Arcade Couch

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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. 3D AGO

    Video Game 2026 Draft

    For the first episode of 2026, we catch up on what's been happening in the year so far and then draft our picks for the 2026 game. SHOW DOT POINTS The gaming industry is experiencing significant changes with physical media declining. Life is Strange Reunion aims to conclude the Max and Chloe story arc. Ubisoft's cancellation of games reflects the challenges in the gaming market. Highguard's launch faced backlash due to insufficient marketing and optimisation issues. The hosts express excitement over upcoming game releases and trailers. Yoshi's portrayal in the new Super Mario Galaxy movie has garnered positive reactions. The review bombing phenomenon continues to affect new game releases. The importance of marketing and community engagement in game launches is highlighted. The hosts share their personal gaming experiences and recent titles. The conversation reflects a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for future gaming developments. The true ending in Hades requires completing both worlds in one run. The hosts have produced the most extensive best of 2025 coverage to date. Fantasy critic game drafts involve strategic selections based on anticipated game releases. Indie games are gaining traction and excitement among gamers. The hosts express high expectations for upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Forza Horizon 6. The importance of game reviews and critical scores in the fantasy critic game. The hosts share their personal experiences and excitement for various games. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of game releases and their success. The hosts emphasise the significance of indie games in the current gaming landscape. The dynamic nature of the gaming industry keeps the hosts engaged and excited. The potential for a game to improve during its development phase is significant. Gameplay quirks can be overlooked if the plot is strong. The developers of a game have a track record of delivering quality products. Innovative genres, like card-based games, are becoming more popular. The anticipation for sequels and spin-offs remains high among gamers. The success of previous titles can influence expectations for upcoming releases. Speculation about unannounced games can generate excitement in the gaming community. Drafting games based on hype and potential can be a strategic move. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, driven by new ideas and concepts. Final projections for game success can be based on various factors, including developer reputation. 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

    1h 8m

  2. 12/14/2025

    The Game Awards 2025 Recap – Winners, Trailers & Surprises

    We break down all the big announcements and the winners from The Game Awards 2025. This is also the last episode of Arcade Couch for 2025, so we shall see you all in the New Year! 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

    1h 19m

  3. 12/07/2025

    The Game Awards 2025 Predictions Episode

    We drop six predictions each for what games, reveals, trailers, etc, could be seen at this year's The Game Awards show. 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

    58 min

  4. 11/30/2025

    Fortnite Season 7 Event Recap – The Biggest Yet?

    We discuss Fortnite's big 'Endgame'-like finale and what games are releasing in December. SHOW DOT POINTS Fortnite's events draw massive audiences and feature pop culture icons. The collaboration between Fortnite and Kill Bill is unprecedented. AI's role in game development is a contentious topic. Transparency about AI usage in games is essential for consumer trust. December is a slow month for game releases, but some titles stand out. Casual players often overlook Fortnite's narrative depth. The gaming community is divided on the use of AI in creative processes. Upcoming games include a mix of horror and action genres. The Game Awards are approaching, prompting predictions and discussions. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Fortnite Zero Hour Live Event Draws 10.5 Million Players, As Godzilla, King Kong, Iron Man and KPop Demon Hunters Unite For Avengers: Endgame-Style Finale - IGN A narrative sequel to Kill Bill is premiering in Fortnite later this week, over 20 years after the original film | Eurogamer.net "AI will be involved in nearly all future production," says Epic Games boss, so having Steam games disclose whether they were built with AI makes "no sense" | 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

    34 min

  5. 11/23/2025

    Is Half-Life 3 Finally Happening? + Xbox Partner Showcase Recap

    We discuss the Xbox Partner Preview showcase and rumours of Half-Life 3 being announced before the end of the year. Also on the show, Dylan has played Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Riders and gives his thoughts on both of the games so far. SHOW DOT POINTS The Xbox Partner Preview showcased a variety of new games and trailers. The hosts expressed excitement about the diversity of game genres presented. Discussion on the impact of free DLC on player engagement and community goodwill. The conversation touched on the significance of game awards and nominations. The hosts shared their thoughts on the evolving nature of indie games and their recognition in the industry. The importance of community support in the gaming industry was emphasised. The hosts reflected on the unique and sometimes humorous aspects of game announcements. The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities AI presents in game development. The hosts discussed the balance between traditional gaming and innovative new titles. The podcast concluded with a reflection on the future of gaming and the anticipation of upcoming releases. Troy Baker's performance is seen as mimicry rather than originality. Award nominations can be frustrating, especially for lesser-known performances. The timing of game releases can significantly affect award nominations. The Game Awards are a platform for major announcements and predictions. Rumours about Half-Life 3 continue to circulate, keeping fans hopeful. Nintendo's release strategy for the Switch 2 has been effective in maintaining interest. The new titles for Nintendo Switch 2 are well-received and contribute to its success. Voice acting in games can be subjective and open to interpretation. The gaming community is eager for new content and announcements. The conversation reflects a deep engagement with current gaming trends and news. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:10 - Xbox Partner Preview Highlights 00:45:00 - Half-Life 3 Rumours and Speculations 00:48:03 - Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Impressions 00:55:00 - Kirby Air Riders Impressions 01:08:15 - Outro RESOURCES Xbox Partner Preview | November 2025: Everything Announced From Our Amazing Partners - Xbox Wire The Game Awards Nominations For 2025 Have Been Revealed Don't Give Up Hope Yet, Insider Claims That Half-Life 3 Will Still Be Announced This Year 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

    1h 9m

  6. 11/16/2025

    Valve Tries The Steam Machine Again + Dispatch Spoilertalk

    On this week’s episode of Arcade Couch, we give our impressions of the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Discuss Valve’s announcement of new hardware, share the most interesting reveals from the Playstation State of Play Japan showcase and give our final thoughts on Dispatch now that all the episodes are out. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:58 - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Reaction 00:05:55 - Valve Announces New Hardware 00:17:55 - Horizon MMORPG Revealed for Mobile and PC 00:25:45 - PlayStation State of Play Japan Wrap Up 00:31:36 - Mixtape Delayed to 2026 00:32:23 - Dispatch Discussion 00:46:48 - Dispatch Spoilertalk 00:39:05 - Outro RESOURCES The Super Mario Galaxy Movie drops new trailer and introduces two new characters - Checkpoint  Valve Reveals A New Steam Machine, Controller, And VR Headset In A Huge Hardware Announcement  Horizon Steel Frontiers Announced As MMORPG For Mobile & PC - Explosion Network  PlayStation State of Play Japan: All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network  Beethoven & Dinosaur’s Mixtape Delayed to 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

    56 min

  7. 11/09/2025

    GTA 6 Delayed – New Release Date & What It Means To The Industry

    We discuss Grand Theft Auto VI's delay, the release of League of Legends: Riftbound, Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC, and the news that the Mass Effect TV series will be set after the events of the third game. SHOW DOT POINTS The gaming community is buzzing with excitement over current events. League of Legends and Overwatch are still popular among gamers. The release of Pokémon Legends: ZAH has generated significant interest. The upcoming DLC for Pokémon Legends introduces new features and challenges. Grand Theft Auto VI's delay has sparked mixed reactions from fans. The gaming industry is facing challenges with release schedules due to major titles. The GTA VI delay may impact Call of Duty's future. The hosts reflect on how gaming has become easier over the years. The conversation touches on the importance of game awards and their timing. The hosts share their personal gaming experiences and preferences. GTA 7 is expected to dominate the gaming awards. Take-Two Interactive prioritises sales over accolades. The Overcooked reality show could redefine cooking competitions. Mass Effect's new series will explore original stories set after Shepard. Adapting iconic characters like Shepard poses significant challenges. The gaming industry is seeing a trend of delays and cancellations. Reality shows based on games can be successful if done right. The crossover between different gaming audiences is limited. Game release dates are strategically chosen for maximum impact. Fans are sceptical about the future of beloved franchises. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Week Of League of Legends 00:05:30 - Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution DLC 00:12:20 - Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed 00:25:45 - Overcooked TV Series Coming 00:30:20 - Mass Effect TV Series Will Tell Original Story 00:37:55 - Patch Notes: Hot Fix 00:39:05 - Outro RESOURCES Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC Launches December 10 - Explosion Network Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed to November 19, 2026 - Explosion Network A24 and Netflix Team Up for an Overcooked Unscripted Series Adaptation - Explosion Network Oh good, Amazon's Mass Effect TV series will take place after the events of the original trilogy Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed to Late 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

    40 min

  8. 11/02/2025

    Xbox Says They’re Competing with TikTok, Not PlayStation

    We discuss how the Xbox Boss has said TikTok is their biggest challenge and competition now, not other consoles, as well as the latest gaming headlines from the week. SHOW DOT POINTS The gaming industry is facing a November slump with little news. Xbox sees competition beyond consoles, focusing on overall entertainment. Attention spans are shorter, leading to a demand for simpler content. Consumerism in gaming is critiqued through the lens of Outer Worlds 2. Nintendo is providing significant updates for Animal Crossing without heavy monetisation. Recent Pokémon leaks suggest exciting developments for the franchise. The gaming landscape is evolving with new forms of competition. Players are multitasking more than ever, affecting how games are consumed. The Outer Worlds 2's consumerism trait is a humorous critique of players. Nintendo's updates show a commitment to player satisfaction over profit. The Pokémon franchise has a rich history with many legends. Pokémon Seed is anticipated to be a groundbreaking MMO. The connection of various Pokémon regions is a long-awaited feature. Nintendo's hardware limitations have affected Pokémon's evolution. Fans are eager for more unique Pokémon titles. Fortnite's crossover with The Simpsons brings nostalgia. The Call of Duty movie has a strong creative team behind it. Expectations for the Call of Duty movie are low but hopeful. The gaming landscape is filled with exciting upcoming releases. Indie games are gaining traction alongside major titles. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:20 - Xbox Boss Is More Concerned With TikTok Than Console Wars 00:12:40 - The Outer Worlds 2 Has A "Consumerism" Flaw 00:18:30 - Animal Crossing 3.0 Update Coming In January 00:23:00 - Pokemon Leaks 00:40:10 - What Games Are Releasing In November 2025? 00:53:00 - Fortnite's Massive Simpsons Cross-Over 00:56:45 - Call of Duty Movie Finds Writer & Director 01:00:05 - Patch Notes: Hot Fix 01:02:25 - Outro RESOURCES Xbox Boss Isn't Concerned About The Console War, Claims The 'Biggest Competition' Is Elsewhere The Outer Worlds 2 dunks on you with a 'Consumerism' flaw that secretly makes you stupid if you bought its $100 version for early access: 'Promotions and sales have riddled your brain' | PC Gamer All New Pokémon Games Release Roadmap: Every Confirmed & Leaked Game - Insider Gaming Animal Crossing: New Horizons Is Getting A Nintendo Switch 2 Update And Heaps Of New Content What Video Games Are Coming Out in November 2025? - Explosion Network What are the new map and weapon loot pool changes in the Fortnite Simpsons mini season The dudes behind Sicario and Lone Survivor are making the Call of Duty movie 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

    1h 3m
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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.

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