EP. 211 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup, EVO Controversy, Bluepoint Games Closed episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 1H 16M

EP. 211 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup, EVO Controversy, Bluepoint Games Closed

from Spectator Mode Gaming Podcast · host Spectator Mode Podcast

Send us Fan MailOn Spectator Mode Podcast episode 211, we discuss major Xbox shakeup as Phil Spencer retires, Sarah Bond exits, and Microsoft appoints a former AI executive to lead the brand.We also dive into the controversy surrounding North America’s biggest fighting game tournament now being owned by Saudi investors, and why much of the FGC is pushing back. On top of that, we discuss Sony shutting down Bluepoint Games, the long-awaited return of .hack, and Bungie’s aggressive new plans to combat cheaters ahead of Marathon. It is a packed episode with a lot to unpack.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro / What we've been playing lately.10:54 - .hack returns (.hack//Z.E.R.O)24:07 - Sony shuts down Bluepoint Games35:08 - Bungie Details Anti-Cheat Plans for Its Extraction Shooter Marathon45:49 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup1:06:10 - RTS fully owns EVO now1:15:03 - Stop Making Steam Machine Videos That Ignore Reality1:16:23 - OutroThanks for listening, and please, if you enjoy the show, leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Music.Spotify – spoti.fi/2HsmTZ8Apple Music – https://apple.co/43Bz67AYouTube – Youtube.com/theouterhavenAmazon Music – https://amzn.to/3FE4bPMAnd if you have questions for us or want us to discuss a topic, let us know by contacting us at [email protected] the showYou can find the Spectator Mode podcast on the following podcast platforms. Please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast, as it will go a long watch in more people discovering us. Thank you!Apple PodcastsYouTubeSpotifyAmazon Music

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Send us Fan Mail On Spectator Mode Podcast episode 211, we discuss major Xbox shakeup as Phil Spencer retires, Sarah Bond exits, and Microsoft appoints a former AI executive to lead the brand. We also dive into the controversy surrounding North America’s biggest fighting game tournament now being owned by Saudi investors, and why much of the FGC is pushing back. On top of that, we discuss Sony shutting down Bluepoint Games, the long-awaited return of .hack, and Bungie’s aggressive new plans t...

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EP. 211 - Xbox Leadership Shakeup, EVO Controversy, Bluepoint Games Closed

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