Sam Machkovech

Interview | "I'm sure I'm not done with this game," says Balatro's anonymous, humble designer

The one-of-a-kind British programmer behind Gridrunner, Tempest 2000, Polybius opens up about his life, his relationship, and the future.

A long-running video game franchise makes the jump to prestige TV.

One really great thing to do every day of the week.

The Polyphonic Spree don’t get out of town much. Since forming nearly 25 years ago, the Dallas band has consistently been a hassle to pack up and ship out: Always at least 20 members; Always a kitchen-sink-orchestra approach to instrumentation, from standard rock-band gear to a healthy dollop of brass and strings; and always some kind of matching attire that draws cult-like comparisons.

Sophy Wong Is Making Fashion for a Better, Otherworldly Future

For roughly 38 years, Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series has sold its titular princess short. Basically, her “Legend” has been getting kidnapped or running away under mysterious circumstances in ways where only a dude in a skin-tight leotard can find her, wave a sword around, and calm her down. Great message for roughly half of your potential audience, Nintendo.

(PERFORMANCE) Longtime, award-winning Seattle dance troupe Whim W'him specializes in fully intentional movement. Bodies writhe over each other. Hands toy with handheld lights as eased around or through arms, legs, and necks. Members march in unison, and on these marches, each troupe member, in order, might explode into a tense pose, like an inverted firework. On September 4, Whim W'him's seven members will emerge and vanish along Capitol Hill's AIDS Memorial Pathway in a performance that is "inspired by water and flow," and choreographed in a manner that embraces natural, outdoor environments. It's the last performance in their summer pop-up series—don't miss it. ( The AMP: AIDS Memorial Pathway, 920 E Barbara Bailey Way, 6:30 pm, free, all ages ) SAM MACHKOVECH

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a refreshing, albeit brief, series experimentation that blends modern and classic series elements. Using brand-new magic to battle and solve puzzles fits neatly into the top-down Zelda formula, despite some missteps.

Sophy Wong Is Making Fashion for a Better, Otherworldly Future