This week, Jae and Jared break down last week’s Nintendo Direct and all the highs and lows that came with it.

Sources:

• Life, N. (2025, September 15). Nintendo Direct September 2025: every announcement, game reveal, trailer. Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/nintendo-direct-september-2025-every-announcement-game-reveal-trailer
• Nintendo of America. (2025, September 12). Nintendo Direct 9.12.2025 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWIEv_aksvo
• Newhouse, A. (2025, September 15). Borderlands 4 Boss Calls People "4K Stubborn," Disputes Reports Of Performance Issues. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-4-boss-calls-people-4k-stubborn-disputes-reports-of-performance-issues/1100-6534746/

This week, Jared and Jae follow up on the Black Ops 6 skin carry-over, Borderlands 4 is out and people have thoughts, and Randy Pitchford encourages people to break Fortnite terms of service. They also share their predictions for the upcoming Nintendo Direct with their own bingo cards!

Sources:

• Yin-Poole, W. (2025, September 10). Treyarch confirms some Black Ops 6 skins will carry forward to Black Ops 7, as Call of Duty players debate Loss of cosmetics ‘Just because of a few cartoon skins people complained about’ - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/treyarch-confirms-some-black-ops-6-skins-will-carry-forward-to-black-ops-7-as-call-of-duty-players-debate-loss-of-cosmetics-just-because-of-a-few-cartoon-skins-people-complained-about
• Phillips, T. (2025, September 10). Borderlands 4 Bundle Containing Fortnite Skin is an eBay Investment, Randy Pitchford Suggests — Even Though Account Trading Risks a Ban - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/borderlands-4-bundle-containing-fortnite-skin-is-an-ebay-investment-randy-pitchford-suggests-even-though-account-trading-risks-a-ban
• Walker, J. (2025, September 10). Nintendo Direct confirmed for September 12. Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/nintendo-direct-september-12-mario-metroid-prime-4-2000624629

This week, Jae and Jared talk Battlefield 6 leaked battle royale footage, Perfect Dark almost gets a second chance, the new LEGO Pokemon sets price points leaked, Silksong broke records and the Internet, and we play a game drafting our perfect set of console launch titles!

Sources:

• Blake, V. (2025, September 1). Battlefield 6’s battle royale footage has leaked — Here’s what it shows us - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/battlefield-6s-battle-royale-footage-has-leaked-heres-what-it-shows-us
• u/ZamnBoii. (2025, August 31). 9 minutes of the Battlefield 6’s BR map leaked. reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1n5ftcg/9_minutes_of_the_battlefield_6s_br_map_leaked/
• Schreier, J. (2025, September 2). ‘Perfect Dark’ Developer Lays Off Staff After Funding Deal Falls Through. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-02/-perfect-dark-developer-lays-off-staff-after-funding-deal-falls-through?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1NjgzNDY3OSwiZXhwIjoxNzU3NDM5NDc5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMVoyQTRHUTdMRlEwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.iGoAomXADlAaCsr4KgsTEy8oHTbv4k9XTSl7NVtRZXo&leadSource=uverify%20wall
• Norman, J. (2025, September 1). Rumour: LEGO Pokémon collection may include one of the biggest sets ever. Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/09/rumour-lego-pokemon-collection-may-include-one-of-the-biggest-sets-ever
• Kennedy, V. P. (2025, September 4). Hollow Knight: Silksong causes server chaos on Xbox, Steam, and Nintendo as platforms grind to a halt. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/silksong-causes-server-chaos-on-xbox-steam-and-nintendo-as-platforms-grind-to-a-halt

This week, Jae and Jared talked about the skate. official release date announcement, Silksong is scaring the other indie devs, and Call of Duty has gone too far with the cosmetics!

Sources:

• skate. skate. | Early Access Release Date Trailer. YouTube. Published online August 26, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p14MSdRtNIo
• Bonthuys D. Forza Horizon 6 reportedly set to be revealed at Tokyo Game Show next month. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/forza-horizon-6-reportedly-set-to-be-revealed-at-tokyo-game-show-next-month/1100-6534227/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f. Published August 25, 2025.
• The Official Pokémon YouTube channel. [UK] Mega Victreebel: The Case of the Sweet Scent incident | Pokémon Legends: Z-A. YouTube. Published online August 21, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLrHQZF7IKU
• The Official Pokémon YouTube channel. FULL MATCH: Hawlucha vs. Machamp! | Pokémon Legends: Z-A. YouTube. Published online August 28, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYCOc3SiU7A
• Chalk A. Even more games are moving out of Silksong's way: 'I feel like a little krill trying not to get eaten by a… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/even-more-games-are-moving-out-of-silksongs-way-i-feel-like-a-little-krill-trying-not-to-get-eaten-by-a-blue-whale/. Published August 22, 2025.
• Carpenter L. 'Silksong lol': CloverPit devs delay the slot machine Balatro-like by 23 days to escape the blast radius of… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/roguelike/silksong-lol-cloverpit-devs-delay-the-slot-machine-balatro-like-by-23-days-to-escape-the-blast-radius-of-silksongs-launch/. Published August 22, 2025.
• CloverPit - 🍋🍒WE HAVE TO DELAY CLOVERPIT A BIT (SILKSONG lol)!🔔🍀 - Steam News. Published August 22, 2025. https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3314790/view/520848458437886253?l=english
• Stomp and the Sword of Miracles (@frogteam.games). Bluesky Social. https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:24amusj3zkjjwpqxdi4f5xm4/post/3lwwege2ipc2e?ref_src=embed&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.pcgamer.com%252Fgames%252Feven-more-games-are-moving-out-of-silksongs-way-i-feel-like-a-little-krill-trying-not-to-get-eaten-by-a-blue-whale%252F
• Gach E. The next Switch 2 Nintendo Direct is reportedly coming soon and will probably be a big one. Kotaku. Published August 25, 2025. https://kotaku.com/nintendo-direct-september-switch-2-mario-metroid-prime-4-date-2000619997
• Park M. Activision finally acknowledges Call of Duty skins problem, decides cosmetics won't carry forward in Black Ops 7:… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/activision-finally-acknowledges-call-of-duty-skins-problem-decides-cosmetics-wont-carry-forward-in-black-ops-7-some-of-you-have-said-weve-drifted-from-what-made-call-of-duty-unique-in-the-first-place-that-feedback-hits-home/. Published August 26, 2025.

This week, we recap Kirby Air Riders, cover the most recent Pokémon news, and cover back-to-back gaming showcases. Buckle up, we've got games to cover!

Sources:

• Hagues A. Pokémon teases a spooky Legends: Z-A reveal later this week. Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/08/pokemon-teases-a-spooky-legends-z-a-reveal-later-this-week. Published August 19, 2025.
• Grixti S, Grixti S, Grixti S, Grixti S. Pokemon Legends Z-A will have a 4 player ranked Arena Deathmatch mode. Press Start. Published August 18, 2025. https://press-start.com.au/news/nintendo/2025/08/18/pokemon-legends-z-a-will-have-a-4-player-ranked-arena-deathmatch-mode/
• DeFreitas C. Pokémon Champions will Replace Scarlet and Violet at the Pokémon World Championships Next Year - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-champions-will-replace-scarlet-and-violet-at-the-pokemon-world-championships-next-year. Published August 18, 2025.
• Mega-Evolved Pokémon Arrive in Pokémon TCG Pocket This Fall. Pokemon.com. Published August 17, 2025. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/mega-evolved-pokemon-arrive-in-pokemon-tcg-pocket-this-fall
• Kuhnke O. The Pokemon TCG is getting a new type of rare mega evolution cards. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-pokemon-tcg-is-getting-a-new-type-of-rare-mega-evolution-cards/1100-6534035/. Published August 18, 2025.
• Grassl Z. First impressions: Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an attempt to catch the hardcore again. Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/first-impressions-pokemon-legends-z-a-is-an-attempt-to-catch-the-hardcore-again. Published August 15, 2025.
• Nintendo of America. Kirby Air Riders Direct 8.19.2025. YouTube. Published online August 19, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtkHiB7WKf4
• thegameawards. 🔴 gamescom ONL 2025 Full Show: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Resident Evil, Fallout, LEGO Batman. YouTube. Published online August 19, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74oh7zD_jxI
• West J. Hollow Knight Silksong hands-on: 2,379 days after its reveal I finally played the elusive metroidvania, and it is… GamesRadar+. Published August 20, 2025. https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action/hollow-knight-silksong-hands-on-preview-gamescom-2025/
• FGS. Future Games Show at gamescom 2025. YouTube. Published online August 20, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVRK-bSdkjo
• Oloman J. Everything announced at the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2025. GamesRadar+. https://www.gamesradar.com/games/everything-announced-at-the-future-games-show-at-gamescom-2025/. Published August 20, 2025.
• Wales M. BioShock 4 studio reportedly facing layoffs as former Diablo boss takes over amid “development turmoil.” Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/bioshock-4-studio-reportedly-facing-layoffs-as-former-diablo-boss-takes-over-amid-development-turmoil. Published August 20, 2025.
• Tomatis I. PlayStation 5 price changes in the U.S. PlayStation.Blog. Published August 20, 2025. https://blog.playstation.com/2025/08/20/playstation-5-price-changes-in-the-u-s/

This week, we recap the Indie World Showcase, our thoughts on the first weekend of the Battlefield 6 Open Beta, the studio behind Guitar Hero is back, and somehow we talk about Monster Hunter again.

Sources:

• Nintendo of America. Indie World Showcase 8.7.2025. YouTube. Published online August 7, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTv0HmKoUqw
• Wales M. Official Xbox handheld console ROG Ally gets a release date, courtesy of reliable leaker. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-branded-asus-gaming-handhelds-release-date-revealed-by-reliable-leaker. Published August 7, 2025.
• Phillips T. Retail leak reveals ROG Xbox Ally handheld release Date - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/retail-leak-reveals-rog-xbox-ally-handheld-release-date. Published August 7, 2025.
• Chalk A. Embracer brings original Guitar Hero publisher RedOctane back from the dead for 'the next evolution in rhythm… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/embracer-brings-original-guitar-hero-publisher-redoctane-back-from-the-dead-for-the-next-evolution-in-rhythm-gaming/. Published August 7, 2025.
• Chalk A. It looks like Microsoft's cuts got another one: Avalanche has stopped work on its 1970s 
• smuggling sim Contraband to… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/it-looks-like-microsofts-cuts-got-another-one-avalanche-has-stopped-work-on-its-1970s-smuggling-sim-contraband-to-evaluate-the-projects-future/. Published August 7, 2025.
• Our three creative divisions - Avalanche Studios Group. https://avalanchestudios.com/divisions/
• Valentine R. Xbox stops development on contraband, four years after initial E3 announcement - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/xbox-stops-development-on-contraband-four-years-after-initial-e3-announcement. Published August 7, 2025.
• Valentine R. Marathon will be out before March 2026, says Sony CFO—but 'this is not a commitment' PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/marathon-will-be-out-before-march-2026-says-sony-cfo-but-this-is-not-a-commitment/. Published August 7, 2025.
• Kerry B. Helldivers 2 “Bring The Boom” trailer teases Halo ODST crossover on Xbox. Pure Xbox. https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/08/helldivers-2-bring-the-boom-trailer-teases-halo-odst-crossover-on-xbox. Published August 12, 2025.
• Yin-Poole W. Battlefield 6 Devs working on “Substantial” increase in server capacity as open beta launches to huge concurrents and equally huge queues - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/battlefield-6-devs-working-on-substantial-increase-in-server-capacity-as-open-beta-launches-to-huge-concurrents-and-equally-huge-queues. Published August 7, 2025.
• Saed S. The Battlefield 6 beta shoots up Steam’s most played charts even before it goes truly open. VG247. https://www.vg247.com/battlefield-6-beta-steam-charts-big-numbers. Published August 7, 2025.
• Bonthuys D. Battlefield 6 Beta eclipses Call of Duty Player record on Steam. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-6-beta-eclipses-call-of-duty-player-record-on-steam/1100-6533822/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f. Published August 11, 2025.
• Williams H. Battlefield 6 Dev explains why only portal mode is getting a server browser. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-6-dev-explains-why-only-portal-mode-is-getting-a-server-browser/1100-6533892/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f. Published August 13, 2025.

Jared gets real hyped breaking down the Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal Event, we recap the very mid Nintendo Partner Direct, and discuss Kiwi Talkz final post about Metroid Prime 4!

