Gait Games

### The Transformation of Relationships in *The Walking Dead: Dead City*

Since its beginning, *The Walking Dead* has engaged viewers with its gripping narratives, multifaceted characters, and the moral challenges that emerge in a post-apocalyptic setting. Initially a flagship series for AMC, its impact reached far beyond television into larger pop culture. However, as audiences like many have faced declines in their engagement with the show, significant moments still struck a chord, particularly the savage death of Glenn Rhee at Negan’s hands. With the conclusion of the original series, many enthusiasts did not foresee the progression of relationships within its realm, especially the bond between Maggie and Negan in the spin-off *Dead City*.

#### An Exceptional Dynamic

*The Walking Dead: Dead City* presents the concept of former adversaries, Negan and Maggie, as they navigate survival in a reimagined New York City. The series makes the most of ongoing themes of trauma, atonement, and the intricate nature of human connections. While Maggie contends with the trauma of her husband’s demise due to Negan’s actions, the narrative illustrates how time and shared experiences can shift perceptions and relationships. Maggie’s path highlights her survival drive and the imperative for cooperation in a perilous world, even if it requires collaborating with someone she previously regarded as a monster.

#### The Shift in Narratives

Recent promotional material for the third season of *Dead City* has ignited discussions among fans, particularly through a clip showcasing Negan and Maggie sharing a close and seemingly carefree moment over drinks. Although these playful exchanges may indicate a transformation in their relationship, they provoke mixed responses from viewers, notably those who remember the trauma that marked their initial encounters.

Critics and fans are wrestling with the feasibility of Maggie and Negan developing a stronger bond after years of hostility. When does emotional healing take place? Can these two characters genuinely find comfort in each other following such devastation? The narrative is indeed intricate, as it urges audiences to rethink the potential for forgiveness and companionship in a brutal environment.

#### Fan Reactions and Cultural Relevance

The response to the evolving relationship dynamics has been apparent within the fandom, reflecting a broader conversation about storytelling in long-running series. Numerous fans express perplexity and dissatisfaction regarding the characters’ trajectory, particularly those who may have disengaged from the series after Glenn’s death. Commentary on social media showcases a blend of humor, surprise, and nostalgia as viewers reflect on the characters’ journeys and how much further they might still progress.

Noteworthy is the concern about the absurdity of the shifting dynamics; some fans believe it could diminish the established narrative significance of Glenn’s death, transforming what began as a tale of grief into something resembling “fanfiction.” On the other hand, there is an acknowledgment that character evolution in the realm of *The Walking Dead* often involves transformation, requiring the investigation of unconventional relationships.

#### Looking Ahead

As the launch of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*’s third season draws near, viewers are both eager and curious to see how the writers manage the intricate interactions between Negan and Maggie. With the premiere set for July 26, the unfolding story will likely reignite discussions about loss, redemption, and the essence of survival in a world where past grievances can sometimes yield unexpected alliances.

In summary, the transformation of Maggie and Negan’s relationship stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of *The Walking Dead* universe, posing challenging queries regarding loyalty and forgiveness. As fans prepare for potential developments in their dynamic, the series keeps pushing the boundaries of perceptions surrounding morality and humanity amid turmoil.

**The Transformation in Gamer Attitudes: Call of Duty and the Debate Over Sony’s Digital Horizon**

The active discussion regarding physical versus digital gaming has experienced a notable shift with the latest announcement that *Call of Duty: Black Ops* and *Call of Duty: Black Ops II* are now accessible on the PlayStation 4 and 5. This decision by Sony has appeared to alter the conversation, breaking the cycle of unfavorable reactions the company encountered following its contentious reveal to eliminate physical game discs by 2028.

Sony’s pronouncement, which received significant criticism from the gaming community, intended to connect with a progressively digital-focused market. Nonetheless, the official announcement for the *Black Ops* ports on July 10 garnered an unexpectedly positive reaction, achieving 34,000 likes and merely 9,000 comments—an outlier given Sony’s recent trend of ratio’d tweets (where negative feedback greatly surpasses positive interactions). This marked a point where players seemed to briefly reconcile their discontent regarding Sony’s digital approach due to the nostalgic charm of the *Call of Duty* series.

The warm welcome of the *Black Ops* ports has incited inquiries about the robustness of the boycott led by those dissatisfied with Sony’s shift away from physical media. Doubters have started to speculate whether the strong demand for “no disc, no buy” is waning. Remarks from notable users on social media underscored this inconsistency, with one user humorously pointing out fans’ readiness to buy older titles devoid of major updates for $40 each, in addition to extra charges for downloadable content (DLC).

In spite of the enthusiasm surrounding the announcement, the ports themselves are not remastered editions; they offer minimal enhancements from their PS3 counterparts, which raises questions about the perceived worth of such products. The extra stipulation for players to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for online play complicates matters and contradicts the beliefs held by ardent advocates of physical media.

While some gamers rushed to the new releases, others continued to be vocal in their critiques. Not all voices in the community have yielded to the excitement. Social media was filled with posts from players pledging to leave the PlayStation ecosystem entirely, opting instead for alternatives like the Nintendo Switch or PC, and sharing photos of their canceled PlayStation Plus memberships.

Dr. Serkan Toto, a prominent analyst, highlighted that Sony is unlikely to reverse its stance on physical media. He noted that even a widespread cancellation of subscriptions would represent a minuscule segment of Sony’s active user base, suggesting that the shift to digital is now a firmly established path for the company. The durability of digital sales in comparison to physical media, despite outspoken dissent, indicates that many gamers are prepared to engage with digital products when thematically engaging content is presented, such as the *Call of Duty* series.

The rise of conspiracy theories surrounding analysts who share viewpoints different from dominant narratives reflects the charged environment in gaming discussions. The demand for a definitive moral standpoint in gaming often conflicts with real consumer behavior, revealing a fundamental conflict in the community.

In summary, the immediate repercussions of the *Black Ops* ports act as a gauge of current player feelings regarding digital transitions in gaming. While Sony’s actions may seem to reinforce its dedication to digital sales, the debate over physical versus digital media continues to simmer, exposing the intricacies of consumer loyalty and nostalgia within the gaming realm. As the industry advances, the ongoing discussions are likely to influence future developments, with the nuanced views of gamers becoming increasingly essential in guiding the conversation ahead.

**Letterboxd: The Possible Change in Ownership and Its Consequences for Film Discussion**

Letterboxd stands as a key platform for movie lovers, allowing users to monitor, critique, and celebrate their passion for films. Lately, reports have surfaced indicating that Tiny, the Canadian holding entity behind Letterboxd, is considering potential sale options, targeting major entertainment giants like Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Paramount Skydance.

As per a report by *Puck*, talks have occurred concerning a sale to these industry giants, stirring worries about the platform’s future. While Versant, the owner of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, has also shown interest, the possibility of Letterboxd being acquired by large entertainment firms raises questions. The inherent conflicts of interest that can emerge when media companies control platforms for audience interaction may lead to biased content moderation and impact on what users can convey about films.

The concern extends beyond ownership issues to the concept of “enshittification,” where distinctive online environments degrade into commercialized entities prioritizing engagement-driven content. This apprehension is especially evident regarding Netflix’s assertive growth tactics, which include branching out into podcasts and short-form video offerings. These strategies seem targeted at enhancing viewer retention in the face of increasing subscription fees, potentially changing the fundamental nature of what Letterboxd currently embodies.

The incorporation of a movie blogging tool directly into the Netflix application might lead to significant repercussions. While it could draw users wanting to interact with film content, it risks reducing a cherished community to just another element of a subscription service. This could undermine the spontaneous, user-generated conversations that have thrived on Letterboxd, as algorithm-based recommendations and content curations eclipse personal reviews and discussions.

As talks progress, the future of Letterboxd remains uncertain, with its potential takeover presenting either a chance to reach wider audiences or a danger to its primary aim of nurturing authentic film appreciation. The film community observes with intent, understanding that any shift in ownership could redefine one of the last strongholds for sincere cinematic dialogue.

### Valve’s $1,000 Steam Machine: A Comprehensive Performance Evaluation

Valve’s highly awaited Steam Machine, retailing at $1,000, has been garnering interest from gamers since it hit the market. In the last two weeks, I have extensively evaluated the device, testing a range of games from my collection and assessing its performance across various situations. This detailed review is intended to shed light on how the Steam Machine performs as a gaming console with minimal adjustments.

#### Initial Setup Encounter

Upon acquiring a 2TB Steam Machine, I promptly set it up, retaining the default settings to see how it manages games straight from the box. The device operates games at 1080p, which are then upscaled to 4K on my television. I ensured that the majority of titles were played at their standard settings, without significant modifications, reflecting the experience of an average console user who connects, downloads games, and plays effortlessly.

My game selection encompassed indie releases as well as AAA games, both recent and classic, across various genres. This eclectic assortment allowed for a well-rounded examination of the Steam Machine’s strengths.

#### Game Performance Summary

Here’s an overview of how different games performed:

– **Cyberpunk 2077**: Solid performance with 60 FPS and light ray tracing on standard settings. Stability decreased at greater resolutions.

– **Mouse: P.I. for Hire**: Needed minor adjustment (stick sensitivity), running smoothly at 60 FPS.

– **Left 4 Dead 2**: A classic that runs flawlessly on the Steam Machine, demonstrating its capability with less demanding games.

– **Borderlands 4**: Initial experience was lackluster, but adjusting settings significantly enhanced visuals.

– **Hades 2**: This title excelled, providing a fantastic experience with standard settings.

– **Silent Hill 2**: Displayed poor visuals; not advisable for this system.

– **Doom: The Dark Ages**: Strong performance, though slightly unclear on standard settings, could improve with tweaks.

– **Megabonk**: Functioned perfectly, delivering an enjoyable gaming experience.

– **Spider-Man 2**: Basic performance was adequate; upscaling to 1440p helped, but still did not match PS5 quality.

– **Windrose**: Struggled at standard settings; significant adjustments were needed which affected clarity.

– **Overwatch**: Impressive performance, with visuals enhanced while keeping solid gameplay.

– **Grand Theft Auto V**: Initial setup was complex due to launcher requirements, but decent performance followed configuration.

– **Gears of War Reloaded**: Blurry graphics at base settings; tweaks provided clearer visuals without losing performance.

– **Fallout 4**: Smooth performance, though exploring busier regions may affect frame rates.

– **Control Ultimate Edition**: Performance was unstable at 4K; adjustments were necessary for consistency.

– **Arc Raiders**: Playable right out of the box, but visuals lacked clarity compared to other systems.

– **Elden Ring**: Performed well from the onset; adjusting graphic settings further improved the experience.

– **Vampire Crawlers**: Executed perfectly in 2D, appearing sharp on larger screens.

– **Resident Evil 4 Remake**: Performance was sufficient; visuals had minor issues but were still playable.

– **Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart**: Default settings resulted in poor performance; adjustments allowed for better stability.

– **Helldivers 2**: Excellent performance; visuals held their own against competing platforms.

– **Resident Evil Requiem**: Attractive graphics with good performance, though less impressive than on rival consoles.

– **The Last of Us Part II Remastered**: Smooth experience with stunning visuals; among the standout performances on the Steam Machine.

– **Peak**: Outstanding co-op experience with no need for adjustments, making it ideal for local multiplayer.

– **Warhammer 40K: Darktide**: Initial performance was lacking; however, tweaks helped stabilize frame rates.

– **Halo: Master Chief Collection**: Did not run properly due to launch issues requiring Xbox account access.

– **Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip**: Worked flawlessly; a charming indie experience fitting for the Steam Machine.

– **Rage**: Despite concerns, it performed well albeit with some setup issues related to controller compatibility.

#### Conclusion

The results of testing the Valve Steam Machine reveal that while it is a distinctive piece of gaming hardware with significant potential, its current price tag is too high for broader recommendations. The device is suited for dedicated gamers seeking a compact method to display their Steam library on a larger screen. However, for casual gamers or those mainly interested in new releases—especially with major titles like **Grand Theft Auto 6** on the horizon—there are more economical options available.

For players with an extensive collection of Steam games, particularly older titles

## 11th July

Greetings and welcome back to our ongoing segment where we share insights about the games we’re currently immersed in. This time around, everyone’s feeling the heat once more. Glad you noticed, Bertie. Kelsey is diving into embroidery, drawing artistic inspiration from [Silksong](https://www.eurogamer.net/games/hollow-knight-silksong); Bertie’s raving about the time mechanics in The Blood of Dawnwalker; Marie has developed an infatuation with Death; and Matt believes he’s uncovered a clever instance of breaking the fourth wall in a game.

What have you been gaming on this week?

Here’s another thought: do you recall what you played last week? No need to worry! [The What We’ve Been Playing archive](https://www.eurogamer.net/topics/what-weve-been-playing) has got you sorted.

### Silksong… arts and crafts?, An Embroidery Hoop

Aside from a bit of time spent exploring the Caribbean in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced for work this week, it’s been way too warm in my home to even think about gaming. That said, I also can’t just sit around and turn into a puddle on my sofa, so I’ve returned to an old hobby: embroidery.

I refer to it as an old hobby because I haven’t picked up my needle and threads in months, but inspiration has recently struck in the form of a simple Hornet-themed project featuring the beloved weaver on her own needle. Crafting her with thread felt incredibly fitting, and it’s led me to realize that [Hollow Knight](https://www.eurogamer.net/games/hollow-knight) and Silksong’s 2D characters are ideal for embroidery. The chunky colors, the striking outlines, the straightforward yet captivating designs. I’ve now shifted focus to a Trobbio-inspired project, but I also have plans for a much grander Soul Master endeavor soon. Perhaps Bertie will allow me to share some images in a few weeks…

*–Kelsey*

### The Blood of Dawnwalker, PC

The Blood of Dawnwalker.[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKOVwBBGBds)

Indeed, Bertie certainly will, Kelsey. Motion approved.

I dedicated four hours to The Blood of Dawnwalker recently – a title that Dom has spoiled for me by pointing out it resembles a person’s name: Dawn Walker. I can’t unhear it. The Blood of Dawn Walker. It sounds grim, yet also vaguely like a BBC detective series?

Regardless, I was taken with the game. I’m especially excited about the feature that seems to leave everyone a bit puzzled: the game’s management of time. Dawnwalker has a time limit, sort of, though that’s not the most helpful lens. It’s better to view it as time being intentional here; it doesn’t merely trickle away like grains of sand in an hourglass. To advance time in a manner that counts against the limit, you have to deliberately select an option in a quest that does so – an option marked with a time symbol, indicating this will happen. Nearly every quest features such options; the overall effect is that you won’t manage to complete all quests, although you can tackle about 80 percent of them in one session, according to the developer, so there’s plenty to do.

The aim is for you to make choices while time acts as a significant factor in the adventure, which, in numerous other role-playing games, it isn’t. In most, you have unlimited time to tackle minor tasks while the major ones linger. I much prefer how Dawnwalker approaches it – it tackles a fundamental flaw in RPGs.

*–Bertie*

### Moonlight Peaks, Switch 2

Peak romance.[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPTBY7wPGzA)

Death’s on holiday and I’m about to seriously woo him. Well, in theory, that is. Romance is merely a slice of what you can engage in within Moonlight Peaks, and Death is among the many characters you can charm. There’s also Llemi the love demon, which is quite the title, but something about Death being a laid-back guy on vacation caught my attention. One moment that genuinely amused me occurred during the first heart event with him, where he humorously notes that the drinks are going straight through him since he’s a skeleton, and he’s creating a puddle on the ground beneath him. “I’m a good tipper, so this should be fine,” he casually remarks – it really made me laugh.

This game possesses something enchanting. Sure, it includes a lot of literal magic, but there’s something about how I keep playing without becoming bored. I play a great deal of farming and life simulations, often drifting away from them shortly after starting, but I’m captivated by Moonlight Peaks. From being

Another horrendously hot Saturday, another wedding to go to. I am all in favour of love, but could we please reschedule it to a cooler day in the year? Mercifully this one’s a London wedding and it can be reached and returned from on the tube. Though travelling on a hot carriage and not arriving looking like a boiled saveloy pressed into a too-small suit will be a challenge.

Read more

### The Adventures of Elliot: Game Update Responds to Player Feedback on Faie the Fairy

**Introduction**
Within the gaming world, player feedback plays a crucial role in shaping a title’s development and its post-launch progression. A recent update for *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales* showcases this interplay, as it brings forth a highly sought-after feature: the ability to silence Faie, the fairy companion of the game. This long-awaited enhancement seeks to improve players’ experiences based on their comments regarding Faie’s incessant dialogue.

**The Issue with Faie**
Upon its launch, *The Adventures of Elliot* encountered criticism, especially concerning Faie’s loquaciousness. Throughout the gameplay, Faie provides continuous commentary, often delivered in a high-pitched tone that many players found disruptive. Critics, including one from Kotaku, remarked that her dialogue was excessively frequent and, at times, irritating. This perspective was reiterated in numerous reviewer and user evaluations, pinpointing Faie’s chatter as a significant detractor from the gaming experience.

**Developer Response**
Acknowledging player concerns, Square Enix acted promptly with an update just three weeks after the game’s launch. This patch introduced the option to “turn off support character voice,” a solution enabling players to effectively mute Faie’s excited remarks. The decision arose from a fan feedback survey conducted following the game’s demo, which unveiled players’ frustrations regarding the fairy’s verbosity. Before this update, the developers had made attempts to ease the problem by allowing players to set “Partner Chattiness” to “Reticent,” although reviews highlighted this adjustment as inadequate.

**Balancing Chatty Companions and Gameplay**
Producer Naofumi Matsushita recognized the team’s fondness for Faie developed throughout the game’s development, suggesting that this familiarity might have influenced their perception of her dialogue frequency. While some players enjoy Faie’s commentary—appreciating her insights on dungeons, treasure spots, and reflections on gameplay moments—others feel her dialogue lacks moderation. Her exaggerated battle cries and repetitive prompts have faced critique, indicating a demand for a more balanced interaction with the character.

**Community Reception of the Update**
The implementation of the voice-off feature marks a notable shift towards accommodating varying player preferences. In the gaming community, the saying “more options are better” often resonates. This update enables players who prefer a quieter gaming experience to enjoy *The Adventures of Elliot* without the continuous vocal interjections from Faie.

**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the recent update to *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales* demonstrates a responsive development strategy that heeds and acts upon player feedback. By providing players the capability to mute Faie, Square Enix is enhancing gameplay while also promoting a more tailored experience, catering to those seeking peace during their adventures. As developers continue to modify their games based on community feedback, the balance of character interaction remains a vital aspect in crafting immersive and enjoyable gaming experiences.

As Microsoft goes through a tough week characterized by severe layoffs, studio sell-offs, and surprising new hires, an unexpected bright spot emerges from the gaming scene. Activision has launched updated versions of the legendary Call of Duty games, Black Ops and Black Ops 2. For fans, these nearly finalized updates present a nostalgic experience with improvements such as enhanced 1080p visuals. Yet, they remain exclusive to the PlayStation platform, disappointing PC players.

Available for $40 each, these remastered versions are notably limited and lack several features. Black Ops 1 has removed its wager matches, suggesting some level of alteration by developer Iron Galaxy. Moreover, modern gaming features like FOV sliders or higher refresh rates are missing, branding these as basic ports.

Among the refreshed options, the emblem editor is attracting considerable attention. This feature, both loved and debated, allows players to recreate famed artwork alongside provocative and occasionally unsuitable images. While the tool’s ability for self-expression is clear, it also brings to light the persistent issue of content moderation within the Call of Duty community. Despite the artistic liberty it grants, the demand for a toggle to disable custom emblems stands out, a functionality that has been ignored since its launch in 2010.

As Activision revisits these beloved titles, the mixture of nostalgia and controversy highlights the intricacies of contemporary gaming re-releases.

Even though there are still a bit more than two months remaining until Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17th, a significant amount of information about the game is already available. Alongside the primary characters and the ambitions and struggles that bring them together, there’s also a rich detail regarding the setting, its connections to other Fire Emblem titles, and some insights into character classes and capabilities. 

