Gait Games

**Smooth Takeoffs in Starfield: A Revolutionary Phase for Space Exploration**

*Starfield*, Bethesda’s bold venture into space exploration, has attracted gamers globally with its vast universe featuring countless star systems and procedurally generated worlds. While the game has introduced players to engaging exploration, it has also faced criticism for its loading screens, particularly during launches from planetary surfaces. Nevertheless, a new mod aims to improve the gameplay experience by providing a seamless takeoff option for PC users.

### The Smooth Takeoff Mod

Created by modder 0xBobby, the “Smooth Planet Takeoffs SFSE (Beta)” mod removes loading screens during takeoff. Rather than suddenly redirecting to a loading screen when departing into space, players can now observe their ships ascending through the atmosphere and reaching orbit effortlessly. According to 0xBobby, the mod “strives to eliminate the loading screen when taking off from a planet, and spawns your ship above the landing area for a fluid experience.” Although still in beta, this mod signifies a major advancement in enhancing immersion in *Starfield*.

### Community Interest and Modder Perspectives

Since the game’s release, numerous players have voiced a significant interest in this feature, emphasizing that the capability to fly smoothly into space without disruptions would greatly elevate their gaming experience. Modder 0xBobby recognized the widespread player feedback and is endeavoring to make the transition as seamless as possible, mentioning that factors like atmosphere and weather can influence the smoothness of the takeoff.

While this mod improves takeoffs, concerns persist regarding the absence of seamless landings. 0xBobby noted that accomplishing this goal would be notably more complicated and, for personal reasons, he does not anticipate developing a seamless landing solution in the near term. This remark highlights the ongoing challenges and limitations encountered by modders in their efforts to stretch the boundaries of game mechanics.

### Comparison to Other Space Simulation Games

The implementation of seamless takeoffs aligns *Starfield* more closely with other well-known space simulation titles like *No Man’s Sky*, which permits players to transition freely between planets and space without loading interruptions. While the seamless takeoff mod satisfies considerable player demand, expectations for seamless landings should be moderated, as the complexity involved is significant and may not be attainable in the upcoming future.

### The Future of Starfield

Beyond the scope of modding, Bethesda has reiterated its dedication to *Starfield*, with promises of new content and narrative expansions set to launch in 2027. Additionally, the studio intends to introduce new paid modifications through its “Creation Club,” aimed at enriching the gameplay experience for both PC and console players.

### Conclusion

The introduction of the seamless takeoff mod marks an important advancement in the *Starfield* community, offering a method to enhance player immersion and streamline gameplay. As modding communities continue to innovate and as Bethesda remains committed to expanding the universe of *Starfield*, the future of space exploration within this game appears bright. Despite existing limitations concerning seamless landings, the ongoing involvement of the community and the developers creates an exhilarating path for *Starfield* players.

Occasionally I will see a game that opts for an artstyle so complex and involved that will clearly take years to make, leaving me with an unbridled fear of the gamey part being not very good. I’m talking about games like Harold Halibut, where the entire thing is stop-motion. Do you know how long stop-motion takes! A while, I’ve heard. I feel similarly about Scarlet Deer Inn, a Slavic-folklore inspired platformer where every single sprite is made from embroidery that’s out today.

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### Apple Collaborates with Klarna for Buy Now, Pay Later Initiative in Response to Increasing Prices

Apple maintains its leadership in the tech sector, yet it encounters substantial hurdles as the worldwide economic climate deteriorates. Recent insights suggest that Apple is modifying its pricing approach due to supply chain complications, informally referred to as “RAMageddon,” which have forced the company to considerably increase prices on several of its products.

To motivate customers to upgrade their devices despite the rising expenses, Apple is reportedly partnering with Klarna to introduce a buy now, pay later (BNPL) program. As reported by Bloomberg, this program is anticipated to launch on July 28 and will encompass a broad selection of devices, including the majority of iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch models.

### Overview of the Buy Now, Pay Later Initiative

Consumers who meet credit requirements will have the chance to lease new products for predetermined durations—24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 36 months for Macs and iPads. Upon completion of the leasing period, customers can either return the devices or opt to keep them for an extra charge, enabling the possibility for continual updates.

This strategic adjustment arises in light of recent price hikes, where popular items experienced price increases of $100 or more. For example, the MacBook Air’s price ascended from $1,100 to $1,300, while the MacBook Neo, which quickly gained acclaim for its design and affordability, leaped from $600 to $700.

