State Champ Radio gaming
Page: 3
Getty Images / EA / AI
AI (artificial intelligence) is still a boogeyman in the gaming space, but EA (Electronic Arts) is all-in on it.
After their eye-watering $65 billion buyout at the hands of the Saudis and Affinity Partners, which was founded by Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, there is more news coming out regarding the popular video game publisher that will make the stomachs of gamers turn.
Electronic Arts announced a partnership with Stability AI, the creator of the AI image generation tool Stable Diffusion.
According to EA, the main goal of the partnership is to “co-develop transformative AI models, tools, and workflows” to help game developers speed up development while maintaining quality.
“I use the term smarter paintbrushes,”Head of Technical Art for EA SPORTS, Steve Kestell, said in the announcement. “We are giving our creatives the tools to express what they want.” To start, the “smarter paintbrushes” EA and Stability AI are building are concentrated on generating textures and in-game assets. EA hopes to create “Physically Based Rendering materials” with new tools “that generate 2D textures that maintain exact color and light accuracy across any environment.”
Love Games? Get more! Join the Hip-Hop Wired Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
EA also claims that its partnership with the company will allow them to use AI to “pre-visualize entire 3D environments from a series of intentional prompts, allowing artists to creatively direct the generation of game content.”
EA Wants To Cut Game Development Time With Its New Partnership
The move isn’t surprising, as the gaming industry is increasingly integrating AI into game development.
With EA on the verge of being bought out, the company will be saddled with a lot of debt, so using AI could be a cost-effective way to deliver AAA games without the bloated development costs.
Also, game development times have increased significantly, with many gamers complaining that it takes too long for these big-name titles to hit shelves, so finding a way to cut that time in half without sacrificing quality is always welcome.
BUT —and this is a huge BUT —no one wants to see humans replaced by AI to accomplish this goal.
Nintendo / Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Mouse controls on the Nintendo Switch 2 might be one of the console’s most niche features, but after experiencing them with one of the console’s most anticipated titles, a case could be made that they be among the most innovative design choices.
When Nintendo first announced that mouse controls would be a thing with the Nintendo Switch 2, I had to admit, I let out the loudest of “MEHS” while watching the Switch 2 reveal stream.
Then, people who got their hands on the device tried out the mode and were not impressed, which only added to the skepticism I already had.
Love Games? Get more! Join the Hip-Hop Wired Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
Add the reviews for Drag x Drive, the wheelchair basketball that uses the Switch 2’s mouse controls, also didn’t help sell it for me.
But that all changed when I played Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
While at the holiday preview for Nintendo, I was very excited to learn that I would finally get to play Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, in addition to previewing other titles on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Upon sitting on the couch, the guide totally took the wind out of my sails when he said, “Are you ready to play Metroid Prime 4: Beyond… with the mouse controls?”
Now, this is a game I never envisioned myself playing on PC, because that’s not how I enjoyed the previous titles in the franchise, but that all changed with this brief experience.
Mouse Controls With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Felt Right
It wasn’t a smooth transition from controlling the legendary space bounty hunter with a controller to using mouse controls; in fact, it was a clumsy experience at first.
There were multiple times the guide had to show me what to do as I tried to get comfy with the setup, but when I did, I was honestly very impressed with how well and intuitively the mouse controls were with Metroid Prime 4.
It just felt right to move Samus with one Joy-Con and aim and shoot with the other. Using the scan mode was a breeze, taking out enemies was fun, and the one boss battle I got to experience was exhilarating.
The mouse controls were actually clutch, especially when aiming at the boss’s vulnerable spots to damage it. Once it was defeated and the demo ended, I walked away thinking, Hey, I might actually play Beyond with the mouse controls when I get my hands on the game.
It also made me think that the possibilities are endless regarding how Nintendo can implement the mouse controls in other titles.
Nintendo / Metroid Prime 4
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on December 4.
DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion has been teasing new characters for months, but it never had a release date, until now.
MCI is HIGH on our list regarding games we can’t wait to play, especially after getting hands-on with the beat ’em up at Summer Game Fest.
Developer Tribute Games and publisher DOTEMU have been teasing the hell out of us, dropping numerous trailers, teasing the game’s expansive roster of heroes to choose from to save the Earth and universe from Annihilus and the other Marvel villains joining him on a quest for domination.
Today, Tribute Games dropped another trailer —a teaser — two more heroes we can play with — and also the information many, especially Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller, have been screaming for: a blasted release date.
The Invincible Iron Man & Phoenix Join The Roster
First things first, joining the team of heroes will be Iron Man, voiced by Josh Keaton, who famously was Spider-Man in The Spectacular Spider-Man animated series, and Phoenix (Jean Grey), voiced by Jennifer Hale, the actual voice of the character from the X-Men 97 Marvel Animation series on Disney+.