Fortune’s Weave Takes Place In The Same World As Three Houses

A perceptive Fire Emblem enthusiast would have likely noticed that Fortune’s Weave is set in the same universe as Fire Emblem: Three Houses when the Dagosian Games are first mentioned — the competition the four central characters aim to win. This title suggests that the tournament occurs in Dagda, a region mentioned but not explored in Three Houses, which is associated with the mercenary Shamir. 

Other characters from Fortune’s Weave hinted at by official Fire Emblem social media platforms make direct references to Fódlan—where Three Houses is set—further solidifying the connection. However, the clearest sign is the presence of the goddess Sothis, who served as somewhat of a guardian to Three Houses protagonist Byleth and is likely to play a similar part in Fortune’s Weave.

Sothis’s existence raises intriguing questions about the timeline of Fortune’s Weave in relation to Three Houses. In Three Houses, she is portrayed as a young girl, but in Fortune’s Weave, it appears she has matured into a young woman, implying that the latter title could potentially be a sequel set in a distant future.

Who Are The Characters In Fortune’s Weave?

Fortune’s Weave features four main characters, each possessing their own aspirations and allies. As players advance through the game, they will choose one of the four to support as they contend in the tournament, hoping to realize their wish. Furthermore, each of the main four has a companion who accompanies them in their struggle. Here are the characters we’re aware of so far.

Kai and Tiara

Kai hails from Ribiera Village. He participates in the Heroic Games to free his imprisoned father. Kai is a mounted unit wielding a spear and riding a “flying camel” (which resembles a dinosaur ostrich) that can leap over obstacles, enabling him to confront more challenging enemy units. 

Kai is joined in the Heroic Games by his childhood companion Tiara. A reserved yet sharp-witted girl, Tiara is

**Sony’s Transition to Fully Digital Gaming and the EU’s Position on Consumer Rights**

Sony Interactive Entertainment has recently revealed a major change in its business strategy, announcing plans to stop the production of physical Blu-ray discs for new PlayStation games beginning in 2028. This choice signifies a crucial shift as the company advances towards a fully digital future for its gaming platform. While physical editions of PlayStation games will still be obtainable in the market for a period, this announcement has sparked concerns and debates among gaming fans and consumers about the consequences of such a decision.

In response to Sony’s announcement, some fans expressed hope that the European Union (EU) might step in to contest the company’s decision, much like it has previously imposed regulations on other significant corporations, including Apple. Nevertheless, an EU commissioner has suggested that there is minimal room for intervention in this instance. Michael McGrath, the EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, remarked that companies have considerable freedom to present their products as they choose, as long as they adhere to existing laws regarding consumer rights.

At a recent press briefing in Strasbourg, McGrath elaborated on the EU’s perspective regarding this matter. He pointed out that the core issue revolves around “commercial and contractual freedoms,” stressing that while companies can modify their offerings, it is essential they comply with the consumer rights safeguards established by both national and EU legislation. This indicates that unless Sony’s actions violate these legal protections, there might not be a statutory foundation for the EU to obstruct the transition to fully digital gaming.

Furthermore, McGrath tackled the increasing worries related to the “Stop Killing Games” campaign, which pushes for protections concerning video game preservation and server upkeep after launch. The EU Commission previously asserted that it lacks the power to require game publishers to sustain online services or offer alternative means to access games once their servers are deactivated. Rather, the Commission intends to work with industry participants to create a voluntary code of conduct aimed at enhancing video game preservation practices.

As things stand, Sony’s shift towards a completely digital gaming environment seems to be proceeding as planned, and the future of physical game distribution looks increasingly precarious. This shift corresponds with wider trends in the gaming sector, which has been steadily moving towards digital downloads and streaming services. However, it raises questions about the long-term effects on consumer rights, game preservation, and the overall gaming experience for players who may favor physical editions over digital forms.

In summary, while the idea of EU intervention to stop Sony’s shift to an all-digital platform may have initially appeared plausible, the truth is that companies like Sony are operating within their rights to adapt their business models. As the gaming industry landscape continues to evolve, the conversation surrounding consumer protection and the safeguarding of video game history remains critical for all stakeholders involved.