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Defining Duke, Episode 216 | Xbox Goes FULL AI - What's Next?!
🕑 Added 2025-02-20 17:00:13 +0000 UTCNote: If this episode isn't in your feed, please check out our recent post about the new individual RSS feeds. <3
This week, Xbox unveiled MUSE, a generative AI model aimed at boosting creativity and possibilities for gameplay. Published in the journal Nature as well as announced by Microsoft Research, the Xbox team shared findings alongside Ninja Theory on what this new AI model that was trained on Bleeding Edge could accomplish. In the extensive write-ups, we learn about the principles of this AI model, what Xbox's mandate is for it across their first party studios, and even get teased a bit on what it could mean for backwards compatibility. However, is it all sunshine and roses here for Xbox's new approach to game development? The push for AI is on more than ever and it's no longer a matter of "if" but rather "when." Like any tool, its public perception will be dictated by how responsibly it is handled. Joining Matty this week is Brad, to clean up the AI mess, and dive into a whole bunch of other Xbox news. We follow up our last episode's conversation on Avowed, dig into the future of Obsidian, mull over yet another Phil Spencer interview, and plenty more in what is bound to be divisive subject for many listeners.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro/Avowed follow-up
0:22:33 - How will Obsidian scale after Avowed?
0:27:42 - Bobby Kotick interview
0:37:53 - Another Tony Hawk Pro Skater on the way?
0:45:09 - Jez Corden on Xbox’s next console
0:56:28 - Machine Games grows
0:59:35 - Updates on the leaked Final Fantasy remakes
1:09:14 - Stalker 2 is getting its biggest update yet
1:11:49 - Lost Soul Aside is getting a physical copy!
1:12:44 - Fairgame$ has been pushed to 2026
1:15:07 - System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is getting a release date soon
1:18:47 - Kingdom Come Deliverance passes 2 million copies sold
1:19:57 - Funko Fusion developer 10:10 has reportedly been hit with layoffs
1:22:22 - Visionary art director Viktor Antonov passed away at age 52
1:24:39 - What We’re Playing
2:00:13 - Xbox introduces MUSE
2:35:24 - Phil Spencer interview
2:41:28 - Coming soon to Xbox Game Pass
2:43:30 - Game Pass Pick Of The Week
Comments
David P
I love the series dpad, it's the best I've ever used. Loud though? Yeah.
Nick Lone
Legendary thumbnailing
Brandon Rogers
Do I no longer receive a rss feed of defining duke with my 1 dollar sub?
Bartevious
Imo, it’s about the games. It doesn’t matter what console or device you play an Xbox game on. They’re essentially everywhere. It’s a software distribution company, as it always has been and always will be. The gorgeous 360 generation was just a dream.
Macro
Is this the first time a new major first party game has dropped and not been GamePass pick of the week? They've even given it to new first party games they weren't really into, feels kinda petty of Matty to not give it to Avowed
TheMuff1nMon
You can have a blast and love 7/10 and even 6/10 despite what people say. Problem is - people have been trained by the American educational system to think 6 and 7 = fail. Which doesn’t translate to what review scores actually mean
CAm Moses
I wish people in general would wait and see with AI . I don’t mind being critical and concerned about the affects to the industry, but let’s not completely dismiss it .
NeO JD
MVP
PairOfShuse
The talk from Matty about FFX2 was all over the place. It was divisive back in the day. I never had a problem with it. The story wasn’t as strong but it wasn’t a bad game at all. But a lot of people hate it today for the exact opposite reason Matty mentions. They hate Yuna’s design and call it sexist. Actual gamers today wouldn’t hate the game and in fact it has a great battle system. Really fast paced and with all the different dress spheres, makes for a fun battle system altogether. It also speaks to the lack of awareness of JRPGs where female characters as the main characters that gamers love - the atelier series being a big one.
Mr. Scott If You're Nasty
*Listens to Xbox Podcast* "What'd you play on?" "PlayStation" "Yeah, me too" We need Cog. I hate saying this, but he's the only true Xbox guy at LSM. Im starting to be skeptical of Matty's Xbox opinions. It's like getting advice on a Tesla from someone who just rode in one. I want someone truly in the Xbox ecosystem, otherwise it's an outsiders opinion. Second, the AI freakout is so overblown. AI is a tool, and yes, it will replace some humans. This has been true for most inventions throughout human history (plows, sewing machines, engines, assembly machines, computers, etc). The market, or consumers, will determine what level of AI is good, and that's where the choice should ultimately rest. Stop freaking out, and at least people who are learning game design learn tangible, applicable skills they can use to get a job. Imagine being a liberal arts student with some humanities degree. Zero skills.
Cruz Ibarra
I very much dislike that this episode is not showing up on Spotify.. tbh I liked how all the shows where under 1 podcast name or what ever it's called. It's more convenient for me seeing what's all out and keeping track of witch shows I've watched and where I leave off all in one place. Now you have to go to each individual show and stuff... I lost all my progress on shows watched/listened to since I only listened on the one with all shows.. they should of left both options if possible.
Cruz Ibarra
Yay! Brad!
Gooch Gobbler
Highly recommend getting stoned and playing Gris with a good sound system, what an experience. Neva wasn't as good but I still like it
Jeff Caseres
Awww man, RIP Sov’s dad. Thoughts and prayers to ILP and his family. ❤️
Yalingo
Dragon's dogma is one of my favourite games and the only way I could describe it to people was it's the best 6/10 you'll ever play.
Adam Barnes
Valid. Thank you, Joseph
Joseph Gedgaudas
7 is a good* score
Jason Chambers
Why is this episode not on my Spotify?
Andrew
Love Cog but you can't convince me he is real. He must be 1 of 5 people left who talk like a Run DMC backup dancer
Child Aloy
I’m of the opinion that people should play more 7/10s. If all you play is 10/10s, they’re gonna lose their impact eventually. You gotta have a point of reference to compare it to. Also, I wish more people would use the whole scale for scoring games. To me, the middle point is feeling neutral about it, and then moving lower or higher denotes degrees of disliking or liking, respectively. But I know that getting people to think like that would be impossible.
Philip Dunphy
I’m so excited for the prospect of a FF9 Remake. One game the size of FF7 Rebirth or even a game simply a 1:1 overhaul and I’ll eat it up either way. Personally, I hope they lean hard into the story book illustration style and try to recapture that awe we had back in 2000. The pre rendered backgrounds still light me up to this day. I’m currently working on the platinum for the original and I just completed the jump rope challenge and the 10k kill challenge using scripts in auto hot key :)
Adam Barnes
This man understands the rating system, thank you 🙏
Adam Barnes
Rating games on a points scale has been fucked for years. 7 is a great score, but people treat it as if it’s the lowest score you can get. Hogwarts Legacy is a 7, for example. But Harry Potter nerds are so overhyped for anything to do with that IP that the game got bumped to a 9 or 10.
Jacob Lesperance
If Xbox new console just got approved.... This is not launching soon. Sony approved the ps6 when the PS5 launched and have already started printing silicone. That can't be true Xbox just got passed the prototype stage
Robbie Agnew
FF9 can’t wait
Michael Mashpotato
I love me a 7/10 game. Here are a few recent games that are very enjoyable for me. 1:Steel Rising has a fun story 2:Valkyrie Elysium amazing soundtrack 3:Immortals of Aveum fun shooter 4:Blossom Tales zelda like 5:Ghostwire Tokyo cool world 6:Thymesia fast combat 7:Callisto Protocol short/sweet 8:Dying Light 2 fun 9:Narita Boy 10:F.I.S.T And much more. Some of these could be easy 8s.
Big titty drinker
This is how gamers interpret scores.. 7 -and below : garbage not worth playing. 8 - mid /average ( but also trash) 9 - good game 10- it’s the greatest game ever if they like it and it’s overrated trash if they don’t. That’s the general maturity level / nuance of 90% of gamers when it comes to reviews and why I just ignore the conversation around them
Damien Groome
Miss Cog but more Brad is welcome
Strejja Depuzi
These thumbnails man. I love em
Jesse spivey
All love to Cog hope all is well!
SolidEvolution
Less layoffs
joefray_
Growing up in the PS2 and PS360 era, I feel 7/10s are essential to a solid gaming experience. It's important to try (and create!) things that are more experimental and short in length.
Cory Knudsen
Get ready for more layoffs.
Deemac
The Bradley Ellis takeover of LSM continues
