Day One Patch Podcast

Phil Spencer is retiring as Microsoft Gaming CEO, marking a major leadership shift for Xbox. Sarah Bond is out, Matt Booty steps into a new content leadership role, and Asha Sharma becomes the new head of Xbox. What does this mean for Xbox consoles, Game Pass, AI strategy, and the future of Microsoft Gaming?We break down Spencer's departure, Sharma's vision for the “return of Xbox,” and what this transition could signal for fans and developers.Plus:PlayStation shuts down Bluepoint Games (Demon's Souls, Shadow of the Colossus).Todd Howard says The Elder Scrolls 6 will return to Bethesda's “classic style.”And Matt's Video Game Fun Fact explores the history of Anno on mobile and handheld platforms.Xbox leadership changes, studio closures, and major franchise updates - all in one episode.

The PlayStation State of Play February 2026 just happened so let's recap and discuss! The event was packed with announcements including (but certainly not limited to): God of War Trilogy is in development, Metal Gear Solid 4 is finally being remastered, Death Stranding 2 is coming to PC, and John Wick is getting an action-game.

A plethora of Bethesda titles are heading to Switch 2 including: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Oblivion Remastered, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.The PS6 might be a long ways off with Sony potentially looking to lengthen the life of the PS5 in the wake of current market conditions... we're looking at you RAM prices...Xbox revenue might be heading into some murky waters with the latest earnings report not looking all that great for hardware sales or service offerings.In the Video Game Fun Fact we discuss the rare and very niche Sega Multi-Mega console. It's 2-part gaming console (Mega Drive & Mega-CD) and 1-part portable CD-player.

Ubisoft reorganization headlines this episode as the team breaks down major changes at the publisher, growing concerns around PS6 delays, and the rocky launch of Highguard.In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, Matt kicks things off with a Video Game Fun Fact on the history of Xbox Live Arcade and how it helped shape modern digital gaming on consoles. From there, the crew breaks down reports suggesting Sony may extend the PS5 lifecycle and delay the PlayStation 6, debating when the market will truly be ready for next-gen hardware and whether rising component costs could slow things down even further.The conversation then turns to Ubisoft's ongoing struggles, including major layoffs, studio closures, canceled projects, and a controversial return-to-office mandate. Finally, the team discusses Highguard's rocky Game Awards reveal, the risks of putting smaller games on massive stages, and whether some launches are better left out of the spotlight. As always, the episode wraps with what everyone's been playing lately.

Xbox Developer Direct 2026 took place on January 22, so let's talk about all the announcements! There were a total of four games discussed, three of which were announced before the show, with the fourth making a surprise appearance.Forza Horizon 6 is shaping up to be a beautiful racing game complete with an amazing setting, new progression features, and even a build mechanic that's multiplayer-friendly.Game Freak is making a non-Pokémon game that goes by the title Beast of Reincarnation. This "one-person, one-dog action-RPG" reminded us of both the Monster Hunter series as well as Elden Ring.The surprise announcement came from Double Fine, in the form of their new upcoming multiplayer game - Kiln. In Kiln, you make your own pottery and then hop into competitive multiplayer matches, playing as your very own pot.Last, but not least, we got a lot of new information and gameplay on the all-new Fable game. With a character creator, new reputation system, and beautiful looking graphics - this new generation of Fable is shaping up nicely.

Anthem's servers are officially offline - bringing BioWare's live-service experiment to a planned and permanent end.In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we look back at Anthem's scheduled shutdown, its final hours online, and what its legacy says about the risks of games-as-a-service titles. We also break down Bobby Kotick's recent claims that declining Call of Duty and console sales prove Activision Blizzard was right to sell to Microsoft - and why parts of that argument are being questioned.We then dive into new comments from Bethesda's former Elder Scrolls loremaster, who opened up about internal communication breakdowns, broken promises, and why he ultimately left the studio. His comments shed new light on Starfield's troubled development and the creative direction The Elder Scrolls VI almost took.Plus, in this week's Video Game Fun Fact, we rewind to the strange and often forgotten history of Call of Duty on handhelds - from the Nintendo DS era spin-offs to how they stacked up against their console counterparts.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we kick things off with a deep dive into the history of Yu-Gi-Oh video games, exploring how the franchise expanded from the trading card game into dozens of titles across multiple generations, including record-breaking releases and fan-favorite entries.From there, we break down some of the biggest industry stories of the week. Larian Studios draws a firm line on generative AI, confirming there will be no GenAI-generated art in Divinity while clarifying how AI may still be used internally during development.Next, former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden compares the modern console market to the VHS vs. Betamax format war, sparking discussion around whether gaming needs a shared platform or format to truly expand its audience.Finally, Fallout co-creator Tim Cain officially comes out of semi-retirement and returns to Obsidian full-time, leading to speculation about what he could be working on - including theories around a potential Fallout: New Vegas remaster with restored cut content.The episode wraps up with What We're Playing, covering the games currently our rotations.

