Gait Games

### PlayStation Plus August Update: Thrilling New Additions

The August update for the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog introduces a wealth of highly awaited titles, enriching the gaming experience for subscribers of the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers. This month kicks off with the launch of **Helldivers 2**, a leading co-op shooter that’s expected to draw a significant crowd to the franchise on PS5.

On August 12, PlayStation officially revealed the new array of games that are set to enter the catalog during the month. Subscribers are urged to verify the release dates, as not all titles will be accessible right away.

#### Highlights of the Month

This update is distinguished by its remarkable array of games. **Helldivers 2** will be released on August 12, and it is expected to create excitement among cooperative gameplay enthusiasts. The catalog will also welcome **Metro Exodus**, a critically lauded title, as well as the indie sensation **Vampire Survivors** and the charming **Two Point Museum** on August 25. Additional titles making their entrance include **Kingdom Come: Deliverance II** and **Hell Is Us**, both of which are stirring enthusiasm within the gaming community.

This month’s impressive lineup may represent a strategic initiative by Sony, potentially in response to the recent revelation about the cessation of physical game discs by 2028. By investing in prominent game licenses, Sony could be looking to retain and attract more subscribers to the PlayStation Plus service.

#### Subscription Details

To access, download, and enjoy the newly included PlayStation games, players need to maintain an active subscription to either the PS Plus Extra or Premium tiers. It’s crucial to highlight that Essential tier subscribers do not have access to the game catalog, and once a subscription expires, players will lose access to these titles until they resubscribe.

#### Upcoming Titles and Release Dates

Here’s a comprehensive list of forthcoming games for PS Plus Extra and Premium in August:

**PlayStation Plus Extra And Premium**
– **Helldivers 2** – PS5 | August 12
– **Kingdom Come: Deliverance II** – PS5 | August 18
– **Vampire Survivors** – PS5, PS4 | August 18
– **Hell Is Us** – PS5 | August 25
– **Umamusume Pretty Derby** – PS4 | August 25
– **Two Point Museum** – PS5 | August 25
– **Metro Exodus** – PS5, PS4 | August 25
– **Dying Light 2** – PS5, PS4 | August 25

**PlayStation Plus Premium**
– **Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams** – PS5, PS4 | August 18
– **Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire** – PS5, PS4 | August 18

This month’s selections not only highlight a varied range of genres but also underline quality titles that can enhance any PlayStation gamer’s library. Stay tuned for more updates as additional games are rolled out throughout the month.

Hi! I’m Rick Lane, and you might remember me from such columns as Reality Bytes, RPS’ erstwhile monthly goggle at the world of virtual reality. I’ve spent the last couple of years trapped between the second and third dimensions, my flattened body doomed to forever spin to face the camera. But RPS has whipped out its bicycle pump and popped me back into stereoscopic 3D, so I can seek revenge tell you all about the state of VR in 2026.

And boy, what a state! The headlines make for grim reading. VR headset shipments are in decline. Notable VR studios are either laying people off or being shut down outright. And VR’s hitherto biggest champion is going all Distracted Boyfriend, ogling passing market trends in its ethically dubious smart glasses.

The all-in-one Steam Frame headset is on the way – very soon, if rumours are to be believed – but in short, things don’t look great. Then again, things don’t look great anywhere in the games industry, so why should VR, gaming’s most niche market, be any different? To truly understand the state of the VR scene, we need to try to separate the generally bad from the specifically bad. When we do that, it becomes clear that VR broadly isn’t faring any worse than the industry at large, and in some areas at least, is healthier than you might expect.

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### Ghost of Yōtei Expansion: Echoes of Sekigahara

The exclusive open-world samurai simulator for PlayStation 5, *Ghost of Yōtei*, is poised for an expansion with a new paid DLC named *Echoes of Sekigahara*, set to debut on October 1. This expansion will bring players to a fresh location and a comprehensive survival mode, further enriching the immersive gaming experience.

#### New Content Overview

On August 12, Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation made the official announcement for *Echoes of Sekigahara*. The expansion will retail for $15 for existing game owners, while a *Complete Edition* of the game will be sold for $70, which includes the original game, all deluxe edition content, and the new expansion.

*Echoes of Sekigahara* is crafted to delve into a narrative that melds past and present themes from the main title. Players will embody a character named Atsu as she embarks on new adventures in an “unseen valley,” facing off against the Vipers, a lethal gang of warriors. Moreover, through flashbacks, players will explore historical events surrounding the crucial Battle of Sekigahara, revealing important moments from Atsu’s life before her pursuit of vengeance.

#### Survival Mode Features

A significant enhancement in the expansion is the debut of a single-player combat survival mode, characterized by Sucker Punch as a “twist on a roguelike.” In this mode, players will tackle bounty challenges, defeating foes to gain perks and unlock new playable characters. Additional specifics about this mode are anticipated as the launch date nears.

