
Unlocked
These days, practically everything is an Xbox, and Xbox fans deserve to celebrate their passion for Xbox everywhere. Unlocked is the definitive Xbox podcast, hosted by Ryan McCaffrey alongside a panel of expert guests. Each week, they dive deep into breaking Xbox news, exclusive game reveals, and heated debates on the future of Xbox—covering everything from consoles and PC to Game Pass and cloud gaming. Whether you're a longtime Xbox fan or just jumping in, Unlocked is your go-to source for all things Xbox.Unlocked is a part of Geek Media Podcast Network, an IGN Entertainment Brand.Visit Geek.com for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 9, 2025 • 39min
Inside the Tony Hawk 3 + 4 Remake, The Outer Worlds 2 , & FBC: Firebreak - Unlocked | IGN Live 2025
In this jam-packed IGN Live 2025 special, we’re diving into three games revealed in the Xbox Games Showcase 2025. First, Daemon Hatfield joins Obsidian Entertainment for a deep dive into The Outer Worlds 2, then Remedy stops by to talk FBC: Firebreak. Finally, Tom Jorgenson sits down with Iron Galaxy to break down the long-awaited Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster. You don't wanna miss it!
00:00:00 - The Outer Worlds 2
00:12:01 - FBC: Firebreak
00:21:40 - Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 8, 2025 • 49min
The Best Announcements from the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 - Unlocked 695
The Xbox Games Showcase delivered big reveals and we’ve got thoughts. In this episode, we break down the biggest surprises and top takeaways from the show, including the ROG Ally Xbox handheld, Clockwork Revolution, Call of Duty Black Ops 7, the return of Persona 4, and Final Fantasy’s Xbox debut.
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May 22, 2025 • 1h 31min
What Xbox Era Would You Like to Relive? – Unlocked 694
IGN Live is nearly here and we have a limited number of complimentary tickets for it! Head here and use the code "UNLOCKEDGUEST" to get a complimentary GA ticket for Saturday or Sunday: www.ign.com/live
We kick off by discussing the specific Xbox eras we'd most like to go back in time to and relive – from Halo 2 to Rock Band, among others – before chatting about Bungie's latest blunder and the state of the once-great studio, Randy Pitchford's spicy message to fans in regards to Borderlands 4 possibly being priced at $80, Microsoft's new additions to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's domination of April's top-selling games list, and more!
00:00:00 - Intro, IGN Live, & Humble Bundle
00:08:28 - Favorite Xbox Era?
00:39:16 - Bungie Accused of Plagiarism
00:58:44 - Borderlands 4 $80 Controversy
01:08:09 - Retro Classics with Game Pass
01:11:22 - Game Pass Wave 2 for May & Best Selling Games of May
01:19:46 - RAIDOU Remastered & Outro
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May 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
Doom: The Dark Ages and Elden Ring Nightreign Reactions – Unlocked 693
IGN's Doom: The Dark Ages reviewer (and Doom superfan) Mitchell Saltzman joins fellow Doom superfan Ryan McCaffrey to discuss id software's just-released prequel: how it compares to Doom Eternal, why we love it, where the series goes from here, and more. Plus: Mitchell talks about his visit to From Software to play a ton of Elden Ring Nightreign as part of our exclusive IGN First coverage, Mafia: The Old Country makes a surprising pivot on price and game direction, and more!
00:00:00 - Intro
00:04:16 - IGN Live & Xbox Games Studio Publisher Bundle
00:07:53 - Doom: The Dark Ages Reactions
00:28:14 - Elden Ring Nightreign Reactions
00:44:17 - Mafia: The Old Country
00:53:56 - Job cuts at Microsoft
00:57:28 - Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Delayed
01:07:11 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8, 2025 • 1h 40min
Xbox’s Price Hikes Are Maddening – Unlocked 692
In a huge week of Xbox news, we're discussing Xbox's massive, demoralizing, and unprecedented price increases five years into the console generation. Plus: we gush over the new GTA 6 trailer, celebrate the return of Gears of War 1 via a new remaster, discuss the just-leaked images of ROG's officially licensed Xbox handheld PC, and more!
00:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Lord Cognito
00:03:54 - Xbox Price Hike
00:45:01 - IGN Live Is Back! & Humble Bundle
00:48:19 - GTA 6 Trailer 2 Impressions
01:03:41 - Would you pay $100 for GTA 6?
01:09:28 - Gears of War: Reloaded Announced
01:20:36 - First Pictures of Asus' Xbox-branded Handheld Leak Online
01:30:17 - Outro & Where to Find Us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2025 • 1h 54min
Did Borderlands 4 Just Give Us a GTA 6 Release Hint? – Unlocked 691
On this week's Xbox show, we discuss how Borderlands 4's release date just moved up, and whether or not it means it's getting out of GTA 6...possibly in October? But maybe there's another game it's avoiding... Plus: Assassin's Creed Shadows' strong sales debut, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gets a hilarious new playable Operator, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is selling great, and more – including a bonus interview with the Obsidian team about The Outer Worlds 2 at the end of the podcast!
0:00:00 - Intro , IGN Live, Humble Bundle Deals
00:04:45 - Borderlands 4’s Release Date Moves Up, Marathon, & GTA 6 00:22:37 - FBC Firebreak Release Date & Black Ops 6 adds Seth Rogen
00:33:59 - AC: Shadows Best-selling game in the U.S
00:43:45 - Clair Obscur has sold over a million copies
00:54:36 - EA cancels another incubation project at Respawn
01:03:49 - The Outer Worlds 2 Developer Interview
01:48:03 - Outro & Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Oblivion Remaster Is Even Better Than We’d Hoped – Unlocked 690
The long-awaited remaster of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has exceeded expectations, sparking discussions about its impact on future Bethesda titles like Fallout 3 and Elder Scrolls VI. Excitement is also brewing for Claire Obscura: Expedition 33, hailed as a potential Game of the Year contender. The hosts reflect on the nostalgic charm of Oblivion’s improved graphics while contemplating the future of gaming technology. Furthermore, they explore how remastering classic games shapes player engagement and community support in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Oblivion Remaster Keeps Leaking – Unlocked 689
Bethesda's "secret" remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion keeps leaking. We'll talk about what we learned from this week's leak, when you can play it (hint: VERY SOON), how it'll hit for a generation of Elder Scrolls fans that have only ever known Skyrim, and more. Plus: our Mount Rushmore of RPGs, Xbox Game Pass's incredible second wave in April, the new Star Wars game and the somewhat surprising developer involved, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 17min
The Outer Worlds 2 Looks Awesome – Unlocked 688
The excitement around The Outer Worlds 2 is palpable as the hosts share exclusive gameplay insights. They dive into Doom: The Dark Ages, detailing its unique mechanics that set it apart from its predecessor. The success of the Minecraft movie sparks a discussion on future adaptations of Xbox franchises. Controversial new AI tech, like Microsoft's Copilot, raises questions about creativity and job security in game development. With new titles heading to Game Pass, the conversation stays vibrant and engaging!

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Final Word on South of Midnight - Unlocked 687
This week on Unlocked, Michael and Miranda are joined by GameSpot's Jordan Ramée to talk all about the latest Xbox exclusive, South of Midnight, now that we have reviewed it and we explore our own connections to American South. We also touch on previews for Doom: The Dark Ages and the ongoing saga of where Hollow Knight Silksong is. And we find a way to make the Nintendo Direct about Xbox (lol) before talking about Asus and Xbox teasing their handheld collaboration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices