Gait Games

I can take or leave a majority of Death Stranding‘s story (BB forever, though), but I gotta give it to Kojima: delivering stuff is fun. There’s a genuine complexity to the process of deciding what to pack and how you pack it, making the simple act of delivering something like a pizza legitimately challenging. So I’m quite tickled by the look of Pinetrail, a much less apocalyptic delivery game where you drive a tiny three-wheel rickshaw truck transporting packages across luscious forests and mountains.

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Hideki Kamiya, the famed director known for titles such as *Resident Evil 2*, *Ōkami*, and *Bayonetta*, is contemplating whether to take legal action against users on X who have alleged that he misappropriated funds from Xbox during the creation of PlatinumGames’ scrapped project *Scalebound*.

These allegations arose after Kamiya’s recent conversation with *VGC*, in which he explored the possibility of reviving *Scalebound*. When queried about communicating with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma regarding the resurrection of the project, Kamiya showed enthusiasm, opening up the idea of reinstating the game and even proposing that footage be added to the article for Sharma.

For context, *Scalebound* was an action RPG in development by PlatinumGames, slated for release by Microsoft Studios, but the initiative was halted in 2017 following four years of development under Kamiya’s guidance. He has since departed from PlatinumGames to become part of a new studio, Clovers, founded in 2023.

There is no definitive information concerning the development expenses of *Scalebound*, and neither Microsoft nor PlatinumGames has suggested that Kamiya mishandled funds related to the project. Nonetheless, certain Xbox supporters have put forth the unsubstantiated allegation that he shifted funds to aid the production of *Bayonetta 2*, a title released by Nintendo.

The source of this rumor is not clear, but Kamiya has been actively interacting with users on social media and has addressed the claims by warning of legal repercussions against those spreading the false narrative. In recent posts, he stated his plans to pursue defamation lawsuits against individuals, especially in light of comments insinuating that he would wrongly use the *Scalebound* budget for personal benefit.

This baffling scenario underscores Kamiya’s ongoing engagement with fans on social channels and raises inquiries about the underlying motives behind such rumors. PlatinumGames’ president and CEO, Atsushi Inaba, noted in 2023 that the criticism leveled against Microsoft concerning *Scalebound*’s cancellation was unwarranted, highlighting that both sides bore responsibility for the outcome of the project, which adds further complexity to the ongoing discourse.

### The Case of Andrew Lakeman: A Digital Heist within the Gaming Sphere

In 2019, the universe of online gaming experienced a shake-up due to a scandal involving Andrew Lakeman, recognized in the gaming circles as “Mod Jed.” Apprehended by Cambridgeshire police on charges of embezzling nearly half a million pounds from his employer, Lakeman’s situation underscores the intricacies of virtual economies and the legal ramifications of in-game theft.

#### The Crime

Engaged by Jagex, the creators of the famed MMORPG **RuneScape**, in 2015, Lakeman misused his developer privileges to extract in-game items and gold from oblivious players. His tactic involved purloining valuable digital assets and laundering them via secondary markets and cryptocurrencies. Initially viewed as a technical glitch impacting player inventories, the thefts grew, leading Jagex to initiate an internal inquiry. This inquiry eventually led to a sting operation that captured Lakeman in the act of stealing virtual items.

Regardless of his early denial of the thefts, the evidence obtained from his devices and transaction records illustrated a vivid account of his illegal endeavors, confirming he had accumulated nearly half a million pounds through his unlawful scheme. Text messages further implicated him, as he bragged about his schemes to target wealthy accounts to his spouse.

#### Legal Consequences

Following an extensive investigation that lasted seven years, Lakeman confronted significant legal consequences. He received a sentence of 150 hours of community service, 25 days of rehabilitation, and a suspended prison term of three years. This conditional sentence highlights the legal system’s position that virtual offenses yield real-world repercussions.

Detective Constable Andrew McKeane highlighted the seriousness of Lakeman’s actions, asserting, “The hundreds of thousands of pounds he derived from selling the in-game items is equivalent to any other theft. Just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean he shouldn’t endure the full weight of the law.”

