The XboxCast

We Are A Good Product

We're trying out something new with our show notes. Introducing - EMOJI! 
 
You're welcome. 
 
🛞 Forza Fans Left Spinning
Forza’s latest studio update has left fans clutching their steering wheels in despair. With key developers shifting gears and future plans feeling more like a detour than a straightaway, the community is wondering if the franchise is headed for a pit stop or permanent retirement. We unpack the heartbreak and speculate on what’s next for the once-glorious racing titan.
 
🔥 Ubisoft Wants You to Burn Your Discs
In a move that feels like it was brainstormed during a villain monologue, Ubisoft has declared war on physical media. That’s right — they want you to destroy your own game discs. We dive into the dystopian logic behind this, and ask: is this the beginning of the end for game ownership?
 
🧠 Microsoft’s Unreal Expectations?A new report claims Microsoft has “unrealistic” expectations for Xbox. But not everyone agrees. Some say it’s visionary leadership, others say it’s corporate delusion. We break down the debate and ask whether Xbox is dreaming big or just dreaming.
 
🧨 Romero Games: From Boom to Bust?
Galway-based Romero Games was working on a promising new FPS — until their funding partner (allegedly Microsoft) pulled the plug. With 100 jobs at risk and a game that was hitting every milestone, we explore the emotional fallout and the studio’s fight to stay alive.
 
🛑 Stop Killing Games — But Publishers Say “No Thanks”
The Stop Killing Games movement has hit 1.4 million signatures, demanding that publishers stop nuking online games. But European publishers say the proposals would “curtail developer choice.” We examine both sides of the digital preservation war.
 
💸 ROG Xbox Ally Pricing Leaks — Hold Onto Your Wallet
The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds have leaked with eye-watering prices: €599 and €899 respectively. Set to launch October 16, these Steam Deck rivals promise portable Xbox gaming — but at what cost? We break down the specs, the strategy, and whether your wallet can survive.
 
☁️ Stream Your Own Game — Finally on PC
Xbox’s PC app now lets you stream games you own — no Game Pass required. It’s a quiet revolution for cloud gaming, and a big win for players who prefer ownership over subscription.
 
🧍‍♂️ Halo CE Remake Rumored for 2026 — But Only Single Player?
Rumors swirl about a Halo: Combat Evolved remake dropping in 2026 to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary. But here’s the kicker: it might be single-player only. We discuss what this means for fans, and whether it’s a bold reimagining or a missed opportunity.
 
🏴‍☠️ Sea of Thieves Gets Custom Servers — But You’ll Pay
Rare is finally adding custom servers to Sea of Thieves in early 2026 — but they’re locked behind a new subscription model. We explore what you’ll get, what it’ll cost, and whether it’s worth the doubloons.
 
🛹 Tony Hawk’s Dynamic Background — Because Why Not?
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 gets a flashy new Xbox dynamic background. It’s got birds, it’s got Tony, and it’s got just enough movement to make you feel like you’re grinding through nostalgia.
 
🕹️ Game Pass July Wave 2 — Grounded 2, Wuchang, RoboCop & More
Microsoft’s July 2025 Wave 2 lineup includes Grounded 2, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, RoboCop: Rogue City, and more. We highlight the hits, the hidden gems, and the ones you might want to skip.
 
📅 August Game Pass So Far — Assassin’s Creed Mirage Leads the Charge
August kicks off with Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Rain World, Citizen Sleeper 2, and Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. We preview the lineup and speculate on what Wave 2 might bring.
 
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The Eight Year Anniversary Episode

It's been eight years since we embarked on the journey known as The XboxCast! 
Join us as we look back - from where we started to how we ended up here. 
 
What were we playing 8 years ago? What were you playing 8 years ago?
And how did we record those first episodes? 
 
All will be answered in this episode. Or at least mused over.
This is one episode you're going to want to go to YouTube to watch.... Trust us!
 
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Call of FortCraft

Microsoft giveth.And Microsoft taketh away.
And more seems to be going by the day.
 
The internet awoke to a bombshell this week with Microsoft canceling the highly anticipated Perfect Dark reboot and Rare’s ethereal Everwild, and shut down The Initiative studio in a sweeping round of layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees. Turn 10 Studios have also been cut in half and a rumored to be a support studio going forward. 
Fans are reeling from the loss of these ambitious titles, with Perfect Dark’s sleek 2024 gameplay trailer now a bittersweet memory, and Everwild’s lush fantasy world left unexplored.
 
The A.I. beast must be feed, and Xbox looks to be sacrificial lamb here. 
 
In the business world of line must go up, how long can Xbox survive? Especially with Satya's shortsightedness and tunnel vision on Azure. It seems that these are dark days for Xbox.  
 
But it’s not all doom and gloom—Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 charges in with its Siege update, borrowing a horde-mode vibe from Gears of War to keep Space Marines slashing through Tyranid swarms. Meanwhile, The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampire-fueled open-world RPG, stunned some with a massive gameplay reveal, yet left out hosts on the other side of "meh".
 
