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Podcast Unlocked podcast

Podcast Unlocked

·

  IGN  

Love video games? IGN's Podcast Unlocked is your source for everything Xbox. If you live and breathe Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and more, Podcast Unlocked has you covered. Tune in every week for the latest video game news for Xbox junkies around the globe.

Love video games? IGN's Podcast Unlocked is your source for everything Xbox. If you live and breathe Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and more, Podcast Unlocked has you covered. Tune in every week for the latest video game news for Xbox junkies around the globe.

 

#649

Xbox Just Leaked…Everything – Unlocked 613

In one of our longest Podcast Unlocked episodes ever, we recap, discuss, and analyze every piece of Microsoft's huge FTC case documents leak that revealed the Xbox Series X slim refresh (and its lack of any disc drive), plans for future Bethesda/Zenimax games (many of which are still unannounced), their top-level plans for their next-generation console due out in Holiday 2028, and more! ... Read more

20 Sep 2023

1 HR 46 MINS

1:46:41

20 Sep 2023


#648

The Xbox MasterCard Is a Real Credit Card – Unlocked 612

After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Forza Motorsport Impressions 00:14:32 - Will Embracer Sell Gearbox? 00:33:41 - Donald Mustard Retires from Epic Games 00:44:17 - The Xbox Mastercard is Real 00:58:35 - Is Ubisoft Finally Releasing XDefiant? 01:14:06 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro ... Read more

13 Sep 2023

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:00

13 Sep 2023


#647

Do You Want a Mid-Gen Xbox Series X Upgrade? – Unlocked 611

After a quick update on how our Starfield adventures are going, we discuss Phil Spencer and the Xbox leadership team’s big decision to bend the Series X/S parity rules to get Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, Destin’s big interview with Phil Spencer — including whether or not Microsoft will produce a mid-gen refresh for the Series X — the sad closure of Volition, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro & Replaced Delayed to 2024 00:12:05 - Xbox Drops Parity Requirement & Baldur's Gate 3 Coming! 00:22:10 - Blizzard/Activision & Game Pass? 00:39:10 - Mid-Generation Refresh for Xbox? 01:11:28 - Embracer Group Shuts Volition Down & Outro   ... Read more

06 Sep 2023

1 HR 22 MINS

1:22:47

06 Sep 2023


#646

What We Think of Bethesda’s Long-Awaited RPG, Starfield – Unlocked 610

This is the episode you've been waiting for: Starfield. We brought in our Starfield reviewer, Dan Stapleton, to have a spoiler-free discussion about what we think of the most anticipated Xbox game of the year. We talk about what we like, what we don't, and how it ranks alongside Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.   00:00:00 - Intro & Starfield Review Discussion 01:02:00 - IGN Icons 01:05:51 - Even More Starfield & Outro ... Read more

31 Aug 2023

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:00

31 Aug 2023


#645

Gamescom Announcements: The Good, Bad, and Ugly – Unlocked 609

Gamescom is underway, and this week's episode is dedicated to a recap and analysis of everything from the Opening Night Live showcase -- from the beauty of Alan Wake 2, Black Myth: Wukong, and Lords of the Fallen to our disgust at the knucklehead stage-crashers who are going to ruin access these events for fans. Plus: We can tell you that we're playing Starfield, and though we can't share any opinions on it yet, we let you know when you can read IGN's review. 00:00:00 - Intro & the Biggest gamescom Announcements 00:40:55 - Modern Warfare 3: Will It Be Good? 00:46:22 - Alan Wake 2 Reactions & Outro ... Read more

23 Aug 2023

54 MINS

54:53

23 Aug 2023


#644

Why We’re Not Buying STALKER 2’s Rumored Release Date – Unlocked 608

We're diving into the mystery surrounding STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl's potential release date. Is the December 1 date listed on Plaion's website for real? We've got the juicy details on what this highly anticipated game might bring, from survival mechanics to a dynamic day-night cycle. Xbox is taking a stand against bad behavior with a fresh strike-based program. Learn all about the new enforcement system and how it aims to create a better gaming environment. But is eight strikes before a one-year ban too much? We're breaking down the pros and cons. And hold onto your controllers, because Xbox Game Pass is about to drop a bombshell lineup! From Everspace 2 to Gris, and the eagerly awaited Starfield, we've got the scoop on the upcoming releases that'll keep you glued to your screens.   00:00:00 - Intro & Baldur's Gate 3 is Just SO GOOD 00:18:08 - Is STALKER 2's Release Date ACTUALLY Happening? 00:35:02 - Xbox Has New Strike-Based Program to Combat Toxicity 01:03:32 - Awesome Xbox Game Pass Games BEFORE Starfield 01:11:14 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro ... Read more

16 Aug 2023

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:00

16 Aug 2023


#643

The Biggest News from EVO 2023: Reptile, Azucena, A.K.I., and More! – Unlocked 607

Get ready to dive into some exciting EVO news on this episode. We've got a crazy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover heading to Street Fighter 6, and there's a new character teaser for Street Fighter 6 that's brewing some serious curiosity. But that's not all, Mortal Kombat 1 is back with a bang, introducing Reptile, Ashrah, and Havik as fresh fighters. Red Dead Redemption has also been announced as a port for the PS4 and Switch, and a lot of fans aren't happy! And of course, you know we have to touch on some thoughts on Starfield, Baldur's Gate 3, and Forza Motorsport news. It's a packed episode with host Kahlief Adams, joined by Stella Chung and Destin Legarie, so don't miss this one! 00:00:00 - Intro & EVO 2023 News Galore! 00:15:28 - Alien is Coming to Dead by Daylight 00:19:03 - Xbox is Going Big for gamescom 00:29:07 - Could Starfield Learn Anything From Baldur's Gate 3? 00:43:29 - Red Dead Redemption PS4/Switch Port is Coming 00:49:33 - Outro ... Read more

09 Aug 2023

56 MINS

56:22

09 Aug 2023


#642

We Need to Talk About Remnant 2 – Unlocked 606

00:00:00 - Intro & Baldur’s Gate 3 00:06:25 - Remnant 2 Sells More Than One Million Units 00:23:25 - Our IGN Icons Picks! & FFXVI Coming to Xbox 00:35:09 - Elite Series 2 Replacement Parts Announced 00:40:02 - Games Joining and Leaving Xbox Game Pass & Outro ... Read more

02 Aug 2023

49 MINS

49:24

02 Aug 2023


#641

What We Want From EA’s New Black Panther Game – Unlocked 605

00:00:19 Intro 00:02:41 New Black Panther open-world game announced 00:18:47 Ubisoft cancels Immortals Fenyx Rising 2 00:26:16 Rainbow Six talk 00:32:29 Forgotten Ubisoft IP 00:40:17 Another Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III leak ... Read more

26 Jul 2023

52 MINS

52:00

26 Jul 2023


#640

Xbox Live Gold Is Dead. But Is That a Good Thing? – Unlocked 604

Though Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has cleared its biggest hurdle (the FTC), the deal isn't quite done yet. And all parties involved have given themselves more time to finalize the deal. We discuss that, plus Sony finally signing its 10-year Call of Duty deal with Microsoft, the death of Xbox Live Gold and its somewhat confusing replacement in the form of Xbox Game Pass Core, and more! ... Read more

19 Jul 2023

1 HR 20 MINS

1:20:08

19 Jul 2023


#639

Microsoft Defeats the FTC: Our Reactions – Unlocked 603

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived: the verdict is in for Microsoft vs. FTC, and Team Xbox has won! We spend the entire show discussing the massive implications of the ruling, which seems to have set the stage for Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard to finally go through. We talk about the games we might see out of it - particularly from Raven Software - the very serious matter of how Xbox boss Phil Spencer must take steps to clean up the toxic workplace culture at ABK, whether or not Microsoft (and Sony) are done making big acquisitions, and more!  00:00:00 - Intro & ID@Xbox Impressions 00:09:31 - The FTC/Xbox Trial is Not Over Yet! 00:31:18 - What Games Could Return if Xbox Acquired Activision? 00:50:10 - What Needs to Change at Activision 01:05:38 - Is Microsoft Done with Acquisitions? 01:16:19 - Outro ... Read more

12 Jul 2023

1 HR 21 MINS

1:21:14

12 Jul 2023


#638

The Other Xbox News While We Wait for the FTC Verdict – Unlocked 602

As we await the verdict in the Microsoft vs. FTC trial regarding the fate of Xbox's Activision-Blizzard acquisition, we dig into some of the other things happening in the world of Xbox, from the future of Banjo-Kazooie (if there even is one) to Ubisoft's rumored Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake to this month's hidden gem on Xbox Game Pass, and more!   00:00:00 - Intro & FTC v. Microsoft Updates 00:08:17 - Xbox & Bethesda at gamescom 2023 00:18:48 - Will We Ever See Another Banjo Kazooie Game? 00:36:40 - Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Getting a Remake? 00:48:39 - Outro   ... Read more

