Gait Games

I’ve never been into a pediatrician’s office to confirm this, but I’ve always suspected that in the centre of the room there’s a concrete trench beneath a metal lift. It just stands to reason that when an infant goes in for a check up, they’re plonked down on the metal frame, raised up two or three feet before the doctor goes down into the trench to inspect the baby’s fleshy chassis from below. Maxis have only poured petrol on my suspicion thanks to a section in The Sims patch notes titled: ‘Infant tuning’.

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### Borderlands 4: Postponement and Outlook on Switch 2

**Introduction**

Borderlands 4, the eagerly awaited installment in the renowned looter-shooter series, was originally planned as a significant third-party port for Nintendo’s next-gen console, the Switch 2. Nonetheless, recent news has revealed that the release for this platform has been postponed at the last moment, leading to it being “on pause.” This article explores the factors contributing to the delay and the future possibilities for Borderlands 4 on Switch 2.

**Current Situation of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2**

Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed that while launching Borderlands 4 on the Switch 2 is “feasible,” the Nintendo console does not take precedence over other major systems such as Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox. In a recent interview, Zelnick highlighted that the company’s focus remains significantly on these leading platforms, which affects their strategy for porting games to the Switch 2.

“We aim to be wherever the consumer is, and we’ve backed Switch 2,” Zelnick remarked. This suggests that there remains an intention to support the Nintendo platform, though it is not at the forefront of their priorities.

**Prospects for Other Major Titles**

The implications of Zelnick’s remarks go beyond Borderlands 4. Games like Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the most anticipated titles in the business, appear unlikely to transition to Switch 2 in the near term. Despite a dynamic community of players wishing for its arrival on the handheld hybrid, the prioritization of resources toward more mainstream consoles implies that expectations should be tempered.

**Causes for the Postponement**

The postponement of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 has been officially characterized as a “pause” instead of a cancellation. Zelnick clarified that Gearbox Entertainment, the developer of the game, is currently working on various performance challenges and player feedback noted on other platforms. He mentioned, “We’ve been tackling those issues, and we want to ensure that we’ve comprehensively addressed Borderlands 4 from a consumer’s perspective before we expand to more platforms.”

This emphasis on resolving issues underscores Gearbox’s dedication to providing a refined experience for all players, which is an encouraging sign for those anticipating the Switch 2 release.

**Conclusion**

Although the exact timeframe for the debut of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 remains unclear, the ongoing work by Gearbox to enhance the game suggests that it may not be too far off. As Take Two focuses on its console launches, it is crucial for franchise fans to exercise patience. The eventual introduction of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 could result in a richer gaming experience, provided that the developers can meet the high expectations of players across all platforms.

Lo, the great and powerful leader of the Ecksbocks kingdom hath issued another decree, as she continues to make changes following her succession to the throne once held by Phil Spencer. Some of my former Microsoft CoreAI teammates will join my leadership council, Xbox boss Asha Sharma has decided, while also opting to nix some of the plans the company had to push Copilot into their gaming offerings.

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**Discovering the Delights of Birdwatching with “Flock Around”: A Fresh Co-Op Adventure**

Recently, the gaming industry has seen an influx of titles embracing the friendslop concept, noted for its cheerful co-op gameplay and whimsical mechanics. While these games often deliver brief enjoyment, they frequently vanish into oblivion soon after the initial excitement. Nevertheless, within this ocean of transient fun, a new title has surfaced that encapsulates the spirit of a cherished pastime—birdwatching.

**Presenting “Flock Around”**

Launched by Secret Plan in late April, *Flock Around* is an open-world co-op title centered on birdwatching. Players are challenged to find 65 distinct bird species, snap photos from multiple perspectives, and uncover their unique shiny variants. This game offers the option to play solo or with companions, allowing players to choose how they want to engage with it.

In spite of a few minor drawbacks such as a somewhat cumbersome user interface and a visual style that could be labeled the “Friendslop Aesthetic”—rounded, colorful characters with whimsical traits—*Flock Around* provides a deeply enjoyable experience. Players can unlock various biomes, use seeds to lure different birds, and enhance their binoculars and cameras, all while interacting with an authentic simulation of the birdwatching experience. The game excels in its meticulous attention to detail, with birds behaving like their real-life counterparts, residing in genuine habitats, and producing realistic calls.

