Xbox Expansion Pass

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 and what it tells us about Xbox’s near-term future. We dig into Forza Horizon 6’s Japan setting, release date, and controversial $120 Premium Edition pricing, and then pivot to a deep dive on the Fable reboot — combat, morality systems, NPC simulation, and why this could finally be the RPG Xbox fans have waited two generations for. We also react to Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation, Double Fine’s clay-brawler Kiln, and the wider 2026 slate including Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, State of Decay 3, and Clockwork Revolution. Along the way we talk Game Pass value with big third-party adds like Death Stranding Director’s Cut and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, plus how Xbox is handling $70+ pricing in a rough economy. In the back half of the show we answer a community question about which cancelled game we’d resurrect and who we’d want making it (yes, Scalebound and StarCraft: Ghost show up), touch on Arc Raiders’ surprise success, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade coming to Xbox with a limited Play Anywhere bonus, and share a few thoughts on Riot’s 2XKO, cross-media crossovers like Stranger Things in Dead by Daylight, and the future of Xbox on PC and handhelds. Clear takes. No console-war noise. Xbox-forward discussion hosted by Luke Lohr (Insipid Ghost) and Captain Logun. Support XEP: Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass Follow & Contact: BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun Contact: https://captlogun.podbean.com Review the show: If you enjoy XEP, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s one of the best ways to support the show. Thank you!   Topics This Week • Xbox Developer Direct 2026 recap • Fable’s huge showing and new release window • Forza Horizon 6’s pricing, editions, and Japan setting • Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation • Double Fine’s Kiln • Death Stranding and Space Marine 2 on Game Pass • State of Decay 3 development updates • Clockwork Revolution ambitions • Gears and Halo release window speculation • High Guard, Arc Raiders, FF7 Intergrade • 2XKO, Riot’s expanding lineup • Community questions and more   Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun  Check out Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast for more Sea of Thieves content. If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify - it's one of the best way to support the show. Thank you!

In this episode, Luke speaks with GUNNAR Optiks CEO Joe Croft about the company’s two decades in gaming, their collaborations with top studios, and how gaming eyewear is evolving. Joe shares insight into their upcoming Fallout: New Vegas “Lucky 38” collaboration, the brand-new Visor uni-lens shield arriving in 2026, and which major IPs GUNNAR is already in talks with — including Halo, Gears, Doom, DC, and Marvel. We also discuss how gaming partnerships actually happen, the surprising role 50 Cent played in connecting GUNNAR to Infinity Ward, and why eyewear matters more than most players realize. Support XEP on Patreon Follow Us: BlueSky: @InsipidGhost BlueSky: @CaptLogun Contact: Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Review the Show: Please consider leaving a review on  a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s the best way to support the show. Thank you!

This week on the Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down the reported Forza Horizon 6 leak, preview the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, and cover the latest industry layoffs impacting Meta, Ubisoft, Unity, and multiple VR studios. We examine new Alinea Analytics data on how Xbox titles are performing on PlayStation, react to the Resident Evil Requiem showcase, and discuss updates on Fable, Gears of War E-Day, Halo Campaign Evolved, Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox, and the newest Game Pass releases. A focused look at the biggest Xbox and gaming stories of the week. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun  Check out Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast for more Sea of Thieve's content. If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify - it's one of the best way to support the show. Thank you!    

Jason Schreier on GTA VI, Game Industry Layoffs & Studio Closures — XEP Interview Jason Schreier joins XEP to break down the latest GTA VI news, the state of Rockstar’s development, and what “not content complete” really means for the game’s timeline. We also discuss major game industry layoffs, studio closures, and how shifting strategies at Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo are reshaping development in 2026. Insight on budgets, delays, leadership decisions, and the future of AAA games. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

This episode breaks down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 and what to expect from Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Xbox’s first major slate of the year. We also discuss Avowed’s PS5 launch, January’s Game Pass lineup, the latest Steam Machine details, Fallout and Bethesda updates, and how Xbox is positioning its 25th anniversary. Thoughtful, Xbox-forward conversations without the console-war noise. Hosted by Luke Lohr, THE InsipidGhost, and Captain Logun. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

