Gait Games

Years ago I was lost in the Shaded Woods, a foggy forest full of moaning trees. I didn’t have enough health to fight the invisible backstabbing murder ghosts, and every time I ran away from the spooky sound of their footsteps, I got lost in the fog all over again.

That’s when a hacker invaded and injected me with hundreds of cursed swords, corrupting my save file and dooming Dark Souls 2 to crash over and over.

It was deep magic, more powerful than any game system or lore, overwhelming the code itself. To uncurse myself, I’d have to embrace the darkness and download cheat tools too.

And now I’ve tracked down my hacker, to thank him.

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David Tremblay, who was once hailed as the world record holder for PlayStation Trophies, now faces a permanent ban from the PlayStation Network (PSN). This unexpected development has left Tremblay in shock, as he blames the ban on the actions of a hacker and points to Sony’s insufficient support and security measures.

According to a report by PC Mag, Tremblay’s PSN account, identified as dav1d_123, was suspended due to alleged breaches of PSN regulations. His position as the leading trophy holder, which included a Guinness World Record for the most Platinum trophies, has now been ruined. Last October, Tremblay had already stepped back from trophy hunting after a hacking incident where a malicious individual seized control of his account. He indicated that this hacker circumvented his account’s two-factor authentication (2FA) and employed phishing strategies to deceive PSN chat support, thereby endangering his account’s security.

In a tweet, Tremblay highlighted the susceptibility of PSN accounts, cautioning others that “anyone can steal your account.” The situation intensified when Tremblay took part in a prominent PC Mag article addressing serious security issues on PSN. He accused the hacker of trying to blackmail him, which allegedly led to the hacker reporting his account and causing the permanent ban.

Tremblay believes that the hacker used a method known as a “bomb message,” in which they dispatch inappropriate messages from the account to other users. Subsequently, they can report these messages to Sony, leading to a suspension, even without accessing the account anymore. Tremblay asserts that the hacker threatened to take such steps against his account if he publicly discussed the situation.

Despite the troubling events surrounding the suspension, Sony has not commented on the incident or the broader security issues highlighted by Tremblay. The former trophy hunter mentioned that since the ban, his account shows zero trophies, a disheartening result after dedicating more than 16 years to trophy hunting on PlayStation. He conveyed the sorrow of losing an identity formed over countless hours of gameplay and accomplishments.

Tremblay stressed his annoyance at the lack of response from Sony’s support team, which he contacted multiple times regarding the messages sent from his account during its compromised state. He expressed regret over the absence of strong security measures to safeguard committed users like himself, showing profound disappointment in how the matter was handled.

Ultimately, the case of David Tremblay acts as a warning about the vulnerabilities of online gaming accounts and the necessity of dependable security protocols in protecting user identities within the gaming community.

Stardew Valley but make it horror.

The post Grave Seasons Should Be Your Most Anticipated Game This Summer appeared first on Gamezebo.

The latest Marathon update looks like it will mean an easier time. UESC enemies have been made weaker, the frequency with which they chuck EMP grenades has been reduced, and free loadouts now come with even more ammo. Yet, after spending an hour over lunch being killed repeatedly in Maintenance on Dire Marsh, I can confirm that Marathon has not become a cakewalk.

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# Marathon’s Update 1.0.0.4: Improvements and Community Input

Bungie’s initial significant post-launch update for *Marathon*, version 1.0.0.4, was released on March 11, 2023, bringing multiple enhancements aimed at improving player experiences in this sci-fi extraction shooter. Instead of introducing new content such as maps or characters, this update prioritizes refining gameplay mechanics and responding to player feedback.

## Major Changes in Update 1.0.0.4

### Improved Item Economy
One of the key enhancements is the rise in the spawn rate of Med Cabinets and Munitions Crates on the Perimeter map. This adjustment comes alongside an increase in starting ammunition for the MIDA, CyberAcme, and Arachne free sponsored kits—crucial modifications, as players previously found these kits excessively challenging due to inadequate ammo supplies. Moreover, the frequency of UESC Grenadiers dropping EMP grenades has been lowered, facilitating less intimidating encounters with these foes.

