Defining Duke, Episode 101 | Xbox's WORST Week? - Game Awards No Show, $70 Games, & FTC Sues...
Added 2022-12-10 17:00:09 +0000 UTCXbox's conclusion to 2022 is rather thematic as it matches the vibe of the overall year: Disappointing. While we began on the high of the Activision Blizzard deal, swift delays of Starfield and Redfall as well as a vacant first half of the year painted an all too familiar picture. With the windows closing for Starfield, Redfall, and Forza Motorsport respectively to be dated for the first half of 2023, it was stunning to see Xbox not only skip out on showing anything from those games, but not show up in any form. To make matters worse for them, this all happened on the same day that the FTC had announced they will be suing Microsoft to block the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. With the deal now in jeopardy despite announced deals with both Nintendo and Steam, Xbox's one saving grace in 2022 may be dashed away into nothing more than an extensive headache. If that wasn't enough, this is also the week we learned that all first party games would be $70 moving forward. After all that has transpired, it undoubtedly places more pressure on these three games to perform exceedingly well for Xbox or we may reach another low for them in this generation.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro
0:05:59 - Shoutout to Gene Park!
0:06:53 - Newer games will play on the Xbox VCR (via cloud)
0:08:28 - Some small corrections
0:09:38 - Indiana Jones gets a new director
0:12:59 - Halo Infinite’s multiplayer director has left 343
0:17:44 - Diablo 4 previews are on the way
0:22:16 - A Dragon Ball Super card game has been announced
0:26:15 - Bethesda has begun to unionize their QA workers
0:29:59 - Spongebob and The Cosmic Shake drops on January 31
0:32:50 - The Skywalker Saga and Hello Neighbor 2 have come to Game Pass
0:34:32 - An Uncharted reboot is on the table
0:36:24 - Yuji Naka has been arrested again
0:39:26 - Phil Spencer is making more Call of Duty deals
1:05:24 - What we’ve been playing
1:26:11 - What are our thoughts on the Xbox price hike?
1:34:56 - Why is everyone throwing a fit over review scores?
1:44:40 - The Game Awards - Overview
2:01:41 - The Game Awards - Pre-show
2:04:31 - The Game Awards - Christopher Judge
2:05:59 - The Game Awards - HADES 2
2:07:22 - The Game Awards - JUDAS
2:10:22 - The Game Awards - Bayonetta Origins: Cereza
2:10:49 - The Game Awards - Destiny 2 Lightfall
2:13:30 - The Game Awards - Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League
2:15:41 - The Game Awards - Star Wars Jedi Survivor
2:18:43 - The Game Awards - Earthblade
2:19:38 - The Game Awards - Dune Awakening
2:20:14 - The Game Awards - Forspoken
2:21:17 - The Game Awards - Death Stranding 2
2:25:29 - The Game Awards - Immortals Of Aveum
2:26:02 - The Game Awards - Tekken 8
2:29:41 - The Game Awards - Baldur’s Gate 3
2:32:45 - The Game Awards - Wayfinder
2:33:11 - The Game Awards - Diablo 4
2:34:56 - The Game Awards - Horizon Burning Shores
2:35:37 - The Game Awards - Blue Protocol
2:36:50 - The Game Awards - Remnant 2
2:38:13 - The Game Awards - Transformers Reactivate
2:39:40 - The Game Awards - Banisters: Ghosts Of New Eden
2:42:01 - The Game Awards - Warhammer 40K Space Marine II
2:43:41 - The Game Awards - Meet Your Maker
2:44:14 - The Game Awards - Crash Team Rumble
2:46:43 - The Game Awards - The Lords Of The Fallen
2:47:33 - The Game Awards - Crime Boss Rockay City
2:49:31 - The Game Awards - Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty
2:50:58 - The Game Awards - Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon
2:52:40 - The Game Awards - Final Fantasy XVI
2:56:30 - The Game Awards - Bill Clinton kid
2:58:38 - The FTC is officially suing Microsoft to block the Activision acquisition
Comments
You'll never get those games
Chris Evans
2022-12-15 23:05:03 +0000 UTCAlso also, I sounded like an ass in those posts and I wasn’t trying to lol. Just curious and adding my 2 cents.
Evan Cooper
2022-12-15 16:55:41 +0000 UTCAlso, I have both Series X and PS5 …this deal in no way helps the industry lol, it’s bad through and through and if you think it’s good that Microsoft, one of the biggest companies next to Apple, Tencent and the like, buying the biggest publisher out there is a good thing, you are blind. Lol.
Evan Cooper
2022-12-15 00:12:24 +0000 UTCLol you guys think that MW2 or Warzone can run on Switch?
Evan Cooper
2022-12-14 23:45:33 +0000 UTCThe episode just comes off as “ha! Take that PlayStation.” And it doesn’t make sense to me.
gnawtyFOX
2022-12-14 22:48:38 +0000 UTCThis comment section is super weird right now. There was a comment above that mentions how this audience might just not be used to Xbox slanted discussions but I don't think that anything is super fanboy-ish. The dukes are super critical of xbox game output, and their optics, and their gamepass offerings every week so it seems weird to just ignore that because they side with ABK deal. (which is clearly more complicated than anyone besides Hoeg would be able to talk about) Both companies are lobbying for the sake of their bottom dollar and its important we don't fall for either side because its all marketing speak at this point. Also people saying can Nintendo run COD are forgetting Nintendo has a lot of games that are powered through cloud processing (Control for example) and that COD Warzone exists on phones and Im sure that is what will end up coming to Switch.
Stefano Fontana
2022-12-14 15:18:03 +0000 UTCFan-BOI! Fan-BOI! Whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do wen dey come fo you!
tobin_asai999
2022-12-14 06:01:03 +0000 UTCI listen to the Dukes every so often to get the other side of the argument. However, COG and Matty, you went so far into fanboy territory here that I think you might lose a few listeners. As others have said in the comments, you'd benefit from a more balanced perspective - perhaps a 3rd chair/wheel. Or another Sacred Symbols/Defining Duke crossover to discuss the MS/Acti acquisition.
TrackyMatts
2022-12-13 22:47:12 +0000 UTCThis is exactly the point I don't see Matty or COG addressing. How is it good for the gamer long term if MS locks down Activision/COD? It's a short term 'ohhh nnow I can play COD for free on Gamepass' attitude. Long term MS will raise the price of Gamepass as they will want to recoup their investment.
TrackyMatts
2022-12-13 22:42:52 +0000 UTCI’m going to finish this episode but I agree with you on the fanboy part. I don’t mind it because I don’t live that way; it’s just an eye-roll for me. I just don’t understand the root of such enthusiasm.
gnawtyFOX
2022-12-13 17:23:16 +0000 UTCWhy so much enthusiasm towards Microsoft locking down Call of Duty? What’s next, Call of duty only available to play via monthly membership? Yay! Don’t get me wrong. I want an American company to own the rights to COD, but I’m not buying an Xbox (ever) just to play COD. COD is already a draining experience with the nonsense hate speech on there, and people quitting their games. Can Nintendo even run COD?? 😂
gnawtyFOX
2022-12-13 17:06:35 +0000 UTCHey guys. I really like you both but allow me to offer some (hopefully constructive) criticism - this episode came off very fanboy-ish with clearly no real insight into business functions or M&A. I actually turned it off at the ‘harassment saviour’ bit due to how frustrating it was, but it was also weird when you went from being super hyped about “Sony’s black eye” to sounding depressed af about the FTC lawsuit. Maybe take a step back and consider other perspectives as part of your discussion? Ironically, every single one of your arguments was shut down in Colin’s dissection of the FTC lawsuit - also disappointed you didn’t go through the talking points of it like he did, however I appreciate it was super late for you guys. If you want to be a Xbox fanboy podcast then fair enough, go for it, plenty of people in the Twitter zeitgeist seem to do well that way, but personally I think you’re better and smarter than that - and able to produce a much better quality of product. Maybe look at getting a 3rd chair that’s less aligned to a platform (like Chris on Sacred) or maybe look to consume more content outside of the Xbox eco chamber - or gaming in general - to give you different perspectives? Anyway, I hope this is constructive and I wish you both all the best ✌🏻💜
Ross Stoddart
2022-12-13 15:25:33 +0000 UTCDo I think the boys could push back on Colin more yes but they do on subject to a extent. But on defining duke there is non so when there is a conversation it goes nowhere. That’s why beyond was so big as Colin pushed back a lot at time .
Garry
2022-12-13 13:52:57 +0000 UTCCould be a streaming version, like Control. Or they could port COD Mobile and Warzone Mobile to Switch with crossplay.
Gabriel Baker
2022-12-13 08:44:30 +0000 UTCI really don’t think an FTC member’s pregnancy is going to make them rush deciding on a $70,000,000,000 acquisition, guys.
Gabriel Baker
2022-12-13 08:43:03 +0000 UTCHey, I wouldn't say no to having a third person on. However, I do think due to Last Stand Media's audience having a big Sony slant due to following Colin throughout the years (Me included in that second part) I think people are uncomfortable, or furthermore, not used to seeing other perspectives,
Clayton Tilley
2022-12-13 01:35:46 +0000 UTC@Clayton I generally agree that Chris and Dustin don’t push back as much as I would like them to at times, however, I still think DD needs someone who is more of a contrarian. I think it would help Matty and Cog to have more refined and researched views.
WreckItRoush
2022-12-13 01:25:36 +0000 UTCI can’t give a thorough accounting, but Chris disagrees with Colin and voiced it over AKB. Granted, his stance is mainly that he just wants MS to get them so that a group like Tencent doesn’t, but he still did disagree.
TL
2022-12-12 21:53:07 +0000 UTCWhen has Chris or Dustin ever pushed back on Colin's Microsoft takes? Especially game pass-related topics. I see a ton of people saying they need people to push back on what's being said on DD. Chris and Dustin really don't offer much pushback on anything Colin says regarding the industry. Liking a game, sure but never for his takes on Microsoft or Nintendo. That being said, I WOULD like to see Colin on.
Clayton Tilley
2022-12-12 17:52:13 +0000 UTCHi guys don’t comment often but your really need a third person pushing back on your arguments I love that your opinions are different to Colin’s but he will have Chris push back on it. But you need someone giving the opposing view but right now it’s “ your right “ no your right “ which is not entertaining. Or informative.
Garry
2022-12-12 10:10:14 +0000 UTCI'm surprised you guys managed to talk for 30 seconds about Immortals Of Aveum. What's even more surprising is that somebody thought that trailer was good enough to be shown at the TGA's.
Sam Lee
2022-12-12 09:10:57 +0000 UTCHey guys, Some constructive criticism. Y’all are industry experts at playing games and reviewing/ discussing. Focus the podcast more on that. Matty, I love how you’ve only worked for yourself and mad respect for that, but it’s clear you don’t have the perspective on how these M&A discussions work. As someone whose career has been working in a corporate/finance environment, the commentary on the M&A stuff isn’t your guys wheel house and isn’t super insightful or interesting. That being a said - I’m a corporate finance guy and you’re the podcast guys. Keep doing you but wanted to give my 2 cents. All the best,
DeucesBruh
2022-12-12 03:39:25 +0000 UTCThe pearl clutching from the dukes when talking about the ftc news is so funny to me. Boo hoo you only get to take away Bethesda games from playstation. Lemme play the world's smallest violin for ya.
Zawhomafu
2022-12-12 03:24:29 +0000 UTCI feel like upper class pc snobbery is ruining the conversation in the games industry. Suddenly, any game less than 4k 60-120 fps is unplayable. I don't think you can say that about a huge game like Starfield. I'll take player freedom and a massive universe over visuals and frame rate. Massive RPGs are my bread and butter and these studios are going to start downsizing these games to meet pc snob standards. You can play lots of small games with all the frames if that's your preference, but applying it to everything is ridiculous. As a console player, I don't even have a 4k tv and everything is 30fps. Maybe Fallout and Bethesda isn't for Matty anymore and thats fine. But don't ruin them for the rest of us.
Michael Rogers
2022-12-11 21:34:03 +0000 UTCThe deal isn’t in jeopardy lol, it has only gone to the FTC “court” not the federal court, watch Hogue laws latest video on this topic
joseph lemons
2022-12-11 18:20:11 +0000 UTCCog always has the best analogies. When he brought up the Mets I was rolling lol
Hidari Shotaro
2022-12-11 18:00:49 +0000 UTCI know people have a bone to pick with PlayStation but we do need to be careful with how this deal is being done. Activion Blizzard is one of if not the biggest trend setter for profitable games, if Microsoft has that they get to decide how the market acts. COD players didn't want loot boxes and content being stringed put but it was forced on them and they excepted it because players don't have another brand that has such quality consistency over time. Sony knows this and that's why they want the COD brand to stay independent but I'm also worried about ten cent buying AB if the deal doesn't go through and that's a worse scenario. Remember this, if XBOX brakes there word, no government has the power to punish them for it because papa Microsoft can afford any cost on their size alone.
Hozi
2022-12-11 17:53:17 +0000 UTCWhen Sony purchased Bungie they were crystal clear from the jump nothing Bungie makes will ever be exclusive full stop. Since Microsoft has gone on the spending spree they have been cagey on what was going to “become” Microsoft exclusive and having that big dick energy. It’s come back to bite them potentially.
Phillip
2022-12-11 17:05:19 +0000 UTCThat’s what is always missed. Studios or timed exclusives are not comparable to PUBLISHERS. Colin had a completely different take from the Dukes and I would love to see them talk about this together. On SS, Chris generally has an Xbox slant and it’s great because it checks some of that fandom. I love my Dukes but they have no one giving a different perspective in their discussions. Every other comment was “I don’t want to be fanboyish buuuut” It was sort of funny to hear about this being Sony’s moment to be embarrassed like MS at E3 back in the day, and then watch the game awards. Sony just keeps letting the games talk.
Shortsoptional
2022-12-11 16:20:33 +0000 UTCIn the words of Cog, “Don’t pop bottles early!” It’s hilarious how wrong the Dukes are in the beginning of this episode lol
MarkGrouch
2022-12-11 14:35:33 +0000 UTCCog, love the chappelle show reference!
