419: GTA 6 MASSIVE leaks, Xbox Helix + PS6 sales trouble, PlayStation live service implosion
Summary
The hosts discuss the intense review season, noting the scarcity of Xbox review codes compared to other platforms. They share personal updates, including Jez’s health struggles and his plans to replay Control in preparation for its sequel. The episode features extensive nostalgia for classic games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Ocarina of Time, alongside discussions on upcoming titles like GTA VI and Dawn of War 4.
Topics discussed
Welcome to the double-duty Xbox 2 podcast episode
Review embargoes, Metacritic pressure, and launch windows
Pre-ordering the Gears of War Lancer replica controller
Playing Control Ultimate Edition and Space Marine 2 co-op
Nostalgia for Ocarina of Time and childhood nicknames
Metal Gear Solid 4 DLCs and the 'Kojima scale'
Patreon shoutouts and upcoming DLC for Witcher 3 and Fallout
USAA Auto Insurance advertisement break
Halo Infinite DLC hopes and the state of Halo Studios
GTA 6 release window and competition with other titles
Xbox stops sharing digital sales data with Serpkin/NPD
GTA 6 fuel mechanics, immersion, and microtransaction fears
Rockstar employee frustration and Halo reboot discussions
Microsoft's AI investments and id Software's future engine
Industry layoffs, EA's debt, and Mass Effect fan expectations
Sony's studio closures, Concord failure, and merchandising focus
Hell Is Us gameplay, virus games on Steam, and marketing shifts
Nintendo digital cards, Age of Empires, and corporate angst
Gaming influencer criticism and the decline of music games
Console pricing, Forza Horizon sales, and Fable's future
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