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We debate whether video game remakes/remasters are killing the industry and holding it back from bigger things. SHOW DOT POINTS Nostalgia can hinder innovation in gaming. Remakes are often more financially viable for publishers. There are still many original games being released. The gaming industry is risk-averse, favouring known properties. Development timelines have become excessively long. Creative direction is crucial for timely game production. Hiring more staff could alleviate development bottlenecks. The gaming community is still young and evolving. Stories in games are often retold, similar to other media. Metro 2039 reflects real-world issues and challenges. Metro Exodus introduces a new protagonist named Artem. The Street Fighter film aims to capture the essence of the game. The trailer for the Street Fighter film received positive feedback. Lana Del Rey will perform the title song for the Bond game. The return of composer David Arnold adds credibility to the Bond game. Wind Rose offers a unique pirate adventure experience. The game allows for both single-player and co-op gameplay. Community reactions to games can vary widely. The importance of character development in video games is emphasized. The hosts reflect on their different methods of discovering new games. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Metro 2039 Is A Brand New Metro Game Influenced By Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Street Fighter film gets new trailer full of roundhouses and explosions, plus a spot of mournful karaoke | Eurogamer.net 007 First Light title song will be performed by Lana Del Rey, while Bond film composer David Arnold returns to franchise after almost two decades | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

Dylan and Ashley discuss the news surrounding Disney and Epic Games teaming up for a new crossover, in addition to the current Fortnite one.  Plus, Dylan dives into Pokémon Champions, gives his wrap-up thoughts on Resident Evil Requiem, and talks to Ashley about the latest idea from PlayStation—adding scans of real people to their games. SHOW DOT POINTS Dylan expresses frustration over being called the 'Easter Grinch' for missing a podcast. Ashley finds the idea of a Disney IP-based extraction shooter to be bizarre. Dylan recalls the combat mechanics of Disney Infinity as a precedent for how Disney characters fight. The duo discusses the potential revenue impact of Disney's partnership with Epic Games. Dylan criticises Epic Games for laying off employees despite upcoming collaborations with Disney. Ashley highlights the importance of vetting participants in Sony's new player engagement initiative. Dylan questions the motivations behind Sony's player base initiative. Ashley suggests that the initiative could be a way to promote Gran Turismo 7. Dylan and Ashley joke about the absurdity of interview answers for the player base initiative. The conversation reflects on the evolving landscape of gaming and corporate strategies. The film Exit 8 has received critical acclaim, achieving a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Resident Evil's gameplay effectively balances action and survival horror elements. The pacing between characters in Resident Evil enhances the overall experience. Pokémon Champions allows for extensive customisation of Pokémon stats and moves. The game introduces a new competitive format for Pokémon battles. Players can bring their Pokémon from previous games into Pokémon Champions. The game features a unique mechanic where players can see their opponent's team before battle. Pokémon Champions aims to be the new standard for competitive Pokémon play. The meta in competitive Pokémon will evolve with new game releases. The launch of Pokémon Champions has faced some technical issues, but it shows promise. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES Fortnite's Toy Story Crossover Is Taking Things To Infinity And Beyond A Disney-Themed Extraction Shooter Is Reportedly In Development PlayStation Fans Can Now Be Scanned Into Games Exit 8 Is Now The Highest Rated Video Game Film Adaptation Ever Exit 8 Review [MIFF 2025] - 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 NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already proving to be a big success at the box office, but its quality is splitting the internet. Embracer may have 2 prominent studios working on The Lord of the Rings games, and Ciaran shares his impressions of Screamer YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CONTENT MENTIONED The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - Starts Better & Then Ends Worse | Animated Wonders EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:41 - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Makes Money Despite Reviews 00:07:59 - Amazon want Mass Effect TV Series rewritten to appeal to non- gamers 00:12:39 - Embracer May Have 2 Lord of the Rings games in the works 00:25:12 - 2025 Xbox Games Showcase Date Has Been Locked In 00:33:39 - Xbox FanFest Is Coming to Sydney in 2026 00:36:44 - Peak Devs Say 'Any Update Is a Bonus, Not a Right.' 