Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast

While modern gaming has its drawbacks, our always online nature allows any game to not be out of the fight so long as it maintains direction, funding, and manpower. That comeback story is something that continued to rear its head in this episode. From Halo Infinite's fifth season, to Redfall finally dropping much needed features at launch, and even Guitar Hero being teased for a return, much in the vicinity of Xbox is looking to make a grand return. Even beyond its green gates, Cyberpunk stands at the apex alongside No Man's Sky as the ultimate comeback story. Naturally, that brings us to this episode's main question: is it time to make a return? Is Redfall worth it? What about Halo Infinite? We answer those burning questions alongside sifting through the plethora of updates that have hit the Activision Blizzard deal as it finally looks to reach its grand finale.Head to https://www.squarespace.com/DUKE to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DUKE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a lighter news week, there is a consistent theme that crops up across all of Xbox's games recently. From Redfall to Starfield and Forza, each of these games will be supported for an extremely long time. As the Dukes experience real-time clarity on Xbox's vision, we dive deep into the idea of Game Pass as a model changing how these games are made. With Todd Howard confirming a minimum of five years of Starfield support, it's worth examining the library of upcoming titles and how Xbox may approach the release of those. Is it wise for them to have "one and dones" similar to Hi Fi Rush or does their model demand more from a game than what it offers on day one? Beyond that, we sift through another quality stack of Game Pass additions, the review reception of Forza Motorsports, our impressions on new releases like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Lamplighters League, and more, alongside ominous updates for the KOTOR Remake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we quickly approach the CMA's deadline for a decision on Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, we see another significant stride in the deal. The CMA has conditionally approved the acquisition if particular circumstances can be met on the cloud front. Meanwhile, the console wars trek on and Starfield is in the line of fire as it's now been officially rated as Bethesda's worst "official" release ever. There are caveats and we get into it, but also sift through the legitimate criticisms that have chewed up Starfield just as much. Plus, a decent showing for Xbox at the Tokyo Game Show, Jim Ryan is leaving PlayStation, and the Dukes big bet on Dishonored 3! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slow week, huh? As the gaming industry grows, so too do its leaks. Much like Hollywood, it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep projects under wraps before someone spills the beans. Joining the ranks with Nvidia's GeForce Now, Xbox has suffered one of gaming's largest leaks ever. From an entire release schedule for Bethesda's upcoming games to a mid generation refresh and even their vision for 2028's next generation consoles, there are dozens of documents to sift through. Fallout 3 Remaster, Dishonored 3, Oblivion Remaster, Ghostwire Tokyo getting a sequel, a licensed IP game, and so much more is on the way! Unfortunately for Xbox, it also revealed the sort of conversations that happen behind closed doors. As recently as 2020, Xbox wants to purchase Nintendo and continues to size up PlayStation. Their goals are perhaps far more ambitious (and terrifying) than anyone could have expected. So, let's unpack it all. Much like the GeForce Now leak, this one will likely serve as a Bible of sorts to check back on when needing guidance to the next leak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, the Dukes were met with abuse and slander due to their faith in Starfield on how it can serve as a turning point in the current generation. The reviews have come and gone, the talk on the streets has become a bit messy to put it lightly, but the numbers don't lie. Starfield is a raging success across all metrics as it is now Bethesda Game Studios' biggest launch of all time as it managed to beat out the likes of Skyrim and Fallout 4. To do so in an exclusive capacity puts things into perspective even more. With six million players already accounted for and likely millions more beyond that this point, Bethesda has committed to "years and years" of support thus paving the way for Starfield to become the most played Bethesda game ever as Phil Spencer desired. We also get into the mind boggling decisions Unity is making in regards to its popular game engine, Square Enix's recent plummet, the upcoming reveal of Indiana Jones, the Fallout TV show's leaked teaser trailer, and a plethora of more news in a jam packed week.Start hiring now with a $75 job credit at https://www.indeed.com/dukeDownload DraftKings Sportsbook and use code DEFININGDUKE to sign up and get $200 in bonus bets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fellow Dukes, your wait is finally at an end! Starfield is here and the Dukes are teaming up with Gene Park to