Battlefield 6 took over the gaming world with huge numbers on Steam, but does Ciaran think it will outperform this year’s Call of Duty? Additionally, we preview Opening Night Live and discuss our growing anticipation for PAX AUS 2025.

Hosts: Ashley Hobley: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleyhobley.bsky.social Ciaran Marchant: https://bsky.app/profile/en-ringo.bsky.social

Episode Timecodes 00:00:00 - Hello 00:00:37 - Battlefield 6 Beta Impressions 00:10:52 - Opening Night Live Preview 00:21:08 - PAX AUS 2025 Anticipation 00:26:01 - Goodbye

Resources

• The Battlefield 6 beta becomes the biggest thing for Battlefield ever on Steam, going beyond even Call of Duty | VG247
• Geoff Keighley Confirms 7 Games Set for ONL on Tuesday Alongside Fallout Season 2 and a Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Music Performance - IGN

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Xbox has cancelled another game, and we discuss if anyone remembers Contraband. Plus, there are rumours for the Xbox ROG Ally release date, which could lead to the same for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Show Dot Points

• The anticipation for GTA 6 is palpable among gamers.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to be a hot topic.
• The distribution of review codes often controls game reviews.
• Nintendo Indie World showcases a variety of indie games.
• The cancellation of Contraband raises questions about Xbox's strategy.
• Childhood fears related to water levels in games are common.
• Game mechanics can significantly impact player experience.
• The indie game scene is thriving with innovative titles.
• Industry trends suggest a shift in game development strategies.
• The hosts share personal anecdotes that resonate with many gamers. Open-world games have evolved, but some repetitiveness remains.
• Handheld consoles are gaining popularity, especially with the Xbox branding.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong is highly anticipated and will be showcased at events.
• Sony's live service strategy has faced significant challenges and cancellations.
• The Drifter offers a unique gaming experience with a compelling story.
• The excitement for new gaming devices is palpable among gamers.
• Xbox's branding may attract a broader audience to handheld gaming.
• The narrative depth in games like The Drifter enhances player engagement.
• Live service games require careful planning to avoid failures.
• The gaming community is eager for more single-player experiences.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Episode Timecodes

00:00:00 - Hello 00:02:00 - Discussing Review Codes 00:05:45 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase Recap 00:17:40 - Xbox Cancels Contraband 00:24:00 - Xbox ROG Ally Release Date & Hollow Knight: Silk Song Rumours 00:30:10 - Sony Admits PlayStation Live Service Strategy Isn't Going Great 00:41:10 - The Drifter Review 00:46:40 - Goodbye

Resources

• Nintendo's Indie World Showcase - here's everything announced | Eurogamer.net
• Development On The Xbox Exclusive Co-Op Game Contraband Has Stopped
• Official Xbox handheld console ROG Ally gets a release date, courtesy of reliable leaker | Eurogamer.net
• After Concord and a string of delays and cancellations, Sony admits PlayStation's live-service strategy is "not entirely going smoothly" | Eurogamer.net

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Dylan and Ashley discuss the THQ Nordic Showcase and the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, both of which aired in the last week, delivering new updates and game reveals.

Show Dot Points

• The hosts share their excitement for upcoming video game showcases.
• PAX preparations are discussed, highlighting early planning and travel logistics.
• THQ Nordic's showcase featured a variety of new game announcements and trailers.
• The Nintendo Direct was perceived as underwhelming compared to THQ Nordic's showcase.
• Battlefield 6's multiplayer reveal sparked cautious optimism among fans.
• The PAX 2025 Indie Showcase winners showcased a diverse range of innovative games.
• Trivia Deal stood out as a unique concept among the indie games.
• The hosts reflect on the nostalgia factor in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 Plus 4.
• The importance of community and social interaction in gaming is emphasised.
• The episode wraps up with a call to action for listener engagement.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Episode Timecodes

00:00:00 - Hello 00:01:15 - This Week On The Show 00:03:50 - THQ Nordic Showcase Recap 00:23:45 - Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase Recap 00:33:00 - Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal 00:39:30 - PAX AUS Indie Showcase 2025 Winners 00:47:15 - Goodbye

