Unlocked

Replaced game director Yura Zhdanovich joins us to discuss his just-released Xbox exclusive. He shares insights into the project's origin, getting offered an exclusivity deal from Microsoft, what's next for Sad Cat Studios, and much more! Plus: Pragmata impressions amidst a huge week of awesome new game releases! 00:00:00 - Intro & Replaced Director Interview 00:57:13 - Pragmata Review Discussion #xbox #replaced #pragmata #gaming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After we brought it up on last week's podcast, State of Decay 3 has awoken from its slumber and announced an upcoming community playtest! We talk all about what we want from the upcoming zombie survival/RPG. Plus: our hands-on impressions of the preview version of Forza Horizon 6, Xbox Achievements are getting some welcome improvements, Game Pass has a ton to offer in April, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Forza Horizon 6 Talk 00:14:24 - Kiln Beta this weekend 00:16:02 - Starfield DLC + Free Lanes Update is out 00:20:58 - State of Decay 3 is alive 00:40:10 - Xbox Achievements are getting a nice update! 00:50:08 - April Game Pass, Wave 1 00:57:40 - Brian Raffel retires & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After talking about our favorite games from PAX East, we discuss Microsoft's Xbox Showcase announcement – which included news that Gears of War: E-Day will get the coveted "Direct" slot immediately following the event. We dig deep into what that means for the Gears prequel, why Fable might end up being the game that gets bumped to 2027 out of Xbox's stacked 2026 lineup, which studios we might and might not hear from at the Xbox Showcase, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & What We Played At PAX (Kiln and 4 Penny Coffins 00:02:34 - Rain98 00:05:30 - Lunarium & Cat Secretary 00:10:07 - Xbox Games Showcase & Gears of War: E-Day 00:22:34 - Too Many Xbox Games? 00:24:19 - Will Fable be at the showcase? 00:36:44 - Double Fine: Kiln 00:38:51 - Halo Studios: Campaign Evolved 00:39:31 - inXile: Clockwork Revolution 00:42:27 - Mojang & Ninja Theory 00:46:49 - Playground Games & Rare 00:52:30 - Undead Labs & State of Decay 3 00:58:45 - Arkane, Marvel's Blade, & Blizzard 01:04:09 - This is An Xbox & Outro #gaming #xbox #gearsofwar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 734 of Podcast Unlocked, the crew takes the stage to react to the incredibly packed Xbox Partner Showcase. We discuss the biggest reveals, including the new STALKER 2: Cost of Hope DLC, Hades 2 dropping next month, Wuthering Waves finally coming to Xbox, the Yakuza-inspired Stranger than Heaven, and the surprise drop of Super Meat Boy 3D! Plus, we share our favorite hidden indie gems that we went hands-on with on the PAX East show floor, and wrap things up with a live audience AMA discussing what we all want to see from the next-generation Xbox console. Terms & Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18+ yrs of age. Ends 4/26/26. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules at  https://www.ign.com/rewards/enter-to-win-a-rog-xbox-ally-handheld-gaming-device for full details. https://www.Trolli.com/xbox #Xbox #PAXEast2026 #XboxShowcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all played cool games at the Game Developers' Conference last week, and we'd like to tell you about them! Plus: Michael gushes about all the fun he's been having with Marathon before talking to us about his trip to Bethesda to see Starfield's new expansion and interview Todd Howard, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight gets a new release date, April and May are unbelievably jam-packed full of games we're excited about, and more! #xbox #gaming #gdc2026 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:49 - Delphinium 00:06:36 - Dosa Divas 00:10:34 - Nomori 00:15:17 - Mongil: Star Dive 00:18:16 - At Fate's End 00:31:25 - Marathon Update with Michael 00:39:35 - Starfield updates from Michael 00:44:14 - Project Helix thoughts from Miranda and Michael 00:59:23 - Lego Batman's release date changed again? 01:01:02 - April and May Games (Samson: A Tyndalston Story, Replaced, Mouse PI for Hire, Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred) 01:03:13 - Kiln, Mixtape, Saros, 007: First Light, Paralives, Crimson Desert, Yoshi and The Mysterious Book 01:06:32 - Where to Find Us & Outro This episode of Unlocked is hosted by Ryan McCaffrey and produced by Tayo Oyekan. Technical production is by Marhyan Franzen and Amir Rakib. Technical direction and editing are handled by Nick Maillet. Graphic design is by Justin Vachon. Unlocked is an IGN production and part of the Geek Media network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft has confirmed the rumor that its next-gen console will play PC games. The machine is codenamed Project Helix, and we discuss potential names for the device, how Microsoft must get its messaging right, the advantages it might have over the competition, and much more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Nugg and MC Fixer 00:04:24 - Project Helix Announcement Reactions & Potential Names 00:24:45 - Sony Returns to Console Exclusivity & 00:31:18 - Project Helix Potential Advantages over PlayStation 00:51:22- Microsoft's GDC 2026 Keynote 01:05:09 - Outro & Where to Find Us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've spent time with several big new games that we had a blast with this week, and we'd like to tell you all about them: Resident Evil Requiem, Marathon, Mouse: P.I. for Hire, and Control Resonant. A huge year of gaming continues – join us as we share our impressions of these four! 00:00:00 - Resident Evil Requiem 00:32:26 - Marathon 01:02:18 - Mouse P.I. For hire 01:06:51 - Control Resonant 01:13:24 - Game Pass March, Cyberpunk 2077, & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Xbox executive Greg Canessa, aka the Creator of Xbox Live Arcade, joins us to react to, analyze, and quite honestly just process this week's seismic news about Xbox boss Phil Spencer retiring, Xbox President Sarah Bond leaving, and the appointment of new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma. We discuss Phil's legacy, give our unsolicited advice to Asha for what we'd like to see in her era of Xbox, and more in this extra-long episode! 00:00:00 - Intro & Phil Spencer's Legacy 00:31:56 - Game Pass & Xbox's studio acquisitions 00:47:09 - Asha Sharma 01:13:35 - Sarah Bond Leaves 01:23:57 - Our Advice to Asha & Outro #xbox #ashasharma #philspencer #gaming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just as we thought things might be lining up for a next-gen Xbox launch in 2027, a new story on hard drive availability has left us wondering if that option might be slipping away. Plus: we go over the new games coming to Xbox that were announced in last week's Sony State of Play, talk through the next wave of Xbox Game Pass additions, and more! 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Ryan's Thoughts On Reanimal 05:16 - Are Hard Drives the Next-Gen Xbox’s Latest Roadblock? 19:05 - The Biggest Xbox Games From The Sony State of Play 47:27 - Whats Headed to Xbox Game Pass 54:58 - PokemonPlanet This weeks show is hosted by Ryan McCaffrey, Miranda Sanchez, and Michael Higham. The episode is produced and edited by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember last week's comments from AMD's CEO about being ready to support a next-gen Xbox launch in 2027? It turns out there's more to the story, so we're discussing what launch timing might make sense for Microsoft, and how we think a BS-free version of Windows 11 is a big key to the whole launch. Plus: can Baldur's Gate 3 make a good HBO TV show? We're going to find out either way, so we talked about what we want to see from the co-showrunner of The Last of US show who's in charge of this project. 00:00:00 - Intro & Replaced Demo 00:17:41 - Next-Gen Xbox 2027 Launch Reportedly 'Best Case Scenario 00:50:09 - Baldur's Gate 3 TV Show 01:06:54 - PlanetPokemon & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two big topics dominate our Xbox show this week: first, Resident Evil Requiem. Our own Michael Higham got to play a few hours of a near-final build, and he came back super excited about what will probably be the biggest game in the first quarter of 2026. And then we discussed AMD's CEO publicly stating that they'd be ready to support a next-gen Xbox launch in 2027, including whether or not we think the next Xbox will beat the PlayStation 6 to market, whether that even matters, and what Microsoft could do to try and get core gamers excited about what promises to be a very different type of console. 00:00:00 - Intro & Resident Evil Requiem 00:18:29 - Next-gen Xbox launch in 2027? 00:48:32 - No Plans For The Outher Worlds 3 01:03:04 - New to Game Pass & Outro Go to https://surfshark.com/unlocked or use code UNLOCKED at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a marathon two-hour episode, our friends from Outside Xbox join us to discuss the Top 20 games in our collaborative Top 100 Xbox Games of All Time list. We share stories, memories, and more from each of these 20 incredible Xbox games that have stood the test of time, from Halo(s) to Mass Effect(s) to GTA 5 and plenty more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:24 - Halo Reach, Mass Effect, Fez 00:21:59 - Gears of War 2, Read Dead Redemption, Ninja Gaiden Black, Fable 2 00:43:46 - Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, Oblivion, COD 4, KOTOR 01:10:19 - Halo, Forza Horizon 5, Inside, Bioshock 01:30:32 - Halo 2, Gears of War 3 01:47:35 - Top 3 & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part one of our Top 100 Xbox Games of All Time conversation is here! We're talking about the games that mean a lot to us from 100-26 on our list. There will be games you remember, games that make you go, "Oh yeah, that one!", and maybe some games that are new to you. Come back next week for part two when we dig into the top games on the list! 00:00:00 - Intro & Fallout 3 00:12:20 - The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind 00:19:31 - Fusion Frenzy & 1 vs 100 00:28:17 - Rainbow Six: Vegas & Street Fighter IV 00:37:02 - Full Spectrum Warrior & Mirror's Edge 00:45:21 - Halo 4 & Lost Odyssey 00:56:15 - Rock Band 3 & Wolfenstein II 01:05:55 - Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Hitman (2016), & DOOM Eternal 01:13:32 - Favorite 7/10 Games & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we react to everything shown at Xbox’s latest Developer Direct, with deep dives into Fable, Forza Horizon 6, a surprise reveal from Double Fine Productions, and a brand-new project from Game Freak. Big reactions, big speculation, and a whole lot of excitement. 00:00:00 - Intro & Fable Deep-Dive 00:37:50 - GameFreak + Beasts of Reincarnation 00:47:25 - Doublefine + Kiln 00:53:56 - Forza Horizon 6 & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox's now-annual early-year showcase returns next week! We know Fable and Forza Horizon 6 will be there, but what else will show up? We've got predictions. Plus: Hellblade and Wolfenstein are reportedly getting new sequels, Forza Horizon 5 is still selling huge all these years later, The Witcher 3 might drop a new expansion many years after the last one, Anthem shuts down, renowned Xbox 360-era developer Twisted Pixel is closed, and more! 00:00:00 - Xbox Developer Direct Predictions 00:20:06 - Ninja Theory is working on Hellblade 3 00:28:49 - Wolfenstein 3 may be on the way 00:39:38 - Forza Horizon 5 sells 5 million copies on PS5 00:49:17 - Witcher 3 DLC 00:59:55 - Anthem is officially dead 01:05:03 - Meta has shut down Twisted Pixel & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Xbox world lost two wonderful people over the holidays: longtime Microsoft hardware team member Albert Penello and game industry legend Vince Zampella, whose credits include co-creating Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and many more. Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg joins us to remember Albert, who was an absolute joy to everyone he met and who he knew extremely well both at and outside of work. And then we spend the rest of the episode talking about Vince and the great guy he was as well as the monumental impact he had on both the Xbox (Call of Duty 2, Titanfall) and the larger games industry. Thank you to Gamertag Radio's Parris Lilly for joining us this week as well. 00:00:00 - Did you guys play anything over the holiday break? 00:06:39 - Remembering Albert Penello 00:32:48 - Remembering Vince Zampella Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What to do during a quiet holiday week with no news? How about we argue amongst ourselves? Haha well sort of: we decided to rank the four Xbox console day-one launch lineups we've had so far, and let's just say we definitely did not all agree on how these rankings should go. Enjoy and happy holidays! This weeks show is hosted by Ryan McCaffrey, Miranda Sanchez, Michael Higham, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We didn't get any reveals from Xbox at this year's Game Awards, but there's some very good news: we're going to see a lot more from them very soon. We talk all about what Xbox's 2026 Developer Direct might look like, and then discuss our favorite Game Awards reveals. This weeks show is hosted by Ryan McCaffrey, Miranda Sanchez, Michael Higham, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew kicks off by going over IGN's nominees for Best Xbox Game of 2025 before giving our individual picks, and then we get to the big topic this week: new comments by Xbox's VP of Next-Gen that seem to suggest we're getting SOMETHING next year. Whether that's just an announcement or an actual console as well remains to be seen, but we discuss it. Plus: the KOTOR remake isn't dead, the Assassin's Creed: Black Flag remake is very much alive, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Xbox's GOTY 00:08:03 - Xbox's 2026 00:31:23 - KOTOR Remake 00:46:46 - Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Remake 00:53:51 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Xbox show, we've got good news on the long-dormant Splinter Cell Remake project that has us optimistic that a new Sam Fisher adventure might actually see the light of day. Plus: GTA 6 suffers a small but very weird leak, IO Interactive has a full plate that includes Hitman 4, CD Projekt Red has set a very ambitious schedule for its upcoming The Witcher trilogy, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:13:30 - Splinter Cell Remake Update 00:29:50 - New GTA 6 Leaks 00:37:17 - Hitman 4 Update 00:53:05 - Witcher 4 01:03:43 - December GamePass Lineup 01:10:24 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, the longtime public face of Xbox at Microsoft, joins us for a special Xbox 360 episode as the most successful Xbox console ever celebrates its 20th anniversary. Larry shares a ton of great stories and even shows off a bunch of rare souvenirs from that era. You're not going to want to miss this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Winners from Xbox’s Partner Showcase (Fall 2025) – Unlocked 716We recorded this week's episode live immediately following Xbox's Fall 2025 Partner Preview showcase, where we got updated looks at known quantities like Reanimal, Tides of Annihilation, and 007: First Light. But we also got a number of reveals from intriguing new games like Erosion, Echo Generation 2, Vampire Crawlers, and more. Enjoy our reactions! 