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Staff Picks, September 2025: Welcome to Our Video Game Museum (opens in new tab)

This blog post celebrates National Video Games Day by reflecting on the cultural and historical significance of the gaming industry. By framing the discussion around a hypothetical museum of influential titles, the post seeks to identify the specific games that have left the most lasting impact on players and creators alike. ### Commemorating National Video Games Day * The post acknowledges September 12th as a day to honor gaming culture and the legacy of titles released over the years. * It encourages readers to use the occasion as an excuse to engage with their favorite games and spread appreciation for the medium. ### Identifying Historically Significant Titles * The authors utilize a "museum" concept—referencing the character Blathers from the *Animal Crossing* series—to discuss game preservation and importance. * The central inquiry focuses on identifying "prized games" that deserve to be showcased behind glass cases due to their industry-wide influence. ### Team Perspectives on Industry Impact * The post features insights from four specific team members: Veronica, Scott, Tyler, and Anni. * Each contributor provides a personal selection for the game they believe has had the most significant impact on their lives or the industry at large. Whether through a museum exhibit or personal play, reflecting on the history of gaming helps highlight the titles that defined the medium. Readers are encouraged to consider which games they would personally archive as the most influential "prized pieces" of digital history.

video-gamesgaming-culturegame-designinteractive-media+1
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Staff Picks, June 2025: Summer of Showcases (opens in new tab)

June was a massive month for the gaming industry, highlighted by a staggering 23 different showcases that broadcasted a wide variety of upcoming titles. To process this influx of news, contributors Alex, Armando, and Matt provide a curated look at the most interesting announcements from both AAA and indie events. Their analysis focuses on identifying the standout games of the season and those that best capture a specific summer aesthetic. ### The Summer Showcase Marathon * June featured a dense schedule of 23 separate game livestreams, necessitating constant monitoring of events like Summer Game Fest and The MIX. * The presentations covered a broad spectrum of the industry, ranging from high-budget, mainstream spectacles to niche indie-focused showcases. * This high volume of announcements reflects a diverse upcoming release calendar, catering to various gaming interests and platforms. ### Curated Highlights and Seasonal Recommendations * A panel consisting of Alex, Armando, and a new contributor, Matt, breaks down the most compelling titles revealed during the intensive month of livestreams. * The contributors highlight specific games that stood out for their innovation or presentation among the hundreds of titles shown. * A core part of the discussion focuses on identifying games that evoke a "summer mood," providing recommendations that align with the seasonal atmosphere. For those overwhelmed by the sheer volume of June’s gaming news, following these curated insights is an effective way to identify the must-watch indie and AAA titles slated for the near future.

video-gamesgame-developmentlivestreaminggaming-industry+1
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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.

video-gamesmobile-gaminggaming-culturedigital-gifting+1
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November Staff Picks: When One Door Closes… (opens in new tab)

As 2024 draws to a close, the holiday season provides a prime opportunity for enthusiasts to share their passion for gaming with friends and family. This initiative brings together a mix of veteran and new contributors to discuss their current gaming habits and offer guidance to those entering the hobby. By focusing on accessible recommendations, the group aims to help "Level 1" gamers find a welcoming entry point into the community during the transition to 2025. ### Seasonal Gaming and Newcomer Support * The end-of-year holiday period is framed as a strategic time for social gaming and discovering new titles. * A primary objective of the discussion is to facilitate "game discovery" for individuals who may be unfamiliar with the current landscape. * The content focuses on bridging the gap between seasoned players and beginners, ensuring that newcomers have a clear path to start their journey. ### Contributor Panel and Perspectives * The discussion features returning contributors Emi and Tyler, alongside two new voices, Veronica and Carlos. * The panel provides a diverse range of perspectives by sharing what they are currently playing to provide real-world context for their suggestions. * Specific attention is given to curated recommendations designed specifically for "Level 1" gamers to reduce the barrier to entry for the hobby. This seasonal look at gaming encourages experienced players to act as mentors, using holiday gatherings as a platform to introduce well-vetted titles to those just starting out. For the best results, consider the specific interests of your "Level 1" audience when applying these panel recommendations to your own social circles.

video-gamesgaminggaming-culturesocial-gaming+1
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September Staff Picks: Mid-Travel Pitstop (opens in new tab)

As the summer travel season concludes, this post transitions from outdoor exploration back to indoor routines and gaming backlogs. It serves as an introduction to a collaborative discussion regarding the specific titles and experiences that kept the team engaged while in transit over the past few months. **Seasonal Transition and Backlogs** * The end of the US summer marks a shift from active travel back to professional and personal environments, humorously described as "gremlin caves." * This period is framed as an ideal time to assess progress on "Places to Visit" lists versus the completion of personal gaming backlogs. **Travel-Based Gaming Perspectives** * The post features insights from contributors Tracie, Matt, Emi, and Cody, alongside a new participant named Armando. * The discussion focuses on the viability and engagement of specific games when played in constrained environments, such as airplanes, trains, and the backseats of compact cars. For those returning to their desks after the summer break, these recommendations offer a look at which titles are most effective for maintaining focus during the unique challenges of long-distance travel.

video-gamesgamingmobile-gaminggame-backlog+1
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October Staff Picks: Monster Season (opens in new tab)

The blog post explores the common challenge of the "backlog monster," referencing the growing list of unplayed video games that many enthusiasts struggle to complete. It posits that the transition into the cooler autumn season provides the ideal atmosphere for players to finally confront and reduce these digital queues. ### Progress in Backlog Management * The narrative tracks the "monster slaying" efforts of recurring team members Emi and Alex as they work through their figurative piles of unplayed titles. * It frames the act of completing games as a seasonal activity, leveraging the "spooky season" vibes to motivate progress. ### New Perspectives and Recommendations * The post introduces two new contributors, Serena and Tyler, to provide fresh insights into the gaming landscape. * While the primary goal is backlog reduction, these new team members offer specific game recommendations that may paradoxically add new titles to a reader's collection. To successfully manage a gaming library, players should use the seasonal change as a catalyst to finish existing titles before integrating new recommendations from trusted community voices.

video-gamesgaminggame-backloggame-recommendations+1