We’re wondering what’s exciting in gaming right now? But also, what’s annoying? What are the raves and rants, and why? LoopBreak tapped the gaming elite for answers to these questions and more.
Interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Image: Dennis White Jr.
DENNIS WHITE, JR. (@dennyvondoom) is an advocate for accessibility and diversity on screens large and small, and for Black voices in nerd spaces. Dennis creates game-related content on Twitch and other platforms, is a writer and photographer, and enjoys cosplay.
- LoopBreak: What’s your favorite game right now? Why?
White: FromSoftware’s “Bloodborne” is my favorite game ever, but I’m enjoying this exploration of their newest, “Elden Ring.” Even though it’s been out for over a year, it’s my favorite right now. I’ve been taking my time with it, testing out different spells in as many new ways as possible. That’s a unique kind of fun for me. I discover new things in the game all the time, and love some juicy lore! I might finally finish the game by the time the DLC comes out. No guarantees though.
- LoopBreak: What’s your least favorite game right now? Why?
White: I recently tried “Dead Island 2” from Deep Silver Dambuster Studio and I wish I hadn’t wasted the time. The game took over a decade to be released and, unfortunately, it feels like it. I think zombies in video games can still be fun, and maybe I’m a bit against the grain in saying that, but makers of games like this need to spend more time developing ideas about worlds that players want to be in, and less time padding hours or trying to create situations where players have to grind. Fresh ideas are important and the game has to be fun.
LoopBreak: Name one pending game release you’re excited about. Why?
White: “Street Fighter 6” from Capcom. Having played in the previous betas and demos, I can tell that plenty of love and effort has gone into the characters, both old and new. So far, the feel of the game is great and there are some interesting new gameplay mechanics that should make figuring out character matchups very fun for a long time. Kimberly is definitely a day-one character for me!
There’s way more emphasis on the single-player experience and what that will look like moving forward with the new World Tour mode. The fighting game community has been really excited to have a new Street Fighter game to dive into.
This studio has leaned towards hip-hop with this entry, something their dev team had discussed in the past. This mix of hip-hop culture in the art and music for the game makes me even more excited to see it all come together.
I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on “Lies of P.” (Neowiz Games and Round8 Studios). Being a massive “Bloodborne” fan, this game has my attention. A steampunk gothic horror action game with Pinocchio and a host of interesting weapons? Sign me up!
- LoopBreak: Will you share a little about your work in progress?
White: I’m preparing to co-host the fighting game tournament Fight Club Weekly where we’ll bring together the best players of Street Fighter 6 in a head-to-head series. It’s been several years since we got the show going, so I’m really looking forward to hitting the mic with friends for a brand new game.
I’m also revamping my stream, getting into more reaction content and movie reviews, especially horror, and working on some new cosplays. Also, I’ll be attending a few major fighting game tourneys this year like Combo Breaker here in Chicago and EVO in Las Vegas.
Image: David Cherry
DAVID CHERRY (@DataDave), a voice actor and former computer science professor, brings an inclusive and entertaining experience to his audience through story-based games and
Twitch interactive streams on Day To Day with DataDave.
- LoopBreak: What’s your favorite game right now? Why?
Cherry: My favorite game right now would have to be “Pokémon Unite” (TiMi Studio Group and The Pokémon Company). It’s a good combination of a MOBA-style game, and one of my favorite classic games of Pokémon’s nostalgic franchise. I’m a huge fan of MOBAs like Riot Games’ “League of Legends,” and gaming with my community of viewers.
- LoopBreak: What’s your least favorite game right now? Why?
Cherry: “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” (Nintendo et al) is my least favorite game right now. Even though I’ve played the game in the competitive scene and love it, and still may play with a group of friends here and there, there are no more updates. It’s a great game, but I just fell out of the scene, and don’t have the desire to really play it much anymore.
- LoopBreak: Name one pending game release you’re excited about. Why?
Cherry: I’ll go with “Diablo 4” (Blizzard Entertainment) coming out June 6. It was an amazing experience in the last installation to play this story-based game in person with close friends and family.
- LoopBreak: Will you share a little about your work in progress?
Cherry: I plan to create more content with story and community games, and I’d like to bring indie comics, creators, mutual voice actors, and series on my live stream.
Image: YouTube
AMIRA VIRGIL (@Xmiramira) cultivates a diverse community of camaraderie, support, and freedom to unapologetically be oneself. Her presence in Sims 4 videos, live streams, and mods highlights her humor and creativity on Twitch, Discord, and other platforms.
- LoopBreak: What’s your favorite game right now? Why?
Virgil: My favorite game to play right now is “The Sims” (Electronic Arts et al). I’ve come back to my comfort game. I’m addicted to telling stories and creating chaos with the little pixel people.
- LoopBreak: What’s your least favorite game right now? Why?
Virgil: I don’t think I have a least favorite game at the moment.
- LoopBreak: Name one pending game release you’re excited about. Why?
Virgil: Over the past few years, most of the new releases I’d been excited about have either left me disappointed with the quality of game, or turned off by game makers’ disrespect toward creators.
I’ve stopped anticipating releases. Instead, I just randomly try games and see how I enjoy them.
- LoopBreak: Will you share a little about your work in progress?
Virgil: I’m currently working on a FiveM server, Venus City, which focuses on creating a space free from the toxicity often present in FiveM communities. FiveM is pretty much modded GTA 5, where folks do GTA roleplay.
I’m also planning a return to more consistent content creation, and I’d like to include makeup, hair, lifestyle, and travel, rating the safety and affordability of destinations and hotels.
Image: Brandon Stennis
BRANDON STENNIS (@iamBrandonTV), winner of the GamesRadar 2020 Golden Joystick Award for Best New Streamer/Broadcaster, began streaming on Twitch nearly ten years ago and has since traversed a broad stretch of the gaming industry.
- LoopBreak: What’s your favorite game right now? Why?
Stennis: I’ve been obsessed with “Dead Island 2”. I beat the original and felt it was a bit basic, but this iteration takes the game to another level and doesn’t disappoint. The fact that it’s set in LA makes it that much sweeter since I’m in LA a lot. Ha.
- LoopBreak: What’s your least favorite game right now? Why?
Stennis: Though it is an older game, I would have to say “Visage” by SadSquare Studio, mainly because it’s one of the scariest games I’ve played. I refuse to play it.
- LoopBreak: Name one pending game release you’re excited about. Why?
Stennis: I’m still awaiting the next edition of the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” by Square Enix. Having been really excited about playing the first part, not knowing when I’ll be able to complete it is frustrating.
- LoopBreak: Will you share a little about your work in progress?
Stennis: I’m returning to content creation after having taken the last few months to land a position in the industry.