Arcade Couch

Explosion Network
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  • Video Games
  • Updated weekly

Arcade Couch — News, reviews & spicy takes on the week in games. Arcade Couch is the Explosion Network’s premiere video games podcast featuring discussions on the latest games, tech, industry news and more. Available every Monday at 6 AM AEST/AEDT.

  1. 1 hr ago

    What’s Next for Fallout? Bethesda, Starfield & The Future of Xbox | Arcade Couch

    We discuss Bethesda's plans for the future of Fallout, The Elder Scrolls and more, as well as the devastating news for the upcoming God of War TV series. SHOW DOT POINTS The gaming industry is experiencing a shift with fewer new titles being released. Bethesda is focusing on expanding its existing franchises, such as Fallout and Starfield. Remasters of classic games are becoming more common as studios seek to capitalise on nostalgia. Fallout 5 is a long-term goal for Bethesda, with multiple projects in development. Fallout Shelter remains popular, with plans for a television adaptation. Live-action adaptations of video games face significant challenges, including casting issues. The success of remasters can be influenced by the performance of previous titles in the franchise. The gaming community is eager for new content, but many are also nostalgic for older games. Game reviews highlight the creativity and uniqueness of new titles in the market. The hosts encourage listener engagement and feedback for future episodes. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS The live-action God of War TV series suffers a huge setback as Kratos actor is injured badly on set and needs to be recast | Eurogamer.net Denshattack! Review - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  2. 12 Jul

    Is Physical Gaming Dying? Xbox Layoffs & Black Flag Remake Discussion | Arcade Couch

    We react to the Instagram comments about Ciaran's comments on last week's episode, discuss the Xbox layoffs and talk about AC: Black Flag. SHOW DOT POINTS Dylan returns after a two-week break, sparking banter. The gaming industry is facing more negative news. Social media reactions to Kieran's comments are intense. Consumers are upset about corporate control in gaming. Companies prioritise profit over consumer interests. The gaming industry struggles with sustainability and layoffs. Physical media is becoming obsolete in gaming. Video game conservation is a growing concern. Consumer behaviour affects game sales and studio viability. The transition to digital media is inevitable and controversial. Limited-run physical editions may not work for games. Gamers often justify their digital purchases with physical purchases. Microtransactions have been a part of gaming for years. Single-player games with microtransactions shouldn't affect others. Xbox's restructuring reflects a broader industry trend. Layoffs are painful but sometimes necessary for survival. The gaming industry may see fewer AAA titles in the future. The quality of games may decline as budgets increase. IO Interactive is refocusing on core titles after losing funding. The Black Flag remake offers a fresh experience for new players. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Microsoft announces 3200 layoffs and four studio departures in "most significant" Xbox restructuring in history | Eurogamer.net IO Interactive regains full ownership of Project Fantasy following end of Xbox deal, shuts down Istanbul studio and lays off developers "to find a new balance" | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  3. 5 Jul

    Playstation Discontinuing Physical Media: Tragedy or Overblow? | Arcade Couch

    Sony dropped a grenade on the video games industry with the announcement that they will cease making physical discs at the start of 2028. Is this a monumental shift in gaming as we know it or just an overblown bump in an evolving medium? SHOW DOT POINTS Sony is ending physical disc production in 2028 Impact of digital-only releases on consumers and preservation Industry layoffs and studio closures at Xbox studios The future of game ownership and piracy Potential industry crash and market shifts Upcoming game adaptations and industry trends YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES PlayStation announces it will end physical disc production in 2028, and nobody is happy | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games  Sony has already started repurposing its lone PlayStation disc factory, and the body of physical gaming isn't even cold  PS5 fans flock to piracy as Sony plans to ditch physical games An update on PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita  007 First Light developer faces layoffs after Xbox pulls support for upcoming fantasy game Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals | Eurogamer.net ‘Persona’ Live-Action TV Adaptation in the Works at Netflix, 21 Laps & Story Kitchen to Produce (EXCLUSIVE) Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  4. 28 Jun

    GTA VI No Disc Drama and Rising Prices Continue | Arcade Couch

    Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Orders went live this week with the reveal of the game’s higher-than-average price and the news that it will not be coming out on physical discs. Ashley and Ciaran question if this is a turning point for the industry before discussing the Bungie layoffs, Steam Machine pricing and July 2026 Game releases. SHOW DOT POINTS GTA 6 pricing and digital release strategy The decline of physical game media Bungie layoffs and studio restructuring Upcoming game releases in July 2026 YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Grand Theft Auto 6's Physical Editions Won't Include A Disc Rockstar Games Has No Plans for GTA 6 Physical Disc Version, Says Report  Here's The Aussie Grand Theft Auto 6 Prices Grand Theft Auto 6 Is A Single Player Experience With No Online Multiplayer  Bungie Has Been Hit By Significant Layoffs From The Destiny And Marathon Teams Xbox Series X|S Consoles Just Got Another Massive Price Increase What Video Games Are Coming Out in July 2026? - Explosion Network  CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  5. 21 Jun

    Xbox Studio Closures, Double Fine & Ninja Theory Concerns + GTA VI Cover Reveal | Arcade Couch

    We discuss Xbox reportedly closing several of its studios, and what it did wrong to get to this point. SHOW DOT POINTS Xbox's recent studio closures reflect a troubling trend in the gaming industry. Xbox's acquisition strategy has led to significant studio instability. GTA VI's cover reveal demonstrates the game's cultural significance. The gaming community is often left disappointed by corporate decisions. Double Fine's potential closure raises questions about creative freedom in gaming. Subscription models may not be sustainable for game development. The Adventures of Elliot offers a unique gameplay experience but has flaws. Voice acting quality can significantly impact player experience. The importance of narrative depth in video games is highlighted. Community engagement is crucial for the future of gaming discussions. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES Xbox Is Reportedly About To Shut Down South Of Midnight Studio Compulsion Games Alongside Other Studios The Grand Theft Auto 6 Pre-Order Date And Cover Art Have Been Revealed Lost Castle 2 Review - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  6. 14 Jun

    Did Xbox Win Summer Game Fest? Nintendo Direct & Xbox Showcase Reactions | Arcade Couch

    We discuss the Xbox Games Showcase and the Nintendo Direct that were part of Summer Game Fest 2026 week. SHOW DOT POINTS Summer Game Fest has replaced E3 as the main gaming showcase. September is packed with game releases, making it a busy month for gamers. The hosts express mixed feelings about the Wolverine game being more linear. Kieran shares excitement for the game Dawn of the Bloodwalker. The gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for upcoming titles. Predictions for game announcements can lead to surprising outcomes. The hosts reflect on their gaming experiences and recent titles they've played. Nintendo Direct revealed several new games and expansions for the Switch. The conversation highlights the importance of game reviews in a crowded market. Kieran wins the predictions game, showcasing his knowledge of upcoming titles. Jiu-Jitsu Kaisen is a unique blend of genres. Nintendo's remastering strategy keeps its classics relevant. Final Fantasy is embracing a new art style with 2D HD. Splatoon is introducing single-player elements to its gameplay. Kingdom Hearts 4 is generating excitement for its release. The Ocarina of Time remake is highly anticipated by fans. The Xbox showcase featured impressive new titles and gameplay. Fable's new mechanics offer deeper player interactions. Halo is expanding its campaign with new missions. Persona 4 Revival aims to attract both new and returning players. The ending of Persona Five has significant changes that impact the narrative. Updates in gaming often signal a winding down of developer support. New trailers for upcoming games generate excitement among fans. Cult-themed games are becoming more popular in multiplayer formats. Ninja Theory's future hinges on the success of Senua's Saga. DLCs can be challenging for players who have forgotten the game mechanics. Generative AI is being used to enhance game development processes. Xbox's anniversary collection showcases nostalgia for long-time fans. Australian game development is gaining recognition with new titles. The pacing of game showcases can affect audience engagement. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  7. 6 Jun

    Summer Games Fest 2026 and Playstation State of Play Recap | Arcade Couch

    We recap Summer Game Fest and the PlayStation State of Play. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:25 - Summer Games Fest Recap 00:58:20 - PlayStation State of Play Recap 01:33:11 - Outro RESOURCES Everything Announced At Summer Game Fest 2026 - Explosion Network  Everything Announced During PlayStation’s Massive June 2026 State Of Play - Explosion Network CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

  8. 31 May

    Summer Game Fest 2026 Predictions: Elder Scrolls VI, Resident Evil & More | Arcade Couch

    We give our annual Summer Game Fest predictions and also give first impressions of 007: First Light. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

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About

Arcade Couch — News, reviews & spicy takes on the week in games. Arcade Couch is the Explosion Network’s premiere video games podcast featuring discussions on the latest games, tech, industry news and more. Available every Monday at 6 AM AEST/AEDT.

Information

  • Creator
    Explosion Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Explosion Network 2025
  • Show Website
    Arcade Couch