Gait Games

Sometimes I feel that my taste in media is a bit hard to pin down, given that I like shows like Twin Peaks and manga like Chainsaw Man, two series where their similarities mostly stop and start at featuring governmental figures. Enter Green Suits, a game whose dev describes it as those two things fused together, throwing in JRPGs, platforming, and a “drama-based combat system,” to make a concoction that feels catered to me personally.

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**World of Warcraft Classic+: Investigating the Speculations of a New Chapter**

Attention, everyone. We have…a speculation on our hands. A speculation regarding a completely new *World of Warcraft*…entity. The specifics aren’t entirely clear yet. It could lead to nothing. However, as more hints emerge about a significant, new undertaking tied to *World of Warcraft Classic*, and with Blizzcon 2026 approaching, it’s essential we begin to take this speculation a bit more earnestly.

The speculation surrounds a new *World of Warcraft* venture, dubbed by the community as *Classic+*. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.

### What is *Classic+*, exactly?

The straightforward reply is: We don’t truly know. Currently, *Classic+* is simply a speculated…entity…that Blizzard appears to be developing. Enthusiasts have gradually pieced together clues from recent Blizzard activities to reveal the potential existence of *Classic+*, which includes a few recent actions against private servers and the data-mining of something named *Project Camelot*. There were also some indications mentioned in Blizzard’s 2025 yearbook, along with a hint that several *World of Warcraft Classic* streamers recently toured Blizzard’s campus. It’s evident that Blizzard is engaged in *something* related to *World of Warcraft Classic*, but we lack confirmation on what that might be.

What people *believe* it to be is an enhanced *World of Warcraft Classic*, a reimagining of the game’s early days. There are numerous theories regarding what this could entail, but common suggestions include new zones, quests, dungeons, and basically a fresh interpretation of what *World of Warcraft* could have evolved into had it charted a different course over the years.

### Why do we desire Classic+?

*World of Warcraft Classic* originated as an opportunity to revisit the initial days of *WoW*, largely true to how the experience was back then. *Classic* has been a success for Blizzard, running alongside the retail version since 2019 with a vibrant player community. Over the years, Blizzard has reintroduced patches and expansions in the sequence they originally appeared in the game, and *Classic* is now nearly wrapping up the *Mists of Pandaria* expansion.

This creates a dilemma. *World of Warcraft Classic* isn’t genuinely…*Classic* anymore. *Mists of Pandaria* may be outdated (it was launched in 2012), but it doesn’t accurately represent the original game. Although there are still servers hosting vanilla *World of Warcraft* for those who seek it, devoid of updates or content, there’s minimal incentive for players to engage with it. Blizzard has rolled out some enjoyable variations, such as Season of Mastery and Hardcore mode, but all of these have diminished in appeal over time, and Blizzard isn’t continuously refreshing them.

Thus, if players yearn for the sensation of experiencing *World of Warcraft* as it once was, there isn’t a solid option to recapture that feeling currently without resorting to private servers. Blizzard would prefer you avoid that route, which makes it logical for them to explore ways to lure those intrigued by a *Classic* experience back in.

### Season of Discovery

One aspect players are looking at as an example for what *Classic+* might resemble is Season of Discovery.

Season of Discovery was a well-received *WoW Classic* event that commenced in 2023, effectively a rendition of vanilla *WoW* with new content sprinkled throughout. There was a fresh class ability system, additional dungeon bosses, new and revamped raids and dungeons, and much more. Season of Discovery was genuinely fantastic. Level gating and careful concealment from data miners ensured that players unearthed the new content collectively, fostering a strong old-school sense of novelty and adventure. Numerous players urged Blizzard for more content akin to Season of Discovery, but the last update in 2025 was confirmed to be the final one.

Many fans of Season of Discovery have suggested that it was essentially a test run for a *Classic+*. All the elements were present: it was practically an alternate-universe version of the *WoW* vanilla realm, and if Blizzard had fully committed to it, it could have continued indefinitely. Players speculate that a potential *Classic+* will incorporate even more and larger changes than Season of Discovery did. Primarily, they’re hoping for more than just a limited-time season: we desire a fully realized new version of the game here.

### What do we wish to see in *Classic+*?

I’ve already mentioned all the evident elements: new questlines, zones, dungeons, raids, class abilities and builds, gear, and so forth. Everyone desires that, ideally developed atop the original world of Azeroth.

There’s a lot of whispers about studios shutting down around Microsoft and Xbox at the moment. They’ve been primarily fluttering between Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion, but this week has now seen State of Decay developer Undead Labs added to the list of “companies Xbox bought to build up Game Pass but are ultimately shuttering because they’ve done a bad job at making line go up.” And now yet more reports have emerged, with what remains of Arkane potentially being put up on the chopping block alongside the cancellation of Blade.

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**Hideo Kojima’s Forthcoming Horror Venture: OD**

Hideo Kojima, celebrated for his groundbreaking narratives and immersive gameplay, is poised to create a stir in the horror realm with his forthcoming initiative titled *OD*. Initially hinted at three years back as part of a bold lineup of third-party partnership titles released by Xbox, *OD* has recently come back into the spotlight, prompting strong comparisons to the legendary *P.T.*, a game that made a significant mark on the horror gaming landscape.

Although Microsoft is reassessing various partnerships, reports suggest that *OD* is firmly secured within the company’s portfolio. According to insiders familiar with Xbox’s strategy, the game remains safe even as other initiatives face cancellations amid recent structural changes at Microsoft.

As per reports from *IGN*, *OD* is still being advanced by Kojima Productions and will be released by Xbox. Kojima has articulated his aspiration to push the limits of horror gaming, stating, “I aimed to surpass the threshold of ‘scariness’ that other titles have achieved.” The game is crafted as a single-player journey, with Kojima incorporating a distinctive system to keep players engaged, even those who might find the experience overwhelming. He has, nonetheless, been secretive about specifics, worried that divulging too much could violate confidentiality agreements.

While details about the gameplay mechanics and launch timeline are yet to be revealed, the project has garnered attention since its debut at the 2023 Xbox Summer Showcase and its subsequent announcement at the 2023 Game Awards. *OD* stands out not only for its artistic ambition but also for its remarkable cast, which includes Hollywood director/writer Jordan Peele along with actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and the late Udo Kier. The game is being developed on Unreal Engine, underscoring its high production quality.

In the context of Xbox’s strategic vision, the announcement of *OD* signified a declaration of intent to emphasize the company’s dedication to nurturing ambitious endeavors from creative leaders. However, the gaming landscape has undergone significant shifts, particularly following the finalization of the Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023 and the simultaneous layoffs within the organization. Several notable projects, including upcoming titles from Brenda and John Romero and Patrice Désilets, have been scrapped, highlighting the tightening of Microsoft’s investments in avant-garde titles.

Despite this turmoil, a Microsoft representative assured that overall investment in gaming will remain stable, though the focus and types of projects may evolve. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reaffirmed these views, calling for a reassessment of investment tactics to guarantee the prosperity of both first- and third-party titles.

In this constantly changing landscape, *OD* emerges as a symbol of optimism for horror game aficionados and a potentially game-changing title for Kojima Productions. As it navigates the intricacies of corporate decision-making, its artistic ambition and expected gameplay could indeed revolutionize the horror genre in video games. As enthusiasts await further updates, *OD* represents not just a continuation of Kojima’s legacy but also an ongoing pledge by Xbox to champion groundbreaking creative ventures in gaming.

I, uh, completely took apart a Steam Machine by accident. What began as merely wanting a closer look at its RAM setup ended up as a more-or-less full teardown, the heavily layered, almost Russian Doll-like structure of Valve’s teeny-tiny PC demanding a component be removed for a component to be removed for a component to be removed. Before I’d even noticed my screwdrivin’ arm getting tired, the Machine’s guts lay strewn across my desk – not too gorily to put back together, but in far, far more individual pieces than I’d naively intended, or had dared to attempt in my main review.

Still, this did provide the opportunity for a much closer assessment of the Steam Machine’s upgrade potential and repairability, as well as how easily it will reveal its secrets. After all, for all the inspiration it takes from simplified, lounge-dwelling consoles, it is ostensibly a PC, and the thing about PCs is that there’s always someone out there who’ll want to rejig and rebuild their own. Just, y’know, on purpose.

