Is there something in the digital air this weekend? Bungie are finally letting anybody who wants a go have a go at Marathon from February 26th to March 2nd as part of the game’s server slam, and now it looks like Guerrilla Games’ recently announced live service spin-off Horizon Hunters Gathering is joining it with a playtest of its own.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a eagerly awaited entry in the Star Wars gaming series, breaking away from the typical themes of Jedi and lightsaber battles. It instead offers an exhilarating racing experience akin to classic games such as Star Wars: Racer’s Revenge. Set to debut in 2026, this arcade-style racer is being crafted by Fuse Games, a development team established by former Criterion creators known for their talent in high-speed racing titles.
Revealed at the 2025 Game Awards, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is crafted as a track-centric, arcade racing game that will include a full single-player narrative featuring both new and returning characters. Players can look forward to a diverse range of race tracks, each providing a distinct racing adventure within the cherished Star Wars galaxy.
While a precise launch date is yet to be announced, the game is expected to arrive sometime in 2026.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer will be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Yes, podracing will feature in Galactic Racer. Initially, there were doubts about its presence following the first teaser, but developers reassured fans that the game will include podracing in addition to various speeders and vehicles, highlighting a wider Star Wars racing experience rather than focusing solely on podracing.
Absolutely, Fuse Games consists of developers who have previously worked with Criterion Games, renowned for popular releases like Burnout Paradise and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Their extensive knowledge of the racing genre is anticipated to enhance the game’s mechanics and overall thrill.
No, Galactic Racer is not an open-world title like Forza Horizon or Burnout Paradise. It is designed as a track-based racer, taking cues from earlier Burnout installments.
Yes, the game will incorporate multiplayer modes, permitting up to 12 players to compete online. An online ranking system is also being developed, further enhancing the competitive elements of the game.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is positioned after the events of Return of the Jedi, though its exact timeframe within the greater Star Wars lore is not the main focus for the developers. They indicate that the aftermath of the galactic civil war creates a captivating environment for the racing culture to thrive.
Yes, Sebulba makes an appearance in the game, now represented as an older version of himself with a notable beard, suggesting his development since competing against Anakin Skywalker.
No, the developers have confirmed that Galactic Racer will not implement a battle pass or seasonal content, as it is intended to provide a premium game experience with a thorough campaign, arcade mode, and multiplayer features without adopting a free-to-play approach.
Yes, the game will enable players to roam in a social hub where they can engage with NPCs and upgrade their vehicles, adding a community aspect to the gameplay.
Great news, as there are indeed plans for a new KOTOR–
Bring me the Dawn.
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The time is upon us! The time to once again become radical, as from the ashes of developers Radical Entertainment and Hothead Games a sort of but not really new studio has been born: New Radical Games. It does seem like Hothead drew the short straw here name wise. But given that Radical were known for the likes of The Simpsons: Hit & Run and the Prototype games, and Hothead made, uh, The Baconing, the choice feels apt.
### Steam’s Next Fest: The Battle Between Innovation and AI-Created Content
Steam’s Next Fest has been recognized as a biannual event that presents hundreds of demos from both triple-A and indie game creators. This week-long event aims to give players a sneak peek at upcoming games, fostering excitement and anticipation within the gaming community. Nonetheless, the latest editions of Next Fest have raised concerns among players and developers, primarily due to the overwhelming number of low-quality games referred to as “slop” and the increasing occurrence of titles that employ generative AI for asset development.
#### Community Input and Evolving Perspectives
In recent dialogues on platforms like Reddit, users have voiced their discontent with the present condition of Next Fest. The prevailing feeling is evident: the colossal number of games has become excessive, leading many to filter games by popularity or user ratings instead of exploring the entire array of demos offered. This tactic undermines the event’s original purpose—enabling indie developers to achieve visibility and connect with gamers who might not have encountered them previously.
A Reddit user aptly captured the disenchantment with the event, stating, “I don’t feel very compelled to check out demos with AI art capsules,” reflecting a growing skepticism toward games that heavily depend on AI-generated imagery, which some gamers view as a lack of authentic artistry and craftsmanship.
