The Expansion Pass

Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Restructures Again

Halo is moving to Activision as Microsoft reshapes Xbox Game Studios. Luke and Captain Logun examine what the restructuring means for Halo, Ninja Theory, Obsidian and Bethesda, Rare, Turn 10 and Playground Games—and whether putting Xbox’s biggest franchises under fewer publishing organizations can actually get them moving again. Plus, we discuss Project Helix and physical games, Xbox’s broader strategy, Mythic Achievements, Wolverine, Control Resonant, and Gears of War: E-Day. Follow The Expansion Pass on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast app of choice so the next episode lands automatically. 00:00 Intro, Gears E-Day & What We're Playing 18:23 Xbox Layoffs & Halo Moves to Activision 21:37 Activision, Rare & Xbox Studio Management 30:29 Ninja Theory & the Future of Halo 38:08 Obsidian Joins Bethesda + Fallout 44:05 Turn 10 & Playground Games Merge 48:24 Wolverine & Control Resonant Impressions 1:00:13 Project Helix & the Future of Physical Games 1:07:11 Xbox Market Share, Game Pass & PC Strategy 1:21:10 Mythic Achievements, Upcoming Games & Wrap

Xbox Goes All In, StarCraft Returns & Wolverine Sells Big

Xbox had a huge week. We break down its Tokyo Game Show push, Hideo Kojima’s latest Xbox appearance, and what the growing Japanese and Asian partnership strategy means for the platform. Then BlizzCon delivers some enormous announcements: StarCraft is finally returning, Diablo V is already on the horizon, and World of Warcraft: Forever opens up a much bigger discussion about Blizzard’s future under Microsoft. We also dig into Marvel’s Wolverine’s strong early sales, Gears of War: E-Day, AI-assisted game development, The Sinking City 2, Xbox achievements, listener questions, and more. Clear takes. No console-war noise.

PlayStation Drops Kojima, Xbox Gets PHYSINT

PlayStation walked away from Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT — and Xbox stepped in. Luke and Logun break down what the surprising publishing deal means for Kojima Productions, Xbox, and a PlayStation brand facing growing questions about its first-party direction. Marvel’s Wolverine reviews are also in. With Insomniac’s latest landing below the studio’s usual critical standard, is a score in the high 70s really cause for concern? Or has the conversation around review scores become disconnected from whether a game is actually worth playing? Nintendo, meanwhile, had a massive week. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is getting its long-awaited remake, Metroid Ravenous is on the way, Persona 6 makes an appearance, and Switch 2 continues to build an increasingly impressive lineup. Plus: Forza Horizon 6 and PlayStation, Fable vs. God of War, the future of physical games, Xbox’s disc-to-digital strategy, and whether dissatisfied PlayStation players would actually move to Xbox — or simply move to PC. Clear takes. No console-war noise. Support The Expansion Pass on Patreon: patreon.com/TheExpansionPass

Xbox Cloud Gaming Gets Worse + Sony’s State of Play Was Awful

Xbox Cloud Gaming is getting worse at the exact moment Microsoft wants xCloud on more devices. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers are being capped at just 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, with even tighter limits for Premium and Essential — and we have some serious questions about what that says about Microsoft’s cloud strategy. Then there’s PlayStation. Sony’s latest State of Play was a rough watch, even if a surprising number of the games shown are also headed to Xbox. We break down what went wrong, what actually looked good, and why Sony’s showcase strategy continues to feel strange. Nintendo, meanwhile, is doing the opposite: two Nintendo Directs are coming, including a Zelda 40th Anniversary presentation, and expectations are already climbing. We also get into Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which is earning excellent reviews and has quickly become one of our favorite releases of the year; Halloween: The Game, IllFonic’s latest attempt to break through in the asymmetrical horror genre; and The Blood of Dawnwalker, which is already celebrating strong reviews and major sales. Plus: Tim Schafer and Double Fine’s bizarre post-Xbox independence video sends Luke over the edge, GTA VI is already moving PS5 and Xbox hardware, Xbox’s disc-to-digital program gets even more interesting for handheld players, and we indulge in some TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan remaster speculation. Xbox Cloud Gaming limits. Sony State of Play. Nintendo Direct. GTA VI. Onimusha. Halloween. Double Fine. There is a lot to fight about this week. Clear takes. No console-war noise.

