Weird Gaming Stories of December 2024: From Desktop Survivors to Console Evolution

The Rise of Desktop Survivors 98

In an unexpected twist, the gaming world has witnessed the emergence of a peculiar title called Desktop Survivors 98. This game draws inspiration from the immensely popular Vampire Survivors, which has rapidly evolved into its own genre since its 2022 release. What sets Desktop Survivors 98 apart is its unique premise - surviving the Windows 98 desktop environment.

The developers of Desktop Survivors 98 openly acknowledge their inspiration from Vampire Survivors, showcasing how quickly a game can influence an entire genre. This rapid genre creation is reminiscent of how iconic titles like Super Mario Brothers and Gears of War shaped their respective gaming categories.

What makes Desktop Survivors 98 particularly intriguing is its unconventional theme. While Vampire Survivors' concept of battling hordes of supernatural creatures makes intuitive sense, the idea of surviving a Windows 98 desktop environment is delightfully absurd. Players must contend with familiar elements such as:

• Word Art
• Solitaire cards
• Start menu
• Dialog boxes

The game taps into a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously presenting a surreal gaming experience. A demo is currently available, offering players a taste of this quirky concept. The blend of nostalgia and absurdity makes Desktop Survivors 98 a standout in the growing roster of Vampire Survivors-inspired games.

Borderlands 4: A Shift in Humor

Gearbox, the studio behind the Borderlands franchise, has announced an intriguing change for the upcoming Borderlands 4. The developers have decided to tone down the toilet humor that was prevalent in Borderlands 3.

Sam Winkler, the narrative director at Gearbox, shared this information on Twitter, explaining the rationale behind this decision. While some might view this as capitulating to external pressures, the reasoning appears to be rooted in a desire for more nuanced and effective comedy.

Borderlands 3 faced criticism for its overreliance on crude humor, particularly its fixation on scatological jokes. While such humor can be effective in moderation, its overuse in the previous installment led to accusations of trying too hard to be edgy without substance beneath the surface-level jokes.

Winkler's statement suggests a more restrained approach to humor in Borderlands 4:

"I'm not going to say there's no toilet [humor], but if the word 'skibby' ships in the game under my watch, I'm going to cry real tears."

This comment hints at a desire to move away from relying on meme-based or overly juvenile humor. The development team seems to be aiming for a more sophisticated and varied comedic approach, without abandoning the series' trademark irreverence entirely.

It's important to note that this shift doesn't mean Borderlands 4 will abandon its comedic roots. The franchise has always been known for its humor, and that aspect is likely to remain a core part of the game's identity. The change appears to be more about refining and diversifying the types of jokes and comedic situations players will encounter.

This decision by Gearbox reflects a broader trend in gaming where developers are becoming more conscious of the impact and reception of their content. It shows an awareness of player feedback and a willingness to evolve the franchise's style to maintain its appeal to a wide audience.

The Cyberpunk 2077 and Witcher 3 Connection

The gaming community has long speculated about connections between CD Projekt Red's two major franchises: The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. Recent revelations have shed light on just how intertwined these universes were initially planned to be.

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there's a mission called "Through Time and Space" where Geralt, the protagonist, travels through various worlds in pursuit of the Wild Hunt. Originally, this mission was set to include a stop in Night City, the futuristic metropolis of Cyberpunk 2077.

This planned crossover would have been a much more direct link between the two games than what eventually made it into the final version. The original concept had Geralt not only visiting Night City but also commenting on its unpleasant odor, a detail that would have added a humorous touch to the encounter.

Ultimately, the developers opted for a more subtle approach in connecting the two universes. This decision likely stemmed from a desire to maintain the distinct identities of each franchise while still providing Easter eggs for attentive fans.

The choice to remove the explicit Night City reference from "Through Time and Space" aligns with The Witcher 3's overall tone. While the game isn't devoid of humor or meta-references, it generally maintains a more serious atmosphere compared to the original plan of Geralt reacting to Night City as if he'd "stepped in something unpleasant."

This revelation offers an intriguing glimpse into the creative process at CD Projekt Red and how ideas evolve during game development. It also highlights the studio's approach to world-building across their franchises - maintaining separate universes while hinting at possible connections to fuel fan theories and discussions.

Valve Engineer's Lighting Obsession

The gaming industry often progresses through the passionate work of individuals pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One such story involves Ken Birdwell, a Valve engineer whose obsession with lighting led to significant advancements in game graphics.

Birdwell, known for his contributions to the Half-Life series (including creating the iconic G-Man character), developed a deep understanding of light through his passion for photography in the early 1990s. This expertise became crucial when he started working on Half-Life 2.

During the development of Half-Life 2, Birdwell noticed that the prevailing methods for computing light in games were fundamentally flawed. He took it upon himself to correct the mathematical models used for lighting calculations, resulting in a marked improvement in the game's visual quality.

However, Birdwell's discoveries weren't immediately embraced by the wider industry. When he attempted to share his findings with manufacturers of 3D gaming hardware, he faced significant resistance. The idea that established companies might have been using incorrect calculations was not well-received.

The turning point came when Valve hired Gary McTaggart and Charlie Brown, both formerly of 3dfx. Their industry connections and corroboration of Birdwell's work helped legitimize his findings. This eventually led to improvements in lighting calculations across the gaming industry, although the process took considerable time.

This story illustrates several important points about game development and technological progress:

1. The impact of individual passion and expertise on industry-wide advancements
2. The challenges of introducing new ideas that contradict established practices
3. The importance of collaboration and industry connections in driving change
4. The long-term effects of seemingly small improvements in foundational technologies

Birdwell's work on lighting in Half-Life 2 not only enhanced that game's visual quality but also contributed to raising the standard for graphics across the entire gaming industry. It's a testament to how dedication to a specific aspect of game development can have far-reaching consequences.

Hell Divers 2 and the Killzone Skin Controversy

Hell Divers 2, a popular cooperative shooter, recently stirred up controversy with the release of Killzone-themed character skins. While crossover content is often celebrated in gaming, the pricing model for these skins has raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the community.

The Killzone skin bundle is priced at $20, which is half the cost of the base game (priced at $40). This pricing strategy has led to discussions about the value proposition of downloadable content (DLC) in paid games versus free-to-play titles.

Key points of the controversy include:

1. Price Point: The $20 price tag for a cosmetic bundle is comparable to skin packs in free-to-play games like Fortnite or Overwatch.
2. Base Game Cost: Unlike free-to-play titles, Hell Divers 2 is a paid game, making the DLC cost feel disproportionate to some players.
3. In-Game Currency: While it's technically possible to earn the skins through in-game currency (Super Credits), the time investment required makes this impractical for most players.
4. Live Service Model: The high-priced DLC has led some to question whether Hell Divers 2 is shifting towards a more aggressive live service model.

The community's reaction has been mixed. While some players are willing to support the game through purchasing DLC, others feel the pricing is excessive, especially considering the base game's cost.

This situation highlights the ongoing debate in the gaming industry about monetization strategies, particularly for games that aren't free-to-play but adopt similar DLC pricing models. It raises questions about player expectations, the perceived value of cosmetic content, and the balance between generating revenue and maintaining player goodwill.

The Hell Divers 2 developers will likely be watching the community's response closely, as it could inform their future DLC and pricing strategies. This incident serves as a case study in the challenges of monetizing additional content in paid games within an industry increasingly dominated by free-to-play models.

The Ultimate Luxury Gaming Outfit

In a quirky development from Japan, a new product has emerged claiming to be the "ultimate luxury outfit" for gamers - a gaming blanket with built-in snack pouches. While wearable blankets aren't new (think Snuggie or The Comfy), this product takes the concept to a new level of functionality... and perhaps absurdity.

The gaming blanket features multiple pouches designed to hold various items a gamer might need during extended play sessions:

• Snack pouches
• Remote control pocket
• Tissue compartment

While the idea of having everything within arm's reach might appeal to some gamers, the design has sparked amusement and skepticism online. The sheer number and size of the pouches have led to comparisons with utility vests or even pregnancy simulators.

Some humorous observations about the product include:

1. Questions about the "spaghetti policy" - how messy of snacks can these pouches realistically accommodate?
2. Comparisons of the front pouch to exaggerated video game character designs
3. Debates about the practicality of wearing your snacks versus using a nearby table

This product reflects a broader trend of creating specialized gear for gamers, often walking the line between genuine utility and novelty. While some may find the concept appealing, others view it as an over-engineered solution to a non-existent problem.

The gaming blanket serves as a conversation starter about gaming habits, comfort during long play sessions, and the lengths to which product designers will go to cater to niche markets. It's a prime example of how gaming culture can inspire unique and sometimes outlandish product ideas.

Whether this gaming blanket becomes a must-have item or remains a curiosity, it certainly adds a touch of whimsy to the world of gaming accessories.

Starfield Developer's Insights

Nate Purkeypile, a former Bethesda developer who worked on Starfield, has shared some intriguing insights about the game's development process and the limitations of Bethesda's Creation Engine.

Purkeypile, who joined Bethesda in 2007 and worked on several high-profile projects, was particularly involved in designing Neon, one of the cities in Starfield. His revelations provide a behind-the-scenes look at the game's development and some of the technical challenges faced by the team.

Key points from Purkeypile's comments:

1. Loading Zones: When Purkeypile left the project, Neon wasn't as segmented as it appeared in the final game. The addition of numerous loading zones was surprising to him.
2. Engine Limitations: Many of the design decisions, including the addition of loading zones, were attributed to limitations in Bethesda's Creation Engine.
3. Potential for Seamless Design: Purkeypile believed that some areas, like Neon, could have existed without loading zones based on his work on the project.

These insights reignite the ongoing discussion about Bethesda's continued use of the Creation Engine. While the engine has been continuously updated, many in the gaming community argue that it's showing its age and limiting what Bethesda can achieve with their games.

The debate around Bethesda's engine choice often centers on these points:

• Familiarity: The Creation Engine allows Bethesda to create games with a distinct feel that fans recognize.
• Limitations: As games become more complex, the engine's limitations become more apparent, potentially holding back innovation.
• Alternatives: Some suggest that switching to a more modern engine like Unreal could solve many of these issues.

Interestingly, Purkeypile has since released his own game, "The Axis Unseen," using Unreal Engine 5. This indie title shares some similarities with Bethesda's open-world design philosophy but benefits from the advanced features of a modern engine.

The contrast between Purkeypile's experience at Bethesda and his work on an independent project using Unreal Engine 5 provides food for thought about the potential for Bethesda's games if they were to adopt a new engine.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in game development, particularly for large studios with established workflows and proprietary technology. It also underscores the importance of engine choice in determining what's possible in game design and how technical limitations can shape the final product players experience.

Bungie's Controversial Hiring Practices Exposed

A former legal executive from Bungie, Don McGann, has revealed some controversial hiring practices at the renowned game studio. In an interview with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, McGann shed light on strategies that raise ethical questions about employee compensation and exploitation of passion in the gaming industry.

Key revelations from McGann's interview:

1. Fan-Focused Hiring: Bungie allegedly targeted fans of their games for hiring, believing they could offer lower salaries to passionate individuals eager to work on beloved franchises.
2. Expectation of Pay Cuts: McGann claimed that when he joined Bungie from The Pokémon Company, about 30% of employees asked him how much of a pay cut he had to take, assuming he joined out of passion for Destiny.
3. Exploitation of Passion: The practice takes advantage of fans' enthusiasm, potentially leading to underpaid positions in a highly competitive industry.

This exposure of Bungie's hiring tactics brings several industry issues into focus:

• Work-Life Balance: The gaming industry is notorious for burnout, and underpaying passionate employees can exacerbate this problem.
• Fair Compensation: There's an ongoing debate about whether passion for a product should justify lower pay in creative industries.
• Industry Ethics: Such practices raise questions about the ethical standards in game development, especially among major studios.
• Long-Term Consequences: These tactics can lead to disillusionment among employees, potentially driving talented individuals away from the industry.

McGann's willingness to speak out is noteworthy, as high-level executives often remain silent about such practices to protect company reputations. His revelations provide valuable insight into the less visible aspects of the gaming industry.

This situation highlights the need for:

1. Greater transparency in hiring practices within the gaming industry
2. Fair compensation standards that value skills and experience over fandom
3. Industry-wide discussions about ethical employment practices
4. Stronger protections for employees in creative fields

As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, addressing these issues will be crucial for creating a sustainable and ethical work environment. The exposure of such practices could lead to positive changes, pushing companies to reevaluate their hiring and compensation strategies.

Air Force General's Gaming Gaffe

In an unexpected turn of events, an Air Force Major General in South Korea found himself at the center of controversy during a high-profile hearing. The incident occurred during a break in proceedings related to the South Korean martial law declaration, a topic of significant national and international importance.

Key details of the incident:

1. Setting: The hearing was part of the National Assembly's investigation into the justification and implementation of martial law in South Korea.
2. The General's Action: During a break in the proceedings, Air Force Major General Choi was observed playing a game on his smartphone.
3. Public Visibility: Unbeknownst to the General, the breaks were being broadcast online along with the main proceedings.
4. Reaction: When informed about the broadcast, the General promptly stopped playing.

This incident has sparked discussions about:

• Professionalism in High-Level Government Proceedings: The appropriateness of engaging in leisure activities during breaks in serious political hearings.
• Public Perception: How such actions might be interpreted by the public, especially given the gravity of the topic under discussion.
• Digital Age Challenges: The increasing difficulty of maintaining a separation between public and private moments for public figures in an era of constant connectivity and surveillance.

While the General's actions occurred during a break and not during the active proceedings, the nature of the hearing - discussing the implementation of martial law, a serious matter involving the suspension of civilian government - has led many to question the level of seriousness and respect shown to the process.

This incident serves as a reminder of the constant scrutiny public figures face and the importance of maintaining decorum even during informal moments in official settings. It also highlights the need for awareness about when and where one might be on camera or visible to the public eye, especially in politically sensitive situations.

The reaction to this incident may lead to discussions within military and government circles about protocols during such hearings, including how to conduct oneself during breaks and the potential need for clearer guidelines about the use of personal devices in these settings.

Former PlayStation Boss Predicts End of Major Console Hardware Leaps

A former PlayStation executive has made a bold claim about the future of gaming consoles, stating that there will be no major hardware leaps in the future and that video game consoles have reached their "final form." This statement has sparked debate and skepticism within the gaming community and industry experts.

Key points of the prediction:

1. End of Significant Hardware Advancements: The executive believes that consoles have reached a plateau in terms of hardware capabilities.
2. "Final Form" Concept: The idea that current console designs represent the ultimate evolution of gaming hardware.
3. Skepticism from Industry and Fans: Many argue that this prediction underestimates the potential for future technological advancements.

Reasons why this prediction is considered controversial:

1. Historical Precedent: The gaming industry has repeatedly overcome perceived technological limits.
2. Ongoing Innovations: Recent advancements like solid-state drives (SSDs) have significantly improved gaming experiences, suggesting further innovations are possible.
3. Unforeseen Technological Breakthroughs: New inventions and technologies could open up possibilities currently deemed impossible or impractical.
4. Software Advancements: Even with stable hardware, software innovations can dramatically enhance gaming experiences.

Examples of recent advancements that challenge this prediction:

• SSD Integration: Near-instantaneous load times in modern consoles and PCs.
• Ray Tracing: Significant improvements in lighting and reflection technologies.
• VR and AR Technologies: Continual advancements in immersive gaming experiences.

The gaming community's response to this prediction has been largely skeptical. Many point out that similar claims about reaching technological peaks have been made in the past, only to be proven wrong by subsequent innovations.

This prediction raises interesting questions about the future of gaming hardware:

1. Will future advancements be more incremental rather than revolutionary?
2. How might cloud gaming and streaming technologies impact traditional console hardware?
3. What unforeseen technologies might emerge to redefine gaming experiences?

While it's true that the rate of visible hardware improvements may slow down, history suggests that dismissing the possibility of future breakthroughs is premature. The gaming industry has consistently shown its ability to innovate and surprise, often in ways that weren't anticipated.

As technology continues to evolve, it's likely that gaming hardware will find new ways to advance, whether through improvements in existing technologies or the introduction of entirely new concepts. The future of gaming consoles remains an open and exciting frontier, full of potential for innovation and unexpected developments.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSm3zE7xucw