Gait Games

Capcom is poised to make a substantial change to one of the most captivating elements in *Dragon’s Dogma 2* with the forthcoming August update, and numerous fans are voicing their disappointment. The notorious Dragonsplague, a gripping and fearsome aspect of the game, will be fundamentally altered, prompting criticism of Capcom’s choice to “defang” this feature.

For those who are unaware, Dragonsplague is a distinct affliction that can affect the game’s Pawns—NPC companions that players can design or recruit from others. The repercussions of this ailment are alarming; it begins subtly as a Pawn becomes more powerful and aggressive in combat, starts to disregard commands, and ultimately adopts a rebellious and disrespectful demeanor. As the sickness advances, the Pawn’s eyes turn red, culminating in a haunting transformation: after resting at an inn, the infected Pawn can metamorphose into a dragon, leading to the devastation of the town they occupy.

This mechanic is simultaneously exhilarating and disheartening—it provides a depth to the game, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and careful decision-making regarding your Pawns. Players must keep an eye on their allies and weigh tough options, as the sole method to free a Pawn from the plague is to either dismiss them or unceremoniously eliminate them before the infection spreads. Moreover, the chance to inadvertently hire infected Pawns increases the game’s appeal and social dynamics among players.

Despite its compelling concept, Dragonsplague has encountered criticism. Many players felt caught off guard by its consequences, resulting in a proliferation of guides on how to evade it. Capcom has taken this feedback into account over the last two years with various modifications, such as slowing down the disease’s progression and clarifying its symptoms. The addition of a Casual Mode also alleviates the threat by stopping Pawns from wreaking havoc on villages altogether.

Nonetheless, the upcoming August update will bring a major alteration that many perceive as a nerf. A new item named the Dragonsbaulk Draught will offer an instantaneous cure for the Dragonsplague, thereby removing the suspense linked to the affliction. Furthermore, affected Pawns will receive enhanced abilities, rendering them stronger and more adept in combat. This transforms the once-threatening aspect of Dragonsplague, shifting it into a feature to be pursued rather than evaded.

Critics contend that this transition diminishes the fundamental themes of *Dragon’s Dogma 2*, which centers on the burden of one’s choices and navigating the turmoil of an unpredictable environment. Players mourn the elimination of the game’s harsher circumstances, as the update could lessen the experience that made traversing the game’s dangers so fascinating.

As the community looks forward to the launch of the *Dragon’s Dogma 2* DLC on October 9, alongside a Switch 2 release, players are left hoping that new mechanics will arise to reinstate the sense of challenge and consequence that the removal of Dragonsplague signifies.

Hardcore ergonomics meets pure mischief

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**Xbox to Enact Significant Layoffs Amid Strategic Shift**

In a notable development for the gaming sector, Xbox is preparing to carry out major layoffs next month, as reported by Bloomberg. This move is part of wider spending reductions across multiple areas, including marketing, as the company nears the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year on June 30.

Insiders informed Bloomberg that the precise number of staff impacted by these layoffs remains unspecified. This announcement comes after a phase of substantial financial commitment by Xbox, which has invested $20 billion in content development over the past five years, not counting the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. In spite of these expenditures, Xbox’s yearly revenue has reportedly diminished by almost half a billion dollars during the same period.

In a message to staff, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma pointed out the necessity for the company to reevaluate its strategies. She mentioned that while the division has broadened its studio system to diversify content across subscription services, streaming, and gaming platforms, the swift transformations in the market have resulted in resource overextension. Sharma remarked, “We have found ourselves overextended as we executed on changing strategies in a landscape of more readily available content.”

She underscored the potential of Xbox’s groundbreaking franchises and the interest from gamers but admitted that the current levels of funding for these initiatives have not sufficed for achieving competitive success. Sharma emphasized the critical nature of sustaining a consistent flow of first- and third-party exclusives and new intellectual properties (IP) as vital for future development.

The upcoming layoffs mark a pivotal moment for Xbox as it maneuvers through a tough financial environment and aims to refine its investment priorities over the next five years. As the situation unfolds, the gaming community and industry watchers will be attentively monitoring the effects of these changes on Xbox’s market standing and offerings.

**Developing…**

### Tifa Lockhart Enters the Lineup of Street Fighter 6: A Transformative Moment for Enthusiasts

The revelation of Tifa Lockhart’s addition to *Street Fighter 6* has sparked fervor among fans and gamers alike. Originating from the *Final Fantasy VII* universe, the character signifies an important milestone as she becomes the inaugural guest fighter in *SF6* to emerge from outside Capcom and the conventional fighting game category.

#### Balancing Heritage and Advancement

*Street Fighter 6* director Takayuki Nakayama responded to worries that forthcoming updates might result in an excessive dependence on guest fighters. While Tifa joins the ranks of previous DLC characters such as Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui from SNK, Nakayama assured that legacy fighters will continue to play a vital role. He underscored the team’s dedication to honoring the established roster while attracting new audiences, ensuring that *Street Fighter* can engage players who might not typically indulge in fighting games.

#### Broadening the Scope of Street Fighter

The inclusion of Tifa, along with three fresh characters, is part of a larger strategy to keep *Street Fighter* pertinent for years ahead. Nakayama mentioned that “guest characters are a resource we can utilize to ensure the series remains vibrant 10-20 years into the future.” This approach seeks to draw in new players while retaining the interest of veteran fans, offering a novel perspective on the classics without alienating those who value the franchise’s legacy.

#### Tifa’s Distinct Combat Style

Even though Tifa has not featured in a conventional fighting game prior, her martial arts prowess makes her a natural fit for the *Street Fighter* lineup. Nakayama highlighted the wealth of reference materials accessible, empowering the development team to craft a character that resonates with both *Final Fantasy* fans and *Street Fighter* supporters. Tifa’s depiction in *SF6* predominantly reflects her character in the *Final Fantasy VII Remake*, ensuring fidelity in her portrayal.

#### A Joint Development Effort

The pathway to introducing Tifa into *Street Fighter 6* commenced roughly three years ago, soon after the game’s debut at Tokyo Game Show 2023. Nakayama described the choice to incorporate Tifa as natural, emphasizing her martial arts background as the ideal match for *Street Fighter*. The partnership between Capcom and Square Enix involved leveraging various elements from previous games, solidifying Tifa’s position within this legendary fighting game realm.

#### Excitement and Community Feedback

The enthusiastic reaction to Tifa’s reveal trailer suggests that the developers are steering in the right direction. The team closely monitored audience feedback, and Nakayama conveyed their goal to resonate with their audience’s feelings: “It’s challenging to choose a favorite, but we can confidently state we observed every single one of them.”

#### Conclusion

Tifa Lockhart’s addition to *Street Fighter 6* marks a groundbreaking move for the series, harmonizing the rich heritage of *Street Fighter* with innovations that expand its allure. As Capcom endeavors to keep the franchise flourishing for many years ahead, the anticipation surrounding Tifa heightens excitement for what lies ahead in the fighting game arena.

There have been so many Assassin’s Creed games, and so many games inspired by Assassin’s Creed, that it’s easy to forget that Assassin’s Creed used to be Weird. Or Weird for a game of its scale, anyway. I remember when Ubisoft revealed it, with an all-timer of an trailer showing Altaïr pouncing on some upstart Templars. And then, that flicker of code over masonry, that first hint that the medieval Crusades setting is a predatory digital facade.

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### London’s MCM Comic Con: A Celebration of Imagination and Fandom

Held at the close of May, London’s MCM Comic Con once more united fans, creators, and cosplayers for an exhilarating weekend dedicated to pop culture. The event showcased a vast selection of activities, including fan meet-and-greets with notable figures like Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion, alongside voice acting icons Rob Paulsen and Nika Futterman. Attendees enjoyed vibrant exhibitions in the hall, brimming with merchandise, panels, and interactive experiences.

Cosplay, a key highlight of the event, displayed some of the most creative and detailed costumes inspired by cherished characters from video games, anime, and comic books. With cosplayers portraying figures from franchises such as *Dragon Ball Z*, *Resident Evil*, and *Final Fantasy VII*, the event morphed into a vivid tapestry of creativity.

#### Cosplay Highlights of Note

Mineralblu, a well-known presence at MCM Comic Con, captured breathtaking visuals of the finest cosplays that illuminated the show floor. Below are some exceptional costumes that attendees relished:

1. **Perfect Cell – *Dragon Ball Z***

2. **Lute – *Hazbin Hotel***

3. **Resident Evil Ensemble**

4. **Rouge & Blaze – *Sonic the Hedgehog***

5. **Caine – *The Amazing Digital Circus***

6. **Marvel Ensemble**

7. **Cyclops – *X-Men***

8. **Animatronics from *Five Nights at Freddy’s***

9. **Gore Magala – *Monster Hunter Wilds***

10. **Halsin & Owlbear Cub – *Baldur’s Gate 3***

11. **Kikoru Shinomiya, No. 8 – *Kaiju No. 8***

12. **Lor’Themar Theron – *World of Warcraft***

13. **Draculaura, Abbey Bominable, Frankie Stein – *Monster High***

14. **Nico Robin – *One Piece***

15. **Nuka-Girl – *Fallout***

16. **Queen of Hearts**

17. **Tifa & Aerith – *Final Fantasy VII***

18. **Characters from *Wuthering Waves***

The creativity and enthusiasm exhibited by the cosplayers were truly remarkable, underscoring the strong community and cultural importance of conventions like MCM Comic Con. For those who were unable to attend, Mineralblu’s video recap provides a wonderful glimpse of the excitement and vibrancy present on the show floor. The celebration of fandom continues to expand, making each occurrence of Comic Con a significant spectacle for attendees and fans alike.

