse continues on. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/duke Timestamps: Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00 - Intro 3:30 - An update on the Green Reaper 8:10 - Colin scolds The Dukes 13:09 - A brief reprieve from Xbox depression 24:30 - What We’re Playing 1:02:00 - Xbox Studio Shutdowns 3:01:15 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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