We need both; even if passionate developers are put in charge of projects — they are still likely to be stymied by an overly conservative C-suite.
Successful ‘weird games’ in conjunction with indies would lead to a positive feedback loop in the industry and allow for more creativity across the board.
I agree that the 600K figure is a mis-read of the article; however:
According to figures from Ukraine's General Staff, Russia has lost 217,440 troops since Jan. 1, 2025.
The discrepancy tallies with Western analysis of Russia's staggering losses.
"They lose somewhere in the ballpark of 35,000 to 45,000 people per month, and perhaps they recruit a little bit north of that number," George Barros, Russia team lead at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), told the Kyiv Independent earlier this month.
I am generally inclined to believe Ukraine’s official figures of over 1 million dead, injured or captured Russian soldiers so far in this “3 day special military operation”.
Too fucking real…
In a world where games are scored across a full spectrum 0-or-1 to 10, then yes - anything 4-6 would be considered middle of the road.
However, due to a number of factors - that’s unfortunately not the reality we find ourselves in.
Firstly, “mid” is hard to define as it can mean anything from ‘mediocre’ to ‘fine, but forgettable’.
Secondly, ratings/scores tend to skew upward as people tend to reserve 1s for outright scams, broken games and review bombs. With 2 & 3 often used for ‘asset flips’ and similar non-games - so we end up grading on a curve from 4-10.
This also works well for mainstream outlets as it keeps advertisers happy, due to arbitrarily inflated scores.
Lastly, in a world of cumulative media (new releases don’t cause older ones to stop existing) - even ostensibly good games will fall by the wayside as players have access to 10/10 titles from previous years.
So all things considered, a 7/10 is well and truly “mid” in this topsy-turvey IGN-eque world
Conspiracy Theory: All that hubbub about an $80 base price was just to deflect from the fact that most sales are likely going to be funneled to the $100/130 editions…
Honest question; was it not possible to mod the original JoyCons to add hall-effect joysticks?
Yes, end users should not be responsible for having to do this - but if a cottage industry exists to repair/upgrade drifting joycons that would be awesome to see.
Yes, it was developed by Curt Shilling’s 38 Studios - but it was actually largely financed by the state of Rhode Island, and the studio ended up defaulting on payments!
Honestly, the story of the game’s development was more interesting than the story within the game itself!
Oh no doubt, my (vague) memories of it are definitely in vivid bright colours.
I originally got it as I was looking for a single player World of Warcraft-like experience, and I did play through a significant portion of the main story - but eventually went back to WoW as it didn’t quite scratch that itch enough.
I probably should revisit it sometime in the near future - hopefully on the Steam Deck (haven’t checked compatibility).
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Had all the individual makings of an exceptional game (with input from Todd Macfarlane, R A Salvatore and Grant Kirkhope), and while it was definitely enjoyable enough - it lacked any wow-factor whatsoever, winding up an otherwise forgettable 7/10.
I agree with each and every point that you’ve made above, however I disagree with your original statement that Iran is a paper tiger.
A paper tiger would have crumpled already under that level of sustained pressure. For better or worse (and I would definitely argue the latter), Iran is far tougher than we in the West tend to give them credit for.
Largely yes, though there are a number of titles which are currently experiencing issues: Official Compatibility Guide
Yes: Official Guide to Transferring Data from a Switch to a Switch 2
There’s a lot of noise and disinformation floating out there, here’s the simplest explanation:
The Switch 2 will launch with three different types of physical cartridges denoted by serial numbers to describe their purpose:
LB - The cartridge will work on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles only. LP - Game Key cartridges in which a digital download is required LN - The cartridge will work on both Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.
We can only hope, and to add Putin’s name to that list.
Based AF Symmetry: Poland 🇵🇱 and Indonesia 🇮🇩
Please, please, please don’t be a micro-transaction laden download only title! 🤞🏻
I loved the PSP versions growing up, and this series holds a special place in my heart. I really hope they do it justice…
Consider this an opportunity to take the money you could have put towards buying this game, and instead use it to purchase stock in Konami.
Not only as an investor will you have the ability to voice your concerns during meetings, if enough gamers were to do this - they could eventually wrestle controls of the company away from those that seek to monetise every single goddamn thing, while shitting on the creatives that created the work they are now trying to leech off of.
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit”.
An absolute masterpiece in terms of blending and transitioning between live action and animation; plus the whole Disney/Warner Bros character crossovers… just 👌🏼
Bonus Points for the Undertaker’s (uncredited?) cameo appearance: you’re a dead man, Ramsey!
…oh, and extra credit for birthing the “I wAs FrOzEn ToDaY!!” meme too!
You remember those old “In Soviet Russia” backwards jokes? It’s like that, but unironically.
Putin has consolidated power to the point that he doesn’t serve at the behest of Russian billionaires; they only exist due to his whims - and they can cease to exist just as quickly.
‘Blowout’ by Rachel Maddow touches on this, it’s an interesting read/listen.