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The Maw - 8th-13th January 2024Our weekly news liveblog
Our weekly news liveblog
Image credit:Raul654/Wikimedia/William Blake
Image credit:Raul654/Wikimedia/William Blake
Welcome to another instalment of the Maw, our weekly live round-up of all things New and videogame-flavoured, as we continue our eternal efforts to appease the festering dark god of gossip and reportage. I asked the Maw if it had any2024 resolutionslast Friday, and it responded with the brain-splitting clamour of a million fell voices crying out in anguish. I have run this through our Chthonic Translator and the short version is that it wants to get down the gym now and then.
Some new game releases we are tip-toeing towards with our shields raised this week, in case they turn out to be Mimics:Allison Road-inspired horrorSupernormal(8th Jan), free turn-based dungeon crawlerBuriedbornes2(10th Jan), medical management simWar Hospital(11th Jan), feudal Chinese spin-offReigns: Three Kingdoms(11th Jan), pleasingly nonsensically-named retro RPGCrystal Story: Dawn of Dusk(13th Jan).
Our live coverage of this event has finished.
07:19 amUTCIT IS MONDAY. I am up far too early (I have an appointment to get to on the other side of London). FEED THE MAW.
IT IS MONDAY. I am up far too early (I have an appointment to get to on the other side of London). FEED THE MAW.
IT IS MONDAY. I am up far too early (I have an appointment to get to on the other side of London). FEED THE MAW.
07:20 amUTCMorning music? Well, the GTA 6 trailer has made everybody fall in love with Tom Petty, so here’s another one of his tunes.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Morning music? Well, the GTA 6 trailer has made everybody fall in love with Tom Petty, so here’s another one of his tunes.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Morning music? Well, the GTA 6 trailer has made everybody fall in love with Tom Petty, so here’s another one of his tunes.
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07:38 amUTCAccording to theWSJ(viaVG247), Netflix are thinking about putting ads and in-app purchases in certain games.
According to theWSJ(viaVG247), Netflix are thinking about putting ads and in-app purchases in certain games.
According to theWSJ(viaVG247), Netflix are thinking about putting ads and in-app purchases in certain games.
07:42 amUTCHere’s the full trailer for Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion, Dawntrail.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s the full trailer for Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion, Dawntrail.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s the full trailer for Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion, Dawntrail.
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10:11 amUTCShotgun Kingdevelopers Punkcake Delicieux are gearing up to reveal their next game soon, which was originally born out of one of the devs making a pixel art maths game to help their daughter get better at adding and multiplication. I’m intrigued! And the clip below looks absolutely wonderful.In November I made a game to train my 7yo daughter in doing additions and multiplications. I finally decided to make it a full punkcake, and the result is very interesting. It’s almost finished now and we will release it soon.#gamedev#pixelart#indiedevStay tuned !pic.twitter.com/HOCY0ODmMO— Benjamin Soule (@benjamin_soule_)January 7, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Shotgun Kingdevelopers Punkcake Delicieux are gearing up to reveal their next game soon, which was originally born out of one of the devs making a pixel art maths game to help their daughter get better at adding and multiplication. I’m intrigued! And the clip below looks absolutely wonderful.In November I made a game to train my 7yo daughter in doing additions and multiplications. I finally decided to make it a full punkcake, and the result is very interesting. It’s almost finished now and we will release it soon.#gamedev#pixelart#indiedevStay tuned !pic.twitter.com/HOCY0ODmMO— Benjamin Soule (@benjamin_soule_)January 7, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Shotgun Kingdevelopers Punkcake Delicieux are gearing up to reveal their next game soon, which was originally born out of one of the devs making a pixel art maths game to help their daughter get better at adding and multiplication. I’m intrigued! And the clip below looks absolutely wonderful.
In November I made a game to train my 7yo daughter in doing additions and multiplications. I finally decided to make it a full punkcake, and the result is very interesting. It’s almost finished now and we will release it soon.#gamedev#pixelart#indiedevStay tuned !pic.twitter.com/HOCY0ODmMO— Benjamin Soule (@benjamin_soule_)January 7, 2024
In November I made a game to train my 7yo daughter in doing additions and multiplications. I finally decided to make it a full punkcake, and the result is very interesting. It’s almost finished now and we will release it soon.#gamedev#pixelart#indiedevStay tuned !pic.twitter.com/HOCY0ODmMO
11:33 amUTCSomething we missed over Xmas: former BioWare scribe David Gaider and Obsidian’s Josh Sawyer have beentalking on Xitterabout how and why 2D isometric RPGs took a tumble thanks to novelty-driven retailers and “industry wisdom”.Image credit:RockPaperShotgun/X
Something we missed over Xmas: former BioWare scribe David Gaider and Obsidian’s Josh Sawyer have beentalking on Xitterabout how and why 2D isometric RPGs took a tumble thanks to novelty-driven retailers and “industry wisdom”.Image credit:RockPaperShotgun/X
Something we missed over Xmas: former BioWare scribe David Gaider and Obsidian’s Josh Sawyer have beentalking on Xitterabout how and why 2D isometric RPGs took a tumble thanks to novelty-driven retailers and “industry wisdom”.
Image credit:RockPaperShotgun/X
11:44 amUTCKick Bastards - Mirror’s Edge meets “THIS IS SPARTA” - isout nowand has the makings of a fun parkour platformer.
Kick Bastards - Mirror’s Edge meets “THIS IS SPARTA” - isout nowand has the makings of a fun parkour platformer.
Kick Bastards - Mirror’s Edge meets “THIS IS SPARTA” - isout nowand has the makings of a fun parkour platformer.
13:33 pmUTCMedieval Machines Builder - First Siege isout this weekand will make all your catapult construction dreams come true, possibly.
Medieval Machines Builder - First Siege isout this weekand will make all your catapult construction dreams come true, possibly.
Medieval Machines Builder - First Siege isout this weekand will make all your catapult construction dreams come true, possibly.
15:55 pmUTCI’m sure Edwin won’t mind if I borrow the Maw for a spot of hardwaring - AMD justannouncedthe Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card at CES. It’s essentially anRX 7600with slightly faster clock speeds and 16GB of VRAM instead of 8GB. Maybe a less underwhelming option for fast 1080p?We’ve also got Nvidia’s presentation starting in a few minutes, with some new GeForce RTX 40 Super GPUs likely on the agenda…
I’m sure Edwin won’t mind if I borrow the Maw for a spot of hardwaring - AMD justannouncedthe Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card at CES. It’s essentially anRX 7600with slightly faster clock speeds and 16GB of VRAM instead of 8GB. Maybe a less underwhelming option for fast 1080p?We’ve also got Nvidia’s presentation starting in a few minutes, with some new GeForce RTX 40 Super GPUs likely on the agenda…
I’m sure Edwin won’t mind if I borrow the Maw for a spot of hardwaring - AMD justannouncedthe Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card at CES. It’s essentially anRX 7600with slightly faster clock speeds and 16GB of VRAM instead of 8GB. Maybe a less underwhelming option for fast 1080p?
We’ve also got Nvidia’s presentation starting in a few minutes, with some new GeForce RTX 40 Super GPUs likely on the agenda…
16:23 pmUTCFactorio, often called the definitive factory sim, has received anew updatewhich introduces “parametrised blueprints”. There’s a lot more through the jump, but basically, these are templates for structures such as train stations that can be reconfigured each time you build them, so you don’t have to start from scratch, with minimal “unnecessary UI clutter”. The update has attracted a certain amount of interest mostly thanks to the accompanying developer remark that “I always thought the feature is too hardcore to be included.” I’m not sure it’s any more hardcore than Factorio as a whole, but the breakdown of its creation is interesting.
Factorio, often called the definitive factory sim, has received anew updatewhich introduces “parametrised blueprints”. There’s a lot more through the jump, but basically, these are templates for structures such as train stations that can be reconfigured each time you build them, so you don’t have to start from scratch, with minimal “unnecessary UI clutter”. The update has attracted a certain amount of interest mostly thanks to the accompanying developer remark that “I always thought the feature is too hardcore to be included.” I’m not sure it’s any more hardcore than Factorio as a whole, but the breakdown of its creation is interesting.
Factorio, often called the definitive factory sim, has received anew updatewhich introduces “parametrised blueprints”. There’s a lot more through the jump, but basically, these are templates for structures such as train stations that can be reconfigured each time you build them, so you don’t have to start from scratch, with minimal “unnecessary UI clutter”. The update has attracted a certain amount of interest mostly thanks to the accompanying developer remark that “I always thought the feature is too hardcore to be included.” I’m not sure it’s any more hardcore than Factorio as a whole, but the breakdown of its creation is interesting.
16:27 pmUTCUgh, who’s been liveblogging about graphics cards in here? The air is foul with it.
Ugh, who’s been liveblogging about graphics cards in here? The air is foul with it.
Ugh, who’s been liveblogging about graphics cards in here? The air is foul with it.
18:28 pmUTCEdwin previously shared the latest trailer for Final Fantasy 14 expansion Dawntrail, andhere’s a dive into its two newly-revealed classes!The Pictomancer is a magical artist with Splatoon and Scribblenauts vibes, while the second limited job after Blue Mage will indeed be Beastmaster, complete with a Pokémon-style monster-collecting mechanic. Exciting stuff!
Edwin previously shared the latest trailer for Final Fantasy 14 expansion Dawntrail, andhere’s a dive into its two newly-revealed classes!The Pictomancer is a magical artist with Splatoon and Scribblenauts vibes, while the second limited job after Blue Mage will indeed be Beastmaster, complete with a Pokémon-style monster-collecting mechanic. Exciting stuff!
Edwin previously shared the latest trailer for Final Fantasy 14 expansion Dawntrail, andhere’s a dive into its two newly-revealed classes!
The Pictomancer is a magical artist with Splatoon and Scribblenauts vibes, while the second limited job after Blue Mage will indeed be Beastmaster, complete with a Pokémon-style monster-collecting mechanic. Exciting stuff!
18:30 pmUTCThe Samurai Champloo OST is finally (finally!) on Spotify, so please join me in bathing once again in the genius of Nujabes:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
The Samurai Champloo OST is finally (finally!) on Spotify, so please join me in bathing once again in the genius of Nujabes:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
The Samurai Champloo OST is finally (finally!) on Spotify, so please join me in bathing once again in the genius of Nujabes:
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19:08 pmUTCFinal Fantasy 14’s Fan Festival over the weekend brought forth plenty of reveals, includinga new co-op mode that has more than a touch of Starfield to it.Cosmic Exploration follows the likes of the Animal Crossing-like Island Sanctuary and Ishgardian Restoration as “expansive” lifestyle content for the MMO, seeing players work together to travel between planets and do… something. We’ll find out exactly what ahead of new expansion Dawntrail!
Final Fantasy 14’s Fan Festival over the weekend brought forth plenty of reveals, includinga new co-op mode that has more than a touch of Starfield to it.Cosmic Exploration follows the likes of the Animal Crossing-like Island Sanctuary and Ishgardian Restoration as “expansive” lifestyle content for the MMO, seeing players work together to travel between planets and do… something. We’ll find out exactly what ahead of new expansion Dawntrail!
Final Fantasy 14’s Fan Festival over the weekend brought forth plenty of reveals, includinga new co-op mode that has more than a touch of Starfield to it.
Cosmic Exploration follows the likes of the Animal Crossing-like Island Sanctuary and Ishgardian Restoration as “expansive” lifestyle content for the MMO, seeing players work together to travel between planets and do… something. We’ll find out exactly what ahead of new expansion Dawntrail!
20:11 pmUTCThis pixel-art Slay the Spire-like originally made to teach a dev’s daughter mathslooks like the best edutainment game I never had. It’s apparently out soon, so we can all tick off “get better at maths” from our new year resolutions.
This pixel-art Slay the Spire-like originally made to teach a dev’s daughter mathslooks like the best edutainment game I never had. It’s apparently out soon, so we can all tick off “get better at maths” from our new year resolutions.
This pixel-art Slay the Spire-like originally made to teach a dev’s daughter mathslooks like the best edutainment game I never had. It’s apparently out soon, so we can all tick off “get better at maths” from our new year resolutions.
21:05 pmUTCFinal Fantasy 14’s next expansion isevoking the series' best entry in the reveal of its new cyberpunk city- and I’m holding out hope that it signals some more incoming love in the MMO as a result.And no, I’m talking about Final Fantasy 7. (You get plenty!)
Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion isevoking the series' best entry in the reveal of its new cyberpunk city- and I’m holding out hope that it signals some more incoming love in the MMO as a result.And no, I’m talking about Final Fantasy 7. (You get plenty!)
Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion isevoking the series' best entry in the reveal of its new cyberpunk city- and I’m holding out hope that it signals some more incoming love in the MMO as a result.
And no, I’m talking about Final Fantasy 7. (You get plenty!)
09:04 amUTCIT IS TUESDAY. All ceramic objects within 100 metres of the Maw have grown faces overnight. Cast the sacred smelling salts and feed it, FEED IT.
IT IS TUESDAY. All ceramic objects within 100 metres of the Maw have grown faces overnight. Cast the sacred smelling salts and feed it, FEED IT.
IT IS TUESDAY. All ceramic objects within 100 metres of the Maw have grown faces overnight. Cast the sacred smelling salts and feed it, FEED IT.
09:06 amUTCcpt_freakout says:Maybe you already mentioned this elsewhere but there’s an interesting hybrid-perspective RPG that came out today called Archaelund, it’s on EA though so I guess it still needs work, but it looks pretty polished already.Thisdoes look intriguing! I’m not sure I necessarilyneeda blend of first-person exploration and top-down team tactics, but I’m curious to try it.
cpt_freakout says:Maybe you already mentioned this elsewhere but there’s an interesting hybrid-perspective RPG that came out today called Archaelund, it’s on EA though so I guess it still needs work, but it looks pretty polished already.Thisdoes look intriguing! I’m not sure I necessarilyneeda blend of first-person exploration and top-down team tactics, but I’m curious to try it.
Thisdoes look intriguing! I’m not sure I necessarilyneeda blend of first-person exploration and top-down team tactics, but I’m curious to try it.
09:19 amUTCHorror sensation Lethal Company has receivedan updatethat adds weekly challenge moons with leaderboards, each using the same random seed. “The point of this is less for competition and more to give us all a shared experience,” notes the developer. “It will also give even the most seasoned employees a challenge; I have no idea what moons will be generated for the months to come, but some of them will surely be crazier than others.”
Horror sensation Lethal Company has receivedan updatethat adds weekly challenge moons with leaderboards, each using the same random seed. “The point of this is less for competition and more to give us all a shared experience,” notes the developer. “It will also give even the most seasoned employees a challenge; I have no idea what moons will be generated for the months to come, but some of them will surely be crazier than others.”
Horror sensation Lethal Company has receivedan updatethat adds weekly challenge moons with leaderboards, each using the same random seed. “The point of this is less for competition and more to give us all a shared experience,” notes the developer. “It will also give even the most seasoned employees a challenge; I have no idea what moons will be generated for the months to come, but some of them will surely be crazier than others.”
14:21 pmUTCFantasy Papers Please-alikeLil Guardsmanhas confirmed it’s coming to PC on January 23rd - and here’s a release date trailer to celebrate the occasion.Lil Guardsman Release Date Trailer | Coming January 23 on Steam, Xbox, PS, SwitchWatch on YouTubeI had a good time with this duringlast summer’s Next Fest, so here’s hoping the final game lives up to its strong opening.
Fantasy Papers Please-alikeLil Guardsmanhas confirmed it’s coming to PC on January 23rd - and here’s a release date trailer to celebrate the occasion.Lil Guardsman Release Date Trailer | Coming January 23 on Steam, Xbox, PS, SwitchWatch on YouTubeI had a good time with this duringlast summer’s Next Fest, so here’s hoping the final game lives up to its strong opening.
Fantasy Papers Please-alikeLil Guardsmanhas confirmed it’s coming to PC on January 23rd - and here’s a release date trailer to celebrate the occasion.
Lil Guardsman Release Date Trailer | Coming January 23 on Steam, Xbox, PS, SwitchWatch on YouTube
Lil Guardsman Release Date Trailer | Coming January 23 on Steam, Xbox, PS, Switch
I had a good time with this duringlast summer’s Next Fest, so here’s hoping the final game lives up to its strong opening.
14:59 pmUTCGame Informer hasan interview on the making of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, in which there are thoughts about RPGs “incorporating more action elements” and how “that will be the trajectory of games overall”, which is a commentary/prediction Final Fantasy developers have been making for years. I feel like we’ve all accepted at this stage that Final Fantasy isn’t just about ATB, anymore.
Game Informer hasan interview on the making of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, in which there are thoughts about RPGs “incorporating more action elements” and how “that will be the trajectory of games overall”, which is a commentary/prediction Final Fantasy developers have been making for years. I feel like we’ve all accepted at this stage that Final Fantasy isn’t just about ATB, anymore.
Game Informer hasan interview on the making of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, in which there are thoughts about RPGs “incorporating more action elements” and how “that will be the trajectory of games overall”, which is a commentary/prediction Final Fantasy developers have been making for years. I feel like we’ve all accepted at this stage that Final Fantasy isn’t just about ATB, anymore.
15:01 pmUTCGamereactor’s been chatting to Larian about, you guessed it, Baldur’s Gate 3. Amongst other things, senior RPG designer Anna Guxens acknowledged the criticism some players had for the game’s third act. “Especially Act 2 specifically has a very strong closing moment that just shuts down a whole era of it,” she said. “and then starting off in Act 3 especially if you have so many hours running in the rest of the game can feel like a much different tone.”
Gamereactor’s been chatting to Larian about, you guessed it, Baldur’s Gate 3. Amongst other things, senior RPG designer Anna Guxens acknowledged the criticism some players had for the game’s third act. “Especially Act 2 specifically has a very strong closing moment that just shuts down a whole era of it,” she said. “and then starting off in Act 3 especially if you have so many hours running in the rest of the game can feel like a much different tone.”
Gamereactor’s been chatting to Larian about, you guessed it, Baldur’s Gate 3. Amongst other things, senior RPG designer Anna Guxens acknowledged the criticism some players had for the game’s third act. “Especially Act 2 specifically has a very strong closing moment that just shuts down a whole era of it,” she said. “and then starting off in Act 3 especially if you have so many hours running in the rest of the game can feel like a much different tone.”
15:05 pmUTCThe 31st expansion for Star Trek Online, Both Worlds, launches on January 23rd. Apparently it continues the story of the “Borg King”. Since when have the Borg had a king?
The 31st expansion for Star Trek Online, Both Worlds, launches on January 23rd. Apparently it continues the story of the “Borg King”. Since when have the Borg had a king?
The 31st expansion for Star Trek Online, Both Worlds, launches on January 23rd. Apparently it continues the story of the “Borg King”. Since when have the Borg had a king?
15:06 pmUTCGood lord, Star Trek Online has a multiverse component, too. I haven’t been following this game and it turns out they have pulled a Marvel on Star Trek. This is an outrage!
Good lord, Star Trek Online has a multiverse component, too. I haven’t been following this game and it turns out they have pulled a Marvel on Star Trek. This is an outrage!
Good lord, Star Trek Online has a multiverse component, too. I haven’t been following this game and it turns out they have pulled a Marvel on Star Trek. This is an outrage!
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17:24 pmUTCHere’s a new trailer for the forthcoming Horizon: Forbidden West Complete Edition. It’ll support NVIDIA DLSS 3, Reflex and DLAA.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s a new trailer for the forthcoming Horizon: Forbidden West Complete Edition. It’ll support NVIDIA DLSS 3, Reflex and DLAA.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s a new trailer for the forthcoming Horizon: Forbidden West Complete Edition. It’ll support NVIDIA DLSS 3, Reflex and DLAA.
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18:20 pmUTCBrian Cox narrating Tekken’s story so far is a thing I didn’t know I needed until today.TEKKEN 8 – “Story So Far" with Brian CoxWatch on YouTube
Brian Cox narrating Tekken’s story so far is a thing I didn’t know I needed until today.TEKKEN 8 – “Story So Far" with Brian CoxWatch on YouTube
Brian Cox narrating Tekken’s story so far is a thing I didn’t know I needed until today.
TEKKEN 8 – “Story So Far" with Brian CoxWatch on YouTube
TEKKEN 8 – “Story So Far" with Brian Cox
22:11 pmUTCI completely missed that Industrial Annihilation had been announced. It’s a proposedsequel to Planetary Annihilation that blends factory building into the RTS, and its developer is currently seeking investment. The Q2 2024 early access launch seems ambitious, as does talk of a campaign, but it’s one to keep an eye on.
I completely missed that Industrial Annihilation had been announced. It’s a proposedsequel to Planetary Annihilation that blends factory building into the RTS, and its developer is currently seeking investment. The Q2 2024 early access launch seems ambitious, as does talk of a campaign, but it’s one to keep an eye on.
I completely missed that Industrial Annihilation had been announced. It’s a proposedsequel to Planetary Annihilation that blends factory building into the RTS, and its developer is currently seeking investment. The Q2 2024 early access launch seems ambitious, as does talk of a campaign, but it’s one to keep an eye on.
22:26 pmUTCTheXbox Developer Direct on January 18thwill offer an update on MachineGames in-development Indiana Jones game, which we haven’t had sight of since it was announced back in 2021. There will also be updates on Obsidian’s Avowed, Ninja Theory’s Hellblade 2, and Oxide’s Ara: History Untold.
TheXbox Developer Direct on January 18thwill offer an update on MachineGames in-development Indiana Jones game, which we haven’t had sight of since it was announced back in 2021. There will also be updates on Obsidian’s Avowed, Ninja Theory’s Hellblade 2, and Oxide’s Ara: History Untold.
TheXbox Developer Direct on January 18thwill offer an update on MachineGames in-development Indiana Jones game, which we haven’t had sight of since it was announced back in 2021. There will also be updates on Obsidian’s Avowed, Ninja Theory’s Hellblade 2, and Oxide’s Ara: History Untold.
22:49 pmUTCPalworld, the Pokémonlike with extremely familiar creature designs and monster pals you can put to work crafting machineguns, now has a fixed release date: January 19th. There’s arelease date trailer to enjoy, too.
Palworld, the Pokémonlike with extremely familiar creature designs and monster pals you can put to work crafting machineguns, now has a fixed release date: January 19th. There’s arelease date trailer to enjoy, too.
Palworld, the Pokémonlike with extremely familiar creature designs and monster pals you can put to work crafting machineguns, now has a fixed release date: January 19th. There’s arelease date trailer to enjoy, too.
23:01 pmUTCIf you enjoyed Brian Cox explaining Tekken lore, I recommend this eleven-year-old series of videos in which a pre-Succession Cox pronounces whisky names for you:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
If you enjoyed Brian Cox explaining Tekken lore, I recommend this eleven-year-old series of videos in which a pre-Succession Cox pronounces whisky names for you:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
If you enjoyed Brian Cox explaining Tekken lore, I recommend this eleven-year-old series of videos in which a pre-Succession Cox pronounces whisky names for you:
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09:06 amUTCIT IS WEDNESDAY. Why do the chairs have mantis legs all of a sudden? Quick, catch them before they make it past the barricades. FEED THE MAW.
IT IS WEDNESDAY. Why do the chairs have mantis legs all of a sudden? Quick, catch them before they make it past the barricades. FEED THE MAW.
IT IS WEDNESDAY. Why do the chairs have mantis legs all of a sudden? Quick, catch them before they make it past the barricades. FEED THE MAW.
09:08 amUTCThe “restructuring” of the games industry continues asBloombergreports that Twitch are cutting 35% of their staff - 500 people.
The “restructuring” of the games industry continues asBloombergreports that Twitch are cutting 35% of their staff - 500 people.
The “restructuring” of the games industry continues asBloombergreports that Twitch are cutting 35% of their staff - 500 people.
09:11 amUTCValve have released theirupdated policy on games made with generative “AI” tools. The platform holder will require developers to post disclosures when they use such tools, and are launching a player reporting system for “illegal” AI content.
Valve have released theirupdated policy on games made with generative “AI” tools. The platform holder will require developers to post disclosures when they use such tools, and are launching a player reporting system for “illegal” AI content.
Valve have released theirupdated policy on games made with generative “AI” tools. The platform holder will require developers to post disclosures when they use such tools, and are launching a player reporting system for “illegal” AI content.
09:18 amUTCIt seems that the latest Forza Motorsport had a rough launch on Steam - launched in October, it still has a Mostly Negative user review consensus. Turn 10 have blogged about how they’reupdating the game, addressing three of the major sore spots - progression, driver AI, and race regulations.
It seems that the latest Forza Motorsport had a rough launch on Steam - launched in October, it still has a Mostly Negative user review consensus. Turn 10 have blogged about how they’reupdating the game, addressing three of the major sore spots - progression, driver AI, and race regulations.
It seems that the latest Forza Motorsport had a rough launch on Steam - launched in October, it still has a Mostly Negative user review consensus. Turn 10 have blogged about how they’reupdating the game, addressing three of the major sore spots - progression, driver AI, and race regulations.
09:22 amUTCSome morning music.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Some morning music.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Some morning music.
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09:54 amUTCHere’s yer Helldivers 2 system requirements. The minimum to run the game on low settings is an Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470, 8GB DDR4 and a 100GB HDD (7200rpm). Find more onthe PS blogor check the image below.Image credit:PlayStation
Here’s yer Helldivers 2 system requirements. The minimum to run the game on low settings is an Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470, 8GB DDR4 and a 100GB HDD (7200rpm). Find more onthe PS blogor check the image below.Image credit:PlayStation
Here’s yer Helldivers 2 system requirements. The minimum to run the game on low settings is an Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470, 8GB DDR4 and a 100GB HDD (7200rpm). Find more onthe PS blogor check the image below.
Image credit:PlayStation
12:56 pmUTCNot a story, but the announcement of a “sex update” for Cult of the Lamb has a lot of people asking for sex updates for other games, including Minecraft. I fear I must ask you whether you want Mojang to put sex in Minecraft.
Not a story, but the announcement of a “sex update” for Cult of the Lamb has a lot of people asking for sex updates for other games, including Minecraft. I fear I must ask you whether you want Mojang to put sex in Minecraft.
Not a story, but the announcement of a “sex update” for Cult of the Lamb has a lot of people asking for sex updates for other games, including Minecraft. I fear I must ask you whether you want Mojang to put sex in Minecraft.
17:19 pmUTCFakeFish and Undertow are planning a new multiplayer permadeath mode for sci-fi submarine game Barotrauma. They’vepenned a quick blogand would like seasoned Barotraummers to give feedback.
FakeFish and Undertow are planning a new multiplayer permadeath mode for sci-fi submarine game Barotrauma. They’vepenned a quick blogand would like seasoned Barotraummers to give feedback.
FakeFish and Undertow are planning a new multiplayer permadeath mode for sci-fi submarine game Barotrauma. They’vepenned a quick blogand would like seasoned Barotraummers to give feedback.
19:04 pmUTCActors' union SAG-AFTRA have struck a new deal with AI tech company Replica to create AI voice replicas of actors, including for use in video games. They claim that it represents a “fair” and “ethical” approach to the use of AI.As you can imagine,the news has not gone down particularly well with the performers whose roles might be on the line as a result.
Actors' union SAG-AFTRA have struck a new deal with AI tech company Replica to create AI voice replicas of actors, including for use in video games. They claim that it represents a “fair” and “ethical” approach to the use of AI.As you can imagine,the news has not gone down particularly well with the performers whose roles might be on the line as a result.
Actors' union SAG-AFTRA have struck a new deal with AI tech company Replica to create AI voice replicas of actors, including for use in video games. They claim that it represents a “fair” and “ethical” approach to the use of AI.
As you can imagine,the news has not gone down particularly well with the performers whose roles might be on the line as a result.
19:50 pmUTCFruit puzzler Suika Game managed to sneak in a viral wave of success at the end of last year, inspiring a slew of clones not confined to the Nintendo Switch.Amping up the scale somewhat is the upcoming Cosmic Collapse, a more forgiving take on the 2048 x Tetris gameplay that sees you slamming together planets - or blowing them up with missiles - to get the highest score possible. Which planet tastes most like watermelon anyway, do you reckon?
Fruit puzzler Suika Game managed to sneak in a viral wave of success at the end of last year, inspiring a slew of clones not confined to the Nintendo Switch.Amping up the scale somewhat is the upcoming Cosmic Collapse, a more forgiving take on the 2048 x Tetris gameplay that sees you slamming together planets - or blowing them up with missiles - to get the highest score possible. Which planet tastes most like watermelon anyway, do you reckon?
Fruit puzzler Suika Game managed to sneak in a viral wave of success at the end of last year, inspiring a slew of clones not confined to the Nintendo Switch.Amping up the scale somewhat is the upcoming Cosmic Collapse, a more forgiving take on the 2048 x Tetris gameplay that sees you slamming together planets - or blowing them up with missiles - to get the highest score possible. Which planet tastes most like watermelon anyway, do you reckon?
20:20 pmUTCMinecraft Legends’ next update will be its last, nine months after launch. You’ll have one last Lost Legend combat challenge to take on, plus a final free skin.