break every facet of the game down. Walking away from this conversation, one thing is for sure. Starfield is arguably the biggest game we have seen in years. Despite varying hours logged from 30 all the way to 70, the Dukes have a variety of stories to tell. So much so that we learned a ton from the "water cooler moments" the game has provided already! The polish is there and allows for the game's incredible writing to truly shine. However, the game is not without its issues. Starfield's uneven exploration may leave Bethesda Game Studios purists at a loss for some time and there is much to be said about its RPG elements despite choice being at the forefront. That's only just scratching the surface of what this game brings. It's time for The Dukes to settle into a conversation about Xbox's biggest game of the generation.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/duke and get on you way to being your best selfDownload DraftKings Sportsbook and use code DEFININGDUKE to sign up and get $200 in bonus bets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fellow Dukes, your wait is finally at an end! Starfield is here and the Dukes are teaming up with Gene Park to break every facet of the game down. Walking away from this conversation, one thing is for sure. Starfield is arguably the biggest game we have seen in years. Despite varying hours logged from 30 all the way to 70, the Dukes have a variety of stories to tell. So much so that we learned a ton from the "water cooler moments" the game has provided already! The polish is there and allows for the game's incredible writing to truly shine. However, the game is not without its issues. Starfield's uneven exploration may leave Bethesda Game Studios purists at a loss for some time and there is much to be said about its RPG elements despite choice being at the forefront. That's only just scratching the surface of what this game brings. It's time for The Dukes to settle into a conversation about Xbox's biggest game of the generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dukes have Starfield and will have to navigate that landmine for an entire episode! One thing we can discuss is our plans for the game, the content, and so on as it’s been a long time coming. While Cog sits out to rest, Gene Park joins the show to talk all things Xbox. For starters, we dive into the thick of Opening Night Live. From stage crashes, to new Starfield content, and a plethora of new trailers, we have much to talk about! There’s also a surprise turn in the ABK deal where now Ubisoft is involved. What does this mean for Xbox’s cloud initiative moving forward? Plus more on Persona 3 Reload’s date, Phil Spencer’s commitment to four AAA games per year, and what the plans are for Game Pass when Activision joins the Xbox family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to start believing, folks. Starfield has gone gold following multiple delays and it looks like you can finally put that September 1st (or 6th!) release date "in ink!" Alongside going gold, the information is finally starting to pour in for the game. We have a deep timeline of 300 years worth of lore to mull over. For those less grimoire inclined, we have a brand new Q&A from Will Shen and Emil Pagliarulo that is chockful of new bits of information of the next Bethesda epic. In a week tailormade for the Dukes, we learned of the team who has been working on the TMNT: Last Ronin video game. It hails from Black Forest Games who has a spotty history. If that didn't leave us uncertain enough, THQ Nordic is the publisher. Will the hype win the day for the Dukes or are we full blown skeptics out the gate? Plus, a renewed debate on the Xbox Series S sparks up following some key features for Forza Motorsport being delayed, Assassin's Creed Mirage.Start hiring now with a $75 job credit at https://www.indeed.com/duke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baldur's Gate has, well, stormed the gates of PCs around the globe and has managed to amass a staggering 800K+ concurrent players. Such a feat is difficult to accomplish, especially for a hardcore turn-based RPG despite how much many love them. To say Larian Studios deserves such attention and celebration would be an understatement. However, as an Xbox podcast, the eyes of many of our listeners and writers has shifted to Bethesda Game Studios Starfield where some may worry of history repeating itself. Ahead of Fallout 4's release, another transformative RPG released and that game was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Much of the conversation turned into Bethesda being upstaged and there is a small yet growing fear that Bethesda may be upstaged again. Are these games truly comparable? Well, the Dukes are happy to answer that very question. Plus, we dive into more of your Starfield questions such as what Xbox needs for this game to be considered a success and how to cope with a potential failure come September 1st. We also sift through Square Enix's shift in focus, Xbox's changes to the $1 offer in Game Pass, and spread some much needed words on the Health Is Wealth movement!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/duke and get on your way to being your best self  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices