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Defining Duke, Episode 304: The Thread (Patreon)

Published:
2026-10-26 18:29:53
Imported:
2026-10

Content

Hey, all! It's time to submit your questions, comments, concerns, thoughts, and ideas for Episode 304 of Defining Duke.

Great ways to get your write-up used: Be pithy, be topical, and be insightful. Walls-of-text, posts littered with poor grammar and punctuation, etc., are promptly (though respectfully) ignored.

As this is an Xbox podcast, be sure your submission makes sense within that realm. You have until Wednesday, October 28th at 3 PM ET to make your submission.

Comments

Erk-Prime

What are you guys dressing up for Halloween- and what is your favorite costume and prank?

Raisin

Sup, GOTY Dukes! With the Golden Joysticks announcing their nominees for Ultimate Game of the Year, I wanted to get the Dukes' thoughts on this year's nominees. Important caveat: the cutoff for the Golden Joysticks was October 23rd. Obviously, titans like Shrek 2, Godzilla, and Barbie missed the deadline. Shame for little indies like GTA VI and Ocarina of Time. The nominees are as follows: - 007 First Light - Big Walk - Control Resonant - Crimson Desert - Dispatch - Forza Horizon 6 - Phantom Blade Zero - Pokémon Pokopia - Pragmata - Resident Evil Requiem - Star Wars: Galactic Racer - The Blood of Dawnwalker Personally, I'm just happy to see two racing games in the GOTY category. It's bad enough Keighley makes us gears-and-tires gamers share an award category with those disgusting ball gamers. Other than that, while I wasn't as high on 007 as everyone else, I'm happy to see it here. I'm really happy Dispatch is getting its flowers. Team Invisigal forever! Shout out to the opening of Episode 4. And while I personally have no interest in the game, it was interesting to see Phantom Blade Zero just squeak in at the last second. In closing, what do y'all make of this list of nominees? Any notable snubs? Honestly, I'm kinda surprised Gears and Saros didn't make the list. But what about y'all? Seeing as you're a sword-and-potion gamer, I'm going to guess your pick is The Blood of Dawnwalker, Matty! What about you, Cog? Can us gears-and-tires gamers count on your vote?

Kelzilla

Hey Dukes! First time writing in. After trying out gamepass for a month I felt overwhelmed with all the different games available. I ended up cancelling it after looking at all of my purchased games in my backlog. Do you have any thoughts on how Xbox can change gamepass to keep this from happening to other gamers in the future?

Joe

Hi Dukes, I Don't know if you will use this in the show or not, I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for responding to my write in last week about the passing of my Father. Your words were incredibly healing for me and allowed me to grieve further. Cog my parents were also separated and my Dad saved my life and allowed me to grow into the best version of myself. Matty thank you for saying that playing the next entry in a series is like a piece of them is with you. I will always cherish your input on this. P.S. Matty Silver Pines is awesome I hope you tried it out and Cog Sega Boys rise up Sega Saturn for Life

Sorenzu

The last time I wrote in, I was a shoe salesman. Now, almost four years later, I’m a general manager of a car wash, about to get married, and working on my health by getting back into the gym with my fiancée. Life has changed so much, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that I’m always listening to you guys! You’ve been part of the journey through so many different stages of my life, and I can’t thank you enough for the laughs, the amazing vibes, and helping me get through some of my toughest times. I’ve also been playing the new Fallout creation FEVer Dream, and I can’t recommend it enough! Matty and Cog, you guys are absolute legends. Even when I’m not writing in, just know I’m still here listening. Thanks for everything, fellas! ❤️

Mr. Scott If You're Nasty

Dear N7 Dukes, What do you make of the news Xbox is extending Arkane's deadline to find a buyer by a month ? I'd think if there were no hope, they wouldn't extend it. Seems like maybe something good is on the horizon. Am I being an optimist or is there some light at the end of the tunnel? Have a Bladed day Dukies

