Gait Games

There are probably many jokes one could make about mushrooms being edible, and mushrooms being like, edible, man in relation to Shroom and Gloom, a positively mycelial roguelike deckbuilder where you roam spore-filled dungeons with two decks of cards in tow. I won’t do that though because that would mean having to think of them, and like Edwin before me, I just don’t have it in me. What I do have is the ability to tell you about Shroom and Gloom, which is out in early access today.

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### The Debate of Disc versus Digital: Final Fantasy VII Revelation

The gaming world is changing, bringing with it discussions about physical vs. digital formats, particularly significant in the case of prominent titles like the forthcoming *Final Fantasy VII Revelation*. Following the precedent set by its predecessors, *Final Fantasy VII Remake* and *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*, which both necessitated two discs for installation and gameplay, *Revelation* is adopting a different strategy that has ignited considerable discourse among fans.

#### A Change in Format

Historically, large games such as those in the *Final Fantasy* franchise were distributed across multiple discs to accommodate significant data volumes. The initial installment and *Rebirth* needed a data disc for installation alongside a separate disc for play. However, *Revelation*, scheduled for release on April 8, 2024, will diverge from this approach. The game is set to launch on a single disc that primarily functions as a key for downloading the rest of the game from online servers.

#### The Dispute Over Digital Dependencies

This transition to a single disc has resulted in notable pushback. Numerous players view the disc as merely a digital rights management (DRM) key—ultimately restricting the physical edition’s utility, relying on platforms like Sony’s or Microsoft’s servers for downloading parts of the game not found on the disc. This situation has become increasingly contentious in light of Sony’s recent announcement to stop producing new PlayStation discs by 2028. Many are concerned this trend might result in a lack of access to titles in the future if they need to be redownloaded.

Director Naoki Hamaguchi responded to these apprehensions during promotional interviews, underscoring that the decision was made with careful consideration. He pointed out internal discussions regarding the physical version, reinforcing the commitment to uphold the game’s quality instead of jeopardizing it by distributing larger data sets across several discs.

#### Quality versus Quantity: An Insider’s Insight

Hamaguchi explained that the team initially explored employing the same disc size as in *Rebirth*, which would necessitate multiple discs. However, he remarked that choosing this path could endanger the quality and fidelity of *Revelation*. Instead, opting for a single disc with supplementary digital downloads was selected to harmonize quality with practicality.

Detractors have contended that the rationale behind this choice is misguided, highlighting the potential of PS5 game discs to accommodate up to 100GB, with successful multiple disc releases already established for other major titles. Many gamers believe that the current decision primarily revolves around economical shipping rather than game quality.

#### Community Feedback and Future Consequences

The reception from the gaming community has been predominantly critical. Fans have voiced their displeasure over the pivot to digital downloads, many arguing that advancements in physical media should permit larger games to be entirely housed on multiple discs. A community comment on X even asserted that the technical justification put forth by Hamaguchi is unfounded, leading to further dissatisfaction.

As *Final Fantasy VII Revelation* nears its launch, it remains uncertain how Square Enix will manage these evolving dynamics. With the gaming sector progressively leaning towards online dependencies, the issues surrounding digital rights management and game access are increasingly urgent. This could establish a precedent for future releases not only within Square Enix’s lineup but across the broader gaming landscape.

In summary, the transition to a single-disc format for *Final Fantasy VII Revelation* poses essential questions regarding the future of physical media in gaming, the equilibrium between technological potential and production expenses, and the rights of gamers in a progressively digital world. As the release date approaches, series enthusiasts continue to express their worries, influencing the dialogue surrounding gaming’s evolution, quality versus compromise, and the genuine meaning of owning a game.

Today marks yet another day in reporting on layoffs that have occurred in the games industry over the past several years, with this occasion unfortunately being GNOG and Goodbye Volcano High developer KO_OP. The studio shared word that 13 staffers were being laid off less than two weeks after the launch of the studio’s latest game, Young Suns, explaining the process by which this took place in a statement that provides an example of what should really be just the bare minimum in these situations.

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### First Glance at PlayStation’s Live-Service Shooter *Fairgames*

The highly awaited multiplayer heist shooter *Fairgames* from PlayStation has recently emerged online, giving fans their initial genuine gameplay insight since its reveal over three years ago. The video appeared on a playtest site, sparking enthusiasm within the gaming community.

On September 10, a member of the Gaming Leaks And Rumors subreddit asserted they were invited to a playtest for a game similar to *Fairgames*. They provided a link to a playtest linked to a project with the codename “Project Espresso,” and included a video that seemed to display gameplay footage of *Fairgames*. The description accompanying the playtest site aligns closely with the previously announced concept of the game, which centers on collaborative heists and looting.

#### Gameplay Insights

The description indicates that “Project Espresso” is crafted as a third-person PVPVE competitive action game where teams strive to breach high-security sites, seize precious cargo, and flee before their rivals. This strengthens the idea that the playtest footage is indeed consistent with *Fairgames*.

