Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast Episode: PlayStation Forms New First-Party Studio - Kinda Funny Games Daily 03.18.25
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr.

Introduction

In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys dive into a slew of exciting and sometimes controversial news stories shaping the gaming landscape. From PlayStation’s strategic studio expansions to major developments in game adaptations and industry legal battles, the hosts provide detailed insights and engaging banter throughout the show.

1. PlayStation Forms New First-Party Studio: Dark Outlaw Games

Timestamp: [06:34]

PlayStation has announced the creation of a new first-party studio named Dark Outlaw Games, helmed by Jason Blundell, renowned for his work on Call of Duty Zombies. This marks a significant move for PlayStation Studios, especially amid recent studio closures and layoffs.

• Jason Blundell’s Announcement:
  “I’ve had the amazing opportunity to create a new studio within PlayStation Studios for Sony. The studio is called Dark Outlaw. We’ve been working away in the shadows for a while. When we got something to talk about, we’ll step into the light. It’s such a privilege to be able to do it with Sony.” (06:56)

• Host Insights:
  Greg expresses surprise and cautious optimism about PlayStation’s decision, highlighting the potential for new and diverse projects. He remarks, “More jobs in the video game industry are always good” (08:22), despite acknowledging PlayStation’s recent contractions.

2. People Can Fly Developers Working on a PlayStation IP: Project Delta

Timestamp: [16:17]

Developers from People Can Fly, known for titles like Outriders and Bulletstorm, have entered a work-for-hire agreement with PlayStation to develop a new project based on an existing Sony franchise, dubbed Project Delta.

• PlayStation Collaboration:
  The studio has confirmed limited details, maintaining secrecy around the specific IP and project scope.

• Host Discussion:
  Greg speculates on potential projects, mentioning iconic PlayStation franchises like Resistance and Killzone. He suggests, “I would say Resistance makes more sense” (18:48), although he remains uncertain about the project’s direction.

3. Amazon’s God of War TV Series Secures Two Seasons Pre-Release

Timestamp: [20:51]

Amazon has greenlit two seasons for its upcoming God of War TV series before the premiere of the first season. Ronald D. Moore, known for his work on Battlestar Galactica, is at the helm as showrunner.

• Showrunner’s Approach:
  Moore admitted he hasn’t played God of War games but is committed to adapting the story authentically. “I’m not a gamer, though I do enjoy some Defender, Asteroids, and Centipede” (21:03).

• Host Reactions:
  Tim voices concerns about Moore’s lack of gaming experience, fearing it might affect the series’ fidelity to the source material. Greg remarks, “I do think that this is going to kind of cause an uphill battle” (23:14), though he remains hopeful about the adaptation’s potential.

4. Lego Announces Pokemon Sets for 2026

Timestamp: [30:07]

Lego has officially announced that it will release officially licensed Pokemon building sets starting in 2026, celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

• Set Details:
  While specific sets and characters remain under wraps, the teaser includes a glimpse of Pikachu’s tail constructed from yellow bricks. This move signifies a shift from Mattel’s previous Lego-compatible lines to fully integrated Lego products.

• Host Opinions:
  Greg expresses excitement, especially for younger fans like their own child, Ben. Tim humorously shares his struggles with collecting and building Lego sets, stating, “I look at them every day and I’m like, that looks so cool” (31:27).

5. Bobby Kotick Files Defamation Suit Against Gizmodo and Kotaku

Timestamp: [37:57]

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, has filed a defamation lawsuit against media outlets Gizmodo and Kotaku following articles that he claims misrepresented his actions and intentions, specifically regarding interests in acquiring TikTok and issues related to workplace investigations.

• Legal Claims:
  Kotick alleges that the articles contained false allegations intended to harm his reputation, despite updates made post-publication to clarify previous investigations.

• Host Commentary:
  Greg highlights the ongoing tensions between Kotick and media, stating, “Kotaku and Gizmodo went out of their way to include withdrawn fake allegations” (39:43). Both hosts express skepticism about the lawsuit’s outcome but acknowledge its significance in the broader industry context.

6. First Look at Johnny Cage and Mortal Kombat 2 Movie

Timestamp: [41:00]

A first look at the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 movie reveals the inclusion of Johnny Cage, portrayed by Carl Urban. The sequel is set for an October 24th release, promising more action-packed content and deeper character development.

• Character Insights:
  The movie introduces new dynamics with iconic characters like Johnny Cage and explores the ongoing battles between Earth Realm champions and Outworld forces.

• Host Reactions:
  While Tim expresses some disappointment with the first Mortal Kombat movie, he remains optimistic about the sequel: “I’m ready for it. I’m expecting this to be better than the first one” (43:15). Greg shares similar sentiment, emphasizing the excitement around visual spectacles and character interactions.

7. Wario 64’s Star Wars Turn-Based Tactics Game Reveal

Timestamp: [56:35]

Wario 64 is set to reveal a new Star Wars turn-based tactics game developed by Bit Reactor and Slawn Entertainment during Star Wars Celebration Japan on April 19th.

• Game Overview:
  The game promises a strategic approach to the Star Wars universe, blending Wario’s quirky style with tactical gameplay mechanics.

• Host Speculation:
  Greg and Tim discuss the potential appeal and challenges of merging these franchises, with Greg noting, “I think it’s gonna be cool” (45:22), while Tim likens it to Midnight Suns, expressing cautious optimism about its reception.

Additional Highlights: Super Chats and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with their audience through Super Chats, addressing fan comments and sharing personal anecdotes. From humorous stories about Greg’s dog Cole sending footballs as pranks to discussions about favorite game moments, the segment adds a personal and entertaining touch to the episode.

• Notable Interactions:
  • Greg recounts a humorous story about being pranked with footballs, enhancing the light-hearted atmosphere.
  • Tim shares his admiration for the Chrono Trigger sale on Steam, highlighting his passion for classic JRPGs despite a busy schedule.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a recap of new games available on Game Pass, upcoming beta tests, and final thoughts from the hosts. Greg and Tim reiterate their commitment to delivering comprehensive and engaging gaming news, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes filled with reviews, streams, and community interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gettys:
  “The most important announcement of all, goddamn.” (01:26)

• Greg Miller:
  “More jobs in the video game industry are always good.” (08:22)

• Tim Gettys:
  “What effect will this have on the show if any?” (29:33)

• Greg Miller:
  “I think it’s going to be cool, but I don’t think it’s going to like break out because.” (45:22)

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily expertly navigates through a diverse array of gaming news, offering insightful analysis, humorous exchanges, and a glimpse into the dynamic relationships within the gaming community. Whether you're a casual gamer or an industry enthusiast, this episode provides valuable information and entertaining commentary to keep you informed and engaged.