Arcade Couch
GTA VI
Episodes
Monday Jun 29, 2026
Monday Jun 29, 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Orders went live this week with the reveal of the game’s higher-than-average price and the news that it will not be coming out on physical discs. Ashley and Ciaran question if this is a turning point for the industry before discussing the Bungie layoffs, Steam Machine pricing and July 2026 Game releases.
SHOW DOT POINTS
GTA 6 pricing and digital release strategy
The decline of physical game media
Bungie layoffs and studio restructuring
Upcoming game releases in July 2026
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
RESOURCES
Grand Theft Auto 6's Physical Editions Won't Include A Disc
Rockstar Games Has No Plans for GTA 6 Physical Disc Version, Says Report
Here's The Aussie Grand Theft Auto 6 Prices
Grand Theft Auto 6 Is A Single Player Experience With No Online Multiplayer
Bungie Has Been Hit By Significant Layoffs From The Destiny And Marathon Teams
Xbox Series X|S Consoles Just Got Another Massive Price Increase
What Video Games Are Coming Out in July 2026? - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network
Monday Jun 22, 2026
Monday Jun 22, 2026
We discuss Xbox reportedly closing several of its studios, and what it did wrong to get to this point.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Xbox's recent studio closures reflect a troubling trend in the gaming industry.
Xbox's acquisition strategy has led to significant studio instability.
GTA VI's cover reveal demonstrates the game's cultural significance.
The gaming community is often left disappointed by corporate decisions.
Double Fine's potential closure raises questions about creative freedom in gaming.
Subscription models may not be sustainable for game development.
The Adventures of Elliot offers a unique gameplay experience but has flaws.
Voice acting quality can significantly impact player experience.
The importance of narrative depth in video games is highlighted.
Community engagement is crucial for the future of gaming discussions.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
Xbox Is Reportedly About To Shut Down South Of Midnight Studio Compulsion Games Alongside Other Studios
The Grand Theft Auto 6 Pre-Order Date And Cover Art Have Been Revealed
Lost Castle 2 Review - Explosion Network
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network
Monday May 25, 2026
Monday May 25, 2026
We discuss Destiny's future, GTA VI release date, and Ciaran has impressions of Forza Horizon 6.
SHOW DOT POINTS
Destiny 2 is ending support, marking a significant moment for the franchise.
Bungie's future projects may focus on new IPs under PlayStation's ownership.
The PlayStation State of Play event is set to showcase major upcoming titles.
Forza Horizon 6 offers a rich exploration of Japanese culture and car culture.
The hosts express concern over the future of Bungie and its franchises.
PlayStation's strategy may shift back to focusing on single-player experiences.
The gaming industry is competitive, with many titles vying for player attention.
The importance of maintaining player engagement in live service games is emphasised.
Forza Horizon 6 is praised for its gameplay and soundtrack.
The hosts speculate on potential announcements at the State of Play event. Cirarn lent his Steam Deck to a friend for gaming.
Xbox has officially rebranded to all caps based on fan feedback.
Matthew Ball joins Xbox to address market challenges.
The gaming industry is competing with gambling and social media for attention.
GTA 6 is expected to release on November 19, 2026.
The hosts speculate on the impact of new leadership at Xbox.
There is a growing trend of multiplayer games over single-player experiences.
The excitement for single-player games among younger audiences is declining.
Cirarn plans to take time off to play GTA 6 upon release.
The hosts discuss the potential purchase of a PS5 Pro.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant
RESOURCES
After numerous delays, new GTA 6 pre-order leaks suggest November release date finally locked in, and further delays unlikely
Xbox is now XBOX, apparently | Eurogamer.net
Xbox hires analyst who said games were losing the attention battle with gambling, crypto and porn as chief strategy officer in another leadership revamp | Eurogamer.net
A 60+ Minute PlayStation State Of Play Has Been Revealed And Here's All The Aussie Times
Bungie Is Ending Support For Destiny 2 To Focus On New Projects
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
We discuss the latest gaming news, focusing on the marketing strategy for GTA 6 and its emphasis on console releases over PC. We also delve into the upcoming game 'Stranger Than Heaven,' highlighting its narrative depth, celebrity cameos, and unique gameplay mechanics that involve sound recording and music composition.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
RESOURCES
GTA 6 lands PlayStation 5 marketing deal, as Take-Two head implies PC is not Rockstar's "core" audience | Eurogamer.net
Xbox Presents: A Special Look at Stranger Than Heaven – Everything We Learned (Including Snoop Dogg’s Role!)
Asha Sharma admits "Xbox needs to move faster", as new CEO begins "winding down Copilot on mobile" and ceases its development on consoles | Eurogamer.net
Star Fox Has Been Revealed And It's A Star Fox 64 Remake
CREDITS
🎵 Music: Dylan Blight
🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay
🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques
📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM
👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORKListen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
Dylan breaks down his trying game and checking out the console at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience in Melbourne.
Show Dot Points
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, generating excitement among gamers.
Dylan attended a media event for the Nintendo Switch 2, where he played various games.
Mario Kart World introduces new gameplay mechanics and improved graphics.
The Switch 2 features a larger screen and lighter design compared to previous models.
