Gait Games

**Toy Story 3: A Retro Game Faces Removal Ahead of Remaster**

*Toy Story 3*, initially launched on Xbox 360 and PS3, has surprisingly upheld a strong reputation as a dependable video game, even garnering the favor of Korn’s lead singer Jonathan Davis as his top choice. With the recent news from Disney regarding a remaster of this cherished title, excitement has escalated among fans. However, leading up to the new release, unsettling information has emerged about the original game’s presence on digital platforms.

As of late September 2026, Disney will remove the original backward-compatible version of *Toy Story 3* from the Xbox Store. This decision was subtly conveyed through an updated store description instead of a major announcement, surprising many players. The update includes a note that clearly indicates the game’s withdrawal will occur to pave the way for the remaster, *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition*, which is slated for release on October 15, 2026.

The official notice on the Xbox store states:

> “Beginning on September 29, 2026, *Toy Story 3* will no longer be available for purchase. Players who have acquired *Toy Story 3* will still be able to play the game after this date. *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition* is set to arrive on October 15, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, featuring all elements from the original game along with enhanced graphics and additional new features.”

At present, the original game is listed at $10 and remains playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The remastered edition will be priced at $20, introducing improvements that promise to revitalize the classic gaming experience.

The choice to remove the original version has led to backlash. Many believe such measures are unwarranted, especially when other companies, like Ubisoft, have chosen not to pull older titles from their stores even after releasing remakes. Critics note that while pursuing profit from a nostalgic title is justifiable, fans should still have access to the original game without the threat of removal.

In addition to the buzz surrounding the remaster, *Toy Story Retro Round-Up* is also on track for release, showcasing a collection of classic *Toy Story* games playable on contemporary consoles. Enthusiasts of the franchise are both excited and optimistic about how these beloved narratives and gameplay experiences can evolve with new technology while preserving the essence that originally captivated players.

Amid the controversy, enthusiasm for *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition* keeps rising, promising updated graphics and gameplay features that aim to enrich the nostalgic experience for both new and returning players alike. The gaming community remains optimistic for an accessible future for all renditions of this beloved title.

Saber Interactive have belatedly updated the Steam page for Unigine’s chatty gig-work game Rideshare Stimulator with a disclosure about generative AI usage, following a withering back-and-forth between the game’s former writer Stella Sacco and Saber CEO Matthew Karch.

To catch you up, in case you had the good fortune to miss all the yelling earlier in the week: Sacco was lead writer at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. On Tuesday 11th, responding to Rideshare Stimulator’s announcement trailer, she posted on Bluesky that “Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development”, adding that the game makes of generative AI tools for passenger voices.

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**Grand Theft Auto: The New Video Game Sovereignty**

A recent announcement from the NPD Group underscores a notable change in the video game domain, validating what many have felt: the legendary *Grand Theft Auto* franchise has surpassed Mario as the supreme ruler of video games. As per NPD’s assessment, *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City* ascended as the top-selling game in the United States for 2002, closely followed by its forerunner, *Grand Theft Auto III*. This pair from Rockstar Games eclipsed other significant titles such as *Madden NFL 2003*, *Kingdom Hearts*, and *Super Mario Sunshine*, the latter concluding the year in a lackluster 10th position, despite being the first 3D installment in the Mario series since *Super Mario 64*.

The information indicates a pivotal change in gaming demographics and preferences. The video game realm increasingly leans towards mature, gritty narratives rather than lighthearted adventures, as shown by the rising popularity of games like *Grand Theft Auto*. As players who grew up enjoying Nintendo’s family-oriented games mature, their preferences appear to tilt towards more adult themes and intricate storytelling. This transformation prompts the question: should Nintendo adjust to this evolving market and delve into more mature content for its flagship character, Mario?