#### The Broader Implications

Lakeman’s situation is not an isolated incident; it reflects growing concern over the connection between in-game assets and real-world finances. With platforms like **RuneScape**, **Roblox**, and **Fortnite** becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger demographics, the possibility for the exploitation of in-game economies is emerging as a legal focal point.

The continuous oversight of secondary markets by game developers is increasingly critical as companies like Valve gear up to protect their in-game markets against legal disputes, including a lawsuit regarding loot boxes initiated by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

#### Conclusion

The repercussions of Andrew Lakeman’s actions act as a cautionary narrative within the gaming sector about the vulnerabilities in virtual economies and the consequences of cyber theft. As the boundaries between virtual and tangible currencies continue to intertwine, the gaming community and legal systems globally must adjust to tackle these arising challenges, ensuring players can enjoy their gaming experiences without suffering the effects of such unethical actions.

Do I need to explain how Cyclops from the X-Men’s powers work? I’m going to anyway just in case. He shoots beams from his eyes! More or less, I think it’s technically energy from a punch dimension? I’m not an X-Men nerd though, so correct me in the comments. Main point is, he can never stop shooting those beams, which is why he has to always be wearing glasses at the very least. Which, as it turns out, makes for a fun video game concept, as it’s now been manifested in the form of Laser Guy, a twin-stick “anti-shooter” all about not killing your co-workers.

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### The Current Status of the Video Game Sector: An Approaching Crisis

The video game sector is presently confronting a confluence of difficulties that mirrors the conditions that led to the notorious video game crash in the 1980s. Although the elements differ, numerous industry leaders are concerned about the prospect of a comparable result as hardware expenses escalate, game development budgets swell, and economic uncertainties increase.

#### Escalating Hardware and Game Creation Expenses

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, recently raised concerns during an interview with *Edge* magazine, underscoring an unforeseen wave of disruption within the gaming industry. “There’s an unprecedented wave of investment in developing AI systems and data centers,” Sweeney stated, “and the costs of RAM and storage are skyrocketing, and not necessarily stopping there.” This rise in hardware costs poses a major obstacle for developers, who are already contending with rising production expenses and a challenging employment landscape in the industry.

#### Context from the Past

The first video game crash in 1983 occurred primarily due to a surge of low-quality games, a saturated market of home consoles, and a lack of consumer awareness. In response, Nintendo launched the NES, imposing stringent quality control that rejuvenated the gaming sector. However, the current scenario is significantly different, as game development increasingly demands extended timelines and considerable financial backing. The notion that major studios may need to adjust their profitability expectations—targeting $50 million returns rather than $500 million—underscores the industry’s unstable economic climate.

#### The Impact of AI and Market Disturbance

Sweeney’s perspective also indicates a growing doubt regarding the incorporation of AI tools in gaming. Once a supporter of AI’s possibilities, Sweeney now admits that depending on AI to lessen team sizes is becoming increasingly impractical. Moreover, he expresses concerns that AI data centers, which emphasize access to vital components, are worsening hardware shortages and extending the industry’s difficulties.

The present scenario reflects a disenchantment, where hopes for efficiency through technology do not match the reality. As industry figures like Shawn Layden and Raph Koster scrutinize these trends, they caution that the gaming sector is in danger of repeating historical errors unless innovative strategies are formulated.

#### The Horizon: Maneuvering Through Uncertainty

As gamers become more discerning in their choices, studios may need to reevaluate their approaches in light of escalating expenses. A sluggish console market, combined with expected next-gen releases, puts major entities like Sony and Xbox at risk of shifts in consumer spending. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s position as a more economically viable option could enable it to flourish where others stumble.

Additionally, the ongoing ramifications of diminished revenue streams, as evidenced by *Fortnite* layoffs, indicate an industry struggling with its financial sustainability. Solutions such as boosting domestic manufacturing, as suggested by Sweeney, could be challenging to implement but are reiterated as crucial measures.

The notion of a “Crash 2.0” casts a long shadow, and while the industry may glean lessons from its past, the future remains uncertain. Establishing a sustainable framework for game development and sales may be crucial for averting another catastrophic decline. The appeal for a revised strategy toward game production, emphasizing quality and cost efficiency, resonates with the urgency of the current situation as the gaming community looks forward to what is to come.

