Games By Black-Led Developers Featured At Summer Games Fest 2024
By: Ural Garrett
Following the end of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (a.k.a. E3), summers in Los Angeles went without its annual gaming mecca where gamers from around the world got their first look at titles dropping in both the near and far future. Beginning as a smaller set of presentations in addition to events in 2020, Summer Games Fest has taken the mantra as the ultimate premiere for games coming around the horizon.
Starting with the live-streamed event announcing some of the most anticipated games coming in the future at the YouTube Theater in LA, the weekend features hands-ons and early looks at the future of gaming. One of the coolest aspects of SGF is the mix of both mainstream and indie games on display. That includes releases from Black-led developers that explore various genres with a slick cultural flair. Here are two games that made an appearance at SGF 2024 that should be on your radar.
Title: We Never Yield
Developer: Aerial_Knight
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5, Windows PC
Detroit-based developer Aerial_Knight released the well-received Never Yield in 2021 as a game that provided a stylistic Afrofuturism take on the Japanese gaming series Persona. Players navigated a futuristic Tokyo-style Detroit in this 3D runner featuring Wally, who has discovered evidence that could transform his city. Immerse yourself in a game world with an amazing soundtrack showcasing the authentic sounds of Detroit artists.
Sequel We Never Yield is a stylized, action-packed game where players navigate obstacles and enemies in intense single-player and cooperative modes. In single-player, control both characters for an added challenge. Heart-racing beats guide heroic brothers through deadly environments, racing through a fallen kingdom with diverse challenges. Look for this game to drop July 16, 2024.
Our Take: If you’re into “endless-runner” mobile games and want something with a bit more variety and story, there’s much to appreciate about We Never Yield. It’s fast, has a cool style and is even more entertaining with friends.
Title: Coreupt
Developer: Team Coreupt LLC
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
Released in 2021, Black Salt Coreuption was a one-on-one 3D arena fighting game that offered complete freedom of movement around the arena, unlike traditional 3D fighters that combat on a 2D plane. This game series uniquely combines two action comic properties, Black Salt and Coreuption, providing a dynamic and immersive fighting experience.
Its semi-sequel Coreupt is a hyper-fighter in the spirit of Capcom’s Marvel vs. Capcom series and one of the first games set to be released on Epic’s Unreal Engine 5. Players can unleash their powers, choose their destiny, and engage in an over-the-top struggle for the fate of the universe. They can master insane combos, obliterate other players online, and top the leaderboards in this fast-paced fighting game.
Our Take: The fighting game genre is an intricate balance of complex yet deep gameplay and fights that look as good as playing. Coreupt manages to do both exceptionally well during our playtime.
Title: Jay And Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch
Developer: Interabang Entertainment
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
Co-founded by director Justin Woodward, Interabang Entertainment is known for their diverse portfolio that includes Super ComboMan and Jay And Silent Bob: Mall Brawl. At this year’s SMG, the developer showcased hands-on to Jay And Silent Bob: Mall Brawl sequel Jay And Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch.
Based on the Kevin Smith-directed cult classic series of films, the game is a vibrant side-scrolling tag-team beat-em-up game. Players can switch between the heroes on the fly or perform special moves simultaneously with a friend. The adventure takes the heroes from their humble hangout spots to the gates of hell itself.
Our Take: Fans of classic licensed IP arcade games of the 90s like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time and The Simpsons will have a blast with Jay And Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch. It’s even better if you’re a fan of the Jay And Silent Bob series in terms of humor.
Title: I Am Your Beast
Developer: Strange Scaffold
Platforms: Windows PC, iOS
Last year, developer Strange Scaffold released a well received Max Payne inspired shooter named El Paso: Elsewhere. At the PC Gamer Show presentation, the studio started by Xavier Nelson previewed the trailer announcing I Am Your Beast. Set for release on Windows PC August 15, 2024 and iOS some time later, the first-person-shooter is described as having the player hunt the military-industrial complex across stylish comic book micro-sandboxes.
Our Take: Strange Scaffold has built a reputation for creating some of the most unique indie-games in the industry. From our time with the demo, the shooter feels like a sickly styled and gory take on puzzle shooters like Children of The Sun and Hotline-Miami.