Mixtape
News, coverage and analysis tracking Mixtape across the outlets.
Claims that Mixtape will be delisted over music licenses are 'a lie,' says publisherClaims that the narrative adventure game Mixtape will be delisted due to music licenses are false, according to publisher Annapurna Interactive and creative director Johnny Galvatron. Developer Beethoven and Dinosaur paid extra to secure perpetual licenses for the game's soundtrack, which features over two dozen licensed songs. This addresses concerns that the game might be removed from digital storefronts, a fate that has befallen other titles with licensed content.
Mixtape Is 2026’s Most Divisive Indie Hit — Here’s Why Everyone Is Talking About It | Invision Game CommunityMixtape, the latest release from Beethoven & Dinosaur and Annapurna Interactive, has become a highly discussed and controversial game of 2026. While praised for its emotional storytelling, soundtrack, and presentation inspired by 90s culture, it faces criticism for its perceived lack of traditional gameplay and accusations of "fake indie" marketing due to its publisher's backing. The game's reception highlights ongoing debates about what constitutes an indie title and how artistic merit should be valued against gameplay mechanics.
What we've been playing - "Asking what the point of playing it is would be like asking why you should bother seasoning a meal"Several writers share their recent gaming experiences. Victoria recounts her daughter's first Zelda dungeon completion in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on Nintendo Switch. Bertie discusses Heroes of Might & Magic: The Olden Era and Slay the Spire 2, while Chris offers further thoughts on Mixtape for PC and Steam Deck. Connor is enjoying Directive 8020 on PlayStation 5.
Mixtape review – Vibes-Based MixingMixtape is a narrative-driven game from Beethoven & Dinosaur that explores themes of growing up and friendship through memories and music. While it excels in its writing, presentation, and emotional resonance, its gameplay mechanics are light and it may not resonate with all players due to its specific cultural references. The game features a strong soundtrack with licensed tracks and a visually appealing art style.
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 541: Legendary RunThe Official PlayStation Podcast episode 541 covers games like Saros and Mixtape, and features an interview with Sucker Punch Lead Designer Darren Bridges about Ghost of Yōtei Legends endgame raids. Upcoming PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for May include Star Wars Outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Time Crisis.- Spelhelg med gammalt, nytt och nygammaltSeveral individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, highlighting a mix of retro titles like Phantasy Star and Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, new releases such as Forza Horizon 6 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and ongoing games like Overwatch. The discussion touches on the appeal of both older and newer games.
EDGE #424 review scores – Tomodachi Life, Pragmata, Mixtape, moreThe July 2026 issue of EDGE magazine, issue #424, features review scores for several games including Mixtape, Pragmata, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Other titles reviewed include Aphelion, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, and Vampire Crawlers.
Games Inbox: Is Forza Horizon the best arcade racer franchise?Readers discuss the Forza Horizon series, questioning its standing as the best arcade racer due to a lack of competition. Other topics include Warner Bros.' handling of The Lord of the Rings games, the sound design of Doom, and the embargo timing for game reviews.
Mixtape Review – Thanks For The MemoriesMixtape is a narrative-driven game that explores themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the bittersweet experience of growing up and moving on. Players experience memories through the eyes of Stacey, a teenager pursuing a music career, with each memory tied to a curated song. While light on challenging gameplay, the game excels at creating relatable characters and evoking strong emotions, making it a memorable, albeit short, experience.- This Week in Switch 2 - Star Fox, Mixtape review, price increases & Nintendo (NTDOY) FY27 forecastThis week's discussion covers Nintendo's earnings report, a potential Star Fox announcement, and a review of the game Mixtape. The segment also touches on Nintendo's financial forecast for fiscal year 2027.
Forza Horizon 6 Video ReviewThis article provides a video review for Forza Horizon 6, highlighting its official launch trailer and offering insights into the game. It also briefly mentions other upcoming titles such as The Sinking City 2, Subnautica 2, and Mixtape, a musical coming-of-age story.
Games Inbox: Are 3D platformers a dead genre?This collection of reader letters discusses the perceived decline of 3D platformers, the controversy surrounding game reviews and developer apologies, and the high price of upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6. Other topics include the financial struggles of Sony's acquisition of Bungie and the increasing time it takes to develop games.
How Mixtape became the biggest video game controversy of 2026The indie game Mixtape has become the subject of a significant online controversy, with accusations of bribery and a general backlash against its narrative-focused, low-interactivity design. This backlash echoes past industry issues like Gamergate, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding diverse game design and representation in the industry.- Game ReviewsThis article provides reviews for several games, including benchmarks for Directive 8020's path tracing, ray tracing, and DLSS 4 performance. It also features a review of Mixtape, described as an earnest and misunderstood teen video game, and briefly mentions the Yakuza series.
Subnautica 2 is Steam Deck Verified, as is Forza Horizon 6, Mina the Hollower, and Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark KnightValve has granted Steam Deck Verified status to several new and upcoming games, including Subnautica 2, Forza Horizon 6, Mina the Hollower, and Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. This certification indicates full compatibility and optimal performance on the handheld PC. Other titles like Outbound, Dead as Disco, and Coffee Talk Tokyo also received the verification, while Directive 8020 was marked as Playable.
Mixtape review - earnest, cringe, but totally misunderstood, this is the perfect teen video gameMixtape, developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur, is a celebration of teenage life that uses music and diverse gameplay mechanics to explore themes of self-discovery and rebellion. Despite occasional earnestness and direct thematic statements, the game masterfully captures the universal experience of adolescence. The review highlights its unique structure, built around a curated soundtrack, and its vibrant, referential presentation.
Man who tried to blow up Nintendo HQ arrested by Japanese policeJapanese police have arrested a 27-year-old man for sending bomb threats to Nintendo's headquarters and employees. The man allegedly sent letters threatening to blow up the company and claimed to have planted bombs, though none were found. Nintendo has previously canceled events due to similar threats.
Games Inbox: What Sega game deserves a remake the most?Readers discuss which Sega franchises deserve a remake, with concerns about the company's neglect of its classic IPs and the challenges of remaking Saturn-era 3D games. Other topics include potential Star Fox game ideas, worries about Rocksteady's future, a bafflingly long Forza Horizon ban, Katsuhiro Harada's new studio, and the debate around using game guides and the definition of 'indie' games.- Mixtape is at the center of another tedious culture war discourse, and I think I know whyThe game Mixtape has become a focal point for online discourse and culture war debates, despite receiving widespread critical acclaim. The author argues that the game's focus on nostalgia and its publisher's ties to tech billionaire Larry Ellison have fueled these discussions, rather than any perceived insincerity in reviews or developer intent. The article suggests that the varied reception of Mixtape is a natural consequence of its nostalgic themes, which can resonate differently with players based on their own experiences.
Xbox weighs into Mixtape controversy in comment over ‘bad’ video gamesXbox commented on the controversy surrounding the indie game Mixtape, stating that a game not being personally enjoyable does not make it a bad game. The statement came after toxic discussions online about Mixtape, which is available on Game Pass. Despite some negative user reviews and attempts at review bombing, the game has received positive feedback on platforms like Metacritic and Steam.