Omar Rosa
2022-12-11 13:04:23 +0000 UTCPreach. The Bungie deal was still worth what... half of the Zenimax deal? I think people are losing perspective on how much fucking money this deal is worth. $69 BILLION. There has been nothing close to this in the Video Game Industry, it does not defy logic and reason that this deal is under heavy scrutiny. I've said this for a while, but the entire podcast would hugely benefit from having a voice that is happy to take an opposing perspective. It's far too Xbox fan club energy at the moment and has been for a while.
OTTAPPS
2022-12-11 11:52:08 +0000 UTCPlaystation working with studios for years and then bringing them into the fold is entirely different than Phil Spender buying studios and PUBLISHERS outright. Green is in their blood that’s for sure. Love the show guys, but more balance and less fanboy talk would be appreciated. Some devils advocate. I understand it’s hard but it could go a long way.
Red Head Redemption
2022-12-11 10:59:15 +0000 UTCBring Colin on to talk about the deal so we get an opposing side.
Taylor kazemba
2022-12-11 10:28:14 +0000 UTCHow can anyone trust Xbox when they said starfield wouldn’t be exclusive and then they went back on that?
Taylor kazemba
2022-12-11 09:38:41 +0000 UTCI don’t think the deal will go thru until starfield and red fall are not exclusive. That is what Phil said before they purchased Bethesda. If they remain exclusive, Xbox lied.
Taylor kazemba
2022-12-11 09:34:43 +0000 UTCActivision has had pretty scandalous sexual harassment allegations Levied towards them. Under Microsoft a cleaning up would be more likely to occur and those deviants would likely to be fired. Also, if Microsoft doesn't buy them they will attempt to sell themselves to another entity most likely: Tencent, Netease, the Saudi government perhaps, or even apple google and Amazon. In my opinion I'd rather see Activision Blizzard either go to one of the big three or stay independent but naturally that's just my opinion
ZoboomaGoon
2022-12-11 07:11:17 +0000 UTCLove the discussion Dukes and great points!
David Hotright
2022-12-11 01:32:50 +0000 UTCParty Animals. That’s the game y’all were trying to think of the name for.
NotSkyWalker
2022-12-10 22:57:47 +0000 UTCYou’re comparing buying Bungie to buying up two large 3rd party publishers……seems not apples to apples there gents. It would be appreciated if you could bring on opposing voices to to discuss the Activision deal because the analysis has been a bit of a circle jerk to this point imo. At least hearing from someone who disagrees with the deal would be interesting.
WreckItRoush
2022-12-10 22:40:40 +0000 UTCGreat episode dukes! At this point I just want someone to kick out Bobby and shareholders but the FTC is making it difficult. They are even willing to stretch the truth about Zenimax. Can't wait for this to be over, but the drama we hear every week is juicy.
Jay-one
2022-12-10 20:13:20 +0000 UTCWasn’t this debunked by the CMA what rock have you been under
Tyee
2022-12-10 19:22:27 +0000 UTCWhat do you mean the moral and just argument is for the ABK deal to go through?? I am not for or against the deal, but I don't know if we can say that there is a "moral" side to it. I'd like to see this maybe further explored next year in SS x DD if everyone is down for the discussion.
Shadi Haddad
2022-12-10 18:45:42 +0000 UTCDespite a bad year for xbox, I'm still lovin what you guys bring to the conversation. I'll admit my series X has just become a dedicated classic games machine but it does solid work there. Dead Space 2 in HDR and 60 FPS blew my mind - plays like a modern game. Tangent aside, I look forward to Dukes every week less bc of stagnant xbox news but bc of you fellas!
The Funky Monk
2022-12-10 18:40:19 +0000 UTCIt people took the time they take to complain about having no games to play games on Game Pass people would realize the eating is damn good. I have way too many games to play right now. I think many people are more interested in trailers/reveals than actual gaming.
Bambi_Cobblestone
2022-12-10 18:39:33 +0000 UTCCall of duty wouldn’t even run on the stinky switch
LuisTheTruest
2022-12-10 18:18:58 +0000 UTCReports are coming out that the reason Phil looked bothered when they zoomed in on him at the game awards was because he didn't want that close of a shot at his hair piece.
Grimm Carousel
2022-12-10 17:47:21 +0000 UTCReally was a week of horror for Xbox.
Robbie Agnew
2022-12-10 17:39:12 +0000 UTCYou guys are talking about shady? But you’re not gonna talk about the FTC said the Microsoft straight up LIED when they said they wouldn’t make Starfield and such exclusive and it did?!? Cmon man this is absurd
A Hind D
2022-12-10 17:32:22 +0000 UTC