The Game Awards 2025 are in the books, and there's a lot to unpack. In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we break down the biggest announcements, surprise reveals, standout trailers, and the wins that had everyone talking. We dive into major reveals like Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, and Control: Resonant, sharing our reactions to what these games could mean for their franchises and the industry moving forward. From Game of the Year discussions to unexpected moments on stage, we cover what lived up to the hype, what didn't, and what might shape gaming in the year ahead.

This week on the Day One Patch Podcast: Matt kicks things off with a Cold Fear deep dive, covering the game's legendary rolling-ship mechanic and why the 2005 cult classic just resurfaced on GOG in their preservation program.In the news, we look at Far Cry getting a TV adaptation from Rob McElhenney and Noah Hawley, Sony's slowing PC sales as “the novelty wears off,” and Epic's Tim Sweeney calling on Steam to ditch its “Made with AI” tags as generative AI becomes standard across the industry.We wrap with What We're Playing, as the crew digs into their latest gaming obsessions.

In this week's episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, Matt kicks things off with a Video Game Fun Fact covering the rise and fall of Stargate: The Alliance, Stargate Worlds, and Stargate Resistance. We dive into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shattering records with 12 Game Awards nominations - the most in the show's history - and discuss Asus ramping up production of the Xbox Ally as demand exceeds expectations. This week's Query Corner Question asks: are we witnessing the end of the console wars and the beginning of an entirely new paradigm for gaming? Plus, we wrap up with what we've been playing.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, Matt dives deep into Call of Duty's strangest era with a Video Game Fun Fact all about the cancelled Black Ops 4 campaign, how it compares to the experimental Black Ops 7 campaign, and how Black Ops 4's early take on battle royale helped pave the way for what eventually became Warzone.We also break down a massive round of hardware news from Valve, including the reveal of the next-gen Steam Machine—promising over 6x the power of the Steam Deck—alongside a brand-new Steam Controller built to replace your mouse right from the couch. With 2026 hardware on the horizon, we talk specs, design changes, and whether Valve has finally learned from the failures of the original 2015 Steam Machine lineup.Plus, we react to the latest Game Informer 10/10 scores and chat about what we've been playing this week.

In this episode, the guys discuss Microsoft's bold new direction for Xbox. Matt Booty recently claimed that “our biggest competition isn't another console,” as Xbox doubles down on its multiplatform “play anywhere” strategy. But is this a smart pivot—or a sign that the console wars are officially over?We also break down reports about the next-generation Xbox, which may play your entire Xbox library, integrate Steam, Battle.net, and Epic Games, and drop pay-to-play multiplayer entirely. Is Xbox turning into the ultimate hybrid between console and PC?Plus, we make Game of the Year 2025 predictions, looking at the current front-runners and surprise challengers on the horizon.And finally, Matt's Video Game Fun Fact dives into Driver (1999)—the revolutionary PS1 classic that helped define open-world driving games long before GTA III changed the genre forever.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, the crew breaks down three of the biggest stories in gaming this week.Matt kicks things off with a Video Game Fun Fact all about the Nintendo DS ML, exploring the handheld's hardware, history, and collectibility.Then the team dives into the news:Halo: Combat Evolved returns as Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full Unreal Engine 5 remake built for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5 — marking the first time the franchise lands on a PlayStation console.Bethesda reveals Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, launching November 10, 2025 for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, with a Switch 2 version coming in 2026.And finally, the hosts unpack Microsoft's profit-driven strategy that's leading to price hikes, project cuts, and studio shutdowns.Stick around for What We're Playing, where the crew shares what's been keeping their controllers warm this week.

