Kinda Funny Games Daily: Episode Summary – "Spider-Man 2 PC Problems, Bloodborne 60 FPS Takedown"

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Hosts: Blessing Adioye Jr., Gary Whitta, and Kevin Coelho

1. Introduction and Opening Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their characteristic light-hearted banter. Blessing Adioye Jr. introduces the day's main topics: technical issues with "Spider-Man 2" on PC, PlayStation's DMCA takedown of a "Bloodborne" 60 FPS mod, and the delisting of the game "Multiverses."

Notable Interaction:

• Blessing (00:00): "Today's stories include Spider Man 2 is experiencing PC problems, PlayStation is going after Bloodborne 60fps, and Multiverses is getting delisted."
• Gary (00:30): "Are we just gonna pretend like this is our first time doing it and nothing happened?"

2. Story 1: "Spider-Man 2" PC Performance Issues

Overview: "Spider-Man 2" has launched on PC with mixed reviews, primarily due to significant performance problems despite high system requirements.

Key Points:

• Mixed User Reviews: 55% of Steam reviews are positive, with many users reporting frequent crashes and technical glitches.
• Technical Issues: Problems include game crashes every five minutes, lighting failures in cutscenes, audio desynchronization, freezing, and stuttering.
• Developer Response: PlayStation released a hotfix (version 1.31) addressing some of the crashes related to ray tracing.

Host Insights:

• Gary (11:58): "Why does this happen every time with these PC ports from PlayStation?"
• Blessing (13:12): "Do you think it feels like we have this conversation so often?"
• Gary (14:07): "Either they didn't catch it in testing... Or they caught it and said, well, we'll ship it anyway."

Discussion Highlights:

• Consistency of Issues: This isn’t the first time PlayStation titles have faced significant issues upon PC release, such as "The Last of Us" and "Horizon."
• Testing Challenges: Gary emphasizes the inherent difficulties in porting games to the diverse PC hardware landscape, but questions why such widespread issues persist.
• Commercial Impact: Blessing points out that PlayStation aims to grow its PC presence, as evidenced by the success of "Helldivers 2."

Conclusion: The hosts express frustration over recurring performance issues in PlayStation PC ports, questioning the adequacy of testing processes despite PlayStation’s substantial resources.

3. Story 2: Bloodborne 60 FPS Mod Faces DMCA Takedown

Overview: Sony has issued a DMCA takedown against Lance McDonald’s 60 FPS mod for "Bloodborne," which was initially released in 2021.

Key Points:

• Mod Creation: Lance McDonald developed a mod that allows "Bloodborne" to run at 60 frames per second, enhancing the gameplay experience.
• Sony’s Action: On January 31, Sony requested the removal of links to the mod, prompting McDonald to comply.

Host Insights:

• Gary (18:07): "It's not a good look for them taking it down because obviously it's something that can be done."
• Blessing (20:03): "Or some kind of rematch or some kind of remake."

Discussion Highlights:

• Technical Feasibility vs. Official Support: While the mod demonstrates that higher FPS is achievable, Sony's removal of the mod highlights a reluctance to support or officially enhance older titles.
• Potential Solutions: The hosts speculate whether Sony might consider releasing an official patch or even a remaster to address performance issues without infringing on copyrights.
• Developer Collaboration: The conversation touches on the partnership dynamics between Sony, FromSoftware, and key figures like Hidetaka Miyazaki in implementing such updates.

Conclusion: Blessing and Gary advocate for Sony to acknowledge the community’s demand for improved performance in "Bloodborne" by either releasing official patches or collaborating with modders, emphasizing the game's enduring popularity.

4. Story 3: "Multiverses" to Be Delisted After Fifth Season

Overview: The game "Multiverses" will conclude its fifth and final season on May 30, 2025, following which it will be delisted from all major platforms.

Key Points:

• Final Season Details: Season 5 runs from February 5th to May 30th, after which the game will transition to offline-only mode.
• Delisting: "Multiverses" will be removed from the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
• Offline Play: Players can continue to enjoy the game offline with local gameplay modes, retaining access to earned and purchased content until the delisting date.
• Developer Statement: Player First Games and Warner Brothers Games expressed gratitude towards the community and outlined the commitment to the game's closure.

Host Insights:

• Gary (37:53): "It's always sad to see a game fail... even with major corporations and a lot of IP, it's almost silly."
• Blessing (39:00): "You don't get why LeBron James is fighting Bugs... It doesn't make sense to, you know, to players."

Discussion Highlights:

• Market Challenges for Live Services: Gary notes the prevalence of high-profile failures in the live service model, contrasting them with the relatively few successes like "Helldivers" and "Destiny."
• IP Management Issues: The hosts criticize how "Multiverses" mishandled its character crossovers, likening it unfavorably to other successful crossover franchises like "Smash Bros."
• Gameplay Comparisons: Both hosts agree that "Multiverses" failed to match the gameplay quality of "Smash Bros," making it difficult for similar titles to carve out a niche.

Conclusion: The hosts lament the closure of "Multiverses," attributing its failure to poor IP integration and gameplay shortcomings, and use it as an example of the broader struggles within the live service gaming space.

5. Story 4: "Expedition 33" Live Action Film Announcement

Overview: A live-action film adaptation of the video game "Expedition 33" is in development by Story Kitchen and Sandfall Interactive, set for release post-game launch.

Key Points:

• Game Details: "Expedition 33" is an indie JRPG slated for release on April 24th across multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC.
• Film Collaboration: Story Kitchen aims to translate the game's rich narrative and complex characters into a cinematic experience.
• Developer Insights: The game's unique premise involves periodic disappearances reminiscent of "Thanos-snap" events, adding depth to its storytelling.

