Gait Games

Sonic the Hedgehog has experienced both triumphs and tribulations over the years, facing various obstacles particularly in the 2010s. A significant downturn occurred with the launch of 2014’s *Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric*, which was met with harsh criticism. Nonetheless, the decade also introduced one of the most praised installments in the series: 2017’s 2D *Sonic Mania*. In 2026, Sega celebrated the franchise’s 35th anniversary at Anime Expo, hosting a panel entitled “Sonic the Hedgehog Animated Shorts: A Frame-by-Frame Retrospective,” which focused on the development of *Sonic Mania* and its impact on revitalizing the franchise.

The panel, led by Sega strategy director Aaron Webber, discussed how mainline Sonic titles had not lived up to Sega’s standards a decade earlier. The negative reception of *Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric* led to a reduction in the Sega San Francisco office, which subsequently moved to Los Angeles. Social media sentiments reflected these struggles, with unfavorable comments on Twitter asserting that Sonic had lost its allure and urging Sega to “let Sonic die.” Rather than withdrawing, Sega proactively engaged with fans via social media, participating in meme culture and interacting directly with the audience.

Understanding the necessity for enhanced game production, Sega brought in designer Takashi Iizuka and artist Kazuyuki Hoshino for help. A noteworthy proposal came from Christian Whitehead, recognized for his contributions to earlier Sonic game ports. Initially, there was a bit of tension during Whitehead’s pitch—Iizuka stayed silent and exited the room. Ten minutes later, he returned and clearly expressed his support for the project by writing “*Sonic Mania*” on a whiteboard.

Ultimately, *Sonic Mania* emerged as one of the best-selling and most lauded titles in the franchise, credited with rekindling interest in the character. Sega built upon this success by releasing *Sonic Mania Plus*, which introduced new content and a physical version. They also launched an animated short series, *Sonic Mania Adventures*. Animator Tyson Heese expressed a desire for more ambitious animations while acknowledging budget limitations that restricted their options to either black-and-white sketches or pixel art. Ultimately, they chose to create a full cartoon, leading to the production of *Sonic Mania Adventures*.

Following this successful endeavor, Sega maintained the momentum by continuing to create animated shorts for subsequent mainline titles and spin-offs, such as *Sonic Superstars: Trio of Trouble*, *Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence*, and *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*. Alan Wan, co-founder of Studio Giggex, played a role in the animations for *Dark Generations* and *Crossworlds*. Wan noted that Sonic Team was distinctive in its willingness to embrace creative risks, providing a platform for innovative concepts.

The panel wrapped up with Sega revealing a new animation, *Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond*, to honor the franchise’s milestone. The trailer showcased exhilarating action as Sonic and his friends fought against Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic. The plot unveiled Eggman’s scheme to enhance Metal Sonic by obtaining Sonic’s life data and the power of the Chaos Emeralds.

Although no release date was provided for the new animated short or upcoming games, the panel left fans buzzing with anticipation about the potential future of the series. Many shared their hopes for Sonic’s return to the action-adventure genre, eager to see if Sega could replicate the success of *Sonic Mania* instead of delivering another underwhelming title like *Rise of Lyric*.

### Hideo Kojima’s Worries About the Future of Physical Media in Gaming

Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed creator behind the *Metal Gear* franchise and director of the recent *Death Stranding*, has openly expressed his concerns regarding Sony’s plan to phase out physical game discs by 2028. During his talk at the Il Cinema in Piazza film festival in Italy, he emphasized the emotional and practical importance of physical media in a world that is becoming increasingly digital.

Kojima shared his disappointment about the impending changes, stating, “Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad.” His current pursuits to gather Blu-rays and CDs reflect a longing for tangible media, which starkly contrasts the streaming-focused future that seems to be materializing.

He further discussed the consequences of a completely streaming model for video games, drawing comparisons to prevailing streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. “Currently, I’ve been buying up a lot of Blu-rays, such as various movies, and CDs too,” he remarked. Kojima highlighted that with downloads, gamers keep their data on personal devices, while streaming depends on external servers, limiting true ownership. He contends that this places consumers at the mercy of service providers, posing substantial risks if service agreements shift or servers go offline.

