It's Wednesday, friends! Welcome back to the WIRED Games newsletter. It's been a while since I asked: What are you playing these days? I'm still planning on starting Pokémon Unite, but Boyfriend Dungeon just came out, and it looks like a combination of Dream Daddy meets Hades, which could be super fun. I watched a friend stream it a few days ago, and I found it hilarious and whimsical. Plus, the voice acting is stellar—and I don't just say that because I'm already a fan of half of the VAs in the cast. So what about you? Let us know at games@wired.com. This week I'd love for you to read Grant Stoner's piece that's not specifically about Valve's new Steam Deck—but isn't not about it either. It's about how the design of portable game consoles like the Steam Deck highlight the challenges that gamers with disabilities face. Too often the common "portable" design, which kind of emulates the way we use phones and tablets, falls short for people with vision or dexterity issues. Stoner also speaks to people in the article who offer their own tips for the next version of the Steam Deck, or the next generation of portable consoles. Also, don't miss our piece from Sofía Kuan and Facundo Iglesia about a game called Liyla and the Shadows of War, and the Palestinian developer who made it. In short, Liyla doesn't let you win. It's a game, for sure, and there are choices to be made, but much like the pointlessness and emptiness of war, the endings are the same, and the events predictable. But the outcome isn't the point—it's the story you're exposed to along the way. Even better—or, actually, worse—the events in the game are based on the developer's lived experiences. Next up, have you seen Free Guy yet? I mean, I haven't, but my understanding is that it's pretty good, and perhaps even a new course for video-game-inspired movies, as Hollywood starts to loosen up a little and have more fun with them. Our own culture editor, Angela Watercutter, sat down with Ryan Reynolds, the star of the film, to talk about some of the biggest cameos and easter eggs, so unless you don't mind spoilers, go watch the movie before reading the interview. If you're a retro game fan, definitely read our look at Piepacker, a platform that combines retro games, a browser-like interface, and video chat, so you can play those old school games with your friends. And they don't just have to watch, they can get in on the co-op action! It's not perfect, but it is easy to use, and every game on the platform is fully licensed, so you can go to town without worrying the service will get shut down. Finally, two stories you should definitely check out if you have time: Rose Afriyie's look at VR as a way to revolutionize travel experiences, from visiting your ancestral homeland to exploring the stars. The reasons to buy a headset seem to be growing, don't you think? Also, if you're like me and haven't replaced your Wi-Fi router in a few years, our Gear team has a whole guide to shopping for one. It's really complete and packed with suggestions. Now I just have to decide if I need an upgrade or not … Hmm. I'll keep you posted, and I'll see you next week! 🎮 Handhelds still aren't designed for disabled gamers. Despite the fanfare around the Steam Deck, it largely follows the design that made the Nintendo Switch and other portable consoles like the 3DS (remember the Sega Game Gear?) popular. It's great for many people, but for gamers with disabilities, it falls a bit short. ⚔️ This game set in the Gaza Strip doesn't let you win. Liyla and the Shadows of War is a grim, monochrome game, a lot like Limbo or This War of Mine. But it pulls no punches on the Palestinian experience, and it's a game we can all learn a little from, if we're willing to listen. 🦸 Ryan Reynolds called in a favor for that big Free Guy cameo. Free Guy is definitely a video game movie, which means it's packed with treats and Easter eggs for eagle-eyed viewers. Angela Watercutter talked to Ryan Reynolds about some of them. 🕹️ Piepacker gives retro games an online co-op upgrade. If you love retro gaming, and you love retro gaming with friends, Piepacker is worth a look. It's still in its early stages, but it's far enough along that Simon Hill really liked it, and he thinks you will too. 🚀 Virtual reality lets you travel anywhere—new or old. Imagine zipping from the Accra Art Museum in Ghana to the International Space Station, all from the comfort of your seat—or any seat. VR has great possibilities when it comes to travel experiences, and we're only starting to explore them. 💸 Shopping for a router sucks. Here's what you need to know. Shopping for a router used to be a bit easier than it is now. You have more choices and router styles today than ever before. Do you need a single router or a mesh network? A "gaming" router, or will any model do? Our guide has answers. |
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