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Last Stand Media & Studio71

Defining Duke is a weekly podcast dedicated to all things Xbox co-hosted by beloved YouTuber MrMattyPlays and Lord Cognito. Whether you're a fan and player of Xbox Series X|S, still hanging around on Xbox One, or have fond memories of Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, our show is for you. We go over the news, talk about the games we're playing, scour rumors and speculation, and much more. We publish each and every Sunday, and you can get the show three days early and ad-free by supporting us on Patreon at patreon.com/laststandmedia
We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 
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Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy

Defining Duke: An Xbox Podcast

As Lord Cognito long predicted, the AI conversation reached a breaking point online when people saw one of the industry's golden children announced that they'll be using generative AI for their game's development. That team is Larian Studios who is responsible for the Divinity franchise alongside the incredible Baldur's Gate 3. The CEO of Larian, Swen Vincke, said that it will be used for mostly pre-production stuff along the lines of whiteboxing or even company e-mails. However, he also let it slip that concept art ideation will be part of that process as an optional tool. Well, social media did not like this at all. It has turned into one of the most split topics to round out 2025. So, where do the Dukes stand? Matty, a longtime critic of AI's usage in development beyond a tool, happens to be a massive Larian fan. Does he bend the knee? What of Lord Cognito who always expected this? Does he blink at such a revelation? Perhaps, it's all overblown. There is a reality where we're years down the line and Larian is on a long list of developers who are all doing the same thing. Time shall tell, but let's chat about what we know for now.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:06:25 - Health Is Wealth0:26:41 - The Xbox Bowl0:30:12 - Backlog games we want to play in 20260:35:09 - Games we missed during The Game Awards0:38:23 - It’s actually Mega Man 120:43:23 - Clearing up some Warhammer nonsense0:47:26 - Katsuhiro Harada leaves Bandai0:55:58 - Elder Scrolls VI update1:12:30 - John Romero’s Xbox game survived cancellation1:14:55 - New Call Of Duty sub series inbound?1:23:30 - Exodus gets new leadership1:33:34 - Expedition 33 gets a new update1:35:37 - Marathon gets a March 2026 release window1:44:30 - Phantom Blade 0 is a timed PS5 exclusive1:45:16 - Dead Island 3 is a long, long ways away1:46:00 - Star Wars: Fate Of The Old Republic arrives before 20301:59:58 - Mega Man Star Force Collections arrives early 20262:00:41 - Resident Evil is about to be stacked for a few years2:01:47 - Updates on Persona 62:06:24 - What We’re Playing2:27:04 - Larian Studios is using generative AI3:19:35 - Forza Motorsport is done3:23:10 - Xbox teases Developer Direct
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#259 | The AI Conversation Has Reached A Breaking Point...

Star Wars: Fate Of The Old Republic.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:01:35 - Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic0:15:50 - Pragmata Release Date0:17:26 - New Divinity Game0:23:50 - Coven of the Chicken Foot0:25:26 - Ontos0:27:00 - 4:LOOP0:29:23 - Order Of The Sinking Star0:30:52 - South of Midnight gets PS5 and Switch 2 reveal0:33:50 - Exodus0:39:34 - Control Resonant0:41:42 - Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight0:43:48 - Tomb Raider0:47:37 - Saros Delayed0:49:42 - Star Wars: Galactic Racer0:52:04 - Award winners1:08:25 - Resident Evil Requiem1:12:03 - Gang of Dragon1:20:02 - Invincible VS Release Date1:22:17 - Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred1:23:59 - Total War: Warhammer 40,0001:27:37 - Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve1:32:31 - Phantom Blade Zero Release Date1:35:41 - Mega Man Dual Override1:42:48 - Highguard1:56:29 - Wrap Up
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#258 | WHAT JUST HAPPENED? - Our Reactions To The Game Awards 2025

