this week's podcast 🎧
​we discuss this month's game + other media we've gotten into over the last week.

"Erlin used to say ‘The Eye opens for us all.” Nice idea, but not always very practical” One of the characters I met early in my own playthrough, Feng, shared this sentiment with me, and I would have to agree. After just over a week in our new residence, regardless of the build we’ve selected — Operator, Machinist, or Extractor — we’ve struggled (to varying degrees) with balancing energy, health, and time to meet our goals.

In this week’s podcast, Joel and I discuss why we picked the builds we did (I chose Extractor and he chose Operator), our initial experiences on this vast ship, and how our playthroughs have already differed. I’m already impressed with how, even as we arrive at similar milestones in the game, but through pretty differing pathways.

🥐☕ the pastry case (show links from the podcast)

• ​Games for Change highlights games pushing for real-world change, and a previous G&G title got some recognition!
• More studio layoffs were announced from Cut to Bits, Surgent Studios, and Gameloft Toronto.
• In addition to playing A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars and Animal Well, I’ve been reading this book exploring what video games can do for us, and re-watching The Good Place for a dose of light-hearted, escape-the-world a bit show.
• Joel’s deep in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erd Tree, FFVII, and Splatoon 3, and if you’re headed to the Denver area, recommends this immersive experience. He also finished Dallergut Department Store and recommends it if you’re looking for a chill, cozy read.
• Also, if you’re looking for a good animated sci-fi series to watch? This one has you covered.
• Notable Indie Releases (July 9 -16)
  • ​Cataclismo | July 16 (PC)
  • ​Gestalt: Steam & Cinder July 16 (Switch, PC) *Steam Demo Available
  • ​Flock | July 16 (PS, Xbox, PC)
  • ​Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield | July 16 (PS, Xbox, Switch, PC) *Steam Demo Available
  • ​CLICKOLDING July 16 (PC)

this week's brew ☕
​the section of the game we're playing and pondering this week.

First off: SO sorry for any confusion if you encountered the sub-space Hunted counter, as I forgot that was there and didn’t realize it could be mixed up with the main game ‘Hunted’ quest! 😅

If you’ve been following along at the same pace, you’ll know we’ve met someone who has made life…complicated for us, to put it mildly. As we play this week, the tension between energy, our body’s overall heath, and finances will play an increasing role in what we decide to — and can — do with our time on the Eye.

Depending on how you play, you may develop relationships with a wider community of folks on the vessel. Each person and organization will have their own goals: how will you decide to connect with them (if at all)? As you play, consider what you’re choosing to prioritize, and why — and if you’d like, be sure to share your experiences in the community Discord!

The clocks continue to tick down, and by the end of this week, if you’re continuing to stay on pace with us, finish out the main quest, “Ethan’s Tab”. Enjoy!

Oh! And before I forget ~ save the date for July 27th at 3pm PST: that'll be our monthly community hangout in Discord (to chat about the game together in real time!)

reflection question 💭
​reflect on a question related to the game by drawing on your experiences, other media, and the game itself in your response. If you'd like, send your thoughts my way -- I read all of them!

Stay in the loop -- listen to the weekly podcast, hang in Discord, and find us on Instagram!

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pour over 👀
​additional links to help explore the game's connections to your life and the world around us.

• If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m not sure I have the spoons for that,” or something similar, you’ve heard of Spoon Theory! Christine Miserandino originally used this metaphor when talking with her friend about what life is like with lupus. During a lunch together, she used spoons to represent a finite amount of energy, illustrating how various tasks may cost a ‘spoon’, then sharing how folks with chronic illness often need to make decisions on what tasks get done based on remaining physical and mental capacity.
• We’ve mentioned Cowboy Bebop as a fun companion media to watch if you’re looking for something to compare and contrast with Citizen Sleeper. if nothing else listen to the OST
• Looking for a board game experience with a similar cycle system as Citizen Sleeper? Joel says to check out Blades in the Dark!

Thanks for joining our digital café this week -- talk soon!

Jenny