This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
The Community Spotlight features some of the best unedited articles that didn't quite make the front page. This week, we grab our weapons in The Walking Dead, break down the so-called "Demise of Guys," check out how Konami out-kickstarted Kickstarter, and more.
The Walking Dead, a new take on interactive media?
By Antony Wanjala
I'm a big fan of the Walking Dead comics, but I don't love the television show and haven't played the games yet. Antony explains that the emphasis on characterization and choice, coupled with its episodic format, makes for a new and unique experience. Sounds good to me.
My own deconstruction of "The Demise of Guys"
By Derek Hansell
You may have heard about the CNN piece mentioned in the headline; we've already had a front-page article about it here at the 'Mob. Derek gives his own thorough rebuttal, pointing out holes in the original article's methodology and logic.
Before Kickstarter: How Konami made dating-sim fans into investors
By Gordon Widener
By now we're all well aware of the crowd-funding king, Kickstarter. But Gordon describes a time some 12 years ago when Konami appealed to fans of Japanese dating sim Tokimeki Memorial for funding. The project received loads of cash, but the product's reception was lackluster. Interesting stuff.
When sequels go too far
By Trevor Hinkle
Sometimes later series entries perfect the promise of earlier games, but Trevor argues that "some series ruin themselves by continuing to make sequels and pursuing money over creative expression and uniqueness." What do you think? Are you happy with more of the same game you loved, or do you want something new?
5 immortal Japanese franchises
By Antony Wanjala
Antony's second entry in today's Spotlight counts down some of the most influential series in gaming that originated in Japan. (No prizes for guessing who he's got at number one!)