Podcast Summary: Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast Episode: Crimson Desert Has Been Delayed to 2026 Release Date: August 13, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Tim Geddes, Roger Pokorny, and Mike Minatti delve into the latest happenings in the gaming industry. The primary focus centers around the unexpected delay of the highly anticipated game Crimson Desert. Additionally, the hosts explore game reviews, industry controversies, upcoming releases, and engage in their ongoing friendly competition, "Fantasy Critic."

1. Crimson Desert Delay

Timestamp: [08:44] – [10:56]

Discussion Highlights:

• Announcement of Delay: Crimson Desert, an open-world action fantasy game developed by Pearl Abyss, has been postponed from its original Q4 2025 release to Q1 2026.
• Reasons for Delay: The delay is attributed to "longer than expected timelines arising from scheduled coordination and collaborations with multiple partners for offline distribution, voiceovers, console certification, and other launch preparations" ([08:44]).
• Host Reactions:
  • Roger Pokorny: Amused by the company's emphasis on business considerations, stating, "they want to be making abundantly clear this is a real game that is almost done and they don't want to make it seem like, hey, this is vaporware" ([10:10]).
  • Tim Geddes: Appreciates the transparency, commenting, "It's a strategic decision aimed at ensuring success on a meaningful scale. Real talk. Good" ([10:28]).

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Geddes: "Players can still expect to see Crimson Desert at Gamescom and Pax West, however, as well as Tokyo Game Show." ([08:44])
• Roger Pokorny: "This is a real video game that's coming out. It has nothing to do with the quality of the game." ([10:10])

2. Dragon Drive Review Roundup

Timestamp: [12:21] – [21:28]

Discussion Highlights:

• Game Overview: Dragon Drive, a multiplayer-focused sports game from Nintendo, received mixed reviews.
• Critical Reception:
  • IGN's Logan Planet: Rated it 6/10, praising its unique control mechanics but criticizing the high barrier to entry and lack of content ([16:04]).
  • Nintendo Life's OJ O'Reilly: Gave it 7/10, acknowledging its potential for dedicated fans despite control complexities ([16:04]).
  • GameSpot's Steve Watts: Scored it 5/10, citing imprecise controls and fatigue-inducing gameplay ([16:04]).
• Host Gameplay Experience:
  • Roger Pokorny: Found the game physically tiring and lacking in flow, stating, "I never had that moment where I'm like, oh man, I know exactly what to do" ([18:11]).
  • Tim Geddes: Agrees on the control challenges but notes some enjoyable elements like satisfying dunks ([20:46]).

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Geddes: "It feels like good production design, costume design, committing to it, looking correct for the era." ([02:58])
• Roger Pokorny: "The sensitivity is very low on it. I expected this to kind of be like you move your hands a little bit and you're rolling. It's like, no, you really gotta be fucking." ([20:00])

3. Fantasy Critic Competition

Timestamp: [11:39] – [15:26]

Discussion Highlights:

• Purpose: A friendly competition between Roger and Mike to pick the best games each year.
• Impact of Delay: The delay of Crimson Desert unexpectedly benefits them, granting Mike two additional picks.
• Host Banter:
  • Roger Pokorny: Playfully mocks the competition's significance beyond game preferences ([12:21]).
  • Mike Minatti: Expresses excitement over the potential advantages, "I got two drops now" ([13:06]).

Notable Quotes:

• Roger Pokorny: "This just played right into our hands. Right. We've really been thinking about this and this is exactly what we expect." ([12:21])
• Mike Minatti: "What are some games out there?" ([15:19])

4. Unionization at Arkane Studios

Timestamp: [23:16] – [28:19]

Discussion Highlights:

• Issue: Workers at Microsoft-owned Arkane Studios have unionized under the French union STJV to demand Microsoft's divestment from projects supporting Israeli military operations in Gaza.
• Reasoning: The workers argue that Microsoft's Azure cloud services have been used to facilitate deadly airstrikes and military operations.
• Demands:
  • Immediate Ceasefire: Call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
  • Termination of Contracts: Demand Microsoft terminate all contracts with Israeli forces.
  • Transparency: Seek disclosure of all ties to the Israeli military.
  • Protection of Speech: Advocate for pro-Palestinian speech within the company.
  • Independent Audit: Request an audit to ensure Microsoft technologies aren't used to violate human rights.

Host Reactions:

• Tim Geddes: Commends the bravery, stating, "A lot of bravery" ([26:51]).
• Roger Pokorny: Emphasizes the power of unionization, "That's the beauty of a union, right?" ([27:36]).

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Geddes: "You're risking a lot at this point. But there's certain things where it's like, hey, man, it's very important to stand on this, say the facts..." ([27:12])
• Roger Pokorny: "Takes a lot of bravery to do that. A lot of bravery." ([27:36])

5. Other News and Announcements

Timestamp: [32:24] – [60:37]

Highlights:

• Fast and Furious Arcade Edition: Announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch, with a release date of October 24th. Features arcade-style racing with multiplayer split-screen action.

• Lego Voyagers: Launching September 15th on Xbox, PS4/5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

• Namco's Aqua Jet: A 1996 arcade racer making its first home release on Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series as part of the Arcade Archives series.

• PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): Ending support for Xbox One and PS4, transitioning to native Xbox Series and PS5 versions.

• Chibi Robo on Nintendo Switch Online (NSO): The GameCube title Chibi Robo is being added to NSO's library, making a rare and expensive game more accessible to fans.

• PS2 vs. GameCube Exclusives: Hosts debate the quality and quantity of GameCube titles compared to the more extensive PS2 library, discussing iconic games like Smash Bros Melee, Mario Sunshine, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Geddes: "I am so blissfully unaware of the details of a lot of this..." ([58:35])
• Roger Pokorny: "I like that. They make their own logos." ([54:14])

6. Audience Interaction and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [60:37] – [61:55]

Highlights:

• Audience Questions:

  • Concerns about crossplay in MGS Delta's online multiplayer.
  • Praise for Chibi Robo and debates on PS2 vs. GameCube platformers.

• Host Commentary:

  • Tim Geddes: Expresses frustration over PlayStation’s stance on crossplay, likening it to previous issues with Fortnite ([58:21]).
  • Roger Pokorny: Shares nostalgic memories of older consoles and games.

• Closing Remarks: Hosts tease upcoming segments, including "War of the Worlds: Ice Cube's" watch-along event, and entertain plans for future collaborations and streams.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Geddes: "I can't believe why it's a Sony thing to do. That's very fucking stupid." ([58:23])
• Roger Pokorny: "I was like, I don't know..." ([55:11])
• Mike Minatti: "None of them are Wave Race, though." ([44:23])

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive look into the gaming industry's current landscape, from significant delays affecting major titles like Crimson Desert to grassroots movements within game studios advocating for ethical practices. The hosts engage in spirited discussions, blending industry news with personal insights and humor, making it an informative and entertaining listen for gaming enthusiasts.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Roger Pokorny: "This is a real video game that's coming out. It has nothing to do with the quality of the game." ([10:10])
• Tim Geddes: "It's a strategic decision aimed at ensuring success on a meaningful scale. Real talk. Good." ([10:28])
• Tim Geddes: "It feels like good production design, costume design, committing to it, looking correct for the era." ([02:58])
• Roger Pokorny: "The sensitivity is very low on it." ([20:00])
• Tim Geddes: "Players can still expect to see Crimson Desert at Gamescom and Pax West." ([08:44])
• Tim Geddes: "You're risking a lot at this point. But there's certain things where it's like, hey, man, it's very important to stand on this, say the facts..." ([27:12])

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been omitted to focus on the core discussions and insights of the episode.