Per DOTEMU:
Bring the pain right to Annihilus’ doorstep with the X-Man formerly known as Marvel Girl as she uses her massive telekinetic powers to crush the insectoid invaders. Or tag Phoenix out to slip into the steel, er, iron-toed boots of Tony Stark as Invincible Iron Man, beating back Annihilus’ baneful bugs with your mighty repulsor blasts or by powering up the iconic Iron Cannon.
Now to the vital news: Marvel Cosmic Invasion will arrive this year, officially launching on Dec. 1, right on time for the holiday season.
Consider us officially hyped!
You can see more screenshots from the game below.
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Visual Concepts / 2K / NBA 2K26
According to NBA 2K26, fans of the New York Knicks are in for a season they have been longing for, but will ultimately suffer heartache.
The official 2025-26 NBA season tips off today, but NBA 2K26, which is now the unofficial start to basketball season, has predicted a wide range of outcomes that some fans will appreciate, while others will label it the purest of CAP.
Like with Madden, the folks at 2K decided to use NBA 2K26 to simulate the season to determine who would come out on top.
Unsurprisingly, coming out of the West will be last year’s champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will defeat the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the Western Conference Finals to defend their title in the NBA Finals.
But what should give a lot of New Yorkers hope is that the game also predicted the New York Knicks, who have a new coach in Mike Woodson, will finally get over the Eastern Conference Finals hump, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to face the Thunder in hopes of delivering the mecca of basketball its first NBA chip since 1973.
But for Knicks fans, their 2025-26 season will end in heartbreak because the OKC Thunder will repeat as champions, with NBA 2K26 cover athlete, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, grabbing NBA Finals MVP honors and repeating as league MVP.
Other 2K Sim Predictions
We are intrigued to see how accurate this prediction is, given that it is based solely on the NBA 2K26 stat model.
2K also used the latest installment in the popular basketball video game franchise to predict this season’s Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, as well as other stats.
You can see those results below.
Rookie of the Year
Defensive Player of the Year
Most Improved Player
All-NBA Teams
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
$599 for a pair of gaming headphones is an astronomical ask, especially in Donald Trump’s economy. But if you got the coins, are serious about your video games, and how you immerse yourself in the world during your gaming sessions, then you definitely need the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite headset.
I’m not a serious audiophile, but I do appreciate a good gaming headset, and no one right now is making better headsets than SteelSeries. I’ve been a fan of the brand since I got my hands on the Arctis Nova Pro; it’s been my go-to head ever since, but that all changed once I got my hands on the Arctis Nova Elite.
With the arrival of the $599 Nova Elite headset, SteelSeries introduces a new category of luxury gaming headsets that could change the game. SteelSeries is hoping that the allure of the headset’s premium design, introduction of hi-res wireless audio, carbon fiber speaker drivers, a metal frame, and the ability to stream audio simultaneously from your PC, Xbox, PS5, and smartphone will convince you to swipe your card for the gaming headset that costs as much as a gaming console.
Based on my time with the headset, I believe they have accomplished that goal.
Premium Comfort & Design
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
While the Arctis Nova Pro ($290.99) and Arctis Nova Elite headsets share some similarities, the latter definitely sets itself apart from its predecessor in a number of ways.
The Nova Elite ditches the plastic, now featuring a metal frame and control wheel, and a fantastic sage-and-gold finish that helps the headset pull off a $599 look.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
The memory foam cups on the Nova Pro were already comfy. Still, somehow SteelSeries made them even more comfortable on the Nova Elite, allowing me to remain cool and comfortable during extended gaming sessions.
I have pretty large ears, and wearing headsets can become cumbersome after a while, so that’s why I’m a buds person. But the Arctis Nova Pro fit perfectly over my ears, and I never felt the need to take them off to give my head and ears a break.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
The fit on the Nova Elite is also improved thanks to SteelSeries’s use of aluminum and stainless steel, which give the headset a sturdier feel.
First Gaming Headset To Offer Hi-Res Wireless Audio
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
What really puts the Arctis Nova Elite headset in a class all by itself is that it’s the first gaming headset to offer hi-res wireless audio, allowing the wearer to stream 96kHz/24-bit audio over 2.4GHz via the GameHub DAC or the headset’s impressive Bluetooth with LC3+.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
Ahead of my review, SteelSeries told me that Hi-Res audio is something I can only experience on the latest Google smartphone, the Pixel 10, or on PC, with consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X capped at 48k/16bit.
Still, the sound quality while playing games with rich audio, like Alien: Rogue Incursion, Silent Hill, or Call of Duty, was vastly improved while wearing the Nova Elite headset.
Through the Arctis smartphone companion app or Sonar on the PC, you can quickly change the sound profiles with any of the preloaded EQ Presets. For example, there is a preset designed explicitly for Armored Core IV: Fires of Rubicon, and one already loaded for Battlefield 6.
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
I did most of my tweaking through the Arctis app because dealing with Windows and Sonar wasn’t seamless for me, but I’ll stop short of saying it was a headache.
Omniplay Is Something I Didn’t Know I Needed
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
Another game-changing feature that the Nova Elite boasts that I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it is Ominplay.
What is Omniplay, you ask? Well, it allows the wearer to connect to four audio sources simultaneously. So I can be connected to my smartphone via Bluetooth, while still being connected to my PS5 and Xbox Series X via USB-C at the same time.
Unlike the previous GameHub DAC model, the one that comes with the Nova Elite features three line-in inputs instead of just two.
Omniplay lets you mix audio from four sources, so you can be in a Discord chat on your phone or PC and mix in audio from whatever console you’re playing on.
Final Verdict
Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez
I’m not going to hop on here and tell you to run out and buy a pair of $599 headphones, but I will say these bad boys are worth every single penny if you do intend to swipe the card on them.
SteelSeries has cemented its position in the luxury gaming headset space, and we won’t be surprised if other companies follow suit.
The Arctis Nova Elite checks all the boxes and then some, offering a sturdy headset built from premium materials that provide comfort, superior ANC (active noise cancellation), fully customizable and superb sound, hi-res wireless audio, and the ability to sync with up to 4 devices at once.
They can also serve as your everyday headset because they make the transition from your gaming station to the streets easy, thanks to they unique design.
SteelSeries has delivered, dare I say, the best gaming headset on the market right now. Whether you can afford a pair is another question.
If you can’t you can always scoop up a pair of Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 which are only $199 or the very much still relevant Arctis Nova Pro which are currently on sale.
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: Bernards Smalls / @BeanzGotGamez / SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
We are having a beat ’em up renaissance in the video game world, and Tribute Games is leading the charge. Their latest game, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, aims to continue that trend, and based on our experience at Summer Game Fest Play Days, the studio has another hit on its hands.
Tribute Games quickly rose on our list of favorite studios after the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. They are shifting from one popular IP, the Ninja Turtles, to deliver us another game involving popular characters from Marvel Comics’ lore with Marvel Cosmic Invasion.
This game was already high on our list when it was first announced, so you can imagine we were excited to get hands-on with it at Play Days. Let’s dive into our thoughts about our experience.
Before we proceed, let’s briefly explore the game’s plot. In Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Annihilus launches an attack that spreads across the galaxy, and it’s up to you and whichever two heroes you select to travel across Earth and beyond to stop the Annihilation Wave.
If that sounds familiar, Marvel aficionados will easily point out that the game’s plot is based on the Annihilation comic book run.
Cosmic Swap Is An Instant Game-Changer In Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Right off the bat, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is already on a different level with its inclusion of our favorite Marvel superheroes. Still, what truly sets this game apart from games like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is the new character swapping feature called “Cosmic Swap.”
Immediately, we came to appreciate it because it’s hard to choose from the list of heroes, which so far includes Storm, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Nova, She-Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Captain America, Venom, and Phyla-Vell.
Thanks to Cosmic Swap, that decision is made easier because you get to choose two characters to run with to take out Annihulus.
Now to the game, Cosmic Invasion isn’t just a typical beat ’em up; it has its own flair to the genre with the Cosmic Swap, which is a tag team function that you would find in most modern-day fighting games.
For our run, we played as Captain America and Spider-Man, and it felt seamless as we switched between the characters during the two stages we experienced during the brief but still meaty demo.
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Also, unlike other beat ’em up games, there seems to be more weight behind the attacks, and we appreciated that you could perform combos by knocking your opponents in the air, allowing your secondary character or another player to finish off an enemy to add some style to the game’s combat.
Other Fun Elements In Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Like Shredder’s Revenge, Cosmic Invasion is a beautifully designed 2D experience featuring gorgeous animation that brings these heroes from the comic book pages to life, while showing appreciation for a style considered dated by today’s video game graphics standards.
The soundtrack in the game also impresses, adding to the chaotic yet enjoyable gameplay. Boss bottles are also challenging, requiring players to either work together with other players or skillfully utilize their character’s special moves in conjunction with kicks and punches to take out bosses like Taskmaster, who require teamwork to break his defenses, opening him up for attacks.
