The hottest Gaming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Vol. 2, Issue 9 - Interview with The PokéMasters

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Community Gaming Media Internet Nostalgia
  1. The PokéMasters is a popular Pokémon fan website that started in 1998 and has a long history of bringing fans together. It offers a place for discussions about Pokémon and has a sense of community.
  2. New Pokémon games and features are being released, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket for mobile devices. These updates show that the Pokémon franchise is still growing.
  3. Maintaining online communities can be challenging, but The PokéMasters has thrived due to its strong bonds between members. Even as people grow older, they come back to share their love for Pokémon and connect with others.

Vol. 1, Issue 3 - Memories of Mew

Johto Times • 199 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Events Nostalgia Gaming Community
  1. The Pokémon World Exhibition took place at the Millennium Dome in 2000, where fans could experience exciting events and get cool Pokémon memorabilia.
  2. Attendees had the chance to obtain the rare Pokémon Mew through an official distribution, making the event memorable for fans.
  3. Pokémon Day is celebrated on February 27th each year, and there are often announcements for new games and updates around this time.

Vol. 2, Issue 7 - Backwards compatibility with Pokémon titles

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Art Community Media Technology
  1. The closure of the Nintendo eShop means players can't transfer Pokémon from older games anymore. This has affected many fans who cherish their Pokémon from previous generations.
  2. While Pokémon Bank is currently free after a recent shutdown, it's uncertain how long it will continue to operate. There are worries about losing access to older Pokémon data in the future.
  3. There is hope that Nintendo may offer classic Pokémon games online eventually. However, for now, links to older games feel cut off as technology changes.
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God of War Ragnarok: Five Game Systems In One Bag

The Bottom Feeder • 290 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Systems Design Indie games
  1. The game design for God of War Ragnarok involved combining multiple game systems, resulting in a complex and overwhelming experience for players.
  2. Despite the extensive features and upgrades in the game, many of these elements were found to be unnecessary and not essential for effective gameplay.
  3. Feedback on game design suggests that prioritizing clear, substantive upgrades and reducing the number of systems could lead to a more enjoyable and balanced gaming experience.

Origins Juggling Update

The Lunacian • 92 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gaming
  1. Axie Infinity is addressing the issue of juggling in the game to ensure fairness and genuine achievement among players
  2. A new rule requires that axies used in the Arena during the last 3 days of an era must stay in the user's account until the era ends to be eligible for rewards
  3. Players are no longer allowed to juggle, borrow, or share axies as a shortcut to win against more competitive opponents

🎙️ Generative AI for 3D Worlds with Atlas CEO Ben James

The GameMakers Letter • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Gaming Podcast
  1. Atlas specializes in transforming 2D images into 3D models for gaming worlds, creating diverse models at a massive scale, changing art styles dynamically.
  2. Atlas' technology accelerates the creation process of 3D assets, generating 20,000 unique buildings for a VR game 200 times faster than traditional methods, saving time and costs for developers.
  3. Early applications of Atlas technology focus on game concept testing by providing a quick visualization of 3D worlds in various art styles to iterate on game layouts, though full production usage is still in development.

Vol. 1, Issue 44 - Rachael Gater's Pokémon Memories

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Gaming Childhood Memories Holidays
  1. Rachael Gater shares her special Pokémon memories from Christmas 1999, a time full of excitement for both her and her brother as they received their Game Boy games.
  2. During this festive season, Pokémon created a sense of connection and joy among kids in the late 90s, sparking fun conversations and friendly competition on the playground.
  3. Rachael's experience highlights how video games allowed for bonding moments with family, making memories that stood out even as childhood transitioned into adulthood.

The Revolution of Generative AI Based Games

Trends, Analysis, Lies and Statistics • 78 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Gaming Social Platforms Content creation
  1. Generative AI enables players to craft novel characters, stories, and settings, leading to new gaming formats.
  2. GenAI games challenge established norms by rendering scarcity obsolete and emphasizing creativity over collection.
  3. Generative AI-based games expand gameplay beyond mechanics, allowing players to become active content creators and fostering community collaboration.

Vol. 1, Issue 30 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: SteC

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Pop culture Gaming Travel
  1. A Pokémon fan in Japan shared amazing photos of cool Pokémon items and attractions. It's fun to see all the unique Pokémon products available in Japan.
  2. Pokémon Sleep, a mobile app for tracking sleep with Pokémon themes, recently celebrated ten million downloads. They are offering rewards for players to enjoy.
  3. New Pokémon are coming to Pokémon GO during the Adventures Abound season, including fan-favorite characters from the Paldean region. This event runs until December.

Apeiron's Ecosystem Token $APRS is Launching on Ronin!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 73 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Blockchain Cryptocurrency Gaming Web3
  1. Apeiron's $APRS token is launching on Ronin, allowing users to purchase through partners at Impossible Finance between March 12th and 15th for $0.11 USDC per token.
  2. The $APRS token will have vesting and unlock requirements to ensure a sustainable ecosystem, holding investor token allocations in escrow until they vest.
  3. There will be community rounds for Apeiron NFT holders and the Ronin community to purchase $APRS, with key dates including a wRON staking period, APRS purchase period, and APRS claim period.

Vol. 1, Issue 4 - The Legacy of Pokémon

Johto Times • 159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Media Entertainment Nostalgia Technology
  1. Many fans are excited about the Legacy of Pokémon series. It's a chance for older players to share memories and newer fans to understand the history.
  2. The Nintendo eShop for Wii U and 3DS is closing soon, meaning many Pokémon games will be hard to buy legally after March 27, 2023.
  3. New Pokémon-related announcements were made on Pokémon Day, including new downloadable content and a cool new Pokémon card game set.

Vol. 1, Issue 21 - Interview with Lawrence Schwedler

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Interviews Music Art Pop culture
  1. Lawrence Schwedler was the Audio Director for Pokémon Puzzle League, where he worked on translating popular Pokémon music into MIDI format for the Nintendo 64. It was a creative challenge to make it sound great with limited technology.
  2. For reworking Pokémon Puzzle League with modern technology, Lawrence would focus on using real instruments and adaptive music design, which would enhance the gaming experience with richer sound and variety.
  3. He shared that working within limitations can spark creativity, a valuable lesson he learned during his time at Nintendo Software Technology. This approach has contributed to many successful games despite technical constraints.

DoDonPachi Resurrection HD+

Have You Played? • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Mobile Gameplay
  1. DoDonPachi Resurrection HD+ is a mesmerizing shoot 'em up game with intense visuals and challenging gameplay mechanics.
  2. The game offers various modes, weapons, and ships, along with scoring systems that encourage risky piloting for high scores.
  3. Despite its punishing difficulty and traditional arcade design, the game adapts to modern gaming preferences by providing multiple ways to play and incorporating popular gameplay elements.

#9 - Creating an intuitive in-game menu

A Good Interface • 59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology UI Design User Experience Game Development Visual Design Gaming
  1. Understanding player expectations is crucial for designing intuitive in-game menus. Players have certain expectations for content and structure, deviating from which can lead to frustration.
  2. Menu navigation and flow are essential in creating a user-friendly experience. Design clear paths, group similar items, and prioritize important actions for quick and easy navigation.
  3. Consistency in iconography, terminology, and design elements, as well as testing with real players, feedback, and iteration, are key to crafting a well-crafted in-game menu that enhances the player experience.

Vol. 1, Issue 20 - Interview with Blue Moon Falls

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Fandom Media Gaming Internet Nostalgia
  1. Blue Moon Falls is a Pokémon fansite that focuses on the first two generations of Pokémon games. It aims to make older game information accessible and fun for both new and returning players.
  2. The site’s design reflects classic 2000s Pokémon websites while being mobile-friendly. This blend helps modern users enjoy nostalgic content easily on their devices.
  3. Creating a personal website like Blue Moon Falls can be a rewarding experience, regardless of your programming skills. It's a great way to explore your interests and share them with others.

Vol. 1, Issue 13 - A Pokémon fan in Japan: Vectrex

Johto Times • 119 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Entertainment Media Gaming Travel
  1. A Pokémon card shop in Japan is only selling new cards to older kids and adults to prevent reselling and help younger fans buy them. This is a nice move to keep the game fun for kids.
  2. A Pokémon fan named Vectrex shares his cool Pokémon finds from Japan, showing off lots of unique Pokémon merchandise. His discoveries include plushies, game consoles, and even themed food.
  3. In Japan, there are various themed places and items related to Pokémon, like a bus featuring their characters for tourists. It's exciting to see how integrated Pokémon is in Japanese culture.

Vol. 1, Issue 27 - The Legacy of Pokémon: Part 4 - Generation 3

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Media Community Nostalgia
  1. Generation 3 of Pokémon introduced new games like Ruby and Sapphire, which had exciting features like secret bases. People really enjoyed exploring the Hoenn region and collecting Pokémon.
  2. In 2023, there was a big Pokémon World Championships event in Japan, bringing trainers from all over to compete. It included games like Pokémon GO and Scarlet & Violet.
  3. A special concert took place featuring Pokémon music, and several new animated series were announced. Fans are excited to see what’s next in the Pokémon franchise.

Vol. 2, Issue 3 - Luke's Pokémon Memories: Nintendo Konga Beach Road Trip

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Gaming Memory Community Nostalgia
  1. Luke has a fond memory of attending the Nintendo Konga Beach Road Trip in 2004, where he got to play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen before they were officially released.
  2. The event included fun activities, like playable game demos and a giant inflatable Charizard, which made it an exciting experience for Luke and his friends.
  3. Even after many years, Luke still loves Pokémon and shares his passion through a podcast where he discusses different Pokémon families each week.

