Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast

Thanks to our sponsors:Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/DUKE - Enter promo code DUKE for 83% off and 3 extra months FREEPhil Spencer has heard the frustration of Xbox fans regarding the absence of first party games in 2022 loud and clear. The question is..can he actually keep his promises to a frustrated base? Cog is joined by the Man with the million Gamerscore Rand Al Thor 19 to discuss this and the interesting relationship between Embracer Group and Xbox. Is there more than meets the eye with their acquisitions ? We dive in with fun speculation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Xbox fans have made many declarations to bring Persona to their beloved box and, finally, it has arrived. This week sees the re-launch of Persona 5 Royal, but for many; it's the first time they are arriving in Shujin Academy. Xbox fans have responded in kind as Persona 5 Royal has reached the top 10 for played games on consoles. Does this signify a major turning point for Xbox's battle in Japan? Could other Japanese developers be taking note of such a surge on the platform and be willing to play ball with the oft neglected platform? As Cog dives in for the first time and Matty watches like a proud dad, we get into the thick of things in Shibuya. Beyond the region of Japan, we move our attention to China where the status quo is shifting dramatically. It is reported by Reuters that Xbox is assembling a team to scout talent throughout China after missing out on the ever popular Genshin Impact. This has major implications for the brand moving forward and we have much to say on it. Beyond that, it was a busy week for Xbox Game Studios across Bethesda, Arkane, and World's Edge! Indeed, this episode truly feels like a bit of a preview on what Defining Duke conversations will be like in 2023. GAMES! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brilliant minds behind Fallout discuss the future under Xbox. Obsidian CEO sparks 'Fallout: New Vegas 2' talk. Fallout's potential, CMA issues, Minecraft Legends, 30 FPS debate, voice actor pay discussions, Obsidian's interest in Fallout, Xbox & Sony rivalry, excitement for upcoming Minecraft Legends game

It was a packed week for Xbox. From laying our eyes on Starfield's new dialogue system to a new Xbox console teased by Phil Spencer, there is much to analyze. Joining us for this week's episode is Dad Of Xbox: Jez Corden! He fits like a glove in this episode as much of what we discuss began with his own leaks. As mentioned at the top, Phil Spencer's shelves have struck again and hiding within there is a prototype for what has been codenamed "Xbox Keystone." It is reported that this new cloud device is targeting the $100 price point and will include a controller alongside it. Xbox has gone back to the drawing board multiple times on a cloud prototype, but if Phil's shelf is to be trusted then it seems they're almost there with a working version. We almost comb through the exchanged statements between the CMA and Microsoft in regards to the Xbox-Activision merger. One that the CMA seems to have PlayStation's best interests at heart on. Are their concerns fair? The Dukes dig through the legal documents to find out. Plus more on XCloud Gaming, Starfield, Obsidian's refusal of Fallout, and much more!Thanks to DraftKings Sportsbook for sponsoring this episode!If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Free bets: New customers only. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Profit Boost: Opt-in req. 1 profit boost token issued per customer. Min. 3-leg same game parlay bet. Max bet $50. Profit boosted 100% on addt’l winnings. Ends at the start of the main card fight of UFC 280. See terms at draftkings.com/mmaterms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a jam packed week, we have many stories that could compete for the headlines. Google Stadia's closure, Xbox's Activision propaganda, the acquisition of various media outlets, or even CD Projekt Red's slew of game announcements. In the spirit of accountability, none other than PlayStation should dominate this one. In a rumored move showing little shame, they are set to do a The Last Of Us Part 1 style "remake" for 2017's PS4 exclusive, Horizon: Zero Dawn. As the goal posts have continued to move back throughout the generation beginning with $10 upgrades, we have now found ourselves collectively in a position where we must demand better. In the case of us, an Xbox show, we must plead with Microsoft that they do not follow a trend PlayStation is clearly trying to establish where there is much money to be made. Creative ventures will always be risky and there are such ways to mitigate that, but this slap in the face to consumers must be taken to task. Fret not, Xbox catches their own set of shade as they indulge in their own version of propaganda by forging a brand new website around the incomplete Activision deal. As it stands, the site shows off why this deal will be good for gamers, developers, and the industry at large. As always with the Dukes, we must call it as we see it. That said, this sour batch of news hasn't stolen the joy from Dead Space Remake's gameplay, the latest Game Pass drop, and CD Projekt Red's massive potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Obsidian Entertainment is often referred to as "Xbox's #1 