Gait Games

I expect that writing this up is about to make me quite hungry. Dosa Divas! It’s the latest small-scale RPG from Outerloop Games, the same devs behind 2023’s Thirsty Suitors. Where their previous game was all about battling off unsuitable suitors, food takes centre stage in Dosa Divas, pitting you as a pair of sisters and their trusty ancient spirit-mech who are “on a mission to defeat a rotten fast food empire and reconnect communities with their traditions.” And it’s out right now!

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Disney’s recent declaration regarding layoffs impacting more than 1,000 staff members has created significant ripples in the entertainment sector, especially within Marvel Studios. Numerous personnel from diverse divisions, such as visual development, experienced considerable job reductions, constituting roughly 8% of the workforce. This choice, conveyed via an internal memorandum by Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, aimed at “streamlining operations,” has sparked worries among fans about the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in these reductions.

The layoffs encompass various departments at Marvel Studios, including film and TV production, comics, franchise management, finance, and legal units. As reported by several outlets, D’Amaro highlighted the necessity for a more nimble and technology-driven workforce to respond to the industry’s rapid pace. He assured employees that the layoffs reflected neither individual performances nor the company’s overall stability, but were part of a strategy for improved resource allocation and reinvestment.

Reactions on social media suggest that many fans perceive D’Amaro’s ambiguous mention of a “technology-driven workforce” as a nod to the increasing presence of AI in the creative workflow. Some interpret this as an indication of a growing dependency on AI technology within Marvel’s production processes. Nonetheless, reports have clarified that there is no conclusive proof connecting the layoffs directly to AI application.

The ambiguity spawned by these layoffs raises questions about the future of Marvel’s projects as the studio gears up to transition into a new era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with upcoming films like “Avengers: Doomsday.” The departure of seasoned visual development teams, who have been vital in defining the visual style of Marvel’s cinematic projects, has raised alarms regarding the effects on the overall quality and creativity of future productions.

While D’Amaro’s memorandum leaves space for various interpretations, it highlights a wider trend within the industry—one that involves reevaluating workforce configurations in response to technological progress. Despite the absence of a clear reference to AI concerning the layoffs, Disney’s earlier investments in AI technologies, notably a significant investment in a now-defunct AI video generation application, intensify speculation about a potential transformation in how creative content is crafted.

As the circumstances develop, the comic book and film community remains vigilant about how these alterations will influence Marvel’s creative trajectory and the broader scope of the entertainment industry.

The work of an early access game, even when it’s hit 1.0, is never truly done. That is certainly the case for Hades 2, which has received its second post-launch patch today. Nothing mind blowing has been added in with this one, but there does seem to be a few more narrative threads tied up, and a number of quality of life changes.

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### The Turmoil of Pokémon Card Collecting: A Chaos Unleashed at Costco

The realm of Pokémon card collecting, formerly a tranquil pursuit treasured by fans of all ages, has recently morphed into a fierce battleground. A startling episode at a Costco location highlights the fierce competition stemming from the latest drop of the Prismatic Evolution card set, resulting in chaotic scenes akin to a market uproar.

#### A Disturbance in the Parking Lot

Just yesterday, reports surfaced regarding a troubling parking lot shooting involving two adults caught in a conflict over Pokémon cards. This alarming occurrence was exacerbated a day later by another event, now illustrated in viral clips depicting a fervent rush of eager enthusiasts converging on a Costco to claim their portion of the much-desired Prismatic Evolution cards.

The video, circulated on social media by Pokéstreetz, showcased the hysteria as a crowd of approximately 30 to 40 individuals assembled in the parking lot, anxiously awaiting the restock. The enthusiasm rapidly devolved into pandemonium as attendees scrambled to purchase the latest enhancements to their collections, resulting in a flurry of reckless behaviors: beverages were thrown, cards were ruined, and a vehicle was driven straight into a shopping cart filled with boxes of Pokémon packs.

#### The Rising Demand for Prismatic Evolution Cards

Initially launched in January 2025, the Prismatic Evolution set has emerged as a cultural sensation, generating widespread fascination and driving demand to extraordinary heights. With scarce availability and rampant scalping activities, these cards often elude casual collectors. The recent replenishment of this set at major retailers such as Costco has heightened the urgency among fans and collectors eager to incorporate these coveted cards into their decks.

One eyewitness recounts how the chaos intensified after an individual tried to fill a shopping cart with boxes of cards. This action incited others in the crowd to step in, culminating in a barrage of flying coffee cups directed at the cart. Disorder erupted when a car collided with the cart, scattering the valuable Pokémon packs onto the pavement.

#### Police Intervention and Consequences

As tensions escalated, law enforcement was already on-site and promptly responded to the reckless driving. Reports reveal that the vehicle’s driver was pursued by police and apprehended, underscoring the serious repercussions of the frenzied environment surrounding the highly sought-after card launch.

