Title: The Last of Us Theories Become Fact
Podcast: Kinda Funny Games Daily: Video Games News Podcast
Hosts: Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, Blessing Adeoye Jr.
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Episode: The Last of Us Theories Become Fact - Kinda Funny Games Daily 05.22.25

1. Guest Appearance: Gary Whitta Celebrates Tottenham Hotspur's Victory

The episode kicks off with hosts Greg Miller and Tim Gettys welcoming special guest Gary Whitta. Gary enthusiastically shares the news of Tottenham Hotspur winning a major European trophy, expressing his pride in the team. His passion leads to a heated moment where he addresses fans who previously criticized his support for Spurs:

Gary Whitta ([03:14]): "You can all suck my dick."

This segment highlights Gary's unwavering support and his frustration with detractors, setting an energetic tone for the episode.

2. Main Discussion: The Last of Us Theories Confirmed

a. Neil Druckmann Reveals the Cure Would Have Worked

A significant portion of the episode delves into revelations surrounding "The Last of Us." Neil Druckmann, the series creator, confirms that the fireflies could have developed a viable cure using Ellie's immunity, a detail that was previously ambiguous in both the game and the HBO adaptation:

Neil Druckmann ([16:53]): "Our intent was, yes, they could. Now, is our science a little shaky that..."

Greg and Tim explore the implications of this revelation, debating how it affects the moral complexity of Joel's decision to save Ellie over sacrificing her for humanity's survival.

b. Joel's Decision and Fan Reactions

Greg Miller shares his personal stance, labeling Joel as "the bad guy" and explaining that he would have chosen to save humanity over Ellie:

Greg Miller ([17:00]): "If I were in Joel's position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter."

Tim Gettys adds that Druckmann's confirmation doesn't change the narrative impact of Joel's actions:

Tim Gettys ([18:05]): "Joel didn't kill everybody because he didn't think the cure was going to work. You get what I'm saying?"

Despite Druckmann's clarification, some fans feel that the ambiguity of the original storytelling remains poignant, while others appreciate the newfound clarity.

3. Corporate News

a. Microsoft's Censorship of Political Terms Sparks Protests

The hosts discuss Microsoft's controversial decision to block certain politically charged terms—such as "Palestine," "Gaza," and "genocide"—from company emails. This move followed employee protests and disruptions during a company build event:

Greg Miller ([50:41]): "Why block Palestine, Gaza from your email list? Like, what are we talking about?"

Microsoft's response aimed to reduce politically focused emails internally, but this has led to increased tensions and accusations of censorship:

Beatrice Nolan at Fortune ([46:45]): "Microsoft Employees discovered that the company is blocking emails that contains words like Palestine..."

b. Former Bungie Employees Accuse Studio of Toxic Culture

Greg and Tim address allegations from former Bungie employees who claim that the studio has become toxic due to poor leadership and corporate practices. Issues cited include:

• Leaders publicly berating staff
• Suppression of creative ideas
• Negative impact on game development, particularly concerning "Destiny" and the upcoming "Marathon"

Former Employee ([56:01]): "Everything happening to Bungie is because of greed."

The discussion underscores concerns about the evolving workplace environment at Bungie and its potential effects on future projects.

4. Game Reviews and Updates

a. Lies of P's DLC "Overture" Introduces Difficulty Options

"Lies of P" is set to receive its first DLC, "Overture," which will introduce difficulty settings for the first time. This decision follows developer feedback aimed at making the game more accessible:

Director Jiwon Cho Choi ([57:00]): "By making development adjustments and introducing these difficulty options, we can offer the experience to different types of players."

Fan reactions are mixed, with some appreciating the inclusivity and others feeling it dilutes the original challenging experience:

Steam Player ([59:06]): "Souls elitists don't want difficulty because they like bragging about their video game achievements."

b. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tactical Takedown Review Roundup

The hosts review "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tactical Takedown," receiving generally positive feedback with critiques on enemy variety and content depth:

IGN's Charlie Watcholts ([63:35]): "Its clever, engaging movesets and solid TMNT story made up for its slim enemy variety and disappointing lack of bells and whistles."

Gamespot's Steve Watts ([64:52]): "Imagine sitting on the floor in front of your TV watching the pilot episode for Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles in the 1990s and that's how it feels to play Tactical Takedown."

c. Monster Train 2 Review Roundup

"Monster Train 2" garners high praise, with reviewers commending its expanded features, new clans, and replayability:

IGN's Dan Stapleton ([70:45]): "Monster Train 2 is a fantastic upgrade for what was already one of the best deck building roguelites out there."

GamesRadar Plus' Oscar Taylor ([73:18]): "With so many options in each run, I'm never quite sure what to expect."

5. Community Interaction and Miscellaneous News

Throughout the episode, hosts engage with listener Super Chats, sharing personal anecdotes and celebrating community milestones. Topics include:

• Birthday wishes ([80:24])
• Personal gaming experiences ([84:18])
• Upcoming game releases and updates, such as "Starfield's Watchtower" and the "Street Fighter 6" collaboration with "Monster Hunter."

Super Chat: "Kayla in the chat says birthday tax. Do it right, Greg and Tim..." ([80:24])

The hosts also discuss minor news items like the rescheduling of WrestleMania 2026 and new Pokémon Trading Card Game releases.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gary Whitta ([03:14]): "You can all suck my dick."
• Neil Druckmann ([16:53]): "Our intent was, yes, they could. Now, is our science a little shaky that..."
• Greg Miller ([17:00]): "If I were in Joel's position, I hope I would be able to do what he did to save my daughter."
• Greg Miller ([50:41]): "Why block Palestine, Gaza from your email list? Like, what are we talking about?"
• Former Bungie Employee ([56:01]): "Everything happening to Bungie is because of greed."
• IGN's Charlie Watcholts ([63:35]): "Its clever, engaging movesets and solid TMNT story made up for its slim enemy variety and disappointing lack of bells and whistles."
• GamesRadar Plus' Oscar Taylor ([73:18]): "With so many options in each run, I'm never quite sure what to expect."

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily provides an in-depth exploration of significant developments in "The Last of Us" series, critical corporate controversies at Microsoft and Bungie, and comprehensive reviews of recent game releases like "Lies of P," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tactical Takedown," and "Monster Train 2." The hosts balance serious discussions with humorous interactions, engaging both dedicated gamers and casual listeners alike.