Overall Thoughts
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion was one of the games we were already excited about before our preview. Getting hands-on with the game has only increased that anticipation.
Based on the sample size we experienced, Tribute Games and DOTEMU have another hit on their hands. With the addition of new characters, such as She-Hulk and Rocket Raccoon, this game could become one with high replayability over time.
Keep it locked on HHW Gaming for a full review of Marvel Cosmic Invasion ahead of the game’s release.
1. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
She-Hulk and Rocket Raccoon announced as playable characters in Marvel Cosmic Invasion. marvel cosmic invasion
2. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
She-Hulk and Rocket Raccoon announced as playable characters in Marvel Cosmic Invasion. marvel cosmic invasion
3. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
4. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
5. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
6. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
7. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
8. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
9. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
10. Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source:Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Marvel Cosmic Invasion marvel cosmic invasion
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Drake / GTA 6
Rockstar Games is notorious for not spilling any details on its video games, especially GTA 6. Still, record producer Jermaine Dupri spilled the beans about Drake’s alleged involvement with what is easily one of the most anticipated video games of all time.
While speaking with Rory and Mal, Jermaine Dupri claims that Rockstar Games reached out to him to work on GTA 6, and that the salty 6 God will also be involved with the game.
“They asked me to do Grand Theft Auto, and they were saying like Drake got his own radio station on Grand Theft Auto,” Dupri said.
Dupri took his claims to another level. He claims that not only will Drake have a radio station, but when the game finally arrives, “Drake can actually upload music that we probably have never even heard online on that video game.”
If true, it would be a significant development, as it would provide another means for Drake to release his unreleased big tunes to the masses through GTA 6.
Other Rumors Invovling GTA 6
With any news regarding GTA 6 not announced by Rockstar Games, take this with the tiniest grain of salt. Drake is not the first big-name artist to be associated with the game.
There were rumors that DJ Khaled was going to be getting a radio station, and gamers were not happy to hear that rumor. Dr. Dre was also involved with Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, getting story DLC and a station featuring his music.
Along with groundbreaking gameplay, it also plays on pop culture and gratuitous violence. The Grand Theft Auto game franchise is also renowned for its radio stations, which typically feature classic songs from various genres that align with the game’s setting.
Gamers have been reacting to the news of Drake allegedly providing music for GTA 6; you can see those reactions in the gallery below.
3. Exactly
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Ron Jenkins / Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving wants to bring his gaming talents to FaZe Clan.
For those who don’t know, Kyrie Irving streams when he’s not on the court, showcasing his crafty dribbling skills that break ankles.
During one of his recent streams, Irving was on the phone with a member of FaZe Clan, the once-uber-popular esports and influencer brand, which has seen better days and expressed interest in joining the team.
“I was wondering if y’all are taking applications,” the all-star Dallas Mavericks point guard said. “I don’t really know how that shit really goes, bro.”
Needing some serious star power like Irving, the person on the other end of the phone took Irving’s inquiry into joining the team positively, and the official account for FaZe Clan on X, formerly Twitter, shared a photoshopped image of the NBA champion wearing a FaZe Clan jersey.
If Irving does officially join FaZe Clan, he would follow in the footsteps of other big names like Bronny James, Offset, Snoop Dogg, Lil Yachty, and Ben Simmons, who are seemingly no longer a part of the organization.
So if Irving does decide to join officially, he would be the biggest name on the squad.
Kyrie Irving Wants People To Stop Making Fun of Karl-Anthony Towns’ Voice
That’s not all that went down during the stream. Irving also defended his close friend Karl-Anthony Towns, urging fans to stop making fun of him for “changing up his tone.”
“Y’all gotta stop making fun of my brother KAT. I’m done with y’all,” Irving told viewers of the stream.
“Stop making fun of my brother KAT. It’s over for that, it’s a fuckking wrap, I’m letting you know that if you repost that shit again or meme him up, I’m attacking you. Not like that physically, GTA, but I’m attacking you.”
Irving also alluded to Kat’s upbringing in New Jersey as a reason people should back off.
“Y’all gotta leave KAT alone because y’all don’t know what it’s like to grow up in Jersey and have all of these cultures that you’re a part of, trust me on that,” said Irving. “Jersey is literally 130 miles long, it’s (a) very, very small state … but leave him alone.”
“Because he’s Dominican, he’s black, he grew up in a certain area in Jersey, just like me, and you gotta survive out here,” Irving continued. “You got many different demographics of people, so you gotta survive out here. I don’t agree all the time when he be changing up his tone sometimes, I don’t always agree and all that shit, that shit be funny, but on a serious note, he is a man, he is my brother and I protect him all the time.”