The aftermath of these episodes raises numerous inquiries about consumer behaviors as the Pokémon card craze continues to seize widespread attention. The high stakes tied to such limited releases not only prompt confrontations but also influence the broader marketplace. Local independent card shops, having historically backed the Pokémon franchise, find themselves disadvantaged as larger retailers reap the majority of stock while smaller establishments struggle to cater to consumer demand.

#### The Broader Impact on the Community

The recent events at Costco act as a harbinger for the growing volatility of the collectible card market, merging passion with avarice. Visionaries within the Pokémon community worry that the joy of collecting is being eclipsed by a frantic quest for profit, leading to violence and disorder in what ought to be a light-hearted pursuit.

As the Pokémon Company contends with the widening chasm between collectors and scalpers, there remains hope that the community can recall the fundamental values of camaraderie and enjoyment that initially characterized the experience. Collectors and casual gamers alike must navigate this evolving terrain, where the rush of the hunt now carries a perilous edge.

Although the excitement surrounding the Prismatic Evolution cards may persist in igniting tempers and fostering divisions among fans, it is vital to emphasize community and collaboration, ensuring that Pokémon collecting remains a cherished hobby rather than a battleground for impulse and greed.

If the *waves hands frantically* general state of the games industry hasn’t made it clear already, it cannot be understated how much of a priority making money is for the suits that own all these game studios. Who cares if the thing is good! Will it make lots of money? And judging by a recent interview, The Witcher 3 director and director of the upcoming The Blood of Dawnwalker Konrad Tomaszkiewicz takes issue with this frustrating fact.

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**The Evolution of Allbirds: From Shoes to AI**

Previously celebrated as a game changer in eco-friendly footwear, Allbirds has recently captured attention for an unanticipated shift from shoe production to artificial intelligence. Established in 2015 and propelled by a fruitful Kickstarter initiative, the company quickly ascended, drawing in notable endorsements from figures like former President Barack Obama. By its zenith in 2018, Allbirds achieved a valuation of $1.8 billion, with an expanding retail footprint throughout the United States. However, as the years progressed, the brand encountered difficulties, grappling with waning sales and dissatisfied investors as its ventures into apparel were met with minimal achievement.

In April 2026, the storyline took a significant turn when Allbirds was purchased by American Exchange Group for a mere $39 million. In a surprising development, the firm revealed its rebranding as NewBird AI, aiming to transition its emphasis from footwear to becoming a provider of AI compute infrastructure. The announcement was highlighted by a $50 million capital infusion from an undisclosed institutional investor, bolstering its ambitious objective to evolve into a fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solution.

The immediate response from the market was notable. The stock price skyrocketed over 350% within hours of the announcement, leaping from $3 to $13. This surge reflects a rising trend where companies pivot towards technology fields, especially artificial intelligence, to seize investor excitement, often irrespective of their original core businesses.

This abrupt change has prompted scrutiny and initiated conversations regarding the wider ramifications of such strategies. Numerous analysts perceive Allbirds’ shift as indicative of a potential AI bubble, akin to Kodak’s ill-fated venture into cryptocurrency ahead of the market’s decline. The transition of Allbirds mirrors a prevalent trend where struggling companies seek solace in the booming tech narrative, similar to GameStop’s attempts to pivot towards crypto initiatives in search of renewed investor affiliation.

As 2026 progresses, the dialogue surrounding Allbirds exemplifies the unstable convergence of conventional retail and avant-garde technology. With Allbirds restructuring into an AI-oriented entity, observers are compelled to contemplate the viability of this trend and its consequences for the future of both the retail and tech landscapes. The narrative of Allbirds acts as a poignant illustration of the continually shifting marketplace, where today’s beloved brand can quickly become yesterday’s story, prompting stakeholders to stay alert in an era characterized by rapid, often impulsive, reinvention.

Labyrinth.os is the kind of game where I’m not entirely sure I can tell you what it is exactly. It is, as the game’s itch.io page says, a “new 3D Dungeon Crawling Dream for Windows Machines.” A brief, seemingly in-world description explains the setup for the game too: “Before dying out, the smartest of the world from before left a machine,
A machine with the power to restart the world, The Thirteen Architects who were built to maintain this machine dubbed it: The World Egg.” But beyond that, it stays shrouded in mystery up to the point of playing it, which is the exact kind of game that draws me in quickest.

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### The Framerate Dilemma in Gaming: My Journey with Overwatch on Switch 2

In recent times, the gaming world has changed considerably, especially with the emergence of remastered games emphasizing enhanced performance. As a veteran player of *Overwatch*, I have logged over a thousand hours in this hero shooter, mostly on PlayStation consoles where it operates at a steady 60 frames per second (fps). This elevated framerate has become instinctive for me, allowing for accurate aiming and swift reactions. However, my anticipation for the debut of *Overwatch* on the Switch 2 was met with dissatisfaction upon learning it was restricted to 30fps.

### The Effect of Framerate on Gameplay

At first sight, a reduced framerate might not appear harmful. Nevertheless, the truth is that framerate has a substantial effect on how a game is experienced. Competitive titles, in particular, aim for higher framerates to provide a smooth and responsive interaction. With a fixed 30fps on the Switch 2, my gameplay felt sluggish and unwieldy, akin to wading through thick syrup. Tasks that demand accuracy, like aiming shots with Soldier: 76, became significantly more difficult. Each movement felt jerky, and my previously instinctive muscle memory for performing actions seemed restricted.

### A Downgrade or a Misstep?

The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 iteration of *Overwatch* stemmed from its pledge of enhanced performance over the original Switch version, which barely achieved 30fps. Players were eager for a seamless experience that would let them enjoy *Overwatch* while on the move. Instead, the letdown was evident when the update failed to provide the expected framerate improvement, prompting many to wonder if Blizzard inadvertently released the incorrect version of the game.

### Blizzard’s Response

Blizzard has recognized the feedback regarding the framerate concern and is reportedly working on a patch to correct this issue. As an avid player, I am hopeful for a prompt remedy that would enable a portable experience aligning with the high standards I’ve come to expect from gaming on my home console.

### Conclusion

The experience of playing *Overwatch* on the Switch 2 has highlighted the significance of framerate in competitive gaming. While the gameplay may appear satisfactory at first glance, the subtle feel of motion and precision is vital for players used to smoother performance. As the gaming community looks forward to a resolution, it remains clear that for many gamers, framerate is not merely a figure but a crucial aspect of the gaming experience.

Update: It’s now been pulled from sale on Steam.

Original story follows:

Star Trek: Resurgence, the Telltale-style Trek game which came out back in 2023, is set to be delisted from Steam soon. Unlike the mysterious spate of Disney delistings the other day, Resurgence developers Dramatic Labs have been upfront about the reason it’s being pulled.

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**Hidden Depths Bundle: Exploring the Uncharted Territory of Indie Games**

In a novel twist on game promotion, the creators of the indie game *Blue Prince*, operating under the name Dogubomb, have adopted an intriguing position regarding their newest collection, the Hidden Depths. The official BlueSky account declares, “We’re not going to reveal anything about the games in this bundle. These are experiences best approached with minimal prior knowledge.” This mindset is apparent in the heavily censored Steam store page for the Hidden Depths bundle, featuring five celebrated indie titles from recent years. Gamers are invited to delve into these experiences without advance information, amplifying the excitement of discovery.

This approach resonates with many who enjoy the surprise and joy of navigating lesser-known indie games. Frequently, articulating the values of such titles without disclosing their distinctive twists proves difficult. The Hidden Depths bundle highlights the essence of surprise found in titles such as *Animal Well*, *Fez*, *Tunic*, *Outer Wilds*, and *Blue Prince*.

The Steam page illustrates the redaction strategy with enigmatic descriptions: *Animal Well* is presented simply as “a…game about…a………well,” while *Blue Prince* intrigues potential players with “you…………journey…….to…Room 46?” Such vagueness encourages gamers to discover these titles unburdened by preconceived ideas.

While the concept of approaching a game without prior exposure holds appeal, it is essential to acknowledge that these five titles are among the most recognized in the indie community. Even casual gamers have likely come across conversations or media regarding these games. *Fez*, which debuted in 2013, has reached iconic status, while the newer *Outer Wilds* (2020), *Tunic* (2022), *Animal Well* (2024), and *Blue Prince* (2023) have received widespread praise and attention. Thus, for those yet to explore these titles, the bundle offers an enticing chance to dive in without the weight of expectations.

Another intriguing element of the Hidden Depths bundle is its pricing. Among the five included games, only two — *Outer Wilds* and *Blue Prince* — feature discounts of 40% and 34%, respectively. The lack of discounts on the other three titles raises questions regarding the pricing strategy of this thoughtfully curated bundle. Ultimately, the total cost reaches $94, which may appear high. However, considering the enriching experiences and exceptional quality of the games available, many would contend that this expenditure is justified.

In conclusion, the Hidden Depths bundle promotes the concept of discovering games without prior knowledge, appealing to those who relish the excitement of the unknown. While it may feature a higher price point, the quality of the enclosed games underscores the value of immersion and exploration that indie titles can uniquely offer. For those ready to take the plunge, the Hidden Depths promises an unparalleled adventure, urging players to experience the magic firsthand, unfiltered and completely their own.