Xbox Live Operations overlord Eric Neustadter (maybe you know him as "e") joins Locksmiths Mitch Dyer, Destin Legarie, and Ryan McCaffrey to talk about the history and evolution of Xbox Live. Eric shares stories and secrets about how the whole thing operates, what happens when you complain about awful users, what an always-online console would do to the Live team.

E sticks around to co-host and converse about a bunch of stuff this week, including next-gen games, the rumored Assassin's Creed IV, Gears of War Judgment's VIP pass, and this week's...hilarious releases.

HEADS UP: For whatever reason, this awesome episode was sabotaged by the mysterious ghosts that plague the IGN podcast room. No static this time, fortunately -- it just sounds like we're inhaling a whole lot of helium while hanging out and chatting.

Greg Miller joins Locksmiths Mitch Dyer, Ryan McCaffrey, and Destin Legarie to talk about the future of...PlayStation. In this next-gen special, we talk all about the future of games according to Sony -- but fear not, Xbox faithful. Everything to do with the now-unveiled PlayStation 4 has drastic ramifications on the Xbox's future. 

What can Microsoft learn from the console and event? What do we expect to see and when? Who's going to be involved when the Xbox comes out of the dark, and what surprises do we anticipate?

All this and more, right here.

After a brief hiatus, we return to talk the abysmal failures of Aliens: Colonial Marines, the massive potential (but lack of convincing evidence) for Bungie's Destiny, and this week's new releases, including Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Crysis 3.

This week Locksmiths Ryan McCaffrey, Mitch Dyer, and Destin Legarie dive deep into a discussion about the future Xbox console and its alleged always-online functionality. What does it mean, and is it a good thing? All this and more, including Dead Space 3 discussion, a new Assassin's Creed game, Red Box on 360, and Vanilla Ice.

Yup.

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Grand Theft Auto V joins Splinter Cell Blacklist in the summer/fall release window, but are either of 'em coming to next-gen consoles as well? Locksmiths Mitch Dyer and Ryan McCaffrey make an on-air bet, while Destin Legarie plays with scissors.

We also answer your emails, dive deep into the future of PlayStation, and bring a new Meta-Achievement for your conversational pleasure.

The Locksmiths break down the THQ auction/dissolution, talk about the new Splinter Cell: Blacklist CE, and wonder about who's going to end up with the Darksiders franchise.

Also this week, Ryan interviews Double Fine's Ron Gilbert for, like, a freakin' hour. So if you want to listen to two smart dudes talk about The Cave, adventure games, and other awesome stuff, block out some time.

Locksmiths Ryan McCaffrey, Mitch Dyer, and Destin Legarie go over Splinter Cell Blacklist's delay, NBA Baller Beats' predictable failure, and the Dead Island Riptide debacle. 

Also in this episode: 

Mitch is back from a mystery trip full of misadventure.

Ryan narrowly survived the siege of a nasty stomach bug. 

Destin's head is on straighter than ever. Finally.

You can change your Xbox account region.

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It's our first show back from a break, so Locksmiths Ryan McCaffrey, Destin Legarie and Mitch Dyer have a lot to talk about. Topics this week include:

• THQ's stuff is for sale
• Books
• More Far Cry 3 impressions
• Destin doesn't know anything about video games
• Your emails, and a new Meta Achievement
• And much, much more!

Ryan McCaffrey, Mitch Dyer, Naomi Kyle, and Maggie the Boxer talk about the promise of God Mode, the depressing THQ news and what it means for the future of its games, as well as read some of your year-end emails. 

Also included:

A dog eats a leash.

Naomi and Mitch get super Canadian.

Free games, Xbox Live discounts, and technology failures.  

Mike Drucker joins Locksmiths Ryan McCaffrey, Mitch Dyer, and Destin Legarie to talk about the rise of Assassin's Creed, Spartan Ops, the VGAs, The Walking Dead, Halo tournaments, writing jokes for video games, and having terrible stand-up shows.

Y'know, the usual. With more profanity this time.

We'll miss you, Mike Drucker. Rest in peace.

I mean, good luck.