In this week's episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, Matt kicks things off with a deep dive into the Warhawk franchise — covering the series' evolution from PS1 dogfights to the ambitious PS3 multiplayer reboot and its legacy today.Then, the crew dives into the week's biggest gaming stories:Vince Zampella reveals that Call of Duty only exists “because EA were dicks,” shedding light on the rivalry that birthed one of gaming's most iconic franchises.EB Games Canada makes a comeback with a massive new flagship store in Montreal — complete with community events and a trading card program.Xbox teases its next-gen console, with Sarah Bond giving fans a glimpse inside Microsoft's top-secret hardware lab.Finally, the gang wraps up with what they've been playing lately.

In this episode, the gang discusses what next-gen gaming might look like as Xbox reassures fans that new hardware is still coming, Sony's Mark Cerny teases PS6 graphics advancements, and game streaming continues to grow—but with big sustainability questions.In the Video Game Fun Fact, Matt dives into the 1983 video game crash—what caused it, how long it lasted, and how its effects still shape gaming today.

Microsoft has hiked the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99/month, a massive 50% increase — but with the addition of Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and more day-one releases, is it still worth the money? In this episode, the crew breaks down the new Game Pass tiers, explores Microsoft's ad-supported cloud gaming tests, and dives into the rumor of a new PS5 DualSense controller with a removable battery.Plus, Matt takes us on a nostalgic trip through the generations of gaming consoles in this week's Video Game Fun Fact, and the gang shares what they've been playing lately.

In this week's episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we break down everything announced during Sony's September 2025 State of Play, from fresh game reveals to major updates on upcoming titles. We also dive into Asus and Microsoft finally confirming Canadian pricing for the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X—handhelds that promise premium specs but with a hefty price tag.And for this week's Video Game Fun Fact, Matt takes us on a journey through console pricing history, adjusted for inflation. From the most affordable systems to the priciest launches of all time, we compare how today's consoles stack up against the past.

This week on the Day One Patch Podcast, we break down the latest gaming news and take a nostalgic trip through Rockstar's Smuggler's Run series.Video Game Fun Facts with Matt – Matt explores the Smuggler's Run franchise, a wild off-road racing series from Rockstar that mixed massive open maps with smuggling missions.Top Story #1 – Xbox console prices are going up in the U.S. once again, with Series S and Series X models seeing increases across the board. We discuss what's behind the hike and what it means for players.Top Story #2 – CD Projekt Red's job postings hint that the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel may feature multiplayer, years after the original game's online ambitions were scrapped.Query Corner – When we talk about “recent” games, what does recent actually mean? And which games would make the cut?All this and more in this week's episode of the Day One Patch Podcast!

