EP. 211 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup, EVO Controversy, Bluepoint Games Closed

2026-02-24

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Send a textOn Spectator Mode Podcast episode 211, we discuss major Xbox shakeup as Phil Spencer retires, Sarah Bond exits, and Microsoft appoints a former AI executive to lead the brand.We also dive into the controversy surrounding North America’s biggest fighting game tournament now being owned by Saudi investors, and why much of the FGC is pushing back. On top of that, we discuss Sony shutting down Bluepoint Games, the long-awaited return of .hack, and Bungie’s aggressive new plans to combat cheaters ahead of Marathon. It is a packed episode wit...

Send a text

On Spectator Mode Podcast episode 211, we discuss major Xbox shakeup as Phil Spencer retires, Sarah Bond exits, and Microsoft appoints a former AI executive to lead the brand.

We also dive into the controversy surrounding North America’s biggest fighting game tournament now being owned by Saudi investors, and why much of the FGC is pushing back. On top of that, we discuss Sony shutting down Bluepoint Games, the long-awaited return of .hack, and Bungie’s aggressive new plans to combat cheaters ahead of Marathon. It is a packed episode with a lot to unpack.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro / What we've been playing lately.
10:54 - .hack returns (.hack//Z.E.R.O)
24:07 - Sony shuts down Bluepoint Games
35:08 - Bungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter Marathon
45:49 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup
1:06:10 - RTS fully owns EVO now
1:15:03 - Stop Making Steam Machine Videos That Ignore Reality
1:16:23 - Outro

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