Jul 19, 2026
A seismic shift at Microsoft leads this week’s GameBurst podcast, as newly appointed Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma executes a sweeping corporate restructure. The dramatic overhaul will see 3,200 layoffs, alongside a rare strategic reversal that allows celebrated studios Double Fine and Compulsion Games to regain their independence. Meanwhile, Ninja Theory and Undead Labs face new ownership, and Arkane enters a formal consultation period. Beyond the corporate fallout, we dive into Nintendo's quiet, EU-mandated redesign of the Switch Joy-Cons to feature user-replaceable batteries, and discuss a licensing snag that abruptly pulled Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 from July's Game Pass lineup. #gameburst
In our Picks of the Week, the team explores a eclectic mix of tabletop and digital media. Gary takes us on a historical transit journey with 1840 Vienna Tramways and reviews the Aftergame.app platform, while Jerome highlights narrative adventures in The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales and the competitive martial arts of Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. Jerome also shares an insightful video essay examining why curiosity ultimately triumphs over raw talent, drawing comparisons between the acclaimed series Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries.
YouTube Link:
Why Curiosity Beats Talent | Frieren & Maomao: https://youtu.be/gviNk85q-_0?si=gbXvRHpQ8cizpIhT