Video Games Weekly: Summer Game Fest ends when I say so

The article introduces the Video Games Weekly section on Engadget, where the author, Jess Conditt, shares her thoughts on video game trends and related topics. Jess Conditt has been covering the industry for over 13 years and will be sharing her insights every Monday or Tuesday. The article highlights three games that the author can't stop thinking about, including Crisol: Theater of Idols, Grave Seasons, and Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School. Crisol: Theater of Idols is a first-person survival-horror action game set in a demented version of Spain, while Grave Seasons is a narrative-based farming sim with a dark twist. Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School is a puzzle game that features an open world of puzzles, riddles, and cringey puns, and is playable as a split-screen, couch co-op experience. The article also covers recent news in the gaming industry, including 11 Bit Studios' use of AI writing in The Alters, Xbox layoffs, and Netflix's decision to cull its games roster. Additionally, the article mentions Riot Games' decision to open up the League of Legends and Valorant esports scenes to betting sponsorships, and the start of the Steam Summer Sale. The author also shares some personal recommendations for games to check out during the sale, including Blue Prince, Home Safety Hotline, Look Outside, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the gaming industry, along with the author's personal thoughts and recommendations.