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…
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GTA 6 has been hacked again—and this time Take-Two is going after the source. Microsoft and Discord have been pulled into the investigation as Rockstar faces yet another major leak surrounding gaming's most anticipated release. Meanwhile, Xbox is changing how it does business. Microsoft has stopped providing digital sales data to Circana, PlayStation and Steam logos are disappearing from Xbox…
The E-Day beta is drawing impressive numbers, including an estimated 1.2 million Xbox players, while Steam engagement has already surpassed recent Gears releases. Luke and Captain Logun break down what the early response means for Gears, whether Siege could broaden the franchise's audience, and why Xbox needs to capitalize on the opportunity. Plus, we dig into the first hands-on impressions of…
Xbox is making major changes to backward compatibility, Achievements, game preservation, and the overall Xbox experience — while Gears of War: E-Day may be shaping up to be something special. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Xbox’s expanding backward compatibility plans, including what they could mean for original Xbox and Xbox 360 games across console and…
One of the biggest Xbox releases of the year is almost here, and Jampack Sam joins us after going hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day. We break down everything he learned from the multiplayer preview, including Horde Siege, weapon customization, PvP, classes, progression, and whether The Coalition has found the right balance between classic Gears and modern gameplay. We also dive into Microsoft's…
Andrew Hulshult has become one of the defining composers of modern FPS games, with credits including DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods, DOOM + DOOM II, DUSK, Prodeus, Heretic + Hexen, Quake Champions, and more. In this exclusive interview, Andrew joins The Expansion Pass to discuss his journey from learning guitar through Napster to becoming one of gaming's most recognizable composers. We explore how…
God of War: Laufey officially launches in February 2027, Halo Campaign Evolved and Splatoon Raiders earn strong critical reviews, and this week we're joined by Jefftroidvania to discuss Valve's new Steam Machine and the future of SteamOS. On Episode 330 of The Expansion Pass, we break down one of gaming's biggest upcoming release windows, compare Halo Campaign Evolved and Splatoon Raiders review…
Bethesda finally pulled back the curtain on what's next. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Todd Howard's biggest interview in years, including new details on Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI, Starfield, and Obsidian's return to the Fallout universe. They discuss what Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters could mean for longtime fans and whether Bethesda's new…
Xbox is finally revealing what comes after its historic restructuring. Luke and Logan break down Bloomberg's report that Obsidian is shifting toward Fallout, what that means for Xbox's renewed focus on pillar franchises, and whether Asha Sharma's strategy gives Xbox its clearest direction in years. They also discuss Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's strong critical reception, PlayStation's…
One announcement dominated the gaming industry this week: PlayStation is ending physical game releases beginning in 2028. Is this the inevitable future of gaming, or should players be worried about ownership, preservation, pricing, and consumer rights? Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Sony's historic decision, what it means for the PlayStation 6, why digital ownership still lacks meaningful…
This week on The Expansion Pass, we're tackling one of the biggest questions facing the gaming industry: is gaming becoming too expensive? Microsoft has announced significant Xbox console price increases, Grand Theft Auto VI is launching at $80, and Nintendo's Switch 2 continues to post impressive early sales despite rising hardware costs. We discuss what these changes mean for players, whether…
Xbox appears headed toward a major strategic shift, and we're breaking down what it could mean for Game Pass, first-party studios, and the future of the platform. Captain Logan is joined by Mr. Bad Bit of The Trophy Room and Daddy Dwally of The Nerd Chat to discuss reports surrounding Xbox studio restructuring, Game Pass concerns, Halo: Campaign Evolved's PlayStation Plus controversy, and Sony's…
Summer Game Fest 2026 is in the books, and we're breaking down everything we saw in Los Angeles. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke and Logan discuss the biggest announcements from Summer Game Fest, Xbox Showcase, PlayStation State of Play, and Nintendo Direct. From Resident Evil Veronica and The Last Ronin to Grounded 2, Wolf Among Us 2, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, we rank the showcases…
The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 has come and gone, and we were there in person to see it unfold. This week, Luke and Captain Logun break down Xbox's biggest announcements, including Gears of War: E-Day, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fable, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, State of Decay 3, Clockwork Revolution, Persona 6, and more. We also discuss the atmosphere inside the theater, reactions from attendees, Xbox…
Fable has reportedly been delayed into 2027, Modern Warfare 4 has been officially revealed, and Valve has dramatically increased Steam Deck OLED pricing. On this week's episode of The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr, Captain Logun, and Freight Conductor break down what Fable's delay means for Xbox's release strategy, whether Steam Deck remains a compelling value proposition at nearly $1,000, and why…
Are exclusives suddenly important again? This week on XP, Luke Lohr and Captain Logun break down Xbox fans demanding exclusives through the new Player Voice forums while PlayStation reportedly pulls back from PC releases entirely for major first-party titles. We also discuss: Forza Horizon 6 surpassing 6 million players Why FH6 may be Xbox’s best ecosystem argument yet Nintendo’s aggressive…
Xbox may be preparing its next major hardware push. This week, Luke Lohr, Captain Logun, and Nintendo World Report’s John Rairdin discuss the leaked Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, Xbox cloud gaming controller rumors, and what Microsoft’s future hardware strategy may actually look like. We also break down the massive review scores for Forza Horizon 6, Valve’s new Steam Controller, PlayStation…
Nintendo has officially raised the Switch 2 price to $500 — and at nearly the same time, brought Star Fox back to center stage. This week on The Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr, Captain Logun, and special guest Joseph Moran (Mr. BadBit from The Trophy Room: A PlayStation Podcast) break down Nintendo’s pricing strategy, the return of Star Fox, Sony’s massive Bungie write-down, Marathon’s future, and Xbox…
Xbox earnings are down as Asha Sharma begins resetting the brand, raising questions about hardware, Game Pass growth, and long-term strategy. We break down the latest Xbox revenue numbers, what they mean for the future of the platform, and whether exclusives need to return to strengthen the brand. We also cover Sony’s response to PlayStation DRM concerns, what “digital ownership” actually means,…
Xbox has officially hit reset—and this time, they’re saying it out loud. In a rare internal memo, leadership under Asha Sharma acknowledges what many players have been feeling: the experience hasn’t been good enough. Pricing, updates, and platform identity are all under review—and Game Pass is already seeing major changes. At the same time, Valve is quietly preparing a return to hardware. A new…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Sony has raised the price of the PlayStation 5 again—pushing the base model to $649 and the Pro to $899. It’s the second major price increase in under a year, and it’s happening at a point in the generation where prices are supposed to fall, not rise. Meanwhile, Microsoft delivers a strong Partner Preview, resets its messaging under Asha Sharma, and may be exploring a new lower-cost Game Pass…
This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, we’re tackling one of the biggest shifts in Xbox’s modern era. Starfield is coming to PlayStation 5 on April 7—launching alongside its largest update yet (Free Lanes) and the paid Terran Armada DLC. We break down pricing, Game Pass differences, what’s included, and the bigger question: what does this mean for Xbox as a platform going forward? We also dive into…
Xbox may have just signaled the future of its next generation hardware. At GDC this week Microsoft confirmed Project Helix, a next-generation Xbox initiative built around a custom AMD chip and designed to support both console and PC gaming. But what exactly is Helix — a traditional console successor or something closer to a living-room gaming PC? This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr…
This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (InsipidGhost) and Captain Logun examine one of the most interesting weeks in the gaming industry. Xbox has revealed the codename for its next generation hardware — Project Helix — a console designed to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. At the same time, reporting from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier suggests that PlayStation may be…
Xbox says it’s a “Return to Xbox.” But what does that actually mean? This week we break down Asha Sharma’s first interview as Xbox leadership shifts — and whether the brand is facing an identity crisis. We discuss: Hardware vs ecosystem strategy What “form factor” could mean next-gen Exclusivity confusion across Xbox and PlayStation Bluepoint pitching a Bloodborne remake — and Sony saying no…
Phil Spencer retires after nearly 40 years at Microsoft. Sarah Bond exits Xbox leadership. Asha Sharma, an AI executive, takes over Microsoft Gaming. In this episode, we break down the leadership shakeup, Spencer’s legacy, Bond’s sudden departure, and what an AI-driven executive signals for Xbox’s future. We examine the “Return of Xbox” messaging, monetization concerns, exclusives in 2026, Game…
Luke Lohr sits down with Circana’s Executive Director and video game industry analyst Mat Piscatella for a data-driven look at the state of gaming in 2026. Despite U.S. video game spending approaching $61 billion, the industry feels unsettled. Piscatella explains why record revenue can coexist with market instability, why player growth has plateaued, and how attention is increasingly concentrated…
This week on Xbox Expansion Pass, Luke Lohr (InsipidGhost) and co-host Captain Logun break down major shifts in the gaming industry, from the continued collapse of live service games to why PlayStation’s latest State of Play generated so much momentum. The episode examines Overwatch’s platform reset, sustainability challenges facing games as a service, and how third-party marketing can make…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
#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…
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…
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…
#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)…
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:…
#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:…
#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:…
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:…
#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…
