It Comes Around - A Kinetic Novel

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise.

Earlier this week, UK studio Kinetic Games (of Phasmophobia fame) showcased the first batch of titles to be released under their new indie publishing arm, Kinetic Publishing. From a whimsical wizarding life-sim to a metroidvania that takes place on the back of a giant snail (!), here’s a breakdown of what was revealed.Contact ProtocolChoices, paperwork, torpedoes and teabags – that’s how the dev team behind Contact Protocol describe their game, but this sci-fi workplace sim has a lot more going on beneath the surface.You play as the security officer aboard PALE HORSE, a vessel owned by Galileo

While a Nova movie wasn't announced on stage at San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige confirmed one is in the works in a post-panel interview

Video games like Her Story, Fez, and Tunic beg the player to take detailed notes to keep track of the story. But journaling or note-taking games are part of a long tradition that goes back to the game manuals of the 80s and 90s. Back in the day, games like The Legend of Zelda had incredibly beautiful, detailed manuals that helped the player navigate difficult puzzles and learn about lore, when memory on consoles was short. Polygon's Clayton Ashley details the history of taking notes in games, and some of his recent favorites that continue the tradition.

The Epic Games Store has a selection of free PC games that changes every week. The latest free offerings will be available until Aug. 13.