Gait Games

Urgh. Have you seen memory prices lately? If you somehow haven’t, make sure to look through your fingers, as they are truly terrifying. DDR5 RAM sticks are ungodly expensive, older DDR4’s not much better, high VRAM graphics cards are ridiculous, and any PC hardware that includes at least one of these (which is a lot) is suffering ludicrous price hikes in turn. That includes the new Steam Machine, while handheld PCs are being stripped of affordable options, and next-gen, standalone VR headsets are unlikely to do much better.

But we’re been here before, right? We made it through the crypto-mining-induced GPU price spikes of 2018, the 2011 hard drive shortages caused by flooding in Thailand, and the pandemic-driven PC surge. Remember the Discord stock alerts? The retailer lotteries? The waiting lines for websites?

We can do this. We can weather the storm of new memory price hikes. But we don’t have to do it in silence. We don’t need to damn our enthusiasm for the PCs that play our PC games. There are ways to still upgrade and improve your rig, and its gaming prowess, even with memory prices as ridiculous as they are.

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# Destiny 2’s Final Update: A Tribute to a Cherished Game

**Introduction**

The realm of gaming has witnessed numerous legendary titles emerge and fade away, and amongst them, Bungie’s *Destiny 2* emerges as a long-lasting loot shooter that enchanted gamers with its captivating universe and immersive gameplay. In June 2023, Bungie unveiled what is anticipated to be the concluding update for *Destiny 2*, signifying an emotional moment for both the player community and the developers.

**The Final Update and the Condition of the Game**

Bungie aimed for this concluding update to resolve numerous persistent balance issues and glitches within the game, striving to leave *Destiny 2* in a commendable condition before wrapping up its enduring run. Nevertheless, the launch of this update encountered unpredicted holdups due to significant layoffs within Bungie’s development team, with close to 300 employees impacted by the reductions announced by Sony.

The studio informed fans of this delay, stating that the scheduled updates for the game had been deferred with no new timeline provided. The ambiguity regarding whether the originally planned fixes could still be executed left many players uneasy. Some expressed doubt on platforms like Reddit, fearing that this may become a lasting postponement.

In reaction, Bungie reassured fans that this was simply a temporary hurdle and that they intended to roll out the patch when possible. They urged the community to continue supporting the team, both current and former, who had dedicated their efforts to the game.

**Effects of Layoffs on Development**

The layoffs significantly impacted the live-service team handling *Destiny 2*. After the mass reductions, it became unclear who was left to finalize the hotfix. The layoffs were perceived as hasty, occurring right as developers were wrapping up fixes, which instigated dissatisfaction within the player community, especially as many fans had invested years into the game.

While Bungie had earlier hinted at intentions for future expansions for *Destiny 2*, the atmosphere shifted after the debut of *Marathon*, a new title that failed to provide the anticipated sales surge for the studio. The timing of these layoffs allowed Sony to perform a reorganization within the studio before the new fiscal quarter commenced, but it came at a substantial cost to employee morale and game quality.

**Community Reactions and Future Outlook**

The response from the *Destiny 2* community has been varied. Players expressed relief at the possibility of a final set of improvements, yet there remains a significant frustration over the absence of a *Destiny 3*, particularly as resources were redirected towards new initiatives like *Marathon*. This sentiment reflects a broader discontent within the gaming community about corporate choices that favor new projects potentially at the cost of cherished existing titles.

As the fate of *Destiny 2* teeters in uncertainty, with the final update postponed and the future of the game unclear, many veteran players reflect on their journeys within the universe crafted by Bungie. The legacy of *Destiny 2* is characterized by both successes and challenges, reminding the gaming world of the fragile relationship between developers, corporate control, and player dedication.

**Conclusion**

With Bungie’s ultimate effort to address *Destiny 2*’s concerns in motion, fans can only anticipate a positive outcome as they await the deferred updates. As the developers navigate this difficult phase, the community remains poised to support those who have influenced the *Destiny 2* journey, valuing the shared experiences in a game that has defined a decade for numerous players. Whether this serves as a fitting farewell or an ongoing struggle is yet to be determined.

A long time ago in a games industry far, far away, a bunch of Sony Online Entertainment developers had the crazy idea of adding Jedi characters to an MMO without either robbing all the other classes of appeal, or nerfing the Force-wielders into oblivion.

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# The Hype Surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6: Automobiles, Characters, and Caution

Welcome back to Kotaku’s semi-regular Grand Theft Auto 6 column, still titled “Stealing Cars.” Today, we’ll explore the stunning graphics of vehicles in GTA 6, catch up with the Internet-famous Florida Joker, provide tips to dodge scams as the game nears release, and reflect on Phil Collins’ legendary performance in GTA: Vice City Stories.

## Let’s All Rock Out To Phil Collins In GTA: Vice City Stories

Although the Grand Theft Auto franchise boasts immense popularity, some titles seem to slip into forgotten status. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, first released on PSP in 2006, is one such entry. It saw a single port to the PS2 in 2007 and has since remained mostly overlooked compared to its counterparts like GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas.

Vice City Stories delivered a rich gameplay experience, featuring an expanded arsenal of weapons and vehicles. One of the memorable moments includes a live performance by Phil Collins, who serenades “In the Air Tonight” within the game—an incredible achievement for its time. As the game approaches its 20th anniversary, nostalgia heightens, especially with the anticipation building around the launch of GTA 6, set in the nostalgic Vice City.

## The Florida Joker Is Requesting People To Fund His Purchase Of GTA 6

In an amusing turn of events, we shift our focus to the Florida Joker—a viral personality known for his unique face tattoos. After being spoofed in the first GTA 6 trailer, he attempted to take legal action against Rockstar Games before reaching out to them for a voice-over opportunity. Recently, he posted on Instagram, humorously asking for someone to cover his pre-order for GTA 6’s Ultimate Edition, costing $100. His request showcases the excitement and eagerness for the forthcoming game, even though his posts have attracted minimal interaction.

## Please Avoid Sending Money To Random Websites For Early Access To GTA 6

The buzz surrounding GTA 6 has, unfortunately, led to a surge in scams. Many users are eager to play the game as soon as possible, prompting some to look for early access through questionable websites that claim to offer such options. Both MalwareBytes and NordVPN have noted a variety of scam sites preying on enthusiastic players.

It’s essential to stay alert and avoid such pitfalls; GTA 6 is confirmed to launch exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no official PC version announced. Players should only purchase the game from reputable digital retailers or wait for physical editions, steering clear of any third-party sites that could jeopardize their security.

## Wow, The Vehicles In GTA 6 Look Incredible

One of the most discussed features of GTA 6 is the amazing visual enhancements, particularly regarding vehicle design. Fans have compared the cars in GTA 6 to those in the recently released Forza Horizon 6, highlighting notable improvements in graphical quality.

Notable modder WiseGuy talked about these upgrades, emphasizing that returning vehicle models now include detailed 3D-rendered aspects such as real panel gaps and more sophisticated suspension details. The renewed emphasis on realism suggests a serious commitment to enhancing the gameplay experience, setting high hopes for vehicle customization and aesthetics.

## Until Next Time!

As we conclude this edition of Stealing Cars, we remain eager for future updates and information about the realm of GTA 6. With the release on the horizon, it promises to offer a fresh experience while reigniting memories of previous installments in the iconic series. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

If there’s one obvious criticism you can levy at Forza Horizon 6, aside from who bankrolled it, it’s that Playground Games’ latest racer’s very much an iterative sequel. There’s plenty to it you’ll have seen and done before if you’ve played previous entries. Clutch, the debut racer ex-Forza director-headed studio Maverick Games recently revealed, certainly isn’t content just to follow a single established path. Having just watched devs Maverick’s first lengthy livestream of it in action, it’s trying to spin even more plates inspired by different moulds of driving game than I initially thought. Though, whether it nails all of those elements remains to be seen.

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**Takashi Tezuka Steps Down from Executive Position at Nintendo but Continues as Producer**

Last night, Nintendo conducted its most recent investor call, clarifying various speculative issues concerning Takashi Tezuka, a 42-year veteran of the firm, who had been rumored to be retiring following the release of May’s financial results. The statement confirmed that while Tezuka is resigning from his role as an executive officer, he will stay with Nintendo as a producer.

