Navigating the ever-evolving gaming universe requires a keen eye for the latest trends and innovations. Dive into our roundup of the most thrilling gaming news from September 4-8, 2023. Whether it’s the launch of a much-anticipated game or a significant industry shift, we’re here to ensure you don’t miss a beat from this week in gaming.
Nintendo and Niantic Launch Browser-Based Pikmin Finder Game
Nintendo, in collaboration with Niantic, has introduced a fresh and casual gaming experience for mobile users: the Pikmin Finder. What sets Pikmin Finder apart is its accessibility. Players don’t need to download an app; instead, they can dive straight into the augmented reality world of Pikmin through any mobile browser, be it on an iPhone or an Android device.
The gameplay is reminiscent of Pikmin Bloom. As players view their surroundings through their phone’s camera, Pikmin characters are superimposed onto the real world. Spot a Pikmin? Swipe up to pluck it! And here’s a tip: if you see one Pikmin, there are likely more of the same color nearby. Once you’ve gathered your Pikmin, you can send them on treasure hunts. From cakes to rubber duckies, watch in delight as these adorable creatures fetch treasures on your screen.
To embark on this Pikmin adventure, visit the game’s website on your mobile browser. A QR code will guide you to the mobile gaming experience if you’re on a desktop.
Annapurna Announces Animated Adaptation of Stray
The beloved cat-centric adventure game, “Stray,” is set to leap from gaming consoles to the big screen as an animated movie. Annapurna, the game’s original publisher, is taking the reins on this project. This isn’t their first rodeo in the animation world, as they recently celebrated a hit with their debut animated feature, “Nimona,” on Netflix. While the creative minds behind this adaptation remain a mystery, Robert Baird, the head of Annapurna Animation, shared with Entertainment Weekly that the project is in full swing. He confidently described the upcoming film as the “ultimate hopepunk movie.”
For those unfamiliar with the term “hopepunk,” Baird explains it as a storytelling approach where optimism becomes a powerful tool against oppression. This theme aligns perfectly with the game’s essence. Fans of the game can also look forward to including the game’s drone companion, B-12. Baird teased the film as a “buddy comedy about a cat and a robot,” highlighting their entertaining rapport.
“Stray” was launched last year, allowing players to navigate a cyberpunk world as a curious feline. The game was lauded for its unique perspective and has since gained immense popularity across various platforms.
YouTube Tests New Mini-Game Feature, Playables
YouTube is venturing into new territory: mini-games. But before you get too excited, these aren’t the cloud-gaming experiences you might imagine. Instead, consider it a Miniclip-esque experience nestled comfortably within YouTube’s ecosystem.
Currently, this feature is in its experimental phase, available only to a select group of beta testers. You’ll spot a “Playables” tab on your YouTube home feed if you’re one of the chosen few. And the best part? Whether you’re lounging with your desktop or on your mobile, these games are accessible.
YouTube isn’t the first to dip its toes into the gaming waters. Netflix has been making significant strides in gaming, recently extending its services to specific smart TVs and PCs. Even TikTok is joining the bandwagon with in-app games and live trivia contests. However, it’s worth noting that Google’s ambitious Stadia cloud streaming service took a bow earlier this year.
Missed out on last week’s Gaming updates?
That’s all the most interesting gaming news from September 4-8, 2023! Missed the gaming news last week? Click here for the gaming updates from August 28 to September 1, 2023.