Vito Chiaramonte

The Thic Dukes, Cog was showing off his X25 stuff on ILP, I'm not sure if Matty shared if he was getting anything or got a box from someone already but please share if not. And then is there anything else either of you are hoping to see happen or come out tied to 25. I got the X , additional controller, and the 8bitdo charger. The Razer keyboard looked really good but not topping my fallout keyboard

Luke Bernhard

Howdy Dukes, I was hoping you could give a “health is wealth” shout out to good friend Nick Dawe. The man has recently taken it upon himself to get back into shape, asking for advice and a training plan to build a good foundation for a lasting gym habit. I was happy to take him under my won’t as a brotegé and show him the ropes, but his will power and drive to get into the gym even on days he doesn’t feel great have been an inspiration to me and helped keep me accountable and inspired to push myself as well. Plus our weekly joint training session gives us time to talk all things gaming and LSM while putting in the work. Have a “Sorry I’m gonna be late to the gym because I just took my first sip of pre and now I’m on the toilet” kind of day.

Squint Eastwood

Greetings Dukes, Last week, you put the call out. You asked for a name for the Dukes community because, let's face it, "Dookies" wasn't gonna cut it. A community as distinguished as this deserves a name to match. Keep it simple. Keep it classy. I humbly submit the following: "The Court" What do you guys think? Too on the nose or just right? Have a "Down with the Thic-ness" kinda day.

My wafflehouse hashbrowns

Greetings Dukes [ Health Is Wealth ] ( Ive sent Cog my before and after pictures on Instagram if you wish to see reference ! ) 6 months ago I wrote in saying I was struggling with weight and exercise and after working long shifts I just didn’t have it in me . You both gave me some great advice ! And I can now report I’m down from 88kg to 74kg ( I know to some people they will say whaaat you were already light , but it really doesn’t matter if what’s staring back at you in the mirror isn’t what you want ) . Anyway I can honestly say if it wasn’t for you boys going on ( and on ) about health is wealth I probably wouldn’t have stuck with it but in my mind I thought NO I’m gunna message back in , in 6 months and show them the progress . Ran my first 10k in Edinburgh for an event gym 4 times a week finally starting to see some muscle You guys really have helped me so it means a lot . And to fellow dukes just start today don’t think about it a wise man named Apollo Creed once said “ There is no tommorow “

Davy Sueppel

What’s up Duke Boys? (Health is wealth) I have an update for Cog on my drinking… First I will say it’s not to excess or debilitating; but yes, it was everyday. Again a beer or two at the end of the day or a few cocktails. But after hearing the disappointment in Big Brother Cogs voice I already changed my ways. In the past 7 days I only drank twice. My wife and I split a bottle of red wine and Saturday a buddy came up and we got a few beers at a local brewery. I believe I am going to restrict myself to only drinking on the weekends. It’s not an addiction thing for me and I don’t want to hear that disappointment in Lord Cognito’s tone again. Thank you for the kick in the ass I needed. Have a “still cutting the carbs, but I’ll cut the casual beers too.” Kind of day.

Coleby Sol

Hey Dukes, first time writing in. I just wanted to quickly say how much I enjoy this show and the LSM network. I always enjoy hearing your guys’ opinions and appreciate the new insights I get into the gaming industry and life. I these podcasts are what’s kept my sain at my job and life so thank you. Have a great day lads

chris holmyard

Hi Dukes. Should Xbox attempt to buy the Bioware IP's If so what Xbox studios should make Mass Effect and Dragon age Thanks

