Gait Games

**Alireza Shafiei: The PrettyBoyAli Debate and Fair Use in Digital Media**

Alireza Shafiei, commonly referred to online as PrettyBoyAli, has garnered considerable popularity on TikTok due to his captivating content and livestreams. Nevertheless, his image came under fire when a Reddit user posted a clip that criticized his conduct during one of these broadcasts. This sparked a legal dispute focused on the issues of fair use and digital anonymity.

In July 2025, a Reddit user under the alias tiktoktruthseeker shared a 27-second excerpt from Shafiei’s livestream in the subreddit Favorited Ranks Drama. The clip showcased Shafiei in an intense confrontation, directing insults at a viewer, which included offensive remarks suggestive of sexual assault. The thread, titled “PBA: Weaponizing SA, Homophobia, and Moms for his Angry Rant,” elicited a paragraph of backlash aimed at Shafiei’s choice of words, labeling it as both homophobic and profoundly offensive.

Although the post gained minimal traction—fewer than 50 upvotes—it attracted Shafiei’s notice, prompting him to initiate a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaint against Reddit to uncover the user’s identity. However, a judge ultimately dismissed this request, declaring that the Reddit post fell under fair use.

On June 26, 2025, US Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixon ruled against Shafiei’s assertions, underscoring the significance of public dialogue. Judge Hixon characterized the Reddit post as a transformative application of Shafiei’s content, asserting that the critique represented a protected form of speech within the fair use framework. He commented, “Even though the Reddit user presented an unmodified clip from Shafiei’s livestream, the key point is that the author utilized it to voice criticism of Shafiei’s language.”

Shafiei’s legal representatives contended that the unaltered clip infringed copyright protections, but Judge Hixon refuted this by citing earlier court decisions that acknowledge transformative use despite the absence of physical modification. The judge remarked that the lack of commercial benefit from the post also reinforced its categorization as non-commercial fair use.

Moreover, in an ironic twist, Judge Hixon highlighted the contradiction in Shafiei’s argument by indicating that his legal document referred to the material as a “clip,” suggesting an acknowledgment that it was an excerpt rather than a complete piece. The judge also commented on the insignificance of a 27-second segment taken from a livestream potentially spanning up to 16 hours, emphasizing the minimal effect of the clip in proving infringement.

The order stated, “The utilization of a 27-second excerpt from someone who livestreams up to 16 hours daily is quantitatively minor and supports fair use.” The ruling affirmed the court’s dedication to safeguarding free speech and encouraging open discussion, particularly in the area of digital media.

Consequently, not only was Shafiei’s motion rejected, but it also sparked a surge of interest surrounding both the clip and its creator, drawing additional scrutiny to Shafiei’s statements in a manner likely opposite to his aims. This incident serves as a reminder of the so-called Streisand Effect, where efforts to stifle information result in heightened public fascination.

In the end, this dispute accentuates the intricacies surrounding copyright legislation, digital content production, and the equilibrium between safeguarding creators and nurturing free discourse online.

Yesterday’s EVO livestream in Las Vegas revealed that Roger Jr. and beloved character Bob will join Tekken 8’s forthcoming season 3 DLC fighters. This announcement has stirred excitement among fans, particularly given the nostalgic significance of Roger Jr., a genetically modified kangaroo absent from a Tekken game for almost twenty years.

The unveiling of Roger Jr. featured a clever nod to a viral 2016 video where an Australian man punches a kangaroo to rescue his dog. The trailer for Tekken 8 cleverly replaced the original characters with Leroy and his American Bully, Sugar, preserving the comedic spirit while referencing the viral incident. However, it’s important to recognize that this reference holds deeper implications than it may seem at first.

In 2017, Katsuhiro Harada, the former director and executive producer of Tekken, indicated that the same viral kangaroo video significantly influenced Roger Jr.’s exclusion from Tekken 7. Harada expressed concerns from animal activists, which complicated the inclusion of a character associated with animal violence. He recalled the backlash following the video’s release, which made developers cautious about including a kangaroo character that could be shown in a violent light, stating, “There seems to be a lot more animal activists—even though they probably wouldn’t play our game, they would still hear about that and complain about it.”

This raises the question of what has changed in public perception over the last decade that allowed for Roger Jr.’s return to the franchise. Has there been a softening of animal rights activists’ views towards video games, or could the shift in the development team have influenced this decision? Recent exits from Bandai Namco, such as Harada and Tekken 8’s director Kohei Ikeda, may indicate a new approach to characters like Roger Jr.

