The hottest Gaming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

You've been invited to Craft World's Valentine's Day event!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Join the Season of Rawrmance Valentine's event and help build the in-game Masterpiece to win a share of 5M Dyno Coin. You can also earn limited-time avatars, decorations, and progression rewards like Power Packs and Boosters.
  2. Take part in three extra community challenges for more prizes: nominate a player as your 'Dyno Crush', hunt hidden roses across social posts, or post a shout-out on X to enter a Dyno Coin raffle.
  3. Manage the new Power system to get the most rewards — upgrade your Town Hall, expand power generation and storage, keep factories upgraded, and claim daily boosters so you can contribute more often to the Masterpiece.

Vol. 2, Issue 26 - Interview with Poké-Amph

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Poké-Amph was a popular fan site for Pokémon that ran from 1999 to 2014. It was created by Ryan, who shared his love for Pokémon and helped fans enjoy the games and shows better.
  2. Ryan enjoyed creating video game guides on the site, which helped visitors learn more about Pokémon games. He also learned a lot about web design and programming while managing Poké-Amph.
  3. Despite still loving Pokémon from his childhood, Ryan isn't impressed with recent games. He hopes to keep the old Poké-Amph site as a piece of internet history, even if he won't update it anymore.

474: Apple Cloud Gaming, Elon Musk vs Tesla & OpenAI, LVMH, Dialup Era, Batteries, Chip Smuggling, Neuralink + Humans, and Malaria Vaccine

Liberty’s Highlights • 373 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Reflect on past technological transitions to appreciate progress made and inspire future advancements
  2. Batteries are crucial for transitioning to clean energy but require significant investment and innovation
  3. Exciting developments in technology, from Apple allowing game streaming to Neuralink's brain implants
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INTRODUCING ATIA'S LEGACY — THE AXIE MMO

The Lunacian • 782 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Axie Infinity: Atia's Legacy is a new MMO set in its unique universe where players can explore and create communities. It's designed for both mobile and PC gaming.
  2. Players can pre-register for play testing and earn rewards by referring friends and creating content. This will start around Summer 2025.
  3. The game will feature squad-based combat, dynamic progression, and social interactions, all focusing on player-owned assets to enrich the gaming experience.

Axie Capsules are LIVE in Jin’s Fortune Spin!

The Lunacian • 414 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. Axie Capsules are a fun way to collect NFTs. You buy a spin for a chance to get a sealed capsule that reveals an axie NFT inside.
  2. Each capsule has a 25% chance of containing a collectible axie. There are different types of axies you can get, ranging from common to rare.
  3. If you buy five capsules, you can earn extra rewards like accessories and the chance to win special axies by completing specific quests.

The Ultimate Game Dev's Guide to Working with Content Creators

A16Z GAMES • 199 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
💼 Business Gaming
  1. One of the biggest challenges for game developers is working with content creators to market their games effectively. It's important to find creators that resonate with your game and engage with them early on.
  2. Each content creator is unique, so it's crucial to tailor your approach to match their audience and content style. Understand their goals and create experiences that align with them.
  3. Building long-term relationships with content creators requires kindness, respect, and genuine engagement. Treat them well, consider their needs, and value the relationship beyond short-term marketing gains.

Death, and rebirth, of virtual reality

SuperJoost Playlist • 456 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Apple is changing the vocabulary around virtual reality to set itself apart from competitors like Meta.
  2. Regulators are updating policies on children's online privacy in response to the growing popularity of interactive entertainment.
  3. Significant job cuts are happening in big tech companies like Unity and Twitch, affecting the game development industry.

Is the latest game subscription 'moral panic' justified?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. There is debate about whether the 'moral panic' around the latest game subscription services is justified.
  2. Subscription services like Game Pass are seen as gatekeeping and may impact the creation of creative first-party games.
  3. The market for games is evolving, with a mix of direct-to-market games, subscription services, and the importance of gamers owning their catalogs.

Vol. 2, Issue 30 - Interview with Lycanroc.Net

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Lycanroc.Net is a fan website that started in 2003 and shares various Pokémon content, along with other interests of its creator, Cat. It has been visited over 8 million times.
  2. Cat's work includes running an online community called Victory Road for eleven years, which had about 1,500 members at its peak. Even after its closure, he values the importance of keeping the community's history online.
  3. Cat's passion for Pokémon has shifted over time, and he now enjoys birdwatching, where he tries to capture photos of as many species as possible, keeping a 'BirdDex' instead of a Pokédex.

That Time I Tried To Get Johnathan Blow To Publish a Game to Windows 8

Meanwhile, on the other side of my brain... • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Setting realistic goals is crucial for success, rather than unachievable targets that can lead to frustration.
  2. Building genuine relationships and solving real problems with developers can lead to lasting goodwill.
  3. Understanding and meeting the needs of developers is key to successful developer relations, instead of focusing solely on unreachable goals.

Under the microscope: Ultraman: Legendary Giant of Light (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The game hides a title‑screen cheat sequence that unlocks effects like wireframe rendering, turning off the HUD, and random stage selection by holding certain buttons in VS mode.
  2. Additional codes add a Stage Select screen and a third sequence that lets the CPU control player one and enables a finicky free‑camera you can tweak during gameplay.
  3. Under the hood, three similar input routines watch for those button sequences and set memory flags and counters, and an Action Replay code can unlock the Movie Room by flipping the progress flags.

What the Hell Am I Doing Here?

Meanwhile, on the other side of my brain... • 99 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The author faced a challenging recovery period after a car accident, including cognitive issues that persisted for months.
  2. Despite challenges, the author is enthusiastic about returning to writing, programming, and sharing knowledge on game development and tools.
  3. The author plans to expand the newsletter's topics, including sharing stories, project updates, and insights, and to create more video content.

Just how big have PC & console game catalogs got?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 353 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The choice of visual media has exploded, including on-demand watching and streaming platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
  2. The cumulative choice of PC and console games has significantly increased, leading to different market dynamics.
  3. Console platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox have seen a rise in the number of games added each year, impacting game competition and sales.

Under the microscope: Ford Racing (PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The commonly cited "GIMMEGIMME" name-entry cheat does not unlock everything on the PlayStation release; that code is from the PC version and was copied into cheat sites for years.
  2. On the PlayStation game you unlock features by holding L1+L2+R1+R2 and entering specific button sequences on particular menu screens, with sequences that unlock all cars, all tracks, show credits, give money, or advance the career car.
  3. Emulator debugging and disassembly revealed the exact RAM addresses, screen IDs, and button-buffer checks that implement the PlayStation cheats, and also showed how GameShark memory writes can force unlocked values—explaining why online codes were often wrong.

Dungeons and Dragons: The Next Generation

Fragmentary • 569 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Dungeons & Dragons has changed a lot over the years, with simpler mechanics now.
  2. Running a D&D game for family can create enjoyable and collaborative family time.
  3. Being creative and adaptable in storytelling during a D&D game can lead to surprising and fun outcomes.

Origins Season 12 Preseason is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 736 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The Dream World Arcade Mode is now live, replacing the Haunted House tickets with Dream World tickets while keeping the same gameplay.
  2. Players can test new Runes and Charms for free before the official season starts, allowing them to prepare better for the competition.
  3. Delegatees will soon have the ability to morph their Axies using their own resources, and a new Axie Check-In feature will reward players based on their chosen Axie's tier.

Your Attention Please: A New Era of Games Showcases is Here

A16Z GAMES • 139 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Game developers need to find new ways to get their games discovered in the post-E3 era.
  2. Smaller, targeted digital showcases are emerging to help reach specific player audiences beyond traditional large events like The Game Awards and Nintendo Direct.
  3. Game developers face challenges like game saturation, rising user acquisition costs, and the need for strategic marketing strategies to ensure their games get noticed.

The Internet As a Giant Skinner Box

Novum Newsletter • 309 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The concept of the Skinner Box explains how people can become addicted to behaviors through random rewards, like what we see with endless scrolling on the internet.
  2. A hidden workforce called 'ghost workers' handles tasks for tech companies, often under stressful conditions with unpredictable pay, similar to gambling.
  3. Both internet users and these invisible workers are conditioned by the same reward systems, highlighting how ingrained and widespread this behavior has become.

