Gait Games

Ho, doughty Ascenders and Door defeaters! There’s a new beta patch out for roguelite deckbuilder Slay the Spire 2, following last week’s thunderous rolling of various beta updates into the game’s main release branch. This round of rebalancing takes specific aim at the game’s “baseline” difficulty, while trying to ensure that repeat runs on the very highest Ascension settings are something only a “fraction” of players can manage.

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**A New Era for Xbox with Asha Sharma: Revealing the Future of Gaming**

Two months into her role as the CEO of Xbox, Asha Sharma has put forth an ambitious plan designed to rejuvenate Microsoft’s gaming platform following Phil Spencer’s exit. Sharma unveiled her vision during a recent interview, where she discussed new console features, pricing strategies, and the potential reassessment of Microsoft’s stance on exclusive games.

### A Data-Informed Method to Decision Making

Sharma highlighted the significance of a data-informed and strategic approach in the decision-making process. “We’ll take a data-informed methodology and a strategic-driven perspective, and then we’ll review our principles and make some decisions,” she mentioned, suggesting that the gaming environment demands careful analysis and well-informed choices. This perspective demonstrates a dedication to decisions that weigh long-term effects rather than hastily reaching conclusions.

When addressing the future of exclusive games, Sharma recognized that these are “long-term decisions that carry decade-long ramifications.” A notable example is the recent communication from Halo Studios about the franchise’s availability on PlayStation platforms. Microsoft’s reaction to inquiries regarding this transition remained centered on Sharma’s internal memo, showcasing a careful yet open stance on exclusivity.

### Initiatives for Affordable Gaming

Affordability emerged as a prominent theme in Sharma’s strategy. In response to questions about the pricing of both hardware and services, including Game Pass—which recently experienced its initial price reduction—Sharma indicated that historically, Xbox’s pricing has not been very flexible. “I believe that, in the past, our pricing hasn’t been as adaptable, and I see that as an area we want to improve,” she stated, pointing towards a move towards more accessible pricing models.

Sharma emphasized the need to balance performance and playability with innovation in affordability. “I want to ensure that individuals around the globe can enjoy gaming,” she asserted, indicating a potential commitment to developing hardware and services that address varying economic circumstances.

### Promoting Quality in Game Creation

Joining Sharma in the discussion was Matt Booty, Xbox’s Chief Content Officer, who hinted at the extensive pipeline for first-party game development. He underscored the necessity of establishing a “consistent rhythm” and a “comprehensive roadmap” aimed at improving the quality of titles released under the Xbox label. Booty’s remarks suggest a commitment to creating conditions conducive to producing award-winning games, a target that Microsoft has yet to reach despite its substantial investments in gaming acquisitions, amounting to nearly $80 billion.

### Looking Forward

As Asha Sharma begins this transformative phase for Xbox, the gaming community is keen to observe how her initiatives progress. Her emphasis on a data-informed decision-making approach, dedication to affordability, and quest for quality game development represent a hopeful outline for the future of Xbox. While specific timelines for announcements remain undisclosed, Sharma’s strategic vision signifies a crucial move towards revitalizing the gaming platform and meeting the evolving demands of gamers globally.

coalescent || tidal rapture (yes, that’s the official Steam page punctuation) is a game about evolution and heartbreak and glorious, glorious wormsex. It’s the story of a society of merpeople who’ve just discovered the practice of casual relationships, and are enthusiastically embracing what I’d guess you’d class as a very squelchy form of Shibari.

The recently dumped protagonist is on “a journey of self-discovery and self-denial as they experiment with intimacy, experience physical bodily changes, and try to decide whether or not they want to move to the surface”. What kind of body physics are we talking, here? Well, let me try to, er, unravel the intricacies.

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### Investigating the Dynamics of Saros: Housemarque’s Philosophical Successor to Returnal

*Returnal*, crafted by Housemarque, represented the studio’s ambitious venture into the roguelike shooter domain. Celebrated for its demanding gameplay, the game also encountered backlash due to its harsh difficulty, prompting some players to quit in frustration. Learning from this experience, Housemarque’s forthcoming title, *Saros*, strives to deliver a more adaptable gameplay experience, incorporating modifiers that enable players to tailor their difficulty level.

#### Tailored Difficulty: The Carcosan Modifiers

A notable advancement in *Saros* is the rollout of the Carcosan Modifiers. Players will unlock these modifiers after a few hours in the game, and they can be utilized for each run starting from the safehouse. These modifiers feature an array of perks, referred to as “Protections,” along with adjustments known as “Trials.” For instance, players have the option to amplify their damage output or deactivate the Second Chance perk, which grants a revive with partial health upon demise.

Every modifier is assigned a distinct positive or negative point value. As players interact with these features, they can manage a balance that must not fall below negative three; failing to uphold this balance results in an inability to navigate the perilous realm of Carcosa. This system motivates players to strategize their runs, considering the advantages of various modifiers against their potential drawbacks.

#### A Return to Difficulty: Voluntary Trials

For those who thrive on significant challenges, *Saros* provides the option to activate multiple Trials without limitations. This capability allows players to elevate the game’s difficulty as they see fit. Numerous players have found that by selecting the ideal combination of modifiers, they can forge a more user-friendly third-person shooter experience, considerably minimizing the danger of enemy assaults while their characters inflict substantial damage.

While *Saros* does not incorporate a conventional Easy Mode, it allows players to design their own less demanding experience if they are inclined to make challenging decisions concerning modifiers. This strategy caters to a broader audience, granting casual gamers the opportunity to engage with the game’s mechanics at their own pace while still resonating with roguelike enthusiasts in search of intense gameplay.

#### Conclusion: Embracing Your Truth in Saros

In the end, *Saros* encourages players to explore their individual gaming tastes. The optional character of modifiers inspires players to balance their personal enjoyment with the fundamental challenges of the roguelike genre. While some may voice dissatisfaction at the idea of a more customizable difficulty setting, the adaptability offered by the Carcosan Modifiers ensures that everyone can engage with *Saros* in a manner that matches their gaming style. Whether aiming to conquer the challenges or alleviate the difficulty, Housemarque’s latest creation opens avenues for a spectrum of players to discover their niche within the exhilarating world of Carcosa.

Microsoft are reportedly offering early voluntary retirement to around 7% of their US-based employees in yet another effort to ‘right-size’ their trillion dollar business.

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### Deletions from Nagoshi Studio’s YouTube Channel: What Transpired?

Yesterday, enthusiasts of the **Yakuza** franchise were taken aback by news that Nagoshi Studio’s YouTube channel had disappeared. Established by series co-creator Toshihiro Nagoshi after parting ways with Ryu Ga Gotoku, the studio was in the limelight due to worries over potential funding withdrawal by parent company NetEase.

#### Initial Alarm Among Fans

The alarm among fans intensified when Reddit users reported that both the Nagoshi Studio YouTube channel and the trailer for their forthcoming game, **Gang of Dragon**, were absent. This apprehension gained momentum over the course of the day, prompting many to speculate about the studio’s future and sustainability.

#### Clarifying the Facts

Nevertheless, the circumstances were not as grave as they first seemed. While access to the channel was temporarily blocked, the **Gang of Dragon** trailer was still available on YouTube. The official trailer could still be found from The Game Awards 2025, where it was initially revealed. Importantly, Nagoshi Studio never uploaded the trailer to their channel, meaning it could not have been “deleted” in the traditional sense since it was never present there.

Moreover, the Nagoshi Studio YouTube channel had minimal activity, with only a few hundred subscribers and featuring just one unlisted video—a music video released on Twitter and the studio’s website in November 2024. This scarcity of content implied that the account might have been casually deactivated rather than indicating a catastrophic failure for the studio.

