Video Games 2 the MAX Sean Garmer

This week in gaming showcased a bombshell announcement from one of the big pillars of the industry. Microsoft and Xbox announced the closure of three Bethesda studios and the consolidation of another one. Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog, Tango Gameworks, and Roundhouse are all gone. Although some of the employees will be put into other places or studios, many of these wonderful developers are now out of work.

At what point do figureheads start to carry the blame for all of these bad decisions? How does anyone have any trust at all in Xbox moving forward? Should Xbox just rip off the Band-Aid and change lanes with Xbox Game Pass? Is this all beyond Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty? How much blame does the Activision-Blizzard-King purchase carry on this as well? Should other Xbox studios be on notice now too? Sean and Marc try to parse through all of this stuff and the terrible interview by Sarah Bond with Bloomberg as well.

Thankfully, there are some positive things from this week, namely Nintendo dropping a lot of future news about the Switch 2, a June Nintendo Direct, game sales, and other things. Marc talks about games he's been playing and more!

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/E0Psy6EvgEw

Timestamps:

00:01:00: START

00:02:50: Housekeeping

---------- BIG TOPIC ----------

00:04:25: Xbox Shutters Four Bethesda Studios, is there any trust in Xbox at all?

----------- What's in the News --------

00:56:15: Vicarious Visions was working on a 3D Donkey Kong game for Nintendo Switch

00:58:00: Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Announced

01:03:30: Nintendo's President Finally Reveals Switch 2 Announcement Period and that the Switch 2 is a "Next Edition of the Switch"

01:08:20: PlayStation reverses course on Helldivers 2 PSN Account Linking

01:12:20: Atlus Considering Release Persona 5: Phantom X Mobile Game in more regions

01:13:55: There could be an Elden Ring 2, but probably not more Elden Ring Expansions or DLC

01:16:40: Newzoo Market Report on Top 10 Games of Q1

--------- Games We Are Playing ---------

01:19:15: Marc has finished Stellar Blade and talks some Knuckles TV Show

------------- The End ----------

01:24:25: What's coming out this week!

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

- Check out other W2M Network Shows -

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/kJ6PyJI8_G8

Radulich in Broadcasting's Knuckles TV...

This week saw a quieter period for gaming with everyone still catching up on the deluge of games released in the last few weeks and also some showcases highlighting upcoming games too.

Marc has now been playing Stellar Blade and makes up for Sean not getting to make any progress in the game this week. With Marc having more familiarity with the Souls genre how does his opinion differ from Sean's last week? Is Stellar Blade a hit for him too?

Also, Square-Enix announced a massive loss due to content abandonment losses totaling $141 Million. What does this mean for the company? And what could be the canceled projects? Should Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest fans be worried?

Plus, 7-Eleven and Tetris, the ID @ Xbox showcase, shocking studio closures at Take-Two Interactive, and much more!

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/J-_im_s7syc

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

- Check out other W2M Network Shows -

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/fQpGhFQ60oY

Radulich in Broadcasting's Fallout TV Show Review: https://youtube.com/live/ijdHn6ocsmw

Radulich in Broadcasting's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) Review: https://youtube.com/live/R_58lVF4t94

- Follow on X (Twitter): -

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague
W2M Network on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork

- Other Social Media -

Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/
Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork

Gaming season has arrived at the end of April and the guys have some games to talk about on this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX. Sean's been playing Stellar Blade Another Crab's Treasure, and Tales of Kenzera Zau, and Marc's been playing No Rest For the Wicked. Quite a bit of Souls on this show.

Also, Blizzard announced they will not have Blizzcon in 2024. Is this really a big deal? Or does it say something about not having really anything major to showcase?

Plus, Embracer Group spits into three, Xbox financial figures cause a meltdown, some info on potential Switch 2 joycons, and more games are being delisted.

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/fNzswJNd_fg

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

- Check out other W2M Network Shows -

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/GY_-00ErRo0

Radulich in Broadcasting's Fallout on Amazon Prime Review: https://youtube.com/live/ijdHn6ocsmw

Radulich in Broadcasting's Abigail Review: https://youtube.com/live/6Q5wRLIxMVE

- Follow on X (Twitter): -

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague
W2M Network on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork

- Other Social Media -

Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/
Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork

As we await the big game releases of next week, there are a few minor ones that have already made their way out to PC and Consoles. Sean's played Stop Motion narrative wonder Harold Halibut and the Final Fantasy XVI Rising Tide DLC. Does the Rising Tide serve as a seemingly fitting finale to FF16's content? Is Harold Halibut another indie darling that everyone should play?

There's quite a bit of video game adjacent and actual video game news to discuss, with Nintendo providing a brand new Indie World and Sean has a few favorites to be excited about. The Witcher series gets a final Season 5, Sonic 3's Shadow has its voice actor, Mike Ybarra wonders if we should be able to tip AAA game developers, and are Final Fantasy VII Rebirth sales being overblown?

Plus, Sean and Marc discuss more on the Fallout TV Show now that Sean has finished it. PC versions of PlayStation games will soon get trophies, Marc's been playing OuterWorlds and a lot more on this edition of Video Games 2 the MAX.

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/tlQ6UQpDoNA

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

- Check out other W2M Network Shows -

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/LvjQ4d1pa2M

Radulich in Broadcasting's Civil War Review: https://youtube.com/live/nujrqpE3hbc

Radulich in Broadcasting's Godzilla x Kong: New Empire Review: https://youtube.com/live/1GCVPArdyso

- Follow on X (Twitter): -

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague
W2M Network on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork

- Other Social Media -

Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/
Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork

* Apologies for the audio version coming out a little later than usual. Sean had some family matters to attend to. *

This week saw the premiere of the Fallout TV Series on Amazon Prime and Marc has binged through it all, while Sean has watched the first few episodes. So the duo discusses their impressions of the series that's already received the greenlight for a second season.

Also, this was a week of announcements, trailers, and lost possibilities. As the Star Wars Outlaws Story trailer released to much aplomb and wonder, but does it have the guys excited about what's to come when it releases on August 30?

The Triple iii Showcase also took place and both of us have some favorite games coming out of it. Then, there's the whole debacle with EA and if there was going to be a Dead Space 2 Remake or even a new Dead Space game. EA has put an end to that not happening. Is it the best move?

Plus, could we see less big-budget $70 games? EA Play goes up in price and more!

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/1qNIFssIyBE

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

- Check out other W2M Network Shows -

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/nH1si2vUYX8

Radulich in Broadcasting's Late Night With the Devil : https://youtube.com/live/U5OFXV60Wbc

Radulich in Broadcasting's Godzilla x Kong: New Empire Review: https://youtube.com/live/1GCVPArdyso

- Follow on X (Twitter): -

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague
W2M Network on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork

- Other Social Media -

Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/
Follow Us on Facebook: a href="https://www.facebook.com/W2MNetwork"...

We are now fully into April and as we wait for the big games coming at the end of the month, there are some demos out for some of them. So, Sean has some Stellar Blade Impressions to share on this episode. Along with that, he's also played two versions of the Saga: Emerald Beyond. As well as a beloved game that was released bout a month ago in Unicorn Overlord impressions too. Marc is also just enjoying more Granblue Fantasy Relink.

Some details have dropped on potential games for the June Xbox Showcase including a long-awaited Gears 6 reveal. Likewise, rumors abound that much like last year, Sony may opt to get ahead of the Summer Games Fest brouhaha and have a showcase in May. Xbox is also in the news for some others including making a games preservation team and Hellblade 2 being locked at 30 FPS.

Plus, according to an annual report from Newzoo most gamers are playing old games or recurring annual franchises. Does this say anything about the state of gaming? And does this paint a grim picture for how many new players are available for recent Live-Service games? The controversial Tekken 8 Fighter Pass, the status of the Knights of the Old Republic Remake, and more!

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/3xHjN6GNOMA

The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Spoilercast: https://youtube.com/live/CtmUkGAtNt4

Timestamps:

00:01:00: START

00:02:15: Housekeeping & Intro

------------- Games We Played ----------

00:06:50: Stellar Blade Demo (Sean)

00:12:35: Saga Emerald Beyond Demo (PS5 & Switch) (Sean)

00:19:20: Unicorn Overlord Demo (Sean)

----------- What's in the News -----------

00:22:15: Hellblade 2 will be locked to 30 FPS

00:26:25: Ninja Theory (Hellblade 2 Developer) Co-Founder Antoniades Left the Studio

00:28:00: Xbox has a Game Preservation Team, a possible Gears 6 reveal and Talking more about the state of Xbox

00:47:40: Potential announcements at May 2024 PlayStation Showcase

00:50:10: Newzoo's report of gaming habits in 2023 and Most Played Games

00:55:35: Multiversus Returning and What will Nintendo do with the next Smash Bros game

00:58:55: Tekken 8 Adds Fighter Pass and could they also add 3 vs. 3 Mode too?

01:05:40: Dragon Quest XII in Trouble? Square-Enix reassigns Top Producer

01:10:00: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's Platinum issue will be patched soon

01:11:40: Could Square-Enix surprise us with DLC for FFVII Rebirth that isn't just Queen's Blood?

01:16:50: Knights of the Republic Remake is alive and well according to Sabre Interactive

01:19:40: Ubisoft and Relic Entertainment both have layoffs, The Crew 1 going to be delisted

01:26:05: Roku has patented a way to sell adds that can read what's connected to your HDMi is sitting idle

01:31:30: Apple will allow Emulators on the App Store

--------- The End ---------

01:35:00: Games Coming Out This Week!

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen and give us a review on these platforms... -

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW"...