Unlocked

Discussion on whether the console generation has been a disappointment, and the Xbox Game of the Generation. Evolution of Xbox, future of gaming, and exclusivity. Xbox's diversification strategy with classic games. Economic challenges in the gaming industry and future shifts. Ranking Xbox generations based on impact and standout features.

We open this week's podcast by discussing what first-party Xbox games might be next to get ported to the PlayStation or Switch as Microsoft officially announces the four games (Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Hi-Fi Rush) heading to other consoles, and then we get into our main topic: a so-called Xbox Series X Pro. With rumors abound of a PS5 Pro, does Microsoft need to get a mid-gen upgrade (i.e. different than the Brooklin refresh from the FTC trial's roadmap leak) out there soon too? Or is it not worth it. We then finish with a bit of chatter about season 2 of the Paramount+ Halo TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xbox's business update reveals big games staying put, while smaller ones moving. Future of Xbox hardware teased. Discussion on game development costs, evolving gameplay, and microtransactions. Speculation on hardware updates and Game Pass availability. Podcast explores gaming content announcements and promotions.

Discussion on reports of Xbox games potentially being released on PlayStation consoles, the impact on the Xbox community and brand, and Microsoft's focus on software and services. The chapter also explores miscommunication between Microsoft and the Xbox community, challenges in proactive messaging, the evolution of Xbox's Game Pass, and upcoming promotions and adaptations.

There's unfortunately not a lot of fun to be had on this week's Podcast Unlocked. We open by addressing the layoffs across Microsoft's gaming division that were announced just after last week's Unlocked published, then follow that with another gut-punch layoff story, before Destin discusses his mixed feelings about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League now that he's played almost the entire campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Palworld is the hottest game out there right now, and it's an Xbox console exclusive that's also on Game Pass! We welcome in ace IGN contributor and IGN Palworld reviewer Travis "The Tie Guy" Northup to discuss his thoughts on the game after 100 hours. Plus: Xbox Live Arcade-style indie game curation is finally back on Xbox, we discuss a few other big game releases on Xbox this week that aren't named Palworld, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded this week's episode live, immediately after Xbox's Developer Direct. And we loved that Direct! Indiana Jones and the Great Circle had a fantastic reveal (it's FIRST-PERSON!) and reminded us of the original Xbox classic The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, Hellblade 2 looked incredible and we finally got the long-awaited release date, Avowed had gorgeous settings and meaningful character choices but didn't quite wow us in the combat department, and Visions of Mana showed up as a secret and unexpected game. Enjoy our reactions and recap! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indiana Jones and Hellblade 2 are the highlights of this podcast. The hosts share their excitement for the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct and discuss their thoughts on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. They also talk about the possibility of Hi-Fi Rush going to Nintendo Switch and Sea of Thieves coming to Switch and PS5, questioning Xbox's exclusivity. Join for a huge show!

The podcast discusses what to expect from Xbox in 2024, including locked-in plans, possible announcements, and confusion over game releases. They speculate on upcoming game announcements like Doom Year Zero and Gears of War 6. The hosts also discuss upcoming Xbox games Contraband and Everwild, as well as personal goals for the year and IGN's exclusive coverage of Dragon's Dogma 2.

Our final episode of 2023 has us looking back on our six favorite Xbox moments of the year, that not coincidentally included a number of our favorite games. Plus: we remember James McCaffrey, the voice of Max Payne and Alan Wake 2's Alex Casey; and discuss the long-awaited departure of Activision CEO and game industry villain Bobby Kotick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices