Podcast Summary: Kinda Funny Games Daily – "EA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Studio" (05.28.25)
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr.
Description: Kinda Funny Games Daily is the world’s most popular daily video game news podcast, covering the latest in PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and all aspects of gaming.
1. Introduction and Show Overview (00:00 - 03:02)
Greg Miller kicks off the episode with a brief overview of the day's topics, including a new Pokémon release date, Apple's intensified focus on gaming, and reviews of Elden Ring Night Rain. He introduces the hosts and highlights the availability of the podcast across multiple platforms, encouraging listeners to subscribe and join as members for exclusive content.
2. Pokémon Legends Z Release and Nintendo Switch 2 (05:00 - 14:18)
Release Date Announcement:
- Greg Miller (06:18): “Let Greg Miller review Pokémon Legends Z for the first time.”
- Pokémon Legends Z is set to launch on October 16, 2025, with digital pre-orders available from June 5th on the Nintendo eShop.
- Tim Gettys emphasizes the strategic timing ahead of the holiday season: “October 16th feels very in line with what I expected from this.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility:
- The game will be available in both standard and Nintendo Switch 2 editions, with upgrade packs purchasable separately.
- Tim Gettys (13:40): Highlights Nintendo’s focus on key franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends to drive Switch 2 adoption.
Cover Art Critique:
- Hosts discuss the elaborate cover art for Pokémon Legends Z, critiquing the excessive text and design choices.
- Greg Miller (07:03): “Why is the top of this so big? And does any of this matter fully? No, it doesn't. Does it bother me? Yes, it does.”
3. Apple’s Entry into the Gaming Market (19:00 - 26:09)
New Gaming App Launch:
- Apple is set to introduce a dedicated gaming app across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, replacing the existing Game Center.
- The app will centralize game launches, achievements, leaderboards, and communications.
- Greg Miller (19:32): “Apple is planning a dedicated app for video games on its devices, seeking to sell gamers and developers on the idea that it's a leader in the market.”
Impact on Gaming Ecosystem:
- Tim Gettys expresses cautious optimism, noting Apple’s history of playing catch-up but recognizing the potential with cloud gaming’s growing popularity.
- Tim Gettys (21:12): “Apple Home OS is going to be a big push for them and that's going to include updates to the TVs and to iPad OS.”
Apple TV Advantages:
- The Apple TV device is praised for its superior streaming capabilities and potential integration with Apple’s gaming services.
- Tim Gettys (24:15): “The Apple TV is undeniably the best stream box there is, period.”
4. EA Cancels Black Panther Game and Closes Cliffhanger Studios (35:30 - 50:10)
Announcement Details:
- Greg Miller (35:30): “Electronic Arts is canceling its planned Black Panther game and shutting down developer Cliffhanger Studios.”
- EA’s President Laura Meleeb outlined the decision to focus on key franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends.
- The cancellation affects a multi-game deal with Marvel, including previously announced titles like Iron Man and a third unannounced game.
Impact on EA and the Industry:
- The closure marks a continued pattern of layoffs and project cancellations within EA, reflecting a strategic shift towards more profitable and sustainable projects.
- Tim Gettys (39:55): “There are certain things where there's protection there you have the IP, there's almost a guaranteed sell-through rate of X million. Those days are gone.”
Listener Reactions:
- Dean 8149 (Super Chat, 48:43): Expresses frustration, “I bet it's just that they aren't. The game ain't coming together and EA doesn't want to give more time to make it come together. More money, more time, more money.”
- Whiskey 17 (Super Chat, 49:22): Agrees, “Disney needs to stop handing Marvel and Star Wars IP to EA. Terrible track record.”
Host Reflections:
- Greg Miller (40:02): “I have full confidence, full confidence, full unflinching confidence going to happen that that Iron Man game is going to happen.”
- The hosts discuss the precarious nature of licensed games and the risks involved, highlighting EA’s focus on high-margin projects over passion-driven IPs.
5. Elden Ring: Night Rain Review Roundup (56:54 - 61:18)
Game Overview:
- Elden Ring: Night Rain is a standalone adventure within the Elden Ring universe, aiming to offer a new co-op experience.
- Wesley LeBlanc (Game Informer, 06:32): “Every success is as visceral as the last.”
Critical Reception:
- Mixed reviews highlight both strengths and weaknesses:
- Game Informer (06:32): “It's an ambitious spin-off that's exhilarating when you're able to create the proper conditions...”
- Mitchell Saltzman (IGN, 06:45): “Despite their limited move sets, the new Night Lord boss battles are among the best FromSoft has ever crafted.”
