Despite any gripes with Xbox this year, there's no denying that 2026 presents a fun challenge for them. Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Halo, and Gears Of War E-Day are all slated to drop next year. However, a new wrinkle has been introduced in the ambitious RPG, Clockwork Revolution, which hails from inXile Entertainment. After a seven minute trailer from this summer's showcase, we felt this thing had to be ready to go soon. Sadly, the RPG titan tempered our expectations when the trailer ended with the familiar statement from its initial reveal: "Coming in due time." Well, if a LinkedIn profile is to be believed, Clockwork Revolution may join the fray of a busy year for the "biggest publisher in gaming." Naturally, we hone in on GTA 6 which creates a splash radius so large that every publisher will be avoiding them for the fall. How Xbox navigates this will be interesting as we have yet to consider overdue titles like State Of Decay 3 and third party deals. Buckle up, friends! It's going to be a wild ride.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:06:49 - Health Is Wealth
0:11:42 - Birthday video games
0:24:49 - Holiday gaming plans
0:30:43 - Our reveal predictions for The Game Awards
0:37:07 - What is that Game Awards statue?
0:41:43 - Avowed roadmap updated
0:50:38 - Microsoft might want to add AI to Game Pass
1:00:04 - Xbox Game Pass is done for the year
1:05:04 - CD Projekt Red wants the new Witcher trilogy done in 6 years
1:28:49 - Make or Break moment for Yacht Club Games
1:38:21 - The art controversy with Marathon has been settled
1:43:00 - There will be a Hitman 4
1:45:49 - Ubisoft cuts plans for Assassin’s Creed Shadows DLC
1:51:10 - Splinter Cell director returns
1:54:35 - Bloodlines 2 sales flop
1:58:23 - Is Shadow The Hedgehog getting his own movie?
2:01:41 - What’s next for Metal Gear Solid?
2:08:11 - Control 2 reveal at The Game Awards?
2:09:19 - Some sales updates
2:10:42 - What We’re Playing
3:01:50 - Xbox’s 2026 release rumors

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Thanks to the likes of OpenAI, hardware manufacturers are scrambling to adjust prices amidst a shortage of RAM. As a result, things are about to become more expensive again! Unlike companies like Lenovo or PlayStation who seemingly bought stock in advance to help avoid price shock, Xbox appears to be ready to pass this one onto the consumer. Naturally, the "Xbox refugees" have turned their attention toward the Steam Machine which could fill a void in our gamer hearts. However, the Dukes find it hard to imagine a hero in this stock shortage story. Just how much will the Steam Machine be after Valve admits they will not be subsidizing and are just looking to make the device competitive? Will it look good beside a PlayStation 6 or next gen Xbox? We have a lot of questions, little answers, and even less money.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:04:41 - Health Is Wealth
0:14:29 - Let’s chat some more about Charlie ‘4 Hours’ Cox
0:22:50 - Xbox’s November 2025 update
0:31:40 - Default Game Profiles come to the Xbox Ally
0:35:06 - The Xcrocs are (sadly) real
0:41:13 - Battlefield 6 versus Black Ops 7
1:04:07 - Destiny 3 is in the works?
1:09:10 - A crazy week in the world of Ubisoft
1:31:50 - TMNT is getting the Sonic treatment
1:43:28 - Leaked messages of what got Rockstar employees fired
1:46:03 - Intergalatic: The Heretic Prophet is years away
1:50:00 - Stellar Blade 2 will be multiplatform
1:50:59 - Death Stranding 2 coming to PC soon?
1:52:57 - Exodus trailer confirmed for The Game Awards
1:56:57 - Cyberpunk’s sequel is ramping up
1:59:42 - SEGA admits their definitive versions could hurt sales
2:13:12 - What We’re Playing
2:44:17 - Valve talks Steam Machine value as Xbox is expected to jump their prices again

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As was originally reported, Xbox brought out a Partner Preview in November. It was chockful of everything strange like a co-op alien shop simulator or a thuggish rabbit beating up baddies to more traditional first person horror titles. The catch was that every game we saw throughout was a Play Anywhere title, a program that many of Xbox's players still yearn for the platform to leverage more. All in all, the Dukes enjoyed the show, especially given it dropped ahead of the biggest show of the year in the Game Awards where announcements are typically prioritized. Beyond that, we dive deep into the Valve rumor mill. Half Life 3 is everywhere! Is it finally happening and are the Dukes believers? We get into that plus updated thoughts on the Steam Machine now that we've had some time to digest the triple-whammy Valve hit us with last week.

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Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:13:32 - Discussing The Game Awards nominees
0:31:43 - The myriad of Half Life 3 rumors
0:36:54 - Valve’s focus for the Steam Machine
0:51:16 - Xbox Ally is exceeding expectations
0:55:09 - Xbox releases game publishing documentation to the public
0:59:26 - Obsidian has yet to use generative AI
1:03:17 - Activision caught using AI generated assets in Black Ops 7
1:12:01 - Bethesda responds to Fallout 4’s anniversary issues
1:28:04 - Krafton is now the publisher of Hi Fi Rush, but there’s a catch
1:31:37 - New comments by Sarah Bond on Xbox’s future
1:37:18 - PlayStation was indifferent to market shrinking in Japan
1:46:07 - Where is Yoko Taro?
1:48:58 - A new Ratchet & Clank game got revealed
1:56:42 - Don’t call it a Concord comeback
2:00:35 - Silent Hill Townfall’s release date leaked
2:02:15 - Ubisoft canceled Splinter Cell for xDefiant
2:10:02 - Red Dead Redemption 1 gets next gen update
2:10:56 - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 reaches 4 million sales figure
2:13:38 - First look at Zelda movie
2:14:27 - Death Stranding is getting an original anime on Disney+
2:17:16 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass
2:19:42 - What We’ve Been Playing
3:11:50 - Xbox Partner Preview

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Xbox's big bet for bringing PCs to the living room has officially been undercut. This week, Valve announced three (!) different pieces of hardware. First, there is the Steam Machine, which serves as the strongest competitor to consoles. While still very much a PC, the Steam Machine packs a lot of punch for a small device and could be a force if priced well. Second, a brand new VR headset in the Steam Frame. Despite Meta having massive first-party support, Valve has decided to challenge a space that many of us thought was finished growing. Third, and finally, is a Steam Controller. It's horrendous looking and makes the Duke look ergonomic. How does Valve's aggressive hardware plans disrupt Xbox and does any lingering appeal for the PC in the living room by Xbox remain? The Dukes unite and dive straight in.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:08:49 - The Hair Crisis
0:13:57 - Halo Infinite support is ending
0:21:59 - Former Nintendo President opens up on Xbox and Switch 2
0:31:59 - State Of Play Japan reactions
0:47:15  Arc Raiders is a smash hit
0:57:04 - GTA 6 has been delayed
1:09:02 - Take Two proves great narrative games sell well
1:13:02 - Borderlands 4 sales are soft
1:18:58 - Dispatch sells over 1 million copies
1:20:47 - Ghost Of Yotei sells over 3 million copies
1:23:00 - BioWare and EA recommit to Mass Effect
1:42:28 - Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra has been delayed
1:44:35 - Silent Hill 2’s Xbox release date leaks
1:48:42 - Nintendo first party are using game key cards
1:51:07 - Square Enix undergoes layoffs and drops new roadmap
2:03:02 - Trails In The Sky Remake 2 confirmed for 2026
2:05:54 - What We’re Playing
3:00:07 - Valve announces Steam Machine, Frame, and Controller
3:28:55 - Todd Howard interview
3:42:30 - Avowed 2 is in the cards, but not Outer Worlds 3?

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It's been quite the year for Obsidian Entertainment. Following three major releases in one year with Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2. Obsidian finds itself discussing their future and relevance in a world where "Microsoft Gaming" exists. Cog and Hoeg discuss the significance of revisiting the Pillars of Eternity universe with their latest turn based announcement. What does the future also hold for this studio? In addition to all the latest news in the world of Xbox!

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:02:50 - Health Is Wealth
0:05:01 - Does Cog Really Hate Exclusives?
0:17:14 - Xbox Hybrid Future?
0:33:59 - Cancelling Game Pass Ultimate?
0:40:32 - Destiny 2 New Renegades expansion
0:49:39 - Nintendo’s Patent in Palworld Dispute is Being Re-examined
1:03:54 - Devs believe Steam has a monopoly on PC games?
1:14:03 - Consumers spend more on remakes than remasters
1:22:42 - Battlefield 6 Has Reportedly Sold Over 10 Million Copies
1:31:21 - Arc Raiders early success & roadmap
1:40:33 - Black Ops 7 ROG Xbox Ally X Support
1:44:22 - Expedition 33 & Final Fantasy VII Remake event
1:52:52 - What We Are Playing
2:11:36 - Obsidian announces Pillars of Eternity Turn-Based Mode & talks future
2:42:41 - Xbox Q1 hardware sales down
2:54:20 - Xbox - Ex-Boxer commercial

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Following months of swirling rumors, Halo Combat Evolved has its remake. It's called Halo Campaign Evolved and you can play it next year on Xbox, PC, and yes, even PlayStation! It has everything from sprinting to aiming down sights, but more surprising is the new content found within. Cutscenes have been entirely reshot, new prequel missions are being added to the game, new weapons are getting thrown in there, and even the warthog saw an expansion to it. Cog and Gene had the opportunity to go hands-on with a demo of this remake and the takeaways are what you'd expect from a Halo Studios led project. Indeed, it's the familiar cocktail of optimism for what's in front of you and lingering skepticism from the thing you just got.

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Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:02:53 - Sarah Bond says exclusive games are antiquated
0:16:09 - Matt Booty says Xbox’s competition is TikTok and movies
0:29:43 - Phil Spencer says Forza Motorsport isn’t dead
0:38:25 - Phil Spencer on Xbox’s AI push
0:45:09 - Xbox has a Partner Preview coming in November
0:52:55 - Fallout Day 2025 was terrible
1:18:40 - ID@Xbox showcase reveals 12 indie Game Pass titles
1:20:43 - Canceled multiplayer God of War game leaks
1:24:12 - Ghost of Yotei sales analysis
1:31:00 - Loulan: The Cursed Sands revealed
1:33:23 - Masters of Albion will be Peter Molyneux’s final game
1:41:31 - Mouse: P.I. for Hire releases on March 19th, 2026
1:42:45 - Battlefield REDSEC shadow dropped by EA
1:45:07 - FemShep wants to go back to Mass Effect
1:46:40 - Crash Bandicoot is getting a Netflix series
1:47:51 - What We’re Playing (Xbox Ally X)
2:26:55 - Halo Campaign Evolved discussion
3:01:40 - Cog's thoughts on Ninja Gaiden 4
3:09:11 - Outer Worlds 2
3:35:17 - Massive details on the next Xbox
3:59:25 - Xbox’s 30% profit margin to blame for price hikes

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There's much to be said about how The Outer Worlds 2 was handled prior to its release. Everything from a lacking preview and Avowed's underwhelming launch to Xbox attempting to force a $80 price point put this game on the uphill climb. All of that is out the window now. Cog and Matty have it in hand and have logged their many hours! Is the Black Rock ready to deliver on the RPG pedigree that they're known for or are they best off focusing on their new strength in games like Grounded or Pentiment?

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:02:57 - Final future of the Dukes update
0:08:31 - Xbox Ally impressions
0:28:08 - The pace of Xbox releases
0:35:29 - The most positive Xbox experience this generation
0:43:07 - What We’re Playing
1:02:44 - Outer Worlds 2
2:13:25 - Improvements coming to the Xbox Ally
2:15:49 - ID@Xbox showcase coming October 28th
2:17:16 - Starfield’s PS5 announcement will come in 2026
2:18:31 - Warner Bros Discovery is up for sale again
2:27:26 - Assassin’s Creed franchise lead was forced out
2:35:11 - Glen Schofield is trying to get Dead Space back
2:54:25 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 updates
3:00:34 - The Resident Evil Remake rumors are heating up
3:04:24 - A new Dragon Ball game coming in 2026
3:08:11 - Marvel Cosmic Invasion releases December 1st
3:10:33 - Quantic Dream’s strange new multiplayer game
3:16:16 -  What’s next for Arrowhead?
3:18:28 - Silent Hill sales update
3:21:18 - Kirby Air Riders gets ANOTHER direct
3:25:41- Sarah Bond clarifies Xbox next gen details
3:49:04 - Xbox has plans to move its product manufacturing out of China

