Erren
@erren.bsky.social
Owner at NovaCrystallis.com. Staff Writer at TechRaptor. Digital illustrator.
Media is culturally trapped in the year 2015.
Exciting! Instead of making a fully animated Moana, they made a mostly animated Moana that looks way worse! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKYF...
Moana | Official Teaser
YouTube video by Disney
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Media is culturally trapped in the year 2015.
Reposted by Erren
This is a really remarkable video essay on contemporary film and the theories of Laura Marks. It's making me think about movies in a new way.
Why Movies Just Don't Feel "Real" Anymore
YouTube video by Like Stories of Old
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:40 PM
This is a really remarkable video essay on contemporary film and the theories of Laura Marks. It's making me think about movies in a new way.
Reposted by Erren
Square Enix aims to automate 70% of QA and debugging work with generative AI by 2027:
Square Enix aims to automate 70% of QA and debugging work with generative AI by 2027 - Nova Crystallis
Today, Square Enix president and CEO Takashi Kiryu briefed investors with progress report on his medium-term initiatives within the company to create “long-term growth”. Framed as “Square Enix Reboots...
novacrystallis.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Square Enix aims to automate 70% of QA and debugging work with generative AI by 2027:
Reposted by Erren
i can’t believe a good thing happened we should do this more often
November 5, 2025 at 2:26 AM
i can’t believe a good thing happened we should do this more often
Reposted by Erren
Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter 89 Summary - Patch 7.4 launches December 16, 2025:
Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter 89 Summary - Patch 7.4 launches December 16, 2025 - Nova Crystallis
In the 89th Letter from the Producer Live broadcast conducted by the Final Fantasy XIV team, producer/director Naoki Yoshida and global community producer Toshio Murouchi went over content and features to be added to the game in its next major patch: “Into the Mist”. Otherwise referred to as Patch 7.4, it will release Tuesday, December […]
novacrystallis.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter 89 Summary - Patch 7.4 launches December 16, 2025:
Reposted by Erren
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake continues the work III started, closing out the 'Erdrick Trilogy' with a fresh and lively take on the classics. Our review by @quinton.bsky.social:
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Review - Nova Crystallis
Last year, Square Enix released Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, the first game in the “Erdrick Trilogy” and it’s a very good remake! It expands upon earlier versions of that most sacred of chapters in ...
novacrystallis.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake continues the work III started, closing out the 'Erdrick Trilogy' with a fresh and lively take on the classics. Our review by @quinton.bsky.social:
Reposted by Erren
If anyone who was laid off from TheGamer today has a piece they were working on and need a home for, Skybox wants to hear from you, and we pay pretty well.
We can't make up for you being laid off, but we'll do what we can.
We can't make up for you being laid off, but we'll do what we can.
Valnet unfortunately let go of the entire TheGamer features team today alongside several other staff members.
Many incredibly talented and hard working writers I've had the pleasure of working with over the past several years.
Many incredibly talented and hard working writers I've had the pleasure of working with over the past several years.
October 22, 2025 at 4:51 PM
If anyone who was laid off from TheGamer today has a piece they were working on and need a home for, Skybox wants to hear from you, and we pay pretty well.
We can't make up for you being laid off, but we'll do what we can.
We can't make up for you being laid off, but we'll do what we can.
Reposted by Erren
the AT&T-->Time Warner-->Discovery series of media mergers were some of the most pointless and disastrous business exercises ever conceived by man
so of course we're going to do it again
this time it's rumored they want $60 billion to sell this mess to Larry Ellison and whatever's left of CBS
so of course we're going to do it again
this time it's rumored they want $60 billion to sell this mess to Larry Ellison and whatever's left of CBS
Warner Bros. Discovery puts itself up for sale
The announcement comes after WBD previously said it would split in two.
www.nbcnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
the AT&T-->Time Warner-->Discovery series of media mergers were some of the most pointless and disastrous business exercises ever conceived by man
so of course we're going to do it again
this time it's rumored they want $60 billion to sell this mess to Larry Ellison and whatever's left of CBS
so of course we're going to do it again
this time it's rumored they want $60 billion to sell this mess to Larry Ellison and whatever's left of CBS
Reposted by Erren
This cracked me up (by Justin Charity at The Ringer) www.theringer.com/2025/10/15/v...
October 15, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This cracked me up (by Justin Charity at The Ringer) www.theringer.com/2025/10/15/v...
Reposted by Erren
Heartbroken that, per his social media accounts, Drew Struzan has left us. His poster and album art was quite simply shorthand for imagination for countless young people.
