Load Save

Xbox Boss Phil Spencer On Series X Launch, Halo Infinite & Bethesda

Oh boy, this is a long interview with Phil Spencer from Xbox and it definitely gets the hype going. Not only for the Xbox Series S/X, but for next-gen in general.

I've always felt so lucky to be able to talk about next-gen and get hype about it as it's been happening. It's definitely been one of the highlights of writing Load Save, so seeing it all culminate in these next few weeks is so exciting!

Related: Remember that deal between Microsoft and GameStop? Here's more info on how the two will benefit

Image credit: Phil Spencer

Just For Laughs

Dark Souls Player Drenched In Blood Every Time He Gets Hit

If I did this, I think my skin would be forever stained red.

Image credit: Big Secret Builds

Taking a small break

Welcome to another issue of Load Save!

You've probably noticed a drop in quality over the past few issues. I've noticed it, tried to fix it, and just can't find the time in a week to produce the quality that I want to with this newsletter.

Because of this, I'm putting Load Save on a brief hiatus. I'm thinking a little bit longer than a month, because I know I'll miss doing this, but I can't go on in good conscience putting out "meh" quality newsletters. You deserve better!

I'll go more into detail on why I haven't had as much time in the sign-off for this issue (it's at the bottom), but for now, let's enjoy this short, but sweet, issue.

Thank you so much for reading. I'll see you soon!

Development

The Hollow Nihilism of 'Call of Duty'

I had no idea that the stories across the Black Ops titles were so in-depth. They aren't award-winning stories, but it's much more than I would have ever thought.

If you can't tell, I haven't played much of Call of Duty in the past, and when I do, it's mostly multiplayer with friends. The stories described here are those that are quiet heavy and deal with sensitive, recent events in the United States.

However, it seems like the games never take the full leap to truly paint the full awful picture and instead replace it with a gamey, expected "villain."

Image credit: this article

PS5's UI: The Five Biggest Gamechangers

One of this week's biggest stories was the shadow drop reveal of the PS5 UI. It looks pretty slick, and even though. I'm not in love with it like I was hoping, my real hopes is that it will run quickly and smoothly.

One of the things I hate about the PS4 is how sluggish the home screen can be, especially when you pull it open while in-game. If this UI can truly run smoothly while I hop into a party with friends while in the middle of a game, I'll be happy.

Also, I love the in-game help "Cards" built into the UI. This is a huge way to lower the barriers of gaming and I think it will keep a lot more casual players involved.

Image credit: PlayStation

Community

How AGDQ keeps chugging and raising money to fight cancer

I know what you're thinking. "Wait, this article is from January, why is it in this week's issue?"

Well, this week marks the one-year anniversary of Launcher, The Washington Post's Video Game news group. Also great articles are evergreen! Also, this is my last issue for a bit so let me do what I want!!

It's sad and sweet to read of a in-person GDQ event since we didn't get it this past SGDQ and won't be getting it at this upcoming AGDQ 2021. I've always been interested in the behind-the-scenes of this event, and this small glimpse is so cool to me.

Image credit: this article

Before You Go

This isn't a goodbye, just a "see you soon!"

First off, I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their week to read this newsletter. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love sharing good writing, and this newsletter gave me a place to do that. I can't wait to return and do it again.

As for why I haven't had as much time recently - I'm just about to graduate college. In about a month, I'll be done with that and moving onto the next part of my life. But because it's my last semester (and because it's a pandemic), the workload has been insane. Combine that with taking on more responsibility at work, and I had very little time to commit to hobbies, like Load Save.

It wouldn't be smart for me to continue putting in half-assed efforts to make a newsletter that you probably wouldn't enjoy as much. So, after I graduate and get settled, I'm coming right back to this spot and picking up where I left off.

I hope you'll stay subscribed, but I totally understand if you don't want to. Just know, there's no harm in staying subscribed and it's the best way to know when I'll be back!

In the meantime, you can keep up with what I'm doing on my personal Twitter and my Twitch where I irregularly play games and chill. I hope to see you at one of those places!

Until next time, take care. I can't wait to get back to this!