**The Destiny of Spider-Noir: An Abandoned Project in the Spider-Verse**

In an unforeseen development, the much-awaited live-action series *Spider-Noir*, showcasing the distinct representation of Benjamin Reilly by Nicolas Cage, has been scrapped by Amazon MGM. Even though it received a positive response and garnered 11 Emmy nominations since its launch on Prime Video last May, the show will not progress to a second season.

*Spider-Noir* originated from the visionary creators behind the animated *Spider-Verse* films, reinventing the character as a hard-boiled private investigator moving through the shadowy streets of a 1930s-inspired underworld. Cage’s character confronted powerful foes such as Black Cat, Tombstone, and Silvermane, adding a retro twist to the well-known Spider-Man narrative. The series provided a novel outlook on the original 2009 comic series, merging noir style with superhero elements.

The production, which starred Cage alongside seasoned professionals Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, and Amy Pascal, captivated viewers with its distinctive approach to the Spider-Man lore. While fans had great expectations for the series, Amazon MGM’s choice to cancel it underscores the unpredictable dynamics of television programming, even for ventures with substantial critical praise.

Cage, whose own surname hints at Marvel figures, has a longstanding affiliation with comic book adaptations, having previously played Ghost Rider and made a noteworthy cameo as Superman in *The Flash*. Despite the discontinuation of *Spider-Noir*, Spider-Man Noir is poised for future roles in forthcoming Spider-Verse movies, as Sony continues to pursue new spinoff series, echoing earlier projects like *Morbius* and *Madame Web*.

The larger landscape of Marvel adaptations reveals ongoing challenges within the industry. Disney, while possessing considerable control over select Marvel assets, has also encountered abrupt cancellations, highlighted by the sudden cessation of *Wonder Man* despite its promising beginnings. This illustrates a shifting approach in the ever-changing realm of superhero streaming content.

As *Spider-Noir* makes its exit, the cancellation acts as a reminder of the obstacles faced by even the most eagerly awaited series in the fiercely competitive arena of streaming services. Whether audiences will witness more of their favorite characters remains an ongoing inquiry, as studios maneuver through the intricacies of viewer desires and market trends.

My only experience of Left 4 Dead 2 is a handful of sessions in my youth where a friend handed me a controller (me, a person whose shooter experience extended to Ratchet and Clank at the time), told me nothing, and let the chaos unfold. I did not do a good job. But it left a lasting impression! Though perhaps that impression would have changed had I seen its cinematic trailer as soon as Valve had wanted to release it. The problem was, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board weren’t so hot on the game, including its marketing materials, so that left Valve with one option: leaking the trailer themselves.

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**Stern Pinball Introduces Fallout Pinball Machine: A Journey Through a Post-Apocalyptic Realm Awaits**

Six months after launching their Pokémon-themed pinball machine, Stern Pinball has once more unlocked the vault, this time showcasing their newest creation: a pinball version of the legendary video game franchise, Fallout. Taking cues from both the classic games and the well-received live-action Amazon Prime series, this new machine offers a remarkable blend of nostalgia and interactive fun.

Set against the backdrop of Fallout’s treacherous wastelands, players will assume the role of an unsuspecting vault dweller traversing an irradiated environment teeming with various dangers, including ghouls, raiders, and the terrifying Deathclaws. The machine features a striking design, complete with a sculpted Deathclaw, a spinning Nuka-Cola cap, a moving Vault 33 door, and an operational PIP-Boy alongside a Fat Man launcher to annihilate targets on the upper playfield.

The design of the Fallout pinball machine heavily draws from the storyline aspects of Amazon Prime’s two-season adaptation, featuring Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. The machine integrates original voice recordings by one of the show’s co-stars, Johnny Pemberton, amplifying the immersive experience. Additionally, aficionados of Fallout 4 will spot familiar components, especially the V.A.T.S. targeting system. Stern’s Vice President, George Gomez, mentioned that the project benefited from crucial insights from Bethesda’s Todd Howard, connecting the game developers and the pinball creators.