In this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we reflect on our favorite games of 2025 and what they reveal about where the industry is headed in 2026. We break down why smaller and mid-budget games like Arc Raiders, Avowed, Grounded 2, and South of Midnight connected so strongly, while the traditional AAA model continues to strain under rising budgets, longer development cycles, and higher price points. We also discuss the growing frustration around hardware costs, $80 games, and why many players simply want games that “just work.” Plus, we share our most anticipated games of 2026—including Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Wolverine, and GTA 6—and answer community questions about emotional storytelling, digital libraries, and the future of gaming ecosystems. Thoughtful discussion, no console-war noise. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#Xbox #TheGameAwards #GamePass This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down Xbox’s pricing pushback around The Outer Worlds 2, what The Game Awards reveals say about where hype lives now, and the bigger industry mood surrounding the show. We also dig into Remedy’s next Control project, Tomb Raider’s two-track future, Diablo IV’s next expansion beats (and the Paladin conversation), and Xbox’s latest platform updates—plus why the “ecosystem drip” might matter more than flashy headlines. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr is joined by Xbox Era's Jesse Norris and The Trophy Room's Mr. Bad Bit to discuss major Xbox Game Pass news as well as make predictions for Xbox's presence at this year's Game Awards. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you! 0:00 Words of Kindness and Community Support! 💪 7:45 Game Pass Game Changer: Expedition 33's HUGE Impact! 🚀 15:30 AAA Gaming's Tough Times: Why Big Budgets Are Struggling 🤔 20:45 Unpacking Xbox's Crossover Conundrum: Red Tape & Missed Opportunities? 🎮 26:50 Netflix Buys WB: What This Means for Gaming (and Why It's Scary!) 🚨 41:30 Game Pass Update: Big Wins & Surprising Exits! 💥 48:30 Game Awards Predictions: Xbox's Big Night? 🏆 1:04:00 The Future of Xbox: Game Pass Beyond Consoles? 🌍 1:11:45: Wrapping Up: Our Take on Gaming's Hottest Topics 🔥

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to celebrate episode 300 of the Xbox Expansion Pass! We've got the latest news on Xbox games entering into Game Pass, on Play Anywhere and the latest pricing rumors for next gen. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#XboxPartnerPreview #xbox360 #gamingnews Luke Lohr and Captain Logun look back at the announcements coming out of the Xbox Partner Showcase as well as reminisce about the Xbox 360's launch and legacy as it celebrates 20 years. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss the surprise announcement of the new Valve Steam Machine. What does this mean for the next Xbox, PlayStation, and console market? Arc Raiders is lighting the gaming work on fire. Does it's use of AI hurt the industry or help it?   Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#DeadByDaylight Luke Lohr sits down with Mathieu Cote (@DeadbyDaylightBHVR) the Head of Partnerships for Behavior Interactive to discuss how Dead By Daylight creates content for its players. Chapters, licensed IP, and development complexities are all up for discussion. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#XboxNews #PlayStationNews #GamingNews Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to discuss the week's latest gaming news. Xbox is now fundamentally different and we know why. It looks like Xbox will be having more games, more showcases, and selling less and less hardware. How do we feel?  Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun are joined by  @JampackSam  to discuss the incredible reveal of Halo Campaign Evolved, an entirely remade Halo Combat Evolved campaign with new levels, AI integration, and a PlayStation release. Sam went hands on and shares his experiences. Phil Spencer speaks on AI use at Xbox Game Studios, and The Outer Worlds 2 reviews are in! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#GamingNews #Xbox #PlayStation Capt Logun is joined by Kevin TheMuffinMon  @SaveTheGameMedia  to talk about Keeper from Double Fine, games we're playing, opinions on the Xbox ROG Ally, and Ally X. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr is joined by Ainsley Bowden ( @SeasonedGaming  ) and Joseph Moran ( @PSTrophyRoom  Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast) to discuss the latest gaming news. Battlefield 6 has released to critical acclaim and immediate sales success. Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2 are all on deck for Xbox, and of course there is Xbox hardware news. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr interviews The Outer Worlds 2's Game Director Brandon Adler as well as Game Director Matt Singh. The two discuss Obsidian Entertainment's (‪@ObsidianEnt‬) The Outer Worlds 2's gameplay loop, design elements, collaborations with other studios, and improvements made on the original Outer Worlds. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

#XboxNews #GamingNews #XboxGamePass Luke Lohr and Captain Logun tackle the week's massive gaming news of yet another price increase for Xbox customers. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun  Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to discuss the week's gaming news including a very expensive ROG Xbox Ally, Forza Horizon 6's announcement, and all the news from the Tokyo Game Show. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun | Threads: @Capt_Logun Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down with Jesse Norris of  @XboxEra  discuss the gaming news for the week. Xbox is AGAIN raising its prices due to tariffs and Microsoft is poised for a major announcement at Tokyo Game Show. Enjoy! Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry. Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com Blue Sky: @CaptLogun | Threads: @Capt_Logun Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!