Spectator Mode Gaming Podcast

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In this episode of Spectator Mode, we discuss a packed week of gaming and tech news, including Valve finally giving the new Steam Controller a release date, while still leaving everyone wondering what is going on with the long-rumored Steam Machine.

We also talk about Xbox Game Pass changes, Xbox reportedly looking at adjustments to its exclusivity deals, recent PlayStation DRM concerns, and the price hikes surrounding the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Legion Go S. Plus, The Outerhaven made an appearance in the MOUSE: P.I. For Hire accolades trailer, which...

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Welcome back to the Spectator Mode Podcast. In this episode, we get into the buzz around the amazing Super Mario Galaxy movie, the growing frustration surrounding Marathon, and why gaming is starting to feel more expensive than ever as Nintendo and PlayStation raise prices. There’s a lot to unpack here, and honestly, it feels like the conversation around gaming is shifting in a big way.

#GamingPodcast #marathongame  #mariobrosmovie #theouterhaven #playstation 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:16 – Classic RPGs deserve a comeback (Breath of Fire IV)
02:07 – What we’ve been playing
...

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In Episode 215 of Spectator Mode Podcast, we get into a rough week for the gaming industry, starting with Epic Games and how former employees were handled, and why that situation doesn’t sit right. We also break down the recent PS5 price changes and why this trend could be bad news for gamers long-term, along with Xbox quietly backing away from its “Everything is an Xbox” push. On top of that, we cover the latest Xbox Partner Preview, Matt’s experience at PAX East 2026, and what we’ve been playing.


Timestamps...

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In Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 214, we talk about what we’ve been playing, break down Crimson Desert and its approach to diversity, and discuss the current state of the PC gaming market. We also dive into Jeff Kaplan’s comments about Blizzard and game development, before wrapping things up with our reactions to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer.

If you’re into gaming, industry talk, and a bit of hype, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro / Housekeeping
00:53 – Games We’ve Played
...

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Spectator Mode Episode 213 is here! After talking about what we've been playing, we dive into new details on Microsoft's Project Helix, Ben Diskin's decision to walk away from Mega Man: Override over Capcom's refusal to offer a union contract, and Nagoshi Studio facing a funding crisis that could kill Gang of Dragon before it launches.

00:00 - Intro
01:35 - What we played this week (keep it to 3 games) 
10:44 - Project Helix gets more details
27:48 - Ben Diskin is not continuing as Mega Man
34:45 - Nagoshi Studio Has danger o...

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This week on Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 212, we’re joined by Jeff Young from Analog Stick Gaming to discuss some of the biggest topics in gaming right now.

We talk about Valve’s latest update on the Steam Machine, Xbox’s newly revealed Project Helix gaming device, and whether PlayStation might be walking back its push into PC gaming. We also get into the growing issue of AI-written game reviews appearing in gaming journalism and the reveal of a new Sword Art Online game.

Along the way, we also discus...

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On Spectator Mode Podcast episode 211, we discuss major Xbox shakeup as Phil Spencer retires, Sarah Bond exits, and Microsoft appoints a former AI executive to lead the brand.

We also dive into the controversy surrounding North America’s biggest fighting game tournament now being owned by Saudi investors, and why much of the FGC is pushing back. On top of that, we discuss Sony shutting down Bluepoint Games, the long-awaited return of .hack, and Bungie’s aggressive new plans to combat cheaters ahead of Marathon. It is a packed episode with a lo...

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In this episode of Spectator Mode 210, we break down Microsoft’s reported plans to merge PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass as part of its 2026 strategy, and what that could mean for players. We also dive into Discord’s global age-verification rollout and the privacy concerns surrounding it.

On the gaming side, we debate whether Nioh 3 can stand on its own or if comparisons to Elden Ring are inevitable, react to Riot’s layoffs impacting 2XKO, and talk about the surprising comeback momentum behind Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Oh, and yes… Rave Rac...

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Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast! In episode 209 we dig into big shifts across the gaming industry, including reports that the Game Developers Conference may be seeing a drop in international attendance and what that means for developers worldwide. We also break down the latest Xbox Developer Direct, react to the Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary announcements, and revisit Highguard and what its struggles say about live service games. To wrap things up, we tackle a big question: can publishers succeed without major media outlets as more companies go straight to influencers and their...

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In Episode 208 of Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into what they’ve been playing lately before shifting gears into industry talk and firsthand event coverage.

Keith shares his experience attending CES 2026, including the tech, gaming hardware, and trends that caught his attention on the show floor. From there, the discussion turns to Highguard and whether anyone is truly hyped for it, followed by a serious conversation about the latest wave of gaming industry and games media layoffs and what it means for the future of coverage and development.

