Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast
Episode: Rocksteady’s Pulling The Plug On Suicide Squad Content
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr.
Guest: Jason Schreier, Bloomberg’s Top Video Game Journalist and New York Times Bestselling Author

Introduction

In the December 10, 2024 episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, host Tim Gettys welcomes Jason Schreier, a prominent video game journalist from Bloomberg and the author of Play Nice. The discussion delves into major industry news, including Rocksteady Studios' decision to cease new content for their game Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League, anticipated release dates for GTA 6, and updates on the BAFTA Game Awards' eligibility criteria for downloadable content (DLC).

Main Topics

1. Rocksteady’s Departure from Suicide Squad Content

Timestamp: [05:34]

Rocksteady Studios has officially announced that the current season of Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League will be its last. The studio also revealed the introduction of a highly requested offline mode, allowing players to engage with the main story and post-launch content without an internet connection. Additionally, the latest playable character, Deathstroke, will become available with the upcoming season four episode seven.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Schreier:

  "Rocksteady was once considered among the elite in the game industry. This is a sad, tragic story for a studio that had so much potential."
  [07:41]

• Tim Gettys:

  "It shows respect for the players and the developers by ensuring the game remains accessible even after official support ends."
  [08:56]

Discussion Highlights:

• End of an Era: Rocksteady’s departure marks the end of an ambitious project that struggled to meet player expectations and sustain its player base.
• Preservation Efforts: The introduction of an offline mode is lauded as a positive step for game preservation, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy the game’s content independently of server longevity.
• Future Projects: While specifics remain under wraps, Rocksteady is reportedly exploring new single-player projects, distancing themselves from live service models.

2. GTA 6 Release Date Uncertainty

Timestamp: [16:08]

The forthcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) continues to dominate industry conversations. Despite Rockstar Games affirming a fall 2025 release window, uncertainty persists. Competing publishers are delaying their own game releases to avoid potential clashes with GTA 6, emphasizing the immense anticipation surrounding the franchise.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Schreier:

  "I'm going to be shocked if GTA 6 doesn't slip to 2026. Rockstar Games always push their release dates."
  [20:06]

• Tim Gettys:

  "GTA 6 has the potential to be a tidal wave in the gaming industry, potentially boosting console sales and rejuvenating market interest."
  [21:43]

Discussion Highlights:

• Publisher Strategies: Rival publishers are tactically holding back their own titles, such as Borderlands 4, to maximize visibility and sales without competing against GTA 6.
• Impact on the Industry: The release of GTA 6 is expected to significantly influence console sales, particularly for the PlayStation 5, and bolster the overall gaming market by attracting a broader audience.

3. BAFTA Game Awards Update

Timestamp: [28:47]

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled its long list for the 2025 Game Awards, introducing new eligibility rules. Notably, DLCs are now ineligible for the top prize of Best Game but can compete in the Evolving Game category and certain craft awards. Remasters and full remakes are also restricted to specific categories based on their release timelines and nature.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gettys:

  "Awards should have clear rules to maintain their integrity and ensure that recognition is meaningful."
  [29:40]

• Jason Schreier:

  "It's good that BAFTA is taking a serious stance on how they evaluate games, focusing on the craft and evolution rather than just the biggest titles."
  [29:22]

Discussion Highlights:

• DLC Restrictions: By disallowing DLC from competing for Best Game, BAFTA aims to highlight complete, standalone titles, ensuring that expansions do not overshadow the primary game development.
• Remaster Criteria: Games that were originally released outside the eligibility period or are full remakes are confined to craft-specific categories, promoting recognition of original content and unique contributions to game design.

Guest Insights: Jason Schreier

Throughout the episode, Jason Schreier shares valuable perspectives based on his extensive experience in the gaming industry:

• Game Preservation: Schreier emphasizes the importance of preserving games beyond their server lifespan, commending Rocksteady’s implementation of offline modes as a step forward in respecting both developers' efforts and players' investments.
  [09:43]

• Industry Trends: He discusses the challenges faced by live service games, citing examples like Concord and Foam Stars, and highlights the necessity for publishers to have contingency plans when live services underperform.

• Future Publications: While reflecting on his current success with Play Nice, Schreier teases the possibility of his next book being fiction, though details remain under wraps.
  [16:34]

• Game Awards Predictions: Schreier shares his optimistic forecasts for indie titles like Balatro and Metaphor, suggesting these games are strong contenders for Game of the Year due to their innovative designs and broad appeal.
  [43:09]

Additional News Highlights

• Hades 2 Early Access: Tim Gettys shares his experience with Hades 2’s early access, discussing the benefits and challenges of engaging with a game in its pre-release phase.
  [04:12]

• Witcher 3 Modding: The podcast touches on a fascinating discovery by modders who unearthed a script linking The Witcher 3 to Cyberpunk 2077, sparking conversations about potential crossovers and narrative expansions.
  [35:06]

• Switch 2 and Xbox Developments: Updates on upcoming hardware releases, including Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Xbox’s robust showcase, highlight the continuous evolution of gaming platforms.
  [24:10]

Listener Interactions

The episode features engaging interactions with listeners, highlighting their gaming achievements and praising Schreier’s contributions:

• Guitar Hero Arrow praises Schreier’s book and his work even without prior Blizzard game experience.
  [40:53]

• DJ Kento shares his father’s extensive playtime with Civilization V, underscoring the deep, enduring engagement players have with certain titles.
  [41:13]

• Alex Frazier commends writing on Final Fantasy 7 Remake alongside listening to game soundtracks, reflecting the multifaceted ways players experience games.
  [58:43]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Tim Gettys extending his gratitude to Jason Schreier for his insights and participation. The hosts tease upcoming segments, including a review of Arcane Season 2 and a Path of Exile 2 gameplay stream, promising listeners a wealth of engaging content throughout the day.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gettys:

  "Jason, thank you so much for joining me today. Congrats on the success of your book and your talk tonight."
  [59:21]

• Jason Schreier:

  "People can find me on bloomberg.com and tune into our Triple Click podcast for more in-depth game industry discussions."
  [59:32]

Takeaways

• End of Suicide Squad's Journey: Rocksteady’s discontinuation of new content for Suicide Squad underscores the volatile nature of live service games and the importance of sustainable development practices.

• Anticipation for GTA 6: The gaming community remains on edge regarding GTA 6’s release, with significant implications for industry trends and console sales.

• BAFTA’s New Direction: BAFTA's refined criteria for game awards emphasize the importance of original content and the creative evolution of games, setting a precedent for future accolades.

• Preservation and Sustainability: The discussion highlights a growing industry acknowledgment of the need for preserving game content, ensuring longevity for both developers and players.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and notable moments from the episode, offering both avid listeners and newcomers a clear understanding of the podcast’s content.