Kinda Funny Games Daily – December 5, 2025

Episode Theme & Purpose

Main Theme:
The biggest video game and entertainment news of the day, headlined by Netflix’s blockbuster agreement to buy Warner Bros. Discovery (including its valuable film, TV, and gaming assets). Hosted by Greg Miller and Andy Cortez, the show explores the potential ramifications of this merger, new industry moves (such as Fallout’s creator rejoining Obsidian), notable upcoming releases, and community reactions. The hosts also bring their signature irreverence and insight to each topic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Buys Warner Bros. Discovery Including Gaming Divisions

[11:49 – 32:22]

• Deal Details:

  • Netflix acquires WB Discovery (including film, streaming, and gaming assets) for $82.7 billion. The acquisition covers major IPs: Harry Potter, DC Universe, Game of Thrones, plus game studios like NetherRealm (Mortal Kombat), Rocksteady (Arkham), Avalanche (Hogwarts Legacy), and TT Games (LEGO).

• Regulatory Uncertainty:

  • The US Competitions regulator is likely to become involved. Netflix is reportedly prepared to pay a $5 billion breakup fee if regulators block the deal.

• Industry Reaction & Concerns:

  • Both hosts express skepticism and a comedic sense of doom about such a massive corporate merger, noting recent failures of similar media conglomerations.
  • Andy Cortez ([15:30]): “Here are two brands floundering in video games. Let’s bring them together and see what happens.”
  • Greg Miller ([14:17]): “This will probably culminate in decades and decades of just wealth for everybody. … Trickle-down economy. All these people will just keep getting more.”
  • Chat/community and industry figures emphasize worries about creative stagnation, layoffs, price increases, fewer movies in theaters, and the general impact on art and jobs.

• The Fate of Warner Bros. Games Studios:

  • Announcement did not specifically address the games division; speculation that Netflix may not understand or value the game studios it’s acquiring.
  • Parallel to Netflix’s prior acquisitions of studios like Spry Fox, which they later sold back: “Maybe Ed Boon could get the capital together to buy NetherRealm if they were gonna get rid of it.” ([16:13] Andy)
  • Netflix’s weak history with gaming, mostly relegated to mobile games and some lackluster experimentation, does not inspire confidence.
  • Speculation on potential sell-offs of studios like Rocksteady and NetherRealm.

• Merged Service Mayhem:

  • Amusement at possible branding confusion (Netflix, HBO Max, “Duff Light Duff”).
  • Greg Miller ([18:41]): “Are we throwing Max on Netflix now?”
  • Andy Cortez: “Netflix is the big swinging dick here.”

• Possible Upsides & Precedents:

  • Some hope for positive surprises if Netflix invests in ambitious single-player IP games (like “make a Lord of the Rings RPG”).
  • But skepticism about Netflix’s willingness to invest at the scale required, or learn from the “take a hit on the chin” approach of Amazon/Luna.

• Cultural and Creative Fallout:

  • Andy ([32:07]): “Layoffs, price increases, less movies, game studio closures, less creativity. Sucks for art.”

2. Fallout Creator Tim Cain Returns to Obsidian

[32:36 – 36:45]

• Announcement:

  • Tim Cain, original Fallout lead, rejoins Obsidian as a full-time, in-person employee working on a secret project.
  • Cain quote ([34:15]): “Don’t bother guessing. You’re not going to guess what I’m working on.”

• Community Reaction:

  • Surprised excitement and much speculation about the nature of the project (is it a new Fallout game, a top-down RPG, or something new?).
  • Hosts reflect on Obsidian’s strong but sometimes “8/10” output, wishing them well and hoping for a project that resonates more broadly.

3. Quick Hits and Release Date Announcements

[44:34 – 55:50]

• Grasshopper’s “Romeo is a Dead Man” Announcement:

  • Suda51’s studio will self-publish, release February 11, 2026.
  • Discussed Suda51’s name (“Go-ichi” = 5-1 in Japanese), a revelation for the hosts.
  • Expressed enthusiasm for the game’s striking style and tone.

• Splitgate Revival:

  • “Splitgate Arena Reloaded” fuses elements of 1 and 2, launches as a free-to-play PC and console arena shooter on December 17, 2025.

• Liquid Swords Unveils “Samson: A Tindalston Story”:

  • Open world action game with unique debt mechanic, weaponized driving; $25 price point noted as promising for a smaller title.

• Soul Shogunate Reveal:

  • Early development samurai space opera action RPG; skepticism about the project until gameplay is shown.

4. Community and Industry Responses to the Netflix-WB Deal

[19:52 – 32:22, 61:27 – 67:43]

• Cinema Exhibitors Express Outrage:

  • Cinema United blasts the deal as a threat to global exhibition (movie theaters).
  • Community superchats debate whether the deal will go through, with some predicting regulatory intervention.

• Concerns About AEW/WWE Rights:

  • Questions raised about impacts on TV wrestling deals now that both AEW and WWE will have separate streaming partners (Warner and Netflix).

• Physical Media Advocacy:

  • Fans urge investing in physical media as streaming rights and mergers become ever more convoluted.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Greg Miller ([13:58]): “Great news. Two massive companies just joining forces. This will probably culminate in decades and decades of just wealth for everybody.”
• Andy Cortez ([15:30]): “Here are two brands floundering in video games. Let’s bring them together and see what happens.”
• Greg Miller ([28:03]): “What Netflix gaming reminds me so much of… Amazon Prime and Twitch Prime. Yeah, fucking toss it in there. We won’t make a big deal about it.”
• Andy Cortez ([32:07]) relaying a chat message: “Layoffs, price increases, less movies in theaters, game studio closures, and less creativity in general. Sucks for art.”
• Tim Cain ([34:15], via Andy Cortez): “Don’t bother guessing. You’re not going to guess [what Obsidian’s new project is].”
• Suda51 Name Revelation ([45:59 – 46:15] Andy): “Goichi Suda in Japanese… ‘Go’ – 5, ‘Ichi’ – 1. Shut the—! That’s so smart.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. – Core Discussion: [11:49 – 32:22]
• Fallout’s Tim Cain Rejoins Obsidian: [32:36 – 36:45]
• Suda51’s “Romeo is a Dead Man” Reveal: [44:34 – 47:42]
• Splitgate Arena Reloaded Announced: [48:00 – 49:38]
• “Samson: A Tindalston Story” First Look: [50:25 – 53:33]
• Soul Shogunate Reveal: [54:52 – 56:36]
• Community Super Chats & Concerns: [61:27 – 67:43]

Additional Highlights and Host Banter

• The hosts celebrate comedic asides – from hot dog stock failures to stories about their kids and internet memes.
• Community Poll: Avowed vs. Outer Worlds 2 – Outer Worlds 2 is favored.
• Memorable behind-the-scenes and personal moments: Andy discusses his hair routine, Greg raves about his Animal Crossing mug, and the crew teases each other about unplayed classic games and upcoming streams.
• Speculation about Game Awards hints, cryptic statues, and upcoming releases.

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily blends major industry news (Netflix’s record-breaking WB purchase), skepticism about the intentions and competence of mega-corps in gaming, and the hosts’ trademark humor, optimism, and resignation in the face of perpetual corporate shake-up. Community engagement is high, with live reactions, polls, and superchats providing vibrant context for the day’s stories. Whether celebrating or commiserating, the hosts maintain a conversational, approachable tone that invites both regulars and newcomers to join the debate.