This Novel Might Have the Most Neurotic Superhero Origin Story Ever

Superheroes don’t start out super. It’s a hoary trope that’s a key part of every adventurer’s origin story. Superheroes don’t have to be penciled onto the printed page, either. In the right hands, words alone can make the powers and responsibilities of a gifted protector come to life in a mind of a reader. League…

Investigation: A Video Game Studio From Hell

Seven-day work weeks. Sexist decisions. An office environment so toxic, employees are terrified to speak up for fear of losing their jobs. That’s the atmosphere at the Florida-based game development studio Trendy Entertainment, according to current and former employees. Trendy is responsible for a popular tower defense game called Dungeon Defenders and is currently working…

That previously announced Scorpion DLC for the Injustice superhero fighting game will be out next week on June 11th. It’ll cost 400 MS Microsoft Points on Xbox Live or $4.99 on PlayStation Network.

The Mad Rush For Skylanders: Swap Force Begins October 13

Okay parents, we’ve been through this twice before; this time we get it right. The latest installment of the franchise your children go crazy for is officially launching on October 13 in North America and October 18 in Europe. You should probably be taking notes. Skylanders: Swap Force features 32 completely new characters — 16…

People Lost All of These Gaming Systems on the New York City Subway

I’ve lived in New York City my entire life and I’ve never lost anything terribly significant in the city’s underground subways. A scarf or a hat, maybe. Never lost a phone but I understand why that would suck. But losing an entire Xbox 360 console? That would be the worst. And, as you can see…

Here’s what’s going on Talk Among Yourselves, our reader-written blog: DanimalCart think that this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo is one to be excited about. PyramidHeadCrab keeps on asking about favorite things in various categories; this time, he wants to know your most beloved video game console. And GiantBoyDetective regales readers with a rundown of obscure…

You Didn’t Ask For This Deus Ex, But You Might Want It Anyway

It might not be on the platform you wanted it to be on, but you have to admit Deus Ex: The Fall looks pretty sweet. A lot of folks were angry over the revelation earlier this week that the next game in the Deus Ex series was coming to iOS and Android devices. After years…

Three Short Comic Strips About Being a Female Game Journalist

Game critic Cara Ellison and artist Elizabeth Simins have collaborated on a trio of strips that they’re calling “New Strong Female Games Journalists.” We’re happy to debut them for you today. Ellison and Simins are here to make us think and to make us chuckle about anything game-related, really. But for starters, they’ve got this…

Thief Slips Us Another Dark, Gorgeous, And Gameplay-Free Trailer

Recently revealed to (still) be in development for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well as the PC, the troubled Thief isn’t making me feel any better by releasing another incredibly pretty-but-pointless cinematic trailer on the eve of E3. Initially I thought it was the same trailer we posted back in April, what with…

Watch Dying Light‘s Characters Free-Run Their Way To Safety

In a new trailer released this morning, you can get a glimpse at a free-running scenario in the newly-announced Dying Light, the next game from the makers of Dead Island. Stephen called it Mirror’s Edge with the undead. And as you can see in the trailer above, that description feels pretty accurate. We already knew…

Mario Kart Never Looked This Wondrously Fearful And Insane

A few too many mushroom pickups and Mario Kart transforms into a seriously strange and gorgeous 1930-style grand prix, courtesy of artist José Emorca Flores, Mario re-imagineer extraordinaire. But where’s Waluigi? With all this insanity going on, he would probably look nice guy in a fuel-efficient family car. Flores’ prints are up for sale here,…

What Time Does The Xbox One Actually Check To See If You’re Online?

Persona fans know the answer. Everyone else: you’ll want to be asleep when it happens

The Tales of The Abyss Anime Captures the Heart of the Game

This past weekend marked the yearly celebration of all things Tales with Tales of Festival 2013. I had such a good time that after coming back from the event I decided to sit down and watch the anime adaptation of my favorite game in the series: Tales of the Abyss And while it is not…

Gunpoint’s Achievements Are The Best

We really like Gunpoint here at Kotaku. Those of us who have the game can’t stop playing it. Kirk’s gone over why the game is so great in his review, but I think there’s one area in particular that deserves a little extra attention: its achievements. They’re practical. Poignant. Hilarious. Self-aware. Everything you want from…

Stephen Hawking: Devil Summoner

For decades, Stephen Hawking has been one of the world’s most famous scientists. But despite that, I wasn’t expecting him to make an appearance in a game about capturing devils. While not actually named “Stephen Hawking,” Shin Megami Tensei IV’s STEVEN is about as close to being the man as you can be without inviting…

Turtle Cosplay Will Stop You Ever Jumping On Bowser Again

Jennifer Olivarez made this cute little crocheted outfit for a pet turtle, tunring the little guy into the sweetest Bowser you’ll ever see. For crafty types and/or turtle owners, there’s directions on how to make your own. Don’t have a turtle? Maybe it’ll fit your kid. Or Roomba. Make It! Challenge #5: Crochet Bowser Sweater…

Japanese Fans Weigh in on Their Favorite Tales Games

This past weekend in Yokohama, 25,000 Japanese fans gathered for Tales of Festival 2013 over the course of two days. And since the conversation at an event like this turns to all things Tales, we at Kotaku East decided to give voice to a few fans about their favorite Tales games and more. As you’ll…

When Will Gamers Say Enough Is Enough?

I’ve seen some very similar responses to today’s Xbox One news, whether it be the mandatory 24-hour “check-in” or the restrictions on game lending. It’s a defensive sort of reply, brought up by somebody who doesn’t see the news as downright terrible. “But they’re still letting us trade games!” “We can still play games if…

What The Hell Is This I Don’t Even

Hey, look, it’s another trailer for Spin the Bottle, an upcoming Wii U game that wants you to get some friends, turn the TV off, use the Wii U controller’s screen and do…things to each other. Or with each other. Amazing.

Had A Rough Day? This Loving Game’s About Hugging It Out

So many games about hate! Death! Violence! Sometimes, you just want to play something that’s about loving your fellow man instead of putting a knife in his face. Something like Hugatron. A little indie project being worked on by Andrew J Smith ,Andrew Roper and Ewan Brock, it involves two players spinning a wheel, Twister-style,…