Gait Games

### Jared Palmer Exits Xbox to Head Engineering at Cognition

**Introduction**

In a recent update, Jared Palmer, the Vice President of Engineering at Xbox, announced his exit from the gaming powerhouse to take on a leadership role at Cognition, an applied AI laboratory. This change has ignited interest and speculation regarding Palmer’s experiences at Xbox and the motivations behind his rapid transition.

**Palmer’s Involvement at Xbox**

Palmer came to Xbox with a goal of improving the platform’s developer tools and infrastructure, collaborating closely with Asha Sharma, who had just been appointed the new leader of Xbox. He became part of Sharma’s executive team during a significant management overhaul that took place in May 2023. His background in creating tools designed to eliminate friction in the creative process was pivotal in his appointment. Sharma praised him as a “product leader” capable of making substantial contributions to contemporary development practices.

**Departure Announcement**

On X (previously known as Twitter), Palmer announced his move, stating, “I’ve joined Cognition to lead engineering.” He expressed appreciation for Asha Sharma and the Xbox team for his experiences over the past year and shared his enthusiasm for the new role at Cognition with cofounder and CEO Scott Wu. Although his time at Xbox was relatively short, starting with his joining Microsoft’s CoreAI team in October 2022, he did not elaborate on the reasons for his exit.

**Cognition: A Compelling Opportunity**

Cognition has attracted attention for its groundbreaking projects, especially its AI coding tool called Devin. The startup recently raised $21 million from Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund in 2024, achieving a valuation of over $4 billion. The appeal of working with state-of-the-art AI technology might have played a role in Palmer’s decision to depart Xbox, signaling a possible realignment towards more progressive and dynamic development prospects.

**Thoughts on Changes in Development**

Palmer has previously likened the shift from traditional programming to more automated software development to the experience of learning Guitar Hero rather than playing an actual guitar. This viewpoint underscores the persistent evolution within the tech sector, highlighting the importance of AI tools in influencing the future of software creation.

**Conclusion**

Jared Palmer’s transition from Xbox to Cognition signifies a notable shift in his professional journey, reflecting both the changing dynamics of technology and the prospects that emerge within pioneering companies. While his departure raises inquiries about ongoing endeavors at Xbox, it also highlights the increasing relevance of AI in contemporary engineering roles. As Palmer embarks on this new phase, the tech community will be eager to observe how his contributions will influence the future of AI development.

**Grand Theft Auto 6: The Highly Awaited Gaming Sensation of 2023**

In November 2023, the gaming industry is ready for the debut of *Grand Theft Auto 6* (GTA 6), a launch expected to outshine not just the year’s top contenders but also establish itself as one of the most notable game releases of the last ten years. This enthusiasm continues even amidst recent debates regarding the game’s price and format selections, such as opting out of physical discs at launch and rolling out a premium edition tagged at $100. New information indicates that consumer excitement remains strong, alleviating worries about possible impacts on sales.

Recent findings from *Tweaktown* suggest that pre-orders for *GTA 6* are excelling across numerous regions. Their examination of sales figures from the PlayStation Store shows that the $100 Ultimate Edition is topping the pre-order lists in nine global markets, including significant areas such as the United States, Canada, the UK, France, and Japan. This information underscores a significant acceptance among gamers for higher-priced game editions.

The standard edition of *GTA 6* will be priced at $80, reflecting a hike from the conventional $60 to $70 pricing seen in 2026 releases. The Ultimate Edition, priced at $100, provides several exclusive advantages, including access to in-game shops, unique weaponry, and tailored content not found in the standard version. This multi-tiered pricing approach has ignited some discontent among fans, with criticisms indicating that the $100 edition is perceived as the “true” game, putting those who choose the less expensive version at a disadvantage.

Market experts, such as Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners, have highlighted a wider trend in console gaming: revenue growth is increasingly stemming from enhanced player spending instead of an increase in player counts. The interest in ultimate editions, subscriptions for enhanced services like PlayStation Plus or Game Pass, and other monetized offerings signal that a significant portion of the gaming audience is inclined to spend more for supplementary features and early access.

Further research from *Tweaktown* supports this trend, revealing that pre-orders for pricier versions of other titles, including *Halo: Campaign Evolved* and *Wolverine*, are outpacing their standard editions. Many of these higher-priced editions promise early access, leading to discussions about the equity of payment structures that ultimately delay access to lower-cost versions.

Despite the criticism that companies such as Rockstar and Sony have encountered for their moves to eliminate physical media and increase prices, the data implies that a considerable segment of the gaming community remains unfazed and is willing to pay $80 or more for digital access that comes with added content and features. This readiness is promising for the profitability of video game sales but raises concerns for consumers wary of rising costs within the industry.

As the release date draws near, *Grand Theft Auto 6* is poised to stand not just as a key title for 2023 but also as a measure of shifting consumer perspectives on game pricing and digital content accessibility.

**New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro Enacts Job Cuts at Pixar and More**

Josh D’Amaro’s time as Disney’s CEO is characterized by major structural adjustments, including a recent series of job cuts that specifically affect Pixar Animation Studios. This choice aligns with a wider reorganization initiative under the “one Disney” approach aimed at optimizing operations throughout the corporation.

The extent of the job cuts is still under evaluation, although it has been verified that National Geographic and ESPN have also undergone reductions. This wave of layoffs marks the third substantial workforce decrease this year, following previous reductions that involved a marketing realignment in January and over 1,000 job losses in April impacting Marvel’s visual development team, which plays a vital role in defining the look and aesthetic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In spite of Pixar’s recent financial achievements with *Toy Story 5* and *Hoppers*, which collectively earned around $1.25 billion globally, the studio is undergoing drastic workforce cuts. *Toy Story 5* contributed the majority of this revenue, yet *Hoppers* also showed strong results, generating nearly $400 million prior to its rollout on Disney+. The storyline of *Hoppers*, a sci-fi coming-of-age tale about a young individual trying to safeguard local wildlife from developers and urban expansion, has been positively received, notably surpassing Disney’s underwhelming live-action version of *Moana*.

Following these layoffs, seasoned Pixar artists like Julia Lundman have voiced their frustration. Lundman mentioned on Bluesky that “Pixar has just been utterly gutted of almost all its veterans,” emphasizing the emotional impact these cuts have had on those who remain. This action follows Pixar’s largest layoffs just two years earlier when the studio aimed to refocus on prioritizing quality over quantity in its productions.

D’Amaro has communicated that these job cuts are part of a strategy to adjust to swift shifts within the media and entertainment sector, stating, “Over the past several months, we have looked at ways in which we can streamline our operations… to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect from Disney.” The company is investigating new avenues, including short-form media and the incorporation of artificial intelligence in content development, underscoring their dedication to “quality over quantity.”

As Disney works to reshape its business model in light of changing market conditions, these layoffs have raised worries regarding the future creative potential of Pixar and the long-term ramifications for Disney’s animation heritage. The continuous restructuring highlights the necessity for Disney to stay nimble and technologically proficient in a rapidly changing industry, but it also presents significant hurdles for the talent and storytelling that have characterized Pixar for many years.

# Xbox Game Pass July 2026 Additions: Thrilling New Entries

Xbox Game Pass keeps broadening its collection, and July 2026 introduces several exciting entries for subscribers across all tiers. Among the most awaited titles is *Halo: Campaign Evolved*, an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the iconic Bungie sci-fi shooter, set to launch on July 28. This month also includes a variety of other thrilling games arriving on the service.

## Upcoming Releases

Here’s the full lineup of titles scheduled to be added to Xbox Game Pass in the second wave of July 2026:

1. **The Planet Crafter** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – July 21
– Accessible for Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

2. **Shift at Midnight** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – July 22
– Part of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

3. **Hell Is Us** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – July 23
– Included in Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

4. **Halo: Campaign Evolved** (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – July 28
– Available through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

5. **Mistfall Hunter** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – July 30
– Offered for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

6. **Corsair Cove** (PC) – July 31
– Joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

7. **Heretic + Hexen** (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – August 4
– Now part of Game Pass Premium, it will also be available in Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

8. **Beast of Reincarnation** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – August 4
– Included in Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

## Spotlight: Halo: Campaign Evolved

*Halo: Campaign Evolved* represents a key moment for Xbox as part of its 25th-anniversary festivities. Unlike the original game, this remake emphasizes only the campaign mode, improving graphics and gameplay through Unreal Engine 5 technology while omitting multiplayer PvP modes.

