Kinda Funny Games Daily: Black Myth: Wukong Director Responds To Game Awards Loss

Episode: Black Myth: Wukong Director Responds To Game Awards Loss
Podcast: Kinda Funny Games Daily
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Hosts: Greg Miller, Tim Gettys, Barrett Courtney

1. Black Myth: Wukong's Game Awards Snub

Overview:
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the recent Game Awards, where Black Myth: Wukong experienced a notable snub. Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, the game failed to secure the coveted Game of the Year award, winning only Best Action and Players' Choice awards instead.

Key Discussion Points:

• Director's Reaction:
  Greg Miller highlights a statement from Fengji, the director of Black Myth: Wukong, who expressed his disappointment on Weibo. The machine-translated post conveyed gratitude for the awards but also confusion and dissatisfaction over missing out on Game of the Year.

  Greg Miller [14:47]:
  "In the end, it won Best Action and Players Vote, especially the player's voice, which is gratifying, but I must admit that there are disappointments and regrets."

• Cultural Context & Translation Issues:
  Tim Gettys discusses the potential misinterpretations arising from machine translations and cultural differences, emphasizing empathy towards the developers' feelings.

  Tim Gettys [16:00]:
  "I don't think that we need to be like calling people out for crying, calling people out for like being sad that their game didn't win."

• Community Reaction:
  Both hosts touch on the mixed reactions from the gaming community, with some mocking the snub while others show genuine support for the developers.

  Greg Miller [17:42]:
  "But even as it's written, I'm not getting the I'm fucking angry and everybody sucks thing from."

2. Superman Trailer Reaction and Upcoming Coverage

Overview:
The conversation shifts to the highly anticipated James Gunn-directed Superman trailer set to release on Thursday. The hosts express excitement and outline their plans to live-react to the trailer alongside their listeners.

Key Discussion Points:

• Trailer Anticipation:
  Greg shares his cautious optimism, noting the positive elements observed from behind-the-scenes screenshots and teaser snippets.

  Greg Miller [01:03]:
  "I'm cautiously optimistic. I am excited."

• Visual and Artistic Analysis:
  Tim praises the trailer's visual quality and the importance of making a strong first impression for the new DC Universe.

  Tim Gettys [02:07]:
  "This is the beginning of the DCU for all intents and purposes."

• Live Reaction Plans:
  Hosts announce a live reaction event scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, encouraging listeners to join and participate actively.

  Greg Miller [10:00]:
  "We will react and watch it live for the first time at 9.00am."

3. Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks

Overview:
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing leaked information about the next-generation Nintendo Switch, often referred to as the Switch 2. Insights are drawn from reports by dbrand, Jay Peters, and Sean Hollister from The Verge.

Key Discussion Points:

• Design and Specifications:
  The leaked design suggests a larger and taller console with a new button configuration, including a mysterious second button beneath the home button.

  Greg Miller [24:11]:
  "Nintendo's spec sheet shows its previous handheld is 242 millimeters wide... Switch 2 should measure 270 millimeters wide."

• Improved Joy-Cons:
  The new Joy-Cons are expected to feature enhanced ergonomics and better trigger mechanisms, addressing past critiques of durability and comfort.

  Tim Gettys [24:11]:
  "Better triggers as well, which I think is going to go a long way for more modern games."

• Anticipated Release Timeline:
  While the exact release date remains uncertain, hosts speculate a reveal in January 2025 with a potential launch by mid-2025.

  Tim Gettys [27:22]:
  "All signs are pointing to January reveal. A couple months later, I think March more blowout event and then a May June release."

4. Capcom Reviving Dormant Franchises

Overview:
Capcom has announced plans to revive several dormant intellectual properties (IPs), including Onimusha and Okami. The hosts analyze the implications of these revivals and speculate on future projects.

Key Discussion Points:

• Onimusha Revival:
  Set to release in 2026, the new Onimusha title aims to rejuvenate the beloved franchise with modern enhancements.

  Tim Gettys [35:30]:
  "I rewatched that trailer like 15 times. I am beside myself that this game's actually coming out."

• Okami Sequel:
  Given the critical acclaim of the original, the Okami sequel is highly anticipated, with hosts expressing hope that it will meet or exceed expectations.

  Greg Miller [42:14]:
  "A sequel to Okami that is gorgeous in art and doing all this and music is going to do so much better now than it would have been back then."

• Future Projections:
  The conversation extends to other potential revivals like Mega Man, Dino Crisis, and various fighting games, highlighting Capcom's strategic positioning in the gaming market.

  Tim Gettys [44:03]:
  "I think Mega Man is next."

5. Helldivers 2 Update and Community Concerns

Overview:
The hosts discuss the latest update for Helldivers 2, focusing on the introduction of a new "FOMO" weapon, the stun baton, and the implications for the game's monetization model.

Key Discussion Points:

• New Weapon and Monetization:
  The stun baton is available for purchase with in-game credits, sparking concerns about potential pay-to-win dynamics.

  Greg Miller [46:06]:
  "This is the first time Arrowhead has sold a non armor item outside of a war bond."

• Community Response:
  Despite initial unease, Greg and Tim express confidence in Arrowhead's commitment to maintaining game integrity and addressing community feedback.

  Tim Gettys [46:16]:
  "Helldivers will course correct... they'll listen and pull it back."

• Gameplay Impact:
  Personal experiences with the new weapon are shared, emphasizing the balance between monetization and player experience.

  Greg Miller [46:54]:
  "I want to care about it, but... we'll see what Gary thinks."

6. Final Fantasy VII Remake Retrograde Update

Overview:
The episode covers the latest updates to Final Fantasy VII Remake Retrograde on PlayStation 5 and PC, introducing features aimed at enhancing gameplay efficiency.

Key Discussion Points:

• New Features:
  Head Start allows players to begin the game with boosted character levels, inventory, and maxed-out materia, while Fast Forward Event Scenes enable players to speed through cutscenes.

  Greg Miller [48:49]:
  "Features to make it faster to complete... head start is now available."

• Implications for Players:
  Hosts debate the balance between convenience and game immersion, praising the quality-of-life improvements while questioning their impact on the overall experience.

  Tim Gettys [49:46]:
  "It's a brilliant marketing thing... little bit weird from a gameplay perspective."

7. Community Engagement and Super Chats

Overview:
Throughout the episode, Greg, Tim, and Barrett interact with listeners through Super Chats, addressing a variety of questions and comments that range from game predictions to feature requests.

Notable Interactions:

• Samuel Higgins' Questions:
  Samuel inquires about the absence of a Tears of the Kingdom spoiler cast and the discontinuation of the Prediction Gamescast.

  Samuel Higgins [28:33]:
  "Is there a reason we never got a Tears of the Kingdom spoiler cast? And why did the switch to Prediction Gamescast never actually happen?"

• Keenan’s Comment on Protagonist Controversy:
  Keenan discusses the backlash against Capcom’s new protagonist in Marvel's Rival, comparing it to previous character introductions.

  Keenan [50:12]:
  "How about all the ridiculousness of people talking trash about Siri and the new protagonist in Intergalactic?"

• Fan Predictions for Classic Remakes:
  Fade into Gaming's query about the potential for remakes of classic games like Xenogears, Chrono Trigger, and Legend of Dragoon.

  Fade into Gaming [57:33]:
  "Does it pave the way for other games like Xenogears and Chrono Trigger and Legend of Dragoon?"

8. Upcoming Events and Announcements

Overview:
The hosts wrap up the episode by highlighting upcoming events, including the live reaction to the Superman trailer, the 10th anniversary stream, and special giveaways.

Key Announcements:

• Superman Trailer Live Reaction:
  Scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, the hosts invite listeners to join the live event.

  Greg Miller [10:42]:
  "It's gonna be the Superman movies... It's gonna be Supergirl. It's gonna be a bright burn."

• 10th Anniversary Stream:
  A special stream on January 3rd commemorating the podcast's decade-long run, featuring giveaways and exclusive content.

  Tim Gettys [54:10]:
  "We're gonna be giving away meta quests from our friends from Songbird."

• Member Benefits:
  Encouragement for listeners to support the podcast through memberships, unlocking benefits like ad-free shows and exclusive access to additional content.

  Greg Miller [different times]:
  "Pick up a Kind of Funny membership... get all of our shows ad free."

9. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a humorous exchange between the hosts about future content possibilities, emphasizing their commitment to delivering engaging and diverse gaming content.

Greg Miller [53:13]:
"We're gonna have some fucking fun, all right?... because I'm sick of it."

Tim Gettys [54:07]:
"This year's insane. This week's about to be insane though."

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Miller [01:03]:
  "I'm cautiously optimistic. I am excited."

• Tim Gettys [02:07]:
  "This is the beginning of the DCU for all intents and purposes."

• Greg Miller [14:47]:
  "In the end, it won Best Action and Players Vote, especially the player's voice, which is gratifying, but I must admit that there are disappointments and regrets."

• Tim Gettys [16:00]:
  "I don't think that we need to be like calling people out for crying, calling people out for like being sad that their game didn't win."

• Greg Miller [24:11]:
  "Based on dBrand's measurement, the next Switch... with some key differences from the Switch and Switch OLED."

• Tim Gettys [35:30]:
  "I rewatched that trailer like 15 times. I am beside myself that this game's actually coming out."

Conclusion:

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive overview of significant events in the gaming world, from the surprising Game Awards snub faced by Black Myth: Wukong to exciting leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 and Capcom's plans to revive beloved franchises. The hosts engage deeply with both the news and their community, providing insightful commentary and fostering an interactive environment for listeners. Additionally, the anticipation surrounding the new Superman trailer and upcoming events adds a layer of excitement, ensuring that listeners are well-informed and eagerly awaiting future content.