00:03:17 - Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard 00:06:28 - Tides of Annihilation 00:09:37 - Erosion 00:14:02 - Echo Generation 2 00:18:55 - Armatus 00:24:23 - The Mound: Omen of Chthulu 00:27:01 - Dave the Diver - Official Xbox Launch 00:28:54 - Crowsworn 00:31:49 - 007 First Light & Roadside Research 00:40:37 - Total Chaos 00:44:24 - Reanimal, Cloverpit, Raji: Kaliyuga, & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a jam-packed episode of our Xbox show, we discuss Grand Theft Auto 6's delay and how it hits Xbox harder than any other publisher. Plus: Valve's new Steam Machine will seemingly be competing directly with Xbox's next-gen console/PC hybrid efforts, Halo Infinite's support is in fact finite, why we think Mass Effect 5 is BioWare's last chance as a studio, our confidence level in The Elder Scrolls 6 despite it being many years away, and more! This weeks show is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, Miranda Sanchez, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our special guest this week is Obsidian's Brandon Adler, the Game Director on The Outer Worlds 2. He tells us about how the team's new RPG has been received so far, what kind of stuff hit the cutting room floor, what got prototyped but never made it into the game, how other games influence them, getting advice from the RPG legends in the building, and more! This weeks show is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old-school Xbox fans will get a little extra enjoyment out of this week's episode, which welcomes Ryan's old Official Xbox Magazine podcasting partner Dan Amrich, now a developer at Digital Eclipse, for a KOXM Radio reunion to discuss his team's comprehensive new release, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection. Dan goes into great detail about how much meticulous care and effort went into the Legacy Kollection in order to make it into a "playable museum exhibit." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We remember original Xbox Ninja Gaiden director Tomonobu Itagaki upon the unfortunate news of his passing before discussing the first new mainline Ninja Gaiden game in 13 years, NInja Gaiden 4. Plus: Ryan went on a field trip to Halo Studios and brought back hands-on impressions of Halo: Campaign Evolved, the just-announced remake of Halo: Combat Evolved done in Unreal Engine 5. Finally, Xbox President Sarah Bond gives us a cryptic but concerning update on Xbox's next-gen console plans, Miranda tells you why you need to play Ball x Pit on Xbox Game Pass, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Ball X Pit 00:10:18 - Ninja Gaiden 4 Review Discussion 00:42:11- Halo Coming to PS5 01:22:27 - Future of Xbox Consoles & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game design legend and Double Fine Productions Studio Head Tim Schafer returns to Unlocked along with Keeper Project Director Lee Petty to talk about their new living-lighthouse game, Keeper! It's out now and it's awesome. In our spoiler-free conversation, Lee and Tim tell us about the project's origins, using Unreal Engine 5, the importance of making games artists want to make, and more! And afterwards we talk about the fantastic new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming PC now that it's available and we have benchmarks. Enjoy! 00:00:00 - Keeper Interview 00:50:59 - ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X 01:04:54 - Outro & Humble Bundle Choice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More fallout from last week's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike as DLC discounts on Game Pass get eliminated in favor of Rewards points, as well as a possible cause of the 50% price increase. We discuss how we'd fix this pricing problem Microsoft's created. Plus: Microsoft squashes a rumor about its future hardware intentions, a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming is reportedly on the way, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's all about dollars and cents (sense?) on this week's episode of IGN's weekly Xbox show, as we're discussing Microsoft's massive price hike on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, along with the final tough-to-stomach price of the Xbox ROG Ally X, and EA's record-breaking $55 billion go-private deal. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:53 - Xbox ROG Ally X Price Revealed 00:12:58 - Game Pass Price Hike 00:54:08 - EA's record-breaking $55 billion go-private deal 01:17:58 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our main topic is one we'd rather not have to discuss, but unfortunately, here we go again with Xbox console price hikes. We talk about our thoughts on the bigger picture of these higher-than-ever prices five years into this console generation. Plus: we've got fun stuff to talk about too, such as Forza Horizon 6's reveal and Japan setting, plus Hideo Kojima's creepy Xbox exclusive OD, which appears to be a spiritual successor to the infamous PT. 00:00:00 - Intro & Xbox ROG Ally X Price Watch 2025 00:05:06 - Xbox Price Hikes in the USA 00:25:10 - Ex-Blizzard President Mike Ybarra criticizes the Xbox price Hike 00:41 :40 - Forza Horizon 6 Revealed 01:02:05 - O.D. Trailer Reaction 01:10:12 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We begin IGN's Xbox show this week by discussing the alleged (but still unconfirmed as of recording) pricing of the Xbox ROG Ally X handheld gaming PC, including what the huge apparent gap in price between the base model and the top-end model means for each one. And then our main topic is around GTA 6: a new Rockstar job listing makes a big but fair claim, and we debate just how far and wide its pop-culture reach and impact will be when it finally drops. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:15:08 - LEGO Voyagers Review & Lost Skies 00:17:52 - BioShock Movie is 'Definitely' Based on the First Game 00:31:16 - GTA 6 'Will Be The Largest Game Launch in History 00:58:22 - IGN Fan Fest Returns! 01:01:21 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With rumors swirling and Microsoft confirming a Tokyo Game Show livestream, we discuss whether or not we might be about to get a reveal of Forza Horizon 6. Plus: Hollow Knight: Silksong and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC impressions, former Xbox and industry execs weigh in on Xbox Game Pass, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Humble Bundle 00:03:42 - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants DLC 00:12:02 - Borderlands 4 out this week too! 00:14:18 - Hollow Knight: Silksong 00:16:10 - ROG Ally X 00:18:02 - Forza Horizon 6 & Xbox's TGS Livestream 00:42:02 - Xbox Game Pass is coming under fire 01:17:15 - Double Fine & Keeper + Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The long-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally out the day this episode publishes, and so we brought in Logan Plant from our Nintendo Voice chat to discuss his thoughts so far after he played it at a recent Xbox event and PAX West. Plus: our reactions to the first gameplay deep-dive of IO Interactive's 007: First Light, a discussion around the near-resurrection of The Initiative's and Crystal Dynamics's Perfect Dark, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Humble Bundle Choice 00:05:21 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Impressions 00:23:07 - 007: First Light Gameplay Impressions 00:31:09 - The near-resurrection of Perfect Dark 00:49:00 - Call of Duty Movie 01:01:57 - Gamepass Games & Outro This episode of Unlocked is sponsored by 5-hour ENERGY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're drowning in a sea of awesome games this week! Between the three of us, we've been playing a couple of big new releases (Gears of War Reloaded and Metal Gear Solid Delta) and a few hot upcoming games we want to tell you about (Replaced, The Outer Worlds 2, and LEGO Voyagers). Join us! 00:00 - Intro 02:02 - A Bioshock Update 12:15 - Gears of War Reloaded 25:39 - Keep Replaced on your Radars 32:19 - Metal Gear Solid Delta 42:51 - The Outer Worlds 2 53:26 - LEGO Voyagers This weeks epsiode is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, MIranda Sanchez, and is produced by Nick Maillet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We react to a new since-confirmed report that 2K's new BioShock game continues to find its footing. We discuss where the project is and what the BioShock IP still means to gamers. Plus: Helldivers 2's upcoming Xbox release looks to be extra special thanks to an apparent Halo: ODST crossover, another Xbox exclusive appears to be canceled, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unlocked, we dive into the finer details of Battlefield 6 after a hands-on preview and find a return to form for EA’s long-running shooter franchise. But we also dig into Grounded 2’s early access to see how Obsidian keeps cooking up good games for 2025. We also look at the latest Game Pass revenue numbers in contrast to the recent layoffs across Xbox’s game studios. And we couldn’t have done this without our esteemed guest Niki Grayson who you can find on podcasts such as If You’re Driving, Close Your Eyes and VGBees. #Xbox #GamePass #Grounded2 #Battlefield6 #IGN #gaming  00:00:00 – Intro and August’s Humble Bundle 00:10:17 – Battlefield 6 hands-on preview 00:50:01 – Grounded 2 early access impressions 01:02:14 – Game Pass revenue hits $5 billion 01:14:21 – Outro and where to find us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lots to talk about this week! We start by discussing the latest releases and games we're previewing, including Grounded 2, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Then we hit on Helldivers 2 making a surprise jump to Xbox, chat about the rumored pricing for the Xbox ROG Ally handheld, celebrate Hollow Knight: Silksong being playable at Gamescom in a few weeks, express relief at Xbox backing down from its $80 first-party game pricing plan, and then go through a few Bethesda/Elder Scrolls-related stories. 00:00:00 - Intro & July Humble Bundle 00:05:15 - Grounded 2, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Helldivers 2 00:17:24 - Xbox ROG Ally Price Update 00:28:28 - Hollow Knight: Silksong will be playable at gamescom! 00:35:16 - Xbox games at gamescom 00:41:27 -The Outer Worlds 2 will not be 80 dollars 00:48:14 - Does Microsoft have two unnanounced Xbox games in the pipeline? & Oblivion Remastered 01:01:42 - Future of Starfield 01:11:13:59 - A Farewell to Julian LeFay 01:16:17 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Xbox executive Greg Canessa – creator of Xbox Live Arcade – joins us for our 700th episode to share some awesome inside-baseball stories from his days at Xbox. He also talks about his perspective on Xbox today from the business side of things (including his thoughts on the Activision-Blizzard acquisition), as well as how he feels about Xbox's future. You're not gonna want to miss this one! This weeks episode is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, Greg Canessa, Parris Lilly, and is Produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sort through the aftermath of Xbox's devastating layoffs from last week, including updates on the status of where Perfect Dark was, what's left of the Turn 10 team, how Microsoft's AI investments may have played a part in all of this, and much more. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:42 - Perfect Dark00:16:40 - The Future for Halo00:26:05 - Elder Scrolls Online Dev's Comment on Cancelled MMO00:34:37 - Xbox Layoffs Updates & Turn 1000:49:35 - Romero Games' Unannounced Cancelled Project00:56:12 - Founder of Dishonored and Prey Dev Arkane Slams Game Pass01:06:52 - What Now?01:18:31 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As expected, layoffs at Microsoft and Xbox did happen this week, and they were unbelievably brutal. Approximately 9,000 people reportedly got laid off, multiple games were canceled, and entire studios were shut down. We sort through the wreckage on this week's Unlocked. 00:00 - Intro 00:11:12 - Assessing Xbox’s Layoffs 00:24:33 - ZeniMax Online’s New MMORPG Has Been Canceled 00:29:55 - Perfect Dark and Game Cancellations 00:44:41 - The Damage to Xbox's Brand 00:52:21 - Xbox's Future & Phil Spencer's Rumored Retirement 01:10:14 - Mafia: The Old Country, LV1 Gaming, & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's Xbox Showcase was very good, but next year's Showcase should be absolutely jam-packed with Xbox's A-listers, from Halo to Gears of War to Fable and Forza Horizon. And not just that, Fall 2026 should be one of the biggest quarter of releases in Xbox history. Plus: Xbox's curious collab with Meta Quest, our bigger-picture perspective on reportedly imminent Xbox layoffs, and more! 00:08:34 - Let’s talk about NEXT year’s Xbox Showcase 00:27:35 - What is Xbox's Genre Identity? 00:30:45 - What does Fall 2026 look like for Xbox? 00:43:54 - What does 2027 look like for Xbox? 00:52:53 -  Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition 01:00:38 - Microsoft Plans Major Job Cuts at Xbox Gaming Division 01:24:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off by talking about the games we got to play behind closed doors after the Xbox Showcase: The Outer Worlds 2, Gears of War Reloaded, and Ninja Gaiden 4. And then we dig into our main topic: Xbox's next-gen hardware announcement. We analyze what it means, what it doesn't, and discuss where Xbox is going. ****** 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - Outer Worlds, Gears of War Reloaded, & Summer Game Fest 13:50 - Handhelds Are Clearly Important to the Future of Xbox 21:20 - Ninja Gaiden 4 is Pretty Rad 34:43 - Dissecting Xbox’s Next-Gen Announcement 57:31 - Marathon got Delayed 01:07:03 - Whats Headed To Gamepass This week’s show is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, Miranda Sanchez, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jam-packed IGN Live 2025 special, we’re diving into three games revealed in the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. First, Daemon Hatfield joins Obsidian Entertainment for a deep dive into The Outer Worlds 2, then Remedy stops by to talk FBC: Firebreak. Finally, Tom Jorgenson sits down with Iron Galaxy to break down the long-awaited Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster. You don't wanna miss it! 00:00:00 - The Outer Worlds 2 00:12:01 - FBC: Firebreak 00:21:40 - Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Xbox Games Showcase delivered big reveals and we’ve got thoughts. In this episode, we break down the biggest surprises and top takeaways from the show, including the ROG Ally Xbox handheld, Clockwork Revolution, Call of Duty Black Ops 7, the return of Persona 4, and Final Fantasy’s Xbox debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IGN Live is nearly here and we have a limited number of complimentary tickets for it! Head here and use the code "UNLOCKEDGUEST" to get a complimentary GA ticket for Saturday or Sunday: ⁠www.ign.com/live We kick off by discussing the specific Xbox eras we'd most like to go back in time to and relive – from Halo 2 to Rock Band, among others – before chatting about Bungie's latest blunder and the state of the once-great studio, Randy Pitchford's spicy message to fans in regards to Borderlands 4 possibly being priced at $80, Microsoft's new additions to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's domination of April's top-selling games list, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro, IGN Live, & Humble Bundle 00:08:28 - Favorite Xbox Era? 00:39:16 - Bungie Accused of Plagiarism 00:58:44 - Borderlands 4 $80 Controversy 01:08:09 - Retro Classics with Game Pass 01:11:22 - Game Pass Wave 2 for May & Best Selling Games of May 01:19:46 - RAIDOU Remastered & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IGN's Doom: The Dark Ages reviewer (and Doom superfan) Mitchell Saltzman joins fellow Doom superfan Ryan McCaffrey to discuss id software's just-released prequel: how it compares to Doom Eternal, why we love it, where the series goes from here, and more. Plus: Mitchell talks about his visit to From Software to play a ton of Elden Ring Nightreign as part of our exclusive IGN First coverage, Mafia: The Old Country makes a surprising pivot on price and game direction, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:16 - IGN Live & Xbox Games Studio Publisher Bundle 00:07:53 - Doom: The Dark Ages Reactions 00:28:14 - Elden Ring Nightreign Reactions 00:44:17 - Mafia: The Old Country 00:53:56 - Job cuts at Microsoft 00:57:28 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed 01:07:11 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a huge week of Xbox news, we're discussing Xbox's massive, demoralizing, and unprecedented price increases five years into the console generation. Plus: we gush over the new GTA 6 trailer, celebrate the return of Gears of War 1 via a new remaster, discuss the just-leaked images of ROG's officially licensed Xbox handheld PC, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Lord Cognito 00:03:54 - Xbox Price Hike 00:45:01 - IGN Live Is Back! & Humble Bundle 00:48:19 - GTA 6 Trailer 2 Impressions 01:03:41 - Would you pay $100 for GTA 6? 01:09:28 - Gears of War: Reloaded Announced 01:20:36 - First Pictures of Asus' Xbox-branded Handheld Leak Online 01:30:17 - Outro & Where to Find Us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss how Borderlands 4's release date just moved up, and whether or not it means it's getting out of GTA 6...possibly in October? But maybe there's another game it's avoiding... Plus: Assassin's Creed Shadows' strong sales debut, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gets a hilarious new playable Operator, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is selling great, and more – including a bonus interview with the Obsidian team about The Outer Worlds 2 at the end of the podcast! 0:00:00 - Intro , IGN Live, Humble Bundle Deals 00:04:45 - Borderlands 4’s Release Date Moves Up, Marathon, & GTA 6 00:22:37 - FBC Firebreak Release Date & Black Ops 6 adds Seth Rogen 00:33:59 - AC: Shadows Best-selling game in the U.S 00:43:45 - Clair Obscur has sold over a million copies 00:54:36 - EA cancels another incubation project at Respawn 01:03:49 - The Outer Worlds 2 Developer Interview 01:48:03 - Outro & Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's raining RPGs on Xbox Game Pass this week as the long-rumored/leaked Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered finally got released – and it's even better than we'd hoped. We discuss why it's fantastic and what it means for other Bethesda remasters (Fallout 3, anyone?) and The Elder Scrolls VI. Plus: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has also arrived and it is amazing! Michael reviewed it, and he tells you why it's his Game of the Year so far as we approach the one-third mark of 2025. Happy role-playing gaming! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bethesda's "secret" remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion keeps leaking. We'll talk about what we learned from this week's leak, when you can play it (hint: VERY SOON), how it'll hit for a generation of Elder Scrolls fans that have only ever known Skyrim, and more. Plus: our Mount Rushmore of RPGs, Xbox Game Pass's incredible second wave in April, the new Star Wars game and the somewhat surprising developer involved, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We covered a ton of ground this week, from The Outer Worlds 2 looking awesome so far after we got to visit Obsidian for our exclusive IGN First coverage, to Doom: The Dark Ages being fantastic but very different from Doom Eternal based on our four hours of hands-on time with it, to the Minecraft movie's big opening weekend and what other Xbox properties we'd like to see adapted to film and TV, to the grossness and danger that Microsoft's new Copilot AI-powered Quake 2 tech demo introduces, and much more! 00:00 - Intro 05:58 - Michael played The Outer Worlds 2 14:41 - Ryan Played Doom: The Dark Ages 27:23 - Marathon 34:45 - A Minecraft Movie (and other Xbox movies) discussion 46:27 - Whats headed to Game Pass 56:06 - Microsoft's Copilot AI-Powered Quake 2 Tech Demo Is a Problem This week’s show is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, and is produced by Nick Maillet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unlocked, Michael and Miranda are joined by GameSpot's Jordan Ramée to talk all about the latest Xbox exclusive, South of Midnight, now that we have reviewed it and we explore our own connections to American South. We also touch on previews for Doom: The Dark Ages and the ongoing saga of where Hollow Knight Silksong is. And we find a way to make the Nintendo Direct about Xbox (lol) before talking about Asus and Xbox teasing their handheld collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Unlocked, Miranda and Michael go over the biggest reveals for Minecraft Live 2025 (new mobs!), discuss the Backbone One Xbox Edition and how they hope Xbox's latest neat peripheral designs influence their next major device releases, and round out the show by discussing two games coming to Xbox shown during the Nintendo Direct.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Michael and Ryan give first impressions of this week's big new game release, Assassin's Creed Shadows. And then we delve into our main topic: MORE rumors about the remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and how close to release it apparently is (hint: it's really close!). Plus: Split Fiction's continued success, reassurances from Saber Interactive about the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake, and more! This week’s show is Ryan McCaffrey, Michael Higham, and was produced by Nick Maillet Unlocked is a part of Geek Media Podcast Network, an IGN Entertainment Brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The crew is joined by Ash Parrish from The Verge to discuss the reports of Xbox handhelds (from OEMs) coming later this year and the prospect of a next-gen Xbox coming in 2027 (and how weird time works because it feels like the Series X|S came out just yesterday). But first, we revisit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demo for Miranda's final thoughts, and get Ash's insights on South of Midnight from her preview and interview with actor and developer Ahmed Best. Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew discusses the awful news of WB Games closing down Shadow of Mordor developer Monolith Productions along with two other studios. Is their patented Nemesis System dead forever? But first, we spend a happy first half of the podcast gushing over a few new games we've been playing: Split Fiction, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Monster Hunter Wilds. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:00 - Spilt Fiction Impressions 00:13:52 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preview Impressions 00:33:48 - Monster Hunter Wilds Impressions 00:38:15 - Is Hazelight Studios the new Telltale? 00:43:26 - WB Games has shut down 3 Studios 00:56:55 - Is the Nemesis System Dead Forever? 01:05:50 - Fable Delayed 01:13:08 - Outro Eat smart with Factor. Get started at factormeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew reacts to all of the new and cool games we got to see at the latest ID@Xbox Showcase, from Jump Ship to Herding to Outbound to 33 Immortals and more! And joining us to shed a bit more light on the ID@Xbox program and all of these games is ID@Xbox Director Guy Richards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Avowed officially launches this week, its Game Director, Carrie Patel, and the studio head at developer Obsidian Entertainment, Feargus Urquhart, join us for a conversation about their big new first-person fantasy RPG. They discuss how the project evolved since its original unveiling, what they did with the extra development time when its release date moved to February, and much more! Plus: Feargus talks Fallout, shares a Matt Stone and Trey Parker story from making South Park: The Stick of Truth, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been waiting for this moment: to be swimming in new first-party Xbox games. We have all been playing both Avowed and South of Midnight, and we discuss our thoughts on each of them. We also spend time talking about our experiences with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 so far and why we love its grounded medieval RPG world. Finally, we discuss Bloomberg's new report about WB Games and what's next for Rocksteady, Monolith, and Avalanche with regard to Batman, Wonder Woman, and Hogwarts Legacy, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The OG Xbox podcaster Danny Peña from Gamertag Radio joins us to discuss one of Xbox's "core four" franchises, Forza, heading to PlayStation 5 in the form of Forza Horizon 5. What does it mean for Xbox? And is any franchise "safe"? Plus: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is out and awesome (and successful), we show some love to one of the newest games on Xbox Game Pass that you might not be familiar with, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Xbox boss Phil Spencer visits two of our friends' podcasts, we discuss his clarifying comments on the future (not to mention present!) of Xbox. Plus: why we love Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, we talk about BioWare getting restructured and what it means for Mass Effect 5, and more! 00:00:00 - LA Fires Support & Intro 00:02:51 - Poll Results from last week's Xbox Direct 00:09:04 - Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Impressions 00:18:30 - Phill Spencer Talks the Future of Xbox 00:43:45 - BioWare getting restructured & Mass Effect 5 00:56:45 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded live immediately following this week's fantastic Xbox Developer Direct, so our reactions are very real, highlighted by the stunning announcement of not just the LONG-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4, but also the surprise shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. We've also got plenty of thoughts on Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the corroborated rumors that Microsoft is bringing Halo: The Master Chief Collection to PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, is Xbox now officially a Sega-like third-party publisher? We discuss the complicated (and weird) idea of Halo heading to other platforms. Leading up to that, though, we discuss the rumored details of the Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, what the mystery game in next week's third annual Xbox Developer Direct might be, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! We begin our first episode of 2025 by discussing some changes happening on the podcast before getting into what you really care about: Xbox games! We talk about what we played over the holidays and then talk about two sequels that are likely still pretty far away: The Elder Scrolls 6 and Mass Effect 5. When will we see TES6 next when it's already been over six years since its official announcement? And will the Paragon/Renegade system return for Mass Effect 5? Join us to discuss it all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final show of 2024, we look ahead to 2025 and give Microsoft some advice in the form of do's and dont's for Xbox in the new year. Thanks so much for listening all year long, and we'll see you next week for the start of a new and exciting year of Xbox! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IGN has announced its Xbox Game of the Year, so now it's our turn to talk about our individual picks for best Xbox game of the year. And then we look ahead and discuss our personal most anticipated Xbox games for 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We react to this week's big event, The Game Awards, and the many reveals it brought with it, including The Witcher 4, Elden Ring Nightreign, gameplay for The Outer Worlds 2, and so, so much more! #GOTYWatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is here, and we discuss in great (spoiler-free) detail why we think it's the best Xbox exclusive in years. Plus: our predictions for reveals we'll get at next week's Game Awards, Xbox Game Pass's December lineup, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving to our USA listeners! In the spirit of the holiday this week, we're discussing the Xbox games we're most thankful for. Not necessarily the very best ones, but the ones that mean a lot to us that we're thankful for. Special guest: David "Fame2K" Whitaker from LV1 Gaming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our STALKER 2 reviewer Michael Higham joins us to discuss his thoughts so far as he's neck-deep in Xbox's big new exclusive first-person shooter. Plus: we discuss the Game of the Year nominees announced for this year's Game Awards, including whether or not an expansion pack should be included. We also talk about what we want from Amazon's live-action Mass Effect TV show, lament how Splinter Cell remains cursed after the long-gestating Tom Hardy-led live-action movie is announced as officially dead, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take-Two's CEO keeps insisting that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be released in 2025. Do we believe him? We discuss why (spoiler) we don't. Plus: a new Phil Spencer interview sees the Xbox boss being quite candid about both an Xbox handheld and the future of exclusives on Xbox hardware, and we have a LOT of thoughts. And we kick things off with a report from IGN contributor Travis Northup, who just got back from Montreal to preview Compulsion Games' new game South of Midnight. Join us! This week's show is Ryan McCaffrey, Stella Chung, Travis Northup, and is produced by Nick Maillet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 9 marks the 20th anniversary of Halo 2's release. We celebrate one of the greatest Xbox games ever by welcoming fellow veteran Xbox gamer Danny Peña from Gamertag Radio to share memories of playing it for the first time, ranking the original dozen multiplayer maps, plus a little surprise from a special guest. This week’s show is Ryan McCaffrey, Destin Legarie, Danny Peña from Gamertag Radio, and is produced by Nick Maillet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrate our perfectly-timed-for-Halloween episode 666 with Rod Fergusson, the super-nice franchise head of one of gaming's most evil franchises, Diablo. Rod talks about the new Diablo 4 expansion pack, Vessel of Hatred, the new Spiritborn character class, his reaction to Gears of War: E-Day as the former studio head at The Coalition, and even what his Gears 6 would've looked like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With STALKER 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle all releasing one right after another later this Fall, Xbox is set to seriously cook at the end of 2024. Destin gives his glowing hands-on impressions of his recent STALKER 2 preview session, Seth Macy joins us to gush about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Ryan will give his hands-on impressions of Indy...soon. Plus: former Halo senior developer Joseph Staten is back on the free agent market after Netflix shut down its AAA gaming studio, Halo Infinite's rumored battle royale mode was real before getting canceled, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went on the air live, immediately following the latest Xbox Partner Preview livestream. We gave our in-the-moment reactions to Xbox's fantastic presentation that included several reveals, including Remedy's Left 4 Dead-style session-based 3-player co-op multiplayer FPS, FBC Firebreak. We also discussed the adorable dog factor powering The Legend of Baboo along with Wuchang Fallen Feathers, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Alan Wake 2's Lakehouse expansion, Mouse: P.I. for Hire, Subnautica 2, and plenty more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our resident Xbox crew (including Miranda!) reacts to and analyzes the huge Halo news of all future projects being moved to Unreal Engine 5 as well as the studio rebranding from 343 Industries to Halo Studios. We predict what the next mainline Halo game is, what we might get before that, how it ties into a possible PlayStation debut for the franchise, and much more! Download the Opera GX: IGN Edition browser at http://Opera.com/gx/ign Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew discusses the new STALKER 2 making-of documentary, and how it's a must-watch even if you aren't interested in the game. Plus: Ubisoft admits that Star Wars Outlaws has underperformed its sales expectations, leading us to suggest where the company should go from here in the bigger picture. We also talk about Tango Gameworks's new owner Krafton's plans for Hi-Fi Rush 2, Obsidian's possible expansion of Pillars of Eternity into a new genre, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bloomberg video game industry reporter Jason Schreier joins us to discuss his new book, Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment (out October 8) sharing crazy stories about the prestigious developer that Microsoft just bought as part of their $69 billion acquisition. Plus: Ubisoft delays Assassin's Creed Shadows, Splinter Cell is back...albeit on Netflix, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We open this week's Xbox podcast at IGN by giving our hands-on impressions of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Then we discuss another EA game, Battlefield. We've got new details about the next game in the venerable first-person shooter series, and we talk about what we want out of it and what we think it needs to do in order to get back on top. Plus: more Microsoft layoffs, some good news on the Skate reboot, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We open this week's Xbox podcast by marking Destiny's 10th anniversary and then discussing the present and future for both the long-running shooter and Bungie itself, as well as what's riding on Bungie's next big project in Marathon. Then we give our thoughts on the Minecraft movie teaser before moving into our main topic: the PS5 Pro's widely panned unveiling and what it means for Xbox in both the present and the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Xbox show delves into two notable games that Xbox boss Phil Spencer discussed having the chance to sign but didn't – plus one crucial one he did. Plus: Black Myth Wukong's Xbox absence is explained, Enotria: The Last Song's developers publicly call out Team Xbox for a lack of support, Stellas impressions of Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star Wars Outlaws, arguably the first big game to hit Xbox this Fall season, has arrived, and we've got thoughts on what we've played so far. Plus: we discuss some of the biggest announcements to come out of Gamescom (Mafia: The Old Country, Borderlands 4, and others), which games we're most excited about playing for the remainder of this year, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan and Destin are joined by Spawn on Me's Kahlief Adams to discuss our extended new looks at two of Xbox's biggest upcoming games: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which both Ryan and Kahlief got a lengthy behind-closed-doors look at; and Avowed, which Destin and Kahlief both got to play. We are super excited for both and we want to tell you all about them. Plus: it turns out Indy is a timed exclusive, so we discuss how Xbox fans are feeling and what it signals for the future of the platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s happening, friends? It is a special gamescom edition of Podcast Unlocked. This week, we've constructed for you a very unique gamescom-specific audio episode this week. Our awesome team at gamescom have put together a number of Xbox developer interviews that we’re going to share with you back to back. Coming up, we have interviews with the developers of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Monster Hunter Wilds, Diablo IV, Marvel Rivals, Fragpunk, Civilization VII, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Look for another regular episode of Podcast Unlocked, where we will dig into all sorts of stuff, including my behind-closed-doors demo of Indiana Jones, which I am unbelievably thrilled about. We’ll talk about all that and more, but for now, enjoy these developer interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've played a bunch of the upcoming Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster and we want to tell you all about why we love what we've played so far. Plus: one of our most anticipated games gets delayed to 2025 but we're happy it'll get the time it needs AND avoid the Fall games rush, Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks gets saved by PUBG publisher Krafton and we're pretty sure we know what game they'll make next, we daydream about Batman games on Xbox now that WB is open to licensing its IPs to other game developers, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew discusses why Avowed's delay out of the Q4 holiday season and into early 2025, and why the "problem" of it getting delayed is actually a blessing in disguise for Obsidian's eagerly anticipated first-person RPG. Plus: what Xbox's near-term lineup looks like now after the Avowed and STALKER 2 delays, one of last year's best games comes to Xbox One for those who haven't upgraded to a Series X or Series S yet, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parris Lilly from Gamertag Radio joins Ryan and Destin to discuss a number of Xbox topics this week, from the cancellation of the Paramount+ Halo TV series – which leads to a discussion about how important of a franchise Halo is to Xbox these days, and what the most important franchises are to Microsoft now – to Xbox's mixed-results financials, the devastating layoffs at Bungie, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox just dropped the best gaming controller we've ever seen in the literal form of Deadpool's ass! We discuss how much we adore Xbox's cake-tastic new gamepad and implore Microsoft and Marvel to make more of the one-off sweepstakes prize so we can buy one. Plus: we make our Xbox Gamescom predictions for next month's big event, Xbox Game Pass's upcoming lineup has a head-scratching gap in it, and more! Presented by Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:10 - Deadpool Xbox Controller 00:10:59 - Wendy's Saucy Nuggs Featuring Unnecessary Inventions 00:12:09 - The Underwhelming Xbox 360 Blades Dashboard 00:16:40 - Coming to Game Pass 00:24:42 - gamescom Predictions 00:45:28 - EA Sports College Football 25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had some fun this week and talked about 10 dream Xbox games we'd love to see Microsoft's massive collection of studios make, from a Halo horror game to giving one particular underrated Activision studio a chance to crack the code on a big-budget Superman game. Plus: Xbox raises Game Pass prices and reshuffles some of its tiers in a frustrating and confusing way, and more! Presented by Wendy’s Saucy Nuggs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is all about the remakes we're cautiously optimistic about (Assassin's Creed...but which ones?), the remasters we're excited about (Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster), and the reboots we're left scratching our heads over (Crazy Taxi). Plus: what we expect from the just-confirmed Resident Evil 9, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox says it's going big at this year's Gamescom event, so we discuss what we think to see and what we hope to see. Plus: why we're thrilled about Capcom's just-announced Dead Rising 1 remaster, why we doubt that Beyond Good & Evil 2 will ever be released despite Ubisoft's statements to the contrary, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Because the Xbox Showcase was SO GOOD this year, our 30-minute live reaction show from Sunday just wasn't enough. So we regrouped and talked for upwards of two more hours about all the big games, from Doom: The Dark Ages to Gears of War: E-Day to Fable to Perfect Dark to Black Ops 6 and so, so many more. Then we lay out how phenomenal the next year and a half of Xbox exclusives and Xbox Game Pass launches is looking before telling you a bit about a few other games we got to see and play at the event last week, including Xbox exclusives STALKER 2 and Replaced! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After directing two fantastic Star Wars Jedi games at Respawn, Stig Asmussen has embarked on a new adventure: Starting AAA studio Giant Skull. IGN's Ryan McCaffrey sits down with Stig to talk about why he left Respawn, what to expect from his next project, and his goals for creating a healthy work culture at Giant Skull amidst a turbulent time in the video game industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an exclusive live interview at IGN Live with Xbox's Phil Spencer and a panel of top game developers. In this deep-dive session, we explore the latest Xbox strategies, the impact of recent studio acquisitions, and what the future holds for Xbox and its fans. From discussing major titles like 'Halo Infinite' to addressing community concerns and revealing insights into upcoming Xbox projects, this is a conversation any gaming enthusiast won't want to miss. Tune in to hear directly from the leaders shaping the future of gaming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special IGN Live analysis of the summer Xbox Showcase, we break down each announcement, from blockbuster game releases to unexpected surprises, and discuss their impact on the gaming landscape. The Podcast Unlocked crew, including Ryan McCaffrey, Miranda Sanchez, Stella Chung, and Destin Legarie, discuss key moments from the showcase, offering insights and reactions that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're catching up or want to relive the excitement, this is your definitive guide to understanding what's next for Xbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re diving into the best of Unlock-Block trivia. Join us as we relive some of the most memorable moments from past shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first officially announced Xbox Series game ever, Hellblade 2, has finally arrived, and we've played it! Join us for a spoiler-free discussion of Ninja Theory's stunning new Senua adventure. Plus: Activision opens a new AAA development studio with a narrative-driven focus, this year's Call of Duty looks set to drop straight onto Xbox Game Pass, Grand Theft Auto 6 gets a narrowed-in release window, and much more! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re diving into the best of Unlock-Block trivia. Join us as we relive some of the most memorable moments from past shows. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is much cheerier than the last one as the news is (for the most part) much better! For instance, a new statement from the president of Square Enix strongly suggests that Xbox players will no longer be left behind on future Final Fantasy game releases – or any other game Square Enix makes. Plus: rumors of a new Doom being revealed at the upcoming Xbox Showcase heat up as Ryan implores Stella to play Doom Eternal, Assassin's Creed Shadows sounds like Ubisoft straight-up built a Splinter Cell game into it (mechanically speaking), and more! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another devastating wave of Xbox layoffs results in the closure of three Bethesda studios, including the makers of last year's shadow-dropped hit Hi-Fi Rush and the decorated developers of Prey. We do our best to make sense of the move from Microsoft, a company that has spent the better part of the past decade trying to add talent and get more exclusive games on its platforms. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for our reactions to the most exciting and interesting games (of the many, MANY exciting and interesting games) to come out of IGN's ID@Xbox showcase. We gave our excited impressions of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, Vampire Survivors' Contra DLC, Dungeons of Hinterberg, Jackbox: Naughty Pack, Stampede: Racing Royale, Palworld's new update, Commandos: Origins, 33 Immortals, and the bizarrely fascinating All You Need Is Help. Enjoy! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Destin and Ryan dive into the most pleasant surprise of the week: an announcement of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, plus a fantastic reveal trailer to accompany it! We talk a bit about the first game and why we're so hyped for this one – plus why this Fall is suddenly looking mighty good for fans of first-person fantasy RPGs. Plus: Halo Infinite gets another excellent update that leads us into a discussion about more Xbox-based TV shows, we lament the single-player GTA5 DLC we never got, and more! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Podcast Unlocked, we're discussing the fallout of Fallout! Yes, the Prime Video TV show is a huge hit – and it's really fantastic to boot. We tell you (in spoiler-free terms) why we love it so much, and then talk about the positive effect it's having on the player counts in ALL of the other Fallout games, many of which are available on Xbox Game Pass right now. Plus: the next wave of Xbox Game Pass games has been announced, the gaming community is upset over Star Wars Outlaws' upcoming Season Pass, and more! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new Fallout Show is receiving rave reviews. Xbox is "Full-Speed Ahead" on Next-Gen hardware. And reports say that an Xbox game preservation team is being built to keep the games we love for years to come. There's been a lot of positivity in Xbox news this week and we bring on Brad Sams and Parris Lilly to discuss the latest. In addition to all of this, Gears 6 rumors are swirling alongside a rumored June 9th Xbox Showcase that would definitely bring the hype. All that and more this week on IGN's Podcast Unlocked. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/exclusive-xbox-president-sarah-bond-has-set-up-a-new-team-dedicated-to-game-preservation-and-forward-compatibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollow Knight: Silksong has been the hot topic amongst its fans since its announcement back in 2019. This April Fools, a listing was made on the Microsoft store for Silksong with minimal details. We discuss whether or not this means there's hope on the near horizon for the sequel along with Microsoft's new chatbot AI testing, No Man's Sky updates, and the new gamepass games for April. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/unlockd Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based on a recent interview, it seems like Phil Spencer has been thinking a lot about a possible Xbox handheld. We discuss what we'd want from it – noting that we would VERY MUCH want it – and wonder if it could end up being a Switch-like replacement for the Series S in the next console generation. Plus: Elder Scrolls 6 is already playable at Bethesda, but we're hoping the team is doing some serious updating to the Creation Engine. And finally, we talk about Toys for Bob's new game deal with Microsoft after they recently split off from Activision, including what we think the game is. Enjoy the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got a variety of topics to discuss on Podcast Unlocked topics this week, from Xbox Game Pass's killer month of March to three fun Halo stories about three totally different Halo properties to our headline topic: BioWare. We talk about how EA's hiring of a decorated new executive to oversee BioWare will hopefully help steer the renowned studio back to its former glory. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we're diving into the intriguing world of the Fallout TV series, as hinted by Bethesda's Todd Howard. With a directive to the show's creators to avoid elements planned for Fallout 5, the series is setting up an intriguing narrative canvas, spanning the aftermath of Fallout 4 and touching on the lore of New Vegas, all within the backdrop of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. As Fallout 5 remains on the distant horizon, post-The Elder Scrolls 6, the anticipation builds for what Bethesda has in store for the franchise's future. Additionally, we cover the Square Enix Publisher Sale, offering significant discounts on major franchises, and provide updates on the latest Forza Motorsport enhancements that promise to enrich the racing experience. We also spotlight the arrival of the System Shock remake on Xbox and PlayStation, following its successful PC launch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded this week's episode live, immediately following the conclusion of Xbox's Partner Preview livestream. We reacted to the event as a whole and called out our favorites from the 14 games shown. Plus: we discussed the killer wave of Xbox Game Pass games hitting the service this month, Toys For Bob's new studio independence, WB's head-scratching doubling-down on live-service games, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a slow news week, so we spend the whole show discussing something that's been on the community's mind lately, and that is the question of whether or not this console generation has been a disappointment. And, on the back of that, we discuss what our Xbox Game of the Generation is so far after the first three years, noting that cross-gen games like Elden Ring don't count. Thanks to Gamertag Radio's Danny Peña for joining us on this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We open this week's podcast by discussing what first-party Xbox games might be next to get ported to the PlayStation or Switch as Microsoft officially announces the four games (Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Hi-Fi Rush) heading to other consoles, and then we get into our main topic: a so-called Xbox Series X Pro. With rumors abound of a PS5 Pro, does Microsoft need to get a mid-gen upgrade (i.e. different than the Brooklin refresh from the FTC trial's roadmap leak) out there soon too? Or is it not worth it. We then finish with a bit of chatter about season 2 of the Paramount+ Halo TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Xbox leadership gave us its promised "business update" to tell us what changes were coming to how Microsoft handles its exclusives. It turns out that no, the big guns like Starfield and Indiana Jones won't be going anywhere, but older and/or smaller games like Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves will be. We discuss what this means for the future of Xbox, including the next-gen hardware tease from Sarah Bond. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a wild week in the world of Xbox. Community morale is as low as it's been since the Xbox One unveiling back in 2013, as rumor after report after rumor after report suggests that Microsoft is going to put some of its biggest games (like Starfield and Indiana Jones) on PS5. We spend the entire show discussing Microsoft's potentially earth-shaking new strategy, how poor their messaging has been both with this and going back many years now, and then what happens if indeed they're right. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's unfortunately not a lot of fun to be had on this week's Podcast Unlocked. We open by addressing the layoffs across Microsoft's gaming division that were announced just after last week's Unlocked published, then follow that with another gut-punch layoff story, before Destin discusses his mixed feelings about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League now that he's played almost the entire campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Palworld is the hottest game out there right now, and it's an Xbox console exclusive that's also on Game Pass! We welcome in ace IGN contributor and IGN Palworld reviewer Travis "The Tie Guy" Northup to discuss his thoughts on the game after 100 hours. Plus: Xbox Live Arcade-style indie game curation is finally back on Xbox, we discuss a few other big game releases on Xbox this week that aren't named Palworld, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded this week's episode live, immediately after Xbox's Developer Direct. And we loved that Direct! Indiana Jones and the Great Circle had a fantastic reveal (it's FIRST-PERSON!) and reminded us of the original Xbox classic The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, Hellblade 2 looked incredible and we finally got the long-awaited release date, Avowed had gorgeous settings and meaningful character choices but didn't quite wow us in the combat department, and Visions of Mana showed up as a secret and unexpected game. Enjoy our reactions and recap! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three huge topics dominate Unlocked this week: 1) Our excited reactions to the just-announced second Xbox Developer Direct. INDIANA JONES!! 2) Destin got to play Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and it didn't play nearly as well as we'd hoped. We've all got lots of thoughts on this one. And 3) New reports suggest that Hi-Fi Rush may be headed to Nintendo Switch and Sea of Thieves might go to Switch and PS5. Are we bothered by Xbox giving away some of its older exclusives? Should we be? Join us for a huge show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! IGN's weekly Xbox show is back with a detailed discussion on what to expect from Xbox in 2024. We talk about what's locked in for the new year, what's a maybe, what's probably too early, our expected announcements, the possible announcements, and "WTF is going on with these games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our final episode of 2023 has us looking back on our six favorite Xbox moments of the year, that not coincidentally included a number of our favorite games. Plus: we remember James McCaffrey, the voice of Max Payne and Alan Wake 2's Alex Casey; and discuss the long-awaited departure of Activision CEO and game industry villain Bobby Kotick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The time has come for the Podcast Unlocked team to crown our Best Xbox Game of 2023! We start with five nominees, narrow it down to two, and, well...you'll see. We then spend the rest of the podcast discussing Xbox's excellent showing at last week's Game Awards, including the gorgeous new Hellblade 2 trailer, the star-studded reveal of Hideo Kojima's OD, and Arkane's unexpected team-up with Marvel to make a Blade game. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:54 - Unlocked’s Best Xbox Game of 2023 00:21:38 - Baldur’s Gate 3 & Alan Wake II Impressions 00:23:42 - Xbox at The Game Awards! 