#### Free Update for All Players

Alongside the expansion, a complimentary update for all *Ghost of Yōtei* owners will be available on October 1. This update will introduce a new “Beauty of Yōtei” mode, reshaping the game into a serene experience similar to a screensaver, ideal for passive viewing. Players can also anticipate assorted quality-of-life enhancements, including a highly awaited transmog feature for armor sets, enabling customization without compromising visual appeal.

Nonetheless, fans have shown disappointment regarding the lack of significant updates to the game’s multiplayer mode in conjunction with this October expansion.

#### Community Engagement

Sucker Punch has thanked the community for their ongoing support since the game’s release, vowing to share more information on *Echoes of Sekigahara* and other content updates as the release date approaches. Players are invited to follow Sucker Punch’s social media channels for the latest updates.

This expansion not only broadens the *Ghost of Yōtei* experience but also reinforces Sucker Punch’s dedication to providing an engaging narrative and thrilling gameplay challenges, further anchoring its position in the action-adventure gaming landscape.

Fantasy RPG Soulframe‘s great advantage and possible curse is that it’s from the studio behind Warframe, the free-to-play sci-fi bonanza that has kept chugging away since 2013, amid increasingly rocky prospects for live service games in general.

Warframe continues to pull a crowd, as was evident at this year’s somewhat dystopian Tennocon expo, in which there was a whole auditorium set aside to house the queue for a bunch of T-shirt stands. That popularity gives Soulframe leeway to experiment and screw up, but it also creates temptation for developers Digital Extremes (who are owned by Tencent) to stick with what they know. Still, Warframe won’t be a hit forever. As such, Soulframe’s creators are trying to walk the line between lifting ideas from Warframe, and luring a new following with combat mechanics that take inspiration from Elden Ring.

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**Aspyr Media’s Renewed Attention on Lord of the Rings Games**

Recently, Aspyr Media has come under fire regarding its game launches, ranging from an unsatisfactory remaster of *Deus Ex* to underwhelming DLC for *Tomb Raider*. Critics have also voiced concerns regarding the studio’s application of artificial intelligence in game design. Nevertheless, the company is making efforts to restore its image by bringing back classic titles from the cherished *Lord of the Rings* series.

A significant step in this initiative is the re-launch of *The Lord of the Rings: War in the North*, a cooperative action-RPG that was initially developed by Snowblind Studios in 2011. This title had previously been removed from sale and is now available once more as the *Legacy Edition*, featuring updates that ensure compatibility with current systems. Initial player feedback has been predominantly favorable, as the game currently boasts a 95% approval rating on Steam.

While the *Legacy Edition* is not a complete remaster, it includes upgrades such as enhanced graphics settings, more save slots, a combat lock-on feature, improved user interface elements, and refined character upgrade systems. These modifications are regarded as meaningful enhancements that positively impact the gameplay experience.

Aspyr’s press announcement suggests that this is only the initial title under their management of the *Lord of the Rings* intellectual property, hinting at a wider strategy to leverage Warner Bros.’ extensive collection of Tolkien-themed games. This opens the door for further re-releases and perhaps new games that could attract both nostalgic fans and a newer audience.

Though the $20 price tag for a 15-year-old game with mixed critical feedback may appear steep, promotional events on platforms like Steam could allow for significant discounts down the line. Yet, some gamers express annoyance regarding the branding, pointing out how the development credits to Snowblind seem to be minimized with Aspyr credited as both developer and publisher.

For those in search of *LOTR*-themed action-RPG experiences, this re-release presents a unique chance, particularly given the scarcity of similar titles in the current gaming landscape. As Aspyr progresses with this series, the gaming community will be closely watching how it approaches future releases and honors the original creators of these iconic titles.

**Epic Games Transfers ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash3D: A New Chapter for 3D Creators**

Epic Games has announced the transfer of ArtStation and Sketchfab—two leading platforms for 3D art and video game resources—to KitBash3D, a renowned asset library provider. The specifics of the financial agreement have not been revealed. This shift follows Epic Games’ purchase of both platforms in 2021 and generates a wave of positivity among ArtStation’s extensive user community, which boasts approximately 10 million registered members.

**A Change in Custodianship**

The announcement emerged on August 10, with statements from Epic Games, KitBash3D, and ArtStation made in individual posts. Epic Games highlighted its dedication to focusing on initiatives like Unreal Engine 6 and Fortnite, while ArtStation addressed the impact of this change on its user community. According to ArtStation’s announcement, the collaboration intends to merge KitBash3D’s strengths with ArtStation’s art publishing and discovery features, ensuring that artists are supported throughout their creative journey from inception to release.

