It feels quite fitting that a game like Big Hops released today, the day after Awesome Games Done Quick wrapped up, because this thing feels like it has a guaranteed spot in Summer Games Done Quick already. You’re a frog! Who hops around! What’s not to love? It helps that the platformer feels so good in motion, too.
**Nintendo’s Watchfulness Amidst Escalating Tariffs and RAM Expenditures**
In a recent discussion with Kyoto Shimbun, Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, revealed perspectives on the company’s proactive strategies concerning the economic hurdles introduced by escalating tariffs and rising RAM expenses intensified by the global surge in AI computing demands. This scenario carries profound consequences for the gaming sector, especially regarding Nintendo’s forthcoming hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Furukawa pointed out that the possibility of a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently a speculative topic. Nonetheless, he recognized that a RAM scarcity driven by the needs of AI data centers could evolve into a significant issue in the future. This statement underscores the broader impact of technological progress on the availability and cost of components, which could eventually affect consumer products.
While discussing the challenges of maintaining a favorable profit margin for the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor, Furukawa elaborated that numerous elements influence hardware profitability. These include conditions for component procurement, cost efficiencies realized through mass production, and fluctuations in exchange rates and tariffs. He reiterated, “Hardware profitability hinges on components procurement conditions, cost savings via mass production, and the repercussions of exchange rates and tariffs.”
Despite various pressures from soaring material costs, Furukawa offered reassurance to stakeholders. He noted that the pricing of the Switch 2 remains stable for the time being, unless unexpected trade conflicts arise akin to those seen during the last administration. “Although we recognize the increasing costs of various materials, we also foresee several areas where cost reductions might be possible for Nintendo Switch 2 through continued mass production efforts,” he stated.
As the technology sector grapples with climbing costs—particularly in computer components like RAM and graphics cards—these challenges reach beyond just gaming companies to the wider public. The escalating difficulty of procuring these crucial components has prompted corporations such as NVIDIA to contemplate reintroducing older graphics cards, like the RTX 3060, to satisfy ongoing demand.
Furukawa disclosed that Nintendo had already faced substantial tariff-related expenses last year, amounting to tens of millions in losses during the first half. This financial pressure emerges at a pivotal moment as Nintendo seeks to encourage the adoption of new hardware and sustain momentum across its current platforms. “This is a vital time for our gaming business as we drive the adoption of new hardware and retain the momentum of our platforms. We are navigating this carefully while considering the circumstances,” he commented.
In August 2025, Nintendo responded to these economic challenges by adjusting the prices of its existing hardware. The original Nintendo Switch experienced an increase from $299 to $339, the Switch OLED went up from $349 to $399, and the Switch Lite rose from $199 to $229. These modifications indicate the seriousness with which Nintendo is addressing the influence of external economic factors.
While the company diligently tracks the impact of rising RAM expenses and tariffs, the precise strategies Nintendo will implement remain unclear. Furukawa concluded the conversation by stating that the company’s stance is to perceive tariffs as a cost that will be transferred to consumers in pricing. This strategy extends beyond the U.S. market and will be implemented globally as they navigate these volatile economic conditions.
In summary, as Nintendo braces for potential changes in pricing models driven by external variables, the industry will be observing how these developments could influence the launch and positioning of the Nintendo Switch 2 amidst the increasingly intricate global market dynamics.
Lighting up my fifteenth cigarette of the hour and adjusting my fedora, I slipped the mysterious code into the box. A collection of numbers and letters designed to provide early access to the demo of a detective game. It was a hot tip from a public relations person on behalf of developers Lost Cabinet Games. That wasn’t suspicious. Well, assuming the missing furniture is metaphorical rather than literal.
### Team 17’s Secret Treasures Sale on Steam: An Exceptional Gaming Adventure
At any point, Steam typically has multiple sales occurring, showcasing a variety of games available at reduced prices. Nevertheless, Team 17’s latest venture, referred to as the “Secret Treasures Sale,” brought an inventive spin that captured the interest of the gaming community. This promotion is not just centered around discounts but also invites players to participate in an enjoyable treasure hunt for complimentary game codes embedded in the sale artwork.
#### The Introduction of the Secret Treasures Sale
On January 12, Team 17 unveiled its Secret Treasures Sale, presenting a selection of over 50 games, including fresh titles like *Dredge* and beloved classics like *Golf With Friends* and *Worms Reloaded*. This event continues until January 19 and boasts substantial discounts, rendering it an appealing choice for gamers eager to enhance their collections.
#### Unearthing the Concealed Codes
The remarkable feature of this sale was the hidden free game codes artfully disguised within the event’s pirate-themed graphics. The backdrop, decorated with gold and treasure, offered more than mere visual charm. As players navigated the Secret Treasures event page, they could spot subtle inscriptions on parchment that bore alphanumeric codes. These codes act as keys to unlock a variety of Team 17 games.
The news regarding the concealed codes spread rapidly, thanks to gaming deals aficionado Wario64, who brought attention to this distinctive element on social media shortly after the sale commenced. However, by the time the word reached many, it appeared that most, if not all, of the codes had already been claimed, highlighting the urgency associated with such limited-time promotions.
#### Continued Offers for Everyone
Even if gamers overlooked the chance to snag a free game code, they still have the opportunity to take advantage of the sale’s generous discounts. Here are some of the top bargains available during the Secret Treasures Sale:
– *Dredge* – $20 (originally $40)
– *Heavenly Bodies* – $9 (originally $25)
– *Hell Let Loose* – $21 (originally $60)
– *Golf With Friends* – $1.50 (originally $15)
– *Killer Frequency* – $5 (originally $25)
– *Moving Out* – $2.50 (originally $25)
– *Conscript: Director’s Cut* – $8 (originally $24)
– *The Escapists 2* – $4 (originally $27)
– *Overcooked 2* – $1.70 (originally $17)
– *Sworn* – $20 (originally $40)
While these deals may not have the same allure as free games, they provide significant savings in relation to their standard prices, making them a viable consideration for any enthusiastic gamer.
#### Conclusion
Team 17’s Secret Treasures Sale on Steam has launched a fun and engaging method for players to uncover and unlock free games while enjoying substantial discounts on their preferred titles. If you happened to be among the fortunate players who successfully discovered a hidden code, feel free to share your experience and the game you received in the comments!
What’s the genre called for games that recreate a desktop PC interface? There’s gotta be a name right, there’s enough games to justify it, but PC game is kind of already taken as a term. In any case, while we ponder over that question, let’s look at an upcoming addition to that genre, Imprinted, a horror game where you are tasked with restoring mysterious, damaged cassette tapes.
### Steam’s Detective Fest: Discovering Hidden Treasures in Mystery Gaming
Steam has unveiled an exhilarating new event, the Detective Fest, featuring a variety of games that focus on solving enigmas and untangling stories. While numerous popular titles lead the rankings, this article seeks to bring attention to underrated treasures that merit recognition.
#### The Emergence of Investigative Games
In recent times, investigative games have surged in popularity, with titles such as *Blue Prince* and *Rise of the Golden Idol* gaining fame alongside timeless classics like *Return of the Obra Dinn* and *Disco Elysium*. Nevertheless, this exploration will dig deeper, presenting you with distinct titles that might not have appeared at the top of Steam’s sales charts.
### Notable Titles to Discover
1. **The Ratline**
Crafted by Owlskip, known for its groundbreaking family-tree detective adventures, *The Ratline* is set in 1971, where players pursue Nazi fugitives in the wake of a priest’s assassination. The game, with a demo accessible during Detective Fest, enables players to connect clues and documents to crack the case.
2. **Surradia: An Art Retrospective**
This investigative game investigates the vanishing of three magical artists during World War II. Players must examine photographs, letters, and artworks stored in a museum to unveil the mystery. The demo is presently available, though the full game lacks a release timeline.
3. **Cleo’s Detective Chronicles**
In this visually remarkable game, players take on the character of Cleo as she trains under esteemed detective Maya Lynch. The demo showcases Cleo’s first three cases, with a complete version expected to launch later.
4. **Mansion of a Million Monsters**
This distinctive mix of sleuthing and dungeon-crawling evokes classic Amiga nostalgia. Developers have announced that a demo will be available soon.
5. **Daughter of the Journalist**
Set in the imaginary year of 780 Quattuoris 32nd, this episodic title follows the daughter of investigative journalist Frederick Emery. After her father’s questionable death, she sets off to reveal the truth, with a free demo currently ready to play.