00:49:38 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first GTA6 trailer has arrived and we spent the entire show talking about it! From the technical marvels to the Bonnie-and-Clyde-like main characters to how GTA Online might integrate with Grand Theft Auto VI's online mode, we dive into EVERYTHING about the biggest game announcement this decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Game Awards season creeps up on us in December, Stella and Destin speculate with Kahlief Adams on what we could possibly see from Xbox in the coming weeks. We also dive into Baldur's Gate 3's upcoming Xbox release, yet another one of it's HUGE patches, and the incredible physical Deluxe Edition that's up on preorder! Finally, Bethesda responded to several negative reviews of Starfield on Steam and we've got some thoughts on it. What are yours now that you've had a lot more time with it since its release? If you want to get in on a couple giveaways happening right now, head on over to ign.com/rewards! We've got an Alienware Gaming Bundle from Remnant II up for grabs (ends 12/2/23) as well as a custom Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Xbox Series X (ends 12/15/23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrate the Xbox's 22nd birthday this week, anticipate the imminent release of Baldur's Gate 3 on Xbox (bear sex and all), discuss the Xbox nominations (and Starfield's lack thereof) at this year's Game Awards, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Xbox Series X and S turn three years old this week, so we discuss how the latest Xbox console generation is going, both on its own and in comparison to the first three years of other Xbox consoles. Plus: we try to make sense of the new Mass Effect 5 teaser we got for N7 Day this week, and then we discuss the imminent Grand Theft Auto 6 announcement and whether or not it's going to happen at The Game Awards. Join us! 00:00:19:06 Intro 00:06:03:14 3 years of Xbox Series X|S 00:26:26:00 Mass Effect 5 tease 00:44:57:27 Finally some real Grand Theft Auto 6 news 00:52:17:24 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greatest Xbox podcast crossover ever happens now! IGN's Podcast Unlocked and Kinda Funny's Xcast have joined forces for an Xbox podcast tour-de-force. First we discuss the brilliance of Alan Wake 2 and the Max Payne 1+2 Remakes that Remedy is about to go into full production on before discussing Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski's recent comments about Gears needing a reboot. And then the main event: our Xbox first-party studio fantasy draft! Now that Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard acquisition has happened, we thought it'd be a fun time to each draft three studios who we're most excited about for the next five years. Who will get chosen? Who will get left out? Join us, and don't forget to go to humblebundle.com and pick up the IGN Editor's Choice Bundle, the proceeds of which benefit the Extra Life children's charity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We did the podcast live this week immediately following Xbox's Partner Preview livestream, and we spent the entire episode being pleasantly surprised by both the things Microsoft promised would be there (like Alan Wake 2, Ark: Survival Ascended, and Dungeons of Hinterberg), and the things that were surprises (like Metal Gear solid Delta, Still Wakes the Deep, and The Finals). Plus, we give some constructive criticism on Xbox's latest presentation format. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is finally done, and so we can finally stop talking about it! Or, well, at least we can stop talking about the annoying will-they-or-won't-they regulatory side of it. Now it's time to talk about the games! We discuss Activision-Blizzard games in the back catalog that we'd like to see lightly refreshed for the Xbox Series X|S (similar to the recent Quake 2 remaster), before taking turns talking about which of their IPs we'd like to see Microsoft bring back as a brand-new game. Plus: Starfield tops the sales charts, Bethesda's "Uncle Pete" Hines says goodbye, and more!       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Forza Motorsport vs. Gran Turismo 7 talk kicks off the show before we talk about Halo Infinite's new Season 5 content, discuss how Xbox Game Pass looks set to level up in 2024 with the addition of Activision-Blizzard games, lament the recent layoffs at Telltale, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First we give our initial impressions of Forza Motorsport and Assassin's Creed Mirage now that the review embargoes on them have lifted, and then we spend the bulk of the episode giving our top-5 rankings of Xbox's internal game studios (including Bethesda/Zenimax) while also contemplating Phil Spencer's Xbox legacy to date as PlayStation boss Jim Ryan finalizes his ahead of his retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We open this week's busy episode of Unlocked by discussing two big new games we just played a bunch of: Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty and Alan Wake 2. After that we discuss Phil Spencer's wish to bring back MechAssault and have a fantasy draft for which Xbox developer should make it -- along with our own picks (complete with preferred developers) for other dormant Xbox franchises we'd like to see return. Plus: we get lost wondering how the heck we're going to play all of the games in this historically busy stretch of major game releases that we're in right now, and more!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one of our longest Podcast Unlocked episodes ever, we recap, discuss, and analyze every piece of Microsoft's huge FTC case documents leak that revealed the Xbox Series X slim refresh (and its lack of any disc drive), plans for future Bethesda/Zenimax games (many of which are still unannounced), their top-level plans for their next-generation console due out in Holiday 2028, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Forza Motorsport Impressions 00:14:32 - Will Embracer Sell Gearbox? 00:33:41 - Donald Mustard Retires from Epic Games 00:44:17 - The Xbox Mastercard is Real 00:58:35 - Is Ubisoft Finally Releasing XDefiant? 01:14:06 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Replaced Delayed to 2024 00:12:05 - Xbox Drops Parity Requirement & Baldur's Gate 3 Coming! 00:22:10 - Blizzard/Activision & Game Pass? 00:39:10 - Mid-Generation Refresh for Xbox? 01:11:28 - Embracer Group Shuts Volition Down & Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the episode you've been waiting for: Starfield. We brought in our Starfield reviewer, Dan Stapleton, to have a spoiler-free discussion about what we think of the most anticipated Xbox game of the year. We talk about what we like, what we don't, and how it ranks alongside Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.   00:00:00 - Intro & Starfield Review Discussion 01:02:00 - IGN Icons 01:05:51 - Even More Starfield & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gamescom is underway, and this week's episode is dedicated to a recap and analysis of everything from the Opening Night Live showcase -- from the beauty of Alan Wake 2, Black Myth: Wukong, and Lords of the Fallen to our disgust at the knucklehead stage-crashers who are going to ruin access these events for fans. Plus: We can tell you that we're playing Starfield, and though we can't share any opinions on it yet, we let you know when you can read IGN's review. 00:00:00 - Intro & the Biggest gamescom Announcements 00:40:55 - Modern Warfare 3: Will It Be Good? 00:46:22 - Alan Wake 2 Reactions & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're diving into the mystery surrounding STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl's potential release date. Is the December 1 date listed on Plaion's website for real? We've got the juicy details on what this highly anticipated game might bring, from survival mechanics to a dynamic day-night cycle. Xbox is taking a stand against bad behavior with a fresh strike-based program. Learn all about the new enforcement system and how it aims to create a better gaming environment. But is eight strikes before a one-year ban too much? We're breaking down the pros and cons. And hold onto your controllers, because Xbox Game Pass is about to drop a bombshell lineup! From Everspace 2 to Gris, and the eagerly awaited Starfield, we've got the scoop on the upcoming releases that'll keep you glued to your screens.   00:00:00 - Intro & Baldur's Gate 3 is Just SO GOOD 00:18:08 - Is STALKER 2's Release Date ACTUALLY Happening? 00:35:02 - Xbox Has New Strike-Based Program to Combat Toxicity 01:03:32 - Awesome Xbox Game Pass Games BEFORE Starfield 01:11:14 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to dive into some exciting EVO news on this episode. We've got a crazy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover heading to Street Fighter 6, and there's a new character teaser for Street Fighter 6 that's brewing some serious curiosity. But that's not all, Mortal Kombat 1 is back with a bang, introducing Reptile, Ashrah, and Havik as fresh fighters. Red Dead Redemption has also been announced as a port for the PS4 and Switch, and a lot of fans aren't happy! And of course, you know we have to touch on some thoughts on Starfield, Baldur's Gate 3, and Forza Motorsport news. It's a packed episode with host Kahlief Adams, joined by Stella Chung and Destin Legarie, so don't miss this one! 00:00:00 - Intro & EVO 2023 News Galore! 00:15:28 - Alien is Coming to Dead by Daylight 00:19:03 - Xbox is Going Big for gamescom 00:29:07 - Could Starfield Learn Anything From Baldur's Gate 3? 00:43:29 - Red Dead Redemption PS4/Switch Port is Coming 00:49:33 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro & Baldur’s Gate 3 00:06:25 - Remnant 2 Sells More Than One Million Units 00:23:25 - Our IGN Icons Picks! & FFXVI Coming to Xbox 00:35:09 - Elite Series 2 Replacement Parts Announced 00:40:02 - Games Joining and Leaving Xbox Game Pass & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:19 Intro 00:02:41 New Black Panther open-world game announced 00:18:47 Ubisoft cancels Immortals Fenyx Rising 2 00:26:16 Rainbow Six talk 00:32:29 Forgotten Ubisoft IP 00:40:17 Another Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III leak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has cleared its biggest hurdle (the FTC), the deal isn't quite done yet. And all parties involved have given themselves more time to finalize the deal. We discuss that, plus Sony finally signing its 10-year Call of Duty deal with Microsoft, the death of Xbox Live Gold and its somewhat confusing replacement in the form of Xbox Game Pass Core, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived: the verdict is in for Microsoft vs. FTC, and Team Xbox has won! We spend the entire show discussing the massive implications of the ruling, which seems to have set the stage for Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard to finally go through. We talk about the games we might see out of it - particularly from Raven Software - the very serious matter of how Xbox boss Phil Spencer must take steps to clean up the toxic workplace culture at ABK, whether or not Microsoft (and Sony) are done making big acquisitions, and more!  00:00:00 - Intro & ID@Xbox Impressions 00:09:31 - The FTC/Xbox Trial is Not Over Yet! 00:31:18 - What Games Could Return if Xbox Acquired Activision? 00:50:10 - What Needs to Change at Activision 01:05:38 - Is Microsoft Done with Acquisitions? 01:16:19 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we await the verdict in the Microsoft vs. FTC trial regarding the fate of Xbox's Activision-Blizzard acquisition, we dig into some of the other things happening in the world of Xbox, from the future of Banjo-Kazooie (if there even is one) to Ubisoft's rumored Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake to this month's hidden gem on Xbox Game Pass, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & FTC v. Microsoft Updates 00:08:17 - Xbox & Bethesda at gamescom 2023 00:18:48 - Will We Ever See Another Banjo Kazooie Game? 00:36:40 - Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Getting a Remake? 00:48:39 - Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Microsoft vs. FTC trial concluding, with a verdict expected next week, we discuss and analyze seven big things we've learned so far, from the fate of Bethesda game exclusivity to the other publishers Microsoft considered buying and more! Plus: our own investigative report into the state of The Initiative and the Perfect Dark reboot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have so much to talk about on this milestone episode! We recap some of the games we saw and played at Summer Game Fest, then discuss how Xbox is absolutely STACKED with AAA exclusive first-party RPGs for the next several years, then pour one out for the Xbox One as Microsoft officially stops making games for it, and THEN we finish this extra-long episode digging into all of the crazy revelations that are coming out as we speak during Microsoft's trial against the FTC regarding the Activision-Blizzard acquisition. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Summer of Gaming! In this special SoG episode of Podcast Unlocked, Ryan McCaffrey, Stella Chung, Destin Legarie, and Kat Bailey discuss their favorite reveals and surprises from the Xbox/Bethesda Showcase and the Starfield Direct. Xbox came out firing on all cylinders with some hot new reveals from their best studios. From Starfield to Clockwork Revolution and FINALLY some new information and scenes for Fable, there's a lot to cover, and it's all just icing on the cake! There's so much more, so stay tuned for that! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the biggest Xbox event of the year, we keep to our tradition and make a total of 12 predictions for the upcoming Xbox Showcase. From Fable to Avowed to Gears of War and beyond, we've got a dozen ideas about what we might see this Sunday. Plus: we discuss the recent report about Redfall's troubled development, gush about Diablo 4, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diablo Franchise General Manager and old friend of Unlocked Rod Fergusson joins the show this week to celebrate the launch of Diablo 4. Rod talks about the challenges of joining Blizzard mere days before the COVID-19 pandemic, why he left Gears of War behind after 15 years, which Diablo 4 class he'll be playing first, and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mortal Kombat 1 has been announced, and it's bringing its unexpected title to next-gen consoles in September. Meanwhile, Alan Wake 2's voice actor may have just spoiled the release date for Remedy's upcoming survival-horror sequel. We discuss these two games, along with the Fall release calendar for Xbox that's now starting to come into focus. Plus: we're not buying the idea that GTA 6 might be out next year, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox's deal to acquire Activision-Blizzard gets a key approval from the European Commission, even while the UK's CMA doubles down on its opposition. A quote from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has us wondering what Microsoft might be willing to do in the UK if they don't get the green light. Plus: Starfield has...jetpack sex? Don't worry, we'll explain. And more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Spencer's recent comments about Xbox's third-place standing in the video game marketplace have created quite a stir in the Xbox community. We play Phil's quote and then spend a LOT of time reacting to and discussing it. Plus: it's the First Annual Xbox Games Showcase Draft! We compile a list of the games we think are most likely to make an appearance at next month's Showcase. Some of our choices might surprise you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redfall is out, and unfortunately it's basically a worst-case scenario. We talk through our personal impressions of the game so far, and then get into a larger discussion about what it means for Xbox customer confidence, the intense pressure that now falls on Starfield, and where Xbox can go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a surprise plot twist, Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard acquisition has been BLOCKED by the UK's CMA regulatory authority. We spend most of the show discussing the ramifications of this as well as what Microsoft might do next. Plus: we kick off the show with some quick impressions of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor!   