Podcast Summary: Kinda Funny Games Daily - "Report: FromSoftware Has an Unannounced Game, Likely Out By 2026"
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr.
1. FromSoftware's Upcoming Unannounced Game
The episode kicks off with exciting news about FromSoftware, a studio renowned for titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. According to Andy Robinson from VGC, FromSoftware is developing another unannounced multi-platform game, codenamed FMC, with a potential release set for 2026. The hosts delve into the speculation surrounding this project, discussing possible directions based on the codename's history.
Snow Bikel Michael ([16:33]):
"FromSoftware reportedly has another unannounced multi-platform game in development with a release likely due next year. As someone who is a fan of a lot of their titles and franchises, I'm excited about the possibilities."
Roger Porning adds his perspective, pondering whether FMC could be a remaster of Dark Souls 3 or an expansion like Fires of Rubicon. They debate the balance FromSoftware is trying to maintain between honoring their single-player roots and exploring multiplayer avenues with titles like Night Rain and Dusk Bloods.
Roger Porning ([19:07]):
"To me, this is them trying a bunch of different things to get to Elden Ring. They are building out the franchises, making sure everyone's happy."
The discussion highlights the studio's prolific output and questions whether maintaining such a cadence is sustainable, expressing optimism about the new game offerings for fans.
2. Microsoft Shuts Down Movies & TV Store on Xbox and Windows
Transitioning to industry news, the podcast covers Microsoft's abrupt decision to discontinue its Movies & TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. As reported by Tom Warren of The Verge, this move means users can no longer purchase new movies or TV shows via the Microsoft Store. However, previously bought content remains accessible, albeit restricted to the Movies & TV app.
Snow Bikel Michael ([33:14]):
"There is a little bit of a knee jerk reaction. There is kind of the first moment for Snow Mike, Mike, the all-digital purchaser now going, oh shit, yeah, there goes that."
Roger reminisces about the early days when streaming apps first integrated with Xbox, reflecting on how the landscape has shifted towards specialized streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. They discuss the probable business reasons behind Microsoft's decision, noting the likely minimal profitability of the Movies & TV store compared to the costs of maintaining it.
Roger Porning ([37:03]):
"Why not partner with a streamer or a place that has all of these things available for you? So I think that is interesting."
The conversation underscores the evolving nature of digital media consumption and Microsoft's strategic pivot to focus more on gaming.
3. Sucker Punch's Intent to Revisit the Infamous Series
The hosts then pivot to a discussion about Sucker Punch Productions and their acclaimed titles like Ghost of Tsushima and the upcoming Ghost of Yotei. Andy Robinson from VGC shares that director Nate Fox expressed a desire to revisit the Infamous series, although currently, Sucker Punch is concentrating on one game at a time.
Snow Bikel Michael ([40:44]):
"What's to say after that comes out, we don't look at it and say, what if we spin up a small team?"
Roger contemplates the future of Sucker Punch, pondering whether the studio will continue its focused approach or expand to handle multiple franchises. The hosts express admiration for the studio's dedication but also recognize the challenges of sustaining such a strategy as their projects grow in scale and popularity.
Roger Porning ([41:22]):
"Part of me really appreciates and loves that Sucker Punch is working on one game at a time... but also part of me is like, man, like that is really tough when you're making a huge franchise like this."
4. Valve Removes Adult-Only Games from Steam
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Valve's recent policy changes regarding adult-only content on Steam. As reported by Vicki Blake from IGN, Valve is tightening its guidelines to comply with Steam's payment processing partners, leading to the removal of numerous sexually explicit games from the platform.
Roger Porning ([47:14]):
"There's a lot of sexually explicit stuff there that is very clearly like, hey, we're trying to make an adult game."
The hosts discuss the implications of this move, balancing the need to adhere to financial partner restrictions with concerns about censorship and the impact on creators and consumers. They consider the challenges Steam faces in regulating content while maintaining its vast and diverse library.
Snow Bikel Michael ([48:35]):
"Ideally, they would stand by their artists and take down only content that crosses certain lines, but that's not always straightforward."
The conversation reflects broader industry debates about content moderation, platform responsibility, and the fine line between regulation and creative freedom.
5. Gabe Newell's Lifestyle Insights
In a lighter segment, the hosts share an intriguing interview with Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. According to Vicki Blake from IGN, Newell revealed that while he appears retired, he actually works seven days a week from his bedroom on a superyacht. His daily routine includes scuba diving, working on AI projects, and developing innovative technologies like an aerosol pathogen detection device.
Roger Porning ([51:02]):
"It's incredible stuff. That lot's big money stuff right there."
The hosts marvel at Newell's lifestyle balance, emphasizing his passion for technology and gaming continues unabated despite his relaxed living conditions. They humorously compare his affluent lifestyle to their own, highlighting the unique position Newell holds in the gaming industry.
Snow Bikel Michael ([51:04]):
"That's called living deep in the golden triangle. That's the life you want to be a part of."
6. WE News: Shadow Labyrinth, Firebreak Update, Mario Kart Tour
Concluding the main segments, the hosts present the WE News roundup, covering smaller yet noteworthy updates in the gaming world.
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Shadow Labyrinth Reveal Roundup: A new Metroidvania title receives mixed reviews, with critics praising its homage to classic arcade games but noting it doesn't stand out in a saturated genre.
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Remedy's Firebreak Update: Remedy Entertainment announces a major overhaul of gun progression in Firebreak, addressing past critiques and aiming to enhance gameplay balance.
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Mario Kart Tour Update: Nintendo revitalizes Mario Kart Tour with its first major update in years, introducing the Sunshine Tour to celebrate the latest release of Mario Kart World on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, slated for October 10th.
Snow Bikel Michael ([53:30]):
"We're in a super saturated Metroidvania landscape right now. Unless you're making some of the goats, I'm not sure it wants to."
The hosts express cautious optimism about these updates, recognizing the potential for improvement and increased player engagement.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Roger and Snow share their personal gaming experiences, highlighting titles like Donkey Kong and Death Stranding, and encourage listeners to enjoy their weekends gaming. They also touch on upcoming shows like Gamescast and Game Showdown, inviting fans to stay tuned for more content.
Roger Porning ([59:29]):
"Have a wonderful weekend, everybody."
The episode successfully navigates through significant industry news, offering insightful analysis and engaging discussions that cater to both hardcore gamers and casual listeners.
Notable Quotes:
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Snow Bikel Michael ([16:33]):
"I get excited about the possibilities." -
Roger Porning ([19:07]):
"We're making sure that everyone's happy." -
Roger Porning ([37:03]):
"Why not partner with a streamer or a place that has all of these things available for you?" -
Roger Porning ([41:22]):
"That is really tough when you're making a huge franchise like this." -
Snow Bikel Michael ([48:35]):
"They want to make sure everyone's happy." -
Roger Porning ([51:02]):
"It's incredible stuff." -
Snow Bikel Michael ([51:04]):
"That's the life you want to be a part of." -
Snow Bikel Michael ([53:30]):
"Unless you're making some of the goats, I'm not sure it wants to."
