Despite not being one myself, I do seem to write about furry-adjacent games for this ole webbed site, don’t I? And I’ve got another one for you today! It’s called Break The Night, a hack ‘n’ slash with slick movement, roguelike elements, and magical girls inspired by aesthetics from the late 2000s, and while it’s still quite early days yet, I’ve been quite charmed by it.
### The Bizarre Situation of Kent Kubasta: Stalking Charges and Pokémon Cards
A 72-year-old man hailing from Ohio, Kent Kubasta, has recently been in the news after facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for unlawfully placing a tracking device on a delivery driver’s vehicle. This strange case has prompted inquiries into what could compel a man in his 70s to partake in such perilous actions, particularly given the possible implications of months behind bars. The explanation appears to stem from the realm of Pokémon cards.
#### The Event
As per court documents acquired by Aftermath, Kubasta confessed to attaching a SpyTech GPS device to the car of a delivery driver parked in front of Operation Fandom, a shop located in Wooster, Ohio. His intention? To monitor her whereabouts and the delivery of Pokémon cards, especially the sought-after 30th Celebration set, which has become increasingly elusive at retail prices.
#### The Pokémon Card Frenzy
Interest in Pokémon cards has escalated dramatically in recent years, causing challenges in obtaining items at their original retail costs. As collectors and scalpers compete for rare edition and in-demand sets, individuals like Kubasta turn to extreme measures in their quest for valuable cards. Nevertheless, such behavior bears significant legal consequences, including a possible 180-day jail term and a $1,000 fine for Kubasta.
#### An Unwarranted Gamble
What renders this situation even more baffling is the information Kubasta endeavored to obtain could have been effortlessly gathered through public channels. The proprietor of Operation Fandom noted that information regarding card availability is often accessible via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Keeping track of certain accounts can furnish timely updates on restocks and availability without engaging in illegal actions.
#### A Rising Trend of Desperation
Kubasta’s behavior mirrors a wider issue seen among Pokémon collectors and scalpers. Instances of illegal and hazardous conduct related to the Pokémon trading card game have arisen, particularly concerning the 30th Celebration set. Reports have surfaced of confrontations, including individuals brandishing knives against other shoppers, all in the quest for valuable cards. The allure of rare items like the illustration Mewtwo ex appears to have driven some individuals to extreme measures, jeopardizing their safety and freedom for the pursuit of collecting.
#### Conclusion
Kent Kubasta’s situation serves as a warning about the extremes to which individuals may go for Pokémon cards in the current market. While the aspiration to possess valuable collectibles is understandable, the dangers associated with unlawful behavior greatly surpass the possible benefits. For many, a straightforward online inquiry could yield the same information devoid of the anxiety of legal ramifications, underscoring the necessity of making prudent choices when faced with obsession.
Real estate these days! No matter where you look, there’s never enough space any more. I imagine this was the impetus for designing Packed Lair, a dungeony fusion of base building, auto battling, roguelikes and Tetris where you play as an evil lord who is trying to cram an entire empire into an incredibly cramped lair that’s out today.
### Halo Studios Experiences Job Cuts Amid Corporate Overhaul
Halo Studios, formerly recognized as 343 Industries, has emerged as a prominent victim in a substantial series of layoffs unveiled by Xbox. This overhaul, referred to by Xbox leaders as a corporate “reset,” led to the termination of over 250 staff members, continuing a trend that commenced with significant job cuts in July. The modifications are part of a tactical shift within Xbox, which has repositioned the Halo franchise under Activision, altering Halo Studios’ function to a support role rather than a leading development studio.
On September 22, Xbox leaders, including Matt Booty, acknowledged the layoffs as an element of an assertive restructuring initiative. The evolution for Halo, a key franchise for the Xbox ecosystem, signifies a wider alteration in corporate strategy, raising apprehensions regarding the future of the studio and its workforce.
One affected developer is Cinematic Director Josh Daniels. He shared on LinkedIn that he had received a promotion shortly before encountering termination, adding a personal dimension to the disruption. “Promoted and laid off in the same week is pretty wild,” Daniels expressed, underscoring the absurdity of his predicament and showing an eagerness to explore forthcoming opportunities in cinematic direction and production.
This development has ignited criticism concerning the treatment of employees and the noticeable absence of a coherent strategy within Xbox. Numerous observers have pointed out that the swift nature of these decisions prompts doubts about the coordination and planning among diverse divisions within Xbox. The initiative to elevate talent while concurrently implementing layoffs cultivates an environment of disorder and unpredictability.
Daniels’ ordeal reflects a wider sentiment among gaming professionals, particularly after instances where developers have been released shortly after celebrating project milestones. For example, a developer from the Gears of War series was dismissed just days after the team marked the completion of their game, highlighting the volatility that appears to typify the current corporate landscape within Xbox.
As Xbox advances with its restructuring endeavors, the effects on employees, developers, and the future of cherished franchises like Halo and Gears of War remain uncertain. The layoffs are not merely statistics; they signify individuals and their careers, highlighting the necessity for a more considerate approach to corporate strategy and employee relations in the continually changing gaming sector.
If you own a Steam Machine, and still cling to the misconception that my budget faceplate ideas aren’t good enough for you, you basically have three options for front panel customisation. The first is to grab something off Etsy or suchlike. The second is take advantage of Valve’s open-source Inkterface project to build yourself an E-Ink display, onto which you can electronically daub performance monitoring info. The third is to end up with more or less the same panel as option two, but have someone else make it for you. That’s what arch accessory makers JSAUX are proposing with their Steam Machine E-Ink and Pixel Matrix faceplates, which go on sale today after a few weeks of preening around the case mod scene.
I’ve been using both on my Machine at home, and they’re quite good fun. The E-Ink faceplate, for which I sense the greater internet buzz, is a crisp, tidy little black-and-white panel, while the PixelMatrix trades detail density for colour and retro charm. Both have a few different display modes, switchable in SteamOS’s quick settings menu (via some clever integration with the Decky Loader plugin tool), and while I had to set this up manually, JSAUX say the requisite software will be downloadable via Steam itself from early October. Truly, it’s all the results of a DIY mod and more, conveniently pre-prepared for people who don’t own soldering irons.
**Juan Vaca and the Effect of Xbox Layoffs on the Gaming Sector**
Juan Vaca, the narrative director for the eagerly awaited video game *Gears of War: E-Day*, recently found himself among several hundred employees impacted by major layoffs at Xbox. Just days prior to celebrating the milestone that *E-Day* had “gone gold,” indicating the completion of the game’s development, Vaca revealed his layoff on social media. This announcement comes amid a corporate overhaul at Xbox, which has led to the cutting of over 260 jobs, following an earlier round of layoffs in July.
On September 22, Xbox confirmed additional job cuts as part of its continuing corporate “reset.” This restructuring also entails significant alterations in studio management, including the integration of the *Halo* franchise under Activision’s control and the unification of the *Forza* teams into a single studio. Vaca’s exit is especially significant given the timing; he had shared his enthusiasm about *Gears of War: E-Day* going gold just four days prior, indicating the game’s preparedness for production and its scheduled release on October 6.
Vaca joined The Coalition, the studio responsible for the *Gears of War* franchise, in 2022. His position involved overseeing narrative development and collaborative efforts to craft a seamless story from beginning to end. Despite the situation surrounding his departure, Vaca maintains an optimistic outlook for his future, mentioning on LinkedIn and BlueSky that he is receptive to new roles in games, film, and television and encourages teams seeking a director or storyteller to contact him.
While the specific number of layoffs at The Coalition has not been made public, the ramifications of these job losses go beyond the individuals directly impacted; it raises concerns regarding the future of game development and storytelling in the sector. The emotional toll of losing a job shortly after achieving a professional milestone certainly resonates with many in the gaming community and highlights the instability and challenges prevalent in the gaming industry.
As the industry progresses, with significant restructuring and mergers becoming increasingly commonplace, attention remains on the potential effects for both developers and gamers. The aspiration is that gifted individuals like Vaca will continue to make valuable contributions to the narrative and creative dimensions of gaming in fresh and innovative manners, despite the challenges presented by corporate decisions.
*Gears of War: E-Day*, to which Vaca contributed, is poised for an imminent release, and many fans are eager to witness the final product of his dedication, even as he pursues new ventures in a transforming environment. As the gaming community watches intently, the resilience of creators like Juan Vaca will surely influence the future of interactive storytelling.