Presented by Dead Island 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Halo senior developer Joseph Staten, the subject of last week's Unlocked, has announced where he's going next: Netflix! We discuss what this means for Netflix's gaming efforts before turning our attention to the newly announced departure of another longtime Halo developer, Frank O'Connor. Plus: Diablo 4's community interactions continue to impress, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Halo Infinite creative director Joseph Staten confirms his departure from Microsoft altogether, we reflect back on his many contributions to some of the very best Halo games and also look ahead at what the future of Halo might look like. Plus: Arkane Austin drops some disappointing news about Redfall, Miranda gives her very positive hands-on impressions of Minecraft Legends, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ID@XBox dropped some exciting new trailers today and the Unlocked crew is here to update us on the latest indie games coming to Xbox! Stella Chung, Miranda Sanchez, and Taylor Lyles share their thoughts on games like The Explorator, Homestead Arcana, The Last Case of Benedict Fox, and the new Vampire Survivors: Tales of the Foscari DLC! We also touch on cheaper storage expansion for the Xbox as well as an unfortunate delay for ARK 2. Tons of fun stuff happening this week, so don't miss out! 00:00:00 - Intro & ID@Xbox Reactions!  00:17:17- ARK 2 Delayed to 2024  00:25:25 - New Xbox Controller Made From Recycled Parts?  00:37:14 - Cheaper Xbox Storage on the Way & Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 4, and more Resident Evil 4. At least that's what Brian Altano played this week. Join us on this episode as we let Brian gush over his love of RE4, discuss changes coming to Game Pass, and some bummer MultiVersus news.  00:00:00 Intro 00:01:21 Resident Evil 4 Remake 00:23:00 Game Pass changes 00:38:05 MultiVersus leaves open beta 00:50:42 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all played a ton of the Diablo 4 beta this past weekend, and we were all also lucky enough to play Redfall recently as well. We've got a LOT of thoughts about both. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hitman developer IO Interactive is starting to talk about its new online fantasy-RPG project. Plus it's got a James Bond 007 game in the works. We discuss those, and then debate whether or not they might -- or should -- be Xbox's next acquisition target. Plus: Zombie Telltale is saying all of right things about its decision to delay The Wolf Among Us 2 into next year, guest panelist Cameron Hawkins agrees to take one for the team and eat a KFC Double Down in order to get Diablo 4 beta access, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro00:04:06 - IO Interactive Working on a Fantasy RPG00:21:04 - Should IO Interactive Be Xbox’s Acquisition Target?00:35:57 - The Wolf Among Us 2 Delayed & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starfield finally has a release date, so we kick off the show discussing why this new September window makes a lot of sense for Bethesda Game Studios's next big RPG. Plus: we share nine moves we think Xbox should make in 2023, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tons to talk about this week! We start by discussing our disappointment in the new gameplay showcase for Rocksteady's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Then we analyze Tango Gameworks founder Shinji Mikami's departure from the studio and why we think The Evil Within 3 is still happening. Plus: Mortal Kombat 12 gets announced in an unexpected way, Call of Duty will get a full-game release this year after all, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:03:19 - What’s Up with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? 00:21:29 - Shinji Mikami is Leaving Tango Gameworks 00:28:13 - WB CEO Announces Mortal Kombat 12 00:38:12 - Call of Duty and Forza Horizon 5 News! 00:47:10 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft makes 10-year deals to bring Call of Duty to other platforms with not one but TWO different companies in an effort to get regulators to approve the Activision-Blizzard acquisition. We discuss how Microsoft might be nearing the endgame of this corporate chess match. Plus: we're stoked for the Diablo 4 beta, Ubisoft makes a puzzling statement about attending E3, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft admits in a court filing as part of the proposed Activision-Blizzard acquisition that game sales suffer when games get added to Xbox Game Pass. We discuss why it doesn't really matter, why Game Pass matters for games both big and small, and more! Plus: why Kotick has to go if the acquisition is approved, Dead Island 2's release date changes AGAIN (but for the better this time!), and plenty more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Secret Single-Player Titanfall Game Reportedly Canceled by EA 00:03:36 - Xbox: Game Pass Cannibalizes Game Sales 00:23:23 - Kotick to Stay as CEO of Blizzard/Activision is Microsoft Deal is Blocked? 00:31:08 - Hi-Fi Rush Easter Egg Teases Evil Within 3? 00:41:21 - Dead Island 2’s Release Date Moves UP a Week 00:48:43 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A busy week of Xbox news has us discussing the recent cancellation of a secret Titanfall single-player project at Respawn and why we sadly may never see Titanfall again. Plus: live-service multiplayer games are getting shut off left and right, so what does it mean for the industry? Also: how will DC's plan to integrate video games into the DCU go over with developers, MLB The Show 23 adds a wonderful new feature that celebrates a key part of baseball history, Tim Schafer heads to the Hall of Fame, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & Secret Single-Player Titanfall Game Reportedly Canceled by EA 00:24:36 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Xcom Director Isn’t Thrilled James Gunn’s New DC Connected Universe 00:35:29 - Crossfirex and Knockout City Are Officially Shutting Down 00:51:31 - MLB The Show 23 Will Feature Legends From the Negro Leagues 01:01:22 - Tim Schafer Inducted Into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame 01:10:22 - Unlock-Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we've had a week to play Hi-Fi Rush and see the incredible viral reaction to it, we had a deep and extended conversation about Tango Gameworks' surprise rhythm-action release. We discuss why it was exactly what Xbox was needed, whether we might get a sequel, and more. Plus: the second half of the podcast is dedicated to an equally deep and heartfelt conversation about the state of 343 Industries and the Halo IP.  00:00:00 - Intro & How Much Fun is Hi-Fi Rush? 00:35:10 - 323 Industries Report from Jason Schreier 01:12:28 - Unlocked Block Trivia 00:37:29 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded Unlocked immediately after Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct presentation this week. These are our in-the-moment reactions to the excellent presentation, from the deep-dive on Redfall (including a May 2 release date to look forward to) to another look at the gorgeous Forza Motorsport (though it came without any release date attached) to the surprise new game from Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush, that's available right now! And in our final segment, we spent some time discussing the current uncertain state of Halo in the wake of the layoffs at 343 Industries. 00:00:00 - Intro & Redfall Reactions! 00:14:33 - Hi-Fi Rush is Out NOW 00:24:38 - Forza Motorsport Looks So Good! 00:37:29 - The State of 343 Industries & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spawn on Me host/creator Kahlief Adams returns to Unlocked to tell us all about Spawn on Me's upcoming awards show, The Spawnies. He then sticks around as we all make our predictions for next week's big Xbox Developer_Direct event. We predict release dates and a whole lot more!   00:00:00 - Intro & Kahlief Adams for The Spawnies!00:26:29 - Xbox Developer Direct Predictions!00:47:29 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Microsoft has finally confirmed a Developer Direct event that will showcase Redfall, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Elder Scrolls Online with a separate standalone event for Starfield coming at a later date. This will be a deep dive into the games with much less presentation and more gameplay according to the team at Xbox. As the titles listed are promised for the first half of 2023 we can't wait to see more.   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:01:39 - New Xbox Developer Direct is on the Way! 00:18:03 - Ubisoft Delays Skull & Bones for the 6th Time 00:33:34 - 5 Forza Horizon Devs Form a New Studio 00:40:31 - Xbox Implements New Power Saving Settings & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:06:04 - Xbox Predictions for 2023 00:35:24 - QA Workers at Zenimax form a union 00:41:20 Xbox Games With Gold 00:48:32 Trivia! 00:52:32 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our last episode of 2022 focuses on our personal favorite Xbox games of the year. From the biggest AAA blockbusters to the smallest under-the-radar indies, these are the 10 games we enjoyed the most on our Xboxes in 2022. Plus: Microsoft's latest salvo in the ongoing battle against the regulators AND Sony in the quest to get the Activision-Blizzard acquisition approved manages to make Sony look bad...but also doesn't make Microsoft look so hot either. We're off next week but back for 2023 starting on Wednesday, January 4. Happy holidays!   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:04:09 - Our Personal Xbox Favorite Games of 2022 00:33:30 - More on the Microsoft/Activision Story & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High on Life has arrived, and it closes out Xbox Game Pass's 2022 on a high note! We rave about Justin Roiland's comedy-FPS and discuss what we love about it. Plus: we share our frustration about Xbox's no-show at The Game Awards last week, and why we feel like it was the straw that broke the camel's back for many Xbox fans.   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:07:29 - High On Life Impressions 00:21:00 - Xbox’s No-Show at The Game Awards 00:44:30 - Who Wins Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox has decided to increase the prices of their next-gen games created specifically for the Xbox Series X|S hardware to $70. This is after being priced at $60 for the last 16 years. Phil Spencer had teased a price increase for either the console, Xbox Game Pass, or their games shortly before this announcement. This week the Unlocked crew reacts to the news and also the surprising agreement Xbox and Nintendo made to keep Call of Duty on Nintendo gaming platforms for the next 10 years.00:00:00 Intro 00:02:10 Xbox first-party games price hike 00:17:25 Microsoft commits Call of Duty on Nintendo systems for 10 years 00:32:16 Halo Infinite winter update 00:38:15 Elden Ring DLC available for free 00:41:00 Remedy is working on Control 2 00:45:30 What we expect from The Game Awards 2022 00:50:10 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel's Midnight Suns creative director Jake Solomon joins us to discuss Firaxis' new superhero strategy-RPG -- including a couple of Easter eggs that big Marvel fans should look out for. Plus: Todd Howard gives a vague hint about what to expect from MachineGames' Indiana Jones game, we've got ideas for how to reinvigorate Xbox Games With Gold, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:03:00 - Indiana Jones Game Is a 'Unique' Mash-Up of Different Genres 00:11:20 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Ep. 4 Preview 00:14:13 - Xbox Games With Gold for December 00:24:41 - Will We Ever See a Ninja Gaiden Revival? 00:28:03 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns Interview w/ Creative Director Jake Solomon 00:49:40 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Ubisoft Toronto developers discuss their design philosophy behind the Splinter Cell Remake and show off a bit of concept art, we react to their plans for Sam Fisher's long-awaited return. Plus: Dead Island 2 gets delayed again, Sonic the Hedgehog's co-creator gets arrested, Phil Spencer's "Call of Duty on PlayStation" press tour continues, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:39 - More Splinter Cell Concept Art Surfaces! 00:22:32 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Ep. 4 Preview 00:25:19 - What’s the Deal with Dead Island 2? 