Gait Games

### Valve’s Latest Steam Controller: A Playful Blend of Console and PC Gaming

Valve’s latest Steam Controller aims to offer gamers an incredibly customizable experience, acting as a link between console and PC gaming. Its distinctive features and playful elements add to its appeal, distinguishing it in a competitive market.

#### Customization and Features

The Steam Controller features numerous customization possibilities that enable users to adapt their gaming experience according to their preferences. Among its notable features are touchpads and cutting-edge haptic feedback, providing an intuitive and responsive interface that many gamers desire. The overall design, combined with its functionality, highlights the dedication of Valve’s design team, reflecting their commitment to both innovation and user satisfaction.

#### A Distinctive Easter Egg

One of the most enjoyable surprises related to the Steam Controller is an unanticipated easter egg: it can produce the famous Wilhelm scream when dropped. This legendary scream, originating from a 1950s Western film, has become a cultural reference in various media. User RF3D19 recently disclosed this discovery on Reddit along with a demonstration on YouTube, where the scream can be distinctly heard upon impact.

Upon testing its capabilities, numerous users, including RF3D19, confirmed that the functionality works, although caution is advised to prevent damage to the controller. The scream has a cooldown timer, stopping players from triggering it repeatedly through careless throwing.

#### Sounds and Alerts

Furthermore, the Steam Controller includes auditory alerts, such as ringing like an old telephone, making it simpler for gamers to locate it within their gaming setup. This feature, along with the controller’s other high-quality elements, elevates it from being just a functional tool to an engaging enhancement to the gaming experience.

#### Availability and Resupply

Despite its groundbreaking features, the availability of the Steam Controller has posed a challenge, with initial stocks selling out almost instantly. Valve has assured future restocks and has implemented measures to shield consumers from scalpers, who have significantly inflated prices on platforms like eBay. The original price of the controller, set at $100, has risen to over $400 in numerous listings, particularly following news of its screaming feature.

#### Conclusion

The Steam Controller is not simply a gaming accessory; it’s a whimsical representation of Valve’s vision for the future of gaming. With its customizable features, quirky surprises like the Wilhelm scream, and robust community involvement, it marks a significant advancement in the development of gaming peripherals. As Valve strives to ensure broader availability, players are eager to incorporate this innovative controller into their gaming experiences.

**Title: The Mixed Reception of Saros: Analyzing Sales Performance and Market Dynamics**

As gamers dive into Housemarque’s newest offering, *Saros*, it has received accolades for its smooth gameplay and elevated design in contrast to its earlier title, *Returnal*. After spending ten hours playing, one can readily recognize the improvements made to boost player experience and accessibility. Nevertheless, in spite of the game’s overall quality, it has fallen short of sales expectations in its opening weeks, prompting inquiries into the causes behind this occurrence.

Recent projections from Alinea Analytics suggest that *Saros* has sold just above 300,000 copies during its initial fortnight, a number that does not match the momentum *Returnal* achieved upon its launch in 2021. Conversely, *Returnal* attracted an enthusiastic audience when the PlayStation 5 was new, enjoying a considerably smaller install base of under 10 million. Now, with nearly 100 million consoles active, one would anticipate *Saros* to take advantage of this larger market. Still, the game’s performance remains unexpectedly flat, indicating that current challenges may be influencing its perception.

Housemarque’s choice to develop a more accessible game is clear in *Saros* through its focus on storytelling elements and permanent upgrades that lessen difficulty spikes. Data indicates that *Saros* has a superior completion rate among its top players compared to *Returnal* during a similar post-launch timeframe, which is a favorable sign of player engagement.

However, Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics highlights a saturated market environment as a key barrier. With a wave of recent releases such as *Resident Evil Requiem*, *Crimson Desert*, and *Pragamata*, the competition is intense. Players’ desires for new exclusive offerings may have diminished since the initial excitement around the PS5’s debut. This abundance of choices could directly affect the sales outcomes for *Saros*, as players choose to explore the wide variety of gaming experiences at their disposal.

This trend is not confined to *Saros*, as other recent Sony launches are reportedly encountering similar obstacles. Bungie’s *Marathon*, for example, despite anticipation, has struggled to reach significant sales numbers. Additionally, the absence of updated sales information for *Ghost of Yotei*, even after its initial success of 3.3 million copies in the first month, raises doubts about Sony’s capability to sustain player interest and broaden its first-party game audience as the market evolves.

As production budgets escalate and console sales plateau, these trends warrant analysis by the industry. Upcoming titles like *Ghost of Yotei* and *Saros* are reportedly not slated for PC release in the near term, potentially further limiting their market penetration.

In summary, while *Saros* offers a noteworthy gaming experience, various market influences and competitive pressures are contributing to its slower sales path. The industry will be keenly observing how Sony navigates these challenges and supports its upcoming titles to connect with a wider audience in a swiftly changing gaming environment.

**Kickstarter Updates Mature Content Guidelines: A Change in Crowdfunding’s Approach to NSFW Projects**

Kickstarter, the prominent crowdfunding platform responsible for hits like Larian Studios’ *Divinity: Original Sin 2* and Warhorse Studios’ *Kingdom Come: Deliverance*, has implemented major revisions to its “Mature Content” guidelines. The updated rules forbid various types of content considered violent, derogatory, and sexually “photo-realistic.” This modification seems to be shaped by influences from its payment processor, Stripe, based on communications sent to creators.

In a revision to its “Rules” page, which took place around May 11, Kickstarter indicated that it now bans multiple kinds of NSFW content. The earlier guidelines broadly limited “Pornographic content,” but the new rules specify explicit prohibitions such as “implied sex acts,” content concerning “MILF/DILF” themes, “implied nudity,” and even direct references to body parts, including “female nipples/areolas, genitalia,” and “anuses.” Furthermore, the platform has broadened these limitations to encompass “buttocks,” showcasing a stricter approach to adult content.

The reasoning behind these updates remains somewhat ambiguous, but reports indicate that Kickstarter might be reacting to pressures from its payment processor, Stripe. The repercussions of this connection were underscored in reports from outlets like *The Daily Cartoonist*, suggesting that Stripe has started to scrutinize projects featuring adult or NSFW content and may cease them both during and after their funding periods. This action appears particularly sudden, especially in light of Kickstarter’s previous initiative launched in September 2025, dubbed “Kickstarter After Dark,” which embraced adult-oriented projects.

The challenges posed by payment processors concerning content moderation are not exclusive to Kickstarter. The wider digital landscape has experienced similar measures, with platforms such as Steam and Itch.io removing NSFW games due to increased pressure from banking partners and payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. This trend reflects an increasing propensity among financial institutions to dictate the types of content that can be funded and disseminated online.

As creators’ responses develop, it remains uncertain how these revised guidelines will influence the range of projects on Kickstarter and the platform’s overall environment regarding mature themes. The recent changes may indicate a significant shift in how crowdfunding platforms navigate the intricate intersections of digital content ethics, financial affiliations, and user expectations.

Back in April, Disney experienced substantial layoffs, which included a significant cut to Marvel Studios’ visual development team. This decision has spurred speculation among fans and industry professionals, raising concerns that Disney is looking to supplant artists with artificial intelligence. Company CEO Josh D’Amaro reiterated the necessity for Disney to be “more agile and technologically-enabled to meet tomorrow’s needs,” a viewpoint many interpret as a sign of growing dependence on technology—particularly AI—in the creative sphere.

The fallout from these layoffs coincides with the release of the special titled *The Punisher: One Last Kill*, which aims to reintegrate Frank Castle into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ahead of the forthcoming *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, set to debut on July 31. This 48-minute special has generated excitement not only for its storyline but also for certain visual effects, notably a scene where the Punisher appears to tumble onto a metal box.

Central to the discussions around *One Last Kill* is a particular sequence that has faced backlash for its seemingly rough CGI. About 32 minutes into the special, the Punisher battles on a rooftop, crashing onto a metallic surface, which has gone viral on social media for its inferior visual effects. A Twitter user shared the moment, humorously pointing out that it seemed like an incomplete VFX shot, reminiscent of early video game visuals.

Critics have likened the CGI quality in this specific instance to a character model from a PlayStation 3 game, underscoring the disparity between the polished visuals viewers expect from a premier streaming service and this specific depiction. An additional observation highlighted the character model itself, with some noting it bore a striking resemblance to Joel Miller from *The Last of Us*, further igniting comparisons to low-quality animation.

The MCU has a track record of uneven CGI quality, particularly in its television offerings, which have previously drawn connections to the employment of generative AI in projects like *Secret Invasion*. The heavy reliance on animation for its fantastical components, coupled with a notoriously strained internal framework for its artists, has led to a varied experience regarding visual effects. In light of the recent layoffs and the apparent hurry in production, the quality evident in *One Last Kill* raises alarms about the future of visual effects in the MCU.

In spite of the criticism concerning the VFX in this new special, *One Last Kill* appears to have been generally well-received, garnering positive reactions from both critics and audiences. Nevertheless, the noticeable decline in visual quality from a major entity like Disney casts an unfortunate shadow on an otherwise promising entry in the Marvel franchise.

In a following update, industry reports have clarified that the questionable shot may not be an incomplete effect but instead a blend of real footage with CGI enhancements, where Jon Bernthal’s face was digitally mapped onto a stunt double, further complicating the discourse surrounding the intersection of technology and traditional filmmaking in the MCU.

### Upcoming Additions to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Game Collections

As the weather warms and outdoor pursuits beckon, gamers can eagerly anticipate a reviving update from PlayStation. On May 13, it was revealed that a selection of thrilling games will be incorporated into the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game libraries, presenting a variety of choices for subscribers to enjoy. These fresh titles will be ready for download and gameplay starting May 19.

#### Highlighted Titles

Among the most awaited releases is **Star Wars: Outlaws**, an open-world adventure set in the vast Star Wars galaxy. While it faced some initial challenges, the game has undergone considerable enhancements through numerous updates, particularly in its stealth gameplay features. Players can relish the exploration of the intricately designed terrains of beloved planets like Tatooine.

Another significant addition is **Time Crisis**, a timeless lightgun shooter that will be featured as part of the PS Plus Classics. Upgraded with gyro support for a cutting-edge control experience, this version is designed to deliver a distinctive experience, especially for those accustomed to the original arcade action.

#### Game Access Requirements

To play these newly introduced games, users need to hold a subscription to either the PS Plus Extra or Premium tiers, as those subscribed to the Essential tier will lack access to the game library. It is crucial to remember that should a subscription expire, users will forfeit access to these games until they renew their subscription.

#### Complete List of New Additions

**PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium:**
– *Star Wars: Outlaws* | PS5
– *Red Dead Redemption II* | PS4
– *Bramble: The Mountain King* | PS5, PS4
– *The Thaumaturge* | PS4
– *Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn* | PS5
– *Broken Sword – Shadows of the Templar: Reforged* | PS5, PS4
– *Enotria: The Last Song Standard Edition* | PS5

**PlayStation Plus Premium:**
– *Time Crisis* | PS5, PS4

The forthcoming week is set to be a thrilling period for PlayStation Plus subscribers, offering plenty of chances for enjoyment and relaxation through these new game selections.

### Nintendo’s Future Film Project: The Legend of Zelda Adaptation

Nintendo is set to make its next move in Hollywood with the eagerly awaited adaptation of *The Legend of Zelda*, a cherished franchise that has won the affection of gamers since its beginnings. Scheduled for release on April 30, 2027, the film’s launch date has recently changed from the earlier date of May 7, 2027. This update was shared directly by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s iconic game designer, who explained that the choice to advance the date was made to bring the film to audiences even a day earlier.

The updated release date is now less than a year away, and Miyamoto assured fans that the production crew is committed to improving the film’s quality. Notably, there are no significant competing films set for late April or early May, which raises speculation about Nintendo’s strategic planning. Some speculate that this change could correspond with a yet-to-be-identified game launch or might be influenced by insider awareness of upcoming blockbuster films.

Historically, Nintendo has shown adaptability regarding the release schedule of this film. It was originally announced for a March 27, 2027 release date, which received commendations for its numerical symmetry to the franchise’s heritage. However, fans will have to wait a little longer than initially anticipated for the production to be completed, a feeling echoed by Miyamoto, who expressed appreciation for the community’s patience.

Currently, information about the film remains limited. The cast has been confirmed to include Bo Bragason, recognized for her performance in *Pinocchio*, as Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth from *Three Girls* as Link. There have been suggestions concerning other characters, including the princess’ Sheikah bodyguard, Impa. Nevertheless, key narrative aspects stay unclear—such as whether the film will portray Ganon or Ganondorf as the villain or if the well-known Triforce will feature in the plot. Perhaps most fascinatingly, fans are left speculating if Link, who is typically a silent character in the games, will have any spoken lines on screen.

With excitement growing and questions remaining, fans are eager for more details, including a teaser trailer, well ahead of the release. As Nintendo carefully navigates its production schedule and marketing efforts, the gaming community is closely observing, eagerly anticipating an adaptation that meets the legendary expectations of its source material.

A recently refreshed *Star Wars* reference book indicates that Luke Skywalker, sometime after the original trilogy’s events, became aware of *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* protagonist Cal Kestis and his mentor. This disclosure may suggest a prospective encounter between the two Jedi in upcoming *Star Wars* content, including series, animated shows, or video games.

On May 12, Lucasfilm and Disney unveiled the reference book *Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi: The Chronicles of Luke Skywalker*. This revised edition of a previously published Jedi reference book from 2019 features new insights and ties to recent *Star Wars* series and games. A significant addition includes an expanded journal entry from Luke Skywalker dated 34 ABY (around the time of *The Last Jedi*), which mentions Kestis’s evasion of Order 66.

In the journal entry, Luke notes, “A small handful of Jedi managed to escape execution, such as Master Jaro Tapal’s Padawan Cal Kestis…” This suggests that Luke was informed of Kestis’s continued existence, implying he might have investigated the Jedi Order during his tenure with the Rebellion and subsequently with the Resistance.

Considering the ramifications of this information unlocks intriguing prospects. It implies that after the events of *Return of the Jedi*, when Yoda named him the last of the Jedi, Luke could have met Kestis, who would have been roughly a decade younger and possibly a more seasoned Force user by that time. Kestis might have even contributed to helping Luke form the small Jedi academy shown in the Sequel Trilogy. However, this scenario complicates Yoda’s claim about Luke being the last Jedi, especially with other figures like Ahsoka and Ezra existing in that same timeframe.

The possibility of an earlier encounter between Luke and Kestis, before 4 ABY during the Original Trilogy, seems less credible considering Luke’s character growth and aspirations. Moreover, humorous theories propose that Luke might have stumbled upon a holotape featuring Kestis displaying his lightsaber and experienced envy, although such notions veer more into speculation than credible story development.

In conclusion, the updated *Star Wars* reference book not only offers comprehensive perspectives on Luke Skywalker’s path but also paves the way for potential narratives involving Cal Kestis, further enriching the expansive *Star Wars* universe.

**Netflix Officially Unveils Live Concert Tour for KPop Demon Hunters**

In a pivotal development that underscores the cultural influence of its animated musical sensation *KPop Demon Hunters*, Netflix has officially unveiled plans for a live concert tour. The announcement occurred during the Netflix Upfront event, following initial rumors in March about the endeavor. The concert will be produced in partnership with AEG Presents, a prominent live entertainment entity.

Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s president of ad sales, expressed her excitement regarding the initiative, emphasizing the remarkable phenomenon that *KPop Demon Hunters* has transformed into since its debut. “Clearly, nothing has garnered the world’s attention quite like *KPop Demon Hunters*,” Reinhard noted, referring to the film’s impact, which includes impromptu sing-alongs, themed Halloween attire, and even a notable rise in travel bookings to Korea. Currently, *KPop Demon Hunters* stands as Netflix’s most favored film, generating anticipation around the forthcoming concert series.

