Kinda Funny Games Daily: What’s Going to Happen To Ubisoft?
Episode: 01.15.25 | Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr., Tim Gettys, and Barrett Courtney delve into the latest happenings in the gaming world. The primary focus revolves around Ubisoft's uncertain future, alongside discussions on Marvel Rivals, Microsoft layoffs, and other notable gaming news.

1. Ubisoft’s Uncertain Future

[07:17 - 18:12]

The episode kicks off with a deep analysis of Ubisoft's potential restructuring. According to a report by Chris Scolion at Video Games Chronicle, Tencent and Ubisoft's founding Guillemot family are contemplating creating a new venture to house certain Ubisoft assets. This strategic move aims to enhance Ubisoft's valuation by possibly allowing Tencent to gain greater control over key intellectual properties (IPs).

Key Points:

• Ownership Stakes: The Guillemot family holds a 14% share in Ubisoft, while Tencent owns 9.99%.
• Potential Outcomes: By transferring select IPs like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs to a new entity, Ubisoft could streamline its operations and possibly attract new investments.
• Market Implications: The breakup of such a large conglomerate could lead to significant shifts in the gaming industry, affecting developers, employees, and the overall market dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gettys [10:33]: “It feels shady. This reads like they're preparing for the worst.”
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [12:23]: “Are they creating a new company to own Assassin’s Creed and sell it off separately? It could maximize their asset value.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts expressed skepticism about the feasibility and impact of such a move, considering Ubisoft's vast global presence and diverse studio network.
• They debated the potential consequences for gamers and developers, highlighting concerns about job losses and the fragmentation of Ubisoft’s cohesive management.
• Comparisons were drawn to Embracer Group’s strategy of managing multiple IPs through different subsidiaries, questioning whether Ubisoft might adopt a similar model.

2. Marvel Rivals Expands with New Heroes

[18:12 - 27:45]

Marvel Rivals is making waves with its commitment to releasing a new playable character every six weeks. Michael Kripe from IGN reported that NetEase Games’ Creative Director, Gwang Yun Chen, revealed plans to sustain player engagement through frequent updates.

Key Points:

• Content Strategy: Introducing new heroes bi-monthly alongside seasonal stories and maps ensures continual content flow.
• Community Engagement: This approach fosters a loyal community by consistently providing fresh content and maintaining high engagement levels.
• Comparison to Overwatch: While Overwatch had a similar model, Marvel Rivals stands out by leveraging the powerful Marvel IP effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Gwang Yun Chen [20:11]: “Every season we'll be rolling out fresh seasonal stories, new maps, and new heroes.”
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [22:22]: “Marvel Rivals is such a polished game with an art style that shines incredibly well.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts praised Marvel Rivals for its successful implementation of a live-service model, contrasting it with Overwatch’s struggles with balancing and player retention.
• Concerns were raised about the potential for content overload and the challenges of maintaining balance with such frequent additions.
• They speculated on the longevity of Marvel Rivals, contemplating whether the model could sustain itself long-term without burnout.

3. Advanced Suit 2.0 from Spider-Man 2 Integrates into Marvel Rivals

[40:20 - 42:00]

Marvel Rivals is enhancing its gameplay by integrating the Advanced Suit 2.0 from Spider-Man 2. This update, announced via PlayStation’s Twitter, allows players to unlock this iconic costume on January 30th, coinciding with the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC.

Key Points:

• Cross-Platform Integration: The inclusion of Advanced Suit 2.0 bridges the gap between console and PC gaming, enriching the player experience.
• Artistic Excellence: Hosts lauded the detailed animation and design, especially highlighting characters like Scarlet Witch and Mr. Fantastic.
• Community Impact: Such collaborations strengthen the bond between different Marvel titles and their respective fanbases.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Gettys [40:20]: “It's a thing of beauty because look how far Insomniac came.”
• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [41:10]: “The art style is so good. I am playing a Scarlet Witch and the way her hair flows is insane.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The integration was seen as a testament to Marvel Rivals’ dedication to quality and fan satisfaction.
• They discussed the technical aspects and how such collaborations could set a benchmark for future cross-title integrations.
• The hosts expressed excitement about the potential for more such collaborations, enhancing the overall Marvel gaming ecosystem.

4. Microsoft Announces Additional Layoffs in Gaming, Security, and Sales

[42:00 - 43:17]

Microsoft has revealed another round of layoffs affecting its gaming, security, and sales divisions. As reported by Sophie McAvoy at GamesIndustry.biz, these cuts are separate from previous layoffs focused on underperforming employees.

Key Points:

• Scale of Layoffs: While specific numbers weren’t disclosed, previous reports indicated significant cuts, including 1,900 employees from the gaming division last year and 650 more in September 2024.
• Company Statement: A Microsoft spokesperson emphasized their focus on high-performance talent and supporting employee growth.
• Industry Impact: Continuous layoffs signal potential restructuring within Microsoft’s gaming arm, raising concerns about future projects and stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Microsoft Spokesperson [42:30]: “At Microsoft, we focus on high performance talent.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts expressed disappointment and concern over the ongoing layoffs, highlighting the human cost behind corporate restructuring.
• They debated the long-term effects on Microsoft’s gaming ventures, questioning whether this would hinder future innovation and project delivery.
• Comparisons were made to other major tech layoffs, discussing the broader trend of workforce reductions in the tech and gaming industries.

5. Sony and PlayStation Studios Support LA Wildfire Relief Efforts

[43:17 - 46:58]

In a heartfelt response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Sony and several PlayStation studios, including Naughty Dog, Insomniac, and Sony Santa Monica, have pledged substantial donations to support relief and rebuilding efforts.

Key Points:

• Donation Amount: Sony has committed $5 million to aid first responders, communities, and rebuilding initiatives.
• Studio Contributions: Each studio released statements expressing their commitment to supporting the affected communities and acknowledging the resilience of Los Angeles.
• Community Impact: These efforts not only provide immediate assistance but also reinforce the strong ties between these studios and their local communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Naughty Dog [44:00]: “We are proud to have been part of such a strong and resilient community here for decades.”
• Insomniac [45:00]: “We feel a responsibility to support the communities that have molded us into who and what we are today.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts commended Sony and its studios for their timely and generous support, emphasizing the importance of corporate responsibility during crises.
• They discussed the potential long-term effects on the gaming community and the role of major companies in disaster relief.
• Expressions of empathy were shared, with hosts urging listeners to contribute if possible and acknowledging the severe impact on individuals and industries alike.

6. WE News: Suicide Squad Kills the Justice League

[46:58 - 70:10]

In the WE News segment, the hosts touch upon the controversial ending of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The game’s final update introduces an official ending that wraps up the story but has left players divided.

Key Points:

• Game Conclusion: The ending reveals that the player characters killed a clone or an alternate universe version of Batman, sparking intense discussions about narrative choices.
• Developer Critique: The hosts criticized Rocksteady Studios for not fully committing to their narratives, leading to fan dissatisfaction.
• Industry Reflection: The segment reflects on the challenges of maintaining story integrity in large-scale games and the importance of consistent universe building.

Notable Quotes:

• Barrett Courtney [47:18]: “It's the biggest walk back in history. If you're going to do something weird and stupid, commit to it.”
• Tim Gettys [48:37]: “This is what I want. Either Camouflage or WB Montreal get back to their Batman legacy.”

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts expressed frustration over the perceived inconsistency in the game’s storytelling, highlighting how it detracts from fan immersion and satisfaction.
• They debated the potential reasons behind such narrative decisions, including commercial pressures and creative differences.
• Reflections were made on the broader implications for the gaming industry, stressing the need for coherent and committed storytelling in future projects.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the hosts provided insightful commentary on Ubisoft’s potential restructuring, the success of Marvel Rivals, ongoing Microsoft layoffs, and Sony’s philanthropic efforts. Their discussions shed light on significant shifts and challenges within the gaming industry, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current events and their implications.

Notable Closing Insights:

• Towards the End [55:37 - 60:54]: The conversation circled back to the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, discussing predictions on pricing, features, and potential launch challenges such as scalping and tariffs.
• Community Engagement: The hosts interacted with super chats, addressing listener opinions and adding depth to their discussions on topics like Mario Kart’s enduring popularity and the future of hero shooters.
• Final Thoughts: Emphasizing the unpredictability of the gaming landscape, the hosts encouraged the community to stay informed and engaged as major companies navigate through transformative changes.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [12:23]: “Are you creating a new company to own Assassin’s Creed and sell it off separately?”
• Tim Gettys [10:33]: “It feels shady. This reads like they're preparing for the worst.”
• Gwang Yun Chen [20:11]: “Every season we'll be rolling out fresh seasonal stories, new maps, and new heroes.”
• Naughty Dog [44:00]: “We are proud to have been part of such a strong and resilient community here for decades.”
• Barrett Courtney [47:18]: “It's the biggest walk back in history. If you're going to do something weird and stupid, commit to it.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, offering both the news and the nuanced discussions that provide deeper insights into each topic. Whether you’re catching up on the latest gaming industry shifts or eager to hear the hosts’ perspectives, this summary ensures you stay informed and engaged.