00:31:44 - Phil Spencer Says CoD Will Stay on PlayStation (for the 100th time) 00:44:05 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew mourns the passing of legendary longtime Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy, discussing how his presence and performance in the Batman: Arkham games helped elevate not just those games but the entire superhero game genre. Plus: our impressions of this week's new Xbox-exclusive releases Somerville and Pentiment, CD Projekt Red shares notable news on both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3's next-gen update, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:58 - Halo Infinite Forge Impressions 00:07:18 - Somerville and Pentiment Are Here! 00:17:13 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Preview 00:20:10 - Remembering Kevin Conroy 00:34:45 - Rockstar Turns Down Eminem-led GTA Movie 00:45:11 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Stella Chung, Parris Lilly, Gary Whitta, and Destin Legarie on covering the big news that Netflix announced a Gears of war movie and adult animated show in partnership with The Coalition, talking about the Halo Infinite Winter Update, and Take-Two Interactive’s new milestone with Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTAV.   00:00:00 - Intro & Our Thoughts on a Gears of War Movie/Series from Netflix 00:21:25 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast! 00:24:20 - Halo Infinite Winter Update Discussion 00:43:37 - GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 Hit New Milestones & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to the horror series set in the universe of “The Callisto Protocol,” the hotly anticipated game from Striking Distance Studios.   Helix Station was once the jewel of the Jovian system, but it’s been a decaying ghost ship ever since its Carpenter drive went supercritical. When a dangerous escaped criminal seeks refuge there, officers of the Black Iron Prison force a pair of veteran skip tracers to help recover him. But once on Helix, they discover murderous alien life forms, as well as unspeakable horrors from their past. Starring Gwendoline Christie and Michael Ironside. IGN is publishing and distributing Helix Station in partnership with Striking Distance Studios, creator of the game The Callisto Protocol. The first two episodes of The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station are available now, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts.  Listen & Subscribe here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Spencer went on quite a press tour this week, leaving us with a lot to discuss, including: a definitive end to the Call-of-Duty-on-PlayStation debate (or is it?), the ongoing Xbox first-party exclusive game drought, the prospect of price increases on Xbox hardware and/or software and/or services, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:42 - Phil Spencer & Call of Duty’s Future on PlayStation 00:12:20 - Will Elder Scrolls VI Be Xbox Exclusive? 00:21:05 - Where Are the First Party Exclusives? 00:48:17 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fallout 4 is getting a next-gen update for Xbox Series X|S, but is it going to be the only Fallout we get on this generation of Xbox consoles? We lament just how far away Fallout 5 probably is. Plus: Xbox sales figures continue to impress, we're concerned about the departures of the Rocksteady co-founders, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Fallout 4 Next Gen News! 00:17:10 - Xbox Sales & Game Pass are on Fire 00:29:04 - Silent Hill is Coming Back in a Big Way 00:37:03 - More News! 00:47:28 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Microsoft-vs.-Sony drama over Xbox's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard took another turn for the weird this week. We examine each company's latest effort to hilariously downplay themselves and talk up the other guy. Plus: our quick impressions of the just-released Xbox exclusive Scorn and the next-gen only, Game-Pass-day-one stealth adventure A Plague Tale: Requiem; Obsidian's future with Fallout, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Scorn Impressions! 00:12:20 - The Microsoft/Sony Soap Opera 00:39:11 - Microsoft Lays Off Close to 1000 Employees 00:41:26 - Obsidian’s Fallout Future & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We finally get some real numbers from Xbox Game Pass, including how much revenue it generated last year and how much Xbox is paying for the Ark games on Game Pass. Plus: one of the developers of Scorn joins us to discuss the imminent new body-horror adventure game, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:03:28 - Xbox Game Pass Generates Billions 00:13:38 - Ark 2 on Game Pass 00:22:42 - Deathloop Takes Place in the Dishonored Universe? 00:29:20 - Scorn Dev Interview with Lazar Mesaros 00:49:25 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off this week's show with our hands-on impressions of Gotham Knights. Then, we spend the bulk of the show discussing the 10-year roadmap released by CD Projekt Red -- five Witcher games, a new Cyberpunk, and a new IP. Was it a good idea for them to be THIS transparent? What do we want out of new Cyberpunk and Witcher games? We talk about all that and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:04:10 - Gotham Knights Preview Impressions! 00:14:13 - CD Project Red Announces Future Roadmap 01:04:48 - Is Legacy of Kain Making a Return? 01:11:05 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro  00:01:48 - Our Thoughts on the Modern Warfare II Beta 00:11:18 - Grounded v1.0 is here! 00:14:44 - Team Ninja is Open to Outsourcing Ninja Gaiden? 00:30:14 - Splinter Cell Remake is Getting Rewritten? 00:43:24 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay was leaked via a hacker. So now what? What do we think of the return to Vice City? What, if anything, will change about Rockstar's plan to show us the game on their terms. We discuss that as well as Diablo 4's upcoming endgame beta, hands-on impressions from the surprise demo of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro  00:11:35 - Thoughts on the Rockstar GTA VI Leak 00:23:27 - Going Back to Vice City 00:42:38 - Over 40 Minutes of Diablo IV Gameplay Leaked 00:53:18 - What Does the Rest of 2022 Look Like? 00:57:10 - UK Investigates Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision/Blizzard 01:15:12 - Deathloop Comes to Xbox Game Pass 01:17:12 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Xbox crew discusses a significant management shake-up at the top of 343 Industries, Sony boss Jim Ryan's public airing of Call of Duty-related grievances against Phil Spencer and Microsoft, the biggest news from the weekend's Disney/Marvel and Ubisoft showcases, the new Xbox Elite controller, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halo and 343 Industries was an arranged marriage from the start. After the latest sting of bad news – the cancellation of split-screen co-op – we spend an hour discussing 343's past, present, and future with the franchise. Is the arranged marriage working? Should Halo even be a "live service" game? It's a complex topic with no clear answers, but clearly it's time to have the conversation. Plus: September's Xbox Game Pass games, the Game Pass Friends & Family Plan goes live in a test market, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro  00:01:41 - Halo Devs Cancel Split-Screen Co-op 00:13:10 - What’s Happening at 343 Industries? 01:00:30 - Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family is Coming! 01:13:29 - More Game Pass News & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IGN's Kat Bailey joins Destin and Ryan to discuss the latest leak surrounding Microsoft's seemingly imminent Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family subscription plan. We speculate what it might cost, and how it further adds to Game Pass's already-amazing value proposition. Plus: we talk Madden NFL 23 and sports video games, debate what we want out of the just-announced new Mafia game (including when we want it to be set), and more!   00:00:00 Intro00:01:14 Madden NFL 2300:11:25 Game Pass Friends and Family00:27:25 New Mafia Game00:37:58 Cyberpunk Team Heist Game from Payday Creator00:44:34 Xbox Games With Gold00:51:10 Unlock-Block Trivia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox brought plenty of content to Gamescom, and now we've got a clear picture of what the holiday lineup looks like for Xbox gamers. Plus: Xbox commits to maintaining Xbox prices after Sony raised the price of PS5 in many major territories, Phil Spencer hints at his next acquisition priorities, and more!   00:00:00 Xbox Highlights at Gamescom 00:23:04 Xbox's Fall line-up 00:37:40 Breaking down Phil Spencer's Bloomberg interview 00:47:42 Unlock-Block Trivia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ryan’s back from a long needed vacation! We catch up on a new Lord of the Rings game coming from Weta Workshop and Private Division as well as talk about game’s we’re looking forward to hearing about at gamescom next week! We also anticipate Marvel and Disney rolling out a brand new Games Showcase next month! Tons of fun stuff today, so come join us in the comments!   00:00:00 - Intro  00:04:50 - Private Division Working on a LOTR Game? 00:18:39 - Xbox’s gamescom Showcase News 00:37:10 - Disney & Marvel’s Games Showcase Coming Sept. 9th 00:46:30 - Even More Delays! 00:50:16 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 With the news that the Xbox Series S Performance Boost benefiting developers after direct feedback, the Podcast Unlocked crew discusses the success of the Series S console and why they like it. In addition Activision Blizzard not only covered off on an upcoming Modern Warfare stream in the coming months, but there were also a few news bits about the merger with Microsoft that we missed last week. There was a hefty bit of news to discuss this week so join us as we discuss each story together this week on IGN's Podcast Unlocked.   00:00:00 - Intro  00:01:47 - Xbox Series S to Get a Performance Boost 00:13:30 - Call of Duty: Next Announced 00:30:45 - Xbox Game Pass Tests Out a Family Plan 00:37:00 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns Delayed  00:43:28 - Even More News! 00:53:53 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro & Discord is Coming to Xbox! 00:06:57 - What Other Things Should Xbox Improve? 00:15:18 - Halo Infinite Co-op, No Matchmaking? 00:27:24 - What is the Xbox Summer Spotlight? 00:40:25 - Xbox Game Pass August 00:47:55 - What Are We Playing & Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro  00:01:08 - Our Thoughts on Ask Dusk Falls & FH5 Hot Wheels DLC 00:08:45 - More Games Delayed to 2023! 00:31:25 - What’s Up with Ubisoft? 00:50:53 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro & SDCC Info! 00:02:18 - Halo Infinite Co-op Campaign Beta is great! 00:13:15 - Halo Veteran Devs Start a New AAA Studio 00:39:56 - Grounded Gets a TV Adaptation 00:47:58 - As Dusk Falls & New Game Pass Games 00:55:00 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro  00:08:56 - Halo 2 Earthcity Demo Returning? 00:27:00 - Respawn Hiring for an Unannounced Single Player Game 00:36:03 - Skull and Bones Finally Gets a Release Date 00:45:55 - Games with Gold Removing Xbox 360 Games Soon 00:50:25 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 - Intro & GotG writer Mary DeMarle joins BioWare 00:24:01 - Ubisoft 'Multi-Game' Showcase Coming in September 00:34:04 - GTA IV and Read Dead Redemption remasters scrapped? 00:41:56 - New Co-op mode for Halo Infinite 00:49:12 - Game Pass Games for July 00:54:40 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:00 - Intro 1:25 - Xbox Outsells PlayStation in Japan 22:57 - Halo Master Chief Collection Gets Microtransactions 43:39 - Will Microsoft Change Blizzard's Microtransaction Tactics? 51:38 - Overwatch 2 Replacing Original Game 59:10 - July Xbox Games With Gold 1:00:11 - DICE Doubling Down on Battlefield 1:06:54 - Tony Hawk 3 and 4 Remasters Cancelled 1:11:31 - Trivia and Outro   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take one last, definitive look back on the Xbox Showcase and the Xbox Showcase Extended now that the dust has settled. We've got some constructive criticism for Microsoft, but we also gush about our favorite games from the event, such as High on Life, Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you missed it when it aired live, here's our reaction show immediately following the Xbox Showcase from Sunday, June 12. We discussed the long-awaited gameplay reveal of Starfield, what Xbox's exclusive lineup for the rest of this year looks like, Redfall, Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 reactions, our favorite games of the show, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Xbox Hype week! With the Xbox Showcase just days away, we look ahead to Xbox's big event. Both of them, now that we know that an Extended Showcase is happening on Tuesday, June 14. We make more predictions for what we want to see and think we'll see. Plus: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake's rough road, the survival-horror smorgasbord of Callisto Protocol, Dead Space Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake this winter, and more! TIMECODES: 00:00:19 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:03:43 - Xbox News Roundup Part 1 00:09:31 - Xbox & Bethesda Showcase Predictions 00:36:44 - Xbox News Roundup Part 2 00:53:12 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the long-known-about sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, has finally been announced. We discuss what we want to see out of Respawn's upcoming next-gen sequel. Plus: lamenting the very serious reason for the latest Xbox exclusive to get delayed, Ryan gushes over Ninja Gaiden as the entire series hits Xbox Game Pass, and more! TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:08:52 - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Announced for 2023! 00:25:09 - Replaced Delayed to 2023 00:44:41 - New Game Pass and Games with Gold for June 00:54:22 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look back at the Fall of 2007 and discuss: was it the best 90 days of any console ever? From August 21-November 21, 2007 we got Halo 3, Mass Effect, BioShock, The Orange Box, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - all in a 90-day window. There were also a number of other really good games in that same window: Assassin's Creed 1, Project Gotham Racing 4, Blue Dragon, Eternal Sonata, and more! Join us as we look back on one of the greatest stretches in the history of gaming. Plus: spoiler-free Halo TV Series season 1 reactions. TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:21 - Halo TV Season 1 Impressions 00:12:39 - The Xbox 360's Greatest 3-Month Stretch 00:45:20 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Next Gen Coming Soon! 00:51:00 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices