Kinda Funny Games Daily: Horizon Zero Dawn MMO Reportedly Cancelled Episode: January 21, 2025

Hosts:

• Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller
• Blessing Adeoye Jr.

Overview: In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, Greg Miller and Blessing Adeoye Jr. delve into the latest developments in the gaming world. The primary focus is on the cancellation of the Horizon Zero Dawn MMORPG, followed by discussions on Bend Studios’ future projects, the potential impact of Mexico tariffs on game releases, updates on Marvel Snap post-TikTok ban, Microsoft's new Xbox controller, and EA's shutdown of its Origin service.

1. Horizon Zero Dawn MMORPG Cancellation

Timestamp: 14:35 – 27:06

Key Points:

• Cancellation Details: NCsoft has officially canceled the Horizon Zero Dawn MMORPG, a project developed in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment. The decision affects three studios: HJ and Pantera.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (14:35): "According to South Korean site MTN News, publisher NCsoft has canceled projects being worked on at three studios. Three studios codenamed HJ and Pantera."

• Impact on Developers: Developers previously tied to the Horizon MMO have departed NCsoft, with remaining staff reassigned to other projects within the company.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (14:52): "It's been reported for some time that Project H was the codename for an MMORPG based on Sony's Horizon franchise."

• Strategic Partnership: Originally, NCsoft and Sony aimed to expand the Horizon universe beyond consoles, targeting a broader PlayStation audience.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (14:52): "Partnering with NCSOFT advances our strategy to expand beyond console and broaden PlayStation's reach to a wider audience."

• Community Reaction: The cancellation has elicited mixed emotions from fans, with discussions on the feasibility and necessity of an MMO within the Horizon universe.

  Greg Miller (16:06): "I think the Horizon world is interesting and like, I do think there are a lot of elements of that world that you know, could translate well to like an explorable… multiplayer thing."

Discussion Highlights:

• Overextension of IP: Both hosts express concerns about the Horizon franchise being stretched too thin with multiple projects, potentially diluting the core experience.

  Greg Miller (17:57): "I think nobody does a Year one launch like Nintendo when it comes to embracing the weirdness of their platform."

• Future of Horizon Projects: Speculation on upcoming Horizon titles and their potential to either invigorate or further complicate the franchise.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (27:06): "I hope the next game wraps it up and then we move on to the next thing."

2. Bend Studios’ Future After Live Service Cancellations

Timestamp: 31:47 – 35:30

Key Points:

• Cancelled Projects: Sony has canceled two unannounced live service games in development at Bend Studios and Bluepoint Games, including a rumored live-service God of War title by Bluepoint.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (31:47): "Bend’s studio live service game remains unknown. A Sony Perks spokesperson confirmed… 'neither studio will be closed and it will work with each to determine its next projects.'"

• Studio Sentiments: Despite cancellations, Bend Studios remains committed to creating innovative games, though uncertainty looms over their next steps.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (33:08): "I need something that's just like pulp action or like espionage."

• Future Prospects: Discussion on potential projects, including the desire for new entries in franchises like Siphon Filter, and skepticism about Bend Studios taking on major titles like Uncharted.

  Greg Miller (34:25): "I think that's the answer. I hope that's the answer. I hope… Siphon Filter Vibes is the answer."

Discussion Highlights:

• Remakes vs. New Titles: The hosts debate whether studios like Bluepoint should focus on remakes (e.g., Uncharted) or developing entirely new titles.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (34:30): "I think you're more likely to get the remake from Blue Point."

• Studio Viability: Concerns about the long-term viability of studios like Bend after these cancellations, especially in the competitive landscape of first-party developers.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (33:08): "We need a hero. I think it'd be really nice to see a PlayStation first-party studio give us that same feel."

3. Mexico Tariffs and Their Impact on Video Games

Timestamp: 40:18 – 47:05

Key Points:

• Tariff Proposal: The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, is considering imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico starting February 1st, primarily targeting products involved in illegal immigration and fentanyl.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (40:18): "A proposed tariff on imports from Mexico to the US could result in fewer physical game releases and higher software prices."

• Effect on Game Distribution: Analysts predict a decline in physical game releases in the U.S. due to increased production costs and potential price hikes for both physical and digital titles.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (42:08): "With 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico on the way, I can see a sharp downtick in the number of disc-based games that get released physically in the US."

• Economic Implications: The tariffs aim to bolster American manufacturing but could lead to higher costs for consumers and disrupt existing supply chains in the gaming industry.

  Greg Miller (44:01): "If software goes up, if physical games go up, if hardware also goes up in price, right. Are Nintendo, PlayStation, Microsoft going to be able to price that at a place where that can be a success?"

Discussion Highlights:

• Long-term Consequences: The hosts discuss the potential long-term impacts on the accessibility and affordability of video games, questioning the sustainability of physical game sales amidst rising costs.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (44:59): "Everything's going to go up because they have a green light. Suddenly be like, oh, fucking tariffs."

• Industry Response: Speculation on how major companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft might respond to these tariffs, including shifting towards digital-only releases to mitigate costs.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (43:18): "It's a real threat, it is a real concern and it really would impact video games quite dramatically."

4. Marvel Snap Status Post-TikTok Ban

Timestamp: 50:13 – 57:37

Key Points:

• Service Disruption: Following TikTok's ban, Marvel Snap, developed by Second Dinner, experienced outages due to shared ownership with TikTok’s parent company.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (50:13): "When TikTok got banned over the weekend, Second Dinner also went down with Marvel Snap because of being owned by the same parent company."

• Publisher Transition: Second Dinner is actively seeking a new publisher to restore and continue the development of Marvel Snap.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (51:27): "Marvel Snap is back online in the US but to make sure this never happens again, we're working to bring more services in house and partner with a new publisher."

• Developer Challenges: The abrupt need to find a new publisher has created chaos and uncertainty among the development team and the player base.

  Greg Miller (51:27): "If you could bring back one PS3 era multiplayer game to live service push, what would it be?"

Discussion Highlights:

• Developer Sentiment: Empathy towards developers dealing with sudden changes and the challenges of maintaining player trust during such transitions.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (51:52): "It's been a mad dash through this now trying to find a new publisher."

• Market Implications: The stability of game services like Marvel Snap is crucial for maintaining player engagement and revenue streams, highlighting the interconnectedness of game development and broader corporate decisions.

  Greg Miller (53:07): "They have a certain power to be able to go, we're going to look for a different publisher while you still have your publisher."

5. Microsoft’s Special Edition Xbox Controller

Timestamp: 53:01 – 60:34

Key Points:

• New Release: Microsoft has announced the wireless Xbox Pulse Cipher Special Edition controller, characterized by a translucent red design reminiscent of classic GameCube and N64 controllers.

  Greg Miller (53:07): "Introducing the wireless Xbox Pulse Cipher Special edition."

• Design Aesthetic: The controller features a see-through design, allowing players to view internal components, aiming to evoke nostalgia while offering a modern twist.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (53:35): "It's another one of those translucent controllers like the old GameCube days or N64 days."

• Price Point: Set to release on February 4th at $74.99, positioning it as a premium accessory for gaming enthusiasts.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (54:34): "Controller coming out February 4th. It'll be $74.99."

Discussion Highlights:

• Host Preferences: Greg expresses initial reservations about the translucent design, preferring solid colors, while Blessing appreciates the nostalgic appeal.

  Greg Miller (54:40): "I don't think it's as… speak to me as much anymore, even though I loved mine as a kid."

• Functionality vs. Aesthetics: Balancing the controller's visual appeal with practical functionality is a recurring theme, with hosts debating the utility versus the stylistic choices.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (54:47): "How is the mouse? What's the mouse percentage at right now?"

6. EA Shuts Down Origin Service

Timestamp: 60:13 – 67:17

Key Points:

• Service Termination: EA has announced the shutdown of its Origin service for both PC and Mac users, effective April 17. Players with 32-bit operating systems will lose access to their game libraries unless they upgrade.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (60:13): "EA has announced it will be shutting down its Origin service on PC and Mac."

• Transition to Other Platforms: EA encourages players to migrate their games to other platforms like Steam to retain access and continue enjoying their purchased titles.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (61:17): "Just put it on Steam. Just make the money. Put the goddamn money with Valve."

Discussion Highlights:

• Consumer Frustration: Hosts express frustration over EA’s decision, criticizing the company for not transitioning their games to more universally accessible platforms sooner.

  Greg Miller (55:21): "We want to own it. Just put it on Steam."

• Industry Trends: The shutdown reflects a broader industry trend towards digital distribution, phasing out older services and focusing on more integrated platforms.

  Greg Miller (56:53): "It's the last games we have to talk about."

Additional Highlights:

• Super Chats: Throughout the episode, listeners contribute via super chats, posing questions about Horizon’s character depth, Bend Studios’ future projects, and suggestions for reviving classic multiplayer games.

  Super Chat (24:15): "Can anyone in the office name five or even three characters in Horizon other than Aloy?"

• Future Content: The hosts tease upcoming segments, including predictions for the Nintendo Switch 2 and streaming sessions featuring new games like Eternal Strands.

  Blessing Adeoye Jr. (63:16): "Chase Ley says Sony should make a card game with all these IPs."

• Community Engagement: Discussion on the potential for Kinda Funny to branch into card games, inspired by popular titles like Magic: The Gathering and Disney Lorcana.

  Greg Miller (62:07): "If you own an IP, make a TCG. If you own an IP, make a trading card game."

Conclusion: Greg Miller and Blessing Adeoye Jr. provide a comprehensive overview of pressing issues in the gaming industry, from major project cancellations to economic factors affecting game distribution. Their engaging discussions, enriched by community interactions, offer listeners insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of video games.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Miller (16:06): "I think the Horizon world is interesting and like, I do think there are a lot of elements of that world that… could translate well to like an explorable… multiplayer thing."
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. (14:35): "According to South Korean site MTN News, publisher NCsoft has canceled projects being worked on at three studios."

This summary captures the essence of the January 21, 2025 episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, highlighting the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts.