Gait Games

On the remote island of Barra in Scotland

The post New PC Horror Point-and-Click Cult Vacui Is a Race Against the Clock appeared first on Gamezebo.

I truly wonder when enough will be enough for Roblox Corporation. We all know how much money Roblox is raking in, and yet yesterday it was announced that a shiny new subscription service called Roblox Plus is on the way. This new subscription is effectively replacing Roblox Premium, which for varying monthly fees you’d get varying amounts of the in-game currency Robux. Except Roblox Plus sounds like a worse deal.

Read more

Therapy is not the cure all that many like to make it out to be, but that doesn’t mean your favourite gruff fictional detective couldn’t still do it. This is, sort of, what The Pines is about, a game that if you squint real hard could probably pass for Alan Wake. The vibes are certainly similar, especially with Alan Wake 2, given that The Pines sees its protagonist finding himself in a strange, wooded (sort of) town, but it’s got enough of its own thing going on to pique my interest.

Read more

### Karl Urban’s Ambitions: Taking on the Character of John Marston

Karl Urban, the actor from New Zealand known for his varied performances in iconic franchises such as *Lord of the Rings*, *Star Trek*, and *The Boys*, has shown a strong desire to take on one of the most cherished figures in video game history: John Marston from *Red Dead Redemption*. Urban’s career path, marked by its geek-chic charm, uniquely situates him for a possible role in an adaptation of Rockstar’s acclaimed title.

In a recent discussion with *Square Mile* magazine, Urban expressed his enthusiasm for the character and the game. “I’d love to portray that character,” he remarked, identifying *Red Dead* as an engaging experience in his otherwise limited involvement with gaming culture. His nostalgia and appreciation for the game’s narrative richness resonate profoundly, making Marston a character he feels a bond with.

Nevertheless, Urban’s excitement does not suggest that a *Red Dead Redemption* film adaptation is on the horizon. Rockstar Games, the titan behind the franchise, has not aggressively pursued the adaptation of its games into films or series, unlike other developers. With the company reportedly concentrating on new launches, like *Grand Theft Auto VI*, the chances of a cinematic endeavor for *Red Dead Redemption* remain unclear.

Remarkably, the realm of film adaptations has seen surprising developments, exemplified by the recent casting of Kirsten Dunst in the forthcoming *Minecraft 2*, following her previous indication of interest. This showcases how an actor’s passion for a role can occasionally trigger opportunities that may initially appear improbable.

As Urban continues to extend his reach in his career, he is also preparing for the concluding season of *The Boys* and will soon revisit his role as Johnny Cage in *Mortal Kombat II*. Urban recognizes this version of Cage as a more relatable interpretation of the character, one who confronts challenges resulting from an ego diminished by time. “He is a man that the world has forgotten about,” Urban remarked, highlighting the narrative possibilities of delving into vulnerability within an action-packed character journey.

As fans eagerly look forward to Urban’s forthcoming projects, the possibility of witnessing him bring John Marston to life could spark long-held aspirations within the gaming community, bridging cinematic storytelling with interactive roots. Whether opportunities to pursue such roles materialize remains to be seen, but Urban’s passion undeniably keeps the dialogue vibrant.

I do not like the combination of the words “Epic Games,” “Disney,” and “extraction shooter,” yet write them I must. That’s because of a new report from Bloomberg (paywalled), which digs into some of the issues the Fortnite developer has been facing in recent years with the popular battle royale, and the hopes the company is pinning on its Disney deal.

Read more

It appears that GTA 6 developer Rockstar have been subjected to yet another hack. Earlier today, The Cybersec Guru shared a report that a hacker group by the name of ShinyHunters had added Rockstar Games to its dark web leak site. The hack apparently wasn’t directly targeted at Rockstar or their Snowflake data warehouse, but at Anodot, a SaaS cloud-cost monitoring tool Rockstar uses.

Read more

### The Closure of Dragon Age: Inquisition’s PS3 Servers: A Contemplation on Durability in Gaming

In a gaming environment where online multiplayer elements frequently vanish in mere weeks, the impending shutdown of the PS3 servers for *Dragon Age: Inquisition* signifies a touching juncture. EA has announced that the servers will officially go offline on April 28th, 2024, marking the conclusion of multiplayer functionalities for a game that has experienced more than a decade of service since its launch in 2014.

