Life is Strange
News, coverage and analysis tracking Life is Strange across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Life is Strange creator Don't Nod look to be in hot water as a financial report says they'll be out of cash by November
French game developer Don't Nod, known for the Life is Strange series, is reportedly facing a severe cash shortage and may run out of funds by November 2026. Despite releasing five games in three years, recent titles have not performed well enough, and minority stakeholder Tencent is not providing further funding. The company is exploring options including seeking external financing, accelerating a new game's release, or taking on work-for-hire projects.
Auditors warn Don't Nod will run out of cash by November if it is unable to secure financing
French game developer Don't Nod is at risk of running out of cash by November if it cannot secure additional financing, according to its auditor. The company has sought capital from its largest shareholder, Tencent, without success, and has also failed to secure funding from other industry players. Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange, has previously restructured and made staff redundant.
Aphelion and Life is Strange developer Don't Nod in trouble as it struggles to secure funding for its next project
French studio Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange and Aphelion, is facing financial difficulties and may run out of cash by November as co-owner Tencent is unwilling to fund its next project or increase its stake. The company is seeking other publishers for funding, but discussions have not yet yielded commitments. This situation could lead to layoffs and a scaled-back development scope for its upcoming game, Project P14.
Life is Strange Creator Don't Nod Warned It Will Run Out of Funds This Year
Life is Strange developer Don't Nod has warned that it will run out of funds by November of this year unless a new source of funding is secured. The company is seeking new investment to continue its operations.
The art of game writing in 'non-narrative' games
Veteran game writer Emma Kidwell and narrative designer Harrison Pink discuss the role of writing and narrative design in games that are not primarily story-driven, such as strategy or multiplayer titles. They explore how even simple narrative elements can complement complex gameplay systems and enhance player experience.
For the sixth year running, Dontnod honors Pride Month by giving away an award-winning adventure game
For the sixth consecutive year, Dontnod Entertainment is offering its narrative adventure game, Tell Me Why, for free throughout Pride Month. The game, which features a transgender protagonist and explores LGBTQ+ themes, is available on PC via Steam and on Xbox until June 30. Despite some criticism in past reviews, the free giveaway aims to support trans creators and charities.
Mixtape Isn't Just a Video Game
Mixtape is an artistic exploration of nostalgia and the coming-of-age experience, blurring lines between storytelling and multimedia art. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game uses a curated soundtrack and vignettes to evoke the bittersweet emotions of youth and friendship. The article argues that such unique, artful experiences are vital for the evolution of the video game medium, even if they fall outside mainstream expectations.
Debate: What truly is the easiest character to cosplay?
This article discusses the concept of the easiest character to cosplay, focusing on characters that require minimal effort and readily available clothing. The Sims is highlighted as a prime example due to the iconic Plumbob, while The Last of Us and Life is Strange are also mentioned as potentially simpler options. The author invites readers to share their own experiences with low-effort cosplays.
OPINION: Is Mixtape really a 10/10 game?
This opinion piece questions the prevalence of 10/10 review scores for narrative-driven games like Mixtape, arguing that personal emotional resonance is often conflated with objective quality and innovation. The author suggests that while Mixtape is a sincere experience, it doesn't redefine the medium in the way landmark titles like Elden Ring or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did. The article calls for a clearer understanding of what review scores truly measure in modern game criticism.
This very normal Half-Life mod lets you play as 'queen of spacetime' Max Caulfield, and it's convinced me that the next Life is Strange should be a full-on boomer shooter
A new Half-Life mod, Half-Life is Strange, allows players to control Max Caulfield from the Life is Strange series. The mod integrates Max's powers and dialogue into the Half-Life universe, with the author suggesting the next Life is Strange game could be a full boomer shooter. The mod is still in development.
Mixtape Review | TheXboxHub
Mixtape, from Beethoven & Dinosaur, is a narrative adventure game that uses music to soundtrack pivotal moments in the lives of its three main characters. The game excels at exaggerating everyday events into fantastical experiences, creating a joyous and emotionally resonant journey. Despite minor flaws in dialogue and a narrow musical selection, Mixtape is a must-play title available on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC.
