The Expansion Pass

Hardware sales are down across the gaming industry, developers are pushing back on generative AI, and we take a clear-eyed look at Highguard’s launch — from its strong debut to its rapid drop-off. On this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down what a late-generation slowdown actually means for consoles, why Xbox is increasingly judged by ecosystem reach rather than boxes sold, how tools lik...

In this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (Insipid Ghost) sits down with Ian Proulx, CEO and co-founder of 1047 Games, for a candid discussion about Splitgate’s past year, the Summer Game Fest moment, and the lessons learned along the way. Ian reflects on the challenges of building a sequel versus a new IP, why Splitgate 2 missed expectations for some players, and the difficult decision to...

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 and what it tells us about Xbox’s near-term future. We dig into Forza Horizon 6’s Japan setting, release date, and controversial $120 Premium Edition pricing, and then pivot to a deep dive on the Fable reboot — combat, morality systems, NPC simulation, and why this could finally be the RPG Xbox fans have waited two gene...

In this episode, Luke speaks with GUNNAR Optiks CEO Joe Croft about the company’s two decades in gaming, their collaborations with top studios, and how gaming eyewear is evolving. Joe shares insight into their upcoming Fallout: New Vegas “Lucky 38” collaboration, the brand-new Visor uni-lens shield arriving in 2026, and which major IPs GUNNAR is already in talks with — including Halo, Gears, Doom,...

This week on the Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down the reported Forza Horizon 6 leak, preview the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, and cover the latest industry layoffs impacting Meta, Ubisoft, Unity, and multiple VR studios. We examine new Alinea Analytics data on how Xbox titles are performing on PlayStation, react to the Resident Evil Requiem showcase, and discuss updates on Fable, Gears of War...

Jason Schreier on GTA VI, Game Industry Layoffs & Studio Closures — XEP Interview Jason Schreier joins XEP to break down the latest GTA VI news, the state of Rockstar’s development, and what “not content complete” really means for the game’s timeline. We also discuss major game industry layoffs, studio closures, and how shifting strategies at Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo are reshaping devel...

This episode breaks down the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 and what to expect from Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Xbox’s first major slate of the year. We also discuss Avowed’s PS5 launch, January’s Game Pass lineup, the latest Steam Machine details, Fallout and Bethesda updates, and how Xbox is positioning its 25th anniversary. Thoughtful, Xbox-forward conversations without the console-war noise. Hoste...

In this episode of Xbox Expansion Pass, we reflect on our favorite games of 2025 and what they reveal about where the industry is headed in 2026. We break down why smaller and mid-budget games like Arc Raiders, Avowed, Grounded 2, and South of Midnight connected so strongly, while the traditional AAA model continues to strain under rising budgets, longer development cycles, and higher price points...

#Xbox #TheGameAwards #GamePass This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down Xbox’s pricing pushback around The Outer Worlds 2, what The Game Awards reveals say about where hype lives now, and the bigger industry mood surrounding the show. We also dig into Remedy’s next Control project, Tomb Raider’s two-track future, Diablo IV’s next expansion beats (and the Paladin conversation), and Xbox’s la...

Luke Lohr is joined by Xbox Era's Jesse Norris and The Trophy Room's Mr. Bad Bit to discuss major Xbox Game Pass news as well as make predictions for Xbox's presence at this year's Game Awards. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to inte...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to celebrate episode 300 of the Xbox Expansion Pass! We've got the latest news on Xbox games entering into Game Pass, on Play Anywhere and the latest pricing rumors for next gen. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a pod...

#XboxPartnerPreview #xbox360 #gamingnews Luke Lohr and Captain Logun look back at the announcements coming out of the Xbox Partner Showcase as well as reminisce about the Xbox 360's launch and legacy as it celebrates 20 years. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XE...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss the surprise announcement of the new Valve Steam Machine. What does this mean for the next Xbox, PlayStation, and console market? Arc Raiders is lighting the gaming work on fire. Does it's use of AI hurt the industry or help it?   Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-...

#DeadByDaylight Luke Lohr sits down with Mathieu Cote (@DeadbyDaylightBHVR) the Head of Partnerships for Behavior Interactive to discuss how Dead By Daylight creates content for its players. Chapters, licensed IP, and development complexities are all up for discussion. Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pa...

#XboxNews #PlayStationNews #GamingNews Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to discuss the week's latest gaming news. Xbox is now fundamentally different and we know why. It looks like Xbox will be having more games, more showcases, and selling less and less hardware. How do we feel?  Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/x...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun are joined by  @JampackSam  to discuss the incredible reveal of Halo Campaign Evolved, an entirely remade Halo Combat Evolved campaign with new levels, AI integration, and a PlayStation release. Sam went hands on and shares his experiences. Phil Spencer speaks on AI use at Xbox Game Studios, and The Outer Worlds 2 reviews are in! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/Xb...

#GamingNews #Xbox #PlayStation Capt Logun is joined by Kevin TheMuffinMon  @SaveTheGameMedia  to talk about Keeper from Double Fine, games we're playing, opinions on the Xbox ROG Ally, and Ally X. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to i...

Luke Lohr is joined by Ainsley Bowden (  @SeasonedGaming  ) and Joseph Moran (  @PSTrophyRoom  Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast) to discuss the latest gaming news. Battlefield 6 has released to critical acclaim and immediate sales success. Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2 are all on deck for Xbox, and of course there is Xbox hardware news. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.c...

Luke Lohr interviews The Outer Worlds 2's Game Director Brandon Adler as well as Game Director Matt Singh. The two discuss Obsidian Entertainment's ( ‪@ObsidianEnt‬ ) The Outer Worlds 2's gameplay loop, design elements, collaborations with other studios, and improvements made on the original Outer Worlds. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works...

#XboxNews #GamingNews #XboxGamePass Luke Lohr and Captain Logun tackle the week's massive gaming news of yet another price increase for Xbox customers. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreting the goings on in the world of video games...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to discuss the week's gaming news including a very expensive ROG Xbox Ally, Forza Horizon 6's announcement, and all the news from the Tokyo Game Show. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcast dedicated to interpreti...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down with Jesse Norris of  @XboxEra  discuss the gaming news for the week. Xbox is AGAIN raising its prices due to tariffs and Microsoft is poised for a major announcement at Tokyo Game Show. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP)...

Luke Lohr and Captain Logun check out this week's gaming news including a pretty incredible launch for Borderlands 4. Xbox will be at Tokyo Game Show and of course, there are quite a few releases on the schedule. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch The Xbox Expansion Pass (XEP) is a podcas...

#GamingNews #XboxNews #PlayStationNews Luke Lohr and Captain Logun sit down to discuss the week's gaming news including Hollow Knight Silksong's launch and subsequent crashing of storefronts. Helldivers continues to impress on Xbox, we have a look at the new James Bond from Hitman developer IO Interactive, and Borderlands 4 arrives next week. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpans...

#GamingNews #XboxNews #PlayStationNews Luke Lohr is joined by friends of the show Chipotlebear and Mr. Bad Bit from around the community to discuss this week's gaming news including a lazy port of Gears of War, Helldivers 2 breaking records everywhere, and reports of the next Sony PlayStation. Enjoy! Support XEP:  https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass XEP Merch:  https://wren-works.myshopify.c...