Mouse controls in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond show potential for new gameplay experiences.
The hosts express scepticism about Nintendo's commitment to innovation.
GTA 6's trailer has overshadowed other gaming news this week.
Dylan's experience with Donkey Kong Bonanza highlights the fun and engaging gameplay.
The conversation emphasises the importance of first-party titles for console success.
The hosts discuss the potential for an OLED version of the Switch 2 in the future. There's a potential market for ergonomic grips for gaming consoles.
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers innovative gameplay mechanics that enhance the user experience.
Mouse controls in console gaming can provide a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
The graphics of the Nintendo Switch 2 are a significant improvement over its predecessor.
Launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be groundbreaking, but they are exciting.
Death Stranding 2 is set primarily in Australia, which adds a unique twist to the game.
Kojima's setting for Death Stranding 2 reflects his appreciation for Australia.
The social interactivity features of the Nintendo Switch 2 are a new direction for Nintendo.
The conversation highlights the importance of comfort in gaming setups.
Overall, the hosts express a positive outlook on the future of gaming with the new console. Death Stranding 2 is generating significant anticipation among fans.
Including more action elements in Death Stranding 2 is a positive change.
GTA 6's trailer has sparked discussions about character dynamics and setting.
Vice City is a beloved setting for many gamers, especially for its nostalgic value.
The dual narrative in GTA 6 could lead to interesting gameplay experiences.
Doom: The Dark Ages introduces new combat mechanics that blend action with strategy.
The game features a more extensive story than previous Doom titles, which may appeal to some players.
Doom: The Dark Ages soundtrack has received mixed reviews compared to its predecessors.
The hosts express a strong enthusiasm for the upcoming games, reflecting their passion for the gaming community.
The conversation highlights the importance of character-driven narratives in modern gaming.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Death Stranding 2's Version Of Australia Is Bloody Great So Far
The Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer Was Captured On A PS5 And Is Equal Parts Gameplay And Cutscenes
Mafia: The Old Country's Release Date Has Been Revealed Alongside A Cheaper Price Point
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
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
We discuss how good Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is and why it's a GOTY contender this year.
This week, we also cover the GTA VI delay into 2026, and when Silksong will, presumably, be released.
Show Dot Points
The game is a masterpiece with beautiful storytelling.
Claire Obscure: Expedition 33 is a strong contender for game of the year.
The game features a unique blend of Western RPG elements and JRPG influences.
Combat requires active engagement, making it more challenging than traditional RPGS.
Character roles are crucial for effective combat strategies.
Exploration is hindered by the lack of a map, complicating navigation.
The game has a distinct French aesthetic and cultural influence.
Players should be cautious of spoilers when seeking gameplay tips.
The game rewards exploration and strategic use of items.
The character development system allows for diverse gameplay experiences. Ashley discusses switching to story mode for easier gameplay.
Ciaran mentions Jennifer English's influence on game accessibility.
The pricing strategy of indie games is highlighted as a success factor.
The hosts agree on the importance of new IPS in the gaming landscape.
Ciaran emphasises the need for developers to learn from successful indie games.
The impact of Xbox Game Pass on game sales is discussed.
The anticipation for GTA 6 is seen as a double-edged sword for other games.
Ashley notes the long wait for GTA 6 and its implications for the industry.
Dylan expresses excitement for the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong.
The hosts reflect on the significance of gaming events and exhibitions.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
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
Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
We look ahead to 2025 and what games we must watch, including GTA VI, the Nintendo Switch 2, a new Pokemon Game, Ghost of Yotei, and more.
Show Dot Points
The Steam Deck has become a primary gaming console.
Battery life on the Steam Deck is generally satisfactory.
Games that require precision, like first-person shooters, are better suited for PC.
The Steam Deck is ideal for indie and bite-sized games.
Upcoming games in 2025 include highly anticipated titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Avowed.
The gaming community is excited about including women's football in Football Manager 25.
Nintendo's strategy includes big releases in January to capitalize on holiday sales.
The Steam Deck's user interface is praised for its ease of use.
Ciaran's experience with the Steam Deck has rekindled his love for gaming.
The conversation reflects a growing acceptance of new gaming platforms like Blue Sky. Sweek it in 1 and 2 remaster is highly anticipated.
Comedic horror games can be enjoyable.
Dabble in new games, even if you're not a fan of the genre.
Riot Games' new fighting game could change the industry.
Cooperative gameplay can be fun even without a full team.
Indie games are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Major franchises are making a comeback with new titles.
Innovative mechanics can enhance gameplay experiences.
MMOs are evolving with new open-world concepts.
Celebrity endorsements can create buzz for new games. Exploring new game concepts can lead to unexpected excitement.
Anticipation for upcoming releases is a common theme among gamers.
Unique game mechanics can enhance player engagement and enjoyment.
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the gaming industry.
Marvel Rivals aims to innovate within the hero shooter genre.
The influence of established creators like Ken Levine remains strong.
Game adaptations can spark interest but also scepticism.
Community feedback is crucial for the success of multiplayer games.
Diversity in game narratives is increasingly important.
Smaller indie games often stand out in a crowded market.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
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