Despite any gripes with Xbox this year, there's no denying that 2026 presents a fun challenge for them. Fable, Forza Horizon 6, Halo, and Gears Of War E-Day are all slated to drop next year. However, a new wrinkle has been introduced in the ambitious RPG, Clockwork Revolution, which hails from inXile Entertainment. After a seven minute trailer from this summer's showcase, we felt this thing had to be ready to go soon. Sadly, the RPG titan tempered our expectations when the trailer ended with the familiar statement from its initial reveal: "Coming in due time." Well, if a LinkedIn profile is to be believed, Clockwork Revolution may join the fray of a busy year for the "biggest publisher in gaming." Naturally, we hone in on GTA 6 which creates a splash radius so large that every publisher will be avoiding them for the fall. How Xbox navigates this will be interesting as we have yet to consider overdue titles like State Of Decay 3 and third party deals. Buckle up, friends! It's going to be a wild ride.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:06:49 - Health Is Wealth0:11:42 - Birthday video games0:24:49 - Holiday gaming plans0:30:43 - Our reveal predictions for The Game Awards0:37:07 - What is that Game Awards statue?0:41:43 - Avowed roadmap updated0:50:38 - Microsoft might want to add AI to Game Pass1:00:04 - Xbox Game Pass is done for the year1:05:04 - CD Projekt Red wants the new Witcher trilogy done in 6 years1:28:49 - Make or Break moment for Yacht Club Games1:38:21 - The art controversy with Marathon has been settled1:43:00 - There will be a Hitman 41:45:49 - Ubisoft cuts plans for Assassin’s Creed Shadows DLC1:51:10 - Splinter Cell director returns1:54:35 - Bloodlines 2 sales flop1:58:23 - Is Shadow The Hedgehog getting his own movie?2:01:41 - What’s next for Metal Gear Solid?2:08:11 - Control 2 reveal at The Game Awards?2:09:19 - Some sales updates2:10:42 - What We’re Playing3:01:50 - Xbox’s 2026 release rumors
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#257 | Is Clockwork Revolution Dropping In 2026?!

Thanks to the likes of OpenAI, hardware manufacturers are scrambling to adjust prices amidst a shortage of RAM. As a result, things are about to become more expensive again! Unlike companies like Lenovo or PlayStation who seemingly bought stock in advance to help avoid price shock, Xbox appears to be ready to pass this one onto the consumer. Naturally, the "Xbox refugees" have turned their attention toward the Steam Machine which could fill a void in our gamer hearts. However, the Dukes find it hard to imagine a hero in this stock shortage story. Just how much will the Steam Machine be after Valve admits they will not be subsidizing and are just looking to make the device competitive? Will it look good beside a PlayStation 6 or next gen Xbox? We have a lot of questions, little answers, and even less money.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:04:41 - Health Is Wealth0:14:29 - Let’s chat some more about Charlie ‘4 Hours’ Cox0:22:50 - Xbox’s November 2025 update0:31:40 - Default Game Profiles come to the Xbox Ally0:35:06 - The Xcrocs are (sadly) real0:41:13 - Battlefield 6 versus Black Ops 71:04:07 - Destiny 3 is in the works?1:09:10 - A crazy week in the world of Ubisoft1:31:50 - TMNT is getting the Sonic treatment1:43:28 - Leaked messages of what got Rockstar employees fired1:46:03 - Intergalatic: The Heretic Prophet is years away1:50:00 - Stellar Blade 2 will be multiplatform1:50:59 - Death Stranding 2 coming to PC soon?1:52:57 - Exodus trailer confirmed for The Game Awards1:56:57 - Cyberpunk’s sequel is ramping up1:59:42 - SEGA admits their definitive versions could hurt sales2:13:12 - What We’re Playing2:44:17 - Valve talks Steam Machine value as Xbox is expected to jump their prices again
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#256 | Xbox Hardware Prices Are Going Up AGAIN...?

As was originally reported, Xbox brought out a Partner Preview in November. It was chockful of everything strange like a co-op alien shop simulator or a thuggish rabbit beating up baddies to more traditional first person horror titles. The catch was that every game we saw throughout was a Play Anywhere title, a program that many of Xbox's players still yearn for the platform to leverage more. All in all, the Dukes enjoyed the show, especially given it dropped ahead of the biggest show of the year in the Game Awards where announcements are typically prioritized. Beyond that, we dive deep into the Valve rumor mill. Half Life 3 is everywhere! Is it finally happening and are the Dukes believers? We get into that plus updated thoughts on the Steam Machine now that we've had some time to digest the triple-whammy Valve hit us with last week.

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Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:13:32 - Discussing The Game Awards nominees0:31:43 - The myriad of Half Life 3 rumors0:36:54 - Valve’s focus for the Steam Machine0:51:16 - Xbox Ally is exceeding expectations0:55:09 - Xbox releases game publishing documentation to the public0:59:26 - Obsidian has yet to use generative AI1:03:17 - Activision caught using AI generated assets in Black Ops 71:12:01 - Bethesda responds to Fallout 4’s anniversary issues1:28:04 - Krafton is now the publisher of Hi Fi Rush, but there’s a catch1:31:37 - New comments by Sarah Bond on Xbox’s future1:37:18 - PlayStation was indifferent to market shrinking in Japan1:46:07 - Where is Yoko Taro?1:48:58 - A new Ratchet & Clank game got revealed1:56:42 - Don’t call it a Concord comeback2:00:35 - Silent Hill Townfall’s release date leaked2:02:15 - Ubisoft canceled Splinter Cell for xDefiant2:10:02 - Red Dead Redemption 1 gets next gen update2:10:56 - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 reaches 4 million sales figure2:13:38 - First look at Zelda movie2:14:27 - Death Stranding is getting an original anime on Disney+2:17:16 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass2:19:42 - What We’ve Been Playing3:11:50 - Xbox Partner Preview
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#255 | So... That Xbox Showcase Was DIFFERENT...

