Video Games 2 The Max

This was a week of anticipation for the industry focused more so looking forward to two major games that are coming in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Not to mention, Nintendo finally dropped that Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase as well. Sean and Marc discuss all of these things, how reviews are shaping up for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, thoughts on the Elden Ring DLC Trailer, and also on the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. They've also been playing some games, with Marc having some Helldivers 2 Impressions, and also can discuss the server issues preventing him from playing the game. He's also made it further in Persona 3 Reload and Regency Solitaire 2. Sean has more to say on Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden after spending a significant amount of more time with it. Plus, Sony will make it possible for PSVR 2 to work on PC so that the tech owners can access more games. The latest Circana report for January 2024 has dropped and brings with it some interesting info

Randy Isbelle joins Sean and Marc on this week's big episode, as Microsoft had its business update and wound up announcing four games will be coming to other console platforms. And while they did not announce which ones they are, reports are already out there that namedrop Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Pentiment as the four coming over. There's also new console hardware being worked on and even announcements coming in the fall regarding a possible mid-gen thing. Should this be enough to calm the fears? Or is this just the start of a whole new strategy for Xbox? On the other side, a recent earnings report from Sony had their president, CFO, and COO Hiroki Totoki state that no major franchise exclusives are coming in 2024, that they need to be more mindful of business when it comes to developing games, and even mentions being more aggressive about PC. Could Sony also be looking at modifying their strategy a bit? Unfortunately, layoffs and bad news also continue with Embracer Group once again leading

This week has been a whirlwind of rumors, speculation, and reports centered around Microsoft's possible direction for the future of Xbox as a brand, as a console, and what that means for the gaming world in general. Gaming social media imploded so crazily that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had to reveal a business summit is occurring next week that will cover this. Sean and Marc discuss this possible major change to gaming, will it really be all that bad? Is it a big deal if Xbox no longer has any "true exclusives?" does this mean that it is now Game Pass or bust? What avenues does Microsoft gaming really have at this point? And is this the death of the Xbox Console? Also, Marc is near the end of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Sean has some thoughts on Persona 3 Reload and speaks generally (without spoilers) about the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo and some things from the State of Play. Plus, Disney invests big money into Epic Games and promises a major Fortnite partnership, Capcom asks which of their f

This week, Sony graced us all with a rather lengthy PlayStation State of Play showing off the promised games such as Stellar Blade and Rise of the Ronin, but also delivering a few surprises such as an almost 10-minute look at Death Stranding 2 among other announcements. Sean and Marc give their thoughts on the State of Play and if they are more hyped about anything that was shown than they were previously. Also, Marc has been playing quite a lot of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, as he traverses through Hawaii with Ichiban and friends exploring the beaches, the Animal Crossing-like Dondoko Island, and battling it out with the Sujimon. Sean unfortunately hasn't been able to play much, but both of them will be able to discuss Persona 3: Reload next week at least. There's also a rumor that Sony may be working on a PlayStation Vita 2 or at least a true original portable device, but that it would not be released for at least another two years. Would it be possible to even have a PlayStation 5 portable? Does this m

In a total shocker, the first big move from Microsoft acquiring Activision-Blizzard-King becomes 1,900 employees being laid off. Many of them involved Activision-Blizzard employees and also Xbox employees leading to a 9% cut in Xbox's total gaming division among all of their studios. They also canceled the Blizzard survival game, "Odyssey" due to the engine being used to make the game being far away from being ready, and the game being many years from release.Sean and Marc attempt to do their best to discuss the story, the statements, and the aftermath, was this all really inevitable? Could something have been done to prevent it? And what does it say that the workers that have unionized were not part of these layoffs? Do the industry's employees need to do more to fight for themselves? And does this put a damper on acquisitions seeing such large-scale layoffs like this? Unfortunately, the layoffs don't end there, as Riot Games also suffered layoffs this week (530 employees) and closed their studio Riot Forge

