This week on the M2 Podcast, we dive into another wave of GTA 6 leaks, including alleged gameplay and map footage, threats against Rockstar, and the growing debate over digital-only gaming. We also discuss Mattel launching its own game studio to turn brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and UNO into gaming experiences, while a former Saber writer claims she was replaced by ChatGPT during development of Rideshare ‘Stimulator’, reigniting the debate over AI in game development. Finally, we look ahead to Gamescom 2026 and the huge lineup of reveals, gameplay demos, and announcements expected from Xbox and some of gaming's biggest studios.

0:00 Intro

0:40 Updates

10:52 GTA 6 Suffers Second Day of Leaks https://tinyurl.com/bde8unpp

21:14 Mattel launches Mattel Game Studios https://tinyurl.com/mwjv4u6r

26:40 Saber writer claims she was replaced by ChatGPT https://tinyurl.com/yc6vbyyz

34:20 gamescom 2026: Schedule of the Biggest Gaming Event https://tinyurl.com/5xd5ay74

43:04 Outro

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This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down one of the biggest business stories in gaming as Electronic Arts officially goes private following its acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, and discuss what that could mean for the future of EA's biggest franchises and AI-driven game development. We also dive into the surprising success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, which has become one of 2026's best-selling games 14 years after its original release, proving that nostalgia remains one of gaming's strongest forces. Plus, we explore why great indie games are becoming harder to discover in today's algorithm-driven marketplace, and discuss leaked Xbox roadmap details that hint at expanded backwards compatibility, Xbox 360 support on PC, and long-awaited disc-to-digital features that could reshape game preservation over the next few years.

0:00 Intro

1:04 Update

11:26 EA Announces Completion of Acquisition https://tinyurl.com/2wwf4xk5

23:42 Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Is One of 2026's Best Selling Games https://tinyurl.com/52b8mcmu

32:41 The industry makes great games https://tinyurl.com/mr2kja7z

50:44 Xbox's Plans For Backwards Compatibility https://tinyurl.com/bdf5j34j

1:01:15 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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PODCAST ►► https://anchor.fm/m2podcast

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This week on the M2 Podcast, we break down one of the biggest shifts in gaming history as PlayStation confirms the end of physical game discs in 2028 and rumors suggest Xbox could be following the same path, leaving Nintendo as the last major champion of physical media. We also dive into the incredible discovery of 97 previously unknown Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt NES cartridges hidden away in a Wisconsin warehouse, discuss Nexus Mods' ambitious vision to revolutionize the modding ecosystem, examine growing concerns over restrictive side-project clauses affecting game developers and creativity, and close with EA's record $38.6 million CEO compensation package following a year of franchise success, AI adoption, and studio layoffs. Whether you're into retro collecting, industry business, PC modding, or the future of game ownership, this episode has something for every gamer.

0:00 Intro

0:58 Updates

16:23 Unreleased Version of Super Mario Discovered in a Warehouse https://tinyurl.com/pvaf8s4p

30:56 Nexus Mods owners reflect on modding hassle https://tinyurl.com/4cav3jnt

40:32 Developers discuss the pain of side work clauses https://tinyurl.com/4syepk89

1:03:19 EA boss awarded $38.6M https://tinyurl.com/3ru2r9nj

1:13:37 Outro

LEAVE A LIKE and a comment, thanks for watching/listening!

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PODCAST ►► https://anchor.fm/m2podcast

AMAZON Music ► https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/091902c3-b83b-487c-8fe7-4c96787434fe/M2-Podcast

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#podcast

JOIN THE DISCORD! ►► https://discord.gg/Kp5Gre6

KyleHeath Socials:

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MadMikeWillEatU Socials:

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