What is Going on At Bungie? # 409

What is Going on At Bungie? # 409

Author: Sean Garmer August 9, 2024 Duration: 1:26:00
In our latest episode, what has been a rather sour week of gaming with major layoffs in two different gaming industry sectors, amid more disappointing figures for Xbox on the Console side, games not selling well enough and yeah... just less than wonderful news in general. Sean is joined by Randy Isbelle on this episode to discuss all of these things, and also actual video games too.

Firstly, Bungie is in some major trouble as the company once again lays off employees, seems to be losing more autonomy, not to mention, suffering from internal mismanagement in its scope with projects. Where does the blame lie in this whole thing and how much of it is on Bungie CEO Pete Parsons who's come under fire for his own spending lavish habits. Should Sony be rueing this decision to buy Bungie? And can they turn this ship around at all? As reports suggest this was happening no matter how well Destiny 2's Final Shape expansion performed.

Also, Game Informer closes after 33 years in being a lightning rod and wonderful beacon of gaming journalism. Effectively, being the last major gaming magazine in the United States. The guys share their memories of game informer, while also discussing Gamestop's role in this, and if there is still hope for gaming journalism as whole?

Plus, Sean and Randy have been hooked on Supermarket Simulator, they also discuss EA College Football 25, if Microsoft is pretty much admitting that Xbox consoles are a luxury and that their main focus lies elsewhere, bad news for those waiting on Avowed, and 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/7tiBpt4DDHE

- If you prefer podcasts: Listen 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/

- Follow on X (Twitter): -

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague
W2M Network on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork

- Other Social Media -

Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@w2mnetwork2
Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w2mnetwork/
Follow Us on Facebook:

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…