This week it feels like 2024 in gaming has begun in earnest with Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct 2024 where they showed off Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, and the first look at the Machine Games Indiana Jones. Sean and Marc have their reactions primed and ready on the showcase itself, what they think of each game, if the surprise of Visions of Mana is a big deal or not, and much more. Also, a Ubisoft executive got the company into some hot water when speaking on its newly rebranded Ubisoft + Premium streaming service after being misquoted by gaming websites for saying "Gamers need to get used to not owning their games." This led to a lot of discussion on the state of Gaming subscription services and if we should be afraid of them taking over gaming like they have for television shows, music, and film distribution. Should we be worried about this? Or is there data that shows it isn't a concern? Plus, Sean has some impressions on the newly released Early Access and Xbox Game Pass titl

The new January 2024 game releases are nearly upon us, as this week, not one, but two demos dropped for major games releasing this month. Sean and Marc have played Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Granblue Fantasy Relink. How do they stack up? Did they get them even more excited for their perspective releases? You'll want to tune in for this. Also, Xbox announced their now yearly Developer Direct is happening next week with Machine Games Indiana Jones game getting some major screen time and more info on Avowed and Senua's Saga Hellblade 2. But the shadow drop from last year's Direct, Hi-Fi Rush, sent the internet buzzing because rumors have swirled that it could be going multiplatform along with Sea of Thieves. Does it hurt Xbox to put its exclusives on other platforms after its initial release? Or is this a smart business move? Nintendo also is apparently in deep discussions about working with more third-party developers on some of its own IP. The guys discuss the news and what dormant franchises could

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean, Marc, and Randy take a look ahead at what's coming in 2024. Each of the guys give out their Top 10 Most Anticipated Games, some honorable mentions, and perhaps some predictions for the year as well. Everyone has games they are excited about. Let us know which ones you are most looking forward to as well. Could the new Switch successor finally be coming this year? A certain analyst certainly thinks so. Plus, what can we expect from PlayStation and Xbox? Not to mention, are we getting even more handheld gaming PC's too?You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/-_aOIJOXMDILinks: Dr. Serkan Toto says Switch Successor Will be an "Iteration:" https://kotaku.com/switch-2-price-launch-pokemon-games-1851139696#:~:text=In%20GamesIndustry.biz's%20yearly%20discussion,more%20than%20the%20original%20Switch. Check

On this edition of Video Games 2 the MAX, we bid farewell to 2023 by looking back at the year that was and also giving out as has become tradition, our 25 Best Games of 2023, which means you'll get our Game of the Year on this episode. Sean, Marc, and a surprise appearance mid-show by Randy Isbelle discuss the list from Game #, 25 all the way to Game # 1, as well as some of the big news stories of 2023, and how the big three console makers should feel about the year as well. You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/bp_83UB8r8ALinks: Check out Randy's Sports YouTube show: https://www.youtube.com/@rrsportsreport9967 Radulich in Broadcasting's Review of Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom: https://youtube.com/live/8Vt8570IL_I The latest episode of Talk the Keki is their Anime Fall 2023 Season Awards: https://youtube.com/live/szNhQvYmviUTimestamps: 00:

After an unintended week off due to Sean having an internet outage on the day of recording last week, Video Games 2 the MAX returns in a very hectic week in gaming. Between last week and this week, more information has put into question the sustainability of AAA gaming with budgets ballooning, the increased amount of layoffs in 2023, and if games still don't cost enough to offset all of this. Is the answer to increase the price to $80 or $90 for new AAA games? Do gamers need to understand that the majority of games may have to lower their budgets? Could this bring subscription services more into play? Does this justify why there's been so much of a push towards Games as a Service? Or is this whole thing going to blow up entirely? According to Jeff Grubb, a PS5 Pro is surely coming in 2024 with its own DLSS tech and he's also been hearing rumors of Xbox possibly starting a whole new console generation as early as 2026. Could this actually help Microsoft achieve a bit of a head start like with the Xbox 360? Or

