🎮 Games, games, games!

GameStop Announces Multi-Year Partnership with Microsoft

When I first saw this headline, I thought "This is huge!" And while that remains true, it's not as big as I thought it was. Here's why:

Microsoft isn't turning GameStop's into Xbox stores. In fact, the changes mentioned in the press release (full release here) aren't that dramatic. The majority of them only relate to employees and management.

The one big thing to note is that GameStop will offer Xbox's All Access program, which allows customers to do a payment plan for the Series X or S. This means that customers can do this plan through a brick-and-mortar store, which is a pretty big deal.

This could have huge implications for the future as well. Over time, GameStop could become more Microsoft-centric, with increased stocks of Xbox consoles, games, and accessories, possibly PC-gaming related items. Only time will tell, but I'm interested to see where this goes.

Image credit: GameStop

Successful game industry pros talk about their struggles with depression

The day that this issue launches, October 10th, is World Mental Health Awareness day. This article recaps some of the discussion between devs about their stories of mental health issues like depression.

It's been said a lot, but this doesn't get talked about nearly enough. It took a lot of courage for me to tell my fiance that I was depressed. A large part of that was the way I was feeling kept me from talking to anybody about it, but telling someone I loved and saying it out loud for the first time helped me come to grips with what I was feeling.

Talking to somebody about it cannot be understated. And if you're in a healthy place and not struggling with mental health, reach out to those around you and let them know that you can be the one that they talk to.

Image credit: this article

Just For Laughs

Your Baldur's Gate character is probably boring

Quick background: Baldur's Gate 3 is the highly-anticipated D&D C-RPG that's so in-depth and it's shocking. You literally choose what race your character will fall in love with.

This made me laugh out loud when I first read it. I watched my brother play the beta for BG3 and made a character for him to run through the intro with (I'm terrible with C-RPGs so I just wanted to see what it would look like if someone talented played), and of course I made a bad-ass Dark Elf Warlock.

If you boot up a Fantasy game and make the type of character in this article? What're you doing??

Image credit: Larian Studios

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!

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The awkward period before next-gen

I'm stuck in a predicament.

There's so many games out that I want to play, like Star Wars: Squadrons and Hades, but I know I should save to buy next-gen games for the PS5 launch, which is about a month away.

This week's articles makes this even tougher because we have some great articles on the games that are out right now which makes me want to play them even more. We talk about

The amazing feeling of touch in Squadrons

How Hades took a difficult genre and made it appealing to everyone

Some major waves going through the industry

We'll see where I'm at this time next week. Until then, enjoy the read!

Development

Tangibility in Deep Space: The Cockpits of Star Wars: Squadrons | by Cole Henry

I really want to play Star Wars: Squadrons, & this article made me want to play it even more.

The aesthetic of the original trilogy of Star Wars is what keeps me coming back. I've always loved the feel of retro futuristic-tech in movies and I love it when games nail that feeling. Alien: Isolation comes to mind as I remember the warm feeling of flicking on the old-school handheld radar (that feeling was quickly replaced with fear as I realized the Alien was nearby).

If you've picked up Squadrons, let me know what you think about it!

Image credit: Motive

How 'Hades' Made a Genre Known For Being Impossibly Hard Accessible

I feel like there's a large audience out there that games and is involved in gaming communities and is confused on why everyone is talking about Hades. Patrick Klepek tries to explain it to us in this article.

I fall into the category of those who pick up roguelikes because they look aesthetically pleasing, play it for a week, then move on. It seems Hades solves the problem of uninterest and keeps players motivated to finish the game. I haven't played it yet, but it's on my shortlist to try before the year is out.

Have you played Hades? Let me know what you think about it!

Image credit: Supergiant Games

Dead Space 2 director Wright Bagwell looks back on the eye needle scene

Man, Dead Space 1 & 2 are such great takes on the RE formula and it's a shame that no remasters have been made yet.

I remember seeing everyone talk about this scene when this game came out. I remember watching Tobuscus (throwback) play through it and having to shield my eyes. In fact, I think my brain has blocked out my memory of actually playing this scene in-game.

Plenty of games offer great scares that are memorable, but I think this one takes the cake.

Side note, Dead Space 1 & 2 being made on a smaller budget is another example of how great games can come from small budgets. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to start Dead Space 1 back up now.

Image credit: this article

Reviews

Against all odds, Genshin Impact is one of the best games of 2020

Another hot game this week that is probably making a lot of people scratch their heads and ask, "why?"

Genshin Impact was a game that was immediately labeled "Anime Breath of the Wild,* and written off by the majority. However, it's turned the tables and has become one of the hottest games from this week. I've seen gameplay, heard the soundtrack, and read the praise, and now it's time for me to dive in and check it out for myself.

There are just so many good games out right now, and next-gen is about a month away? Oh boy.

Image credit: Mihoyo

Note: even though this is in the "reviews" category, this focuses more on the positive highlights of this game.

Before You Go

Want more of something specific?

With things being crazy and hectic in my life, I haven't focused as much attention on Load Save as I have in the past, but I still want it to be something that you enjoy. So, if there's any type of article or category that you want to see more or less of, reach out and let me know!

You can respond to this email or find me on any of the socials listed above. I really appreciate it. I'll see you next time!