00:40:19 - Mass Layoffs at Eidos Montreal After Game Cancellation 00:44:36 - Ciaran’s Screamer Impressions 00:50:45 - outro RESOURCES The Super Mario Galaxy Movie breaks records with $34m opening despite "unfavourable" reviews Mass Effect TV show ordered to rewrite scripts and make them "more appealing to non-gamers" Kingdom Come: Deliverance Devs Working on LOTR Game, It's Claimed  Following rumours of Warhorse Studios visiting Middle-earth, Tomb Raider developer  EXCLUSIVE: Veteran Studio Working On New Lord of the Rings Game  The 2026 Xbox Games Showcase Has Been Dated Alongside A Direct For Gears Of War: E-Day  Xbox FanFest is coming to Australia later in 2026 | ScreenHub: Film, TV, Streaming and Games Peak devs remind players that 'any update is a bonus not a right' Eidos Montreal To Lay Off 124 Employees EXCLUSIVE: Eidos Montreal Cancels 7+ Year In-Development Title That Cost Hundreds of Millions CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss Life is Strange: Reunion, impressions, and its lack of marketing, go over the recent PlayStation console price increase, and break down the Xbox Partner Preview. SHOW DOT POINTS PlayStation has increased the prices of its consoles due to global economic pressures. Early adopters of gaming consoles benefit from price increases for new buyers. Nintendo's pricing strategy for digital vs physical games may influence consumer choices. The Xbox showcase featured several new game announcements, but overall reactions were mixed. The Super Mario Bros Galaxy movie is set to release soon, generating excitement among fans. Digital games often provide a cost advantage over physical copies, especially for Nintendo titles. The gaming industry is adapting to economic challenges by adjusting pricing strategies. Collectors value physical copies of games, particularly for Nintendo consoles. Marketing strategies for game releases are evolving, with teasers and character reveals becoming common. The potential for a Smash Bros-style movie is a topic of speculation among fans. Nintendo and Illumination could create a cinematic universe. Excitement for the new animated movie is palpable. Concerns about the upcoming film having too many characters. Yoshi's presence in the movie is a highlight for fans. Star Fox's return is a significant topic in gaming news. The gaming industry is facing major layoffs and closures. Ocarina of Time remake could be a big deal for fans. The future of live service games is uncertain. The impact of Fortnite's decline on the gaming industry is concerning. Upcoming releases like Pokémon Champions are generating buzz. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:10 - Console Price Increases 00:14:25 - Xbox Partner Showcase: March 2026 00:28:25 - Fox McLoud is in Mario Galaxy Movie 00:34:20 - New StarFox & Ocarina of Time Remake Rumours 00:42:25 - Studio Clorsures & Layoffs 00:52:10 - Life is Strange: Reunion Impressions RESOURCES Here's The New Aussie Prices For The PS5, PS5 Pro And PlayStation Portal Nintendo Switch 2 Game Prices Are Changing With Digital Games To Be Cheaper Everything Announced At The March 2026 Xbox Partner Preview All-new Star Fox and Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake reportedly set for Switch 2 release this year | Eurogamer.net Glen Powell is voicing Starfox's Fox McCloud in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie | Eurogamer.net Wanderstop studio Ivy Road to close after funding for second game "didn't come to fruition" | Eurogamer.net Krafton cancels F2P PUBG spin-off PUBG: Blindspot after just 2 months | Eurogamer.net Fortnite-maker Epic Games lays off another 1,000 staff CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss DLSS 5 and how it's adding to the AI slopness of the game industry. SHOW DOT POINTS The introduction of DLSS5 has sparked significant backlash from gamers. AI technology in gaming can alter the original artistic intent of games. NVIDIA's DLSS5 aims to enhance graphics but raises concerns about photorealism. The gaming industry is experiencing a wave of layoffs and restructuring. Ubisoft's Red Storm Entertainment has shifted focus to tech support roles. Crystal Dynamics has faced multiple rounds of layoffs in a year. Leadership indecisiveness can lead to repeated layoffs and restructuring. The gaming community is critical of unnecessary technological advancements. There is a call for better management practices in gaming studios. The future of beloved franchises like Splinter Cell remains uncertain. The wealthy elite often rely on bonuses to maintain their lifestyle. Japanese publisher Atlas is raising salaries and reducing overtime. Staff retention is crucial for efficient game development. The rapid release of games in Japan contrasts with Western studios. Anticipation for Persona Six is high among fans. Starfield is set to release on PS5 soon. Nintendo Switch 2 has received a notable update. Refunding games on Steam can be a necessary choice. Supporting indie developers is important for the gaming ecosystem. April is packed with exciting game releases. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss the future of Xbox with their upcoming hybrid PC/Console and what that means for their games. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley RESOURCES The First Xbox Project Helix Details Have Been Revealed And Xbox Mode Is Coming To All PCs Yoshi And The Mysterious Book's Release Date Has Been Revealed Alongside A Gorgeous New Trailer South of Midnight debuts on PS5 and Switch 2 later this month | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss the Nintendo Indie World for March 2026 and dive into the wonderful world ready to explore in Pokémon Pokopia. SHOW DOT POINTS The Indie World Showcase featured a variety of new indie games. Dylan expressed excitement for the game Densha Attack. The game My Little Puppy has a unique premise involving dogs and heaven. Heave Ho 2 was announced, continuing the multiplayer co-op experience. Moonlighter 2 is set to release on Nintendo Switch in 2026. Dylan shared his thoughts on the shadow drop trend in gaming. Rumours suggest the next God of War game will feature Faye as the lead character. The gaming community has mixed reactions to the idea of a female lead in God of War. Capcom's recent showcase highlighted announcements for Mega Man and Resident Evil. Ubisoft announced a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, raising questions about their choice. Assassin's Creed Black Flag remains a fan favourite. New titles like Hex and Invictus are on the horizon for Assassin's Creed. Live service games face high risks and rewards in the gaming industry. Local events like Level Up Tasmania support game development communities. Pokémon Pokopia has received high praise and is the highest-rated Pokémon game to date. The gameplay in Pokopia allows for creative environmental interactions. Scott Pilgrim EX expands on the beloved original game with new content. The emotional storytelling in games is becoming more prominent. The gaming community is eager for new multiplayer experiences. Game reviews provide insights into the evolving landscape of gaming. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:30 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase 00:13:45 - God of War Spin-Off Rumours 00:20:50 - Capcom Spotlight  00:25:20 - Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Is 100% Real 00:30:50 - Highguard Is Now Being Shutdown 00:35:10 - Level Up Tasmania Is Back 00:36:00 - Pokémon Pokopia Impressions 00:48:50 - Poker Night at the Inventory & Scott Pilgrim EX Reviews 00:51:10 - Outro RESOURCES Everything Announced at the March 2026 Indie World Showcase - Explosion Network The next God of War game stars a new protagonist rather than Kratos, insider claims, and will be revealed this year | Eurogamer.net Capcom Spotlight March – All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network Ubisoft Confirms Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake - Explosion Network Two Months Later, Highguard Is Already Closing - Explosion Network Level Up Tasmania 2026 Dates Confirmed for April 17–18 - Explosion Network Poker Night at the Inventory Review - Explosion Network Scott Pilgrim EX 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 NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We talk about everything from the 2026 Pokémon Day, Pokémon Presents, including the reveal of Pokémon Wind & Waves.  Also on the show, we give our impressions on both Resident Evil: Requiem, as well as Marathon, after jumping into the server slam.  SHOW DOT POINTS The Pokémon Presents event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the franchise. New game features and updates were announced, including Pokémon Home support. The 10th generation of Pokémon games is set to release in 2027. Visual performance is a major concern for upcoming Pokémon titles. The hosts hope for a more polished experience with the new games. Bluepoint's potential Bloodborne remake was a hot topic of discussion. The gaming community is eager for more announcements throughout the anniversary year. Voice acting in Pokémon games is a desired feature among fans. The hosts reflect on the impact of leaks on excitement for new games. The conversation highlights the balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming. Bluepoint's potential projects are still under discussion. The God of War series is generating mixed reactions online. Xbox is facing significant challenges with its branding strategy. Resident Evil Requiem balances horror and action effectively. Marathon's gameplay mechanics are engaging but require teamwork. Overwatch's return has revitalised interest in the franchise. The UI in Marathon is a major point of frustration for players. Upcoming game releases in March include several highly anticipated titles. The hosts emphasise the importance of community in multiplayer games. Resident Evil Requiem is noted for its stunning visuals and sound design. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Pokemon Presents - Pokemon Day 2026 00:24:00 - Bluepoint Did Try & Remake Bloodborne 00:32:30 - First Look At God of War Series 00:37:30 - Ciaran's Thoughts On Xbox Change-Up 00:41:45 - Resident Evil Requiem Impressions 00:49:20 - Marathon - Servel Slam Impressions 00:57:45 - Games Coming Out In March 01:03:35 - Outro RESOURCES Pokémon Day 2026: All the Announcements From Pokémon Presents - Explosion Network Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Remake Pitch Was Reportedly Rejected - Explosion Network Prime Video Reveals First Image From God of War Series - Explosion Network Marvel's Wolverine Launches on September 15, 2026 - Explosion Network Video Game Releases Archives - 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 NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss the huge shakeup with the Xbox leadership team and the closure of Bluepoint Games. SHOW DOT POINTS Phil Spencer's retirement marks a significant shift for Xbox. Asha Sharma's appointment raises questions about Xbox's future direction. Xbox's current position is precarious, with many uncertainties. The gaming industry is shifting towards live service models. Sony's closure of Blue Point Games highlights industry volatility. Live service games are struggling to find a sustainable model. The focus on monetisation is affecting game quality. Leadership changes can lead to drastic shifts in company strategy. The gaming community is highly invested in company leadership. The future of Xbox as a console is uncertain. The video game industry is losing time to apps and social media. Studio closures often stem from financial decisions rather than creative ones. New studios struggle to deliver successful games without prior experience. The gaming industry faces a constant battle between artistic vision and technological constraints. Anticipation for Pokémon's 30th anniversary is high, with expectations for new content. Remakes and remasters are a cost-effective strategy for studios. The importance of collaboration and team chemistry in game development cannot be overstated. The narrative depth in games can provoke thoughts on real-world issues. Lighting and art direction play a crucial role in game aesthetics. Player engagement is shifting, necessitating new strategies for developers. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:10 - Xbox Leadership Change-up 00:20:45 - Sony Shuts Down Bluepoint Games 00:41:30 - Pokémon Presents Hopes 00:48:25 - God of War Sons of Spartan Wrap-Up Review 00:49:30 - Reanimal Review 00:56:30 - Outro RESOURCES Major Xbox Shake-Up: Asha Sharma Named CEO of Microsoft Gaming - Explosion Network Sony Shutters Bluepoint Games Just Years After Buying the Studio - Explosion Network Pokémon Presents Announced for February 28 – 30th Anniversary Celebration - Explosion Network Nintendo Bringing Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen to Switch - Explosion Network God of War Sons of Sparta 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 NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We break down the first State of Play for 2026, which brought plenty of surprises and new game trailers. SHOW DOT POINTS The PlayStation Showcase featured a variety of new game announcements. Wolverine was included in the showcase, albeit not in the expected format. Kenna: Bridge of Spirits sequel shows significant development. Ghost of Yotai Legends is set to return with multiplayer features. Death Stranding 2 is confirmed for PC release. Resident Evil Requiem continues to generate buzz with frequent trailers. Legacy of Cain is getting a remaster, sparking interest in the franchise. A new 2.5D Castlevania game is in development, appealing to long-time fans. Unique IPs like Project Windlass are being introduced, showcasing creativity. Konami's segment highlighted both remasters and new titles, indicating a focus on legacy franchises. The John Wick game aims to capture the essence of the franchise. Bungie's Marathon is set to test servers with a service slam. PlayStation Plus is adding notable titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Saros gameplay trailer