Vol. 1, Issue 40 - Interview with PokéAaah!

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Fan Communities Interviews Pop culture Collectibles
  1. Poké Aaah! is a community focused on fake Pokémon cards, where fans can create and share their own designs. It started in 1999 and has become a hub for card creation resources.
  2. The second DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is launching on December 14th, 2023, bringing new content and returning Pokémon. Fans are excited to see what's new!
  3. There was a confirmation of an authentic Prerelease Raichu card, ending years of speculation. Some rare cards from the past are gaining attention and value in today's market.

Vol. 1, Issue 26 - Interview with The Grand PokéTour

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Travel Interviews Gaming Media
  1. Alex is exploring real-world locations that inspired the Kanto and Johto regions from Pokémon. He finds it amazing to connect these places with his childhood memories of the games.
  2. Traveling around Japan to visit these Pokémon-inspired sites is not easy. Alex plans his trips carefully, considering safety, local culture, and the logistics of getting to these sometimes remote locations.
  3. He believes understanding the history and culture of the places he visits enhances the Pokémon experience. It helps fans feel more connected to the lore of the games.

Vol. 1, Issue 38 - Yui Haruhara’s Pokémon Memories

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Gaming Pop culture Entertainment Community
  1. Yui shared their childhood memories of playing Pokémon, especially their Halloween experiences dressed as Ash and Snorlax. It was a fun time when Pokémon was super popular.
  2. The article mentions special events for Pokémon games, like getting a unique Hisuian Zoroark or catching costumed Pikachu and Gengar during Halloween. These events keep fans engaged and excited.
  3. Yui reflected on the evolution of Pokémon, from its early days with simple graphics and gameplay to today's more advanced features, showing how the franchise has grown over time.

Vol. 2, Issue 1 - The PokéGods

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Fan culture Nostalgia Media Entertainment
  1. PokéGods were fake Pokémon rumors that spread in the late 90s. Many fans believed in them and wasted time trying to capture these non-existent creatures.
  2. Some PokéGod rumors were based on real Pokémon hidden in games, like the famous belief that Mew could be found under a truck. This kind of myth caught the imagination of many players.
  3. The rise of social media made it easier to fact-check information, causing interest in PokéGods to fade as real Pokémon were officially announced and shared.

Sympathy for the devils

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Online Communities Identity Social Change Subculture
  1. Identity crisis can fuel violence and separatisms as people strive to prove who they are and maintain their identity.
  2. The evolution of gamer identity shows how communities form around shared interests and act as a source of social significance.
  3. The Gamergate phenomenon highlighted how shifts in culture and inclusivity can trigger reactions from groups feeling their identity threatened.

Vol. 2, Issue 14 - Interview with Marills World

Johto Times • 19 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Internet Nostalgia Community Fan culture
  1. Online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will end on April 8, 2024. This means fans can't play online, trade, or battle in older Pokémon games after this date.
  2. Marills World was a popular Pokémon fan site from 2001 to 2005 that offered news, reviews, and a community forum for fans. The creator, Dom, started it as a way to share Pokémon information and connect with others.
  3. Nostalgia is a big part of Pokémon culture. Many fans like Dom cherish their childhood experiences and items like trading cards and game boxes, reminding them of their love for Pokémon even as they grow older.

Vol. 1, Issue 15 - Interview with PokéJungle

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Media Gaming Community Interviews
  1. PokéJungle is a long-standing fan community that started in 2003. It's popular for sharing Pokémon news and engaging fans with various topics related to the franchise.
  2. Social media plays a big role in growing online communities today. Posting frequently and connecting with your audience can help build a following, as seen with PokéJungle's success on platforms like Twitter.
  3. Many fan sites face challenges adapting to modern trends, but there still is potential for forums and dedicated communities. Fans can join these spaces for shared interests beyond traditional social media.

Under the microscope: Three Dirty Dwarves

Rings of Saturn • 61 HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Analysis Development
  1. A hidden cheat code 'MOSHOLU' in Three Dirty Dwarves unlocks 'CHEAT MODE', allowing selection of starting levels.
  2. Discovering hidden features like 'SUPERHERO' and 'JOYRECORD' by examining memory snapshots and exploring password encoding in the game's data.
  3. The decoding process revealed the original purpose of password codes like 'GUNHILL' was to access different game levels, and 'JOYRECORD' likely allowed control over in-game demo playback.

Vol. 1, Issue 22 - Interview with Lewtwo

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Media Gaming Art Community Preservation
  1. Lewtwo is working hard to preserve Pokémon media, including art, music, and videos, with help from his friends and community. This effort is crucial to keeping the franchise's history alive.
  2. Pokémon Concierge, a new stop-motion animation series by Netflix, is set to premiere in December 2023 and will feature a story about a concierge catering to Pokémon at a resort.
  3. Pokémon GO recently celebrated its seventh anniversary with in-game events and special bonuses, highlighting the continued popularity of the franchise in the gaming community.