Kinda Funny Games Daily: EVEN MORE WB Games Woes - Summary
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr.
Title: EVEN MORE WB Games Woes
Timestamp Coverage: Approximately 00:00 – 63:51
Overview
In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys delve deep into the ongoing financial struggles of Warner Brothers Discovery's (WBD) gaming division. The discussion spans recent financial reports, the impact of underperforming game titles, and the broader implications for the future of WB Games. Additionally, the hosts touch upon exciting developments in the gaming world, including new releases and collaborations, while engaging with their audience through live reactions and Super Chats.
Warner Brothers Discovery’s Financial Struggles
Key Points:
- Impairment Charges: WBD reported significant impairment charges totaling $384 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
- Underperforming Titles: The underwhelming performance of titles like Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League and Harry Potter Quidditch Champions contributed to the financial downturn.
- Studio Closures: Recent announcements include the closure of Multiverse’s studio Player First Games, Monolith, and WB San Diego.
- Future Focus: WBD plans to concentrate on four key franchises—Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Comics, with a particular emphasis on Batman.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [20:11]: “Warner Brothers Discovery has released its latest earnings report, and included in the filing are details about the company's much discussed gaming business and how it's doing. And it's not great.”
- Tim Gettys [24:32]: “WB as a whole, it's the same answer. This is a mess. And I do think that it's too far gone.”
Impact on WB Games Studios
Key Points:
- Rocksteady’s Future: Concerns were raised about Rocksteady Studios’ ability to recover and continue producing high-quality titles amidst corporate turmoil.
- Mortal Kombat Success: Despite WBD’s struggles, Mortal Kombat 1 continues to perform well, selling over 5 million copies.
- Leadership Issues: The departure of key leadership figures under David Haddad’s tenure is seen as a significant factor in the mismanagement of studios like Monolith and Rocksteady.
Notable Quotes:
- Tim Gettys [25:35]: “A lot of different reasons for that, obviously, when you include the state of this generation of consoles and the pandemic and all of that. But then on top of it, the way that every kind of media landscape shifted...”
Terminator 2: No Fate – New Game Announcement
Key Points:
- Game Overview: Terminator 2: No Fate is a retro-style side-scrolling shoot 'em up developed by Reef Entertainment, slated for release on September 5, 2025.
- Gameplay Features: Players can choose to play as Sarah Connor or the T800, engaging in missions inspired by iconic scenes from the original film.
- Reception: Hosts expressed excitement over the game's nostalgic appeal and faithful adaptation of classic Terminator elements.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [10:47]: “It was published by GUN Media. Yeah. But like, you know, very, very cool use of fun. 80s 90s, whatever. IP with more modern, very specific kind of video game genres.”
- Tim Gettys [13:42]: “Other levels include Sarah trying to escape from the hospital and a very naked T800 taking on bikers to get his boots, clothes and motorcycle.”
Monster Hunter Wilds Marathon Stream
Key Points:
- Event Details: Greg announced a marathon stream for Monster Hunter Wilds scheduled for February 28, 2025, allowing fans to join and participate in hunts.
- Community Engagement: Greg provided his Hunter ID to encourage listeners to join the Kinda Funny Monster Hunter guild.
- Host Excitement: Both hosts expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting the positive energy within the office.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [06:09]: “Nothing like what a game you're excited for is happening.”
- Tim Gettys [06:13]: “Yeah, that's great.”
Pokemon Day Highlights
Key Points:
- New Releases: Discussion on new Pokémon titles, including Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Legends, set to launch in late 2025.
- Game Features:
- Pokémon Champions allows competitive battles across Switch and mobile platforms with compatibility through Pokémon Home.
- Pokémon Legends introduces a real-time battle system with timing-based mechanics and explores Luminous City.
- Community Reactions: Hosts and listeners shared their excitement and expectations for these new releases.
Notable Quotes:
- Tim Gettys [37:56]: “That’s the thing is from what we know, incredibly excited.”
- Greg Miller [40:31]: “You know what I mean? Like I've told you, been watching Pokémon got me to go back to Scarlet last year.”
Eternal Strands Collaborations and Updates
Key Points:
- Collaboration with Final Fantasy Artists: Eternal Strands is teaming up with Final Fantasy concept artist Yu Suki Moji for free DLC, introducing new in-game elements like armor sets and weapon skins.
- Spring Update Plans: Yellow Brick Games plans to enhance character movement, combat responsiveness, and introduce new maps and magic powers.
- Second DLC Announcement: A follow-up collaboration with No More Heroes Studio is slated for summer, promising additional content.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [45:31]: “I liked this one enough but didn't want to finish it, but if the collaborations were cool, I could see me coming back and playing around for more.”
- Tim Gettys [46:18]: “We've been seeing a lot more of this of smaller titles collaborating with some big boys.”
Potential Return of EA Sports College Basketball
Key Points:
- EA Sports Consideration: Following the success of EA Sports College Football 25, the publisher is contemplating bringing back college basketball games.
- Market Demand: While there is interest, the demand for college basketball titles isn’t as vocal as that for college football.
- Historical Context: The last EA Sports NCAA basketball game, NCAA Basketball 10, faced criticism for generic players and lack of real names.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [15:31]: “Another one for us to look at.”
- Tim Gettys [30:19]: “I just don't see how that's possible. Right. Because you have a, a market that got what they wanted...”
Ludocin: A New Game Recommendation App
Key Points:
- App Overview: Ludocin is a game recommendation app likened to a dating app, allowing users to swipe left or right to find games suited to their preferences.
- Human Curators: The app leverages gaming experts to curate a database of over 3,000 games, enhancing personalized recommendations.
- Crowdfunding Campaign: Ludocin is currently seeking support through a Kickstarter campaign, aiming for an initial launch later in the year.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [51:21]: “I've been looping through being aware. But come on, man, that's not a name that like screams.”
- Tim Gettys [52:04]: “This is awesome for a lot of people but I also just think that in my opinion like game discovery has gotten so much better.”
Miscellaneous Gaming News
Key Points:
- Balatro Update: Balatro Plus receives eight new card customizations.
- Hello Kitty Island Expansion: Launches a new expanded Ice Peak region.
- Wheel of Fortune Daily: Introduces a new game mode.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: Aladdin and Jasmine characters arrive in the Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition.
- Diablo 4 Event: A revamped March of the Goblins event with new rewards is scheduled for March 4-11.
- PlayStation 5 Edition: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PlayStation 5 Edition targets an April release.
- PlayStation VR 2 Price Drop: Reduced from $550 to $400 starting March.
- Xbox Updates: New features for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including shareable cloud gaming beta sessions.
- Midnight Murder Club: Early Access launch date set for March 13th.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [55:40]: “Get ready for some tail time.”
- Tim Gettys [57:05]: “The future's happening. That's such a cool thing that.”
Audience Interaction and Super Chats
Throughout the episode, Greg and Tim engage with their audience through Super Chats, responding to fan comments and shout-outs. Highlights include:
- Super Chats: Fans share excitement for upcoming game streams, birthday wishes, and support for the podcast.
- Live Reactions: Interaction with listeners on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, fostering a community-driven atmosphere.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg Miller [59:49]: “Travis Willingham, you fucking coward.”
- Tim Gettys [60:48]: “Could have been way worse.”
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a mix of serious discussions about WB Games' financial challenges and lighter segments on upcoming game releases and community interactions. Hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys provide insightful commentary on the state of the gaming industry, while maintaining an engaging and personable rapport with their listeners.
Key Takeaways
- WB Games is facing significant financial hurdles, leading to studio closures and a strategic shift towards select franchises.
- Exciting new game announcements like Terminator 2: No Fate and upcoming Pokémon titles are generating buzz among the community.
- Collaborations and innovative projects such as Eternal Strands DLC and the Ludocin app showcase the industry's evolving landscape.
- Audience engagement remains strong, with hosts actively interacting with fans and incorporating feedback into their discussions.
For a comprehensive understanding and detailed discussions, tuning into the full episode is highly recommended.