Spectator Mode Gaming Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 215 of Spectator Mode Podcast, we get into a rough week for the gaming industry, starting with Epic Games and how former employees were handled, and why that situation doesn’t sit right. We also break down the recent PS5 price changes and why this trend could be bad news for gamers long-term, along with Xbox quietly backing away from its “Everything is an Xbox” push. On top of that, we cover the latest Xbox Partner Preview, Matt’s experience at PAX East 2026, and what we’ve been playing. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping 01:12 – Games We’ve Played 15:59 – Epic Games & Tim Sweeney Controversy 29:51 – Matt’s PAX East 2026 Experience 48:20 – PS5 Price Changes & Why This Is Dangerous 58:49 – Xbox Kills “Everything is an Xbox” Campaign 1:09:06 – Xbox Partner Preview Breakdown 1:18:18 – Last Minute Topics #spectatormode #gamingpodcast #theouterhaven #epicgames #playstation5 #timsweeny 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us Fan Mail In Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 214, we talk about what we’ve been playing, break down Crimson Desert and its approach to diversity, and discuss the current state of the PC gaming market. We also dive into Jeff Kaplan’s comments about Blizzard and game development, before wrapping things up with our reactions to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer. If you’re into gaming, industry talk, and a bit of hype, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping 00:53 – Games We’ve Played 16:35 – Crimson Desert and Its Diversity 30:41 – The PC Gaming Market Continues to Get Worse 42:14 – Jeff Kaplan Talks Blizzard & Game Development 1:00:10 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer Reactions 1:15:28 – Outro #SpectatorMode #GamingPodcast #CrimsonDesert #PCGaming #JeffKaplan #Blizzard #SpiderMan #GamingNews #TheOuterhaven 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send a text Spectator Mode Episode 213 is here! After talking about what we've been playing, we dive into new details on Microsoft's Project Helix, Ben Diskin's decision to walk away from Mega Man: Override over Capcom's refusal to offer a union contract, and Nagoshi Studio facing a funding crisis that could kill Gang of Dragon before it launches. 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - What we played this week (keep it to 3 games) 10:44 - Project Helix gets more details 27:48 - Ben Diskin is not continuing as Mega Man 34:45 - Nagoshi Studio Has danger of getting funding pulled in May from NetEase Check out our other Spectator Mode Podcast episodes - https://www.theouterhaven.net/podcasts/spectatormodepodcast/ #GamingPodcast #MegaMan #NagoshiStudio #projecthelix #xbox # 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send a text This week on Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 212, we’re joined by Jeff Young from Analog Stick Gaming to discuss some of the biggest topics in gaming right now. We talk about Valve’s latest update on the Steam Machine, Xbox’s newly revealed Project Helix gaming device, and whether PlayStation might be walking back its push into PC gaming. We also get into the growing issue of AI-written game reviews appearing in gaming journalism and the reveal of a new Sword Art Online game. Along the way, we also discuss what we’ve been playing this week and share our thoughts on where the industry seems to be heading. #projecthelix #nintendo #playstation #gaming #podcast #theouterhaven Timestamps: 1:00 – What games we played this week 24:18 – Valve gives an update on the Steam Machine release date 26:08 – Nintendo sues the US Government over tariffs 31:44 – Is PlayStation killing its PC gaming initiative? 52:55 – Xbox reveals Project Helix, its Xbox/PC gaming device 1:25:00 – AI game reviews are starting to appear in gaming journalism 1:38:00 – A new Sword Art Online game, Echoes Of Aincrad Announced #pcgaming #playstation #xbox #projecthelix #nintendo #gamingpodcast 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send a text 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: .hack returns (.hack//Z.E.R.O)Sony shuts down Bluepoint GamesBungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter MarathonXbox Leadership ShakeupRTS fully owns EVO nowThanks for listening, and please, if you enjoy the show, leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Music. spoti.fi/2HsmTZ8https://apple.co/43Bz67AYoutube.com/theouterhavenhttps://amzn.to/3FE4bPMAnd if you have questions for us or want us to discuss a topic, let us know by contacting us at tips@theouterhaven.net. 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send a text 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 - Intro01:16 - What we have been playing19:59 - Is Microsoft planning on merging the PC gaming Game Pass?29:59 - Nioh 3 is good, but it's not Elden Ring38:37 - Discord is going full big brother mode49:55 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink Making a Comeback!!! 56:04 - Riot downsizing 2XKO team sparks concern about the Game’s Future1:10:47 - Rave Racer is finally getting a home port1:15:13 - OutroSupport 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon 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 Check out our website for more great content - https://www.theouterhaven.net Stop by our Discord channel and say hello - https://discord.gg/c7FPrj3MGj Follow us on Social Media BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/theouterhaven.net Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theouterhaven Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theouterhavenproductions/ 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text In Episode 208 of Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into what they’ve been playing lately before shifting gears into industry talk and firsthand event coverage. Keith shares his experience attending CES 2026, including the tech, gaming hardware, and trends that caught his attention on the show floor. From there, the discussion turns to Highguard and whether anyone is truly hyped for it, followed by a serious conversation about the latest wave of gaming industry and games media layoffs and what it means for the future of coverage and development. It’s a mix of games, tech, and real talk about where the industry is heading. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:59 – Games We’ve Played 27:35 – Keith Went to CES 2026 41:20 – Is Anyone Excited for Wildlight Entertainment's Highguard 51:45 – Gaming Industry and Gaming Media Layoffs 1:15:50 – 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text We’re back! After taking a month-long break to recharge and deal with the holidays, the crew returns to break down a few topics that matter in the gaming world. In Episode 207, we recap 2025, talk about what we’re looking forward to in 2026, discuss the rising prices of PC RAM and GPUs and how it impacts PC gaming, and cover GameStop closing even more stores. Plus, we hit a few other topics too… because of course we still manage to go off the rails. But hey, that’s why you love us. So yeah… welcome back! Episode 207 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 10:37 – What We Have Been Playing 17:47 – 2025 Recap 52:58 – Wishes and Plans for 2026 1:09:22 – PC Gaming just got even more expensive 1:28:29 – GameStop Closing More Stores 1:37:00 – Outro #GamingPodcast #VideoGames #GamingNews #gameindustry Make sure to listen, drop a comment, and share the episode if you enjoyed it. And we want to hear from you: what topics do you want us to cover in the next episode? 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text Valve has officially revealed the new Steam Machine, and The Outerhaven breaks down everything you need to know in this bite-sized holiday episode of the Spectator Mode Podcast. Is it a PC? Is it a console? We dig into why the community is split, what Valve’s goal might be, how this fits into the growing SteamOS ecosystem, and whether this mini-PC could shake up living-room gaming, hardware expectations, pricing predictions, and where the Steam Machine fits in the modern PC gaming landscape. #SteamMachine #Valve #SteamDeck #SteamOS #PCGaming 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text On Spectator Mode Podcast episode 205 we discuss about Activision stumbling with Call of Duty :Black Ops 7 and not letting players pause the single player campaign. We look at the confusing PS Portal updates that sparked a wave of comparisons to the Steam Deck. We also dive into the return of Valve's Steam Machine and what this could mean for the future of PC gaming in the living room. On a more serious note, we talk about another round of layoffs at Crystal Dynamics and how these decisions continue to impact the gaming industry. Plus, we cover Arknights: Endfield, Six One Indie's Indie Game Awards, and what we have been playing and watching. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:11 - What’ve been playing & watching 16:54 - Scott's Arknight: Endfield adventure x 47:21 - Call of Duty Black Ops 7 blunders - can’t pause in single player campaign??? (link) 51:34 - Updates to PS Portal and silly Steam Deck comparisons 1:00:36 - Valve's Steam Machine take two 1:12:40 - More gaming layoffs - Crystal Dynamics 1:21:27 - PlayStation Mobile Games? 