The Wings of Nightmare is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 920 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. The Wings of Nightmare event is now live, allowing players to evolve specific base parts into limited-edition Nightmare Parts. There are only 39,000 Nightmare Parts available, so it's important to act fast!
  2. Players can explore two new realms called the Dream World and Nightmarescape, which are filled with fascinating creatures and challenges. Entering these realms requires sleep, and there's a risk of not returning.
  3. To evolve parts and earn rewards, players need to gather certain materials and use the App.axie platform. There are also chances to obtain Nightmare bodies through special actions, making this event exciting for participants.

Life after FIFA

SuperJoost Playlist • 615 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
💼 Business Gaming
  1. Knowing when to quit is a superpower in business.
  2. Unity faced backlash for changing its fee structure, leading to negative outcomes with developers.
  3. EA is adapting to the end of its partnership with FIFA by adding new features, reaching new audiences, and exploring new commercial opportunities.

Introducing the Axie Adoption Centre!

The Lunacian • 828 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The Axie Adoption Center is a new, easy way for new players to join Axie Infinity. They can get started by connecting a wallet, receiving axies, and completing missions to earn rewards.
  2. Players can refer friends to the Adoption Center and earn rewards like AXS for helping others get started. It's a great way to share the game and get something in return.
  3. There are cool contests and a raffle at the Adoption Center where players can win prizes. By completing missions or referring friends, they can earn tickets for a chance to win big.

Which Steam games 'won' revenue again in 2023?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 255 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Steam ranked top games by gross revenue in 2023 based on 'Platinum', 'Gold', 'Silver', and 'Bronze' tiers
  2. Around 35% of the top revenue games in 2023 were new releases; games generally needed at least $20 million gross to make the rankings
  3. Deep Rock Galactic saw increased sales in 2023, success with cosmetic DLC, and plans for spinoff games

Cyberpunk 2077 is Reactionary

The J. Burden Show • 299 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Cyberpunk 2077 is considered reactionary due to its anti-capitalist themes and illiberal elements.
  2. The game presents a dystopian world with diverse characters, rampant drug use, and themes of human modification and transhumanism.
  3. The protagonist is led by a middle-aged female president in a highly immersive, futuristic setting.

Gamer Deep Lore, Exhibit #5. Star Fleet Battles.

The Bottom Feeder • 533 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Star Fleet Battles is a detailed board game about spaceship combat in the Star Trek universe. It combines complex rules and strategy to create a very immersive gaming experience.
  2. The game involves a lot of math, especially in allocating power for different ship functions like speed and weapons. Players who enjoy this type of challenge tend to thrive in the game.
  3. Despite being nostalgic for many, Star Fleet Battles still has a dedicated following and continues to be published with expansions, keeping the love for 80s gaming alive.

The Wings of Nightmare Is Coming

The Lunacian • 782 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. The Wings of Nightmare event starts on November 21, introducing new Nightmare parts for Axies. Axies can evolve to gain these special parts, but there's a limited supply.
  2. With Nightmare parts, Axies can become collectibles with added benefits, like earning Fortune Slips. This can increase their rarity and give them new looks.
  3. To get a Nightmare Body, players must devolve existing parts, which has a 5% chance of success. Keep in mind that once transformed, the original body is lost forever.

Even Diabetes Research Foundations Are Trying to Connect With Kids Through Roblox

Crossplay • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. JDRF used Roblox to create spaces for kids with type 1 diabetes to connect and learn about the condition.
  2. When trying to engage with a younger audience on platforms like Roblox, it's important to understand the platform and its audience well.
  3. Charity Walk Simulator in Roblox by JDRF incentivized players to walk and learn about diabetes, showing success with over 2,500 virtual bears given away in 24 hours.

Vol. 2, Issue 24 - Interview with We All Live In A Pokémon World

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. The website 'We All Live In A Pokémon World...' defended Pokémon from unfair rumors and misconceptions, emphasizing the positive themes of friendship and kindness in the franchise.
  2. Pokémon has grown significantly over the years, with new generations creating a sense of community among fans who share their love for the franchise with their families.
  3. Despite facing various issues and criticisms, the Pokémon brand has maintained its popularity by focusing on the joy and connection it brings to fans worldwide.