Minority Mindset

Known for an array of iconic characters he’s voiced, the talented Mamoru Miyano has solidified his status as a versatile powerhouse in the voice acting industry. A fan pointed out, “This guy voices Ryuji, Pandora’s Actor, Light Yagami, and even Mario! This guy has range!” Indeed, he does! It’s astonishing to consider that the boisterous “YEE-HAW” we hear as Ryuji transforms into the chilling lines delivered by Light Yagami in Death Note. The variations in tone, demeanor, and character are not just remarkable—they’re almost like a captivating transformation during a PlayStation cut-scene. For fans, it feels like having a sumptuous buffet of vocal performances, where deciding what to savor next is a delightful dilemma because everything is irresistibly tasty.

The idea of crossover events in gaming isn’t fresh, but it has developed a life of its own with franchises that don’t typically intertwine. Sonic Crossworlds is merging characters from distinct realms, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. Fans are envisioning how Joker’s stealth and combat skills could blend with Miku’s musical abilities in numerous possibilities. As one user, JaggedGull83898, stated, “I can hardly wait for this game; I actually screamed in excitement upon seeing Miku!” This encapsulates the enthusiasm that fans display; they are eager to welcome the unpredictability that arises from such unexpected partnerships. The anticipation is tangible, demonstrating the power of character attachment and the pleasure of witnessing their beloved characters interact in unprecedented environments.

Among fans, there’s a popular demand for the addition of new social connections (or S-Links) in the remake, especially for characters who didn’t receive as much narrative development as others in the original game. Fans like shinyakiria have shown interest in having a social link with the white-haired gas station worker, pointing out that a character as significant as Adachi was given more attention. They argued, “If Adachi can have one, she should too!” Emphasizing that even seemingly minor characters can have captivating backstories worth discovering.

Users are buzzing with excitement as they eagerly await the upcoming announcement, their virtual cheers filling the air like a digital “Whoo!” and fanfare. One user, chidorita, playfully declared, “I’ve got my clown suit on, I’m ready,” which sparked laughter and a knowing wink from fellow enthusiasts. It’s clear that the Persona series has built a devoted following, and these fans are more than happy to wear their fandom badges proudly—or in this case, literally on their heads. It’s all about cosplay or nothing! Fans are uniting with shared anticipation, yet they also inject humor into the situation by acknowledging the absurdity of dressing up as clowns for a game announcement based solely on hope and spoilers.

After this year’s Summer Game Fest, the show will broadcast a day or two later, featuring a Direct segment specifically for Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming RPG The Outer Worlds 2 straight afterward. In the summer shows of 2023 and 2024, Xbox had longer previews of Starfield and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as their final acts.

Navigating the marketing world for your independent game development can sometimes feel akin to wandering through a maze without a compass. A user named yonoirishi articulated a common predicament among indie devs: “How exactly does one promote a game?” The landscape of marketing is fraught with obstacles, and tools like social media ads may inadvertently place your game before uninterested viewers—those who are not passionate about the specific genre or theme of your title. Engaging with specialized subreddits where other developers discuss strategies might not always lead to the desired outcomes, as it can often seem like speaking into a void.

Back in October of last year, I eagerly learned about the upcoming release of Wander Stars. Now, you can get a taste of it by checking out the demo available on its Steam page. Mark your calendars for June 19th, because that’s when we fans will finally have the opportunity to participate in the player beta!