Gait Games

**Toy Story 5: The Future of an Adored Franchise and the Live-Action Discussion**

*Toys spring to life in the cherished Pixar series, and now with the debut of Toy Story 5, the franchise persists in creating buzz in both critical success and box office performance. As Disney investigates the profitable trend of transforming animated classics into live-action features, the question emerged: could Toy Story be the next one? The response from the film’s creators has been largely negative, suggesting a strong inclination to maintain the authenticity of the series.*

In a recent conversation with BAFTA, director Andrew Stanton and producer Lindsey Collins discussed multiple facets of Toy Story 5, including the franchise’s future. When asked about a potential live-action adaptation, their reactions were emphatic. Collins plainly voiced her disapproval, declaring, “I hope not, please God, no,” while shaking her head in dismay. She commented on Disney’s tendency to pursue live-action adaptations with wary concern, saying, “Don’t say that loudly,” before firmly concluding, “The answer is hard no.”

Stanton reinforced this sentiment, comparing a live-action Toy Story to “a hat on top of a hat,” underscoring the notion that such a change would be unwarranted and potentially harmful to what distinguishes the franchise.

The relationship between the franchise’s creative leaders and the idea of a live-action remake underscores the ongoing discussion regarding Disney’s current approach to animated properties. The company’s recent efforts have produced a mixed array of outcomes. While successes like *Lilo & Stitch* and *The Lion King* achieved considerable acclaim, films such as *Dumbo* and *Aladdin* garnered tepid responses, with other entries like *Snow White* encountering scrutiny and disappointment.

As Disney keeps announcing projects like a live-action remake of *Moana*, which has met skepticism from fans, there remains hope among audiences that Pixar will persist in its dedication to maintaining the original animated spirit of its narratives. The fervent comments from the team behind Toy Story 5 indicate a desire to keep Pixar’s cherished universes unscathed, safeguarding the legacy they have cultivated over the years.

As the Toy Story franchise continues to prosper with its new chapter, the creators’ strong opposition to live-action adaptations serves as a reminder of the significance of remaining faithful to the heart and essence of animation that has connected with both children and adults for generations. Fans anxiously await what lies ahead for Woody, Buzz, and the crew, wishing that their journeys will persist in the vibrant and imaginative realm of CGI animation where they rightfully belong.

There’s long been a bit of a rivalry between Destiny and Warframe‘s respective communities because of them both being shooty, sci-fi, MMOy joints. But when it comes to the community director behind Warframe, the recent end to new Destiny 2 updates and expansions is no victory, and mostly just finds the whole situation to be “devastating.”

Read more

### Netflix’s New Story-Driven Horror Game: Unhinged

Netflix’s foray into the gaming industry may have encountered obstacles, but the streaming powerhouse remains steadfast, as demonstrated by the impending launch of **Unhinged**, a story-driven horror adventure game. Scheduled for debut on June 30th, this title showcases notable actors Zoë Kravitz and Sadie Sink, who take on the pivotal roles of Ava and Claire. The pair must depend on one another through cell phone interactions to outwit a sinister killer hiding in an abandoned apartment complex.

#### Gameplay Features

**Unhinged** distinctively incorporates mobile technology into the gaming adventure. Players will utilize their phones as controllers, enabling them to guide Ava through the apartment complex. The phone acts not only as a control mechanism but also as a means of communication with Claire, who is located across the street. Incoming calls or messages from Claire will activate corresponding vibrations and audio signals from the player’s phone, further immersing them in the suspenseful atmosphere of the game. The skilled voice actor Troy Baker enhances the experience as Ben, another character that players can connect with on the phone.

#### Development History

The game is the creation of Night School Games, the studio known for the celebrated title **Oxenfree**. Acquired by Netflix in 2021, Night School Games is one of the few remaining subsidiaries in Netflix’s gaming division, following a series of strategic transitions in 2024. Initially, Netflix sought to align gaming with its extensive range of streaming offerings, investing in several studios and becoming the exclusive mobile platform for renowned games like **Sonic Mania**, **Hades**, and the **Grand Theft Auto** franchise.

However, Netflix’s gaming dreams confronted the reality that the return on investment fell short of expectations. In 2024, the company terminated a Southern California studio that was in the midst of creating a traditional AAA game. This was succeeded by the closure of Boss Fight Entertainment, the reacquisition of **Cozy Grove** developer Spry Fox, and the removal of various well-liked games from its service.

#### A Shift in Strategy

In light of these difficulties, Netflix has embraced a more casual gaming strategy, focusing on party games and affiliations with its original IPs. The arrival of **Unhinged** may signify a crucial turning point—either indicating a resurgence of the compelling interactive experiences that characterized its initial ventures into gaming, such as the **Black Mirror: Bandersnatch** project, or potentially marking the concluding chapter for a distinguished developer before further alterations within the company.

As Netflix persists in navigating the changing terrain of gaming, **Unhinged** will be instrumental in evaluating the potential for narrative-driven experiences within this medium, potentially alluring audiences on both sides of the screen.

It was inevitable, wasn’t it. A Valve-shaped cube was always going to end up interred within a Valve-designed Companion Cube, even if the Steam Machine‘s weighted storage buddy is the work of mildly chaotic peripheral makers Dbrand.

Read more

### Lords of the Fallen II Pushed to Early 2027: What to Anticipate

The excitement surrounding *Lords of the Fallen II* peaked after its significant presentation at the Summer Game Fest, where one of the most discussed trailers was showcased. Enthusiasm soared as Steam wishlists for the action-RPG developed by CI Games skyrocketed, with an initial launch date set for fall 2026. However, fans will need to be patient, as the game’s release has now been officially postponed to early 2027. This choice was made to avoid the fierce competition from *Grand Theft Auto VI* and a crowded release period loaded with major titles in September and October.

Marek Tyminski, the CEO of CI Games, provided an update on this schedule adjustment through a post on X on June 23. He mentioned that the development of the game was progressing positively, supported by feedback from the Gameplay Feedback Team, comprised of seasoned Souls-like players. Their partnership seeks to pinpoint essential enhancements that could elevate the overall gaming experience.

Tyminski remarked, “These improvements will benefit from extra integration, iteration, and polishing time, allowing the team to achieve the highest quality at launch.” This alteration not only permits the team to fine-tune gameplay aspects but also strategically places *Lords of the Fallen II* away from a congested holiday season, ensuring it garners the attention it warrants at release. He expressed appreciation for the devoted community feedback and enthusiasm regarding the game, emphasizing the team’s dedication to creating an exceptional dark fantasy RPG and a worthy successor to its precursor.

While specific enhancements slated for this extended development period have not been outlined, fans can anticipate the game’s arrival in the Q1 2027 timeframe. The initial trailer presented at Summer Game Fest certainly made an impact, although the precise timing of the original fall release had not been extensively communicated by the developers.

At present, both September and October are heavily packed with significant game launches, while *GTA VI* occupies November primarily on its own, with just a few other notable titles confirmed for that month. In light of this scenario, *Lords of the Fallen II* is unlikely to be the final major title to shift its release date. Nonetheless, the first months of 2027 appear set to become just as vibrant with new gaming experiences, leaving fans eager for more updates as development progresses.

**Xbox’s Extensive Hollywood Projects: Sea of Thieves Film, Halo TV Revival, and Gears of War Motion Picture**

Microsoft is making notable progress in bringing its gaming intellectual properties to Hollywood, with fresh developments concerning Sea of Thieves, Halo, and Gears of War. As per exclusive reporting by Entertainment Weekly, the gaming powerhouse is making substantial investments in film adaptations of its legendary titles.

**Sea of Thieves Film in Production**

A live-action Sea of Thieves film is among Microsoft’s numerous cinematic projects underway. Destin Daniel Cretton, recognized for his collaborations with Marvel and the forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is producing the film through Hisako Films. The game, celebrated for its player-driven and social interactions, poses distinct storytelling challenges. Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty highlighted the game’s collaborative community aspect, suggesting a lighthearted, adventurous storyline reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean.

**Halo TV Series Renewal Possibilities**

After its cancellation by Paramount+ following two seasons, Halo has discovered a new following on Netflix, igniting prospects for its revival. Booty reaffirmed Halo’s significance to Xbox, indicating that investment in the franchise’s television endeavors will persist. The series’ combination of sci-fi action and character-focused narratives remains a pivotal component of Xbox’s media strategy.

**Gears of War Film Insights**

David Leitch, known for directing The Fall Guy, is leading the upcoming Gears of War film, which aims to explore the origin story of Delta Squad. Guided by protagonist Marcus Fenix, the squad confronts the Locust, a formidable underground menace to humanity. While plot details remain confidential, the film is set to encapsulate the intense and gritty atmosphere that defines the Gears of War games.