MagisterdeVita

Greetings, Way of the Open Palm Matty and Grey Warden COG! Now that BioWare has officially closed its doors, there’s been plenty of discussion about who might save its beloved IPs, assuming that’s even a possibility. With EA potentially holding on to the rights, it’s a real catch-22. But let’s take a step back from the business side of things and do a little dreaming in these interesting times. Dukes, if you could hand BioWare’s many wondrous IPs over to other studios, who would you trust to take up the mantle? Which studios would you pick to carry these worlds and franchises into the future? A couple of my picks would be CD Projekt Red taking on Jade Empire and Rebel Wolves sinking their teeth into Dragon Age. CD Projekt Red has already demonstrated its chops with the punk aesthetics of Cyberpunk 2077 and the dark fantasy of The Witcher. Imagine giving them the chance to combine those strengths in Jade Empire, with its martial arts, elemental powers, and rich worldbuilding. I’d love to see what they could do with that setting and how they might expand its combat and storytelling. As for Rebel Wolves, imagine taking the day-and-night cycle from The Blood of Dawnwalker, with its shifting perspectives between vampire and human, and applying that kind of duality to Dragon Age. Now imagine a world where the struggle between darkspawn and humanity becomes even more central to the gameplay and narrative. Tell me that doesn’t pique your interest! So, Dukes, which studios would you trust with BioWare’s legacy, and which franchises would you send their way? Have a “Pour another one out for the studio that inspired generations of romance bros!” kind of day!

Blurry

Dukes! Responding to last week's call for naming the audience... Do we not already have one? Cog says it all the time and I have noticed Matty picking it up over the course of the show too. Matty you even said it in the same breath last week when trying to come up with a name. So, both of you, come front and center... Come to the front of the congregation! You want to stick with the royalty theme, fine. Peasants we are not! Legion, we are not. We are the congregation. Weekly, lord Beefy and MattyPlays meet to discuss all things gaming and when something calls their ire, when someone is heinous with foolishness... they are called to the front of the congregation and judgement is passed within the realm. We are the congregation.

Gamble

Hi, No question but I do hope this gets picked up. To the idiot last week complaining that he no longer had access to Silent Hill 2 Remake, the home page for the game told you it was leaving the catalog in October. Also, did you ever think to google if your game may be leaving the catalog soon to see if you had enough time to play it? My god. What is happening to this community. People just complain to complain without any sort of effort into their issue. Anyways still love the show but this community and all other gaming communities make it difficult to stay a fan.

Justin Boss

Greetings Dukes, Listening to last week’s discussion about Brian Fargo/inXile and Obsidian potentially making new Fallout games made me wonder: why does the prospect of these studios working on Fallout generate so much excitement, whereas Insomniac making another Spider-Man or Guerrilla expanding Horizon often draws frustration and calls for them to make something new and unique? As someone who has owned both PlayStation and Xbox consoles since they first launched, I love all these franchises, but I also miss the original stories these studios could be creating on their own. Is the difference about the specific teams involved bringing fresh ideas to Fallout, or does Fallout simply have more potential for expanding into new stories? Or is it a uniquely Playstation problem because their games are all so much alike? Thanks for your thoughts from another OG Master System first gamer!

The Diddler

Hey Dukes, Modding has made some crazy progress lately. Older fighting games are getting rollback netcode, with Ultra SF4 being the latest example, while movesets, and characters, from other franchises are being imported into games like Tekken 8. (Akira from VF and Juri from SF) AI is clearly helping accelerate some of this work, with Claude even credited in the recent SF4 rollback projects. A bit ironic isn’t it? Many gamers are anti-AI but happily download mods and pirated games. Meanwhile, AI is also being used to modify and repurpose the very IP owned by companies pushing the technology. What’s going to happen next?

Mr. Scott If You're Nasty

No Gears E Day, not a valid list in my opinion. It scored higher than some of those games and was maybe the only full package AAA game. They got this wrong. Big walk? Like what are we doing here.

Raisin

Well, seeing as they pulled E-Day from PS5 at the last minute, I can't personally speak to E-Day's quality. However, I do believe you and everyone else singing the game's praises. Its absence is conspicuous. On the topic of Big Walk, again, while I can't speak personally, I believe it deserves its spot. It's one of the few indie breakout titles this year. I believe their previous game, Untitled Goose Game, was nominated for Ultimate Game of the Year in 2019. I'm just happy to see some racing game representation. I loved Galactic Racer. I can't wait for Horizon 6. I'm also happy to see Dispatch get its flowers. Not all the episodes were out when the Golden Joysticks happened last year. I'm glad it's getting its proper due this year. And while I didn't vibe with 007 as much as others, I'm happy to see IOI killing it.

