Kinda Funny Games Daily: Xbox Series S Compatibility Isn’t Going Away, Says Phil Spencer
Hosted by Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller and Jerrica Hannah | Release Date: January 28, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Greg Miller and Jerrica Hannah delve into the latest developments in the gaming industry, focusing primarily on Microsoft's stance on Xbox Series S compatibility. Alongside discussing industry news, the hosts announce an exciting new show, engage with listener super chats, and explore various other gaming topics.
Xbox Series S Compatibility and Phil Spencer's Stance
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Phil Spencer's recent remarks regarding the Xbox Series S compatibility. Greg highlights that despite some developers' concerns, Microsoft remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring games are compatible across both the Series X and Series S consoles.
Notable Quote:
Phil Spencer stated, "With the rise of handheld PCs and devices like the Switch 2, targeting the Series S offers us a real advantage. Our games are built to be portable across various specs," (12:45).
Jerrica concurs, acknowledging both the benefits and challenges of this approach. While the Series S provides a broader reach, developers sometimes find it restrictive, citing examples like the delayed release of Baldur's Gate 3 on the Series S and challenges faced by Black Myth: Wukong.
Greg shares his personal experience, expressing frustration with the Series S's performance:
"When I played Starfield on my Series S connected to a monitor, the graphics were so subpar that I switched to cloud gaming on my phone instead," (15:58).
Mike adds to the discussion, interpreting Spencer's comments as a strategic move to prepare for future handheld devices, suggesting that the Series S serves as a benchmark for upcoming hardware.
Announcing "Drop In Dropout"
Transitioning from Xbox news, Jerrica proudly announces the launch of her new show, Drop In Dropout. This conversational podcast brings together seven friends to discuss all things video games, aiming to create an inclusive environment where guest developers and gamers can join in the conversation.
Notable Quote:
"Drop In Dropout is where seven friends come together to talk about games without overshadowing anyone. We’re excited to bring fresh perspectives and invite others to join us," (04:57).
They emphasize the collaborative nature of the show, highlighting their dedication to producing quality content:
"We stayed up until 2 AM to ensure today's content was top-notch," (06:57).
Listeners are encouraged to follow the new podcast on various social media platforms and give it a listen to support independent content creation.
Helldivers 2 Director Takes a Break
The conversation shifts to Helldivers 2, where Greg reports that Johan Pilestad, the director and co-founder of Arrowhead Game Studios, is taking a sabbatical before embarking on the next project. Pilestad expressed the need to reconnect with family and friends after dedicating over a decade to the Helldivers series.
Notable Quote:
"Eleven years of working around the clock on the same IP has made me set aside family and friends. I’m taking time to redeem what was lost before starting the next Arrowhead game," (26:07).
Jerrica praises Pilestad’s commitment and reflects on the series' impact, noting the community's dedication despite the natural decline in active players over time.
Techland’s Unannounced Dying Light Projects
Greg covers news from Techland, unveiling multiple unannounced projects within the Dying Light franchise. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Techland reported impressive milestones, including 45 million players and over 1 billion hours of gameplay.
Notable Quote:
"Techland has plans not just to continue the Dying Light series but to expand into board games, merchandise, and web comics," (24:31).
Despite these ambitious plans, Greg and Jerrica express skepticism about the long-term sustainability and developer intentions, especially considering compatibility challenges with the Series S.
WWE 2K25: Roman Reigns Headlines with Largest Wrestling Roster
Moving to sports gaming, the hosts discuss WWE 2K25, which features Roman Reigns as the cover athlete and boasts the largest wrestling roster to date, including legends like John Cena and The Rock. The game introduces a new island mode, allowing players to engage in themed quests and live events.
Notable Quote:
"Roman Reigns headlines WWE 2K25 alongside over 300 wrestlers, including legends and hall of famers. The new island mode promises themed areas for diverse gameplay experiences," (42:23).
Jerrica admits her limited interest in WWE games but acknowledges the comprehensive features that might attract fans.
Phoenix Labs Layoffs After Fort Labs Acquisition
A somber segment covers the recent layoffs at Phoenix Labs, two years post its acquisition by blockchain firm Fort Labs. Despite Dauntless’s success, an unfavorable update and cultural tensions led to the reduction of the majority of its workforce.
Notable Quote:
"Today's layoffs are part of necessary operational changes. We deeply appreciate every individual's contribution," (48:19).
Greg and Jerrica express their disappointment, reflecting on the precarious nature of working in game development, especially within smaller studios subject to corporate fluctuations.
Game Developers Choice Awards' Finalists Announced
Greg highlights the finalists for the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards, celebrating games like Astrobot: Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Metaphor: Refantazio.
Notable Quote:
"Congratulations to all the nominees. We look forward to seeing who takes home the awards in March," (53:15).
The hosts commend the diverse range of games nominated, emphasizing the industry's evolving landscape.
Listener Super Chats and Interactions
Throughout the episode, Greg and Jerrica engage with their listeners through super chats, addressing questions and comments about various topics such as game releases, collaborations, and personal gaming experiences.
Highlighted Interactions:
- Jeff Bull Jr. urges Greg to revisit the Silent Hill 2 Remake, prompting Greg to acknowledge his intention to dive back into the game.
- Econonic shares excitement about forming a Kinda Funny guild in Monster Hunter, with Greg affirming their plans.
- Tyler discusses the socio-economic implications of Series S compatibility, reflecting Greg’s own mixed feelings.
Conclusion
Greg and Jerrica wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to support their shows and memberships, underscoring the importance of community in sustaining content creation. They tease upcoming segments and express gratitude towards their audience for their continuous support.
Final Quote:
"If you love what we do, please support us. It takes a village to keep these shows going," (63:42).
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft’s Commitment: Phil Spencer reaffirms that Xbox Series S compatibility remains crucial, despite developer challenges.
- New Beginnings: Jerrica announces her new podcast, Drop In Dropout, fostering more inclusive gaming discussions.
- Industry Movements: Significant developments include Techland’s expansion of the Dying Light franchise and Phoenix Labs’ unfortunate layoffs.
- Gaming Celebrations: WWE 2K25 and the Game Developers Choice Awards highlight ongoing trends and successes in the gaming world.
- Community Engagement: Listener interactions provide diverse perspectives, enriching the conversation around current gaming topics.
For those not listening to the podcast, this summary encapsulates the essential discussions and insights shared by Greg and Jerrica, offering a comprehensive overview of the episode's content.