We’re talking Xbox's partnership with AMD, the aftermath of the layoffs, Banjo vs. Spyro, the canceled sci-fi game Project Blackbird, and more. Let's Jump in!

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On this episode of Xbox Casuals, hosts Josh Finney and Corey Dirrig unpack Xbox’s recently announced partnership with AMD, a strategic move aimed at future-proofing the next generation of Xbox hardware while maintaining full compatibility with current titles and legacy digital libraries.

They continue to talk about the recent wave of layoffs at Microsoft and Xbox, examining what the cuts reveal about internal restructuring and the shifting creative direction at Xbox. One major point of discussion was the sudden cancellation of Project Blackbird, Zenimax Online's new sci-fi epic with visuals inspired by Blade Runner and a gameplay loop similar to Destiny 2 or Warframe, that ended with studio founder Matt Firor resigning immediately and adding to the long list of talent Xbox has lost since the Bethesda acquisition.

They then discuss the enduring appeal of classics like Spyro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot, and Banjo-Kazooie, especially as reports surface that Microsoft may be open to reviving one of these beloved IPs, and finish up with the games they've been playing, including 2025 releases like Avowed and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as well as the original classic Final Fantasy VII just before Remake hits Xbox this fall.

Xbox just dropped a bombshell on the industry—studio closures, major game cancellations, and massive layoffs. What does it all mean for the future of Xbox? Let’s break it down.

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This week on Xbox Casuals, Josh Finney and Corey Dirrig dive into one of the most shocking weeks in recent Xbox history. Microsoft has confirmed the closure of The Initiative, the studio once tasked with reviving the Perfect Dark franchise. Not only has the game been officially canceled, but other high-profile projects have also been cut—including Rare’s long-anticipated Everwild and ZeniMax’s unannounced MMO, Project Blackbird.

That’s just the beginning. The episode also covers the latest round of layoffs across Xbox Game Studios, which has hit multiple teams hard. Turn 10, the team behind Forza Motorsport, has reportedly lost 50% of its staff. Mobile studio King saw a 10% reduction, and there are unconfirmed but significant cuts at Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and other first-party studios under the Xbox umbrella.

Josh and Corey discuss what these changes could mean for Xbox’s future strategy, the morale across the gaming community, and how fans are responding to the ongoing turbulence within Microsoft’s gaming division. They also touch on how these decisions might impact the roadmap for the next generation of Xbox hardware and software.

Whether you’re a long-time Xbox fan or just trying to keep up with the whirlwind of news, this episode brings thoughtful analysis, honest reactions, and a much-needed breakdown of a chaotic week in gaming.

All that and more, right here on Xbox Casuals.

Thank you for watching or listening to Xbox Casuals: An Xbox Podcast from Tower Casuals and Boss Rush Media. You can find the show on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. If you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Drop a comment to share your thoughts on this week’s news or leave a question for next week’s episode. Thank you for your continued support of Xbox Casuals, Tower Casuals, and Boss Rush Media!

Xbox Summer Showcase and Summer Game Fest have come and gone, so Corey and Josh are here to recap the two major presentations and discuss the games shown off for Xbox. Did it deliver or were they duds? Let's discuss.

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Thank you for watching and/or listening to ⁠⁠Xbox Casuals: An Xbox Podcast⁠⁠. You can find us on all major podcast services, ⁠⁠on YouTube⁠⁠, or on ⁠⁠the Tower Casuals website⁠⁠. Remember if you’re watching on YouTube to subscribe to the channel, like the video, and leave a comment. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave us a review and five star rating. Thanks for your continued support of Xbox Casuals, Tower Casuals, and Boss Rush Media.#XCP45 #XboxGamePass #XboxSummerShowcase2025