## Notable New Games

This batch of Game Pass additions also showcases remarkable day-one launches. The standout is *Shift at Midnight*, a detective horror multiplayer title, along with *Mistfall Hunter*, a soulslike extraction RPG, and *Corsair Cove*, a pirate city-builder simulation.

For gamers in search of acclaimed experiences, *Hell Is Us* delivers a captivating journey battling demons in a visually impressive, war-ravaged environment, featuring melee combat and light RPG elements. This title, despite its September 2025 release, has flown relatively under the radar but promises engaging gameplay.

As always, Xbox Game Pass continues to offer a diverse range of options for gamers, blending highly anticipated new entries with hidden treasures, ensuring subscribers enjoy dynamic and varied gaming experiences.

**Smooth Takeoffs in Starfield: A Revolutionary Phase for Space Exploration**

*Starfield*, Bethesda’s bold venture into space exploration, has attracted gamers globally with its vast universe featuring countless star systems and procedurally generated worlds. While the game has introduced players to engaging exploration, it has also faced criticism for its loading screens, particularly during launches from planetary surfaces. Nevertheless, a new mod aims to improve the gameplay experience by providing a seamless takeoff option for PC users.

### The Smooth Takeoff Mod

Created by modder 0xBobby, the “Smooth Planet Takeoffs SFSE (Beta)” mod removes loading screens during takeoff. Rather than suddenly redirecting to a loading screen when departing into space, players can now observe their ships ascending through the atmosphere and reaching orbit effortlessly. According to 0xBobby, the mod “strives to eliminate the loading screen when taking off from a planet, and spawns your ship above the landing area for a fluid experience.” Although still in beta, this mod signifies a major advancement in enhancing immersion in *Starfield*.

### Community Interest and Modder Perspectives

Since the game’s release, numerous players have voiced a significant interest in this feature, emphasizing that the capability to fly smoothly into space without disruptions would greatly elevate their gaming experience. Modder 0xBobby recognized the widespread player feedback and is endeavoring to make the transition as seamless as possible, mentioning that factors like atmosphere and weather can influence the smoothness of the takeoff.

While this mod improves takeoffs, concerns persist regarding the absence of seamless landings. 0xBobby noted that accomplishing this goal would be notably more complicated and, for personal reasons, he does not anticipate developing a seamless landing solution in the near term. This remark highlights the ongoing challenges and limitations encountered by modders in their efforts to stretch the boundaries of game mechanics.

### Comparison to Other Space Simulation Games

The implementation of seamless takeoffs aligns *Starfield* more closely with other well-known space simulation titles like *No Man’s Sky*, which permits players to transition freely between planets and space without loading interruptions. While the seamless takeoff mod satisfies considerable player demand, expectations for seamless landings should be moderated, as the complexity involved is significant and may not be attainable in the upcoming future.

### The Future of Starfield

Beyond the scope of modding, Bethesda has reiterated its dedication to *Starfield*, with promises of new content and narrative expansions set to launch in 2027. Additionally, the studio intends to introduce new paid modifications through its “Creation Club,” aimed at enriching the gameplay experience for both PC and console players.

### Conclusion

The introduction of the seamless takeoff mod marks an important advancement in the *Starfield* community, offering a method to enhance player immersion and streamline gameplay. As modding communities continue to innovate and as Bethesda remains committed to expanding the universe of *Starfield*, the future of space exploration within this game appears bright. Despite existing limitations concerning seamless landings, the ongoing involvement of the community and the developers creates an exhilarating path for *Starfield* players.

Occasionally I will see a game that opts for an artstyle so complex and involved that will clearly take years to make, leaving me with an unbridled fear of the gamey part being not very good. I’m talking about games like Harold Halibut, where the entire thing is stop-motion. Do you know how long stop-motion takes! A while, I’ve heard. I feel similarly about Scarlet Deer Inn, a Slavic-folklore inspired platformer where every single sprite is made from embroidery that’s out today.

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### Apple Collaborates with Klarna for Buy Now, Pay Later Initiative in Response to Increasing Prices

Apple maintains its leadership in the tech sector, yet it encounters substantial hurdles as the worldwide economic climate deteriorates. Recent insights suggest that Apple is modifying its pricing approach due to supply chain complications, informally referred to as “RAMageddon,” which have forced the company to considerably increase prices on several of its products.

