Gait Games

Much of the time, using social media is like fondling a wasp’s nest, but sometimes, sometimes, social media is Nice. For example, Firaxis narrative director Cat Manning recently started a Bluesky thread “of small practical pieces of advice developers just starting out or unfamiliar with a genre might not know”. The replies and quote-posts include thoughts from people with credits on fairly big games.

Inevitably, they run the gamut of approachability. At one end of the spectrum, you have Apex Legends engineer Jay Stevens jauntily observing that “a navmesh is a very handy thing to have, even in a multiplayer game without NPCs”, which I maybe half-understand, and sounds like it could be the opening to a Broadway song of some kind. More digestibly, you have former Marvel’s Avengers and current Legacy of Orsinium developer Keano Raubun commenting that the “biggest bang for buck in (open world RPG) game writing will always be NPCs having funny ambient conversations amongst themselves”.

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OpenAI’s video application Sora debuted in September to considerable excitement, drawing in users who promptly started to circulate generative videos featuring beloved franchises, including **Dragon Ball Z** and **SpongeBob**. However, the application is now on the verge of closure due to substantial financial deficits and a steep drop in active users, as detailed by the Wall Street Journal.

Sora initially reached a high of 1 million daily users, but that figure has since dwindled to below 500,000. The platform’s operating expenses have been remarkably high, with reports suggesting losses near $1 million daily. This unviable financial strategy has ultimately resulted in its downfall.

The AI video-sharing platform was designed as a means for OpenAI to connect with a doubtful public by demonstrating the entertaining possibilities of generative content. In a daring gesture, Disney allocated $1 billion towards the initiative, seeing Sora’s AI-crafted videos as part of a future offering on Disney+. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger showcased excitement for incorporating Sora’s features into Disney+, potentially leading to groundbreaking tools that could aid in developing new projects.

Nonetheless, the announcement of the shutdown came as a surprise to Disney executives, who allegedly discovered OpenAI’s decision just an hour before it was made public. This unforeseen development leaves Disney seeking new AI collaborations, while OpenAI redirects its attention towards robotics for upcoming endeavors.

The termination of Sora highlights the difficulties that technology firms encounter in striking a balance between innovation and sustainability, especially in the continually changing arena of AI and user interaction.

When James and I published our impressions of anime racer Screamer the other week, I mentioned I was keen to give its online races a go once it’d pulled out of the garage. Would the sights and sounds of sliding around its twisty tracks and slamming into real people make for as much fun as I’d had racing the computer in its story mode?

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### Speculations Around Warhorse Studios and Additional Industry Updates

#### Is Warhorse Developing a *Lord of the Rings* Game?

Recently, excitement has escalated regarding Warhorse Studios possibly creating a *Lord of the Rings* game. Veteran of the Polish gaming sector, Ryszard Chojnowski, mentioned in a podcast that a reliable insider from Warhorse suggested the studio is in the process of developing an *LotR* title. This follows reports that their parent company Embracer has obtained $100 million in funding for an expansive *LotR* project. Warhorse has acknowledged that they are crafting a new RPG, which could either be a continuation of their *Kingdom Come* franchise or a completely new intellectual property. With the rising demand for large-scale, narrative-focused RPGs, the possibility of a *Hogwarts Legacy*-like reinterpretation of *Lord of the Rings* appears encouraging, although fewer studios remain available due to recent industry layoffs.

#### Disney’s Pursuit of Epic Games

In a notable turn of events, tech journalist Alex Heath disclosed on a podcast that Disney executives are mulling over the acquisition of Epic Games. Disney has heavily invested in Epic’s *Fortnite* engine, totaling $1.5 billion. The intention is to utilize Epic’s technology to improve its gaming and entertainment offerings. Nonetheless, uncertainty persists about whether Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, would be open to losing control of his company.

#### Effects of Increasing Storage Costs on PC and Retro Gaming Handhelds

As rising storage component prices threaten the tech industry, companies like Ayaneo are announcing upcoming price increases for their handheld gaming devices. This shift is part of a larger trend affecting various gaming hardware due to changing material costs, raising concerns about affordability and stock in the gaming market.

#### *Peak* Launches Personalized Expeditions

In the realm of indie games, *Peak* has introduced a new functionality named the “Play It Your Way” update. This feature allows players to design missions with distinctive modifiers, including a mode titled “Grapple Mode (Stupid),” enabling limitless use of rescue claws. This enhancement aims to boost the game’s enjoyable and chaotic elements, appealing to a broad audience of players.

#### The Finale of *The Long Dark* Journey

The survival game *The Long Dark*, which made its debut in Steam Early Access in 2014, is reaching the culmination of its story as the fifth and final chapter set to release shortly. Raphael van Lierop, head of Hinterland Studios, elaborated on the importance of this release as a concluding installment for the studio and hinted at future initiatives that may arise from their journey with *The Long Dark*.