Matt kicks off with Video Game Fun Facts by ranking the James Bond 007 games from worst to best based on Metacritic scores. Then we break down the September 12 Nintendo Direct highlights: the Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3, 2026), Super Mario Galaxy + Galaxy 2 hitting Switch on Oct 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond dated Dec 4, 2025, Hades II landing Sept 25, 2025, a brand-new Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (2026), Resident Evil Requiem (Feb 27, 2026), plus fresh Mario, Yoshi, and more for Switch and Switch 2.Tim also raises concerns about Nintendo's DLC strategy—specifically Pokémon announcing paid DLC before the base game even launches. We break down what that means for player trust, perceived value, and whether this sets a bad precedent for future first-party releases.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we kick things off with a Video Game Fun Fact all about the Pocket Pikachu, Nintendo's quirky pedometer-based handheld companion from the late '90s.We then break down Call of Duty's latest move to restore its grounded identity by cutting carry-forward skins in Black Ops 7. Treyarch says it's about keeping the game “immersive and visceral,” but fans are divided after losing their crossover cosmetics. We also look at Microsoft and Asus' surprising decision to announce the ROG Xbox Ally X release date—without revealing its price—blaming shifting “macro-economic” conditions.In Query Corner Lite, we cover Larian Studios' sharp criticism of the gaming industry, pointing to ballooning budgets, long dev cycles, and publishers playing it safe instead of taking risks.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we kick things off with a gaming fun fact all about the original Game Boy — its release, lineup, and legacy. Then, we dive into the biggest stories of the week. Former Dragon Age boss Mark Darrah explains why a remaster of Dragon Age: Origins and the series hasn't happened yet, despite fan demand. We also explore Fallout: Season 2's exclusive New Vegas setting, featuring returning characters, iconic landmarks, and the long-awaited arrival of Mr. House. Finally, we break down the latest Call of Duty news, where Black Ops 7 looks set to skip the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch despite Microsoft's commitments. Plus, we wrap up with what we've been playing.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we cover the latest Starfield leak hinting at a new “Cruise Mode” for real-time space travel, break down Sony's lawsuit against Tencent over claims that Light of Motiram is a Horizon: Zero Dawn clone, and discuss the Secure Boot requirement causing headaches for Battlefield 6 players on PC. Plus, we share what we've been playing and this week's Video Game Fun Fact on the history of the Battlefield series.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we dive into Battlefield 6's commitment to gritty realism and whether EA can resist the temptation of goofy crossover skins like Call of Duty. We also look at Microsoft dominating PlayStation's sales charts with six of the top ten best-selling games and discuss Dead Space creator Glen Schofield stepping back from AAA development. Plus, this week's fun fact covers a recently discovered ROM of a long-lost game that fans finally tracked down.

Sony deepens its ties with Bandai Namco, buying a 2.5% stake as part of a broader strategic partnership that could expand franchises like Elden Ring across games, anime, and merch. In this episode, we break down what this move could mean for both companies and for fans. We also cover Sony's new DualSense feature that makes switching between PS5, PC, and mobile more seamless. Then we dive into Star Wars Outlaws and Ubisoft's surprising explanation for the game's underwhelming reception — is the franchise really to blame?In the Video Game Fun Fact of the Week, we take a nostalgic look back at the rise and fall (and rise again) of Electronics Boutique, known today as EB Games Canada.

In this episode, the guys dive into a full tech reboot at EB Games Canada, with a brand-new website, faster checkout, and more self-serve tools on the way. Then it's off to Netflix as the Assassin's Creed live-action series finally moves forward, promising power, violence, and high-concept drama across time and cultures.Meanwhile, reports suggest Microsoft is replacing laid-off Candy Crush devs with AI tools — including the very ones those devs helped build.Also in this episode: a video game fun fact about Ratchet's personality shift between Ratchet & Clank and Going Commando, and of course we finish things off with what we're playing!

This week we cover Microsoft's massive layoffs across its gaming division, including the shocking closure of The Initiative and cancellation of the long-awaited Perfect Dark reboot. Rare's Everwild is also reportedly shelved, and Candy Crush maker King was hit hard. We also discuss Helldivers 2 becoming the first PlayStation-published title to hit Xbox.In our gaming fun fact, we dive into the problems with the classic Atari CX40 joystick, compare it to modern analog stick drift, and explore the potential future of controllers with HAL sensor technology.

In this episode of the Day One Patch Podcast, we dive into some major Xbox news as Microsoft begins rolling out an aggregated PC game library, letting players launch titles from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and more—all from within the Xbox app. We also check out the newly announced Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, a sleek VR bundle built with Xbox fans in mind. Then, in true Kojima fashion, we discuss why the legendary developer rewrote parts of Death Stranding 2 because playtesters were enjoying it too much. Plus, this week's Gaming Fun Fact covers the unique case of 007: Nightfire—a game with a surprisingly different PC version than its console counterparts.

Xbox has announced a multi-year partnership with AMD to power their next-gen consoles. We speculate and discuss whether Microsoft will make their own Xbox handheld and if it will run Xbox games come next-gen's debut.CDPR is focusing on developing The Witcher 4 on console hardware in order to help with scaling. After their last disastrous release of Cyberpunk 2077 this may come as a comfort to console gamers running the PS5 and above. An impressive demo was shown off of The Witcher 4 running on the PS5 at 60fps. We speculate on whether the game will release before the PS6 comes out and whether the console-first approach is a wise idea.This week's Gaming Fun Fact focused on Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction and how it started out life not as Mercenaries, but instead as a sequel to 1992's Desert Strike. This also marks one year of our Gaming Fun Facts segment on the show!Later in the episode in the Query Corner Question we ask which game mechanics you'd like applied to a different game/genre. For example, would you like Monolith's nemesis system applied to an entirely different genre or game franchise?