05 Jul 2023

55 MINS

55:50

05 Jul 2023


#637

Xbox vs. FTC Trial: 7 Big Things We’ve Learned So Far – Unlocked 601

With the Microsoft vs. FTC trial concluding, with a verdict expected next week, we discuss and analyze seven big things we've learned so far, from the fate of Bethesda game exclusivity to the other publishers Microsoft considered buying and more! Plus: our own investigative report into the state of The Initiative and the Perfect Dark reboot. ... Read more

30 Jun 2023

52 MINS

52:00

30 Jun 2023


#636

Xbox’s Powerhouse RPG Lineup + The Xbox One Is Done – Unlocked 600

We have so much to talk about on this milestone episode! We recap some of the games we saw and played at Summer Game Fest, then discuss how Xbox is absolutely STACKED with AAA exclusive first-party RPGs for the next several years, then pour one out for the Xbox One as Microsoft officially stops making games for it, and THEN we finish this extra-long episode digging into all of the crazy revelations that are coming out as we speak during Microsoft's trial against the FTC regarding the Activision-Blizzard acquisition. Enjoy! ... Read more

22 Jun 2023

1 HR 30 MINS

1:30:53

22 Jun 2023


#635

Summer of Gaming Special: Unpacking the Xbox/Bethesda Showcase & Starfield Direct - Unlocked 599

Happy Summer of Gaming! In this special SoG episode of Podcast Unlocked, Ryan McCaffrey, Stella Chung, Destin Legarie, and Kat Bailey discuss their favorite reveals and surprises from the Xbox/Bethesda Showcase and the Starfield Direct. Xbox came out firing on all cylinders with some hot new reveals from their best studios. From Starfield to Clockwork Revolution and FINALLY some new information and scenes for Fable, there's a lot to cover, and it's all just icing on the cake! There's so much more, so stay tuned for that! ... Read more

12 Jun 2023

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:00

12 Jun 2023


#634

From Fallout to Fable: 12 Xbox Showcase Predictions – Unlocked 598

On the eve of the biggest Xbox event of the year, we keep to our tradition and make a total of 12 predictions for the upcoming Xbox Showcase. From Fable to Avowed to Gears of War and beyond, we've got a dozen ideas about what we might see this Sunday. Plus: we discuss the recent report about Redfall's troubled development, gush about Diablo 4, and more! ... Read more

06 Jun 2023

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:50

06 Jun 2023


#633

Rod Fergusson Interview: On Diablo 4, Leaving Gears Behind, and More! – Unlocked 597

Diablo Franchise General Manager and old friend of Unlocked Rod Fergusson joins the show this week to celebrate the launch of Diablo 4. Rod talks about the challenges of joining Blizzard mere days before the COVID-19 pandemic, why he left Gears of War behind after 15 years, which Diablo 4 class he'll be playing first, and much more! ... Read more

31 May 2023

52 MINS

52:00

31 May 2023


#632

What Xbox’s Fall 2023 Looks Like So Far – Unlocked 596

Mortal Kombat 1 has been announced, and it's bringing its unexpected title to next-gen consoles in September. Meanwhile, Alan Wake 2's voice actor may have just spoiled the release date for Remedy's upcoming survival-horror sequel. We discuss these two games, along with the Fall release calendar for Xbox that's now starting to come into focus. Plus: we're not buying the idea that GTA 6 might be out next year, and more! ... Read more

23 May 2023

54 MINS

54:58

23 May 2023


#631

Xbox’s Activision-Blizzard Deal Greenlit in EU…but it’s Not Over Yet – Unlocked 595

Xbox's deal to acquire Activision-Blizzard gets a key approval from the European Commission, even while the UK's CMA doubles down on its opposition. A quote from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has us wondering what Microsoft might be willing to do in the UK if they don't get the green light. Plus: Starfield has...jetpack sex? Don't worry, we'll explain. And more! ... Read more

17 May 2023

56 MINS

56:54

17 May 2023


#630

Xbox Games Showcase Predictions, Round 1 – Unlocked 594

Phil Spencer's recent comments about Xbox's third-place standing in the video game marketplace have created quite a stir in the Xbox community. We play Phil's quote and then spend a LOT of time reacting to and discussing it. Plus: it's the First Annual Xbox Games Showcase Draft! We compile a list of the games we think are most likely to make an appearance at next month's Showcase. Some of our choices might surprise you! ... Read more

10 May 2023

1 HR 21 MINS

1:21:18

10 May 2023


#629

Redfall’s Poor Launch Tests Xbox Fans’ Patience – Unlocked 593

Redfall is out, and unfortunately it's basically a worst-case scenario. We talk through our personal impressions of the game so far, and then get into a larger discussion about what it means for Xbox customer confidence, the intense pressure that now falls on Starfield, and where Xbox can go from here. ... Read more