showcases significant improvements over Returnal. Marvel's Fighting Souls introduces new characters like Storm and Magic. God of War trilogy remakes are in early development for PS6. Sons of Sparta explores Kratos's early life and relationships. The game aims to offer a different perspective on Kratos. Voice acting in Sons of Sparta has received mixed reviews. The game's combat mechanics differ from those in traditional God of War games. Wrestle Quest's pixel art aims for an authentic 80s aesthetic. Highguard's layoffs reflect broader issues in the gaming industry. Video game success is crucial for team retention. Mario Tennis Fever offers smooth, engaging gameplay. Mugenics combines humour with tactical gameplay mechanics. The gaming industry often relies on the success of the next release. Highguard's development challenges raise questions about live service games. The structure of video game development can lead to instability for teams. Mario Tennis Fever's story mode serves as an extended tutorial. Mugenics has the potential for addictive gameplay and deep mechanics. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:50:00 - State of Play Breakdown 00:43:30 - God of War Sons of Sparta Review-In-Progress 00:55:50 - Highguard Developer Lay Offs 01:04:20 - Mario Tennis Fever Review-In-Progress 01:13:20 - Mewgenics Impressions 01:20:40 - Outro RESOURCES Every Announcement From February’s PlayStation State of Play - Explosion Network Highguard not shutting down following Wildlight layoffs, with a "core group" of developers left to support the game | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

HBO and Craig Mazin are working on an HBO series, but Larian Studio aren't involved! Let's talk about it. We also discuss the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, the first for 2026, as well as Dylan's time with Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined. SHOW DOT POINTS The Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase received mixed reactions from fans. Many players were disappointed with the lack of major surprises in the showcase. The hosts discussed various game announcements, including new titles and updates for existing games. Horizon Hunters Gathering was revealed, drawing comparisons to other multiplayer games. The hosts believe the new Horizon game will attract a dedicated audience, given its established fan base. Bethesda's titles are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, expanding the console's library. PAX 2026 is set to return, with a medieval theme hinted at in promotional materials. The hosts discussed the future of gaming and the impact of new titles on the industry. The conversation highlighted the importance of gameplay quality over graphics in new releases. Overall, the episode reflects the evolving landscape of gaming and player expectations. Personal connections to games can influence opinions. The anticipation for PlayStation's upcoming titles is high. Concerns about the pacing and quality of The Last of Us season three. Baldur's Gate 3 adaptation raises questions about creative direction. Casting choices in adaptations can be controversial. The involvement of original creators in adaptations is crucial. Fans have mixed feelings about the direction of adaptations. The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new titles. Quick news updates keep fans informed about the latest developments. The balance between nostalgia and innovation in gaming is essential. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley EPISODE TIMECODES 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:55 - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase breakdown 00:19:20 - PAX AUS 2026 Dates 00:21:35 - Horizon Hunters Gathering Revealed 00:29:45 - The Last of Us might wrap up on HBO with three seasons 00:33:40 - Baldur's Gate 3 adaptation coming to HBO 00:44:00 - Patch Notes: Hot Fix 00:45:20 - Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Review-in-progress 00:54:15 - Party Chat RESOURCES Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase February 2026 - All the Trailers and Announcements - Explosion Network Guerrilla’s Long-Rumoured Horizon Co-Op Project Is Official - Explosion Network Despite previously insisting there was "no way" HBO's The Last of Us show could be wrapped up in 3 seasons, it looks like it'll be wrapped up in 3 seasons | Eurogamer.net HBO Expands Video Game Adaptations With Baldur’s Gate 3 Series From Craig Mazin - Explosion Network Zero Latency VR Brings Jumanji to Life With New 2026 Experience - Explosion Network Ask and You Shall Receive: Chappell Roan Is Now in Fortnite - Explosion Network Sega's The House Of The Dead movie lands The Last of Us star for lead role | Eurogamer.net Pokémon Sun and Moon's Ultra Beasts were based on rejected Pokémon designs and resentment, former Game Freak character designer confirms | Eurogamer.net Mark Your Calendars: PAX AUS 2026 Returns October 9–11 - Explosion Network G’AIM’E Light Gun Time Crisis Ultimate Pack Review - Explosion Network Pie in the Sky 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 NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