#### The AI-Disclosure Conundrum
Complicating matters further is the apparent mishandling of Valve’s AI disclosure policy. While developers are mandated to disclose the use of AI-generated assets, numerous titles featured in Next Fest lack proper disclosure tags, creating doubts among players. Observers contend that without enforceable repercussions for not disclosing AI usage, developers might be encouraged to obscure their transparency.
One user remarked on the current measures’ insufficiency: “There is no real penalty so far for not disclosing.” This underlines a trust-based system that appears to benefit developers who may wish to hide their use of AI-generated content instead of promoting a fair gaming marketplace.
#### Community Proposals and Irony
In response to these hurdles, the community has proposed practical solutions, such as filtering games by popularity and reviews to navigate the influx of new releases. However, this presents an ironic scenario; it contradicts Next Fest’s goal of highlighting lesser-known indie titles. One community member remarked, “These last few fests I’ve just had to sort by popularity… It’s just too exhausting to filter through.”
This feeling resonates deeply with gamers who believe that the essence of the festival—unearthing distinctive indie titles—has been eclipsed by the surge of low-quality or AI-dependent games.
#### Difficulties for Indie Developers
Conversely, the swift emergence of AI-generated assets has unintentionally fostered a concerning environment for genuine indie developers. Many have reported experiencing false accusations of using AI in their games, leading to unjustified skepticism among potential players. Conversations on forums like r/IndieDev underscore the challenges developers face as they navigate these unfounded allegations, further complicating their attempts to showcase their unique creations during Next Fest.
It is clear that the responsibility lies with Valve to tackle these urgent issues. As the distinction between traditional game development and AI-generated content continues to blur, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers to differentiate between what is genuinely handcrafted and what results from an algorithm.
#### Conclusion
Steam’s Next Fest continues to serve as a vital platform for unveiling new games, yet the inclusion of poorly devised titles and generative AI assets is driving a reassessment of how these events are organized and managed. As the gaming terrain evolves, it is essential for Valve to enforce more robust measures that protect both consumers and authentic developers, guaranteeing that future festivals can celebrate creativity and innovation rather than compromising their value with substandard offerings.
Remember how literally only two weeks ago, PlayStation held one of their “Look at the State of the Place, You’ve Made Such a Mess!” presentations? There were plenty of announcements that landed with suitable aplomb, like a new Castlevania, a proper look at Silent Hill: Townfall, and a reveal of remakes of the OG three God of War Games. So it strikes me as perhaps a bit odd, and funny, that today Insomniac Games have, with quite little fanfare, confirmed the release date of their Wolverine joint.
**Marathon vs. Arc Raiders: The Battlefield vs. Call of Duty Dynamic of 2026**
As the gaming sector advances into 2026, two significant titles are set to vie for supremacy in the multiplayer shooter arena: Bungie’s *Marathon* and Embark Studios’ *Arc Raiders*. The resemblances between these games evoke memories of the historical clash between *Battlefield* and *Call of Duty*, prompting the question: which game will take which position?
### The Competitive Landscape
*Marathon*, Bungie’s forthcoming release, is positioned to enforce a zero-tolerance stance against cheating, framing itself as a strict contender committed to fair competition. Bungie’s dedication sharply contrasts with *Arc Raiders*, which has adopted a three-strike anti-cheat system. Following its recent Shrouded Sky update, *Arc Raiders* admitted its challenges with cheat detection, stressing the intricacies of their systems and the application of behavioral data to spot cheaters, which typically does not permit immediate bans. This reaction underscores a key difference in approach: whereas *Arc Raiders* relies on a gradual enforcement strategy, *Marathon* is taking a definitive stance that could bolster player trust and game integrity.
### The Rumor Mill and Game Delays
In relation to *Call of Duty*, Activision has recently refuted rumors concerning a standalone *Zombies* game. A leak from TheGhostofHope hinted that Activision was contemplating releasing two distinct titles for the forthcoming Xbox in 2027. In an uncommon public rebuttal, the official *Call of Duty* account remarked, “The rumor factory working overtime. This ain’t it.” This episode exemplifies the efforts by gaming firms to steer their narratives amid public rumors, mirroring past disputes surrounding franchise expansions and game offshoots.
Moreover, *Mouse: P.I. for Hire*, a noir-themed animated shooter, has postponed its launch from March to April 2026. Developers highlighted the necessity for more development time to guarantee a refined gaming experience, emphasizing the significance of quality over a rapid release.
