Gait Games

This week the former Zachtronics folk of Coincidence released U.V.S. Nirmana, a new “Zach-like” puzzler that has fairly spaghettified my synapses, despite being billed as “medium-difficulty”. It puts you in charge of a monastic spacecraft embarked on a pilgrimage through the galaxy, steeped in references to Dharmic religions. During your voyages, you’ll help other civilisations with their philosophical dilemmas using a cosmic reactor that functions like a music sequencer. You’ll join up pipes and components to resolve relationships between terms like “form”, “amen” and “svaha”, doing your best to minimise “flux”.

Playing the opening few puzzles, I felt a mixture of excitement and guilt. Excitement, because while I barely understand what’s going on, I love the ritual obtuseness of, say, trying to distil “light” and “sound” into “thought” by means of valves and relays. And guilt, because it turns out original Zachtronics founder Zach Barth told me about this game two years ago, and I forgot. Here, very belatedly, is the second half of that interview from 2024, continuing Zachtronic’s journey through the strange and arbitrary cosmos of licensed adaptations.

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**Fenris Creations: A Fresh Era for EVE Online’s Developer**

For more than twenty years, the studio and publisher behind the enduring space MMO *EVE Online* was recognized as Crowd Control Productions, abbreviated commonly as CCP. However, the growing connection with the century-old Chinese Communist Party (also abbreviated CCP) has compelled the firm to embrace a new identity: Fenris Creations. This transformation occurs as the studio moves away from its former owner, Pearl Abyss, and embarks on an autonomous path.

In a conversation with *GamesIndustry.biz*, CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson shared that the choice to rebrand arose from what he termed a rising “brand collision” with the Chinese Communist Party. He pointed out the absurdity of contending for identity against the Party, acknowledging that while they are referred to as the Chinese Communist Party in Western contexts, this is not their self-referential term in their nation.

Pétursson remarked on the particular obstacles faced by the company stemming from this ambiguity. Reports have labeled the studio as “the other CCP,” and staff have encountered inquiries about the name during trips to the U.S. These situations, although seemingly trivial, suggested a risk of increasing misunderstanding. Alongside the recent announcement of the company reclaiming itself from Pearl Abyss, this created a prime chance for the name alteration.

### The Importance of “Fenris Creations”

The name Fenris Creations is rooted in Norse mythology, referencing the creature Fenrir, a representation of destruction and creation. This duality perfectly correlates with the themes investigated in *EVE Online*, which has spawned countless narratives of conflict and disaster throughout its lengthy history. The new name acts as a reminder of the intertwined aspects of creation and destruction, resonating with the fundamental experiences within the game.

Pétursson stressed that “Fenris Creations captures the essence of destruction and creation and their interconnection, how death holds significant weight in *EVE Online*.” The allure found in the wreckage of ships within the game reflects a deeper philosophical significance behind the company’s name, illustrating their dedication to both artistry and gameplay experience.

As Fenris Creations enters this new phase, it aspires to uphold its tradition of crafting immersive, expansive stories within the digitally vast world of *EVE Online*, while also separating itself from the branding confusion that has surfaced in recent years. With a revitalized identity, the company anticipates enhancing its legacy in the gaming industry.

Skywind, the long-running modding project remaking Morrowind in Skyrim‘s engine, hasn’t been without updates over the past couple of years, but you do have to go back to 2024 for the last in-depth breakdown its team put out about their progress towards release. While the project’s still release dateless as of right now, the Skywind folks have just put out another showcase of where they’re at, with good progress being made and numerous aspects nudging towards being totally finished.

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### It’s Finally Trendy to Be a Performer in Video Games

In recent times, the viewpoint on video game performance has changed markedly. Once considered inferior, positions in video games are currently in high demand among emerging generations of performers, showcasing a significant transformation in the cultural environment of the industry.

#### **Clair Obscur: Evolving Views on Video Game Performance**

Andy Serkis, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions in motion capture, particularly in titles like *Heavenly Sword*, noted that actors once shunned video games. In a conversation with *Variety*, he emphasized the shift in mindset: “Young performers are graduating from drama schools, and they’re saying ‘I really wanna be in a videogame.’”

His perspective illustrates a rising acceptance that video games serve not only as authentic entertainment forms but also as narratives that can compete with film. Hollywood is progressively adopting methods from video game technology for various filmmaking elements, highlighting the industry’s increasingly blurred boundaries between games and cinema. Serkis stated, “It’s a crucial instrument of contemporary filmmaking… and certainly looking ahead as we develop more immersive storytelling, which is what’s unfolding.”

#### **Xbox’s New Leadership and Exclusivity Tactics**

In the sphere of console gaming, Xbox’s new CEO Asha Sharma is navigating the delicate issue of game exclusivity. As reported by *The Verge*, Sharma is meticulously assessing the future path of Xbox-exclusive titles, in light of previous unclear strategies that left fans pondering. As she assumes the role, the community is keenly observing how exclusivity will influence the Xbox ecosystem going forward.

#### **Nintendo Switch vs. PlayStation 2: A Competitive Environment**

The Nintendo Switch is encountering a tough challenge in its endeavor to exceed the PlayStation 2’s lifetime sales of 160 million units. According to forecasts, Nintendo anticipates around 2 million additional sales in 2026, bringing the Switch’s total to 158 million. However, the anticipated price point of $500 for the new Switch 2 may discourage some purchasers, sparking discussions about the legacy console’s potential. This scenario illustrates the competitive race within the gaming sector, especially as companies strive for supremacy in a saturated market.

#### **Challenges for 2K Games**

In the realm of game creation, 2K Games has reduced its development team for *Project Ethos*, its live service shooter. This move comes after a lukewarm response to the game’s beta, as indicated by studio head Ben Brinkman. The action centers on redirecting the project and adapting to an swiftly changing development landscape, highlighting the obstacles studios confront in a constantly shifting industry.

#### **Upcoming Releases and Expansions**

*Path of Exile 2* is poised to significantly enhance its endgame content. The forthcoming update, named *Return of the Ancients*, will introduce new narratives, classes, and bosses, enriching player engagement as the game gears up for its 1.0 launch.

Moreover, Netflix’s animated series adaptation of *Devil May Cry* has been confirmed for a third season, furthering the trend of video game stories spilling into various entertainment mediums as audiences seek new content.

#### **Preservation of PlayStation Classics**

In the midst of these developments, a Sony engineer hinted at ambitious plans for safeguarding classic PlayStation games. With hopes of reviving titles like *Sly Cooper* and *Ape Escape*, there are signs that fans may soon witness beloved franchises resurfacing, mirroring a broader movement within the industry to honor and preserve gaming history.

### Conclusion

As we continue to witness these changes within the gaming sphere, the transforming role of performers in video games, strategic actions by console makers, and the ongoing quest for sales leadership underline the dynamic and intricate nature of the sector. The next few years promise thrilling advancements, quests, and perhaps, a few unexpected twists along the path.

Action RPG Path of Exile 2 will very likely hit 1.0 by end of 2026, developers Grinding Gear Games have declared, following one last, endgame-focused early access update that introduces “over 50 hours” of new classes, areas and systems. The definition of “1.0” is rather slippery here, mind, and the developers are already prophesying a few things that might oblige a delay.

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### The Continuing Debate on AI-Produced Assets in “Neverness to Everness”

Shortly after the creators of *Neverness to Everness* declared their plans to revise AI-generated visuals in their open-world gacha game, a new update was deployed, resulting in major alterations to the game’s assets. The game’s community has reacted variably, especially concerning the substitution of some questioned assets, including a contentious image that has ignited discussions on social media.

#### Context

The issue arose when Twitch VTuber Ironmouse publicly terminated her sponsorship agreement with *Neverness to Everness*. Ironmouse had received assurances from the developers that the game would not incorporate AI-generated assets, only to find out they were part of the completed product. This triggered a backlash from fans and players, leading the official *NtE* Global account to declare that the development team at Hotta Games was “already assessing and modifying” the disputed AI assets.

#### The Updated Patch

With the launch of the most recent patch, it seems modifications have indeed occurred. Particularly, one of the most scrutinized AI-generated elements, a billboard design within the game reminiscent of the anime feature *Weathering with You*, has been reported as replaced. However, some gamers have observed that the new graphic seems to be yet another AI-generated asset, this time showcasing a soda can.

Dissatisfaction with the update has spread across social media forums. One user, ViviVovo, commented, “I suppose it didn’t matter enough because the assets you swapped are STILL AI generated. What is the rationale if you’re merely going to continue deceiving your playerbase?” This viewpoint mirrors a broader discontent among players who anticipated a legitimate enhancement rather than merely exchanging one AI image for another.

#### The Characteristics of the New Visual

Regardless of the visible changes, players have remarked that the replacement image still displays traits of what they refer to as “AI slop,” a colloquial expression for subpar AI art. ViviVovo expanded on this, critiquing the perplexing visual aspects that diminish the intended background role of the image. The complexities of AI art are under examination as many players advocate for more genuine aesthetics, feeling that reliance on AI production undermines the game’s immersive quality.

