Podcast Unlocked

By IGN

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Category: Video Games

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Subscribers: 1943
Reviews: 8


 Mar 21, 2023

It's Ya Boy
 Dec 19, 2020
Informative, witty, funny, and bam.


 Aug 3, 2020


 Jun 15, 2020


 Dec 6, 2019

Description

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.

Episode Date
We Played Redfall and Diablo 4, Let’s Talk! – Unlocked 587
00:58:52

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!

Mar 22, 2023
Should IO Interactive Be Xbox’s Next Acquisition Target? – Unlocked 586
01:01:23

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 - Intro
00:04:06 - IO Interactive Working on a Fantasy RPG
00:21:04 - Should IO Interactive Be Xbox’s Acquisition Target?
00:35:57 - The Wolf Among Us 2 Delayed & Outro

Mar 15, 2023
9 Moves Xbox Should Make This Year – Unlocked 585
01:01:27

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!

Mar 08, 2023
Mortal Kombat Leaks, Mikami Leaves, and More in a Wild Xbox Week – Unlocked 584
01:01:22

Tons to talk about this week! We start by discussing our disappointment in the new gameplay showcase for Rocksteady's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Then we analyze Tango Gameworks founder Shinji Mikami's departure from the studio and why we think The Evil Within 3 is still happening. Plus: Mortal Kombat 12 gets announced in an unexpected way, Call of Duty will get a full-game release this year after all, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:03:19 - What’s Up with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League?

00:21:29 - Shinji Mikami is Leaving Tango Gameworks

00:28:13 - WB CEO Announces Mortal Kombat 12

00:38:12 - Call of Duty and Forza Horizon 5 News!

00:47:10 - Outro

Mar 01, 2023
Activision-Blizzard Buyout Drama Heats Up - Unlocked 583
00:59:17

Microsoft makes 10-year deals to bring Call of Duty to other platforms with not one but TWO different companies in an effort to get regulators to approve the Activision-Blizzard acquisition. We discuss how Microsoft might be nearing the endgame of this corporate chess match. Plus: we're stoked for the Diablo 4 beta, Ubisoft makes a puzzling statement about attending E3, and more!

Feb 23, 2023
Xbox Game Pass: Good for Gamers, Bad for Game Sales? – Unlocked 582
00:56:31

Microsoft admits in a court filing as part of the proposed Activision-Blizzard acquisition that game sales suffer when games get added to Xbox Game Pass. We discuss why it doesn't really matter, why Game Pass matters for games both big and small, and more! Plus: why Kotick has to go if the acquisition is approved, Dead Island 2's release date changes AGAIN (but for the better this time!), and plenty more!

00:00:00 - Intro & Secret Single-Player Titanfall Game Reportedly Canceled by EA

00:03:36 - Xbox: Game Pass Cannibalizes Game Sales

00:23:23 - Kotick to Stay as CEO of Blizzard/Activision is Microsoft Deal is Blocked?

00:31:08 - Hi-Fi Rush Easter Egg Teases Evil Within 3?

00:41:21 - Dead Island 2’s Release Date Moves UP a Week

00:48:43 - Outro

Feb 15, 2023
Our Titanfall 3 Dreams Might Be Dead – Unlocked 581
01:21:38

A busy week of Xbox news has us discussing the recent cancellation of a secret Titanfall single-player project at Respawn and why we sadly may never see Titanfall again. Plus: live-service multiplayer games are getting shut off left and right, so what does it mean for the industry? Also: how will DC's plan to integrate video games into the DCU go over with developers, MLB The Show 23 adds a wonderful new feature that celebrates a key part of baseball history, Tim Schafer heads to the Hall of Fame, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Secret Single-Player Titanfall Game Reportedly Canceled by EA

00:24:36 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Xcom Director Isn’t Thrilled James Gunn’s New DC Connected Universe

00:35:29 - Crossfirex and Knockout City Are Officially Shutting Down

00:51:31 - MLB The Show 23 Will Feature Legends From the Negro Leagues

01:01:22 - Tim Schafer Inducted Into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame

01:10:22 - Unlock-Block Trivia & Outro

Feb 09, 2023
Hi-Fi Rush Must Be Celebrated – Unlocked 580
01:20:05

Now that we've had a week to play Hi-Fi Rush and see the incredible viral reaction to it, we had a deep and extended conversation about Tango Gameworks' surprise rhythm-action release. We discuss why it was exactly what Xbox was needed, whether we might get a sequel, and more. Plus: the second half of the podcast is dedicated to an equally deep and heartfelt conversation about the state of 343 Industries and the Halo IP.
 

00:00:00 - Intro & How Much Fun is Hi-Fi Rush?

00:35:10 - 323 Industries Report from Jason Schreier

01:12:28 - Unlocked Block Trivia

00:37:29 - Outro

Feb 01, 2023
Xbox Direct Reactions and Analysis – Unlocked 579
00:56:37

We recorded Unlocked immediately after Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct presentation this week. These are our in-the-moment reactions to the excellent presentation, from the deep-dive on Redfall (including a May 2 release date to look forward to) to another look at the gorgeous Forza Motorsport (though it came without any release date attached) to the surprise new game from Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush, that's available right now! And in our final segment, we spent some time discussing the current uncertain state of Halo in the wake of the layoffs at 343 Industries.

00:00:00 - Intro & Redfall Reactions!

00:14:33 - Hi-Fi Rush is Out NOW

00:24:38 - Forza Motorsport Looks So Good!

00:37:29 - The State of 343 Industries & Outro

Jan 26, 2023
Our Xbox Direct Predictions – Unlocked 578
00:59:35

Spawn on Me host/creator Kahlief Adams returns to Unlocked to tell us all about Spawn on Me's upcoming awards show, The Spawnies. He then sticks around as we all make our predictions for next week's big Xbox Developer_Direct event. We predict release dates and a whole lot more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Kahlief Adams for The Spawnies!
00:26:29 - Xbox Developer Direct Predictions!
00:47:29 - Outro

Jan 18, 2023
Xbox Developer Direct Event Confirmed for January – Unlocked 577
00:52:00

Microsoft has finally confirmed a Developer Direct event that will showcase Redfall, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Elder Scrolls Online with a separate standalone event for Starfield coming at a later date. This will be a deep dive into the games with much less presentation and more gameplay according to the team at Xbox. As the titles listed are promised for the first half of 2023 we can't wait to see more.

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:01:39 - New Xbox Developer Direct is on the Way!

00:18:03 - Ubisoft Delays Skull & Bones for the 6th Time

00:33:34 - 5 Forza Horizon Devs Form a New Studio

00:40:31 - Xbox Implements New Power Saving Settings & Outro

Jan 12, 2023
9 Xbox Predictions for 2023 – Unlocked 576
00:55:15

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:06:04 - Xbox Predictions for 2023

00:35:24 - QA Workers at Zenimax form a union

00:41:20 Xbox Games With Gold

00:48:32 Trivia!

00:52:32 Outro

Jan 04, 2023
Our Favorite Xbox Games of 2022 – Unlocked 575
00:56:58

Our last episode of 2022 focuses on our personal favorite Xbox games of the year. From the biggest AAA blockbusters to the smallest under-the-radar indies, these are the 10 games we enjoyed the most on our Xboxes in 2022. Plus: Microsoft's latest salvo in the ongoing battle against the regulators AND Sony in the quest to get the Activision-Blizzard acquisition approved manages to make Sony look bad...but also doesn't make Microsoft look so hot either. We're off next week but back for 2023 starting on Wednesday, January 4. Happy holidays!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:04:09 - Our Personal Xbox Favorite Games of 2022

00:33:30 - More on the Microsoft/Activision Story & Outro

Dec 22, 2022
High on Life Is a Blast – Unlocked 574
00:58:23

High on Life has arrived, and it closes out Xbox Game Pass's 2022 on a high note! We rave about Justin Roiland's comedy-FPS and discuss what we love about it. Plus: we share our frustration about Xbox's no-show at The Game Awards last week, and why we feel like it was the straw that broke the camel's back for many Xbox fans.

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:07:29 - High On Life Impressions

00:21:00 - Xbox’s No-Show at The Game Awards

00:44:30 - Who Wins Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Dec 14, 2022
The Xbox Game Price Increase Is Finally Happening – Unlocked 573
00:52:30

Xbox has decided to increase the prices of their next-gen games created specifically for the Xbox Series X|S hardware to $70. This is after being priced at $60 for the last 16 years. Phil Spencer had teased a price increase for either the console, Xbox Game Pass, or their games shortly before this announcement. This week the Unlocked crew reacts to the news and also the surprising agreement Xbox and Nintendo made to keep Call of Duty on Nintendo gaming platforms for the next 10 years.

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:10 Xbox first-party games price hike

00:17:25 Microsoft commits Call of Duty on Nintendo systems for 10 years

00:32:16 Halo Infinite winter update

00:38:15 Elden Ring DLC available for free

00:41:00 Remedy is working on Control 2

00:45:30 What we expect from The Game Awards 2022

00:50:10 Outro

Dec 08, 2022
Marvel’s Midnight Suns Interview w/ Creative Director Jake Solomon – Unlocked 572
00:57:25

Marvel's Midnight Suns creative director Jake Solomon joins us to discuss Firaxis' new superhero strategy-RPG -- including a couple of Easter eggs that big Marvel fans should look out for. Plus: Todd Howard gives a vague hint about what to expect from MachineGames' Indiana Jones game, we've got ideas for how to reinvigorate Xbox Games With Gold, and more!

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:03:00 - Indiana Jones Game Is a 'Unique' Mash-Up of Different Genres

00:11:20 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Ep. 4 Preview

00:14:13 - Xbox Games With Gold for December

00:24:41 - Will We Ever See a Ninja Gaiden Revival?

00:28:03 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns Interview w/ Creative Director Jake Solomon

00:49:40 - Outro

Nov 30, 2022
Splinter Cell Remake: Finally, We Get an Update – Unlocked 571
01:02:07

As Ubisoft Toronto developers discuss their design philosophy behind the Splinter Cell Remake and show off a bit of concept art, we react to their plans for Sam Fisher's long-awaited return. Plus: Dead Island 2 gets delayed again, Sonic the Hedgehog's co-creator gets arrested, Phil Spencer's "Call of Duty on PlayStation" press tour continues, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:39 - More Splinter Cell Concept Art Surfaces!

00:22:32 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Ep. 4 Preview

00:25:19 - What’s the Deal with Dead Island 2?

00:31:44 - Phil Spencer Says CoD Will Stay on PlayStation (for the 100th time)

00:44:05 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Nov 22, 2022
Remembering Kevin Conroy’s Impact on Batman Video Games – Unlocked 570
01:03:16

Our Xbox crew mourns the passing of legendary longtime Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy, discussing how his presence and performance in the Batman: Arkham games helped elevate not just those games but the entire superhero game genre. Plus: our impressions of this week's new Xbox-exclusive releases Somerville and Pentiment, CD Projekt Red shares notable news on both Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3's next-gen update, and more!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:58 - Halo Infinite Forge Impressions

00:07:18 - Somerville and Pentiment Are Here!

00:17:13 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast Preview

00:20:10 - Remembering Kevin Conroy

00:34:45 - Rockstar Turns Down Eminem-led GTA Movie

00:45:11 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Nov 16, 2022
Gears of War is FINALLY Getting a Movie (and Show) – Unlocked 569
00:52:00

Join Stella Chung, Parris Lilly, Gary Whitta, and Destin Legarie on covering the big news that Netflix announced a Gears of war movie and adult animated show in partnership with The Coalition, talking about the Halo Infinite Winter Update, and Take-Two Interactive’s new milestone with Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTAV.

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Our Thoughts on a Gears of War Movie/Series from Netflix

00:21:25 - The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station Podcast!

00:24:20 - Halo Infinite Winter Update Discussion

00:43:37 - GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 Hit New Milestones & Outro

Nov 09, 2022
IGN Presents | The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station
00:02:39

Subscribe to the horror series set in the universe of “The Callisto Protocol,” the hotly anticipated game from Striking Distance Studios.  

Helix Station was once the jewel of the Jovian system, but it’s been a decaying ghost ship ever since its Carpenter drive went supercritical. When a dangerous escaped criminal seeks refuge there, officers of the Black Iron Prison force a pair of veteran skip tracers to help recover him. But once on Helix, they discover murderous alien life forms, as well as unspeakable horrors from their past.

Starring Gwendoline Christie and Michael Ironside. IGN is publishing and distributing Helix Station in partnership with 
Striking Distance Studios, creator of the game The Callisto Protocol. The first two episodes of The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station 
are available now, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts.
 

Listen & Subscribe here!

Nov 04, 2022
Phil Spencer Ends the Call-of-Duty-on-PlayStation Debate – Unlocked 568
01:00:11

Phil Spencer went on quite a press tour this week, leaving us with a lot to discuss, including: a definitive end to the Call-of-Duty-on-PlayStation debate (or is it?), the ongoing Xbox first-party exclusive game drought, the prospect of price increases on Xbox hardware and/or software and/or services, and more!


00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:42 - Phil Spencer & Call of Duty’s Future on PlayStation

00:12:20 - Will Elder Scrolls VI Be Xbox Exclusive?

00:21:05 - Where Are the First Party Exclusives?

00:48:17 - Outro

Nov 02, 2022
Fallout 4 Goes Next-Gen and the Future of Fallout – Unlocked 567
01:03:53

Fallout 4 is getting a next-gen update for Xbox Series X|S, but is it going to be the only Fallout we get on this generation of Xbox consoles? We lament just how far away Fallout 5 probably is. Plus: Xbox sales figures continue to impress, we're concerned about the departures of the Rocksteady co-founders, and more!

00:00:00 - Intro & Fallout 4 Next Gen News!

00:17:10 - Xbox Sales & Game Pass are on Fire

00:29:04 - Silent Hill is Coming Back in a Big Way

00:37:03 - More News!

00:47:28 - Outro

Oct 26, 2022
Xbox & PlayStation’s Activision-Blizzard Battle Gets Weird(er) – Unlocked 566
00:58:44

The Microsoft-vs.-Sony drama over Xbox's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard took another turn for the weird this week. We examine each company's latest effort to hilariously downplay themselves and talk up the other guy. Plus: our quick impressions of the just-released Xbox exclusive Scorn and the next-gen only, Game-Pass-day-one stealth adventure A Plague Tale: Requiem; Obsidian's future with Fallout, and more!

00:00:00 - Intro & Scorn Impressions!

00:12:20 - The Microsoft/Sony Soap Opera

00:39:11 - Microsoft Lays Off Close to 1000 Employees

00:41:26 - Obsidian’s Fallout Future & Outro

Oct 19, 2022
Xbox Game Pass Makes Bank – Unlocked 565
00:55:30

We finally get some real numbers from Xbox Game Pass, including how much revenue it generated last year and how much Xbox is paying for the Ark games on Game Pass. Plus: one of the developers of Scorn joins us to discuss the imminent new body-horror adventure game, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:03:28 - Xbox Game Pass Generates Billions

00:13:38 - Ark 2 on Game Pass

00:22:42 - Deathloop Takes Place in the Dishonored Universe?

00:29:20 - Scorn Dev Interview with Lazar Mesaros

00:49:25 - Outro

Oct 12, 2022
The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2: What We Think of CDPR’s Bold Roadmap – Unlocked 564
01:28:50

We kick off this week's show with our hands-on impressions of Gotham Knights. Then, we spend the bulk of the show discussing the 10-year roadmap released by CD Projekt Red -- five Witcher games, a new Cyberpunk, and a new IP. Was it a good idea for them to be THIS transparent? What do we want out of new Cyberpunk and Witcher games? We talk about all that and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping

00:04:10 - Gotham Knights Preview Impressions!

00:14:13 - CD Project Red Announces Future Roadmap

01:04:48 - Is Legacy of Kain Making a Return?

01:11:05 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro


 

Oct 05, 2022
Who Should Make a New Ninja Gaiden? – Unlocked 563
00:52:00

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:01:48 - Our Thoughts on the Modern Warfare II Beta

00:11:18 - Grounded v1.0 is here!

00:14:44 - Team Ninja is Open to Outsourcing Ninja Gaiden?

00:30:14 - Splinter Cell Remake is Getting Rewritten?

00:43:24 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Sep 28, 2022
GTA 6’s Reveal Was Ruined. Now What? – Unlocked 562
01:18:04

Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay was leaked via a hacker. So now what? What do we think of the return to Vice City? What, if anything, will change about Rockstar's plan to show us the game on their terms. We discuss that as well as Diablo 4's upcoming endgame beta, hands-on impressions from the surprise demo of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:11:35 - Thoughts on the Rockstar GTA VI Leak

00:23:27 - Going Back to Vice City

00:42:38 - Over 40 Minutes of Diablo IV Gameplay Leaked

00:53:18 - What Does the Rest of 2022 Look Like?

00:57:10 - UK Investigates Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision/Blizzard

01:15:12 - Deathloop Comes to Xbox Game Pass

01:17:12 - Outro

Sep 21, 2022
Jim Ryan Isn’t Happy About Call of Duty and Xbox – Unlocked 561
01:18:04

Our Xbox crew discusses a significant management shake-up at the top of 343 Industries, Sony boss Jim Ryan's public airing of Call of Duty-related grievances against Phil Spencer and Microsoft, the biggest news from the weekend's Disney/Marvel and Ubisoft showcases, the new Xbox Elite controller, and more!

Sep 14, 2022
343 Industries and Halo: Is the Arranged Marriage Working? – Unlocked 560
01:18:04

Halo and 343 Industries was an arranged marriage from the start. After the latest sting of bad news – the cancellation of split-screen co-op – we spend an hour discussing 343's past, present, and future with the franchise. Is the arranged marriage working? Should Halo even be a "live service" game? It's a complex topic with no clear answers, but clearly it's time to have the conversation. Plus: September's Xbox Game Pass games, the Game Pass Friends & Family Plan goes live in a test market, and more!

 

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:01:41 - Halo Devs Cancel Split-Screen Co-op

00:13:10 - What’s Happening at 343 Industries?

01:00:30 - Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family is Coming!

01:13:29 - More Game Pass News & Outro

Sep 06, 2022
Xbox Game Pass ‘Friends & Family’ Price Speculation – Unlocked 559
00:58:26

IGN's Kat Bailey joins Destin and Ryan to discuss the latest leak surrounding Microsoft's seemingly imminent Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family subscription plan. We speculate what it might cost, and how it further adds to Game Pass's already-amazing value proposition. Plus: we talk Madden NFL 23 and sports video games, debate what we want out of the just-announced new Mafia game (including when we want it to be set), and more!

 

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:14 Madden NFL 23
00:11:25 Game Pass Friends and Family
00:27:25 New Mafia Game
00:37:58 Cyberpunk Team Heist Game from Payday Creator
00:44:34 Xbox Games With Gold
00:51:10 Unlock-Block Trivia

Aug 30, 2022
Xbox's Fall Lineup Locks In – Unlocked 558
00:55:11

Xbox brought plenty of content to Gamescom, and now we've got a clear picture of what the holiday lineup looks like for Xbox gamers. Plus: Xbox commits to maintaining Xbox prices after Sony raised the price of PS5 in many major territories, Phil Spencer hints at his next acquisition priorities, and more!

 

00:00:00 Xbox Highlights at Gamescom

00:23:04 Xbox's Fall line-up

00:37:40 Breaking down Phil Spencer's Bloomberg interview

00:47:42 Unlock-Block Trivia

Aug 26, 2022
We Deserve a AAA Lord of the Rings Game – Unlocked 557
00:52:03

This week, Ryan’s back from a long needed vacation! We catch up on a new Lord of the Rings game coming from Weta Workshop and Private Division as well as talk about game’s we’re looking forward to hearing about at gamescom next week! We also anticipate Marvel and Disney rolling out a brand new Games Showcase next month! Tons of fun stuff today, so come join us in the comments!

 

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:04:50 - Private Division Working on a LOTR Game?

00:18:39 - Xbox’s gamescom Showcase News

00:37:10 - Disney & Marvel’s Games Showcase Coming Sept. 9th

00:46:30 - Even More Delays!

00:50:16 - Outro

Aug 17, 2022
Xbox Series S Performance Boost & an Activision Update - Unlocked 556
00:56:48

 With the news that the Xbox Series S Performance Boost benefiting developers after direct feedback, the Podcast Unlocked crew discusses the success of the Series S console and why they like it. In addition Activision Blizzard not only covered off on an upcoming Modern Warfare stream in the coming months, but there were also a few news bits about the merger with Microsoft that we missed last week. There was a hefty bit of news to discuss this week so join us as we discuss each story together this week on IGN's Podcast Unlocked.

 

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:01:47 - Xbox Series S to Get a Performance Boost

00:13:30 - Call of Duty: Next Announced

00:30:45 - Xbox Game Pass Tests Out a Family Plan

00:37:00 - Marvel’s Midnight Suns Delayed 

00:43:28 - Even More News!

00:53:53 - Outro

Aug 09, 2022
Xbox Making Great Moves for Team Chat, Less so for Summer Events – Unlocked 555
00:53:44

00:00:00 - Intro & Discord is Coming to Xbox!

00:06:57 - What Other Things Should Xbox Improve?

00:15:18 - Halo Infinite Co-op, No Matchmaking?

00:27:24 - What is the Xbox Summer Spotlight?

00:40:25 - Xbox Game Pass August

00:47:55 - What Are We Playing & Outro

 

Aug 02, 2022
17 Big Xbox Games for 2023 – Unlocked 554
00:56:06

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:01:08 - Our Thoughts on Ask Dusk Falls & FH5 Hot Wheels DLC

00:08:45 - More Games Delayed to 2023!

00:31:25 - What’s Up with Ubisoft?

00:50:53 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Jul 26, 2022
Concerns About Halo Infinite’s Future – Unlocked 553
00:59:50

00:00:00 - Intro & SDCC Info!

00:02:18 - Halo Infinite Co-op Campaign Beta is great!

00:13:15 - Halo Veteran Devs Start a New AAA Studio

00:39:56 - Grounded Gets a TV Adaptation

00:47:58 - As Dusk Falls & New Game Pass Games

00:55:00 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Jul 19, 2022
Halo Fans Rejoice! Legendary Halo 2 E3 Demo To Be Released – Unlocked 552
00:57:56

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:08:56 - Halo 2 Earthcity Demo Returning?

00:27:00 - Respawn Hiring for an Unannounced Single Player Game

00:36:03 - Skull and Bones Finally Gets a Release Date

00:45:55 - Games with Gold Removing Xbox 360 Games Soon

00:50:25 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Jul 12, 2022
How Far Away Is Mass Effect 5? - Unlocked 551
00:58:50

00:00:00 - Intro & GotG writer Mary DeMarle joins BioWare

00:24:01 - Ubisoft 'Multi-Game' Showcase Coming in September

00:34:04 - GTA IV and Read Dead Redemption remasters scrapped?

00:41:56 - New Co-op mode for Halo Infinite

00:49:12 - Game Pass Games for July

00:54:40 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Jul 05, 2022
Hell Freezes Over: Xbox Outsells PS5 in Japan - Unlocked 550
01:17:43

0:00 - Intro

1:25 - Xbox Outsells PlayStation in Japan

22:57 - Halo Master Chief Collection Gets Microtransactions

43:39 - Will Microsoft Change Blizzard's Microtransaction Tactics?

51:38 - Overwatch 2 Replacing Original Game

59:10 - July Xbox Games With Gold

1:00:11 - DICE Doubling Down on Battlefield

1:06:54 - Tony Hawk 3 and 4 Remasters Cancelled

1:11:31 - Trivia and Outro

 

Jun 28, 2022
Our Xbox Showcase Top Picks
00:54:42

We take one last, definitive look back on the Xbox Showcase and the Xbox Showcase Extended now that the dust has settled. We've got some constructive criticism for Microsoft, but we also gush about our favorite games from the event, such as High on Life, Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield.

Jun 22, 2022
Xbox Showcase Live Reactions
00:40:38

If you missed it when it aired live, here's our reaction show immediately following the Xbox Showcase from Sunday, June 12. We discussed the long-awaited gameplay reveal of Starfield, what Xbox's exclusive lineup for the rest of this year looks like, Redfall, Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 reactions, our favorite games of the show, and more!

Jun 13, 2022
Welcome to Xbox Hype Week!
00:58:26

It's Xbox Hype week! With the Xbox Showcase just days away, we look ahead to Xbox's big event. Both of them, now that we know that an Extended Showcase is happening on Tuesday, June 14. We make more predictions for what we want to see and think we'll see. Plus: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake's rough road, the survival-horror smorgasbord of Callisto Protocol, Dead Space Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake this winter, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:19 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:03:43 - Xbox News Roundup Part 1 00:09:31 - Xbox & Bethesda Showcase Predictions 00:36:44 - Xbox News Roundup Part 2 00:53:12 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Jun 08, 2022
What We Want from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
01:03:46

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the long-known-about sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, has finally been announced. We discuss what we want to see out of Respawn's upcoming next-gen sequel. Plus: lamenting the very serious reason for the latest Xbox exclusive to get delayed, Ryan gushes over Ninja Gaiden as the entire series hits Xbox Game Pass, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping 00:08:52 - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Announced for 2023! 00:25:09 - Replaced Delayed to 2023 00:44:41 - New Game Pass and Games with Gold for June 00:54:22 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

May 31, 2022
Was Xbox 360’s Fall 2007 the Best 3 Months in Gaming History?
00:58:44

We look back at the Fall of 2007 and discuss: was it the best 90 days of any console ever? From August 21-November 21, 2007 we got Halo 3, Mass Effect, BioShock, The Orange Box, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - all in a 90-day window. There were also a number of other really good games in that same window: Assassin's Creed 1, Project Gotham Racing 4, Blue Dragon, Eternal Sonata, and more! Join us as we look back on one of the greatest stretches in the history of gaming. Plus: spoiler-free Halo TV Series season 1 reactions.

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:21 - Halo TV Season 1 Impressions 00:12:39 - The Xbox 360's Greatest 3-Month Stretch 00:45:20 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Next Gen Coming Soon! 00:51:00 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

May 24, 2022
Xbox Fans Fed Up After Starfield, Redfall Delays
00:59:07

After Starfield and Redfall both got delayed out of 2022 on the same day, we discuss why Xbox fans are understandably frustrated with the lack of major first-party exclusives this year. Next year does look amazing - and we discuss that in detail - but we also talk about how many fans are tired of being told "Wait until next year." Can the Xbox Showcase provide any immediate answers? Join us!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:39 - Redfall and Starfield Delayed to 2023! 00:10:08 - How Does 2022 Look Like So Far? 00:48:14 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

May 17, 2022
Mass Effect Next: Is Shepard Back?
01:18:31

Spawn on Me's Kahlief Adams joins us to discuss a busy week of Xbox news, from EA seemingly accidentally revealing Shepard's return to Mass Effect (do we even want Shepard back? Are we hyped for this?), where Activision can take Sledgehammer's Call of Duty games from here after the disappointing Vanguard, Gotham Knights leaving Xbox One behind, Clippy in Halo Infinite, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro & Commander Shepard Returning? 00:26:30 - Activision On Call of Duty Vanguard's Underperforming Sales 00:50:35 - Gotham Knights No Longer Releasing For PS4 and Xbox One 00:59:40 - Halo Infinite's Season 2 Adds Clippy! 01:03:50 - Resident Evil Re:Verse Potential Release 01:09:15 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

May 10, 2022
12 Xbox Showcase Predictions
01:22:11

With Microsoft announcing the date for its upcoming Xbox-Bethesda Showcase, we waste no time in making our first round of predictions for the event. From Hellblade 2 to Starfield to Forza Motorsport to Gears 6 and more, we discuss what we think might happen at the biggest Xbox event of the year. Plus: we attempt to unravel the head-scratching mystery that is Embracer Group buying a few Square Enix studios and franchises, including Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, and Thief.

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro & Xbox Showcase Predictions! 00:50:55 - Embracer Group Acquires a Handful of Square Enix Studios 01:13:48 - Game Pass Games for May & more! 01:14:53 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

May 03, 2022
Xbox Makes Bank in Latest Sales Figures
01:00:19

The Xbox has its best March since the Xbox 360 era, and IGN's Xbox crew discusses the ins and outs of the numbers. Plus: Gearbox is bringing back Tales from the Borderlands itself – and Ryan has a bone to pick with them – 343 Industries details Halo Infinite's 2022 roadmap, and more!

Apr 26, 2022
Portal 3 Needs to Happen
01:02:52

My Xbox and Me host MC Fixer joins us to discuss a big week of Xbox news, from Portal 2's lead writer publicly calling on Valve to greenlight Valve 3 to Amy Hennig getting another shot at a Star Wars game to Sega working on big-budget reboots of Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:56 - Should Valve Get Portal 3 Done? 00:19:40 - Amy Hennig Working on a New Star Wars Game? 00:29:58 - SEGA on Crazy Taxi & Jet Set Radio Reboots 00:40:50 - CDPR Delays The Witcher 3 Next Gen Release 00:47:46 - WB and the Minecraft Movie 00:53:59 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Apr 19, 2022
Halo Infinite Season 2 Might Have Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve – Unlocked 539
01:01:48

This week the Unlocked crew are joined by a very special guest host, Adam Cole! Discussions include speculation about what we can expect from Halo Infinite Season 2, the Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal, and Cyberpunk 2077's upcoming story expansion. Also, have you guys tried Destin's cookies yet?

  • 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping
  • 00:02:20 - Halo Infinite Season 2 Announced!
  • 00:16:48 - Cyberpunk 2077 Story Expansion Incoming
  • 00:24:07 - Kingdom Hearts IV Announced
  • 00:31:35 - Dead Space Remake Coming Early 2023?
  • 00:38:04 - What’s Up with System Shock 3?
  • 00:53:30 - Our “Lifetime” Games & Outro
Apr 12, 2022
Is the Xbox Series X Shortage Over?
01:02:06

Big news for those who've still been trying to get their hands on an Xbox Series X: the shortage might finally be over. Plus: our Game Pass picks for new Series X owners, the upcoming Xbox Game Pass Family Plan has been confirmed, Unreal Engine 5's completion means a bunch of Xbox exclusives just got one step closer to release, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:10 - Is the Xbox Series X Shortage Almost Over? 00:06:27 - Our Recommended Game Pass Games 00:19:10 - Xbox Game Pass Family Plan Incoming! 00:26:46 - Xbox Games for April 00:28:50 - Monkey Island is Back! 00:31:48 - Our Dream Sequel Revivals 00:41:26 - Unreal Engine 5 is Officially Here 00:52:55 - Unlocked Block Trivia & Outro

Apr 05, 2022
Will GTA+ Be Worth It?
00:55:05

Grand Theft Auto Online is now offering an optional new subscription service called GTA+. We dig into what it is, who it's for, and whether or not it's worth it. Plus: Xbox leaders discuss the future of cloud gaming and the present-day success of Xbox Game Pass at the Game Developers Conference, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:57 - Rockstar Announces GTA+ Subscription Service 00:17:50 - April Games for Gold 00:23:00 - What’s Coming for Xbox Cloud Gaming? 00:44:30 - Unlock-Block Trivia & Outro

Mar 29, 2022
Tunic Creator Interview + New Witcher Game Revealed
01:22:39

Tunic creator Andrew Shouldice joins us for the first half of this week's show to discuss the ins and outs of creating the new Xbox-exclusive action-adventure largely by himself. Plus: our reactions to the announcement of the new Witcher game, our reactions to the report of toxic leadership at Ori developer Moon Studio, and more.

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:49 - Interview With Andrew Shouldice! 00:39:40 - New Witcher Game in Development 00:56:52 - Moon Studios is Reportedly an "Oppressive" Place to Work 01:16:58 - Unlock-Block Trivia 01:19:43 - Outro

Mar 23, 2022
Halo TV Impressions + Tunic Rocks!
00:53:38

Three major topics dominate our discussion this week: 1) Our spoiler-free thoughts on the Halo TV show after we all watched the first two episodes. 2) Ryan's spoiler-free thoughts on Tunic now that the review embargo has lifted. And 3) The rocky situation at The Initiative as development on Perfect Dark reportedly struggles to move forward in the wake of many senior development leads leaving the project. TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:30 - Halo TV Series First Impressions 00:17:21 - Tunic Review! 00:26:52 - Perfect Dark Leads Are Leaving Studio 00:47:14 - Unlock-Block Trivia 00:51:37 - Outro

Mar 16, 2022
Halo Infinite Season 2 Hype Check
00:51:38

Halo Infinite multiplayer's season 2, Lone Wolves, has been announced, and we've got a lot to say about the state of the game so far and how hyped (or not?) we are for season 2. Plus: GTA 5's next-gen graphics modes are revealed. Also: Microsoft, Xbox, and the war in Ukraine.

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:57 - Halo Infinite Season 2 Multiplayer Announced 00:21:53 - Microsoft Suspends Sales in Russia 00:33:29 - Grand Theft Auto 5 and GTA Online Xbox Series X/S New Features Revealed 00:41:13 - Capcom is Bringing Resident Evil 2 Remake, 3 Remake, and 7 to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series 00:42:28 - Unlock-Block Trivia 00:48:29 - Outro

Mar 09, 2022
What Call of Duty’s Year Off Means for the Series
00:59:55

Our Xbox crew digs into the latest bit of big Call of Duty news: that the series will be taking next year off. We discuss what it means for the franchise. Plus: Elden Ring lives up to the hype, the possibility of Xbox Game Pass coming to Steam (and thus the Steam Deck), and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:56 - Elden Ring Fever! 00:15:00 - New Call of Duty Pushed to 2024 00:29:09 - Game Pass On Steam Deck? 00:46:49 - Xbox Game Pass For March 00:52:45 - Unlock-Block Trivia 00:55:51 - Outro

Mar 02, 2022
Halo Infinite Made Life Tough for Battlefield 2042?
00:59:07

Our Xbox crew discusses the report that, among other issues, the release of Halo Infinite's free-to-play multiplayer hurt the launch of Battlefield 2042. Plus: Ubisoft stakes a claim to independence in the wake of so many publishers being bought...unless the right price comes along, Street Fighter 6 just got announced but it's already off to a controversial start, and more!

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 - Intro 

00:03:39 - EA Admits Battlefield 2042 "failed to meet the expectations of our players"

00:19:52 - Ubisoft Acquisition?

00:29:34 - Street Fighter 6 Announced!

00:43:07 - No Man’s Sky Is Not Finished

00:51:20 - Unlock-Block Trivia

00:55:55 - Conclusion

Feb 22, 2022
Activision’s Future Xbox Exclusivity Gets Clarified
00:53:09

Another week brings another important new update in Xbox's huge acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Microsoft is making it clear that Call of Duty will continue on PlayStation - and come to Switch - so we discuss the ramifications of that decision for Xbox. Plus: Cyberpunk 2077 comes to Xbox Series X, our thoughts on Netflix's BioShock movie, impressions of The Cuphead Show, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:23 - Bioshock Netflix Movie 00:10:25 - The Cuphead Show First Impressions 00:12:32 - Microsoft has confirmed that "Call of Duty and other popular Activision Blizzard titles" will not just be released on PlayStation 00:21:10 - New COD Game For 2022 00:29:30 - Microsoft has committed to putting "the right people in the right position" at the helm of Activision Blizzard 00:34:42 - Cyberpunk 2077 Released On Series X/S Today 00:41:36 - Atomic Heart Gets a Release Window 00:45:56 - Xbox Game Pass Games for February 00:47:18 - Unlock-Block Trivia 00:50:20 - Conclusion

Feb 16, 2022
Our GTA 6 Hopes and Wishes
01:20:59

Rockstar has officially acknowledged Grand Theft Auto 6's development, so we spend time mulling over some key questions: When will it be out? Will the long gap between GTA 5 and GTA 6 help or hurt it? Where will it be set? What do we want out of it in terms of main characters, gameplay features, etc. Plus: Infinity Ward confirms the next Call of Duty game and we debate what big and small steps the franchise should take next in order to stay fresh, PlatinumGames wants to bring back Scalebound, and more!

TIMECODES: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:48 - Miranda Shows Xbox Nail Polish 00:05:08 - GTA 6 Officially Acknowledged By Rockstar 00:41:12 - GTA 5 Next Gen 00:47:45 - CoD Modern Warfare 2 Coming in 2022? 01:07:15 - PlatinumGames Wants to Return to Scalebound 01:14:15 - Unlock-Block Trivia and Conclusion

Feb 09, 2022
Xbox Gamers React to Bungie Joining PlayStation
00:57:34

Sony has purchased Bungie, who has meant so much to Xbox and its history, that we can't help but discuss the deal. We look at what it means for the future of Bungie on Xbox, remember our favorite Bungie-made moments on Xbox, and more. Plus: our reactions to the Halo TV show's new trailer and release date, and more!

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:10 - Sony Buys Bungie for $3.6 billion 00:32:12 - Halo TV Series Gets New Trailer 00:46:20 - Game Pass Games for February 00:48:04 - Unlock Block Trivia and Outro

Feb 02, 2022
Our Dream Xbox-Activision Collabs + Who Should Xbox Buy Next?
00:58:38

We can't stop thinking about last week's landmark Xbox acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, so on this week's podcast, we're talking about A) Who Microsoft might strategically target for acquisition next, and B) our dream Xbox-Bethesda-Activision-Blizzard project collaborations and IP revivals. Plus: Respawn announces THREE new Star Wars games, and more!

Jan 26, 2022
Xbox Buys Activision Blizzard - Holy S&*%
01:18:10

Xbox continues its spending spree, buying Activision-Blizzard for almost $70 billion. We spent almost the entire podcast discussing it, from future game exclusivity to Microsoft's role in cleaning up Activision Blizzard's toxic workplace culture to whether or not so much consolidation is a good thing for the video game industry. Join us for the biggest Xbox story of the year (because we can't imagine anything else in 2022 topping this)!

Jan 18, 2022
How Much Dying Light 2 Is Too Much?
00:58:14

We have a random assortment of Xbox topics to discuss this week, from Dying Light 2's supposed 500-hour play time, Amazon getting the Fallout TV show off the ground with a big name attached, Xbox Game Pass landing another big third-party game on day one, and more!

Jan 11, 2022
Xbox Game Pass Starts 2022 With a Bang
00:52:47

Happy New Year! Xbox Game Pass gets 2022 started in a big way - by dropping the entirety of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition onto Game Pass. We discuss the legendary RPG series, the importance of its presence on Game Pass, and more. Plus: what we played over the holiday break (hint: Halo Infinite multiplayer), Tencent's stealthy infiltration of the games industry, and more!

Jan 04, 2022
IGN Avengers Assemble! Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo - Who Had the Strongest Year?
00:57:17

The hosts of IGN's four major podcasts (Game Scoop, Unlocked, Beyond, and NVC) unite, Avengers-style, to discuss 2021's biggest games on each platform, as well as look ahead to what's coming in 2022. We hope you enjoy this special episode!

Dec 21, 2021
Halo Infinite Campaign Spoilercast
01:58:03

Now that Halo Infinite's campaign has been out for a little while, it's time to go into full spoiler mode and discuss our thoughts on the story! Find out what we thought of the (Legendary) ending, Cortana, Master Chief, The Pilot, The Banished, and more! WARNING: Do NOT listen to or watch this episode if you haven't finished the Halo Infinite campaign yet/don't want to be spoiled. Or just skip ahead to the 1:14:30 mark to avoid Halo Infinite spoilers and go right to our recap of Xbox-centric announcements from The Game Awards.

Dec 15, 2021
Halo Infinite Review Discussion (No Spoilers!)
01:19:06

This week's episode is all about Halo Infinite. We can FINALLY talk about it now that the review embargo has lifted. We discuss everything we did and didn't like about Master Chief's glorious return,. but don't worry – this conversation is spoiler-free. We'll do a full Halo Infinite spoilercast on next week's episode.

Dec 08, 2021
A Mass Effect TV Series? Here’s What We’d Want
00:58:45

Happy holidays! As we push into the final (huge) month of the Xbox year, we discuss Amazon's rumored Mass Effect TV show. Can it work? Who should it focus on? Who should star in it? Plus: Halo Infinite multiplayer impressions, Scalebound's director speaks candidly about the canceled Xbox exclusive, and more!

Nov 30, 2021
Halo Infinite Multiplayer Arrives Early!
01:21:39

Our second episode this week tackles the biggest topic in the Xbox world right now: Halo Infinite. From the surprise early release of the free-to-play multiplayer suite to our impressions of the campaign, we spend a lot of time talking Halo. But we also spend a lot of time talking about the top 5 best original Xbox games ever in celebration of the console's 20th anniversary. Join us!

Nov 17, 2021
Xbox Creator Seamus Blackley Talks 20 Years of Xbox
00:55:22

Xbox creator Seamus Blackley joins us for a special episode commemorating the 20th anniversary of Xbox. He shares stories from the early days of building the Xbox at Microsoft, discusses what he thinks of Xbox and the gaming industry now, and much more!

Nov 15, 2021
Forza Horizon Finally Gets its Due
00:54:59

Our Xbox crew spends a ton of time digging into the just-released masterpiece that is Forza Horizon 5, including why we love it, and we feel like it's finally getting its due as a series after all these years. Plus: we're less enthusiastic about Call of Duty: Vanguard, huge games like Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and Marvel's Midnight Suns get delayed, and more!

Nov 09, 2021
Is a Quake Reboot Bethesda’s Next Big Xbox-Exclusive FPS?
00:55:24

Is id Software moving onto Quake after Doom? Job postings suggest that might be the case, and we discuss what we'd like to see out of what would be Xbox's next major exclusive first-person shooter. Plus: Miranda and Ryan tell you about their visit to 343 Industries to play Halo Infinite, Sega and Microsoft forge a new partnership, and more!

Nov 02, 2021
Halo Infinite: Reacting to the New Campaign Footage
00:53:55

With six minutes of new Halo Infinite campaign footage to chew on, we spend a lot of time in this episode reacting to the footage we've all been waiting over a year to see. We talk about the open world, the improved graphics, the ray tracing (or the lack thereof), the boss battles (?), and more! Plus: Halo's former art director stars a new studio at EA, and we dream about what he might be making. Also, don't miss Echo Generation and Moonglow Bay on Xbox Game Pass this week!

Oct 26, 2021
New Avowed Details Emerge as Xbox Celebrates 20 Years - Podcast Unlocked 516
01:18:29

A plethora of new details about Avowed emerged this last week from Windows Central's Jez Corden who reports that it's deep into development and will feature destructible environments, and elements Pillars of Eternity fans are familiar with. We brought Jez on the show to discuss his Avowed piece along with Miles Dompier, also of Windows Central. In addition to Avowed, Xbox news has not slowed this week with a livestream planned in November, new options when repairing your consoles, and even a mini-fridge that sold out in minutes. All of that and more this week on Podcast Unlocked!

Oct 19, 2021
Surprising No One, Forza Horizon 5 Is Awesome
01:17:12

It's the busy fall games season and we've got a LOT to talk about, from Forza Horizon 5 preview impressions (spoiler: it's absurdly good) to Back 4 Blood first impressions, the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy remasters being real, Ubisoft's latest uninspiring announcement in Ghost Recon Frontline, and more. Plus a special show announcement!

Oct 12, 2021
Xbox in Japan: Why We’re Optimistic
00:52:51

Xbox boss Phil Spencer reaffirms his commitment to supporting the Japanese game market and Japanese-developed games. We discuss what needs to happen and what we'd like to see. Plus: our impressions of Big Team Battle in Halo Infinite's second weekend of multiplayer test flight #2, and more!

Oct 05, 2021
Halo Infinite's Multiplayer Is Glorious (So Far)
01:23:24

Two big topics dominate this week's episode. First and foremost is our recap and analysis of the first weekend of the second Halo Infinite multiplayer test flight. We were all incredibly impressed by what 343 has put together so far. And second, we discuss the unexpected news that Square Enix-owned Crystal Dynamics, makers of Tomb Raider, will be partnering with Microsoft's The Initative studio on development of Perfect Dark. Join us!

Sep 28, 2021
This Fall Is FPS Heaven
01:00:47

Battlefield 2042's short delay has set up a heck of a Fall/holiday season for first-person shooter fans. We discuss each of the five major FPS games out between now and the end of the year: Far Cry 6, Back 4 Blood, Call of Duty: Vanguard, the aforementioned Battlefield 2042, and Halo Infinite. And please welcome back guest panelist NeoGameSpark!

Sep 21, 2021
Star Wars: KOTOR Is Back...but Not on Xbox
00:56:49

Beloved original Xbox classic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (aka KOTOR) is back as...a timed PlayStation 5 exclusive? We discuss the strange circumstances of this long-awaited revival, from the exclusivity deal to the developer behind it and more. Plus: we get psyched for Halo Infinite's next multiplayer test flight, Grand Theft Auto 5's next-gen edition gets delayed, and more!

Sep 14, 2021
Alan Wake Is Back!
00:53:25

Alan Wake is back and we are incredibly excited. Will this lead to the long-awaited sequel? We discuss... Plus: it's time to give Psychonauts 2 its flowers after an incredible journey that began in the early days of the original Xbox, so we do just that on this episode. Also: Miranda's "meh" reaction to Call of Duty: Vanguard's multiplayer beta, and more!

Sep 07, 2021
Analyzing Halo Infinite’s Release Date and Hardware Surprises
01:17:58

Halo Infinite finally has a release date, and it's not what any of us would've guessed. We analyze what the December date may or may not mean, celebrate both the unsurprising special-edition Halo controller and the definitely-surprising special-edition Halo Infinite Xbox One, discuss the negative reaction to the Saints Row reboot, give our hands-on impressions of Far Cry 6, and more!

Aug 31, 2021
Reacting to Xbox's Gamescom Showcase
00:53:21

We recorded this episode live immediately following the Xbox Showcase at Gamescom. We discuss why we thought this was a poor overall showing for Xbox due to pacing and notable game absences like Halo Infinite, Bright Memory Infinite, Scorn, and CrossfireX. But we also go over the really cool stuff, like the Forza Horizon 5 custom controller, xCloud coming to console, new indies like Midnight Fight Express, and more!

Aug 25, 2021
GTA Remaster Rumor: Why We’re Excited
01:18:35

A credible rumor suggests that Rockstar is preparing to release an Unreal Engine remaster of the Grand Theft Auto 3/Vice City/San Andreas trilogy. We discuss the technical side of that, the financial side of it, which one we're most excited to dive back into, and more. Plus: a spoiler-free discussion of the latest Xbox exclusive, Twelve Minutes, now that the review embargo has lifted, our thoughts on Call of Duty apparently going back to WWII once again for Call of Duty: Vanguard, and more!

Aug 18, 2021
Buckle Up for Xbox’s Big Gamescom Show
00:54:01

Xbox announces its big Gamescom event. We make our predictions for what we think we're going to see, along with what we think we might not see at this particular event. Plus: our highlights from the second Xbox Twitch indie showcase, Dead Space's maybe-earlier-than-expected release date, what we want from Trey Parker and Matt Stone's new South Park game, what Mass Effect: Legendary Edition's strong sales mean for Mass Effect 4, and more!

Aug 10, 2021
Xbox's Great Weekend with Halo Infinite's Impressive Tech Preview and the Ascent
01:13:29

It was a big weekend for Xbox. In this episode we break down the different modes and experiences we tried in the Halo Infinite tech preview, share thoughts on The Ascent, and explore the question that will never die: does Halo need a Battle Royale?

Aug 03, 2021
Dead Space Remake: Is EA Back in Gamers' Good Graces?
01:18:45

EA's just-announced Dead Space remake leads us to discuss whether or not EA has turned the corner and started to re-earn gamers' trust. Plus: our impressions of Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X and S, a bit on Death's Door, The Coalition's Unreal Engine 5 tech demo, Halo Infinite's imminent multiplayer tech test, and more! (P.S. This was recorded prior to Microsoft's earnings call.)

Jul 27, 2021
We Need to Talk About Tom Clancy’s XDefiant
01:17:16

Reactions to Ubisoft's new Tom Clancy-universe-blending first-person shooter XDefiant have been polarizing, to say the least. We spend the bulk of the show discussing the controversial game announcement, from the challenges it faces to why it's upsetting some Clancy game fans to where the Clancy games go from here. Plus: Miranda shares her hands-on impressions of Psychonauts 2, and more!

Jul 21, 2021
FPS Games to Level Up...in the Cloud?
00:57:33

With word from Battlefield 2042 developer DICE that cloud computing will soon level up the capabilities of first-person shooters, we discuss what we'd like to see and what we think we'll see. Plus: what we hope the studio formerly known as DICE LA will be up to next, Dark Souls 3's new FPS Boost on Xbox Series, and more!

Jul 15, 2021
Xbox Goes '90s
00:52:39

In this episode of Unlocked, the crew joined by Taylor Lyles discusses Microsoft's team up with All-4-One for a neat "I Swear" Xbox All Access remix, revisits the Phil Spencer interview from Unlocked 500, theorizes what could be happening with a rumor about Kojima and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and plenty more.

Jul 06, 2021
Phil Spencer Interview: 20 Years of Xbox
01:03:39

We celebrate the 500th episode of IGN's long-running Xbox podcast in the best way we can think of: by hanging out with the Head of Xbox himself, Phil Spencer, who has been at Xbox since Day One. We talk to Phil about the past, present, and future of Xbox as the brand turns 20 this year. Join us!

Jun 30, 2021
E3 2021 Was Xbox’s Best E3 Ever
00:56:21

This episode was recorded live immediately after the Xbox Extended Showcase, hosted by Gamertag Radio's Parris Lilly. Parris joins us for this episode to discuss big games (like Halo Infinite, Redfall, Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, and many more), stunning indie gams (like Replaced, 12 Minutes, Somerville, and more), whether or not this was Xbox's best E3 presentation ever, and more!

Jun 17, 2021
12 Xbox E3 Predictions
00:59:01

As E3 2021 looms, it's time for our annual E3 predictions episode! We make a dozen total predictions about what we think we're going to see at Xbox's E3 press conference. And then make sure to join us live for our Xbox E3 press conference pre-show, starting at 9:30am PT/12:30pm ET on Sunday, June 13!

Jun 08, 2021
The Holiday 2021 Xbox Calendar Starts to Fill in
01:14:40

As E3 2021 looms, the big games are starting to show their hand. We discuss the recent gameplay reveals for Far Cry 6 and Dying Light 2 – both of which also got firm Fall release dates. Plus: Bungie's next project, Microsoft Flight Simulator does some housekeeping to maybe get ready for its Xbox Series X release, and more!

Jun 01, 2021
Outer Worlds' Xbox Future Just Got a Bit Clearer
00:58:46

Microsoft takes full control over Obsidian's Outer Worlds franchise from Private Division, so we discuss what that means for the future. Plus: Starfield's release window becomes clearer, No Man's Sky gets a thematically appropriate Mass Effect Easter egg, and more!

May 25, 2021
Why We Love Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
01:22:36

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is out and we spend most of the show discussing it, from whether or not it was worth the wait (hint: it was), to what we think of Mass Effect 1's quality-of-life upgrades, to how it holds up in 2021, and more! Plus: impressions of the upcoming Xbox exclusive The Ascent, new Xbox Game Pass games for the month of May, and more!

May 19, 2021
Gears and Fable's Next-Gen Tech Revealed
01:16:58

As Fable and Gears of War's next-gen tech is revealed, we discuss what their new engines mean for the future of those franchises - and the franchises around them. Plus: our impressions of Resident Evil Village, 12 Minutes, what we want from the new list of publishers who've confirmed they'll attend E3 2021, and more!

May 12, 2021
Halo Infinite's Tempting PC Features
01:05:41

Halo Infinite details its impressive PC features and options, leading some of the Unlocked crew to ponder whether to stick with it on Xbox or move to PC. Plus: the Xbox Compatibility Team drops another batch of FPS Boost games, a trademark gets filed for Sunset Overdrive by...Sony?!, and more!

May 05, 2021
Xbox Series X Goes Big on 120fps
00:55:36

The Xbox compatibility team delivers again by boosting a ton of fairly recent EA games -- including Battlefield V and Titanfall 2 -- up to 120fps on Xbox Series X. Plus: Respawn incubates a new game, It Takes Two gets off to a well-deserved great start, we debate the effect of Sony delisting Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store on the game's Xbox sales, and more! (Note: this episode was recorded prior to Microsoft's Q3 earnings call.)

Apr 27, 2021
xCloud's Apple Launch Is Key to Xbox's Master Plan
01:17:11

Another big week for Xbox! We talk about why we think xCloud's long-awaited Apple/iOS rollout is key for the future of the Xbox platform, Discord turning down Microsoft's $10 billion offer, Psychonauts 2 and Xbox's underrated 2021 lineup, Resident Evil Village's next-gen specs, and more! Spawn on Me host Kahlief Adams joins us to discuss the DICE Awards he's hosting this week as well. Tune in!

Apr 20, 2021
What if the Kojima-Xbox Rumor Is True?
00:52:35

The gaming community is buzzing about a hot rumor that Microsoft is in talks with legendary game developer Hideo Kojima to develop his next game for Xbox. We humor the rumor and discuss what it would mean for Xbox, as well as what kind of game we'd like to see Kojima make for Microsoft. Plus: how you can have a chance to play Forza Motosport this year, the tragedy of Ninja Gaiden Black's lost source code, and more!

Apr 13, 2021
Xbox Game Pass Is Getting Sony Exclusives Now
01:15:14

Xbox Game Pass is on such a roll that it's landing first-party Sony games now! MLB The Show 21 is a huge get for Game Pass. We discuss MLB's smart, forward-thinking move as well as the incredibly momentum of the Game Pass service in general. Plus: E3 is back...sort of...we discuss Xbox's new $500 wireless headphones, and more!

Apr 06, 2021
Should Call of Duty Go Back to WWII AGAIN?
01:17:45

With Sledgehammer reportedly back in the Call of Duty business and prepping a World War II-set video game for this year's entry in the series, we discuss whether we even want another WWII-set CoD. Plus: It Takes Two is excellent, the ID@Xbox stream was a fantastic show of a ton of great new games (many of which are going straight to Xbox Game Pass), CD Projekt Red changes its plans as they continue to try and rebound from Cyberpunk 2077's disastrous launch, and more!

Mar 30, 2021
What Gotham Knights' Delay Might Mean for Rocksteady's Suicide Squad
00:52:39

One of 2021's big releases, Gotham Knights, just got pushed to 2022. We discuss what it means not just for that game, but for Rocksteady's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League as well. Plus: Xbox Live gets rebranded, Microsoft might be buying Discord, we've got an ID@Xbox showcase to look forward to this week, and more!

Mar 23, 2021
Bethesda Makes it Rain on Xbox Game Pass
01:18:57

Bethesda held a fantastic roundtable discussion with Phil Spencer and some of the Xbox leadership team, and we discussed our impressions of the first big post-acquisition event, from Phil's comments on exclusivity to his admiration of the id Tech engine to the avalanche of Bethesda games that are now on Xbox Game Pass. Plus: our impressions of the excellent new Xbox Wireless Headset, Halo Infinite's fun new gameplay trick, and much more!

Mar 17, 2021
Microsoft OFFICIALLY Acquires Bethesda. Now What?
01:18:10

Big Xbox news this week as European and American regulators sign off on Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax and Bethesda, making the acquisition official. What will Microsoft do next? Which games will be exclusive? We discuss that and much more on this topic. Plus: what other new Xbox surprises await in 2021, WTF do Pringles' Halo Infinite "Moa Burger"-flavored potato chips taste like, and more!

Mar 10, 2021
Anthem Died So That Mass Effect and Dragon Age Might Live
01:14:43

Lots of BioWare news to discuss this week, from Anthem's cancellation to Henry Cavill (aka Superman aka Geralt)'s Mass Effect project to Dragon Age 4 no longer being a live-service game. Plus: Xbox's Aaron Greenberg downplays recent Elden Ring rumors, Battlefield for next-gen gets more help within EA, and more!

Mar 03, 2021
FPS Boost Continues Xbox's Back-Compat Mastery
01:12:45

The Xbox backwards compatibility team flexes their muscles again with FPS Boost, an unexpected and awesome new improvement to back-catalog games. We celebrate the new feature. Plus: Diablo 2's long-rumored remaster has us super excited, we wonder what's next for Bungie as the studio expands, March's Games With Gold revealed, and more!

Feb 23, 2021
Ex-Bungie Devs’ New (Old) FPS Is Controversial
00:50:13

We discuss the return of Six Days in Fallujah, a resurrection of a canceled 2009 game based on real-world events, including its A-list team of ex-Bungie developers and what they've said about the controversial project so far. Plus: we're excited about the just-announced Xbox Wireless Headset, Microsoft creates a new Fallout-themed company to oversee the Bethesda acquisition, and more!

Feb 17, 2021
343's New Halo Project? We Want a Horror Game
01:12:52

With a job posting suggesting that 343 Industries is spinning up a new Halo game besides Halo Infinite, we speculate on what it might be – and decide we want a Halo horror game. Plus: our impressions of Xbox exclusive The Medium, Grand Theft Auto 5's unstoppable run and what we want from GTA 6, and more!

Feb 10, 2021
What We Think After Seeing Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
01:12:14

To quote a line from Halo 2 in describing Mass Effect: Legendary Edition: "There are those who said this day would never come. What are they to say now?" Yes, we're talking about the long-awaited remaster of BioWare's beloved sci-fi RPG trilogy. We've seen it, and we want to tell you all about it. Plus: Xbox's baseball-game curse is finally lifted – a year earlier than expected too! – and EA surprised everyone with the return of a college football game. Please welcome special guests Kat Bailey and Cam Hawkins this week!

Feb 03, 2021
Making Sense of Microsoft's Averted Xbox Live Gold Disaster
01:13:39

What a week! There's so much to discuss on this episode, from Microsoft shockingly doubling the price of Xbox Live Gold only to just-as-shockingly walk it back later that same day, to the insane new Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic rumor, to Vicarious Visions merging into Blizzard to work on...Diablo 2 (!), and more!

Jan 27, 2021
Where Will Ubisoft Take Star Wars?
00:58:07

The new Lucasfilm Games publishing umbrella once again dominates our conversation this week, as the first new non-EA Star Wars game in a decade gets announced. We discuss Ubisoft and Massive's upcoming open-world Star Wars adventure, including what it might be, what we hope it is and isn't, what it means for The Division, and more. Plus: Ninja Gaiden's creator would be "honored" to work with Microsoft again, and more!

Jan 20, 2021
Will Bethesda's Indiana Jones Game Be an Xbox Exclusive?
01:16:37

Will the just-announced Indiana Jones game from Bethesda, Machinegames, and Todd Howard be an Xbox exclusive? We discuss this fascinating announcement. Plus: is Star Wars gearing up for life after EA? And we sort through the revelation that Microsoft tried to buy Nintendo (!) in the early Xbox days, a rumored Mass Effect: Legendary Edition release date, and more. It's a busy week of Xbox on Podcast Unlocked!

Jan 13, 2021
Discussing 10 Xbox Exclusives for 2021
01:00:15

Happy New Year! On our first Unlocked episode of 2021, we look ahead to the (long) list of Xbox exclusives coming this year. Plus: Gears 5: Hivebusters rocks, Fortnite's developer moves into...a mall(?), Games With Gold for January includes an OG Xbox cult classic, and more!

Jan 05, 2021
1-on-1 With Double Fine's Tim Schafer: Psychonauts 2, Being Acquired by Microsoft, and More!
00:42:00

Our final episode of 2020 is a special one! Ryan welcomes Tim Schafer, the head of Double Fine (aka one of the newest Xbox Game Studios), for a 40-minute conversation about life since being acquired by Microsoft. But don't fret – that very much includes an update on Psychonauts 2 as well! P.S. We're off next week but we'll be back with new episodes of Unlocked starting January 5. Happy holidays and Happy New Year!

Dec 22, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077's Current-Gen Nightmare + Perfect Dark Reboot Is Finally Real
01:25:05

Our penultimate show in 2020 is a big one! We spend the first half of the show discussing the nightmare scenario that is Cyberpunk 2077 on the current-gen consoles. After that, we dig into the big Xbox news from The Game Awards, including the long-anticipated reveal of the Perfect Dark reboot from The Initiative, the awards that Xbox games won, and Mass Effect's surprising continuity. Plus: Halo Infinite's release window and more!

Dec 16, 2020
Analyzing BioWare's Big Shakeup
01:18:20

Digital Foundry's John Linneman and Gamertag Radio's Danny Peña join us to talk about all sorts of Xbox stuff this week! Topics include: the future of BioWare after their big studio leadership shakeup, next-gen sports games on Xbox Series X, what's going on with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on Series X, our Game Awards announcement predictions for Xbox, and much more!

Dec 09, 2020
What Will Cyberpunk 2077 Multiplayer Be Like?
01:02:28

What will Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer be like? Special guests Ray Apollo from Twitch and Cam Hawkins from DualShockers join Ryan and Brandin for an extra-fun episode that also discusses Microsoft's underrated next-gen efforts, more awesome stuff coming to Xbox Game Pass, MechWarrior's long-awaited Xbox return, and much more!

Dec 02, 2020
Hitman Devs' James Bond Could Be the Best 007 Game Ever
01:15:07

The developer of Hitman has a new James Bond game in the works. We discuss why it could be the best Bond ever. Plus: Phil Spencer says an Xbox smart TV app is closer than we think, some of us would totally play the leaked retail Cyberpunk 2077 disc that hasn't been patched yet if we could, a bunch of big games get delayed, and more!

Nov 24, 2020
Analyzing the Xbox Series X|S's Fast Start
00:52:55

Next-gen is now officially current-gen! The Xbox Series X and S are out, and we talk about our first week of living with them. Plus: we analyze Microsoft's big first-week numbers, address shortages expected well into 2021, talk about another Xbox executive's recent comments on Bethesda game exclusivity, and more!

Nov 18, 2020
Mass Effect's Future Just Got Brighter
00:49:52

It's the week you've been waiting for: the next-generation of Xbox has officially arrived with the Series X and Series S. We discuss the launches of Microsoft's two new consoles. Plus: EA and BioWare finally confirm Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, the 4K remaster of the classic sci-fi trilogy. We discuss that as well as the future of the fan-favorite RPG franchise.

Nov 11, 2020
Xbox Series X Final Impressions and Audience AMA
02:00:29

Welcome to a special two-hour episode of Unlocked that was recorded live with all of you, along with special guest panelist Parris Lilly from Gamertag Radio! We played the Series X for two hours now that the review embargo has lifted, and answered a lot of your questions along the way. We also talked through our final impressions of Microsoft's new consoles. If you normally listen to the podcast feed of Unlocked, we'd encourage you to watch the video version on this one!

Nov 06, 2020
The Winners and Losers of Cyberpunk 2077's New Delay
00:50:43

Cyberpunk 2077's last-minute delay affects everyone, from developers to gamers to media outlets alike. We sort through the fallout of this major news. Plus: a surprise Gears 5 update, Phil Spencer teases a possible 1 vs. 100-like replacement on Xbox Series, and more!

Oct 27, 2020
Xbox Series X Launch Lineup Reactions
01:12:39

Another busy week of Xbox news to discuss, from the Xbox Series X's launch lineup (to the best Xbox launch lineup in history) to what Phil Spencer said about Bethesda game exclusivity in a recent interview to what The Initiative is working on, and more! Cam Hawkins from DualShockers stops by as our special guest this week.

Oct 21, 2020
Our First Xbox Series X Game Impressions
00:50:17

We finally got to play a couple of proper Xbox Series X games. We give our impressions of those titles on the Series X, plus discuss The Medium's release date, Microsoft's new plan to get xCloud game streaming onto iOS devices, and more!

Oct 13, 2020
Xbox Series Should Totally Own Western RPGs
00:49:59

As inXile announces yet another Xbox Series RPG, we run down the Xbox's exclusive RPG and discuss how Xbox Series is going to be THE home for Western RPGs. Plus: the games we've been hyped-beyond-hype for in our gaming lives as Cyberpunk 2077 goes gold, some critically acclaimed Bethesda games that appear to be headed to Xbox Series in a couple of collections, and more!

Oct 06, 2020
Living With the Xbox Series X So Far
01:13:21

The fantastic Pikachulita joins our Xbox crew this week to discuss yet another big week of Xbox news! Topics include Ryan's life with the Xbox Series X in his house so far, Phil Spencer saying that there will be future generations of Xbox consoles, the Series S/X's pricey 1TB expansion card, Bethesda's first big Xbox move following the acquisition, and more!

Sep 29, 2020
Xbox Buying Bethesda Is a MEGATON
01:00:53

The Unlocked crew discusses the massive news of Microsoft buying ZeniMax Media (Bethesda Softworks, id Software, Arkane, and more!) the day before Xbox Series X and Series S consoles pre-orders go live plus the growth of Game Pass.

Sep 21, 2020
No, Bungie and Microsoft Are NOT Getting Remarried
00:57:57

We discuss the rumors of Microsoft trying to buy Bungie again (which Bungie quickly and sternly refuted), the leaked Xbox Series S presentation that never got to air, the backwards compatibility capabilities of the Xbox Series S, our disappointment about the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, and more!

Sep 16, 2020
Reacting to Xbox Series X/S Price and Release Date
01:10:26

Gamertag Radio's Parris Lilly rejoins Unlocked to talk through the long-awaited Xbox Series S reveal, price, and release date – plus the alleged price for the Series X as well. Plus: The Witcher 3 returns for Series X, September's Games With Gold and Game Pass additions, and more!

Sep 09, 2020
Halo Infinite's Fixer Is from Bungie's Old Guard
01:13:38

MC Fixer from the My Xbox and Me podcast joins us to discuss another big week of Xbox news, from longtime Bungie veteran Joseph Staten being brought in to help lead Halo Infinite's campaign to Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War's confusing generational price and upgrade differences to Microsoft's uphill battle in providing reasons to buying the Xbox Series X this holiday and more!

Sep 02, 2020
Where Is The Batman in Gotham Knights and Rocksteady's Suicide Squad?
01:11:50

Special guest "Lord Cognito" from the Iron Lords Podcast joins us to discuss our reactions to the DC FanDome reveals of Gotham Knights and Rocksteady's Suicide Squad. Plus: our Battletoads impressions, Black Myth: Wukong's amazing debut, 343's track record with Halo, and more!

Aug 26, 2020
Xbox's First-Party Masterpiece Is...Flight Simulator??
00:50:18

Microsoft's first 10/10-rated game from IGN in quite some time comes from the most unexpected place: Microsoft Flight Simulator! Reviewer Seth Macy joins us to discuss the next-gen brilliance of the first-party masterpiece. Plus: taking stock of Xbox Game Studios' impressive 2020 output, the teaser campaign for the Batman Court of Owls game, Gotham Knights, has us exhausted and annoyed, and more!

Aug 18, 2020
Halo Infinite Is Delayed. Now What?
01:14:06

Major Xbox news this week! Halo Infinite gets delayed, so what does it mean for the franchise and for the Xbox Series X launch? Plus: Apple blocks Microsoft on Project xCloud, the Xbox Series S gets confirmed via the strangest of leaks, Rocksteady finally announces their next game, and more!

Aug 12, 2020
xCloud Might Be Xbox's Secret Weapon
00:50:11

Project xCloud takes the next big step towards becoming a major part of the Xbox ecosystem, and we discuss how it's kind of like the "Xboy" handheld Xbox that we never got. Plus: the ramifications of Halo Infinite's multiplayer being free-to-play, how Xbox fans feel about PlayStation's exclusive Spider-Man deal in Marvel's Avengers, and more!

Aug 06, 2020
More Thoughts on the Xbox Games Showcase
01:10:10

Now that we've had time to sit with big Xbox Games Showcase, we reflect back on the big event and discuss how we thought Microsoft did and whether or not Microsoft has a "Halo problem" after how the Halo Infinite campaign demo was received. Plus: a mysterious white Xbox Series X controller appears, Call of Duty 2020's title seemingly leaks via Doritos (yes, seriously), and more!

Jul 29, 2020
What We Thought of the Xbox Games Showcase
01:01:41

IGN's Xbox crew (with special guest Parris Lilly) recaps and analyzes Microsoft's long-awaited Xbox Games Showcase. We talk Halo Infinite, Fable, and much, much more!

Jul 23, 2020
More Series X Talk With Xbox's Jason Ronald
00:52:27

Our Xbox crew reacts to the Ubisoft Forward event, including the Far Cry 6 reveal, Watch Dogs Legion and Assassin's Creed Valhalla contributing to an open-world bonanza this Fall, and what Valhalla's release date might say about the Xbox Series X launch date. Plus: Phil Spencer rejects your "holding Series X games back" meme, small updates on a lot of the new Xbox studios, and more!

Jul 15, 2020
Xbox Series X Games Showcase Predictions
01:09:25

Microsoft finally sets a date for their long-awaited Xbox Games Showcase, and we've got predictions for what we think we'll see. Plus: Microsoft is reportedly one of the companies interested in buying Warner Bros.'s game studios, and we discuss the potentially industry-shifting ramifications the move could have. And with NBA 2K21 set to increase its price to $70 for Xbox Series X, we debate the merits of paying more for video games.

Jul 08, 2020
Xbox Series S, Fable, and Perfect Dark Rumors Heat Up
01:10:56

Lots to discuss in the world of Xbox this week, from the rumored timing of the Xbox Series S/Lockhart announcement (plus what else we think will happen when that does), Halo Infinite returns a familiar but long-dormant foe, Fable and Perfect Dark Twitter accounts registered to Microsoft email addresses raise suspicions, and much more!

Jun 30, 2020
EA's Disappointing Next-Gen Showing
01:08:09

Special guest panelist and known Kinect superfan Cicero Holmes joins the show this week to discuss a busy stretch of Xbox news. We react to EA's not-very-next-gen-y EA Play press conference last week, what the Cyberpunk 2077 delay means for Xbox Series X's launch, Rocksteady's rumored Suicide Squad Kill The Justice League game, and more! Check out Cicero's Star Trek podcast at @DSCDebrief.

Jun 23, 2020
Talking Xbox Series X Smart Delivery With Microsoft's Jason Ronald
00:59:02

Xbox Series X Director of Program Management Jason Ronald from Microsoft stops by halfway through the show to talk about the Series X's Smart Delivery feature. Plus: Xbox gamer and D&D podcaster Shareef Jackson joins us as a guest panelist to discuss the week's Xbox news, including the newly announced Star Wars: Squadrons, the rumor that Warner Bros. might be selling off its video game studios (including Rocksteady and NetherRealm), and more! Check out Shareef's D&D podcast at RivalsOfWaterDeep.com.

Jun 16, 2020
Xbox Lockhart Seems Real, but Is It Out This Year?
01:07:29

Parris Lilly from Gamertag Radio joins Ryan to discuss a busy week of Xbox news! Evidence of the Xbox Lockhart (aka Xbox Series S) surfaces, Bungie lays out the future of Destiny while job postings hint at its next game, Cyberpunk 2077's special-edition Xbox One X console has an extra surprise...if you can find one, Activision and EA get serious about cleaning up their online communities, Parris dreams of a Mass Effect Trilogy remake in Unreal Engine 5, and much more!

Jun 10, 2020
Xbox Doubles Down on Compatibility, Sony Backs Off
01:02:12

Spawn on Me host Kahlief Adams guest-hosts this week with Ryan, Miranda, and Destin as the Xbox crew discusses Xbox's and Sony's differing approaches to compatibility, EA's newly renewed exclusivity agreement with the NFL for Madden, the future of the now-canceled BlizzCon, and more!

Jun 03, 2020
Xbox Goes Unreal Engine 5 with inXile
00:50:03

First-party Xbox studio inXile confirms they'll be using Unreal Engine 5 for their next-gen RPG. We dissect what this means for that game and other Xbox Series X games from other newly acquired Xbox game studios. Plus: Take-Two has a lot of next-gen games in the pipeline, this year's Call of Duty will revisit a familiar timeline, this month's Xbox Games With Gold, and more!

May 27, 2020
Xbox Series X's Second Wave of Games and COVID-19
00:50:32

IGN's Xbox team discusses Phil Spencer's recent comments about how COVID-19 might affect early 2021 games, the dates and details for Gamescom's all-digital event later this summer, the three classic games that Double Fine is bringing to Xbox this year, and more!

May 19, 2020
Is 30fps OK on Xbox Series X?
00:50:30

Our Xbox crew debates whether or not 30fps is disappointing for Xbox Series X games in light of the Assassin's Creed Valhalla framerate revelation. Plus: more reactions to last week's Xbox event, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater returns, another publisher announces a summer livestream, and more!

May 13, 2020
Xbox Series X Gameplay Showcase Analysis
00:51:11

Xbox's first big salvo of next-gen games has been fired, and we've got reactions and analysis to all of the big third-party game reveals and showcases – from the good to the bad to the stomach-churning.

May 07, 2020
Don't Sleep on Gears Tactics
00:50:00

Our Xbox crew opens the show by talking about Gears Tactics, the new XCOM-style tactical strategy game from Xbox Game Studios that Xbox fans shouldn't sleep on. Plus: we discuss Xbox's impressive first-party efforts so far in 2020, what the rest of the year looks like, drama around the WWE 2K franchise, and more!

Apr 29, 2020
A Smaller GTA 6 That Arrives Sooner?
00:50:00

On this week's Xbox podcast, the next Grand Theft Auto is in development, and we discuss the report that it may be a more "moderately sized" offering that's updated continuously. Plus: Microsoft may have an opportunity to gain some market share at the start of the generation after a Bloomberg report reveals Sony's scaled-back PS5 production plans, Crysis is the latest member of the remaster club, and more!

Apr 23, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077 Will Be Around for a Long Time
00:50:00

Our Xbox team deep-dives on CD Projekt Red's big post-release DLC expansion plans for Cyberpunk 2077, the value of the ESRB's new loot box descriptor, a rumor about Mafia 2 and 3 remasters and the cyclical nature of remasters, and more!

Apr 14, 2020
Phil Spencer Interview Analysis
01:15:54

Our Xbox crew analyzes what Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said during our interview with him on last week's episode. We think he said a lot in his clever, indirect way... Plus: an Inside Xbox news recap, rumors about what Resident Evil 8 will be like, and at the very end you'll hear our live as-it-happened reactions to the PS5's DualSense controller reveal.

Apr 07, 2020
Interview: Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, Talking Xbox Series X
01:00:49

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer makes his long-awaited return to Unlocked for an exclusive one-hour interview. We talk about Xbox Series X price, whether coronavirus could delay the console, the first-party launch lineup, why there's no optical out port on Series X, xCloud, cross-play, the fates of Sunset Overdrive, Ryse and Scalebound, which Microsoft IP Phil would like to see brought back, and more!

Apr 01, 2020
Clarifying Xbox Series X’s Power
01:10:35

Our Xbox crew discusses the recently revealed Xbox Series X tech specs in more detail after some added context arrives in our inbox from a software developer. Plus: Bleeding Edge is another new first-party release this week, we try to decode Konami's denial of the Silent Hill reboot rumor, and more!

Mar 25, 2020
Xbox Series X’s Full Specs Have Us HYPED
00:52:50

Microsoft has revealed the full tech specs for Xbox Series X and we are pumped. We discuss the ingredients of the next-gen Xbox that have us the most hyped for the new console, from Xbox Velocity Architecture to raytracing. P.S. Please bear with us on our first-ever remote-location episode!

Mar 17, 2020
Developers Talk About Xbox Series X
01:02:46

Our Xbox crew celebrates the release of the fantastic Ori and the Will of the Wisps by discussing our final review impressions. Plus: developers talk to IGN about exactly what the Xbox Series X will mean for games, Call of Duty finally gets a standalone, free-to-play battle royale game, and more!

Mar 10, 2020
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Is Fantastic So Far
01:07:27

Two of our crew have played the first couple hours of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and they have nothing but good news to report. Plus: GDC's cancellation, Xbox Series X's Quick Resume feature is even better than we thought, and more!

Mar 04, 2020
Microsoft Isn’t Messing Around With Series X’s Power
01:06:24

We are EXCITED about the new Xbox Series X technical details, including the whopping 12 teraflops of computing power that the next-gen Xbox is packing. Plus: EA canceled another Star Wars project, March's Games With Gold have been announced, and more!

Feb 26, 2020
This is How Xbox Could Win E3 2020 - Unlocked 431
00:45:58

This week Parris joins us to discuss the latest interview with Phil Spencer about E3 2020, his plans for the Xbox Series X, and where he sees Microsoft in the competition against Sony. In addition to talking about Xbox strategy for 2020 and Beyond, we discuss the GamerTag radio interview and our perception of Xbox's placement in the upcoming console face-off.

Feb 20, 2020
Big Changes for GTA, Gears, and Anthem
01:01:05

Grand Theft Auto, Anthem, and Gears of War will be changing moving forward thanks to key staffing changes at the top for two of those and a major gameplay overhaul for the other. Plus: Activision is looking to its past for its 2020 product lineup, Cliff Bleszinski had an intriguing Aliens game that almost got made, and more!

Feb 11, 2020
Perfect Dark Reboot Rumors Heating Up
01:00:41

It may still be winter but Xbox Series X talk is heating up! We discuss the "old thing" Microsoft's new studio, The Initiative, might be working on. Plus: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a hit, EA talks up the Xbox Series X, the mystery port on the back of the Series X might not be for diagnostics, and more!

Feb 05, 2020
If the KOTOR Rumors Are True, Who’s Making It?
01:00:26

We finally get a look at the back of the Xbox Series X - for real, this time - and discuss why someone might be in biiiiiiig trouble. Plus: a new rumor about a sort-of remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has us hyped - but also wondering who would be given the assignment.

Jan 28, 2020
DOOM Eternal is F*****g Awesome
00:54:17

Ryan played three hours of Doom Eternal and gushes about it. Plus: a Splinter Cell veteran returns to Ubisoft - so what does it mean for the future of the franchise? Also, Dying Light 2 joins Delay-apalooza 2020, and more!

Jan 21, 2020
It Runs in the Xbox Family
01:03:53

We're only on our second episode of the year and it's already time to talk about E3! This week the Unlocked crew discusses Sony's absence from E3 2020, Microsoft's exclusives launch plan, game delays, and more.

Jan 15, 2020
Welcome to the Year of Xbox
00:55:38

We kick off 2020 - The Year of Xbox, in our opinions - by taking a look at a new report that gives us an idea of just how powerful the Xbox Series X will be. Plus: Microsoft stands poised to go on the offensive for the first time in years, Respawn studio head Vince Zampella is given more power at EA, and more. Happy New Year!

Jan 07, 2020
Our Xbox Game of the Decade Picks
01:09:37

On our final episode of the year and of the decade we look back on our favorite Xbox games of the decade, including both first-party exclusives and memorable third-party offerings. Plus: a recap of the rest of the non-Xbox Series X elements of last week's Game Awards and more! Happy Holidays and New Year! See you in January!

Dec 20, 2019
Xbox Series X Reactions and Analysis
01:12:36

Emergency Unlocked episode! We simply HAVE to talk about Microsoft's big announcement at The Game Awards, in which they announced both the name of Project Scarlett and what it looks like. It's the Xbox Series X, and they also showed Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 running in-engine on the new console! Dig in for 72 minutes of our reactions and analysis.

Dec 13, 2019
Project Scarlett's Lockhart Version Returns
01:31:24

Huge week of Xbox news! Project Scarlett's lower-cost option, Lockhart, is back in play. We discuss what it means for Xbox's next-gen efforts. Plus: the Xbox finally gets a proper Major League Baseball game, and it's...Sony's?! Also: 2K opens a new studio to make a new BioShock game, IGN's Game of the Year winner Control miiiiiight be coming to Xbox Game Pass, Resident Evil 3 Remake is official, and more!

Dec 10, 2019
Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox Scarlett Will Have to Wait
01:01:27

Lots of Scarlett next-gen talk this week! Hear why Cyberpunk 2077 won't be coming to Scarlett as soon as we think - and neither will VR. Plus: leaked concept art gives us our first glimpse of Playground's next-gen Fable reboot (allegedly...), Resident Evil 3 might be getting remade, Saints Row will return, and more!

Nov 26, 2019
X019 Recap: What We Liked and What We Didn't
01:13:20

On this blazin' episode of our Xbox show, we look back at Xbox's past this week as the original Xbox turns 18, sharing our favorite (not best, although they're often one and the same!) games from Microsoft's first console. And then we look ahead into the future, recapping X019's Inside Xbox livestream and discussing everything we liked and everything we didn't that Microsoft is cooking up now.

Nov 19, 2019
How Big Will X019 Be?
00:59:07

Microsoft's big X019 fan event in London is imminent and we've got lots of details, including which TWO DOZEN games are playable there. Plus: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is curiously omitted from EA's EA Access service, we unbox this year's absolutely glorious fan-made Unlock Block Trivia Challenge trophy, and more!

Nov 12, 2019
Xbox Scarlett Games List Gets Longer + Diablo 4 Impressions
01:00:11

Lots of huge Xbox news to discuss this week, from Ubisoft games that are now coming to Xbox Scarlett (Watch Dogs Legion, Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods & Monsters) to Scarlett games we'll have to wait a bit longer for (Battlefield 6, Battlefront 3). Plus: our hands-on impressions of Diablo 4 (!!) and Overwatch 2, and more!

Nov 05, 2019
Talking Call of Duty: Modern Warfare With One of its Stars
01:09:44

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Chad Michael Collins joins us in the second half of the show this week for an interview about acting in one of the biggest games of the year. That interview starts at 42:04 if you'd like to skip straight to it. In the first half of the show, we give our Modern Warfare campaign and multiplayer impressions, detail a fantastic new program from Microsoft that might help ease the sting out of Scarlett's next-gen launch price tag, discuss Fallout 76's new $100 per year service option, and more!

Oct 29, 2019
The One About The Outer Worlds, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and the Elite Series 2 Controller
01:07:31

#ad #TacoBellPartner First we show off Taco Bell's new Eclipse Xbox One X giveaway bundle (with the new Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller!), and then we discuss Obsidian's new RPG The Outer Worlds with reviewer Dan Stapleton. Plus: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order impressions & more!

Oct 23, 2019
Developer Interview: The Outer Worlds
00:45:43

We're joined by two developers from The Outer Worlds, the new first-person RPG from new Xbox first-party studio Obsidian Entertainment: co-director Leonard Boyarsky and narrative designer Nittai Poddar. It launches on October 25 (including straight into Xbox Game Pass!). We discuss the origins of the project with respect to Boyarsky's Fallout background, crazy things that have happened during playtesting, the importance of The Outer Worlds' deep character creator, and more!

Oct 15, 2019
Xbox Scarlett vs. PS5: More Details Emerge
01:56:24

New PlayStation 5 details emerge – particularly about the controller – so we discuss what it might mean for the Scarlett's gamepad. Plus: Brandin finished reviewing Ghost Recon Breakpoint and talks at length about his likes and dislikes, Ryan gives his impressions of the Oxenfree developer's new game Afterparty, and more!

Oct 08, 2019
Gearbox and Troy Baker's Bizarre Feud
00:52:31

Microsoft Flight Simulator. Yes, MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR! We discuss why it probably belongs on your radar. Plus: Bungie's future after Destiny, Ghost Recon Breakpoint's launch, and Gearbox's strange feud with voice actor Troy Baker.

Oct 01, 2019
Inside Xbox Recap + Gears 5 Spoilercast
01:13:15

We're shot out of a cannon this week! Our Xbox crew recaps the news from this week's Inside Xbox, highlighted by the public Project xCloud preview. Plus: the rumored Batman: Court of Owls game, how Xbox owners are getting shortchanged in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and our Gears 5 spoilercast (at the end of the show, so if you don't want to hear it, you won't miss anything else!).

Sep 26, 2019
E3 May Be About to Get Better
01:06:22

Ryan and Brandin discuss and analyze the week's Xbox news, including the big changes proposed for E3 2020 and how they should make the event better, Ubisoft's doubling-down on large-scale blockbuster games, Gears 5's fast start on Xbox Game Pass, Madden's big sales and the surprising #2 selling game of August, the return of The Game Awards, and more!

Sep 17, 2019
Nintendo and Microsoft, Sitting in a Tree...
00:54:26

Our Xbox crew gives in-depth impressions of Gears 5's multiplayer as well as Borderlands 3. Plus: a surprising departure at Bethesda/Zenimax, a bit more on the next Resident Evil project, and the awesomeness that is Banjo and Kazooie appearing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Sep 09, 2019
Gears 5 Restores First-Party Order on Xbox
00:56:04

Our Xbox crew discusses the Gears 5 campaign now that the review embargo has lifted (don't worry, no spoilers!). Plus: our impressions of Ghost Recon Breakpoint after playing six hours of it, Cyberpunk 2077's surprising multiplayer announcement, Telltale's even more surprising sorta-resurrection, and more!

Sep 04, 2019
Xbox @ Gamescom Reactions
01:03:27

Destin and Brandin return from Gamescom and talk to Ryan about everything they saw there - including a playable build of Marvel's Avengers. Plus: Mortal Kombat's crazy new DLC characters, first impressions of the just-released Remedy game Control, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, Astral Chain, and more!

Aug 27, 2019
Phil Spencer Hints at New Xbox Scarlett Standard
01:05:10

On this week's Xbox show, new talent takes over Halo Infinite, Phil Spencer gives an idea of what to expect performance-wise from Xbox Scarlett, Gears 5 comes out swinging at Gamescom, PUBG does an awesome thing, and more!

Aug 21, 2019
Comings and Goings in the World of Xbox
01:11:09

Lots of industry news to cover on this week's Xbox show! The former head of DOOM developer id Software has landed in an unexpected new location. Plus: Hello Games mastermind Sean Murray has started thinking about what's next after No Man's Sky, Call of Duty won't be changing its business model anytime soon, a former PlayStation-exclusive developer will now be making games for Xbox, and more!

Aug 13, 2019
Monster Hunter's Iceborne Expansion Has More Than Cool Monsters - Unlocked 405
00:51:38

IGN's Monster Hunter expert Casey DeFreitas makes her Unlocked debut to give her impressions on the upcoming Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion. Plus, the crew discusses 343's commitment to a solid Halo Infinite experience on Xbox One, how The Outer World's toughest difficulty setting will completely change the game, and Ninja's move to Mixer along with the streaming service's odd clothing policies.

Aug 06, 2019
The First Halo Infinite Easter Egg Has Been Found
02:11:29

A keen-eyed Halo fan discovered an interesting audio Easter egg hiding in the Halo Infinite E3 trailer. We play it for you and speculate about what it means. Plus: the Xbox Dashboard is getting another refresh, the Blair Witch game finally shows itself, classic Doom games get re-released on Xbox - but things don't go super smoothly for Bethesda, and more!

Jul 30, 2019
Is Streaming the Future of Gaming?
00:46:38

Miranda and Brandin host Unlocked 403 in what feels like a very summer episode, which you can interpret as you will. The two discuss Hideo Kojima's comments on game streaming, the Gears 5 Tech Test, and their thoughts on Netflix's The Witcher trailer. 

Jul 23, 2019
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Why Did Square Ditch Xbox?
01:11:10

As we break in our brand-new studio, our Xbox crew discusses why Square seems to have had a change of plans with regard to an Xbox release of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Plus: the director of Halo Reach has a new first-person shooter, The Division 2's director contemplates a single-player spinoff, Gears 5 says no to smoking, and more!

Jul 16, 2019
Halo Outpost Discovery Event Reactions
01:08:42

On this week's Xbox show, we give our hands-on impressions from the first weekend of the Halo Outpost Discovery fan experience, discuss a new Batman release from Rocksteady (not a new game, sadly), talk through the small glimpses we've been getting at Playdead's new post-Inside game, and more!

Jul 09, 2019
One Xbox Scarlett Console vs. Two: What It Means
01:32:36

As rumors suggest that Xbox Scarlett is now one console instead of two, we discuss what that means for Xbox heading into the next generation. Plus: Alan Wake 2 is a lot more possible now than it was last week, EA executives forego their bonuses, the co-creator of Dead Space is making a narrative-driven game for PUBG Corp, and more!

Jul 02, 2019
Rod Fergusson Talks Gears 5 With Us
00:56:46

Gears 5 boss Rod Fergusson joins us for an entire show of Gears talk, from taking over the beloved franchise from Epic to Gears Tactics to Gears 5 to Project Scarlett, and more!

Jun 25, 2019
Xbox E3 Recap Part 2 (Avengers, 12 Minutes and More!)
01:04:43

We continue our Xbox E3 recap by discussing most of the rest of Xbox's press conference announcements, including Bleeding Edge, Ori 2, Minecraft Dungeons, Gears 5, Blair Witch, Battletoads, and Avengers (even though that last one wasn't in the Xbox conference).

