Contraband Cancelled: Another Xbox Exclusive Bites the Dust!
1Xbox has cancelled another game, and we discuss if anyone remembers Contraband. Plus, there are rumours for the Xbox ROG Ally release date, which could lead to the same for Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Show Dot Points
• The anticipation for GTA 6 is palpable among gamers.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to be a hot topic.
• The distribution of review codes often controls game reviews.
• Nintendo Indie World showcases a variety of indie games.
• The cancellation of Contraband raises questions about Xbox's strategy.
• Childhood fears related to water levels in games are common.
• Game mechanics can significantly impact player experience.
• The indie game scene is thriving with innovative titles.
• Industry trends suggest a shift in game development strategies.
• The hosts share personal anecdotes that resonate with many gamers. Open-world games have evolved, but some repetitiveness remains.
• Handheld consoles are gaining popularity, especially with the Xbox branding.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong is highly anticipated and will be showcased at events.
• Sony's live service strategy has faced significant challenges and cancellations.
• The Drifter offers a unique gaming experience with a compelling story.
• The excitement for new gaming devices is palpable among gamers.
• Xbox's branding may attract a broader audience to handheld gaming.
• The narrative depth in games like The Drifter enhances player engagement.
• Live service games require careful planning to avoid failures.
• The gaming community is eager for more single-player experiences.
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: (https://explosionnetwork.com/dylan-blight) https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley (https://explosionnetwork.com/ashley-hobley) : https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Ciaran Marchant (https://explosionnetwork.com/ciaran-marchant) : https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode Timecodes
00:00:00 - Hello
00:02:00 - Discussing Review Codes
00:05:45 - Nintendo Indie World Showcase Recap
00:17:40 - Xbox Cancels Contraband
00:24:00 - Xbox ROG Ally Release Date & Hollow Knight: Silk Song Rumours
00:30:10 - Sony Admits PlayStation Live Service Strategy Isn't Going Great
00:41:10 - The Drifter Review
00:46:40 - Goodbye
Resources
• Nintendo's Indie World Showcase - here's everything announced | Eurogamer.net
(https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendos-indie-world-showcase-heres-everything-announced)
• Development On The Xbox Exclusive Co-Op Game Contraband Has Stopped
(https://press-start.com.au/news/xbox/2025/08/08/development-on-the-xbox-exclusive-co-op-game-contraband-has-stopped/)
• Official Xbox handheld console ROG Ally gets a release date, courtesy of reliable leaker | Eurogamer.net
(https://www.eurogamer.net/xbox-branded-asus-gaming-handhelds-release-date-revealed-by-reliable-leaker)
• After Concord and a string of delays and cancellations, Sony admits PlayStation's live-service strategy is "not entirely going smoothly" | Eurogamer.net (https://www.eurogamer.net/after-concord-and-a-string-of-delays-and-cancellations-sony-admits-playstations-live-service-strategy-is-not-entirely-going-smoothly)
Arcade Couch Credits:
• Music by: Dylan Blight
• Art by: Cherie Henriques
• Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
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• https://explosionnetwork.com/arcade-couch/
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