Sources:

• Saed S. Battlefield 6 arrives October 10, and the beta kicks off next week. VG247. https://www.vg247.com/battlefield-6-release-date-open-beta-start-date. Published July 31, 2025.
• Park M. Battlefield 6 isn't going to choose between closed or open weapons at launch—the dueling rulesets will… PC Gamer. 
• https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/battlefield-6-isnt-going-to-choose-between-closed-or-open-weapons-at-launch-the-dueling-rulesets-will-coexist/. Published July 31, 2025.
• Battlefield. Battlefield 6 Official Multiplayer gameplay trailer. YouTube. Published online July 31, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFGEMfyAQtI
• Bankhurst A. Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase July 2025: Everything announced - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-partner-showcase-july-2025-everything-announced. Published July 31, 2025.
• Nintendo of America. Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase 7.31.2025. YouTube. Published online July 31, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZoLrfLcIVg
• Chalk A. It's a bad day for BioShock fans: BioShock 4 studio heads have been removed as development struggles, while a… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/its-a-bad-day-for-bioshock-fans-bioshock-4-studio-heads-have-been-removed-as-development-struggles-while-a-bioshock-remake-in-development-has-been-cancelled/. Published August 1, 2025.
• Reddit post about KiwiTalkz final update on Metroid Prime 4 after the recent Nintendo Partner Direct: https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1mfxizw/kiwitalkz_gives_one_last_update_on_what_he_knows/
• Kiwi Talkz Final Post About Metroid Prime 4: https://xcancel.com/kiwitalkz/status/1951705042060497286?s=46
• Litchfield T. Skyblivion's first major dev update since Oblivion Remastered makes its case as more of a full… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-elder-scrolls/skyblivions-first-major-dev-update-since-oblivion-remastered-makes-its-case-as-more-of-a-full-remake-including-a-mega-dungeon-based-off-a-legendary-bit-of-cut-content/. Published August 3, 2025.

This week, Jae and Jared discuss the Battlefield 6 reveal and everything we know, break down the HUGE Sony vs. Tencent lawsuit, and more.

Sources:

• Makuch E. Battlefield 6 - open beta, trailer info, release date leak, Battle Royale, and everything else we know. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-6-release-date-trailer-news/1100-6526583/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f. Published July 24, 2025.
• Koch C. It sure looks like Battlefield 6 will launch this October. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/it-sure-looks-like-battlefield-6-will-launch-this-october/1100-6533418/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f. Published July 24, 2025.
• Battlefield. Battlefield 6 official reveal trailer. YouTube. Published online July 24, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgNCgJG0vnY
• Henderson T. Battlefield 6’s Battle Royale Map Has Leaked, Including All POIs. Insider Gaming. Published July 27, 2025. https://insider-gaming.com/battlefield-6-battle-royale-map/
• Kennedy VP. Switch 2 has become the fastest selling video game hardware device in US history, usurping the PS4. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/switch-2-has-become-the-fastest-selling-video-game-hardware-device-in-us-history-usurping-the-ps4. Published July 23, 2025.
• Warren M. Microsoft U-turn on charging $80 for The Outer Worlds 2 and other Xbox games, cue memes and pre-order refunds. Rock Paper Shotgun. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/microsoft-u-turn-on-charging-80-for-the-outer-worlds-2-and-other-xbox-games-cue-memes-and-pre-order-refunds. Published July 23, 2025.
• Nightingale E. Former Xbox console exclusive Forza Horizon 5 is PS5’s highest-selling game of the year so far, says analyst. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/former-xbox-console-exclusive-forza-horizon-5-is-ps5s-highest-selling-game-of-the-year-so-far-says-analyst. Published July 23, 2025.
• Analytics A. Astro Bot has now sold more than 2.3 million copies. https://alineaanalytics.com/blog/astro-bot/#:~:text=by%20Rhys%20Elliott-,Astro%20Bot%20has%20now%20sold%20more%20than%202.3%20million%20copies,past%2030%20years%20of%20PlayStation.
• Reddit Post on Kiwi Talkz Comments on Metroid Prime 4 Being Unfinished and the Lack of a Release Date:
• https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1m8anas/games_industry_interviewer_kiwitalkz_claims_that/
• x.com/kiwitalkz/status/1947809648700002346
• x.com/kiwitalkz/status/1948460307380404623
• Treon C. August 20 Is Going to be a Big Day for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Game Rant. https://gamerant.com/hollow-knight-silksong-playable-demo-gamescom-2025/. Published July 28, 2025.
• Bhatnagar V. Sony is Suing Tencent. Game Rant. https://gamerant.com/sony-tencent-lawsuit-horizon-rip-off-game-copy-light-of-motiram/. Published July 28, 2025.
• Totilo S. Sony sues Tencent over “slavish clone” of Horizon games. Game File. Published July 28, 2025. https://www.gamefile.news/p/sony-sues-tencent-horizon-light-of-motiram

This week, Jae and Jared break down the recent developments in the Stop Killing Games movement, explain the latest Splitgate 2 situation, and recap the Pokémon Presents and gush about Pokémon Legends ZA!

Sources Used:

• Gilbert, F. (2025, July 21). Ubisoft responds to “Stop Killing Games” petition, says they’re doing their best to support players. Pure Xbox. https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/07/ubisoft-responds-to-stop-killing-games-petition-says-theyre-doing-their-best-to-support-players
• Wales, M. (2025, July 21). Stop Killing Games says “industry has filed false claims” against EU campaign as it surpasses 1.4m signatures. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/stop-killing-games-says-industry-has-filed-false-claims-against-eu-campaign-as-it-surpasses-14m-signatures
• Henderson, T. (2025, July 19). EXCLUSIVE – Battlefield 6 Reveal Will be July 31st in ‘COD Next’ Style Event. insider-gaming.com. https://insider-gaming.com/battlefield-6-reveal-event/
• Battlefield 6 Reveal X Post: https://x.com/Battlefield/status/1947674026912190934
• Makuch, E. (2025, July 22). Splitgate 2 Is Reverting To Beta, OG Servers Shutting Down. gamespot.com. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splitgate-2-is-reverting-to-beta-og-servers-shutting-down/1100-6533350/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
• Co-founder update about Splitgate 2, via Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Splitgate/comments/1m6l5ec/an_update_from_the_founders/
• Kennedy, V. P. (2025, July 17). Five years later, it’s finally go time for Netflix’s live-action Assassin’s Creed series. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/five-years-later-its-finally-go-time-for-netflixs-live-action-assassins-creed-series
• Kurakasis. (2025, July 18). Report: FromSoftware deep into development on unannounced project codenamed “FMC” MP1st. https://mp1st.com/news/fromsoftware-i-development-unannounced-project-codenamed-fmc
• Koch, C. (2025, July 14). Fallout 5 Is Now Reportedly "Fully Greenlit" GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-5-is-now-reportedly-fully-greenlit/1100-6533153/
• Koch, C. (2025, July 14). Fallout 5 Is Now Reportedly "Fully Greenlit" GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-5-is-now-reportedly-fully-greenlit/1100-6533153/
• Rand al Thor 19. (2025, July 11). Xbox Game Pass Drama | Mutiple Fallout Games Coming | Xbox Tokyo Game Show - XB2 371 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDr2ZSFIEXk
• The Official Pokémon YouTube channel. (2025, July 22). Pokémon Presents | 7.22.2025 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZAe5ewM-ic
• Prepare for PokéPark KANTO’s grand opening in early 2026. (2025, July 22). Pokemon.com. https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/prepare-for-pokepark-kantos-grand-opening-in-early-2026
• Pokémon Champions. (n.d.). http://champions.pokemon.com/en-us/
• http://legends.pokemon.com/en-us
• Bulbapedia. (2025b, July 23). Emma - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia. Bulbapedia. https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Emma
• Bulbapedia. (2025a, April 26). Team Flare - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia. Bulbapedia. https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Team_Flare

This week, we talk about how the Subnautica 2 team has been going through it, Xbox can’t stop publicly posting L’s, and our way-too-early Game of the Year predictions.