Raisin

Personally, I think they should've dropped Crimson Desert in place of E-Day.

Kellen Kensinger

Hello my handsome dukes! After the trailer for mass effect universe leaked, I’m even more depressed now than I was last Wednesday. And the details that keep coming out have me so excited for what could’ve been that EA has now become my archenemy. What did you guys think of the trailer/leaked details. If Asha somehow is able to get the mass effect license, my life is hers.

rokku

Dukes, As a follow-up on the AI topic from last week. I want to paint a hypothetical scenario that is likely to occur at some point where, as Cog has alluded to in the past, the real test. One of your most anticipated games, such as FOTOR or Destiny 3, discloses that the final game is made with a mix of 'organic only' assets as well as the use of 'Generative AI Assisted' assets (textures, models, audio etc. that is later cleaned up), which was created by feeding to the studio's proprietary LLMs data/work from in-house artists, with their consent. As well as the art looking so authentic, that to your eyes it is indistinguishable from non-AI work. What would your stance be in this scenario, where AI is honestly disclosed upfront, has 'relatively ethical' use of generative AI art, and the game looks and plays great? I'll be honest Dukes, if it was revealed my GOATs Capcom is doing this, my ass is folding to the AI overlords.

empty_0

Howdy Dukes! Didn't realize we had a Duke NFL showdown this week. Will Matty gloat about his Penix or be humble? Cog, with the niners at 6-1 I don't think you can let him be talking about his Penix like that just saying. Have a "at least my Bengals put belt to ass in the second half" kind of day

OKayCool91

Sup Dukes?! As a fan of KOTOR it was rough to see the news bout BioWare, my question to yall is this, IF EA decides to sell the IPs like Mass Effect, Are there Any specific studios you can think of that would be a good combo for a possible future for Mass Effect, Balders Gate, Dragon Age, Etc? Lots of Love to you fellas and hope you and your families have a safe and happy Halloween!

Taylor Martin

That's not a Xbox decision. That is happening because of France's Florange Law.

Mike Cosmo

Hey Dukes, Thanks for including my write in last week about the nicknames. In an effort to make it easier to read here are the nicknames suggested by the community after last weeks with credit given: Community Name User Double D Bros Your Boi Nicky V The Crown Jewelers They Now Call Me UNC. fine fam Ilostmytacos the Nobles Mike the Person The Defined Shard_of_Odium Squires ItsMrMoe The Court Squint Eastwood No pun from me this week but the ranking directly below Dukes are Marquis (Pronounced Mar - keyz) Have a: as far as names go, Dukies stinks kinda day.

Florida Man

Okay Dukes, especially Optimus cog. So we’ve had two game trailers for cancelled games released and one for Mass Effect Universe and Now Transformers Reactivate. Why is it these games always look awesome but they just don’t work out. Is it just being too ambitious from the developer side, or are we missing out on truly interesting ideas. What say you

Caleb Greer

Hell yeah congrats big dog

Caleb Greer

Greetings Dukes, I wanted to bring up a topic affecting some Xbox players that I haven’t seen discussed much outside of Reddit. How do you guys feel about Xbox sticking with their decision to phase out the old proprietary port on newly manufactured controllers? I’ve seen a number of posts from people who got the new 25th anniversary controller who were unaware it only has the USB-C, and now they can’t use their chatpad or plug-in type devices with easy mute functions and sound mixing. For me personally, I’ll eventually be unable to use my beloved Astro A40 with the GOATed M80 mixamp. Has this decision affected you at all, and what headsets are you guys recommending nowadays for gaming?

Andrew M

Hey Dukes, I am Not quite sure where to play GTA VI? I usually play mostly on Xbox for the achievements. And just play Sony exclusives on PlayStation. I do have a PS5 Pro. Do you think it will be that much better on PlayStation? Or should I just play on Xbox and get my achievements? Where are the Dukes playing?