**User Reactions and Hopes**

Feedback from artists has been predominantly upbeat. Numerous users conveyed relief at breaking free from Epic Games’ influence, where worries about the surge of AI-generated art had become widespread. An assortment of reactions shared on the r/ArtStation subreddit reflects optimism for a possible return to the platform’s “previous prestige” and a desire for less AI-generated proliferation. Users have pointed out persistent issues with AI assets eclipsing original creations and fraudulent schemes that arose during Epic’s tenure.

ArtStation’s subsequent communication showed a commitment to restoring trust within its community. The platform assured users that essential features—like portfolios and libraries—would remain intact, fostering a continuity that is crucial for artists’ workflows.

**What Awaits?**

KitBash3D is acknowledged for its tools that assist 3D artists in crafting and sharing their projects. By incorporating ArtStation and Sketchfab into its framework, the company appears prepared to enhance the experience for creators by nurturing a more dynamic and supportive atmosphere. The leaders of ArtStation also expressed a willingness to connect with user input, aiming to emphasize the requirements and opinions of artists in guiding future changes.

In summary, the transition of ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash3D signifies a pivotal moment in the development of these platforms and presents optimism for a renewed focus on user-generated content and authentic artistry. As the community anticipates this new era, the commitment to heeding feedback may open doors for significant improvements that benefit all users.

**Title: The Debate Over Saber Interactive’s *Rideshare Stimulator*: AI and the Future of Game Writing**

Recently, Saber Interactive launched *Rideshare Stimulator*, a title that evokes the spirit of *Crazy Taxi* while providing a critique of late-stage capitalism. Initially, the announcement generated excitement, but it soon became a source of controversy after former writer Stella Sacco alleged that she was supplanted by AI during the development phase.

Sacco publicly expressed on Bluesky, “I was the lead writer on this project! And Saber swapped me for ChatGPT halfway through development.” This claim drew significant attention, particularly in a gaming sector already addressing the ramifications of artificial intelligence on creative professions. Sacco stressed that not only was her role taken over, but every passenger voice in *Rideshare* was produced by AI.

This isn’t the initial instance of Sacco raising alarms about AI’s infiltration into her creative work. In December, she revealed that she had been “replaced” by AI on another undisclosed project. Her recent remarks concerning *Rideshare* imply that the choice to incorporate AI into the writing process came from Saber Interactive, the publisher, rather than UNIGINE, the developer behind the game.

In reply to Sacco’s allegations, Saber Interactive provided a rebuttal to *PC Gamer*, asserting, “Neither Saber nor Unigine have replaced any writers with AI for *Rideshare* or any other title.” They further maintained that the narrative was solely developed by human writers, yet acknowledged the usage of generative AI to create dialogue for the game’s extensive roster of NPC passengers. Saber clarified that the demand for accommodating an “infinite” array of passengers influenced this decision, illustrating a clear position on using AI to enhance gameplay experiences and NPC interactions.

Nevertheless, the inconsistency in Saber’s response has drawn attention. In light of their statement, Sacco commented that although Saber claimed the narrative was crafted by humans, they simultaneously recognized the application of AI-generated text and voices. This has resulted in confusion and distrust regarding the level of AI’s involvement in the game’s development process.

The ramifications of this controversy underscore a continuing discussion within the gaming industry about AI’s role in creative domains. As technology progresses, striking a balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining the artistry of narrative writing remains a significant challenge. The dialogue surrounding *Rideshare Stimulator* exemplifies how such technologies can influence not just the end product but also the professionals who create the narratives we interact with in games.

As the industry observes this situation develop, it raises essential questions about the future of game writing, the moral implications of AI usage, and the significance of human creativity in a progressively automated landscape.

The secret of the floating bear is revealed: Helldivers 2 is gearing up for an assault on the Void, that icky hellmouth gobbling up a chunk of Illuminate-controlled space. The co-op shooter’s big new update, Devoid of Liberty, sees the intergalactic nasties throwing out two new mutant enemies to fight on the field, while your bosses on Super Earth deploy better equipped, better trained, generally less all-round useless infantry troops to help you out.

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Which Fighting Style is worth the Yen?

The post Which Rintama High Fighting Styles Should You Choose? appeared first on Gamezebo.

“That game with the massive dead body was created using generative AI!” roared the masses. “Oh shucks,” said I, “Don’t worry, I’ll soon find another massive dead body game to write about.” Reader, never let it be said that I am not as good as my word. In All Haul The King, players team up to drag the huge, elastic carcass of a goblin sovereign from one end of the world to the other. Your goal is to get him onto the Throne of Resurrection. This might go easier if you transform him into an anvil. Anvils don’t wobble around quite so much, after all. Here is a trailer.

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