Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast Summary Episode: "Giant Bomb is Saved! w/ Jeff Grubb" | Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

The episode kicks off with host Greg Miller introducing the day's top stories, emphasizing the major news that Giant Bomb has regained its independence. Joining Greg is Jeff Grubb, one of Giant Bomb's co-owners, marking a significant return after his previous departure.

Giant Bomb’s Journey to Independence

Timestamp: [00:29 - 07:21]

Jeff Grubb shares the intricate process behind Giant Bomb becoming independent once again. Transitioning from being under Fandom, the platform facilitated Giant Bomb's move back to its roots, allowing the community and content creators to regain control.

• Jeff Grubb: "We are now independent and yeah, it's... it's all in our hands now." ([01:10])

He expresses immense enthusiasm for spearheading the brand's future, highlighting the importance of community support in this endeavor.

• Greg Miller: "You're looking at us. We have everything. It's all in our hands now." ([01:42])

Greg reflects on the swift turnaround from Jeff’s previous unemployment to co-ownership, underscoring the rapid changes and the community’s unwavering support.

PAX East and Community Reactions

Timestamp: [07:21 - 16:12]

The hosts discuss the whirlwind week leading up to PAX East, where Giant Bomb officially announced its independence. The event was marked by excitement and a flurry of community support, both online and on-site.

• Jeff Grubb: "We got it done. And it was quite amazing to be able to go into that room and tell people that, hey, just like, you know, 24 hours earlier, we made this happen." ([08:33])

Greg praises Fandom for their role in facilitating the transition, noting how rare it is for a large platform to prioritize community and creator interests over corporate control.

• Greg Miller: "The fact that you were able to do this does speak to... this being the most fan-supporting solution." ([10:38])

The discussion also touches on the enthusiastic Super Chats from listeners, celebrating Giant Bomb’s return to independence and expressing eagerness for future collaborations.

Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Impact of US Tariffs

Timestamp: [29:02 - 35:27]

A significant portion of the episode delves into Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console. Nintendo President Shuntaru Furukawa expressed high expectations for the Switch 2, aiming for robust sales numbers. However, concerns arise due to impending US tariffs.

• Nintendo President: "If prices of daily necessities like food increase because of the tariffs, then people will have less money to spend on game consoles. If we were to adjust the price of the Switch 2 in response to the tariffs, this could decrease demand." ([29:57])

Jeff Grubb analyzes the implications of these tariffs, emphasizing the challenges Nintendo faces in maintaining profitability while meeting high consumer demand.

• Jeff Grubb: "We are definitely still fucked on a lot of this stuff." ([33:18])

He elaborates on the temporary nature of the tariff pause but underscores uncertainty, highlighting the precarious balance Nintendo must maintain to ensure a successful Switch 2 launch.

Fallout TV Show's Future and Season Planning

Timestamp: [38:04 - 43:21]

The conversation shifts to the Fallout TV series, with actor Aaron Moten revealing that his character’s arc is planned to conclude by season five or six, indicating a long-term vision for the show.

• Aaron Moten: "We've always known that we're going to take our time with the development of our characters." ([38:31])

Jeff and Greg discuss their hopes for the series, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality storytelling without dragging the narrative unnecessarily.

• Jeff Grubb: "Five, honestly, is where I would be. So you don't have to drag things on." ([39:53])

Greg shares his admiration for the first season and excitement for future developments, including potential tie-ins with Fallout game releases.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Remasters and Community Support

Timestamp: [43:21 - 49:52]

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is another focal point, with Tony Hawk expressing his support for remastering "Tony Hawk's Underground." The discussion highlights community enthusiasm and the challenges of modernizing classic titles.

• Tony Hawk: "I always have aspirations... I'll campaign all I can." ([44:36])

The hosts engage with audience Super Chats about their favorite entries in the series, reflecting on the enduring legacy and passionate fanbase of the Tony Hawk games.

• Greg Miller: "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater has been like... perfect video games to me." ([45:35])

They also discuss upcoming plans for live previews and the potential inclusion of original content and characters in remastered versions.

WE News Highlights

Timestamp: [50:13 - 56:20]

The WE News segment covers various updates in the gaming world, including Nintendo's stricter policies on modifying Switch systems, which has sparked debate within the community.

• Greg Miller: "Nintendo's basically just don't be bad. We won't be bad. We're only gonna do this if you're bad." ([50:22])

Additionally, the segment touches on a patch released for "Expedition 33," addressing game-breaking bugs and balancing changes to enhance player experience.

• Greg Miller: "Players were combining this with ability stacking and the Stendall skill which deals extreme single target void damage to dish out billions of damage." ([51:08])

Special Announcements and Community Interactions

Timestamp: [56:09 - 58:14]

A delightful announcement reveals a collaboration between Krispy Kreme and Bandai Namco Entertainment for Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary, introducing themed donuts and special edition boxes.

• Greg Miller: "Ready players? Krispy Kreme today announced an amazing collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Incorporated for Pac Man's 45th anniversary celebration." ([51:49])

The episode wraps up with heartfelt Super Chats from listeners expressing their support and excitement for Giant Bomb’s future, along with playful banter about ongoing streams and community events.

• Greg Miller: "Jeff... I really hope you get to feel it. Ride the lightning right now because I can tell you it goes really, really quickly." ([58:10])

Conclusion

Greg Miller closes the episode by reiterating the importance of supporting independent content creators like Giant Bomb and Kinda Funny. He encourages listeners to join their communities on various platforms, highlighting the value of community support in maintaining high-quality gaming content.

• Greg Miller: "Go support this brand new independent operation of five folks who are doing amazing coverage." ([58:14])

The episode emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the gaming community, celebrating the resurgence of Giant Bomb and looking forward to future projects and collaborations.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Grubb ([01:10]): "We sign an agreement to make it all happen. Basically it's in the works."
• Greg Miller ([07:26]): "It was an outrageous amount of time for this to have gone from... to now."
• Jeff Grubb ([33:18]): "We are definitely still fucked on a lot of this stuff."
• Aaron Moten ([38:31]): "We've always known that we're going to take our time with the development of our characters."
• Tony Hawk ([44:36]): "I'll campaign all I can."
• Greg Miller ([58:10]): "Ride the lightning right now because I can tell you it goes really, really quickly."

This episode provides an in-depth look into Giant Bomb’s return to independence, the challenges facing major gaming companies like Nintendo, the future of beloved series such as Fallout and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and the vibrant interactions within the gaming community.