Is Sony Going True Multiplatform? Xbox Reverses its $80 Games Push # 454

Is Sony Going True Multiplatform? Xbox Reverses its $80 Games Push # 454

Author: Sean Garmer July 29, 2025 Duration: 1:59:06
In a week full of news, there are standouts from each of the big three. A job listing includes Sony, multiplatform, and both Xbox and Nintendo? What's this all about, and does it really mean Sony is going to join Microsoft in bringing more of its games to more places? Or is this really just an extension of the live service initiative? Sean and Marc discuss the possibilities and do PlayStation fans need to get ready for the console wars to truly be meaningless?

On the Xbox side of things, a major about-face comes as a surprise as the push towards $80 games is no more, at least for the time being, with the announcement that Outerworlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and the rest of Xbox's holiday slate will go back to being $70. Will this spur a big batch of preorders for these games? Or should Microsoft have stuck to the original plan?

Nintendo also got a major sales data boon as the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 1.6 million in the United States alone. Mario Kart World also performed super well, and even third-party titles like Deltarune, Cyberpunk 2077, and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma had standout numbers. Not to mention, the Pokémon Presents had some interesting reveals for what's out now and what's to come in the future.

Plus, Sean has spent even more time with Donkey Kong Bananza, Sony sues Tencent over copying the Horizon series, the Elden Ring franchise just keeps making bank, Final Fantasy Tactics is actually a remake for an interesting reason, a Star Wars Outlaws sequel got canceled, and much more!

You can also watch this episode in video form on the W2M Network Youtube Channel, please give us a like, comment on the episode, and give the channel a subscribe and follow as well: https://youtube.com/live/VyERJctOR6A

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5361143667490816

Listen as a podcast and give us a review on these platforms...

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ag/podcast/video-games-2-the-max/id886092740
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wjd0u3xO7TdAm4gKRM44L
Amazon: https://www.audible.com/pd/Video-Games-2-the-MAX-Podcast/B08JJPTZTW
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/video-games-2-the-max-181386
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/?podId=2465904
IHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-video-games-2-the-m-28438312/

Check out other W2M Network Shows

Latest Otalku Cafe Episode (Anime): https://youtube.com/live/IiS06Q7HrCc

Radulich in Broadcasting's Jurassic Park Rebirth Review: https://youtube.com/live/oiBc-Yt7v7E

Radulich in Broadcasting's Disney Pixar's Elio Review: https://youtube.com/live/F7aF9fx3w-s

Follow on X (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram & Tiktok

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Sean on Bluesky:

Each week on Video Games 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer brings his perspective as a longtime veteran of games journalism to the table. He’s often joined by semi-regular co-host and seasoned reviewer Marc Morrison, or sometimes a guest, for conversations that dig into the entire world of interactive entertainment. The discussion naturally flows from the games they’re currently playing and reviewing into the biggest news stories shaping the industry. Every episode also carves out space for a deeper dive on a special topic, giving the analysis room to breathe beyond just the headlines. Given that games don't exist in a vacuum, the dialogue occasionally branches into related films and television shows, all filtered through a gamer's lens. This isn't a rushed recap; it's a considered chat between knowledgeable voices who have been around the block. The result is a podcast that feels like sitting in on a conversation between friends who just happen to have a wealth of experience. You’ll hear genuine opinions, informed debates, and the kind of context that only comes from years of paying close attention. Whether it's a blockbuster release or a niche indie title, the focus remains on thoughtful commentary over simple hype. Tune in for a comprehensive, yet personal, take on everything happening in gaming and the pop culture that intersects with it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Video Games 2 the MAX
Podcast Episodes
XBOX Games Showcase 2026 Reactions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:47
The other major showcase of Summer Game Fest is always the Xbox Games Showcase, and this is significant because it is the first one headed up by new XBOX CEO Asha Sharma. Sean and Marc give their reactions to the Xbox Sh…
Summer Game Fest 2026 Showcase Reactions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:34
The Summer Game Showcase 2026 season is underway. Of course, the major one is the Geoff Keighley main show, along with Day of the Devs, the MIX Summer Game Showcase, Latin American Games, and Women-Led Games SGF Edition,…
PlayStation State of Play Reactions, New Call of Duty Announced # 496 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:41
Marvel's Wolverine and ended with the reveal of the latest God of War title, God of War: Laufey. What did Sean and Marc think of the showcase as a whole? Was there anything else that caught their eye? Not surprising but…
007 First Light Impressions, Steam Deck Price Increases # 495 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
On an unintended Wednesday evening episode, Sean and Marc discuss the big game release of the week with 007 First Light, as Marc has been playing it and has plenty of thoughts. Sean's also played a brand new indie Pokémo…
Forza Horizon 6's Big Launch, PlayStation Bringing Back Old IP # 494 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:23
Forza Horizon 6 from Playground Games, one of 2026's biggest releases, is finally out for everyone to play, and it's already setting critical and financial milestones. Although Sean didn't get to play it yet, he and Marc…
The Mixtape Controversy, Mortal Kombat II Movie Thoughts # 493 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:44
They say controversy creates cash, and by-in-large that's mostly true but sometimes it can also just create a crapstorm on the internet as well. Of course, we are talking about Mixtape the newest title from Beethoven & D…
Saros Impressions, Gamestop Wants to Buy Ebay # 492 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:11
Apologies for the one-day delay, but Sean and Marc are here to discuss what's going on in the world of video games this week. PlayStation had one of their two major releases drop in Housemarque's Saros, and Sean's been p…
Xbox is Back! And Game Pass Drops in Price Too # 491 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:52
What a difference a week makes, after all the rumors, speculation, and talk, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass has dropped to $22.99 and $13.99, respectively, and Xbox CEO (yes, the team is also calle…