Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast
Episode: Report: PlayStation State of Play Coming in June
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr.

PlayStation State of Play Slated for June

Timestamps: 10:04 - 19:42

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the anticipated PlayStation State of Play event expected to take place in June. Blessing Adeoye Jr. references a Super Chat from Chris Golian at Video Games Chronicle, highlighting rumors from Giant Bomb journalist Jeff Grubb about Sony potentially favoring a State of Play over a traditional PlayStation Showcase this summer.

Blessing Adeoye Jr. notes, "I don't think it matters if it's a state of play or PlayStation showcase" (12:08), suggesting that regardless of the format, PlayStation continues to deliver substantial announcements. The hosts discuss the nature of State of Play events, with Greg Miller emphasizing the strategic shift: "PlayStation's not missing the beat for a summer thing" (12:07).

Blessing provides a hot take, asserting that State of Play events have historically been impressive and effective: "They’ve always been able to hit that May to June timeframe" *(12:35). Greg concurs, highlighting that while State of Play may not showcase blockbuster titles like the PlayStation 6 or a new handheld device, it effectively presents a mix of third-party and first-party updates without overshadowing major announcements.

The conversation also touches on potential announcements, including rumors of a new God of War title set in a Greek-inspired setting. Blessing speculates it might resemble an "Assassin's Creed 2D title" (15:37), while Greg remains skeptical about the scale, likening it to an "Uncharted: Lost Legacy" type of release (15:56).

A Super Chat from Street Shadow supports Blessing's perspective, suggesting that PlayStation uses State of Play as a flexible marketing tool, reserving major announcements like the anticipated Wolverine project for more prominent platforms such as Summer Game Fest or the Jeff Keighley show.

Confirmation of Elden Ring Movie Adaptation

Timestamps: 28:46 - 40:50

The second major story reveals the confirmation of an Elden Ring live-action film, a collaboration between Bandai Namco Entertainment, A24, and director Alex Garland, known for Ex Machina and Annihilation. Blessing Adeoye Jr. cites the press release, emphasizing the involvement of George R.R. Martin in crafting the mythological backdrop for the movie.

Blessing asks Greg whether he's excited for the adaptation, to which Greg responds with cautious skepticism: "I'm not an Eldening guy, though. Nor am I a fantasy guy" (29:57). He expresses doubt about the movie’s potential to capture the essence of the game but remains open to being impressed by a compelling trailer.

The hosts engage in a discussion about the challenges of adapting a game like Elden Ring, which thrives on exploration and player-driven narratives. Blessing articulates concerns about losing the game's depth and player agency in a film format, comparing it to other game adaptations like Fallout and The Last of Us. She elaborates, "Elden Ring is a game that is about exploration...that is going to be so difficult to do through a movie" (31:23).

Greg echoes these sentiments, noting the difficulty of translating interactive experiences to a passive medium like film. However, he acknowledges that Alex Garland's involvement brings a level of credibility and creative potential to the project. The hosts conclude that while the movie could be financially lucrative due to the strong brand and legacy of Elden Ring, the true measure of its success will hinge on its ability to honor the game's intricate lore and immersive world.

Take-Two Interactive Withdraws DEI Praise from Annual Report

Timestamps: 40:50 - 51:57

The podcast shifts focus to a corporate controversy involving Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind titles such as Grand Theft Auto, NBA 2K, and Borderlands. Blessing Adeoye Jr. reports that Take-Two has removed explicit references to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from its 2025 annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Greg Miller reacts strongly to this development, stating, "I mean, fuck them. Fuck everybody" (43:21), expressing frustration over the apparent backtracking on DEI commitments. Blessing elaborates, critiquing the company's shift from emphasizing diverse teams' effectiveness to a more ambiguous "diversity of thought," which she interprets as a step back from genuine inclusivity: "We firmly believe that diversity of thought drives the innovation that is integral to our success" (45:43).

The hosts discuss the broader trend of major corporations softening or removing DEI language from official documents, attributing it to political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration's stance on DEI initiatives. Blessing emphasizes the importance of holding corporations accountable, arguing that taking a stand against discriminatory practices is crucial, even if boycotts and public criticisms only impact the company's bottom line: "If you want to piss off a fan base, you do" (31:43).

61 Indie Launches Publishing Label to Support Developers

Timestamps: 51:57 - 55:31

Celebrating positive news, Blessing Adeoye Jr. announces that 61 Indie, known for its indie game showcases and awards, has launched its own publishing label. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to indie developers, including launch strategies, media relations, QA testing, and localization.

Greg Miller praises this move, stating, "That's really cool" (53:54), and highlights the importance of such support structures for the burgeoning indie game scene. Blessing explains that while 61 Indie doesn't offer direct funding, they facilitate connections and help indie developers navigate the complexities of game publishing: "We don't offer funding at this time, but we'll gladly research funding opportunities, help you craft pitches and connect you with potential partners" (54:12).

The hosts encourage indie developers to explore 61 Indie's offerings, noting the platform's dedication to authenticity and creative control, which are essential for indie success in an unpredictable industry.

FTC Concludes Case Against Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Timestamps: 55:31 - 56:50

In the final major news segment, the hosts inform listeners that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially dropped its case against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Blessing Adeoye Jr. quickly summarizes the closure, while Greg Miller expresses a sense of relief, stating, "I can rest. This happened" (55:42).

Additionally, the episode covers minor updates such as the release of SteamOS version 3.7.8, which includes system fixes and introduces a battery saver feature for the Steam Deck. They also mention Nintendo's new security measure requiring phone numbers for their Switch to Game Chat feature, aimed at enhancing online safety for users.

Super Chats and Community Interaction

Timestamps: 40:50 - 64:00

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with their audience through Super Chats, addressing questions and comments related to the discussed topics. Notable interactions include:

• James Collier asks about Chris Pratt's role in the Elden Ring movie, leading to humorous speculation about casting.

• Rowan Malcolm inquires about the story direction of the Elden Ring adaptation, prompting Blessing to suggest potential narrative structures that stay true to the game's lore.

• Audience members debate the effectiveness and sincerity of corporate DEI initiatives, with Blessing passionately advocating for genuine inclusivity over superficial corporate gestures.

The hosts use these interactions to deepen the discussion, offering personal insights and fostering a sense of community engagement.

Closing Remarks

Timestamps: 64:00

The episode concludes with Greg Miller and Blessing Adeoye Jr. expressing their appreciation for the listeners and encouraging support through memberships and Patreon. They tease upcoming content, including the finale of their ESO podcast series, and sign off with enthusiasm for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "I don't think it matters if it's a state of play or PlayStation showcase" (12:08)

• Greg Miller: "PlayStation's not missing the beat for a summer thing" (12:07)

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "Elden Ring is a game that is about exploration...that is going to be so difficult to do through a movie" (31:23)

• Greg Miller: "I mean, fuck them. Fuck everybody" (43:21)

• Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "We firmly believe that diversity of thought drives the innovation that is integral to our success" (45:43)

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a comprehensive overview of upcoming events, corporate developments, and community sentiments within the gaming industry. From the strategic shift in PlayStation’s presentation formats to the controversial corporate retreat from DEI initiatives, the hosts provide insightful analysis and foster engaging discussions with their audience.