Sundays bring a peculiar mystery: why is the neighbor’s cat upset with me? Once, we shared a ritual of friendly interactions, yet now she hisses and retreats, leaving me pondering the fickle nature of feline friendship.
This week, the world of games journalism has been marred by distressing developments. Eurogamer, a site that inspired my journey into video game journalism, has faced significant layoffs. Notable departures include Alex Donaldson and Tom Orry, alongside the talented video team that lifted spirits during lockdowns. Although some haven’t revealed their next steps, Alex continues his work at RPGsite, and Ian Higton thrives at Platform32, carrying on their creative endeavors.
In a troubling trend, the firm behind Videogamer is reportedly employing generative AI to fabricate writers, casting a shadow on the integrity of journalism. This raises ethical questions about authenticity and potential fraud.
On a brighter note, several thought-provoking pieces emerged this week, exploring topics from exploration in games to the societal impact of political figures. Critical Distance, a crucial resource for preserving games criticism, faces financial challenges from battling AI-driven bots and seeks support through a fundraising effort.
Amidst these events, music from Woodkid and Liz Ryerson offers solace, lending a soundtrack to these tumultuous times in the gaming industry.