HipHopWired Featured Video
Joe Raedle / Nintendo Switch 2
So far, Nintendo is meeting the demand and has moved a record number of Switch 2 consoles.
The company proudly announced that it was able to get a record 3.5 million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles into the hands of gamers.
If Nintendo can maintain this torrid pace, it can reach its goal of selling 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, but that also depends on whether Nintendo can continue to produce the consoles to meet the demand that will undoubtedly continue to grow.
The Switch 2 is currently outpacing the sales of the first Switch console, and it’s not even close. The original Switch needed a month to reach 2.7 million units sold.
Additionally, it appears that the Switch 2’s higher $450 price tag compared to its predecessor’s $300 isn’t deterring gamers at all.
“Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,” said Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser. “We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”
The Threat of Donald Trump’s Tariffs Still Looms Over Nintendo’s Business
The company that Mario built isn’t letting the current success get to its head. The threat of Trump’s tariffs still looms and could prompt the company to raise the console’s price, potentially slowing sales.
The Japanese-based company has already taken several provisions, such as stockpiling the Switch 2 in the United States, while shifting non-Chinese output.
The Switch 2 launch didn’t go off without a hitch; some customers missed out when demand exceeded the company’s expectations. President Shuntaro Furukawa ordered Nintendo to boost production in response.
We shall see if Nintendo can continue to push out Switch 2 units throughout the year.
HipHopWired Featured Video
In the animated realm of Toca Boca World, anything is possible — from changing your hair color at the drop of a hat to becoming the next member of KATSEYE.
As announced Wednesday (June 4), the six-piece girl group is joining the digital universe of the Swedish children’s game, where the band’s signature diversity will go hand-in-hand with Toca Boca‘s mission to encourage play through imagination, creativity and self-expression. With members Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan and Yoonchae each getting their own avatars within the game, EYECONS who play along will be able to unlock a KATSEYE style pack, download the band’s music, and win free digital gifts once the partnership launches on Tuesday (June 10).
In an exclusive interview with Billboard‘s Delisa Shannon celebrating the collaboration, Sophia said her favorite part is how fans will be able to combine their favorite traits of each KATSEYE member to become an honorary member of the squad. “When you’re creating your character, you get to take different parts of us and also parts of you — you can literally make it look exactly like you — and I think it’s so beautiful,” she gushed over Zoom as her bandmates nodded.
Trending on Billboard
“Just like how we always say with KATSEYE, the beautiful part of it is the diversity and the global-ness of it, and the ability to see yourself in us,” Sophia continued. “Whether it be, ‘Oh, I love Dani’s style, but I look like Sophia’ — you can fully become that in this world. It’s kind of like becoming a seventh member of KATSEYE.”
“I think it’s very cool that within this game, we’ve been able to express our diversity and the difference and uniqueness between all six of us,” added Lara. “But then also being in this one world together, being friends, being sisters, I think that’s so beautifully reflected in the game.”
The ways in which each KATSEYE member is unique will be represented down to small details in their avatars, from Lara’s bindi to the birthmark above Daniela’s eyebrow. Serving as Toca Boca World‘s first-ever “guest characters,” the ladies will also contribute music to the game; a custom player will let fans listen to tracks “Touch,” “Debut” and “I’m Pretty,” as well as new single “Gameboy” after it drops later this summer.
Plus, the animated KATSEYE avatars will also take part in an in-game Voxella Festival Stage Takeover, descending one-by-one on the virtual venue and unlocking a song after they’re united. For Yoonchae and Daniela, however, the most exciting parts of the game are its opportunities for self-expression and customization.
“I would change my face every day,” the former gushed when asked how she’d spend her time in Toca Boca World if it were a real place, while the latter said, “I would just go shopping and buy the whole mall, and just customize different outfits.”
KATSEYE’s partnership with Toca Boca comes as the group is bigger than ever before. In the months since dropping debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) in August, the sextet has amassed millions of listeners and scored its first-ever Billboard Hot 100 hit with the viral single “Gnarly,” which debuted at No. 92 in May.
As hype around the track continues to heat up in tandem with the temperatures outside, the members of KATSEYE — who also have a new EP, Beautiful Chaos, coming June 27 — think it’s pretty clear what this year’s song of the summer is going to be. “It’s a ‘Gnarly’ Summer,” said Megan, as her bandmates smiled in agreement.
But after Brat Summer and Hot Girl Summer, what does a “Gnarly” Summer entail? “Not being afraid of being cringe … letting your intrusive thoughts win,” Megan elaborated, while Lara said it’s all about “being very wild — and a little bit messy.”
