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On 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 Games
• 35:08 - Bungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter Marathon
• 45:49 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup
• 1:06:10 - RTS fully owns EVO now
• 1:15:03 - Stop Making Steam Machine Videos That Ignore Reality
• 1:16:23 - Outro

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In this episode of Spectator Mode 210, we break down Microsoft’s reported plans to merge PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass as part of its 2026 strategy, and what that could mean for players. We also dive into Discord’s global age-verification rollout and the privacy concerns surrounding it.

On the gaming side, we debate whether Nioh 3 can stand on its own or if comparisons to Elden Ring are inevitable, react to Riot’s layoffs impacting 2XKO, and talk about the surprising comeback momentum behind Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Oh, and yes… Rave Racer is finally getting a home port.

Let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:16 - What we have been playing
• 19:59 - Is Microsoft planning on merging the PC gaming Game Pass?
• 29:59 - Nioh 3 is good, but it's not Elden Ring
• 38:37 - Discord is going full big brother mode
• 49:55 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink Making a Comeback!!!
• 56:04 - Riot downsizing 2XKO team sparks concern about the Game’s Future
• 1:10:47 - Rave Racer is finally getting a home port
• 1:15:13 - Outro

Support the show

You 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 Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

Send us a text

Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast! In episode 209 we dig into big shifts across the gaming industry, including reports that the Game Developers Conference may be seeing a drop in international attendance and what that means for developers worldwide. We also break down the latest Xbox Developer Direct, react to the Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary announcements, and revisit Highguard and what its struggles say about live service games. To wrap things up, we tackle a big question: can publishers succeed without major media outlets as more companies go straight to influencers and their own platforms?

**Keith apologizes for this crappy voice quality. Apparently, his XLR cable decided to give up the ghost and didn't tell him**

Timestamps

00:00 – intro
01:15 – Games we've played recently
11:08 – GDC losing its foreign audience
23:48 – Xbox Developer Direct
31:00 – Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary announcements
35:07 – What's going on with Highguard
40:45 – Can publishers succeed without major outlets

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Support the show

You 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 Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music