Game Pass “Too Expensive?”, PS5 vs Switch 2 & Metro 2039 Revealed | XEP 317
19/04/2026 | 1h 40 mins.
This week on The Expansion Pass, we’re breaking down one of the most important shifts happening in gaming right now.
Is Xbox Game Pass becoming too expensive?
New data shows subscription spending is rising fast—but Xbox leadership is already signaling concern about pricing and long-term value. Meanwhile, PlayStation continues its steady approach with PS Plus, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 is helping drive major hardware growth.
We also dive into Metro 2039’s reveal and how real-world events are shaping its story in a major way.
Xbox at 25: Seamus Blackley Interivew on Xbox, AI’s Impact & Gaming’s Future
11/04/2026 | 1h 44 mins.
To celebrate 25 years of Xbox, we’re joined by Seamus Blackley — widely known as the father of Xbox.
In this episode, we revisit the creation of the original Xbox, the risks it took to break into the industry, and how those early decisions shaped modern gaming.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there.
We dive into the growing role of AI in game development, how it could reshape creativity, production, and player experiences, and whether the industry is prepared for what’s coming next.
From cloud gaming and shifting business models to the balance between innovation and financial pressure, this is a wide-ranging discussion on where gaming is headed—and what it may lose along the way.
Xbox at 25: Ed Fries on Halo, Risk, and the Future of Gaming
08/04/2026 | 1h 19 mins.
Xbox didn’t start as a sure thing—and according to Ed Fries, it almost didn’t happen at all.
In this episode, we’re joined by Ed Fries, former Vice President of Microsoft Game Studios and one of the key figures behind the original Xbox, as he reflects on 25 years of Xbox, the risks it took to get off the ground, and how the industry has changed since.
We discuss:
Why Xbox was such an unlikely bet inside Microsoft
The moment it finally felt real
How Halo helped define the platform
What Xbox got right—and what it missed
Why the “gaming is dying” narrative doesn’t hold up
Where the industry is actually growing
How AI is already changing game development
Ed also shares his perspective on modern Xbox leadership, the shift from console to platform, and what the future of gaming may look like.
If you’re interested in how Xbox was built—and where the industry may be heading, check this out.
👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise. 🔊 iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV | Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa 🎧 Join us live Saturdays on YouTube
Xbox has officially locked in its biggest moment of the year — and it could define the future of the platform.
This week, we break down the confirmed Xbox Games Showcase and the full Gears of War: E-Day Direct, what it means for Xbox’s identity moving forward, and why this feels like a true turning point.
We also dive into a long-awaited update on State of Decay 3, including its alpha rollout and what it signals about Xbox’s first-party pipeline.
But the biggest story may be happening behind the scenes — a growing RAM shortage driven by AI demand that could impact console pricing, handheld gaming, and the entire industry.
Plus:
PlayStation’s current strategy and recent decisions
Sony’s AI direction and what it means for studios
Nintendo’s quiet positioning and the future of Switch
This isn’t just a news week — it’s a snapshot of where gaming is heading next.
Xbox Is a “Pain” for Developers? Dave Oshry on Console Struggles | XP Interview
02/04/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
Dave Oshry (New Blood Interactive — DUSK, Ultrakill) breaks down why developing for Xbox can be a challenge for indie teams.
From backend systems to certification delays, Oshry explains how console publishing differs from PC—and why some developers still see friction in the process.
This clip highlights the realities of modern game development, platform differences, and the trade-offs studios face when bringing games to console.
👉 Clear takes. No console-war noise. 🔊 iTunes: apple.co/2OL6SSV | Spotify: spoti.fi/33gSiXa 📅 Timestamps are in the chapters below 🎧 Join us live Saturdays on YouTube 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — we read them all.
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.
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