Beyond the Hornet's Nest: What Eurogamer's Crew Are *Actually* Playing (Spoiler: It's Not *All* Silksong!)
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Jeff shares Eurogamer staff's diverse gaming habits, revealing that while *Hollow Knight Silksong* dominates, players are finding magic in everything from *No Man's Sky*'s palaeontology to *Untitled Goose Game*'s chaos and even real-life fantasy football. It's a proper peek into the wonderfully sidetracked lives of gamers.
Alright, mates, gather 'round the digital campfire because I've been rummaging through the aether, and fair dinkum, there's a proper storm brewing. No, not a new Web3 metaverse promising to cure world hunger with NFTs of pixelated turnips (though, wouldn't *that* be a sight?). I'm talking about the absolute, undeniable, reality-bending force that is *Hollow Knight Silksong*. Everyone and their nan seems to be neck-deep in Hornet's latest adventure, and who can blame 'em? It's been like a digital Big Bang, a seismic event that's probably caused a few rifts in the fabric of reality itself.
But here's the kicker: while the world descends into *Silksong* madness, some brave souls at Eurogamer have actually been playing... *other* games. Wild, I know! I’ve been tinkering with their latest "What We've Been Playing" feature, and bloody hell, it’s a brilliant peek into the wonderfully chaotic gaming lives of folks who, just like us, get gloriously sidetracked by shiny new (or old) things.
This delightful dive into diverse digital distractions comes courtesy of Eurogamer's "What we've been playing – it's not all Hollow Knight Silksong you know," originally published on September 6, 2025, with contributions from Robert Purchese, Matt, Marie, Ed, Bertie, Connor, Victoria, Chris, and Alex. Go give 'em a read, won't you?
First up, we've got Matt, who's still utterly lost in the cosmic ballet of *No Man's Sky*. Now, if you're like me, you probably thought *NMS* was all about exploring endless procedural universes, building bases, and maybe accidentally summoning a space kraken. And you'd be right! But Matt's found a new, glorious rabbit hole: the recent ship-building update. Reckon he's crafting vessels that probably look like a wizard's chaotic attempt at origami, but the real gem here is his pivot to palaeontology. Yes, mate, *palaeontology* in *No Man's Sky*! Imagine, you're just out there, trying to scavenge parts for your dream spaceship, and suddenly you're Indiana Jones-ing ancient alien bones. The sheer dedication to collect fossils, assemble them onto plinths, and then—wait for it—consider building an *entire travelling exhibition ship* for them? That's the kind of wonderfully unhinged, player-driven narrative that makes *NMS* so captivating. It’s not just a game; it’s a canvas for your most ridiculous, brain-disengaging, yet utterly compelling obsessions.
Then there's Marie, who reminds us that sometimes, gaming isn't about epic quests or saving the universe. Sometimes, it's about pure, unadulterated, honking chaos. *Untitled Goose Game*, she says, is her go-to for gloomy nights, providing "sheer, unrestricted joy" as an agent of mayhem. And honestly, who hasn't felt that primal urge to just *mess things up* with a cheeky honk and a stolen garden gnome? It’s a perfect example of how games don't need to be complex to be brilliant. Just give us a feathered menace and a checklist of mischief, and we're good. Simple, elegant, and probably causes more real-world laughter than most AAA titles.
Ed, meanwhile, has apparently decided that platinum trophies are his new obsession, tackling *Bloodborne*'s notoriously brutal world. Now, *Bloodborne* is a beast, an absolute masterpiece of gothic dread and punishing combat. But here’s the rub: he's finding NG+ far less of a victory lap and more of a… well, a kick to the shins. Unlike *Elden Ring*'s more forgiving second run, *Bloodborne*'s New Game Plus clearly demands your absolute respect (and probably a fresh controller). And that little whispered mention of the "notorious Chalice Dungeon" for a "blood boost"? You just *know* that’s where all the true horrors lurk, the kind of places you visit when you're teetering on the edge of sanity, hoping for that one magical drop. Fair warning to anyone chasing that platinum – it sounds like a proper commitment!
