Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast

Episode: Airing Our Grievances About Mario Kart World
Release Date: June 26, 2025

1. Introduction

In this engaging episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Snowbike Mike delve deep into their frustrations with the latest updates to Mario Kart World. Alongside, they explore other significant gaming news, including insights into Death Stranding 2 and the exciting developments at Republic Games. The episode is peppered with lively banter, listener interactions, and thoughtful critiques that cater to both casual gamers and industry enthusiasts.

2. Grievances About Mario Kart World

Patch 1.1.2 Changes:
The primary focus of the episode is the controversial Mario Kart World patch 1.1.2. Released on the Nintendo Switch, this update introduced significant changes to the game's matchmaking system, which have left players disgruntled.

• Matchmaking Adjustments:
  Players have reported an increase in "intermission races," where instead of standard three-lap races, drivers transition through an open map with single laps on new tracks. This shift has reduced the frequency of traditional races, disrupting the classic Mario Kart experience.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. [16:02]: "Patch 1.1.2 makes it more difficult to have the standard three lap race when playing online with friends... Now intermission races have become more prevalent since the patch was pushed out."

  Snowbike Mike [16:47]: "It's crazy because when you kick on an online lobby, you don't choose a Grand Prix. Why is Grand Prix not an option?"

• Lack of Customization:
  Another major gripe is the limited customization options for game modes and character outfits. Unlike previous iterations, players cannot easily select specific Grand Prix settings or fully customize their characters beyond the default offerings.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. [21:49]: "In Mario Kart World, there's no point in playing some characters besides liking them because half of the new roster lacks additional outfits."

• UI/UX Design Flaws:
  The hosts criticize Nintendo's user interface and experience design choices, arguing that they complicate what should be straightforward options for players.

  Snowbike Mike [20:18]: "You know, the menu is hiding the map selection behind a plus button and then you have to navigate through 200 maps. It's bad UX."

• Lack of Crossplay and Cross Progression:
  The absence of crossplay and cross progression limits the multiplayer experience, frustrating players who wish to enjoy the game across multiple platforms seamlessly.

  Snowbike Mike [31:42]: "They need to fix that. Got to fix that."

Listener Feedback:
The episode features several listener super chats airing their grievances:

• Kebab [24:25]: "Mario Kart World is aggravating because there are so many sandbox racing games in the past 20 years. Burnout, Forza—they didn’t learn from any of them."

• L2 Larson [63:12]: "Suggestions on retro game/card shops to visit while in SF."

These interactions highlight a community that loves Mario Kart but is passionate about seeing improvements that honor the game's legacy while embracing modern enhancements.

3. Death Stranding 2 and the Pandemic's Impact

Development Challenges:
Hosts discuss the recent release of Death Stranding 2 and reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic nearly halted its development. The game's creator, Hideo Kojima, shared his anxieties about the project's completion during these unprecedented times.

Blessing Adeoye Jr. [38:39]: "Kojima revealed that during the pandemic, there were moments when he genuinely feared they might never complete Death Stranding 2."

Player Experience:
Upon its release, players have embarked on new adventures across Australia, uncovering hidden cutscenes and Easter eggs, such as the rumored appearance of Nintendo in the game's credits.

Snowbike Mike [41:02]: "A lot of us also feared during the pandemic that a lot of things weren't going to happen. So I totally get where he's coming from."

The episode praises the game's universal critical acclaim, boasting a Metacritic score of 90, and celebrates its successful launch despite the hurdles.

4. Chris Avalon's Move to Republic Games

New RPG Project:
Exciting news comes with Chris Avalon, a renowned writer and designer known for his work on titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, joining Republic Games. The studio, founded by Adam Williams (ex-Quantic Dreams), is set to develop an ambitious, handcrafted dark fantasy RPG inspired by the Golden Age of RPGs.

Victoria Phillips Kennedy at Eurogamer [46:25]: "Chris Avallon has joined Republic Games to work on a handcrafted, dark, mature fantasy RPG... Players can join competing factions, allowing full freedom to create their hero or anti-hero."

The hosts express enthusiasm for the project, anticipating a rich, story-driven experience that promises meaningful choices and diverse narrative paths.

5. WE News: Quick Gaming Updates

FBC Firebreak Milestone:
FBC Firebreak has surpassed one million players, marking a significant achievement for the developer.

Industry Layoffs:
Unfortunately, Noted Game Developer Don't Nod is undergoing layoffs, a somber note amidst the episode's content.

Sonic and McLaren Racing Partnership:
SEGA announced a multi-year partnership integrating Sonic with McLaren Racing, although the hosts humorously speculate about internal conflicts limiting further collaborations.

Blessing Adeoye Jr. [58:33]: "Even though I feel like they have beef."

Upcoming DLCs and Collaborations:
Announcements include Chained Echoes DLC launching on August 7th and the addition of Ninja Gaiden characters like Ryu and Hayabusa to Warriors Abyss on July 4th. Additionally, Abiotic Factor is set to launch on July 22nd.

6. Community Engagement and Events

Game Showdown Parade:
A special highlight is the upcoming Game Showdown parade in San Francisco, celebrating a championship run. Hosts and listeners are encouraged to attend and join in the festivities.

Snowbike Mike [48:38]: "This is a big deal for you as well. Bless. Like, yeah, you're going to be there."

Listener Suggestions:
Listeners provided recommendations for retro game and card shops in San Francisco, sparking a discussion on the availability and accessibility of such stores in the Peninsula.

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to the community, encouragement to support the podcast through memberships, and a teaser for upcoming shows like Gamecast featuring guest Jack Quaid. Despite airing numerous grievances, the hosts maintain a balanced perspective, celebrating the joys of gaming while constructively critiquing areas needing improvement.

Blessing Adeoye Jr. [65:00]: "Each and every weekday we run you through the nerdy news you need to know about live on YouTube, Twitch, and on podcasts around the globe."

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive look into the current state of Mario Kart World, enriching the conversation with listener feedback and broader industry insights. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual gamer, the hosts provide valuable perspectives that resonate with the gaming community.