Kinda Funny Games Daily: Episode Summary – January 7, 2025

Host: Tim Gettys
Co-Host: Blessing Adeoye Jr.
Episode Title: The Last Of Us Season 2 Trailer Reaction
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Tim Gettys and Blessing Adeoye Jr. delve into a plethora of hot topics within the gaming industry. From reacting to the latest trailer for The Last of Us Season 2 to discussing major movie adaptations and industry financial revelations, the duo offers insightful commentary interspersed with engaging banter and notable listener interactions.

1. Reaction to The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer

The episode kicks off with an in-depth reaction to the newly unveiled trailer for The Last of Us Season 2. The hosts express excitement and anticipation, analyzing how the trailer aligns with the beloved game's narrative and character development.

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. remarks at [14:55], "It's reminding me of parts of the game where I'm like, oh, like, I forgot that happened."

• Tim Gettys adds at [15:10], "I'm excited to kind of be reminded and see what changes they make."

The discussion highlights expectations for the TV show's adaptation, particularly regarding character arcs and plot progression. Greg Miller chimes in about managing spoilers, emphasizing the preservation of the viewing experience for new audiences.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn Movie Announcement

A significant announcement during the CES 2025 press conference revealed that Horizon Zero Dawn is set to receive a movie adaptation, developed in collaboration with Columbia Pictures.

• Tim Gettys summarizes at [25:36], "Sony has announced a new movie adaptation of Horizon Zero Dawn."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. hopes the movie will faithfully adhere to the game's storyline, stating, "I hope that they got to be going to a secluded cabin or like a secluded thing in a forest somewhere."

The hosts appreciate the decision to opt for a movie over a TV series, believing it offers a more concise and impactful storytelling medium for Aloy's journey.

3. Helldivers 2 Movie Announcement

In a swift follow-up to Horizon's news, Sony also announced a movie adaptation for Helldivers 2.

• Greg Miller conveys enthusiasm at [31:32], "It does remind me, though... this is an exciting thing."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. notes the game's impressive sales figures, "Helldivers 2 is the fastest selling PlayStation Studios game of all time. 12 billion copies in just 12 weeks."

The hosts commend Sony's strategy to adapt successful video game franchises into films, citing the recent success of the Uncharted movie as a benchmark.

4. Ghost of Tsushima Anime

Sony's expansion into anime was another focal point, with the announcement of a Ghost of Tsushima anime set to premiere exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2027.

• Tim Gettys outlines the collaboration at [35:15], "It's produced in collaboration with Aniplex... director Takanobu Mizuno with Jan Urobuchi."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. expresses mixed feelings, appreciating the narrative potential but remaining skeptical about its reception: "This could come and go very easily. But I got respect for it."

The discussion revolves around the anime's focus on the Legends co-op multiplayer aspect, pondering its appeal to both fans and newcomers alike.

5. Call of Duty Development Budgets

Perhaps the most startling revelation comes from a court filing where an Activision executive disclosed the staggering development budgets for three Call of Duty titles between 2015 and 2020.

• Greg Miller highlights at [42:47], "The disclosed totals are the highest development cost ever reported by a major video game company."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. questions the figures' implications, "700 million would be 1.5 billion. Danger Daddy D... this is insane."

The hosts delve into the potential reasons behind such high expenditures, debating whether marketing is included and speculating on possible financial mismanagement or strategic investments within the franchise.

6. Sony's Midnight Black Accessories Announcement

Sony unveiled a new line of Midnight Black accessories, including the Portal, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite wireless headphones, and Pulse Explorer wireless earbuds, slated for release on February 20, 2025.

• Tim Gettys admires the design at [47:07], "They are releasing it in a new colorway that shows this thing is selling not just in white."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. shares mixed sentiments about functionality versus aesthetics, "The Pulse Explorers... they disconnect constantly."

The conversation touches on the balance between stylish design and reliable performance, with hopes expressed for firmware updates to address existing connectivity issues.

7. Virtual Fighter Project

Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio introduced a pre-development concept video for a new Virtua Fighter project, showcasing fluid animations and a martial arts-inspired aesthetic.

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. enthuses at [51:27], "This looks sick as hell. Even though I know this isn't what the game is going to look like necessarily."

• Tim Gettys emphasizes the importance of realism in fighting games, "Martial artsy. Like realism, like a groundedness to it."

The hosts express excitement for the potential evolution of the franchise, anticipating enhanced gameplay mechanics and visually stunning presentations.

8. Listener Super Chats and Interactions

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener super chats, addressing questions and comments that range from Resident Evil 9 revelations to the origins of "AMPM."

• CJ Splits asks at [62:02], "What does AM&PM stand for?" leading to a humorous yet informative exchange about its Latin roots.

• Demon Hacker brings up a listener's inquiry on Call of Duty's development during the COVID era [63:36], sparking a discussion on studio dynamics and budget inflation.

These interactions add a personalized touch, fostering a sense of community and responsiveness within the podcast.

9. Additional News Highlights

The episode briefly covers other notable updates, including:

• Twisted Metal Season 2: Absence of an announcement at Game Awards, leaving fans speculating.

• Game Pass Releases: Introduction of titles like UFC 5 and Diablo on PC, enhancing the platform's appeal.

• Industry Layoffs: Rocksteady facing another round of layoffs, reflecting the volatile nature of game development.

• Nvidia GeForce Integration: Upcoming features allowing gamers to access Steam libraries via GeForce Now on the Steam Deck, promising seamless cross-platform experiences.

10. Concluding Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Tim Gettys and Blessing Adeoye Jr. reflect on the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, expressing optimism for upcoming projects and supporting their dedicated listener base. They tease future episodes, including a Gamescast featuring predictions from Roger Piccorni, and extend gratitude to their Patreon supporters.

• Tim Gettys concludes, "This episode has evolved a little bit but what it is now and you'll have to watch it to see the shenanigans that ensue."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. adds, "Thank you for joining us. It's been our pleasure to serve."

The hosts sign off with enthusiasm for the continued journey of Kinda Funny Games Daily, promising more engaging content and community interaction in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• "We are scanning things, mapping the entire earth for them." – Blessing Adeoye Jr. [05:15]

• "Black Ops Cold War... $700 million in development costs." – Tim Gettys [42:47]

• "Martial artsy. Like realism, like a groundedness to it." – Blessing Adeoye Jr. [51:55]

• "Ghost of Tsushima Legends... I don't know if I ever would have asked for as far as a Ghost of Tsushima Legends anime." – Blessing Adeoye Jr. [36:43]

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily provides a comprehensive look into significant developments within the gaming world. From high-budget movie adaptations and anime expansions to revelations about Call of Duty's financial strategies, the hosts offer thoughtful analysis and foster an engaging dialogue with their audience. Whether it's anticipating the next installment of a beloved franchise or scrutinizing industry practices, Tim Gettys and Blessing Adeoye Jr. deliver content that is both informative and entertaining for gaming enthusiasts.