The hottest Gaming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Ragnarok Online Landverse America (ROLA) Grand Launch is LIVE!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. Ragnarok Landverse America has launched with new North and Latin American servers, so you can jump into the free-to-play Web3 version of the game right now.
  2. The update removes key trading restrictions, adds a single, cheaper Happy Mini Service Box, and introduces a NOVA Key mechanic that makes finding and exchanging rare item fragments easier.
  3. You can claim pre-registration rewards and earn more by hitting level milestones, completing challenges, forming and leveling a guild, and doing mission events — sign up, download the game, and connect a Ronin Wallet to receive assets.

IGN is unionizing

Updater, Shannon Liao's gaming newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. IGN employees are forming a union with the majority of them signing union authorization cards due to current industry instability and a desire for protection.
  2. Xbox reassured employees in a town hall that they have no plans to stop making consoles amidst rumors of Xbox exclusives moving to the PS5.
  3. Disney is investing in Epic Games, hinting at a possible metaverse collaboration without using the term explicitly. The potential partnership is seen as a strategic move by Disney after past gaming industry setbacks.

Insomniac breach

SuperJoost Playlist • 218 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The business of hacking video game publishers is growing, with recent incidents showing flaws in hackers' business fundamentals.
  2. Hacking video game companies does not always result in financial gain for the hackers, as evidenced by unsuccessful attempts to sell stolen data.
  3. Leaking information about upcoming video games may actually generate more excitement and interest in the games rather than spoil the experience for players.

Vol. 2, Issue 19 - Interview with Tsukasa Hosono

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Tsukasa Hosono won a special Pokémon Snap photo contest in 1999, receiving unique Pokémon cards featuring his Charmander picture. These cards are very rare and hold significant value today.
  2. Pokémon GO is hosting a new event called 'Catching Wonders', offering bonuses for catches and spins. There’s also a long-term challenge with a Master Ball as a reward for dedicated players.
  3. The Pokémon trading card game has seen a rise in the value of cards, prompting collectors to take extra steps for safekeeping, like using fireproof safes.

Problems at Roblox (RBLX) #5

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Roblox has been linked to serious issues like school shooting games and child abuse, raising concerns about children's safety on the platform.
  2. Many Roblox developers admit the site isn't safe for kids, often referring to its content as harmful and emphasizing the lack of proper moderation.
  3. Roblox's current sign-up process allows easy access for predators, as it only requires a username and password, and there are serious suggestions for improving safety measures to protect children.
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Vol. 2, Issue 15 - Dazz's Pokémon Memories

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Dazz has been a big Pokémon fan since childhood, starting with Pokémon Red and Blue. He loved the games and anime, which helped him make friends after moving to a new school.
  2. His passion for Pokémon led him to create and contribute content for popular websites like The Spriters Resource and Did You Know Gaming. This allowed him to share his knowledge and connect with other fans.
  3. Dazz believes that Pokémon has been more than just a game for him; it has helped him grow and feel empowered. It played a big role in shaping who he is today.

The great Bounty Board transition has begun!

The Lunacian • 138 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. A new Bounty Board is being launched to combine the existing Standard and Premier boards. This aims to create a more rewarding experience for all players.
  2. Rewards will now focus more on the Premier Bounty Board, encouraging deeper engagement through challenging quests. Feedback from the community is welcomed during this transition phase.
  3. The update also includes removing Captcha requirements and new quest logic to make the process smoother and more intuitive for users.

Netflix's most popular gaming content

SuperJoost Playlist • 218 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Game content on Netflix only accounts for less than one percent of total viewing hours.
  2. Pokemon is the most popular franchise on Netflix, followed by The Witcher.
  3. Netflix's engagement report provides insight into viewer habits and preferences for gaming content.

Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Interview with Pokémon Zeo!

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Pokémon Zeo was a community where fans could create their own fake Pokémon cards. It had resources like templates and tutorials to help everyone get started.
  2. The website was not just about cards; it built a friendly community. Many people found a positive space there, making lasting friendships.
  3. Even though Pokémon Zeo closed down in 2014, the memories and connections still live on through social media and gatherings among former members.

Under the microscope: Shrek Extra Large (GameCube)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The GameCube port removed several advanced graphics features from the original Xbox build, leaving rougher visuals and an inconsistent framerate compared to the technical demo of the Xbox version.
  2. Entering the player name GASTON or IDKFA triggers an undocumented cheat that starts on the world map, unlocks every stage, enables a Cheat Menu, and grants $99 to buy all cheats.
  3. The hidden cheat was found by inspecting emulator memory and reverse-engineering the game (tracing a case-insensitive string compare to cheat logic), and IDKFA is a clear nod to Doom’s famous cheat while GASTON’s reference is unknown.

Deep dive on Xbox leak

SuperJoost Playlist • 317 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Microsoft accidentally leaked internal documents revealing plans for Xbox until 2030.
  2. Microsoft aims for significant revenue growth in its gaming division, especially from Game Pass subscribers.
  3. The leaked documents show insights into Microsoft's strategies, such as potential acquisitions and revenue targets.

Is Monopoly GO really "PROFITABLE"?

The GameMakers Letter • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Monopoly GO seems to be a successful mobile game, generating significant revenue and downloads
  2. The concept of profitability in free-to-play games can be complex, with various factors influencing true financial performance
  3. There may be discrepancies in claims of profitability, as success in the game industry can be evaluated differently

Vol. 2, Issue 17 - Interview with Nick Roberts (Pokémon World Magazine)

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Pokémon World Magazine, which later became Pocket World, ran from 2000 to 2015 and was the first dedicated magazine for Pokémon fans in the UK. It included news, fan-created content, and community involvement, making it a special part of many childhoods.
  2. The magazine changed its name due to pressure from The Pokémon Company after they learned about it, causing sales to drop significantly. Fans wanted the magazine to focus on Pokémon only, but it had to cover other games to stay afloat.
  3. Nick Roberts, the former editor, emphasized the importance of supporting magazines and fan content because they are created by people who need to pay their bills. It's a reminder that content isn't really free as someone is always behind it.

Unity, divided

SuperJoost Playlist • 297 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Roblox CEO emphasizes platform as a tool for communication and connection, amidst controversy and legal concerns.
  2. Unity's new fee structure based on installs sparks outrage among game developers, especially affecting smaller studios.
  3. Apple enhances high-end gaming on new iPhones, attracting popular franchises to mobile and competing with console versions.

Best of ChinaTalk 2024

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. China is focusing on developing its AI and technology sectors, addressing the balance between innovation and security.
  2. The chip industry in Taiwan is evolving, with a strong emphasis on local strategies to maintain competitiveness.
  3. ChinaTalk has produced a variety of engaging content, covering topics like politics, technology, and culture, while also expanding its reach through podcasts and YouTube.

Why games get big post-release discovery boosts

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Games can experience surges in popularity post-release due to factors like multiplayer additions and influencer attention.
  2. Steam wishlist conversion rates may vary slightly based on the age of the wishlist, but older wishlists still have good potential for conversion.
  3. Different strategies, such as launching at 1.0, adding multiplayer features, or aiming for viral multiplayer success, can lead to post-release boosts in game discovery.

Where Was RDNA4 at AMD’s Keynote?

More Than Moore • 326 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. AMD didn't announce RDNA4 at the CES keynote because they felt a short presentation wouldn't do it justice. They want to provide detailed information rather than leave people with questions.
  2. AMD plans to share more about RDNA4 through partners at CES, but a dedicated event will follow for an in-depth reveal. They are close to launch but wanted to wait for the right time.
  3. The naming scheme for new graphics cards will be clearer to help users make better comparisons. AMD aims to improve performance in key gaming areas and ensure good value for consumers.

Expansion hack: Yuna Remix (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The game includes a Bonus Mode unlocked by the SBOM Joycard on the Options screen, which lets you view the game’s movies, images, and sound clips for each section. That hardware check can be patched to always enable Bonus Mode so you don’t need the special controller.
  2. There’s also a hidden graphical debug menu that lets you jump to cutscenes, pick courses, play music, and load battles. It’s not reachable in normal play but can be unlocked by changing a memory check to the required value.
  3. Community patches make both Bonus Mode and Debug Mode easy to access without special hardware or deep hacking by replacing those runtime checks with static values. Those patches and instructions are publicly available so players can try the menus themselves.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #4

The Bottom Feeder • 339 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Not many gamers know about online game controversies. Most people play games without getting involved in drama on social media.
  2. UFO50 is great for learning game design by showing how to make fun games without unnecessary complexity. It invites players to think about what really matters in game design.
  3. AI could really improve experiences at parks like Disney, but people might misuse it for funny or mean content, making it a tricky situation.

