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Game Developer veteran Chris Kerr launches Vertical Slice, a games publication "giving workers a voice and holding power to account"
Veteran games journalist Chris Kerr has launched Vertical Slice, a new subscription-funded publication aimed at providing "incisive, bold reporting" for industry professionals. The outlet, which is entirely funded by reader subscriptions and will not carry advertising, aims to give workers a voice and hold power to account. Kerr, formerly of Game Developer, has self-funded the site and plans to reinvest revenue back into editorial content.
Where I'm at
Morgan, a staff writer for PC Gamer since 2018, details his career path, which includes previous work for Polygon, Kotaku, Fanbyte, and PCGamesN. He specializes in covering shooters and their communities, but also writes general news, reviews, features, and guides, expressing a preference for action-oriented games over strategy titles.
Gottem
Morgan, a staff writer for PC Gamer since 2018, has a background in writing for various gaming sites. He primarily covers shooters and their communities, but also contributes general news, reviews, features, and guides, occasionally venturing into strategy games.
Wilder World Rolls Out Market Trading v1, Unlocking WILD-Based Pack and Gear Sales
Wilder World has launched Market Trading v1 on Z Chain, allowing players to buy and sell in-game packs and gear using the WILD token. This update transforms in-game items into tradable commodities, with prices determined by supply and demand. Future plans include expanding trading capabilities to the Ethereum network to increase liquidity.
Danger Zone
The CEO of Wardogs claims that cheaters in the game will be easy to deal with. This statement was reported by Polygon, addressing concerns about the game's integrity.
Engagement Ring
The indie game 'Engagement Ring,' developed by a single person in two months, has achieved significant commercial success, earning $10 million within days of its release on PC. This rapid financial achievement highlights the potential for independent game development.
Engagement Ring
The idle clicker game Task Bar Hero is reportedly topping Steam charts, potentially due to bot activity, according to Polygon. The article also briefly mentions Overwatch Weekly Recall.
Independent game publications revive bundles in defiance of 'cut-throat competitive market'
Several independent game publications are collaborating on subscription bundles to counter a challenging market characterized by layoffs and closures. Publications like Aftermath, Rascal News, and Rogue are partnering with platforms like Trustfnd to offer discounted bundles, aiming to foster solidarity and mutual support rather than direct competition. While initial experiments show modest financial returns and technical hurdles, the initiative highlights a growing trend of independent media pooling resources to survive and thrive.
Report: Payment for some TheGamer staff now tied to per-article sessions
Valnet, the parent company of TheGamer, has reportedly shifted its payment structure for some staff from flat rates to a per-article session model. This new system means writers may not be paid if their articles do not reach a minimum viewership threshold, leading to concerns of "soft layoffs" and drastic pay cuts.
Moonveil Studio Shuts Down Web3 Gaming Operations After Four Years
Web3 gaming studio Moonveil is gradually shutting down its operations after four years due to challenging market conditions in the GameFi sector. Despite efforts to secure funding and partnerships, the studio cited insurmountable market difficulties as the reason for closure. Moonveil, known for games like AstrArk and Bushwhack, will phase out its services and community engagement over the coming weeks.
It's the year 2026, and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani will be streaming regularly on Twitch starting today
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city's first gamer mayor, has begun regularly streaming on Twitch. This initiative, named 'Talk with the People,' aims to connect the government directly with citizens, particularly younger generations, through a platform where they are already active. The program is inspired by a radio show hosted by former mayor Fiorello La Guardia.
Skipping Zelda Remaster on Switch 2? Major Nintendo Blu... | TAG
Rumors suggest a remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time may be in development for the Nintendo Switch 2, sparking debate about updating the classic. Call of the Elder Gods, a sequel to Call of the Sea, is set to release on May 12th for multiple platforms including the Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, and will be available on Game Pass. The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke discussed the decision to kill off a major character early in season 5, emphasizing the show's commitment to unpredictability.
Nintendo Switch Triumphs: Star Fox and Mario Steal the ... | TAG
Several gaming news outlets report on recent updates and releases. Star Fox titles are now available on Nintendo Switch Online, while Slay the Spire 2 enters early access. Bungie is buffing the Recon class in Marathon, and Marvel and DC are set for a Spider-Man/Superman crossover in 2026. Additionally, Take-Two has reportedly laid off members of its AI team.
From Minecraft to Monster Hunter: How Switch 2 is Revol... | TAG
Nintendo has released a new update for the Switch 2, version 22.0.0, which enhances the performance of older Nintendo Switch games when played in docked mode. The update also introduces social features like private friend notes and improved GameChat options. Separately, Tunic is receiving an upgrade for the rumored Switch 2, and a new anime series based on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has been revealed.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
Developers behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 shared insights into the game's creation process. The discussion focused on the methodologies and secrets behind how the game was developed.
The Sunday Papers
This article uses the metaphor of a British Touring Car Championship race to discuss various gaming-related opinions. It touches on the Yakuza series potentially jumping the shark, the community interest in the Marathon soundtrack, an AI agent publishing a critical piece about a software maintainer, and the controversial move of the MotoGP race from Phillip Island. The author uses these diverse topics to illustrate broader points about game narratives, community engagement, AI ethics, and motorsport decisions.
Best Sonic Games!
This article discusses Polygon's list of the top 12 Sonic the Hedgehog games, offering personal reactions and then presenting the author's own top 5 Sonic games. The author highlights Sonic Mania as the best 2D game and Sonic Adventure 2 as the best 3D game, while also expressing a desire for more strong 3D Sonic titles.