The Xbox App is leveling up too, adding Steam and Battle.net support for a seamless cross-platform experience—PC gamers, it’s time to unite your libraries! Xbox is here to save the day, as long as it's allowed to. And this leads Kyle to go on a rant about Steam... 
 
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Best Face Badge

Lee has won Best Face Badge.
Not in real life - only in our hearts. 
 
This week, we’re buzzing about Microsoft’s bombshell reveal of next-gen Xbox consoles, powered by a multi-year AMD partnership promising cutting-edge graphics, AI-enhanced gameplay, and full backwards compatibility with your entire Xbox library—ensuring your classics stay alive. Rumors swirl that these consoles, possibly launching in 2027, might lean into a Windows-based PC-like experience, sparking debates about whether Xbox is morphing into a gaming PC powerhouse.
 
Meanwhile, Borderlands 4 hands-on previews are dropping jaws, with its chaotic looter-shooter vibes set to redefine the series. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition leaked ahead of its announcement, hinting at a VR future where Game Pass and cloud gaming collide for immersive adventures.
 
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II gets an enhanced update on August 12, 2025, with new modes and achievements to deepen its haunting narrative. While also sneakily going across to the blue team... We're truly living in a future where Halo may even come next! How do you feel as an Xbox fan? 
 
The Xbox 360 lives on with a surprise 2025 update, keeping the retro flame burning. And in a move to surprise no one, the update puts ads on the dashboard. That's right - update your console from 2006 and get ads... Microsoft manages to Microsoft over everything lately.
 
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Dead or Alive 3: Relifted

Dead of Alive 3 is getting a remake, or remaster.
And all around the world, people cheered! 
 
After Not-E3, the news always tends to slow down. So we just tend to talk about Lee playing football at McLean park in Napier. He's practically famous by now. But we all know that you're here for game news, so lets go over everything we've missed from the Summer Game Fest.
 
Now we're going over every game that got shown that's coming to Xbox and Xbox PC. Strap yourselves in, its going to be a long one... Also, Kyle thinks Dark Souls doesn't look good. Because whats better for exposure than controversial statements? Although saying Dark Souls doesn't look good is not exactly controversial. 
 
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Cod Fish Necklace: An Xbox Show Case Wrap Up

Xbox's Not-E3 has come and gone. And we're left wondering about a lot of things... 
 
Sure, we can write some witty comments here, but it's much easier to just give you a list of the games that Xbox showed off. For all out thoughts,. you'll just have to listen to the podcast... 
 
What was interesting was just how many had the PS5 Logo. Looks like Xbox is truly embracing its future as the modern SEGA... 
 
The games Xbox chose to show us:
The Outer Worlds 2 (October 29, 2025, Game Pass)
High on Life 3 (March 2025, Game Pass)
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (March 2026, Game Pass)
The Blood of Dawnwalker (2026, Xbox/PC/PS5)
Super Meat Boy 3D (March 2025, Game Pass)
Ninja Gaiden 4 (April 7, 2025, Xbox/PC/PS5, Game Pass)
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – DLC: The Order of Giants (September 2025)
Grounded 2 (July 29, 2025, Game Preview, Game Pass)
Clockwork Revolution (Release TBD, Game Pass)
Beast of Reincarnation (2026, Xbox/PC/PS5, Game Pass)
Final Fantasy XVI (Available immediately on Xbox Series X|S and PC)
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Winter 2025, Xbox)
Persona 4 Revival (Release TBD, Xbox/PC/PS5, Game Pass)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (Release TBD, Game Pass Ultimate)
Age of Mythology: Retold – Heavenly Spear DLC (Fall 2025, Game Pass)
There Are No Ghosts at the Grand (2026, Xbox/PC, Game Pass)
Mudang: Two Hearts (2026, Xbox/PC)
Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf (2026, Xbox/PC, Game Pass)
Fallout 76: Gone Fission (Available now)
Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive (2026, Xbox)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 (July 11, 2025, Game Pass)
At Fate’s End (2026, Xbox/PC, Game Pass)
Gears of War: Reloaded (August 26, 2025, Xbox/PC/PS5, Game Pass)
Sea of Thieves – Season 17: Smuggler’s Tide (August 2025)
Keeper (October 17, 2025, Xbox/PC)
Cronos: A New Dawn (Fall 2025, Xbox/PC)
Aphelion (2026, Xbox/PC, Game Pass)
Aniimo (2026, Xbox/PC)
Invincible Vs. (2026, Xbox/PC)
Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025, tied to ROG Xbox Ally launch, Game Pass)
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Release TBD)
What did you think of 2025's Not-E3? 
 
Join our Discord to become a member of our amazing community and take part in our #Back2YourBacklog June Event!
 
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For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit
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This is an Xbox. That is an Xbox. You’re an Xbox and I’m an Xbox!

