Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

As always, we like to source questions, comments, and concerns from our lovely audience each and every week. Many times, that alone defines the theme of the episode and that's certainly the case here. Following the news of Indiana Jones headed to PS5, plenty of Xbox fans have been left flat-footed. What does this mean for the future of the console's exclusives and will any of their competitors follow suit? Phil Spencer has shared his thoughts on the matter and now it's time for the Dukes to chime in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time ever, the Dukes are gathering in person to record an episode! What a time for it to happen too as we have plenty to discuss. For starters, we’re got our hands on a plethora of upcoming Xbox titles. Avowed, Ara History Untold, Towerborne, Atomfall, Metaphor Re Fantazio, and plenty more! As we were on site, we even had a chance to speak with a ton of the devs meaning we have added insight beyond the games themselves. Beyond the scoops, we naturally have to discuss the Indy situation as the game has been announced for PlayStation. We knew multi-platform was Xbox’s future, but this was quite an aggressive move. How do the Dukes feel about such a play from the green team? Naturally, we have much to say on top of the announcements at Opening Night Live itself. Go to https://www.takethesis.com to take the free 3-minute quiz to find out what your brain needs and use DUKE to get $60 off your first purchase when you sign up for Thesis. Thanks to Thesis for sponsoring today’s video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, this is a first. Matty had the opportunity to sit down with Bethesda Game Studios lead Todd Howard to discuss everything from Starfield and Elder Scrolls VI to Fallout and the company's shifting design philosophies! In an otherwise slow news week, the Dukes sink into all Todd had to share with Matty. What's going on with Fallout ports or New Vegas? How far along is Elder Scrolls VI and what technology is being used to build it? What's going on with Starfield Year 2 and will it be supported longer than prior BGS games? He shares a lot, so let's talk a lot! Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro 0:17:22 - BO6 file size 0:18:42 - Multiple games announced for Xbox at the June 2024 Nintendo Direct 0:33:40 - Sea Of Thieves sales are insane on PlayStation 0:36:07 - Xbox release date rumors 0:43:17 - New Gears E-Day Details 0:50:56 - State Of Decay 3 release window rumor 0:56:10 - Forza Horizon 5 gets a “Universal Icons Car Pack” 0:56:31 - Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP 0:57:01 - Alone In The Dark Studio “Pieces Interactive” has been shutdown by Embracer 0:58:06 - What We’re Playing 1:21:49 - Finishing games 1:33:45 - Todd Howard Interview recap 2:34:40 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass 2:37:46 - Game Pass Pick Of The Week 2:43:41 - Ending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Obsidian Entertainment is often referred to as "Xbox's #1 draft pick" by the Dukes. While Starfield and Redfall have left 2022 more vacant than Xbox would have liked, Obsidian is showing a bit of Insomniac Games energy with two releases this fall. Those two being Grounded and Pentiment! While not entirely sexy games, these experiments carve out the future of what Xbox as a console can look like. One which allows creative freedom to a team primarily known for RPGs whereas both their games releasing in 2022 are not such. Grounded is the first to release and it's excellent. After two years of being in game preview, it's 1.0 release is here capturing Matty, Cog, and many Xbox fans. With Obsidian's consistency in releases and quality, we have to ask the tough question. Is Obsidian Entertainment saving Xbox's 2022? With Game Pass existing, does it even need saving? The Duke dive headfirst into the backyard to find out. Otherwise, E3 is back, Overwatch 2 is at the center of more controversy, and many Game Pass partners are pleased with the service thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the continued back-and-forth, Xbox and Sony are truly reviving what we thought was a bygone time: The Console Wars! It's clear now that the modus operandi for PlayStation is to obstruct the Activision deal by any means necessary. This means even taking the public "egg in the face" as they continue to sink their public image. Xbox has shown the willingness to abide by the rules, but the real question is will this awaken a more cutthroat version of the current executives we see in place? Matty and Cog discuss! Furthermore, we have the remaining table scraps from Xbox's Tokyo Game Show interviews! Japan continues to be a weak spot as we all know, but Xbox is now making the commitment to bring original exclusives on the level of Lost Odyssey to fans. How long will it take and what form will it arrive? What relationships can be born from this initiative? There is much to parse through! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showcases, showcases, showcases! Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2022, State Of Play, Nintendo Direct, Ubisoft Forward, and Disney all came out to show what their respective teams and partners are working on. While each showcase had their bright spots, Xbox's Tokyo Game Show presentation stood out to us in particular as it feels like a lot of the playing catch-up is done. Now, the platform is primed to chase down the true game changers which should make for an exciting year as they continue to be ambitious in Japan. However, question marks still loom as games like Octopath Traveler 2 will be missing the platform? Is this another product of Square Enix's relationship with PlayStation or Xbox missing the mark again? In this Japan focused episode, we get into the ins and outs of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to know a fate more painful than being forced to play Yakuza: Like A Dragon and enduring the wrath of the LSM audience? Ask Jim Ryan! Through statements publicly delivered to press outlets, Xbox and PlayStation are trading blows over the status of Call Of Duty and the fulfillment of contracts on PlayStation's end. Indeed, it appears there is a legitimate fear over on PlayStation's side of the fence that Microsoft has been "inadequate" in delivering what is necessary for Call Of Duty to thrive on their platform. The tendrils on this story go deep as we weave through public letters submitted to regulators, previous comments made by both executives, and the blatant hypocrisy. Outside of the console wars realm, head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty has been quite talkative this week. We now have updates on the status of State Of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, and the much anticipated Fable. Mix that in with rumors of AAA TMNT, Tencent sliding deeper into Ubisoft's pocket, and an ill advised tweet by Glenn Schofield and we have ourselves quite the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the days go by, PlayStation replicates Nintendo more and more. From 'premium allure,' to highly priced games rooted in nostalgia, and much more, these two are walking a scarily similar path. Then there's Xbox, and while there is room for improvement, it's hard to think of many ways they can be more pro-consumer. With the PlayStation 5 moving its asking price above the Xbox Series consoles where Microsoft has confirmed they will remain at their current retail value, there has never been an easier marketing lay-up for Xbox. The time is now for them to capitalize on Sony's gradual "death of a thousand cuts" as they've continued to nickel and dime their fanbase. What can Xbox do to capitalize? Matty and Cog get into the nitty gritty! Furthermore, Japan continues to dominate the conversation as we see the release of Soul Hackers 2 and Xbox's stream for Tokyo Game Show is on the horizon. While we stated earlier that the consumer practices leave little room for improvement, Xbox's global expansion is the exact opposite. What is in store for Xbox fans in Japan now and in the future? It's time to sink into the age old conversation yet again. Plus more on Tencent's investment in From Software, NetEase's acquisition of Quantic Dreams, and China's growing influence in gaming. Thanks to DraftKings for sponsoring this episode of Defining Duke! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).   21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xbox has long been the loser in the exclusive race. Following an interview with Bloomberg, Phil Spencer suggested that he feels we will see less and less of such exclusives as time goes on. This directly contradicts what was said when Bethesda was acquired; a move made to net exclusives for platforms where Game Pass exists. Joining us this week is LoneVaultWanderer to not only analyze this sudden change of tune, but also everything that was revealed at the Gamescom ONL showcase. In what was a surprisingly stacked show, there was much to lament with aimless trailers and loads of CGI. However, much of it was games and some stellar ones at that which will land Day 1 on Game Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the summer drought to showcases aplenty, this is quite the 180 compared to the last couple of months. The time as come for announcements between Quakecon, Gamescom, and the newly revealed Disney + Marvel Games Showcase. The question is will Xbox be a willing participant and, if so, what will they be showing off? The topic calls our attention to two highly looked over studios within the Xbox portfolio: Machine Games and Roundhouse Studio. One confirmed to have a Lucasfilm IP and the other is reportedly working on a comic book licensed IP as well. With speculitis in our veins, we imagine all the possibilities through these three shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices