The new generations long for the 80s and vinyl records, and these two video games prove it

all past time was better. Every era has its virtues and its defects and of course believing that there is an era that was a utopia that we have lost is a mistake. That does not take away from the fact that there are good things in the past, particularly when we talk about culture. For example, the musical mainstream was richer and more diverse in the 80s and 90s than it is today. The physicality of cassettes, vinyls, and CDs was a much more immersive experience than listening to something on YouTube or Spotify. And that is something we have lost.

All past times were better. Every era has its virtues and its defects, and of course, believing that there is an era that was a utopia that we have lost is a mistake. That does not take away from the fact that there are good things in the past, particularly when we talk about culture. For example, the musical mainstream was richer and more diverse in the 80s and 90s than it is today. The physicality of cassettes, vinyl records, and CDs was a much more immersive experience than listening to something on YouTube or Spotify. And that is something we have lost.

That’s why it’s not surprising that new generations are returning to these things. That the music from that era is still being listened to, that we are seeing a resurgence of vinyl and CDs, that MP3s are making a comeback, and that there is generally a very particular awareness of an entire musical culture that perhaps had been lost in favor of pure convenience. That’s why it’s not surprising that there are video games that have decided to explore this relationship that we have started to cultivate again with music. And two of them have been released this very week.

Two games about the community

Wax Heads is a game developed by Patattie Games, released on May 5, which is defined as a narrative simulation of “cozy punk” where we have a clear purpose: to manage a vinyl store that is not doing well. Building community, talking to people, and suggesting which record might suit them best according to their tastes and needs, it is a simple game, but with heart, that will resonate with those who have or have had a trusted record store.

But there lies its great value. In demonstrating how community ties are established between people through simple and everyday gestures, such as recommending an album or having common tastes. Something much easier to share in a conducive context for it, like a record store.

The other game that has come out this week and has made quite a noise is Mixtape, a game by Beethoven and Dinosaur, developers of the also musical The Artful Escape. In this narrative game, we embody three friends who, on their last night of high school, decide to live one last adventure before parting ways in a classic coming-of-age journey. With one particularity. Its licensed soundtrack is filled with great hits from the 70s and 80s.

With songs from Joy Division, The Smashing Pumpkins, DEVO, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Iggy Pop, and Lush, among others, the game has an evident millennial bias and a certain unmasked angst, but also an unavoidable romantic tone. This is helped by the fact that the game is set up like a mixtape. A combination of songs carefully chosen by one person and then recorded onto a CD, a cassette, or, also, a playlist, for another person to enjoy.

Mixtape shows us how music has meaning. And how the act of choosing the songs, the order they go in, recording them, and giving a physical object to another person with them is loaded with meaning due to the thought and effort that has been put into it. That is exactly what the game aims to achieve.

A return to better things

That two games like Wax Heads and Mixtape have been released almost at the same time is pure coincidence, but the existence of both at this moment is not. There is an evident longing for a different relationship with culture. With the physical. With the community. One that both games perfectly represent, particularly in how we used to relate to music. In a much more organic and direct way. Less convenient, but more authentic.

It is normal for many games to be interested in these themes. There is a component of nostalgia because developers in their 30s and 40s are now in a position to create this kind of video games, but also because there is a young audience that, despite having no nostalgia for a past they did not experience, feel an interest in that kind of relationship with music and culture. This explains why games like Wax Heads and Mixtape emerge and why it makes sense that they succeed.

Steam DOWNLOAD

This shooter promised to make FPS great again and has already failed, twice

Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, the shooter from 1047 Games, was released three weeks ago in an attempt to revitalize the franchise after the failure of Splitgate 2. Despite initial expectations and improvements in the quality of the title, the game has faced significant difficulties in attracting players, as it has not managed to surpass 1,000 concurrent users on Steam since its launch, raising concerns about the economic viability of the studio. A game that cannot stop failing The ‘free to play’ business model of Splitgate: Arena Reloaded is based on the sale of cosmetics, […]

A game that can’t stop failing

The ‘free to play’ business model of Splitgate: Arena Reloaded is based on the sale of cosmetics, which requires a solid player base willing to spend money. However, the currently diminished community, which has seen a reduction in staff of around 30%, leaves approximately 80 employees in a precarious situation, depending on the game’s profitability in the future.

Developers have begun to defend their situation, arguing that the user graphs on Steam do not reflect the fun the game offers or the active community that contributes to its evolution. However, the reality is that these numbers often influence the perception of the game: a small community not only makes matchmaking difficult but can also create a negative cycle that discourages new players. The feeling that a game could be in danger of being shut down is common among fans.

The key now is to demonstrate that there is a future for Splitgate: Arena Reloaded. To avoid further decline in the player base, developers must commit to constant updates and offer new content. Without these measures, the cycle of uncertainty may continue to affect the user experience and, consequently, the long-term health of the title.

Steam DOWNLOAD

REPO will have a new update to add what the community has been requesting since the launch

The developer semiwork is preparing a new update for the popular cooperative horror game REPO, which will respond to one of the most persistent requests from fans: the inclusion of cosmetics in the game. In a recent video, semiwork announced that this new offering will be characterized by not including microtransactions, marking a renewed approach to gameplay experience and community feedback. Customization is something that has always been a topic of discussion “For this upcoming update, we are going to add cosmetics to REPO,” the developers explained, while emphasizing their desire that […]

Customization is something that has always been a topic of discussion

“For this upcoming update, we are going to add cosmetics to REPO,” the developers explained, while emphasizing their desire for this new system to be fun and aligned with the game’s narrative. The inclusion of cosmetic items, although accessible at no additional cost, could raise certain dilemmas about the intention behind this decision: is the studio prioritizing player enjoyment or the possibility of monetization?

“We don’t just want to have a simple menu where things are bought with some in-game currency,” they stated, “we want the search for cosmetics to be exciting and a natural part of the gaming experience.” In this way, the update aims to turn the collection of these items into an immersive experience rather than a simple economic transaction.

In addition to the new cosmetics, REPO will include a configuration option for players with arachnophobia, in response to community concerns, as well as a series of bug fixes and game balance changes. This strategy seems to be designed not only to enrich gameplay but also to strengthen the connection between developers and their player base, reaffirming their commitment to quality and user satisfaction.

Steam DOWNLOAD

Arc Raiders is the most pacifist multiplayer game in the world: 57.7% of players do not shoot anyone

In recent weeks, the new extraction title, Arc Raiders, has made a significant impact on the Steam gaming community. A recent analysis of the achievements reached by players reveals an interesting phenomenon: more than 57.7% of the PC player base has opted for a mostly pacifist playstyle, avoiding significant conflicts with other raiders. The most peaceful players The statistics are surprising considering that only 42.3% of players have managed to obtain the achievement “Unbreakable,” which consists of knocking out 10 raiders. This indicates that the majority of […]

Most Relaxed Players

The statistics are surprising considering that only 42.3% of players have achieved the “Unbreakable” achievement, which consists of knocking out 10 raiders. This indicates that most players prefer to adopt a more friendly and collaborative approach in an environment that is normally associated with competition and aggression. Additionally, a notable 81.3% of players have engaged in social activities, such as sharing an elevator with other raiders, which further emphasizes the inclination towards cooperation.

The game has been available for almost two weeks, which puts into perspective the unusually low aggression of the players. In fact, 19% of the player base has not eliminated any enemies, which is extraordinary for an extraction shooter. This behavior highlights the creation of a non-hostile culture within the Arc Raiders community.

The achievements, which include everyone who purchased and launched the game, may influence these percentages, suggesting that some players may have acquired the title without engaging for long periods. However, it is evident that most players are looking for a more relaxed and perhaps more social experience compared to other video games in the same genre.

Arc Raiders seems to be setting a new standard in shooters, where collaboration and peace are gaining ground over typical aggression. With a trend pointing towards a culture of peace among players, it will be fascinating to see how the community evolves in the coming weeks.

Steam DOWNLOAD

The developers of Infinity Nikki have issued a public apology again, this time for the price of the furniture

The controversy has struck Infinity Nikki again, a constantly evolving title that, after the recent release of update 1.9, has been the subject of criticism from its community. The introduction of a “furniture price guide” for this update was not well received; many players considered the prices to be “excessively high,” resulting in widespread negative reactions. Prices that do not align with what players think. In light of the discontent, Infold Games made a public apology, acknowledging their mistake in balancing paid content and the experience […]

The controversy has struck Infinity Nikki once again, a constantly evolving title that, following the recent release of update 1.9, has faced criticism from its community. The introduction of a “furniture price guide” for this update was not well received; many players considered the prices to be “excessively high,” resulting in widespread negative reactions.

Prices that do not align with what players think

In response to the discontent, Infold Games issued a public apology, acknowledging their mistake in balancing paid content and player experience. In their letter, the studio stated: “First of all, we sincerely apologize for the frustration and confusion caused by the prices and the use of furniture”. However, they also announced that update 1.9 brings a housing system with multiple free options, as well as more than 999 furniture pieces available to all players.

The study clarified that the intention behind Infinity Nikki is to create an authentic home for players, and despite the criticism, they are committed to improving the experience. They announced that they will make adjustments to the prices of furniture packs and that some items will return to more accessible values in the second half of version 1.9.

In addition, free elements such as the furniture from the “Astral Radiance” package will be introduced, along with pieces from the “Leisure Tea Brewing Set”. The developers also mentioned that elements from the open world will become usable decorations in homes, which promises to enrich the customization experience.

Infold Games concluded their message by reiterating their appreciation for community feedback and reaffirming their commitment to continue evolving the game according to the needs and expectations of the players. As the studio navigates through this sea of criticism, fans hope they can restore trust and enjoyment in their virtual world.

Steam DOWNLOAD

REPO receives a series of adjustments to make the game more balanced

The developers of the cooperative horror game REPO have announced a significant change after receiving feedback from players during its recent open beta. According to the new adjustments, the overload mechanic, which penalizes players for grabbing monsters, will only activate after 10 levels of gameplay. This decision aligns with the staggered difficulty scheme that the developers have planned, where a new element will be introduced every 10 levels to complicate the gaming experience. An update that is due to the help of the players The developers thanked the player community for […]

The developers of the cooperative horror game REPO have announced a significant change after receiving feedback from players during its recent open beta. According to the new adjustments, the overload mechanic, which penalizes players for grabbing monsters, will only activate after 10 levels of gameplay. This decision aligns with the tiered difficulty scheme that the developers have planned, where a new element will be introduced every 10 levels to complicate the gaming experience.

An update that is due to the help of the players

The developers thanked the gaming community for their participation and contributions during the testing phase, noting that this feedback is essential for improving the title. “A huge thank you for testing and letting us know about the bugs and your comments; it helps us a lot,” the creators stated in their announcement.

The open beta version of REPO is now available on Steam for a price of €9.75. This version includes highlighted features such as a new map, the mentioned overload mechanic, as well as a server region selector and various quality of life improvements that facilitate the process of hosting, joining, and playing. The incorporation of these adjustments could attract new players and enhance the overall experience, which is essential for a game looking to conquer its market.

In a humorous touch, the news also mentions a curious object available in the game: a ugly duckling that can be placed under a bucket, adding an element of fun to the dark context of the game. This type of light feature could help balance the tense atmosphere that REPO seeks to create.

Steam DOWNLOAD

Heroes of the Storm might be less dead than we think

The player community of Heroes of the Storm is showing renewed enthusiasm for a possible return of the game, despite Blizzard Entertainment stating that the title is in maintenance mode. Since the lack of significant new heroes since 2020, the developers have kept the game with regular patches aimed at balancing the experience and sustaining an active player base. Faith is the last thing to be lost The recent cinematic teaser from BlizzCon, announcing the return of the event in 2026, has sparked hope among fans, generating a torrent of comments […]

The community of Heroes of the Storm players is showing renewed enthusiasm for a possible return of the game, despite Blizzard Entertainment stating that the title is in maintenance mode. Since the lack of significant new heroes since 2020, the developers have kept the game with regular patches aimed at balancing the experience and sustaining an active player base.

Faith is the last thing to be lost

The recent cinematic teaser from BlizzCon, announcing the return of the event in 2026, has sparked hope among fans, generating a torrent of comments on social media and forums. Some players have not hesitated to express their longing to see Heroes of the Storm rise again, while others are more realistic, suggesting that there probably won’t be any significant announcements regarding the game at the convention.

Although there are no guarantees of an official revival, discussions on Reddit reflect a vibrant sense of community. The HotS subreddit has seen lively debates about the future of the game, with various users reminiscing about the accessibility and speed of matches that set it apart from other more complex MOBAs, such as Dota 2 and League of Legends.

The community does not just wait: many players highlight the quality of the game and recommend new users to join the ranks of HotS. With gameplay that offers fast and exciting team battles, the faithful have kept the flame of the title alive, although the reality is that the game could fade over time without the support of expansions or new content.

In this context, Heroes of the Storm continues to find its place as a unique MOBA that captivates players looking for immediate action in short matches, without the complexities of other titles in the genre. The community continues to show its loyalty, although the future of the game remains uncertain.

Xbox Game Pass DOWNLOAD

Riot Games messes up with the abusive monetization of its new skin

Riot Games has caused a wave of discontent among League of Legends players by announcing the arrival of the highly anticipated Sahn-Uzal Mordekaiser skin, scheduled for March 5. However, this new addition will only be available through a controversial gacha system, which could cost more than 240 euros for those who wish to obtain it. This monetization approach has been criticized by fans, who feel that it favors players with greater purchasing power, leaving many of them unable to access this awaited content. The community feels betrayed […]

Riot Games has caused a wave of discontent among League of Legends players by announcing the arrival of the highly anticipated Sahn-Uzal Mordekaiser skin, scheduled for March 5th. However, this new addition will only be available through a controversial gacha system, which could cost more than 240 euros for those who wish to obtain it. This monetization approach has been criticized by fans, who feel that it favors players with greater purchasing power, leaving many of them unable to access this awaited content.

The community feels betrayed by Riot Games’ reaction

The Sahn-Uzal Mordekaiser skin is classified as an exalted aspect, indicating its high status within the new skin categories of the game. The frustration of the community has grown, as this cosmetic has been a long-desired item for years, and its recent association with such a high payment system has generated a sense of betrayal. Players and streamers, like the well-known NickyBoi, have expressed their disappointment on platforms like Twitter, stating that the previous excitement for the release has faded in light of the costs involved.

Since last year, the community has expressed its discontent with Riot’s decisions regarding skin prices and other changes in the game. The frustration is palpable, especially after previous incidents that also involved exorbitant costs, such as a recolored skin that reached 200 euros. As more players echo their discontent on Reddit and Twitter, what initially was a celebration for a long-awaited release has turned into a reason for sadness and disappointment.

In an attempt to minimize criticism, Riot has stated that this monetization change “was not intended to make things harder” and acknowledges that it has made mistakes in other areas, which suggests that the relationship between the developer and its community could be more fragile than ever.

League of Legends DOWNLOAD

Valve introduces the biggest change in the history of Team Fortress 2 outside of Steam

Valve has taken a significant step in the evolution of Team Fortress 2 by releasing a new SDK, which allows creators to develop new games based on the popular FPS released in 2007. This software development kit is a massive update to the Source SDK, which now includes all the client and server game code, giving modders the ability to make extensive modifications, from small tweaks to complete conversions. A move that the community will know how to take advantage of The new tool also aims to respond to the growing demand from fans to improve the gameplay of TF2, […]

Valve has taken a significant step in the evolution of Team Fortress 2 by releasing a new SDK, which allows creators to develop new games based on the popular FPS released in 2007. This software development kit is a massive update to the Source SDK, which now includes all the client and server game code, giving modders the ability to make extensive modifications, from small tweaks to complete conversions.

A movement that the community will know how to take advantage of

The new tool also aims to respond to the growing demand from fans to improve the gameplay of TF2, which has been affected recently by the proliferation of bots that have diminished the player experience. By offering an environment where creators can publish mods on Steam for free, Valve hopes to encourage the creativity of the community. However, mods cannot be sold and must be free of charge, thus seeking to protect the contributions made by players in the development of content for TF2.

The company has made it clear that it greatly values the community’s investment in creating items for the game and has encouraged creators to avoid any attempts to profit from these efforts. Additionally, Valve announced that it is making a significant update for all its multiplayer titles using the Source engine, including 64-bit binary support and interface improvements. This move not only aims to revitalize TF2 but also reinforces Valve’s commitment to the continuous improvement of its game catalog.

With this new SDK and the recent update, Valve seems to acknowledge the concerns of its player base and provide tools that allow them to take control of the future of TF2. However, doubts remain about whether these initiatives are enough to mitigate the current issues and satisfy the concerns of the community that continues to expect more from the company.

Steam DOWNLOAD