For the first episode of 2026, we catch up on what's been happening in the year so far and then draft our picks for the 2026 game. SHOW DOT POINTS The gaming industry is experiencing significant changes with physical media declining. Life is Strange Reunion aims to conclude the Max and Chloe story arc. Ubisoft's cancellation of games reflects the challenges in the gaming market. Highguard's launch faced backlash due to insufficient marketing and optimisation issues. The hosts express excitement over upcoming game releases and trailers. Yoshi's portrayal in the new Super Mario Galaxy movie has garnered positive reactions. The review bombing phenomenon continues to affect new game releases. The importance of marketing and community engagement in game launches is highlighted. The hosts share their personal gaming experiences and recent titles. The conversation reflects a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for future gaming developments. The true ending in Hades requires completing both worlds in one run. The hosts have produced the most extensive best of 2025 coverage to date. Fantasy critic game drafts involve strategic selections based on anticipated game releases. Indie games are gaining traction and excitement among gamers. The hosts express high expectations for upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Forza Horizon 6. The importance of game reviews and critical scores in the fantasy critic game. The hosts share their personal experiences and excitement for various games. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of game releases and their success. The hosts emphasise the significance of indie games in the current gaming landscape. The dynamic nature of the gaming industry keeps the hosts engaged and excited. The potential for a game to improve during its development phase is significant. Gameplay quirks can be overlooked if the plot is strong. The developers of a game have a track record of delivering quality products. Innovative genres, like card-based games, are becoming more popular. The anticipation for sequels and spin-offs remains high among gamers. The success of previous titles can influence expectations for upcoming releases. Speculation about unannounced games can generate excitement in the gaming community. Drafting games based on hype and potential can be a strategic move. The gaming industry is constantly evolving, driven by new ideas and concepts. Final projections for game success can be based on various factors, including developer reputation. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We break down all the big announcements and the winners from The Game Awards 2025. This is also the last episode of Arcade Couch for 2025, so we shall see you all in the New Year! YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We drop six predictions each for what games, reveals, trailers, etc, could be seen at this year's The Game Awards show. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network

We discuss Fortnite's big 'Endgame'-like finale and what games are releasing in December. SHOW DOT POINTS Fortnite's events draw massive audiences and feature pop culture icons. The collaboration between Fortnite and Kill Bill is unprecedented. AI's role in game development is a contentious topic. Transparency about AI usage in games is essential for consumer trust. December is a slow month for game releases, but some titles stand out. Casual players often overlook Fortnite's narrative depth. The gaming community is divided on the use of AI in creative processes. Upcoming games include a mix of horror and action genres. The Game Awards are approaching, prompting predictions and discussions. YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley 🎙️ Ciaran Marchant RESOURCES Fortnite Zero Hour Live Event Draws 10.5 Million Players, As Godzilla, King Kong, Iron Man and KPop Demon Hunters Unite For Avengers: Endgame-Style Finale - IGN A narrative sequel to Kill Bill is premiering in Fortnite later this week, over 20 years after the original film | Eurogamer.net "AI will be involved in nearly all future production," says Epic Games boss, so having Steam games disclose whether they were built with AI makes "no sense" | Eurogamer.net CREDITS 🎵 Music: Dylan Blight 🎵 Sound Effect by floraphonic from Pixabay 🎨 Artwork: Cherie Henriques 📝 Show notes powered by Riverside.FM 👉 DISCOVER MORE ARCADE COUCH & EXPLOSION NETWORK Listen to every episode // Check out the website // Support Explosion Network