draft pick" by the Dukes. While Starfield and Redfall have left 2022 more vacant than Xbox would have liked, Obsidian is showing a bit of Insomniac Games energy with two releases this fall. Those two being Grounded and Pentiment! While not entirely sexy games, these experiments carve out the future of what Xbox as a console can look like. One which allows creative freedom to a team primarily known for RPGs whereas both their games releasing in 2022 are not such. Grounded is the first to release and it's excellent. After two years of being in game preview, it's 1.0 release is here capturing Matty, Cog, and many Xbox fans. With Obsidian's consistency in releases and quality, we have to ask the tough question. Is Obsidian Entertainment saving Xbox's 2022? With Game Pass existing, does it even need saving? The Duke dive headfirst into the backyard to find out. Otherwise, E3 is back, Overwatch 2 is at the center of more controversy, and many Game Pass partners are pleased with the service thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the continued back-and-forth, Xbox and Sony are truly reviving what we thought was a bygone time: The Console Wars! It's clear now that the modus operandi for PlayStation is to obstruct the Activision deal by any means necessary. This means even taking the public "egg in the face" as they continue to sink their public image. Xbox has shown the willingness to abide by the rules, but the real question is will this awaken a more cutthroat version of the current executives we see in place? Matty and Cog discuss! Furthermore, we have the remaining table scraps from Xbox's Tokyo Game Show interviews! Japan continues to be a weak spot as we all know, but Xbox is now making the commitment to bring original exclusives on the level of Lost Odyssey to fans. How long will it take and what form will it arrive? What relationships can be born from this initiative? There is much to parse through! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showcases, showcases, showcases! Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2022, State Of Play, Nintendo Direct, Ubisoft Forward, and Disney all came out to show what their respective teams and partners are working on. While each showcase had their bright spots, Xbox's Tokyo Game Show presentation stood out to us in particular as it feels like a lot of the playing catch-up is done. Now, the platform is primed to chase down the true game changers which should make for an exciting year as they continue to be ambitious in Japan. However, question marks still loom as games like Octopath Traveler 2 will be missing the platform? Is this another product of Square Enix's relationship with PlayStation or Xbox missing the mark again? In this Japan focused episode, we get into the ins and outs of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to know a fate more painful than being forced to play Yakuza: Like A Dragon and enduring the wrath of the LSM audience? Ask Jim Ryan! Through statements publicly delivered to press outlets, Xbox and PlayStation are trading blows over the status of Call Of Duty and the fulfillment of contracts on PlayStation's end. Indeed, it appears there is a legitimate fear over on PlayStation's side of the fence that Microsoft has been "inadequate" in delivering what is necessary for Call Of Duty to thrive on their platform. The tendrils on this story go deep as we weave through public letters submitted to regulators, previous comments made by both executives, and the blatant hypocrisy. Outside of the console wars realm, head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty has been quite talkative this week. We now have updates on the status of State Of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, and the much anticipated Fable. Mix that in with rumors of AAA TMNT, Tencent sliding deeper into Ubisoft's pocket, and an ill advised tweet by Glenn Schofield and we have ourselves quite the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the days go by, PlayStation replicates Nintendo more and more. From 'premium allure,' to highly priced games rooted in nostalgia, and much more, these two are walking a scarily similar path. Then there's Xbox, and while there is room for improvement, it's hard to think of many ways they can be more pro-consumer. With the PlayStation 5 moving its asking price above the Xbox Series consoles where Microsoft has confirmed they will remain at their current retail value, there has never been an easier marketing lay-up for Xbox. The time is now for them to capitalize on Sony's gradual "death of a thousand cuts" as they've continued to nickel and dime their fanbase. What can Xbox do to capitalize? Matty and Cog get into the nitty gritty! Furthermore, Japan continues to dominate the conversation as we see the release of Soul Hackers 2 and Xbox's stream for Tokyo Game Show is on the horizon. While we stated earlier that the consumer practices leave little room for improvement, Xbox's global expansion is the exact opposite. What is in store for Xbox fans in Japan now and in the future? It's time to sink into the age old conversation yet again. Plus more on Tencent's investment in From Software, NetEase's acquisition of Quantic Dreams, and China's growing influence in gaming.Thanks to DraftKings for sponsoring this episode of Defining Duke!If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices