Episódios
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t's quiet... Too quiet. Indeed, we've found ourselves in the "pre-showcase lull" for Xbox. Still, we have some big news to sift through. For starters, independent developers have thrived during the era of Xbox Game Pass thanks to massive bags being handed out for day one access which compliments the lower budgets of these titles. According to prominent indie developers, that gold rush is over. The Dukes dive into the future of Xbox Game Pass. If the way Xbox sells games is changing and the layoffs that have occurred all circle around the sustainability of the business, then there's no reality where Game Pass gets out unscathed. So, what are they changing, how do indies factor in, and what does it accomplish? Speaking of indies, it would see that Hollow Knight Silksong is finally on the way. When will this massive game land for Xbox and is it sooner than we expect? Plus, more on the questionable state of Final Fantasy 14, the future of KOTOR Remake, Dragon's Dogma 2's success, and so much more!
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:15:03 - Final Fantasy 14's launch on Xbox is bad
0:19:47 - KOTOR Remake is alive and well
0:27:45 - Take Two now owns Gearbox
0:33:48 - Dragon's Dogma 2 has sold 2.5 million copies
0:36:11 - Details on the next Yakuza game
0:38:36 - Certain Affinity hit with layoffs
0:40:23 - Xbox has a new AI chatbot for support
0:46:02 - CD Projekt Red talks microtransactions
0:48:15 - What We're Playing
1:26:20 - Amy Hennig's Star Wars game
1:32:45 - Xbox's indie gold rush is over
1:46:32 - Hollow Knight Silksong coming soon?
1:50:33 - Coming to Xbox Game Pass
1:54:41 - Game Pass Pick Of The Week
2:01:46 - How to build the ultimate man cave
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We're at the point in Xbox's lifespan where the sensitivity is at an all time high. By that, we mean that the reaction to certain pieces of news is heightened considerably and is leading to even a singular comment spiraling into chaos. That's just what happened this week when, once again, we hear how Xbox is struggling. This time, it hails from the EU region where Christopher Dring states that a major game publisher questions the support of the platform in general. Naturally, this has been spun and applies to every conceivable developer under the sun. The Dukes approach this from two angles. For starters, how can Xbox escape the rumor mill and begin controlling the narrative? Is there something they can do to wipe away the doubt that gives legs to simple murmuring? Secondly, if true, what does this mean for Xbox? Separately, comments from Phil Spencer have indicated that extra money could be sought out in other areas of the industry. From Windows Central claiming an Xbox handheld prototype is in the works and Phil Spencer's recent interview signaling an infatuation with the Xbox handheld idea, it seems that their hardware push is far from over. Phil also spoke about bringing digital storefront like Epic Games Store and Itch.io to Xbox. Is the long term vision and all encompassing box full of all your games from all platforms? As always, it's never a sure bet with Xbox, but the Dukes do their digging nonetheless.
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:17:43 - Microsoft Rewards shutting down
0:24:55 - Xbox is integrating Battle Net with Game Pass?
0:37:57 - Phil Spencer wants to bring Epic Games Store to Xbox
0:51:58 - Sea Of Thieves is getting a massive update for its PS5 launch
0:54:49 - Marvel 1943 launches in 2025
0:58:07 - Marvel Rivals announced
1:07:09 - Grounded's final update gets detailed
1:16:08 - Xbox reaches an agreement with Toys For Bob
1:17:38 - SMT V new date
1:18:36 - Shinji Mikami's new studio accidentally leaked
1:22:40 - Yoshi-P teases FF16 for Xbox
1:25:58 - Resident Evil 9 may go open world
1:32:13 - Sonic Heroes is getting a remake in 2025?
1:38:06 - Star Wars Outlaws rated in multiple regions
1:41:53 - What We're Playing
2:25:51 - Elder Scrolls VI is playable
2:30:28 - Xbox is prototyping a handheld
2:48:44 - Developers are apparently wondering why they're supporting Xbox
3:07:52 - Game Pass Pick Of The Week
3:14:33 - Ending Questions
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A new development kit has been certified for Xbox in South Korea! With leaks showing an all digital Series X on the way, this originally felt like a news story you brush by and not much else. That was the case until we learned a key bit of information that flipped the conversation on its head: This certification couldn't be for a digital Series X. So, what is it? The last certification seen for Xbox hardware was with the Series X around five months ahead of its launch. We know Sarah Bond recently stated that Xbox has committed to more hardware in the future. Could it finally be the Xbox handheld set to launch this holiday? Naturally, the Dukes are giddy about this concept and dive deep. We also lament the state that Battlefront Classic Collection has launched in, mull over the state of PocketPair, enjoy Xbox's 4D chess play with Sea Of Thieves newest SKUs, and dive into the latest changes at Bungie and Blizzard.
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:11:11 - Bungie replaces Marathon director
0:19:42 - Massive changes hit Overwatch 2
0:27:27 - Jim Ryan opens up
0:31:07 - Ereban: Shadow Legacy is longer coming to Game Pass
0:36:17 - New Sea Of Thieves editions announced
0:45:15 - Pocketpair
0:51:03 - Fallout's TV isn't interested in pleasing fans
0:59:19 - Xbox has a new VP of Global Partnerships
1:00:43 - Halo Infinite March Update
1:03:28 - Grandia HD Collection is coming to Xbox
1:05:02 - Connie Booth is headed BioWare
1:08:13 - Sand Land demo is available now
1:12:29 - What We're Playing
1:46:00 - PS5 Pro leaks. Should Xbox match it?
1:58:35 - A new Xbox development kit has been certified
2:22:40 - Coming Soon to Game Pass
2:32:00 - Game Pass Pick of the Week
2:36:19 - Ending Questions and Wrap up
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The data is starting to roll in as Sea Of Thieves is available for pre-order on PlayStation. Beating out the likes of Star Wars and Dragon's Dogma, this once Xbox exclusive has found itself at the #1 spot for the weekend. While it's initial data, it's the first sign that Xbox's big play just might pay off. Naturally, it opens the familiar can of worms in wondering what will go multi-platform next. We also discuss Todd Howard's seemingly innocent comments on Fallout 5 that, according to Matty, imply much, much more. Plus, another Tekken 8 showdown, celebrating the work of Akira Toriyama, discussing what's going on with Sweet Baby Inc, and so much more!
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:13:46 - Pentiment's Framerate
0:15:58 - Peter Moore Interview
0:25:17 - Halo MCC Is Done
0:30:07 - Persona 3 DLC on Game Pass
0:35:03 - Ni No Kuni stays on Game Pass
0:36:26 - Last Case
0:39:23 - Moon Studios Future with Xbox
0:42:37 - Multiversus Returns In May
0:45:00 - Dragon's Dogma 2 Updates
0:55:52 - What We're Playing
1:37:26 - Akira Toriyama's Passing
1:47:47 - What's going on with Sweet Baby Inc
2:13:09 - Todd Howard's Fallout 5 Comments
2:28:06 - Game Pass Pick Of The Week
2:51:02 - Final Questions
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This week featured the second ever Xbox Partner Preview! Consisting of 14 different games, Xbox shined a spotlight on AA partners, made some Game Pass announcements, and had a shadow drop to boot. The Dukes dive deep into each game individually and rank the showcase shortly thereafter! We also get into the loss of Toys For Bob who announced that they'll be going independent while maintaining a partnership with Microsoft. Have they managed to escape the Call Of Duty sweatshop and will others request the same? As we see Embracer shedding off two studios of its own, the Dukes wonder who the next domino to fall will be. Plus, Starfield's March update, a Spongebob Xbox Series X for sale, Warner Bros. stampeding against its own momentum, and much more!
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:10:34 - Starfield update
0:16:25 - KOTOR Remake is free from Embracer
0:26:34 - Baldur’s Gate 3 Physical update
0:28:16 - Fallout, Spongebob Xbox
0:36:20 - What’s going on with Moon Studios?
0:48:13 - Dragon Age Dreadwolf on track for 2024
0:52:18 - Warner Bros focus on live service
1:00:54 - What We’re Playing
1:33:03 - The State of Fallout
1:41:29 - Toys For Bob goes indie
1:58:20 - Xbox Partner Preview
2:41:05 - Coming soon to Game Pass
2:47:55 - Game Pass Pick of the Week
2:54:02 - How do we prioritize what we play?