It...

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We’re back! After taking a month-long break to recharge and deal with the holidays, the crew returns to break down a few topics that matter in the gaming world.

In Episode 207, we recap 2025, talk about what we’re looking forward to in 2026, discuss the rising prices of PC RAM and GPUs and how it impacts PC gaming, and cover GameStop closing even more stores. Plus, we hit a few other topics too… because of course we still manage to go off the rails.

But hey, that’s why you love...

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Valve has officially revealed the new Steam Machine, and The Outerhaven breaks down everything you need to know in this bite-sized holiday episode of the Spectator Mode Podcast.

Is it a PC? Is it a console? We dig into why the community is split, what Valve’s goal might be, how this fits into the growing SteamOS ecosystem, and whether this mini-PC could shake up living-room gaming, hardware expectations, pricing predictions, and where the Steam Machine fits in the modern PC gaming landscape. 

#SteamMachine #Valve #SteamDeck #SteamOS #PCGaming

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On Spectator Mode Podcast episode 205 we discuss about Activision stumbling with Call of Duty :Black Ops 7 and not letting players pause the single player campaign. We look at the confusing PS Portal updates that sparked a wave of comparisons to the Steam Deck. We also dive into the return of Valve's Steam Machine and what this could mean for the future of PC gaming in the living room.

On a more serious note, we talk about another round of layoffs at Crystal Dynamics and how these decisions continue to impact the...

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In this week’s Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew takes on the Xbox Ally handheld controversy and TwitchCon’s ongoing security problems. We also dive into the growing wave of misinformation across gaming, highlight standout demos from Steam Next Fest October 2025, and celebrate our appearance in Absolum’s accolades trailer, which is pretty damned cool for us, as well as upcoming updates for the fantastic game. #videogames #twitchcon #absolum #theouterhaven #spectatormodepodcast #xboxally #xboxgaming

So, hit that play button and enjoy our signature gaming and chaos fun!

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Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Milestone, the studio behind several acclaimed racing titles, about its upcoming game Screamer. Originally a PC-only arcade racer, Screamer is being completely reimagined for modern platforms. This new version blends anime-inspired visuals, unique mechanics borrowed from fighting games, and an innovative dual-stick control system that lets you drift through corners with precision.

In this episode, we discuss why Milestone chose to bring Screamer back now, how anime influences the game’s design, and what fans can expect from this bo...

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With the announcement that Xbox is changing up Xbox Game Pass and raising prices, Keith, Jordan, Karl, and Scott discuss whether Xbox Game Pass is still the best deal in gaming or if perhaps it's time to move on from it. #xboxgamepass #videogames #gamingpodcast #rogxboxally 

Check out some of our video game reviews

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In this episode, the crew dives into a packed week of gaming news and industry shake-ups. We kick things off with our current playthroughs before jumping into the exciting Wolverine gameplay and Dynasty Warriors 3 Remastered reveal during Sony’s State of Play. Xbox finally confirms the long-rumored ROG Ally prices, Code Vein 2 raises release date concerns, and Nintendo of America sees a major leadership change as its president retires.

We also tackle the buzz around Ananta being dubbed the “Anime GTA,” share our reactions to Tokyo Game Show 2025, and go on a fun...

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In Episode 201 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into another packed week of gaming talk. Things kick off with a discussion about what everyone’s been playing and watching before shifting into deeper topics. The team debates whether Cronos: The New Dawn has what it takes to succeed, why handheld PCs still weigh more than the Switch 2, and if PC gaming should adopt baseline hardware requirements instead of the usual minimum/recommended spec lists.

The conversation heats up when news breaks that EVO has been sold to Saudi interests, ra...

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Episode 200 is here! We talk about the games we’ve been playing, Keith’s Rant Corner, and our big news—we’re now on Metacritic! We also cover the strange August 28th moment when Gears hit #1 on PlayStation and Helldivers 2 topped Xbox. Plus, full impressions from PAX West 2025, including the best games, highlights, and surprises from the show.
#ninjagaiden4 #rogxboxally #paxwest2025 #silksong #gamingpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Games Played & Stuff Watched
21:22 - Keith's Rant Corner returns (Gaming Journalism Frustrations)
33:22 - We finally got onto Metacritic
35:1...

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Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast! In episode 199, we cover the latest in gaming and give you our unfiltered thoughts. We discuss the games we’ve been playing and the shows we’ve been watching, dive into the never-ending Silksong hype, and discuss whether it’s actually worth it. Keith shares his hands-on impressions of Pragmata, Resident Evil Requiem, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

We also break down Sony raising the price of the PlayStation 5 in the U.S., why tariffs are to blame, and give a quick lesson on how ta...

