The Archive

Another World?

Another World?

Why do videogames value failure more than we do? We talk to philosopher and queer theorist Jack Halberstam about financial failure, the queerness of computer-generated films, and where videogames have yet to change.

Jul 16 Interviews
The Sounds of Violence

The Sounds of Violence

When did demons get so soft? The sound designer of Diablo III Joseph Lawrence tells us how the squishy sounds of hell came from spaghetti, gunpowder, raw meat, and more.

Jul 11 Interviews
War Is Hell. Except When It’s Fun.

War Is Hell. Except When It’s Fun.

Spec Ops: The Line promises to challenge us with moral dilemmas. But the game ultimately offers as much critique on a morally decrepit genre, the modern military shooter, as it does the hardships of war. 

Jul 3 Reviews
Love and Chaos

Love and Chaos

Since its release in March, Mass Effect 3 has come under fire for everything from its ending to the inclusion of a gay male Commander Shepard. But what really made the game's fans and critics so upset? In honor of Pride Day, we examine the series' finale and the complicated sexuality of its protagonist in light of recent developments in queer politics to find out.

Jun 25 Essays
Are Military Shooters Finally Getting Their Apocalypse Now?

Are Military Shooters Finally Getting Their Apocalypse Now?

Yager's military shooter, Spec Ops: The Line, cites Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness as its influences. Can a videogame about shooting make its player feel not just the physical conflict of war, but the moral conflict as well? We talk to the lead designer about the setting and the role of horror in his game.

Jun 18 Interviews
In Diablo III, Hell is Other Demons.

In Diablo III, Hell is Other Demons.

Twelve years have passed, and once again Blizzard is inviting players to revisit Hell in Diablo III. We brave the journey and wonder what has changed since we last made this trek.

May 24 Reviews
Trapped in a Cage

Trapped in a Cage

What makes the structure of a game stay intact? We play Assassin's Creed: Revelations and find a lot of hidden walls—some more apparent than others.

May 9 Reviews
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#5: Sound

Issue 5 brings together our two most personal obsessions: the games we play, and the sounds that make them whole.

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