Gait Games

It was not particularly surprising to hear that Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis, the other remake of Final Fantasy 7 that opts for a more faithful approach to the original game (if being filled with gacha rolls counts as faithful), is ending service. Square Enix have been ceasing development on pretty much every mobile game they have out at the moment, so why would this one be any different? It’s a shame, though, not just because of the fact that it’ll be completely inaccessible when it goes down, but because of its inclusion of Before Crisis.

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**Bethesda Game Studios Union Workers Organize Major Demonstration in Reaction to Xbox Layoffs**

Workers at Bethesda Game Studios, represented by the OneBGS union, are gearing up for a major demonstration next week in opposition to the recent mass layoffs enacted by Xbox, which impacted 440 union staff members across Bethesda and its parent organization, ZeniMax. This protest showcases the escalating tensions between labor and management within the gaming sector, as employees strive to assert their rights amid growing corporate restructuring.

The OneBGS union, linked with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), will conduct marches at Bethesda’s studios on July 15 at 12:30 PM Eastern time, with sites including Montreal, Canada; Rockville, Maryland; and Austin and Dallas, Texas. This effort illustrates the solidarity and resolve of the workers to confront the recent reductions that have significantly affected their community.

In a statement, the OneBGS organizing committee expressed their dedication to opposing the layoffs. They underlined the importance of visible and collective action, asserting, “The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear. We won’t let that happen.” Their call to action is intended to demonstrate to management the gravity of their dissatisfaction, urging them to appropriately address the situations of their colleagues.

The recent mass layoffs this week led to the loss of a total of 440 jobs across multiple studios. WARN Act notifications have specified the extent of the cuts, revealing reductions including 96 roles at id Software, 40 remote employees associated with the Dallas studio, and 22 at Bethesda Game Studios in Austin. ZeniMax Online in Maryland, which oversees *The Elder Scrolls Online*, experienced 213 layoffs, along with an additional 166 positions eliminated at ZeniMax Media. The ongoing corporate restructuring within Xbox has had broader ramifications, with around 1,600 layoffs documented within Xbox itself and nearly 4,800 across Microsoft. Additional layoffs at Xbox are expected in the upcoming year.

In response to these events, unions throughout Xbox are advocating for the chance to negotiate layoff terms for their members. Months of discussions with management have reportedly stagnated, heightening worker dissatisfaction. Earlier this week, OneBGS members demonstrated their solidarity for laid-off peers by establishing memorials within office areas, only to face removal orders from HR, underscoring the strained atmosphere surrounding these layoffs.

As the July 15 rally draws near, OneBGS and its allies seek to amplify their message, championing fair treatment and acknowledgment of the workforce that shaped beloved franchises such as *Fallout*, *Starfield*, and *The Elder Scrolls*. The demonstration is not only a reaction to the recent layoffs but also part of a broader movement within the gaming industry advocating for enhanced labor practices and the safeguarding of workers’ rights.

Media outlets, including *Kotaku*, have requested comments from Xbox regarding these occurrences, reflecting an ongoing dialogue about labor relations in the gaming industry. The results of the rally and follow-up actions could establish vital precedents for unionized workplaces within the sector.

I don’t need to tell you that Stardew Valley is not a 3D game, and if I do, your understanding of dimensions is unsettling to me. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way, as a modder has done the unthinkable by adding an extra dimension to the beloved farming sim, turning it into something else entirely.

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### The Federal Reserve’s Latest Task Forces: A Response to Contemporary Economic Developments

The Federal Reserve has recently made a crucial advancement in tackling the shifting economic environment by revealing the establishment of new task forces made up of private-sector leaders. These groups are designed to offer insights into current trends, especially concerning technology and its effects on employment and productivity. Among the prominent appointments is Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, who will participate in a task force focused on advising about the impacts of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the labor market.

#### Asha Sharma’s Role and Background

Sharma’s newly assigned position comes at a significant moment. Just days before the Fed’s announcement, she initiated a major reorganization within Microsoft’s gaming division, leading to around 3,200 layoffs planned for the coming year. This move has drawn attention in the gaming community and beyond, as it mirrors wider trends of technological disruption and changes in the workforce.

In a recent comment, Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh highlighted the institution’s dedication to adjusting its policies to better align with the present economic landscape. Warsh remarked, “The U.S. economy has transformed markedly over the last generation, and never more so than right now.” He expressed pride in working alongside distinguished individuals from various sectors to improve the Fed’s operational efficiency during a period of significant economic change.

#### Task Force Goals

Sharma, alongside her peers—Charles I. Jones, an economist at Stanford, and notable venture capitalist Marc Andreessen—has been assigned the responsibility of evaluating the economic ramifications of emerging general-purpose technologies, such as AI. The emphasis will be on how these innovations can guide the Federal Reserve’s policy choices.

Sharma’s selection for this prominent position highlights her extensive involvement in the tech industry, having held roles at firms like Instacart and Meta prior to her time at Microsoft. Her knowledge of swiftly evolving technological landscapes will be critical as the Fed aims to navigate economic hurdles posed by digital advancements.

#### The Effects of Technological Disruption

The addition of figures like Marc Andreessen, recognized for his contributions to the tech sector and venture capital, raises inquiries about the intersection of technology and policy-making. Andreessen’s background in both the creation of early web browsers and contemporary investment tactics places him in a distinct position to offer advice on how technological trends correlate with economic policies.

Sharma’s strategy within Microsoft’s gaming division illustrates a broader trend in technology: the need for streamlining operations to boost efficiency. By minimizing layers of management and tackling complexity, Sharma aims to enhance decision-making processes—an essential aspect given the diminishing player engagement in certain areas of gaming.

#### Conclusion

The Federal Reserve’s endeavor to incorporate private sector expertise through these task forces indicates a proactive stance toward contemporary economic challenges. As technology continues to transform industries and labor dynamics, the diverse experiences and insights of individuals like Asha Sharma and her colleagues will be vital in shaping Federal Reserve policies. The results of their discussions could substantially affect economic strategies moving ahead, especially concerning technology-driven alterations in productivity and employment.

The Solace of Flowers is another tactical roguelike deckbuilder, but wait! This one’s also a sweet, grid-based gardening game, awash with daffodils, foxgloves, squirrels, honeybees, and other species of plant or creature I recognise from my own allotment down the road. (Have I mentioned that I have an allotment now? I feel like I’ve bored some of you about it before.) You even get some lion cards, but please, don’t scream – this is just developers Ceiling Games being whimsical and/or poetical. Those “lions” are actually a source of dandelion seeds, ho ho. There’s also a duck card that throws away your whole hand and distributes vegetation at random: I’m picturing a mallard guzzling a bunch of blackberries and pooping seeds everywhere.

Honestly, I question the wisdom of some of the game’s plant or animal characterisations, but there’s no time to get picky about zoological nuance, because this is an apocalyptic world and a bunch of rancid godhands are trying to murder you.

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### Activision’s Ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 to PS4 and PS5: A Divided Response

Activision has garnered attention recently with the launch of two favored games from the Xbox 360 generation: *Call of Duty: Black Ops* and *Call of Duty: Black Ops 2*. Now accessible on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, these ports seek to cater to fans desiring to experience these legendary first-person shooters on the newest Sony consoles. However, the reaction has not been entirely favorable, mainly due to the pricing model and absence of improvements in the ports.

#### Pricing Issues

Each game is priced at $40, a figure that many fans deem excessive, particularly when purchasing both games along with all available downloadable content (DLC). There is currently a limited-time PlayStation Plus discount that lowers the price to $20 for each title, but after this promotional period, players will face a hefty $140 for the full package. This pricing approach has incited anger among the community who feel exploited.

The DLC for both *Black Ops* and *Black Ops 2* further adds to the expenses. Each season pass costs $10 during the discount phase, but will rise to $30 once the promotion ends. For numerous fans, the combination of high initial costs and the requirement to reacquire previously owned content has led to feelings of frustration and discontent.

#### Lackluster Ports

In spite of the enthusiasm for the games arriving on PlayStation, a considerable number of users have remarked that these ports are strikingly simplistic. Importantly, there are no fresh features, additional content, or noteworthy graphical enhancements aside from minor upscaling for 4K displays. Additionally, the absence of an FOV (field of view) slider and support for enhanced frame rates, such as 120 FPS, reduces the allure for those anticipating a more contemporary experience.

Feedback from fans indicates that the release feels almost like a mere re-launch, lacking genuine effort to elevate the quality of the games. This disregard for investment in the porting endeavor sharply contrasts with expectations, especially considering that *Black Ops* and *Black Ops 2* hold significant nostalgic value for long-time players.

#### Community Feedback

The feedback from the community has largely been unfavorable, with numerous players turning to social media platforms like Reddit to voice their discontent. Comments reflect themes of disappointment as fans bemoan the need to repurchase DLC and the lack of enhancements to the games. Common sentiments convey a sense of being misled by the inflated prices and minimal upgrades, rendering this release a missed opportunity for Activision to rekindle interest in these classic titles.

Some have drawn parallels to the pricing of the Xbox ports, noting that those versions provide similar minimal enhancements despite having been available on newer consoles for a while. This reinforces the notion that Activision could have seized the opportunity to engage positively with its fan base but instead opted for a more profit-focused strategy.

#### Conclusion

The launch of *Call of Duty: Black Ops* and *Call of Duty: Black Ops 2* on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 has ignited considerable discussion within the gaming community. Fans anticipated a chance to revisit these beloved titles in a contemporary context, but the mix of high prices, lack of new content, and slight improvements has left many feeling disheartened. As Activision encounters criticism over what many view as a “greedy” porting strategy, it highlights the necessity of fulfilling player expectations, particularly concerning nostalgic franchises.

If a game is online, there will be cheaters. This is an absolute in life, one that we’d all be better off without, but alas, not one that is always easy to get rid of. One such game that has suffered from cheating, much to the ire of its community, is Helldivers 2. Thankfully, though, Arrowhead Game Studios look to be working to dealing with the game’s cheating problem, meaning you won’t have to be so bummed out by those with unreasonably high Super Credits scores.