Stern Pinball will present the Fallout machine in three distinct variations: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. The base model commences at $7,299 USD, encouraging fans to gather their Nuka caps for this thrilling addition to their inventory. The machine was crafted by Keith Elwin, known for his contributions to other beloved tables like Jurassic Park, Jaws, and King Kong.

Historically, physical machines themed around video game franchises have been limited. Prior to the release of Pokémon earlier this year, only a few Super Mario tables and a RollerCoaster Tycoon machine stood out as notable exceptions. Stern Pinball has remained one of the few companies to survive the arcade decline of the early 2000s, making a triumphant return with releases themed around classic rock and Marvel franchises, ushering in a new era of game-oriented machines. This evolution resonates with millennial nostalgia, as highlighted by the recent launch of Jersey Jack’s Sonic the Hedgehog pinball machine.

The Fallout pinball machine made its first public appearance at PAX West, captivating fans and gamers alike with its enthralling gameplay and rich thematic elements. As Stern continues to innovate and draw inspiration from cherished franchises, the horizon for pinball appears brighter than ever.

It’s been a couple of months since Double Fine parted ways from Xbox, and they’ve been busy getting to work since that split. There’s that game jam Kickstarter they recently launched that has Brutal Legend 2 as a stretch goal (just ignore the fact that stretch goal is $100 million). And now, the once again indie studio has announced their first game post-Xbox: Thank You Bus Driver, a very silly job sim where you drive passengers to their destinations, and slap them if they break the rules.

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**Cygames Edge: A Fresh Chapter for Cygames and Its Emphasis on Smaller Games**

Cygames, a notable entity in the gaming realm, has attracted attention for its successful titles such as *Umamusume: Pretty Derby* and *Granblue Fantasy Relink*. Nonetheless, the company has encountered obstacles, particularly significant delays in the launch of multiple games as they aim for excellence. To ease these burdens and concentrate on more feasible projects, Cygames has introduced a new label named Cygames Edge. This initiative is committed to nurturing small and medium-sized internally developed titles, with *Where the Seeds Fall* being its first venture.

### The Background of Delays

*Granblue Fantasy Relink* serves as a prominent instance of Cygames’ extended development timelines, having transitioned from PlatinumGames and moving to in-house development. Initially revealed in the summer of 2016, it is set to release eight years later in 2024, with an expansion already on the horizon. Other initiatives like *Project Awakening* and *Garnet Arena: Mages of Magicary*, disclosed in 2016 and 2021 respectively, have similarly faced prolonged periods of inactivity, leaving fans to ponder their status, despite reassurances from the firm.

### Cygames Edge: Adopting a Fresh Perspective

Unlike the AAA projects that have defined Cygames’ catalog, Cygames Edge seeks to nurture smaller games developed by streamlined teams, encouraging a consistent release schedule for distinctive titles. The inaugural project, *Where the Seeds Fall*, embodies this approach by providing a brief three-hour action-adventure platformer experience, where players embark on an exploration of a colossal tree. Promising replay value, the game incorporates additional modes, including a time trial specifically crafted for speedrunners.

Cygames Edge shares resemblances with initiatives at other Japanese developers, such as GYAAR Studio under Bandai Namco. This framework allows developers to engage in self-contained projects, sharpening their skills without the burden of large-scale production demands. Partnering with ZEREO Inc., Cygames is positioning itself to delve into inventive pathways through this new label.

### Community Involvement and Future Aspirations

Cygames has already commenced the promotion of Cygames Edge, as demonstrated by the label’s marketing efforts on social media, championing the tagline “Stay on the edge.” The emphasis is on delivering unique and varied titles that resonate with players worldwide. Underlining its dedication, *Where the Seeds Fall* was showcased during Sony’s recent State of Play, announcing a digital release across Steam, PS5, and Switch 2 set for November 5th.

In alignment with this small experimental strategy, Cygames Edge marks a pivotal change in how Cygames plans to function in the future. The triumph of its initial project will establish a benchmark for what lies ahead, with the company eager to uncover new possibilities in the ever-evolving gaming landscape. With excitement brewing for Cygames Edge’s advancements, both fans and gamers are observing attentively as the label aims to reshape the company’s gaming portfolio.