The genre often focuses on the politics of feudal systems, but rarely on collective struggle.
Category: Culture
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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Celebrates Cinema Itself
It may seem like just a weird comedy about Nicolas Cage. But it’s so much more than that.
Netflix Struggles to Hold Its Place in the Streaming Wars
Subscriber fatigue, unwelcome price hikes, and competition from the likes of Disney+ and HBO Max have rattled Netflix. What’s next?
Southern Gothic Mystery Norco Is a Masterful Meditation on Place
Inspired by the rich traditions of the lead developer’s Louisiana hometown, this indie adventure game is a soaring ride through the 21st century.
Battle Kitty Stretches the Limits of Netflix’s Interactive Tech
The animated kids series plays like a video game—and demonstrates the potential of interactive shows.
The Artful, Subdued Translations of Modern Pop
Young artists like Latto, Vince Staples, and Doechii are subtly persuading listeners to rethink the way music genres can be interpreted.
Severance Is a Nightmare Vision of Office Life
The Apple TV+ show is one of 2022’s smartest series.
Tunic Is the Game of the Year That No One’s Talking About
Let’s not be too hasty to crown Elden Ring. This Zelda-inspired indie title is a worthy front-runner.
Pokémon Crystal Unlocked My Trans Girl Heart
When the world wishes you didn’t exist, sometimes you find your true self in the most unassuming places.
Sci-Fi Needs More Mothers
Many of China Mountain Zhang author Maureen McHugh’s stories explore the relationship between moms and their children.
Roblox’s ‘Layered Clothing’ Is Here—but Don’t Call It an NFT
The platform’s new technology for adaptable clothing design has broader implications for discussions about things like the metaverse and NFTs.
The Wheel of Time Isn’t for Every Fan
Amazon’s new series, based on Robert Jordan’s books, stumbles a bit in its adaptation and won’t please every reader.
4 Women Photographers on the Hardest Photo They Ever Took
In honor of Women’s History Month, we talked about the stories behind these artists’ most challenging images—from the personal to the political.
Video Games Offered My Son a Haven From Bullying
For lots of kids, the IRL world can be lonely. Lego Star Wars and Super Paper Mario helped my son focus and find a community.
A History of Hup, the Jump Sound in Every Video Game
You can hear it in your head: the grunt your character makes when hopping a fence or leaping into battle. Its sonic roots trace all the way back to 1973.
Master Reveals the Finite Future of Social Thrillers
For Black people and others who are continually at a disadvantage, the genre has a major limitation: It can only imagine what is already painfully obvious.
Even the Pandemic Couldn’t Stop Button Soccer
Traditionally played with buttons and bottle caps, this Brazilian game, usually played offline, exploded on the internet when people were forced inside.
Netflix’s Windfall Is a Perfect Class-Rage Noir
A tech billionaire confronts his burglar in the Netflix’s latest thriller.
Ringworld Needs to Be Updated for Television
Larry Niven’s 1970 novel will need some character and plot changes for its forthcoming TV adaptation.
Not Everyone Wants NFTs to Be the Future of Gaming
Tim Morten, cofounder of Frost Giant Studios and formerly production director on StarCraft II, doesn’t see the same dollar signs some studios do.
In Life, as in Wordle, Success Often Depends on Where You Start
We all have to start somewhere, but some of us have a leg up over others—even when it comes to simple games.
This Is What an RPG for Indie Movie Heroines Would Look Like
Press A to cry in your overpriced apartment, press B to run toward the sunset.
The Hypocrisy of Disney’s Response to the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
The Mouse House seems to have had several changes of heart.
Turning Red Doesn’t Follow Pixar’s Rules. Good
The studio’s early works were lauded for their “universal” storytelling. Its new approach champions personal stories—and audiences are the richer for it.
After Yang Will Make You Grieve For a Robot
The beautiful and strange new movie from South Korean filmmaker Kogonada presents a very different view of an AI-enhanced future.
Elden Ring Isn’t Made for All Gamers. I Wish It Were
The celebrated game has no difficulty modes, guaranteeing it will alienate some players.
The Diminishing Returns of Streaming’s Glut of Grifters
From The Dropout to Inventing Anna, nothing represents this era of television better than the prevalence of scammer programming.
High-Difficulty Games Don’t Have to Be Toxic
Challenging games are often associated with gatekeeping. But designers can use difficulty levels in interesting and valuable ways.
The Benefits of Gaming As a Couple—or Even With Your Kid
Playing It Takes Two with my partner was challenging, eye-opening, and also proved that playing games cooperatively is good for all relationships.
It’s Not Easy Running a Geeky Business—but It Can Be Easier
Carol Pinchefsky’s book Turn Your Fandom Into Cash helps people monetize their hobbies.
Volodymyr Zelensky Is Not a Meme
The Ukrainian president’s actions in the face of the Russian invasion turned him into a hero online. But the Marvelization of political figures is dangerous.
Six-Word Sci-Fi: Stories Written by You
Here’s this month’s prompt, how to submit, and an illustrated archive of past favorites.
The Age of Everything Culture Is Here
When anything on social media can become A Thing, trends take on an unnerving shape and velocity.
Tabletop Game Companies Are Rushing to Snatch Up Hollywood Names
Free League Publishing has been transforming vast worlds into games: Alien, Lord of the Rings, and now Blade Runner. How does it work behind the scenes?
Black Women Photographers on Getting Seen—and Hired
Six women discuss their photography style—and where they’d like to see their work go next.
How the Games Industry Shake-Up Could Play Out
Many devs are leaving their studios to found new ones, and indie players are getting bought up. But where will it all lead?
From BioWare to Beer: How Greg Zeschuk Makes Dreams Come True
The studio cofounder isn’t in the gaming industry anymore, but he’s still building new things—and still playing games.
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures.
It’s Time for a Scary Ghostbusters Movie
The franchise could benefit from going in a new direction.
Tech Companies’ Super Bowl Ads Leaned Into Dystopia
If Sunday’s Big Game commercials had any message, it was that corporations have a disconcerting vision for our future.