Scan much? The trailer for Branded got me thinking about QR Codes, those blocky little scannables invading nearly every flat surface they can possibly occupy. I may be showing just how much of a luddite I actually am by admitting I don’t own a smart phone, but they seem to be more commonplace than ever. And what does that have to do with movies and videogames, you probably haven’t asked? One word: FEZ.

By week 4 of the site, all productivity had ceased. I had been waiting five years to play this mysterious game, and then it popped up on Xbox Live Arcade’s storefront. It was mindbending, addicting, and had QR Codes. I’m not ashamed to admit I HAD TO CHEAT LIKE HELL IN ORDER TO BEAT THE GAME. In those five years, Fez won numerous awards (I nominate it for the HOW THE HELL DID YOU COME UP WITH THIS PUZZLE YOU INSANE, CRYPTOGRAPHIC BASTARD award) was featured in an epic documentary about indie game developer culture (which also features Team Meat, the geniuses behind the also addictive but not as brain cell destroying Super Meat Boy), and b0asts the most difficult puzzles I have ever seen in my life. Phil Fish, this one’s for you. Catch Indie Game: The movie when it hits; if anything, these talents deserve to shine due to their dedication and obsession alone.

Also: The Humble Indie Bundle V is out now – soundtracks, games, and awesomesauce await whatever price you choose: snag it for excellent gaming goodness and help out the children’s charity Child’s Play among others, which, for better or worse, is in no way affiliated with the movie.

16-Bit Chucky says: “Every Little Bit Helps”