Gait Games

### Microsoft’s Takeover of Activision Blizzard and Its Effect on Xbox

In December 2023, Microsoft completed its landmark $70 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, signaling a major transformation in the gaming industry. This acquisition established Microsoft as one of the foremost third-party publishers in the market, resulting in Xbox exclusives like *Sea of Thieves* being made available on PlayStation 5. Such moves aligned closely with the company’s objective of broadening its gaming repertoire and appealing to a wider audience.

#### The Hurdles Facing Xbox After the Acquisition

By 2025, even with a number of high-profile releases on Xbox and an increase in new titles for Xbox Game Pass, the success of these games did not correspond with strong sales figures. Specifically, *The Outer Worlds 2* faced challenges in achieving the sales needed to secure the future of the franchise. This pattern underscored broader problems within Microsoft’s gaming division, where both software and services recorded a 5% drop in revenue during the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. Microsoft’s CFO, Amy Hood, linked these difficulties mainly to declining sales of the *Call of Duty* series, especially between the launches of *Black Ops 6* and *Black Ops 7*.

The latest release in the series, *Black Ops 7*, encountered fierce competition from other multiplayer titles and did not reach high sales figures upon its release. It was not even listed among the best-selling games in April 2025, in stark contrast to its predecessor, which enjoyed much better sales within the same period.

#### The Tactical Shift and Market Response

The lackluster performance of *Call of Duty* has led to reevaluations within Microsoft, particularly about its pricing approach for Game Pass. After including *Call of Duty* titles in the service, Microsoft raised the Game Pass subscription fee to $30—a decision that backfired, resulting in a sharp decline in subscriber numbers. Xbox’s new chief strategist, Matthew Ball, reported a loss of millions of subscribers, underscoring the delicate balance Xbox must sustain between expanding its user base and managing content accessibility on Game Pass.

To stabilize subscriber figures, Microsoft revised its strategy by excluding new *Call of Duty* titles from Game Pass at launch and lowering the subscription price, although it stayed above pre-acquisition rates. This adjustment reflected a responsive approach to reduce subscriber attrition and attract new customers.

#### The Outlook for Xbox and Activision Blizzard

Looking forward, the fate of *Modern Warfare 4*, set for release later this year, will be crucial for Xbox’s path. Strong performance could rekindle interest in the *Call of Duty* franchise and restore faith in Xbox’s gaming lineup. On the other hand, if *Modern Warfare 4* underperforms amid intensifying competition from major titles like *Grand Theft Auto 6*, the consequences could be significant, especially for smaller games in Microsoft’s lineup.

Asha Sharma, the recently appointed Xbox CEO, acknowledged the obstacles ahead and underscored the necessity for improved funding and balancing of diverse gaming franchises to enhance competitiveness. Recognizing that *Call of Duty* is a pivotal element in Microsoft’s strategy, the company’s future funding priorities will be vital for navigating the changing gaming environment.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has resulted in major shifts in its gaming strategy, characterized by both opportunities for growth and challenges that could impact its core business. The dynamic nature of the landscape requires continual adjustments to both game offerings and subscription structures as Microsoft aims to leverage its newly acquired assets while sustaining subscriber growth and game viability.

In case you missed the opening night of this year’s Summer Geoffs, Like A Dragon/Yakuza devs RGG Studio’s Japanese history-hopping crime brawler Stranger Than Heaven got a release date. That was rather overshadowed, however, by the reveal that it’ll feature a digitally resurrected version of rapper Tupac Shakur. While not the first deceased face to be confirmed as featuring in the game, that honour went to Japanese actor Bunta Sugawara, Shakur’s inclusion naturally raised a lot of eyebrows. RGG boss Masayoshi Yokoyama’s now spoken in more depth about the decision to include Tupac’s likeness in a game about the origins of the Tojo Clan.

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Gotcha Gotcha Games, a division of Kadokawa Corporation and the holder of the intellectual property rights for the RPG Maker franchise, has revealed the upcoming shutdown of the RPG Maker Forum, a community center that has been in operation for 14 years. The forum is set to close on December 11, 2026. In its stead, a new platform known as RPG Maker Guild will be introduced, but this transition has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly because Gotcha Gotcha Games has opted not to archive the content from the original forum.

