Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast
Episode: The Switch 2 Leaks Keep Coming - Kinda Funny Games Daily 01.08.25
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr.
1. Switch 2 Leak Deluge
Timestamp: [00:00 - 15:15]
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the latest leaks surrounding Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2. Hosts discuss the emergence of dummy units showcased by accessories manufacturer Genkai at CES 2025 and the availability of these units on the black market.
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Greg Miller expresses frustration over the gradual information leaks:
"It's just a shitty way for this information to leak out slowly but surely... Oh come on, let's get, just pull the trigger. Announce the direct." ([10:39]) -
Blessing Adeoye Jr. counters by maintaining that the leaks haven't dampened his excitement:
"This doesn't dampen my hype more. For the fact that this is all, I think, what we all expect, right? It's just a switch too." ([11:53])
Listeners shared their thoughts through Super Chats, with C.J. Splitson asking whether the leaks diminish hype for the Switch 2. The hosts concluded that while leaks are frustrating, the core excitement remains intact, focusing on the upcoming features and game lineup rather than the hardware specifics.
2. Virtual Virtuous Unreal Engine 5 Remake Rumors
Timestamp: [15:15 - 26:00]
The conversation shifts to rumors that Virtuous, a development studio based in Shanghai, is working on an unannounced remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using Unreal Engine 5. This speculation is fueled by a LinkedIn profile of a Virtuous technical art director and a leaked court document outlining Bethesda's plans.
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Greg Miller connects the dots, suggesting:
"At least Tim does. And I think it would make a lot of sense... Intel would make use of their IP, especially for not even a new generation. Like two new generations." ([22:21]) -
Blessing Adeoye Jr. emphasizes the credibility of the leaks despite general skepticism about LinkedIn as a news source:
"This just lines up so cleanly and just makes so much sense." ([23:06])
The hosts speculate on potential game releases, including Oblivion Remaster, and discuss their personal gaming histories with the Elder Scrolls series. The segment ends with Greg expressing eagerness for a possible announcement, while Tim Geddes voices concern over Greg's gaming preferences diverging from typical Western RPGs.
3. Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Handheld
Timestamp: [26:00 - 43:40]
The podcast covers Lenovo's reveal of the Legion Go S, the first officially licensed third-party SteamOS handheld gaming PC, announced at CES 2025.
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Blessing Adeoye Jr. outlines the device’s specifications and features:
"The portable gaming PC boasts an 8-inch screen with VRR support infused controllers with adjustable trigger switches and hall effect joysticks." ([39:00]) -
Greg Miller shares his mixed feelings about the proliferation of PC handhelds:
"You know how much I love handheld gaming... What do I do when I have so many options?" ([40:07])
The hosts discuss the impact of multiple SteamOS-based handhelds on the gaming market, debating whether these devices can coexist and how they compare to existing options like the Steam Deck. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the seamless integration of Steam libraries and the potential for cross-device gameplay experiences.
4. Shift Up Rewards Staff with PS5 Pro and Bonuses
Timestamp: [43:40 - 50:55]
Wesley Yinpool at IGN reports that Shift Up, the South Korean studio behind the PS5 exclusive Stellar Blade, has rewarded its entire staff with PS5 Pro consoles and a €5 million (approximately $3,400) cash bonus. This gesture comes after the game's successful launch and Shift Up's impressive IPO performance.
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Greg Miller humorously reacts:
"Stellar Blade. You get to stay. Come on, Stellar Blade. We're bringing Stellar Blade with us into 2025." ([46:46]) -
Tim Geddes commends the company for valuing its employees amidst industry layoffs:
"It's nice to have a story every once in a while where actual employees are being taken care of by their employers." ([47:31])
The hosts celebrate the positive news, contrasting it with the frequent reports of studio layoffs and emphasizing the rarity of such generous rewards in the gaming industry.
5. US Designates Tencent as Chinese Military Company
Timestamp: [50:55 - 54:44]
The podcast addresses a significant geopolitical development where the U.S. Department of Defense has classified Tencent, a major investor in several global video game companies, as a Chinese military company. This designation, while not immediately imposing legal consequences, poses potential challenges for Tencent's business operations in the U.S.
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Blessing Adeoye Jr. draws parallels to previous cases:
"Previously Chinese phone manufacturer Xiaomi was added to the same list in 2021 and then removed from it a few months later." ([48:55]) -
Tim Geddes reflects on the broader implications of such classifications:
"It just feels like, oh, this company is doing really well and is generating a lot of money. I, we want that money for our economy and that..." ([50:13])
The discussion highlights concerns about U.S. government actions targeting Chinese companies, comparing the Tencent situation to the exclusion of TikTok from certain platforms. The hosts express uncertainty about the long-term impact on Tencent and its affiliated game studios.
6. Splash Damage Cancels Transformers Game
Timestamp: [54:44 - 60:19]
Wesley Yinpool at IGN reports that Splash Damage has canceled its upcoming game Transformers Reactivate, citing a strategic shift to focus on other projects. This announcement comes amid industry pressures and the challenging landscape for mid-sized studios.
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Blessing Adeoye Jr. mourns the loss:
"Which is very sad." ([51:47]) -
Greg Miller laments the cancellation:
"Stellar Blade. You get to stay. You get to stay. Come on, Stellar Blade. We're bringing Stellar Blade with us into 2025." ([46:46])
The hosts discuss the broader trend of game cancellations and layoffs, appreciating the positive news from Shift Up as a rare exception. They also touch upon upcoming game releases and beta tests, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the latest developments.
Listener Super Chats and Personal Gaming Discussions
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener Super Chats, offering personalized game recommendations and sharing their own gaming struggles and preferences. A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Greg Miller's difficulties with Western RPGs, his desire for more action-oriented games, and discussions about potential game choices like Outer Worlds and Prince of Persia.
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DJ Kento suggests:
"Tails can't die in Sonic 2, so if Ben played Tails, it'd be more forgiving." ([19:15]) -
Maximus Polyglot asks about Greg's experience with games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Evil West, and Greedfall:
"Greg, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Evil West, Greedfall, Any of those do it for you?" ([55:48]) -
Blessing Adeoye Jr. shares her own gaming journey, emphasizing her transition to more indie and emotionally resonant games:
"I'm trying to play more indie stuff... I want a Western RPG that's like 10 to 15 hours long." ([34:31])
These interactions provide a personal touch to the podcast, allowing listeners to relate to the hosts' gaming experiences and preferences.
Conclusion
In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, the hosts comprehensively cover significant news in the gaming industry, from hardware leaks and studio developments to geopolitical impacts on game companies. Their balanced mix of news analysis, personal anecdotes, and listener engagement offers a thorough overview for both regular listeners and newcomers seeking detailed insights into the latest happenings in the gaming world.
Notable Quotes:
- "It looks like you're ready. Let's go." – Greg Miller ([10:39])
- "We listen and we don't judge." – Blessing Adeoye Jr. ([35:05])
- "Greg, just don't play this game." – Tim Geddes ([53:26])