The gaming world felt the tremor of resolution this week as Epic Games and Google settled their landmark Android lawsuit, concluding a five-year legal battle over mobile app store practices. Meanwhile, the digital landscape received a blast from the past: Springfield's finest, The Simpsons, have descended upon Fortnite in a huge crossover event, turning the battle royale map into a delightfully absurd animated town.

In hardware news, Nintendo's Switch 2 is cementing its place in history, reportedly having sold an astronomical 11 million units since its June debut, outpacing the PlayStation 5's launch success. Not all news was celebratory, however, as Rockstar Games disputed allegations that staff firings were linked to union activity, bringing the contentious issue of workers' rights back into sharp focus.

Finally, while Arc Raiders climbs to the top of the OpenCritic charts as the highest-rated multiplayer shooter, fans are finding solace in the unexpected return of therapeutic gameplay with the release of PowerWash Simulator 2. Hear Gary, Jerome, and Taylor dive into these headlines, plus their personal picks including Hades 2 and the board game The Old Kings Crown, on the latest GameBurst Podcast.

Links

• https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/357873/the-old-kings-crown
• https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/429405/orloj-the-prague-astronomical-clock 

The latest GameBurst podcast unpicks the week's biggest story: Halo: Campaign Evolved, the Unreal Engine 5 remake of the seminal shooter, is officially coming to PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2026. The team breaks down the implications of this massive news for the industry. Plus, hear their latest Picks of the Week, covering everything from the colossal scale of Essen Spiel 2025 to the new Devolver Digital title, Ball x Pit.

Listen to the full news round-up now. #gameburst

• Ball x Pit: https://www.devolverdigital.com/games/ball-x-pit

• Time Flies: https://timeflies.buzz/

• Road to Empress Lets Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMYnV3EIIrA&t=8265s

• Taylor's Pick (YouTube channel): https://www.youtube.com/@DamiLeeArch

This week, delve into Microsoft's sweeping gaming division overhaul, including significant layoffs and the cancellation of anticipated titles like Perfect Dark and Everwild. Discover the groundbreaking move of Helldivers 2 launching on Xbox, marking Sony's first major title crossover with full crossplay. We also examine the sharp decline in video game spending among young Americans, Riot Games' controversial decision to allow gambling sponsors in esports, and the UK's National Videogame Museum's presence at World Expo 2025. Plus, hear about the "Stop Killing Games" initiative reaching 1 million signatures and Don't Nod's recent layoffs. Our "Pick of the Week" segment features Luthier, Civolution, and an Elden Ring Night Reign update, alongside Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Rematch. Finally, we tackle listener feedback on playing Game Pass games without a PC or Xbox Series X, and ponder Sony's similar offerings. #gameburst

The team are back with the gaming headlines this week: Plus, Twilight Struggle, more American Truck Simulator, The Last of Us TV, and the Dice Tower Cruise. #GameBurst

More info...

Music includes: Remember You're A Womble (Mike Batt)

[News] The team discuss the latest gaming headlines including:

Golden Joystick Awards winners

Nintendo ready 3D video recording for 3DS

WoW players get Diablo III for free

PS3 piracy dongle

Next generation console gossip

[Roundtable] Neil, James and Gary discuss how mutliplayer modes are evolving beyond the traditional realms of straight deathmatches. What new innovations have publishers introduced over the years to give splitscreen and online action a fresh spin? And more importantly, which ones have worked?

[News] James, Neil and Gary discuss the latest gaming headlines, including;

PSN attack on dormant accounts

Microsoft buys Twisted Pixel

Zynga to create its own games portal

Burnout Crash and GTA III coming to iOS

Rocksmith delayed in Europe - and no importing

Mass Effect multiplayer detailed

AND The result for November's GameBurst Replay

[Quiz] This quiz is hosted by James Batchelor.

It may be two weeks late, but it's finally here: the September edition of the GameBurst Quiz. Best keep this away from young ears as this two tiers are the cheeky ladies from The Most Popular Girls on the Internet and the lary lads from The Midlife Gamers.

Enjoy - this one's a belter!

[News] James, Gary and Neil discuss the latest gaming headlines including:

Games developers choose smartphones as most popular platform

BBC, Lovefilm and more come to Xbox Live

Playing OnLive consumes up to 3GB per hour

Rage issues vex PC players

Sony: Time not right for download-only

EA says Wii U still on track

[News] Neil, Lewis and Leon Cox from new podcast Cane & Rinse discuss the latest gaming headlines, including:

I am Alive is, er, Alive

Ubisoft's long-in-development disaster action game skips retail and heads for XBLA and PSN. Is this a good move? Does anyone actually care about this game anymore?

Vita 3G has 20MB download limit

Sony reveals that download limit for its the 3G version of its upcoming handheld will be the same as iOS devices.

L.A. Noire Complete Edition due next month

For those who haven't played this summer's critically acclaimed but divisive blockbuster, you'll soon be able to pick it up with all the DLC.

Dead Island movie confirmed

Remember that teaser trailer for Dead Island that everyone thought was just like a movie and made the game look soooo awesome, etc? Well, now it's inspired the latest attempt at a video game movie. Should be good, right?

Skyrim vocal talent includes Captain Von Trapp and Wonder Woman

Christopher Plummer, Max Von Sydow, Lynda Carter, Joan Allen and more lend their voices to the upcoming Elder Scrolls game.

Syndicate reboot dated and trailered

Let's face it - we just put this in to wind Lewis up. Revenge is sweet!

We're back this week with more gaming news. Plus, Bitoku, American Truck Simulator, Marvel's Midnight Sun,, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, and The Miracle of Pakistani Tekken #GameBurst

More info...

Music includes: Edge & Flight (Mirrors Edge OST)

Links

• The Miracle of Pakistani Tekken https://youtu.be/l2SQgjYmVYY 
• Bitoku https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/323612/bitoku

[Roundtable] In a change to the scheduled GameBurst Quiz (which will now be released on the 13th of October) James, Lewis and Gary discuss this years visit to the EuroGamer Expo.

With the vast numbers of games, developers and hardware. This one runs a little over the 30 min rule but we think we get most of it covered? If you think we have missed anything, please add your comment to the facebook page www.facebook.com/gameburst or via twitter www.twitter.com/GameBurst @Gameburst

[Special] This week, we're joined by Graeme "AceyBongos" Boyd, Mirosoft's social marketing manager. Neil and James grill him about his role at Xbox, the Xbox Live Dashboard, Zune, Kinect, his gaming habits, football and more. Thanks to everyone who sent in their questions.

[News] Neil, Lewis and a well-spoken walking corpse discuss the latest gaming headlines, including:

3DS TGS announcements

MMO subscriptions begin to fall

Xbox Live confirmed for Windows 8

Syndicate revival finally confirmed

Vita launch details

New X-Wing game on the way?

[Roundtable] In light of the reaction to the new 3DS Slide Pad, James, Gary and Neil discuss the best, the worst, the craziest, the most mundane, the most revolutionary and the most unimpressive accessories that we can remember.

Have we missed any out? Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or email.

[News] James, Neil and Gary discuss the latest gaming headlines including:

Call of Duty Elite priced and dated

Online Pass bags EA $10-$15m

Dead Island developer in trouble

Max Payne 3 dated

Wii U in 'development hell'

Steam Trading launches

Free Driver multiplayer for all

Enslaved dev: Triple-A retail model "crushing innovation"

PLUS The winner of October's GameBurst Replay

[Quiz] This month, we return to the traditional podcast-vs-podcast quiz formula, with James Batchelor at the helm.

The teams are two UK-based shows: Epic Fail, making its GameBurst Quiz semi-debut, and IDFKA, which misleadingly stands for I Don't Know F***ing Anything.

Tune in for a one-man army, questions on robots and the usual quiz mayhem.

Neil, Gary and as we needed to keep our regular Nintendo Fan-Boy quota, we are joined by special guest, Daan. The trio go through this weeks gaming news.

James, Neil and Gary discuss the latest gaming headlines, including:

Sonic CD returns as digital download

Theme Park the latest victim of the freemium bug

Star Wars Kinect delayed

3DS press conference due next month

Motion controls prevent 3D Vita

Fable 4 in 2013, Duke Nukem Begins prequel suggested

James, Neil and Gary discuss the hidden gems in the next few month's upcoming releases, the titles that you shouldn't miss - and a few that you really should.

Included in this episode are:

Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Driver: San Francisco
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine
X-Men Destiny
Spider-Man: Edge of Time
Ico and Shadow of the Colossus
Battle Vs Chess
Goldeneye 007 Reloaded
Dark Souls
Rage
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

We're back for 2023! In the show this week: the usual headlines plus Mario Party Superstars, Brass: Birmingham, Rallyman DIRT, R.E. 5, 100% achievement grind, Horizon - Forbidden West , Bayonetta 3, Glass Onion, and I Was a Teenage Exocolonist. #GameBurst

More info ...

Music includes Still Alive (Lisa Miskovsky)

This week, James, Neil and Gary discuss the latest gaming headlines including:

Sony's Gamescom announcements

NCsoft's new MMO Wildstar

New Wii announced

EA limits Old Republic launch stock

Activision calls for end to EA feud

Road Rash and Desert Strike returning?

www.gameburst.co.uk

pod@gameburst.co.uk

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This week, Neil, James and the always outspoken Gary Blower continue our discussion about physical discs and downloadable games. What does our resident collector have to say about all this? How does cloud gaming and game streaming factor into it?

Plus we read out your thoughts on the matter. If you have anything to add, contact us at Pod@GameBurst.co.uk, Twitter.com/GameBurst or Facebook.com/GameBurst.

This week, James, Neil and Gary discuss the latest gaming headlines including:

July sales decline, August expected to be worse

Analysts predict game sales to be at an all-time low as the quiet summer continues. Should we be worried, or is this all part of the console cycle?

Sony to replace riots' victim's PSP

Ashraf Haziq had his PSP stolen by rioters and Sony has promised to replace it - good on 'em, we say!