What a week it has been for the industry as the Game Awards 2023 has wrapped up, Grand Theft Auto VI had its trailer revealed a little early, and Day of the Devs happened too. Sean and Marc have a full discussion on Game Awards 2023, the announcements, and if there can be any changes made after the appalling way award winners were treated during their speeches on a "night that's meant to celebrate gaming." Could there a better balance struck between the two? Could the announcements and awards be separated? Is this all hyperbolic? Also, Grand Theft Auto VI had its trailer leaked early and then Rockstar put out the trailer themselves, with it getting a ridiculous amount of traffic on X and YouTube. With the series returning to Vice City could it finally spur Sean to give the series a true shot? What about what was shown in the trailer and the fact the game won't be released until 2025 at the earliest? Day of the Devs also had a special showcase before the Game Awards and Sean has some thoughts on the games show

Although the game releases are winding down for the year, Video Games 2 the MAX is still going strong, as Sean and Marc have plenty to talk about on this episode. Microsoft CFO Tim Stuart caused a stir during an interview by mentioning that they want Xbox games on any screen where gaming exists, even if it means Nintendo and PlayStation. Should Xbox gamers be concerned? Or is this just more information on the strategy that MS has been promoting for years now? Could there be a world where Xbox goes third-party and leaves consoles behind entirely? Also, the Game Awards go down on Thursday night and since this is the final show before the big extravaganza, the guys give their predictions on who will win in all of the big categories. As well as some announcements they'd like to see on the show. Plus, PC Gaming Show had their Most Wanted showcase, Dragon's Dogma 2 got a release date and more information. Not to mention, it being Capcom's first $70 game. Capcom also confirmed more Resident Evil remakes are on the

Hopefully, everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Sean is full and now refreshed after a long turkey-filled slumber to bring you another Video Games 2 the MAX.Marc joins Sean this week and there are quite a few games to discuss with Marc playing Armored Core 6 and Hogwarts Legacy. Also, he's beaten Final Fantasy XVI and Remnant 2 as well. Sean also has early impressions of the indie title In Stars And Time and also the indie fishing horror game DREDGE.Even though we've had the holiday, there is some news to get into, including PlayStation announcing a Remaster of Last of Us Part II and it begs the question, is there a certain amount of time that needs to pass for their to be a remaster made? Or does it not matter? Plus, a former Rockstar dev reveals some games, the latest on what's going on with the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Remake, Sony's class action lawsuit over digital store prices, our thoughts on the Scott Pilgrim Takes Off anime, and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M

On this week’s Video Games 2 the MAX its the final big release window of the year and Sean is discussing both Super Mario RPG Remake and Persona 5 Tactica with early impressions of both titles. Randy Isbelle also joins Sean once again for this episode and he’s been playing some games too. So he’ll have thoughts on the indie darling Cocoon, as well as some of the big recently released games Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Wonder, and Alan Wake Remastered as well. Also, The 2023 Game Awards Nominations are out and the guys give out some early predictions, which games were truly snubbed, should the categories be expanded, and if changes should be made to the voting process. Plus, thoughts on the most recent Nintendo Indie World Direct, unfortunately, more layoffs at Digital Bros and Embracer Group, The Witcher animated series, and more!You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as

On this week’s Video Games 2 the MAX, there’s a little bit of everything to discuss from new games to a big movie announcement, and more! On the gaming front, Sean’s been playing the newly released Like A Dragon: Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, is this shorter version of the Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) games worth checking out? Sean gives his thoughts on his early impressions, how fun the new Agent style is, and if Joryu works as a disguise. Sean’s also been playing the recently released Star Ocean: Second Story R as well and he’s been enjoying his journey so far with his first Star Ocean game. Marc got further in Final Fantasy XVI, have his thoughts changed at all since last week? And he’s also played more Remnant 2 and Ghost Runner 2 as well. Also, Nintendo announced a Live-Action Zelda film is being co-produced with Sony Pictures and Arad Productions, is live-action the way to go with such a huge franchise like Zelda? Will Link actually talk? And how much will the story matter now that it isn’t ju

