Kinda Funny Games Daily: GTA 6 Delayed Until 2026 - Episode Summary (05.02.25)

Hosted by Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr., alongside industry veterans Jeff Grubb and guest Jeff Grubb.

1. Grand Theft Auto 6 Delay Announced

Timestamp: [07:57] - [22:19]

The episode opens with the major news that Rockstar Games has officially delayed the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 26, 2026. This announcement was made through a public statement expressing gratitude for the overwhelming interest and explaining the need for additional time to ensure the game's quality.

Notable Quote:

Rockstar Games Statement [07:57]: "Grand Theft Auto 6 is now set to release on May 26, 2026. We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. Our goal has always been to exceed your expectations, and GTA 6 is no exception."

Discussion Highlights:

• Reasons for Delay: Jeff Grubb emphasizes the historical pattern of Rockstar delaying releases to maintain quality production standards. He cites the importance of avoiding "brutal crunch" and ensuring a smooth launch for both the single-player and online components.

  Jeff Grubb [09:52]: "Rockstar delays games multiple times, and this is mostly to ensure they deliver the quality we expect. They want GTA 6 to be a blockbuster that generates revenue for the next 10-20 years."

• Impact on Take-Two Interactive: The delay caused Take-Two stock to dip nearly 8%. CEO Strauss Zelnick publicly supported Rockstar’s decision, assuring shareholders of continued growth and excellence.

  Strauss Zelnick [17:43]: "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for GTA 6, which promises to be a groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience."

• Future Projections: Both hosts and Jeff Grubb speculate that GTA 6 will likely include a bundled online component to justify its premium price point, potentially around $100. They discuss the possibility of a simultaneous launch or staggered release of the online component.

  Jeff Grubb [20:22]: "They are probably going to launch everything all at once to make the package feel valuable. GTA 6 will sell a ton even if it's just the single-player at first."

2. Jeff Grubb Exits Fandom and Giant Bomb

Timestamp: [29:55] - [34:30]

In a significant development, Jeff Grubb announces his departure from Fandom and Giant Bomb following internal strategic shifts and editorial interference issues. This move marks a major shift in the gaming media landscape.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Grubb [31:55]: "I really loved working at Giant Bomb. It was a privilege and something I dreamed about. Now, I'm excited to go out and create new content independently."

Discussion Highlights:

• Circumstances of Departure: Jeff shares his positive experiences and the support he received from colleagues and friends at Fandom. He expresses optimism about future opportunities and a desire to focus on personal projects and his Patreon community.

  Jeff Grubb [33:44]: "I have plans, ideas, and people who love me. We're going to build and provide a community space for gamers who want to enjoy and discuss games."

• Community Reaction: The hosts read numerous super chats expressing support and admiration for Jeff, highlighting his influence and dedication to gaming journalism.

  Super Chats Examples:

  • Jordan White: "Love you Jeff, thank you for being one of the main reasons why I listen to gaming news."
  • Graham of Legend: "Support Jeff Grubb. Support Kind of Funny. Support independent media."

3. President Macron Commends Expedition 33

Timestamp: [35:17] - [43:58]

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly praised Expedition 33, a game celebrated for its French heritage and design excellence. The game achieved rapid commercial success, selling over one million copies within seven days of its release.

Notable Quote:

Macron's Instagram Post [36:49]: "Congratulations to Sandfall Interactive and all the creators of Expedition 33. You're a shining example of French audacity and creativity."

Discussion Highlights:

• Game Success: Tim and Jeff express their enthusiasm for Expedition 33, noting its high Metacritic score of 93 and exceptional sales performance. They commend the game's combat design, storytelling, and authentic representation of French culture.

  Jeff Grubb [37:34]: "The combat is exquisitely designed, everything flows perfectly. It's going to be a generational masterpiece."

• Industry Impact: The hosts discuss how Expedition 33 signifies a shift towards smaller, independent studios capable of producing high-quality titles without the massive resources of AAA developers.

  Jeff Grubb [41:58]: "The democratization of tools has allowed smaller teams to excel and create unique experiences that challenge the status quo of large studios."

4. PlayStation Drops Sackboy from Marketing Materials

Timestamp: [43:11] - [47:44]

PlayStation appears to be sidelining Sackboy, their iconic mascot from the LittleBigPlanet series, by removing him from recent marketing efforts, including the PlayStation Productions banner for the Until Dawn movie adaptation.

