The hottest Video Games Substack posts right now

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Commodore Magazine Interviews Epyx (1989)

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games Software Development Computer History Game design Consumer Electronics
  1. Epyx started as a small game company and became successful by creating original titles and working closely as a team. They really focused on innovative ideas and stayed dedicated to their projects.
  2. The company faced challenges in licensing properties, like trying to secure the Olympic name, but they adapted by creating unique games that avoided conflicts with big players in the industry.
  3. Their games often combined fun gameplay with good graphics and sound, and they focused on making games that were enjoyable for everyone, not just hardcore players.

UFO50, the Only Game You'll Ever Need

The Bottom Feeder • 727 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Game design Indie games Market Trends
  1. UFO50 is a unique collection of 50 smaller games, each designed to be completed in just a few hours. This makes it easy to enjoy different game styles without a huge time commitment.
  2. The games in UFO50 showcase clever design ideas that keep gameplay fresh and interesting. Even if one game doesn't appeal to you, you can find multiple others that will.
  3. Making short games like those in UFO50 can be a challenge in the market, but they provide satisfying experiences for players who might not have the time for longer games.

Give me a "busy mode" or give me death

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games Entertainment Art Lifestyle Media
  1. Many gamers wish for a 'busy mode' in games that allows them to focus on the main story without all the extra side quests. It would save time and make gaming more enjoyable for those with busy lives.
  2. As people get older, they may find it harder to fully commit to long gaming sessions. Shorter, story-driven experiences could be more appealing and realistic for adult gamers.
  3. There are concerns about how a 'busy mode' might affect the gaming experience, but the idea is to make gaming more accessible and fun without losing the essence of the game.

AI in Meta Land

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Video Games Virtual reality
  1. Meta plans to use AI to create millions of AI-generated users on its platforms. This could change how we interact online, possibly focusing more on fiction than reality.
  2. Using AI in social media might make it feel like an immersive video game. People could interact with dynamic AI characters, making learning fun and engaging.
  3. While there are concerns about addiction and harm from interacting with bots, these interactions might actually be less harmful than current social media interactions with real people.
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Under the microscope: Sakura Wars & Sakura Wars 2 (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 58 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming Video Games Nostalgia Cheat Codes
  1. Sakura Wars and Sakura Wars 2 for Dreamcast both have powerful debug modes that let players access hidden features and options. You can unlock these modes by entering specific cheat codes at certain points in the game.
  2. The debug menu in Sakura Wars allows players to jump to different scenes, play mini-games, and select characters from the game. This creates a fun way to explore parts of the game that are usually unseen.
  3. In Sakura Wars 2, there are two sets of cheat codes needed to access the debug menu, and it even allows sound and gameplay adjustments. This gives players an opportunity to mess around with different settings and find new ways to enjoy the game.

Under the microscope: Segagaga (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games Game design Debugging Hacking Software Development
  1. Segagaga, a Sega RPG, has two hidden debug menus that can be accessed using cheat codes or patches. This makes the game more interactive for players who enjoy exploring its features.
  2. The first debug menu allows players to adjust game statistics, view sprites, and test sound and movie clips. It provides a way to experiment with different elements of the game.
  3. The second debug menu lets players access various game functions directly, including scenarios and mini-games. This menu simplifies navigation and enhances the gaming experience.

Fractal Block World

Donkeyspace • 11 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games Pop culture Creative Expression
  1. Video games are fascinating because they mix creativity and interactivity, making them a unique art form. However, sometimes people feel disconnected from them or are unsure if they still find joy in gaming.
  2. Minecraft has managed to keep its charm and creativity over the years, showing that there are still interesting and positive gaming experiences out there. This can help rekindle passion for the gaming world.
  3. Fractal Block World is a new game that explores complex, fractal-like spaces and challenges players in unique ways. It's a reminder that games can still be weird, intriguing, and thought-provoking, bringing back the magic of gaming.

Under the microscope: Tokyo Highway Battle (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 58 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Video Games Cheat Codes Game analysis
  1. Tokyo Highway Battle was released on both Saturn and PlayStation, but the Saturn version had unique cheat codes. Players can gain points quickly using specific button combinations.
  2. The cheat for getting 9,999,999 points on the Saturn version is different from the PlayStation version. This points boost allows for more customization options in the game.
  3. Technical differences between the two versions affect how cheat codes work. The Saturn’s code is simpler and easier to find compared to the PlayStation's.

Under the microscope: MDK (PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games Cheat Codes Game Development Programming
  1. MDK has hidden cheat codes that many players might not know about, adding more fun to the gameplay.
  2. Some codes need to be unlocked with other specific codes to work, which can change game mechanics and visuals significantly.
  3. Finding these codes involves programming and testing various button combinations, which can be a fun challenge for enthusiasts.

Burning Rangers: the 1997-12-20 build

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Game Development Software Engineering
  1. There's a playable demo of the game 'Burning Rangers' from a 1997 build. It has many unique features and glitches not found in the final version.
  2. Players can change game settings to skip certain demo parts and play missions normally. This allows for a more complete gaming experience of the prototype.
  3. The demo has several bugs and issues during gameplay, like broken swimming mechanics and crashes, which make it feel very different from the final game.

Crossplay Mailbag: "Is Nintendo's Awful Online Setup Actually Great For Kids?"

Crossplay • 746 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Online Services Parenting Video Games
  1. Kids may easily switch between different games and videos, affecting their level of commitment to a particular game
  2. Parents appreciate the strict controls of Nintendo's online setup for kids playing multiplayer games
  3. Introducing games to children can be influenced by personal values and the desire to guide the child's exposure in a positive way

Under the microscope: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation, Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 58 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Programming Software Development Cheat Codes Reverse Engineering
  1. There are new cheat codes in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 that have been undiscovered for 24 years. This was found by someone analyzing the game and its cheat code system.
  2. A special Python script was created to discover these cheat codes by attacking the game's hashing system. This method used a combination of known button sequences and permutations.
  3. One of the new cheat codes allows players to turn off shadows in the game. Another doubles the score, which can make gameplay more interesting!

Extending the demos: Metropolis Street Racer (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Game Development Digital Preservation
  1. The demo of Metropolis Street Racer from the Dream On Volume 7 disc was initially not playable, but a patch was created to enable gameplay and access an early version of the game.
  2. There are also patches for the E3 demo and the Opel Challenge demo, allowing players to unlock full menus and features not originally available in those demos.
  3. Exploring these demo versions gives a unique insight into the game's development, showing how it changed before its final release.

A Game About Bad Dates Is Also About Parents and Children Trying (And Failing) to Understand Each Other

Crossplay • 294 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Video Games Parenting Immigration Personal experiences
  1. Game 'Thirsty Suitors' explores parents and children connecting through gaming.
  2. The game reflects the creator's personal experiences with parenting his own kids and caring for his parents.
  3. As a game developer, juggling parenting and work life balance is a challenge.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #3

The Bottom Feeder • 484 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Indie games Game design
  1. Steam Next Fest is a good opportunity for indie game developers to showcase their demos, despite the overcrowded market.
  2. Indie game developers often struggle to come up with completely new game ideas, leading to a trend of mixing and matching existing genres.
  3. The video game industry is facing challenges such as burnout, harsh recession period, and layoffs, impacting both developers and players.

Salamander Software's Franklin's Tomb

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Video Games
  1. Salamander Software was a collective run by friends from Sussex University, known for their Dragon charbusters like Night Flight and Franklin's Tomb.
  2. Their game Franklin's Tomb, part of the Dan Diamond trilogy, was a text adventure involving mummies, mazes, and a white rabbit. It had a split screen, save game feature, and clues for upcoming adventures.
  3. Reviewers praised Franklin's Tomb for its quality, engaging gameplay, and the need for exploration and puzzle-solving. The game utilized the full memory of the computers it was available on.