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The fallout of Xbox's industry shifting decisions has resulted in many-a-questions. What other Xbox games go multi-platform? What's the long term vision? Is the desire for a wider pool of consumers only going to delay obvious development based decisions that need to be made? Much of our audience here shares in these inquiries and we spend much of this Defining Duke sifting through them all. We also dig into the layoffs that continue to ravage our industry as both PlayStation and EA have entered the fold with impacted teams including the likes of Insomniac and Respawn. It's all that, plus around 30 minutes of Tekken 8 glazing, fight stories, health is wealth endearment, our first Game Pass DODGE Of The Week, and so much more!
Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.
0:00:00 - Introduction
0:21:25 - All Digital Series X incoming
0:23:34 - Age of Mythology Retold coming to Game Pass
0:25:10 - High On Life physical from LRG
0:28:30 - Tanya Watson joins Xbox Game Studios
0:31:45 - Third Kind Games is co developing Fable
0:37:12 - Pentiment runs better on PS5 due to a bug
0:42:51 - TMNT Arcade is coming to consoles
0:46:10 - Data-miners have found Persona 3 Reload DLC
0:47:41 - Skull and Bones has record player engagement
0:49:04 - Suicide Squad has fallen short
0:51:59 - What We’re Playing
1:32:10 - Warm Up Questions
2:11:18 - PlayStation Layoffs
2:36:29 - Game Pass Pick of the Week
2:45:05 - Ending Questions
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Following weeks of rumors and speculation which led to multiple emergency Defining Dukes and even a business update event for Xbox, we finally have all the answers we desired. The games leaving Xbox are Hi Fi Rush, Pentiment, Sea Of Theives, and Grounded, two of which were unveiled at a Nintendo Direct, and their arrivals are imminent. Separately, PlayStation has made several illuminating comments themselves such as discussing a more aggressive PC strategy and potentially digging into other platforms. While there's no doubt that Xbox will be the first to commit in a major way to multi-platform, the Dukes are left wondering how long the walled gardens will remain as these business demand more. With that in mind, we discuss how much is enough for these companies and the ominous truth being the "when everyone plays, we all win" strategy that could play out in the next 10-20 years. Plus, a deep dive on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, inquiries answered on Xbox's sidestepping of physical games, a rumored Mandalorian game, and so much more in a very normal episode of Defining Duke.
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After a week that felt like an eternity, we have arrived on the fateful day where Xbox discusses the future of their business. What's happening with exclusivity, Game Pass, hardware, and the brand's commitment to the future? To many, it was a nothing burger. Others have left with more questions than answers. Many are pleased that their investment is safe and there are no concerns moving forward. The Dukes discuss Xbox's potential clairvoyance with the multi-platform strategy, lessons learned from Xbox One applied today, and much more in another DEFCON 1 level episode of Defining Duke.
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After weeks of unaddressed rumors surrounding Hi Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves coming to PlayStation, the powderkeg blew for Xbox this week. Gears Of War, Halo, Starfield, Indiana Jones, and a growing list are all reported to be going multi-platform. The only official comment we have on the matter is no sort of denial, but rather a "see you next week." In a DEFCON 1 level episode of Defining Duke, we opted to hold summit featuring each side of the aisle. Joining the Dukes are the Sacred Symbols boys. Is Xbox bowing out of the hardware space? If so, what does this mean for the competition in the gaming space with PlayStation remaining unchallenged? While it's all but confirmed that Xbox games are headed to PlayStation, the question remains in what capacity? For years, Xbox fans generally understood the idea that these would arrive thanks to Game Pass. Now, it seems Microsoft is doing this for sustainability. Naturally, fans of the platform feel betrayed leading to a plethora of meltdowns online. What happens to their digital libraries if an exit is made? Is Xbox throwing the towel too early when the vision is just about to come to fruition? The questions continue to mount as we had over 300 write-ins to sift through, so let's discuss the very future of Xbox and what the rationale behind their next phase may be.
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The moment we’ve long anticipated since Xbox began gobbling up various publishers has arrived and indicated a change in direction for the brand. On January 25th, a day after Microsoft was named the second $3 trillion company, Microsoft laid off 1,900 employees (accounting for 8% of their gaming division) across Activision, Blizzard, Xbox, and Bethesda. This pushes the industry as a whole beyond the 5,000 mark for total layoffs in 2024. For comparison, 2023 saw a total of 10,500 layoffs in its entire year and we’re halfway there already by January. Embracer continues to offload staff as their company falls through the floor, Riot just laid off 11% of its staff, SEGA 10% of its own, Unity another 1,800 people, and Twitch another 500. That’s just accounting for the mass contributors as over a dozen other companies have laid off hundreds of their own. From Toys For Bob all the way to the Call Of Duty workshop, many teams within Activision were impacted in a substantial way. With a new president atop Blizzard who once served as Call Of Duty's GM, Satya Nadella's blatant call for publishing games beyond Xbox, and a physical game division laid off within Xbox, the reality is clear that Xbox is no longer being gentle about the digital future they intend to charge toward. It was Phil Spencer who saved Xbox in its death throes during the Xbox One generation. Should we fear what Xbox will become?
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Following the Xbox Developer_Direct, we have much to unpack. In the world of Avowed, we received an extended showing that gave us more gameplay, but some viewers were still left with that same sense of uncertainty. With the game confirmed to be AA style, in an alpha state, and aiming for a Fall 2024 release, the Duke boys get into the expectations surrounding this title and what is missing. Meanwhile, Hellblade 2 was at the center of its own sort of conversation. While it did have an incredible showing, details presented after may have warped the perspective a touch. Hellblade 2 will sit at $50, be digital only, and is stated to be a similar length to the first game. Considering the amount of trailers shown off and how it was revealed alongside the Series X, many were expecting a more grand expansion compared to the original Hellblade. With these two side-by-side, it paints a clearer picture of what expectations should be set for the 2018/2019 draft class of Xbox. However, Xbox has secured both exclusively and in its own service, the biggest game of 2024. Palworld has stormed onto the scene breaking all sorts of records on Steam and there's little doubt that by the time you hear this episode, it will have gone on to set more milestones for itself. While there is controversy surrounding the artistic direction of the game, the Dukes can't help but enjoy it. Is that wrong? More importantly, what is the impact that one of the biggest games ever is going to have on the industry, and Xbox in particular? It's a packed week, so let's unpack, shall we?
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As tradition dictates, Xbox has opened the year with their Developer_Direct. We saw gameplay from Avowed, Hellblade 2, Ara History Untold, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, and even had a surprise appearance from Square Enix! With the roadmap set for the year, how do the Dukes feel about Xbox's showing? Is this enough to satiate them? Did Avowed improve from its initial showing? Will Hellblade 2 deliver a masterful experience worthy of the wait? Are the lacking of release dates concerning? We get into all of it and, naturally, so much more! We also dive into the budding conversation of Xbox games leaving the platform as Satya Nadella has seemingly indicated that with Activision in the fold, Xbox will be bringing games to beyond their platforms. If that really is the case, what does this symbolize for the future of the brand? As always, the economics of this situation is sure to bring out the best in all of us. Plus, a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 release date, more additions to PC Game Pass, Starfield's "biggest" update yet, Smite 2 (!) announced, and so much!
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The Dukes have said it before and they'll say it again: It's never a straightforward job covering Xbox. Just when you think you have them figured out, they flip the script. There's no better example of that then this week where social media had Xbox on the brink with one rumor only to be celebrating them the next day thanks to an announcement. According to multiple insiders, Xbox is looking to take prolific exclusives like Hi Fi Rush and Sea Of Thieves and port them to competitors like PlayStation and Nintendo in 2024. While the benefits on a business front immediately stand out for Xbox as they cash in again on an old release, many loyal fans are wondering where they benefit, if at all. As Xbox gears up for a monstrous 2024, it seems even more questions arise about each and every announced game. It truly is Pandora's Box and The Dukes wonder if Xbox is ready for that world given their history of communication woes. Otherwise, we have a newly announced Developer_Direct boasting an absolutely stacked lineup of titles from Indiana Jones and Avowed to Hellblade 2 and Ara History Untold. With the looming potential of a shadowdrop, the ball is in Xbox's court to set an exciting tone for the upcoming slate.
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The news waits for no one, including the Dukes! Insomniac was hacked, Bobby Kotick left Activision, and a new rumor surrounding Xbox's next console generation all managed to slip out in the two weeks we were gone. Naturally, we tackle all of this, but the Dukes really wanted to lean into the proposed 2026 gameplan for Xbox. Striking ahead of PlayStation, this would leave them in a similar position to the Xbox 360 vs PS3. Does Xbox need to hit the reset button so soon after finally getting their legs going in 2023? Would an Xbox fanbase buy into such a product so soon after the Series X launch cycle? Is Xbox's messaging airtight enough to avoid a Wii U scenario? There are many ways this can go and Xbox in 2024 is surrounded with a lot of firepower between their own first party, Activision, and Bethesda where they could make some noise as soon as they'd like. We also get into the 2024 roadmap for Starfield, the rumors of Banjo returning, some updates on Blade, and plenty more!