6. **Murder Otaku**
As the fourth entry in the *Murder Is Game Over* series, this pixel art point-and-click game revolves around deciphering the murder of a J-pop singer at an anime convention. Players can access this game along with earlier titles via the Cleo’s Complete Casefile package.
7. **Of the Devil**
Drawing inspiration from *Ace Attorney* and *Danganronpa*, this episodic detective game unfolds in a cyberpunk future. The first episode is free to play, with more episodes being released consistently.
8. **Call of the Golden Valley**
This Australian detective simulation focuses on Danielle, an American traveler probing her friend’s mysterious disappearance in a town with a history of disappearing hikers. A free demo is available for eager investigators.
9. **Paper Perjury**
In this visual novel series, a newly hired clerk at the Azure City Police Department embarks on inquiries into bizarre crimes. A demo for Case 1 is currently available, with more content coming soon.
10. **Detective Instinct**
This mystery adventure game follows a narrative echoing titles from Capcom, centering on the disappearance of a woman from a train. Released late last year, it is celebrating Detective Fest with discounts and a free demo.
### Conclusion
Steam’s Detective Fest is a veritable treasure chest of investigative games, showcasing both celebrated titles and hidden treasures. Whether you’re assembling clues in a historical backdrop or deciphering murders in contemporary tales, this event provides an abundance of captivating experiences for genre enthusiasts. With demos available for many games, now is the perfect time to jump in and uncover your next favorite.
There is a strange deliciousness in experiencing a game from a perspective that it does not otherwise allow. Sure, things don’t always look right, there’s just this opportunity to rethink how you view a particular world. Recently, it appears that someone playing Arc Raiders got to do just that, by switching it into a first-person shooting mode as opposed to its usual third-person camera, all thanks to an accident.
Hideo Kojima, the iconic game designer celebrated for his innovative narratives and ideas, has recently unveiled captivating insights into his subconscious via personal dream records. Over the weekend, Kojima disclosed on Twitter that he has “always” experienced nightmares, a subject he touched upon while getting ready for his first keynote speech in five years at the forthcoming GDC Festival of Gaming 2026. This can be perceived as both a personal disclosure and an insight into his creative psyche, as he rediscovered past dream entries on his device from nine years ago.
Kojima mentioned that his efforts to alleviate nightmares by chronicling his dreams have not been fruitful, yet the notes offer a striking glimpse into the imagination of one of the gaming industry’s most impactful figures. He shared the difficulty of expressing dreams verbally, remarking, “It’s challenging to convey a vague dream in words,” but the two documented entries distinctly showcase vivid and surreal imagery.
The first dream entry, dated January 3, 2017, evolves into a peculiar story set on a film set. In this dream, Kojima is bitten on the arm by an odd, furry creature resembling a floating ball. The conflict with this shapeshifting being becomes a pivotal aspect, as it changes into different forms before finally turning into a plastic card that ends up in Kojima’s grasp. He questions the essence of the creature, speculating if it could be “a being from outer space” or “an artifact from the fourth dimension,” reflecting his inclination to merge science fiction elements with personal encounters.
The following dream entry from January 4, 2017, places Kojima in a hot spring resort, settling into a lodging house. The narrative takes an unusual twist as he strives to clean the dirt-filled streets, meeting vivid characters such as “sensuous nude women” and “wounded elderly men who converse in foreign tongues.” The dream takes a sinister turn when Kojima stumbles upon decaying bodies buried in the earth, which then follow him to his new home. The scenario intensifies when the corpses inexplicably turn into young men in relay racing uniforms upon the arrival of their enraged coach.
Through these shared dreams, Kojima not only welcomes fans into the strange realms of his mind but also evokes intrigue regarding the possible meanings behind these surreal happenings. The multi-layered symbolism and narrative intricacy within his dreams reflect the narrative and thematic richness found in his video games. As he readies himself for his keynote presentation, it is yet to be determined how these nightly visions might impact his future works and continue to influence the realm of interactive entertainment.
Wishing Stars, Exhibition Passes, and more!
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Once again it appears that Pocketpair appears to be going after a bit of Pokemon’s pie, this time of the card game variety. Where the latter’s started life as a physical medium, the former’s attempt at such a thing, literally just called Palworld Official Card Game, announced today, looks to be of the digital-only variety, though what there is to learn about it is a touch slim overall.
