Gait Games

**Concerns Regarding Cheating in *Marathon*: A Rising Challenge and Bungie’s Reaction**

The competitive scene of *Marathon*, Bungie’s newest extraction shooter, is under examination from both players and streamers due to a concerning increase in cheating occurrences. While numerous casual gamers may not detect any issues during their playtime, those partaking in ranked matches or tackling the formidable Cryo Archive map have identified unfair advantages awarded to players employing purchased cheat tools. Acknowledging this concern, Bungie has vowed to enhance its initiatives against this escalating cheating predicament.

### Player Accounts and Streamer Insights

Streamers have been especially outspoken about their encounters with cheating in *Marathon*. Notable streamer AlbralelieVT expressed his discontent with the game on X, stating, “I played 7 games and got off after being blatantly cheated on in 3 of the 7 matches I played.” His remarks pinpointed specific cheating techniques, such as players pre-firing through barriers and making impossible shots despite game limitations like fog and signal jammers. He observed that certain known cheaters seemed to dodge bans, and their actions were frequently paired with inappropriate behavior during live streams.

In a similar context, other streamers and gamers confirm that the competitive essence of ranked gameplay has rendered encounters with cheaters nearly inevitable. GJake shared this apprehension, questioning Bungie’s seeming focus on game balance modifications over tackling cheating problems. Another player, referred to as Kruzer, advocated for a more effective reporting system, recommending an option to report suspected cheaters immediately after death rather than sifting through menus.

### Bungie’s Pledge to Combat Cheating

In light of the mounting criticism, Bungie issued a statement responding to the community’s worries. The studio underscored its continuous commitment to preserving a fair gaming atmosphere, pledging to bolster its cheat detection and monitoring mechanisms. Bungie intends to simplify the reporting process, making it more user-friendly for players to report suspected cheaters and toxic chat behavior. Furthermore, the developers plan to evaluate enhanced voice chat moderation and in-game safeguards to alleviate stream sniping, which is worsened by public visibility in streamed games.

The studio’s communication stressed an ongoing initiative, stating, “Anti-cheat is a continuous cycle of monitoring, improving, and responding.” Although the announced measures will require time to put into action, they reflect Bungie’s acknowledgment of the cheating problem and its repercussions on player experience.

### The Significance of Community Input

The concerns expressed by players and streamers highlight the vital role of community feedback in the development and sustainability of competitive multiplayer games. Bungie’s recognition of the cheating issue is crucial for strengthening player confidence and ensuring competitive fairness. As the gaming community makes comparisons between *Marathon* and other past titles mired in cheating troubles, such as *The Cycle: Frontier*, it is essential for Bungie to undertake decisive measures to prevent similar missteps.

In summary, while *Marathon* contends with various operational obstacles, including player retention and community engagement, addressing the cheating dilemma is imperative. The actions Bungie undertakes in the forthcoming weeks will be closely monitored by both dedicated players and casual gamers as the studio seeks to guarantee that *Marathon* remains a captivating and equitable competitive environment.

**Cyberpunk 2077 Now Has PS5 Pro Patch: Upgrades and Fresh Graphics Options**

Enthusiasts of *Cyberpunk 2077* have been eagerly anticipating a dedicated patch for the PlayStation 5 Pro, and their patience has finally paid off. CD Projekt Red revealed the update on Tuesday, which was made accessible just 24 hours later on April 8, 2024. This patch brings a host of thrilling features intended to enhance the gameplay experience for gamers utilizing Sony’s latest console.

A major highlight of the patch is the inclusion of ray tracing support, featuring BVH8 (8-way Bounding Volume Hierarchy) technology. This development enables superior ray-traced lighting, shadows, and reflections, significantly boosting the game’s visual quality. As noted in a post on the PlayStation Blog, these enhancements align the lighting experience more closely with the studio’s artistic aspirations for the vast world of *Cyberpunk 2077*.

The update also adds two new graphics modes designed specifically for the PS5 Pro. The first, Ray Tracing Pro, aims to provide exceptional lighting and reflections with a standard frame rate of 30FPS, potentially hitting up to 40FPS on screens that support variable refresh rates. For gamers looking for a mix of performance and aesthetics, a standard ray-tracing mode is offered, which enhances graphics while keeping a steady 60FPS. Additionally, a performance mode allows *Cyberpunk 2077* to hit frame rates of up to 90FPS on compatible VRR displays, delivering a more fluid gameplay experience.

In conjunction with its graphical upgrades, *Cyberpunk 2077* remains accessible to a broader audience, as it is featured in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium library. Subscribers can enjoy the game at no extra charge, and it regularly goes on sale, making it an appealing choice for new players.

Nonetheless, some players still voice their wishes for extra features like field of view (FOV) sliders and mod support on consoles. Although these requests seem unlikely to be addressed, the release of the PS5 Pro patch underscores CD Projekt Red’s dedication to improving and evolving the game beyond its original launch.

