Kinda Funny Games Daily: Venom Voice Actor Passes Away – Episode Summary (11.11.24)

Release Date: November 11, 2024

Kinda Funny Games Daily is the world’s most popular daily video game news podcast, hosted by Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr., alongside a seasoned cast of games industry veterans and special guests. In this heartfelt episode, the hosts navigate through a mix of personal anecdotes, engaging discussions, and significant gaming news, anchored by the somber announcement of Tony Todd’s passing.

1. Warm Welcome and Weather Conversations (00:10 – 05:00)

The episode kicks off with Blessing Adeoye Jr. greeting co-host Gary Whitta and guest Raj Bakorni. The hosts delve into a nostalgic conversation about rainy days, reminiscing about life in Seattle and the Midwest's frequent showers. They share personal reflections on how the rain in San Francisco brings a sense of cleansing and emotional release.

Notable Quote:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [01:03]: "I love the rain so much that like on this car drive I'm getting emotional just for the fact that it's like raining and this is my time. Cleansing."

2. Early Dive into Christmas Music and Seasonal Changes (03:05 – 07:00)

As the weather discussion transitions, the hosts explore their thoughts on the early onset of Christmas music and the lack of distinct seasons in San Francisco. They humorously lament the absence of the quintessential "Christmasy" atmosphere, leading to a lighthearted exchange about their favorite holiday tunes and the pressures of the early festive season.

Notable Quote:

• Raj Bakorni [03:27]: "They have technically already defrosted Mariah Carey. So, you know, I think she's out and about. Signifier."

3. Chocolate Tasting: Curly Whirly Review (08:31 – 12:02)

In a fun and interactive segment, the hosts conduct a taste test of a new chocolate called Curly Whirly. Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Raj Bakorni share their first impressions, comparing it to familiar American chocolates like Rollo and discussing its unique chewy caramel center.

Notable Quote:

• Raj Bakorni [09:17]: "It's like Snickers without all the good stuff. You know, it's like. Because I don't think I've had anything like America. I'm trying to think of American chocolates."

4. Sad News: Tony Todd, Voice of Venom, Passes Away (23:05 – 27:27)

The podcast takes a somber tone as the hosts announce the passing of Tony Todd, renowned for his voice role as Venom in Spider-Man 2 and his extensive career in horror films, including the iconic Candyman. They reflect on his impactful performances and the void his absence leaves in both the film and gaming communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Raj Bakorni [24:29]: "He brought so much joy to our studio during the production of Marvel's Spider Man 2 and to many fans around the world with his inimitable voice."
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [26:23]: "Rest in peace, Tony Todd. [...] You're bringing that same respect to the role into video games. You're not treating the game as lesser."

5. Exclusive Story: Hideo Kojima Meets Carolyn Polachek (32:42 – 43:54)

In an exclusive segment, the hosts share an exciting story about meeting renowned game developer Hideo Kojima and musician Carolyn Polachek during an event in Japan. They recount the thoughtful gifts they presented to Kojima, including Carolyn Polachek’s album, and the ensuing connection between Kojima and Polachek that has fans buzzing with anticipation for potential collaborations.

Notable Quotes:

• Raj Bakorni [33:06]: "We have the video somewhere. [...] He was like, he's going through it at the ending. [...] He was going through that high and then he picks up my album and later posts that he's listening to it."
• Gary Whitta [37:10]: "Kojima is a legit star. [...] I chose this album specifically because I know she's going to become his muse."

6. Gaming News: Overwatch Classic Mode Returns (53:32 – 58:24)

The hosts shift focus to exciting gaming news, highlighting that Overwatch 2 is reintroducing Overwatch Classic Mode. This limited-time mode allows players to experience the original 21 heroes and 12 maps, reviving the chaotic and unbalanced gameplay beloved in the 2016 version.

Notable Quote:

• Raj Bakorni [54:22]: "It's one of those games you want to play with a group, not just pickups."
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [55:23]: "There have been many updates, there are new characters, there are new maps and all these things, but it's not so overbearing and like it's not been so layered on top of that."

7. Additional Gaming News and Announcements (58:24 – 65:00)

The podcast continues with a rapid-fire roundup of other gaming news, including:

• The release of Moon Knight as a playable character in Marvel Rivals.
• Announcements about upcoming games like Rogue Point, Nier: Automata DLC, and Spyro Reignited Trilogy joining Game Pass.
• Trailer releases and game development updates from major studios.

Notable Quote:

• Raj Bakorni [62:35]: "I'm thinking you guys need to check out..."

8. Listener Super Chats and Interactions (62:35 – 65:00)

Engaging with their audience, the hosts read and respond to listener super chats, discussing topics ranging from favorite seasonal parades to specific gaming snacks like Tunnocks tea cakes. This interactive segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and their connection with the listener community.

Notable Quote:

• Raj Bakorni [63:05]: "I want to know the economics of those are. Like how big a market is there for a Quite expensive Nintendo 64 emulator console?"

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (70:31 – End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly touch upon upcoming content, including reactions to trailers and live streams featuring gameplay demonstrations. They extend gratitude to their Patreon supporters and encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms.

Notable Quote:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [71:33]: "Enjoy the Games cast next, which is actually going to be a screencast because they're going to be reacting to some trailers and enjoy the stream afterwards."

Conclusion

This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily seamlessly blends personal stories with impactful gaming news, creating an engaging and emotionally resonant listening experience. From the heartfelt tribute to Tony Todd to the exciting developments surrounding Hideo Kojima and Overwatch, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the gaming landscape while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers valuable insights and connections that resonate deeply within the gaming community.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [01:03]: "I love the rain so much that like on this car drive I'm getting emotional just for the fact that it's like raining and this is my time. Cleansing."

• Raj Bakorni [03:27]: "They have technically already defrosted Mariah Carey. So, you know, I think she's out and about. Signifier."

• Raj Bakorni [09:17]: "It's like Snickers without all the good stuff. You know, it's like. Because I don't think I've had anything like America. I'm trying to think of American chocolates."

• Raj Bakorni [24:29]: "He brought so much joy to our studio during the production of Marvel's Spider Man 2 and to many fans around the world with his inimitable voice."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [26:23]: "Rest in peace, Tony Todd. [...] You're bringing that same respect to the role into video games. You're not treating the game as lesser."

• Raj Bakorni [33:06]: "He was looking to the rest of it. He was very excited to see all these gifts, right? He wanted to see everything Nick gave him."

• Gary Whitta [37:10]: "I chose this album specifically because I know she's going to become his muse."

• Raj Bakorni [54:22]: "It's one of those games you want to play with a group, not just pickups."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [55:23]: "There have been many updates, there are new characters, there are new maps and all these things, but it's not so overbearing and like it's not been so layered on top of that."

• Raj Bakorni [63:05]: "I want to know the economics of those are. Like how big a market is there for a Quite expensive Nintendo 64 emulator console?"

Note: For full content and additional segments, listeners are encouraged to tune into the live recordings on YouTube, Twitch, or their preferred podcast platforms.