### Combat Modifications
Numerous combat mechanics have undergone modifications. The update rectified several bugs, such as cases where players could suffer instant death during confinement events and lingering shield break screen effects. The listening range for gunfire and explosions has been broadened, improving the overall sound experience of the game.

### Weapon Adjustments
The efficacy of thermal scopes has been fine-tuned, especially regarding visual precision on targets and maximum highlight distances, making gameplay more demanding yet feasible. For example, the maximum distance for pistols equipped with thermal scopes has been decreased from 55 to 40 meters.

### Rook and UESC Modifications
Players interacting with Rook, a crucial NPC in *Marathon*, will enjoy various improvements, including better reputation gains and fixes for disappearing backpacks during exfiltration. The UESC robotic guards have experienced minor reductions in health and shield, ensuring they are still challenging adversaries without overwhelming solo players or smaller teams.

### Contract Navigation Enhancements
To enhance gameplay flow, the distance at which contract objective navigation markers appear has been expanded from 10 meters to 20 meters, simplifying the search for vital items and terminals throughout the game.

## Enhancements to the Rewards Pass
In response to community feedback regarding the rewards in *Marathon*’s season pass, Bungie has pledged to enrich the content of the pass. Proposed additions include more Runner skins and a variety of both free and premium rewards. Bungie aims to guarantee value for players participating in the rewards system, addressing previous concerns about unsatisfactory offerings.

## Ongoing Developer Interaction
Bungie’s proactive approach in addressing player feedback has been clear. Players voiced concerns over premium currency packs, which were viewed as unfairly structured. In response, Bungie revealed adjustments resulting in $10 packages providing exactly what’s required for specific cosmetic items. The studio also connected with the community through lore expansions, showcasing a dedication to continuous development.

## Conclusion
As *Marathon* continues to transform, Bungie’s swift responses illustrate a strong commitment to player satisfaction and involvement. Updates like 1.0.0.4 not only fine-tune gameplay elements but also foster the community’s confidence in the developers. As *Marathon* advances, anticipation for upcoming updates and features keeps growing among its player community.

### Complete Patch Notes for Update 1.0.0.4
– **Item Economy**
– Increased Med Cab and Munitions Crate spawns
– Increased starting ammo in free sponsored kits
– Reduced UESC Grenadiers’ EMP grenade drop frequency

– **Combat**
– Fixed instant death occurrences in confinement events
– Enhanced gunfire/explosion sound range

– **Weapons**
– Adjusted thermal scopes’ target clarity and highlight distances

– **Runners**
– Fixed Rook-related bugs and enhanced reputation mechanics

– **UESC**
– Reduced health/shield for UESC enemies

– **Contracts**
– Increased visibility range for contract objectives

– **Zones**
– Temporarily disabled a switch access route on Outpost

– **Rewards Pass**
– Resolved Silk balance update issues and corrected cosmetic display errors

– **Stability**
– Addressed various client and server crash issues

– **General Fixes**
– Amended numerous bugs affecting player interactions and UI

This update signifies Bungie’s continuing commitment to enhancing *Marathon*, and players can anticipate further improvements as the studio remains responsive to community feedback.

Are you worthy?

The post How To Efficiently Farm Sailor Piece Worthiness Fragments + Uses appeared first on Gamezebo.

A team of modders are creating a Community Edition of Arkane’s footloose fantasy RPG Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, with Valve’s support and publisher Ubisoft’s approval. The modders in question are the same outfit who received a “completely blank check” from Ubi to develop a modding SDK, back in 2023. Now, they’re devising a new version using the latest Source Engine SDK. Kickbait, indeed.

