Kinda Funny Games Daily: Borderlands 4 Receives GLOWING Previews - Episode Summary

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Blessing Adioye Jr. and Wesley LeBlanc

1. Borderlands 4 Preview Roundup

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about the latest previews for Borderlands 4, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive reception from various outlets and creators.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. introduces the segment by referencing Paul Tassie's preview roundup from Forbes, noting the universal acclaim for the upcoming installment. "I've yet to see anything in Borderlands for previews that suggests to me that it's not going to be great," Blessing states at [09:20].

• Wesley LeBlanc shares his excitement, particularly emphasizing Game Informer's perspective. He mentions, "We're about to ship our first issue... and with Brian Shea's thoughts on the game, it's back," at [11:02].

Key Highlights from Previews:

• IGN: Optimistic about Borderlands 4 recapturing the series' charm.
• Game Informer: Praises Gearbox for steering the franchise back on course while staying true to its identity.
• Screen Rant: Commends the game's humor and writing, noting it avoids outdated internet culture tropes.

Discussion Points:

• Improvement over Borderlands 3, addressing past issues like excessive toilet humor.
• Enhanced mobility features such as grappling hooks and gliding, aiming for a more fast-paced combat experience.
• Consistency in the art style with established cel shading, while exploring new planetary settings.

Notable Quote:

Wesley LeBlanc [11:56]: “It's hard not to be, like, kind of basic, but Elden Ring, Breath of The Wild, Persona 5 Royal—those games are just goats.”

2. Warner Brothers Games Restructures Development Divisions

The conversation shifts to significant corporate news concerning Warner Brothers Games restructuring its development, production, and tech operations into four key franchise-based divisions: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Universe.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. reads out a detailed report from Jennifer Moss at Variety, outlining the promotions and reorganizations within Warner Brothers Games [22:40].

• Wesley LeBlanc expresses mixed feelings about the restructure. While relieved that there were no layoffs, he voices skepticism about Warner Bros.' strategic direction. “I have a hard time having any faith in anything Warner Bros. is doing these days,” he remarks at [23:36].

Discussion Points:

• The potential benefits of focusing on flagship franchises.
• Concerns about the rigidity of siloed divisions potentially stifling creativity and innovation.
• Comparison to other companies like Insomniac’s collaboration with PlayStation for the Spider-Man series.

Notable Quote:

Blessing Adioye Jr. [26:29]: “I want to hope for the best because I want these games to be good and I want Warner Brothers Studios to put out good games because historically when they put out good shit, it's really good shit.”

3. Death Stranding Animated Film Announced

Exciting news for fans of Death Stranding as an animated film adaptation has been confirmed.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. shares details from Jordan Midler at Video Games Chronicle, noting that the film will feature an original story set in the Death Stranding universe, co-produced by Kojima Productions and Line Mileage [30:40].

• Wesley LeBlanc expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “I'm a death stranding sicko, so I will end all of this. I'm very excited for this,” at [32:35].

Discussion Points:

• Aaron Guzikowski’s involvement as a writer, known for his work on Raised by Wolves and Prisoners.
• Speculation on the film’s narrative direction, emphasizing a focus on new characters and stories rather than adapting the original game's plot.
• The balance between staying true to the game's unique atmosphere and making the story accessible to a broader audience.

Notable Quote:

Aaron Guzikowski (quoted by Blessing Adioye Jr.) [32:34]: “I love the world of Death Stranding. It's so creatively freeing, so beautifully dark and yet hopeful.”

4. Stellar Blade to Launch on Nintendo Switch 2

Stellar Blade, developed by Shift Up, is reportedly in the process of being ported to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 following its success on other platforms.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. references a report by Jordan Midler at Video Games Chronicle, mentioning that the development is still under review but seems promising [38:00].

• Wesley LeBlanc supports the move, highlighting Shift Up's dedication and the technical feasibility, especially since demanding titles like Cyberpunk are performing well on the Switch 2 [39:01].

Discussion Points:

• The implications of PlayStation Studios publishing on Nintendo platforms, drawing parallels with Death Stranding's publishing on PC by a different entity.
• The potential for broader audience reach and increased sales through cross-platform availability.
• Expectations for Stellar Blade’s performance on the Switch 2, considering its action-packed gameplay and positive Steam reviews.

Notable Quote:

Wesley LeBlanc [43:58]: “I'm all for everything and anything coming to Switch two at this point. And I think it's possible knowing that Cyberpunk runs well and stable on Switch 2.”

5. WE News: Quick Takes on Gaming Updates

The hosts provide a rapid-fire segment covering various small but noteworthy news items in the gaming world.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. lists updates sourced from VGC and other outlets, including:

  • Warner Brothers Games making nine retro mobile game rereleases free before delisting.
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles excluding content from War of the Lions.
  • Death Stranding 2's release and Final Fantasy Tactics details [47:25].

• Wesley LeBlanc engages with audience super chats, addressing questions and suggestions such as selling prints of old Game Informer covers and highlighting new projects like Climate Station.

Notable Interaction:

Super Chat (Yelsing) [48:30]: “Any chance of selling prints of old covers?” Wesley LeBlanc [48:36]: “That's a really good idea and I will bring that to the team.”

6. Community Engagement and Feedback

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with their audience, addressing super chats and incorporating listener feedback into their discussions.

• Blessing Adioye Jr. and Wesley LeBlanc respond to comments about potential game adaptations and community suggestions, fostering a sense of community and active engagement.

Notable Quote:

Wesley LeBlanc [49:25]: “I think it's very plausible.”

7. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with promotions for Game Informer subscriptions, emphasizing the value of in-depth features and exclusive content available in the new magazine era.

• Wesley LeBlanc highlights the upcoming cover story and the benefits of subscribing early to secure the best price [53:37].

Notable Quote:

Wesley LeBlanc [53:37]: “We were tossing around some cool ideas to celebrate 34 years of covers because there's so much cool stuff when you have 34 years of history.”

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the gaming industry, from the promising previews of Borderlands 4 to significant corporate restructurings at Warner Brothers Games. The announcement of an animated Death Stranding film and the expansion of Stellar Blade to the Nintendo Switch 2 further demonstrate the dynamic nature of the gaming landscape. Additionally, the hosts maintain an engaging connection with their audience through interactive segments and community feedback, underscoring their commitment to delivering insightful and relevant content.

For listeners who missed the episode, subscribing to Game Informer can provide access to exclusive features and in-depth analyses that go beyond daily news updates.