Envision a scenario where Mario is plunged into a shadowy underworld. In this speculative storyline, Princess Peach is tragically slain during a failed kidnapping, and Mario suspects his longtime adversary, Bowser, is involved. The tale unfolds in a gritty underworld of the Mushroom Kingdom, where Mario, wielding firearms, embarks on a quest for revenge against Bowser and his criminal syndicate. This imagined narrative contrasts Mario’s traditional image with a raw, intense storyline, where vengeance, violence, and urban crime take prominence. The concept presents Mario as a dark antihero, resonating with themes from crime dramas like *The Sopranos*.

Although atypical for the beloved plumber, this transformation presents fascinating prospects for the franchise. While some may contend that this shift could alienate longstanding fans, others argue it might rekindle interest in a disillusioned adult audience, providing a fresh outlook on a beloved character. The incorporation of mature themes in gameplay mechanics has previously demonstrated success, as observed with *Donkey Kong 64*, which thrived in part due to its more aggressive gameplay elements, despite its seemingly cheerful exterior.

Historically, Nintendo has been a frontrunner in the gaming arena, but Sony’s emphasis on mature content has fostered a different expectation among gamers. As the industry advances, engaging the adult demographic may necessitate a reassessment of classic franchises. If handled thoughtfully, portraying Mario in a darker, more mature manner could not only revitalize interest in the character but also pave the way for gameplay innovations.

In summary, as gaming preferences trend towards realism and adult themes, there is a strong argument for Nintendo to rethink Mario’s place in the gaming sphere. Taking daring measures to infuse Mario with a more mature narrative could resonate with a generation of players yearning for depth and complexity in their gaming experiences. The moment may be ideal for Mario to trade his iconic overalls for something a bit more perilous—and perhaps even embrace the grit of a contemporary crime saga.

This drove me clucking mad.

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You need Gear 2 and Gear 4 first.

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# The Ascent and Decline of GameTrailers: An Exploration of Video Game Media

The dawn of the 2000s signified a crucial era in the development of video game media, a shift underscored by the rise of sites like GameTrailers.com. Launched in 2002, the platform swiftly became a key destination for video game trailers and insights, setting itself apart from rivals like IGN and GameSpot. Led by Brandon Jones and Geoff Grotz, GameTrailers aimed to deliver high-caliber video content, transcending simple promotional pieces to offer in-depth reviews, previews, and retrospectives.

## A Distinct Perspective

The beginnings of GameTrailers are rooted in a combination of ingenuity and a love for gaming. As Jones reminisces, the formation of the site stemmed from a collaborative ethos – he and his associates noticed a void in the market. Unlike the movie sector, where trailers were easily accessible for free, gamers often found themselves scouring demo discs or subscription-based sites for video game footage. This necessity drove their choice to start uploading trailers without proper licensing, frequently “unapologetically taking” from other platforms.

The daring strategy proved successful. As they accumulated more content, the site’s traffic surged, inspiring Jones’s supervisor at the time, Jon Slusser, to envision a more extensive venture. This ambition culminated in GameTrailers’ acquisition by Viacom in 2005, which enabled the platform to grow and acquire additional resources.

## Expansion with Viacom

With the backing of Viacom, GameTrailers evolved from a modest website into a well-known media entity in the gaming arena. The acquisition empowered the team to improve their production quality and create original content, featuring a skilled editorial team that produced insightful reviews and captivating features. The site turned into a cultural sensation, with children spending countless hours engrossed in video game media.

Importantly, GameTrailers was not merely a venue for major titles; it also showcased indie games and lesser-known projects, offering viewers a rich variety of gaming experiences.

## The YouTube Challenge

In spite of its early achievements, GameTrailers encountered intense competition as the digital environment transformed. The emergence of YouTube considerably altered viewing habits. Gamers started to prefer platforms where user-generated content thrived, and the fast-paced nature of social media began to dictate how trailers and promotional videos were accessed.

Viacom’s hesitance to fully embrace YouTube created notable challenges for GameTrailers. Despite the GameTrailers team’s advocacy for establishing a foothold on the platform, Viacom regarded YouTube with skepticism, ultimately resulting in the site’s stagnation as viewership began to decline.