E3 may be gone, but the spirit lives on! In this episode, we break down all the biggest announcements, surprises, and letdowns from Summer Game Fest 2025, PlayStation's June State of Play, and the Xbox Games Showcase. From jaw-dropping reveals to indie gems, we cover everything you need to know from this year's unofficial E3 week(s).

Borderlands 4 boss Randy Pitchford responds to backlash over his "real fan" tweet—did his follow-up smooth things over? Sony is officially discontinuing PlayStation Stars, leaving gamers wondering what's next. Meanwhile, Xbox is making nostalgia a core feature, bringing dozens of retro classics to Game Pass through a new partnership with Antstream Arcade. And finally, where's is everyone's favorite grumpy mole from Animal Crossing? We break down the biggest gaming headlines and what they mean for players.

Fortnite's Darth Vader AI is here, and he's more than just an iconic villain—he's a combat ally, a wellness advisor, and your squadmate (just don't ask him about the younglings). Meanwhile, Sony braces for a major hit to PlayStation 5 sales due to new tariffs, possibly shifting production to the U.S. And in a surprising move, Jade Raymond exits Haven Studios, raising questions about PlayStation's live-service strategy.Join us as we break down the biggest headlines and what they mean for the future of gaming!

EB Games is back! The beloved Canadian retailer is making a nostalgic return after a major acquisition.GTA 6 Trailer 2—Rockstar gives us a fresh look at Vice City and its chaotic criminal underbelly.Gears of War: Reloaded—Microsoft surprises fans with a remastered classic, now coming to PlayStation.Gaming Fun Fact: The original Metal Gear (1987) wasn't supposed to be a stealth game—it became one by accident! Technical limitations on the MSX2 forced Hideo Kojima's team to rethink their approach, leading to one of the most iconic gaming mechanics ever.

In this episode, Matt and Ryan discuss the newly confirmed delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, which is now set to launch in May 2026. Rockstar issued a statement explaining the delay and reaffirming their commitment to quality. We also cover Microsoft's decision to raise Xbox console, accessory, and game prices globally, including in Canada. Meanwhile, Nintendo has released Firmware Update 20.0.0 for the Switch, preparing the system for a local transfer to the upcoming Switch 2.The Video Game Fun Fact of the Week dives into the development of Sleeping Dogs, which originally began life as True Crime: Hong Kong before being canceled and later revived by Square Enix.And later, we tackle a Query Corner question: Are trophy and achievement systems still motivating players like they used to?

Step into the enchanting world of Cyrodiil as we revisit one of gaming's most beloved classics: Oblivion. In this special episode, Matt and Tim dive deep into the magic of the remastered edition—unpacking their impressions, sharing nostalgic memories, and discussing what still makes this game a timeless masterpiece. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer curious about what makes Oblivion so iconic, join us for a heartfelt journey through the landscapes, stories, and unforgettable moments that shaped a generation of gamers.

This week, we're diving into the hottest stories in the gaming world. The much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake is real, and leaked images look spectacular. We'll discuss the confirmations from multiple reputable sources and what this means for fans of the series. Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed official Canadian pricing for key Switch 2 games, with Mario Kart World costing $109.99. What does pricing like this mean for the gaming industry at large? Did you know that there was a planned Oblivion version for PSP? Although it never saw the light of day, the project was in development and had some fascinating features that could have brought the beloved game to a portable platform. And if all that wasn't enough, we even got confirmation of an upcoming Xbox Games Showcase announced for June 8, 2025 - what do you think they'll show off?

Join us for Episode 521 of the Day One Patch Podcast, where we unpack the latest in gaming news and controversies! From Nintendo's surprising decision to price the Switch 2 Welcome Tour separately to the unexpected delays in Canadian pre-orders, we delve into what this means for gamers. Plus, we tackle Ubisoft's bold legal stance on game ownership amid The Crew lawsuit. And don't miss this week's Gaming Fun Fact: a throwback to 2004's Lifeline on the PS2, a game controlled entirely with your voice—a truly unique approach to gaming long before voice commands became mainstream. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just looking for the hottest gaming scoop, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in now!