Xbox's big bet for bringing PCs to the living room has officially been undercut. This week, Valve announced three (!) different pieces of hardware. First, there is the Steam Machine, which serves as the strongest competitor to consoles. While still very much a PC, the Steam Machine packs a lot of punch for a small device and could be a force if priced well. Second, a brand new VR headset in the Steam Frame. Despite Meta having massive first-party support, Valve has decided to challenge a space that many of us thought was finished growing. Third, and finally, is a Steam Controller. It's horrendous looking and makes the Duke look ergonomic. How does Valve's aggressive hardware plans disrupt Xbox and does any lingering appeal for the PC in the living room by Xbox remain? The Dukes unite and dive straight in.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:08:49 - The Hair Crisis0:13:57 - Halo Infinite support is ending0:21:59 - Former Nintendo President opens up on Xbox and Switch 20:31:59 - State Of Play Japan reactions0:47:15 Arc Raiders is a smash hit0:57:04 - GTA 6 has been delayed1:09:02 - Take Two proves great narrative games sell well1:13:02 - Borderlands 4 sales are soft1:18:58 - Dispatch sells over 1 million copies1:20:47 - Ghost Of Yotei sells over 3 million copies1:23:00 - BioWare and EA recommit to Mass Effect1:42:28 - Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra has been delayed1:44:35 - Silent Hill 2’s Xbox release date leaks1:48:42 - Nintendo first party are using game key cards1:51:07 - Square Enix undergoes layoffs and drops new roadmap2:03:02 - Trails In The Sky Remake 2 confirmed for 20262:05:54 - What We’re Playing3:00:07 - Valve announces Steam Machine, Frame, and Controller3:28:55 - Todd Howard interview3:42:30 - Avowed 2 is in the cards, but not Outer Worlds 3?
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#254 | Valve Just Beat Xbox To The Punch...

It's been quite the year for Obsidian Entertainment. Following three major releases in one year with Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2. Obsidian finds itself discussing their future and relevance in a world where "Microsoft Gaming" exists. Cog and Hoeg discuss the significance of revisiting the Pillars of Eternity universe with their latest turn based announcement. What does the future also hold for this studio? In addition to all the latest news in the world of Xbox!

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:02:50 - Health Is Wealth0:05:01 - Does Cog Really Hate Exclusives?0:17:14 - Xbox Hybrid Future?0:33:59 - Cancelling Game Pass Ultimate?0:40:32 - Destiny 2 New Renegades expansion0:49:39 - Nintendo’s Patent in Palworld Dispute is Being Re-examined1:03:54 - Devs believe Steam has a monopoly on PC games?1:14:03 - Consumers spend more on remakes than remasters1:22:42 - Battlefield 6 Has Reportedly Sold Over 10 Million Copies1:31:21 - Arc Raiders early success & roadmap1:40:33 - Black Ops 7 ROG Xbox Ally X Support1:44:22 - Expedition 33 & Final Fantasy VII Remake event1:52:52 - What We Are Playing2:11:36 - Obsidian announces Pillars of Eternity Turn-Based Mode & talks future2:42:41 - Xbox Q1 hardware sales down2:54:20 - Xbox - Ex-Boxer commercial
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#253 | Obsidian: The Pillar of Xbox’s Future?

Following months of swirling rumors, Halo Combat Evolved has its remake. It's called Halo Campaign Evolved and you can play it next year on Xbox, PC, and yes, even PlayStation! It has everything from sprinting to aiming down sights, but more surprising is the new content found within. Cutscenes have been entirely reshot, new prequel missions are being added to the game, new weapons are getting thrown in there, and even the warthog saw an expansion to it. Cog and Gene had the opportunity to go hands-on with a demo of this remake and the takeaways are what you'd expect from a Halo Studios led project. Indeed, it's the familiar cocktail of optimism for what's in front of you and lingering skepticism from the thing you just got.

