The Expansion Pass

Nintendo Welcomes Xbox, Hardware Sales Dip & Epic’s Storefront Push | XEP 308

This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, the conversation centers on how quickly the gaming industry is shifting — and what that means for hardware, platforms, and players.

A Nintendo Direct packed with Xbox-adjacent announcements signals just how normalized multi-platform publishing has become. At the same time, new data shows hardware sales continuing to slide across the industry, even as engagement and monthly active users remain strong.

The discussion also digs into the Epic Games Store’s record year, what multiple storefronts could mean for future Xbox hardware, and why competition — not exclusivity — may be the defining force of the next generation.

Additional topics include:

• Xbox titles becoming expected on Nintendo platforms

• Why engagement now matters more than boxes sold

• The risks and rewards of pricing games at $70+

• Live-service optics vs actual game quality

• What a Windows-based future could mean for consoles

👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise.
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Support XEP:
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

Follow & Contact:
BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost
BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun
Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

More XEP & Friends:
Keelhauled – A Sea of Thieves Podcast: https://captlogun.podbean.com

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Hardware Sales Drop, AI Anxiety & Highguard’s Launch Reality Check | XEP 307

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 like Project Genie are reshaping (and worrying) developers, and whether Highguard launched too early after its big-stage reveal.

We also share what we’ve been playing, including Dead by Daylight’s Stranger Things crossover.

👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise.
🔊 iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV | Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa
🎧 Join us live Saturdays on YouTube
💬 Share your thoughts — we read them all.

Support XEP:
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

Follow & Contact:
BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost
BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun
Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

More XEP & Friends:
Keelhauled – A Sea of Thieves Podcast: https://captlogun.podbean.com

Review the show:
If you enjoy XEP, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s one of the best ways to support the show. Thank you! 

Ian Proulx on Splitgate’s Reset, Arena Reloaded, and Lessons Learned | XEP Interview

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 reset and relaunch the game as Splitgate: Arena Reloaded. From there, the conversation shifts into gameplay philosophy, retention metrics, portal accessibility, monetization, and what “stabilizing” the game actually means heading into 2026.

This is a thoughtful, direct conversation about course correction, leadership, and rebuilding trust — without framing anyone as a villain or a victim.

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Topics discussed include:

• The Summer Game Fest moment and how it reshaped the Splitgate conversation

• Lessons learned from that period and what Ian would do differently

• Why building a sequel is different than building a new IP

• Where Splitgate 2 missed player expectations

• The decision to pull the game back and reset

• Arena Reloaded’s refocus on classic arena gameplay

• Arena Royale explained

• Retention, requeue rate, and how 1047 measures success

• Portal balance and accessibility tools

• Monetization philosophy and rebuilding player trust

• Performance, polish, and the quality bar moving forward

👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise.

Support XEP:
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

Follow & Contact:
BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost
BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun
Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

More XEP & Friends:
Keelhauled – A Sea of Thieves Podcast: https://captlogun.podbean.com

Review the show:
If you enjoy XEP, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s one of the best ways to support the show. Thank you!

 

Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Breakdown: Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Big Game Pass Updates | XEP 306

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 generations for.

We also react to Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation, Double Fine’s clay-brawler Kiln, and the wider 2026 slate including Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, State of Decay 3, and Clockwork Revolution. Along the way we talk Game Pass value with big third-party adds like Death Stranding Director’s Cut and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, plus how Xbox is handling $70+ pricing in a rough economy.

In the back half of the show we answer a community question about which cancelled game we’d resurrect and who we’d want making it (yes, Scalebound and StarCraft: Ghost show up), touch on Arc Raiders’ surprise success, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade coming to Xbox with a limited Play Anywhere bonus, and share a few thoughts on Riot’s 2XKO, cross-media crossovers like Stranger Things in Dead by Daylight, and the future of Xbox on PC and handhelds.

Clear takes. No console-war noise. Xbox-forward discussion hosted by Luke Lohr (Insipid Ghost) and Captain Logun.

Support XEP:
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

Follow & Contact:
BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost
BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun
Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

More XEP & Friends:
Keelhauled – A Sea of Thieves Podcast: https://captlogun.podbean.com

Review the show:
If you enjoy XEP, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify — it’s one of the best ways to support the show. Thank you!

 

Topics This Week

• Xbox Developer Direct 2026 recap
• Fable’s huge showing and new release window
• Forza Horizon 6’s pricing, editions, and Japan setting
• Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation
• Double Fine’s Kiln
• Death Stranding and Space Marine 2 on Game Pass
• State of Decay 3 development updates
• Clockwork Revolution ambitions
• Gears and Halo release window speculation
• High Guard, Arc Raiders, FF7 Intergrade
• 2XKO, Riot’s expanding lineup
• Community questions and more

 

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun 

Check out Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast for more Sea of Thieves content.

If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify - it's one of the best way to support the show. Thank you!

GUNNAR Optiks CEO Joe Croft Talks Fallout Lucky 38, Major Gaming IPs, and the Future of Gaming Eyewear | XEP Interview

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, DC, and Marvel.

We also discuss how gaming partnerships actually happen, the surprising role 50 Cent played in connecting GUNNAR to Infinity Ward, and why eyewear matters more than most players realize.

Support XEP on Patreon

Follow Us:

BlueSky: @InsipidGhost
BlueSky: @CaptLogun

Contact:

InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Related Show:

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

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XEP 305: Forza Horizon 6 Leak, Xbox Developer Direct Preview, and Industry Layoffs

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 E-Day, Halo Campaign Evolved, Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox, and the newest Game Pass releases. A focused look at the biggest Xbox and gaming stories of the week.

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun 

Check out Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast for more Sea of Thieve's content.

If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify - it's one of the best way to support the show. Thank you!

 

 

Jason Schreier on GTA VI, Game Industry Layoffs & Studio Closures | XEP Interview

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 development in 2026. Insight on budgets, delays, leadership decisions, and the future of AAA games.

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch

Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Blue Sky: @CaptLogun 

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

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XEP 304: Xbox Dev Direct 2026 Leaked | Fable Deep Dive | Avowed Goes to PS5

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. Hosted by Luke Lohr, THE InsipidGhost, and Captain Logun.

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch

Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Blue Sky: @CaptLogun 

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

XEP 303: The AAA Model Is Cracking | Our Favorite Games of 2025 & What We’re Excited for in 2026

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. We also discuss the growing frustration around hardware costs, $80 games, and why many players simply want games that “just work.”

Plus, we share our most anticipated games of 2026—including Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Wolverine, and GTA 6—and answer community questions about emotional storytelling, digital libraries, and the future of gaming ecosystems.

Thoughtful discussion, no console-war noise.

Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass

XEP Merch: https://wren-works.myshopify.com/collections/xbox-expansion-pass-merch

Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Blue Sky: @CaptLogun 

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!

XEP 302: Xbox Steps Back From $80 Games | Game Pricing, Game Pass, and Industry Fallout

#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 latest platform updates—plus why the “ecosystem drip” might matter more than flashy headlines.

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 and analyzing how they impact the Xbox ecosystem. Luke Lohr and Captain Logun discuss various topics throughout the industry. The guests on the show are meant to help gamers expand their knowledge of the gaming industry.

Blue Sky: @InsipidGhost 

Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com

Blue Sky: @CaptLogun 

Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast

Please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. It is the best way to support the show. Thank you!