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The Paradox Of Online Games’ Group-Finders
One of the great online gaming paradoxes is the group-finder, a feature intended to bring people together that often does the opposite. It’s a mainstay in online games, a one-size-fits-all solution to the ever-present social gaming problem of “How do I meet people and progress?” Functional, accessible and a little impersonal, the group-finder makes connecting…
By Cecilia D'Anastasio Published November 29, 2018 -
Sexing My Way Through Ancient Greece In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
If there’s anything I learned studying Classics at university, it’s that our respected ancient ancestors were total horndogs. That’s why I’m so happy Assassin’s Creed Odyssey embraces historical bonkery to the extent that it does. People generally imagine historical figures the way they imagine their grandparents: shirts buttoned up right to the neck, using beds…
By Kate Gray Published November 29, 2018 -
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Is Still A Stressful Mess
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is now over a year old, and a load of changes haven’t transformed it from being the opposite of what I want from an Animal Crossing game. I play Animal Crossing to relax. When I opened up Pocket Camp today for the first time in many months, I got five alerts…
By Gita Jackson Published November 29, 2018 -
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is finally backwards compatible on Xbox One. The program has been steadily growing every month, but this 2012 fantasy RPG is a particularly nice addition, especially since a remaster doesn’t seem to be in the cards at this point. A little generic perhaps, but charming and fun nonetheless
By Ethan Gach Published November 29, 2018 -
Mysterious Boats Are Falling Out Of The Sky In Red Dead Online
Red Dead Online’s beta launched this week, and it’s a looser, sillier experience than the main game. But a beta mean glitches, and there’s been nothing stranger than the cavalcade of burnt-out boats mysteriously plaguing the city of Saint Denis. Players romping around Red Dead Online are taking to social media and YouTube to share…
By Heather Alexandra Published November 29, 2018 -
Don’t Be Intimidated By Smash Bros.
With Smash Bros. Ultimate right on the horizon, I am experiencing my usual case of wondering if it’s way too late for me to get on that ship. I sat down with Kotaku’s Maddy Myers to figure out if now is the time for me to start playing Smash or if I should just be…
By Paul Tamayo Published November 29, 2018 -
Nintendo’s Controversial Creators Program Is Shutting Down
The Nintendo Creators Program, launched as an attempt to moderate what folks were doing with the company’s content on YouTube, is closing down next year. In its place is will be a set of guidelines that might have a pretty big impact on the way you watch Nintendo games online. Three years after its contentious…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 28, 2018 -
I Just Started Playing Artifact And I’m Already Tempted To Spend Money
Valve finally has a new game out. Can you believe it? A card game based on Dota 2, Artifact launched today on Steam. After having messed around with it for several hours, I can report that there is indeed a ton of stuff going on in Artifact, but that it’s also one of the more…
By Ethan Gach Published November 28, 2018 -
$200 Fallout 76 Edition Promised Fancy Bag, Delivers Nylon Trash Instead [Update: Bethesda Responds]
The $200 Power Armor edition of Fallout 76 promised fans a load of stuff, including what looked like a very nice canvas bag. Which they didn’t end up getting, because between announcing the bundle and shipping it Bethesda pulled a lil’ switcheroo. Update – 5am, 11/29/18: Bethesda has responded, saying “we are sorry”. Original story…
By Luke Plunkett Published November 28, 2018 -
Dragon Ball FighterZ Player Won’t Stop Winning World Tour Events
After months of competition, the Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour is nearing its January conclusion. Matches have been fierce as international competitors have fought for a spot at the finals, but the fiercest among them is apparently Ryota “Kazunoko” Inoue, who hasn’t stopped winning Saga events despite qualifying for the World Tour finale all the…
By Ian Walker Published November 28, 2018 -
Arthur Morgan’s No Good, Very Bad Day
Arthur Morgan wanted to turn his horse around and head for the hills. He wanted to be anywhere else, even if it was back at camp with that scar-faced good-for-nothing John Marston. And yet, he felt compelled by some mysterious force to ride toward a house containing a prospect more fearsome than any outlaw gang,…
By Nathan Grayson Published November 28, 2018 -
Battlefront II‘s Clone Wars Update Is The Star Wars I Wanted All Along
Star Wars: Battlefront II’s early days were defined by controversy after controversy, among them complaints that the initial handful of maps ignored some pretty major battles. What fans really wanted was the massive Battle of Geonosis from the Clone Wars. Well, it’s here… and it’s fantastic. Battlefront II largely focuses on battles from further down…
By Heather Alexandra Published November 28, 2018 -
Games Done Quick ‘Indefinitely’ Splits With Speedrunners Over Sexist And Transphobic Comments
Yesterday, a thread full of conversations between a handful of speedrunners gained traction on Twitter. Said to be screenshotted from a private Discord, these conversations included derogatory comments about women as well as transphobia and antisemitism. After some initial hesitation, speedrun charity organization Games Done Quick said last night that these streamers will no longer…
By Nathan Grayson Published November 28, 2018 -
The FTC Says It Will Investigate Loot Boxes
The Federal Trade Commission says it is investigating loot boxes, a controversial video game mechanic that can allow players to spend real money on randomized goods. During a hearing yesterday, FTC chairman Joseph Simons addressed New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan, who has recently spoken out about loot boxes. During her turn to ask questions at…
By Ethan Gach Published November 28, 2018 -
This animation of a showdown between Overwatch’s Hammond and Fortnite’s black knight is pretty impressive. The creator, YouTuber 3D Print Guy, made the models from scratch and then pitted them against each other in a miniature battle for the ages. He says he’s done work for Pixar, and it shows.
By Nathan Grayson Published November 27, 2018