03 May 2023

1 HR 22 MINS

1:22:18

03 May 2023


#628

Xbox’s Activision-Blizzard Deal Is Done. Now What? – Unlocked 592

In a surprise plot twist, Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard acquisition has been BLOCKED by the UK's CMA regulatory authority. We spend most of the show discussing the ramifications of this as well as what Microsoft might do next. Plus: we kick off the show with some quick impressions of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor!   Presented by Dead Island 2 ... Read more

26 Apr 2023

48 MINS

48:18

26 Apr 2023


#627

Can Netflix Make Awesome AAA Games? – Unlocked 591

Longtime Halo senior developer Joseph Staten, the subject of last week's Unlocked, has announced where he's going next: Netflix! We discuss what this means for Netflix's gaming efforts before turning our attention to the newly announced departure of another longtime Halo developer, Frank O'Connor. Plus: Diablo 4's community interactions continue to impress, and more! ... Read more

19 Apr 2023

58 MINS

58:21

19 Apr 2023


#626

Thanks for All the Great Halo, Joseph Staten – Unlocked 590

As Halo Infinite creative director Joseph Staten confirms his departure from Microsoft altogether, we reflect back on his many contributions to some of the very best Halo games and also look ahead at what the future of Halo might look like. Plus: Arkane Austin drops some disappointing news about Redfall, Miranda gives her very positive hands-on impressions of Minecraft Legends, and more! ... Read more

12 Apr 2023

55 MINS

55:10

12 Apr 2023


#625

ID@Xbox April Showcase: Our Thoughts and Reactions - Unlocked 589

ID@XBox dropped some exciting new trailers today and the Unlocked crew is here to update us on the latest indie games coming to Xbox! Stella Chung, Miranda Sanchez, and Taylor Lyles share their thoughts on games like The Explorator, Homestead Arcana, The Last Case of Benedict Fox, and the new Vampire Survivors: Tales of the Foscari DLC! We also touch on cheaper storage expansion for the Xbox as well as an unfortunate delay for ARK 2. Tons of fun stuff happening this week, so don't miss out! 00:00:00 - Intro & ID@Xbox Reactions!  00:17:17- ARK 2 Delayed to 2024  00:25:25 - New Xbox Controller Made From Recycled Parts?  00:37:14 - Cheaper Xbox Storage on the Way & Outro   ... Read more

05 Apr 2023

54 MINS

54:44

05 Apr 2023


#624

Resident Evil 4: Remake Has Us in its Grips - Unlocked 588

Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 4, and more Resident Evil 4. At least that's what Brian Altano played this week. Join us on this episode as we let Brian gush over his love of RE4, discuss changes coming to Game Pass, and some bummer MultiVersus news.  00:00:00 Intro 00:01:21 Resident Evil 4 Remake 00:23:00 Game Pass changes 00:38:05 MultiVersus leaves open beta 00:50:42 Outro ... Read more

29 Mar 2023

53 MINS

53:23

29 Mar 2023


#623

We Played Redfall and Diablo 4, Let’s Talk! – Unlocked 587

We all played a ton of the Diablo 4 beta this past weekend, and we were all also lucky enough to play Redfall recently as well. We've got a LOT of thoughts about both. Join us! ... Read more

22 Mar 2023

58 MINS

58:52

22 Mar 2023


#622

Should IO Interactive Be Xbox’s Next Acquisition Target? – Unlocked 586

Hitman developer IO Interactive is starting to talk about its new online fantasy-RPG project. Plus it's got a James Bond 007 game in the works. We discuss those, and then debate whether or not they might -- or should -- be Xbox's next acquisition target. Plus: Zombie Telltale is saying all of right things about its decision to delay The Wolf Among Us 2 into next year, guest panelist Cameron Hawkins agrees to take one for the team and eat a KFC Double Down in order to get Diablo 4 beta access, and more! 00:00:00 - Intro00:04:06 - IO Interactive Working on a Fantasy RPG00:21:04 - Should IO Interactive Be Xbox’s Acquisition Target?00:35:57 - The Wolf Among Us 2 Delayed & Outro ... Read more

15 Mar 2023

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:23

15 Mar 2023


#621

9 Moves Xbox Should Make This Year – Unlocked 585

Starfield finally has a release date, so we kick off the show discussing why this new September window makes a lot of sense for Bethesda Game Studios's next big RPG. Plus: we share nine moves we think Xbox should make in 2023, and more! ... Read more

08 Mar 2023

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:27

08 Mar 2023