Sunday Newspaper Featuring Articles on Rock Paper Shotgun
Sundays are often reserved for getting your steps in, or so they say. As for me, I must confess that I have been neglecting my exercise routine lately. In a bid to redeem myself, I turn to you, dear readers of RPS, to hold me accountable and motivate me to be more active, just as you did when I mentioned my lax attitude towards sunscreen on the podcast. Your support is crucial, and I appreciate it. Now, without further ado, here are some captivating reads, mostly centered around games, from the past week.
Kyle Orland from Ars Technica makes a compelling case for the revival of cheat codes in games. Initially intended as developer shortcuts, cheat codes evolved into a way for players to customize their gaming experience. Back in the day, cheat codes were discovered outside the game itself, shared through forums, magazines, or schoolyard whispers. This external sourcing highlighted that while these codes were part of the game, they also existed separately, allowing players to bend the rules and add a bit of magic to their gameplay.
In a piece for Well Played, Josefina Huq delves into Melbourne’s game development communities, emphasizing the importance of “showing up.” Developers expressed how just being present, physically or emotionally invested, contributes significantly to the community. Whether it’s being the last person at an event or having a regular presence, showing up fosters connections and collaboration, enriching the development ecosystem.
Joe Wintergreen, the developer of InFlux, shares valuable narrative insights he received from Valve’s David Speyrer. Wintergreen reflects on adding narrative elements to his game to combat puzzle fatigue, allowing players to interpret and contribute to the story organically. This anecdote provides aspiring developers with valuable advice on crafting narratives and engaging players, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind game development.
Kelsey McKinney’s review of Taylor Swift’s new album might not be game-related, but it sheds light on the artist’s marketing tactics, reminiscent of certain game publishers. Swift’s strategic promotion of exclusive vinyl variants and limited editions capitalizes on scarcity, driving fans to collect multiple versions of the same album. This marketing approach, while effective, raises questions about consumerism and fan engagement in the music industry.
Moises Taveras explores the impact of remakes on gaming through the lens of Yakuza Kiwami 3 characters, highlighting the tendency to view older games as incomplete drafts. Taveras challenges this perspective, emphasizing the value of preserving the nuances and imperfections of original works in remakes. By deconstructing and recombining elements, remakes risk losing the subtle nuances and intricacies that define the essence of the original game.
On a different note, I’ve recently developed an interest in Mongolian throat singing, influenced by my wife’s musical preferences. Okna Tsahan Zam’s work, in particular, has captured my attention, introducing me to a unique and captivating musical tradition.
In conclusion, the world of gaming and beyond offers a diverse array of perspectives and experiences worth exploring. Whether it’s the nostalgia of cheat codes, the camaraderie of game development communities, or the intricacies of narrative design, each piece of writing invites us to delve deeper into the art and culture of gaming and beyond. So, as we wrap up this week’s roundup, I encourage you to continue engaging with the diverse and enriching content available to you, both in games and beyond.