At 65 years of age, Takashi Tezuka has been a crucial figure at Nintendo since his entry in 1984. He collaborated with Shigeru Miyamoto on memorable titles such as *Super Mario Bros.* and *The Legend of Zelda,* and has directed numerous cherished games, including *Super Mario World* and *A Link to the Past.* Given his age and lengthy service, speculation about his retirement was understandable, especially since Nintendo’s earlier communications were unclear, prompting investors to wonder about his future.

During the call, an investor questioned the rationale behind Tezuka’s exit from his executive position, particularly asking, “Mr. Tezuka is stepping down today. Why is he stepping down? Could you please elaborate on this?” Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa started by acknowledging Tezuka’s considerable contributions, stating, “He will continue to be involved in development moving forward.” He then passed the floor to Tezuka.

In his comments, Tezuka stressed that his choice to resign was primarily due to the conclusion of his term. “This has been incredibly enjoyable work,” he stated, reflecting on his extensive journey in the ever-changing gaming industry. From his first projects that aided in the emergence of digital entertainment to his excitement for advancements like 3D graphics and motion controls, Tezuka expressed appreciation for his many years at Nintendo. He assured shareholders of his continued role by stating, “I will continue to be involved as a producer,” which received enthusiastic applause.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Tezuka’s retention as a producer, the Q&A segment of the investor call was overshadowed by dissatisfaction due to vague answers. Furukawa avoided direct inquiries, such as the absence of a union at Nintendo, instead discussing salary increases. When an investor asked about possibly reviving classic titles like *Wario Ware* for mobile devices, Furukawa shifted the discussion to *Pikmin Bloom.* Most notably, a question concerning Nintendo’s viewpoint on the use of generative AI was disregarded, with Furukawa choosing to speak about measures to protect Nintendo’s intellectual property from AI infringement.

Nonetheless, the highlight of the evening remains Tezuka’s ongoing role at Nintendo as a producer, reassuring fans and investors that his creative influence in gaming will continue.

**Evo 2026: An Important Year for the Fighting Game Community**

The largest fighting game tournament of the year has seen a significant reduction in size for 2026. Evo 2026, scheduled from Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th in Las Vegas, will continue to draw a worldwide audience, broadcasted across ten separate Twitch channels. This year’s event boasts an expanded lineup of 12 games, including the eagerly awaited *2KXO*, Riot Games’ entry into the fighting game arena.

This is the second Evo event since the tournament came under the ownership of the Saudi Arabian government late last year. However, this will be the first held in the United States since this change, and it is distinctly impacted by the ramifications of the new ownership and wider economic issues surrounding international events in the U.S. Nonetheless, Evo stands as a symbol for the fighting game community, highlighting competitive spirit and camaraderie among gamers.

### Evo 2026 Registration Numbers Are Significantly Lower

Evo 2026 is marked by a significant drop in registration figures. Last year, the tournament had 8,541 competitors, but this year sees a decline of over 30%, with only 5,774 participants registered. In particular, entries for *Street Fighter 6*, which usually takes the spotlight at the event, have been reduced by half from 4,228 in 2025.

Various factors contribute to this decline. The tournament’s international appeal is hindered by ongoing U.S. visa issues, complicating attendance for foreign competitors and visitors. Furthermore, Evo’s expansion beyond the U.S. and Japan to include France and Singapore provides competitors with alternatives to attend without the complications of U.S. travel. Increased costs related to travel and accommodation further worsen the scenario. Additionally, some commentators and notable members of the fighting game community have publicly distanced themselves from the tournament due to the ownership change, leading to reduced participation from certain groups, particularly within the queer community.

Despite these hurdles, prominent international and queer figures will still be competing. Legendary *Street Fighter* player Daigo Umehara and seven-time Evo champion Arslan Ash will be present, alongside the outspoken SonicFox, who will compete in *2KXO*, advocating for trans rights.

### Evo 2026 Game Lineup

Traditionally, Evo’s main roster consisted of eight to nine of the most favored games. This year, it has expanded to 12 titles. However, this expanded lineup comes with a cost – it has led to the exclusion of several smaller tournaments that typically took place during the event’s off-hours. *Mortal Kombat*, a significant absence from this year’s list, has seen a decline in participation.