Sources Used:

• Blake, V. (2025a, July 2). Subnautica 2 developer’s entire leadership team replaced in shock move Krafton said “Will bring renewed energy and momentum” - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/subnautica-2-developers-entire-leadership-team-replaced-in-shock-move-krafton-said-will-bring-renewed-energy-and-momentum
• Blake, V. (2025b, July 14). Subnautica 2 drama gets even messier as Krafton confirms internal document leak is real - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/subnautica-2-drama-gets-even-messier-as-krafton-confirms-internal-document-leak-is-real
• Makar, C. (2025, July 14). Xbox graphics department lead puts out cringe-worthy hiring post. . . with AI graphics. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/head-of-xbox-graphics-department-puts-out-cringe-worthy-hiring-post-with-ai-graphics
• Nightingale, E. (2025, July 11). Nintendo Switch ROM site seized by FBI, as company’s crackdown against piracy continues. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-switch-rom-site-seized-by-fbi-as-companys-crackdown-against-piracy-continues
• Packwood, L. (2025, July 15). Sources suggest that staff laid off at King will be replaced by AI tools they helped to create. GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sources-suggest-that-staff-laid-off-at-king-will-be-replaced-by-ai-tools-they-helped-to-create
• Patrick, D. (2025, July 11). Need for speed just reportedly hit the end of its road. Gameranx. https://gameranx.com/updates/id/544338/article/need-for-speed-just-reportedly-hit-the-end-of-its-road/
• Townsend, V. (2025, July 9). EA Japan GM speaks out on Microsoft layoffs and cancellation of games like Everwild and Perfect Dark: ‘IF a game was in development for 7~10 years, canceling feels like the worst move’ - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-japan-gm-speaks-out-on-microsoft-layoffs-and-cancellation-of-games-like-everwild-and-perfect-dark-if-a-game-was-in-development-for-710-years-canceling-feels-like-the-worst-move
• Wolens, J. (2025, July 15). Microsoft's 200 laid-off King devs are reportedly being replaced by AI they helped build, while its 'absolute… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/microsofts-200-laid-off-king-devs-are-reportedly-being-replaced-by-ai-they-helped-build-while-its-absolute-s-show-hr-department-looks-away-and-whistles/
• Yin-Poole, W. (2025, July 10). More drama in the murky world of Subnautica 2 as official delay confirmation comes hot on the heels of damaging report into now unlikely $250M bonus - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/more-drama-in-the-murky-world-of-subnautica-2-as-official-delay-confirmation-comes-hot-on-the-heels-of-damaging-report-into-now-unlikely-250m-bonus

Jae and Jared dive into the heartbreaking state of Xbox, the uncertainty of the next Battlefield, and discuss some actually promising news regarding Stop Killing Games.

Sources Used:

• Staff E. Microsoft Xbox layoffs June 2025 - what’s clear and what’s not as the weekend nears. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-june-2025-tracking-the-situation-as-it-happens. Published July 4, 2025.
• Chalk A. The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor, who helped launch ZeniMax Online Studios in 2007, is leaving the company. PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/the-elder-scrolls-online-director-matt-firor-who-helped-launch-zenimax-online-studios-in-2007-is-leaving-the-company/. Published July 2, 2025.
• Zwiezen Z. Xbox reportedly cancels that Cool-Looking Perfect Dark reboot. Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/xbox-reportedly-cancels-that-cool-looking-perfect-dark-1851785531?rev=1751476543549. Published July 2, 2025.
• Stanton R. Perfect Dark dev shoots down claim the ace-looking reveal was fake: 'It's probably more real than you… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/perfect-dark-developer-shoots-down-claims-the-ace-looking-reveal-was-fake-its-probably-more-real-than-you-think/. Published July 4, 2025.
• Sickr. The rumoured new Banjo-Kazooie game was apparently shelved - My Nintendo News. My Nintendo News. Published July 3, 2025. https://mynintendonews.com/2025/07/03/the-rumoured-new-banjo-kazooie-game-was-apparently-shelved/
• Blake V. Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 “team is no more.” GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/forza-motorsport-developer-turn-10-team-is-no-more. Published July 7, 2025.
• Axon S, Axon S. What’s wrong with AAA games? The development of the next Battlefield has answers. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/07/behind-the-next-battlefield-game-culture-clash-crunch-and-colossal-stakes/. Published July 3, 2025.
• Warren M. Stop Killing Games’ EU petition hits a million signatures, but “a significant number” could be fake. Rock Paper Shotgun. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-eu-petition-hits-a-million-signatures-but-a-significant-number-could-be-fake. Published July 4, 2025.
• Stop Killing Games FAQ. https://www.stopkillinggames.com/faq
• Bonifield S. European game publisher group responds to Stop Killing Games, claims the proposal 'would curtail developer… PC Gamer. https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/european-game-publisher-group-responds-to-stop-killing-games-claims-these-proposals-would-curtail-developer-choice/. Published July 5, 2025.
• Bonthuys D. EA's Anthem Shutting Down Entirely, Will Be Unplayable Starting Next Year. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eas-anthem-shutting-down-entirely-will-be-unplayable-starting-next-year/1100-6532956/. Published July 3, 2025.
• Grixti S, Grixti S, Grixti S, Grixti S. Helldivers 2 is finally coming to the Xbox Series X. Press Start. Published July 4, 2025. https://press-start.com.au/news/xbox/2025/07/04/helldivers-2-is-coming-to-xbox-series-x-next-month/
• HatingGeoffry. Reddit post about Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox Series consoles. Reddit. Published July 3, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1lqp3kh/helldivers_2_is_coming_to_xbox_as_playstations/
• Weatherbed J. Destiny’s mobile spinoff will arrive in August. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/news/699184/destiny-rising-mobile-game-ios-android-release-date. Published July 7, 2025.
• Van Allen E. Capcom cancels lecture on Monster Hunter Wilds’ optimization, amid harassment concerns - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/capcom-cancels-lecture-on-monster-hunter-wilds-optimization-amid-harassment-concerns. Published July 7, 2025.
• カスタマーハラスメント対応指針 | 株式会社カプコン : サポート. Copyright (C) CAPCOM Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. https://www.capcom.co.jp/support/faq/information_info2025_0266919.html

