In this episode of the M2 Podcast, we cover another dramatic week in the gaming world. Krafton has delayed Subnautica 2 until 2026, just ahead of a $250 million bonus payout — sparking speculation about motives beyond “quality improvements.” Meanwhile, Ubisoft’s long-running misconduct scandal reaches a legal milestone as three former executives are convicted of harassment and assault in a French court. Microsoft continues its wave of cuts, this time canceling high-profile titles Perfect Dark and Everwild, while shuttering The Initiative studio entirely. Lastly, we explore the controversial new trend of financing in-game purchases through “Buy Now, Pay Later” services like Affirm — yes, you can now pay off your Fortnite skins in installments.

0:00 Intro

1:16 Updates

12:58 Krafton Delays ‘Subnautica 2’ Game https://tinyurl.com/23cyb85f

26:00 Three former Ubisoft executives are convicted https://tinyurl.com/3639zcj8

39:24 Microsoft cancels Perfect Dark and Everwild https://tinyurl.com/2r7x7sad

51:50 Buy In-Game DLC And Pay It Off Later https://tinyurl.com/yxx8y8pt

1:12:10 Outro

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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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In this episode of M2 Podcast, we cover the latest shakeups and reveals in the world of gaming. Ubisoft surprises fans by skipping its annual Ubisoft Forward showcase for the first time since 2020, opting instead for appearances at other summer events. Riot Games announces major updates for *Valorant*, including a long-awaited replay system and a shift to Unreal Engine 5 this July. We also discuss CD Projekt Red’s impressive Witcher 4 tech demo, showcasing Ciri exploring Kovir at 60 FPS with ray tracing on the PS5. Finally, we dive into the reveal of 007: First Light, IO Interactive’s origin story for James Bond, set to bring stealth and style to consoles in 2026.

0:00 Intro

4:20 Updates

12:53 Ubisoft Forward Not Coming This Summer https://tinyurl.com/2mzesw6x

20:19 Valorant is switching to Unreal Engine 5 https://tinyurl.com/4d7rerhw

28:37 Witcher 4 tech demo shows footage https://tinyurl.com/4d66z6sy

44:35 Unveiling 007 First Light https://tinyurl.com/3y5sn76x

57:26 Outro

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In this episode of M2 Podcast, we explore a wide range of stories shaping the gaming and tech industries. Bandai revives the Tamagotchi craze with Tamagotchi Paradise, an ambitious new device that lets you nurture an entire planet of virtual pets. Discord jumps into the ad-reward game with “Orbs,” a new in-app currency that pays users to engage with advertiser content. We also dive into a fascinating feature where over 30 developers, including legends like John Romero, reveal the biggest misconceptions players have about game development. And finally, we discuss EA’s controversial decision to cancel its Black Panther game and shut down Cliffhanger Games, as the publisher continues its turbulent strategy of internal restructuring.

0:00 Intro

1:27 Updates

9:24 Tamagotchi Paradise https://tinyurl.com/569tut2n

15:18 Discord’s new currency pays users https://tinyurl.com/3xj6cwzd

21:36 What people get wrong about games https://tinyurl.com/mrxhsh2v

52:02 EA Cancels Black Panther Game https://tinyurl.com/2dnc4nzj

1:03:08 Outro

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In this episode of M2 Podcast, we break down a whirlwind of updates across the gaming world. MSI shakes up the handheld market with its new Claw A8, now powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip. Meanwhile, Atomfall proves that Game Pass isn’t a death sentence for profitability, with Rebellion celebrating its biggest launch yet. On the flip side, Bungie’s Marathon is in freefall — plagued by creative missteps and a shrinking audience, it may already be past saving. And finally, we dive into the long-secret development of Mario Kart World, which has quietly been in the works for eight years as Nintendo struggled to evolve a franchise many already considered perfect.

0:00 Intro

0:57 Update

11:56 MSI’s new Claw A8 https://tinyurl.com/532rf87a

19:02 Atomfall 'Immediately Profitable' at Launch https://tinyurl.com/3zam5hpk

30:03 It’s Just Over For ‘Marathon’ https://tinyurl.com/53uy9yz2

53:44 Mario Kart World development https://tinyurl.com/bdzhsvxz

1:07:30 Outro

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In this episode of M2 Podcast, we explore the deep cuts and shifting strategies shaking up the games industry. Warner Bros. reports a 48% drop in Q1 games revenue, pointing to no major releases and the underperformance of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Square Enix unveils a three-year reboot plan aimed at consistent, high-quality, multiplatform game releases. Meanwhile, former Ubisoft director Guillaume Broche slams AAA development bloat, praising indie freedom as the true path to innovation. And Microsoft is back in the headlines with another massive layoff, cutting over 6,000 employees as it restructures for "agility"—just months after shuttering several studios. Let’s unpack the future these moves are shaping.

0:00 Intro

1:11 Updates

12:12 Warner Bros games revenue drops 48% in Q1 2025 https://tinyurl.com/mtnnmm7y

23:35 Square Enix Reveals Its Plan To "Reboot" https://tinyurl.com/25a464pb

32:41 Former Ubisoft director slams AAA dev bloat https://tinyurl.com/s5k527zf

53:06 Microsoft is laying off more than 6,000 employees https://tinyurl.com/bh7thxx5

1:03:12 Outro

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