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
State of Play February 2026 Reactions # 480 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
PlayStation had its big one-hour-long State of Play with a lot of announcements including a whole section from Konami with some big surprises. Sony also showed off its slate with Ghost of Yotei Legends, Saros, Marathon,…
Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Thoughts, More Ubisoft Chaos # 478 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:14
The slam of winter weather caused Sean and Marc to delay the podcast recording this week. Still, we are here discussing what's going on in gaming, which is predominantly focused on two entities, Xbox and Ubisoft. Xbox ha…
What's Going on at Ubisoft? Is VR Gaming in Trouble? # 477 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:01
Sadly, the bad news has begun early in 2026 as Meta has closed several of their VR studios and issued layoffs at others, raising the question of whether there should be concern about the viability of Virtual Reality as a…
2026 Gaming Anniversaries, The Playground Xbox Direct # 476 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:55
It's our first regular episode of Video Games 2 the MAX for the year, and already there's plenty to discuss and celebrate as well, as Sean and Marc bring up the 2026 Gaming anniversaries, this includes: The Legend of Zel…
2026 Gaming Predictions & Most Anticipated Games of 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:17
We've officially begun the new year of 2026, and with that comes the outlook for the year, and of course, when it comes to gaming, the most important part of that is the actual games. Sean and Randy will give their thoug…
Best Games of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:40
It's that time of the year for the unveiling of our Best Games of 2025. Sean, Randy, and Marc ranked their Top 15 games, the math was done, and now it is time to discuss why they are ranked where they are and to reveal t…
Xbox 2025 Report Card, A.I. Already Overtaking Gaming # 475 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:26
Well, we brought it up last week, and this episode will finalize our series by looking back at the year that was for the three major console makers, as it's now Xbox's turn to get its 2025 Report Card. Sean and Marc go t…
Nintendo 2025 Report Card, Ghost of Yotei Impressions # 474 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:31
Post Game Awards 2025, it feels as though we may as well join in on winding down and starting to look at the year that was. Although our GOTY episode is still a few weeks away, we are continuing our series on giving our…
The Game Awards 2025 Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
Awards season officially kicks into high gear with The Game Awards 2025 event. Geoff Keighley's combination of ceremony with major game announcements happened, and Sean and Marc have their thoughts on the event, the anno…