Interestingly, some assets were entirely eliminated in the latest update, such as the video shown prior to the Pink Paws Heist mission, which has been substituted with a static placeholder. This raises questions about why certain contentious AI elements were swapped out while others persist.

#### Consequences and Future Steps

The ongoing dialogue concerning AI-generated material in *Neverness to Everness* highlights a wider debate within the gaming community about the role of AI in art and game development. If the new image is indeed another AI output, it prompts inquiries not only about the developers’ integrity but also about the ethical ramifications of employing AI-generated content in creative fields.

Furthermore, there is conjecture that the choice to replace the original AI artwork may not have stemmed solely from player backlash but potentially from concerns over copyright violations, especially given the resemblances to *Weathering with You*. This scenario emphasizes the intricate relationship between copyright regulations and the application of AI in creative work, as developers navigate the integration of technology without infringing on creative rights.

#### Final Thoughts

As Hotta Games continues to handle the backlash from players and the consequences of their use of AI in *Neverness to Everness*, the outlook remains unclear. The actions taken in reaction to player input could establish significant precedents for how developers manage AI-generated content in the future. This situation underscores the necessity of transparency and authenticity in game development, particularly in an environment increasingly shaped by technological advancements.

Where to find the Secret Tomb.

The post How to Unlock the Secret Tomb in Catch Bugs appeared first on Gamezebo.

Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Commander.

Have you met the head scientist? I hate him.

I… haven’t met him yet. Should I?

Don’t, he’s an arsehole. They call me “Commander” but won’t let me fire him. “He’s a genius”, they keep saying. I don’t believe in geniuses. I believe in good teams. He insults the engineers in every report. It’s not even funny! I want to lock him in the workshop and tell them he’s a strikebreaker.

…Because they’re Soviets? Your organisation is unusual. It’s 2009, the seventh decade of the Cold War, yet you’re working with both powers to stop the alien menace.

Yeah, Xenonauts 2 is a modern UFO.

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### Sony’s Dedication to Bungie’s Marathon: A Ray of Optimism Amid Uncertainty

In light of doubts expressed by certain gamers and analysts, particularly concerning player counts on Steam charts, Sony has reiterated its commitment to Bungie’s forthcoming sci-fi shooter, *Marathon*. This stands in stark contrast to Sony’s approach to *Concord*, which has been deemed its largest gaming setback to date.

During a financial call, Sony CFO Lin Tao discussed the company’s outcomes in its studio ventures, revealing that revenue from Bungie’s game portfolio did not meet predictions. As a result, the company adjusted its business strategy, resulting in an impairment charge of around $560 million related to Bungie, increasing the total financial downgrade from the $3.6 billion acquisition to $765 million. A major contributor to this decline is linked to *Destiny 2*, which experienced a significant decrease in its player count after a lackluster expansion and a subsequent delay in content release.

Nevertheless, *Marathon* has not been entirely dismissed. While precise sales figures remain undisclosed, industry projections indicate that the game has engaged between 1 and 2 million players. This situation has led Sony to explore avenues for enhancing *Marathon* rather than cancelling the project as it did with *Concord*.

Lin Tao indicated favorable reception metrics for *Marathon*, highlighting its Metacritic score of 82 and more than 90% positive feedback from players on Steam. Levels of engagement, particularly in user retention, are robust, suggesting a strong core audience. Looking forward, Sony intends to improve the game’s performance by rolling out new content and refining the overall gameplay experience.

Bungie has already presented an initial roadmap for the first two seasons of *Marathon*, with creative director Julia Nardin revealing that a long-term narrative trajectory has been established. While the road ahead holds its difficulties, especially given the game’s high-stakes PvP setting that might discourage casual gamers, Sony appears hopeful regarding the franchise’s prospects.

Though there is a chance of further personnel reductions within the studio, it is clear that Sony envisions a future for *Marathon* that is markedly different from its outcome in the case of *Concord*. The true challenge will be how adeptly Bungie can sustain engagement with its loyal fanbase while drawing in new players who might be reluctant to engage with its demanding gameplay mechanics.

Helldivers 2 developers Arrowhead have shared some of their plans to improve the shooter‘s long-running galactic war starting this summer. Weekly major orders – the overarching goals players are given to help guide them towards certain missions that mesh with where the war’s story is currently at, will grow into “longer, multi-week themed campaigns”. Better rewards and more “branching outcomes” are also in the studio’s sights.

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