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Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:02:53 - Sarah Bond says exclusive games are antiquated0:16:09 - Matt Booty says Xbox’s competition is TikTok and movies0:29:43 - Phil Spencer says Forza Motorsport isn’t dead0:38:25 - Phil Spencer on Xbox’s AI push0:45:09 - Xbox has a Partner Preview coming in November0:52:55 - Fallout Day 2025 was terrible1:18:40 - ID@Xbox showcase reveals 12 indie Game Pass titles1:20:43 - Canceled multiplayer God of War game leaks1:24:12 - Ghost of Yotei sales analysis1:31:00 - Loulan: The Cursed Sands revealed1:33:23 - Masters of Albion will be Peter Molyneux’s final game1:41:31 - Mouse: P.I. for Hire releases on March 19th, 20261:42:45 - Battlefield REDSEC shadow dropped by EA1:45:07 - FemShep wants to go back to Mass Effect1:46:40 - Crash Bandicoot is getting a Netflix series1:47:51 - What We’re Playing (Xbox Ally X)2:26:55 - Halo Campaign Evolved discussion3:01:40 - Cog's thoughts on Ninja Gaiden 43:09:11 - Outer Worlds 23:35:17 - Massive details on the next Xbox3:59:25 - Xbox’s 30% profit margin to blame for price hikes
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#252 | We PLAYED The Halo Remake...

There's much to be said about how The Outer Worlds 2 was handled prior to its release. Everything from a lacking preview and Avowed's underwhelming launch to Xbox attempting to force a $80 price point put this game on the uphill climb. All of that is out the window now. Cog and Matty have it in hand and have logged their many hours! Is the Black Rock ready to deliver on the RPG pedigree that they're known for or are they best off focusing on their new strength in games like Grounded or Pentiment?

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:02:57 - Final future of the Dukes update0:08:31 - Xbox Ally impressions0:28:08 - The pace of Xbox releases0:35:29 - The most positive Xbox experience this generation0:43:07 - What We’re Playing1:02:44 - Outer Worlds 22:13:25 - Improvements coming to the Xbox Ally2:15:49 - ID@Xbox showcase coming October 28th2:17:16 - Starfield’s PS5 announcement will come in 20262:18:31 - Warner Bros Discovery is up for sale again2:27:26 - Assassin’s Creed franchise lead was forced out2:35:11 - Glen Schofield is trying to get Dead Space back2:54:25 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 updates3:00:34 - The Resident Evil Remake rumors are heating up3:04:24 - A new Dragon Ball game coming in 20263:08:11 - Marvel Cosmic Invasion releases December 1st3:10:33 - Quantic Dream’s strange new multiplayer game3:16:16 - What’s next for Arrowhead?3:18:28 - Silent Hill sales update3:21:18 - Kirby Air Riders gets ANOTHER direct3:25:41- Sarah Bond clarifies Xbox next gen details3:49:04 - Xbox has plans to move its product manufacturing out of China
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#251 | Our Outer Worlds 2 Review Is HERE... - Did it Deliver?!

Despite the ongoing hardware "crisis," plenty of next generation hardware news continues to leak out of Xbox. This time, we have Project Magnus courtesy of Moore's Law Is Dead! Set to release in 2027, this console will (as expected) feature some Windows elements and go head-to-head with the pre-built PC market. To help break all of this down, Jimmy Champane of Deck Ready is here. Beyond Project Magnus, we get into a newly released piece of Xbox hardware in the Xbox Ally. Is it worth your money and what does it tell us about the future of Xbox's unified Windows approach? A lot, it seems! Beyond that, we tackle a new-ish structure for the show, covering everything from Xbox to PlayStation and Nintendo. Much of our show is shaped by you, so we hope you enjoy the inclusion and look forward to reading your thoughts.

Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement.

0:00:00 - Intro0:20:42 - Where did the former Zenimax Online devs go?0:30:06 - Call Of Duty is dropping SBMM0:42:23 - Halo art director delivers ominous message1:04:51 - Indiana Jones gets anniversary update1:10:17 - Everwild screenshots have leaked1:12:44 - Sucker Punch’s future after Ghost Of Yotei1:27:46 - What is Bluepoint up to?1:31:34 - More Expedition 33 content on the way1:36:39 - Japan responds to rise of Sora AI1:44:05 - Assassin’s Creed director quits over Tencent2:04:02 - Massive Pokémon leak2:18:14 - Switch 2 console sales update2:21:34 - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game revealed2:24:59 - The Mindseye Aftermath2:30:18 - What We’re Playing3:18:10 - Xbox’s Project Magnus and PlayStation 6 are rumored to release in 20273:55:17 - Another week of Xbox hardware drama
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#250 | Xbox's Next Gen Console LEAKED... (ft. Deck Ready)

Our holiday tradition continues as Matty and Cog gather to discuss the very best and worst that Xbox's most popular service, Game Pass, had to offer. It was a year that saw strong improvement in the terms of quality as last year featured technical Day 1 duds such as Dark Alliance, Back 4 Blood, and even Outriders that painted a bleak picture of weak titles taking the bag. 2022 restored the confidence which left the Dukes with many good pickings, but even then we still had some stinkers. Indeed, every light does have its shadow... or Crossfire X.
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The Best & Worst Of Game Pass In 2022

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