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To say it has been an eventful 2023 for Xbox would be an understatement. From establishing the Developer_Direct, a steady output of first party games, and acquiring Activision, to massive FTC court cases leaks, Redfall's release state, and lingering questions on Blade's exclusivity, we've had plenty to discuss. The Dukes gather this time not only to go through 2023 pound-for-pound, but also see what important lessons that can be gleamed from all these events. Was 2023 Xbox's best of the generation or are they only getting started?
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It's the holiday season and perhaps Santa got you a brand new Xbox! Either that, or you always are subscribed to Game Pass and are looking at where to spend your precious free time. Well, as tradition dictates, the Dukes have gathered to analyze what has been an impressive year for Game Pass. As Xbox moves away from quantity and into quality, what were the best and worst that Game Pass had to offer in 2023? We hope to answer that very question.
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The Dukes have gathered one final time in 2023 during the aftermath of The Game Awards. Following a successful showing by Xbox, many question marks linger around Blade. Well, we have a direct answer from Disney, and that result lies with Bethesda. So, what gives? Plus, we get into the possibility of a free Game Pass tier fueled by ads as Xbox seeks to create value even at the lowest level of entry to help expand their subscription service. Is this a wise move or something that will inevitably hurt the paying customers? Plus, massive updates on SEGA, a deep dive into Starfield’s promised updates for 2024, the insane situation surrounding The Day Before, and so much more. Let’s wrap up 2023 with a bang!
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It was a much different story for Xbox coming out of The Game Awards this year compared to the last. In 2022, Xbox had yet again skipped the show with any meaningful announcements and even had their acquisition of Activision blocked by the FTC. This time around, there weren't any regulators to stop their fun! They showed up with Hellblade II gameplay alongside announcements of Arkane's Blade and even Hideo Kojima's frequently leaked "OD." Yet, as per usual, not all answers are certain. Is Blade exclusive to Xbox? How far off is OD? Why is Hellblade II being shown off for a fourth time without a release date? Is a Developer Direct on the horizon to rectify this? Naturally, the Dukes dive deep into these subjects, but also comb through the rest of the show while we're at it. The Game Awards wasn't the only massive news as Project Shaolin, the Wu Tang Clan game being developed through Xbox Game Studios, had a ton of details leak. We also have our first look at the Fallout TV show trailer, and even Grand Theft Auto VI. It's a jam packed episode and one of our longer shows of the year, so get comfortable and enjoy!
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As we approach The Game Awards, it looks like we won't be ranting on how Xbox missed the show again. Indeed, they have already confirmed that there will be important announcements at the show! With a very "Matty" angle on this news, the Dukes combine to speculate what Xbox could be bringing to the big stage. What's really made headlines is Bethesda's customer support who has taken it upon themselves to respond to the Starfield reviews being submitted on Steam. Is this a sign of insecurity? Is it normal for game companies to do this? We dig into what is a peculiar move by Bethesda this deep into the release. Plus, extended comments from Xbox on their future with AI, news on the next Call Of Duty, a fantastic update for Halo, and much more!
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What was once a defining Xbox exclusive has made its way to PlayStation. Now, reports are in that the Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic Remake is in a world (or galaxy!) of trouble with development at a complete standstill and PlayStation wanting out. Many fans, us included, are calling on Xbox to, if legality permits it, be the saviors of this troubled project. From legacy to the habit of fixing up the likes of Bethesda and Activision, we're led to believe that this may be a great fit. Does Xbox have it in them and is this a remake even worth saving? Plus, we dive into the success that Yakuza has found on Xbox and how ATLUS plans to replicate the same gameplan for the upcoming Persona 6. With Persona 6 coming to Xbox, has the brand finally solidified itself as a major JRPG platform? We also tackle the omission of Hogwarts Legacy, Baldur's Gate 3's physical copies, ID @ Xbox's massive success, Call Of Duty's current reception, Xbox's declining European sales, and much more!
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