Kinda Funny Games Daily: Episode Summary – March 5, 2025

In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Greg Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Jordan Midler navigate through a myriad of significant developments in the gaming industry. From revelations about the future of The Last of Us series to PlayStation’s internal restructuring and Sega’s strategic investments, the discussion is both thorough and engaging. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Neil Druckmann on the Future of The Last of Us [10:28]

The episode kicks off with a hot topic: the future of the critically acclaimed The Last of Us series. Neil Druckmann, the studio head of Naughty Dog, addressed long-standing rumors about a potential third installment in an interview with Variety. Druckmann stated,

"Don't bet on there being more The Last of Us,"

indicating that The Last of Us Part 3 is unlikely to materialize.

Greg Miller [14:50]: "Neil Druckmann says this could be it."

Blessing Adeoye Jr. [15:30]: "Neil having the authority to straight up say no."

The hosts delve into the implications of Druckmann's statement. Blessing interprets it as a definitive hint that the series may conclude, while Greg remains skeptical, suggesting that the answer might not be as final as it seems.

Greg Miller [15:00]: "I mean, I've said that for years. But my problem here is the fact that I think this is just trying to put the genie back in the bottle."

Listener feedback through super chats reveals a mixed reception. Some fans express acceptance and readiness for the series to end, while others voice disappointment over the potential closure.

Jam Van [31:20]: "I can live with no more The Last of Us. After the part two mess, I can completely understand Naughty Dog being gun shy about going back unless they have something to say."

The discussion underscores the delicate balance between creative storytelling and business decisions within the gaming industry, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of long-running franchises.

2. PlayStation Layoffs and Restructuring [34:54]

A grim piece of news is covered next: PlayStation's recent layoffs, particularly within the PlayStation Visual Arts Group (PSVA) in San Diego. According to Ethan Gotch’s report on Kotaku:

Greg Miller [35:14]: "PlayStation has been hit with more layoffs following recent game cancellations."

The layoffs are attributed to a broader restructuring effort and the cancellation of projects such as an upcoming live service game at Bend Studio. Former PSVA project manager Abby Lemastre expressed the impact of these layoffs:

Abby Lemastre: "PSVA let go of developers with decades of subject matter experience, talent that will be extraordinarily difficult to recoup."

These layoffs follow significant organizational changes within Sony leadership, with Hiroki Totoki assuming the role of CEO and Hideki Nishino becoming the sole CEO of PlayStation. The hosts discuss the broader implications for the industry, emphasizing the instability and uncertainty facing game developers.

3. Sega’s Strategic Investment in Core Franchises [51:21]

Shifting focus to Sega, the hosts discuss the company's strategic move to release fewer new games while investing deeper into established franchises like Persona, Sonic, and Like a Dragon. Andy Robinson's report on VGC News details Sega's plan:

Sega aims to bolster its key franchises by strengthening studios through hiring and acquisitions. The strategy focuses on ensuring quality and fan satisfaction without overextending resources into untested projects.

Greg Miller [51:51]: "They are putting out games that fans want, like Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Yakuza."

Blessing praises Sega’s approach, comparing it to successful models from companies like Nintendo, which effectively manage multiple iterations of their flagship franchises to maintain variety and fan engagement.

4. Avengers Directors Open to Video Game Tie-ins [54:24]

The episode also touches on the intersection of film and gaming, highlighting potential collaborations between Avengers directors Joe and Anthony Russo and the video game industry. According to Darren at GameSpot:

The Russo brothers, who directed Avengers: Endgame, expressed openness to developing video games related to upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. However, their primary focus remains on creating new IPs at their media company, Agbo, in partnership with Fortnite creator Donald Mustard.

GameSpot reported:

"We would be definitely open to it," Joe Russo said to Variety.

Greg Miller [54:38]: "They’re definitely open to it, but they are currently prioritizing their other commitments."

The hosts express skepticism about the feasibility and timing of such high-profile game adaptations, considering the Russo brothers' existing commitments and the complexities involved in cross-media collaborations.

5. Miscellaneous Gaming News [59:32]

In the final segment, the hosts cover a range of other news items:

• Frag Punk Delay for Consoles [59:32]: Developer Bad Guitar Studio has postponed the PS5 and Xbox releases of Frag Punk due to technical difficulties, though the PC version remains on schedule for March 6th.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 [59:47]: Activision announces an April 3rd release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the upcoming Warzone Season 3.

• WWE 2K25 DLC Roster [59:21]: 2K includes iconic TNA wrestlers in the upcoming WWE 2K25 DLC, but notably excludes fan-favorite Joe Hendry.

Greg Miller [60:07]: "Sure, I'd take that. Make SNies... no."

The discussion highlights ongoing trends in the gaming industry, such as delayed releases, expansions of existing franchises, and the strategic inclusion of popular figures to attract fans.

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive examination of pivotal moments and shifts within the gaming landscape. The hosts expertly balance reporting with insightful commentary, enriched by listener interactions and personal anecdotes. From the potential end of a beloved franchise to corporate restructuring and strategic investments, the episode underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming segments, including a detailed review of how to save WB games and discussions on new projects like Daredevil: Born Again. The hosts also hint at future streams and content, ensuring fans remain engaged with the latest developments in gaming.

Notable Quotes:

• Neil Druckmann on The Last of Us Part 3 [10:28]: "Don't bet on there being more The Last of Us."

• Greg Miller [35:14]: "PlayStation has been hit with more layoffs following recent game cancellations."

• Greg Miller [51:51]: "They are putting out games that fans want, like Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Yakuza."

• Joe Russo [54:24]: "We would be definitely open to it."

• Jam Van [31:20]: "I can live with no more The Last of Us. After the part two mess, I can completely understand Naughty Dog being gun shy about going back unless they have something to say."

This summary provides a structured and detailed overview of the episode for those who haven't listened, highlighting key discussions and insights shared by the hosts.