For those contemplating a purchase of the PS5 Pro, it’s important to consider that a recent price hike to $900 might cause some prospective buyers to delay until the arrival of future hardware, such as the PS6, in hopes of enjoying the optimal version of *Cyberpunk 2077*.

In conclusion, the new PS5 Pro patch for *Cyberpunk 2077* brings forth substantial enhancements that satisfy the interests of its passionate fanbase. With upgraded graphics options and performance modes, players can anticipate an enriched gaming experience as they navigate the dystopian environment of Night City.

The era of wide Steam is well and truly upon us. Last year Valve made store pages on Steam wider, only making me slightly uncomfortable. Last week the Steam homepage entered into its own wide beta. And now, as part of another beta, Valve are testing this same widening in the Steam Workshop to “make the browsing experience quicker and easier to use.”

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### Starfield Expansion and Major Game Releases This Week

This week signifies an exciting phase for gamers as *Starfield* finally launches on PlayStation 5, along with a complimentary update for all platforms and a fresh expansion called *Terran Armada*. This new expansion introduces a robot army faction, set to enrich the gameplay journey for those venturing through the *Starfield* universe. The excitement is unmistakable, especially in light of the mixed reactions to the game’s initial DLC, *Shattered Space*, which many players deemed disappointing.

In *Shattered Space*, players faced a narrative centered around a failed scientific experiment on the home planet of a sect of religious fanatics. Even after finishing the campaign, feedback indicated a shortage of engagement and enjoyment for numerous players. As someone who has traversed the vast, albeit occasionally outdated, questing framework of *Starfield*, hope remains that the new attributes in *Terran Armada* will enhance the overall experience.

The forthcoming update is referred to by Todd Howard as a major revamp, though he has cautioned fans to moderate their expectations for a complete *Starfield 2.0*. Additionally, another significant release this week is *Pokémon Champions*, a fresh title aimed at fans of free-to-play online competitive battling. More details regarding *Pokémon Champions* are available in a related explainer, highlighting its features and gameplay mechanics.

### Upcoming Game Releases

Here’s a summary of the prominent game releases set for this week:

#### Sunday, April 5
– **Legend of Ymir** | PC

#### Monday, April 6
– **Spinny Dungeon** | PC
– **Fortune Seller** | PC

#### Tuesday, April 7
– **Starfield: Terran Armada** | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
– **Road to Vostok** | PC
– **Spark in the Dark** | PC
– **KuloNiku: Bowl Up!** | PC
– **People of Note** | PS5, Switch 2, PC
– **Sigma Star Saga DX** | PS5, Switch, PC
– **The Spotter: Dig or Die** | PC

#### Wednesday, April 8
– **Samson** | PC
– **The Occultist** | PC
– **Pokémon Champions** | Switch, Switch 2
– **ChainStaff** | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
– **Find Your Words** | PC
– **Lay of the Land** | PC
– **Morbid Metal** | PC
– **Super Alloy Crush** | PC

#### Thursday, April 9
– **DarkSwitch** | PC
– **Minos** | PC
– **Beyond Words** | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
– **Faith: The Unholy Trinity** | PS5

#### Friday, April 10
– **Tiny Bookshop** | PS5, Xbox Series X/S
– **Tamashika** | PC
– **Crystalfall** | PC
– **Extinction Day** | PC
– **Skull Horde** | PC

As the gaming community prepares for these launches, players are invited to share any other titles that may not have been captured in this brief overview. The week looks to be an exhilarating time for gaming fans as they delve into new realms and experiences.

You’ll be falling, digging, exploding, and …

The post Rescue Your Dog in Co-Op Cave Adventure Pratfall, Coming to Steam This Month appeared first on Gamezebo.

Hidden object games always amuse me conceptually, as there’s this sort of unspoken implication that we act as some sort of god-like figure from on high, discovering secrets that maybe weren’t meant to be found. They’re games about getting yourself involved in the lives of others unbeknownst to them, and it’s through whatever power you may have that you shape said lives. In Nippets, out today, that power is your hand, with which you poke, prod, and swipe the world and all its inhabitants.

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Six months following its launch as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, *Hades II* is set to make its entrance on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This eagerly awaited sequel to the praised *Hades* is part of the Game Pass lineup for April 2026, launching on the same day. Featured alongside titles like *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare* (2019) and various indie offerings, *Hades II* stands out as a key highlight of the month’s new additions.

On April 14, *Hades II* will be accessible across multiple platforms, including cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld devices, and PC, available through various Game Pass tiers. This announcement is particularly thrilling for fans of roguelite games, recognized for their captivating mechanics focused on replayability and character progression.

