Games
An Unsung Hero of Gaming History Deserves a Higher Profile
Jerry Lawson, the inventor of the game cartridge, isn't quite a household name. A podcast aims to shed some light on his life and accomplishments.
What to Play When You’re Not Playing Wordle
Once a day may not be enough. Try these 14 alternatives.
The Best Controllers for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Feeling cooped up at home? Take to the skies—virtually—and immerse yourself more fully with these HOTAS controllers.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Made Me Love Linear Games
Open worlds can be fantastic, but they can also be exhausting.
Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal and the Post-Console World
Microsoft is betting on a future more focused on games than hardware.
He Made a Covid-Zapping Video Game. Then He Fought Covid for Real
An indie developer made a shoot-em-up game where the player battles giant viruses. Shortly before the game's release, he wound up in the hospital.
Gaming Giant Unity Wants to Digitally Clone the World
The company is leveraging its technology to help clients make “digital twins”—virtual copies of real-life objects, environments, and even people.
The Gritty, Underground Network Bringing Japan’s Arcades to the US
After falling in love with an obscure anime rhythm game, I became obsessed with obtaining a machine of my own—or finding the people who could.
Game Studios Are Turning Play Into Work
Video games are being split into titles geared toward fun and those that beguile us into productivity with points, rewards, and even NFTs.
Cozy Grove Saved Me While Stuck on a Train for 35 Hours
Last week’s massive snowstorm in the northeast left me stranded with a toddler. A Nintendo Switch helped us keep our cool.
Riot Games Investigates Esports Team Founder Over Bullying Claims
Andy “Reginald” Dinh, the founder and CEO of TSM, has been accused of verbal abuse and bullying by employees and esports pros.
Skábma: Snowfall Is a Huge Win for Indigenous Game Makers
The game tells the story of a Sámi reindeer herder reconnecting with the ancient ways of his people.
Video Games Already Do What the Metaverse Just Promises
Virtual hang-outs, digital currency, weddings? Online games have been making space for these things for decades.
'Gaymers' Are Taking Brazil by Storm
Dressed in drag, Brazilian streamers are breaking stereotypes with a lot of humor and a dash of glitter.
Indie City-Building Games Finally Reckon With Climate Change
City- and empire-builders like Cities: Skylines totally simplify the climate crisis, if they address it at all. A new wave of titles are far more complex.
The Pixel Art Revolution Will Be Televised
How pixel art rose through 3D gaming's dominance to win the hearts of modern players.
The 9 Games We Loved in 2021
In a year of continued stasis, these games brought us a lot of joy.
12 Awesome Management Games for Armchair Tycoons
These building- and resource-based simulations are perfect for single-player fun and relaxation.
Why 2021 Was the Biggest Year for the Labor Movement in Games
Working conditions at top studios have been criticized before, but this year saw a significant increase in protests and organizing by employees.
In 2021, Gaming Was Crucial and Also a Privilege
With pressures bearing down and social gatherings still fraught, gaming has become important for many people's mental health, but it's also quite expensive.
The Metaverse Land Rush Is an Illusion
The “real estate of the future” is plagued by buggy software, empty servers, and huge opportunities for abuse.
The Best Indie Games You May Have Missed in 2021
It's been a great year for developers and gamers alike.
Snagged a PS5? Here Are Tips for Setting It Up
Here’s how to transfer your data from a PS4, log into a PSN account, set up multiple accounts, and make the most of your new console.