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### The Revival of Video Game Adaptations: The Top Movies and TV Shows to Enjoy

Historically, adaptations of video games have faced doubt, often criticized for failing to truly represent their original content. This skepticism stems largely from the inherent contrasts between the interactive engagement of video games and the passive consumption of films and TV. Nonetheless, as the industry progresses, studios are becoming more selective with their adaptations, ushering in an exciting era for video-game narratives on screen. The storytelling landscape is evolving with significant successes that highlight the potential of video game adaptations. Here’s a glance at some of the finest that have surfaced in recent years.

#### 1. **The Last of Us (HBO)**

HBO’s rendition of *The Last of Us* has received extensive praise and multiple accolades. Based on the critically lauded video game of the same title, the show skillfully balances horror, character growth, and emotional resonance. Emphasizing storytelling and character development, it immerses viewers in a post-apocalyptic environment while adhering to the themes of love and loss found in the game. The portrayals by Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Pedro Pascal (Joel) resonate with both gamers and newcomers, indicating that video game narratives can flourish in a cinematic context.

#### 2. **Arcane (Netflix)**

Exploring the world of *League of Legends*, *Arcane* features stunning animation, an engaging storyline, and richly developed characters that delve into the origins of the game’s iconic champions. The series has been praised for its artistic flair and captivating plot, effectively bringing the realm of *League of Legends* to a wider audience. It expands the lore while appealing to fans and those less familiar with the game, standing out as a prime example of how to adapt video games into a different format.

#### 3. **Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)**

Bringing the Pokémon universe to reality, *Pokémon Detective Pikachu* merges elements of mystery and humor, centering on the novel partnership between a young man and a witty Pikachu. The film shines by showcasing beloved Pokémon in a manner that feels both nostalgic and innovative. It caters to franchise fans while welcoming newcomers to the enchanting world of Pokémon, making it a crowd favorite and a commercial triumph.

#### 4. **Castlevania (Netflix)**

Rooted in the legendary video game series, *Castlevania* is acclaimed for its profound storytelling and dark themes. The animated series delivers a rich narrative that honors its source material while offering an engaging story laced with moral intricacies. It captures the game’s gothic aesthetic and complex character narratives, rendering it essential watching for both series devotees and newcomers to the franchise.

#### 5. **Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)**

Following a tumultuous beginning marked by design controversies, *Sonic the Hedgehog* evolved into an enjoyable family flick full of humor, action, and emotion. The film successfully revitalized the cherished character for a new audience, featuring energetic action sequences and a delightful performance from Ben Schwartz as Sonic’s voice. Its box office triumph paved the way for a sequel, ensuring audiences can anticipate more escapades ahead.

#### 6. **The Witcher (Netflix)**

Though primarily inspired by the novels of Andrzej Sapkowski, *The Witcher* series draws heavily from the widely known video game franchise. Starring Henry Cavill, the show has enchanted viewers with its layered characters, intricate plotlines, and ethical complexity. Its expertly crafted universe and epic confrontations resonate with gamers and aficionados of the fantasy genre alike, allowing the adaptation to establish its own identity while honoring the original material.

#### Conclusion

The realm of video game adaptations is changing, showcasing that these narratives can transcend their initial formats. As studios dedicate more effort to casting, storytelling, and production quality, we are experiencing a revival that highlights the creativity and richness of video games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to these realms, there has never been a more opportune time to delve into the diverse offerings of video game adaptations available on screen. Prepare your snacks and savor the adventure!

Last year, the art director behind titans of visual design like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, Viktor Antonov, died at the age of 53. Prior to his death, in 2022 he co-founded Eschatology Entertainment with Dmytro Kostiukevych, Fuad Kuliev and Boris Nikolaev, who were yet to announce their first game formally. But today it’s been revealed and it’s called Guns of Eschaton, the “world’s first soulslike FPS.”