## Shutdown and Legacy

Even with efforts to innovate, such as proposals for a subscription model, the signs of decline became evident. GameTrailers was closed in 2014, and by 2016, its brand had been integrated into IGN. The once-flourishing site that influenced video game media now existed merely as a title on a YouTube channel, a stark illustration of the swift changes in digital media.

In the aftermath, many of GameTrailers’ former employees, including Jones and Grotz, shifted focus to create Easy Allies, a new initiative dedicated to upholding the quality and credibility of gaming content. Nonetheless, the landscape had irrevocably transformed, prioritizing influencers and fast content cycles on platforms that valued virality over substance.

## Conclusion

The transformation of GameTrailers highlights a significant change in how gamers engage with media. While the site was instrumental during the early days of digital game promotion, its decline paralleled the ascent of social media and the evolving preferences of both audiences and media organizations. The narrative of GameTrailers serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of digital platforms in the constantly changing landscape of entertainment. As gaming continues to gain momentum, the legacy of GameTrailers stands as evidence of a time when video game media was beginning to explore its potential beyond conventional marketing.

A bakers dozen.

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You’ve heard our ideas on how to make the RPS Supporter program more betterer, now we want to hear yours. Everyone, regardless of whether you’re already signed up or not, is invited to take the RPS Supporter survey: a succinct questionblast where you can tell us, to our wretched faces, what you think of the program.

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**The Deltarune Fan Cafe Incident: A Cautionary Tale in Event Management**

Toby Fox’s episodic RPG *Deltarune* has enchanted fans since its launch, blending heartfelt storytelling with immersive gameplay. Recently, a Toronto event arranged by a group called Sugar Packet sought to honor this cherished game through an unofficial *Deltarune* Fan Cafe event. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a celebratory gathering quickly drew parallels to notorious events like Fyre Festival and DashCon due to several mismanagement problems.

On a Sunday, attendees paid $15 for a 50-minute experience that promised themed cuisine, merchandise, photo ops, and a raffle. The event showcased *Deltarune*’s recently released Chapter 5, featuring food inspired by its storyline. This included takoyaki, a dish players recognize from a festival sequence within the game. Regrettably, this specific menu item became the focus of a significant controversy.

Reports surfaced that the takoyaki was inappropriately stored, with claims that it thawed in a cooler, resulting in multiple food poisoning cases. Attendees recounted their distressing experiences, with some needing urgent medical intervention. One participant described the dish as tasting “kinda undercooked,” mirroring the words of a character in *Deltarune* who mentioned the food’s unpleasant attributes. While the connection to the game might have been a source of pride, this literal representation of the in-game experience turned out to be catastrophic.

Alongside the food safety concerns, various complaints arose regarding overcrowding, merchandise pre-order issues, and unexpected price changes. Attendees were also struck by the drab atmosphere of the venue, a minimally decorated college building that failed to capture the vibrant essence of *Deltarune*. Photos shared on social media illustrated a stark divergence from the energetic festival ambiance anticipated for the event. One attendee commented how the arrangement resembled more of a classroom than a themed cafe.

After the event, Sugar Packet’s organizers posted a series of apologies on Instagram, conceding the event was a failure. They offered refunds and pledged to reimburse attendees for any medical costs incurred due to the food incident. The event’s organizers also stressed the significance of not mistreating volunteers and took complete responsibility for the planning errors.

In reflecting on the *Deltarune* Fan Cafe, it becomes clear that while the enthusiasm for the game united a community, the execution failed to meet expectations. This incident acts as a reminder of the vital importance of meticulous planning, adherence to food safety protocols, and realistic venue assessments when organizing large events. Fans aspire for improved future experiences that genuinely celebrate the creativity and joy that *Deltarune* brings, without the regrettable overshadowing of a poorly managed occasion.

A cracking guide.

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