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This week on the Spectator Mode Podcast, we start with what we’ve been playing and watching lately, then celebrate the Dynasty Warriors 25th anniversary and its lasting impact on the hack-and-slash genre. We also dive into Itch.io’s decision to relist NSFW games — but only the free ones — and what that means for indie developers.

From there, we tackle the controversial Online Safety Act, questioning why it’s needed and how it could affect online communities. Finally, we close out with our EVO 2025 recap, highlighting the biggest matches, surprise upsets, an...

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In Episode 196 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew returns to break down another wild week in gaming. We kick things off with what we've been playing and watching before diving into whether The Outer Worlds 2 is shaping up to be another case of Microsoft marketing misfires. 

From there, we explore the growing rumors around Sony potentially publishing games on Xbox, followed by our thoughts on Riot’s latest 2XKO update and whether it's too little too late. We also dive into a deep discussion about Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and how it...

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We're back with another episode of the Spectator Mode Podcast, where the crew dives into the latest games we've been playing, the shows we've been watching, and a few hot-button topics that got the internet talking. In Episode 195, we kick things off with a rundown of the games we've been grinding and the media that's caught our attention. We talk about Square Enix dropping Windows 10 support for Final Fantasy 14, why payment processors are going after NSFW games, and more chatter around James Gunn’s Superman — spoiler warning included. It’s another packed episode, so str...

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 Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast, your go-to show for real talk on gaming, geek culture, and everything in between. In episode 194, the crew talks about the new Superman movie, ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally leak, multiplayer gaming struggles in games such as Marvel Rivals and Elden Ring Nightreign, fighting game DLC, and the controversy surrounding Pirate Software. 

Topics:

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Welcome back to Spectator Mode Podcast, your go-to show for real talk on gaming, geek culture, and everything in between. In Episode 193, the crew dives deep into a chaotic mix of news, hot takes, and frustration.

Here are our topics for this week:

00:00 – Intro
02:10 – What We Played & Watched (games, anime, shows)
31:19 – Mindseye is a mess – what’s going on with this game? 38:19 – Does the Fighting Game Community need saving?
1:02:34 – Magic: The Gathering x Sonic the Hedgehog – wait, what?
1:08:42 – Xbox and metrics: Are the numbers hiding the truth?
1:2...

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In Episode 192 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew dives into a mix of gaming chatter, tech talk, and a dash of nostalgia. We kick things off with what we’ve been playing and watching lately before moving into a bizarre discussion on putting electronics into confined spaces while they’re still powered on.

We then explore the uncertain future of Xbox following a wave of layoffs and what that could mean for the brand moving forward. In the second half, we tackle the controversial Stop Killing Games movement and Pirate Soft...

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On Episode 191 of the Spectator Mode Podcast, the crew returns to talk about the rumored pricing of the Asus ROG Xbox handhelds, the newly announced AMD and Xbox partnership (and why we think it's more PR than progress), and whether a game’s price should factor into review scores. Plus, Keith gets hit with a wave of nostalgia and shares the story of how The Outerhaven gaming outlet came to be. 

All that and plenty of chaotic banter in this week’s gaming and geek culture podcast! #GamingPodcast #GeekCulture  #TheOuterhaven #xbox #xboxha...

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We’re back! In this episode of the Spectator Mode Podcast, we dive into our hands-on time at Summer Game Fest 2025 Play Days, talk about the state of fighting games with all the big announcements (yes, including Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls), and share what caught our attention during the Steam Next Fest – June 2025 edition. From indie bangers to AAA hype, we’ve got a lot to say!

Topics:

Thanks for listening, and please...

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Spectator Mode Podcast Episode 189 is finally here — yeah, we know it's a little late. Between our trip to Summer Game Fest 2025 and things got a bit chaotic. But we're back with a stacked episode!

This week, we dive into our predictions for Summer Game Fest 2025 (some of which may or may not have already come true), and break down the Witcher 4 tech demo that just dropped. We also talk about what stood out in the recent PlayStation Showcase, plus the games we've been playing and stuff we've been watching.

Th...

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Ready for some spicy gaming talk? Well, that's what we have in this latest episode, as the crew discusses the frustration about the PC version of Stellar Blade and PSN woes, again. We can't forget Nintendo's recent change to its EULA and what that means for anyone who owns a Switch or the Switch 2. Finally, gamers and expensive games, and who ultimately wins when prices get hiked up. 

Thanks for listening, and please, if you enjoy the show, leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Music.

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