Notable Quote:

Tim Gettys [45:33]: "Once upon a time, Sackboy was the Golden Child of PlayStation, but now it feels like he's being erased from the brand's identity."

Discussion Highlights:

• Shift in Branding: Jeff Grubb and Tim Gettys debate the potential reasons behind PlayStation's strategic shift away from Sackboy, suggesting a focus on more mature and broadly appealing titles.

  Jeff Grubb [45:41]: "PlayStation is focusing on more mature games, and Sackboy doesn't necessarily fit into that new direction."

• Community Reaction: The hosts acknowledge mixed feelings within the community, with some expressing disappointment and others indifferent towards Sackboy's diminished role.

  Tim Gettys [46:50]: "I wouldn't care less about Sackboy. It's time to move on."

• Future of Sackboy: Despite current marketing strategies, Jeff notes that Sackboy remains beloved by younger audiences and his merchandise continues to hold value.

  Jeff Grubb [47:27]: "My kids love Sackboy, and that's what matters. There's still a place for him, even if he's not the face of PlayStation anymore."

5. GameFly Increases Subscription Prices

Timestamp: [48:37] - [58:09]

The final major story discusses GameFly's decision to raise subscription prices for both new and returning accounts. This move is part of a broader trend of price increases across the gaming industry, including potential hardware price hikes from PlayStation.

Discussion Highlights:

• Economic Factors: Jeff Grubb speculates that GameFly's price hikes are influenced by global economic pressures, such as tariffs affecting production costs.

  Jeff Grubb [48:52]: "They were likely waiting to stabilize tariffs before adjusting their prices. It's just another way the market is reacting to global changes."

• PlayStation Hardware Pricing: The hosts briefly touch upon the anticipated increase in PlayStation hardware prices, predicting it to follow similar economic trends.

  Tim Gettys [48:52]: "When do you think PlayStation raises its prices for hardware? Probably any minute now."

• Audience Feedback: Super chats reflect a mix of frustration and understanding from listeners, highlighting the community's sensitivity to rising costs.

  Super Chats Examples:

  • Alan Solo: "Much love to Grub, Mike, not Dan. Thank you for a wonderful third space."
  • Foxy Steve: "Oddly okay with the delay. I was already overwhelmed with my backlog."

Additional Discussions and Community Interaction

Throughout the episode, Tim Gettys and Jeff Grubb engage with audience super chats, addressing various topics such as:

• PlayStation Concert Feedback: Mixed reviews on the recent PlayStation concert, with criticism towards the use of prerecorded instrumentation.

  Tim Gettys [50:49]: "Apparently, a lot of the instrumentation is prerecorded, which doesn't sit well with live music enthusiasts."

• Nintendo's Upcoming Releases: Speculation on Nintendo's game schedules, including potential releases like Zelda Prime and Metroid Prime in the winter months, and Pokémon Z slated for November.

  Jeff Grubb [56:15]: "The Zelda game is winter, giving them flexibility for either the holiday season or early 2026 release."

• Future of Gaming Shows: Discussion on the likelihood of PlayStation hosting a major showcase, with Jeff Grubb expressing optimism about upcoming events like Summer Game Fest.

  Jeff Grubb [54:40]: "I bet they lean towards the State of Play in this moment, focusing on organizing their releases efficiently."

Closing Remarks

Jeff Grubb concludes his appearance by sharing his future plans to continue creating content independently through his Patreon and social channels, expressing gratitude for the support from the Kinda Funny community.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Grubb [58:45]: "If you want to support, I would appreciate it. Patreon.com/gamemess is the primary way to do it. Thank you for having me on, Tim."

Tim Gettys wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming content, including game reviews and the season finale of Kind of Funny Game Showdown, encouraging listeners to stay engaged across various platforms.

Conclusion:

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily provided a comprehensive overview of significant developments in the gaming industry, from Rockstar's high-profile GTA 6 delay to the impactful departure of Jeff Grubb from Fandom. The hosts and their guest delved deep into the implications of these stories, offering insightful analysis and engaging with the community's reactions. Additionally, the success of Expedition 33 and PlayStation's strategic branding shifts showcased the evolving landscape of game development and marketing. Throughout, the episode maintained a balanced mix of news reporting, personal insights, and audience interaction, making it a rich resource for listeners seeking to stay informed about the latest in gaming.