385: Next-gen Xbox hardware, Halo Campaign Evolved, TikTok competition blame?!

Time for another Xbox Two with Rand and Jez! This week, we speculate on Xbox's presence at The Game Awards, discuss Certain Affinity rumors of an Xbox collab, offer some perspective on Xbox hardware sales in Europe, review Xbox's role in the proliferation of AI tools, and much more. SPONSOR: Get 20% OFF at Manscaped.com in addition to their epic Black Friday sales with our checkout code XB2! Razors, boxers, cologne, gifts, and MORE! PATREON: Go ad-free and support Xbox Two Podcast on Patreon.com/XB2! Get extra shows, guaranteed Q&As, and more! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00: INTRO! 00:20:00: Xbox at The Game Awards, Xbox's next big game release. 00:50:00: Should Xbox save the KOTOR remake? Xbox sales in Europe. 01:40:00: Ubisoft is putting ads in games? Killer Instinct's future, PlayStation lawsuit. 02:00:00: Call of Duty MW3 "breaking records," should gaming YouTubers get paid for coverage? 02:20:00: Xbox and AI, Max Hoberman comments on future Certain Affinity games. 03:00:00: Patreon Q&A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Marras 20233h 54min

NOTE: The gameplay audio at the start clears up after about 4-5 minutes, sorry about that, I didn't mean to include it!  SPONSOR: Get 20% OFF at MANSCAPED.com with our checkout code XB2 | Boxers, razors, cologne, and much more! Go AD-FREE and get the bonus shows EARLY on Patreon.com/XB2 | Please support us! This month we're joined by PAUL TASSI of Forbes fame to talk all things gaming! We discuss Xbox and the ABK futurce, The Game Awards, the so-called "Xbox Tax," Paul's career history, and much more.  Be sure to follow Paul on Twitter @PaulTassi and on YouTube @Paul_Tassi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Marras 20232h 5min

Join Jez and Rand for this week's Xbox Two show! This time, we discuss The Game Awards, the so-called "Xbox Tax," GTA6 potential $100 price?! and much more.  SPONSOR: Get 20% OFF with our checkout code XB2 at MANSCAPED.COM, new products, great Christmas gifts, and Black Friday sale! GO AD FREE: Support us on Patreon to get extra shows completely without ads! Patreon.com/XB2 TIMESTAMPS:  00:00:00: Intro, Jez's thoughts on Xbox Series S, GTA 6 release date. 00:23:00: Mike Ybarra comments on Xbox partnership, remakes and new IP. 01:08:00: Console parity, Rand talks Call of Duty MW3. 01:22:00: The Game Awards and the "Xbox Tax." 01:55:00: The Last of Us 2 leaks, KOTOR killed off, Xbox leadership changes. 02:55:00: Patreon Q&A.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Marras 20233h 54min

Jez and Rand get into another week of Xbox news. This week, we talk Xbox and ABK, Blizzcon 2023 news for World of Warcraft, Diablo 4, and more, and also get into Bungie and Destiny drama.  SPONSOR: Get 15% OFF awesome and comfy Valari gaming pillows with our code XB2! Head here: https://glnk.io/8l99j/xb215 PATREON: Go ad-free with our Patreon and support the show! Head here: http://patreon.com/XB2 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00: INTRO. 00:07:00: CoD: MW3 campaign reviews, Xbox dashboard marketing "outrage." 01:00:00: Microsoft employees get Xbox Game Pass, Xbox's GAAS titles 01:20:00: Alan Wake 2. 01:46:00: Blizzcon 2023 thoughts, Bungie layoffs, Destiny 2 decline. 02:30:00: Cliffy B thoughts on Gears, Gears of War 6, Machine Games' new studio. Baldur's Gate 3 launch date rumor? 02:53:00: Patreon Q& A.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Marras 20233h 45min

Jez and Rand get into it with another Xbox Two Podcast! This week, we discuss the reactions to the Xbox Partner Showcase, we talk Blizzcon rumors and speculation, discuss Xbox's big re-org, as well as layoffs and firings going on at PlayStation.  SPONSOR: Get 20% OFF EVERYTHING at MANSCAPED.com with our checkout code XB2! Boxers, razors, cologne, beard products, and MORE! GO AD FREE: Join us on Patreon.com/XB2 to go ad-free and get exclusive access to extra shows, and guaranteed Q&As! TIMESTAMPS:  00:00:00: Intro. 00:20:00: Xbox Series S price hike in Brazil, Blizzcon schedule, GOTY nominations. 01:30:00: Xbox budget increases, Alan Wake 2 impressions, Xbox partner preview, Satya interview. 02:10:00: Xbox leadership restructured, Doug Bowser on Xbox acquisition. 02:33:00: PlayStation layoffs and firings, Spider-Man 2 thoughts. 03:02:00: Patreon Q&As. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Loka 20233h 52min

Jez and Rand are joined by Gen-Z's favorite Xbox YouTuber MrMattyPlays to get some insights into the future of Xbox, ABK, Bethesda, and more! Aired first exclusively on Patreon.com/XB2 on October 17, 2023. Follow MrMattPlays on Twitter and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Loka 20232h 1min

Jez and Rand get into another beefy Xbox Two Podcast! This week, we discuss Xbox and ABK's bright future together, Xbox's marketing ramp up for the holidays, Starfield's big success story, and Halo Infinite's resurgence?! SPONSOR: Get 20% OFF and FREE worldwide shipping at http://MANSCAPED.com with our code XB2. Razors, boxers, cologne, and TONS of epic gifts for this holiday! #ad Go AD FREE on Patreon: http://www.PATREON.com/XB2 and get two extra monthly guest shows early, and more! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00: Intro. 00:35:00: Mid-gen Xbox, skill-based matchmaking, leveraging ABK. 00:58:00: Blizzcon discussion, Odyssey gameplay? Phil Spencer interview. Xbox marketing ramp up. 01:40:00: Halo Infinite revival. Starfield success. 02:30:00: Phil Spencer discussion, Pete Hines leaves Bethesda. 03:00:00: Patreon Q&A! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21 Loka 20233h 54min

Aired originally exclusively on Patreon.com/XB2 on October 10, 2023. Jez and Rand gear up for the latest XB2+1 guest show for the Xbox Two Podcast, joined by Digital Foundry's insightful editor John Linneman. In this ep, we discuss the future of Xbox, digital vs. physical, the state of the games industry, John's history, and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Loka 20231h 26min