The gaming world is always buzzing, and this week was no different. From character creators that finally get it right to corporate decisions that feel like a punch in the gut, there's a lot to unpack. Grab your favorite controller and let's dive into the latest headlines, shall we?
Saints Row's Character Creator: A Win for Representation
Saints Row is finally out, and oh boy, the character creator is something else. It's impressively extensive, even by Saints Row's own wild standards. What really sets it apart is how it handles options for trans players. Remember Cyberpunk 2077? Yeah, you could give a femme character a penis, which seemed like a step forward... but then, where's the bulge? The character stayed smooth, which felt like a weird omission.
Saints Row said, 'Not on our watch!' The game keeps that bulge intact even outside the nudity of the creator screen. Our editor-in-chief, Stacey Henley, totally fell in love with this feature. Dressing up 'The Boss' in everything from cute skirts to full-on latex fetish wear, she came to see the bulge not as an annoyance, but as a cool accessory. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about thoughtful design. It's about giving players the freedom to be who they want to be, without half-measures. Pretty neat, huh?
Does Multiversus Really Need a Story Mode?
Rumors are swirling that the chaotic crossover fighter Multiversus might be getting a story mode. Imagine Batman trying to explain why he's teaming up with Finn the Human and Arya Stark... sounds like a headache waiting to happen. The idea seems to be to justify this wild mashup of characters from different Warner Bros. universes.
But here's the thing: does it need justifying? They're in the game because they're fun to play, pure and simple. Forcing a convoluted plot about some interdimensional evil to tie it all together feels... unnecessary. It risks becoming a messy explanation for something that was perfect just as a fun, silly brawler. Maybe the story mode will surprise everyone and be amazing, but starting from a place of 'we need to explain this' sets a tricky precedent. Sometimes, less is more, you know?
HBO Max's Animation Purge: A Sad Glimpse of the Future
Let's talk about something less fun. The merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery has been, to put it lightly, a total mess. Finished movies like Batgirl got axed. Dozens of animated shows and films have been completely removed from HBO Max, making piracy the only way to watch them. It's a brutal move that's shaken creator and fan trust alike.
This isn't just about canceling shows; it feels like erasure. Animation has long been treated as 'just for kids,' not to be taken seriously. Now, that dismissive attitude has turned into direct action—shows are ended before they find their audience, and existing ones are hidden away. It's a worrying sign for the future of the medium. When corporate decisions prioritize short-term cuts over preserving art, everyone loses. A real bummer, for sure.
Pokémon Unite's Eevee-lutionary Dream
On a brighter note, let's talk Pokémon! Pokémon Unite already has three fabulous Eeveelutions: Sylveon, Espeon, and Glaceon. But the game's producer, Masaaki Hoshino, has a dream. He told our features editor that he "wants to see all Eevee teams" someday. Imagine a whole squad, no Charizard or Pikachu in sight, just a team of fluffy, evolving Eevees and all their glorious forms. It's a charming goal that shows a love for the franchise's creatures beyond just the most popular picks. Will it happen? Who knows, but the possibility is delightfully there.
Splatoon 3: Iteration, Not Revolution (And That's Okay!)
For all the squid kids and octo enthusiasts out there, Splatoon 3 is looking like a surefire hit. Our resident Splatoon superfan got some hands-on time, and the verdict is in: this is a polished iteration, not a revolution. And that's perfectly fine! The game takes everything that worked in Splatoon 2 and refines it. The movement is snappier, the weapons feel great, and the chaotic, ink-splattering fun is turned up to eleven.
If you're hoping for a complete genre shake-up, you might walk away wanting. But if you're just craving more Splatoon, but better? You are in for a total treat. It's shaping up to be the definitive Splatoon experience, building on a solid foundation rather than tearing it down. Sometimes, the best sequels are the ones that feel like coming home.
So, there you have it. A week of gaming that gave us reasons to celebrate thoughtful design, question unnecessary additions, mourn corporate decisions, dream of fluffy Pokémon teams, and get excited for more ink-based warfare. The industry keeps turning, for better or worse. What a time to be a player.
Trends are identified by GamesIndustry.biz, whose reporting on publisher strategy and platform economics helps contextualize why moves like HBO Max’s animation removals can ripple into gaming tie-ins and preservation concerns, even as player-facing wins—like Saints Row’s more thoughtful character customization—show how creative teams can still push representation forward despite corporate turbulence.