Welcome to The Expansion Pass (XP) — your place for clear, thoughtful discussions on gaming without the console-war noise.
Hosted by Luke Lohr (InsipidGhost) and Captain Logun, XP covers the biggest stories in gaming across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, and Game Pass through weekly news analysis, in-depth reviews, and long-form developer interviews.
Formerly Xbox Expansion Pass, the show has evolved into a multiplatform gaming podcast while staying rooted in the strategy, ecosystem, and conversations that built it.
With 150+ interviews featuring developers, journalists, and studio leads — from AAA to indie — XP offers a grounded perspective on how games are made, why decisions happen, and where the industry is headed. Guests include creators from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Respawn, id Software, Ninja Theory, Blizzard, Asobo, Remedy, and more.
What You’ll Hear on XP
• Weekly gaming and industry news
• Hands-on previews and spoiler-free reviews
• Interviews with developers, journalists, and industry veterans
• Coverage of Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, and Game Pass
• Honest analysis grounded in experience and respect for players
Why Listeners Come to XP
• Clear takes
• No console-war noise
• Insightful, professional coverage
• A welcoming gaming community
• Industry-level conversations made accessible
Whether you're here for gaming news, developer insight, or thoughtful commentary on a changing industry, The Expansion Pass (XP) delivers high-quality coverage every week.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more.
Subscribe and join the XP community — and enjoy gaming discussions built on clarity, passion, and respect.
Episodes
Jan 14, 2026
Jan 14, 2026
1 hr 4 min
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
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!
Jan 10, 2026
Jan 10, 2026
1 hr 28 min
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
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!
Jan 3, 2026
Jan 3, 2026
2 hr 4 min
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
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!
Dec 20, 2025
Dec 20, 2025
1 hr 40 min
#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!
Dec 7, 2025
Dec 7, 2025
1 hr 17 min
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 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!
0:00 Words of Kindness and Community Support! 💪 7:45 Game Pass Game Changer: Expedition 33's HUGE Impact! 🚀 15:30 AAA Gaming's Tough Times: Why Big Budgets Are Struggling 🤔 20:45 Unpacking Xbox's Crossover Conundrum: Red Tape & Missed Opportunities? 🎮 26:50 Netflix Buys WB: What This Means for Gaming (and Why It's Scary!) 🚨 41:30 Game Pass Update: Big Wins & Surprising Exits! 💥 48:30 Game Awards Predictions: Xbox's Big Night? 🏆 1:04:00 The Future of Xbox: Game Pass Beyond Consoles? 🌍 1:11:45: Wrapping Up: Our Take on Gaming's Hottest Topics 🔥
Nov 30, 2025
Nov 30, 2025
1 hr 28 min
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 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!
Nov 22, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
1 hr 33 min
#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 (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!
Nov 16, 2025
Nov 16, 2025
1 hr 17 min
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-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!
Nov 4, 2025
Nov 4, 2025
1 hr 15 min
#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-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!
Nov 1, 2025
Nov 1, 2025
1 hr 24 min
#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/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!