We're hot off the heels of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct where an absolute ton of information was dropped about the much anticipated console. In this episode, we'll be recapping and sharing opinions about the hardware, games, and controversies surrounding the Switch 2 - including some information that Nintendo has since dropped on websites and other videos.The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5, 2025. Featuring a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, HDR support, and up to 120fps gameplay, this console promises stunning visuals and smooth performance. With 256GB of internal storage, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and innovative features like GameChat for real-time voice and video communication, the Switch 2 is designed for immersive and social gaming experiences that try and mimic old school couch co-op. Launch titles include a collection of first-party and third-party offerings including: 'Mario Kart World,' 'Elden Ring,' 'Hades 2,' and much more.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we take a look at the ultra-detailed world of Far Cry 2. The second mainline entry into the Far Cry series decided to try and take the franchise in a more realistic and detailed direction which included: an advanced fire system, degrading weapons & vehicles, in-game maps for navigation, and more.Nintendo Direct March 2025 just recently concluded and we had Tim give us a rundown on all the announcements that were at the show. Please note it was not a Switch 2 Direct, that will happen at a later date (April 2, 2025).In this edition of the Query Corner Question, we ask about game details and their importance, or lack thereof. STALKER 2 has recently come under fire from some fans of the series that have pointed out details that only appear in earlier entries of the franchise. Similarly, Oblivion back in 2006 had NPCs with full schedules and dynamic "lives" while the more recent Starfield ditched the feature in favor of more static shopkeepers and key NPCs. Do details that most players will never see matter to you? Or is it enough for the game to put up a shallow facade?

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we explore the world of ridiculous collector's editions. Both the Saint's Row IV: Super Dangerous Wad Wad Edition (aka The Million Dollar Pack) and Dying Light's "My Apocalypse" Edition made headlines in their day, but there's one unexpected mention that made multiple lists online.Microsoft may have accidentally given us a first look at Steam on Xbox after they briefly posted an image of a new Xbox UI across multiple devices sporting some Steam labelling. Soon afterwards the images were removed without comment. What does this mean for the new Xbox handheld? What about the Xbox app on PC?Phil Spencer says that more movie and TV show adaptations are on the way despite the failure of the Halo series. This may come as no surprise to some as the Fallout adaptation has captivated fans and has a much anticipated season 2 in progress.Assassin's Creed Shadows has crossed one million players on launch day. The latest entry into the AC series has been surrounded by controversy, anger, happiness, and anticipation (a rollercoaster to say the least). But it seems that the game is off to a great start with Ubisoft's brief player number update, via social media.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we take a look at the PSX - not to be confused with the PS1 (codename PSX). The PSX was a digital video recorder that was capable of playing PS2 and PS1 games. The device had multiple retail revisions and was only released in Japan.Rumors and leaks have been circling an alleged Oblivion remake with the latest information indicating that Bethesda may shadow drop the title as soon as April 2025. Monster Hunter Wilds has had a very successful launch with over 8 million copies sold in the first three days of release. Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto thinks that the game's success is in part due to the title's immersive story.BlizzCon 2025 is not happening, but Blizzard has promised a great show for 2026. In the past five years there have been two in-person Blizzcon events, is the show on its last leg?Defiance, the Syfy TV series with a companion MMO is coming back! Not the show, but the PC version of the MMO is about to be revived by Fawkes. We used to play this title a bit back in the day and it was a good time, so we're happy that it's back!