*Dragon Age: Inquisition* represents the third installment in the cherished *Dragon Age* franchise and is recognized for integrating multiplayer capabilities into a series traditionally centered on single-player narratives. This advancement empowered players to participate in cooperative adventures, enhancing the game’s charm and fostering a collective experience among companions. The game garnered widespread acclaim and achieved commercial success, cementing its position as one of BioWare’s exceptional offerings.

In sharp contrast, BioWare’s endeavors in live-service gaming have not been as favorable. The studio’s bold initiative *Anthem*, released in 2019, sought to emulate the achievements of titles such as *Destiny* and *No Man’s Sky* but ultimately did not succeed. Within two years, player engagement waned, which led to the discontinuation of support and the closure of its servers earlier this year. The forthcoming *Dragon Age* installment, *Veilguard*, might have followed a parallel path had *Anthem* thrived, but it too has struggled to align with EA’s expectations, resulting in workforce reductions at BioWare and raising doubts about the studio’s prospects.

The upcoming server closure for *Inquisition* stands as a bittersweet reminder of the evolving nature of gaming. While many contemporary games emphasize live-service structures and immediate player involvement, *Inquisition* has managed to flourish for over a decade. This extended duration signifies not only its quality but also a nostalgic yearning for unforgettable single-player adventures during a time when the industry often pursues ephemeral trends.

The shutdown of *Inquisition*’s multiplayer aspect feels especially significant in light of recent setbacks in the live-service domain. Games like *Highguard*, which existed for only two months, and *Concord*, which scarcely exceeded two weeks, underscore the instability and hazards tied to the present industry emphasis on short-lived achievements. In contrast, *Dragon Age: Inquisition*, with its extensive decade of captivating gameplay and community involvement, highlights an alternative narrative that prioritizes long-term player commitment and gratification.

Although they have opted to close the servers, EA has not provided details on whether this decision is directly associated with the recent workforce reductions at BioWare or its possible ramifications on the community hub, *Dragon Age Keep*. As console generations evolve and player communities shift, the destiny of classic games like *Inquisition* prompts crucial inquiries regarding the sustainability of gaming experiences and the obligations of developers and publishers to their audiences.

In summary, while *Dragon Age: Inquisition* may be drawing its multiplayer narrative to a close, its legacy within the gaming sector endures. It represents the artistic value of games that emphasize player experiences over immediate profit, serving as an essential reminder to the industry on the importance of fostering long-term connections with their player base.

### Rockstar Games Encounters Data Breach by Hacker Group ShinyHunters

In a notable security incident, Rockstar Games has acknowledged that it has undergone a data breach linked to the hacker group ShinyHunters. The group asserts that it has infiltrated a significant array of data from Rockstar’s protected cloud servers, specifically through weaknesses in an external cloud service provider.

#### Breach Details

On April 11, 2026, ShinyHunters declared via its dark web platform that it had breached Rockstar’s Snowflake servers, a cloud-hosting provider recognized for serving various major enterprises. The hackers issued a digital ransom demand, insisting on payment by April 14; otherwise, they warned of potential data leaks. Their communication expressed urgency, suggesting that failure to comply could result in further complications for the company.

A representative for Rockstar commented, “We can affirm that a limited quantity of non-sensitive company information was accessed due to a third-party data breach. This incident poses no risk to our organization or our players.” Despite this reassurance, the breach heightens concerns regarding potential ramifications for corporate confidentiality and the integrity of the company’s operations.

#### Breach Methodology

While it may appear that ShinyHunters directly compromised Snowflake’s security, reports suggest that the group retrieved the data via Anodot, a service offering cloud cost oversight and analytics. Anodot itself had faced a security breach, which reportedly facilitated unauthorized access to secure data stored on Snowflake. This approach caused the hackers to seem legitimate to Rockstar, thus increasing the likelihood of data exposure.

#### Possible Consequences of the Hack

Although ShinyHunters has not revealed specific details about the data in their possession, it is presumed that the information may not encompass sensitive personal player data or password credentials. Instead, the emphasis seems to be on corporate assets, potentially involving contracts, financial records, marketing plans, and other proprietary information that Rockstar would likely prefer to keep undisclosed. The threat of public dissemination of such documents could severely impact the company’s reputation and business activities.