Jun 18, 2019
Xbox E3 Recap Part 1 (With Kumail Nanjiani)
00:25:27

Film and TV star Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, The Big Sick, Men in Black: International, Stuber) joins our live-from-E3 episode to recap Microsoft's biggest Xbox E3 announcements. We'll deep-dive into the rest on the next episode!

Jun 17, 2019
Discussing Ubisoft's Big Pre-E3 Leak
02:12:18

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the biggest E3 leak so far in Watch Dogs 3, gush over the just-released Outer Wilds, address Rainbow Six Siege's plan for next-gen, and more!

Jun 04, 2019
Our Xbox E3 Predictions
01:07:38

On this week's Xbox show, it's time once again for a beloved pre-E3 tradition: making our Xbox E3 predictions! We discuss what could happen with regard to Xbox Scarlett's release date and specs, Halo Infinite, a new Xbox Elite controller, and more! Plus: our take on the big Call of Duty: Modern Warfare rumor, why Dead Island 2 is still alive, what Saints Row and Red Faction developer Volition might be up to, and more!

May 28, 2019
Making Sense of Call of Duty’s Development Drama
00:52:00

On this week's Xbox show, Sony and Microsoft announced a partnership. Yes, you read that right! We talk about their mutual cloud-gaming initiative. Plus: Call of Duty's development gets thrown into turmoil for next year, so we examine what effect it will have on the future of the franchise. And did Ubisoft just announce Splinter Cell or were they just "joking"? All that and more on this week's Unlocked!

May 21, 2019
Red Dead Online Is Finally Out of Beta With Interesting New Features
00:57:54

On this week's Xbox show, the crew discusses their Rage 2 impressions and their thoughts on Red Dead Online's official launch and all the new content coming with it. Despite being just a few weeks away from E3, there's still other announcements rolling out, including the reveal of Ghost Recon Breakpoint, the unfortunate, concerning news from the Starbreeze financial call, and more.

May 14, 2019
What Will Ghost Recon and Call of Duty Be Like When They Return?
01:09:29

Ghost Recon appears to be returning soon, as does Call of Duty. We debate what each might look like. Plus: Sea of Thieves Anniversary Update impressions, PlatinumGames laments how Microsoft has been treated in the wake of Scalebound's cancellation, Tekken x Street Fighter is probably never happening, and more!

May 07, 2019
The Madden Curse Is Coming for Chiefs Fans
00:56:38

On this week's Xbox show, willl the Sonic the Hedgehog movie set video game movies back a decade or turn them into high art? Plus: Kansas City Chiefs fans have to reckon with the Madden Curse as the first details of Madden NFL 20 are announced, Games With Gold for May have been revealed, and more!

Apr 30, 2019
The Force Seems Strong With Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
01:18:40

Our Xbox crew gives our impressions of the just-released Mortal Kombat 11, discusses Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and why we're optimistic about it, speculates on the motive behind the return of a Call of Duty co-creator after a six-year retirement, and more! Plus: how much next-gen will Microsoft talk at E3?

Apr 23, 2019
Are You Ready for Assassin's Creed Vikings?
02:06:04

Ubisoft seems to have teased the next Assassin's Creed game in The Division 2! We discuss the apparent Viking theme and its likely next-gen debut. Plus: Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold might be bundled together, an anonymous millionaire wants to set up a real-life battle royale (and we have ideas! Boy, do we have ideas!), we get a few new tidbits of Borderlands 3 information, and more!

Apr 09, 2019
What We Want From Borderlands 3
01:11:08

Lots to discuss this week! James Duggan's impressions of The Division 2 and how it compares to other loot shooters. Plus: our headliner is Borderlands 3. It's finally official, but what kind of game will it be? We each give our take. We also detail the just-announced monster FPS Darkborn, wonder about Ubisoft's E3 press conference, and more!

Apr 02, 2019
How Elder Scrolls Helped Xbox Become Great
01:22:32

Our Xbox podcast crew gives detailed impressions of the just-released Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as well as Remedy's upcoming third-person action game Control. Plus: a look back at the Elder Scrolls games that helped make the Xbox great as the franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, more rumored details of the all-digital Xbox One S, a bit of Mortal Kombat 11 talk, and more!

Mar 26, 2019
Left 4 Dead Returns...Sort Of
00:48:05

Original Left 4 Dead developer Turtle Rock Studios returns with a game that sounds an awful lot like Left 4 Dead...literally and figuratively. Plus: we try to predict Bethesda's just-announced E3 press conference, No Man's Sky keeps building, and more!

Mar 19, 2019
What EA's E3 Absence Means for Microsoft
00:57:56

Another major publisher decides to skip its E3 press conference in 2019. We discuss what we think EA's decision means for Microsoft. Plus: Halo MCC gets Reach, Mortal Kombat 11 goes for the gusto in the story department, and more!

Mar 13, 2019
The Disc-Less Xbox One: Price Predictions and More
01:11:17

A new report suggests the disc-less Xbox One S will be announced next month. We speculate on price, who it's aimed at, and more! Plus: Borderlands 3, Apex Legends' sweet revenge for Respawn, and more!

Mar 06, 2019
Xbox's Nintendo Switch Play Is its Boldest Move Yet
01:07:40

We dive deep into the credible rumors surrounding Microsoft bringing Xbox Game Pass to the Nintendo Switch. Plus: Microsoft considered hiring Gearbox to make Halo 4. How would THAT have changed history?? Also: HoloLens 2 and its potential future in the Xbox ecosystem, and we say goodbye to our beloved Shark.

Feb 27, 2019
Anthem and Crackdown 3: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
00:58:58

Our Xbox crew deep-dives into Xbox's two biggest new releases, Anthem and Crackdown 3. Plus: BioWare says Mass Effect will return, but how and when? We discuss...

Feb 20, 2019
Apex Legends Staggering Success Is More Than Just Hype
01:02:01

IGN's Xbox crew discusses Apex Legends enormous success and it's potential, the future of EA, and a traveling Halo Amusement Park that may be headed your way.

Feb 13, 2019
Making Sense of Xbox Live on Switch, Apex Legends, and More!
01:03:02

Our Xbox crew has a lot to chew on this week! Apex Legends reactions and impressions, Crackdown 3 impressions, Xbox Live's stunning extension to Nintendo Switch, Xbox's big E3 2019, and more!

Feb 06, 2019
Anthem's VIP Demo: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
00:52:06

Three major games dominate the water-cooler conversation this week, including the controversial Anthem VIP demo, plus the releases of Resident Evil 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3.

Jan 30, 2019
EA and Star Wars: What Went Wrong
01:00:29

EA has been having a tough time with Star Wars: What went wrong and can it be fixed? Our Xbox crew discusses that and more on this week's show.

Jan 23, 2019
What the Bungie-Activision Split Means for Xbox Fans
00:57:29

Bungie is now a free agent. Here's what it means for Xbox fans. Will Microsoft buy Bungie again? Will Destiny 3 happen? What's after Destiny? Plus: Phil Spencer briefly mentions the future at CES, Resident Evil 2's demo is popular, and more!

Jan 16, 2019
Our Most Anticipated Xbox Games of 2019
01:08:02

IGN's Xbox team kicks off the new year by discussing some of the games we're most excited about. Plus: one new Alien game not for Xbox and one that is, From Software's mystery new games, and more!

Jan 09, 2019
Xbox in 2018: The Year in Review
00:53:19

Our Xbox crew looks back on all aspects of the Xbox world in 2018, from games to studio acquisitions to services and much more! Plus: a look ahead to the fast start we're set to get off to in 2019, what Xbox characters we'd like to see in Smash Bros., and more!

Dec 19, 2018
What The Game Awards Meant for Xbox Fans
00:51:21

Our Xbox crew recaps last week's Game Awards, reacting an analyzing the biggest Xbox-related announcements. Plus: tune in for a bonus Let's Play of Below with creative director Kris Piotrowski!

Dec 12, 2018
If Not Superman, What Is Rocksteady Up To?
01:06:08

Our Xbox crew makes some last-minute Game Awards predictions that are sure to be comically wrong. Plus: Rocksteady says they're not doing a Superman game. So what ARE they up to? Also: BioWare teases Dragon Age 4 and we cast the Gears of War movie.

Dec 05, 2018
Why E3 2020 Is Critical for Xbox
00:49:19

Microsoft's planets are all aligning towards E3 2020. We explain why it will be the most important moment in the last decade of Xbox. Plus: Red Dead Online impressions, The Initiative's big new hire, and more!

Nov 28, 2018
What Sony's E3 Absence Means for Xbox
01:00:21

Our Xbox crew discusses Sony's big E3 decision and what it means for Microsoft. Plus: in-depth Fallout 76 impressions, the rumored new disc-less Xbox One, and more!

Nov 21, 2018
IGN's Red Dead 2 Spoilercast
01:04:48

Tina Amini is joined by Destin Legarie, Jon Ryan, and Casey DeFreitas to talk about all of the Red Dead 2 spoilers that need to be talked about!

Nov 19, 2018
Recapping X018: The Best of Xbox's Big Fan Event – Unlocked 370
01:03:21

Microsoft's jam-packed X018 fan event brought with it a ton of new announcements. We react to and break down the TWO new studio acquisitions, Winter of Arcade, Crackdown 3's multiplayer mode and new release date, and much more!

Nov 14, 2018
Dear EA, Re: Titanfall 3...
00:50:32

Our Xbox crew discusses what TWO games Respawn looks set to release this year and how to make sure Titanfall 3 doesn't get Titanfall 2'd. Plus: Forza Horizon 4's impressive sales feat, why NDAs are serious, Microsoft's Minecraft-made campus renovation preview, and more!

Nov 08, 2018
With Red Dead 2, Rockstar's Done It Again
01:03:17

With Red Dead Redemption 2 finally out, we discuss its huge debut as well as the crazy things we've been doing inside its Old West world. Plus: Grand Theft Auto's future, Xbox Game Pass heads to PC, Battlefield V's Battle Royale mode gets a release date, and more!

Oct 31, 2018
Blackout Has Re-Energized Call of Duty
01:03:03

FPS/Battle Royale expert James Duggan joins Unlocked this week to discuss Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's Blackout mode after handling IGN's Blackout mode review. Is it Baby's First Battle Royale, or something more? Plus: Jade Raymond is out at the EA studio she founded, Devil May Cry 5 has one of the craziest special editions ever, four Valve classics get Xbox One X enhancements, and more!

Oct 24, 2018
You Can Play Xbox For a Good Cause
01:05:09

Longtime Xbox fan and military veteran Jeff Bartrom stops by to talk about Operation Supply Drop and 8-Bit Salute, the charity that helps active and retired military service members through video games. Plus: our Black Ops 4 Blackout impressions, Red Dead 2's 60-hour story, Diablo 4 (!...?), and much more!

Oct 17, 2018
A Day with Fallout 76
01:09:57

We discuss our day playing Bethesda's big new RPG. Plus: Impressions of Hitman 2, discussion of Microsoft's new Project xCloud initiative, Microsoft's apparent new studio acquisition, and much more!

Oct 11, 2018
Is Assassin's Creed Odyssey The Best in The Series?
00:54:31

We talk AC Odyssey, Red Dead Redemption 2 and the return of the Xbox XO event!

Oct 03, 2018
Unlocked Episode 363
01:13:05

We discuss our hands-on impressions with Rockstar's latest, from hunting to battling wolves to horseback riding to shooting dudes in the eye. Plus: our reactions to Telltale's closure, Devil May Cry 5's microtransactions, and more!

Sep 26, 2018
Unlocked Episode 362
01:07:05

We discuss Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's just-completed Blackout battle royale mode beta. It was better than anyone expected, and it may not only make people forget about the lack of a campaign, but it puts Battlefield V's Firestorm in a tough position.

Sep 19, 2018
Unlocked Episode 361
01:06:44

Our Xbox crew discusses Xbox Skill, which will integrate Alexa and other household-voice-control devices into Xbox One in the wake of Kinect's demise. Plus: THQ Nordic acquires Kingdoms of Amalur, Xbox Australia comes up with the weirdest Xbox controller yet, and more!

Sep 12, 2018
Unlocked Episode 360
01:06:38

Forza Horizon 4 creative director Ralph Fulton joins us for the entire show to talk about everything Horizon, including topping themselves every time out, where their Halo and Hot Wheels collaborations came from, and more! Plus: a special edition Xbox One X and Elite Controller (yes, it's back!), EA's big Battlefield delay, and much more!

Sep 05, 2018
Unlocked Episode 359
00:58:41

Our Xbox crew looks at Xbox's potentially revolutionary new All Access program. Plus: Microsoft might not be done buying studios, Cyberpunk 2077 demo reactions, and more!

Aug 31, 2018
Unlocked Episode 358
01:03:20

Our Xbox crew discusses the ever-deepening relationship between Forza and Halo, what we thought of the Doom Eternal gameplay reveal (hint: HNNNNNNNNG!), new Xbox announcements from Gamescom, some new release dates, and more!

Aug 22, 2018
Unlocked 357
01:01:41

We chat with Red Dead Redemption 2 expert Jon Ryan about other secrets from the gameplay trailer, Fallout 76 is looking a lot more fun, and we spent more time with Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Aug 15, 2018
Unlocked Episode 356
00:46:49

Our Xbox crew digs in on the week's Xbox news, including Crackdown 3 being "pretty much done," the Halo TV series starring Master Chief after all, Superman wanting to play Geralt, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Beta Impressions, Madden impressions, and more!

Aug 08, 2018
Unlocked Episode 355
00:56:05

Our Xbox crew gives in-depth impressions of No Man's Sky on Xbox One. Plus: Epic Games's enormous Fortnite-fueled valuation, whether EA would or should make Battlefield Royale a standalone game, the removal of loot boxes in Forza, and more!

Aug 01, 2018
Unlocked Episode 354
01:06:28

Our Xbox crew dives deep on the latest Xbox Scarlet next-gen rumor. Plus: Impressions of the Halo arcade game, Xbox's milestone fiscal year, QuakeCon details, Fallout 76 beta news, and more!

Jul 25, 2018
Unlocked Episode 353
01:06:53

Our Xbox crew dissects a new report on the state of Crackdown 3 and looks at what its future potential is. Plus: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is getting not one but two multiplayer betas, Sea of Thieves has a major new content update, Code Vein checks out of 2018, and more!

Jul 18, 2018
Unlocked Episode 352
01:01:11

Our Xbox crew catches up on the week's news, including the green-lighting of Showtime's Halo TV series, EA Motive's new Star Wars project, Anthem's much-appreciated gameplay tweak, Dead Island 2's zombie-like revival, and more!

Jul 11, 2018
Unlocked Episode 351
00:56:54

Our Xbox crew looks at the new summer game releases in a normally dry time of year for gaming. Plus: we debate Gears (of War) 5's name change, discuss Minecraft's Xbox/Switch cross-play, salute Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, and more!

Jun 27, 2018
Unlocked Episode 350
01:14:26

Xbox had a stellar E3 and there's a lot to break down, including: Halo Infinite and the future of Halo, Phil Spencer's next-gen console acknowledgement, Microsoft's first-party studio shopping spree, our hands-on impressions of E3's biggest games, and much more!

Jun 20, 2018
Unlocked Episode 349
01:05:30

We've got one more show for you before we head down to E3, and there is much to discuss! Is Microsoft buying Playground Games? Plus: several new games have been announced, leaked, or announced and leaked. Also: some big games get release dates, Red Dead Redemption 2 tempts you with three different special editions, State of Decay 2 is doing great, and more!

Jun 06, 2018
Unlocked Episode 348
00:52:11

It's that time of year again! We've got a dozen E3 predictions for Xbox heading into the biggest gaming event of 2018. Plus: a bit of Fallout 76 talk as well. Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

May 31, 2018
Unlocked Episode 347
01:04:29

On a jam-packed show, our Xbox crew gives hands-on impressions of both Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and Kingdom Hearts 3. Plus: a big discussion on the newly announced Halo: Fireteam Raven arcade game and what it does and doesn't mean for Halo 6! Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

May 25, 2018
Unlocked Episode 346
01:07:17

Join us as we talk about State of Decay 2, Jon Ryan's thoughts on seeing Red Dead Redemption 2 gameplay for the first time, the end of Boss Key Productions, and some E3 news.  Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

May 17, 2018
Unlocked Episode 345
01:08:31

This week, our Xbox crew discusses the plausibility of the crazy Walmart game listings, what it means for Xbox if in fact they're starting a new 'AAAA' studio in Santa Monica, an old favorite gets added to the backwards compatibility list, and more! Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

May 10, 2018
Unlocked Episode 344
01:10:35

On this week's Xbox show, Alanah gives her impressions from playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider, we discuss the hype for Red Dead Redemption 2, we rank our Top 5 Halo vehicles ever, and more! Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

May 03, 2018
Unlocked Episode 343
01:12:58

To commemorate episode 343 of our show, we go full Halo and discuss our favorite memories ever and then make our own top 10 list of our favorite Halo multiplayer maps ever. Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

Apr 26, 2018
Unlocked Episode 341
01:08:32

Our Xbox crew digs deep into the huge new batch of original Xbox backwards compatible games announced this week, picking our favorites. Plus: a new batch of 360 games get Xbox One X enhancements, Michael Ironside AND Splinter Cell are back in Ghost Recon, and much more! Thanks to our sponsor this week, Hims. Check 'em out at ForHims.com.

Apr 12, 2018
Unlocked Episode 340
01:12:31

Our Xbox crew discusses No Man's Sky's upcoming Xbox release and how it might be received. Plus: Shadow of War looks to rehabilitate its image, Red Faction returns, more original Xbox games are on the way to backwards compatibility, and more!

Apr 05, 2018
Unlocked Episode 339
01:10:24

Most of this week's show is dedicated to taking stock of Sea of Thieves now that it's finally out. We discuss what's good, what's bad, and where it can go from here. We also talk about A Way Out, Telltale's Batman series, Hellblade coming to Xbox, and more!