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we explore the GBA eReader, originally released in Japan in 2001 and then later in North America in 2002, the eReader was able to read cards that a player would swipe just like a credit card. These cards included all sorts of goodies including full NES games, in-game rewards, and even GameCube integration.WB has shut down three of its studios, including Monolith Productions - the creators of FEAR, Middle-Earth, and many more beloved titles. This also comes at the cost of Monolith's upcoming Wonder Woman game that has officially been cancelled. On top of Monolith, WB also shuttered Player First Games, and WB San Diego. Fans of The Last of Us may be concerned to learn that The Last of Us Part 3 may never happen. In a new interview with Druckmann, he said that we shouldn't bet on there being more Last of Us as what we have could be it.Monster Hunter Wilds has already surpassed over 8 million units sold. This news comes just three days after the title launched, marking it as the fastest selling Capcom game to hit such a landmark sales number. The Monster Hunter franchise has come a long way since its humble beginnings on PS2 back in 2004 with the series selling over 108 million copies as of December 31, 2024.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact, we explore a little-known budget-model of the PSP. Back in the day, the PSP was known for 4 models including the PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000, and PSP Go... but what about the PSP Street? This budget model was released in several PAL regions and launched almost alongside the PS Vita back in 2011.GameStop is looking to sell its operations in Canada and France. Not much detail was given by the company, but the current state of GameStop makes us wonder whether it'll be able to find a buyer successfully.Microsoft's Xbox AI era has officially kicked off with Muse - a first of its kind generative model that can generate environments based on visuals or controller input. It can understand what 3D worlds are, how people interact with games, and more.The Last of Us Online was cancelled years ago and we've just found out it was partially due to Bungie. Bungie's vast experience with games-as-a-service games, namely the Destiny series, has taught them some hard lessons about building, updating, and supporting ongoing titles. They warned Naughty Dog about these commitments which eventually aided in the decision to cancel The Last of Us Online project.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact, we discussed the Famicom built-in microphone and the FSD (Famicom System Disk). The microphone was built into the second controller and allowed players to interact with games, however, the feature was cut in the NES release. The FSD was an add-on for the Famicom that used floppy disks for games instead of cartridges to enhance audio quality and add game saving functionality.PlayStation held another State of Play filled with upcoming games including a surprise shadow drop - Warriors: Abyss. Other games shown off included: MindsEye, Days Gone Remastered, Tides of Annihilation, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and much more.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we explore the world of voice controlled games on the N64. We kick off our expedition with the ⁠YouTuber "Skawo"⁠ and their discovery of Japanese voice commands inside Zelda: Majora's Mask. Then we direct focus over to the VRU, the official N64 microphone add-on that, unfortunately, only officially supported two games. The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 dropped earlier this week (as of recording) and brought with it a slew of games that have, or will be, dropping on Xbox Game Pass day one. These games include: Ninja Gaiden 4, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and DOOM: The Dark Ages.

With the Switch 2's announcement being the big news this week, we thought we'd revisit the development of the original Nintendo Switch in the Gaming Fun Fact. With a focus on the many prototypes that Nintendo made, we discussed what lead to the Switch's form factor and how the features that we have today were decided upon during the console's design phase. The Switch 2 was officially announced with a trailer dropped on Nintendo's YouTube channel. The console was leaked beforehand, potentially forcing Nintendo's hand to release the trailer. We took a deep dive into the trailer and share our thoughts on the console's confirmed features so far. Halo is on Xbox...right? Well it may be making the jump to PlayStation if a recent leak is to be believed. Not only will the Master Chief Collection allegedly make its debut on PS5, but also on Nintendo Switch. PlayStation has cancelled two unannounced projects, with one rumoured to be the God of War games-as-a-service title. These games' development were cancelled for both Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, with the studios awaiting new assignments from Sony.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we discussed the pioneer of game streaming, OnLive. OnLive was a streaming platform way back in 2010 when high-speed internet was just starting to become commonplace (at least here in Canada). The platform had its own mobile apps (iPhone & Android), GoogleTV app, and small set-top box (MicroConsole), and some limited web browser capabilities. Nvidia has announced another set of GPUs, namely the RTX 50 series which includes the RTX 5090, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070. AI appears to be a big part of this year's offering with technologies like DLSS taking GPUs to new heights. SteamOS will be installable on other handhelds soon! As of April of 2025, Valve will officially let you install SteamOS on handhelds other than the Steam Deck. This exciting news also brings to light Lenovo's May 2025 handheld that will be the first third-party SteamOS handheld! With the Xbox handheld coming at some point down the line, some fans are questioning whether the device will be running Windows, Xbox or both. While we're still not entirely sure of the answer, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, Jason Ronald, has stated that we should expect to see the Windows handheld gaming experience change within the calendar year. This could be good news for not only the pending first-party handheld, but also third-party offerings that are already running Windows, such as the ROG Ally.

