We just got back from Los Angeles after spending several hours hands-on with Highguard, the new free-to-play raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, a studio led by developers with deep roots in games like Apex Legends and Titanfall.On paper, it is easy to dismiss Highguard as “another shooter,” especially in a crowded 2026 lineup. But after playing multiple full matches, sitting down with the design and product leads, and seeing how the systems work together, it is clear this game is aiming for something genuinely different.Highguard introduces a new take on competitive shooters through a multi-phase raid structure built around strategy, teamwork, and base defense. Each match flows through gearing up, intercepting the shield breaker, and launching full raids against enemy bases. Wardens are distinct without overpowering gunplay, abilities are additive instead of dominant, and every match feels meaningfully different based on player decisions.We also break down how Highguard approaches live service in a way that feels unusually respectful. The War Chest battle pass is free, there is no pay-to-win, no loot boxes, no RNG storefront pressure, and cosmetic purchases are straightforward and permanent. The team already has a full year of content planned, with new episodes, maps, wardens, and modes rolling out at a steady cadence.We also talk about the Game Awards reveal, the online backlash, and why the current cycle of “is this game dead” discourse does more harm than good to the industry. After hands-on time with Highguard, we believe this is a game that deserves to speak for itself.If you are curious about raid shooters, the future of live service design, or what happens when experienced developers try to rethink the genre instead of chasing trends, this is one you should be watching.About the Show: Spawn On Me spotlights gamers of color and the intersection of games, culture, and community—through interviews, reviews, and real talk about how games affect the world.Follow & Subscribe:YouTube: youtube.com/spawnonmeSpotify: Spawn On MeApple Podcasts: Spawn On MeX/Twitter: @SpawnOnMe, @kahliefadamsInstagram: @spawnonmepodcastTikTok: @spawnonmeBusiness / bookings: spawnonmepodcast@gmail.comSupport The Spawnies (our annual awards show): Learn more, see winners, and rewatch: thespawnies.com (presented by Spawn On Me; culture-forward categories and community-driven celebration).Disclaimers: Opinions are the host’s/guests’ and do not reflect employers or partners.Go Here To Follow Us on Twitter, snag some merch and subscribe to our podcast!! https://campsite.bio/spawnonme

In our latest episode, we share some of my favorite gear from 2025 and much more!

We are closing out 2025 with a double-feature episode packed with fresh tech and big game energy. First, we sit down with Napoleon Smith (CMO, Cubios) to break down the WowCube, a modern twist on the classic Rubik’s Cube that turns nostalgia into a fully loaded, interactive device, complete with games, apps, customization, and a real push into STEM learning.

Then we link up with Tom Eastman (President, Trinket Studios) to talk Battlesuit Aces, a story-rich, fully voiced, mecha-anime-inspired card battler that blends deckbuilding, visual novel storytelling, and deep customization into one cohesive ride. We dig into how the team iterated their way to the game’s core identity, why characters became the “cards,” and how themes like found family, community, and care show up in the design.

To wrap, we reflect on the year, show love to the community, and look ahead to what we are bringing into 2026, including year 13 of Spawn On Me and some big ideas we are exploring for the future.

Hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane joins Spawn On Me for an exclusive convo about legacy, tech, and his new interactive Viverse experience. Plus Andranik Aslanyan (HTC Viverse, Head of Growth) talks about the future of fan worlds. Then we break down The Game Awards 2025 and why Bungie’s Marathon has me extra excited.

You can check out Big Daddy Kane's Viverse world here - https://worlds.viverse.com/NbuFNCa

We sit down with the head of the ESA, Stanley Pierre-Louis, to unpack the Power of Play 2025 report—what 24k+ players across 21 countries say about gaming’s impact. We also discuss their current policy mission and what it is like working with the current administration. Read the report here: https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PoP-2025-v10-web-spreads.pdf. the ESA

Follow Spawn On Me everywhere:
X: https://x.com/SpawnOnMe
Instagram: https://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SpawnOnMe
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spawnonme

We dig into the current state of the Xbox business and ask the big question: is this a good move or not for players, partners, and the platform’s future? Then we review two premium gamepads head-to-head: the Razer Raiju V3 Wireless Pro and the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless. We cover build quality, sticks and triggers, remap options, latency, battery life, and who each controller is for. Plus, what Xbox’s strategy signals for first-party releases, Game Pass, and third-party partnerships. Stick around for our verdicts and buyer advice.

Follow Spawn On Me everywhere:
X: https://x.com/SpawnOnMe
Instagram: https://instagram.com/spawnonmepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SpawnOnMe
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/spawnonme

After 13 years, Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally here... and it's both exactly what we wanted AND a massive letdown. The combat is incredible, the gore is satisfying, and the challenge will test even veteran players. But the story? The characters? Absolutely lifeless.

In this review, I break down everything you need to know about Ninja Gaiden 4 - from the revolutionary Bloodbind Ninjutsu system to the brutal Master Ninja difficulty, and why both Yakumo and Ryu feel like empty shells despite being at the center of what could've been an amazing story.

🔔 Subscribe for more honest game reviews!💬 Are you picking up Ninja Gaiden 4? Let me know in the comments!

What is Keeper, and why is it already living rent-free in our heads? 👀 Lee Petty (Double Fine) pulls up to Brookago to talk craft—how Keeper’s vibe, rules, and art style work together, and how the team keeps things fair, surprising, and fun without spoilers. We talk design pillars, those “ohhh, I get it” moments, and why this project hits different if you love discovery.Chapters below. Tap in and roll with us:• Smash that sub on YouTube (Spawn On Me)• Follow on Spotify & drop a 5★ on Apple Podcasts• We go live at Twitch.tv/spawnonme• Say hey: @SpawnOnMe (X), @spawnonmepodcast (IG)