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S&box, Facepunch Studios’ open source game development platform/spiritual successor to Garry’s Mod continues to fight a battle against AI-generated games early doors. After Facepunch founder Garry Newman was quick to confirm the studio would be “taking action to promote human creativity and push obviously AI-created slop off the main page” following S&box’s launch to mixed reviews, the game’s latest update has taken aim at punishing creations with AI-generated thumbnails.

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A man from New Haven, Connecticut, has received a six-year jail sentence for drug distribution and for possessing firearms and ammunition, which breaches the terms of his supervised release following a previous federal conviction. What makes this case particularly intriguing from a video game and pop culture standpoint is that the drugs he distributed were fashioned like the head of Mario, a well-known character from the beloved Nintendo franchise.

Ronnel Rogers, 33, was taken into custody during a traffic stop in 2024. At that moment, he had fentanyl, meth, cocaine, and heroin in his possession, all intended for distribution. Notably, among these drugs were meth pills crafted to mimic cartoon characters, notably Mario, complete with his iconic cap and mustache. The District Attorney’s Office even released a photo of these pills, highlighting their intricate design.

In October 2023, Rogers entered a guilty plea for the charges of possession and intent to distribute, resulting in a sentencing of 63 months in prison on May 11, along with an additional nine months for breaching his supervised release terms. Before this incident, Rogers had already served a 37-month sentence for distributing narcotics and possessing firearms, plus another 14-month sentence for violating an earlier supervised release agreement. After being released in March 2024, he was re-arrested merely two months later on new charges concerning the Mario-shaped pills.

The rationale behind selecting Mario for the pill design is still uncertain, prompting some to humorously suggest that the “M” on Mario’s hat might ironically refer to “Meth.” This strange nexus of drug distribution and pop culture has captivated many, sparking conversations about the impact of video game imagery even in the most peculiar situations.

Which Tideclaws to skip when upgrading.

The post Shells Tideclaw Progression Guide appeared first on Gamezebo.

I blast out of Tokyo, off into the countryside. At first, the roads run alongside waterlogged rice paddies, through flat and open country. Soon, though, I hit the coastal highway which winds its way over deep blue sea and past fishing villages. Carving north, I navigate snaking passes straight out of Initial D and slide upwards through their narrow switchbacks. Then, as I climb, everything opens up again.

Wide alpine roads sweep past green hills offering a spectacular view of Tokyo far to the south, the snow-capped peaks to the north, and Mount Fuji sitting stoically to the west. For a moment, it reminds me of the fabled alpine spaghetti you can find if you tour central Europe’s most breathtaking regions. Continuing my ascent, I soon hit snowy ski trails, steep stretches encased in permafrost and banked by looming snowdrifts.

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In good news for fans of little painted fellas who stand about menacingly, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II finally has a proper release date. It’s out on May 21st, arriving alongside the annual Warhammer Skulls showcase that typically offers a range of updates on games you have to decide whether to write out the number 40,000 in full when covering.

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Spend your Compensation Tokens wisely.

The post Type Soul Compensation Shop – How to Get Tokens and Location appeared first on Gamezebo.

Arc Raiders is switching up its update cadence, with developers Embark having decided that dropping a major set of additions every six months is better for the shooter‘s long-term health than sticking to a monthly update grind. The first update set to be released under this new modus operandi’s also been revealed: it’s called Frozen Trail and will include the game’s biggest map to date.

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### Valve’s Latest Steam Controller: A Playful Blend of Console and PC Gaming

Valve’s latest Steam Controller aims to offer gamers an incredibly customizable experience, acting as a link between console and PC gaming. Its distinctive features and playful elements add to its appeal, distinguishing it in a competitive market.

#### Customization and Features

The Steam Controller features numerous customization possibilities that enable users to adapt their gaming experience according to their preferences. Among its notable features are touchpads and cutting-edge haptic feedback, providing an intuitive and responsive interface that many gamers desire. The overall design, combined with its functionality, highlights the dedication of Valve’s design team, reflecting their commitment to both innovation and user satisfaction.

#### A Distinctive Easter Egg

One of the most enjoyable surprises related to the Steam Controller is an unanticipated easter egg: it can produce the famous Wilhelm scream when dropped. This legendary scream, originating from a 1950s Western film, has become a cultural reference in various media. User RF3D19 recently disclosed this discovery on Reddit along with a demonstration on YouTube, where the scream can be distinctly heard upon impact.

Upon testing its capabilities, numerous users, including RF3D19, confirmed that the functionality works, although caution is advised to prevent damage to the controller. The scream has a cooldown timer, stopping players from triggering it repeatedly through careless throwing.

#### Sounds and Alerts

Furthermore, the Steam Controller includes auditory alerts, such as ringing like an old telephone, making it simpler for gamers to locate it within their gaming setup. This feature, along with the controller’s other high-quality elements, elevates it from being just a functional tool to an engaging enhancement to the gaming experience.

#### Availability and Resupply

Despite its groundbreaking features, the availability of the Steam Controller has posed a challenge, with initial stocks selling out almost instantly. Valve has assured future restocks and has implemented measures to shield consumers from scalpers, who have significantly inflated prices on platforms like eBay. The original price of the controller, set at $100, has risen to over $400 in numerous listings, particularly following news of its screaming feature.