Host Insights:
- Tim Gettys (57:42): Recommends listeners check out detailed discussions on the Games Cast episode with Bless and Andy, noting alignment with other reviews on the game’s cooperative elements and matchmaking issues.
6. To A T Game Review Roundup (59:32 - 61:18)
Game Overview:
- To A T is a charming, slice-of-life adventure game focused on a teen navigating life with their dog companion.
- Andrew Brown (Pluses, No Timestamp): “It's an ode to the little quirks you love, almost without realizing.”
Critical Reception:
- Andrew Brown (04:42): “If you like Rain for the same reason I do, the warmth and contentment it brings...”
- Moises Tavares (Paste, 06:03): “...it still just barely manages to get off the ground, though.”
Host Reactions:
- Tim Gettys (05:50): Compares To A T to games like I am Bread for its quirky and unique premise.
- Roger Pokorny (06:25): While critical of technical issues, he praises the game’s heart and unique take on storytelling.
7. Animal Crossing New Horizons Update (62:22 - 63:19)
Update Details:
- Nintendo released the first update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in three years, focusing on improved multiplayer compatibility between Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
- Vicki Blake (IGN, 62:22): “Players jumping into Animal Crossing New Horizons on Switch 2 can still visit islands of their friends without incident.”
Host Discussion:
- Greg Miller (62:26): Expresses desire for enhanced performance and new features.
- Tim Gettys (62:34): Highlights the importance of ensuring seamless connectivity without compromising the game’s simplicity.
8. Nintendo Switch 2 Features: Rewind and CRT Filter (63:37 - 64:19)
New Features:
- The Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce a rewind feature and a CRT filter for classic titles, enhancing the retro gaming experience.
- Greg Miller (63:37): Playfully criticizes the addition, “They really needed all that hardware to make silly shit like this. Exclusive.”
Host Reactions:
- Tim Gettys (64:15): Appreciates the enhanced emulation capabilities and control customization.
- Barrett (64:19): Agrees on the need for better customization options.
9. Additional News and Listener Interactions (65:06 - 75:55)
Player Engagement Tracker:
- The Dark Ages debuts at #5 on Xbox and #12 on Steam, with significant gains for Helldivers 2 following a major update.
- Matt Piscatella (Circana, 66:05): Highlights top active games, including Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Minecraft.
Listener Super Chats:
- Golden Spider (69:52): Raises concerns about the future of long-form games versus free-to-play models.
- Ricardo (50:10): Criticizes the decline of superhero-themed licensed games in favor of free-to-play skins.
Host Responses:
- Greg Miller (69:52): Argues that the industry supports multiple markets, balancing long-form and live-service games.
- Tim Gettys (70:55): Emphasizes that different gaming segments can coexist without one undermining the other.
10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events (75:31 - 77:06)
Upcoming Releases:
- Hosts tease coverage of upcoming games and events, including Summer Game Fest 2025 and Xbox Game Showcase, promising detailed reactions and live discussions.
Final Thoughts:
- Greg Miller (76:43): Encourages listeners to support the podcast through memberships and engage with their content across various platforms.
- Tim Gettys (76:10): Reiterates the importance of a seamless gaming experience across devices and platforms.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller (07:03): “Why is the top of this so big? And does any of this matter fully? No, it doesn't. Does it bother me? Yes, it does.”
- Tim Gettys (21:12): “Apple Home OS is going to be a big push for them and that's going to include updates to the TVs and to iPad OS.”
- Greg Miller (35:30): “Electronic Arts is canceling its planned Black Panther game and shutting down developer Cliffhanger Studios.”
- Tim Gettys (39:55): “There are certain things where there's protection there you have the IP, there's almost a guaranteed sell-through rate of X million. Those days are gone.”
- Greg Miller (40:02): “I have full confidence, full confidence, full unflinching confidence going to happen that that Iron Man game is going to happen.”
- Tim Gettys (64:15): “What you want more is a new Animal Crossing.”
- Greg Miller (69:52): “If we all continue to chase the people who only want to play two hours and buy one game a year, the industry is fucking cooked. It's over.”
- Tim Gettys (70:55): “Gaming has gotten so big, their console sales are so astronomically higher than they were in previous generations across the board.”
Conclusion:
In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, the hosts delve into significant industry developments, including Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 and Pokémon Legends Z, Apple's strategic entry into the gaming market, and the disappointing news of EA canceling the Black Panther game and closing Cliffhanger Studios. They also review new game releases, discuss the state of licensed games, and interact with listener comments, providing a comprehensive overview of the current gaming landscape. The conversation highlights the balancing act between maintaining diverse gaming markets and the financial pressures shaping industry decisions.