It is now November! Crazy how fast the year goes, but don’t worry Sean and Marc are here with another Video Games 2 the MAX. Sean’s been playing a slew of indie titles that have hit Xbox Game Pass in Thirsty Suitors, Headbangers: Rhythm Royale, and the climbing game, Jusant as well. Not to mention, he’s now reached the Alan Wake portion of Alan Wake 2. Marc's been playing a bunch of Remnant 2 and also finished Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and played Final Fantasy XVI as well. So there are plenty of thoughts on games this week for sure. Speaking of, Alan Wake 2 developer, Remedy Games, has updates on five games they have in development. Three of which are the Max Payne 1 & 2 remasters and Control 2. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name was apparently at one point going to be DLC for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was going to be DLC for MW2 last year. When is it good to just leave a game as the intended DLC and when is it a better idea to make it a full game? Sad

On this episode of Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean is joined by Marc again after he missed the last three weeks. Sean's been playing the newly released Alan Wake II and has some early impressions of the game (Spoiler Free), also, he has thoughts on the new character Saga, if the game reaches the heights of Survival Horror, and how her gameplay differs from Alan's. Sean also has more thoughts on Super Mario Bros. Wonder as well. Marc's been playing Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Assassin's Creed Mirage. Does the new AC game do the right thing by returning to its roots? Or is it a case of too much in the other direction? And does the dynamic duo in Spider-Man 2 truly deliver? There's also been some big changes at Microsoft as some promotions have occurred to help improve Xbox's future. Not to mention, their first-ever Xbox Partner Preview happened on Wednesday as well. Should it be compared to a Sony State of Play? Speaking of Sony, the major departure of Connie Booth has led to a lot of conversation about PlayStation's

One of the biggest release weeks of the entire year is upon us, as Nintendo’s main man, Mario, releases his first 2D title in more than a decade with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Sean’s been playing it and has plenty of first impressions of the Flower Kingdom, the elephant powers, the cool moments with the Wonder effects, and more! But that’s not all as Randy Isbelle joins Sean again this week and he has some early impressions of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, if there’s anything that’s really changed about the game from the other two titles, the world, and more. They also discuss the cost versus length debate that’s sprung up regarding the game and if a Venom spin-off title would be a great idea. Randy also talks about the Resident Evil 4 Remake Separate Ways DLC.Also, Phil Spencer went on the official Xbox podcast and gave some big details regarding the Activision-Blizzard deal, when we could expect ABK titles to hit Game Pass, and more. The guys also discuss some personal favorite games they’d like to see come back o

Well, it is finally done. Microsoft has completed the 68.7 Billion dollar purchase of Activision-Blizzard King, trailers exist, statements have been made, and we now even know that ABK CEO Bobby Kotick is only sticking around until the end of 2023 as well. So what's next? Randy Isbelle once again joins Sean to discuss that very thing, what they'd like to see occur with some game franchises from the ABK library, could Guitar Hero flourish again under Microsoft? And will we see a new IP under their banner too? Do we think they could still make more purchases?Disney may also possibly be in the gaming publisher purchasing business, or at least some executives are pushing current Disney CEO Bob Iger to do it. EA has already been floated around because Disney currently does a lot of business with them, but does another company make more sense instead? And would this be healthy for the industry? Or would it spell impending doom?Sean also talks about his time playing the indie hit Cocoon, Sony finally reveals the lon

On this week's Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean is joined by a longtime friend of the show and host of the R & R Sports Report and Chapter Select, Randy Isbelle, as the guys discuss some fun things such as their time with Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis and Sea of Stars, and what they enjoy about the two games, plus also moving on to talking about Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, how to pronounce Cait Sith, and also Randy gives thoughts on Jim Ryan leaving Sony too. Unfortunately, there are some very not-so-fun things as well, including layoffs at several companies including Epic Games, Team 17, Naughty Dog, and more. Also, Ubisoft is in the news again because five former employees were arrested in connection with the Sexual Assault allegation investigation that began in 2021. Sony is finally introducing their own streaming and movie purchase app for its films, some of which are available to stream as part of PS Plus. Nintendo is shutting down online play for the Wii U and 3DS, and more!You can also watch this episode