October 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Heartbroken that, per his social media accounts, Drew Struzan has left us. His poster and album art was quite simply shorthand for imagination for countless young people.
Reposted by Erren
What really bothers me in using AI to "smooth over" an artist's work, even beyond the AI of it all, is it makes it look LESS like the thing they're trying to ape, aka old movie posters, which means it's less successful at conveying the thing they're ostensibly trying to do.
The in-universe products for Wonder Man were reportedly artwork made by artists, but then touched up by AI.
Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ In-Universe Poster Art Is Reportedly “Touched Up By AI”
The in-universe products for Wonder Man were reportedly artwork made by artists, but then touched up by AI.
comicbookclublive.com
October 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
What really bothers me in using AI to "smooth over" an artist's work, even beyond the AI of it all, is it makes it look LESS like the thing they're trying to ape, aka old movie posters, which means it's less successful at conveying the thing they're ostensibly trying to do.
Reposted by Erren
Square Enix teases 'a new Dissidia Final Fantasy title' for iOS/Android. More information to be revealed October 14, 2025: novacrystallis.com/2025/10/squa...
Square Enix teases a new Dissidia Final Fantasy title for iOS/Android - Nova Crystallis
This evening, Square Enix has teased an announcement for “a new Dissidia Final Fantasy” title for iOS and Android devices. Described as a “Team Boss Battle Arena” type of game, more information will b...
novacrystallis.com
October 12, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Square Enix teases 'a new Dissidia Final Fantasy title' for iOS/Android. More information to be revealed October 14, 2025: novacrystallis.com/2025/10/squa...
Reposted by Erren
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade compares the PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 and PC versions:
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade compares the PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 and PC versions - Nova Crystallis
Today, Square Enix shows a short comparison video featuring footage from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade running on four different platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 (in TV Mode), Xbox Series X, PlaySta...
novacrystallis.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade compares the PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 and PC versions:
Reposted by Erren
Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles may be less than "definitive" on a checklist, yet this version gives the SRPG classic new voice (figuratively and literally), lifting up a story that resonates now more than ever. Our review by @quinton.bsky.social:
Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles Review - Nova Crystallis
Some games leave a larger imprint on the industry than their commercial performance might suggest. 1997’s Final Fantasy Tactics is one of those games. It is beloved beyond a doubt. Its name has been u...
novacrystallis.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles may be less than "definitive" on a checklist, yet this version gives the SRPG classic new voice (figuratively and literally), lifting up a story that resonates now more than ever. Our review by @quinton.bsky.social:
Reposted by Erren
SCOOP / UPDATE — Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancelations during the period 9/17-9/23, a Disney source confirms to me. The total includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.
NEW — I wrote about my confirmed scoop from last night that Disney hastened Kimmel's return because of a planned Disney+ streaming price increase announcement coming on Tuesday:
Kimmel reinstatement preempted Disney+ price increase
The Handbasket reported first Monday evening on Bluesky
www.thehandbasket.co
September 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
SCOOP / UPDATE — Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancelations during the period 9/17-9/23, a Disney source confirms to me. The total includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.
Reposted by Erren
Need viewing material for the week ahead? We've collected Square Enix's TGS 2025 (and adjacently-timed) trailers, interviews and stage presentations here: novacrystallis.com/2025/09/squa...
Square Enix Tokyo Game Show 2025 media recap - Nova Crystallis
With Tokyo Game Show 2025 behind us, we’ve collected all of the trailers and presentations released for the advent (or adjacent to its timing) from select Square Enix titles. Check out the following: ...
novacrystallis.com
September 28, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Need viewing material for the week ahead? We've collected Square Enix's TGS 2025 (and adjacently-timed) trailers, interviews and stage presentations here: novacrystallis.com/2025/09/squa...
Reposted by Erren
How to sell a video game console:
1) Make your console more expensive than the other consoles
2) Also put all of your games on the other consoles
1) Make your console more expensive than the other consoles
2) Also put all of your games on the other consoles
BREAKING: Microsoft is raising prices on Xbox consoles in the US again. Xbox console prices are going up in October, making an Xbox Series X $649.99. Full details on price increases here 👇 www.theverge.com/news/782079/...
Microsoft is raising prices on Xbox consoles in the US again
Xbox console prices are going up in October, making an Xbox Series X $649.99.
www.theverge.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
How to sell a video game console:
1) Make your console more expensive than the other consoles
2) Also put all of your games on the other consoles
1) Make your console more expensive than the other consoles
2) Also put all of your games on the other consoles
Reposted by Erren
This is deeply, deeply chilling, and I suspect will be seen as even more of a turning point than Colbert's cancellation — at least The Late Show is still on the air.
ABC Pulls ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Indefinitely After Nexstar Backlash to Host’s Charlie Kirk Comments
Nexstar, one of the biggest owners o US f TV stations in, said will pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel's late night show due to the host's Charlie Kirk remarks
variety.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
This is deeply, deeply chilling, and I suspect will be seen as even more of a turning point than Colbert's cancellation — at least The Late Show is still on the air.
Reposted by Erren
[January 10, 2025] Square Enix targets customer harrassment of the company's employees in updated policy: novacrystallis.com/2025/01/squa...
Square Enix targets customer harrassment of the company's employees in updated policy - Nova Crystallis
Earlier today, Square Enix shared an updated version of its ‘Group Customer Harrassment Policy‘, which defines the ways its employees receive harrassment from customers and also the steps they will ta...
novacrystallis.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:37 AM
[January 10, 2025] Square Enix targets customer harrassment of the company's employees in updated policy: novacrystallis.com/2025/01/squa...
Reposted by Erren
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Previews are dropping, and they're very positive!
"I spent about three and a half hours in the game, and all I wanted to do after the fact was play more Digimon Story." - @theouterhaven.net
Read all: criticdb.com/games/digimo...
#gaming #videogames #digimon
"I spent about three and a half hours in the game, and all I wanted to do after the fact was play more Digimon Story." - @theouterhaven.net
Read all: criticdb.com/games/digimo...
#gaming #videogames #digimon
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Previews from Critics | CriticDB
All of the Critic Previews for Digimon Story: Time Stranger can be found right here on CriticDB.
criticdb.com
September 8, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Digimon Story: Time Stranger Previews are dropping, and they're very positive!
"I spent about three and a half hours in the game, and all I wanted to do after the fact was play more Digimon Story." - @theouterhaven.net
Read all: criticdb.com/games/digimo...
#gaming #videogames #digimon
"I spent about three and a half hours in the game, and all I wanted to do after the fact was play more Digimon Story." - @theouterhaven.net
Read all: criticdb.com/games/digimo...
#gaming #videogames #digimon
Got it today, no questions asked and covered by insurance.
We took the paywall down on this one. defector.com/how-the-fuck...
How Are You Supposed To Get The COVID Vaccine Now? An Explainer | Defector
As the muggy malaise of summer winds down, you might find yourself interested in taking advantage of one of several safe and proven vaccines to help protect you from the inevitable brumal surge of res...
defector.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Got it today, no questions asked and covered by insurance.
Reposted by Erren
We all need to take this seriously. Payment processors are serving as extrajudicial arbiters of speech. This cannot be allowed to continue.
September 4, 2025 at 1:15 AM
We all need to take this seriously. Payment processors are serving as extrajudicial arbiters of speech. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Reposted by Erren
another great kill from Jason, and a particularly toxic look for the companies involved. And Xbox in particular - if it was the IP-related blocker - responsible for more layoffs, for a final nail in the coffin... to retain an IP that they clearly didn't believe in all that much in the first place?
SCOOP: Perfect Dark was almost revived.
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The game's developers were close to a deal with Take-Two to fund and publish the game following its cancellation by Xbox in July, sources say, but negotiations fell through, leading to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics last week. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘Perfect Dark’ Developer Lays Off Staff After Funding Deal Falls Through
Crystal Dynamics was close to moving the game to Take-Two, but negotiations fell apart
www.bloomberg.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:14 PM
another great kill from Jason, and a particularly toxic look for the companies involved. And Xbox in particular - if it was the IP-related blocker - responsible for more layoffs, for a final nail in the coffin... to retain an IP that they clearly didn't believe in all that much in the first place?
Reposted by Erren
AI is plagiarized from the creations of real artists. However you use it, even if it's just for funsies, it's stealing from them. And particularly if you work with artists, there should be zero tolerance for any use of AI, ever, as it's disrespectful of their hard work.
August 31, 2025 at 5:45 PM
AI is plagiarized from the creations of real artists. However you use it, even if it's just for funsies, it's stealing from them. And particularly if you work with artists, there should be zero tolerance for any use of AI, ever, as it's disrespectful of their hard work.
Someone tag me when it happens.
August 31, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Someone tag me when it happens.