Defining Duke, Episode 48: Our Predictions For The Game Awards + R.I.P. Xbox FPS Boost (Patreon)

The Game Awards marketing showcase is soon upon us which means significant game announcements are inbound. Xbox fans in particular should keep a close eye on this show as Microsoft has made important reveals on Geoff Keighley's stage in the past such as with the Xbox Series X and Hellblade II just in 2019. Matty and Cog pick apart both the nominations for the popularity contest and possible announcements to be made in what should be a fun cap to the year. Let it be known that Dragon Age Origins is a good game, but that era of BioWare is long gone. With turnover really damaging what this RPG titan used to be, they're in desperate need of a win. Now with Dragon Age 4 losing its creative director midway through development, another layer of uncertainty envelops this studio. This may not be a surprise, but what may catch fans off guard is Xbox putting FPS boost down along with their backwards compatible initiative. All this plus more video game fight stories, Halo band-aids, and Christmas games tie together our first December episode!

Timestamps:

0:00:00 - Intro

0:03:33 - Opening comments and smaller items.

0:16:52 - What we’ve been playing.

0:23:13 - Do Achievements prove you’re a gamer?

0:30:34 - When will Microsoft dump Xbox Live Gold?

0:34:14 - What could Sony do to compete if Xbox pulls ahead?

0:40:55 - Should Halo Infinite quick play really ignore skill based matchmaking?

0:46:29 - Will Halo Infinite “win” the shooter race this year?

0:53:31 - The Game Awards will have some big announcements. Let’s predict what they could be!

1:28:40 - Dragon Age 4 may be in trouble amongst multiple staff departures.

1:42:16 - New info has emerged about Starfield.

1:56:22 - The FPS Boost program has paused for the foreseeable future.

2:06:12 - Xbox Series S is the Black Friday champion.

2:15:42 - Halo Infinite’s progression is still an issue.

2:24:46 - Cyberpunk 2077 is getting its next gen update in Q1 of 2022.

2:30:50 - Coming to and leaving from Game Pass.

2:35:15 - Game Pass pick of the week.

2:43:02 - Will Microsoft develop a console-like experience for PC?

2:47:28 - How do we feel about the Destiny Content Vault?

2:52:35 - What are our top Nintendo franchises?

2:57:39 - What makes a multiplayer map memorable and engaging?

3:00:18 - Do we have a Christmas game?