This week, we discuss the controversial update for Mario Kart World, share our thoughts on the ethics of gambling in esports, and take a quick dive into Capcom’s June Spotlight, where Jared gets a little carried away talking about Monster Hunter.

Sources Used:

• Reynolds, O. (2025, June 26). Fans reckon Nintendo has “Killed” Mario Kart World with its latest update. Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/fans-reckon-nintendo-has-killed-mario-kart-world-with-its-latest-update
• Reddit’s Thoughts on Mario Kart World’s Update: https://www.reddit.com/r/MarioKartWorld/comments/1lkvngb/heartbroken_by_this_update/
• Cripe, M. (2025, June 26). Capcom Spotlight June 2025: Everything revealed - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/capcom-spotlight-june-2025-everything-revealed
• Kuhnke, O. (2025, June 26). Monster Hunter Wilds second title update is adding in Lagiacrus from Monster Hunter 3 when it arrives next week. Rock Paper Shotgun. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/monster-hunter-wilds-second-title-update-is-adding-in-lagiacrus-from-monster-hunter-3-when-it-arrives-next-week
• Makar, C. (2025, June 27). Riot Games opens the door to betting sponsorships in professional League of Legends and Valorant. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/riot-games-opens-the-door-to-betting-sponsorships-in-professional-league-of-legends-and-valorant
• Riot Games Statement: https://x.com/riotgames/status/1938282007148253261
• Blake, V. (2025a, June 28). New Battlefield leak confirms return of fan-favourite mode. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/new-battlefield-leak-confirms-return-of-fan-favourite-mode
• Listen to the new Minecraft disc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChEkbiBzILc
• Blake, V. (2025b, June 29). Fans slam The Alters after discovering evidence of undisclosed gen AI in images, text, and translation. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/fans-slam-the-alters-after-discovering-evidence-of-undisclosed-gen-ai-in-images-text-and-translation
• Bluesky post from 11 Bit Studios: https://bsky.app/profile/11bitstudios.bsky.social/post/3lstiwaoxcc2i
• Makuch, E. (2025, June 25). Taco Bell-Themed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 DLC Is Coming, And We Hope You're Hungry. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/taco-bell-themed-tony-hawks-pro-skater-3-4-dlc-is-coming-and-we-hope-youre-hungry/1100-6532708/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
• Kennedy, V. P. (2025, July 1). Nintendo confirms Donkey Kong Bananza is being made by the Mario Odyssey team. Eurogamer.net. https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-confirms-donkey-kong-bananza-is-being-made-by-the-mario-odyssey-team
• Marnell, B. (2025, July 1). Marvel Rivals Season 3 Adds Phoenix And Blade, Introduces New Villain. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-rivals-season-3-adds-phoenix-and-blade-introduces-new-villain/1100-6532891/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f