#### Conclusion

The Steam Controller is not simply a gaming accessory; it’s a whimsical representation of Valve’s vision for the future of gaming. With its customizable features, quirky surprises like the Wilhelm scream, and robust community involvement, it marks a significant advancement in the development of gaming peripherals. As Valve strives to ensure broader availability, players are eager to incorporate this innovative controller into their gaming experiences.

**Title: The Mixed Reception of Saros: Analyzing Sales Performance and Market Dynamics**

As gamers dive into Housemarque’s newest offering, *Saros*, it has received accolades for its smooth gameplay and elevated design in contrast to its earlier title, *Returnal*. After spending ten hours playing, one can readily recognize the improvements made to boost player experience and accessibility. Nevertheless, in spite of the game’s overall quality, it has fallen short of sales expectations in its opening weeks, prompting inquiries into the causes behind this occurrence.

Recent projections from Alinea Analytics suggest that *Saros* has sold just above 300,000 copies during its initial fortnight, a number that does not match the momentum *Returnal* achieved upon its launch in 2021. Conversely, *Returnal* attracted an enthusiastic audience when the PlayStation 5 was new, enjoying a considerably smaller install base of under 10 million. Now, with nearly 100 million consoles active, one would anticipate *Saros* to take advantage of this larger market. Still, the game’s performance remains unexpectedly flat, indicating that current challenges may be influencing its perception.

Housemarque’s choice to develop a more accessible game is clear in *Saros* through its focus on storytelling elements and permanent upgrades that lessen difficulty spikes. Data indicates that *Saros* has a superior completion rate among its top players compared to *Returnal* during a similar post-launch timeframe, which is a favorable sign of player engagement.

However, Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics highlights a saturated market environment as a key barrier. With a wave of recent releases such as *Resident Evil Requiem*, *Crimson Desert*, and *Pragamata*, the competition is intense. Players’ desires for new exclusive offerings may have diminished since the initial excitement around the PS5’s debut. This abundance of choices could directly affect the sales outcomes for *Saros*, as players choose to explore the wide variety of gaming experiences at their disposal.

This trend is not confined to *Saros*, as other recent Sony launches are reportedly encountering similar obstacles. Bungie’s *Marathon*, for example, despite anticipation, has struggled to reach significant sales numbers. Additionally, the absence of updated sales information for *Ghost of Yotei*, even after its initial success of 3.3 million copies in the first month, raises doubts about Sony’s capability to sustain player interest and broaden its first-party game audience as the market evolves.

As production budgets escalate and console sales plateau, these trends warrant analysis by the industry. Upcoming titles like *Ghost of Yotei* and *Saros* are reportedly not slated for PC release in the near term, potentially further limiting their market penetration.

In summary, while *Saros* offers a noteworthy gaming experience, various market influences and competitive pressures are contributing to its slower sales path. The industry will be keenly observing how Sony navigates these challenges and supports its upcoming titles to connect with a wider audience in a swiftly changing gaming environment.

**Kickstarter Updates Mature Content Guidelines: A Change in Crowdfunding’s Approach to NSFW Projects**

Kickstarter, the prominent crowdfunding platform responsible for hits like Larian Studios’ *Divinity: Original Sin 2* and Warhorse Studios’ *Kingdom Come: Deliverance*, has implemented major revisions to its “Mature Content” guidelines. The updated rules forbid various types of content considered violent, derogatory, and sexually “photo-realistic.” This modification seems to be shaped by influences from its payment processor, Stripe, based on communications sent to creators.

In a revision to its “Rules” page, which took place around May 11, Kickstarter indicated that it now bans multiple kinds of NSFW content. The earlier guidelines broadly limited “Pornographic content,” but the new rules specify explicit prohibitions such as “implied sex acts,” content concerning “MILF/DILF” themes, “implied nudity,” and even direct references to body parts, including “female nipples/areolas, genitalia,” and “anuses.” Furthermore, the platform has broadened these limitations to encompass “buttocks,” showcasing a stricter approach to adult content.

The reasoning behind these updates remains somewhat ambiguous, but reports indicate that Kickstarter might be reacting to pressures from its payment processor, Stripe. The repercussions of this connection were underscored in reports from outlets like *The Daily Cartoonist*, suggesting that Stripe has started to scrutinize projects featuring adult or NSFW content and may cease them both during and after their funding periods. This action appears particularly sudden, especially in light of Kickstarter’s previous initiative launched in September 2025, dubbed “Kickstarter After Dark,” which embraced adult-oriented projects.

The challenges posed by payment processors concerning content moderation are not exclusive to Kickstarter. The wider digital landscape has experienced similar measures, with platforms such as Steam and Itch.io removing NSFW games due to increased pressure from banking partners and payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. This trend reflects an increasing propensity among financial institutions to dictate the types of content that can be funded and disseminated online.

As creators’ responses develop, it remains uncertain how these revised guidelines will influence the range of projects on Kickstarter and the platform’s overall environment regarding mature themes. The recent changes may indicate a significant shift in how crowdfunding platforms navigate the intricate intersections of digital content ethics, financial affiliations, and user expectations.