Zombies, TIE Fighters, and Pokemon

Voice Actors From Ghost of Tsushima to Persona 5 On the Challenges Facing Asian-Americans in Games

I feel like voice acting is an aspect of game development that should be talked about so much more. It's rare to get a full feature like this about VA, but they provide much-needed insight into this career.

The gaming industry clearly has a representation problem, and it expands into the VA department. This article highlights the issues of blind casting and authentic casting and how its a sticky situation in VA since multiple voice actors can replicate a certain dialect, even when they have no connection to it at all.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think blind casting or authentic casting should be the norm in VA? Shoot me an email with your thoughts!

Image credit: Sucker Punch

EA's Positive Play Charter Aims To Defeat Toxic Behavior

Joining multiple other companies who have committed to creating better spaces for their games, EA has created a "Positive Play Charter," which is essentially a list of things you can and can't do in their games.

Let's focus on the good. It's a good thing that they're putting this info in a comprehensive article that highlights what gamers shouldn't do. It's a great resource to show other gamers if they're somehow confused on what's considered inappropriate in the gaming space.

Now the bad. This is really broad. A lot of it is common sense stuff, like "cheaters never prosper" and "don't be mean to people." But the people who break these rules know them and putting out a shiny new article saying "hey, man, don't do that." isn't going to stop them. The article is also written in a very relaxed tone. It sounds more like a friend slightly encouraging you to do the right thing rather than a company laying out rules.

In the end, it will depend on how EA will handle the breaking of this charter. That will be the true test of the company and whether or not they really care about toxicity in their community,

Image credit: EA

The FDA just approved the first prescription video game — it’s for kids with ADHD

This is a pretty cool milestone: a game that is built to help kids deal with ADHD and can technically be prescribed.

This article looks at the game itself, how it helps with ADHD, and at past articles that focus on games being used as treatments. It's a pretty cool resource to learn about the history of gaming and health. I had no clue that Bayer tried to launch a glucose meter for the DS, a cool idea but one that ultimately failed.

Image credit: Akili Interactive

"The industry hasn't changed enough -- not even close"

The video game industry has a long way to go in regards to accepting diversity.

The problem is that the energy is dying out. People are starting to move on from the BLM movement and return to their "normal" lives of not considering how they can fight unconscious bias and racism. Because of this, gaming companies will be tempted to do the same. They amount of money they gave to different organizations and charities helped a lot, but many of them haven't committed to hiring more POC. This is where a problem lies. The money means nothing if the company doesn't truly treat non-white people the same as white.

Luckily, those with voices who will not be stifled are reminding people to keep pushing. This article highlights one of those voices. Remember, this is a marathon. Let's stay strong!

Image credit: POC In Play

The Evolution of Game Genres: NES, Gameboy, and SNES

Have you ever wondered how gaming genres like "Action, Adventure, and Sports" came to be? This article looks at thow the NES, Gameboy, and SNES attached these titles to games in order to educate their audience.

I wonder how effective it would be to attach the genre to a new game that could be released in this time, like how Nintendo did with the NES. Do you think that it would lower the barrier for new gamers to get into gaming? A lot of us know what games are what because we've been in the gaming space for so long, but those who have never been apart of it probably find it overwhelming.

This is also a great supporting article for the importance of Taming Gaming. Since games don't have specific genres attached to their boxes, Taming Gaming helps people understand what each game plays like in simple English.

On another note, the use of Google and Internet may make the need for descriptions like these on-game redundant. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Image credit: Nintendo

Pseudo-E3 2020 made a big splash

This week had a lot of great game announcements and articles to go along with them. Many are calling the multiple summer events "E3 2020" as there's no real way to group them all together. Lucky for us, this week doesn't mark the end of the announcements. We still have Xbox's big July event to look forward to, another Pokemon Direct next week, and maybeee a Nintendo Direct at some point?

Back to this week, here's a few of the highlights:

The FDA approved their first prescription video game for ADHD

Looking at how the NES, SNES, and Gameboy established game genres

Everything we know about Star Wars: Squadrons

Spoiler alert: I nerd out over Squadrons. I'm so hyped to hop in a TIE Fighter. Can it be October yet?

Thanks for checking out this week's issue. As always, enjoy the read and stay safe!

Let's talk!

Each issue of Load Save is filled with articles that encourage discussion. If you have any comments on this week’s issue or just want to say hey, shoot me an email!

Development

Cyberpunk 2077 still needs crunch time to complete, CEO says

I'm not going to lie, this delay really surprised me. I was a little shocked by the first delay, but I thought it made sense, and I definitely thought that five months was enough time. However, this game is going to be big, so it needs a little more time in the oven.

It is unfortunate that this delay will allow for more crunch time. We don't know to what extent, but I hope that employees still have time to see their families. Game industry vets and fans have been calling for development reform that decreases or removes crunch, and with stories like these, I think it's time we start exploring those options.

Also announced in the investor call, Cyberpunk 2077 will be playable day-1 on next-gen and will include a free next-gen update. This means that even though Sony hasn't announced it as a feature for every PS5 games, this PS4 game will include a free license to the PS5 edition. Hooray for not having to wait until next-gen to play this sucker!

Image credit: CDPR

In "The Last of Us Part II," a virus, an LGBTQ love story

Heads up, this article contains the lightest of spoilers, like a line from late-game and a description of the overall feel. If you want to completely experience the game for yourself, maybe skip this one.

Last week, we had an article that highlighted Neil Druckmann. This week, we take a look at Halley Gross, the narrative lead and co-writer for The Last of Us Part II, which came out this week.

Learning more about Gross is so engrossing (pun intended). The way she operates and her incredible yet odd comfort with violence and taboo topics makes for an interesting writer. I really hope this game impresses people, and while the story might not go where fans want it to, I hope they can accept it and enjoy it all the same.

I can't wait to hear y'alls thoughts about this one!

Related: The Last of Us Part II has a really awesome guitar mechanic in-game. Watch it in action as a VG 24/7 writer plays some classic songs like "Creep" by Radiohead and "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd.

Image credit: Naughty Dog

Star Wars: Squadrons — everything you need to know

When Squadrons was announced this past weekend, my reaction was "eh." Even the initial trailer at the beginning of this week didn't have me too hyped. But after seeing the gameplay trailer at EA Play 2020 and reading this awesome article, I'm so hyped for Squadrons.

This interview really shows how passionate the Motive team is for Star Wars: Squadron. Ian Frazier dives into the inspiration for the game's setting and details of each ship's cockpit. Every thing sounds like its being treated with love and respect while still bringing it into the modern age.

This might be the game that I have to buy VR for. I mean, flying around in the cockpit of a TIE-Fighter in VR?? You can't beat that.

Star Wars: Squadron is set to launch on October 2nd of this year, but be wary of delays. And, it's retailing for $40, something I'm very excited about.

Image credit: EA / Motive / LucasFilm

Community

Itch's Bundle For Racial Justice And Equality raised $8.1m

I know I talked about this last week, but I can't not bring it up again.

$8 MILLION! That's so incredible. If you bought this bundle or told other people about it, go you! It's so incredible to see gamers donate so much to an important cause. Enjoy your 1,000+ games and varying pieces of media.

But wait, there's more! Humble Bundle has curated a bundle for Racial justice that supports NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Race Forward, and the Bail Project. Go check it out before it ends on June 23rd!

Image credit: Itch.io

New Pokémon Snap Was The Crowd-Pleaser, But Pokémon Smile Is The Franchise's Most Cunning Play Yet

This is a great look into why Pokemon decided to lead off with this announcement. So often we get tunnel vision about new games because it doesn't fit what we want right now. I forget that there's always a new generation being introduced to Pokemon, but the Pokemon Company knows that.

Good on them for always introducing a way to get new gamers into the series!

Also, this article has a great video of a toddler choosing her first starter Pokemon via stuffed animals. It's adorable.

Image credit: Pokemon Company

Before You Go

Video games are so cool

Man, every summer always gets me so hyped for video games. New announcements look so good and I'm so excited to get my hands on as much stuff as I can. Mix that with the overwhelming excitement for next-gen and I'm so excited for the future.

If you're playing The Last of Us Part II, send me a note and let me know how you're liking it!

I'll see you next time!