**Strategic Goals and Industry Hurdles**

Beyond these particular adaptations, Microsoft seeks to broaden its brands internationally through cinematic storytelling. Asha Sharma, head of Xbox, emphasized that gaming serves as a transformative cultural force and that Xbox aims to harness this to secure its place in entertainment. However, expansion occurs amidst reported structural changes at Xbox, which pose risks to jobs and the future of esteemed studios like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory.

As these Hollywood ventures begin to take shape, Xbox strives to balance the potential of its storied franchises with looming industry challenges. The evolving narrative of Xbox’s multimedia undertakings reflects both hope and caution, as the company navigates a tumultuous landscape while reaching a wider audience through film and television.

Put a camera in a game, and I’ll be there. Not a camera mode, no, no, an actual camera is what I need, and that’s just what you’re equipped with in Dimhaven – The Lost Source, a mystery, adventure puzzle game where you play as a museum curator looking for her missing uncle on a mysterious, remote island from the devs behind Quern.

Read more

**Ceaseless Crossovers: The Crossover Frenzy in the Gaming World**

Lately, the video game sector has experienced a sharp rise in cross-promotional material, leading to a trend that many gamers perceive as excessive. The incorporation of characters and themes from one game into another has become so common that it frequently appears as if franchises are being thrown into a “Fortnite”-style mixer, resulting in a blend that leaves players doubting the essence of the original games.

A prime example of this trend is Atlus’s celebrated title, *Persona 5*. The developer has partnered with numerous companies, sharing its iconic characters, the Phantom Thieves, with a variety of games. However, this trend has drawn criticism, with some fans viewing these crossovers as harmful. The Phantom Thieves have shown up in multiple collaborations, engendering a feeling of fatigue among players who believe that the formerly distinct identity of the characters is watered down through continuous cross-fertilization.

The imminent collaboration between *Persona 5* and *Call of Duty Mobile* stands as a recent example of this trend. Set for release on July 1, the crossover will bring characters such as Joker, Ann, Makoto, and Sumire into a military shooter framework. In a trailer released by Activision, these characters are depicted with an alarming level of realism, resembling military operatives instead of their original anime-influenced designs. This artistic decision has caused discomfort among some fans, who find it disconcerting to place familiar, youthful characters in a serious combat environment.

*Call of Duty Mobile* has increasingly transformed into a platform for a diverse range of crossover skins, having previously included characters from well-known franchises like *The Boys* and *Godzilla*. This fusion of various genres has ignited discussions among players, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the “ridiculous” or “out-of-context” skins cluttering the game. The criticism has escalated to the point where developers at Infinity Ward, in charge of *Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4*, have committed to steering clear of what they describe as “clownish” skins in their forthcoming title. This acknowledgment of player feedback signifies a recognition within the industry of the potential repercussions of deviating too far from a game’s fundamental identity.

Numerous players, including those who were not initially hooked on franchises like *Persona 5*, are feeling frustrated by the sheer number of crossovers in the gaming environment. The excitement that once accompanied such integrations has begun to diminish, raising concerns that games are sacrificing their original traits in favor of nodding to other popular titles. The ongoing mixing of disparate gaming components prompts the question: how much is excessive?

As the industry progresses, it is crucial for developers to find a balance between collaboration and maintaining the distinct identities of their franchises. While crossovers can deliver enjoyable experiences and extend the appeal of games to new audiences, they must be executed with care. Fans of *Persona 5*, and gaming aficionados as a whole, desire authenticity and respect for the original stories and aesthetics that endeared these games to them from the start.

Earlier this month, at a Game Business Live event during the Summer Game Fest, Laura Miele, president of enterprise development at Electronic Arts, talked about the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on game creation. Miele pointed out that AI tools can result in “a true surge in creativity” by reducing repetitive tasks and facilitating quicker development cycles. She conveyed her excitement for AI’s capacity to lessen friction in development workflows, which she feels assists developers in crafting meaningful experiences. Miele remarked on the advantages AI offers for prototyping and creative brainstorming, promoting swifter creativity and alignment. While there is ongoing discussion about the various forms of AI utilized in gaming, EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, has shown a keen interest in adopting generative AI. The company views AI as a possible cost-reducing strategy, vital for handling its substantial debt following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Nevertheless, some employees believe AI is being used to rationalize recent layoffs, leading to dissatisfaction within the organization.

It’s hard to know exactly what I’m looking at when it comes to HEAVYDELIC. I don’t mind that so much because it’s enrapturing to look at, a banquet of hand drawn background and sprites that look like they’ve been ripped straight from the pages of a ’70s comic you’ve never heard of but was more influential than you could know. And as of today, it’s out in early access for the price of a cup of coffee.

Read more