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GTA VI Gameplay Is Massive, Xbox Project Helix Takes Shape

Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay reveal shows the enormous scale of Leonida, including reports of an 80-hour playthrough and a map roughly three times the playable size of Red Dead Redemption 2. We also debate GTA VI's potential 30 FPS target and whether Rockstar gets more leeway than other developers. Microsoft's next generation comes into focus as Xbox details its new disc-to-digital entitlement program and Project Helix is described as a “family of devices.” We break down what that could mean for physical games, Xbox Play Anywhere, future consoles, the $899 Xbox Series X25, the ROG Xbox Ally X20, and rapidly rising gaming hardware prices. Plus: The Witcher 3 Remastered and Songs of the Past, what Bethesda needs to change for The Elder Scrolls VI, Marvel's Iron Man gameplay leak, Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 impressions, and more from Gamescom 2026. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 11:44 Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 Impressions 20:56 The Games Getting Buried This Fall 28:41 GTA VI Gameplay Is Finally Here 37:08 Does GTA VI Need 60 FPS? 50:23 What Does Elder Scrolls VI Need to Change? 52:30 The Witcher 3 Returns Again 1:05:56 Xbox's Disc-to-Digital Future 1:09:30 Xbox Series X25 & New Hardware 1:19:30 Project Helix: A “Family of Devices” 1:27:24 Marvel's Iron Man Gameplay Leaks 1:37:30 Gaming Hardware Is Getting Too Expensive

GTA 6 Hacked Again & Xbox Is Changing Everything

GTA 6 has been hacked again—and this time Take-Two is going after the source. Microsoft and Discord have been pulled into the investigation as Rockstar faces yet another major leak surrounding gaming's most anticipated release. Meanwhile, Xbox is changing how it does business. Microsoft has stopped providing digital sales data to Circana, PlayStation and Steam logos are disappearing from Xbox marketing, and the reported Xbox Disc-to-Digital program could fundamentally change how physical Xbox libraries survive into the next generation. We debate what these moves actually mean for Xbox, whether physical games are dying on the platform, and whether Microsoft's increasingly digital ecosystem is becoming more—or less—consumer friendly. Plus: Gears of War: E-Day vs. Modern Warfare 4, rising console prices, PlayStation's digital ownership problem, Horizon Hunters Gathering, Xbox dashboard improvements, and more.

Gears E-Day Is Exploding — Can Xbox Finally Have Its Win?

The E-Day beta is drawing impressive numbers, including an estimated 1.2 million Xbox players, while Steam engagement has already surpassed recent Gears releases. Luke and Captain Logun break down what the early response means for Gears, whether Siege could broaden the franchise's audience, and why Xbox needs to capitalize on the opportunity. Plus, we dig into the first hands-on impressions of Marvel's Wolverine, the leaked Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 hardware, Xbox's Elite Series 3 leak, Gears E-Day controllers, Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition, the increasingly crowded fall release calendar, and Xbox's upcoming Gamescom 2026 presence. Can Gears E-Day become the flagship win Xbox has been waiting for? And is Wolverine shaping up to be PlayStation's next major hit? The Expansion Pass covers Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and the biggest stories across gaming—without the console-war noise. Apple's own creator guidance supports this approach: descriptions should quickly communicate what the episode covers and why someone should listen, while naturally incorporating terms people might actually search.

Xbox Backward Compatibility, Gears E-Day & Ghost Recon | XP 332

Xbox is making major changes to backward compatibility, Achievements, game preservation, and the overall Xbox experience — while Gears of War: E-Day may be shaping up to be something special. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Xbox’s expanding backward compatibility plans, including what they could mean for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games across console and PC. We also discuss the latest Achievement updates, Xbox’s renewed focus on its existing community, physical game preservation, and where the platform may be heading next. Then we get into our hands-on impressions of the Gears of War: E-Day beta. Horde Siege has us impressed, but can The Coalition convince players outside the existing Gears audience to give E-Day a chance? Plus, QuakeCon 2026 delivers new Quake content, Grounded 2 prepares to head Into the Abyss, Nintendo shows more Fire Emblem, Ghost Recon Wildlands gets a substantial update nine years after launch, and Luke has a warning for anyone considering Jotunnslayer on Nintendo Switch 2. Topics include: • Xbox backward compatibility and game preservation • Xbox Achievement updates • The future of the Xbox ecosystem • Gears of War: E-Day beta impressions • Horde Siege and the evolution of Gears • QuakeCon 2026 and Quake: Dawn of the Machine • Grounded 2: Into the Abyss • Fire Emblem and Nintendo Switch 2 • Ghost Recon Wildlands’ new update • Jotunnslayer on Switch 2 The Expansion Pass delivers thoughtful gaming discussion without the console-war noise.