Mar 28, 2018
Unlocked Episode 338
00:56:19

Xbox's Chris Charla sits in with us to talk about the ever-growing success that is Xbox's ID@Xbox indie game program. We discuss Cuphead, Inside, and the slate of upcoming ID@Xbox games including The Last Night, Below, and many others! Plus: Sea of Thieves launches, a new Lego game is on the way, and more!

Mar 21, 2018
Unlocked Episode 337
01:35:15

Rumors of Splinter Cell's return in 2018 have our Xbox crew's hearts aflutter. We discuss what we'd want to see in a potential new game. Plus: Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 runs from Red Dead Redemption 2, Shadow of the Tomb Raider's teaser campaign gets spoiled...by Square Enix themselves, Microsoft announces their E3 plans, movie reviews for both Tomb Raider and Ready Player One, and much more!

Mar 15, 2018
Unlocked Episode 336
01:12:35

Inside returns with a mystery $375 collector's edition that we can't make sense of. Plus: our impressions from playing State of Decay 2, Battlefield V and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 appear to both be real things, and more!

Mar 08, 2018
Unlocked Episode 335
01:22:30

Four beloved Xbox 360 games get Xbox One X enhancements, Cyberpunk 2077 seems to be coming out from behind the shadows, Sea of Thieves is getting a console bundle, and some stuff that's making us mad this week. Plus: meet the two coolest new Xbox One controllers, and more!

Mar 01, 2018
Unlocked Episode 334
01:02:44

Our Xbox crew discusses what may be going on behind the scenes with the Burnout Paradise remaster. Plus: mapping out Xbox's first-party release dates for 2018, gushing about Ys's long-awaited (by Ryan) debut on Xbox, and more!

Feb 22, 2018
Unlocked Episode 333
01:12:39

Rare Studio Head Craig Duncan joins our Xbox crew for an hour of Sea of Thieves talk. We discuss beta weirdness, Easter eggs, beta lessons, what post-launch might look like, and much more!

Feb 16, 2018
Unlocked Episode 332
01:16:30

Our Xbox crew discusses Red Dead Redemption 2's new concrete release date, its effect on other fall games, and why Rockstar earns gamers' respect. Plus: more rumor reactions, PUBG's new console bundle, and more!

Feb 08, 2018
Unlocked Episode 331
01:11:43

We share high-seas adventure stories from our time in the Sea of Thieves beta plus where a datamine reveals the game might go next. Plus: Monster Hunter World impressions, discussion of Anthem's not-unexpected delay, and more!

Feb 01, 2018
Unlocked Live Special Edition (2018)
01:58:35

In a special episode of Unlocked that featured a live studio audience of IGN fans, we worked with the crowd – and special guest Gary Whitta – to unofficially rank the best Xbox 360 games of all-time. We hope you enjoy it, even when it gets...a bit crazy.

Jan 26, 2018
Unlocked Episode 330
01:07:00

Now that Xbox Game Pass will include day-one first-party releases starting with Sea of Thieves, we discuss whether or not Game Pass is the future of gaming. Plus: what a potential Duke Nukem movie starring John Cena REALLY means, the Sea of Thieves closed beta is underway, and more!

Jan 25, 2018
Unlocked Episode 329
00:55:34

With Playground's second team now all but confirmed to be on a Fable revival, we discuss what the news means for Forza Horizon, for gamers, and for Fable itself. Plus: rumors of a new Xbox One Elite Controller, the New Duke gets priced and dated, a new Alien game bursts out of a new developer's chest, and more!

Jan 18, 2018
Unlocked Episode 328
00:59:03

Rumors are swirling about Fable, Perfect Dark, and a new IP. We do our best to make sense of them. Plus: details on Xbox's new Achievement system, Dashboard update details, and more!

Jan 11, 2018
Unlocked Episode 327
01:15:58

On this week's Xbox show, our Xbox crew rings in the New Year by making a dozen Xbox predictions for 2018. Plus: Microsoft's apparent PUBG marketing mistake, the last tie to Kinect is severed, and more!

Jan 04, 2018
Unlocked: 2017 Xbox Year in Review
01:03:33

On this special year-end episode of our Xbox show, we reflect back on the Xbox's year in 2017: the good, the bad, and everything in-between. Plus: a look ahead to Xbox's exciting prospects for 2018!

Dec 25, 2017
Unlocked Episode 326
01:10:15

We debate whether or not you should play PUBG on Xbox in its current state. Plus: reacting to Xbox at The Game Awards, Predator in Ghost Recon, when you can play Metal Gear Survive, and much more!

Dec 14, 2017
Unlocked Episode 325
00:55:01

Our Xbox crew predicts what we might see and learn at this week's Game Awards. Plus: our reactions to Mega Man 11, a new tennis game announcement, Destiny 2 getting Amazon Alexa integration, and more!

Dec 07, 2017
Unlocked Episode 324
01:09:15

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss a bunch of stories we'd rather not have to report, including the Fortnite lawsuit involving a 14-year-old boy, the "sunsetting" of Marvel Heroes Omega, and the comatose state of the Deus Ex franchise. On a happier note, Square Enix's CEO shows integrity when speaking about Hitman and Io Interactive, single-player games thrive over Black Friday weekend, this year's Unlock Block trivia trophy gets awarded, and more! Also: if you would like to help former IGN editor and Marvel Heroes developer Anthony Gallegos raise funds for the chemotherapy treatments for his fiancee's awesome dog Shasta, please visit gofundme.com/healshasta.

Nov 30, 2017
Are Loot Boxes Illegal Gambling? - Unlocked 323
01:03:26

This week, the crew talks about Black Friday deals, the Xbox One X, and more on the ongoing loot box drama. 

Nov 27, 2017
Unlocked Episode 322
01:06:14

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss just what the heck went wrong with Star Wars Battlefront 2. Plus: we go over all of the Xbox-specific nominees for this year's Game Awards, what original Xbox games we'd like to see added to Xbox One backward compatibility, and more!

Nov 16, 2017
Phil Spencer on Xbox's First-Party Future – Unlocked 321
01:17:54

We discuss Phil Spencer's recent comments about Xbox's first-party situation, Call of Duty: WW2 reviewer Miranda Sanchez joins us to dive into the new FPS, more Xbox One X-enhanced 360 games, and much more!

Nov 09, 2017
Unlocked Episode 320
01:05:58

Xbox One X marketing head Albert Penello joins us to discuss the interesting origins of Microsoft's new turbocharged console. Plus: PUBG finally gets an Xbox One release date, gifting digital games on Xbox, and more!

Nov 02, 2017
Unlocked Episode 319
01:19:17

On this week's Xbox show, we mourn the Kinect after its official discontinuation, discuss this week's original Xbox backward compatibility news, give impressions of Assassin's Creed Origins and Wolfenstein 2, and more!

Oct 26, 2017
Unlocked Episode 318
00:51:57

Our Xbox show dissects the radical shift at EA that's resulted in the closure of Visceral Games, a change in direction for their Star Wars game, and an uncertain future at EA for Amy Hennig. Plus: Master Chief Collection is back, and more!

Oct 18, 2017
Unlocked Episode 317
00:57:45

We give our impressions of Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the Star Wars Battlefront 2 multiplayer beta, and The Evil Within 2. Plus: four new Xbox One bundles, the hidden Master Chief inside every Xbox One X, God Eater 3, and more!

Oct 12, 2017
Unlocked Episode 316
01:09:34

We celebrate Xbox's biggest week of 2017, including our extended impressions of the glorious Cuphead, our reactions to the Red Dead Redemption 2 story trailer, and our thoughts on Forza Motorsport 7. Plus: should Microsoft try to buy PUBG? We discuss that, and more!

Oct 05, 2017
Unlocked Episode 315
01:03:27

Halo 3 celebrates its 10th anniversary, so we reminisce with our memories of the campaign, the multiplayer, and the cultural impact it had. Plus: Square Enix doubles down on "games as a service," Xbox creator Seamus Blackley brings "The Duke" controller to Xbox One, and much more!

Sep 28, 2017
Unlocked 314: Destiny 2 Has Us Hooked and Tomb Raider Movie Reactions
01:02:53

This week, the crew talks about their Guardians, thoughts on the Tomb Raider trailer, and Fortnite (momentarily) ending the console war.

Sep 21, 2017
Unlocked 313: Destiny 2's Player Count, PUBG's Sea of Thieves Water + More!
00:54:55

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our Destiny 2 opinions after more time with it -- as well as its impressive first-week player count -- plus PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is getting Sea of Thieves's water tech, and more!

Sep 13, 2017
Unlocked Episode 312
01:06:02

Our Xbox crew discusses Rockstar's just-announced remaster of LA Noire, plus Destiny 2 first impressions, where Crystal Dynamics's Avengers game may be headed, Call of Duty's future possibly being in the past, and more!

Sep 07, 2017
Unlocked Episode 311
01:08:00

On this week's Xbox show, the Xbox One X gets off to a flying start. Could Microsoft be hitting the wave at the perfect time? Plus: a dramatic reading of South Park: The Fractured But Whole's ESRB description, Telltale's Game of Thrones is on hold, and more!

Aug 30, 2017
Unlocked Episode 310: Recapping Xbox's Gamescom Briefing
00:53:39

On this week's Xbox show, we recap and analyze Microsoft's Gamescom announcements, including a new Jurassic World game that probably isn't what you're expecting, some family-friendly Kinect remasters (yes, really!), the stunning special-edition Minecraft console, Crackdown 3's delay, and much more!

 

Aug 21, 2017
Unlocked Episode 309
00:48:10

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss Microsoft's desire to revamp Achievements. Plus: Ubisoft's new studio and their first game, PayDay developer Starbreeze announces a new game out very soon, a classic comes to Xbox for the first time, and more!

Aug 15, 2017
Unlocked Episode 308
00:53:45

On this week's Xbox show, we answer your Xbox questions, including our feelings on Shadow of War and other games implementing "loot box" microtransactions. Plus: Titanfall's future, Rainbow Six Siege's success, and more!

Aug 08, 2017
Unlocked Episode 307: More Wolfenstein, BioWare News and More!
00:55:05

On this week's Xbox show, we detail the new adventures to come in Wolfenstein 2, discuss EA's internal merger, lament the loss of BioWare designer Corey Gaspur, and more.

Aug 04, 2017
Unlocked Episode 306
00:56:39

On this week's Xbox show, we examine the latest in the ongoing drama that is Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite. Plus: Xbox One X preorders approach, Crackdown 3 concerns, the best-selling games of June, and more!

Jul 27, 2017
Unlocked Episode 305
00:54:10

Ex-BioWare designer Casey Hudson returns to the RPG developer. We analyze what it means for the future of the studio. Plus: new Xbox Live features and Kingdom Hearts gets a release window...but do we believe it?

Jul 19, 2017
Unlocked Episode 304
00:59:51

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the impressive developer benchmarks for the Xbox One X uncovered by Digital Foundry. Plus: big games getting 4K updates for the X, Star Wars Battlefront 2 beta details, and more!

Jul 12, 2017
Unlocked Episode 303: Xbox Game Pass Gets Better
00:40:19

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the new games added to Xbox Game Pass for July, more on the Inside co-creator's departure, the Destiny community's awesome act of generosity, and more!

Jul 05, 2017
Unlocked Episode 302
00:53:31

On this week's Xbox show, we talk about how silly it is for Activision to have a timed exclusive on a 10-year-old game. In happier news, the new game from the co-creator of Limbo and Inside looks incredible, and much more!

Jun 29, 2017
Unlocked Episode 301: More Xbox One X and Xbox E3 Reactions
01:20:51

On this week's Xbox show, we take 80 minutes to fully unpack everything that happened at Microsoft's E3 press conference. Listen/watch for our hands-on thoughts of the Xbox One X, Sea of Thieves, Crackdown 3, and much, much more! Plus: with Io Interactive going independent, should Microsoft buy them (and thus Hitman as well)?

Jun 22, 2017
Unlocked Episode 300: Our Xbox E3 Reactions
00:28:37

We celebrate our 300th episode from E3 2017 in Los Angeles. It's our quick-and-dirty reactions to some of the biggest Xbox games and announcements of the week, headlined by the Xbox One X. Enjoy!

Jun 16, 2017
Unlocked 299: Our Xbox E3 Predictions
00:53:42

Four Unlocked hosts. Twelve Xbox predictions -- some safe, some...a bit nuts. Plus the rest of the week's Xbox news!

Jun 08, 2017
Unlocked Episode 298: Our Far Cry 5 Reactions
00:50:23

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our thoughts on the gameplay features of Far Cry 5 we know about so far, what Square Enix might do with Hitman, Take-Two's surprising indie purchase, and much more!

May 31, 2017
Unlocked 297: Analyzing Red Dead Redemption 2's Delay
01:01:43

We discuss who wins and who loses in the wake of Red Dead Redemption 2's delay. Plus: Destiny 2, Scorpio, and the potential scourge of the exclusive marketing deal; BioWare's future is clearer, Far Cry 5 gets teased, South Park: The Fractured But Whole's final-final (?) release date, and more!

May 25, 2017
Unlocked #296: What Are We Going to See From Halo at E3?
00:58:20

This week, the crew talks about Halo 6 and Halo 3: Anniversary not being at E3, quick Injustice 2 thoughts, and pour one out for Alan Wake.

May 16, 2017
Unlocked 295: What Is Mass Effect's Future?
00:58:57

With word of a shakeup at BioWare Montreal, we ponder Mass Effect's future. Plus: news on BioWare's new IP, this year's Need for Speed, and a goodbye to Ryan's beloved companion, Maggie the Boxer.

May 11, 2017
Unlocked 294: Darksiders Hands-On Impressions + Sea of Thieves New Details
01:03:58

Alanah gives us a report from her hands-on time with the just-announced Darksiders sequel. Plus: new Sea of Thieves gameplay details, the future of Xbox Game Pass, the possibility of Fable 4, new details on Quantum Break developer Remedy's next game, and more!

May 04, 2017
Unlocked Episode 293
01:07:07

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss 343 Industries's admission that having Master Chief in only 20% of Halo 5 probably wasn't a good idea, and what it means for Halo 6. Plus: Marty's Call of Duty: WWII impressions from a visit to Sledgehammer Games, Forza Horizon 3's awesome-sounding new expansion, why Scorpio's exact release date this fall is a big deal, and more!

Apr 26, 2017
Unlocked 292: Battlefront 2’s Story, Telltale Guardians, and Prey Impressions
00:50:43

This week, the crew digs into the upcoming Star Wars game, the strong opening of the next Telltale series, and Prey thoughts.

Apr 20, 2017
Unlocked 291: Top 5 Xbox One Games, Yooka-Laylee, and Kinect Memories
00:59:45

This week, the crew chats about the best games on the console, the spiritual successor to Banjo, and the highs and lows of Kinect.

Apr 13, 2017
Unlocked Episode 290: Analyzing Scorpio's Tech Specs
00:41:24

On this week's Xbox show, it's all about Project Scorpio. The next Xbox had its official specifications revealed, and we discuss what it means for the console, for the price point, what the box might look like, and what Microsoft promises it will do for non-4K displays. Plus: NBA Playgrounds gets announced and channels the dormant spirit of NBA Jam and NBA Street, Agents of Mayhem resurfaces with a release date, Sega is teasing...something with Bayonetta, and more!

Apr 06, 2017
Unlocked Episode 289: Destiny 2 Reactions, What's Next for Mass Effect, and More!
00:52:02

We discuss the Xbox One's home theater strengths, where Mass Effect can go from here after the reaction to Andromeda, the latest on Call of Duty heading back to World War II, and more!

Mar 30, 2017
Unlocked 288: Mass Effect: Andromeda's Highs and Lows
01:05:36

This week, Alanah, Marty, Destin, and Miranda get together to gab about Mass Effect: Andromeda, updates to the Xbox One UI, Evil Within 2 rumors, and good bangin'.

Mar 23, 2017
Unlocked Episode 287: Our Picks for Gaming's Oscars (the BAFTAs)
00:48:48

In an otherwise slow Xbox news week, our Xbox crew debates and casts their vote in each BAFTA nominee category. Plus: Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy gets a voice cast, another Resident Evil game is on the way to Xbox One, and more!

Mar 15, 2017
Unlocked Episode 286: Destiny's Smart Sequel Setup
00:45:47

Our Xbox crew discusses Bungie's should-please-everyone solution to transferring your Destiny 1 character into Destiny 2, the cancellation of Dean Hall's Xbox-exclusive Ion, some new release dates, and more!

Mar 10, 2017
Unlocked Episode 285: Phil Spencer Joins Us, Talks Scorpio
00:53:58

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer sits in for the entire show and answers our questions about Project Scorpio, E3, Xbox Game Pass, and more! Don't miss this episode!

Mar 02, 2017
Unlocked Episode 284: We Played Mass Effect Andromeda
01:00:57

We finally got to play a few hours of Mass Effect Andromeda. We spend a good chunk of time discussing it in a totally spoiler-free way. We also got to play the first hour of Prey and offer the same thing: extensive impressions without any spoilers. Plus: we analyze Microsoft's decision to move their E3 press conference to Sunday, and more!

Feb 23, 2017
Unlocked 283: Our Ghost Recon & Halo Wars 2 Impressions
01:07:43

We reflect on our experiences – both positive and negative – with the recent Ghost Recon Wildlands closed beta and then Ryan gives his take on Halo Wars 2 now that he's finished it. Plus: Destiny 2 and Call of Duty speculation, why you shouldn't expect any Valve games on Xbox anytime soon, and much more!

Feb 16, 2017
Unlocked Episode 282: Will Playground's New Game Be an Xbox Exclusive?
00:59:19

Our Xbox experts discuss Forza Horizon developer Playground Games' new non-racing second project, including where we might see it and what tech it might (or might not) use. Plus: tips for attending E3 now that the famous trade show is selling tickets to the public, what Grand Theft Auto V's latest incredible sales milestone means for Red Dead Redemption 2 and the inevitable Grand Theft Auto VI, and more!

