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47 video game things that spark joy
This article compiles a list of small, often overlooked moments in video games that bring players joy, ranging from humorous bugs and satisfying combat mechanics to clever design choices and nostalgic elements. Contributors share personal anecdotes about specific instances that enhance their gaming experience, highlighting the unique pleasures the medium can offer.
Gears of War movie producer believes that video game adaptations should "contribute" to game lore rather than…
Producer Kelly McCormick discussed the upcoming Gears of War movie adaptation, emphasizing that it should contribute to the game's lore rather than simply retell existing stories. She revealed that the script is progressing well and that the film aims to create an ecosystem where the movie and future games enhance each other. The movie will serve as a prequel, set 14 years before the first game, aligning with the narrative of the upcoming title, Gears of War: E-Day.
Gears of War: E-Day gives Marcus Fenix a makeover with "more detail in his eyelashes than his entire character…
Gears of War: E-Day showcases significant graphical improvements, particularly in character detail, with young Marcus Fenix featuring more intricate eyelashes than his entire original character model. This focus on detail highlights the evolution of emotional storytelling in the series and the capabilities of the Xbox Series X compared to the Xbox 360.
The Last of Us Online Director Says Former Colleagues Still Call it “The Best Multiplayer Game”
Former director Vinit Agarwal revealed that colleagues still consider the cancelled The Last of Us Online to be the best multiplayer game they've played. Naughty Dog cancelled the project in December 2023 due to its massive scope and the need to prioritize single-player narrative games. Agarwal, who worked on the title for seven years, expressed devastation but understanding for the decision.
The Last of Us Online’s Cancellation Was a Good Decision, Says Microsoft Game Studios Co-Founder
Microsoft Game Studios co-founder Laura Fryer stated that the cancellation of The Last of Us Online was a positive decision, preventing Naughty Dog from falling into the sunk cost fallacy. She criticized the project's handling and lack of planning, emphasizing that supporting a live service game would have jeopardized the studio's focus on single-player narrative titles.
Cyberpunk 2077 Isn’t Done Yet, and PS5 Pro Proves It
CD Projekt RED has surprisingly added PlayStation 5 Pro support to Cyberpunk 2077, featuring enhanced ray tracing and multiple graphical modes. This update comes years after the game's initial launch and controversial release, following significant revamps and the Phantom Liberty expansion. The developer's continued support, including a Nintendo Switch 2 version and availability on PlayStation Plus and Game Pass, highlights the game's ongoing success and player engagement.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: a deep dive into PS VR2 mode
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will feature a free PlayStation VR2 update, requiring significant redesign of cockpit interactions for the PS VR2 Sense controllers. The development team focused on technical challenges like maintaining framerate with foveated rendering and frame duplication, while drawing inspiration from Gran Turismo 7's VR implementation. The game aims to deliver an immersive sense of scale and authenticity, with specific attention paid to the unique experiences offered by various aircraft types in VR.