1:30:28 - We're on the Indie Games from Six One Indie 1:31:12 - 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text In this week’s Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew takes on the Xbox Ally handheld controversy and TwitchCon’s ongoing security problems. We also dive into the growing wave of misinformation across gaming, highlight standout demos from Steam Next Fest October 2025, and celebrate our appearance in Absolum’s accolades trailer, which is pretty damned cool for us, as well as upcoming updates for the fantastic game. #videogames #twitchcon #absolum #theouterhaven #spectatormodepodcast #xboxally #xboxgaming So, hit that play button and enjoy our signature gaming and chaos fun! 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Milestone, the studio behind several acclaimed racing titles, about its upcoming game Screamer. Originally a PC-only arcade racer, Screamer is being completely reimagined for modern platforms. This new version blends anime-inspired visuals, unique mechanics borrowed from fighting games, and an innovative dual-stick control system that lets you drift through corners with precision. In this episode, we discuss why Milestone chose to bring Screamer back now, how anime influences the game’s design, and what fans can expect from this bold revival of an arcade classic. #arcade #arcaderacing #racinggames #interview #screamer Check out our written preview of Screamer - https://www.theouterhaven.net/screamer-preview-anime-arcade-racer-reboot 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text With the announcement that Xbox is changing up Xbox Game Pass and raising prices, Keith, Jordan, Karl, and Scott discuss whether Xbox Game Pass is still the best deal in gaming or if perhaps it's time to move on from it. #xboxgamepass #videogames #gamingpodcast #rogxboxally Check out some of our video game reviews Disgaea 7 Complete Review (Nintendo Switch 2)Digimon Story: Time Stranger Review (PS5)Hell is Us Review (PS5Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles Review (PC) 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text In this episode, the crew dives into a packed week of gaming news and industry shake-ups. We kick things off with our current playthroughs before jumping into the exciting Wolverine gameplay and Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered reveal during Sony’s State of Play. Xbox finally confirms the long-rumored ROG Ally prices, Code Vein 2 raises release date concerns, and Nintendo of America sees a major leadership change as its president retires. We also tackle the buzz around Ananta being dubbed the “Anime GTA,” share our reactions to Tokyo Game Show 2025, and go on a fun tangent with Mega Man and Capcom talk before closing things out. #SpectatorModePodcast #WolverineGame #ROGAlly #CodeVein2 #Nintendo #TGS2025 #DynastyWarriors3 #GamingPodcast Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:22 – What have we been playing 16:22 – Wolverine gameplay & Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered reveal at State of Play 26:13 – Xbox ROG Ally prices confirmed & pre-orders live 30:54 – Code Vein 2 release date worries 35:03 – Nintendo of America’s President retires 39:53 – Is Ananta the “Anime Grand Theft Auto”? 41:44 – Tokyo Game Show 2025 reactions 59:43 – Mega Man & Capcom tangent 1:12:35 – Ending / 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text In Episode 201 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into another packed week of gaming talk. Things kick off with a discussion about what everyone’s been playing and watching before shifting into deeper topics. The team debates whether Cronos: The New Dawn has what it takes to succeed, why handheld PCs still weigh more than the Switch 2, and if PC gaming should adopt baseline hardware requirements instead of the usual minimum/recommended spec lists. The conversation heats up when news breaks that EVO has been sold to Saudi interests, raising questions about the future of the fighting game community. From there, the hosts share glowing impressions of the Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls beta and a more lukewarm response to Riot Games’ 2XKO. Wrapping things up, the panel reacts to the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, breaking down the biggest reveals and what it means heading into the holiday season. #marveltokonfightingsouls #nintendodirect #cronosthenewdawn #handheldgamingpc #handheldpcgaming #evo2025 #evo #riotgames #2xko #videogames #gamingpodcast Timestamps: Cronos: The New DawnMarvel Tokon Fighting Souls2XKOSupport 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text Episode 200 is here! We talk about the games we’ve been playing, Keith’s Rant Corner, and our big news—we’re now on Metacritic! We also cover the strange August 28th