Scott Holdsworth

Dukes just a quick one but a very important one… If the Xbox Series S is the Little Man, then will the Xbox handheld be the Little Boy? Cog are you going to go to the park to fiddle with Little Boy? Matty will you going for a ‘Thick’ whilst playing Little Boy? Thankyou Gentlemen Scott Holdsworth

boogersupreme

What's up gentlefish (Health is Wealth), With Fall upon us, people are tending to their yards and outside work to finish up the year. I have seen a ton of people talking about allergies and getting rolled and smoked by the dust and dander hiding under the leaves. Even our own Colin Moriarty got his shit rocked when trying to help his neighbor. As someone who's work consists of landscaping and doing yardwork, I highly recommend using a high altitude training mask. The problem with N95 masks and other fabrics is that pollen and other things cling to these masks and linger, creating an easy pathway to your lungs and esophagus. That shit is worse than Josh Allen in games that actually matter. You'll be clinging to Powerade and shower steam like a whore clings to twenty dollars. A lot of the fitness high altitude masks offer the same filters on gas masks and other professional equipment without the fabric and are much more reusable and you can simply wet wipe them down on the plastic parts to avoid carrying particles into your body or home. A nice bonus that you can also aura farm looking like Bane from The Dark Knight Rises. Stay safe in these allergenic times and have a "If you use the seeker drone in Modern Warfare 4, it's on sight" kinda day.

Mr. Scott If You're Nasty

My understanding is their extension was at the request of Arkane and not due to the law. The initial deadline and consultation was because of the law. Extension was their decision. Maybe I'm reading it wrong.

MattDanger87 (edited)

Comment edits

2026-10-29 00:00 Howdy Dukes, I thought i would throw my hat into the health is wealth ring this week. Other than occasionally walking or biking, I've never been a big exercise guy. Always wanted to, but self motivation and self confidence have always been a major barrier. Last year, I was really starting to feel my age a bit with the lack of activity. Meanwhile, My son and daughter started jiu jitsu classes last October. I thought it looked really interesting but had zero confidence in giving it a try. But after some coaxing from the coach, I started jiu jitsu in January. At the time of writing this, I just received my second stripe on my white belt last night and am easily in the best shape of my life. I have muscles that I've never had before, stamina that I could only dream of, and a belief in myself that I didn't think would ever exist. And the comradery i have with the guys and gals in class is incredibly rewarding and something I never expected to find in a setting like this. Matty, Cog, from the bottom of my heart, i thank you both for always promoting a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to take the time for anyone listening and yet you always go out of your way to try and help. To anyone listening, I made this life altering change as a 38 year old. It's never too late in your life to change things for the better. You just have to try.
2026-10-27 11:45 Howdy Dukes, I thought i would throw my hat into the health is wealth ring this week. Other than occasionally walking or biking, I've never been a big exercise guy. Always wanted to, but self motivation and self confidence have always been a major barrier. Last year, I was really starting to feel my age a bit with the lack of activity. Meanwhile, My son and daughter started jiu jitsu classes last October. I thought it looked really interesting but had zero confidence in giving it a try. But after some coaxing from the coach, I started jiu jitsu in January. At the time of writing this, I just received my second stripe on my white belt last night and am easily in the best shape of my life. I have muscles that I've never had before, stamina that I could only dream of, and a belief in myself that I didn't think would ever exist. And the comradery i have with the guys and gals in class is incredibly rewarding and something I never expected to find in a setting like this. Matty, Cog, i thank you both for always promoting a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to take the time for anyone listening and yet you always go out of your way to try and help. To anyone listening, I made this life altering change as a 38 year old. It's never too late in your life to change things for the better. You just have to try.

Howdy Dukes, I thought i would throw my hat into the health is wealth ring this week. Other than occasionally walking or biking, I've never been a big exercise guy. Always wanted to, but self motivation and self confidence have always been a major barrier. Last year, I was really starting to feel my age a bit with the lack of activity. Meanwhile, My son and daughter started jiu jitsu classes last October. I thought it looked really interesting but had zero confidence in giving it a try. But after some coaxing from the coach, I started jiu jitsu in January. At the time of writing this, I just received my second stripe on my white belt last night and am easily in the best shape of my life. I have muscles that I've never had before, stamina that I could only dream of, and a belief in myself that I didn't think would ever exist. And the comradery i have with the guys and gals in class is incredibly rewarding and something I never expected to find in a setting like this. Matty, Cog, i thank you both for always promoting a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to take the time for anyone listening and yet you always go out of your way to try and help. To anyone listening, I made this life altering change as a 38 year old. It's never too late in your life to change things for the better. You just have to try.

NeO JD (edited)

Comment edits

2026-10-29 00:00 Dukes! Want to give a Game Pass pick of the week to Forever Ago. This is a short narrative game that hits you in the feels. I feel like Cog would appreciate it for sure, and Matty might reflect kindly on it as well being a married man. Thanks and have a Brewers whipping errrbody kind of day.
2026-10-27 12:45 Dukes! Hear ye, hear ye. It is I. 1 of the noble peasants. I want to give a Game Pass pick of the week to Forever Ago. This is a short narrative game that hits you in the feels. I feel like Cog would appreciate it for sure, and Matty might reflect kindly on it as well being a married man. The official description is as follows. “Following a tragic stroke of fate, Alfred embarks on a journey north in search of redemption in this single-player road trip adventure.” Thanks and have a Brewers whipping errrbody ass kind of day.

Dukes! Hear ye, hear ye. It is I. 1 of the noble peasants. I want to give a Game Pass pick of the week to Forever Ago. This is a short narrative game that hits you in the feels. I feel like Cog would appreciate it for sure, and Matty might reflect kindly on it as well being a married man. The official description is as follows. “Following a tragic stroke of fate, Alfred embarks on a journey north in search of redemption in this single-player road trip adventure.” Thanks and have a Brewers whipping errrbody ass kind of day.

JP

G’day Dukes, Before we get into the meat of the episode, let’s let Matty have a bit of a victory lap. Cog, the 49ers’ D couldn’t measure up to the Falcons’ Penix handing out your first L of the season. Did you both get a chance to watch the game? PS: want to spotlight two things for the audience: (1) Austin Wintory, acclaimed video game composer, released an excellent video of what he had envisioned for ME5's soundtrack (his personal dream project) and (2) Tape to tape is a fantastic indie arcade hockey game that just released on consoles.

Kaleb

Good day Mega Matty and Iron Bull Cog, with the rumors that Helix is now a more traditional console and that 360 games will come native to the Windows PC store, could this be a long play to get people to PC after Helix? Everyones default store when they switch to PC is Steam, but what if someone switches in 5 years and they immediately have access to 20 years of games they already bought on Xbox? And with the ability to add non-Steam games to Steam anyway, would you really want to pay hundreds of dollars again just to say you have a native Steam copy?

Michael Welter

Matty, you called Mordin "Mordis" in last week's episode. When will you admit youre a fake fan?

Pet Dog

Greetings dukes! I have an admittedly long mental-health-is-wealth write in that I'd like to share, piggybacking off what matty said last week about mindful walks. As a long time listener since matty announced defining duke, and even got the chance to talk to you and Paul on Ham Radio Live about Starfield's future building mode mechanics, I'm personally so glad to hear that you're getting into active forms of meditation. I went through a very similar experience in my early 20s of losing who i thought i was, and now being 28 i feel i can say without a shadow of a doubt that practicing being mindful, exactly how you said to, is what changed my life. Dont want to trauma dump but the context is important and hopefully it helps someone else. So within 3 years my house got majorly flooded twice and we lost everything, and then i lost my older brother to suicide in march of 2021 when i was 23. (Thinking back on it, DD and DD Ultimate are what got me through the worst of it) My family is obviously devastated. If anyone is struggling with life, please seek help from your loved ones and professionals. However, I refuse to not look for a light in the darkness, and personally took to the idea of latching onto the smallest gifts in life and feeling gratitude for them. The simple realization of, the harmony that is trees give us oxygen while they feed off our carbon dioxide, made me feel a small sense of purpose. Expanding that gratitude to my family, my body's capabilities, and my perseverance through hardship is what finally got me to break out of my shell and work my way to an honest job as a manager at a retail store while also working on what i went to college for and has always been my dream: audio engineering and making music. I now have 3 different well received songs released that i had a big hand in writing. My band and i did all the production from out of my parents house using my steam deck to record in the garage, and mixed them on my pc. I may not live a luxurious life but i get to listen to duke at work and im doing what i love on the side, so i truly feel like ive found the happiness i was always seeking. But i cannot stress enough how instrumental actually meditating alone with my thoughts was in all of this. Life is not easy and there are no walkthroughs on how to live with that thing we call the self. The best way to figure it out is to spend some quality time with that mofo. And last thing, Matty, I'm glad you're accepting how big of an impact you guys have made with this podcast. Not to be that parasocial guy but as i said before, yall have been with me week in week out through some of the hardest and most formative years of my life, and i truly feel i have you and cogs level headed approach to thank for inspiring me to always be rational with my thinking. And btw i havent even had an xbox since i got a pc in 2023. Anyways enough yappin, thanks for all the good times gents and have an “eating my macaroni with a spoon” kind of day!

STATS

Dear Mental gym rat Matty and Muscle is wealth Cog I recently went back and listened to my first ever write in where I wrote about my issue with lying. Its been nearly 2 years since then as it was Episode 214, February 2025. I really want to thank you guys for the opportunity to share that story. It let me take my transparency to the next level which triggered a whole new level of growth for me. That being said after listening to that write-in I feel stagnant. I improved myself then for sure but honestly in some ways I feel like I've declined since then mentally. I notice my confidence lacking. I'm 28 years old, I live at home and for context I don't plan on leaving. As my parents get older I would like to take stay and take care of them. I'm also in the midst of getting a better paying job but by no means make a substantial amount of money. These are things I find myself increasingly ashamed of. Especially when it comes to the dating scene. Its so bad that I try to pretend I don't care. Like I'm prepared to live alone for the rest of my life.. but Im not. With all that being said who better to ask than Married Matty and Crashin at the hips Cog. Have you guys ever felt less than or lacked confidence in an area of your life and if so how did you overcome it? Appreciate you guys and have a "Your old boss has reached out to see if you'd be interested in coming back" kind of day

Sechron

Hello Optimus Matty and Megatron Cog, just saw a unreleased trailer for for the; sadly canceled, Transformers: Reactivate and it looked good man but sadly it got shelved back in 2025. With this and the recent Mass Effect 5 trailer leak it has me thinking what happens to all the work that was put in to these projects? Do they get repurposed to another project, collect dust on some hard drive, or is their ultimate fate deletion to make room for other projects? Hopefully one day they can come back like dead island 2 did. With hope in my heart this Autobot's rolling out

Loom Doom

Hey Dukes, What do you prefer for chicken wings: bone-in or boneless? Thanks, and have a is-it-the-weekend-yet? kind of day.

DeucesBruh

Hey yall, As the self appointed DD AI evangelist, has anyone tried out any sweet recomps this week? Just wanted to shout out Ratchet and Clank: ReRac. Essentially a PC remaster of the first Ratchet game. Unlocked frame rate, draw distance, and resolution. With added global illumination and screen space reflections. Game runs like a charm. Cheers.

David Rector

Matty, at one point in time you claimed Toy Story 3 was the greatest game of all time. While the game didnt crack your top 5 games in a recent video you did with Dustin did you check it out in the new Retro Roundup collection?