### Fable Reboot: An In-Depth Examination of the Anticipated RPG Adventure

The revival of the cherished RPG series, **Fable**, has stirred curiosity and doubt for quite a while. Announced by Xbox and crafted by Playground Games, recognized for their contributions to the *Forza Horizon* franchise, the game has elicited a blend of enthusiasm and hesitation among fans. Recent updates, including a fresh 30-minute gameplay demonstration, have transformed perceptions from mere conjecture to an imminent launch.

#### Gameplay Synopsis

On June 10, Xbox unveiled a comprehensive gameplay video on the official *Fable* YouTube channel. This showcase offered an in-depth look at the game mechanics, highlighting unedited segments that disclose what players can anticipate from this open-world journey. The video seems to align well with what was shown at the Summer Game Fest preview events, quenching fans’ thirst for real gameplay insights.

The displayed gameplay underscores the game’s interactivity and how players’ decisions lead to significant repercussions. The developers illustrated this idea through various engagements between the protagonist and unique non-player characters (NPCs), each possessing their own viewpoints and responses influenced by players’ selections. This richness is a key trait of the *Fable* franchise and strongly resonates with fans who loved the earlier installments.

#### Prominent Features Emphasized

1. **Dynamic Interactions**: The game showcases multiple scenarios that highlight the protagonist’s relationships with NPCs. Players observe how conversations and choices influence perceptions and treatment, thereby deepening immersion in the game world.

2. **Humorous Aspects**: The gameplay embraces the quirky humor characteristic of the *Fable* series. A standout moment features a talking pig conversing with a butcher, capturing the cleverness and charm that has come to define the saga.

3. **Life Simulation**: The demonstration reveals the hero participating in everyday activities – from wooing a character to managing a tavern and navigating economic transactions that shift based on player reputation. These features enhance the player’s experience, making the world feel dynamic and responsive.

4. **Combat and Exploration**: Although interactions and narrative play pivotal roles, the demo also showcased combat scenes, indicating that classic action elements remain central to the gameplay.

#### Evaluating the Aspirations

While the gameplay preview has been encouraging, it raises concerns about execution. Some dialogues sounded awkward, and the pace of the world’s reactions might require fine-tuning to create a fluid experience. The hope is that during a complete playthrough, these interactions will feel more organic.

Despite some ongoing worries, this latest gameplay reveal has cemented the belief that *Fable* is not just a fantasy but an evolving project with promise. With its ambitious vision of a fully interactive realm where every NPC is distinct and the environment mirrors player decisions, *Fable* aims to innovate within the role-playing genre.

#### Conclusion

In summary, the *Fable* reboot is stepping out from the shadows of doubt, presenting itself as a hopeful title. The gameplay video has ignited renewed excitement, positioning the project as a genuine player in the RPG sphere. Slated for release on February 23 for PS5, Xbox, Game Pass, and PC, fans eagerly await the chance to delve into this enchanting universe filled with humor, adventure, and moral dilemmas. Whether *Fable* can recapture the enchantment of its predecessors is yet to be determined, but enthusiasm for its release continues to build.

**Ubisoft Undergoes Major Overhaul Following Studio Closures and Job Reductions**

The situation at Ubisoft, famous for the acclaimed *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, has escalated as the firm reveals a major restructuring plan that involves shutting down two studios and cutting its workforce by as many as 380 positions. This move is a reaction to persistent issues within the fiercely competitive gaming sector.

### Shutdown of Essential Studios

Ubisoft is preparing to close its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios. Ubisoft Winnipeg, founded in 2018, was dedicated to boosting the company’s development capabilities in Canada and employed around 100 people. It recently played a role in the launch of *Rainbow Six Mobile*. Conversely, Ubisoft Belgrade, operational for ten years, contributed to the creation of multiple hit titles, such as *Steep* and *Skull & Bones*.

### Reductions in Global Publishing and Shift in Focus

The firm is also executing layoffs within its Global Publishing sector and reorganizing its development team in Barcelona. This studio will now focus solely on future *Rainbow Six* endeavors. These alterations signify Ubisoft’s reaction to their present operational struggles and aim to optimize processes during a tough market environment.