Minecraft Legends’ next update will be its last, nine months after launch. You’ll have one last Lost Legend combat challenge to take on, plus a final free skin.
Minecraft Legends’ next update will be its last, nine months after launch. You’ll have one last Lost Legend combat challenge to take on, plus a final free skin.
09:06 amUTCIT IS THURSDAY. All our Normality Detectors are reading “Quite Normal”, but please remember that “Quite Normal” is the highest level of Normality they can measure. Better play it safe and FEED THE MAW.
IT IS THURSDAY. All our Normality Detectors are reading “Quite Normal”, but please remember that “Quite Normal” is the highest level of Normality they can measure. Better play it safe and FEED THE MAW.
IT IS THURSDAY. All our Normality Detectors are reading “Quite Normal”, but please remember that “Quite Normal” is the highest level of Normality they can measure. Better play it safe and FEED THE MAW.
09:09 amUTCFor some reason Exmouth Town Council have emailed to say that they’ve signed up to the Plant Based Treaty. Er, good job Exmouth. Please be more selective with your PR bulletins in future.
For some reason Exmouth Town Council have emailed to say that they’ve signed up to the Plant Based Treaty. Er, good job Exmouth. Please be more selective with your PR bulletins in future.
For some reason Exmouth Town Council have emailed to say that they’ve signed up to the Plant Based Treaty. Er, good job Exmouth. Please be more selective with your PR bulletins in future.
09:12 amUTCActivision havedetailedthe next big round of additions to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone. The offerings include a new 6v6 Rio map and new game modes, multiplayer ranked play, a new Warlord and Champion’s Quest for Zombies, and some time-limited events including one dedicated to anti-superhero show The Boys.
Activision havedetailedthe next big round of additions to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone. The offerings include a new 6v6 Rio map and new game modes, multiplayer ranked play, a new Warlord and Champion’s Quest for Zombies, and some time-limited events including one dedicated to anti-superhero show The Boys.
Activision havedetailedthe next big round of additions to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone. The offerings include a new 6v6 Rio map and new game modes, multiplayer ranked play, a new Warlord and Champion’s Quest for Zombies, and some time-limited events including one dedicated to anti-superhero show The Boys.
VVVVVV is back on its 14th birthday with a major new update - now available for the first time in more than 20 languages! Check it out!https://t.co/d4Po65zLvEpic.twitter.com/5vCWa7z2rn— Terry Cavanagh 🎲 (@terrycavanagh)January 10, 2024
VVVVVV is back on its 14th birthday with a major new update - now available for the first time in more than 20 languages! Check it out!https://t.co/d4Po65zLvEpic.twitter.com/5vCWa7z2rn
10:07 amUTCWell, this seems promisingly unpleasant.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Well, this seems promisingly unpleasant.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Well, this seems promisingly unpleasant.
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Seems “Indiana Jones And The Great Circle” might be the title of the new Indy game from MachineGames, which is due to be officially presented at the Xbox Developer Direct on January 18th.
14:16 pmUTCHere’s a new dieselpunk city-builder from developer Core Engage and publisher Daedalic Entertainment. Frostpunk with trains instead of blizzards? It looks like it turns into a factory sim later on.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s a new dieselpunk city-builder from developer Core Engage and publisher Daedalic Entertainment. Frostpunk with trains instead of blizzards? It looks like it turns into a factory sim later on.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
Here’s a new dieselpunk city-builder from developer Core Engage and publisher Daedalic Entertainment. Frostpunk with trains instead of blizzards? It looks like it turns into a factory sim later on.
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
15:04 pmUTC1970s-France-set detective story Chronique Des Silencieux now has a release date - January 29th.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
1970s-France-set detective story Chronique Des Silencieux now has a release date - January 29th.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
1970s-France-set detective story Chronique Des Silencieux now has a release date - January 29th.
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
16:41 pmUTCBamco have released a tiny Elden Ring PC patchupdating its anti-cheating measuresin line with a SteamOS operating system update.
Bamco have released a tiny Elden Ring PC patchupdating its anti-cheating measuresin line with a SteamOS operating system update.
Bamco have released a tiny Elden Ring PC patchupdating its anti-cheating measuresin line with a SteamOS operating system update.
23:20 pmUTCMomodora is one of those forever underrated series, because it doesn’t get attention from anyone other than hardcore action platformer players. Here’s a chance to correct that: Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, the fifth game in the series, isout now.
Momodora is one of those forever underrated series, because it doesn’t get attention from anyone other than hardcore action platformer players. Here’s a chance to correct that: Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, the fifth game in the series, isout now.
Momodora is one of those forever underrated series, because it doesn’t get attention from anyone other than hardcore action platformer players. Here’s a chance to correct that: Momodora: Moonlit Farewell, the fifth game in the series, isout now.
23:45 pmUTCI can’t stop playing The Finals andits latest patchshould make it a little less unfair for me, a mouse and keyboard player.
I can’t stop playing The Finals andits latest patchshould make it a little less unfair for me, a mouse and keyboard player.
I can’t stop playing The Finals andits latest patchshould make it a little less unfair for me, a mouse and keyboard player.
00:03 amUTCAs Edwin mentioned earlier, VVVVVV, one of the best platformers of all time, isnow Steam Deck verified. Its latest patch, the result of the game going open source back in 2021, also adds professional translations for 21 new languages.
As Edwin mentioned earlier, VVVVVV, one of the best platformers of all time, isnow Steam Deck verified. Its latest patch, the result of the game going open source back in 2021, also adds professional translations for 21 new languages.
As Edwin mentioned earlier, VVVVVV, one of the best platformers of all time, isnow Steam Deck verified. Its latest patch, the result of the game going open source back in 2021, also adds professional translations for 21 new languages.
00:09 amUTCAnother Tribes 3 playtest will kick off sometime in the next few hours and run until the evening (EST) on Friday, January 12th, with a possibility it will be extended. This is according to an update on the game’sDiscord server. If you’ve previously received access to a beta via Steam you should have access once again - and the ‘request access’ button remains activeon the Tribes 3: Rivals Steam page.
Another Tribes 3 playtest will kick off sometime in the next few hours and run until the evening (EST) on Friday, January 12th, with a possibility it will be extended. This is according to an update on the game’sDiscord server. If you’ve previously received access to a beta via Steam you should have access once again - and the ‘request access’ button remains activeon the Tribes 3: Rivals Steam page.
Another Tribes 3 playtest will kick off sometime in the next few hours and run until the evening (EST) on Friday, January 12th, with a possibility it will be extended. This is according to an update on the game’sDiscord server. If you’ve previously received access to a beta via Steam you should have access once again - and the ‘request access’ button remains activeon the Tribes 3: Rivals Steam page.
00:10 amUTCI didn’t watch the Halo TV series - or, indeed, play any Halo game other than the first - but there’s now a trailer for season season:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
I didn’t watch the Halo TV series - or, indeed, play any Halo game other than the first - but there’s now a trailer for season season:To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
I didn’t watch the Halo TV series - or, indeed, play any Halo game other than the first - but there’s now a trailer for season season:
To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings
00:14 amUTCUpdate 8 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor adds new accessibility features, including: additional “slow motion presets” which let you further adjust the speed of the game; a high contrast mode which desaturates the environment to highlight critical elements more; and an audio ping that allows players to echolocate “objects and interactable elements.” There arepatch noteson the official site.
Update 8 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor adds new accessibility features, including: additional “slow motion presets” which let you further adjust the speed of the game; a high contrast mode which desaturates the environment to highlight critical elements more; and an audio ping that allows players to echolocate “objects and interactable elements.” There arepatch noteson the official site.
Update 8 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor adds new accessibility features, including: additional “slow motion presets” which let you further adjust the speed of the game; a high contrast mode which desaturates the environment to highlight critical elements more; and an audio ping that allows players to echolocate “objects and interactable elements.” There arepatch noteson the official site.
09:06 amUTCIT IS FRIDAY. No notes. FEED THE MAW.
IT IS FRIDAY. No notes. FEED THE MAW.
IT IS FRIDAY. No notes. FEED THE MAW.
09:09 amUTCOld World’s DLC pack Wonders And Dynasties isout now. It introduces eight new wonders of the world together with “30 brand new ways of starting your game with the addition of new Dynastic leaders – each empire has received new leaders and starting conditions.”
Old World’s DLC pack Wonders And Dynasties isout now. It introduces eight new wonders of the world together with “30 brand new ways of starting your game with the addition of new Dynastic leaders – each empire has received new leaders and starting conditions.”
Old World’s DLC pack Wonders And Dynasties isout now. It introduces eight new wonders of the world together with “30 brand new ways of starting your game with the addition of new Dynastic leaders – each empire has received new leaders and starting conditions.”
09:11 amUTCUbisoft have released a demo for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which Katharine really likes. Find it onEpic Games StoreorUbisoft Connect.
Ubisoft have released a demo for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which Katharine really likes. Find it onEpic Games StoreorUbisoft Connect.
Ubisoft have released a demo for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which Katharine really likes. Find it onEpic Games StoreorUbisoft Connect.
09:15 amUTCAccording toThe Verge, Discord are laying off 17 per cent of their workforce in a bid to “sharpen our focus and improve the way we work together to bring more agility to our organization.” If the report is accurate, these are Discord’s largest ever layoffs.
According toThe Verge, Discord are laying off 17 per cent of their workforce in a bid to “sharpen our focus and improve the way we work together to bring more agility to our organization.” If the report is accurate, these are Discord’s largest ever layoffs.
According toThe Verge, Discord are laying off 17 per cent of their workforce in a bid to “sharpen our focus and improve the way we work together to bring more agility to our organization.” If the report is accurate, these are Discord’s largest ever layoffs.
10:28 amUTCThere arereports going aroundthat Capcom have added the Enigma Protector DRM to certain older games, which is supposedly blocking mods and causing issues with some systems. I’ve asked Capcom for comment.
There arereports going aroundthat Capcom have added the Enigma Protector DRM to certain older games, which is supposedly blocking mods and causing issues with some systems. I’ve asked Capcom for comment.
There arereports going aroundthat Capcom have added the Enigma Protector DRM to certain older games, which is supposedly blocking mods and causing issues with some systems. I’ve asked Capcom for comment.
12:12 pmUTCHere’s a release date for Sand Land, the action RPG based on the manga series from Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama - April 26th 2024.
Here’s a release date for Sand Land, the action RPG based on the manga series from Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama - April 26th 2024.
Here’s a release date for Sand Land, the action RPG based on the manga series from Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama - April 26th 2024.
17:44 pmUTCHere bethoughts from Naoki Yoshidaof FF14 and FF16 fame about where Square Enix and Final Fantasy should go next, and who should lead the development of Final Fantasy 17.
Here bethoughts from Naoki Yoshidaof FF14 and FF16 fame about where Square Enix and Final Fantasy should go next, and who should lead the development of Final Fantasy 17.
Here bethoughts from Naoki Yoshidaof FF14 and FF16 fame about where Square Enix and Final Fantasy should go next, and who should lead the development of Final Fantasy 17.
17:45 pmUTCA quick end-of-weekwrite-up from meabout Crystal Story: Dawn Of Dusk, one of the games I referenced in this week’s intro.
A quick end-of-weekwrite-up from meabout Crystal Story: Dawn Of Dusk, one of the games I referenced in this week’s intro.
A quick end-of-weekwrite-up from meabout Crystal Story: Dawn Of Dusk, one of the games I referenced in this week’s intro.
18:05 pmUTCSmite 2 has revealed its full sequel to the god-battling MOBA, promising flashier visuals, tweaked gameplay and a slew of other upgrades and changes. It won’t replace the original, though, and you’ll be rewarded for hopping over if you’re an existing player. An alpha test is planned for this spring.
