Xbox Developer Direct 2025 Discussion, FFVII Rebirth PC Impressions # 430

Xbox Developer Direct 2025 Discussion, FFVII Rebirth PC Impressions # 430

Author: Sean Garmer January 28, 2025 Duration: 1:54:10
Microsoft and Xbox hit heavily in the last week with their annual Xbox Developer Direct showcasing their three known games and also announced the surprises of Ninja Gaiden 4 with Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo, and PlatinumGames, and the shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden II Black as well. Is this the best edition of the Developer Direct? How excited are Sean and Marc after seeing more on these games?

Phil Spencer also did a few podcast interviews in which he both cemented and reiterated the direction of Xbox going forward, could this "everything is an Xbox" actually end up working out for the brand? And is there anything left to innovate on a console that could make the next Xbox worth purchasing?

Plus, the Horizon MMO game is rumored to be canceled by NCSoft, Ted Price retires after 30 years at Insomniac Games and is replaced by three CEOs, Ubisoft has some big layoffs, Marc has impressions on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC, and much more on this big news edition of Video Games 2 the MAX!

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/YWMR5K8SkPo

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/azWmbIV8kHQ

Radulich in Broadcasting's Wolf Man Movie Review: https://youtube.com/live/7NOTvXJv9uc

Radulich in Broadcasting's Star Wars Skeleton Crew Review: https://youtube.com/live/m7LVYu9dEC8

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

Sean on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/W2MSean
Sean on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/w2msean.bsky.social
Sean on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sgarmer05
Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgarmer05/
Marc on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HumanityPlague

Follow Us on all W2M Network Social Media

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/w2mnetwork
Follow us on Instagram:

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…