Features - Thumb Culture

Mysteries, Myths & Melodies – Steam Next Fest October 2023

6Nov

By Rowen CameronNo Comments

Mysteries, Myths & Melodies – Steam Next Fest October 2023

Any indie gamer knows that one of the best places to find hidden gems is at Steam Next Fest. Three times a year, hundreds of upcoming/newly released games are showcased with playable demos, livestreams and dev Q&A sessions. And it’s where you’ll find me glued to my desk soaking up every last bit of it. Every year the number of incredible demos increases, the wishlist gets ever bigger and we're always here for it! So, having finally been able to fully absorb the sheer volume of great demos on offer, here’s a few that went straight in my basket: Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express Developer: Microids Studio Lyon Publisher: Microids Release Date: 19th October 2023 Platforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch The Belgian de...

Video Games Celebrating The LGBTQIA+ Community

23Aug

By Mike DifferNo Comments

Features

Video Games Celebrating The LGBTQIA+ Community

Following Pride Month 2023, Tyler and I felt inspired to write a TC feature about some great LGBTQIA+ representation in video games. We put our heads together and came up with the following games and characters. The list is done in no particular order so please don't be offended. We did focus on characters written as queer rather than chosen in character creation or player choices. Narrowing down the many games with LGBTQIA+ romantic options wasn't easy. Especially with game series from The Sims to Saints Row, RPGs like Fallout and Mass Effect and more. Being given the choice during gameplay has come leaps and bounds in video game history. Of the many examples of LGBTQIA+ characters, hopefully, the ones you expect are here. It was difficult to narrow it down but I hope you agree with th...

Life In First Person – John Romero Interview

28Jun

By Tony CNo Comments

Features

Life In First Person – John Romero Interview

There are only a few people that can be called true rockstars in the videogames industry - John Romero is one of them. With a legacy of over 40yrs creating games, the Doom Guy himself turns his hand to being an author as his highly anticipated autobiography - Doom Guy: Life In First Person hits the shelves. Doom Guy - John Romero If life wasn't already so crazy busy with running his studio Romero Games, working on the sequel to Sigil - Sigil 2, while also working on the recently announced, highly anticipated, brand new FPS game, then taking on a load of writing an autobiography and all of what that entails is certainly no easy task. I had the great pleasure to sit down with John recently to chat about his upcoming book, his early days making games, his passion for gaming and life...

Jordan Minor’s Video Game Of The Year Book

22Jun

By DanNo Comments

Features

Jordan Minor’s Video Game Of The Year Book

If there is one thing there isn't enough of, that is most definitely the physical print within gaming. Over the past couple of years, we have seen a few amazing companies set up that produce stunning material. Here we have what looks to be another must-have for the gaming book collection, Video Game Of The Year. Too many games, too little time! Video Game Of The Year is brought to us by Jordan Minor. Residing in New York City, Jordan has done everything from freelancing to writing physical books. As an entertainment and Tech Journo, he spent a good amount of time as a Senior Editor with the team over at Geek.com. Jordan is now working on Apps and gaming over at the legendary Pcmag.com. A Closer Look Minor takes the reader on a journey of gaming history in Video Game Of The Year. St...

Xbox Showcase 2023 – Our Top 5 Announcements

13Jun

By VinnoNo Comments

Features

Xbox Showcase 2023 – Our Top 5 Announcements

Microsoft really went all out with their Xbox Games Showcase + Starfield Direct last night. The showcase saw the announcement of many exciting new games, from both third and first-party developers. We’ll be taking a look at our top 5 announcements from the Xbox Showcase 2023. 5 Announcements From The Xbox Showcase That Excited Us Most Now, before we go any further, we realise this is highly subjective and your list may differ. After all, Microsoft gave us a lot to be excited about. Without further ado, here are the 5 announcements from the Xbox Showcase 2023 we’re most looking forward to. 5. Persona 3 Reload We kick things off with Persona 3 Reload. Touted as "the best one in the series" by many of its fans, Persona 3 Reload was technically announced before the Xbox Showcase, albeit ...