The roster of games arriving on Game Pass in the first half of April 2026 features 17 titles, showcasing a wide variety of genres:

1. **Final Fantasy IV** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – available since April 7.
2. **DayZ** (PC) – joining Game Pass on April 8.
3. **Endless Legend 2 (Game Preview)** (PC) – also arriving on April 8.
4. **FBC: Firebreak** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – available since April 8.
5. **Planet Coaster 2** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – launching on April 9.
6. **Tiny Bookshop** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – set to release on April 10.
7. **Football Manager 26** (PC, Xbox Series X|S) – coming on April 13.
8. **Hades II** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – debuting on April 14.
9. **Replaced** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – also on April 14.
10. **The Thaumaturge** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – arriving on April 14.
11. **The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – debuting on April 16.
12. **EA Sports NHL 26** (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S) – launching on April 16.
13. **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare** (Cloud, Console, and PC) – available on April 17.
14. **Little Rocket Lab** (Cloud, Console, and PC) – coming on April 21.
15. **Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato** (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – available on April 21.
16. **Vampire Crawlers** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – launching on April 21.
17. **Kiln** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – available on April 23.

Among these offerings, *Tiny Bookshop* shines as a charming management simulation centered around operating a bookstore, previously accessible on PC and Switch. *Replaced* caters to enthusiasts of retro visuals with its HD-2D pixel art and mix of action, combining cinematic features with rhythm-based combat.

*Vampire Crawlers* brings forth a card-driven dungeon-crawling experience influenced by *Vampire Survivors*, vowing addictive gameplay that encourages players to keep coming back. Meanwhile, *Kiln* from Double Fine presents a distinctive pottery-themed party game that highlights creativity and enjoyment.

Additionally, there are several significant removals taking place within Game Pass this month. *Grand Theft Auto V* and the strategic title *Terra Invicta* will leave the service, while *Dome Keeper*, a tower-defense roguelike, is expected to receive an update that will allow for four-player co-op, something many gamers are eagerly awaiting.

All in all, April 2026 brings an exhilarating selection of games for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, featuring a blend of new adventures and cherished classics.

Frostpunk 2 is, by its very name, a cold game. That’s its whole shtick, that the world is covered by an apocalyptic blizzard, and it’s on you to figure out how to keep your city running amongst the harsh conditions. This includes keeping everyone warm, so it does tickle me that the game’s next bit of DLC, revealed to be titled Breach of Trust, essentially says “no, not that warm.”

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**Chris Pratt’s Challenges with the Mario Franchise: An Examination of His Role as the Iconic Plumber**

Not everyone can boast the designation of a certified Mario aficionado like Brie Larson, the voice of Rosalina. However, Chris Pratt, who assumed the role of Mario in the blockbuster films produced by Nintendo and Illumination, appears to endure constant examination regarding his ties to the cherished video game series. A sequence of blunders in interviews has resulted in fans questioning his familiarity with the character he embodies, igniting a wave of online backlash.

Pratt’s venture into the Mario universe commenced in 2022 upon his announcement as the voice actor for the legendary plumber. Early on, during promotional promotions, he made remarks about his childhood interactions with the franchise, reminiscing about hours spent “stomping…KOOPAS!” This playful reflection, however, raised eyebrows and triggered speculation concerning his authentic involvement with video games.

The criticism heightened as Pratt continued to falter in his phrasing during promotional events for *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. At the film’s premiere in Kyoto, when inquired about what he was most eager for fans to witness, he made the perplexing remark regarding “the worlds outside of Mushroom…the Mushroom planet.” This mistake led to ridicule on social media platforms for his apparent lack of understanding about the very source material that underpins the film.

While some might contend that actors do not necessarily require an exhaustive grasp of the characters they embody, Pratt’s repeated mispronunciations and evident detachment from the Mushroom Kingdom’s context have intensified backlash. Numerous fans labeled him a “larper,” suggesting that he feigns interest instead of exhibiting genuine enthusiasm.

Reactions from fans on social media illustrate a mounting exasperation. Critiques emphasized that not only does he appear disconnected from the source material, but he seems less invested compared to his co-stars, particularly Brie Larson. Larson’s fervor and understanding of the franchise are evident, starkly contrasting with Pratt’s more laid-back demeanor, which has led many to question his dedication to portraying Mario.

Pratt’s portrayal of Mario has also received mixed assessments. Critics observe that his performance seems closer to his natural voice with minimal emphasis on the character’s classic attributes. Consequently, allegations of indifference towards the role have surfaced, becoming increasingly pronounced alongside Larson’s presence and her clear commitment to grasping her character.

In summary, while the expectations imposed on actors in high-profile roles can occasionally become unrealistic, Chris Pratt’s difficulties with the Mario franchise highlight a broader issue of representation and connection within treasured narratives. As audiences continue to honor the expansive world of Nintendo characters, there remains hope that future representations will encapsulate the passion and authenticity that fans earnestly seek.

This current era of the internet is very easily the worst one, even within its comparatively short existence. A myriad of reasons contributes to this, the most annoying and newest one being the advent of AI preying upon every last post you release unto the world. Artists are essentially in a constant state of looking over their shoulder in a dark alleyway in fear of their works being stolen. So what is Lucas Pope, creator of Papers, Place and Return of the Obra Dinn doing to combat this? Simply not sharing his work.

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