Videogame Culture
Ongoing coverage on Videogame Culture.
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The 100-Yen Democracy: What Mario Gave Us
This article reflects on the legacy of Super Mario and Nintendo's philosophy, emphasizing the importance of sincerity towards players over mere efficiency. It argues that Nintendo's focus on mature technology and accessible design, championed by figures like Gunpei Yokoi and Hiroshi Yamauchi, fosters a unique form of democracy in gaming. The piece highlights how Shigeru Miyamoto's humanization of Mario encourages players to find courage within themselves, contrasting this with modern business models that risk diluting the value of entertainment.
What's Your Gamer OVR? Take the 2K-Style Player Card Quiz
A new quiz, inspired by 2K-style player cards, allows gamers to generate a personalized rating based on their habits and preferences. The 13-question quiz assesses attributes like Aim, Game IQ, Patience, and Backlog Discipline, assigning an overall OVR score and an archetype. The tool aims to reflect a gamer's true profile rather than just their in-game performance metrics.
The 100-Yen Democracy
This article argues that the core value of video games lies in their inherent democracy and equality, symbolized by the '100-yen coin' philosophy. It critiques modern industry trends like free-to-play and subscriptions for potentially undermining this principle, contrasting them with Nintendo's consistent focus on accessible and equitable gaming experiences across platforms like the Famicom and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Equality of Entertainment Born from Soup, a Plate, and Coins - Part 1
This article argues that video games embody a form of democracy, offering equal experiences regardless of player background, symbolized by the insertion of a single coin. It contrasts this ideal with modern trends like subscription models and hardware spec races, emphasizing Nintendo's historical commitment to providing a consistent and fair gameplay experience across its platforms, from the Famicom to the Nintendo Switch.
"I also got a cease and desist from Nintendo": WWE Champion Cody Rhodes explains why he stopped wearing his…
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes revealed that Nintendo once issued him a cease and desist letter for using the Triforce symbol from The Legend of Zelda on his wrestling gear. He also drew parallels between the release of Twilight Princess and fan reception to The Wind Waker's art style, comparing it to fan campaigns in professional wrestling.
The Weeknd Just Fumbled Persona 5 Royal's Hottest Love Interest
Musician Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, has publicly lamented missing the opportunity to romance the character Tae Takemi in Persona 5 Royal. Despite being over 90 hours into the game, Tesfaye realized he failed to select the romance option during Takemi's Rank 9 event, preventing a relationship from forming. This has led to widespread fan reactions and memes online, with Atlus developers even acknowledging Tesfaye's gaming endeavors.
Fans found a huge skeleton in the Call of Duty movie director’s closet
Fans have uncovered past interviews where Peter Berg, the director of the upcoming Call of Duty movie, expressed disdain for video games and those who play them. In a 2013 interview, Berg called gamers "pathetic" and "weak," suggesting they should "get out, do something" instead of playing games. This has led to concerns about his suitability to direct a video game adaptation.
Mega Ran and Richie Branson Bringing Second National Tour to Morocco
Rappers Mega Ran and Richie Branson are embarking on their second national tour in Morocco, performing a 12-city run that combines hip-hop, videogame culture, and live performance. The tour, in partnership with the American Cultural Association and American Language Centers, will also feature interactive workshops aimed at encouraging creativity and cross-cultural connection.
Mega Ran and Richie Branson Bring Second National Tour to Morocco
Nerdcore artist Mega Ran and rapper Richie Branson are embarking on their second national tour of Morocco from April 30 to May 17, 2026. The 12-city tour, in partnership with the American Cultural Association and American Language Centers, will feature live performances and workshops focused on hip-hop and introductory videogame creation.