Recent PlayStation and Xbox outages reminded everyone how dependent modern gaming has become on online services. We discuss what that means for the future of digital ownership and whether the industry is moving in the right direction. Plus, we give our thoughts on Halo’s performance issues, why they’re worth talking about, and why the game is still one of the most fun experiences we’ve played recently. We all learned however the biggest treasure we found in this somewhat broken experience was the friendships strengthened along the way.

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-PSN and Xbox Network Outages

• What We’ve Been Playing

-Split Fiction
-Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced

-Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined

-Xenoblade Chronicles

-Granblue Fantasy Relink: Endless Ragnarok

-Halo: Campaign Evolved

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 60 - Digital Dreams, Offline Reality

Big changes are happening this week. We share why Shapes of Gaming is moving to a bi-weekly release schedule and what listeners can expect going forward. We also discuss the continued wave of layoffs impacting the video game industry and what they mean for developers and players alike. Finally, we revisit PlayStation’s reported transition toward an all-digital future in 2028 and what it could mean for everyone from a multi pronged approach. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, we’re here to break it all down but most importantly talk mainly what this is all about. The games

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-More Industry Layoffs

-Continuing the Announcements for the End of Physical Games

• What We’ve Been Playing

-StarFox

-Xenoblade Chronicles

-Pikmin 3 Deluxe

-DOOM The Dark Ages: Revelations

-Hades II

-Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 59 - Change Is In the Air

PlayStation has announced plans that could signal the end of physical game discs by 2028, and we’re breaking down what that means for players, collectors, and the future of the industry. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of an all-digital future and why this is a bad direction for gaming as a whole. We also ask the big question: does the world even need a PlayStation 6, or can the PS5 generation continue to evolve through hardware revisions and cloud technology? Join us as we explore what the next generation of gaming could look like. One thing is certain: the future of PlayStation is changing. With special guest AdmiralMerps

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-PlayStation Announces the End of Physical Games

• What We’ve Been Playing

-The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 58 - The Beginning of the End

Grand Theft Auto VI is finally up for preorder, but does it’s debut live up to the colossal hype? We discuss whether Rockstar’s approach to monetization and online design crosses the line into predatory territory, or if it’s simply the reality of modern AAA gaming nowadays. We also share our impressions of The Adventures of Elliot and why it has quickly become one of our favorite surprises of the year. From blockbuster controversy to new IP charm, this episode covers two very different sides of the gaming industry. Join us as we debate what makes a game truly worth your time.

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

• What We’ve Been Playing

-Starfox

-The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 57 - Overrated Blockbusters and Hidden Gems

This week we discuss the rumors surrounding Xbox potentially closing more studios and what that could mean for the future of the brand. We also debate whether console exclusives are becoming important again as Microsoft appears to be adjusting its strategy. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag has officially gone gold, bringing us one step closer to setting sail once again. Finally, we talk about Halo arriving on PS5 and what this historic move means for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Gaming continues to blur old boundaries while creating entirely new ones.

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-Xbox Closing More Studios

• What We’ve Been Playing

-Xenoblade Chronicles

-Cronos: The New Dawn

-Hades II
-LEGO Batman: The Legacy of the Dark Night

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 56 - The Return of Exclusives

Summer Game Fest 2026 has come and gone, and we’re breaking down everything announced across gaming’s biggest week of reveals. From surprise world premieres and long-awaited sequels to release date confirmations and a few head-scratching moments, we cover the biggest announcements, our favorite reveals, and the games that left us wanting more. Which showcases delivered? Which games stole the show? And what does it all mean for the rest of 2026 and beyond? Join us as we sort through the hype and crown the winners of Summer Game Fest 2026.

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-Summer Game Fest 2026 Main Stage

-Xbox Showcase

-Nintendo Direct

• Our Overall Thoughts of SGF 2026

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 55 - Summer Game Fest 2026

The announcements have begun! We break down everything from PlayStation’s June 2nd State of Play, including the latest on Marvel’s Wolverine and the big surprises that had the gaming world talking. Ready for an update on our Fantasy Draft well it’s here too. We dive into the ongoing Destiny 3 vs. Marathon debate happening. Finally, with Summer Game Fest right around the corner, we put our reputations on the line with bold predictions for what Geoff and the industry have in store. Join us for this lengthy episode as we separate hype from reality and get ready for gaming’s biggest month of the year.

• Drinks and Life

• The Great Dip and Bean Debacle

• State of the Draft - June

• Latest News Announcements

-PlayStation State of Play

• What We’ve Been Playing

-007: First Light

• Our SGF 2026 Predictions

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 54 - The Summer of Gaming Begins

We’re cracking into First Light, wrapping up Hades II this week, and both games continue to impress for very different reasons. We talk about our experiences so far, what’s keeping us hooked, and why this new Bond game is one for the books. We also discuss the latest Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams announcement and whether it lived up to the years of anticipation or fell flat on its droopy face. A week filled with action, mythology, and a legendary JRPG franchise trying to make its return.

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

• What We’ve Been Playing

-Hades II

-007: First Light

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 53 - Dreams, Gods, and James Bond

Full spoilers ahead for Pragmata. In this bonus episode, we break down the story, gameplay, characters, twists, and everything that made this strange sci-fi adventure stand out. We talk about what worked, what surprised us, and where the game lands for us after rolling credits. If you haven’t finished it yet, come back when you’re ready.

Spoilercast - Pragmata

PlayStation is back in the news with a newly announced State of Play, including a fresh look at Marvel’s Wolverine, while PS Plus prices are going up again for new members. We also talk through the recent PSN account security concerns and why players are understandably nervous about protecting their libraries, trophies, and purchases. Then we pour one out for Destiny 2 as Bungie prepares to end active development after its final live-service update. A heavy PlayStation week with big reveals, higher prices, security worries, and the end of an era. 

• Drinks and Life

• Latest News Announcements

-PlayStation State of Play!

• What We’ve Been Playing

-Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

-Civilization 7
-Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege

-Hades II

-Saros

• Thanks for Listening!

Episode 52 - PlayStation Takes the Stage

Shapes of Gaming is a podcast dedicated to the best digital entertainment medium the world has to offer. We talk about the latest games, gaming news, and most importantly what we play. Unfiltered, unedited and unhinged. Gaming is in our DNA and we have been doing it for a very long time so sit back, relax and enjoy the show.