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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 discuss what we’ve been playing this week and share our thoughts on where the industry seems to be heading.
#projecthelix #nintendo #playstation #gaming #podcast #theouterhaven

Timestamps:

1:00 – What games we played this week
24:18 – Valve gives an update on the Steam Machine release date
26:08 – Nintendo sues the US Government over tariffs
31:44 – Is PlayStation killing its PC gaming initiative?
52:55 – Xbox reveals Project Helix, its Xbox/PC gaming device
1:25:00 – AI game reviews are starting to appear in gaming journalism
1:38:00 – A new Sword Art Online game, Echoes Of Aincrad Announced

#pcgaming #playstation #xbox #projecthelix #nintendo #gamingpodcast

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You can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!

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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 lot to unpack.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro / What we've been playing lately.
• 10:54 - .hack returns (.hack//Z.E.R.O)
• 24:07 - Sony shuts down Bluepoint Games
• 35:08 - Bungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter Marathon
• 45:49 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup
• 1:06:10 - RTS fully owns EVO now
• 1:15:03 - Stop Making Steam Machine Videos That Ignore Reality
• 1:16:23 - Outro

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

• Spotify – spoti.fi/2HsmTZ8
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• YouTube – Youtube.com/theouterhaven
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And if you have questions for us or want us to discuss a topic, let us know by contacting us at tips@theouterhaven.net.

Support the show

You can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music

Send a text

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 Racer is finally getting a home port.

Let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:16 - What we have been playing
• 19:59 - Is Microsoft planning on merging the PC gaming Game Pass?
• 29:59 - Nioh 3 is good, but it's not Elden Ring
• 38:37 - Discord is going full big brother mode
• 49:55 - Granblue Fantasy: Relink Making a Comeback!!!
• 56:04 - Riot downsizing 2XKO team sparks concern about the Game’s Future
• 1:10:47 - Rave Racer is finally getting a home port
• 1:15:13 - Outro

Support the show

You can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music