Further comments from Harada shed light on the circumstances surrounding Roger Jr.’s absence from Tekken 7. He clarified that his statements were often misinterpreted; he never claimed there was a protest against including Roger, but he felt that the nuance of his comments might have been lost in translation during interviews, especially considering the context was provided in the Oceania region.

Roger Jr.’s return in Tekken 8 represents a pivotal moment for fans who have eagerly anticipated his comeback in the series. The character’s resurgence highlights not only a shift in the game’s narrative direction but also a playful interaction with cultural phenomena surrounding video games today. As Tekken evolves, the inclusion of characters like Roger Jr. exemplifies the franchise’s blend of humor and commentary on societal issues, underscoring why Tekken remains a cherished cornerstone in the fighting game community.

Microsoft are easing off on third-party game deals for the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, according to one fairly seasoned industry figure, while they “figure out” what to do with their gaming business in general.

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**The Evolving Dynamics of Xbox Game Pass and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4**

Following two years as a day-one inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, the highly awaited *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4* will not be available on the subscription platform at its launch. This unexpected choice from Microsoft has generated confusion among gamers and raised concerns about the future of other significant game launches on Game Pass.

The statement regarding *Modern Warfare 4* was emphasized by a pre-order promotion that clearly indicates the game will not be part of Game Pass in 2026. This advertising strategy highlights Microsoft’s strategic shift, as numerous players had started to expect *Call of Duty* titles to be available on the service at launch, similar to prior releases.

A participant on the gaming forum ResetEra pointed out the oddity of this advertisement, which originates from the official *Call of Duty* account. They remarked, “Just wild for them to know things are so messy and confusing that their social ads need to have specific callouts like this.” The advertisement offers early access for pre-orders while incorporating a clear disclaimer that the game will not be available on Game Pass during its launch year. This strategy appears aimed at clarifying potential misconceptions among gamers about the game’s accessibility.

This marketing change occurs against the backdrop of Microsoft’s previous announcement in April, when the company disclosed its plans to halt the practice of adding new *Call of Duty* releases to Game Pass on day one. This choice was likely influenced by the necessity to reduce escalating costs tied to maintaining such high-profile titles within the subscription model, especially as subscriber churn rates increased. Industry reports indicate that including last year’s *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* on Game Pass at launch led to an estimated $300 million in sales losses for Microsoft, prompting a reassessment of their approach.

This decision signifies a notable shift for Xbox, which has traditionally prioritized Game Pass as a fundamental component of its gaming ecosystem. The phrase “play it on Game Pass” has resonated with gamers, cultivating an expectation that major titles would be routinely available via the service. The exclusion of *Call of Duty* from this arrangement presents challenges for Microsoft as it seeks to balance exclusive content with its broader publishing strategy.

*Modern Warfare 4* is anticipated to revert to the conventional release model that has defined the franchise, aiming to enhance sales and engage players in a more traditional way. Nevertheless, the wording in pre-order marketing materials—specifically noting its absence from Game Pass—might be interpreted as a subtle tactic to encourage gamers to purchase the game outright instead of depending on a subscription service.

In summary, as the gaming environment continues to transform, Microsoft’s shift away from featuring *Call of Duty* in Game Pass at launch poses significant questions regarding the future of game subscriptions. With the gaming community closely monitoring these developments, it remains uncertain how the lack of such prominent releases will affect Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and the overall sustainability of the service in a competitive landscape. Currently, players may need to adjust to a new reality where not every cherished franchise will be available through their subscription.

Steam Machine stock may be in short supply, but hey, at least it hasn’t been taken off sale and scoured from the Internet, never to be seen again. That’s just the fate of Dbrand’s unofficial Steam Machine Companion Cube case, a smartly made (if overpriced and kind of pointless) Portal-themed accessory that it turns out was so unofficial, Dbrand never actually had permission from Valve to sell it. So, now they aren’t, and have issued refunds to anyone who ordered one.

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**Increasing Prices in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Retail Sector: The Price Exploitation Issue**

In recent times, the retail environment for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has changed significantly, with numerous retailers implementing price surges that resemble the actions of online scalpers. A prominent example is GameStop, which has begun raising prices on new Pokémon products that closely mirror the inflated amounts set by resellers in the secondary market. Following this trend, Target has also revised its pricing, further highlighting the inclination of traditional retailers to benefit from the scarcity and heightened demand for Pokémon cards.