### Reaction to Economic Challenges

Tim Cook, Apple’s departing CEO, remarked on the company’s current status, stating, “We’re doing our utmost to alleviate the tremendous increases that are being handed to us… the situation has become untenable.” He highlighted that he had never seen such significant shifts impacting the tech market in over forty years.

This shift towards financing mechanisms for consumers mirrors approaches taken by other technology leaders, such as Microsoft, which recently increased the price of its Xbox Series X and initiated a collaboration with Klarna for interest-free financing. However, while Microsoft is engaging in the artificial intelligence competition that intensifies supply chain complications, Apple has not been as directly participating in that particular field.

### Summary

Apple’s new BNPL initiative in collaboration with Klarna represents a notable change in how the company engages with consumers amid rising costs. By enabling customers to lease devices rather than buy them outright, Apple seeks to maintain its dedicated customer base’s interest in its newest products, despite the prevailing economic difficulties that have influenced the tech industry’s pricing structure. As circumstances unfold, it remains to be seen how this initiative will affect Apple’s sales and client loyalty in a competitive environment.

A day will dawn when the premise “what if Darkest Dungeon but also XYZ” will lose its crablike stranglehold on my fancy, but that day is not this day, for today we Dive or Die. Not that the two activities are mutually exclusive.

In this 2D roguelite scuba sim from Drop Rate Studio and publishers Dear Villagers, the world has succumbed to a “black rain” that inflicts mutations and nightmares. It’s been chucking it down for five solid years, in fact, with human civilisation reduced to scraping a living on mountaintops that are now islands. There isn’t much of a living to scrape on mountaintops, so off you go into the “abyssal pool” to dredge up some canned food and building materials.

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### The Nintendo Switch 2: Ongoing Promotions and Upcoming Costs

The Nintendo Switch 2 is sparking excitement among gamers, particularly with its recent pricing changes. Currently available for $450, the console is projected to rise to $500 in the coming months. Nevertheless, some fortunate shoppers can grab it for a temporary deal of $400 through ongoing offers.

Woot, the deals site owned by Amazon, is selling the Nintendo Switch 2 at its standard price but has launched an appealing discount code. Customers applying the code “GIFT26” can gain a $22 reduction off the standard price. Moreover, new users on Woot can get a $50 discount, adding to the allure of this offer. This promotion is anticipated to last until July 25 or until stock is depleted, which may happen quickly given the high demand.

In the previous holiday season, a comparable $400 Switch 2 deal was well-received, complementing a $450 bundle that featured the hit game, *Mario Kart World*. With the impending price increase, this could be one of the prime chances to acquire the console at a lower cost for an extended period.

Nintendo’s choice to raise the Switch 2’s price is shaped by several market factors. Elements like tariffs established during the Trump era and the soaring costs of components resulting from an AI arms race are driving the price escalation of gaming technology. Analysts indicate that the rising costs of RAM and other critical components may persist through at least 2028, suggesting that the Switch 2 could experience a substantial price hike in the future.

As the gaming world transforms, buyers are left considering how the upcoming prices of the Switch 2 will develop. Those eager to secure the Switch 2 at a reasonable price may need to act swiftly, as current promotions could represent the optimal opportunity to obtain this sought-after console before prices rise.

The idea of developing sound and well placed infrastructure in a contemporary city fills me with an overwhelming sense of incompetency, so for the most part I tend to steer clear of city builders of that ilk. I don’t want to care about where a hospital needs to go, or how many roads is too many! So something like Thveit, a Norse folklore inspired city builder where the changing seasons shape how your villagers work, seems a bit more my speed.

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### Darkest Dungeon: The Fire’s Edge DLC Announcement

The critically acclaimed title *Darkest Dungeon*, which debuted ten years ago, is set to unveil its first downloadable content (DLC) in six years, named *The Fire’s Edge*. Anticipated for launch on August 18, this expansion aims to elevate the already intense gaming experience with new characters, districts, and elements borrowed from its sequel, *Darkest Dungeon 2*.

#### New Characters and Features

*The Fire’s Edge* will present two new playable characters from *Darkest Dungeon 2*: the Duelist and the Runaway. These characters are expected to introduce unique capabilities and playstyles into the game. The Runaway, specifically, will feature a new burn mechanic that prioritizes stealth, allowing players to employ creative tactics to traverse the perilous dungeons.

In addition to the new characters, the DLC will introduce three new districts, broadening the game’s already expansive world. Players can also anticipate new trinkets, tools, writings, and events, which are crafted to enhance storytelling and gameplay. The inclusion of “surprises” suggests unexpected elements that may introduce additional depth and challenge to the experience.

