The article rounds up notable recent writing and reporting about videogames, alongside a few related cultural stories. It highlights pieces examining cultural representation, violence, artificial intelligence, layoffs, music and alleged legal intimidation of journalists.

– Final Fantasy XVI’s handling of Middle Eastern and North African influences.
– Games’ differing approaches to violence, including mech-based empowerment.
– The transformation of artificial intelligence from optimistic research into a tool shaped by big tech.
– Microsoft’s layoffs, Nevermind’s 35th anniversary and an investigation into Bobby Kotick’s alleged press-targeting lawfare.
– The week’s recommended music: the Control Resonant soundtrack.