Bertie, on the other hand, stumbled upon *Herdlings*, a game that sounds less like a game and more like a gentle, digital meditation. It's described as "arty, seemingly ungamelike," focused on evoking a feeling rather than a catchy gameplay loop. This is where my wizarding curiosity really perks up, mate. A game about herding strange furry animals, with "no words, no overt direction, nor are there any detailed customisation mechanics"? That's not just a game; it's an *invitation* to imagine. Bertie talks about the "mental handshake" between player and game, where withholding information encourages your imagination to "leap forward." It's a clever observation, reminding us that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones we co-create in our own minds. It sounds like a beautifully understated experience, celebrating the art of thoughtful play.
And yes, *of course*, we need to talk about *Silksong* from those who are actually lost in its depths. Connor's "Skonged up to my gills" and Dom's seven-hour binge right out the gate tell you everything you need to know. It's hitting all the right notes for Metroidvania fans, with Connor "knocking down plenty of bosses" and revelling in new movement tech like the wall jump, which, naturally, leads to "fresh horrors" to hurl himself against. Dom, a self-proclaimed lover of modern Metroidvanias, is particularly enamored with the musical direction, finding the world designed around bells and sound utterly captivating. It sounds like Team Cherry has once again managed to conjure something truly magical, proving that sometimes, the hype is, against all odds, absolutely justified.
Victoria, showing some classic pre-major-release caution (who hasn't done that?), dipped her toes into the *Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express* demo. Now, usually, I'm a bit skeptical of licensed adaptations, especially when they tackle literary icons. But she went in with "very low expectations" and was pleasantly surprised! While the puzzles were apparently as easy as finding a rogue pixel, the visual representation of the iconic train hit a nostalgic chord (she even honeymooned on the actual Orient Express – fancy!). It’s a great reminder that even games that aren't masterpieces can provide a warm, fuzzy feeling and a pleasant escape, sometimes just by tapping into a good memory.
Chris, bless his busy heart, is going for the "easy-breezy, low effort" approach with *Football Manager 24*. But don't let the "low effort" fool you, mate, because the genius is in the specific, self-imposed challenge. He's running a save called "Amorim's United but good," using specific tactics but then applying his own transfer wisdom. And guess what? He's seven points clear at the top with ten games to go! This isn't just playing a game; it's a strategic thought experiment, a "what if" scenario played out with meticulous detail. It's the kind of digital alchemy where your brain cells get a proper workout, and you can practically hear the imaginary crowd cheering for your tactical prowess. Call him, Sir Jim, call him!
Finally, we have Alex, who, much like the legendary Dolph Lundgren (whose disdain for *The Sims* is now permanently etched into my memory banks), prefers "real life" gaming – specifically, NFL Fantasy Football. Now, before you roll your eyes, think about it. The stats, the numbers, the strategic drafting, the constant fretting over team performance... it's all one big, glorious, real-world RPG. Alex reckons it appeals to his "RPG-pilled brain," and you know what? He’s absolutely right. It's about building a party, managing resources (player contracts, anyone?), making tactical decisions, and watching the dice rolls (or, y'know, actual human performance) unfold. It's a testament to the fact that the gamer's mindset often spills over into the "real world," finding patterns and systems even where they might not be immediately obvious.
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour through the unexpected gaming habits of Eurogamer's crew. From deep-space palaeontology to chaotic geese, from soul-crushing NG+ runs to imaginative herding, and even a dash of real-world number-crunching, it's a grand reminder that the gaming world is vast and wonderfully varied. While the Hornet might be stinging its way into everyone's hearts, it's the little detours, the unexpected obsessions, and the quiet moments of joy that often make gaming truly magical. It just goes to show you, mate, sometimes the most interesting discoveries aren't in the biggest, loudest releases, but in the quirky corners and the imaginative leaps we take along the way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear the faint honking of a goose demanding my attention... or maybe it's just my kettle. Bloody hell, time flies when you're having fun!
Tags: Gaming Culture, Indie Games, Player Stories, Game Analysis, Hollow Knight Silksong
Original article: Eurogamer