Scalpers have long taken advantage of the limited stock of Pokémon items by acquiring them at the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and reselling them at much higher rates to consumers. Retailers, aware of their capability to profit from this market trend, have started to abandon the middleman model. Target’s recent price adjustments, which reportedly commenced on June 26, indicate a tactical decision to cash in on the frenzied consumer demand for sought-after products.

GameStop’s price exploitation stands out as an especially striking instance. Although they purchase products at the same wholesale prices as their competitors, they have significantly increased consumer prices due to the strong demand for Pokémon cards. Target’s hikes, although relatively moderate in contrast, still raise similar issues surrounding retail ethics and consumer confidence. By raising prices without prior announcement or explanation, Target seems to align itself with scalpers, rather than assisting customers in obtaining Pokémon products.

Reports reveal that Target’s price increases—like a rise from $29.99 to $31.99 for the Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle, which has an MSRP of $26.94—illustrate an expanding trend among retailers to emphasize profit over customer contentment. This updated pricing approach signifies an approximate 20% rise above MSRP, hinting at a wider trend where various retailers are systematically altering prices on numerous popular TCG products.

Target has enacted a number of strategies previously designed to combat scalpers, such as permitting customers to buy a limited quantity of products and opening seals before items exit the store. However, the recent price increases point to a change in approach, with Target potentially transitioning from actively combating scalpers to possibly becoming one themselves, much to the frustration of genuine Pokémon collectors and fans.

As the retail scene continues to evolve in response to rising consumer interest, ethical considerations surrounding price increases and the responsibilities of retailers to their customers come into question. The situation remains dynamic, with many anticipating a response from Target regarding the justification for these pricing alterations. The interplay between supply, demand, and corporate strategy in the Pokémon TCG market will likely be a prominent topic of discussion as the community seeks to navigate the challenges brought on by these novel retail practices.

In summary, while the appeal of the Pokémon TCG remains strong, recent pricing trends indicate a troubling movement among retailers toward price exploitation, mirroring the actions of scalpers instead of promoting a fair access environment for all consumers. As events unfold, it will be vital for both retailers and consumers to participate in open discussions regarding ethical pricing practices in the trading card market.

**Recompilations of Classic Games: Focus on Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled**

Recomps of vintage games are increasingly popular in the gaming community, offering an easy way for gamers to enjoy cherished titles on PC. Recently, there has been a surge of enthusiasm among followers of *Donkey Kong 64*, a classic from the Nintendo 64 generation, following the announcement of *Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled*. This forthcoming fan-driven PC adaptation seeks to bring the 1999 platformer to contemporary systems without employing AI-based coding methodologies.

### Summary of Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled

On June 28, 2023, YouTuber 2dos revealed a trailer for *Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled*, highlighting the dedication of a passionate team utilizing Wiseguy’s N64 recompilation tool. This cutting-edge tool enables developers to convert N64 titles into software that operates flawlessly on PC, which is essential for maintaining the core experience of the original gameplay.

*Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled* will feature multiple upgrades, including:

– **Widescreen Capability:** Providing a contemporary viewing format.
– **High Frame Rates and 4K Resolution Options:** Guaranteeing that visuals remain sharp and fluid.
– **Revamped Minigames:** Optimized for performance with “lag-free gameplay.”
– **Minimal Input Lag:** Tackling common issues found in earlier ports.
– **Mod Support:** Promoting community interaction and additional game customization.

It is crucial for players to possess a legitimate copy of *Donkey Kong 64* to utilize *Recompiled*, as this iteration will not incorporate any original N64 assets, thereby avoiding potential legal complications from Nintendo concerning copyright issues.

### A Focus on Excellence

The group behind *Recompiled* possesses experience from the widely-appreciated *Donkey Kong 64 Randomizer* mod, ensuring a knowledgeable approach to the recompilation efforts. One significant point highlighted by the developers is their dedication to high-quality coding—rejecting what they call “AI vibe coding.” They intend to deliver a meticulously crafted experience, countering other simultaneous projects that may depend on less trustworthy development methods.

One developer, known as theballaam96, expressed the team’s awareness of rival projects utilizing AI assistance, which could result in a subpar gaming experience. The developers aim to build their credibility for quality before any less polished initiatives gain popularity.