Happy New Year! In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we discussed some game cheating devices including the Game Genie and the Game Shark. Both of these devices were commercially available and allowed players to intercept the data going between console and cartridge, where that information could then be temporarily changed to achieve invincibility, altered physics, etc. Then we all take a look forward to the year ahead and discuss our most anticipated games of 2025. This entire year is absolutely loaded with big launches such as Civilization 7, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Avowed, Monster Hunter Wilds, and much more!

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we explore the world of adding CD players onto classic game consoles, specifically the N64DD for the Nintendo 64 and the Sega CD for the Sega Genesis. Both offerings attempted to expand the functionality of their cartridge-based counterparts with the increased storage and capabilities of CDs and magnetic discs. PlayStation and AMD are partnering to create more AI-powered technology to make games look and play better. This technology is not planned to be limited to just PlayStation either, with the partnership allowing other companies to use the technology as they see fit. The Nintendo Switch has surpassed the PS2 in sales as of November 2024, as it becomes the second best-selling gaming hardware in history. This comes in "just" 7 million units shy of the Nintendo DS sales... a gap that the Switch is unlikely to close any time soon. Sony has invested 50 billion yen (~$318 million) into Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware. At this time there is no word of a full takeover, however, an investment this large of course raises the question if Dark Souls and Elden Ring will ever become PlayStation exclusive titles.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we discussed weird disc formats namely the GameCube's mini-discs that were used for anti-piracy, and the PSP's UMD's that aimed at high-quality + portability. The Game Awards 2024 happened this past week, with Astro Bot taking the competition by storm landing several awards including Game of the Year. There were also a lot of reveals at the event including the Okami Sequel and Onimusha. We also got to see more Warframe 1999, Mafia: The Old Country, and much more.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we explore gaming devices that were adopted by the US military including Xbox 360 controllers that were used instead of an outdated periscope control system and PS3s that were combined to create a very efficient supercomputer. The handheld market is heating up with Sony looking to potentially make a splash in the largely Steam Deck and Switch dominated space. If this device does make it to market, will it run the entire PS5 collection? Or will it have its own library like the PSP and PS Vita? Xbox avatars are being sunset, a feature that used to have a lot of prominence in the Xbox 360 era, but is now largely forgotten. Avatars were re-released after their original implementation on the Xbox 360 and have never quite been the same. Honestly we kept forgetting they even existed so they will not be missed. When you use the PS app you're able to purchase games from the PS Store, but this is not the case on the Xbox app. According to Sarah Bond, this is because Microsoft is waiting for the courts to make a final decision in the "Google Play is an illegal monopoly" case. This is yet another bit added to the saga that Epic began when it took on Apple's and Google's ~30% cut of their app store revenues.

In this week's Gaming Fun Fact we take a look at what happened to arcades. Back in the day, arcades were virtually the only way to enjoy video games, but over time the home console overtook one of the most popular hangout locations for kids and adults alike. We'll explore exactly what lead to the downfall of arcades and the rise of the home console by looking back at gaming from the late-70s through today. Phil Spencer won't rule out any Xbox exclusive making the jump to PlayStation. This comes on the heels of Microsoft's latest "This is an Xbox" advertising campaign that showcases how a tablet, smartphone, and more can be an Xbox. Does this hurt the Xbox brand? Are Xbox console buyers losing out on their investment? The Steam Deck and ROG Ally have created an all-new handheld PC market with top titles like Cyberpunk 2077 running on hardware that can be docked to almost any desktop setup. This mobile and affordable step into the PC market has left some Xbox fans wondering whether they'd ever be able to take their Xbox on-the-go with them (and not on their smartphone). Phil Spencer has confirmed that Xbox does indeed have plans to make a handheld, but it's still years away. Game preservation has been on the brain of gaming historians and retro game fans for well over a decade. While there have been a fair bit of wins and losses in the space, today we're happy to report that GOG has taken up an official effort entitled the "GOG Preservation Program" to ensure the longevity of over 100 games (with more to come!).