Is Gears of War: E-Day a Winner? Xbox's Strategy Shift & PlayStation's Digital Gamble | XP 331

One of the biggest Xbox releases of the year is almost here, and Jampack Sam joins us after going hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day. We break down everything he learned from the multiplayer preview, including Horde Siege, weapon customization, PvP, classes, progression, and whether The Coalition has found the right balance between classic Gears and modern gameplay. We also dive into Microsoft's latest earnings report and Asha Sharma's long-term roadmap for Xbox. What do the company's priorities mean for consoles, Game Pass, Minecraft, TV adaptations, and the future of Project Helix? Finally, Sony has responded to concerns over its move away from physical media. Is an all-digital PlayStation inevitable? What does that mean for collectors, ownership, and the next generation of consoles? In This Episode • Jampack Sam's Gears of War: E-Day hands-on impressions • Horde Siege, PvP, progression, and launch expectations • Xbox's long-term strategy after Microsoft's earnings report • Console exclusives, Project Helix, and Xbox's future direction • Sony addresses the end of physical media • Why digital ownership remains one of gaming's biggest debates If you enjoy thoughtful gaming conversations without the console-war noise, subscribe and leave us a rating—it helps more people discover the show. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2OL6SSV 🎵 Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa New episodes every week.

Andrew Hulshult Interview | DOOM, Iron Lung, DUSK & The Dark Ages Story

Andrew Hulshult has become one of the defining composers of modern FPS games, with credits including DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods, DOOM + DOOM II, DUSK, Prodeus, Heretic + Hexen, Quake Champions, and more. In this exclusive interview, Andrew joins The Expansion Pass to discuss his journey from learning guitar through Napster to becoming one of gaming's most recognizable composers. We explore how the fan-favorite IDKFA soundtrack became official DOOM content, the pressure of following legendary composers Bobby Prince and Mick Gordon, and the incredible story behind choosing to score Iron Lung instead of pursuing what became DOOM: The Dark Ages. We also discuss: How Andrew got started in music The origins of IDKFA Working with id Software DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods DUSK and the rise of New Blood Interactive Steam Deck and favorite games Composing under impossible deadlines Indie vs. AAA development Dream franchises he'd still love to score Upcoming projects Whether you're a fan of DOOM, retro FPS games, game music, or simply enjoy hearing from the developers shaping the industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Thank you for listening to The Expansion Pass. If you enjoyed the interview, please consider following the show and leaving a review—it helps us continue bringing conversations like this to the community.

God of War Gets a Release Date, Halo Campaign Evolved Reviews & Steam Machine | XP 330

God of War: Laufey officially launches in February 2027, Halo Campaign Evolved and Splatoon Raiders earn strong critical reviews, and this week we're joined by Jefftroidvania to discuss Valve's new Steam Machine and the future of SteamOS. On Episode 330 of The Expansion Pass, we break down one of gaming's biggest upcoming release windows, compare Halo Campaign Evolved and Splatoon Raiders review scores, discuss Nintendo's next Switch 2 exclusives, examine Xbox's expanding backward compatibility initiative, and dive into what Valve's newest hardware could mean for PC gaming. In this episode: God of War: Laufey's February 2027 release date Halo Campaign Evolved review roundup and our impressions Splatoon Raiders review roundup Xbox backward compatibility expands to PC Steam Machine hands-on with special guest Jefftroidvania Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 roadmap Wolverine impressions Community questions and what we're playing If you enjoy thoughtful gaming discussions without the console-war noise, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review—it helps more gamers discover the show.

Is Bethesda Finally Getting It Right? Fallout 5, Switch 2 & Gaming's Next Generation | XP 329

Bethesda finally pulled back the curtain on what's next. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Todd Howard's biggest interview in years, including new details on Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI, Starfield, and Obsidian's return to the Fallout universe. They discuss what Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters could mean for longtime fans and whether Bethesda's new multi-studio strategy can solve its lengthy development cycles. The conversation also explores Nintendo Switch 2's early sales, the rising cost of gaming hardware, whether the Xbox Ally X is worth its premium price, and why compelling software—not raw power—still determines the success of a console generation. This Week's Topics • Fallout 5 enters production • Obsidian returns to Fallout • Fallout 3 & New Vegas remasters • The Elder Scrolls VI update • Starfield's future at Bethesda • Nintendo Switch 2 sales analysis • Xbox Ally X impressions • Why gaming hardware keeps getting more expensive • Halo Campaign Evolved preview discussion The Expansion Pass delivers thoughtful discussions on gaming without the console-war noise.

