Multiplayer crime sandbox and massive money sink GTA Online is getting its first new heist mission in a little while next week, with balaclavas set to be donned on July 14th. The target of this shady op’s is the art gallery dubbed the Kortz Center, which you might remember as the setting for that one Merryweather-battling mission with Michael and Trevor in GTA 5‘s main story.
### Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer: A Trip Down Memory Lane in Classic Game Development
In a time when hyper-realistic graphics and cutting-edge technology dominate, the renewed fascination with **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer**, a title launched two decades ago, has intrigued gamers and retro fans alike. This unexpected rush of nostalgia has been ignited by recent social media shares that underscore the game’s remarkable water simulation and seamless gameplay, which impressively stand the test of time against contemporary expectations.
#### A Lasting Classic Emerges
On July 8, 2026, a brief video displaying gameplay from **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** went viral on Twitter, garnering nearly 5 million views, over 1,500 shares, and close to 15,000 likes. Created by Treyarch and launched in 2002, this action-sports game, evocative of the well-known **Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater** franchise, has become a central topic of conversation surrounding design philosophy and visual aesthetics in the gaming landscape.
The clip showcased a player expertly riding the lively waves, and many spectators were especially captivated by the game’s water technology. Despite not utilizing the latest graphics innovations, the fluidity of the waves was praised as an artistic victory—achieving a visual style that lingers with players long after its original launch.
#### The Craft of Water Simulation
Both developers and fans have celebrated the game’s water visuals, with one developer from **The Water Museum** clarifying that the appeal arises from straightforward yet impactful methods. It seems the wave effects were crafted with an artist’s sensibility—applying gradients and visual transitions to produce a sense of depth and movement. This artistry highlights the notion that sometimes aesthetic allure is found not in hyper-realistic depictions but in embodying what visually captivates.
Actor Jon Cartwright wittily noted on social media, “Why is this the best-looking water ever?” This playful remark embodies a wider feeling among gamers who enjoy the nostalgic imagery of earlier eras when gameplay and aesthetic simplicity typically triumphed over demanding graphical realism.
#### Gameplay Elements and Efficiency
**Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** operates at 60 frames per second, enhancing its fluid visuals and gaming experience. This feature underscores a key concept in game creation—at times, gameplay smoothness can outweigh the pursuit of lifelike visuals. In contrast to many contemporary games that may falter in frame rates, particularly during graphics-heavy scenes, **Pro Surfer** delivers an engaging experience that remains delightful even today.
The game’s capacity to cultivate a mesmerizing surfing atmosphere while maintaining excellent performance has endeared it to gamers, demonstrating that stunning graphics are not the sole criterion for a game’s enduring appeal. As new generations explore or rediscover this classic, the delightful aesthetics combined with consistent performance evoke the pleasures of retro gaming.
#### The Larger Perspective in Game Development
The renewed enthusiasm for **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** stands as an illustration of the evolving landscape of video game design. It conveys a significant message: balancing artistic style, gameplay fluidity, and technical prowess can create a lasting bond with players. As the industry progresses, this nostalgic revival encourages developers to rethink ways to harmoniously blend art and functionality in upcoming titles.
In summary, **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** exemplifies gaming’s rich legacy and the influence of compelling design principles. Its ongoing popularity highlights players’ appreciation for games that offer enjoyment through creativity and performance, rather than merely through advanced realism. As the gaming frontier continues to grow, revisiting classics like **Pro Surfer** may inspire future game designers to embrace the elegance of simplicity and effectiveness in their creations.
We’ve known for ages that the Steam Machine has a similar game compatibility rating system to the Steam Deck, wherein Valve tests games and slaps them with a Verified, Playable, or Unsupported sticker depending on how much they play technical ball. For the first fortnight and change of the Machine’s release, though, the results of these tests haven’t been visible – alongside the Deck verification info – on those games’ Steam store pages.
**The Charming Chocobo Glitch in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: A Bug that Became a Beloved Feature**
Two years after its release, *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* remains a favorite among players, especially due to an amusing bug that has captured significant attention. As fans prepare for the concluding chapter of the *Remake* trilogy, called *Revelation*, set to launch next year, many users are still experiencing a comical glitch: a mischievous Chocobo that trails characters throughout the game, even during cutscenes.
This unforeseen companion has transformed into a viral hit on social media, particularly through posts by users like Twitter’s @bwautif, who documents the Chocobo appearing in unexpected spots, inadvertently adding a layer of humor to the gaming adventure. The glitch was initially pointed out in Kotaku’s Slack by Ethan Gach, who questioned if this ongoing issue was a recent occurrence or a long-standing feature. To the joy of players, it appears that this Chocobo has been a playful presence since the game’s release.
Players have shared various experiences with this glitch. One dedicated GameFAQs user articulated their frustration extensively, stating that the Chocobo interrupts cutscenes and bumps into characters, ultimately breaking their immersion in the game. They remarked that the glitch seems to initiate after finishing a particular side quest involving the Chocobo Ranch, only to reappear in different locations throughout the game, especially around Junon.
Despite efforts to seek assistance from Square Enix’s support team, players have felt ignored, as many continue to experience the quirky Chocobo. The longevity of this glitch has sparked speculation among fans that Square Enix may be opting to embrace the bug rather than correct it. Given its undeniable charm and the happiness it brings to the player community, some suggest that the glitch may enhance the game’s overall experience more than it detracts.
The lingering question is whether this charming glitch will carry over into the forthcoming *Revelation*. As players keep sharing their Chocobo experiences, the glitched bird has unintentionally become a symbol of the unexpected pleasures of gaming, reminding everyone that occasionally, flaws can lead to delightful moments. With anticipation growing for the third installment, it seems Square Enix has their work cut out, managing game development while potentially allowing this lovable Chocobo to remain a whimsical aspect of the *Final Fantasy VII* saga.
Radiator Forever, an “ongoing re-remaster/re-re-release” collection of developer Robert Yang’s short and experimental gay games has arrived on Steam, giving it a new home alongside Itch.io. In a blog post about the release, Yang has outlined the complex situation facing adult game creators at the moment, with the likes of last year’s business with payment processors and online-focused UK laws are making it a lot tougher for games like Radiator Forever to exist on the most prevalent PC platforms.
### The Hysteria Surrounding the Pokémon TCG: An Examination of EB Games’ Controversial Pricing Methodology
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has continually enthralled enthusiasts since its launch, and the current excitement is amplified by the forthcoming launch of the 30th-anniversary celebration set set for September. Amid this atmosphere, a troubling trend has surfaced: retail outlets are engaging in scalping behaviors by significantly marking up prices for their clientele. A prominent example is EB Games, the Australian division of GameStop, which recently embraced this contentious strategy with its pre-order pricing.
#### The Pricing Saga
At first, EB Games declared pre-order prices for the new Pokémon TCG 30th-anniversary set that were shockingly elevated, attracting the attention and anger of the community. Fans were astonished to discover inflated prices allegedly aimed at discouraging scalpers. However, the actual consequences of this pricing approach were more nuanced.
EB Games, in a statement from Managing Director Shane Stockwell, explained that the steep prices were part of an overarching strategy to favor authentic Pokémon fans and reduce scalper interference. Stockwell remarked, “Scalpers don’t build communities. Fans do.” This reasoning suggests a commendable goal of safeguarding the community, yet the implementation left many feeling disenchanted.
#### The Reaction
The feedback from the Pokémon community was varied. While some fans recognized the aim behind EB Games’ strategy, others were understandably upset. Many were discouraged from pre-ordering completely due to the inflated initial costs, and even those who did pre-order soon realized they were still overpaying. In response to the backlash, EB Games retracted the initial prices, vowing to inform customers of any adjustments, yet the final pricing remained significantly higher than the standard market rate.
With a typical MSRP of an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) around $60, EB Games’ revised price of $120 AUD (approximately $83 USD) still represented a considerable markup. The situation was further complicated by the exorbitant pricing of the Ultra Premium Collections, which had been listed at $305 USD, far surpassing any previous standards for such items.
#### Trust and Transparency
In spite of the controversy, EB Games sought to cultivate goodwill by expressing gratitude to those who continued to support them during the incident. However, this sentiment appeared disingenuous to many customers who felt manipulated by the pricing strategy. The corporate messaging seemed to neglect the genuine frustrations of fans who perceived this as a betrayal rather than an effort to care for the community.
Critics within the Pokémon community expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the apparent disconnect between the company’s actions and customer expectations. Many believed that instead of justifying their methods, EB Games ought to interact with the community more openly and sincerely.
#### Conclusion
The issues surrounding EB Games’ management of the Pokémon TCG 30th-anniversary pre-orders underscore a complicated intersection of retail strategy, community trust, and consumer rights. The initial approach may have aimed to protect the fanbase from scalping, yet the overall outcome was extensive disappointment and outrage. As the Pokémon franchise continues to flourish, retail practices must adapt towards greater transparency and fairness to support rather than exploit its vibrant community. The upcoming months will determine whether EB Games can repair the rifts caused by this pricing issue and restore trust among the Pokémon TCG fanbase.
For many decades, sci-fi buffs have debated the exact nature of the “C-beams” mentioned by Roy Batty/Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner‘s legendary “tears in rain” soliloquy. Cutter beams used in construction? Weapon systems? Fey astral phenomena The beauty of the term is its ambiguity, perhaps. Not any more, though. Now, whenever anybody muses moist-eyedly about the replicant’s parting phrase, I can say: “actually, he was referring to the forthcoming space action-RPG C-Beams from Distant Light Games and publishers Hooded Horse, which also takes heavy inspiration from one of my childhood favourite space games – Ambrosia Software’s Escape Velocity.” Time to die roll the trailer.
**Global Casting Call for Destin Daniel Cretton’s Live-Action Naruto Film Announced**
The buzz surrounding the live-action version of *Naruto* has escalated as director Destin Daniel Cretton reveals a global casting call. This announcement follows years of eager anticipation since Lionsgate declared in 2015 that it had acquired the rights to adapt Masashi Kishimoto’s legendary manga. Cretton, acclaimed for his role in *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*, aims to present the cherished characters and their adventures of *Naruto* on the big screen in an innovative and captivating manner.
Cretton’s latest Instagram update underscores that the casting initiative will kick off with a concentration on “Team 7,” comprising pivotal characters Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and their mentor Kakashi Hatake. This preliminary search represents a crucial milestone in the production schedule, officially denoting the initial stages of casting alongside Cretton’s role as director and co-writer following Michael Gracey’s departure from the project in 2024.
In his announcement, Cretton conveyed his pride in adapting the source material that has motivated countless admirers around the globe. He remarked, “Kishimoto-sensei’s narratives have inspired generations of fans worldwide, and it’s a privilege to bring his universe and characters to the big screen in live action for the very first time.” He shared his enthusiasm for the casting call and the hurdles that await in bringing to life the vibrant realm of *Naruto*.
Notwithstanding the excitement from the creatives involved, *Naruto* enthusiasts have expressed their doubts concerning live-action renditions, especially considering the mixed results of previous projects in the genre. Reactions on Cretton’s post reveal a cautious hope, moderated by earlier letdowns in adaptations. Nonetheless, the endorsement and active participation of Masashi Kishimoto in this venture offer some comfort to fans. He has shown his eagerness for the project and expressed a wish to “meet [his] characters in the film,” highlighting his engaged involvement with the production crew.
Another fascinating element of the casting process is the age range for the actors, which introduces logistical hurdles. The plot of *Naruto* encompasses substantial character growth and a time leap between the original series and *Naruto: Shippuden*, making it crucial for casting directors to identify appropriate actors who can evolve with their roles. Should the initial film select younger performers, they will have to account for the natural aging as production unfolds, thereby influencing the film’s continuity and character depiction.
As fans look forward to further information, the excitement builds around how Cretton and his team will reinterpret the rich lore and dynamic character arcs of *Naruto* for audiences new to the narrative. The casting call marks an essential move towards achieving this ambitious dream, and many will be closely observing as this iconic franchise makes the leap from cherished manga and anime to live-action film.
Yarr, ye not be needin’ to shell out for the more expensive editions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced or its day one DLCs if you want to have “the full, complete experience”. So developers Ubisoft have said in response to Steam reviews giving the Black Flag remake a thumbs down because it has a bunch of purchasable extras on sale right out of port.
Since the introduction of the Steam Machine, there has been a significant ambiguity surrounding which games are entirely compatible with this innovative console. Recently, though, Valve refreshed the Steam store to furnish crucial compatibility details for users. This enhancement mirrors the already existing system for the Steam Deck, which provides clear information regarding game compatibility, control schemes, and technical specifications.
While exploring the Steam store, users will now encounter compatibility indicators for the Steam Machine alongside the Steam Deck data. To view these particulars, players must click on the “Learn more” button situated in the “STEAM DECK COMPATIBILITY” section, which can be found a few scrolls down the page, nestled between “Languages” and “Achievements.”
Upon reviewing this information, players can ascertain whether a game has been tested and its performance level on the Steam Machine, Steam Deck, and Steam OS. For instance, the compatibility specifics for “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced” reveal that all game functionalities work correctly with the default controller settings, the UI is tailored to show suitable Steam Controller icons, and that the game runs smoothly with the standard graphics settings on the Steam Machine. However, it also specifies that the game necessitates an internet connection for its initial startup due to DRM limitations.
Conversely, games that have not been tested yet will show a notification indicating that Valve is still evaluating compatibility for that specific title. If a game has undergone evaluation but receives a less favorable assessment, the store presents a detailed account of particular issues. For instance, “GTA: San Andreas” is labeled as “Playable on Steam Machine,” with warnings about potential concerns like the requirement of a touchscreen or virtual keyboard and the sporadic display of non-Steam controller icons.
A noteworthy aspect is the handling of Valve’s own game, “Alien Swarm,” which seems to be poorly optimized for its own hardware, prompting inquiries about the company’s dedication to enhancing compatibility for its games on the Steam Machine.
All in all, this update by Valve seeks to simplify the gaming experience on the Steam Machine by classifying games according to confirmed compatibility, ensuring users can make well-informed choices regarding their purchases and gameplay experiences.