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Despite the ongoing hardware "crisis," plenty of next generation hardware news continues to leak out of Xbox. This time, we have Project Magnus courtesy of Moore's Law Is Dead! Set to release in 2027, this console will (as expected) feature some Windows elements and go head-to-head with the pre-built PC market. To help break all of this down, Jimmy Champane of Deck Ready is here. Beyond Project Magnus, we get into a newly released piece of Xbox hardware in the Xbox Ally. Is it worth your money and what does it tell us about the future of Xbox's unified Windows approach? A lot, it seems! Beyond that, we tackle a new-ish structure for the show, covering everything from Xbox to PlayStation and Nintendo. Much of our show is shaped by you, so we hope you enjoy the inclusion and look forward to reading your thoughts.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:20:42 - Where did the former Zenimax Online devs go?
0:30:06 - Call Of Duty is dropping SBMM
0:42:23 - Halo art director delivers ominous message
1:04:51 - Indiana Jones gets anniversary update
1:10:17 - Everwild screenshots have leaked
1:12:44 - Sucker Punch’s future after Ghost Of Yotei
1:27:46 - What is Bluepoint up to?
1:31:34 - More Expedition 33 content on the way
1:36:39 - Japan responds to rise of Sora AI
1:44:05 - Assassin’s Creed director quits over Tencent
2:04:02 - Massive Pokémon leak
2:18:14 - Switch 2 console sales update
2:21:34 - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game revealed
2:24:59 - The Mindseye Aftermath
2:30:18 - What We’re Playing
3:18:10 - Xbox’s Project Magnus and PlayStation 6 are rumored to release in 2027
3:55:17 - Another week of Xbox hardware drama

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Following such erratic changes to Game Pass and a ton of wild weekend rumors, many are wondering if Xbox will be out of the console business altogether by 2027. Despite marketing for the next generation being expected to begin next year, some insiders are suggesting this is now up in the air for Team Green. Joining us to discuss the current state of Xbox is the man with a million, Rand Al Thor 19. While Xbox addressed the uncertainty surrounding their hardware and have a public agreement with AMD, many continue to doubt this is the path forward. The truth is that Xbox hardware has seen a steep decline in sales for almost two years. Now, major retailers are pulling their stock. Like much of you have written in about this subject, we are left with the same question: Can we even believe Xbox at this point? If you can't then can we continue to build our digital libraries on Xbox with the way Xbox is trending? Is the path truly to become a third party publisher? If so, should Xbox rip off the bandaid and go all in now? It's a jam packed episode and we sift through every layer of it to try and get to the root of it all.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

03:08 - The future of the Dukes
0:21:28 - Cog’s trip to Japan
0:35:50 - Where is Phil Spencer?
1:00:32 - Outer Worlds 2 caught in the crossfire again
1:15:57 - Can Xbox and PlayStation team up now?
1:20:09 - What even is Xbox Play Anywhere?
1:30:07 - What is going on with Keeper?
1:40:18 - Lina Khan’s victory lap
1:47:58 - Xbox’s response to the Game Pass price hike
1:56:24 - Game Pass DLC discounts are done
2:02:17 - Halo Combat Evolved Remake rumors
2:16:46 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass
2:20:29 - What We’re Playing
2:59:26 - Is Xbox hardware coming to an end?
3:35:43 - The reason Game Pass hiked its prices
3:56:22 - Xbox is reportedly adding a free tier for Cloud Gaming

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Xbox happened.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro
0:03:14 - Health Is Wealth
0:10:02 - Are we still Xbox fans?
0:26:22 - What’s happening with Forza Horizon 6?
0:36:23 - Xbox Ally preorders are live
0:48:50 - EA is going private in a $55 Billion deal
1:05:47 - Ken Levine interview recap
1:19:18 - Fallout 76 Burning Springs update
1:20:14 - Prototype is coming back?
1:27:07 - Ubisoft forms Vantage Studios
1:30:23 - AAA Lord Of The Rings game in development
1:38:49 - What We’re Playing
2:25:25 - Xbox Game Pass gets a major price hike
3:14:00 - Do we keep doing Game Pass Pick Of The Week?

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