Xbox's New Strategy, PlayStation's Physical Future & Black Flag | XP 328

Xbox is finally revealing what comes after its historic restructuring. Luke and Logan break down Bloomberg's report that Obsidian is shifting toward Fallout, what that means for Xbox's renewed focus on pillar franchises, and whether Asha Sharma's strategy gives Xbox its clearest direction in years. They also discuss Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's strong critical reception, PlayStation's continued physical media controversy, the EU's response, Logan's new Xbox ROG Ally X, and why Division 2 has become the latest obsession. 00:00 Intro 00:55 What We're Playing 04:10 Logan's Xbox ROG Ally X 19:12 Division 2 Has Us Hooked 33:00 Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Review 52:45 Xbox's New Strategy Explained 1:26:30 PlayStation's Physical Media Backlash 1:46:00 Nintendo, Consumer Rights & What's Next

PlayStation Ends Physical Games, Xbox's Future & Nintendo's Moves | XP 327

One announcement dominated the gaming industry this week: PlayStation is ending physical game releases beginning in 2028. Is this the inevitable future of gaming, or should players be worried about ownership, preservation, pricing, and consumer rights? Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Sony's historic decision, what it means for the PlayStation 6, why digital ownership still lacks meaningful protections, and whether Xbox's reported disc-to-digital initiatives could offer a better path forward. The conversation also explores Microsoft's ongoing restructuring, the future of Xbox's biggest franchises, why Nintendo suddenly looks far more consumer-friendly than many expected, the latest Metroid rumors, Grounded 2 impressions, and much more. In this episode: Sony announces the end of physical PlayStation games Why digital ownership needs stronger consumer protections Xbox restructuring and what comes next Could Xbox solve physical-to-digital better than Sony? Nintendo's Game-Key Card strategy revisited Metroid Ravenous leak discussion Grounded 2 continues to impress Blade, Spider-Man, and what actually sells consoles What we're playing this week If you enjoy thoughtful gaming discussions without the console war noise, subscribe, leave a review, and join us every week on The Expansion Pass.

Xbox Price Hikes, GTA 6 at $80 & Switch 2 Momentum | XP 326

This week on The Expansion Pass, we're tackling one of the biggest questions facing the gaming industry: is gaming becoming too expensive? Microsoft has announced significant Xbox console price increases, Grand Theft Auto VI is launching at $80, and Nintendo's Switch 2 continues to post impressive early sales despite rising hardware costs. We discuss what these changes mean for players, whether premium pricing is becoming the new normal, and how publishers are adapting to an increasingly expensive market. We also share our impressions of Star Fox and 007 First Light, discuss the surprising value proposition of the Steam Machine, examine Bungie's latest layoffs and Marathon's uncertain future, and look at why Nintendo's first-party strategy continues to drive hardware sales. In this episode: Xbox console price increases explained GTA VI's $80 launch price Switch 2 sales momentum Steam Machine pricing reactions Star Fox review impressions 007 First Light impressions Bungie layoffs & Marathon Nintendo's first-party strategy What we've been playing If you enjoy thoughtful gaming discussions without the console war noise, subscribe to The Expansion Pass on your favorite podcast platform and join us live each week on YouTube.

Xbox Studio Closures, Bungie Trouble & Summer Game Fest Favorites | XP 326

Xbox appears headed toward a major strategic shift, and we're breaking down what it could mean for Game Pass, first-party studios, and the future of the platform. Captain Logan is joined by Mr. Bad Bit of The Trophy Room and Daddy Dwally of The Nerd Chat to discuss reports surrounding Xbox studio restructuring, Game Pass concerns, Halo: Campaign Evolved's PlayStation Plus controversy, and Sony's growing Bungie problem. We also dive into Marathon, Destiny 3, AI in game development, rising AAA budgets, and whether platform holders are finally being forced to rethink how games are funded and released. In the second half, we share what we've been playing, including 007 First Light, Pragmata, Astro Bot, Forza Horizon 6, and more before revealing our favorite games from Summer Game Fest 2026. Topics Included: Xbox layoffs and studio closures The future of Game Pass Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5 PlayStation Plus local co-op controversy Bungie, Marathon, and Destiny 3 Sony's live-service struggles AI tools in game development Rising AAA development costs 007 First Light impressions Pragmata impressions Summer Game Fest 2026 highlights Tomb Raider Alien Isolation 2 Onimusha: Way of the Sword Time Codes 00:00 Intro & Guest Introductions 03:29 Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures & The Future of Game Pass 34:30 Halo: Campaign Evolved, PS+, and the Local Co-op Controversy 42:23 Bungie, Marathon, Destiny 3 & Sony's Studio Problems 59:00 AAA Budgets, AI Tools, and Industry Sustainability 1:03:33 What We've Been Playing 1:18:56 Best Games of Summer Game Fest 2026 1:27:39 Final Thoughts & Guest Plugs 🎧 Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2OL6SSV 🎧 Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa 💬 Join the conversation and let us know: Is Xbox making the right moves, or are they cutting too much too late?