This announcement was officially conveyed via a post on the RPG Maker Forum, along with a FAQ that explained the rationale behind the closure. The FAQ clearly mentioned, “There are currently no plans to provide a public archive or backup of the current forum once it has been closed.” Consequently, the RPG Maker community is racing against the clock to salvage important posts, guides, resources, and other content essential to the RPG Maker ecosystem.

The weight of this situation has led to historical comparisons, with many users equating the forum’s imminent shutdown to the burning of the Library of Alexandria. While some may deem such parallels excessive, the comparison arises from the substantial loss of knowledge and resources that will occur. The forum’s Legacy Engine support thread alone is said to contain about 45,600 threads and 280,000 messages, underscoring the extensive contributions from the community over the years.

The potential ramifications extend beyond hobbyist developers; they encompass a variety of esteemed indie games that owe their creation to RPG Maker, including OFF, Omori, Corpse Party, Fear and Hunger, Ao Oni, and Yume Nikki. The developmental histories and dialogues concerning these games are stored in the forum, making their preservation essential for understanding the growth of indie game development through this platform.

Fortunately, the official announcement has granted a six-month period for community members to start backing up their content prior to the forum’s closure. A proactive member of the RPG Maker community has even reached out for help from the r/DataHoarders subreddit, organizing efforts to ensure that crucial resources and discussions are archived.

In conclusion, the shutdown of the RPG Maker Forum signifies a considerable loss for the RPG Maker community and indie game developers. Despite the introduction of RPG Maker Guild, the absence of archival measures for the original forum raises concerns regarding the sustainable legacy of RPG Maker, as its resources and knowledge base remain at risk of vanishing entirely. The need for community members to take action in preserving what they can has never been more urgent.

Crimson Desert. It’s basically an everything game at this point, so it’s not too suprising that the latest update developers Pearl Abyss have put out takes the Red Pudding further down the road of being a Nintendogs competitor. The number of pets you can tame as you wander around Pywel has been growing gradually since launch and you can now have up to 100 of them. That seems dangerously impractical, but hey, video game.

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**The Debate Over Tupac’s Role in Ryu Ga Gotoku’s *Stranger Than Heaven***

In the world of video game design, the creative decisions made by studios frequently ignite discussion and controversy, especially when they pertain to the posthumous depiction of legendary figures. The incorporation of Tupac Shakur in Ryu Ga Gotoku’s forthcoming title, *Stranger Than Heaven*, has ignited considerable dialogue, leading the developers to elucidate their intentions and reasoning for this choice.

The initial reveal surprised many, particularly due to the intricacies of reviving a cultural icon who has been gone for more than 25 years. Masayoshi Yokoyama, the leading figure at RGG Studio, mentioned that the proposal to include Tupac stemmed from a suggestion by Snoop Dogg, who will also appear in the game as a character named Orpheus. Rather than simply replicating Tupac as he was at the time of his death, Yokoyama indicated that the team aspires to “imagine who Tupac could be now” if he were still alive today. This imaginative approach positions Tupac’s character as a speculative portrayal, developed with involvement from his family and rights holders, instead of a straightforward duplication.

Yokoyama detailed the development journey, underscoring their aim to produce a modern portrayal that resonates with current audiences. The development team aims to tackle significant inquiries regarding Tupac’s possible growth—how he might articulate himself and react to prevailing social challenges. While this goal demonstrates a degree of reverence and an effort to honor Tupac’s memory, it also raises moral questions about the ethics of such fictional portrayals.

Critics contend that trying to create a contemporary version of Tupac is fundamentally problematic. Representing a deceased person as a character imbued with invented emotions and beliefs might come off as insincere. Although Yokoyama recognizes the importance of maintaining authenticity, any adaptation of Tupac’s persona in the game will inevitably lack the individuality and depth of the man himself. The lack of Tupac’s personal agency in conveying thoughts, emotions, and actions casts a pall over the developers’ aspirations.

The justification for featuring Tupac in the game suggests a strategy to utilize his fame to boost the game’s allure. Yokoyama openly mentioned that including Tupac would “add value” to the game, illustrating a clear acknowledgement of the marketing advantage associated with his name. This indicates a commercial dimension to the decision-making process, wherein the objective appears to be generating excitement and attracting a wider audience, potentially overshadowing the thematic and ethical considerations involved.

Despite the developers’ respectful aims, the idea of digitally reviving a cultural icon brings forth significant ethical dilemmas regarding representation, legacy, and the commercial exploitation of art. The conversation surrounding Tupac’s portrayal in *Stranger Than Heaven* mirrors larger discussions about authenticity in creative fields and the responsibilities tied to depicting historical figures.

As Ryu Ga Gotoku gears up for the launch of *Stranger Than Heaven*, the road ahead remains laden with intricacies. As fans and critics eagerly anticipate the game’s release, the discourse around Tupac’s inclusion continues to unfold, emphasizing the fragile balance between creativity and reverence when addressing the legacies of those who have departed.

Following some instances of Forza Horizon 6 players losing saves and ending up having to start over from scratch, developers Playground Games are starting to roll out fixes. For PC folks, they’re advising a check that the latest version of Microsoft Gaming Services is running, as the app is the way PC-centric fixes for the issue are being rolled out.

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# The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – A Game Developed with Player Input

The current gaming environment frequently showcases free demos, network tests, or open betas that provide players with insights into forthcoming games. While many developers implement changes driven by player feedback, not all studios openly reveal these modifications. Nevertheless, *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales* emerges as a significant exception. This forthcoming title from Team Asano and Square Enix has been profoundly influenced by player contributions, resulting in major improvements that underscore a dedication to engaging with the community.

## Major Revisions From Player Input

Following the release of the introductory demo of *The Adventures of Elliot* last year, the developers created a list of alterations that brought about substantial revisions rooted in player recommendations. Among these changes were simplified menu systems for quicker access to weapons and abilities, notable modifications to the Magicite equipping process for character setups, an enhancement in Elliot’s fundamental movement speed, and the addition of various difficulty modes. These updates extend beyond mere polish or small adjustments; they represent a committed endeavor by the development team to improve gameplay informed by the community’s insights.

One notable change came unexpectedly to the developers: players voiced their discontent regarding Faie, Elliot’s fairy partner, claiming her excessive dialogue was irritating. Producer Naofumi Matsushita acknowledged that the team, having grown fond of Faie during the lengthy development phase, had not perceived her dialogue as troublesome. In response, the team has implemented an option to lessen her dialogue frequency, directly addressing player feedback.

## Development Insights

In a discussion, Matsushita reminisced about the game’s progression. He disclosed that, inspired by their previous creations such as *Octopath Traveler*, the team shifted toward the action RPG genre to engage a wider audience. The game’s development started with sequential prototypes rigorously focused on action mechanics, incorporating combat systems and movement dynamics. Gradually, as they refined Elliot’s character and Faie’s function, they experienced a substantial developmental pivot toward crafting an immersive action RPG experience.

Team Asano strived for a character-driven storyline, enabling players to connect with Elliot as he navigated different periods and confronted various trials. This character-focused approach signaled a shift away from the ensemble casts typical of earlier titles and was a deliberate choice aimed at cultivating a stronger bond between players and the main character.

## Nostalgic Inspirations and Throwbacks

*The Adventures of Elliot* aspires to evoke the nostalgic aesthetics of earlier Square Enix games while presenting an innovative narrative. While it takes cues from iconic RPGs like *Final Fantasy* and *Chrono Trigger*, the developers stress that the game is not simply a tribute but a distinct interpretation that conveys their appreciation for these classic titles.

Matsushita expressed that the gameplay is crafted to embody a timeless tale while encapsulating the spirit of past Square Enix creations. Elements such as character interactions, emotional richness, and exploration of historical narratives emphasize this goal.

## Gameplay Innovations

The game sets itself apart from other HD-2D titles by centering on a single main character and adopting action-focused gameplay. This transition presents a new challenge for developers accustomed to juggling multiple character narratives and abilities. Each weapon featured in the game possesses distinct mechanics, offering varied combat experiences that heighten player engagement.

Moreover, the team has integrated user-friendly menu systems and accessibility options such as adaptable difficulty levels to ensure that the game remains inviting for both seasoned players and newcomers to the action RPG genre.

## Future Prospects

As *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales* gears up for its launch on June 18 across multiple platforms, its dedication to incorporating player feedback and enhancing gameplay is apparent. The developers’ method represents an emerging trend in the gaming industry where player insights can profoundly influence game creation.

Fans can also anticipate a soundtrack that harmonizes with the game’s adventurous motifs, composed by Tomohiro Nakamichi and Yuto Moritani. With an extensive array of original compositions and additional tracks, players are encouraged to expect a memorable audio experience that enhances the visual storytelling.

In conclusion, *The Adventures of Elliot* aims not only to provide captivating gameplay but also serves as a testament to the significance of community feedback in influencing contemporary gaming experiences.

Happy release!

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Planet Zoo and Planet Coaster developers Frontier have a new Planet game in development that involves neither zoos nor rollercoasters, a scandalous turn of events. The project features a “completely new setting”, in fact, though it’ll still be some kind of strategy management game.

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### The Importance of Spin-Offs in the Kingdom Hearts Series

In the vast realm of video games, the term “spin-off” usually denotes extra content that complements the main storyline but isn’t vital for comprehension. However, this is not true for the *Kingdom Hearts* series. Each entry, including several spin-offs, is essential to the overarching narrative, making them important for fans wanting to explore the lore in depth.

#### Kingdom Hearts IV and Its Predecessors

The excitement surrounding *Kingdom Hearts IV* has reignited conversations about the significance of earlier games in the series. The latest trailer for the game showcases the return of multiple characters, some of whom are well-known, such as Sora and Luxord, while others are less recognized and come from mobile spin-offs, specifically *Kingdom Hearts Union X* and *Kingdom Hearts Dark Road*. These titles clarify crucial events like the Keyblade War and the background of series antagonist Xehanort, establishing the foundation for the entire saga.

Regrettably, the combined package of *Kingdom Hearts Union X* and *Kingdom Hearts Dark Road* was removed from digital stores in 2024. Consequently, fans are confronted with the difficulty of accessing these vital narratives. Currently, Square Enix has not offered an official avenue for players to revisit these significant tales, leaving many inquiries unresolved before the release of the new game.

#### Accessibility of Spin-Off Content

As *Kingdom Hearts III* approached, Square Enix made strides to allow players to experience the series’ pivotal story elements by incorporating cutscenes from less accessible games into remastered collections. This method may indicate a similar strategy for *Kingdom Hearts IV*. However, for now, fans have turned to platforms like YouTube to watch cutscenes and catch up on the lore without waiting for an official collection.

This scenario highlights the distinctiveness of the *Kingdom Hearts* series, where every narrative thread is integrated into the larger tapestry. It’s both commendable and exasperating that significant portions of the story depend on games that are no longer available. As the series progressed from its modest origins on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, the intricacies of digital distribution and the closure of live-service games have become crucial factors for both developers and fans.

#### The Future of Kingdom Hearts

Although *Kingdom Hearts IV* does not currently have a release date, it is anticipated to be accessible on various platforms, including PC, PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. As anticipation grows, questions linger regarding how Square Enix will tackle the accessibility of previous stories and ensure that all players can fully engage with the entirety of the *Kingdom Hearts* narrative.

In summary, the *Kingdom Hearts* franchise perpetually blurs the boundaries between mainline games and spin-offs, necessitating that players stay informed on every narrative development. As fans eagerly await the subsequent chapter, the series’ dedication to a cohesive and interconnected story remains both a signature trait and a challenge in the landscape of gaming narratives.