Under the microscope: Jet Moto 3 (PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Ghidra and a small Python script were used to reverse‑engineer the game's cheat system by mapping letters to PlayStation controller button bit patterns, which let the author extract the actual button combos for each code.
  2. Many decoded codes reliably unlock content or change gameplay — for example EVERYTHING unlocks nearly everything, ALLTRAC adds bonus tracks, SEASONS opens Season levels, and other codes enable turbo, camera modes, and special hops — and some codes must be entered at the title screen while others work during play.
  3. Not every discovered code has a visible effect: several camera codes do nothing, STUNT and RACE appear unused, and some cheats have prerequisites (e.g., COP requires unlocking Granny), so results vary by code.

FaZed and confused

SuperJoost Playlist • 238 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
💼 Business Gaming
  1. FaZe Clan's $19 million sell-off signals challenges in the esports industry
  2. The coming earnings season for gaming companies will focus on revenue growth and innovation
  3. Issues like brand safety, revenue diversification, and platform changes impact esports growth

Tech in 2025: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Integrity

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. AI became everyday infrastructure: agentic systems and wider GPU access made generative tools and smarter search part of normal workflows.
  2. Big hardware launches — like the NVIDIA RTX 5090, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Switch 2 — pushed performance and helped new device formats reach mainstream appeal.
  3. The year favored steady integration over sudden disruption, with sustainability shifting from an aspiration to an industry requirement.

Operation Leviosa

Ronin’s Newsletter • 307 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. The Ronin platform is opening up to more games and applications. This means more opportunities for developers and a wider variety of experiences for players.
  2. The focus on exclusivity is changing, allowing games from other chains to join Ronin. This helps build unity in the web3 gaming community.
  3. The founders reflect on how far they've come in 7 years and see this next step as a significant leap forward. They expect challenges ahead but believe success will benefit the whole community.

Under the microscope: Chaos Control (Saturn, PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The Saturn "Remix" (PAL and NTSC‑J reissue) has a mode‑select controller code that unlocks mirrored versions of the stages, which you then enable from Options → Level.
  2. The original Saturn release includes an invincibility code (A, C, X, Z, B, Y, R, L entered on the title screen) that prevents damage and can be toggled on/off by holding B, and
  3. The PlayStation release also has an invincibility code (L1+R1, L2+R2, L1, R1, L2, R2 on the title screen) that makes you invulnerable but cannot be toggled off.

The joy of six

SuperJoost Playlist • 178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Gaming
  1. GTA6 is anticipated to sell around 38 million copies in its first year, generating $2.7 billion in revenue.
  2. The GTA franchise accounts for a significant portion of Take-Two's annual revenue.
  3. Rockstar Games has successfully built a loyal following and diversified revenue streams through digital distribution.

The New Attention Economy

Litverse • 339 implied HN points • 05 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. The attention economy values depth over delirium, where engagement is meaningful and users seek what truly captures their attention in a world of digital distractions.
  2. Gamification, common in digital experiences, works by offering rewards and notifications to keep users engaged, but as it becomes ubiquitous, users are becoming desensitized to its effects.
  3. Products like Elden Ring and Substack focus on providing deep engagement, free from constant notifications and gamified distractions, offering users the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the experience.

Some men just want to watch Youtube while the world burns

Thicket Forte • 639 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Many people escape into video games and YouTube as a way to avoid real-life responsibilities and stress. It's a common way to find comfort.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in how we connect with games from our childhood. They can feel as important as real memories from our lives.
  3. There's a struggle between enjoying something like video games and feeling guilty for not being more productive. It's okay to admit you need to unwind sometimes.

Origins Season 7 is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 828 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto Gaming
  1. Origins Season 7 is live with intense battles and a Hybrid Leaderboard system offering over $640,000 in rewards
  2. Increased AXP in Origins allows for faster leveling of axies, with added AXP Booster for quicker gains
  3. Collectible Leaderboards and new items like Runes and Charm Boxes enhance the season grind for players

Bet on Love, final tickets

Above The Fold • 98 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming
  1. Final tickets for 'Bet on Love' show are almost sold out, so grab yours quickly!
  2. The show involves 6 suitors competing to win Aella's heart in a mix of musical theatre, game show, and dating show.
  3. Musicians Tim Blais and Bashu are part of the show providing musical art and storytelling.

Introducing AXP in Homeland!

The Lunacian • 736 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Earn Axie Experience Points (AXP) in Homeland to enable axie evolution and dynamic NFTs by engaging in various activities like gathering, producing, crafting, constructing, upgrading, combining, and dismantling materials.
  2. There is a daily cap of earning up to 10,000 AXP per axie in Homeland, with the reset happening every 24 hours at 00:00 UTC.
  3. Assign your NFT axies to your land plots in Homeland to start earning AXP, and remember that the AXP earned is specific to each axie.