Aaron Shepherd

Dukes! Health is Wealth™️write in to ease ourselves into another week. I’ve been listening to audiobooks more recently as my game time has been eating into my reading time. I’ve found listening to books in the gym has been a great way to get that time in, and it helps me both focus on the lifts, as well as the story. After hearing about it for years, I finally gave Red Rising a try and haven’t been 360-no scoped by a book like this in a long time. Where do the Dukes stand on audiobooks? Have a “why are there so many Bioshock references in this book about space Rome?” kind of day.

DaveyBoyPlays

Howdy dukes thoughts on Call of Duty not getting a review score.? A bit odd… also Matty would you have mass effect back if it meant it was only digital?

ItsShaneBailey

G'day Dukes, Do you expect Xbox will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a special livestream, just like they did for the 20th anniversary? You might recall a few cool announcements were made for the 20th anniversary, including Halo Infinite's multiplayer beta being made available that same day, 70 more games being added to the back compat program, the reveal of the Power On documentary and a fresh look at the upcoming Halo TV show (*shudders*). Could we see something new from Team Xbox on November 15th? Perhaps achievements and Mythics confirmed for older gen titles? Much love from down under, Shane.

ItsShaneBailey

Matty: "What have you been playing, Cog?" Cog: "I was up late last night playing with my Little Boy, trying to get my 'Thic in Lara Croft"

Drew

Sup boys, this one is for Matty. I know you enjoyed Lies of P so are you going to give Phantom Blade Zero a try?

RobTheButcher

I like "The Court", feel like we need to workshop it a little more before we make a decision

Nevets

Duke Dudes, I know we are upset about Bioware closing. It is heartbreaking. But Matty, aren't you forgetting one very important Bioware RPG?! Where is the Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood love!? Sonic's first RPG was a handheld masterpiece! The touch controls were very unique and made combat engaging! The story brought a lot of new lore and meshed well with the existing stories. The music is peak. Okay, now you know I'm joking. The game is kinda ass, but I still love that Sonic got a Bioware RPG. G'day Dukes!

Prophesizer

Dukes, I know everyone has likely grown tired of the Bioware talk. Im here to bring it up again! Hopefully ina positive light. But i want to know what you (and others) consider to be the best species/race created in Bioware's history. To be clear i am not asking about factions, but actual races. For me, it uas and will always he the Krogan - leveraged as mercenaries and paid back with genocide. Heavy history that carries meaningfully into the interactions with them. Have "Genophage made me a renegade, kinda day. Love & Respect.

Cogs hoe in Ohio

Hey dukes We are less than a month away from GTA 6. I know most of the gaming community is excited to get their hands on and play what many are calling the game of the decade. If I’m being honest, I am not one of these people. I’ve watched the trailers and yes I think the game is gonna be good but I am not as excited for it as everyone else seems to be. I haven’t preordered it and I don’t plan on buying it anytime soon. For me, I’m more excited for Zelda. I actually bought a switch 2 just for it. What about you guys. Has there been a game you have seem have a lot of hype and anticipation from the gaming community that you are just indifferent to. Love the show guys and I hope you have a “MrMattyPlays CONFIRMS gear trilogy” kind of day

Your Boi Nicky V

Sup Cumtard Cog and Titty Gobbler Matty, On the topic of the name for the Defining Duke community, might I suggest ‘The Double Ds’. Have a ‘Matty explaining to his beloved wife how he interacted with some sweaty and stinky Double Ds at the next live show’ kind of day, Kisses xx

Klaw117

Hey Dukes, I don't have anything to ask this week, though it would be nice if you could answer my question from last week about if the last administration's design choices for Helix might have handicapped Asha's administration given that their goals seem to be complete opposites. Instead, I say that instead of you guys being the Dukes, we can be the Dukes instead while you two can be the Grand Dukes. Then we can be a community of Dukes led by our two Grand Dukes in this Grand Duchy of Xbox at LSM. Yes, grand duchies are a thing though sadly, it seems only Luxembourg has survived to the modern age as a political entity keeping a grand duke as a leader. Have a "all hail the Grand Dukes" kind of day!