To motivate customers to upgrade their devices despite the rising expenses, Apple is reportedly partnering with Klarna to introduce a buy now, pay later (BNPL) program. As reported by Bloomberg, this program is anticipated to launch on July 28 and will encompass a broad selection of devices, including the majority of iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch models.

### Overview of the Buy Now, Pay Later Initiative

Consumers who meet credit requirements will have the chance to lease new products for predetermined durations—24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 36 months for Macs and iPads. Upon completion of the leasing period, customers can either return the devices or opt to keep them for an extra charge, enabling the possibility for continual updates.

This strategic adjustment arises in light of recent price hikes, where popular items experienced price increases of $100 or more. For example, the MacBook Air’s price ascended from $1,100 to $1,300, while the MacBook Neo, which quickly gained acclaim for its design and affordability, leaped from $600 to $700.

### Reaction to Economic Challenges

Tim Cook, Apple’s departing CEO, remarked on the company’s current status, stating, “We’re doing our utmost to alleviate the tremendous increases that are being handed to us… the situation has become untenable.” He highlighted that he had never seen such significant shifts impacting the tech market in over forty years.

This shift towards financing mechanisms for consumers mirrors approaches taken by other technology leaders, such as Microsoft, which recently increased the price of its Xbox Series X and initiated a collaboration with Klarna for interest-free financing. However, while Microsoft is engaging in the artificial intelligence competition that intensifies supply chain complications, Apple has not been as directly participating in that particular field.

### Summary

Apple’s new BNPL initiative in collaboration with Klarna represents a notable change in how the company engages with consumers amid rising costs. By enabling customers to lease devices rather than buy them outright, Apple seeks to maintain its dedicated customer base’s interest in its newest products, despite the prevailing economic difficulties that have influenced the tech industry’s pricing structure. As circumstances unfold, it remains to be seen how this initiative will affect Apple’s sales and client loyalty in a competitive environment.

A day will dawn when the premise “what if Darkest Dungeon but also XYZ” will lose its crablike stranglehold on my fancy, but that day is not this day, for today we Dive or Die. Not that the two activities are mutually exclusive.

In this 2D roguelite scuba sim from Drop Rate Studio and publishers Dear Villagers, the world has succumbed to a “black rain” that inflicts mutations and nightmares. It’s been chucking it down for five solid years, in fact, with human civilisation reduced to scraping a living on mountaintops that are now islands. There isn’t much of a living to scrape on mountaintops, so off you go into the “abyssal pool” to dredge up some canned food and building materials.

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### The Nintendo Switch 2: Ongoing Promotions and Upcoming Costs

The Nintendo Switch 2 is sparking excitement among gamers, particularly with its recent pricing changes. Currently available for $450, the console is projected to rise to $500 in the coming months. Nevertheless, some fortunate shoppers can grab it for a temporary deal of $400 through ongoing offers.

Woot, the deals site owned by Amazon, is selling the Nintendo Switch 2 at its standard price but has launched an appealing discount code. Customers applying the code “GIFT26” can gain a $22 reduction off the standard price. Moreover, new users on Woot can get a $50 discount, adding to the allure of this offer. This promotion is anticipated to last until July 25 or until stock is depleted, which may happen quickly given the high demand.

In the previous holiday season, a comparable $400 Switch 2 deal was well-received, complementing a $450 bundle that featured the hit game, *Mario Kart World*. With the impending price increase, this could be one of the prime chances to acquire the console at a lower cost for an extended period.

Nintendo’s choice to raise the Switch 2’s price is shaped by several market factors. Elements like tariffs established during the Trump era and the soaring costs of components resulting from an AI arms race are driving the price escalation of gaming technology. Analysts indicate that the rising costs of RAM and other critical components may persist through at least 2028, suggesting that the Switch 2 could experience a substantial price hike in the future.

As the gaming world transforms, buyers are left considering how the upcoming prices of the Switch 2 will develop. Those eager to secure the Switch 2 at a reasonable price may need to act swiftly, as current promotions could represent the optimal opportunity to obtain this sought-after console before prices rise.

The idea of developing sound and well placed infrastructure in a contemporary city fills me with an overwhelming sense of incompetency, so for the most part I tend to steer clear of city builders of that ilk. I don’t want to care about where a hospital needs to go, or how many roads is too many! So something like Thveit, a Norse folklore inspired city builder where the changing seasons shape how your villagers work, seems a bit more my speed.

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