Resources

• Everything Announced at the THQ Nordic 2025 Showcase - Explosion Network
• Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase July 2025: All Trailers & Announcements - Explosion Network
• Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Reveal Highlights Return of Classic Class System & Destruction - Explosion Network
• PAX AUS 2025 Indie Showcase Winners Announced - Explosion Network
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Review - Explosion Network

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

We discuss the 2025 Pokémon Presents and the reveal of Battlefield 6.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Resources

• Battlefield 6's Reveal Trailer Has Dropped Alongside A Leaked Release Date
• July 2025 Pokémon Presents: Every Game Trailer and Announcement - Explosion Network
• Dying Light: The Beast Delayed to September 19, 2025 - Explosion Network
• https://explosionnetwork.com/sony-makes-strategic-2-5-investment-in-bandai-namco
• Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival Revealed in Official Announcement Trailer - Explosion Network
• Directive 8020 Postponed as Supermassive Games Restructures - Explosion Network
• Wolfenstein is the next game series to get an adaptation for TV | Eurogamer.net

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Dylan talks about his time with Donkey Kong Bananza, which has turned into a surprise and one of the year's best games.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley

Resources

• Upcoming Zelda Film Names Its Link and Zelda Stars - Explosion Network
• Battlefield 6 is seemingly just called Battlefield 6, according to leaked packages sent to content creators that might signal a reveal from EA soon

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Ashley and Ciaran discuss updates on Dune: Awakening, the unique gameplay of Date Everything!, and insights from the recent State of Play for Ghost of Yotei.

Show Dot Points

• Ciaran has been playing Date Everything! on his Steam Deck.
• Dune: Awakening has had some recent updates and patches.
• Ghost of Yotei had a gameplay deep dive on State of Play
• The Last of Us Part II remastered introduces a new chronological mode.
• Subnautica 2's development is facing significant delays and legal issues.

Hosts: Ashley Hobley: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleyhobley.bsky.social Ciaran Marchant: https://bsky.app/profile/en-ringo.bsky.social

Resources

• Ghost of Yōtei's gorgeous gameplay deep dive reveals refined combat, lo-fi beats mode, and more - Eurogamer.net
• The Last Of Us Part II Remastered Just Got A New Chronological Mode - Press Start
• SAG-AFTRA approves 2025 Video Game Agreement, officially concluding its strike - Eurogamer.net
• The Subnautica 2 $250M ordeal is getting combative - Polygon

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://arcadecouch.podbean.com/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Microsoft lays off over 9.000 employess, and we discuss the effects it has had on Xbox and their development studios.

Show Dot Points

• Microsoft laid off over 9000 employees, impacting Xbox.
• Cancellation of Perfect Dark and Everwild raises concerns.
• The gaming industry faces ongoing layoffs and project cancellations.
• New studios struggle to succeed in creating AAA games.
• Creative processes in gaming differ significantly from film.
• Cross-platform gaming is becoming more prevalent.
• The importance of established studios in game development.
• Industry trends show a shift towards AI and new revenue models.
• The departure of key creatives can impact project quality.
• Community reactions to industry changes are mixed.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Resources

• Perfect Dark and Everwild Cancelled as Microsoft Cuts 9,000 Jobs - Explosion Network
• Forza Motorsport "is no more", claims former Turn 10 employee, following Microsoft cuts | Eurogamer.net
• Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross Exit HBO’s The Last of Us Series - Explosion Network
• Helldivers 2 Becomes First PlayStation-Published Game on Xbox - Explosion Network

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

Ciaran talks about how much he's enjoying Dune: Awakening, and how it'll get him to watch the films.

Dylan & Ashley also touch on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, which they've both started playing.

Show Dot Points

• The hosts express excitement about the gaming community and their experiences.
• Death Stranding 2 offers a sweet start with character development.
• Dune: Awakening effectively combines MMO and survival elements.
• The narrative of games can challenge traditional character roles.
• Quality-of-life improvements in games enhance the player experience.
• Community engagement is crucial for multiplayer games.
• The importance of not judging games solely by their trailers.
• Exploration and base building are key components in Dune: Awakening.
• The hosts appreciate the depth of storytelling in modern games.
• Future updates and expansions are anticipated for both games.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Arcade Couch Credits:

• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration

All Episodes:

• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/

Support Us:

• http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion