GameBurst – Details, episodes & analysis

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