Feb 09, 2017
Unlocked 281: Where's the Hype for Halo Wars 2?
01:03:47

Our Xbox crew wonders why there's no buzz for Halo Wars 2, speculates about BioWare's Destiny-sounding new IP, pieces together EA's E3 2017 lineup, analyzes the ramifications of Zenimax's $500 million lawsuit victory over Oculus, discusses what former GTA mastermind Leslie Benzies is up to with his new game, and more!

Feb 02, 2017
Unlocked Episode 280: Managing Scorpio Expectations
00:56:42

Our Xbox crew reacts to new Scorpio tech info, celebrates Prey's (fairly close!) release date and what it means for the inevitable Wolfenstein sequel, discusses Playdead's teaser for their new (probably very far off) game, and more!

Jan 26, 2017
Unlocked Episode 279: Predicting Scorpio's Launch Lineup
00:41:13

This week, the crew chats about a strange Gears of War lawsuit, and predicts Scorpio's launch lineup.

Jan 20, 2017
Unlocked Episode 278: What Scalebound's Cancellation Means for Xbox
01:01:37

On this week's episode, the crew talks through Scalebound's cancellation, a Halo game that never was, and Mass Effect: Andromeda at CES!

Jan 12, 2017
Unlocked Episode 277: Our Most Anticipated Xbox Games for 2017
01:13:19

Fresh back from the holidays, our Xbox crew reconvenes to discuss what we played over the break, as well as what game we're most excited for in 2017. Red Dead Redemption 2, State of Decay 2, Cuphead, Sea of Thieves, For Honor, Mass Effect Andromeda, Crackdown 3, and more! Plus: Mass Effect Andromeda's release date is finally revealed!

Jan 05, 2017
Unlocked 276: Ask Us Anything (Well, Like 6 Things)
00:57:56

On this week's Xbox show, we field a bunch of questions from the kind folks in the Unlocked Facebook group in our final episode of 2016. Plus: catching up on the Xbox news we missed last week. Happy Holidays!

Dec 21, 2016
Unlocked Episode 275: Our Xbox Predictions for 2017
00:54:51

On this week's Xbox show, we quickly see how we did with our 2016 Xbox predictions before launching into our bold Xbox predictions for 2017. Scorpio games, release date, Minecraft 2, Destiny 2, original Xbox backwards compatibility, and more! Plus: The Essy trophy is awarded as Destin and Marty battle out an epic tiebreaker in the Unlock Block trivia segment.

Dec 16, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 274: Ideas for an 'Xbox Experience' Event
00:56:30

We wonder if Microsoft might be readying a PlayStation Experience-like event for Xbox fans to be timed along with Scorpio's launch in 2017. Plus: Duke Nukem makes Bulletstorm great again, our suspicions about Crackdown 3 are confirmed, Capcom comes back from the Dark Side, and more!

Dec 08, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 273: Our Xbox Holiday Wishes
01:00:21

We ask Santa Spencer for some Xbox gifts as the holiday season gets in full swing. Plus: the Halo TV project returns...sort of, some neat stuff to play in December, and more!

Dec 01, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 272: Our Halo 6 Predictions
01:00:18

On this week's Xbox show, as Halo 5 boss Josh Holmes leaves 343 Industries, we wonder where the studio might take Halo 6. Plus: October's software sales rankings, The Walking Dead's return, a custom Final Fantasy XV Xbox One console giveaway, and more!

Nov 24, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 271: Our Original Xbox Memories
01:19:14

On this week's Xbox show, we give our impressions so far on Watch Dogs 2 and Dishonored 2. Plus: we spend most of the show reminiscing about the original Xbox in the wake of the console's 15-year anniversary this week. And much more! 

Nov 17, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 270: Debating Mass Effect Andromeda
01:04:53

We learn more story details about Mass Effect Andromeda and debate whether or not we want it to be a three-part trilogy or a single-game experience. Plus: our thoughts on Titanfall 2, the Tomb Raider sequel leak, a killer Black Friday Xbox One deal, and more!

Nov 10, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 269: Marty's Mass Effect Adventure
01:07:19

We discuss Bethesda's public proclamation to not facilitate Day 1 reviews of their games anymore, talk about the upcoming Skyrim Monopoly board game, chronicle Marty's adventures playing Mass Effect for the very first time, and more!

Oct 26, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 268: Red Dead Reactions & Gears 4 Spoilercast
01:26:02

On this week's Xbox show, we react to the teaser, announcement, and trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2. Plus: Xbox wins NPD again, Xbox superfan and military veteran Jeff Bartrom sits in to discuss the video game-fueled Operation Supply Drop charity, and we finally do our Gears of War 4 spoilercast (at the end of the show – you'll have plenty of warning!).

Oct 20, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 267: Waiting for Cuphead
01:08:14

On this week's Xbox show, we talk about why Cuphead's delay isn't a big deal and what we think the developers should (or shouldn't) do until it comes out. Plus: Mass Effect Andromeda's release date may have been outed. Also: horses. So many horses.

Oct 12, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 266: Gears of War 4 Is Awesome
00:36:45

We give our spoiler-free impressions of Gears of War 4, delight in the completely unexpected announcement of Voodoo Vince's return, break down Phil Spencer's recent quotes about Scorpio (including its price), and more!

Oct 06, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 265: The Futures of Rocksteady and Gears of War
00:53:13

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss what Rocksteady might do now that they're done with Batman, what other genres might make sense for Gears of War, how the just-announced Firewatch feature-length film could work, our Forza Horizon 3 impressions, and more!

Sep 28, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 264: Firewatch Creators Discuss Xbox Version
01:06:59

On this week's Xbox show, Firewatch releases on Xbox One, so we talk to creators Sean Vanaman and Jake Rodkin for an hour or so. Learn what it takes to make a game, plus a few interesting Telltale Walking Dead Season 1 anecdotes too (both Sean and Jake were instrumental in that game prior to making Firewatch).

Sep 21, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 263: We Audition for Mass Effect Andromeda
01:11:46

On this week's Xbox show, BioWare is holding auditions for two small voice-acting parts in Mass Effect Andromeda. So yes, we're auditioning. Plus: what should Microsoft's next Scorpio move be in the wake of the PlayStation 4 Pro reveal event last week. We also give ReCore impressions and more!

Sep 15, 2016
Unlocked 262: Gears of War 4's Horde 3.0 is Dope
01:07:08

Ryan's out in New York City, so Marty, Alanah, and Sean got together to chat about Xbox at PAX. Gears of War 4's Horde 3.0 is dope, Sonic Mania is a return to form, and we didn't realize that we actually missed Duke Nukem. They also chat about Tacoma, which is this month's IGN First.

Sep 08, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 261: Titanfall 2 Tech Test Impressions & More
01:27:11

On this week's Xbox show, we fill a slow news week by discussing the just-completed Titanfall 2 Tech Test and wondering which single developers are most valuable to their studios. Also: Tomb Raider gets a new game director, Forza Horizon 3 gets a new car fit for a Spartan, and more!

Aug 31, 2016
Unlocked 260: Forza Horizon 3 Developer Interview
01:52:03

In between raving about Disneyland and arguing about pizza, we celebrate The Witness's imminent arrival on Xbox One, lament Below's latest delay, discuss the top-selling games for July, and best of all, interview Forza Horizon 3 creative director Ralph Fulton!

Aug 25, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 259: Metal Gear Survive Breaks Our Hearts
01:32:57

Ryan's on vacation this week, so Marty "Cracker Barrel Old Country Store" Sliva and Alanah "Bucca di Beppo" Pearce take the wheel and are joined by Miranda "Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar" Sanchez and Sean "Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits" Finnegan. The crew talks about the lackluster Metal Gear Survive debut, Miranda's awesome Gears of War 4 visit, this fall's slew of shooters, Mass Effect Remastered rumors, and whether or not sheep have sex with other sheep.

I'm very sorry.

Aug 18, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 258: Our Gears of War and Forza Developer Visits
01:26:59

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our recent visits to Gears of War 4 developer The Coalition and Forza Horizon 3 co-developer Turn 10 Studios. Plus: theories on why the just-released 2TB Xbox One is already gone and not coming back, debating what Project Scorpio will cost, the advantages to a proper "Destiny 2" compared to continuing expansion packs, and much more!

Aug 11, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 257: All About the Xbox One S
01:21:50

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss our Xbox One S impressions so far, episode 1 of Telltale's Batman series (no spoilers), the Xbox One Summer Update, and more!

Aug 03, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 256: Revisiting Old Xbox Favorites
01:37:45

On this week's Xbox show, a lack of current Xbox news leads us to reminisce about the past, including our favorite original Xbox games as well as what dormant Xbox series we'd like to see brought back. Plus: Xbox One S bundles, Summer Spotlight returns, Sonic's new 2D game, and more!

Jul 27, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 255: Learning About 4K HDR TVs
01:06:01

Shopping for a 4K HDR TV in advance of the Xbox One S and/or Scorpio? It turns out HDR isn't so cut and dry. We discuss what we've learned so far. Plus: Tomb Raider's pleasant Season Pass surprise, Rocket League's potentially historic game update, Xbox One S release details, and more!

Jul 21, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 254: Microsoft's Crazy Xbox Summer
01:10:01

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss Microsoft's crazy Xbox summer, from their lack of press conference at the upcoming Gamescom event to Xbox Australia jumping the gun on Sea of Thieves' release date to Halo 5's post-release success to the dark Kinect secret lurking for would-be Xbox One S buyers. Plus: deciding which original Xbox games we should do Let's Plays of, and much more!

Jul 14, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 253: The Call of Duty That Wasn't + Inside Spoilercast
01:20:38

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the recently unearthed Call of Duty prototype called Call of Duty: Roman Wars. Would it have worked? Could it have worked? Also: Red Dead Redemption finally arrives on Xbox One, Xbox Avatars get more detailed and more inclusive, our thoughts on the BioShock Collection, and at the end of the show is our eagerly anticipated Inside spoilercast.

Jul 06, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 252: Playdead's Inside is Glorious (No Spoilers!)
01:01:31

Our Xbox show celebrates Inside, gets excited for Halo Wars 2, and tries to figure out what happened to the Batman: Return to Arkham remaster.

Jun 29, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 251: Xbox E3 Analysis + State of Decay 2 Interview
01:44:12

We analyze everything from Xbox's E3, from Project Scorpio to the Xbox One S to Sea of Thieves and much more. Plus: an interview with Undead Labs founder Jeff Strain – the studio's first since announcing State of Decay 2!

Jun 22, 2016
Podcast Unlocked 250: Our Xbox E3 Post-Show With Xbox Creator Seamus Blackley
00:38:36

Our 250th episode aired live at E3 2016 with special guest and Xbox creator Seamus Blackley, so here it is in case you missed it. This was our live reactions to everything that had just happened at the Xbox press conference. Hope you enjoy it! And by the way, look for episode 251 at its regular time this Wednesday evening!

And we've got our own YouTube channel too! Subscribe here: youtube.com/ignunlocked

Jun 20, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 249: Our Xbox E3 Predictions
01:33:37

Finally, it's the E3 predictions episode you've been waiting for. Listen for our predictions about Dead Rising 4, Xbox Live Arcade/Summer of Arcade, Oculus Rift on Xbox, and much more. Plus: So many E3 leaks! We discuss them all.

Jun 08, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 248
01:10:56

On this week's Xbox show, we celebrate the unexpected return of Fable, guess what the rumored VR game for Xbox is, share our Overwatch impressions, wonder what Remedy might do now that Quantum Break is out, argue about the viability of a Mirror's Edge TV series, and look at what the latest Xbox One "temporary price cut" really means.

Jun 02, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 247: The Xbox 1.5, For Real This Time
00:49:44

We analyze the very credible new Xbox Slim and Xbox Next rumors. Will Oculus come along for the ride? What will it be called? How much will it cost? We discuss. Plus: how Doom's excellence may have saved id Software, what's next for that studio, and more!

May 25, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 246: Welcome Back, Doom
01:19:25

What we think of Doom so far, including our theories on why Bethesda didn't send out advance copies for review. Plus: Rockstar's next game approaches, Batman gets a more exciting remaster than we expected, Yarny gets another adventure (YARNYYYYYYY!), how you can (maybe) get your dream Gamertag, and more!

May 19, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 245: EA's Big 2017 Plans
01:05:02

Ryan's out, but the crew holds down the fort and chats about Battlefield 1, Battlefront 2, probably something with a 3, and Fable 4.

May 11, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 244: Remembering Lionhead
01:37:33

We fondly remember everything Lionhead gave Xbox fans as the studio closes its doors for good. Plus: Respawn's third-person Star Wars game, our reactions to Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and the not-sold-separately Modern Warfare remaster, our Xbox E3 hopes, whether or not Microsoft will showcase upgraded hardware at the big show, our favorite Xbox 360 games ever, and more!

May 05, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 243: Gears of War 4's Statue and Season Pass
01:04:59

Gears of War 4 unleashes a pricey season pass and an even pricier collector's edition. We evaluate the pluses and minuses of both. We also lament the latest Mirror's Edge Catalyst delay, debate where Call of Duty is heading after its title has apparently leaked. Oh, and, uh...rugby.

Apr 28, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 242
00:49:50

The Xbox 1.5 rumors won't go away – particularly in light of the hot-and-heavy PlayStation Neo rumors, so we discuss what a mid-cycle upgrade could look like for Microsoft. But should it even happen? Plus: Quantum Break's last boss frustrates us (no spoilers though!), Batman joins the remaster party that we don't want to be invited to, Red Dead might be returning, and more!

Link to IGN PAX East meet-and-greet #1: https://ignpresentsbattleborncommunity.splashthat.com 

Link to IGN PAX East meet-and-greet #2: https://ignmeetngreetpresentedby2k.splashthat.com 

Apr 20, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 241: Gears of War 4 Director Interview
01:48:27

Gears of War 4 boss Rod Fergusson joins us for a 30-minute interview about the new game as well as taking over the franchise. Plus: our thoughts on Quantum Break so far, the ex-GTA developer's lawsuit against Rockstar, Titanfall 2, the rumored effort to save Fable Legends, and more!

Apr 14, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 240: About That Gears of War 4 Release Date...
01:19:42

We discuss Gears of War 4's just-announced release date and what it means for the rest of the holiday 2016 Xbox lineup. Plus: Xbox 1.5, Mass Effect 4, Doom beta thoughts, Bethesda's public E3 presence, Final Fantasy XV demo reactions, and more!

Apr 06, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 239: Quantum Comedy and Farewell
00:46:20

Mitch's last show is weird, wonderful, and chaotic.

Mar 31, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 238: Halo 1 and Shadow Complex Developer Interviews
01:31:38

On this week's Xbox show, Shadow Complex creator Donald Mustard sits in for a lengthy interview about his history on Xbox (Advent Rising, Undertow, Shadow Complex, the newly released Shadow Complex Remastered, and...maybe...Shadow Complex 2?)! And then we have Halo 1 designer Jaime Griesemer on to talk old Halo war stories with him. You won't want to miss either interview. We kick off with just Ryan and Mitch, as Ryan says goodbye to his longtime partner-in-crime. Don't miss this episode!

Mar 23, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 237: Gears of War 4's 30fps vs. 60fps Debate
00:53:59

Microsoft opens the door to cross-network play across Xbox One, PC, and maybe PS4 too. Plus: Gears of War 4's campaign will be 30fps and its multiplayer will be 60fps. Opinions vary on that! We also detail Xbox Indie Showcase highlights of what we played, Tacoma's delay, a new ARK game, and more!

Mar 16, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 236: Is Fable Dead?
01:07:44

We analyze the cancellation of Fable Legends and the apparent closure of Lionhead Studios. Could either have been saved? Can and will Fable continue on, or is it dead? Plus: our first impressions of The Division, Gears of War 4 continues to divide us, Doom multiplayer inches closer, Overwatch and Battleborn have a silly (albeit one-sided) feud, and more!

Mar 10, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 235: Phil Spencer Interview and Xbox Showcase Reactions
01:20:46

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer joins us for a quick interview about the future of Xbox (hint: you probably won't lose access to your Xbox One games on the next-gen Xbox console years from now). Plus: our reactions to the Xbox Showcase event from last week – and to Quantum Break in particular, analyzing the Mass Effect Andromeda delay, how cool a World War I-set Battlefield 5 could be, and we tell Capcom how we feel about their creative output so far in this console generation.

Mar 03, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 234: Halo 5 Drops the Mic and Major Nelson Stops By
00:54:33

On this week's Xbox show, it's all good news. First, it took four years, but Xbox's own Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb sits in with us for the entire show. Together, we talk about this week's awesome Halo 5 news, including the return of a beloved multiplayer mode and an even more beloved old weapon. Plus: Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss Todd Howard speaks about game PR cycles and their next projects. We analyze his comments, and much more! Oh, and of course we also send Larry back to Microsoft with a clear message: #BringBackXBLA

Feb 25, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 233: The Internet's Quantum Breakdown
01:11:46

We analyze last week's Internet meltdown over Quantum Break's PC version, detail the first wave of Fallout 4 DLC, discuss what the departure of Mass Effect: Andromeda's lead writer means for both that game and Destiny 2, and much more!

P.S. We apologize for the problem with Mitch's mic this week. We're tracking down the problem and we'll have it squashed ASAP.

Feb 17, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 232: About That Titanfall 2 Single-Player Campaign...
00:56:00

On this week's Xbox show, we discuss the now-confirmed Titanfall 2 solo campaign, DOOM's release date, Red Dead's imminent backwards compatibility, 2015's most tweeted-about games, continued love for Yarny, and more!

Feb 10, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 231: Will Elder Scrolls VI Be Announced at E3?
01:54:59

Bethesda announces that they'll put on another E3 press conference. We speculate about what will – and won't – be there. Plus: a 40-minute interview with Unravel creative director Martin Sahlin, The Division beta reactions, how we'd kill Spartan Locke in the first scene of Halo 6, and much more!

Feb 04, 2016
Podcast Unlocked Episode 230: Burnout Returns...As a Golf Game...Sort of...
01:30:46