12Jun

By StuartNo Comments

Features

Mighty Jaxx Vecna Unboxing

We recently were lucky enough to receive this Mighty Jaxx Vecna collectable through the doors here at Thumb Culture. Stranger Things From The Upside Down Standing 8 inches tall, with a 5 inch figure and 3 inch base. This Mighty Jaxx Vecna is an amazing addition for any fan of the Stranger Things series. With Vecna making it's primetime introduction in Season 4 of Stranger Things you can expect a large amount of nods to the series throughout this figure. Even with a small easter egg should you be lucky enough to get your hands on the vinyl figure. So all that's left is time to sit back and enjoy our video unboxing of this epic vinyl figure from Mighty Jaxx! Rest assured that for now, you don't have to venture into the Upside Down to get a glimpse of Vecna! https://youtu.be/dwI4_v7uq...

8Jun

By Tony CNo Comments

Features

Strategic Moves – Summer Game Fest 2023

What was traditionally known as "E3 Season" is upon us. Summer Game Fest Opening Night beams to our screens on Thursday June 8th and gamers around the world are excited to see what juicy announcements are shown during the showcase. Having been quiet for 2 years, PlayStation precluded this event with their own showcase at the end of May. While I personally thought it was a fairly strong showing, many online bemoaned its lack of big reveals as the show failed to live up to the over-hyped expectations being bandied around the internet. All eyes are now on Microsoft as they host their Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday June 11th. There is a lot of discontent among Xbox players who feel they have been let down and left with handfuls of false promises. Many believe this is make or break for the...

7Jun

By Paul WrightNo Comments

Features

4 Games Still To Come In 2023

With Showcase season almost upon us, I wanted to put the spotlight on a few games that I'm excited about. Below, you'll find 4 games made by teams of varying sizes, but all of which look to have the utmost passion and care being poured into their development. Whilst none of these have confirmed release dates yet, they are all expected to launch in 2023. Feast Your Eyes and Prepare Your Wallets I hope this list gives you something to add to your wishlists. Though, if your lists look anything like mine, there may not be room. I expect that come the end of June they'll be many more games vying for spots too - it's such a fantastic time of year for gamers! Paper Trail Developer: Newfangled Games Publisher: Newfangled Games You'll Like This If You Like: Carto, Monument Valley, Gorogoa...

PlayStation Showcase 2023 – Our Top 5 Announcements

25May

By VinnoNo Comments

Features

PlayStation Showcase 2023 – Our Top 5 Announcements

Last night's showcase saw the announcement of many exciting new games, as well as more details on previously announced ones. We'll be taking a look at our top 5 announcements from the PlayStation Showcase 2023. 5 Announcements From The PlayStation Showcase That Excited Us Most Now, before we go any further, we realise this is highly subjective and your list may differ. Without further ado, here are the 5 announcements from the PlayStation Showcase 2023 we're most looking forward to. 5. Final Fantasy XVI Square Enix certainly made an impression at the PlayStation Showcase, showing off a new trailer for Final Fantasy XVI ahead its release. Some people have been apprehensive of the new direction that the series is taking, opting for more action-based combat, rather than the classic turn-b...

16May

By Mal KeenanNo Comments

Features

Streamplify Streamer Kit Review

Streamplify is a well-known name in the streaming hardware industry providing budding streamers with an array of affordable and accessible hardware to improve the quality of their streams ten-fold. Their hardware ranges from high-spec webcams, lights, mounts, and microphones to name a few. We had the chance to put some of their gear through a series of tests, and revisit a few we have previously checked out. Hard time growing as a streamer? Streamplify it! We want to hear from all of the streamers out there like myself. What's your setup? Do you think you could benefit from any of these pieces of hardware? Design The Webcam we tested is the only one on offer via their website. It's a cylinder webcam and the matte thick casing of it also doubles as an anti-spy cover. This is easily adj...