### Effects on Employment

The anticipated layoffs affecting up to 380 positions will impact a company that currently has over 15,000 global employees. This reduction is part of a broader initiative by Ubisoft to adjust to the changing demands of the gaming industry, which has seen a turn towards immersive content and higher production standards.

### Limited Upcoming Game Releases

In spite of the forthcoming launch of the *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag* remake and a fresh version of *Rayman*, Ubisoft’s game release lineup for 2026 looks quite sparse. This lack of titles is partly attributed to reported delays of several major projects, including new installments in the *Far Cry* and *Ghost Recon* series, all of which have been deferred to 2027 and later. The company aims to improve the quality of these releases in light of heightened competition in the AAA gaming market.

### Financial Overhaul and Employee Reaction

Ubisoft’s ongoing restructuring plan follows a significant $1 billion financial investment from Tencent. While this financial boost aims to secure the company’s operations, it has also sparked employee dissatisfaction, with increasing calls for leadership changes in reaction to persistent challenges and grievances regarding management choices.

### Conclusion

Ubisoft’s recent actions underscore the complexities and pressures of the contemporary video game landscape. As the company navigates its restructuring, the closures of vital studios, and significant layoffs, the impact on a publisher that remains a key figure in the gaming realm remains uncertain. With a sparse lineup of upcoming games and ongoing internal issues, Ubisoft must tread carefully through these tumultuous times to restore its standing.

**Killer Bean: An In-Depth Examination of the Game’s Early Access Launch**

*Published: October 2023*

In 2023, the gaming scene was introduced to *Killer Bean*, a venture led by solo developer Jeff Lew, whose animated series showcasing the titular bean character formed a dedicated fanbase in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Following a captivating teaser that gained traction on Twitter, the project was further highlighted during the Summer Game Fest 2024, praised for its engaging first- and third-person shooter mechanics, echoing the renowned bullet time of *Max Payne*, and featuring an open world teeming with vehicular mayhem and fast-paced action.

Currently, *Killer Bean* is accessible in early access on Steam. Nevertheless, in spite of the apparent ambition behind the game, it has garnered substantial critique, with numerous players expressing discontent regarding its overall implementation.

At its essence, players embody a lethal bean assassin, navigating through missions that predominantly center around dispatching enemies who, notably, resemble the protagonist. The game’s concept presents an eccentric twist but soon degenerates into a monotonous loop of shooting and hacking, lacking engaging gameplay elements. Players frequently encounter uninspired foes displaying a troubling absence of AI intelligence, resulting in instances where enemies appear unaware of the player’s maneuvers, diminishing the excitement of combat.

Although there is a narrative attempt, many players deemed it tedious, opting to skip cutscenes to dive straight into the action. The anticipation for an immersive storyline, however, was thwarted by uninspired dialogue and pacing that struggled to maintain interest.

Regrettably, the mechanics of *Killer Bean* do not live up to the promised excitement. Players routinely report exasperating experiences with buggy missions and inadequate vehicle controls, further diminishing the gameplay experience. One player recalled being unable to finish a mission due to a game-breaking glitch, while others highlighted slow reload times and a disappointing feel of the weapons, which resulted in a lack of satisfaction during combat.

In spite of the introduction of distinctive abilities—such as shooting a projectile while airborne—numerous mechanics appear poorly executed and ineffective in practice, leaving players disillusioned. The game’s vast open world, initially appealing, seems empty and lacks the depth required to keep players engaged for lengthy periods.

In a statement that reflects the sentiments of many, one reviewer noted, “*Killer Bean* is a poorly designed game.” They stressed that, although forthcoming updates may improve the game, the present version does not provide an enjoyable experience, advising prospective buyers to consider other indie games or even typical purchases that might deliver greater entertainment value.

In summary, while the ambition behind *Killer Bean* is praiseworthy, the execution leaves much to be desired. As it stands, it appears to be a project requiring significant refinement before it can realize its initial promise or secure a position among esteemed indie games.

When I talk to other journalists and random bus stop strangers about the idea of divesting from Microsoft and Xbox – worth doing for many reasons besides the company’s dealings with the Israeli military – there is often an air of learned helplessness, a kind of deer-in-headlights mentality. Microsoft’s gaming biz is too huge to ignore. They own so much. They own a lot of the malarkey that gets eyeballs. Which I can confirm, based on day-to-day experience of traffic stats. Still, I would argue that they do not have any momentum with the things they own, and to be frank, a fair whack of their stuff does sod-all traffic for us. Microsoft today are institutionally incapable of being intriguing. As such, an extremely indulgent way of thinking about the BDS boycott is to treat it as positive encouragement to seek intrigue elsewhere.

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