Gait Games

Marathon will be “growing beyond extraction.” That’s what Bungie say in a new blog post outlining the future of the shooter, after announcing earlier this week that they’ll be bringing back vaulted Destiny 2 campaigns. “Marathon launched as a cutthroat, winner-takes-all PvEvP experience,” they explain. “We want to preserve that thrill for the players who enjoy it, while creating more ways for others to experience the world and find the level of challenge that works for them.”

Read more

**The Nonattendance of Chris Metzen at BlizzCon 2026: A Contemplation on His Legacy and Influence**

As BlizzCon 2026 came to an end, numerous fans and participants found themselves reflecting on the marked absence of Chris Metzen, a key figure in the Blizzard Entertainment community. Renowned for his imaginative contributions to celebrated franchises such as *Warcraft* and *Diablo*, Metzen has long been a cherished figure at this annual gathering. His absence ignited discussions among fans, especially as they savored themed treats like Night Elf pizza—a fitting emblem of the nostalgia and fellowship often commemorated at BlizzCon.

Metzen, an artist, author, and voice artist, is especially recognized for his role as the character Thrall and for his pivotal involvement in shaping the creative direction of beloved titles like *Warcraft 3* and *World of Warcraft* (WoW). His jubilant announcements at BlizzCon have become iconic instances within the gaming realm, eliciting fervent reactions from the audience. Upon Metzen’s retirement in 2016, many presumed they had seen the last of him on the stage. Nonetheless, his comeback in 2022 as a creative advisor and later as executive creative director for *Warcraft* rekindled fan hopes and expectations.

Metzen’s final appearance at BlizzCon 2023, where he unveiled the “Worldsoul Saga,” ignited excitement as it hinted at a new phase for *WoW*. Yet, his absence in 2026 raised worries among fans regarding his health and connection with Blizzard—doubts intensified by a history of anxiety and panic that Metzen has candidly shared in interviews.

Despite the speculation, Metzen’s ongoing projects reveal that he remains immersed in the gaming universe. He is reportedly developing a new tabletop campaign setting and contributing to fresh features for *WoW: Forever*, demonstrating that even from the sidelines, his creative impact endures.

His choice to skip public appearances at BlizzCon may stem from his battle with anxiety, a challenge that has influenced his professional journey. Metzen has described the anxiety episodes that disturbed him during what should have been joyous moments. This personal perspective illuminates the internal struggles he faced, reinforcing the idea that even acclaimed personalities encounter vulnerabilities.

Metzen’s absence from BlizzCon does not indicate a drop in the quality or trajectory of *World of Warcraft*. As the game flourishes under a diverse team of developers and creatives, it is crucial for fans to recognize that the legacy of *WoW* does not rely on a single person. While Metzen’s contributions significantly influenced the game’s narrative and artistry, the collaborative nature of game development ensures that its future is a collective endeavor.

Anticipation for forthcoming titles like *The Last Titan* and *WoW: Forever* suggests that the community’s excitement is rooted in a shared passion for the franchise, beyond the presence of any singular figure. Other voices within Blizzard, such as Holly Longdale and Ion Hazzikostas, continue to engage the community with enthusiasm and openness, advancing discussions on upcoming content and developments.

Ultimately, Chris Metzen’s absence at BlizzCon 2026 acts as a reminder of the intricacies of creative roles within the gaming sector. As fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter of *World of Warcraft*, it is essential to honor Metzen’s legacy while appreciating the many gifted individuals who contribute to the dynamic world of Azeroth. Whether Metzen steps back into the limelight in the future or not, his influence remains interwoven into the rich fabric of Blizzard’s storytelling and artistry.

Right, I need you lot to pipe down for a minute because you’re making games less interesting. Last week, The Blood of Dawnwalker director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz shared that the game’s timer mechanics may be dropped in future installments of the vampire (eventual) series. This sounds like a boring decision to make if you ask me, as it’s the thing that most interests me about the RPG. And now, according to Tomaszkiewicz in a new interview, the timer mechanic was actually toned down based on its early reception.

Read more

### The Future of Marathon: Bungie’s Ambitious Plans for 2026 and Beyond

Despite recent acknowledgments that *Marathon* has not garnered the player base Bungie initially anticipated, the studio is resolute in demonstrating the game’s potential. In a detailed blog post titled “The Future of *Marathon*,” Bungie laid out major plans for the sci-fi shooter, set to commence later this year and continue into early 2027. These plans aim to broaden the game’s scope, transitioning from its origins as an extraction shooter to present a wider array of experiences.

