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

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

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

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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==

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This week on the M2 Podcast, we dive into the growing chaos of AI-generated games after someone recreated Minecraft as a playable multiplayer experience directly inside X—and immediately monetized it with crypto sponsorships. We also break down Call of Duty’s upcoming support for NVIDIA’s RTX Spark and Windows on Arm, what it means for PC gaming and anti-cheat, and Xbox’s confusing clarification surrounding GTA 6 streaming and its potential PC implications. Finally, we discuss former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick joining Skydance’s board and what his return to the entertainment industry could mean for the future of Warner Bros. and its gaming properties.

0:00 Intro

0:42 Update

10:40 Minecraft Playable Inside Twitter With Working Multiplayer https://tinyurl.com/zwux7e6f

21:37 Call of Duty will support RTX Spark in 2027 https://tinyurl.com/3shfzccs

29:08 Xbox Rejects ‘GTA 6’ PC Streaming https://tinyurl.com/bve83u5r

36:14 Bobby Kotick Joins Skydance Board Of Directors https://tinyurl.com/yee6b8pw

45:45 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

This week on the M2 Podcast, we dive into the massive new details revealed about Grand Theft Auto 6, including its living world, deeper NPC interactions, criminal profile system, and the sheer scale of Leonida. We also break down a major PS5 hacking breakthrough that could open the door to homebrew, emulation, and game preservation on far more consoles. Bungie reveals plans to restore vaulted Destiny 2 content as it looks to rebuild the franchise’s future, while Microsoft makes its biggest Xbox shakeup yet by handing the next Halo game to Activision and restructuring multiple studios. From Rockstar’s next-generation open world to Xbox’s uncertain future, this episode looks at where some of gaming’s biggest franchises are headed next.

0:00 Intro

0:30 Update

15:07 GTA 6 Exclusive Preview https://tinyurl.com/4c84zf2n

41:10 The PS5 hacking scene https://tinyurl.com/mrr2v7xk

51:42 Bungie Is ‘Not Done With Destiny’ https://tinyurl.com/avep8f5a

1:00:37 Microsoft Hands Halo to Activision https://tinyurl.com/y3yk8aym

1:25:02 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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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

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

This week on the M2 Podcast, we dive into another wave of GTA 6 leaks, including alleged gameplay and map footage, threats against Rockstar, and the growing debate over digital-only gaming. We also discuss Mattel launching its own game studio to turn brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and UNO into gaming experiences, while a former Saber writer claims she was replaced by ChatGPT during development of Rideshare ‘Stimulator’, reigniting the debate over AI in game development. Finally, we look ahead to Gamescom 2026 and the huge lineup of reveals, gameplay demos, and announcements expected from Xbox and some of gaming's biggest studios.

0:00 Intro

0:40 Updates

10:52 GTA 6 Suffers Second Day of Leaks https://tinyurl.com/bde8unpp

21:14 Mattel launches Mattel Game Studios https://tinyurl.com/mwjv4u6r

26:40 Saber writer claims she was replaced by ChatGPT https://tinyurl.com/yc6vbyyz

34:20 gamescom 2026: Schedule of the Biggest Gaming Event https://tinyurl.com/5xd5ay74

43:04 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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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==

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down one of the biggest business stories in gaming as Electronic Arts officially goes private following its acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, and discuss what that could mean for the future of EA's biggest franchises and AI-driven game development. We also dive into the surprising success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, which has become one of 2026's best-selling games 14 years after its original release, proving that nostalgia remains one of gaming's strongest forces. Plus, we explore why great indie games are becoming harder to discover in today's algorithm-driven marketplace, and discuss leaked Xbox roadmap details that hint at expanded backwards compatibility, Xbox 360 support on PC, and long-awaited disc-to-digital features that could reshape game preservation over the next few years.

0:00 Intro

1:04 Update

11:26 EA Announces Completion of Acquisition https://tinyurl.com/2wwf4xk5

23:42 Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Is One of 2026's Best Selling Games https://tinyurl.com/52b8mcmu

32:41 The industry makes great games https://tinyurl.com/mr2kja7z

50:44 Xbox's Plans For Backwards Compatibility https://tinyurl.com/bdf5j34j

1:01:15 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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#podcast

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

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

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

This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down one of the biggest shifts in gaming history as PlayStation confirms the end of physical game discs in 2028 and rumors suggest Xbox could be following the same path, leaving Nintendo as the last major champion of physical media. We also dive into the incredible discovery of 97 previously unknown Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt NES cartridges hidden away in a Wisconsin warehouse, discuss Nexus Mods' ambitious vision to revolutionize the modding ecosystem, examine growing concerns over restrictive side-project clauses affecting game developers and creativity, and close with EA's record $38.6 million CEO compensation package following a year of franchise success, AI adoption, and studio layoffs. Whether you're into retro collecting, industry business, PC modding, or the future of game ownership, this episode has something for every gamer.

0:00 Intro

0:58 Updates

16:23 Unreleased Version of Super Mario Discovered in a Warehouse https://tinyurl.com/pvaf8s4p

30:56 Nexus Mods owners reflect on modding hassle https://tinyurl.com/4cav3jnt

40:32 Developers discuss the pain of side work clauses https://tinyurl.com/4syepk89

1:03:19 EA boss awarded $38.6M https://tinyurl.com/3ru2r9nj

1:13:37 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==

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KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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

This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down one of the wildest weeks in gaming. We discuss Discord's massive moderation failure that mistakenly banned thousands of users for sharing innocent Minecraft and chessboard screenshots, Nintendo's growing strategy of aligning game releases with its blockbuster movie universe, and Microsoft's sweeping Xbox restructuring that includes 3,200 layoffs as the company fights to reset its gaming business. We also examine Hasbro's changing gaming ambitions after writing down $56 million in canceled projects and what it says about the risks of AAA game development in today's industry. Join us as we separate the headlines from the hype and explore what these stories mean for gamers and the future of the industry.

0:00 Intro

1:30 Updates

7:17 Discord Banned 8,000 Users https://tinyurl.com/9uzedcnt

16:32 Nintendo games were created with the Mario movies in mind https://tinyurl.com/3kjf9cdj

26:43 Xbox Boss Announces 3,200 Layoffs https://tinyurl.com/4hx4xdnd

43:45 Hasbro’s Big Gaming Strategy Is Falling Apart https://tinyurl.com/mvb25b3f

59:50 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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==

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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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YOUTUBE ►► https://www.youtube.com/MrJkheath

MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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

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