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**Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Debuts Amid Layoffs at Ubisoft Barcelona**

*Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* has been officially released to praise, representing one of the most successful Steam launches in the franchise’s history. However, the enthusiasm is dampened by the regrettable situation that many developers at Ubisoft Barcelona are facing, as imminent layoffs loom due to the studio’s restructuring.

QA lead Isabel Codina García articulated her feelings on LinkedIn, sharing that after seven years with the company, the conclusion is far from what she had anticipated. “I am genuinely thankful for the people I have encountered and everything I have gained during this time,” she stated, emphasizing the personal effects of the forthcoming workforce cuts.

These layoffs are part of a larger trend at Ubisoft, which has begun restructuring efforts after delays in major game releases and disappointing sales performance for recent titles. The reductions commenced in June 2023, resulting in the closure of Ubisoft Winnipeg and job cuts within the publisher’s global division.

In reaction to the layoffs, the Spanish labor union La Confederación General del Trabajo has called for strikes, pushing for better job security and a return to remote work options among other workplace improvements. It is anticipated that nearly one-third of the Ubisoft Barcelona office will face job terminations by the end of July, causing significant unrest among the staff.

Isabel Codina García pointed out that despite her team’s commitment to *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced*, they were notified of a collective redundancy plan just two weeks before the game’s release. Despite presenting new project ideas for the franchise, Vantage Studios has indicated there will be no additional assignments for the Barcelona studio.

The somber atmosphere surrounding the launch was echoed by programmer Mataoui Chakib Souleyman from the Paris studio, who sent his regards to his colleagues in Barcelona: “Without them, the game would not have reached release day.”

In light of the layoffs, the celebration initially planned for the launch was significantly toned down to a more modest event, starkly contrasting with the game’s favorable reception. Reports suggest that *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* is now the highest-rated game in the franchise in over a decade, indicating a more promising commercial outlook for Ubisoft during a difficult year for the company.

As *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* embarks on its journey in the gaming realm, the narrative behind its development reflects a blend of success and sorrow, underscoring the human cost frequently associated with the continuously shifting gaming industry landscape.

Do they sing the song, where you are from? One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy… I wouldn’t put it past magpies themselves to have learned this superstitious ditty. They’ve got a sharp ear for the human voice, after all, and studies indicate that they can count.

Perhaps they’re even using the rhyme to mess with us. According to folklore, if you see one magpie, you can trill “Hello Mr Magpie, how is your lady wife” to chase away the prophesied sorrow. Being a creature of perpetual worry, I mutter this Victorian cantrip everytime I spy a pie, skidding over the road with a machine-gun cackle. Then, a second bird materialises from behind a bush, flanking me like one of her velociraptor ancestors, and I feel like I’m being trolled. “I used to do the exact same thing myself,” comments Milktooth co-founder and design director Daisy Fernandez, “but it ended up becoming impractical now that I look at a magpie pretty much all day, every day.”

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**Overview of Craig Burnatowski’s Allegations and Withdrawal from the Convention**

Craig Burnatowski, recognized for portraying the notorious Resident Evil antagonist Albert Wesker in the recent remake of Resident Evil 4 and the newest entry Resident Evil Requiem, is currently facing serious allegations. The actor was scheduled to attend the forthcoming Fantasy & Magic Con, where he was set to engage in signings and panels focused on the Resident Evil series. However, following claims from a woman stating she had a relationship with him, Burnatowski has been withdrawn from the event.

Monica Denizen, a streamer and artist, publicly detailed her experiences on social platforms. She characterized her relationship with Burnatowski as fraught with mental, emotional, and physical abuse. In her post, Denizen accused Burnatowski of inflicting physical harm during intimate encounters, leading to severe injuries that required treatment from a surgical specialist. Her original message on July 8 outlined her reasons for going public, highlighting the significance of addressing abuse, notwithstanding the risk of backlash.

Denizen subsequently offered more insights into her experiences through further social media updates, expressing gratitude to her supporters and expanding on the alleged mistreatment. This situation prompted Fantasy & Magic Con to initially acknowledge the allegations and mention that they would collect more information before making a conclusive decision on Burnatowski’s participation. However, they have now confirmed that he will not be part of the convention. An official statement from the event organizers articulated their commitment to ensuring a safe atmosphere for all participants and noted that refunds for any tickets bought for Burnatowski would be processed automatically.

As this situation develops, it’s important to highlight that although Burnatowski has not been publicly linked to forthcoming projects, Wesker is expected to feature in the anticipated remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica. The ongoing issue has garnered media attention, with both Capcom and Burnatowski being approached for comments regarding the allegations.

In reaction to the claims, Burnatowski took to social media to refute the accusations directed at him. In his statement, he conveyed his belief in the significance of consent and mutual respect in relationships. He referred to the allegations as shocking and baseless, reiterating that he has always acted with respect and has no memory of any events that could substantiate Denizen’s allegations.

This situation illustrates the wider conversation regarding accountability in the entertainment sector, especially related to domestic and intimate partner violence concerns. As the narrative progresses, it will be vital to acknowledge the viewpoints and experiences of both parties involved. Further updates are expected as more details emerge.