discord December Staff Picks: It’s Giving Games (opens in new tab)
This blog post explores the addictive nature of modern gaming hits like *Balatro* and the profound personal impact of receiving the right game as a gift. It highlights how certain titles act as "canon events" in a person’s life, permanently altering their interests and gaming habits. The discussion serves as a platform for various contributors to share their recent gaming experiences and the specific titles that shaped their history with the medium. **The Balatro Craze** * The game is recognized as the "mobile game of the year" following accolades from The Game Awards. * The mechanics involve complex card-based synergies, such as combining a Queen card with the Photograph Joker and the Sock & Buskin Joker to trigger multiple score multipliers. * The author notes the game’s extreme "time-sink" potential, making it a powerful but potentially disruptive gift for friends. **Gifting and Gaming Canon Events** * The post centers on the concept of "canon event" games—titles that are so influential they fundamentally change the player’s perspective on gaming. * Specific mention is made of *Tony Hawk’s Underground 2* as a transformative title for the author. * The piece introduces insights from a panel of contributors, including Emi, Matt, Cody, and a new addition, Scott, who discuss their personal histories with gifted games. If you are looking for a gift that might "alter the brain chemistry" of a friend, consider titles with deep mechanical loops like *Balatro*, but be prepared for them to disappear into the game for a few months.