What we've been playing - "We're in danger of making this a regular thing"

eurogamer.net Aug 22, 2026

What we’ve been playing – “We’re in danger of making this a regular thing”

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The article recounts a week of varied gaming experiences, including Mat J’s philosophical musings, Connor’s return to classic Minesweeper after a data outage, and Bertie’s coordination of a second‑week “Big Walk” event with Eurogamer readers. It highlights the playful critique of games that “play themselves,” citing titles like Vampire Survivors and simple block‑stacking games. The piece also details the spontaneous adventures of the Big Walk group, from building a chair tower to navigating a rocky cliff, underscoring the community’s collaborative fun.

💡 Why It Matters

· By spotlighting how players engage with both nostalgic and emergent titles, the article illustrates the evolving relationship between gamers and game design, revealing a shift toward shared, experiential play rather than solitary competition.

Capsules Gaming

Read full article on eurogamer.net

Nintendo destroys 400 more Switch emulator repositories on GitHub as it reminds…

Nintendo filed seven DMCA takedown notices against GitHub on a single day, removing over 400 Switch emulator repositories. The action followed earlier legal victories against Yuzu and Ryujinx, reinforcing Nintendo’s stance that emulators facilitate illegal game copies. The notices cited the emulators’ circumvention of Nintendo’s technological protection measures and the use of copyrighted works without permission. The removals were executed swiftly, with GitHub branches now displaying only Nintendo’s DMCA statements, underscoring the company’s aggressive enforcement strategy.

💡 Nintendo’s rapid, large‑scale takedowns demonstrate its commitment to protecting intellectual property, setting a precedent that could deter future emulator development and influence how digital rights are enforced across the gaming industry.

gamesradar.com · Aug 22

FromSoftware knows what it’s doing with The Duskbloods character Zork, the internet’s…

FromSoftware’s upcoming Switch 2‑exclusive, The Duskbloods, introduced a new playable character, Zork, during a closed network test that was abruptly ended after servers were overwhelmed by player traffic. Zork, a beaked, armored fighter that shoots missiles, quickly became an internet meme, earning the nickname “zorking it.” The character’s playful design contrasts with the game’s darker themes, sparking speculation about his true nature and generating widespread online discussion.

💡 The rapid viral response shows how a single character can shape community engagement and influence a game’s pre‑launch buzz, underscoring the power of meme culture in modern gaming marketing.

ign.com · Aug 22

The 27″ ASRock Phantom 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Drops to $279 With…

Newegg’s AliExpress storefront is offering the 27" ASRock Phantom PGO27QSA QD‑OLED gaming monitor for $279 with free shipping, a steep discount from its usual price. The QHD display (2560×1440) delivers 109 ppi and a 240 Hz refresh rate, surpassing typical budget OLEDs that cap at 120–165 Hz. Powered by Samsung’s quantum‑dot OLED panel, it provides brighter, wider‑gamut colors and near‑infinite contrast. The unit ships from a U.S. warehouse, arriving within a week, and includes a two‑year warranty.

💡 The deal makes a high‑refresh‑rate OLED monitor accessible to mainstream gamers, potentially reshaping expectations for performance‑centric displays.

gamesradar.com · Aug 22

The new Warhammer 40K Ork models are good enough to make me…

The 11th Edition of Warhammer 40K introduces a new line of Ork models that have captured the attention of hobbyists, eclipsing the Space Marines in popularity. The release includes diverse units such as the towering Nazdreg Warboss, fast-moving Warbikers, and the rugged MekTrukk, each offering distinct tactical options. The models are praised for their robust build quality, high attack potential, and unique abilities that enhance both close‑combat and ranged play. Availability is through official Warhammer channels and discounted indie retailers.

💡 The Ork line’s fresh designs and powerful stats signal a strategic shift in 40K gameplay, encouraging players to rethink army composition and favor aggressive, high‑damage tactics.

playstationlifestyle.net · Aug 22

PlayStation Store Codes for Free Helldivers 2 PS5 Downloads

Sony announced that Helldivers 2, now part of the PS Plus catalog, will offer free PS5 avatar sets to all subscribers. The company distributed region‑specific redemption codes—Americas, Europe/Australia/New Zealand, Middle East/Africa, Asia, and Japan—allowing players to claim four limited‑time avatars. The game, a third‑person shooter sequel to the 2015 title, has already earned multiple awards and is available to PS Plus Extra and Premium members. The promotion underscores Sony’s effort to boost engagement for the popular title.

💡 By gifting exclusive avatars, Sony incentivizes PS Plus users to explore Helldivers 2, potentially increasing the game’s active player base and extending its visibility across multiple platforms.

eurogamer.net · Aug 22

61 video game things that spark joy

Eurogamer’s Optimism Week article lists 61 quirky video‑game moments that bring joy, from ragdoll bodies hopping after a minor hit to tossing toilets at enemies in Control. It highlights playful weapon names, cinematic food screens, sword‑based projectile deflection, and satisfying combos that reward practice. The piece also celebrates defenestration mechanics in titles like Into the Breach and the iconic “Impressive” announcer lines in Quake 3. Readers are invited to share their own joyful gaming anecdotes in the comments.

💡 These moments underscore how small, unexpected details can deepen player engagement, turning routine gameplay into memorable experiences.