#### Expanding Gameplay: Varied Experiences for All Players

Acknowledging the varying needs and preferences of its player community, Bungie highlighted that *Marathon* will progress to offer a spectrum of gameplay modes. Some players seek quick, low-pressure sessions, while others crave deeper gaming experiences. Bungie asserted, “*Marathon* has to support all of them,” indicating its aim to accommodate diverse gaming preferences — whether players want to compete directly with others, face challenges, or delve into the lore of Tau Ceti IV.

#### Upcoming Features: December and March Updates

Two major updates are forthcoming for *Marathon*. In December, the Symbiosis update will unveil the game’s first permanent Player vs. Environment (PvE) mode. Although specifics about this mode are still confidential, it is expected to boost the game’s longevity. Additionally, December will introduce an experimental deathmatch mode that enables players to engage in competitive play without the risks tied to traditional gameplay. Bungie mentioned that this mode will promote skill development in a more laid-back environment.

Players can also look forward to a new high-performance shell named Bishop, characterized as a “robot samurai” designed for stealth and rapid strikes. The update will revamp the starting area, Perimeter, featuring a visual upgrade, new loot opportunities, and a challenging boss encounter against an alien known as the Tick Queen.

#### Anticipating 2027: A Larger Evolution

Looking ahead, Bungie teased updates planned for March 2027, signaling a major advancement in the evolution of *Marathon*. This update will aim to integrate various gameplay modes, such as PvE, Player vs. Player (PvP), and hybrid models, thus encouraging players to return and discover new content. Furthermore, enhancements to the onboarding experience, altered progression systems, and a completely new zone will be introduced.

Excitingly, Bungie hinted at the comeback of the Pfhor, legendary foes from the original *Marathon* trilogy, suggesting that fans will encounter evolved versions of these enemies.

#### Conclusion: Commitment to Growth

Bungie’s outlined initiatives reflect its dedication to *Marathon*, reinforcing that the game is far from being forsaken. Despite the hurdles posed by the current gaming environment and workforce reductions, Bungie is determined to deliver a refreshed experience for both new and veteran players. As 2026 transitions into 2027, the future of *Marathon* appears bright, potentially positioning it as a favorite among shooter aficionados.

Control: Resonant is out today, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s already a hotfix. Though, day one updates aren’t exactly new in this day and age now, are they? This particular patch looks like it’s laser targeted at comments made in reviews about the game and how dang tough some of its enemies are, to which James would like you to know he says, “Pfft, wimps.” Save your snark for him, not me!

Read more

### Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Brings Cosmetic Toggle to Warzone

When *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4* is released this October, players can look forward to a major and eagerly awaited update for the franchise’s well-liked battle royale mode, *Warzone*. This version introduces the first opportunity for players to toggle the visibility of cosmetic items from earlier *Call of Duty* games, featuring an assortment of quirky and unique crossover skins.

On September 24, Activision officially revealed the launch of a new “Operator Skin toggle” option, which will make its debut with the first season of *Modern Warfare 4*. This update will not only permit players to conceal older skins but will also maintain the “Carry Forward” initiative, permitting players to transfer skins and cosmetic items previously earned in earlier games into *Warzone*. Gamers seeking a more streamlined look can disable the visibility of older, often whimsical skins while playing.

When this toggle is activated, any character skins used by other players from previous *CoD* titles—such as *Black Ops 6*—will be replaced with default cosmetics that fit *Modern Warfare 4*. This change will apply to all interactions, including combat and lobby screens, ensuring a uniform experience for those opting to utilize the feature.

It is worth noting that the skin toggle will not change how players see their own characters. For instance, if a player possesses a specific skin, like Stan from *American Dad*, they will continue to see themselves in that outfit, while others with the toggle engaged will perceive them as a standard soldier. This signifies that the custom skins worn by certain players remain visible to themselves but may not be recognized by all participants in the game session.

Activision clarified that this feature will initially be disabled, indicating that players must actively turn it on to take advantage of this option.

In the announcement, Activision acknowledged the varied preferences among players, stating, “We recognize that some players enjoy that diversity, while others would prefer *Call of Duty: Warzone* to be more consistent with the universe of the newest entry, including the forthcoming *Modern Warfare 4.* With the arrival of the next chapter of *Call of Duty: Warzone,* we strive to cater to both player preferences.” This remark subtly addresses ongoing player feedback regarding the presence of crossover skins and unconventional cosmetic selections.

Both *Battlefield* and *Call of Duty* have encountered scrutiny from players over the inclusion of unusual skins, leading to demands for enhanced options to customize visual experiences. The addition of a skin toggle responds directly to these appeals and signifies a notable development for the franchise, granting players control over their visual experience in a previously unavailable manner.

As enthusiasts await the debut of *Modern Warfare 4,* speculation surrounds potential new humorous or eccentric skins that may accompany the launch. While Activision has stated that *MW4* will not feature such skins, the gaming community remains wary of any future deviations from this commitment.

In conclusion, the introduction of the cosmetic toggle in *Warzone* signifies a crucial change aimed at improving player satisfaction and addressing community feedback, making it a highly anticipated feature alongside the upcoming game release.

Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West have disappeared from the Steam store in the UK, something that’s happened rather out of nowhere and looks like it might’ve even taken publishers PlayStation by surprise. Said publishers have issued a statement noting that they’ve already reached out to Valve to get the games back up.

Read more

**Blizzard Improves Weather Features in *World of Warcraft: Forever***

Blizzard Entertainment is gearing up to introduce an exhilarating enhancement to *World of Warcraft: Forever* by refining the beloved weather elements that have enchanted players since the game’s debut. A recent update on the *WoW* subreddit disclosed intentions for “augmented weather effects” in specific regions during the current beta stage of the game, igniting excitement among the player base.

### A Longing for Dynamic Weather

Since the inception of *World of Warcraft*, gamers have shown a strong appreciation for the dynamic weather systems within the game. The original version featured captivating weather effects that varied by area, such as snowstorms in Dun Morogh and torrential rains in Stranglethorn Vale. This dynamic weather, along with a day-and-night cycle, contributed to an immersive experience that rendered the vast world of Azeroth incredibly vibrant.

Nevertheless, over the years, Blizzard gradually diminished the diversity and intensity of weather effects in newer regions and subsequently eliminated many of the existing ones from the current version. While a few weather occurrences are still seen in some areas—such as occasional showers in Zul’dazar—these have become less frequent in the classic world, leading to an increasing demand from players for a revival of the dynamic weather systems in *WoW*.

### Expanded Visual Effects in *WoW: Forever*

With the launch of *WoW: Forever*, players have seized this chance to advocate for the reinstatement of dynamic weather. Many contend that the game’s upgraded visual quality is ideally suited for a wider range of weather occurrences. Current visuals exhibit dark woods shrouded in mystical mists, stunning sunsets, and radiant water surfaces. Therefore, incorporating weather variations like rainfall, snowfall, and fog would seamlessly fit into the enhanced visuals.

Blizzard’s response has been resoundingly positive, with players excited about glimpses of new weather effects. A short video showcasing rain in Elwynn Forest illustrated how the rainfall creates a gentle mist, complemented by distinct sound effects depending on the roofing present. This meticulous attention to detail has players captivated and reflecting on the tranquil atmosphere that weather effects can bring to their in-game journeys.

### Community Enthusiasm and Future Prospects

While details regarding the scope of these new weather effects remain vague, the excitement within the community is tangible. Players are already imagining various weather phenomena that could be introduced, including thunderstorms, snowstorms, autumn foliage, dust storms, and more fluctuating fog. Given Blizzard’s aim to broaden the game’s expanse horizontally rather than vertically, embedding a detailed weather system could greatly enrich the player experience, helping to realize the goal of making “Azeroth the main character,” as the studio envisions.

As anticipation builds, players are keenly awaiting patch notes and forthcoming updates. The idea of experiencing lush fields under rainfall in Mulgore or traversing vibrant woodlands in winter’s snow has players buzzing with enthusiasm about the future of *World of Warcraft: Forever*.

In summary, the upgrade of weather effects signifies another stride in Blizzard’s dedication to advancing *World of Warcraft* while honoring its storied past. As the beta continues, fans of the franchise will be closely monitoring how these advancements come to fruition.

The cores of beastly beasts.

The post How to get Beast Cores in Slayers 2 appeared first on Gamezebo.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader‘s story-concluding final DLC has been pushed back to December, developers Owlcat have announced. At the same time, they’ve introduced the companion around which this last expansion, Processional of the Damned, will revolve. Her name’s Stella. She’s an “unsanctioned psyker”, a “miracle sent by the Emperor himself”, and is prone to shedding tears of blood.

Read more