Kojima’s anxieties extend beyond gaming into the film industry as well. He warned, “If there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed… you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening.” The upcoming shift towards a predominantly digital environment has rekindled debates around ownership and accessibility, raising concerns for gamers about the future availability of content they have purchased.

The impending end of physical media coincides with the anticipated release of Sony’s PlayStation 6. This move has led to scrutiny over ownership rights regarding digital purchases; players recently encountered issues when Sony removed movies from their digital libraries after license agreements expired. Additionally, users were faced with the removal of games like *Concord*, which was “unlaunched,” further highlighting the unstable nature of digital ownership.

Kojima’s earlier remarks from 2021 resurfaced in this discussion, where he conveyed a deep fear of losing access to digital content during unpredictable circumstances. “Whenever there is a major change or accident in the world… access to it may suddenly be cut off. We will not be able to freely access the movies, books, and music that we have loved. I would be a have-not. That’s what I’m afraid of. This is not greed,” he expressed, underlining the vulnerability of digital ownership.

Different gaming companies are responding variously to the shift towards a digital future. There is speculation about whether the PS6 will include an optional optical drive to maintain compatibility with PS4 and PS5 discs. Microsoft is reportedly considering options to permit users to digitize their physical game collections, while Nintendo has rolled out DRM-locked game key cards, which provide some resale or trade benefits compared to entirely digital purchases.

Despite appeals for Sony to rethink its approach, reports suggest that factories specializing in disc production are already gearing up for a future without physical media. Kojima’s insights resonate with a larger community of gamers who are cognizant of the potential repercussions stemming from this digital shift, marking a significant moment for both the future of gaming and the safeguarding of media ownership.

**The Dual Nature of Fandom: The Situation of Valko in Love and Deepspace**

In the lively realm of fandom, reactions to character reveals can differ significantly. Recently, the fanbase for the well-liked mobile game *Love and Deepspace* has become a battleground for opposing views regarding the character Valko, a tech CEO werewolf who was first presented as the game’s sixth romantic option. The unveiling of Valko drew a mix of responses, prompting his rapid cancellation by the game’s developer, Papergames. This has ignited an engaging conversation among fans, resulting in two separate camps: one pushing for Valko’s comeback and the other in favor of his exclusion.

*Love and Deepspace* has made a significant impact in the mobile gaming sector, claiming over 80 million unique downloads, aided by its charismatically designed characters and captivating gacha system. Valko was created to align with the established archetype of alluring, muscular male protagonists, yet his appearance sparked disputes that the developers seemingly did not anticipate. Some fans voiced their dissatisfaction, claiming that focus should stay on the five existing male characters, while others criticized Valko’s design and character background, arguing it catered to Western tastes.

The scenario intensified beyond ordinary fan discussions when reports surfaced of negative feedback, including incidents of cow dung being sent to the developers’ office. In light of this backlash, Papergames promptly opted to remove Valko from the game, which, ironically, appeared to pave the way for his unexpected surge in popularity.

In an astonishing twist following his cancellation, Valko started to gain a passionate fanbase. Campaigns calling for his return have surged, with more than 310,000 signatures amassed across two major petitions—over 91,000 on the Change.org petition alone. This remarkable reaction underscores the potential for collective action surrounding a character that some initially regarded as unworthy.

Curiously, the interplay of backlash and admiration seems to have elevated Valko’s status among certain segments of the fandom. Conversations on platforms like Reddit indicate that many fans have developed a fondness for Valko not in spite of his cancellation, but because of it. The controversy surrounding his removal appears to have turned him into a representation of a user-driven storyline, sparking discussions about creative authority and fan involvement in the gaming industry.

Despite the surge of support for Valko, the chances of his return remain unclear. Papergames’ choice to eliminate “Valko’s Interactive Sessions” from a recent event suggests that the developers are firm in their decision. Nonetheless, the overwhelming backing for Valko—the fastest-growing petition in iPetitions history—cannot be overlooked easily.

The conflict surrounding Valko acts as a microcosm of modern fandom culture where humor, irony, and heartfelt admiration converge. In a landscape increasingly shaped by fan voices, the resolution of this narrative may not only reshape Valko’s position in *Love and Deepspace* but also influence how developers interact with their communities in the future. The fascination surrounding Valko’s path serves as a reminder of the dual nature of fandom: both supporters and detractors seek recognition, but ultimately, only one may triumph.

You know what, reader? Sundays are for whatever you goddamn feel like. Go swimming. Get lost in the woods. Take a kintsugi pottery class. Fix a broken appliance. Eat more than one hot dog. Learn Welsh. Smash your kintsugi pottery and take another class to repair it. Rearrange towels. Borrow some sugar. Don’t give it back.

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### The Shutdown of PlayStation Digital Marketplaces: Reflecting on Essential Games

With Sony’s notification regarding the closure of the digital marketplaces for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita, gamers are faced with the impending conclusion of a significant period. In just a year, players will no longer be able to acquire new games on these systems, effectively sealing away some of the earliest digital titles from PlayStation’s legacy. This choice underscores the increasingly precarious landscape of game ownership in the digital realm, highlighting the necessity of safeguarding and honoring the distinctive games that characterized the PlayStation 3 generation.

#### The PlayStation 3: A Transitional System

The PlayStation 3 represented a notable transitional moment for Sony, connecting the experimental foundations of its previous consoles to the more commercial strategies of later iterations. As the digital marketplaces shut down, certain unconventional games that once mesmerized players may be forever lost. While some titles have successfully transitioned to other platforms, such as *Sound Shapes* and *PixelJunk Eden*, others remain solely on the PS3, with a few already removed from listing. Here’s a glance at some essential games that are hard to find elsewhere.

#### Important Games to Experience Before They Vanish

1. **Tales from Space: About a Blob**
The inaugural release from Drinkbox Studios, known for *Guacamelee*, this puzzle platformer features a squishy hero. As the gooey figure travels across Earth, players increase in size and gain new abilities. Its vibrant aesthetics and captivating gameplay create a playful adventure reminiscent of timeless animations.

2. **Thexder Neo**
A reimagining of a beloved classic from the 1980s on the PC-Engine, *Thexder Neo* allows players to alternate between a jet and a large mech while navigating treacherous landscapes. The HD enhancement retains the game’s vintage allure while offering a renewed experience for both newcomers and nostalgic enthusiasts.

3. **Siren: Blood Curse**
Crafted by *Silent Hill*’s Keiichirō Toyama, *Siren: Blood Curse* presents a distinctive perspective on survival horror with its nonlinear story. While it presents a more refined experience compared to its original, the scarcity of physical copies makes obtaining it digitally a smart decision before the marketplaces shut down.

4. **The Last Guy**
This eccentric title plunges players into an arcade-style apocalypse where they save survivors and traverse cities teeming with mutants. Using Google Map satellite images, the game turns real-life locations into a lively playground, amplifying the chaotic delight of forming lengthy conga lines of rescued characters.

5. **Puppeteer**
A platformer that intertwines fanciful narratives and engaging gameplay mechanics, *Puppeteer* lets players assume the role of a puppet named Kutaro. Wielding oversized scissors, players confront foes and obtain various heads that enable distinct gameplay experiences. Due to the scarcity of its physical copies, a digital purchase is crucial.

6. **Vib-Ribbon**
Following the success of *PaRappa the Rapper*, *Vib-Ribbon* is a rhythm-based platformer that lets players personalize their gameplay using their own CDs. Initially launched for the first PlayStation, it was later released on PSN, establishing it as a pinnacle of innovative game design during its era.

7. **Tokyo Jungle**
Regarded as an essential experience, *Tokyo Jungle* is a survival RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Japan where players take on the role of wild animals. The game’s inventive mechanics, including hunting and breeding in a fluid ecosystem, deliver an engrossing experience that leaves a lasting impression long after playing.

### Final Thoughts

The forthcoming shutdown of the digital marketplaces for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita acts as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of digital gaming libraries. With a range of unique titles at risk of disappearing, now is the moment to discover and appreciate these hidden gems before they are forever confined. From whimsical puzzle platformers to survival escapades, these games signify a vital segment of gaming history that merits acknowledgment and preservation.