### Community Involvement and Feedback

The developers are currently interacting with the community through their Discord server, offering insights into their inspirations and development process. They have declared their intention to oversee the creation of *DK64: Recompiled*, underscoring their extensive experience with the game’s underlying code and their determination to sidestep the pitfalls associated with AI-generated content, which can result in instability and quality issues.

The emergence of “vibe coding,” where developers employ AI tools for programming tasks with minimal human involvement, has sparked debate within the development community. Many contend that this approach frequently undermines the quality and stability of projects, leading platforms like the PC Gaming Wiki to enforce restrictions against such practices to uphold a trustworthy directory of unofficial game ports.

### Final Thoughts

As the realm of retro recompilations progresses, *Donkey Kong 64: Recompiled* distinguishes itself as a project fueled by a passion for quality and a commitment to safeguarding the legacy of classic gaming. With exciting features and a dedication to meticulous development, this recompilation is set to provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and nostalgic players alike.

Staff at Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege support studio Ubisoft Barcelona are going on strike across July in response to mass layoffs. They’ll be downing tools every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from June 30th to July 17th, and are calling for protection against future “collective dismissals”, together with the reinstatement of previously agreed promotion packages.

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**The Ongoing Debate about Gender Representation in *House of the Dragon***

*House of the Dragon*, a precursor to the legendary *Game of Thrones*, aimed to delve into the intricate lore of Westeros while highlighting the internal strife within house Targaryen. Nevertheless, the series has swiftly become entangled in debates regarding the depiction of women on screen, particularly in terms of sexual assault. This has prompted serious worries, especially in the context of the original series’ record of explicit portrayals of violence against women.

In a recent episode, a troubling scene emerged featuring Alicent Hightower, the Dowager Queen, as she tries to flee the capital city with her family. Tensions rise when she confronts a council member who attempts to assault her. Although the scene subverts expectations by avoiding physical assault at the last second, the aftermath leaves viewers disturbed. The assailant attempts to twist the narrative by claiming that the assault was warranted, reflecting the harsh realities many survivors encounter, where their experiences are trivialized or disregarded.

This depiction has rekindled criticisms akin to those aimed at *Game of Thrones*, where prominent female protagonists, like Cersei Lannister and Sansa Stark, endured multiple assaults. Scholars and critics have pointed out that these stories frequently harness trauma to generate drama, resulting in significant backlash against the series. Given this historical backdrop, many had hoped *House of the Dragon* would advance with greater mindfulness.

In spite of these issues, the depiction of sexual violence in *House of the Dragon* prompts questions about narrative necessity. The sequence in question does not considerably enhance Alicent’s character trajectory or fulfill a clear role in the storyline, as the incident seems more gratuitous than essential. Critics assert that when narratives involve delicate subjects like sexual assault, creators must contemplate the messages being conveyed and their broader implications for viewers and society.

Moreover, this particular moment was not taken from George R.R. Martin’s original works, indicating that the creators opted to incorporate this unsettling content intentionally. The suggestion that violent narratives are a signature of the franchise adds to the frustrations of audiences longing for greater sensitivity and innovative storytelling methods.

Alicent’s narrative, focused on the quest for power within a patriarchal framework, could have been examined through various perspectives of female agency and rivalry. By concentrating on the political dimensions of the conflict between women, *House of the Dragon* had the opportunity to depict the complexities of female power dynamics without resorting to harmful stereotypes of sexual violence.

In conclusion, while *House of the Dragon* has the chance to set itself apart from its predecessor, its decision to portray sexual violence continues to attract criticism. Numerous viewers and critics call for a more refined and respectful depiction that recognizes the intricacies of women’s experiences without falling back on outdated narrative techniques. By acknowledging these challenges, creators can ensure that storytelling evolves in a way that respects survivors and enriches the narratives surrounding female characters in media.

Picture the kind of spannerhead who would leave their starfighter’s charging cable unplugged, the day before the big Mission to Save the Galaxy. Picture the absolute wellington who’d lift off with that cable dangling behind their ship like a ribbon of bogroll flapping from the heel of a pub drunk. Picture the consummate cheesewinkle who’d then have to keep latching onto random satellites to replenish their ship’s batteries, while avoiding enemy fire.

*smash cut to Zaragoza-based headquarters of Hyperwired developers Sidralgames*

*game director rises to their feet in ecstasy*

“¡Sí! ¡Ese es nuestro piloto!”

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