In this episode of the M2 Podcast, we dive into a turbulent week across the gaming industry. Microsoft is reportedly preparing major layoffs within its Xbox division as part of a broader restructuring effort tied to its next-gen hardware strategy. Meanwhile, Riot Games is shaking up esports by allowing betting sponsorships for Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT teams, aiming to create new revenue streams while walking a tightrope on integrity. We also look at Square Enix’s possible pivot back to turn-based RPGs, following the breakout success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. And finally, Netflix continues to scale back its gaming ambitions, pulling 20 titles from its service — including heavy-hitters like Hades — just a year after promising a major expansion into interactive content.

0:00 Intro

0:39 Update

05:20 Microsoft planning ‘major’ Xbox layoffs next week https://tinyurl.com/phr96mck

11:41 Riot Games Betting Sponsorships in Esports https://tinyurl.com/9bu6na9t

29:40 Square Enix Will Make More Turn-Based Games https://tinyurl.com/meek48hj

34:25 Netflix Backs Even Further Away From Gaming https://tinyurl.com/8x944rym

43:38 Outro

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In this episode of M2 Podcast, we break down some of the biggest stories rocking the gaming industry this week. We unpack Xbox's bold new direction, as the company announces its next-gen consoles will support multiple storefronts and handhelds, reshaping the traditional console ecosystem. Over in Nintendo land, the Switch 2 is making headlines—but not for the right reasons—as users caught using Mig flash cartridges are finding their consoles permanently banned from online services. We also take a deep dive into the rocky launch of MindsEye, a visually ambitious title that’s struggling to run smoothly—even on RTX 5090s. And lastly, Bungie hits pause on Marathon following critical alpha feedback, promising major overhauls before setting a new release date. Tune in for all the context, insights, and commentary you need to stay ahead in the world of gaming.

0:00 Intro

1:01 Update

13:40 What’s the point of Xbox? https://tinyurl.com/47jxjakm

35:10 Switch 2 offline forever https://tinyurl.com/mr3akpys

45:55 Disastrous MindsEye launch https://tinyurl.com/3zkzyrmt

55:08 Bungie Indefinitely Delays Marathon https://tinyurl.com/3p8hmz5t

1:10:46 Outro

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Summer Game Fest kicked off the season with a bang, headlined by Resident Evil 9's official reveal as Resident Evil Requiem, promising a shift in tone for its February 2026 release. The Lies of P: Overture expansion dropped immediately, while major sequels like 'Death Stranding 2: On the Beach' (June 26th), 'Mortal Shell II', and 'Atomic Heart 2' stunned fans. Surprises included the 'Scott Pilgrim EX' co-op brawler, 'Stranger Than Heaven' from RGG Studio, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' wild guest roster featuring Hatsune Miku and Minecraft Steve. Not to be outdone, Xbox's showcase delivered megatons: Hollow Knight: Silksong finally got a 2025 release window, launching alongside the newly revealed Xbox Ally handheld devices (in collaboration with Asus). They also unveiled 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7', a 'Persona 4 Revival' remake, Double Fine's charming 'Keeper' (October 17th), and the bloody 'Invincible VS' fighter. Plus, 'A Plague Tale' prequel 'Resonance' and TMNT's Michelangelo shredding in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 rounded out a massive week of gaming news!

0:00 Intro

0:41 Updates

16:08 Summer Game Fest 2025: Everything Announced https://tinyurl.com/4sbzdd3v

SUMMER GAME FEST 2025 (4K60FPS) https://tinyurl.com/2s3w9ufr

57:30 Xbox Games Showcase 2025 https://tinyurl.com/2jc9wtse

Showcase 2025 https://tinyurl.com/2s49b8d2

XBOX Games Showcase (4K60 FPS) https://tinyurl.com/msuvhfmc

1:26:20 Review of Showcases

1:32:54 Outro

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