On this episode of M2 Podcast, we dig into the shifting power dynamics shaping the video game industry in 2026. We break down U.S. lawmakers urging federal regulators to closely examine the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts amid growing labor concerns, alongside new data revealing that nearly one-third of U.S. game industry workers have faced layoffs in the past two years. We also look at the brighter side of the industry with fresh hype around Microsoft’s Fable reboot and its ambitious “Living Population” system, before closing with Valve facing a major lawsuit over Steam’s commission structure. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, consolidation, and what the future may hold for developers and players alike.

0:00 Intro

1:02 Updates

17:01 US lawmakers ask FTC to review $55bn EA deal https://tinyurl.com/mpd5ay9z

25:26 1/3 of U.S. Game Industry Workers Were Laid Off in the Last Two Years https://tinyurl.com/2s3a6yvt

35:38 Fable Reboot Is "Just Mind-Blowing" https://tinyurl.com/569cxmp7

47:17 Valve faces lawsuit over dev commissions on Steam https://tinyurl.com/3yctytcp

1:01:06 Outro

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This week’s episode covers a wide range of major developments across the gaming industry, starting with a brief disruption at Rockstar North after a boiler malfunction prompted emergency services to secure minor structural damage, an incident the studio quickly confirmed caused no injuries and did not impact ongoing GTA 6 development. The discussion then shifts to Gears of War: E-Day, with developers emphasizing a return to the gritty tone and atmosphere of the original games while rebuilding the franchise from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. The episode also highlights new research linking gaming more than 10 hours per week to poorer diet, sleep, and body mass outcomes, underscoring how excessive play, not gaming itself, can impact health. Finally, Bungie’s Marathon takes center stage with its confirmed March 5, 2026 release date, new gameplay details, faction-driven storytelling, and a high-profile voice cast, marking one of the most anticipated launches of the year.

0:00 Intro

1:04 Update

17:35 GTA 6 Developer Rockstar North Fire Crews https://tinyurl.com/5fnhttv7

25:58 Gears Of War: E-Day https://tinyurl.com/bdz3y8hd

33:20 Gaming More Than 10 Hours a Week? https://tinyurl.com/4z7p3zmm

48:57 Marathon News https://tinyurl.com/uat7tk9n

1:00:50 Outro

Leave a LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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PODCAST ►► https://anchor.fm/m2podcast

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This week on M2 Podcast, we break down the chaos surrounding Rainbow Six Siege after a massive hack flooded the game with billions in in-game currency and forced Ubisoft to take servers offline. We also take a close look at 8BitDo’s new Ultimate 3E controller, an officially licensed Xbox peripheral that looks like the Elite Series 3 Microsoft never released. On the business side of gaming, we discuss the surprisingly effective psychology behind indie game pricing and why developers believe $8 still feels like $5 to players. Finally, we unpack the growing RAM price crisis, exploring how AI demand, manufacturing shifts, and supply constraints are driving up costs and reshaping the future of PC builds.

0:00 Intro

1:48 Updates

10:01 Rainbow Six Siege Engulfed In Chaos https://tinyurl.com/442mccbz

19:49 8BitDo's new Xbox pro controller https://tinyurl.com/4ussn7pt

38:46 Peak Developer Explains Successful Game Pricing https://tinyurl.com/53kufe6p

50:02 Why is RAM so expensive right now? https://tinyurl.com/3zemt3ca

1:28:48 Outro

Leave a LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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PODCAST ►► https://anchor.fm/m2podcast

AMAZON Music ► https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/091902c3-b83b-487c-8fe7-4c96787434fe/M2-Podcast

APPLE ► https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1531832410

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#podcast

JOIN THE DISCORD! ►► https://discord.gg/Kp5Gre6

KyleHeath Socials:

TIKTOK ►► https://www.tiktok.com/@mrjkheath

TWITCH ►► https://www.twitch.tv/kyleheath

TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/mrjkheath

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

TIKTOK ►► https://www.tiktok.com/@madmikewilleatu

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YOUTUBE ►► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1MoIvzyMDvH_5Ta