Arcade Couch
Microsoft
Episodes
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Perfect Dark, Everwild Canceled as Microsoft Lays Off 9,000 Employees
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Microsoft lays off over 9.000 employess, and we discuss the effects it has had on Xbox and their development studios.
Show Dot Points
Microsoft laid off over 9000 employees, impacting Xbox.
Cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild raises concerns.
The gaming industry faces ongoing layoffs and project cancellations.
New studios struggle to succeed in creating AAA games.
Creative processes in gaming differ significantly from film.
Cross-platform gaming is becoming more prevalent.
The importance of established studios in game development.
Industry trends show a shift towards AI and new revenue models.
The departure of key creatives can impact project quality.
Community reactions to industry changes are mixed.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Resources
Perfect Dark and Everwild Cancelled as Microsoft Cuts 9,000 Jobs - Explosion Network
Forza Motorsport "is no more", claims former Turn 10 employee, following Microsoft cuts | Eurogamer.net
Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross Exit HBO’s The Last of Us Series - Explosion Network
Helldivers 2 Becomes First PlayStation-Published Game on Xbox - 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

Monday Sep 16, 2024
Annapurna Interactive Resignation Crisis
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Annapurna Interactive has its staff quit out of nowhere, so what's going on there?
Show Dot Points
The PlayStation Pro announcement sparked significant discussion among gamers.
Microsoft's layoffs reflect ongoing challenges in the gaming industry.
Total War Warhammer 3 continues to be popular among players.
Space Marine 2 has received positive feedback for its gameplay and design.
Flappy Bird's return is marred by controversy surrounding its new ownership.
Assassin's Creed Shadows will be featured at PAX Australia, generating excitement.
The gaming community is eager for big announcements at upcoming events.
The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the context behind gaming news.
The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Resources
Annapurna Video-Game Team Resigns, Leaving Partners Scrambling - Bloomberg
Microsoft lays off further 650 Xbox staff, no games cancelled or studios closed | Eurogamer.net
Space Marine 2 most successful Steam launch for Warhammer 40K series | Eurogamer.net
That Flappy Bird Revival Is Not As Wholesome As You Think
Assassin's Creed Shadows Will Be Playable At PAX Australia Ahead Of Release
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 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
Dylan has been playing some Hades II, the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement is coming before March 2025, and Xbox is in deep trouble with fans following the big cuts at Bethesda this past week.
Show Dot Points
Hades 2 has been released and is receiving positive reviews.
The hosts speculate on the announcement and release date of the next Nintendo Switch console.
There is a possibility that Nintendo will improve their infrastructure and add achievements to their system.
Microsoft recently announced the closure of several studios, which has raised concerns about the impact on the gaming industry. The hosts criticize Xbox's decision to cut studios and express frustration with the lack of communication and reasoning behind the cuts.
They speculate on the potential release date of GTA 6 and discuss the anticipation surrounding the game.
The hosts mention the game Little Kitty Big City and its positive review, highlighting its accessibility and fun gameplay.
They remind listeners to support the podcast and provide links to their social media and support pages.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello00:01:00 - Hades II Impressions00:12:24 - The Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Is Coming00:20:43 - Diving Into This Xbox Mess00:44:31 - GTA 6 Page Was Live For A Moment00:48:26 - Little Kitty Big City Review00:52:10 - Goodbye
Resources
Little Kitty, Big City Review - Short and sweet meow meow meow - Explosion Network
A Nintendo Direct Has Been Confirmed For June 2024
Nintendo Is Referring To Its New Console As A "Switch Next Model"
Xbox President Sarah Bond Responds to Bethesda Studio Cuts, Points to Lack of Industry Growth and Need to Manage the Business 'Through This Moment of Transition' - IGN
A New Official GTA 6 Page Has Briefly Appeared With Release Date And Screenshot Sections
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