Ghost Lap

The Commonplace • 1042 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
⚔ Fiction Short Story Memories Loss Grief Video Games
  1. The protagonist reflects on his father's life and premature death, feeling the weight of unfulfilled potential.
  2. Returning to his childhood home after facing job loss and relationship troubles, the protagonist grapples with feelings of failure and uncertainty about the future.
  3. Finding an old PlayStation console sparks memories of bonding with his father through a video game, eventually leading to a poignant realization about letting go of past victories.

Under the microscope: Off-World Interceptor (3DO, Saturn, PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Cheat Codes Game Development Game Mechanics
  1. New cheat codes for the game _Off-World Interceptor_ were found, which had been hidden for 30 years. These codes work across multiple platforms like 3DO, Saturn, and PlayStation.
  2. The cheat codes can kickstart various features in the game, such as level selection, invincibility, and unlimited time. Players can enter these codes at the Options screen for added fun.
  3. The author used a tool called Ghidra to analyze the game’s memory and discover these codes. This shows that there’s still fun to be had from old games with a bit of technical know-how.

Under the microscope: Skeleton Warriors (Saturn, PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games Game Development Cryptography Programming Mathematics
  1. The article talks about finding cheat codes for the game Skeleton Warriors on the Saturn and PlayStation consoles. It highlights how some of these codes were previously unknown and required research and coding to uncover.
  2. The author used a combination of brute force methods and mathematical approaches to determine the missing cheat codes. They collaborated with a cryptographer to solve complex hashing problems involved in the game.
  3. Mick West, a cofounder of Neversoft, contributed to the findings by sharing source code and insights about how the cheats work in the game. This shows a connection between game development and player discovery.

The Zombies Within

Don't Save Anything • 196 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Free will Video Games
  1. The post is about alpha males, free will, and The Last of Us.
  2. The author, Neil Shea, shared a new list of reading, watching, and listening suggestions in the post.
  3. To keep reading the full post, a 7-day free trial is available for new subscribers.

Zoomers, Video Games, and The New Culture (Video)

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Video Games
  1. The creator is introducing audio productions for essays, targeting those who prefer video formats, expanding on the essay content, methodologies, and the topic.
  2. The creator has launched a YouTube channel for posting videos of essays and audio productions, diving deeper into topics like 'The Domes of Calrathia'.
  3. The creator teases upcoming content including five chapters of Gigaheroes and a new exclusive short story for paying subscribers, thanking readers for their support.

Vol. 1, Issue 28 - Pokémon Photography: A Game Boy Camera Project

Johto Times • 139 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Photography Video Games Art Hobbies Community
  1. Using a Game Boy Camera can be a fun way to explore photography, especially with themes like Pokémon. It inspires creativity even with its low-quality images.
  2. Adventure and trial-and-error are key to getting better photos with limited equipment. Finding the right lighting and settings can lead to surprising results.
  3. Joining communities like the Game Boy Camera Club helps share tips and get support from others who love this unique photography style.

Ex-Riot developers are making “Breath of the Wild with friends”

Updater, Shannon Liao's gaming newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Video Games Venture Capital Game Development Animation
  1. Former Riot developers are creating an open-world game similar to 'Breath of the Wild' with a focus on playing with friends
  2. The game studio secured $55 million in funding and aims to create a world characterized by optimism and worth fighting for
  3. The developers emphasize creating a rich player experience and aspire to build a media universe around the game, including an animated TV show

Vol. 1, Issue 45 - Interview with The Pokémon Factory

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Art Internet History Nostalgia
  1. The Pokémon Factory is a fan website that started in 1998, focusing on creating fake Pokémon. It's been a creative place for people to share their ideas and art.
  2. The community has had ups and downs over the years, but it still holds a special place in Pokémon history. Many artists and fans continue to celebrate and contribute to it.
  3. As they approach their 25th anniversary, the site's legacy shows how online communities can inspire creativity and connection among fans.

Vol. 1, Issue 41 - Interview with Craig Turvey (Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest)

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Entertainment Video Games Comics Collectibles
  1. Craig Turvey won the Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest in 2002 and created artwork that became an official Pokémon promo card. He was one of only two Western artists featured for that contest.
  2. Winning the contest gave Craig a unique connection to the Pokémon community. He still runs a Pokémon League and enjoys signing cards for fans.
  3. The popularity and value of Pokémon cards, especially Craig's Snorlax promo card, have greatly increased over the years, making it a noteworthy collector's item.

Vol. 1, Issue 39 - Crystal: My Favourite Pokémon Game

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Pop culture Nostalgia Entertainment Community
  1. Pokémon Crystal is loved for its unique features and colorful graphics that were a big step up from earlier games like Pokémon Blue.
  2. Playing Pokémon Crystal with friends made the experience even more enjoyable, with activities like trading, battling, and exchanging gifts.
  3. The game's music and memorable characters added to the joy of playing, creating lasting memories that continue to resonate over the years.

It’s a Media Roundup!

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books Movies TV shows Audio Video Games
  1. David shares his recent media consumption including books, movies, TV shows, and video games.
  2. He enjoyed 'Red Team Blues: A Martin Hench Novel' for its unique protagonist and storyline.
  3. David also explores the disappointments and surprises in other media such as 'The Three-Body Problem' and 'Tetris', offering alternative suggestions and insights.

Vol. 1, Issue 37 - Pokémon games as a service is bad news

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Video Games Digital Media Consumer Rights Entertainment
  1. Making Pokémon games available through a service like Nintendo Switch Online can limit players' control over what they can play. If the service ends or costs increase, access to these games could disappear.
  2. Unlike owning a game outright, subscribing to a service means you only have access while paying. This can feel risky when it comes to classic games that many fans have loved for years.
  3. Nintendo has a history of not making games available across its different consoles. Many older Pokémon titles are hard to access now, making it frustrating for fans who want to play their favorites.

#2 - How to make a good text field

A Good Interface • 79 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Design User Interface Video Games Accessibility
  1. A good text field is displayed at the right time - only show it when needed, use alternatives like toggle switches or choice lists when possible.
  2. A good text field has clear label - make labels short, precise, and avoid overusing technical language.
  3. A good text field gives visual feedback - ensure visual cues like hover, active, focus states are properly incorporated to guide users.

How I got to cover video games for The New York Times

Updater, Shannon Liao's gaming newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Journalism Career
  1. The author had a rollercoaster experience with a job offer from The New York Times.
  2. The author shared personal reflections on attending her high school reunion and her classmates' admiration for her journalism work.
  3. The author plans to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at how she got to cover video games for The New York Times.

2023 annual review of "A Good Interface"!

A Good Interface • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🪑 Design User Interface Video Games Newsletter Game design
  1. The writer quit their job, sold belongings, and traveled to create a game and explore, turning this journey into newsletter content.
  2. In 2023, the writer focused on sharing insights on UI/UX design for video games, posting consistently on Substack.
  3. For 2024, the writer plans to continue sharing design insights and personal project updates while aiming for reader interaction and feedback.

Vol. 1, Issue 16 - Preserving Pokémon

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games Nostalgia Art Community Technology
  1. Pokémon game data can be at risk due to dying internal batteries in older games. It's important to know that many copies of classic Pokémon games are losing their save data because the batteries can't last forever.
  2. You can preserve your Pokémon data by using devices like the GBxCart, which helps back up save data to your computer. This way, you can keep your memories safe even if the original cartridge fails.
  3. Digital versions of Pokémon games also have issues, as they may not always be available. To keep your Pokémon safe for the long haul, consider backing them up or finding ways to preserve the physical copies.

#6 - What's the right size?

A Good Interface • 39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology UI Design Video Games User Experience
  1. Size your buttons correctly: Follow guidelines like 10mm x 10mm for mobile games and 44px / 48px for non-touch screens for optimal user interaction.
  2. Text matters too: Ensure text size is at least 16px for readability and paragraphs have 50-75 characters per line. Line spacing should be at least 1.5 times the font size.
  3. Provide user options: Let players customize their experience, like font size, to cater to diverse preferences and enhance accessibility.