#### Launch Date for ZAUM’s Upcoming Game

From the minds behind *Disco Elysium*, ZAUM has revealed the release of their new espionage RPG titled *Zero Parades For Dead Spies*, set for May 21. Despite excitement for the project’s concept, it carries the burden of a complicated past following the controversial exit of significant team members from the studio, leaving fans questioning how this may affect the new title.

#### If You Missed It

In tech news, a viral video has emerged showcasing a Nintendo 64 emulator functioning on an Apple Watch, highlighting ongoing creativity and innovation in gaming technology.

This compilation of stories reflects the vibrant and often turbulent dynamics of the gaming industry as companies navigate both thrilling opportunities and considerable obstacles.

The Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL first launched back in mid-2024 as a more affordable alternative to the Swiss brand’s all-conquering G915 TKL. It retained enough of the fundamentals – solid chassis, snappy low-profile switches, reliable wireless connectivity and so on – to make it feel like a strong value proposition at the time, although with current sales, has been made an even better one. I’m currently seeing it for its best prices in a while on both sides of the Atlantic – that’s £95 on Amazon UK and $70 on the Amazon USA – the latter is part of the final couple of days of the Amazon Spring Sale.

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### Naughty Dog and the Future of “The Last of Us”: A Hint for Part III?

Naughty Dog, the renowned video game studio celebrated for developing critically acclaimed titles such as *The Last of Us* and *Uncharted*, is currently in the process of creating a new game, *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*. Yet, alongside this excitement, suggestions are surfacing that the studio may also be developing a third part of the beloved series, *The Last of Us*.

Neil Druckmann, the studio president and co-creator of *The Last of Us*, posted some fascinating sketches on his Instagram page. These illustrations, originating from 2003, represent early ideas for characters that would eventually transform into Joel and Ellie, the cherished heroes of the saga. Despite the preliminary artistic versions, the core essence of the characters endured, resulting in their final designs that struck a chord with players worldwide.

What draws attention from Druckmann’s recent posts is not solely the nostalgic imagery but his enigmatic caption: “Been a wild journey. Grateful for every part of it, especially the few stops that remain on the road ahead.” This wording fuels speculation among fans regarding the possible development of *The Last of Us Part III*. Although Druckmann has hinted at the idea of another game in the past, he has also advised fans to avoid “betting” on the third installment. Nonetheless, his acknowledgment that there is still a narrative he wishes to convey keeps the anticipation alive.

Fans of the series are undeniably enthusiastic yet also wary about the idea of a new chapter, particularly given the emotional depth of the earlier titles. The ending of *The Last of Us Part II* left players with a sense of hopeful uncertainty, neatly concluding the narrative arcs introduced in the first game while still providing room for future exploration.

However, with the mixed feedback on *The Last of Us* HBO adaptation and worries about the narrative’s handling in different formats—including potential mass-produced adaptations—some long-term fans of the franchise are encouraging Naughty Dog to channel their creativity into fresh projects instead of revisiting a story that has already made a significant impact.

In the end, the possibility of a third installment in *The Last of Us* franchise remains ambiguous, caught between Druckmann’s allusions and the studio’s current endeavors. Whether players will see Ellie face new challenges or embark on another emotionally charged journey is yet to be revealed. For the time being, fans are left to ponder and hope as they await more updates from Naughty Dog.

An ancient, work-in-progress version of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV has reportedly been discovered on an Xbox 360 development kit at a car boot sale, somewhere up Edinburgh way. Dating back to November 2007, about six months before the open world game‘s launch, it’s said to contain a cut model for a Liberty City river ferry that once featured in a trailer.

While we only have the buyer’s word that the development hardware – “a phat white Xbox 360 XDK with a Rockstar North label on it” – is legit, former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij has, at least, verified that GTA 4 was once supposed to have a ferry, though he doesn’t have much to share about the presence of materials for what appears to be a canned GTA 4 zombie minigame. Cor!

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### MeTV’s Comeback of *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* Encounters Criticism Over AI Enhancements

Earlier this month, MeTV revealed an exhilarating comeback for enthusiasts of the cherished cultural icon, *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show*. The timeless series, showcasing a distinct mix of animation and live-action segments, started airing on March 30, aligning with the excitement surrounding a new Mario film. Nevertheless, the nostalgic return swiftly attracted criticism from fans who were disheartened by the show’s quality, which had been subjected to an AI enhancement process.

#### AI Enhancement: The Debate

Upon its release, subscribers observed that MeTV had incorporated AI enhancement into the series, a technology designed to boost video clarity. The outcomes, however, have been far from ideal. Fans circulated screenshots of the enhanced episodes online, emphasizing notable differences between the original and AI-modified animations. Grievances included awkward detail smoothing to outright modifications in the content, such as a significant change in the show’s opening sequence, which altered *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* to *The Suele Mario Bros. Super Show*.

