On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're at Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine, California, and we're sitting down with the head of it all: Johanna Faries! We're discussing all of the big updates going on during the company's 35th year anniversary, what it's like to lead such a massive and long-standing company full of creative teams, and of course, the return of BlizzCon.

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Blizzard is in its 35th year. How are you and the team feeling now that the spotlights are out and now that the year is off and running?

02:14 Blizzard Showcase video

03:58 So now that you've been with Blizzard for a couple of years, what would you like people to know about you?

05:32 You've got some major anniversaries this year. The way things lined up with all of these big announcements, was it serendipity or did every team decide to go all in for the 35th anniversary?

07:29 What was the story behind dropping the 2 in Overwatch?

08:58 So, Blizzard is in its 35th year, when you think about the vision for this company, How far down the road do you look?

10:50 Let's talk Blizzcon 2026

13:02 What are you most excited about that is coming down the line here this year?

14:42 Outro

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On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're thrilled to have the Diablo team in-studio with us to discuss the franchise's 30th anniversary and the release of the Warlock across both Diablo IV and Diablo 2: Resurrected! We're also digging in on some of the big updates you can expect with the release of Lord of Hatred in April and beyond in what is shaping up to be a massive year for the team.

00:00 Introduction

01:15 What does the big 3-0 mean to the two of you, and what does it mean to the team?

02:32 Let's talk about what's new, you're releasing a new Warlock Class?

05:05 What's it like building a new class for a game like Diablo that's been around for 30 years?

06:50 What are some of the differences between the Warlock for Diablo II: Resurrected and also for Diablo IV?

09:23 The Warlock in Diablo II: Resurrected is now available on Game Pass for the first time. How excited are you to have it be available for so many more people now?

10:43 Diablo II: Resurrected has all new updates, including loot filters and Terror Zones?

13:25 So let's look ahead to April, what's new with Diablo IV?

14:13 What's the feedback been like on the Paladin?

15:30 So, Diablo IV has some stellar cinematics, what can you tell us about the story behind Lord of Hatred?

17:47 What can you share about the new mechanics, War Plans, and overall customization?

19:37 Skill tree deep dive

22:41 Diablo community

24:15 More ahead - Blizzcon 26 and Diablo's 30th anniversary

25:36 What are you most excited for the community to experience?

28:38 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're so excited to have the Overwatch team in studio with us! We're talking about game's 10-year anniversary, diving deep into the new heroes, and getting information on the story. We're also looking ahead to what will be a massive year for both the franchise and Blizzard as a whole.

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Overwatch is having its 10th anniversary this year. How is the Overwatch team there at Blizzard feeling about the last ten years and about this big year to come?

02:47 There's a name change with Overwatch 2 going back to Overwatch? What was the thought behind it? How’s this going to work?

03:28 Along with that change, there are some other changes as well when it comes to how you’re handling seasons moving forward, right?

03:55 Season 1 is launching on February 10th, and that’s starting off

something huge for Overwatch, right?

04:17 Talon is seeing some leadership changes at the top. Doomfist is no longer in control, right?

04:57 New heroes coming to Overwatch. This year we’re getting 10 new heroes overall, which is more than triple what we get normally in the year. Five of those are dropping during season 1?

06:53 Domina deep dive

09:07 Two new DPS, let's start with Emre.

10:43 Anran deep dive

12:34 Mizuki deep dive

14:54 Jet Pack Cat deep dive

17:51 We know our roles of DPS, Tank, and Support, but you guys are rolling out Sub-Roles and Passives as well?

20:37 Visually, the game is getting a bit of an update with the UI and some engine advancements.

21:43 Plus new Post-Match Accolades?

22:48 What can you share about the new cosmetics, and if you can, which one is your favorite?

23:36 For you two, personally, what’s the thing you’re most excited for players to get to experience over this upcoming year?

26:15 Final thoughts?

28:00 Do you have favorite heroes or villains?

29:12 Outro

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On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're sitting down with none other than Hamaguchi san to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. And once you're done watching the episode, make sure to go download the demo so you can start playing right now.

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Partnership with Xbox

04:42 How excited are you and the team?

05:28 What can player expect from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade?

07:32 Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - Episode INTERmission

08:15 Streamlined progression

10:22 Phil Spncer and Xbox ROG Ally X

12:30 What are you most excited for players to experience?

13:33 Demo out now

13:58 Outro

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It's one of the biggest nights in gaming, and on this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we are in Los Angeles and getting ready for The Game Awards. Matt Booty is here along with a who's-who of guests, including Guillaume Provost, Feargus Urquhart, and more, all to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while looking forward to the awards show and beyond.

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Matt Booty

09:10 Compulsion Games

19:22 Obsidian Entertainment

24:36 iD Software

37:05 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're visiting Obsidian Entertainment as they're getting ready to release their awesome action RPG, The Outer Worlds 2. We're diving deep into Arcadia and learning all about each faction's unique and reactive radio stations, including how the original songs, ads, skits, and eccentric DJs all add flavor, feel, guidance, and lore to this story-driven game.

00:00 Introduction

01:07 Walk and talk with Brandon

02:24 What are you most excited for players to experience?

03:04 What is Outer Worlds 2?

04:19 Sitting down with Leonard and Brandon

05:00 What does it mean to be a Creative Director?

06:56 Radio talk and the inspiration to have it in the game

08:51 What are some of the radio stations?

10:56 What was it like playing the game internally and interpreting the propaganda of each radio station?

12:20 What was the writing and casting process for the radio DJs?

14:20 Reactivity with the radio stations

18:54 The conversational Moon Man Menu

21:20 What is your favorite ad, PSA, or song from Outer Worlds 2?

23:59 What are you most excited to see?

26:57 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're in Tokyo, Japan, and we're sitting down with the folks from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames to discuss the return of the legendary series, Ninja Gaiden 4. We're diving deep into the visceral, fast-paced, and challenging combat that's made the franchise iconic, while also talking about how Team Ninja and PlatinumGames have come together to create one of the most anticipated games of the year.

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Storytelling and cinematic moments

03:46 Character Insights

05:35 Difficulty settings and customization

10:30 Ninja Coin

12:36 Are there any challenges for the speedrunning community?

14:33 Ryu and Yakumo’s swords brought into real life

15:44 Do either have a dream weapon for Yakumo or Ryu wield?

16:44 Ninja Gaiden 4 on the ROG Xbox Ally

17:29 Custom controllers

18:50 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're in Tokyo, Japan, and Jeff is hanging out with Sarah Bond and Mena Kato to talk all things Tokyo Game Show 2025. We're recapping the show, talking about the games we're most excited about, and highlighting the exciting diversity of games from Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and more!

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Xbox's momentum in Asia

02:18 Players reactions in Asia

03:41 Game highlights

06:02 Asian pop culture collaborations

07:17 Xbox's deepening engagement with game creators in Japan

and around Asia

07:49 Xbox's presence at TGS

08:19 Bounty of riches for Xbox fans and Game Pass subscribers

09:25 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're in San Francisco, California at Double Fine Productions, and we’re getting an inside look at the highly anticipated game, Keeper. We get to play the game, and then, we sit down and talk to a few of the devs about this beautiful and weird third-person adventure game all about connection and growth.

00:00 Introduction

01:16 What is Keeper?

02:11 What does it mean to play a lighthouse?

05:02 Puzzles

06:38 Where did the inspiration come from?

07:55 Building the emotional connection between Twig and the Lighthouse

10:43 How to tell a story without dialogue or traditional HUD

12:36 "Weird but chill" vibe

15:03 Aesthetic inspiration

19:31 Special area of gameplay

21:37 Building emotions with music

24:54 Game design

28:15 What are you most excited for players to experience?

31:09 Final thoughts

32:01 Outro

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In this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we have Matty and Mikey in from Squanch Games to talk about one of our most anticipated sequels, High On Life 2. We're going to dive deep into the comedy of the game, how they come up with all of those eclectic weapons we know and love, the look and feel of world, and how the studio is turning around this follow up only three years after the first.

00:00 Introduction

03:00 How are you holding up?

04:47 How did you turn around a sequel so quickly?

07:44 Comedy

13:43 Artistic style differences between High On Life and the sequel

15:34 ConCon at Gamescon

17:53 Hub system

22:27 Writing for the game

23:33 Celebrity voice actors

25:39 Gun design

27:10 Balancing guns and characters

29:00 Will Kenny be in the sequel?

30:05 What are you most excited about in High On Life 2?

33:03 Final thoughts

34:31 Outro

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On this episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, we're at Gamescom in Germany, and we're diving deep into the weird and eclectic game, There Are No Ghosts at The Grand. This game has everything! From creative decorating to spooky mysteries, FPS battles to puzzle solving, and even singing! Yes, singing! But probably not ghosts... right?

00:00 Introduction

00:53 What is No Ghosts at the Grand?

02:04 Power tools

03:47 Player choice

04:50 Beyond the hotel

05:52 The musical of it all

08:08 Supernatural secrets

10:43 New uses for power tools

11:36 Day and night cycle

12:43 Unrevealed game mechanics

14:27 How is there so much in this game?

16:45 Can you decorate anywhere?

17:46 Unique exploration areas

19:36 Final thoughts

20:17 Outro

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