Kinda Funny Games Daily: Episode Summary – "Wonder Woman New Details, Nemesis System Patent Expiring WHEN?!"
Host/Authors: Roger Poorny and Snow Bike Mike
Release Date: February 26, 2025
1. Cancellation of the Wonder Woman Game and Monolith’s Closure
The episode opens with a significant discussion about the recent cancellation of the highly anticipated Wonder Woman video game. Comic book writer Gail Simone, renowned for her extensive work on Wonder Woman comics, shared her experiences working on the project before its abrupt shelving. Simone lauded the talent and dedication of the Monolith and Warner Brothers teams, highlighting the game's potential.
Notable Quote:
“Wonder Woman was ... gorgeous and expansive.” – Gail Simone (06:00)
However, despite Simone's enthusiasm and the team's hard work, the project was ultimately discontinued due to various setbacks, leading to Monolith’s closure. The hosts express their disappointment, emphasizing the loss of a promising title that could have expanded the DC gaming universe.
Key Points:
- Gail Simone served as a long-term consultant for the Wonder Woman game.
- The game was praised for its beautiful design and expansive world.
- Monolith’s closure marks the end of a studio known for innovative game mechanics, notably the Nemesis System.
2. Nemesis System Patent Expiration
A significant portion of the episode delves into the implications of the Nemesis System patent held by Warner Brothers. Introduced in Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) and its sequel, Shadow of War (2017), the Nemesis System revolutionized enemy AI by allowing foes to remember and evolve based on player interactions.
Notable Quote:
“The Nemesis System patent, which remains the property of Warner Brothers, was filed in 2016, and it won't expire until August 11, 2036.” – Roger Poorny (12:23)
With Monolith’s closure, the future of the Nemesis System hangs in the balance. The patent ensures that no other game developer can utilize this groundbreaking technology until 2036 unless Warner Brothers licenses it out or allows it to expire sooner by neglecting to maintain the patent fees.
Key Points:
- The Nemesis System adds depth to enemy interactions, making each encounter unique.
- The patent's long duration limits innovation and adoption by other developers.
- Speculation arises about whether companies like Rocksteady could leverage the system for future titles.
3. Dominance of Live Service Games on PS5 and Xbox Playtime
The hosts discuss alarming statistics indicating that over 40% of playtime on PS5 and Xbox consoles in the U.S. was dedicated to just 10 live service games in the previous month. Matt Piscatella from Circana highlights that more than 70% of active PS5 and Xbox Series X|S users engaged with at least one of these top titles, concentrating substantially on a few games.
Notable Quote:
“A lot is riding on the new products coming to the market this year to hopefully combat or reverse some of these trends.” – Matt Piscatella (24:14)
This concentration presents challenges for developers and publishers of other games, as the market becomes saturated with a few dominant titles, limiting exposure and playtime for new and diverse games. The discussion reflects concerns about market stagnation and the potential decline in creativity within the industry.
Key Points:
- Top live service games monopolize a significant portion of gaming time.
- Market saturation hampers the discovery and success of new titles.
- The shift from standalone games to live service models impacts game development strategies.
4. Jade Empire’s Missed Potential and BioWare’s Regrets
A compelling segment covers BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuko's reflections on the strategic missteps that led to the underperformance of Jade Empire. Originally released at the end of the original Xbox's lifecycle in April 2005, Zeschuko criticizes Microsoft’s advice to release the game prematurely, which he believes hindered its success.
Notable Quote:
“...it was like the worst advice, like absolutely moronic advice from them. It was the stupidest thing ever.” – Greg Zeschuko (34:25)
Had Jade Empire been launched as a launch title for the Xbox 360, BioWare speculates that it could have cemented itself as a lasting franchise, potentially rivaling established series like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Key Points:
- Jade Empire suffered from a rough launch window, limiting its impact.
- Strategic timing and platform decisions significantly affect a game's success.
- BioWare laments not having the opportunity to rejuvenate the title with the Xbox 360’s new generation.
5. Additional Gaming News Briefs
The episode also touches on several other noteworthy happenings in the gaming world:
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Nacon’s Digital Product Showcase: French publisher Nacon announced a digital showcase scheduled for March 6, 2025, highlighting upcoming releases and products.
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Striking Distance Studios Layoffs: The developer behind The Callisto Protocol and Redacted faced layoffs as parent company Krafton seeks to stabilize after underwhelming game performances.
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Upcoming Game Releases:
- Quora launches on PS5 and PC on April 1st.
- Neo Geo: The King of Fighters '98 releases on Xbox Series and PS5 on February 27th.
- Sonic Rumble is set to launch in the spring, eliciting mixed reactions from the hosts.
Notable Quote:
“Seeing this man awkwardly laid back down and look at each other, I was like I immediately real blessed.” – Snow Bike Mike (02:41)
6. Community Engagement and Super Chats
Throughout the episode, Roger and Mike engage with their audience through Super Chats, addressing listener comments and sharing personal anecdotes about gaming experiences. They discuss games they enjoy, recommend titles, and humorously interact about their gaming preferences and habits.
Notable Interaction:
Zombie Keegan: "feed me garbage. Papa Mike, baby bird that trash to me."
Snow Bike Mike: "Have you played Keep driving or Move the Glass?"
This segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and their commitment to building a community around shared gaming interests.
7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows
The episode concludes with reminders about upcoming shows and exclusive content available to Kinda Funny members. Roger highlights the availability of ad-free episodes, live recordings, and special reviews, including a detailed look at Alien vs Predator. The hosts encourage listeners to support their efforts through memberships and engage with their content across various platforms.
Notable Quote:
“Remember, this is Kinda Funny Games Daily. Each and every weekday we run you through the nerdy news you need to know about live on YouTube, Twitch and podcast services around the globe.” – Roger Poorny (52:02)
Conclusion
This episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a thorough exploration of critical developments in the gaming industry, from the cancellation of a major DC title to the lasting impact of innovative game mechanics like the Nemesis System. The hosts provide insightful analysis, backed by industry expert opinions and engaging community interactions, making it a must-listen for gaming enthusiasts seeking to stay informed about the latest trends and news.