XEP 303: The AAA Model Is Cracking | Our Favorite Games of 2025 & What We’re Excited for in 2026

XEP 303: The AAA Model Is Cracking | Our Favorite Games of 2025 & What We’re Excited for in 2026

In this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we reflect on our favorite games of 2025 and what they reveal about where the industry is headed in 2026.

We break down why smaller and mid-budget games like Arc Raiders, Avowed, Grounded 2, and South of Midnight connected so strongly, while the traditional AAA model continues to strain under rising budgets, longer development cycles, and higher price points. We also discuss the growing frustration around hardware costs, $80 games, and why many players simply want games that “just work.”

Plus, we share our most anticipated games of 2026—including Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Wolverine, and GTA 6—and answer community questions about emotional storytelling, digital libraries, and the future of gaming ecosystems.

Thoughtful discussion, no console-war noise.

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch

Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Blue Sky: @CaptLogun

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

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Xbox’s Next Console Is Basically a PC — Project Helix Explained | Sony Quits PC? | XEP 312

Xbox’s Next Console Is Basically a PC — Project Helix Explained | Sony Quits PC? | XEP 312

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (InsipidGhost) and Captain Logun examine one of the most interesting weeks in the gaming industry. Xbox has revealed the codename for its next generation ha...

8 Mars 1h 35min

Xbox’s Identity Crisis, Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Rejection & Sony Pulling Back? | XEP 311

Xbox’s Identity Crisis, Bluepoint’s Bloodborne Rejection & Sony Pulling Back? | XEP 311

Xbox says it’s a “Return to Xbox.” But what does that actually mean? This week we break down Asha Sharma’s first interview as Xbox leadership shifts — and whether the brand is facing an identity crisi...

1 Mars 1h 39min

Xbox Leadership Shakeup: Phil Spencer Retires & Sarah Bond Exits | XEP 310

Xbox Leadership Shakeup: Phil Spencer Retires & Sarah Bond Exits | XEP 310

Phil Spencer retires after nearly 40 years at Microsoft. Sarah Bond exits Xbox leadership. Asha Sharma, an AI executive, takes over Microsoft Gaming. In this episode, we break down the leadership shak...

22 Feb 1h 46min

Mat Piscatella on Gaming’s $60B Market, GTA 6, Hardware Shortages & Game Pass | XEP Interview

Mat Piscatella on Gaming’s $60B Market, GTA 6, Hardware Shortages & Game Pass | XEP Interview

Luke Lohr sits down with Circana’s Executive Director and video game industry analyst Mat Piscatella for a data-driven look at the state of gaming in 2026. Despite U.S. video game spending approaching...

19 Feb 56min

Live Service Collapse, State of Play Optics, and Industry Momentum | XEP 309

Live Service Collapse, State of Play Optics, and Industry Momentum | XEP 309

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (InsipidGhost) and co-host Captain Logun break down major shifts in the gaming industry, from the continued collapse of live service games to why PlayStatio...

15 Feb 1h 21min

Nintendo Welcomes Xbox, Hardware Sales Dip & Epic’s Storefront Push | XEP 308

Nintendo Welcomes Xbox, Hardware Sales Dip & Epic’s Storefront Push | XEP 308

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, the conversation centers on how quickly the gaming industry is shifting — and what that means for hardware, platforms, and players. A Nintendo Direct packed with Xbox...

8 Feb 1h 31min

Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307

Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307

Hardware sales are down across the gaming industry, developers are pushing back on generative AI, and we take a clear-eyed look at Highguard’s launch — from its strong debut to its rapid drop-off. On ...

1 Feb 1h 33min

Ian Proulx on Splitgate’s Reset, Arena Reloaded, and Lessons Learned | XEP Interview

Ian Proulx on Splitgate’s Reset, Arena Reloaded, and Lessons Learned | XEP Interview

In this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (Insipid Ghost) sits down with Ian Proulx, CEO and co-founder of 1047 Games, for a candid discussion about Splitgate’s past year, the Summer Game Fest...

31 Jan 27min

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