**A Personal Link to Birdwatching**

The importance of *Flock Around* goes beyond a simple gaming experience; for many players, including devoted birdwatchers, it resonates with a deep passion. For those new to birdwatching, the activity can be compared to a real-world equivalent of *Pokémon GO*, where enthusiasts often maintain a “life list” tracking the species they’ve spotted. Birdwatching cultivates a sense of adventure and discovery that mirrors gaming, creating an engaging pursuit for players in both virtual and real realms.

*Flock Around* encapsulates the collective joy of birdwatching, enabling players to revel in the thrill of the chase. Whether it’s locating each other before dispersing seeds, playfully vying over bird sightings, or enjoying the enthusiastic calls of non-birders identifying creatures, the game replicates the exhilaration of birdwatching with friends.

**The Prospects of “Flock Around”**

Backed by support from Outersloth, there are aspirations that *Flock Around* will keep receiving updates and improvements, broadening its already captivating experience. The game has the capability to connect digital birdwatching and real-world bird-watching, motivating players to venture outdoors and explore the natural environment.

For those passionate about birdwatching, *Flock Around* is a must-experience. And for novices or anyone inspired by the game, leveraging tools like the Merlin Bird ID app and going outdoors to identify birds can foster a gratifying new hobby. As the game highlights the beauty and thrill of birdwatching, it emphasizes the bond between digital entertainment and meaningful real-world pursuits.

In summary, *Flock Around* distinguishes itself in a crowded marketplace, providing players not just with a fleeting diversion, but a gateway into a richly fulfilling and potentially enduring passion for birdwatching.

Oh heck, colleagues, we got one: a promising videogame. Noirmancer is a first-person single-player stealth sim, heavily inspired by the original Thief, in which you are a hard-boiled sleuth with supernatural abilities. Think Humphrey Bogart, if Humphrey Bogart were a Dishonored character. Here are some things you can do: swim in midair, transform into vapour, stun alerted guards with pew-pew gestures, and chuck down telekinetic mats to serve as (usefully sound-absorbing) platforms.

It might sound like a jumble, like one of those Marvel comicbook movesets they have to prune severely for the sake of a coherent film adaptation, but the whimsical stage magician hand animations and midnight jazz SFX absolutely sell the package. Instead of swinging a blackjack (noirjack?), you’ll put mooks to sleep with a snap of your gloved fingers and a rattle of cymbals. Forget Bogart – this is Penn or Teller, whichever of them has springier knees.

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At this evening’s Xbox Presents event, enthusiasts of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio received thrilling updates about the eagerly awaited action-RPG, Stranger Than Heaven. The 30-minute showcase delivered a comprehensive glimpse into the game’s narrative, combat mechanics, and characters, ultimately concluding with the announcement that the game is set to debut ‘this winter’. While the specific release date has not been revealed, there is speculation that the delay could be partly due to the impending launch of GTA 6, which is currently scheduled for November 19, 2026.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, renowned for its successful Like a Dragon, Yakuza, and Judgement franchises, seems to be pushing boundaries with Stranger Than Heaven. The forthcoming game will significantly draw from the studio’s earlier titles, providing a cinematic journey with a notable focus on action and the theme of camaraderie. Unlike earlier games that primarily revolved around a single location with occasional visits to others, Stranger Than Heaven aims to introduce a variety of backdrops across five Japanese cities, covering five distinct eras—1915, 1929, 1943, 1951, and 1965.

The combat mechanics of the game signify a progression from past Yakuza installments, showcasing a more intricate system that might appear overwhelming initially. Nevertheless, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has a history of merging action with cinematic narrative fluidly, instilling hope that the new system will elevate player involvement and satisfaction.

Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this winter on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and PlayStation 5. With the winter months approaching, anticipation escalates for players keen to delve into the new realms designed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

**GameStop’s Newest Endeavor: An Unusual Auction to Fund an eBay Acquisition**

In an unexpected turn of events, GameStop has introduced a quirky plan that enables customers to spend $5,000 for a random Pokémon card, prompting curiosity and concerns regarding the retailer’s financial maneuvers. This recent effort emerges amidst conversations about GameStop’s desire to buy eBay, a target the company seems to struggle to finance without inventive funding strategies.

Recently, GameStop’s CEO, Ryan Cohen, garnered attention with his declaration that he is selling numerous items on eBay to support the acquisition of the online auction titan. The items listed include a collection of nostalgic collectibles, vintage games, and some less attractive merchandise, all featuring a handwritten note from Cohen proposing the opportunity to eBay.

Included in the auction are highly coveted collectibles such as sealed versions of classic games and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. However, some items appear to lack the excitement one might anticipate from a high-profile auction, presenting typical GameStop merchandise like caps and cups, along with a genuine piece of GameStop carpet previously utilized in one of their outlets.

Regardless of the seemingly trivial nature of these offerings, the auction’s initial prices are set to reach impressive amounts. Bids have already escalated, suggesting that some buyers are prepared to invest substantial sums, possibly spurred by the meme culture associated with the brand.

Critics contend that this auction is simply a ploy by Cohen to attract attention and boost GameStop’s stock value within the community he has nurtured. With an estimated net worth of $5.1 billion, the current auction approach seems intended to raise modest amounts of capital to bolster his broader goals concerning GameStop’s market capitalization and stock issuance.

As GameStop continues to shutter hundreds of retail outlets each year, the viability and ethics of Cohen’s method remain hotly contested. Potential bidders are warned against backing a company grappling to sustain its relevance in the gaming and collectibles sector.

In summary, while the auction may generate excitement among a segment of consumers, it ultimately provokes substantial inquiries about GameStop’s future prospects and the ramifications of its unconventional fundraising tactics in an increasingly difficult retail landscape.

Launched in 1981, “Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord” signified the beginning of grid-based, first-person RPGs, a category now referred to as blobbers. Celebrated for its impact, the game incorporated intricate mechanics and engaging gameplay, distinguishing it in the CRPG arena. The visual design of the game, featuring basic monochrome lines that created the illusion of a 3D space, was groundbreaking for its era. Even with its primitive graphics, Wizardry enthralled players, especially in Japan, where it experienced significant acclaim.

The various platform adaptations contributed to its appeal, with DOS and Commodore 64 versions delivering the traditional monochrome experience, while Nintendo adaptations highlighted vivid fantasy pixel art. Nevertheless, these early games largely remained elusive by 2026, with Digital Eclipse’s 2024 remake of the original standing out as a notable exception.

In a major advancement for CRPG enthusiasts, Atari declared the acquisition of exclusive rights to the first five Wizardry titles, along with their core intellectual property. Atari intends to rejuvenate these classics through remastering, collections, and new launches, with possibilities for merchandise, board games, and even media adaptations.

Currently, Wizardry titles on platforms such as Steam frequently include entries from the series’ development in Japan. Japanese publisher Drecom holds rights starting from Wizardry 6, enriching the series with releases like Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls in 2020 and the recent gacha-style Wizardry Variants Daphne. These releases often present anime-style character designs, differing from Atari’s strategy, which is expected to focus on retaining the original aesthetic.

Atari CEO Wade Rosen emphasized the necessity of reintroducing these pivotal titles as blobbers witness a revival in popularity, underscored by recent launches like “Legends of Amberland,” “Dragon Ruins,” and “Cyclopean: The Great Abyss.” With heightened interest in classic gaming, Atari’s management of the Wizardry series is set to bring these groundbreaking RPGs to both long-time fans and a fresh audience of players.

The Steam Controller’s now out in the wild, and it’s so nice, we’ve written some impressions of it twice. If just having the thing in your hands (assuming you grabbed one in time) isn’t enough for you, you’ll probably be glad to know that Valve have shared the CAD files for it, meaning techies who fancy modding or designing accessories for it can get cracking.

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New in-game events, rewards, and much more

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