Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is It Time To Cancel Xbox Game Pass? May 29, 2022

Show notes

As Cog would say, "the Twitter streets are getting hot!" We have seen the conversation surrounding Xbox turn up to 11 as cooler heads refuse to prevail. Now, many are announcing their exit of Xbox's crown jewel: Game Pass. To make matters more interesting, Xbox Game Pass fanned the flames with a "dunk" on Kotaku bringing to light a potential weakness in their offering. So, joining the zeitgeist, is it truly time to cancel your subscription? The Duke have some thoughts on the matter. To make matters worse for some, it has been confirmed that Xbox turned down an exclusive deal with Marvel to work on their IP. As we know, PlayStation took that ball, ran with it, and now it is a major piece of the pie they offer fans. Is this a decision that Phil and his team regret? Matty and Cog parse through the timeline and get into what transpired here.

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Xbox Has No Games? - Can 2022 Be Saved? May 22, 2022

Show notes

With the delay of both Starfield and Redfall, discussions have only heated up since we all last spoke. People are calling for Phil Spencer's job and console war toxicity is reaching an all time high. Joining us is Windows Central Gaming's own Miles Dompier to talk on our most requested subject: Can Xbox save their 2022? The pressure is on from fans who are expecting answers with the June showcase and the Dukes have united with Miles to talk about what exactly Xbox can do to quell concerns. Beyond that, PlayStation has struck at a perfect time with details about their PS Plus overhaul. Xbox fans must now take a hard look at Game Pass and see if it can answer the bell (Spoilers: It does).

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Starfield & Redfall Are Delayed To 2023 - What’s Next? May 15, 2022

Show notes

Xbox and Bethesda's partnership was destined to bear fruit in 2022. Now, that has been pushed back as it has been confirmed that Starfield and Redfall are now slated for the first half of 2023. To say this is catastrophic would be an understatement even if it means we receive better games at the end of the road. The showcase, the expectations, the holiday window, the shake-up of releases for 2023, the potential shotgun blast of those, and many more ramifications we likely won't know of until they hit. This marks Bethesda Game Studios' first true delay since Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2005 when it was, ironically, pushed back to Spring 2006 for the Xbox 360. Joining us is ColtEastwood to discuss the Xbox Everywhere initiative along with the newly announced Summer Games Fest showcase which presents a problem Xbox is much happier to have. That being, where do they slot in the numerous announcements and big reveals they have planned? If reports are to be believed, the spread has increased to three if you include Gamescom and offers the team the ability to spread the wealth. Problems both good and bad for the green machine have arrived and it's time for us alongside our lovely guest to discuss.

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The Xbox & Bethesda 2022 Games Showcase Cannot Fail May 08, 2022

Show notes

It's been a busy week in gaming. Between Square Enix, WB Games, and Ubisoft, the acquisition conversation has never been hotter and now with a move by Embracer yet another piece has been removed from the chess board. Bringing this Embracer Group to a staggering 14,000 employees and 200+ games in development, this move to acquire Square Enix's western division has put the industry on watch. Matty and Cog discuss the future of Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, other abandoned Square Enix IP, as well as the future of both Square and Embracer. More important to the Xbox fandom is the newly announced Summer Showcase for 2022. Xbox and Bethesda are teaming up again on June 12th for what is a show that must be a statement. This has to be where a new era of Xbox begins in earnest.

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Ubisoft Is Next For Acquisition + Bethesda 'Leaks' Everywhere May 01, 2022

Show notes

During acquisition season, many of us have been surprised by targets such as Zenimax, ABK, and Bungie. However, there is one company that has been on all of our bingo cards and that's Ubisoft. Reports are arriving which state that the company is preparing to sell off in the face of yet another takeover as their share prices continue to nosedive. While Ubisoft claims they can remain independent, can they truly? Outside of the Ubisoft rumors, Bethesda is trudging through many of their own. A Mandalorian game, Roundhouse's possible comic book game, and updates on Elder Scrolls VI? I (Matty) have spent time rummaging through these leaks to get to the bottom of what is happening here and it's time to spill some tea. Preferably spilled with a spoon, which we also get into.

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SEGA 'Super Game' Leaks + Halo Infinite's Second Wind Apr 24, 2022

Show notes

JET SET RADIOOOOOOO! After all this time, it looks like it may be finally back. Even 'crazier,' Crazy Taxi also looks to be in the mix as both series are set to return through SEGA's mysterious "Super Game" as fully developed AAA games. Despite Matty and Cog's optimism, we can't help but feel some ominous energy emanating from this new venture of SEGA's in a world full of microtransactions and NFTs. Furthermore, details for Season 2 of Halo Infinite have arrived and things are looking up for the struggling service game. New modes, maps, and even more details on the leaked Battle Royale mode. What do the boys think of this second wind for Xbox's flagship IP? Plus, more on Star Wars, Marvel, and DC games as all have announcements (or leaks) of their own this week! These are all topics that can bring people together, but what of your utensil of choice for Mac & Cheese? This is what separates the men from the boys and we are about to learn a lot about each other in this episode.

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Xbox's Brand New Partnership + Kingdom Hearts 4 Is Real Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Halo Infinite has struggled mightily out the gate to supply content post launch, but with Certain Affinity joining the crew at 343 in official capacity; things may now finally start heading in the other direction. Certain Affinity has appeared in a multitude of Xbox related reports as they are not only working on Halo, but also chipping away on an exclusive Monster Hunter styled game. Indeed, this 'support studio' is more than what meets the eye. Over in unreality or whatever it is, Kingdom Hearts 4 is announced. There are parallels to Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a more realistic Sora, grappling hooks, Star Wars, and much more. Yes, it's a Tetsuya Nomura game. It's a week worthy of celebration for weebs far and wide as beyond Kingdom Hearts there is renowned Shonen Jump publisher Shueisha who has entered the game space. That plus major legal developments in the case between Activision/California, May's day one Game Pass lineup, the boneless chicken wing saga, and even education on store brand goods make for one of our most varied DDs to date.

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Game Pass Price Increase + Undead Labs "In Trouble" Apr 10, 2022

Show notes

Long have we anticipated a price increase for Xbox Game Pass and, in some cases, many had requested this. According to Brad Sams, this change is coming and it is possible it lands when the Activision acquisition is complete. It will be a different landscape for the brand then upon the completion of said deal likely to be in 2023 and it is largely expected that is when we will finally see more output from Xbox Game Studios. Before the price increase hits, reports have landed of a potential family plan incoming as well. We spoke at large about the status of Undead Labs and now the expose` has landed. Arriving via 12 sources, some former employees, there is much to discuss on the journalistic integrity of these reports and where other stories lie.

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The Xbox Game Pass "Killer" Has Arrived... Apr 03, 2022

Show notes

After many weeks of reporting, leaking, and speculating, PlayStation's answer to Game Pass is here. Jim Ryan said as much over a year ago that PlayStation was working on that answer to the booming service and it arrives in the form of a three tier subscription that manages to outprice its main competitor. How does it stand on its own and how does it compare to the current dominance of Game Pass? Is PlayStation bowing out of day-and-date releases enough for them to tread water? The Dukes dig in. On Xbox's own home turf, there seems to be trouble brewing. Former Undead Labs studio head Jeff Strain got ahead of a Kotaku piece on him and the studio with his own response to the questions asked by the outlet. It is merely one half of the tale, but is yet another studio going to come under fire? Time shall tell. More importantly then all of this hullabaloo: Chicken wings and game title abbreviations. This is where the really conversation lies in this week's Defining Duke.

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PlayStation Keeps Buying Studios + The Witcher 4 Announced Mar 27, 2022

Show notes

It's a mixed bag kind of week. From chicken wing and soda slander all the way down to the latest at CD Projekt Red, this episode covers a lot of ground if I do say so myself. A new Witcher game has been announced, PlayStation gobbles up another studio in a most organic way, and former Microsoft partner Moon Studios is in big trouble. Plus news on a Ubisoft showcase and the latest on the Xbox x Steam Deck integrations. There's plenty of discussion to go around, so get cozy and let's chat about the latest week in the world of video games.

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