### Nostalgia and New Developments
In a nostalgic twist, Radical Entertainment, the creators of the original *Prototype*, have rebranded as New Radical Games. While the intellectual property remains under Microsoft’s ownership, the possibility of a new *Prototype* entry acts as a homage to the studio’s rich history, rekindling excitement among fans eager for revivals of classic titles amidst a fiercely competitive environment.
### Conclusion: The Face-Off Ahead
With the changing dynamics between *Marathon* and *Arc Raiders*, it is evident that competition fosters innovation and advancement within the genre. Just as *Battlefield* and *Call of Duty* revolutionized multiplayer gaming, the rivalry between these two impending titles may drive developers to enhance their offerings, ultimately benefitting players. As the gaming community observes keenly, the result of this competitive landscape is certain to influence the trajectory of future first-person shooters.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach now has a big table detailing its System Requirements: On The PC. The good news is that, aside perhaps from needing a fairly beefy amount of storage space, Kojima and co’s game about babies/Norman Reedus/walking shouldn’t require you to invest in a space age rig ahead of its arrival on March 19th.
### Live-Service Game Betas: Horizon Hunters Gathering and Marathon
The video gaming landscape is shifting, especially with the emergence of live-service games that guarantee ongoing content updates and sustained player involvement. Sony’s recent efforts in this area feature the newly announced spin-off game **Horizon Hunters Gathering** and Bungie’s eagerly awaited **Marathon**. Both titles are currently at significant points in their development, with closed and open beta tests set to occur at the same time, prompting curiosity and inquiries from the gaming community.
#### Horizon Hunters Gathering: Initial Closed Beta
**Horizon Hunters Gathering** is scheduled to hold its first closed beta from February 27 to March 1, accessible on PlayStation 5 and Steam. Players who expressed interest in testing the game began receiving confirmation emails on February 24, indicating growing excitement for a co-op action experience. The closed beta will feature two unique game modes and three playable characters, enabling selected players to delve into the lively world and mechanics of this new title.
The game aims to meld familiar elements that fans of the **Horizon** franchise will appreciate, intertwined with innovative gameplay mechanics designed for a co-op setting. As it aims to establish a presence within the live-service genre, the feedback from the closed beta will be essential for the developers to enhance player experiences prior to its full launch.
#### Marathon: Open Beta Server Slam
Unlike Horizon’s closed beta, Bungie’s **Marathon** is organizing an open beta server slam from February 26 to March 2 across Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC platforms. This forthcoming title is framed as an extraction shooter, pledging high-stakes gameplay and teamwork. With Bungie’s extensive background in creating iconic multiplayer experiences, expectations are high as the studio gears up to reveal **Marathon**’s distinct approach in an open setting.
The strategy behind the open beta server slam reflects Bungie’s dedication to community involvement, permitting a wider player base to test the game. As Bungie prepares for the launch, insights obtained from this beta will not only improve gameplay mechanics but also assess server capacity and overall player interest in the title.
#### Overlapping Betas: A Strategic Oversight?
The simultaneous timing of both beta tests has sparked discussions regarding strategic planning within Sony. Although it may not appear to be a direct competition given the differing gameplay styles—**Horizon Hunters Gathering** emphasizing cooperative play versus **Marathon**’s extraction shooting—having both events coincide could dilute potential player engagement. Fans may find it difficult to join in both betas, ultimately impacting player feedback for each game.
The scheduling of these beta tests shines a light on Sony’s live-service strategy, particularly following recent organizational changes, including the shutdown of the cherished remaster studio, Bluepoint Games. The gaming community remains wary about Sony’s dedication to live-service models, concerned that the emphasis on multiplayer experiences might overshadow the single-player narratives that have characterized their brands.
As the beta tests draw near, the gaming world is closely observing how these titles will be received and what feedback will result. The overlap may underscore internal challenges within Sony’s gaming strategies, but it also presents a unique chance for players to experience two varied gameplay styles in a condensed period. The responses from these early access phases will be crucial in influencing the future of both **Horizon Hunters Gathering** and **Marathon**, as they both seek attention in a competitive gaming market.
Are Runes worth getting in Sailor Piece?
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