Kinda Funny Games Daily: Report on PlayStation Live Service Game Fairgame$ Has Slipped

Release Date: February 17, 2025

Hosts:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.
• Roger McCorney
• Barrett Courtney
• Greg Miller (Guest appearances)

1. Fair Games Delayed to 2026

Timestamp: 07:19

The hosts dive into the primary news story of the day: Sony's live service title, Fair Games, has been internally delayed to 2026. Announced in 2023 without a specific release window, Fair Games is a cooperative heist shooter developed by Haven Studios, a Canadian firm co-founded by Jade Raymond, who was acquired by Sony in 2022.

• Jeff Grubb from Video Games Chronicle reports the delay, citing expectations from a Giant Bomb journalist.

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. comments:

  "No, not at all. I mean, especially after Concord and everything that happened. Right." ([12:43])

• Roger McCorney adds:

  "I think the thing that surprises me more is that internally this was slated for 2025. I think that's more the shocker." ([13:36])

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts express skepticism about the game's prospects, considering previous similar titles like Payday 3 haven't met expectations.

• Blessing remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that if Fair Games is priced appropriately and marketed well, it could find its niche despite market saturation.

  "It could hit. And I see a world where, I mean from the get go we talked about Concord and we're like, I don't think this can hit." ([18:32])

• Roger contemplates whether Sony will cancel the project, referencing past delays and cancellations within the live service genre.

  "This is the beginning of this getting canceled as far as what that looks like." ([19:29])

• The discussion touches on pricing strategies, marketing effectiveness, and the competitive landscape of heist games versus extraction shooters.

  "It was $40. I think the marketing failed it as well." ([20:54])

Conclusion: The delay signifies potential challenges Sony faces with live service titles, emphasizing the need for careful project management and strategic marketing to ensure future success.

2. Uncertainty Around PlayStation Summer Showcase

Timestamp: 12:37

The hosts address reports from Jeff Grubb of Video Games Chronicle suggesting that Sony is deliberating between hosting a full-scale summer showcase or a smaller-scale State of Play event.

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. challenges the accuracy of Grubb's report:

  "But he's also, you know, he doesn't know what he's talking about because in the. Roger Damas has already said in May there's going to be a PlayStation showcase." ([27:07])

• Roger McCorney and Blessing predict a showcase, arguing that Sony likely has enough announcements lined up to warrant a full event.

Discussion Highlights:

• The debate centers on Sony's marketing strategy and whether they can deliver substantial content for a large showcase.

• The hosts emphasize the importance of showcasing major titles like Wolverine, Ghost of Yote, and potential remakes or new trailers to maintain hype and audience engagement.

  "I think it's going to be a showcase." ([35:05])

• Barrett Courtney expresses pessimism about the likelihood of both major announcements fitting into a single showcase, considering other priorities like Marathon.

Conclusion: Despite conflicting reports, the consensus among hosts leans towards Sony proceeding with a full PlayStation showcase, driven by the need to highlight significant upcoming titles and sustain consumer interest.

3. Phil Spencer Updates on Rare's Everwild

Timestamp: 46:21

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, provides an update on Rare's long-delayed game, Everwild. Despite rumors of development issues and reboots, Spencer affirms continued support and enthusiasm for the project.

• Wesley Yenpool from IGN details Spencer's comments:

  "Phil Spencer has said Microsoft had been able to give the developers of those games, State of Decay, the next game from Double Fine, and Everwild, time." ([46:57])

• Blessing shares optimism:

  "I assume you see Everwild. I'm kind of bullish on that one." ([48:22])

Discussion Highlights:

• The conversation touches on the challenges Rare has faced, including leadership changes with Simon Woodroffe's departure and Greg Males stepping in as creative director.

  "If Everwild is ever done, then no, no, the momentum... But he did take over a big role and we don't know how much that impacts the project." ([48:20])

• The hosts ponder whether the audience remains eager for Everwild, considering its extended development timeline.

• Roger speculates on the integration of Everwild within Microsoft's broader gaming strategy, especially with acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

Conclusion: While Everwild has experienced a prolonged development period, Phil Spencer's affirmation suggests that Microsoft remains committed to delivering the game, banking on Rare's legacy and potential to rejuvenate interest upon release.

4. Passing of Victor Antonov, Art Director

Timestamp: 51:05

A somber moment is shared as the hosts report the death of Victor Antonov, the beloved art director behind Half-Life 2 and Dishonored.

• Mark Laidlaw, former Valve writer, announces Antonov's passing on social media:

  "I didn't want to say much till I felt it was confirmed, but I learned today that Victor, our visionary art lead on Half-Life 2, has died." ([51:05])

• Daniel Dwyer from Blue Sky Dev comments on Antonov's impact and personal interactions before his untimely death.

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts reflect on Antonov's influence in shaping the visual and atmospheric elements of iconic games.

  "You know, there are people, a lot of people that had such impact on the art that we love." ([52:27])

• They acknowledge the premature loss at age 52, emphasizing the lasting legacy Antonov leaves within the gaming community.

Conclusion: Victor Antonov's passing marks the loss of a visionary artist whose contributions significantly enriched the gaming worlds of Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. His legacy continues to inspire game developers and enthusiasts alike.

5. Ubisoft Announces Siege X: A Major Evolution for Rainbow Six Siege

Timestamp: 53:53

Ubisoft teases Siege X, heralded as the most significant transformation in Rainbow Six Siege's history. Scheduled for a March unveiling, Siege X promises revamped tactical gameplay, enhanced graphics, and audio upgrades aimed at positioning the game for another decade of live service success.

• Wesley Yenpool from IGN describes Ubisoft's announcement:

  "Siege X is described as the biggest transformation in the game's history, including new tactical gameplay, graphical and audio upgrades, and more." ([53:53])

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. expresses excitement and draws parallels to other successful game evolutions:

  "I like the tag. There's a tagline at the end of the trailer that says a new era of Siege is coming." ([54:52])

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts debate whether Siege X will serve as a revitalization similar to what Overwatch 2 did for its franchise or if it might falter like some previous iterations.

• Roger McCorney emphasizes the importance of maintaining Rainbow Six Siege's unique identity while introducing significant enhancements.

  "It's a very unique game and I think it needs to keep that core of what it is." ([55:18])

• They discuss potential improvements such as new maps, operators, and balancing competitive elements to attract both new and returning players.

Conclusion: Siege X represents Ubisoft's strategic effort to breathe new life into Rainbow Six Siege, aiming to sustain its competitive edge and player base through meaningful updates and innovations.

6. We News Channel: Additional Gaming Updates

Timestamp: 57:39

Beyond the major headlines, the hosts share several smaller yet noteworthy gaming updates:

• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 achieves impressive sales, moving 2 million copies.

  "2 million." ([57:39])

• Hunter Impact set to launch on July 17 across multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC.

  "Hunter." ([57:46])

• Whisker Squadron Survivor exits early access and officially launches on PS5 on February 21.

  "It's a Star Fox roguelite with story elements and characters and all this stuff and it's rad and fun as hell." ([57:45])

Discussion Highlights:

• Barrett Courtney highlights Whisker Squadron Survivor's compatibility with Steam Deck, praising its performance on lower-end hardware.

  "It's very fun, very chaotic and just like a blast of a time." ([58:35])

• The hosts encourage listeners to explore these titles, sharing personal anecdotes and recommendations based on gameplay experiences.

Conclusion: These updates underscore the vibrant and diverse landscape of the gaming industry, showcasing successful titles and promising new releases poised to capture player interest across various platforms.

Corrections and Reader Feedback

Timestamp: 65:00

The hosts engage with listener feedback, addressing corrections and fan submissions.

• Tyler writes in:

  "Tell Roger MGS2 makes no sense without playing MGS1." ([64:26])

• Barrett and Roger humorously debate the order of playing the Metal Gear Solid series, emphasizing the non-linear storytelling akin to films like Memento.

Discussion Highlights:

• The conversation highlights the complexities of legacy game series and the importance of narrative coherence for player experience.

  "It's like a Quentin Tarantino movie. Like out of order, you know?" ([64:39])

Conclusion: Engaging with the audience fosters a sense of community, allowing hosts to clarify misconceptions and deepen discussions around beloved game franchises.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Roger McCorney, and Barrett Courtney provide insightful commentary on current gaming news, blending professional analysis with personal anecdotes and humor. Their discussions offer listeners a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the gaming world, enriched by expert opinions and community interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. at [12:43]:

  "No, not at all. I mean, especially after Concord and everything that happened. Right."

• Roger McCorney at [13:36]:

  "I think the thing that surprises me more is that internally this was slated for 2025. I think that's more the shocker."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. at [20:55]:

  "That's why that's my only thing."

• Roger McCorney at [35:05]:

  "I think they're winging it every single time."

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by the hosts, ensuring you stay informed on the latest in PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and all things gaming.