Ever notice how companies love to squeeze out every last drop of productivity from their employees? Well, Atlus is marching to a different beat. In a refreshing twist, they’re raising salaries and cutting back on fixed overtime. It’s a rare sight in an industry that’s seen more than its fair share of burnout. Makes me wonder if other studios might take a hint. We’ve got a jam-packed lineup today, so let’s look into the latest happenings in our pixelated wonderland. Prepare for news that might just make your thumbs ache with anticipation.
In an industry beset by layoffs and crunch, Japanese publisher Atlus is raising salaries and working to reduce fixed overtime
Speaking of sequels, Atlus just dropped some unexpected good news in a time when layoffs and crunch are as common as boss fights. The Japanese publisher, famous for games like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, is bucking the current trend of misery in the gaming industry. Eurogamer reports that they’re raising salaries and reducing fixed overtime. Say what? In a world where we hear more about job cuts than raises, this feels almost like finding a rare drop.
Now, before we start throwing a parade, let’s be real. This is just the beginning, and there’s still a long way to go. But it’s a step in the right direction, and it shows that some companies are at least trying to treat their employees like, you know, humans. It’s refreshing, and frankly, a bit reassuring, to see a publisher making an effort to support its team. So, Atlus, keep it up. Maybe you’ll inspire a few others to follow suit. And hey, with happier developers, maybe we’ll get even better games out of it. Imagine that.
Read the full article on Eurogamer
Pulsar X3 CrazyLight Mini review
Speaking of sequels, the Pulsar X3 CrazyLight Mini is here, and it’s trying to win over anyone who was left unimpressed by its predecessor. I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try another “Mini” mouse after my lackluster experience with the X2H CrazyLight Mini. The “H” in the X2H meant a large rear-weighted hump which didn’t play nice with my grip style. Happily, the X3 foregoes this hump.
This time around, Pulsar decided to switch things up with a right-handed ergonomic design, distancing itself from the symmetrical, ambidextrous shape of the older X2H. It’s like they’re trying to tell us that it’s okay to pick sides, literally. PC Gamer’s review suggests that the X3 might actually fit the bill for those of us who’ve been burned by the previous version. This could be the mouse that finally fits like a glove, instead of like an awkwardly sized mitten. But, as always, your mileage may vary.
Read the full article on PC Gamer
Amy Madigan’s historic Oscars 2026 win echoes Heath Ledger’s Joker
Shifting gears, let’s talk about Amy Madigan’s Oscars 2026 triumph. It’s a massive win that has echoes of Heath Ledger’s legendary Joker performance. Madigan snagged the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her jaw-dropping role as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons.” Who knew our favorite aunt could be so intense? Polygon called her performance “unforgettable,” and they’re not wrong.
This win is monumental for the industry. It’s not every day that an actor gets an Oscar for a role linked so heavily to video game adaptations. Sure, Ledger’s Joker was iconic in the world of comic book films, but Madigan is breaking ground in our corner of the entertainment universe. It’s nice to see the Academy giving props to a performance that borrows more than a little from the video game world.
We’ve been here before with video games influencing mainstream culture, but this feels different. It’s like the games industry, summarized in one shiny statuette. While we can’t promise that Aunt Gladys will make a cameo in your favorite game anytime soon, Madigan’s win might just open doors for more gaming-inspired performances to finally get the recognition they deserve.
Read the full article on Polygon
$70 Games Are Riskier Than Ever As Cheaper Games Dominate On Steam
Meanwhile, the $70 game price tag is looking like more of a gamble these days. According to Kotaku, some of the best-rated and highest-selling games on Steam are the cheap ones. We’re talking about those under $20 gems that deliver quality without breaking the bank. Remember when games were about fun and creativity? It seems like that’s what gamers are gravitating toward, rather than the AAA titles that demand a week’s worth of lunch money. Sure, high-budget games can be stunning, but do they always hit the mark? Not so much. No fluff, just the stuff that matters, quality gaming without the sticker shock.
Read the full article on Kotaku
I spent 6 months saving for up for a banged-up truck in GTA RP and now I know exactly what I want from GTA 6’s multiplayer
For the RPG fans, spending six months hustling for a beat-up truck in GTA RP might sound like a nightmare or a badge of honor. But it’s actually a bit of both. Our friend over at PC Gamer has clocked a few thousand hours in GTA Online, and even more in the unofficial FiveM’s roleplaying scene. After all this virtual grinding, they’ve got a clear vision for GTA 6’s multiplayer. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t dream about a GTA world that combines the chaos of Los Santos with the creativity of player-made scripts?
While the official GTA 5 multiplayer has its charm, it’s the roleplaying servers that unleash a whole new level of creativity and immersion. It’s not just about the heists and shootouts, it’s about living a second life, even if that life involves saving up for a rust bucket. Hopefully, Rockstar takes a few notes from these community-driven projects when crafting their next big multiplayer experience. Here’s to waiting for GTA 6 and hoping it’s worth the wait.