Host Insights:

• Gary (45:08): "I think this looks like a cool game."
• Blessing (46:09): "I think this looks cool. Looks stylish."

Discussion Highlights:

• Film Viability: Gary and Blessing discuss the potential success of the film adaptation, considering the game's storytelling strength and visual appeal.
• Developer's Vision: They commend Story Kitchen's proactive approach in securing a film deal prior to the game's commercial release, indicating confidence in the game's success.
• Game-to-Film Transition: The hosts express cautious optimism, acknowledging that the film's success is contingent on the game's reception.

Conclusion: Blessing and Gary are intrigued by the "Expedition 33" film project, noting its promising foundation and the developer's commitment to creating a compelling narrative both in-game and on-screen.

6. Story 5: Dr. Disrespect’s Midnight Society Shutdown and "Dead Drop" Cancellation

Overview: Dr. Disrespect’s gaming studio, Midnight Society, has announced its shutdown and the cancellation of its debut shooter, "Dead Drop," merely six months after parting ways with the streamer.

Key Points:

• Studio Closure: Midnight Society is ceasing operations, urging studios to assist its employees in finding new opportunities.
• "Dead Drop" Cancellation: The game, intended as a free-to-play first-person vertical extraction shooter with NFT integration, will no longer be developed.
• Developer Background: The studio was co-founded by Call of Duty veteran Robert Bolling and Halo designer Quinn Del Hoyo.

Host Insights:

• Gary (56:20): "I hate to see it, don't you?"
• Blessing (58:08): "Bless, it's being awful."

Discussion Highlights:

• Accountability Issues: The hosts discuss the broader implications of Dr. Disrespect’s actions and Sony's response, questioning the lack of accountability in the streaming and game development industries.
• Impact on Developers: They express sympathy for the developers affected by the shutdown, highlighting the personal and professional consequences of such corporate actions.
• Industry Practices: Gary critiques the post-scandal monetization of Dr. Disrespect’s content, reflecting on the industry's tendency to prioritize numbers over ethical considerations.

Conclusion: Blessing and Gary emphasize the detrimental effects of actions like Dr. Disrespect's on both the individuals involved and the broader gaming community, underlining the need for greater accountability within the industry.

7. Story 6: WE News – Small Yet Noteworthy Announcements

Overview: In the final news segment, the hosts cover minor yet relevant updates in the gaming world, including "The Division" DLC, "The Sims" anniversary collections, and additions to the Nintendo 64 collection on Switch Online.

Key Points:

• "The Division" Update: Agents are returning to New York with the "Battle for Brooklyn" DLC.
• "The Sims" 25th Anniversary: EA and Maxis celebrate by re-releasing "The Sims" and "The Sims 2" on PC, bundled with all expansions and new bonus content.
• Nintendo 64 Collection: "Ridge Racer 64" joins the Nintendo 64 lineup on Switch Online, enabling fans to experience classic racing gameplay.

Host Insights:

• Blessing (63:30): "Expedition 33 I do think is going to be one of the special games of the year though."
• Gary (66:33): "I gotta figure out what the things that I want to do are and play those sim games."

Discussion Highlights:

• Nostalgia Factor: The re-release of classic titles taps into the nostalgia of long-time gamers, offering both new and returning players a chance to revisit beloved games.
• Platform Integration: The addition of "Ridge Racer 64" to Switch Online highlights Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating its gaming heritage.
• Community Engagement: The hosts express excitement over these updates, acknowledging their appeal to different segments of the gaming community.

Conclusion: Blessing and Gary appreciate the continuous efforts to honor gaming history through re-releases and platform expansions, recognizing the value these bring to both legacy and contemporary gamers.

8. Audience Interaction and Super Chats

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with their audience via Super Chats, addressing comments, jokes, and occasional roasts directed at Kevin regarding his browser tabs and technical mishaps.

Notable Exchanges:

• Blessing (25:10): "Benny B. Goode writes in and says, birthday text. Kev, you and your porn are doing great."
• Gary (25:44): "I'm old Greg."
• Blessing (25:50): "Dexter Schwarzler writes in and says, don't talk video game news. Just have an awesome chin wag."

Discussion Highlights:

• Community Humor: The interactions showcase the lively and humorous rapport between the hosts and their audience, adding a personal touch to the episode.
• Technical Glitches: Towards the end, Kevin's attempts to fix browser issues lead to further humorous exchanges, maintaining the episode's entertaining atmosphere.

Conclusion: The Super Chats segment reinforces the hosts' connection with their audience, blending humor and community engagement seamlessly into the episode.

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, reiterate support for their community, and promote upcoming shows like "Gamescast" and "Game Showdown." They also briefly touch upon minor news items before signing off.

Notable Comments:

• Blessing (67:23): "Dean says the weird unreleased of Multiverses did so much damage... So I think it was already writing was already on the wall."
• Gary (71:05): "We complain all the time about how there aren't enough original like big swings out there."

Discussion Highlights:

• Industry Reflections: The hosts contemplate the recurring challenges in the gaming industry, such as unsuccessful live services and the complexities of game-to-film adaptations.
• Future Content: They tease upcoming content and encourage listeners to support their shows through memberships and subscriptions.

Conclusion: Blessing and Gary wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of community support and hinting at exciting future content, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of "Kinda Funny Games Daily" offers a comprehensive look into current challenges and developments within the gaming industry. From technical setbacks in high-profile game releases to the shutdown of ambitious studios, the hosts provide insightful commentary augmented by engaging discussions and community interactions. Whether dissecting the pitfalls of live service games or celebrating nostalgic re-releases, Blessing, Gary, and Kevin deliver a rich and entertaining summary of the gaming world's ever-evolving landscape.