When everything is an Xbox, nothing is an Xbox... 
 
Xbox Game Pass is a rollercoaster, welcoming trippy sci-fi and an anti-live-service gem in The Alters, while Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II shadowdrop for console players.Game Pass is the gift that just keep on giving. But where is the option to subscribe for more time to play these amazing games? 
 
Minecraft may have missed its Super Duper Graphics Pack update, but it's back with a massive graphics update and a bonus achievement. Finally, we get to see the blocks rendered in 4K... And remember Manual Samuel —that wacky gem? Well it gets new achievements after nine years!
 
Hardware’s stealing the spotlight, though: Microsoft’s new AMD partnership powers first-party Xbox gear, and two Xbox handhelds drop just as Nintendo Switch 2 launches (cheeky timing, Phil!). The ROG Xbox Ally gets a price and release date, but Microsoft’s sidelining its own handheld to focus on Windows 11 PC gaming, with “Xbox PC” branding taking center stage. Fans aren’t thrilled, with some claiming “Xbox as we know it is ending” and others joking you’ll need to sell a kidney for the new storage upgrades.
 
The Witcher 4 set the internet ablaze with a UE 5.6 tech demo at State of Unreal 2025, but has left Lee very unimpressed. We'll let youi be the judge, but so far, it just looks like another UE5 game. Kyle holds out hope that CD Projekt RED will deliver though, but how far can reckless optimism get you?
 
Forza Horizon 6 is teased for Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026—no release this year year, though. Sony’s PlayStation State of Play June 2025 showcased a slew of PC and Xbox titles, proving cross-platform love is alive.
 
The next event is in June and it's all about your backlog! For more info, check out the official #Back2YourBacklog page on our website for all the info. Then join our Discord to become a member of our amazing community.
 
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For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit
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Jason MooMoo The Sea Cow

A Riders Republic movie is in the works. 
Sometimes the jokes write themselves...
 
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine gets a remastered glow-up, landing day one for Xbox and PC—perfect for chainsword-wielding fans. Meanwhile, The Division 2 storms the service with its Battle for Brooklyn expansion and Year 7 content, ready to unleash fresh chaos.
 
Xbox dropped sleek Witcher 3 controllers to celebrate a decade of Geralt, making us all want to toss a coin to our console setups. Over in Monster Hunter Wilds, the May update brings Street Fighter’s Akuma, tougher Tempered monsters, and balance tweaks that have us hyped. But it’s not all smooth sailing—EA’s canned its Black Panther game and shuttered Cliffhanger Games, leaving Wakanda fans gutted, while Bungie’s Destiny 2 content vaulting stirs up legal drama that’s got Guardians talking.
 
On the experimental side, Microsoft’s testing an Xbox Copilot AI to guide your gaming—friend or futuristic overlord? We’ll see. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 hits a milestone thats super fitting for the game, and Atomfall is already eyeing a sequel and a TV show, talk about big dreams!
 
And Hideo Kojima’s back at Summer Game Fest, because of course he is. Geoff continues to remind the world that Kojima is his friend, even if Kojima doesn't know...  
 
The next event is in June and it's all about your backlog! For more info, check out the official #Back2YourBacklog page on our website for all the info. Then join our Discord to become a member of our amazing community.
 
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For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit
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The T-Box

Our world famous #AprilAchievementChallenge has come to an end. And do we have the recap for you - all the in-and-outs as they happened!
Gears of War is going to PlayStation, its true, For all the good that will do...Xbox really seems keen to destroy its brand.
As it sends its tent pole games into competitor's hand.
But the games only flow towards one way,
As God of War has not come to Xbox this day...
We're sorry for starting the podcast off with this depressing news, but blame Lee. So far, of the core Xbox franchises - Forza, Gears and Halo, only Halo remains and Xbox exclusive. But for how long? By the end on Not-E3 this year, will Xbox have any exclusives left? Probably not. Then the only thing going for it is Game Pass... The world we could have been in, if only Microsoft stick by their guns and had faith in their products - Xbox included. Just imagine what would have happened if Call of Duty was exclusive! Xbox may even be the no.1 console...
 
In saying that - it's not like we aren't getting any games! Thanks to a renewed Xbox roadmap, we can see the next few games planned and we're sure this will be expanded on during not-E3 as well! In addition, Game Pass continues to shower us with games - some we have bought, and some we were going to buy. This is the service that keeps on serving... up good games, that is!
 
While there's a lot to be critical of, Xbox is where our hearts are. Even if its not where Microsoft's heart is any more. So in preparation, we're getting ready for Tencent to buy Xbox from Microsoft and release The T-Box! Tongue in cheek, of course!
 
The next event is in June and it's all about your backlog! For more info, check out the official #Back2YourBacklog page on our website for all the info. Then join our Discord to become a member of our amazing community.
 
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For previous episodes, our socials, community events, and more, visit
⭐THE XBOXCAST OFFICIAL WEBSITE ⭐