This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down the growing challenges facing the video game industry, starting with Valve's efforts to address Steam's growing backlog of game submissions amid an explosion of AI-generated titles and the impact it's having on indie developers. We explore the seemingly endless curse of Star Wars Battlefront 3, examining its history of cancellations, corporate politics, and the latest reports that EA may finally be moving forward with the long-awaited sequel at the expense of BioWare and Mass Effect. We also discuss the potential sale of Arkane Studios as Ubisoft and other companies reportedly express interest in acquiring the struggling developer, raising questions about Microsoft's Xbox restructuring and the future of beloved studios. Finally, we examine the growing divide between Steam and Epic Games, as a former Epic engineer argues that Valve's dominance over PC gaming may be virtually impossible to challenge, despite ongoing criticism of its 30% revenue cut.

0:00 Intro

0:56 Update

15:07 Valve changed Steam release rules https://tinyurl.com/mr3jsvt5

29:26 The Curse Of Star Wars Battlefront 3 https://tinyurl.com/2xxxawrh

48:47 Ubisoft, Others want to buy Arkane Studios https://tinyurl.com/3bm523cz

56:23 'Steam is King’' – Former Epic Games Engineer https://tinyurl.com/4uykwy6m

1:08:35 Outro

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

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This week on the M2 Podcast, we discuss Epic Games embracing AI to develop and improve Unreal Engine, including claims that AI tools are solving longstanding development issues. We examine the closure of BioWare and its co-founder's criticism of EA's Saudi-led acquisition, explore the growing challenges developers face with Early Access and rising player expectations, and discuss restrictive employment contracts that prevent game developers from working on personal projects. Finally, we look at Xbox bringing achievements to select original Xbox games and the classic titles we'd love to see get the achievement treatment.

0:00 Intro

1:28 Updates

10:07 AI code tools have stomped out decade-old bugs in Unreal Engine https://tinyurl.com/3drwkftf

18:28 EA's sale to Saudi-led "nail in the coffin" for BioWare https://tinyurl.com/4taym765

28:19 "Developers need to treat Early Access like real launch" https://tinyurl.com/5b4baxaj

53:40 10 OG Xbox Games We're Hoping Get Achievements In 2026 https://tinyurl.com/3e7fhx9v

1:04:03 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

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down Xbox’s latest moves, including the launch of Xbox Labs to experiment with emerging technology and the new $50 Xbox Nano Controller. We also celebrate the Australian Game Developer Awards, where Mixtape took home Game of the Year, before diving into Epic Games’ reported shift toward AI-first development for its upcoming Marvel and Star Wars shooter. What does AI-driven game development mean for creativity, developers, and the future of the industry? We discuss the potential benefits, the risks, and whether gaming’s biggest companies are innovating for players or prioritizing efficiency above all else.

0:00 Intro

1:11 Updates

10:51 Xbox announces Xbox Labs https://tinyurl.com/yazk8z7k

25:58 Xbox Nano Controller Announced https://tinyurl.com/msv72ur2

39:27 Mixtape wins three awards https://tinyurl.com/ynbv299z

46:02 Epic Games reportedly pivoting to “AI first”https://tinyurl.com/yeyr2c6b

1:06:35 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

BREAKER ► https://www.breaker.audio/m2-podcast-2

CASTRO ► https://castro.fm/podcast/6f69d373-d879-46d9-9f1c-bcf7c4bf1741

GOOGLE ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zNTYwNWZiMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

OVERCAST ► https://overcast.fm/itunes1531832410/m2-podcast

POCKETCASTS ► https://pca.st/5jghvf6e

RADIOPUBLIC ► https://radiopublic.com/m2-podcast-GMZkY4

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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

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

TWITCH ►► https://www.twitch.tv/madmikewilleatu/about

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