Contraband Cancelled: Another Xbox Exclusive Bites the Dust!

Xbox has cancelled another game, and we discuss if anyone remembers Contraband. Plus, there are rumours for the Xbox ROG Ally release date, which could lead to the same for Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Show Dot Points
The anticipation for GTA 6 is palpable among gamers.
Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to be a hot topic.
The distribution of review codes often controls game reviews.
Nintendo Indie World showcases a variety of indie games.
The cancellation of Contraband raises questions about Xbox's strategy.
Childhood fears related to water levels in games are common.
Game mechanics can significantly impact player experience.
The indie game scene is thriving with innovative titles.
Industry trends suggest a shift in game development strategies.
The hosts share personal anecdotes that resonate with many gamers. Open-world games have evolved, but some repetitiveness remains.
Handheld consoles are gaining popularity, especially with the Xbox branding.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is highly anticipated and will be showcased at events.
Sony's live service strategy has faced significant challenges and cancellations.
The Drifter offers a unique gaming experience with a compelling story.
The excitement for new gaming devices is palpable among gamers.
Xbox's branding may attract a broader audience to handheld gaming.
The narrative depth in games like The Drifter enhances player engagement.
Live service games require careful planning to avoid failures.
The gaming community is eager for more single-player experiences.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:02:00 - Discussing Review Codes00:05:45 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase Recap00:17:40 - Xbox Cancels Contraband00:24:00 - Xbox ROG Ally Release Date & Hollow Knight: Silk Song Rumours00:30:10 - Sony Admits PlayStation Live Service Strategy Isn't Going Great00:41:10 - The Drifter Review00:46:40 - Goodbye
Resources
Nintendo's Indie World Showcase - here's everything announced | Eurogamer.net
Development On The Xbox Exclusive Co-Op Game Contraband Has Stopped
Official Xbox handheld console ROG Ally gets a release date, courtesy of reliable leaker | Eurogamer.net
After Concord and a string of delays and cancellations, Sony admits PlayStation's live-service strategy is "not entirely going smoothly" | Eurogamer.net
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks, The Plucky Squire & Copycat Reviews

The Nintendo Switch 2 might have leaked; Tasmania is hosting its first video game showcase, and we've got reviews for two Australian games, The Plucky Squire and Copycat.
Show Dot Points
The Plucky Squire is a must-play for 2024.
Australian regulations on loot boxes aim to protect children.
Tasmania is hosting its first video game showcase.
Nintendo Switch 2 leaks suggest significant upgrades.
Netflix is adapting Splinter Cell into an animated series.
Loot box regulations may not significantly change consumer behaviour.
The importance of game ratings for parents is highlighted.
The hosts share their thoughts on the future of gaming consoles.
The discussion reflects a blend of humour and critical analysis. The new game 'Like a Dragon: Pirate Ikusa' features Goro Majima and is set in Hawaii.
Players can jump in battles for the first time in the Like a Dragon series.
Nintendo is suing Pocket Pair over alleged patent infringements related to 'Power World.'
The lawsuit highlights the challenges indie developers face against major companies.
'Drill Core' combines mining and tower defence mechanics, making it addictive.
'Copycat' tells a touching story about a cat and its owner despite some gameplay flaws.
The hosts express excitement for the upcoming PAX event and the games to be showcased.
There is a growing variety of games available, reigniting excitement among gamers.
'UFO 50' offers a unique experience with 50 fictional games from a fictional studio.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
The Plucky Squire Review - It's A Page Turner - Explosion Network
Aussie Government announces Loot Box and Gambling content classification changes - Vooks
https://explosionnetwork.com/level-up-tasmania-video-game-showcase-is-a-new-event-highlighting-local-talent/
The First Nintendo Switch 2 Photos Might Have Just Leaked
Netflix's Splinter Cell: Deathwatch animated series is "coming soon" | Eurogamer.net
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii Has Been Revealed Alongside An Epic Collector's Edition
UPDATE: It's actually happening: Palworld developer Pocketpair is being sued by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company | VG247
Drill Core Early Access Review - Explosion Network
Copycat Review
Bakeru Review - Like A Transport Back To The N64 Classics - Explosion Network
Arcade Couch Credits:
Music by: Dylan Blight
Art by: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
All Episodes:
https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:
http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Should Sony and Xbox Return For PAX AUS 2024?

Dylan and Ciaran discuss PAX AUS 2023 and whether big names like Sony and Xbox should return to the event in 2024. 
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
INTRO00:00:00 - Hello00:01:40 - Post-PAX Discussion With CiaranTHE NEWS00:34:04 - Xbox and Activision Deal Is Officially Over00:36:03 - The Game Awards Returns On December 8thGOODBYE00:41:40 - Goodbye
ResourcesExplosion NetworkThe Game Awards returns on December 7th, 2023Xbox has OFFICIALLY and FINALLY acquired Activision Blizzard KingKotakuPlayStation And Xbox Need To Get Their Asses Back To PAX Aus
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

PAX AUS 2023 - Live From The Show Floor

Live from the PAX Australia 2023 floor: Dylan and Ashley discuss their favourite games and the PAX AUS experience for the show's 10th anniversary.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Arcade Couch Credits:Music by: Dylan BlightArt by: Cherie Henriques
All Episodes:https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion