Gaming
Hideo Kojima has NOT been Wasting Time or Money in Death Stranding

A few days ago, there was a new trailer released for the upcoming Hideo Kojima game, Death Stranding. One of my peers made a careful analysis about the trailer and overall, the hype has increased. However, there was a point where I mentioned one of my concerns about the game on Twitter.
It seems like Hideo Kojima has been getting claims like these or even more aggressive as of late. A series of criticism towards him has been overshadowing the high expectations the game has. The creative responded to a few of them in regards to the game’s current state and ensured that development has been healthier than he expected.
Now, during an interview with IGN, Kojima talked about the developments of Death Stranding and what he aims to do in terms of innovation. “One of the themes of this game is life and death. So I want people to realize that when they die in the game, that isn’t the end.” Said Mr. Kojima.
Basically, what Kojima aims to do in regards to death is to put players in a position with Rogue-Like elements. While death may not pull you out of the game, it will acknowledge that you died. As such, it will be playing a very important role in the development of the game’s story.
Now, what troubled Kojima was the fact that 2017 saw a lot of roadblocks in the development. The SAG-AFTRA strike was taking place and there was not much Kojima could do about it. However, he also talked about the people who criticized his work so far.
“I’ve been reading a lot on the internet of people saying I’ve spent the last year just traveling around and having fun. A lot of people saying I’m wasting time and money. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Now, here are some tweets I made in regards to this situation:
Correct me if I'm wrong here @Somecallmejon but have we ever seen any actual gameplay of Death Stranding? … @PaulTassi ? Someone? Give me some reason to care about this game besides the cinematics? #TheGameAwards
— Ule Lopez (@UleTheVee) December 8, 2017
(Someone might come at me after what I've said). Mr. @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN , I love your work. Really, I do. But I just wonder where the gameplay in your game is. I don't think you're wasting your time, not at all. I just want to know what kind of game I'll be purchasing.
— Ule Lopez (@UleTheVee) December 14, 2017
The problem I had with Kojima was that he never showed gameplay proper in Death Stranding. However, knowing now that there were a lot of troubles in development at least this year brings things into perspective.
Let’s remember that game development is a complex process and it won’t be any faster if people bother the creators about it. So hey, I got my explanation, so we’ll have to see what Mr. Kojima has in store for Death Stranding.
Gaming
Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta

The competitive multiplayer spinoff of Crash Team Rumble, which will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will debut on June 20. A closed beta for the game will be held in the coming weeks, and the good news that character unlocks won’t be dependent on Battle Pass progress was just revealed.
Publisher Activision made its intentions very clear in a lengthy blog post, writing, “New heroes and powers will be unlocked through in-game challenges rather than being connected to the Battle Pass because we want every player to have a balanced experience while enjoying the N. Sane fun that Crash Team Rumble has to offer.” “For those who wish to get a WUMP on the season’s newest looks, Battle Passes will solely reward cosmetic goods; however, cosmetics will still be earnable through participation in seasonal events.”
Those who preorder the platformer/battle royale mix can take part in a limited beta between April 20 and 24. For those who want to jump right in, online matches against other players and practice matches versus AI bots will be offered.
How does Crash Team Rumble strike you? Will you participate in the closed beta test?
Gaming
Indie Not on PlayStation Wins BAFTA Game of the Year, Beating PS5, PS4’s Greatest Hits

God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring were both beaten out for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Game by a tiny little independent title called Vampire Survivors, which isn’t even accessible on PlayStation systems. Do you really believe that?
Putting all lightheartedness aside, Vampire Survivors was something of a phenomenon in 2022, and you would have to be living under a rock (or live offline) to have missed it. It burst into prominence and eventually became a favorite among industry insiders. A fiendishly addictive fundamental gameplay loop hides beneath a deceptively simple exterior, earning developer Luca Galante, aka Poncle, this year’s BAFTA for Game Design as well as another honor.
Last up it’s the award for Best Game. Huge congratulations go to… Vampire Survivors! 🌟🦇🌟#BAFTAGamesAwards pic.twitter.com/nnH9xRQkn1
— BAFTA Games (@BAFTAGames) March 30, 2023
There hasn’t been any news of the mega-hit coming to PlayStation as of yet, so there’s probably some sort of exclusivity agreement in place or anything else blocking it. Perhaps one day we will be granted access to it, but until then, console yourself with one of the numerous high-end games on our preferred platform, such as The Last of Us, which won Best Game back in 2014.
In slightly related news, Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend, received a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
What do you think about the Vampire Survivors’ victory—do you believe it was well-deserved or totally absurd?
Gaming
On May 17, Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Expansion will be available on consoles

While we felt Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition was fantastic when it was launched on the PS5 last year, we were only able to play the base game. We are incredibly grateful that the great Royal Court extension will be coming to consoles. This is a regal proclamation that we could not be more delighted to make.
It’s pretty difficult to switch back after you’ve experienced the conveniences and enhancements that Royal Court offers to the well-stocked table, as anyone who has played Crusader Kings 3 on PC knows. It’s not just for show; players will be able to use trophies and priceless pieces of art to adorn their throne room, which adds a minor RPG system to an already magnificently complex adventure.
If you haven’t already and like the basic Crusader King’s experience, we highly encourage you to give Royal Court a try. This expansion is the ideal reason to jump back in for another round of backroom maneuvering. Are you going to create your own royal court?
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