Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
Episode: Wonder Woman Cancelled, Warner Bros Shuts Down Monolith
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, Andy Cortez

Introduction

In this episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr., Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, and Andy Cortez delve into the shocking announcement from Warner Bros. Games (WB Games) regarding the closure of Monolith Productions and the cancellation of the highly anticipated Wonder Woman video game. The discussion unpacks the implications of these decisions for both the developers and the broader gaming industry.

Warner Bros. Closes Monolith Productions and Cancels Wonder Woman Game

The primary focus of the episode revolves around Warner Bros. Games' recent strategic overhaul, which includes shutting down three internal development studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and Warner Bros. Games San Diego. This move has led to the abrupt cancellation of the Wonder Woman game, previously in development by Monolith.

Greg Miller expressed his frustration succinctly:

"[00:23] I just got to have Warner Brothers games continuing to be the biggest doofuses fucking around... they can't get a goddamn DC Comics video game out to save their life."

The hosts dissect Warner Bros.' official statement, which emphasized that the decision was a "strategic change in direction and not a reflection of these teams or the talents within them." However, Andy Cortez remains skeptical:

"[05:02] Shut the up, man."

Greg Miller elaborates on the sentiment shared by many in the gaming community, highlighting the persistent rumors about WB's struggles to effectively manage their diverse intellectual properties (IPs), including DC Comics, Harry Potter, and Mortal Kombat. He critiques the company's leadership for prioritizing shareholder value over creative integrity:

"[07:54] ...people are trying to maximize shareholder, blah blah blah, get the budget profits up..."

Impact on the Gaming Industry and Comparison to Marvel

The hosts contrast Warner Bros.' approach with that of Marvel Games, noting Marvel's relative success in producing quality titles despite similar challenges. Greg Miller praises Marvel for their ability to greenlight projects that resonate with fans:

"[61:04] ...Marvel Games is still kind of killing it with what they have."

In contrast, Warner Bros.' inability to deliver on their IPs is seen as a significant setback. The discussion touches upon the challenges of aligning video game development with cinematic releases, citing examples like the poorly received Wonder Woman movies and their impact on related game projects.

The Nemesis System and Its Future

A notable portion of the conversation centers around the Nemesis System, a groundbreaking feature introduced in Monolith's games like Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War. Audience questions sparked a deep dive into whether this system is now obsolete following Monolith's closure. Blessing Adeoye Jr. reminisces about the system:

"[29:41] ...Nemesis system could have been cool for that, right?"

Greg Miller laments the loss of such innovative technology:

"[29:30] ...What a wasted goddamn thing."

Audience Engagement and Super Chats

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with numerous super chats from listeners, addressing concerns about the future of DC games and the legacy of the Nemesis System. One poignant message from a listener underscored the cultural significance of Wonder Woman:

"[50:44] ...Wonder Woman is the most iconic female hero on the face of the planet."

The hosts use these interactions to emphasize the gap left by Warner Bros.' decisions and to advocate for better support and development of beloved IPs.

The Future of DC Games and IP Management

The discussion shifts towards potential paths forward for DC Games. Greg Miller suggests a more decentralized approach, akin to Marvel's strategy, where individual creators are empowered to develop titles based on DC's extensive lore without excessive corporate interference:

"[47:13] ...Marvel Games is fucking head and shoulders above what DC has been able to do."

Blessing Adeoye Jr. echoes this sentiment, advocating for Warner Bros. to adopt a model that fosters creativity and allows talented developers to flourish without the constraints that have led to the current turmoil.

Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of Warner Bros.' actions. Greg Miller summarizes the collective disappointment:

"[58:42] What a fucking heartbreaker. It's the usual story... What legitimately happens to WB Games from here?"

The episode concludes with a call to action for fans to support the creators they believe in and a hopeful outlook towards a future where DC games can regain their footing and deliver the quality experiences fans crave.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Miller [00:23]: "Warner Brothers games continuing to be the biggest doofuses fucking around... they can't get a goddamn DC Comics video game out to save their life."

• Andy Cortez [05:02]: "Shut the up, man."

• Greg Miller [07:54]: "...people are trying to maximize shareholder, blah blah blah, get the budget profits up..."

• Greg Miller [29:30]: "What a wasted goddamn thing."

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. [50:44]: "Wonder Woman is the most iconic female hero on the face of the planet."

• Greg Miller [58:42]: "What a fucking heartbreaker. It's the usual story... What legitimately happens to WB Games from here?"

This episode provides a comprehensive and passionate critique of Warner Bros. Games' recent strategic decisions, highlighting the challenges faced by developers and the impact on beloved IPs like Wonder Woman. The hosts advocate for a more supportive and creatively driven approach to game development, drawing lessons from Marvel's successes and emphasizing the need for Warner Bros. to realign their strategies to better serve both creators and fans.