While precise details about the concert are still limited, it has been suggested that aspects from the film will be incorporated into the live show. This could manifest in various formats, ranging from a classic stage performance akin to productions like Disney on Ice, to a digital concert featuring cherished characters, reminiscent of shows by virtual idols such as Hatsune Miku. As for the inclusion of the film’s vocal talents—Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna—there has been no confirmation, although fans are optimistic for a setlist that extends beyond the hit track “Golden.”

At this moment, possible dates and locations for the tour have yet to be disclosed, but Netflix has created a dedicated website where fans can register for updates. This concert tour announcement comes shortly after Netflix established a multi-year collaboration with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for a sequel to the original film, reinforcing its ongoing dedication to expanding the *KPop Demon Hunters* franchise.

Fans are eagerly anticipating more details, which are expected to be revealed later this year, as Netflix seeks to introduce a new dimension of engagement with its audience through this concert tour.

An unusually busy May for game releases is turning into an unusually bounteous month for the Steam Deck, with Valve granting their seal of handheld PC approval – Steam Deck Verified status – to a wave of new and upcoming games. Among these are the early access version of Subnautica 2 , which finally launches this week after what feels like eons of legal sniping, as well as open-world racer Forza Horizon 6 and caped minifig crusade Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

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**Capcom’s Transition to a Digital-First Future: Key Takeaways from the Latest Earnings Report**

Capcom, the esteemed Japanese video game publisher, has recently disclosed its earnings report for the fiscal year spanning from March 2025 to March 2026, indicating a notable shift towards digital sales. With an astonishing 93 percent of its total game sales being digital, the company is set for a future that increasingly emphasizes digital distribution.

### Record-Setting Performance

The financial report, published on May 13, highlights that Capcom has established new records in all profit categories for the ninth straight year, primarily driven by successful new launches such as *Resident Evil Requiem* and ongoing sales from popular franchises like *Monster Hunter Wilds*. The robust performance is closely associated with the continuous rise in its digital game sales, particularly through platforms such as Steam.

### Rise in Digital Sales

As per the digital contents section of the FY2026 report, digital sales have experienced a notable growth in recent years. In 2022, digital sales accounted for 75 percent of Capcom’s total sales. This percentage escalated to 90 percent in 2024 and 2025, culminating in an impressive 93 percent in the latest fiscal year. Moving forward, Capcom projects that this ratio will climb to 95.5 percent over the next twelve months.

This swift transition mirrors a broader industry trend as consumer inclinations shift toward digital acquisitions, aided by the convenience and immediacy of downloadable content.

### Focus on PC Gaming

A significant factor contributing to Capcom’s surge in digital sales is its considerable investment in the PC gaming market. In 2022, only 33 percent of Capcom’s sales came from PC gamers, but by fiscal 2026, that figure has increased to 54.5 percent. Capcom acknowledges the potential of PC gaming as a gateway into emerging markets and new demographics, particularly as conventional console sales start to stabilize.

This strategic shift towards PC gaming aligns with Capcom’s goal of broadening its outreach beyond the traditional console markets, recognizing the changing landscape of gaming.

### Future of Physical Sales

Although digital sales are predominant, physical copies of games still constitute a viable segment for Capcom. Despite accounting for only 7 percent of total sales, this represents over 4 million physical units sold worldwide. However, the trend suggests a gradual decrease in physical sales as more titles opt out of physical releases altogether. Capcom will likely continue assessing the feasibility of physical distribution as market dynamics change.

### Conclusion

Capcom’s latest earnings report outlines a company transitioning to a largely digital future, propelled by significant growth in digital sales and an emphasis on PC gaming. As the publishing landscape evolves, it remains uncertain how Capcom will balance its physical and digital offerings, but the trajectory clearly points towards an increasingly digital marketplace. The forthcoming years will be pivotal in determining how Capcom and the wider gaming industry respond to these shifting consumer preferences.