With Mixtape out today, the tiny number of coming of age games gets just that little bit bigger
The newly released game Mixtape, developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, highlights the underutilization of the 'coming of age' genre in video games. While games like Life is Strange and Night in the Woods have explored this theme, Mixtape's focus on music and formative memories offers a refreshing perspective. The developers have opted against a DMCA-safe mode, emphasizing the importance of the licensed soundtrack to the game's experience.
Games Inbox: What’s the best video game to play when it’s sunny?
Readers discuss their favorite games to play during sunny weather, with Super Mario Sunshine being a nostalgic pick despite its European release date. Other topics include potential Star Wars Jedi 3 announcements, the feasibility of a large-scale Lord of the Rings RPG from Warhorse Studios, and the challenges of making retro games appealing to modern audiences. The discussion also touches on the Resident Evil movie's accuracy, Microsoft's shifting stance on exclusives, and Roblox fans' rejection of AI graphics.
A 'major studio' is in talks to adapt Aussie indie The Drifter
Story Kitchen co-founder Dmitri M. Johnson revealed that a major studio is in talks to adapt the Australian indie point-and-click adventure game, The Drifter. Johnson, who is also a BAFTA voter, was inspired by the game's story and initiated discussions for a potential adaptation. The Drifter has received critical acclaim, including Game of the Year at the Australian Game Developer Awards 2025.
"There was that period in time, pre-Sonic, where it was, 'You're so lucky that Hollywood is even looking at you'"
Story Kitchen, a production company specializing in video game adaptations, discusses the booming Hollywood interest in gaming IPs. Co-founder Dmitri M. Johnson highlights the intense bidding wars for titles like Split Fiction and the evolving relationship between game companies and studios, noting that game developers now have more leverage due to the success of major game-based films and shows. The company mediates between the two industries, ensuring deals are made while respecting both creative visions.
Aphelion review: "Life is Strange creator's Uncharted-like sci-fi adventure fails to land"
Aphelion, a sci-fi adventure from Don't Nod, fails to impress with its lackluster storytelling and clunky mechanics, despite beautiful alien vistas and a solid premise. The game's Uncharted-like climbing and stealth sequences are uninteresting, and constant monologuing overexplains the narrative. While it shares DNA with Don't Nod's acclaimed titles like Life is Strange and Jusant, Aphelion ultimately feels devoid of life and fails to live up to the studio's previous successes.
This week's standout PC game is an astronaut epic from Life is Strange and Vampyr creators Don't Nod, made in partnership with the European Space Agency
This week's PC game releases include the sci-fi astronaut epic Aphelion from Don't Nod, in partnership with the European Space Agency. Other notable launches include the roguelite Deified, the sandbox s&box, the shooter Far Far West, and the strategy RPG Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Several games are launching in early access, offering players a chance to experience them before full release.
Review: Life is Strange: Reunion Is an Unsatisfying Finale
Life is Strange: Reunion serves as an unsatisfying finale to the series, burdened by unresolved plot threads from previous installments and underdeveloped mechanics. The game follows Max Caulfield as she uses her time-rewind powers to prevent a university fire, while Chloe Price searches for answers about her fractured psyche. Despite the return of beloved characters, the narrative struggles to provide closure and feels more like fan service than a cohesive conclusion.
What is the best licensed music to make its way into videogames?
This article discusses the impact of licensed music in video games, highlighting how well-placed tracks can enhance immersion and narrative. Examples include Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Life is Strange, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Lollipop Chainsaw, with a particular emphasis on the latter's curated soundtrack.
Life is Strange's soundtrack is full of licensed bangers, and still hits even 11 years later
The article discusses the impactful use of licensed music in the original Life is Strange, highlighting how its indie rock soundtrack enhanced the game's emotional narrative and coming-of-age themes. While subsequent games in the series also feature strong music choices, the first game's curated soundtrack is considered particularly memorable and fitting.