Although the video has been taken down from the playtest page, it was reportedly viewed by *Kotaku*, who verified its resemblance to a clip posted by a user named Radec on Twitter, further confirming the authenticity of the gameplay.

#### Development Hurdles and Future Prospects

In spite of the enthusiasm generated by the playtest, *Fairgames* has encountered obstacles in its development. Reports from 2025 revealed that the game’s internal launch was postponed due to unfavorable feedback from prior playtests. This timeframe coincided with the exit of Jade Raymond, founder and CEO of Haven Studios, the team initially developing *Fairgames*.

Current ambiguity surrounds the game’s future, particularly given Sony’s previously cautious stance on live-service titles. Nevertheless, the presence of the recent playtest indicates that Sony still has faith in *Fairgames*, pointing to a commitment to its development despite prior hurdles and the company’s mixed history with live-service games.

At this moment, *Kotaku* has contacted Sony to verify details regarding the playtest and the newly emerged footage, leaving many fans eager for more concrete updates on *Fairgames*. The gaming community will be attentively monitoring the situation as developments occur, hoping for a promising launch after years of expectation.

In this IP-obsessed world, it is quite easy to wonder if anything will ever actually come to an end. Theoretically, the Final Fantasy 7 trilogy of remakes will be coming to an end next year with Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. Except that might not even be true because a couple of pieces of DLC, about Sephiroth and Vincent Valentine respectively, are also in the works, so who knows when the actual end date is. Whether this is actually the end of Final Fantasy 7 or not, however, doesn’t matter, as its director is treating it that way.

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### The Much-Awaited Comeback of Team Cherry: Hollow Knight: Silksong and Sea of Sorrows DLC

Team Cherry, an independent game studio celebrated for its highly praised game *Hollow Knight*, has built a loyal community of fans eagerly anticipating new additions to its world. Although there have been assurances of updates and new content, communication from the studio has been limited, resulting in rising anticipation and speculation among the fanbase.

#### The Basis of Anticipation

*Hollow Knight: Silksong*, initially conceived as downloadable content (DLC) for the original game, evolved into a standalone sequel that created significant excitement upon its reveal. Released a year ago, the game was well-received by both players and critics, enabling Team Cherry to function with a degree of independence. This success, however, has also led to impatience, with numerous fans now looking ahead with excitement for further content.

In December, Team Cherry announced they were developing an expansion called *Sea of Sorrows*, which will be available for free to all players. This expansion is set to introduce new locations, bosses, and tools, continuing Hornet’s quest in a distinctive maritime environment. Regrettably, since this announcement, the studio has been mostly silent.

#### A Limited Update Timeline

In the nine months following the reveal of the *Sea of Sorrows* DLC, Team Cherry has provided only two significant updates. The first update in February commemorated *Hollow Knight*’s release on the Nintendo Switch 2, and the second in March offered information about a recent patch. Notably, Team Cherry opted not to acknowledge the first anniversary of *Silksong*, a missed chance that could have given fans the insights they were craving.

The developers have previously mentioned that the extended development timeline of *Silksong* was unforeseen. The transition from a simple DLC to a full-fledged sequel was not anticipated, revealing the complexities involved in game development and the likelihood of scope creep—a prevalent issue in the industry where projects expand beyond their original plans.

#### Community Responses

The absence of updates from Team Cherry has created a familiar unease within the fan community. Discussions on forums and social media have surged, with fans humorously fabricating fake release dates and sharing memes to cope with the uncertainty. This behavior showcases the deep emotional investment in the game and the studio.

In the midst of the anxiety, many fans of Team Cherry encourage patience, acknowledging their past successes and grasping the challenges of game development. The studio has cultivated a reputation for delivering quality over speed, and fans are optimistic that *Sea of Sorrows* will uphold this standard.

#### Conclusion

As hopes for *Hollow Knight: Silksong* and its expansion *Sea of Sorrows* rise, the community remains actively engaged while Team Cherry continues to create content at their own pace. The delicate balance between providing a high-quality gaming experience and addressing the expectations of a devoted fanbase is a challenge the studio appears to manage thoughtfully. With a track record of delivering engaging and immersive gameplay, fans are prepared to wait for Team Cherry to ensure that their next release meets the high expectations established by its predecessors.

The nasal greenhorn strategy gamer understands “strategy” to be about mastery of space by means of clanging offensives, shining shieldwalls, and brute attrition, but the true Napoleon of Drag-Select knows that strategy is always, primarily, the mastery of time. I don’t think Napoleon would have approved of Ex Sanguis. He would not have liked all the willowy clone women made out of congealed blood and pincers. He would have suspected them of being divorcees and Babouvists. But perhaps he would have appreciated the game’s fixation with seizing the initiative.

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### Grand Theft Auto 6: A Landmark Streaming Occasion with Netflix

The debut of the inaugural official gameplay footage of *Grand Theft Auto 6* (GTA 6) signified a pivotal event in the gaming sphere, especially due to its exclusive launch on Netflix. This calculated alliance between Rockstar Games and the streaming powerhouse sought to forge a symbiotic marketing chance, drawing gamers to subscribe and experience this eagerly awaited title.

The Netflix special illuminated not just the cinematic aspects of GTA 6 but also introduced the new characters Jason and Lucia as they navigate the intricacies of a criminal underbelly. During the six hours of exclusivity, the preview successfully enticed around 100,000 new subscribers, according to Ampere Analysis. Soon after the limited accessibility, the gameplay footage was released for free on YouTube, further heightening interest in the game.

### Engagement and Popularity Metrics

The extended gameplay preview received significant attention, amassing over 31.1 million views on Netflix. It accomplished the extraordinary milestone of ranking as the top title in 87 out of 93 countries, being hailed as the most-watched content on the platform in the week of its release. This spike in viewership illustrates the tremendous allure of the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise and its capability to engage audiences.

Even with these remarkable figures, the performance of the GTA 6 preview was less impressive compared to other prominent Netflix events of the year, such as the concluding season of *Stranger Things* and a high-stakes MMA bout featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Nonetheless, over five percent of viewers who had not accessed Netflix in more than 30 days opted to reactivate their accounts for this event, indicating a notable re-engagement with the service.

### Strategic Implications and Future Prospects

The marketing approach of unveiling the first gameplay trailer behind a paywall could raise questions, particularly given the content’s later availability for free. While some fans might have chosen to wait for the public release rather than pay to watch the trailer, the streaming event certainly gained momentum thanks to the iconic status of the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise.

With the emergence of new gameplay insights and continuous leaks regarding the game, many fans are keen for the official launch. *Grand Theft Auto 6* is scheduled to debut on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and as the release date draws nearer, enthusiasm remains high within the gaming community.

In conclusion, this event not only underscores the effectiveness of strategic partnerships between gaming and streaming services but also illustrates the persistent impact and significance of the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise in popular culture. The successful combination of limited exclusivity and wide accessibility could provide a model for future marketing strategies in the gaming sector.

I didn’t think, when I saw the other day that Swedish furniture sellers IKEA had commissioned a group of modders to stick an advert for their wares in Skyrim as an official Bethesda-approved Creation, that I’d now be sitting here noting that I dug said creation’s dungeon designs.

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### Marvel’s Wolverine: A Varied Reception for Insomniac Games’ Latest

The newest entry in the superhero gaming realm, Marvel’s Wolverine, crafted by Insomniac Games, has garnered a tepid response from gamers and critics alike. With a Metascore of 77, this game marks the lowest-rated release from PlayStation Studios since the PS5 debuted in 2020. It has not been denounced as an outright failure nor celebrated as a significant triumph, resulting in a generally moderate reaction that has led to a collective indifference from major gaming platforms.

Critiques have emerged regarding the game’s design, with many reviewers pointing out its old-fashioned mechanics. Numerous critics have observed that Marvel’s Wolverine resembles a throwback to the early 2000s linear third-person action titles. Despite having a solid basis, the gameplay is perceived as lacking in innovation, rendering it somewhat uninspiring against contemporary gaming benchmarks. Coupled with the game’s $70 price point, these reviews urge potential buyers to rethink their purchasing choices—underscoring the risks associated with pre-orders in the current gaming landscape.

Interestingly, while several prominent gaming platforms have issued more restrained ratings, a number of smaller international websites have given Wolverine scores of 9s and 10s. This has led to a notable disparity in evaluations, with well-known outlets such as Eurogamer, VGC, IGN, and GameSpot primarily providing ratings around 6, and Giant Bomb assigning the lowest score so far at 5. Metacritic’s scoring approach, which adjusts averages according to the reputation of the sites, means that these lower ratings significantly influence the overall score more than the glowing reviews from less recognized platforms.

In spite of these criticisms, Wolverine has witnessed a broad spectrum of opinions, with 106 reviews recorded at the time of writing, illustrating the game’s diverse reception among different players. Nevertheless, it remains a point of pride that even with this release, Insomniac Games’ overall output for Sony has largely upheld a high caliber. Prior titles such as God of War: Ragnarok, which boasts an impressive score of 94, highlight the exceptional quality from Sony’s internal teams, with Marvel’s Wolverine simply serving as a temporary misstep rather than a trend.

In conclusion, while Marvel’s Wolverine might not receive the adulation of its contemporaries, the context in which it exists showcases a strong lineup of in-house PlayStation titles, implying that even a solid yet unremarkable game can find success amidst a formidable roster. As gamers deliberate on their purchasing choices, Wolverine’s varied critiques remind us of both the hurdles and triumphs present in modern game development.