Spectator Mode Gaming Podcast

Send us Fan Mail On Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 234, we tackle another round of XBOX restructuring and layoffs, including the changes affecting studios such as Turn 10, Obsidian, Rare, and Halo. We also discuss the latest IGN layoffs, what they say about the current state of gaming media, and why seeing longtime personalities shown the door hits differently. Then we turn our attention to Bungie, its promises to rebuild Destiny, the future of Marathon, and why we're not ready to celebrate u...

Send us Fan Mail We’re back after a two-week hiatus, and after tackling PAX West 2026, we have plenty to discuss on Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 233. This week, we break down why PAX West 2026 was a disappointment from a media and convention standpoint, including empty show floors, missing hardware vendors, outdated demos, limited media access, and a growing tabletop presence that continues to push video games further into the background. Thankfully, the games delivered. We share our hand...

Send us Fan Mail On Spectator Mode Podcast Ep. 232, we’re talking about Twitch’s new AI training opt-out dilemma, what it means for creators, and why the whole situation has us asking questions. We also get into the end of 2XKO, with Riot Games winding down development by the end of 2026 after the fighter struggled to find its audience. Elsewhere, Mortal Shell II is doing quite well following its release, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is running better on PC but still has some issues, and the ...

Send us Fan Mail EA has officially changed hands, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund taking control of one of gaming’s biggest publishers. We dig into what that could mean for EA, while also trying to understand Netflix’s bizarre six-hour GTA VI trailer exclusivity stunt. We also talk Marvel Tōkon hype, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, new Fire Emblem, Warrior Cats, and why people seriously need to stop calling Beast of Reincarnation a Soulslike. That and more on this episode of Spectator M...

Send us Fan Mail On Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 230, we share our Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls beta impressions and discuss the recent Xbox and PlayStation outages. We also cover Double Fine’s layoffs, the return of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and EA’s latest controversy. Timestamps: 0:00 – Into 1:08 – Games played discussion 15:54 – Xbox Double Fine layoffs 27:04 – Marvel Tokon: Fight Souls Open Beta impressions 46:04 – EA layoffs and executive bonuses 56:57 – PlayStation and Xbox service o...