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### The Cost of Digital Fashion: Examining Overwatch’s Nier: Automata Mega Bundle

In a time when digital assets are gaining in value, the gaming community has observed a significant change in the pricing of these assets. A recent illustration of this trend is the launch of the *Nier: Automata* Mega Bundle for *Overwatch*, which has ignited conversations regarding the ethics and rationale behind such elevated price points.

#### The Bundle Overview

The *Nier: Automata* Mega Bundle, available for $70, includes five character skins inspired by the acclaimed action-RPG *Nier: Automata*. Gamers can outfit their *Overwatch* characters—Lifeweaver, Mercy, Vendetta, Wuyang, and Kiriko—with designs that reflect the game. In addition to these skins, the bundle offers more in-game items such as name cards, icons, sprays, emotes, and new victory poses. Nevertheless, it is important to note what the bundle omits: Highlight Intros and voice lines, which are typically anticipated components in character bundles.

For those interested in buying a standalone skin, such as Vendetta’s A2 skin, the price is set at a staggering $28. This pricing has caused some players to voice their annoyance and incredulity, particularly when contrasted with the price of acquiring *Nier: Automata* itself, which can often be found for as low as $16 during sales.

#### The Frustration Among Players

While numerous players have welcomed the collaboration, adorning their *Overwatch* characters to mirror *Nier: Automata*’s iconic figures like 2B and 9S, a considerable segment of the community is visibly discontented. The game’s financial model, which prioritizes cosmetic purchases, prompts inquiries regarding value versus expenditure in the gaming sphere. Detractors contend that it is irrational to pay more for digital embellishments than for the complete gaming experience.

This sense of disconnect is prevalent in the modern gaming environment, where companies frequently capitalize on nostalgia and fandom to impose premium prices for virtual goods. As *Nier: Automata* nears its 10-year anniversary, the desire for new content tied to cherished titles may make players more amenable to such pricing, despite believing it is steep.

#### The Fundamental Economics

From a commercial viewpoint, the pricing of these bundles can often be rationalized by the time and resources dedicated to their creation. However, as highlighted by critiques, the focus seems less about recouping costs and more about capitalizing on fans’ eagerness to invest in their preferred franchises. The fact that Blizzard has set the price at a level high enough to incite outrage implies confidence in a solid customer base willing to partake in these cosmetic purchases.

This situation prompts a vital question regarding the future of gaming economics—does the willingness to pay unprecedented amounts for digital skins represent a sustainable model? Or will it ultimately backfire as players become weary of exploitative pricing strategies?

#### Conclusion

The *Nier: Automata* Mega Bundle for *Overwatch* is more than just a mere cosmetic enhancement to a well-loved game; it reflects broader trends and conflicts within the gaming industry concerning the valuation of digital goods and the pricing strategies employed by publishers. As players navigate the interplay between nostalgia, fandom, and financial constraints, the debate over high-priced in-game purchases like this one is likely to persist, shedding light on the evolving dynamics between players and the gaming companies they endorse.

The prettiest boss so far.

The post Using Sailor Piece Tempest Relics For the Blessed Maiden Boss and Weapon appeared first on Gamezebo.

Intel have announced a handful of new gaming CPUs, the Core Ultra 200S Plus series, to release next month. After 2024’s original Core Ultra 200S family went for efficiency gains at the cost of frame-punching game power, these 200S Plus chips are once again tuned more for straight performance, which sounds good to me. I like lower electricity bills and heat generation as much as the next hardware editor, and was fairly optimistic about that initial batch of Core Ultras at first, but they ended up so slow and dull it essentially put me off writing about CPUs for a year and a half.

Say hello, then, to the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 250K Plus, which’ll be out on March 26th 2026 at $299 and $199 respectively. There’ll also be slightly cheaper KF variants, without integrated graphics, for each. Intel VP Robert Hallock says these will be the “fastest desktop gaming processors Intel has ever built,” which they’ll need to be – while the blue team have been fiddling with efficiency, AMD’s 3D V-Cache tech has ran away with the gaming advantage, especially on the outstandingly quick Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

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