#### Channel Reappearance

In a surprising twist, the YouTube channel resurfaced just as mysteriously as it disappeared. Although no new content was displayed, the original music video is still available through a direct link. This swift restoration sparked inquiries into what had caused the channel to vanish, with possibilities including an accidental deletion or a mistaken ban.

#### Background of Financial Pressure

The panic was heightened by the ongoing turbulence surrounding Nagoshi Studio. Earlier reports indicated that NetEase was retracting its investments in several gaming projects, and Nagoshi Studio has been pursuing additional funding to finalize the development of **Gang of Dragon**. Bloomberg stated that NetEase might not be offering further financial backing, forcing the studio to seek external investment. This unstable backdrop made the temporary absence of their YouTube channel particularly concerning.

#### In Summary

Currently, the status of **Gang of Dragon** is uncertain but not immediately alarming. Fans remain hopeful that the studio will secure the necessary backing to finish the game, ensuring the legacy of the **Yakuza** series endures. While the brief disappearance and later restoration of the YouTube channel raised concerns, it may be hasty to jump to negative conclusions about Nagoshi Studio’s future.

What to expect from each entity.

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Lofsöng is an ash-blown, top-down exploration game set on an Earth ravaged by nuclear winter, whose Brutalist structures form a sleeping, sunken language, revealed by sound. You are a “childlike figure” – notice the qualification – accompanied by a magic origami sculpture that refolds into such unlockable forms as gliders and sailboats, allowing you to zip ever more gracefully among the post-apocalyptic monoliths.

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### An In-Depth Look at *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced*: What to Anticipate

Ubisoft’s eagerly awaited remake, *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced*, has generated excitement and curiosity within the gaming community. Following a recent showcase of gameplay, fans are eager to dive into new insights, particularly regarding combat mechanics, visual effects, and gameplay improvements.

#### The Blood Debate

A striking element from the gameplay footage was the absence of blood in combat sequences. Fans raised concerns over this decision, especially considering the game’s historical backdrop and the brutal nature of the assassinations carried out by the protagonist, Edward Kenway. In response to the backlash, Justin Ng, the game’s producer at Ubisoft Singapore, reassured fans on April 24 that “there WILL be blood in the final game, and it will not be a paid DLC.” This level of openness aimed to alleviate worries that Ubisoft might implement microtransactions for key gameplay features.

Ng also recognized player input concerning visuals and audio during battles, mentioning that certain elements, including VFX and sound cues, will be modified prior to the game’s launch on July 9. This kind of interaction with the community indicates Ubisoft’s commitment to enhancing the game based on player feedback.

#### Varied Reactions to Combat Audio

In addition to visual effects, feedback also focused on the newly added parry sounds and animations during encounters. Some players characterized the audio effects as overstated, with comments like, “The parry sounds like a nuclear explosion,” gaining momentum on platforms such as Reddit. Additional suggestions included the necessity for a toggle option on HUD elements to lessen distractions caused by bright and flamboyant parry visuals.

#### The Significance of Community Input

Ubisoft’s approach of presenting *Resynced* months prior to its launch seems to be a deliberate effort to collect community feedback. By unveiling the game early, the development team can implement crucial changes, reflecting the current trend of iterative design in gaming. Players can anticipate continuous updates and patches after launch, as Ubisoft seeks to enhance the game even further beyond its initial release.

#### Postponements for Refinement

Initially scheduled for an earlier debut, *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* faced delays as Ubisoft steadily prioritized additional polishing time across their entire game lineup. This choice signifies a larger commitment to quality and player contentment, which is essential in today’s competitive gaming environment.

As excitement grows for *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced*, an ongoing dialogue between developers and the gaming community promises a refined product that respects the legacy of the cherished original while meeting modern player expectations. With the promise of essential features like blood in combat and responsive adjustments to fan input, the remake is positioned to engage both new players and returning fans alike.

Gyro Zepelli doesn’t want to talk to people over 40 years old.

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