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**Netflix’s “Wonka’s Golden Ticket”: A Controversial New Reality Show Featuring AI-Generated Gene Wilder Voice**

Netflix has revealed the initial teaser for its forthcoming reality series, *Wonka’s Golden Ticket*, marking yet another venture into the world of competitive shows inspired by well-known fictional franchises. Scheduled to debut on September 23, this new project takes cues from the cherished 1971 movie, *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*, which famously showcased Gene Wilder as the legendary chocolatier, Willy Wonka. The announcement, however, has ignited considerable controversy, especially concerning the use of artificial intelligence to emulate Wilder’s unique voice for the teaser narration.

The teaser was made public on June 30 and has received mixed feedback. While some might perceive it as an innovative storytelling method, others, including detractors, regard it as a worrisome sign of the entertainment industry’s future direction. Utilizing AI to recreate the voice of a departed actor raises ethical dilemmas and questions about genuineness in the media. This method, albeit with the consent of his estate, has been likened to prior occurrences where AI technology has revived the voices of late celebrities, blurring the boundary between homage and exploitation.

Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder’s spouse, voiced her endorsement of the project, indicating she was “thrilled” that his voice would connect with a “new generation.” Nevertheless, this approval is clouded by widespread concerns regarding the effects of AI in the entertainment sphere. The technology was created in partnership with ElevenLabs, an AI audio firm recognized for its collaborations with various estates, including that of Stan Lee.

*Wonka’s Golden Ticket* is likened to Netflix’s earlier reality show, *Squid Game: The Challenge*, which converted the darker themes of a fictional story into a tangible competition format. The new series promises to engage participants in a series of “cruel, twisted challenges,” reflecting the film’s whimsical yet dangerous ambiance.

Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding the show’s premise, many critics express disappointment over the revival of deceased actors through AI innovation. The concept of “digital grave robbing” underscores a rising trend in the entertainment industry, where nostalgia and legacy are exploited for profit. This dependence on iconic figures provokes inquiries regarding creativity, originality, and the future of celebrity culture in a time when fewer individuals attain the broad recognition of past generations.

As the separation between homage and manipulation becomes increasingly indistinct, *Wonka’s Golden Ticket* acts as a clear reminder of the complications involved in contemporary entertainment practices. While excitement builds for the show’s debut, viewers remain split on the ramifications of resurrecting voices from the past in what seems like an exploitative way. For some, revisiting the original *Willy Wonka* film stands as a more favorable choice, spotlighting the lasting legacy of Gene Wilder’s performance free from AI interference.

Sigh. It’s another one of those days, as layoffs are essentially imminent yet again, this time at 007 First Light and Hitman developer IO Interactive. The studio shared a post earlier today regarding their as-of-yet not formally revealed Project Fantasy, in which they shared that their “relationship with an external partner… has come to and end.”

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**Worries Increase for Xbox Studios Amid Expected Layoffs**

As the gaming sector prepares for possible widespread layoffs at Xbox, reports suggest that multiple studios might encounter closures or spinoffs, with Arkane Studios, recognized for its contributions to the *Dishonored* franchise, surfacing as a major worry. This information originates from a report by *The Verge*, emphasizing the fragile status of Arkane as it works on *Marvel’s Blade*.

The report details that internal conflicts within Xbox, especially regarding *Blade*, have raised alarms about Arkane Studios’ future. Initially set for release this year, the game has been delayed until next year because of budget issues. As a result, Xbox is allegedly contemplating the complete cancellation of *Blade*. With this action, the company seems to be leaning towards divesting Arkane Studios, adding it to a list of other studios in jeopardy, including Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games.

The potential shutdown or sale of Arkane would predominantly affect Arkane Lyon, following the prior closure of Arkane Austin in 2024 after the launch of *Redfall*. This pattern prompts inquiries about the viability of Xbox’s studio system, particularly in view of a recent email dispatched to employees by CEO Asha Sharma and Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, which characterized the division as “overextended” and “not sufficiently funded.”

Alongside these studio concerns, Xbox is also executing wider cost-reduction strategies, which encompass severing relationships with third-party contractors and vendors. This plan has led to further job losses and the cancellation of outside projects, such as *Project Fantasy* at IOI Interactive.

As the situation unfolds, studio leadership within the impacted teams is reportedly considering various avenues to preserve their teams. However, the ambiguity regarding Xbox’s future path and the destiny of its studios leaves many in the gaming community uneasy about what is yet to come.