Remember when you were a baby, and someone would cover their face with their hands, thusly disappearing entirely from existence, only to return and scream at you? This is to do with something called object permanence, an idea of understanding that even when you can’t see something, it still exists, something that babies genuinely do struggle with. So how about a game that puts this to the test? Enter Object Impermanence, a puzzle game where nothing exists unless you look at it.

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Most Papers Please-likes that I’m aware of tend to all have a throughline in being 2D. That’ll for sure be because one, it’ll be easier to make and two, most derivative works don’t exactly move that far away from their source of inspiration. That isn’t so for Dreadwoods Gatekeeper however, an old timey one of those which positions you as a gatekeeper at an outpost where you’re all by your lonesome, bar all the travellers and foul that turn up. Also I think there’s monsters.

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### Marvel Rivals: The Summer Skin That’s Turning Heads

**Introduction**

In the vibrant arena of hero shooters, *Marvel Rivals* has made a remarkable impact with its distinctive character designs and in-game skins. As summer arrived, players were treated to new swimwear skins for Captain America, Loki, and White Fox. Yet, it was Captain America’s skin that generated the most excitement, especially because of a particular notable feature that appeared to take on a life of its own.

**Captain America’s Noteworthy Appearance**

Captain America’s new skin presents him in summer swimwear, but it was his noticeable bulge that quickly drew attention. This surprising enhancement left fans both entertained and perplexed as they observed the bulge’s interaction with his animations, including emotes where it seemed to bump against his chair. Many players began to question if this feature was the outcome of a design blunder—a flaw in the character model’s rigging.

**Reducing the Bulge?**

Curiously, just days following the skin’s launch, rumors began to spread that developer NetEase had possibly diminished the bulge. Players remarked that while Captain America still sported an impressive package, it was clearly less pronounced. This incited a flurry of debate within the community regarding the changes, with some arguing that a nerf was indeed implemented.

“I extracted and pulled the model,” disclosed Reddit user L9-45, implying that while the model itself seemed unchanged, modifications might have been made to the bulge’s positioning in relation to his pelvis. This hypothesis fueled discussions about how the developers handle character design and feedback from the player community.

**Community Feedback**

The response to Captain America’s summer skin has been a blend of admiration and laughter. While some players dismissed it as trivial, others viewed it as a humorous element of gaming culture. Notably, comic book artist Rob Liefeld positively commented on the skin, highlighting the lighter side of fandom regarding character design decisions.

**Comparative Perspectives in Comic Design**

The lighthearted examination of Captain America’s depiction parallels past debates about other characters in comic book history. For example, in 2018, DC Comics faced its own controversy when Batman’s representation led to speculation about editorial choices concerning the character’s anatomy. These instances underscore an intriguing trend where comic and game developers balance character realism with player enjoyment.

**Conclusion**

While *Marvel Rivals* asserts that their game is not intended to be excessively provocative, the community’s interaction with Captain America’s swimwear skin highlights the intricate relationships players have with character design and gaming aesthetics. As discussions persist within the community, one thing remains evident: in the realm of hero shooters, the visuals—often entertaining or absurd—are just as captivating as the gameplay itself. As summer progresses, players will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on the ever-evolving appearances of their favorite heroes.

How about a two-for-one today? Perhaps something from the RTS tower defence and city builder departments? Oh, and we’ll throw in a medieval flavouring too, on the house. With all of that mixed together and wrapped up nicely, you get Bergfriend, a game in which you build medieval castles to your own specifications, and then defend them from rival knights who want to take them from you.

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You ever just blink and 10 years of your life have gone by just like that? I wonder if that’s how the developers behind Scrap Mechanic feel, given that the survival sandbox game about building fancy machines out of whatever you can get your hands on celebrated its 10th year in early access back in January. That’s a long time! So long I don’t want to think about it, so instead let’s look forwards by about, I don’t know, 20 days, as that’s when Scrap Mechanic will be launching into 1.0.

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