Smite 2 has revealed its full sequel to the god-battling MOBA, promising flashier visuals, tweaked gameplay and a slew of other upgrades and changes. It won’t replace the original, though, and you’ll be rewarded for hopping over if you’re an existing player. An alpha test is planned for this spring.
Smite 2 has revealed its full sequel to the god-battling MOBA, promising flashier visuals, tweaked gameplay and a slew of other upgrades and changes. It won’t replace the original, though, and you’ll be rewarded for hopping over if you’re an existing player. An alpha test is planned for this spring.
18:55 pmUTCTeam Fortress: Source 2, the fan-made remake of Team Fortress 2 in the Source 2 engine,has been cancelledafter the ambitious three-year project ran into a double-whammy of recent development issues and a legal takedown from Valve.
Team Fortress: Source 2, the fan-made remake of Team Fortress 2 in the Source 2 engine,has been cancelledafter the ambitious three-year project ran into a double-whammy of recent development issues and a legal takedown from Valve.
Team Fortress: Source 2, the fan-made remake of Team Fortress 2 in the Source 2 engine,has been cancelledafter the ambitious three-year project ran into a double-whammy of recent development issues and a legal takedown from Valve.
19:49 pmUTCKumitantei: Old-School Slaughter looks like a promising indie successor to the darkly comic murder-mystery joys of visual novel series Danganronpa, mixing in card battles, social links and influences from eighties anime to boot.
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter looks like a promising indie successor to the darkly comic murder-mystery joys of visual novel series Danganronpa, mixing in card battles, social links and influences from eighties anime to boot.
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter looks like a promising indie successor to the darkly comic murder-mystery joys of visual novel series Danganronpa, mixing in card battles, social links and influences from eighties anime to boot.
20:36 pmUTCHere’s a breakdown ofthe hubbub surrounding Resident Evil Revelations on PC, which reportedly added DRM tool Enigma Protector in a recent update to the 11-year-old game - only for it to apparently tank performance and cause various issues, from crashes to stuttering, and be swiftly removed. Capcom aren’t giving up on their war against mods and cheats, though, promising the update will return once the problems are fixed.
Here’s a breakdown ofthe hubbub surrounding Resident Evil Revelations on PC, which reportedly added DRM tool Enigma Protector in a recent update to the 11-year-old game - only for it to apparently tank performance and cause various issues, from crashes to stuttering, and be swiftly removed. Capcom aren’t giving up on their war against mods and cheats, though, promising the update will return once the problems are fixed.
Here’s a breakdown ofthe hubbub surrounding Resident Evil Revelations on PC, which reportedly added DRM tool Enigma Protector in a recent update to the 11-year-old game - only for it to apparently tank performance and cause various issues, from crashes to stuttering, and be swiftly removed. Capcom aren’t giving up on their war against mods and cheats, though, promising the update will return once the problems are fixed.
21:39 pmUTCOverwatch 2’s season 9 update, due next month, willaim to make teamwork easier but players less reliant upon it. Among the changes is the ability for non-Support players to use a self-healing passive, to reduce the reliance and pressure upon Support players.
Overwatch 2’s season 9 update, due next month, willaim to make teamwork easier but players less reliant upon it. Among the changes is the ability for non-Support players to use a self-healing passive, to reduce the reliance and pressure upon Support players.
Overwatch 2’s season 9 update, due next month, willaim to make teamwork easier but players less reliant upon it. Among the changes is the ability for non-Support players to use a self-healing passive, to reduce the reliance and pressure upon Support players.
22:22 pmUTCDominions 6 willrelease on January 17th, packing even more pretender gods and an improved UI into the already expansive fantasy 4X series.
Dominions 6 willrelease on January 17th, packing even more pretender gods and an improved UI into the already expansive fantasy 4X series.
Dominions 6 willrelease on January 17th, packing even more pretender gods and an improved UI into the already expansive fantasy 4X series.
22:36 pmUTCStarfield’s biggest patch so far focuses on bug fixes and graphical tweaks and will launch into betaon January 17th, with a full release planned for two weeks later.
Starfield’s biggest patch so far focuses on bug fixes and graphical tweaks and will launch into betaon January 17th, with a full release planned for two weeks later.
Starfield’s biggest patch so far focuses on bug fixes and graphical tweaks and will launch into betaon January 17th, with a full release planned for two weeks later.
22:55 pmUTCI keep finding myself down Internet Archive rabbit holes, reading old blogs, old games journalism. Maybe sharing this here will help me close the tab: Joshuah Bearman’s LA Weekly column in which he wrote with real verve and curiosity about video games while placing them in the context of everyday life. Here’s an example of what I mean:The Moralgorithm, which pithily explores whether players in NBA Live 2005 have simulated morale, or whether players just project it upon the digital athletes.Thison Nintendogs is entertaining, too. Bearman is best known today for writing the 2007 Wired article that would later be adapted into the movie Argo.
I keep finding myself down Internet Archive rabbit holes, reading old blogs, old games journalism. Maybe sharing this here will help me close the tab: Joshuah Bearman’s LA Weekly column in which he wrote with real verve and curiosity about video games while placing them in the context of everyday life. Here’s an example of what I mean:The Moralgorithm, which pithily explores whether players in NBA Live 2005 have simulated morale, or whether players just project it upon the digital athletes.Thison Nintendogs is entertaining, too. Bearman is best known today for writing the 2007 Wired article that would later be adapted into the movie Argo.
I keep finding myself down Internet Archive rabbit holes, reading old blogs, old games journalism. Maybe sharing this here will help me close the tab: Joshuah Bearman’s LA Weekly column in which he wrote with real verve and curiosity about video games while placing them in the context of everyday life. Here’s an example of what I mean:The Moralgorithm, which pithily explores whether players in NBA Live 2005 have simulated morale, or whether players just project it upon the digital athletes.
Thison Nintendogs is entertaining, too. Bearman is best known today for writing the 2007 Wired article that would later be adapted into the movie Argo.