Xbox Future Debate, Summer Game Fest Winners & Nintendo Direct Reactions | XP 325

Summer Game Fest 2026 is in the books, and we're breaking down everything we saw in Los Angeles. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke and Logan discuss the biggest announcements from Summer Game Fest, Xbox Showcase, PlayStation State of Play, and Nintendo Direct. From Resident Evil Veronica and The Last Ronin to Grounded 2, Wolf Among Us 2, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, we rank the showcases and debate which company had the strongest presentation. We also dive into the future of Xbox. With reports of restructuring, growing discussions around exclusivity, Game Pass, first-party priorities, and Asha Sharma's leadership direction, what should Xbox look like over the next decade? Plus: Resident Evil Veronica impressions Onimusha: Way of the Sword preview Summer Game Fest showcase rankings Xbox exclusivity strategy Halo and Xbox's future Game Pass value in 2026 Nintendo Direct reactions Nintendo Switch 2 pricing discussion Community questions Clear takes. No console-war noise.

Xbox Showcase 2026 Reactions: Gears of War E-Day, Halo, Fable & Spyro

The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 has come and gone, and we were there in person to see it unfold. This week, Luke and Captain Logun break down Xbox's biggest announcements, including Gears of War: E-Day, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fable, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, State of Decay 3, Clockwork Revolution, Persona 6, and more. We also discuss the atmosphere inside the theater, reactions from attendees, Xbox FanFest, and whether Xbox finally delivered on its promise to "Return to Xbox." Topics include: • Gears of War: E-Day gameplay and October release plans • Halo: Campaign Evolved's visual overhaul and new missions • Why Fable finally won us over • Spyro's return after years away • Clockwork Revolution's growing momentum • State of Decay 3 gameplay impressions • Persona 4 Revival and Persona 6 on Xbox • Xbox's 25th Anniversary hardware reveal • FanFest experiences and meeting Xbox leadership • Is Xbox finally building momentum again? 🎮 Clear takes. No console-war noise.

Fable Delay, Modern Warfare 4 & Steam Deck Price Increase | XP 323

Fable has reportedly been delayed into 2027, Modern Warfare 4 has been officially revealed, and Valve has dramatically increased Steam Deck OLED pricing. On this week's episode of The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr, Captain Logun, and Freight Conductor break down what Fable's delay means for Xbox's release strategy, whether Steam Deck remains a compelling value proposition at nearly $1,000, and why Call of Duty's return to Nintendo platforms could be one of Microsoft's biggest long-term wins following the Activision acquisition. The team also discusses Play Anywhere, the future of gaming hardware, Xbox's upcoming Showcase, Summer Game Fest expectations, 007 First Light, Mina the Hollower, Fallout rumors, Star Wars hopes, Gears of War, Halo, and much more. Topics Include: • Fable delayed to 2027 • Modern Warfare 4 revealed • Call of Duty returns to Nintendo • Steam Deck OLED price increases • Xbox Ally X and handheld gaming • Xbox Showcase predictions • Summer Game Fest expectations • Play Anywhere and next-generation hardware • 007 First Light impressions • Mina the Hollower discussion • Fallout and Mass Effect hopes • Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Horizon 6 The Expansion Pass is a weekly gaming podcast covering Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, handheld gaming, and the industry trends shaping the future of gaming. Clear takes. No console-war noise. iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa

Xbox Exclusives Return? PlayStation Pulls Back From PC + Forza Horizon 6 Explodes | XP 322

Are exclusives suddenly important again? This week on XP, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Xbox fans demanding exclusives through the new Player Voice forums while PlayStation reportedly pulls back from PC releases entirely for major first-party titles. We also discuss: Forza Horizon 6 surpassing 6 million players Why FH6 may be Xbox’s best ecosystem argument yet Nintendo’s aggressive first-party strategy Destiny 2 winding down while Marathon struggles Whether Project Helix changes the future of console gaming Bungie’s uncertain future under PlayStation Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus 007 First Light impressions Splitgate 2 and Titanfall comparisons Clear takes. No console-war noise. 🔊 iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV 🎧 Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa #Xbox #PlayStation #ForzaHorizon6 #GamePass #GamingPodcast