Read the full article on PC Gamer
Marathon’s latest update adds a locked-off fourth map, indicating the extraction shooter’s hardest challenge will soon be revealed
In other news, if you’ve fired up Marathon today, you might’ve noticed something unusual. Right there in the game’s menu is a locked-off fourth map. Yep, it looks like Cryo Archive, the game’s toughest challenge yet, is coming soon. For those risk-takers checking their inbox at work, you might have also spotted a mysterious message hinting at things to come.
Eurogamer’s got the scoop on this mysterious new development. Right now, it seems like Bungie wants to keep us guessing, but this locked map promises to test even the most seasoned players. So, sharpen your skills, because Cryo Archive is likely to demand every ounce of strategy and skill you’ve got.
Read the full article on Eurogamer
Fallout Chicago, a DLC-sized New Vegas mod about the Brotherhood of Steel fighting a union mob, has a first demo out now
Over on the PC side, there’s a new mod for Fallout: New Vegas that’s got folks talking, and it’s not just because it takes us to a post-apocalyptic Illinois. Fallout Chicago’s first demo is out, and it’s bringing the Brotherhood of Steel to do battle with a union mob. Yep, it’s like Mad Max meets The Sopranos but with more radiation. This mod is DLC-sized, so expect to sink some serious hours into it.
Before you pack your virtual bags and head east, you might want to brush up on Fallout Tactics’ lore. It’s going to come in handy when you’re navigating this new terrain. Rock Paper Shotgun gives us the scoop, and it seems this one’s for the hardcore fans. But hey, we love a good challenge, right?
Read the full article on Rock Paper Shotgun
Where to get the Washing Machine in Pokémon Pokopia
If you’re a Nintendo person, hunting down quirky items is par for the course. Pokémon Pokopia throws a curveball with its elusive Washing Machine for the Team Initiation Challenge. Sure, it’s just one part of the trio of items you need, but isn’t that the fun? Well, kind of.
Here’s the lowdown. The Washing Machine is nestled in a specific area that, surprise, surprise, isn’t marked on your map. But don’t fret. Head over to the Rusty Ruins section of the map. It’s a bit of a trek, but you’ll find it tucked away in a corner like some forgotten laundry. Just make sure you’ve got the right Pokémon to help you navigate those pesky obstacles. No fluff, just the stuff that matters, courtesy of VGC. Happy hunting!
‘People were just not ready for it’: Starfield composer says it will eventually ‘be legendary’
Speaking of sequels, Inon Zur, the composer behind Starfield, firmly believes it’ll eventually become a “legendary” game. In an interview with RPG Site, Zur shared his admiration for Bethesda’s Todd Howard, calling him a “visionary” whose ideas often take time to fully appreciate. Maybe Zur’s right, and we just need to give Starfield a little more time, or maybe it’s not the masterpiece he thinks it is. After all, we’ve been hyped up before, only to be let down. Either way, it’s got the soundtrack pedigree with Zur’s history on the Fallout series, so at least our ears will be happy while we figure it out.
Gotham Knights studio Warner Bros. Games Montréal appear to have laid off staff
In other news, it looks like Warner Bros. Games Montréal, the folks behind Gotham Knights, have made some of their team disappear. Word on the street is that an unspecified number of staff were let go late last week. The grapevine, aka LinkedIn, has at least three former employees sharing their abrupt exits, with one confirming layoffs were to blame. Rock Paper Shotgun got the scoop on this one. It’s never fun to see people lose their jobs, especially in an industry that’s been so unpredictable lately. Let’s hope everyone lands on their feet and that Warner Bros. figures out a way to keep the lights on without cutting more talent. Your weekly gaming news roundup just got a little more somber.
Read the full article on Rock Paper Shotgun
Animal Training codes (March 2026)
Speaking of sequels, here’s another round of Animal Training codes, fresh off the press for March 2026. If you’re like me and you’ve been grinding away in Roblox, these codes are your ticket to unlocking faster animals and snagging some sweet power potions without the usual blood, sweat, and tears. Some of the new codes are “Mango” and “Sky”, which give you double power and win potions, respectively. You’d think these potions cost a fortune, but nope, they’re just a code away. It’s like finding out your favorite snack is on sale, but in the gaming world. For the full scoop, check out Destructoid’s latest. Remember, nothing’s worse than punching in a dead code, so kudos to them for keeping us all updated!
Read the full article on Destructoid
Firefly returns as an animated series with controversial creator Joss Whedon’s blessing
Speaking of sequels, Firefly is making a comeback as an animated series, and yes, Joss Whedon is giving it his blessing. The show, set in the timeline between the original series and Serenity, seems like it could hit that sweet spot of nostalgia and new content, if done right. According to Polygon, the project is steering clear of Whedon’s controversial past by involving him minimally. We’re getting new Firefly content, but the real question is: can it capture the charm of the original? With animation, there’s more room for creativity, but that also means there’s more room to get it wrong. Here’s what you need to know: It’s a mix of excitement and a bit of skepticism, as it often is with revisiting cult classics.
Read the full article on Polygon
In a world where layoffs and crunch are the norm, it’s refreshing to see a publisher like Atlus prioritizing their employees with pay raises and fewer fixed overtime hours. Let’s hope more studios follow suit. Meanwhile, keep carving out those precious gaming moments whenever you can. Got thoughts on any of this? Drop them in our Discord, we actually read it.