#### The Essence of Darkest Dungeon

For those who are not acquainted with *Darkest Dungeon*, it is a turn-based roguelike that challenges players to form parties to venture into procedurally generated dungeons. The game is infamous for its harsh difficulty; characters can experience permanent death, and managing debuffs and ailments is essential for survival. Players also face a stress mechanic that can have dire consequences, such as heart attacks, if neglected.

A hallmark of *Darkest Dungeon* is its narration, delivered by the late Wayne June. His voice added a heavy atmospheric quality to the game’s narrative. Following his passing last year, it remains uncertain how the developers will approach new narrative content, especially since they have chosen not to employ AI to replicate his voice, despite prior permissions.

#### DLC Availability

*The Fire’s Edge* will signify the fifth DLC addition to *Darkest Dungeon*, following earlier expansions. While it’s set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo systems on August 18, an Xbox version has also been confirmed but currently does not have a specific release date.

### Conclusion

*The Fire’s Edge* is poised to rejuvenate *Darkest Dungeon*’s gameplay with an abundance of new content and mechanics. Whether you’re a returning player or new to the world of *Darkest Dungeon*, this DLC provides a compelling reason to immerse yourself in its dark and challenging environment once more.

Things are sounding bad over at Splitgate developer 1047 Games once again. After launching Empulse last month, a wall-running, quite Titanfall-esque FPS with mechs game that James had some fun with, it appears that layoffs have taken place at the studio, marking the third round of them in the space of about a year.

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**The Rise of Non-Human Traffic: Analyzing Google’s Influence on Web Publishers**

A recent study reveals a remarkable change in internet traffic dynamics, indicating that more than 50% of online traffic is now generated by non-human sources. This trend is primarily linked to the implementation of Gemini, Google’s AI system, in its search functionality, resulting in nearly a 40% drop in human traffic within just one year. This concerning statistic brings up vital questions regarding the long-term viability of online publishing, especially as AI continues to gain prominence.

According to Cloudflare, the content delivery network and cloud security firm responsible for the report, the timeframe from June 2025 to April 2026 experienced at least a 35% reduction in human traffic across various major sectors. Google, which makes up close to 88% of referral traffic, is recognized as a significant contributor to this decline. Google’s AI capabilities are now extracting content from multiple websites and repurposing it in Gemini’s “AI Overview,” which subsequently denies original content creators any page views or potential revenue. This scenario has prompted publishers to refer to this phenomenon as “Google Zero,” illustrating a situation where only a small fraction of traffic comes from search referrals.

The report from Cloudflare further notes that as of June 2026, 52% of crawler requests—software that gathers information from web pages for indexing—are now aimed at AI training. This figure has surged from 22% in Spring 2025. A major concern is that Google employs a single web crawler for both indexing sites and training its AI. Therefore, when publishers decide to opt-out of being included in Google’s AI Overview, they concurrently forfeit their visibility in Google search results.

The ramifications of this situation are significant: publishers are faced with a tough choice of whether to allow their content to be used by Google’s AI without receiving any corresponding web traffic, or to completely withdraw from search engine visibility. Considering Google’s substantial share of referral traffic, this presents a difficult predicament.

The report highlights that the effects of Google’s AI integration have been felt most intensely by news organizations and media outlets, yet other industries—including retail, software, IT, and finance—are also starting to witness similar traffic reductions, with drops reaching up to 40% in less than a year.

In contrast, the United Kingdom has emerged as an exception to this trend. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK announced in early June 2026 that it would require Google to implement measures for publishers to opt out of AI Overview summaries without incurring deindexing penalties. In response, Google launched a trial initiative enabling UK publishers to regain some degree of control over their content, assuring that opting out would not jeopardize their search rankings.

Despite these actions in the UK, a crucial concern persists globally: How can Google maintain its AI Overview if it undermines the revenues of the very publishers it relies on for information? The threat to web publishers is evident; without a sustainable business model, these websites may face insolvency, complicating Google’s ability to continue procuring content.

In conclusion, the growth of non-human traffic propelled by AI integrations presents substantial hurdles for online publishers. As the digital environment evolves, achieving a balance between utilizing AI for improvements and safeguarding the interests of content creators will be essential for preserving a thriving internet ecosystem.

Anyone who knows me knows that the one frustration I come back to in games, above all else, more than yellow paint, quest markers and horrendously written dialogue, is that there just isn’t enough cow breeding. Where is it? The video game industry is sorely lacking in that department, but fear not fellow freaks, Manor Lords has our back, as by the end of the month you’ll be able to breed your cattle to your hearts’ content.

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