Spectator Mode Gaming Podcast

Ep. 215 - Epic Games Drama, PS5 Price Problems & Xbox Shifts Strategy

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 215 of Spectator Mode Podcast, we get into a rough week for the gaming industry, starting with Epic Games and how former employees were handled, and why that situation doesn’t sit right. We also break down the recent PS5 price changes and why this trend could be bad news for gamers long-term, along with Xbox quietly backing away from its “Everything is an Xbox” push. On top of that, we cover the latest Xbox Partner Preview, Matt’s experience at PAX East 2026, and what we’ve been playing.Timestamps00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping01:12 – Games We’ve Played15:59 – Epic Games & Tim Sweeney Controversy29:51 – Matt’s PAX East 2026 Experience48:20 – PS5 Price Changes & Why This Is Dangerous58:49 – Xbox Kills “Everything is an Xbox” Campaign1:09:06 – Xbox Partner Preview Breakdown1:18:18 – Last Minute Topics#spectatormode #gamingpodcast #theouterhaven #epicgames #playstation5 #timsweenySupport the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Ep. 214 - Jeff Kaplan Talks Blizzard, PC Gaming Woes & Spider-Man: Brand New Day Hype

Send us Fan MailIn Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 214, we talk about what we’ve been playing, break down Crimson Desert and its approach to diversity, and discuss the current state of the PC gaming market. We also dive into Jeff Kaplan’s comments about Blizzard and game development, before wrapping things up with our reactions to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer.If you’re into gaming, industry talk, and a bit of hype, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Timestamps00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping00:53 – Games We’ve Played16:35 – Crimson Desert and Its Diversity30:41 – The PC Gaming Market Continues to Get Worse42:14 – Jeff Kaplan Talks Blizzard & Game Development1:00:10 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer Reactions1:15:28 – Outro#SpectatorMode #GamingPodcast #CrimsonDesert #PCGaming #JeffKaplan #Blizzard #SpiderMan #GamingNews #TheOuterhavenSupport the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Ep.213 - Mega Man Recast, Nagoshi Studio in Trouble, Project Helix Details

Send us Fan MailSpectator Mode Episode 213 is here! After talking about what we've been playing, we dive into new details on Microsoft's Project Helix, Ben Diskin's decision to walk away from Mega Man: Override over Capcom's refusal to offer a union contract, and Nagoshi Studio facing a funding crisis that could kill Gang of Dragon before it launches.00:00 - Intro01:35 - What we played this week (keep it to 3 games) 10:44 - Project Helix gets more details27:48 - Ben Diskin is not continuing as Mega Man34:45 - Nagoshi Studio Has danger of getting funding pulled in May from NetEaseCheck out our other Spectator Mode Podcast episodes - https://www.theouterhaven.net/podcasts/spectatormodepodcast/#GamingPodcast #MegaMan #NagoshiStudio #projecthelix #xbox #Support the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Ep. 212 - Nintendo Sues US Govt | Project Helix | PlayStation Exits PC Gaming

Send us Fan MailThis week on Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 212, we’re joined by Jeff Young from Analog Stick Gaming to discuss some of the biggest topics in gaming right now.We talk about Valve’s latest update on the Steam Machine, Xbox’s newly revealed Project Helix gaming device, and whether PlayStation might be walking back its push into PC gaming. We also get into the growing issue of AI-written game reviews appearing in gaming journalism and the reveal of a new Sword Art Online game.Along the way, we also discuss what we’ve been playing this week and share our thoughts on where the industry seems to be heading.#projecthelix #nintendo #playstation #gaming #podcast #theouterhaven Timestamps:1:00 – What games we played this week24:18 – Valve gives an update on the Steam Machine release date26:08 – Nintendo sues the US Government over tariffs31:44 – Is PlayStation killing its PC gaming initiative?52:55 – Xbox reveals Project Helix, its Xbox/PC gaming device1:25:00 – AI game reviews are starting to appear in gaming journalism1:38:00 – A new Sword Art Online game, Echoes Of Aincrad Announced #pcgaming #playstation #xbox #projecthelix #nintendo #gamingpodcastSupport the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

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

Send us Fan MailOn 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 Games35:08 - Bungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter Marathon45:49 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup1:06:10 - RTS fully owns EVO now1:15:03 - Stop Making Steam Machine Videos That Ignore Reality1:16:23 - OutroThanks for listening, and please, if you enjoy the show, leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Music.Spotify – spoti.fi/2HsmTZ8Apple Music – https://apple.co/43Bz67AYouTube – Youtube.com/theouterhavenAmazon Music – https://amzn.to/3FE4bPMAnd if you have questions for us or want us to discuss a topic, let us know by contacting us at tips@theouterhaven.net.Support the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music