#### ShinyHunters’ Background and Intentions

The hacker group ShinyHunters has been operational since 2020, focusing on large corporations as targets. They have a history of extracting data or selling it for financial gain. Previous victims such as Microsoft, Cisco, and AT&T underscore the group’s capability and the gravity of their claims. If they claim a breach and possession of data, they are likely to act upon their threats.

#### Context and History

This incident follows a notorious hack in 2022, when Rockstar Games was targeted, leading to early gameplay footage and assets from the upcoming game, Grand Theft Auto VI, being leaked online. That incident was executed by a teenager who accessed the company’s Slack services, resulting in serious legal consequences for the hacker.

#### Conclusion

As Rockstar Games navigates this concerning development, the gaming community and industry stakeholders will be observing closely. The ability of hackers to gain access to such information underscores the persistent threat faced by corporate entities, particularly in an era where digital privacy and data security are increasingly vital. With the deadline for ShinyHunters’ ransom approaching, the repercussions of this breach will undoubtedly extend beyond Rockstar, emphasizing the need for strengthened cybersecurity measures across the industry.

There are a myriad of reasons you might want to skip a cutscene in a game. It plays right before a boss you keep dying to and you just want to get back to it, you’re a speedrunner, hell, you just don’t care all that much about the story but like the gameplay. Different strokes! What I don’t really understand is a desire to watch all the cutscenes, but sped up, an option Crimson Desert has offered right from the get go. Which, through its latest update, can go even faster. So long attention span, I knew thee well.

Read more

### The Convergence of Horror and Digital Culture: An Examination of “Faces of Death”

Recent conversations regarding media and violence have led to significant dialogue about the accessibility of snuff films. A notable example arose when a child inquired if anyone had viewed a video related to the alleged death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, initiating an examination into the unsettling trend of violent media infiltrating mainstream culture. This incident highlights the profound manner in which the internet has woven dark content into our everyday existence, reminiscent of historical occurrences such as the 1978 film *Faces of Death*.

#### The Heritage of *Faces of Death*

*Faces of Death* is an infamous film that intertwines real and staged fatalities, earning a cult following through underground showings and VHS collections. It belongs to a genre termed “mondo movies,” which aims to showcase shocking and often grisly content. As societal standards regarding media consumption progress, the horror genre has transformed, with contemporary films reflecting the grotesqueries of the digital realm.

#### The Contemporary Rendition: A New Slasher Film

Daniel Goldhaber’s 2023 film, also named *Faces of Death*, takes cues from the original while critiquing present-day social media realities. The plot revolves around Margot Romero, played by Barbie Ferreira from *Euphoria*, who finds herself as a content moderator for a new short-video platform. Her position becomes more personal as she struggles with her own trauma when a video from her past gains viral attention. This film offers a chilling perspective on the repercussions of online visibility, especially as Margot faces a flood of content featuring staged killings akin to *Faces of Death*.

As Margot unveils the links between the viral footage and missing individuals, the narrative evolves into a cat-and-mouse thriller that critiques contemporary social media. Romero’s struggle highlights the nuanced boundaries between entertainment and reality while she navigates a landscape where the excitement of engagement frequently overshadows the sinister truths of the content at hand.

#### Important Themes Addressed

Goldhaber’s film delves into multiple themes, including the inherent contradictions of social media platforms that curate content based on popularity rather than ethical considerations. The stark emotional responses from audiences reveal a type of acceptance of violence. Romero’s fear is not solely due to the antagonist, played disturbingly by Dacre Montgomery, but also from witnessing societal apathy towards the violence itself.

While the film encapsulates the trends of sensationalism prevalent in online media, it also lacks a deeper examination of the exploitation prevalent in both mondo films and contemporary digital content. The original *Faces of Death* critiqued ethical boundaries in pursuit of shock; however, this modern adaptation sometimes fails to fully scrutinize the implications of such content in today’s environment.

#### Conclusion

While *Faces of Death* leans towards comedic horror, it acts as a mirror reflecting societal perspectives on violence in media. Goldhaber’s film, though not as impactful as some of its predecessors, still stimulates strong engagement and serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding our consumption of horror in the digital era. The film prompts viewers to contemplate their interactions with shocking content, questioning the normalization of violence in a society that is increasingly desensitized to such imagery. As technology continues to advance, the discourse around media ethics grows more crucial, exposing both the allure and the threats associated with our digital storytelling.