The complete list of games featured at Evo 2026 includes:

1. *Street Fighter 6*
2. *Tekken 8*
3. *2KXO*
4. *Rivals of Aether II*
5. *Guilty Gear Strive*
6. *Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising*
7. *Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves*
8. *Invincible VS*
9. *Vampire Savior*
10. *BlazBlue: Central Fiction*
11. *Under Night In-Birth II Sys: Celes*
12. *Virtua Fighter 5 Revo World Stage*

### 2KXO Makes Its Evo Las Vegas Launch

*2KXO*, resembling a fighting game variant of *League of Legends*, has had a turbulent launch, characterized by significant layoffs in its development team at Riot Games. Despite this rocky start, Riot promises that *2KXO* will uphold a competitive presence at major tournaments. This team-based fighting game allows players to compete solo or in pairs, creating an engaging dynamic that has gathered considerable interest, claiming the third-highest number of entrants following *Street Fighter* and *Tekken*.

### Rivals of Aether II: An Unexpected Contender

In an astonishing development, *Rivals of Aether II* has secured a position among the top six games at Evo 2026. Its registration numbers have surged, rising from 358 last year to over 1,000 this year, indicating a remarkable increase in popularity. Notably, Ludwig Ahgren, a well-known Twitch personality and publisher of the game, has actively supported this growth, procuring passes for entrants and fostering community engagement.

### Regardless of Circumstances, Evo Remains a Thrilling Experience

In spite of the ongoing difficulties and changes surrounding Evo 2026, the tournament is set to be an exciting spectacle. The fighting game community continues to unite worldwide, celebrating the competitive spirit and the enjoyment of gaming. Evo persists as a central hub for camaraderie, showcasing the exceptional talent of players from around the globe, exemplifying what makes the fighting games community truly special.

**The Controversy Surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 Pre-Orders: An In-Depth Examination**

Pre-orders for *Grand Theft Auto 6* (GTA6) began at midnight, creating a mix of enthusiasm and bewilderment among gamers. While many are choosing digital purchases on platforms like PlayStation and Xbox, a considerable portion continues to favor physical copies. However, these physical editions have sparked debate as they are expected to include only a download code instead of an actual disc.

In spite of the backlash, these disc-less packages are flying off the shelves, with scalpers already marking them up for resale. Prominent retailers such as Amazon quickly sold out of the PlayStation 5 version of GTA6, leading to a surge of resales on sites like eBay, frequently surpassing the game’s retail price of $80.

The irony of the scenario is hard to ignore. Acquiring an early physical edition essentially means obtaining an extravagant paperweight, due to the lack of a physical disc. Adding to this predicament, rumors suggest that a genuine disc version of GTA6 may be available just a month after its initial release, likely aimed at maximizing sales before any official announcements. This places fans in a tough spot: should they prioritize playing the game on launch day, or wait for the physical disc?

The pre-order situation has left many feeling bewildered. The $100 Ultimate Edition of the game is viewed by some as the ultimate experience, yet the absence of physical discs makes the idea of a “physical” copy rather pointless. Additionally, the lack of a new gameplay trailer at the time of pre-orders contributes to the uncertainty; with only five months until release, fans have merely been presented with cinematic cutscenes featuring characters Jason and Lucia.

Fans’ excitement is tangible, but doubt hangs in the air due to the missing actual gameplay footage. Historically, *Grand Theft Auto* titles are anticipated to display vast worlds filled with interactive features, and the lack of such showcases raises concerns about Rockstar’s marketing approach. Many are pre-ordering based on their confidence in Rockstar’s established track record, testing the notion that the franchise might be “too big to fail,” even amidst controversy and limited promotion.

*Grand Theft Auto 6* is scheduled to be released for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2023. As the launch date draws near, the gaming community contemplates the ramifications of its pre-order scenario, balancing immediate access with the appeal of a physical collectible.

Mythic+, Raids, PvP, or Delves?

The post WoW Midnight Endgame Guide appeared first on Gamezebo.

With the days ticking down until July, when Xbox are said to be fully pulling the trigger on mass upheaval that could see studios closed and will almost certainly see jobs cut, bosses at one of the studios reported to have its future hanging in the balance have given some staff permission to openly seek new work. This, it’s claimed, is the reason a bunch of devs at South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games have taken to LinkedIn ahead of any layoffs being confirmed to post that they’re on the market for other jobs.

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