The Official Xbox Podcast

In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we’re revving our engines and hitting the streets in Forza Horizon 6. We’re talking to the devs about what it takes to translate the idyllic countrysides and fast-paced cities of Japan into an experience that has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a fan of white-knuckled-down-to-the-last-second racing, just want to vibe and take in the sights, or if you’re a homebody who wants to customize your garages and villas to your heart’s content, this is the episode for you.00:00 Introduction01:12 What is the main difference between Forza Horizon 6 from 5?03:37 How do people approach Forza Horizon Games?06:07 What inofrms those Get to the Festival moments09:41 How did you make that decision to shift that focus from professional driver to aspiring?13:37 How did you go about tackling the various regions in Japan?15:39 Have you had to approach how the cars aroundyou drive in the Tokyo City location?19:34 How did you create the various regions in ways that make them feel independent and unique to themselves?21:48 How do you make a racing game that can make you stop to explore and how do you how do you approach stopping people?24:18 Garage building and other customizations28:45 Are you able to say anything about that mech tease from the end of the Developer Direct trailer at this point?29:43 OutroFOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're sitting down with Annette and Charla from the ID@Xbox program to talk about some of the indie games at this week's GDC, including At Fate's End and Replaced. Then, we're hearing directly from the devs of Mixtape, Delphinium, and Screenbound to find out what we can expect when folks get their hands on those games at the conference and beyond.00:00 Introduction03:33 With Xbox celebrating 25 years, how do you reflect on your time here?06:27 At Fate's End08:25 Replaced09:41 How are you feeling with GDC right around the corner?11:34 Johnny Galvatron – Mixtape Interview20:41 Heidi Borge - Delphinium Interview27:32 Will Buckle – Screenbound Interview34:34 Final thoughts36:36 OutroFOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're at a dream location for Malik: WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. We're talking to the WWE Superstars and devs behind WWE 2K26 about match types, changes to Universe, presentaiton, and so much more.00:00 Introduction01:05 CM Punk interview04:38 Which Superstar should you pick in WWE 2K26?08:04 Interview with Lynell Jinks and Bryan Williams09:28 MyFaction and New Reversal System11:25 New Match Types12:44 What's new in the game as far as presentation goes?17:00 Showcase Mode19:13 Gaunlet format in Showcase20:52 Universe Mode22:25 Rival Reactions23:47 What are you most excited for players to experience in WWE 2K26?27:39 Outro FOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're at Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine, California, and we're sitting down with the head of it all: Johanna Faries! We're discussing all of the big updates going on during the company's 35th year anniversary, what it's like to lead such a massive and long-standing company full of creative teams, and of course, the return of BlizzCon.00:00 Introduction01:10 Blizzard is in its 35th year. How are you and the team feeling now that the spotlights are out and now that the year is off and running?02:14 Blizzard Showcase video03:58 So now that you've been with Blizzard for a couple of years, what would you like people to know about you?05:32 You've got some major anniversaries this year. The way things lined up with all of these big announcements, was it serendipity or did every team decide to go all in for the 35th anniversary?07:29 What was the story behind dropping the 2 in Overwatch?08:58 So, Blizzard is in its 35th year, when you think about the vision for this company, How far down the road do you look?10:50 Let's talk Blizzcon 202613:02 What are you most excited about that is coming down the line here this year?14:42 Outro FOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're thrilled to have the Diablo team in-studio with us to discuss the franchise's 30th anniversary and the release of the Warlock across both Diablo IV and Diablo 2: Resurrected! We're also digging in on some of the big updates you can expect with the release of Lord of Hatred in April and beyond in what is shaping up to be a massive year for the team.00:00 Introduction01:15 What does the big 3-0 mean to the two of you, and what does it mean to the team?02:32 Let's talk about what's new, you're releasing a new Warlock Class?05:05 What's it like building a new class for a game like Diablo that's been around for 30 years?06:50 What are some of the differences between the Warlock for Diablo II: Resurrected and also for Diablo IV?09:23 The Warlock in Diablo II: Resurrected is now available on Game Pass for the first time. How excited are you to have it be available for so many more people now?10:43 Diablo II: Resurrected has all new updates, including loot filters and Terror Zones?13:25 So let's look ahead to April, what's new with Diablo IV?14:13 What's the feedback been like on the Paladin?15:30 So, Diablo IV has some stellar cinematics, what can you tell us about the story behind Lord of Hatred?17:47 What can you share about the new mechanics, War Plans, and overall customization?19:37 Skill tree deep dive22:41 Diablo community 24:15 More ahead - Blizzcon 26 and Diablo's 30th anniversary25:36 What are you most excited for the community to experience?28:38 OutroFOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're so excited to have the Overwatch team in studio with us! We're talking about game's 10-year anniversary, diving deep into the new heroes, and getting information on the story. We're also looking ahead to what will be a massive year for both the franchise and Blizzard as a whole.00:00 Introduction01:09 Overwatch is having its 10th anniversary this year. How is the Overwatch team there at Blizzard feeling about the last ten years and about this big year to come? 02:47 There's a name change with Overwatch 2 going back to Overwatch? What was the thought behind it? How’s this going to work? 03:28 Along with that change, there are some other changes as well when it comes to how you’re handling seasons moving forward, right? 03:55 Season 1 is launching on February 10th, and that’s starting off something huge for Overwatch, right? 04:17 Talon is seeing some leadership changes at the top. Doomfist is no longer in control, right? 04:57 New heroes coming to Overwatch. This year we’re getting 10 new heroes overall, which is more than triple what we get normally in the year. Five of those are dropping during season 1? 06:53 Domina deep dive 09:07 Two new DPS, let's start with Emre. 10:43 Anran deep dive 12:34 Mizuki deep dive 14:54 Jet Pack Cat deep dive 17:51 We know our roles of DPS, Tank, and Support, but you guys are rolling out Sub-Roles and Passives as well? 20:37 Visually, the game is getting a bit of an update with the UI and some engine advancements. 21:43 Plus new Post-Match Accolades? 22:48 What can you share about the new cosmetics, and if you can, which one is your favorite? 23:36 For you two, personally, what’s the thing you’re most excited for players to get to experience over this upcoming year? 26:15 Final thoughts? 28:00 Do you have favorite heroes or villains? 29:12 Outro FOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're sitting down with none other than Hamaguchi san to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. And once you're done watching the episode, make sure to go download the demo so you can start playing right now.00:00 Introduction01:41 Partnership with Xbox04:42 How excited are you and the team?05:28 What can player expect from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade?07:32 Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - Episode INTERmission08:15 Streamlined progression10:22 Phil Spncer and Xbox ROG Ally X12:30 What are you most excited for players to experience?13:33 Demo out now13:58 Outro FOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

It's one of the biggest nights in gaming, and on this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we are in Los Angeles and getting ready for The Game Awards. Matt Booty is here along with a who's-who of guests, including Guillaume Provost, Feargus Urquhart, and more, all to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while looking forward to the awards show and beyond.00:00 Introduction01:08 Matt Booty09:10 Compulsion Games19:22 Obsidian Entertainment24:36 iD Software37:05 OutroFOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're visiting Obsidian Entertainment as they're getting ready to release their awesome action RPG, The Outer Worlds 2. We're diving deep into Arcadia and learning all about each faction's unique and reactive radio stations, including how the original songs, ads, skits, and eccentric DJs all add flavor, feel, guidance, and lore to this story-driven game.00:00 Introduction01:07 Walk and talk with Brandon02:24 What are you most excited for players to experience?03:04 What is Outer Worlds 2?04:19 Sitting down with Leonard and Brandon05:00 What does it mean to be a Creative Director?06:56 Radio talk and the inspiration to have it in the game08:51 What are some of the radio stations?10:56 What was it like playing the game internally and interpreting the propaganda of each radio station?12:20 What was the writing and casting process for the radio DJs?14:20 Reactivity with the radio stations18:54 The conversational Moon Man Menu21:20 What is your favorite ad, PSA, or song from Outer Worlds 2?23:59 What are you most excited to see?26:57 Outro FOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox

In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're in Tokyo, Japan, and we're sitting down with the folks from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames to discuss the return of the legendary series, Ninja Gaiden 4. We're diving deep into the visceral, fast-paced, and challenging combat that's made the franchise iconic, while also talking about how Team Ninja and PlatinumGames have come together to create one of the most anticipated games of the year.00:00 Introduction02:46 Storytelling and cinematic moments03:46 Character Insights05:35 Difficulty settings and customization10:30 Ninja Coin12:36 Are there any challenges for the speedrunning community?14:33 Ryu and Yakumo’s swords brought into real life15:44 Do either have a dream weapon for Yakumo or Ryu wield?16:44 Ninja Gaiden 4 on the ROG Xbox Ally 17:29 Custom controllers18:50 OutroFOLLOW XBOXFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xbox​​​ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Xbox​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Xbox