Brenda Romero has shared a piece of autofiction titled "Chasing Lilacs" on Aftermath, detailing a life story through the lens of history within a house. The narrative begins with an anecdote about a father testing his daughter's suitor with a lead pipe, showcasing his strength and the suitor's inability to match it.
The Guardian's annual Summer Game Previews series has begun, offering concise looks at upcoming titles. James Nouch's preview of "Carcass Clad," the new game from Mouthwashing developer Wrong Organ, highlights a shift towards gameplay-driven experiences. Unlike its predecessor, which focused on making its script come to life, "Carcass Clad" is set within the confines of a tank in a war-torn city, emphasizing cooperative gameplay as players navigate the crumbling remains.
Meanwhile, Patrick Klepek and Rob Zacny at Remap are exploring the appeal of "Beast of Reincarnation," a game from Game Freak. Despite acknowledging its "mid" quality, with a combat system drawing from Devil May Cry and From Software, and a world that feels both too large and too empty, they find enjoyment in its "mid-world" moments, suggesting that sometimes stepping back from a traditional review can open up new ways to appreciate a game.
To commemorate ten years since its release, No Man's Sky's Sean Murray spoke with Eurogamer about the game's evolution. Murray challenged the narrative of a redemption arc, stating that the team at Hello Games has always been dedicated and talented, both at the game's initial launch and in its subsequent updates. He emphasized that the team's commitment to the game and its community has been consistent throughout its history.
On a more serious note, Game Developers' Bryant Francis has investigated sexual harassment allegations against indie horror publishers, including Critical Reflex. The report details accusations made by former community manager Evelina Zemljic against Critical Reflex CEO Rita Lebedeva and Ted Hentschke, who is now a co-founder of Black Lantern Collective. Hentschke also faces allegations from his time at Dread XP. The article notes the lack of public statements from the companies involved and the ongoing concerns among developers and accusers regarding accountability for the alleged behavior.