moment when Gears hit #1 on PlayStation and Helldivers 2 topped Xbox. Plus, full impressions from PAX West 2025, including the best games, highlights, and surprises from the show. #ninjagaiden4 #rogxboxally #paxwest2025 #silksong #gamingpodcast Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:36 - Games Played & Stuff Watched 21:22 - Keith's Rant Corner returns (Gaming Journalism Frustrations) 33:22 - We finally got onto Metacritic 35:14 - Gears of War on PlayStation, Helldivers 2 on Xbox 46:02 - Ninja Gaiden 4, ROG Xbox Ally X hands on and PAX West 2025 It's been a great ride, with 200 episodes and we got plenty left in the tank for another 200 more episodes. So, stay tuned! And thanks for tagging along with us! Thanks for listening and watching! If you enjoyed the episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support the show. 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast! In episode 199, we cover the latest in gaming and give you our unfiltered thoughts. We discuss the games we’ve been playing and the shows we’ve been watching, dive into the never-ending Silksong hype, and discuss whether it’s actually worth it. Keith shares his hands-on impressions of Pragmata, Resident Evil Requiem, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. We also break down Sony raising the price of the PlayStation 5 in the U.S., why tariffs are to blame, and give a quick lesson on how tariffs actually work. Plus, we dig into the new Xbox Ally handheld, and Matt gives his take on Ra Ra Boom, the latest beat ’em up that might need a little more time in the oven. Timestamps coming soon. Thanks for listening and watching! If you enjoyed the episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support the show. #residentevil #pragmata #onimusha #videogames #gamingpodcast #gamecom2025 #playstation5 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text This week on the Spectator Mode Podcast, we start with what we’ve been playing and watching lately, then celebrate the Dynasty Warriors 25th anniversary and its lasting impact on the hack-and-slash genre. We also dive into Itch.io’s decision to relist NSFW games — but only the free ones — and what that means for indie developers. From there, we tackle the controversial Online Safety Act, questioning why it’s needed and how it could affect online communities. Finally, we close out with our EVO 2025 recap, highlighting the biggest matches, surprise upsets, and standout performances from the world’s biggest fighting game event. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro / What we’ve been playing & watching 33:49 – Happy Dynasty Warriors 25th anniversary 48:00 – Itch.io relists NSFW games (only the free ones) 52:45 – The Online Safety Act… why? 1:04:30 – EVO 2025 recap Thanks for listening and watching! If you enjoyed the episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to support the show. #SpectatorModePodcast #DynastyWarriors #EVO2025 #FightingGames #OnlineSafetyAct #Itchio #GamingPodcast #VideoGames #GameNews 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

Send us a text In Episode 196 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew returns to break down another wild week in gaming. We kick things off with what we've been playing and watching before diving into whether The Outer Worlds 2 is shaping up to be another case of Microsoft marketing misfires. From there, we explore the growing rumors around Sony potentially publishing games on Xbox, followed by our thoughts on Riot’s latest 2XKO update and whether it's too little too late. We also dive into a deep discussion about Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and how it stacks up against other Soulslikes. Additionally, we address the contentious decision by Itch.io to remove NSFW games in response to external pressure from Visa, Mastercard, and Collective Shout. Ending it all with the surprising legal clash between Sony and Tencent over Light of Moritam. This episode’s packed, so don’t miss it. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:54 - Games played and stuff watched 15:48 - Is OuterWorlds 2 the next Microsoft Mismanaged Marketing project? 29:41 - Is Sony putting its games on Xbox? 50:10 - Is the new 2KXO update too little too late? 52:38 - How does Wuchang: Fallen Feathers compare to other Soulslikes 1:01:48 - Itch.io removing NSFW games due to Mastercard and Visa (Collective Shout) 1:13:04 - Sony Suing Tencent over Light of Moritam 1:27:05 - Outro Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes! Got thoughts on these topics? Drop them in the comments—we want to hear from you. 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 PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music