December Staff Picks: It’s Giving Games (opens in new tab)
Discord’s December Staff Picks explores the games employees have been playing recently and the gifted titles that shaped their lives. The contributors highlight a mix of MMORPGs, JRPGs, cozy multiplayer games, card games, and narrative adventures, emphasizing how games create lasting connections with friends and family. ## Scott’s Current Games - Scott, a member of Discord’s Quests team, recently introduced his husband to **Final Fantasy XIV**, a long-running personal obsession. - He is also playing: - **Metaphor: ReFantazio**, reflecting his enthusiasm for JRPGs and Atlus games. - **Marvel Rivals**, while trying to resist spending heavily on cosmetics. ## Games That Changed Scott’s Life - Scott identifies **NieR: Automata** and **Persona 5**, gifted by his best friend in 2018, as his most meaningful gifts. - **Persona 5** rekindled his interest in JRPGs and led him to explore more Atlus titles. - **NieR: Automata** stood out for its excellent gameplay, complex lore, tragic story, and emotional impact. ## Emi’s Cozy Multiplayer Lineup - Emi has been playing relaxed, social games such as: - **Kallax** - **WEBFISHING** - **Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams** - She is also progressing through **Yakuza Kiwami**. - Many of these games serve as a backdrop for chatting with friends. - Emi has recently played **Jackbox Party Pack 3** and **Jackbox Party Pack 6** with friends and family, using voice chat to stay connected across different states. ## Pokémon Blue and Family Memories - Emi’s most memorable gifted game is **Pokémon Blue**, which she and her brothers received alongside their Game Boys. - They spent time outdoors battling and trading Pokémon with link cables. - The game became an early foundation for shared gaming experiences with her family, a tradition that continues today. ## Cody’s Current Games - Cody has shifted from **Marvel SNAP** to the daily routine of **Pokémon TCG Pocket**. - He appreciates being able to open packs quickly without committing to a full match. - When playing competitively, he relies heavily on **Marowak EX**. - He is also playing **Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy** and working through the wider Ace Attorney series. - The games’ exaggerated characters, unexpected twists, and bizarre humor have produced reactions ranging from laughter to shock. ## Continuing Through Ace Attorney - Cody plans to play the remaining entries, including: - **The Great Ace Attorney** - **Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth** - He estimates that he is nearly halfway through the full series. The post presents gaming as more than entertainment: gifted games can inspire lifelong interests, while multiplayer and family games preserve relationships across time and distance.