The hottest Video Games Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Under the microscope: Segagaga (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games
  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.

Burning Rangers: the 1997-12-20 build

Rings of Saturn • 43 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  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.

#10 - UI/UX tips about password design in video games

A Good Interface • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Give users the ability to view what they type in password fields by including an 'eye' icon.
  2. Inform users if the 'Caps Lock' or 'Num Lock' key is enabled to help prevent errors and save time.
  3. Display the required conditions for creating a password to remind users and consider limiting the number of conditions to make passwords easier to remember.

Comic-Con 2025 Is Over. If You Weren’t There, You Missed BIG!

$5.vc • 1 implied HN point • 17 Jan 26
💥 Comics Video Games
  1. Comic‑Con shifted from trailer hype to live, context‑rich reveals where studios show execution and direction through exclusive footage and reactions.
  2. Video games became core culture and a primary source of cross‑media IP, with developer panels and community conversations driving Hollywood collaborations and a single‑player resurgence.
  3. Fandom and indie creators are now steering the industry, forcing real-time debates about AI, ownership, credit, and representation while grassroots IPs and unexpected collaborations gain major traction.

Under the microscope: Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX & Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX (Dreamcast, PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. You can unlock all characters and bikes in 'Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX' with a specific button code. Just remember to follow the right sequence at the title screen.
  2. There are some cool pause menu codes for 'Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX' that let you do things like slow motion and show the balance meter. It's a fun way to play the game!
  3. In 'Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX,' there's a hidden cheat code to unlock all characters, including the 'Amish Boy.' You just have to enter the right code after unlocking another character.
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Give me a "busy mode" or give me death

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games
  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.

Under the microscope: MDK (PlayStation)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games
  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.

Extending the demos: Metropolis Street Racer (Dreamcast)

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  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.

#5 - Best practices for modals in video games

A Good Interface • 19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Modal windows are design elements in video games used to highlight important information while keeping the current context for the player.
  2. Modal windows should be displayed sparingly and for specific reasons like conveying essential information, blocking progress until required input, and collecting new settings.
  3. Best practices for modal windows in video games include initiating them through user actions, providing an emergency exit, having a clear title, and including a call to action with appropriate sizing.

The Seat of Loss Holiday Gift Guide

The Seat of Loss • 2 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games
  1. Instead of just buying subscriptions or products, think about alternatives that provide more enjoyment, like cooking great meals or creating personal music libraries. It's about finding fulfillment beyond consumerism.
  2. For memorable gifts, consider giving books, high-quality instruments, or unique experiences rather than streaming services or typical electronics. These gifts can bring joy in a more meaningful way.
  3. When it comes to video games, building your own PC or using devices like the Steam Deck can offer greater flexibility and enjoyment, helping you avoid the pitfalls of subscription models and endless spending.

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

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  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
  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.

Fractal Block World

Donkeyspace • 11 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Video Games
  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.

Radicalized by the Game Genie

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Video Games
  1. The Game Genie introduced the idea that the invisible codes of software and society are changeable, inspiring a period of art crimes and hacking into perceived norms.
  2. AI art creation tools like DALLE2 can be viewed as game engines for art, setting rules within which artists create, illustrating the importance of navigating the boundaries between tools and personal expression.
  3. Artists have historically used tools like machinima and hacking to subvert and repurpose gaming structures for storytelling, highlighting the potential for AI art to evolve beyond prompt responses.

What Have I Been Reading This Year?

Barbarian Grunge • 44 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Video Games
  1. The author read and studied various types of content over the past year including graphic novels, video games, screenplays, novels, nonfiction, TV & film, short stories, poems, and for fun
  2. The author found inspiration from the works they read, learning from different genres and styles to enhance their writing
  3. Many of the works the author read were by well-known writers such as Frank Miller, Alan Moore, Stephen King, and Warren Ellis, among others

College Football Players Get $600, Amazon Snags An Exclusive Playoff Game for $150 Million, And Apple Takes Its Next Step In Sports

Huddle Up • 20 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Video Games
  1. EA Sports is paying college football players $600 to use their name, image, and likeness in the new video game, sparking debate over the adequacy of the compensation compared to NFL players.
  2. Amazon secured rights to stream an exclusive NFL playoff game by paying a hefty $150 million, highlighting the competitive landscape for sports broadcasting among tech giants.
  3. Apple is making strides in the sports industry with its new Sports app, underlining the company's expansion into the realm of sports entertainment beyond its traditional tech offerings.

#11 - What's behind the interface of Lethal Company

A Good Interface • 2 HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. The user interface of Lethal Company is successful because it matches the game's genre and atmosphere with carefully chosen colors, shapes, and ornaments.
  2. A key aspect of the UI design is displaying the right amount of information, ensuring the player remains immersed without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. To make the UI easily understandable, leveraging common icons, patterns, and familiar elements is crucial. It helps simplify the learning curve for players.

Motorola's 6809 : The Best 8-Bit?

The Chip Letter • 17 HN points • 03 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Motorola's 6809 microprocessor series evolved to become a major player in the 8-bit era, competing with the likes of Intel and Zilog.
  2. The architecture of the 6809 was designed with 'source code' compatibility with the 6800, allowing programs written in 6800 assembly language to run, but with changes in machine code.
  3. Despite its advancements, the 6809 faced limitations due to the rise of more advanced processors like the 68000, leading to it being seen as an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design.

GenAI will change how games are played

Let's talk games & AI. • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. In about 7.5 years, there is potential for playing any game experience whenever you want.
  2. The speed of GenAI model advancements will likely lead to faster response times for gaming.
  3. Over the next few years, GenAI will revolutionize how games are created and played through user-generated content, dynamic gaming experiences, and cloud gaming solutions.

Months Late Game Review ... Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The Good Things.

The Bottom Feeder • 2 HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Video Games
  1. Video game criticism is rushed, but thoughtful analysis takes time to assess what works and what doesn't.
  2. Zelda games are unique in their niche popularity, combining puzzle elements with combat, and creating an open-ended exploration experience.
  3. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom introduces fascinating game design elements like weapon durability and a physics engine that enhances gameplay.

Seriously shady stuff

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 15
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Silicon Valley may be in a bubble, with highly valued startups and underlying human drama to ponder
  2. Jason Scott is singlehandedly preserving thousands of computer manuals, but his plans for them remain mysterious
  3. A subgenre of video games mocking Millennials by exploring modern love and sex exists, representing a form of condescension

Zomg chill out

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 14
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Mindgeek dominates the online porn industry, illustrating economic insights more than just about sex.
  2. Robots are being developed to look, act, and interact like humans, with implications in various fields.
  3. Video games are being explored as a potential therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum.

A mythological rabbit hole 🐇: The Divine Dragon 🐉 in Sekiro 🏯 : The Sword and the Everblossom

Rabbit Holes 🐇🕳 • 0 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Video Games
  1. The Seven-Branched Sword in Sekiro symbolizes the connection of the dragon to the divine realm through intricate design and historical significance.
  2. The Everblossom Tree represents impermanence and the beauty of ephemeral existence in Japanese culture, with the loss of the tree being a significant event tied to the quest for immortality in the game.
  3. Eastern dragons in popular media such as Spirited Away, Dragon Ball series, and Legend of Zelda embody mythical themes like guardianship of water bodies, granting wishes, and control over weather and natural elements.

Computer Games mag Interviews Don Bluth (1984)

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Video Games
  1. Don Bluth created 'Dragon's Lair,' a game that changed how video games looked by using animation, making them feel more real and exciting.
  2. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and input from everyone on the team to make a great game, showing that collaboration is key in creative projects.
  3. Bluth believes that while technology evolves, the role of human creativity and artistry in animation and games is irreplaceable, and there's always room for new and engaging ideas.