Team Bondi goes under

Things go downhill for the LA Noire developers are rumours of bankruptcy emerge and they're picked up by the man who made Mad Max.

OnLive UK launch dated

Cloud gaming is only a month away, but is any of the team interested? And Gary tells us how fast our download speeds really are.

Nintendo should go to mobiles, say Analysts

If you've got $10bn in cash reserves just sitting there, apparently the Pokemon version of Tap Tap Revenge just doesn't cut it.

Syndicate reboot rumoured for Gamescom reveal

It's been a long time coming, but we could only be days away from finally seeing the return of Syndicate. Yay!

This week, Lewis, Neil and James discuss the balance between physical discs and downloadable games. Which do we prefer? Which is the most convenient, and what does that convenience cost? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each format?

Once you've heard our thoughts, why not chip in with yours? Contact us at Pod@GameBurst.co.uk, Twitter.com/GameBurst or Facebook.com/GameBurst.

James, Neil, Gary and friend of the show Richard "Major Lag" Portchmouth discuss the latest gaming headlines, including:

Nintendo 3DS price cut

The week's most surprising news is that Nintendo is lowering the trade price of the 3DS, meaning retailers are likely to knock it down to £130. But what message is this sending?

Skyrim to have 'bigger', 'complete package' DLC

Bethesda says we can expect Skyrim DLC releases akin to those of Fallout 3 and Rockstar's games. And that's made the pimp of Tamriel very happy...

Average XBLA price on the rise

Microsoft admits that the average price of Xbox Live Arcade games has risen over the past few years, but that gamers are more than happy to pay for them. Does the team agree?

Armageddon for Red Faction

THQ axes the Red Faction franchise after poor financial results and disappointing sales of it's recent release, Armageddon. But that's okay - Gary's more interested in Saints Row.

Riccitiello: The console cycle has gone forever

EA CEO Jon Riccitiello believes that the console cycle we've come to know has ended, thanks to the rise of mobile gaming and downloads. We discuss our thoughts on the future of consoles.

EA hopes to resolve Steam issues

A disagreement between Electronic Arts and Valve has seen the former's games removed from Steam. Who's in the right? Who will be the most affected? And does it even matter to gamers?

This month's quiz is very special: it's the very first GameBurst Listener Free-For-All.

Rather than having the usual formula of two teams pitted against each other in a battle of wits, we have four fans of GameBurst foolish enough to come on the show and try to take on the quiz themselves. And they're not allowed to work together, either. It's every man (and one woman) for themselves.

In the four corners we have Ben Walker, Phil Laidler, Matt Whetter and Marti Bennett. In the centre of the ring we have James, wielding the usual arsenal of In The News, Music Round, Mystery Questions and of course Defend the Indefensible.

Lewis, Neil and that bloke who doesn't check his facts discuss the latest gaming headlines and announcements, including:

Confusion over Wii U downloads.

GoldenEye Reloaded confirmed.

Sony working on virtual reality.

Mega Man Legends 3.

Microsoft: Our first-party games are the best.

Activision reinventing Guitar Hero.

Pre-orders begin for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

All this and more on the latest GameBurst News.

The team are back with a look at the gaming headlines. Plus Evercade thefts, Will.i.am, Resident Evil 2, God of War: Ragnorok and The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Eartha Kitt. #GameBurst

More info ...

• The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Eartha Kitt https://youtu.be/PECF0ZupS28
• Music includes Stone Cold (Crypt of the Necrodancer OST)

[Roundtable] Neil, Lewis and James Carter discuss 'When Good Games Go Bad', when games start off with a great mechanic or ideology but this turns in to its Achilles heal.

Have your say on Twitter @GameBurst / www.Facebook.com/GameBurst / pod@gameburst.co.uk

[News] This week, James, Neil and Gary discuss Bethesda's thoughts on Wii U, WoW going free-to-play, which board game is blocking XBLA title Trenched, the first Call of Duty convention, Sony's belief that it was hacked for protecting its IP, the death of Star Wars Galaxies and is there another GoldenEye game in the works? Apologies for the late publication of this episode. It's proof that Lewis isn't allowed to go on holiday - we can't cope without him.

[Quiz] This months GameBurst quiz is hosted by James Batchelor. 

He is joined by Digital Cowboys, Alex and Tony who are trying to finally conquer their 0 for 2 appearance record. Pitted against them and making there GameBurst Debut is Paul Gibson and Mike Barton from the GameOvercast.

[Roundtable] Still unable to find the right microphone to record from Neil, James and Lewis dicuss some of their guilty gaming pleasures and why they find them so compelling, even when they know its wrong!

[Roundtable] Gary, Lewis and somewhere in the background James, discuss Gaming Unplugged. BoardGames, Card Games and lots of things gaming in a non electrical way.

We look back at the gaming news this week. Plus Clash of Cultures Monumental Edition and what we like and dislike about "achievements". #GameBurst

More info ->

• Music includes This World of Mine (Darren Baranowsky)
• Aconyte Books: https://aconytebooks.com/worlds/

[E3 Special] James, Neil and Gary go through all the games, annoucements and news from this years Nintendo E3 press conference.