The latest installment of "The Sunday Papers" rounds up a diverse collection of writings on video games and related topics, spanning social commentary, technical analyses, and personal essays.
Social Commentary and Personal Reflections
Emily Price explores the humor in Titanium Court, questioning whether its blend of sincerity and insincerity serves to distance players from vulnerability. Stephen Gillmurphy’s “mere gripes” seem to echo this sentiment, reflecting on generational compromises and the pursuit of perceived stability.
Kerry Brunskill delves into Angelique Special 2, describing it as a "prettier nightmare" that deliberately avoids conventional game terminology. The game's manual, framed as "Queen Candidate Guidelines," and its conversational presentation aim to engage players through curiosity and thoroughness rather than explicit instruction.
Juliet Jacques addresses the implications of the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission's new code of practice on ‘single-sex spaces,’ offering advice to younger trans individuals to focus on outliving and out-creating negativity, rather than solely engaging with adversarial arguments.
Industry and Technology Discussions
Hayk Kesteloo’s report for DroneXL investigates the potential use of video data from Pokémon Go players to train military drones for target acquisition in GPS-jammed environments. Niantic, the game's developer, has denied such applications.
Brendan talks with game developers about fostering a sense of discovery. Derek Yu emphasizes the importance of player disorientation, stating that feeling lost is a prerequisite for true discovery, leading to wonder. Developers aim to create worlds that feel lived-in and dangerous, where players must actively engage to understand their workings.
Former Zynga head of AI, Luke Dicken, discusses the impact of generative AI with GameIndustry, expressing concern that the current hype may lead to disillusionment and a rejection of AI technologies in general, including more traditional applications in game development.
Gaming's Artistic and Historical Facets
Rebekah Valentine's work is highlighted, with a playful segment imagining a football game where players wear shirts posing abstract questions, such as "How do you mocap a cube?" and "Learning the Land."
Justin Reeve reflects on the landscapes of Red Dead Redemption, likening the sparse, sun-bleached environment of Armadillo to the experience of riding its western expanse.
Elie Gould shares an unnerving experience in a horror game where delivering soup involves navigating a dark, fog-filled town with strange occupants and occasional visions, finding a strange peace in the task supplemented by eating mushrooms.
Jim Trinca engages in lighthearted, speculative detective work regarding the cover art of "We To Play 6," examining details like a necklace inscribed with "Siempre."
Israel Daramola expresses love for New York City, describing it as a unique nexus of diverse people and cultures, even amidst the city's notorious self-importance. This sentiment is juxtaposed with a humorous, absurd scenario involving a referee and 17th-century Dutch trousers.
Jay Castello’s oral history of Spore for Design Room is noted, featuring moments of disagreement among developers regarding comparisons to Mr. Potato Head, which seemingly irked some, including Chris Hecker.
Tributes and Musical Notes
The passing of John Blanche, the foundational Warhammer 40K artist, is marked with a personal tribute by Marc Gasgoigne. Blanche is credited with establishing the visual style and direction of Warhammer art for decades, consistently introducing new influences.
Niki Fakhoori's piece for Stop Caring examines how protagonists in Yakuza/Like a Dragon engage with roles often associated with the feminine, such as caretaking, and how these roles are devalued in a narrative focused on conquest.
Lewis Packwood, writing for GI.biz, discusses the habits and challenges faced by older video game enthusiasts, noting the potential loss of this demographic and the difficulty games have in reorienting players after breaks.
Sam Slater, composer for Saros, discusses his process for creating horrifying game sounds with Ali Shutler for NME, detailing how he pushed for more extreme and impactful audio.
Rebekah Valentine's investigation for Kotaku into gaming hardware manufacturers' use of conflict minerals and their auditing processes is mentioned. Sony's report indicates ongoing issues with smelter and refiner compliance and location determination.
Finally, the roundup includes musical recommendations: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Judy and Mary's "Sobakasu," and Oxford rock outfit South Arcade. A personal anecdote about witnessing Lykke Li perform is also shared.