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I discovered video games when I was just a kid, but played little as I got older. Eventually, video games have found their way back into my life. I cannot always put into words how much I genuinely value the experiences that games offer me.
In my return to games, though, I found a lack of safe spaces for adult folks looking to get into video games. So I created one! ‘Video Games for Newbies’ will have its first livestream this Sunday! See you all very soon.
Playful (adjective) /ˈpleɪ.fəl/
Use the adjective playful to describe someone who likes to have fun and doesn't take things too seriously. A playful kindergarten teacher makes everything seem like a game, even lining up to go outside for recess.
A group of cheerful kids playing musical chairs at a birthday party can be called playful, and so can a litter of wiggly puppies. A playful joke might be mischievous, but it's meant in a silly, friendly way. This word has been around since the thirteenth century, in the sense of "full of play." The Old English root word is plegan, which means "frolic, move rapidly, make sport of, or play music."
Here's an article worth reading on playfulness and how it leads to better overall well-being: “New research finds playfulness is a skill anyone can learn,” by Derek Beres.
"Arcade games from the 1970s through the 1990s look pretty archaic now; their chunky and primitive visuals have been replaced by hyper-realistic worlds. But a deeper look at arcade-game design reveals the artistry and ingenuity it took to make full-fledged characters out of just a few pixels." - VOX
Listen, reflect, and answer: How do you exercise creativity?
"A game centred around fruit and veg doesn’t really sound that entertaining, does it? What if I said they were sentient fruits with adorable faces and tiny arms and legs? Yeah, I’ve never felt so attached to fruits and vegetables. This is what Garden Story has done to me." - Switch Player
Garden Story is available on Steam (Windows, macOS), and Nintendo Switch.
• "Above everything, Metronomy is a group composed of talented musicians striving to create groundbreaking sounds. This desire for uniqueness is not contrived or forced. In fact, Metronomy is full of heart and style. The band appeals to listeners who aren't afraid to test the limits of genres and dive into creative and inspired sound explorations." - The Tufts Daily
• "Abbott Elementary should be everyone’s new comedic obsession, with a cast that’s not only funny but who’ve already formed an honest, connective chemistry. Quinta Brunson’s sitcom always feels heartfelt, even when it’s criticizing a system that’s overworking teachers and letting down students. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Brunson have a snappy rapport that jumps right off the screen and every joke lands, painfully so at times. This is a series that shouldn’t be missed." - IndieWire
I don't know if you know this, but Undertale was a game that revolutionized LGBTQ+ representation in video games by including lesbian, trans, and non-binary characters.
So, it is not mere coincidence that our Undertale giveaway ends March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility.
This day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-diverse folks while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice. 🏳️⚧️
Curated with ♥ by Rose Cortijo, BEO (Bean Executive Officer).