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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