#### Features of the Original Series

First aired in the late 1980s, *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* was not regarded as a high-cost production. Viewers frequently pointed out its budget animation and sporadic off-model designs. In spite of these shortcomings, the series held a special place in the hearts of many, delivering a distinctive mix of humor and fantasy alongside iconic Nintendo characters like Mario and Luigi. The series also included live-action segments featuring actor Lou Albano as Mario, contributing an appealing touch that resonated with fans.

#### Community Reactions

The AI modifications faced backlash from both casual viewers and devoted fans of the original series. One discontented fan, cartoon aficionado Matt Hunter, expressed a broader concern about the trend of using artificial intelligence to “restore” classic animations. Hunter remarked, “This is why you should never use AI to ‘restore’ a cartoon,” echoing feelings shared by numerous others. Critics argue that AI enhancement ought not to supplant original source materials, as it may create a modified viewing experience that strays from the creators’ original intent.

#### Fans Highlight Quality Concerns

Social media platforms turned into the main stage for displaying quality contrasts. Users uploaded images and videos juxtaposing the show’s original VHS releases on sites like YouTube with the newly broadcast AI-enhanced versions on MeTV. Chris, a fan from the “Cartoon Research” Facebook group, shared his confusion regarding the quality differences, suggesting that MeTV might have relied on low-resolution online versions instead of high-definition originals.

#### Conclusion

The debut of *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* on MeTV encapsulates a mix of nostalgia and controversy, sparking discussions about the impact of technology in preserving animated classics. While many fans were keen to revisit childhood nostalgia, the experience was tainted by the questionable quality induced by AI enhancement. In an age where digital technology can enrich our experiences, it raises a significant question: should some properties be re-evaluated with a focus on authenticity over mere enhancement? As the dialogue evolves, one thing is evident—the affection for Mario persists, yet the approach to its revival is still in question.

I know exactly who Kliff, the protagonist of Crimson Desert, is. During my romp through the vast expanse of Pywel, he was a distant tower enthusiast with a side interest in lonely locomotives. Aside from those things, he’s rather bland. Though, the actor who played him has now outlined that throughout the game’s regularly shifting development – which included a name change for its main character – he pushed Pearl Abyss to make the character more than just a stoic line-grumbler.

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### April Fools’ Day and the Nier Series: A Hint from Yoko Taro

As the calendar flips from March to April, Japan welcomes April Fools’ Day with its distinctive sense of humor, especially evident in the gaming sector. Renowned director Yoko Taro, celebrated for the Nier series, has once again piqued fans’ curiosity with a captivating hint regarding a “Cosmic Horror” project on the Nier social media platform. This occasion is regarded as one of the most amusing yet enigmatic days for gamers, with numerous developers choosing to unveil comedic or imaginary announcements.

The latest hint from the official Nier account employs enigmatic language and imagery to attract its audience. The promotional material implies themes of despair and hope, prompting players to consider whether the upcoming project will evoke feelings of optimism or convey a sense of existential angst—a signature aspect of Taro’s narrative approach.

#### The Teaser Insights

The teaser video presents eerie artwork, prominently featuring an unusual robotic entity that has substituted its head with a tendril, alongside a recognizable figure for long-time fans: Emil, the boy-turned-weapon, known for his stone mask and unsettling grin. While the teaser leaves much to interpretation, it subtly evokes the series’ rich lore and intricate character designs.

Considering that April Fools’ Day is often filled with lighthearted trickery, fans remain cautiously hopeful. This is not the first occasion Square Enix has sparked speculation about new Nier content; previous teasers have kept the flame of hope alive since the release of Nier Automata in 2017, which has seen various crossovers and adaptations.

#### The Nier Legacy

Since the debut of Nier Automata, fans have been treated to new experiences within the Nier universe. The franchise has engaged in collaborations with various games, enhancing its footprint in the gaming community. Notably, a concert series acted as a coda for Automata, while an anime adaptation introduced new narratives and elements to the established storyline.

In addition, Square Enix ventured into mobile gaming with Nier Reincarnation, which, despite its closure in 2024, provided substantial world-building that fans appreciated. The demand for a new, expansive Nier game resonates deeply within the community, and players hope that future endeavors will refine and elevate the series without the drawbacks of mobile gaming mechanics, like gacha systems.

As speculations circulate about what Yoko Taro might be planning for the Nier franchise, the blend of humor and creativity on April Fools’ Day signifies both celebration and anticipation of future innovations. Whether this tease is merely fictional or a precursor to something significant, one thing is assured: the Nier community will be watching with great interest.