I like Sonic. He charms me! But that doesn’t mean I’m a fool. I know there are very few of his games that could actually be called “good,” whatever that word might mean, I just don’t care. Except making not good games, and having a reputation for doing so, will obviously result in waning returns financially. So it isn’t a surprise to hear from Sonic boss Takashi Iizuka that, once upon a time, the entire series was at risk of cancellation. Which is where those of you that like the games but hate the movies need to say some thank yous.
**Aspyr Introduces Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War for Nintendo Switch 2**
In a surprising turn, Aspyr, the porting studio recognized for games such as *Tomb Raider* and *Star Wars*, has unveiled store listings for both *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor* and *Shadow of War* on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop. This news was initially spotted by a keen Reddit user and subsequently validated through eShop investigations. The release date for both titles is set for September 30.
In conjunction with the announcement, Aspyr published a brief trailer, creating buzz among fans of the series. The standard price for *Shadow of Mordor* is established at $20, while *Shadow of War* is marked at $50. A package deal featuring both games for $70 is also on offer. To commemorate the launch, both titles will see price reductions during the first two weeks: *Shadow of Mordor* will sell for $10, *Shadow of War* for $25, and the bundle for $35. Despite some apprehensions regarding the initial pricing—particularly due to frequent discounts on platforms such as Steam—fans are thrilled to finally have these games available on Nintendo.
Having debuted over ten years ago, *Shadow of Mordor* was released in 2014, followed by *Shadow of War* in 2017. Both titles garnered praise from critics and players and were previously accessible on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. A standout feature of these games is the groundbreaking Nemesis system, which enables players’ interactions with enemies to shape future encounters; adversaries can track and recall previous meetings, growing stronger and modifying their strategies.
This release signifies the first occasion that both *Shadow of Mordor* and *Shadow of War* will be playable on a Nintendo platform, addressing a longing voiced by fans for many years.
For more news and to view the newly released trailer, fans can head to the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop.
After a rip-roaring start for The Blood of Dawnwalker (one that has seen a bit of pushback against its timer mechanic, and an apparent confirmation of a sequel being in the works), developer Rebel Wolves are gearing up for the game’s first big update, one that’ll introduce a new difficult mode and a suite of improvement, most likely arriving early October.
**Undead Labs: A Self-Reliant Path for State of Decay**
Undead Labs, the company celebrated for its contributions to the well-known zombie survival series, State of Decay, has officially finalized its departure from Xbox after more than ten years under the tech behemoth’s management. The news was shared on September 22, 2023, signaling a fresh beginning for the development group as they evolve into a self-governing game studio.
The departure process commenced amidst organizational shifts at Xbox, which involved layoffs and the strategy to permit certain studios to function independently. Undead Labs was among the first studios highlighted for this shift, and it has successfully transitioned into a wholly employee-owned entity concentrating on its community-centered objectives.
Philip Holt, the head of the studio, commented on this pivotal change, stating, “Independence brings us closer to our community and allows us to focus on what matters most: crafting the finest games possible and earning the ongoing support of those who choose to engage with us.” This focus on player trust and participation underscores the studio’s dedication to its audience, which has been instrumental in the evolution of the State of Decay franchise.
As Undead Labs moves into its new independent phase, it reassures fans that development on State of Decay 3 is progressing. The much-anticipated sequel is currently in its alpha phase, with the team advancing towards a closed beta expected to launch by the year’s end. Fans can look forward to State of Decay 3 being available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in 2027, with Game Pass access upon its release.
Undead Labs first released State of Decay in 2013 with the backing of Xbox, which later acquired the studio in 2018. This acquisition positioned Undead Labs within the larger Xbox Games Studio framework, granting additional resources but also presenting challenges reported by some staff, including concerns related to burnout and workplace morale. These internal difficulties may have influenced the delays in the development of State of Decay 3, which many enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating.
While Undead Labs has successfully managed its transition to independence, not all studios have experienced the same outcome. Recent reports suggested that attempts for other studios, such as Ninja Theory, to move to independent operations were unsuccessful, resulting in potential consolidations and discussions regarding closures for various developer teams. In contrast, studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games have effectively reclaimed their indie status.
As Undead Labs embarks on this new chapter, the gaming community observes closely, hopeful that this independence will cultivate an environment that nurtures creativity, employee happiness, and, ultimately, the creation of captivating, high-caliber games that resonate with players. The studio’s future appears bright, with State of Decay 3 set to transform what fans can expect from the franchise.