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Pearl Abyss’ bashing of their massive open-world into a more palatable shape continues, with Crimson Desert‘s latest patch packing a bunch more tweaks to controls and adding some new animals to ride around on. It also looks to have begun swapping out those AI paintings the studio previously claimed were accidentally left in it on release, though the patch’s wording around this change is fairly vague.

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## Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup for April 1, 2026

As the gaming world prepares for another thrilling month, here are the key highlights that are creating a stir in the industry:

### Call of Duty Commemorates 4/20 with a Classic Film Collaboration

In a surprising turn, *Call of Duty* is looking back at the 1998 stoner comedy, *Half Baked*, for its annual 4/20 celebrations. The bundle for *Black Ops 7* includes various themed items, such as the VST SMG Blueprint “Smoke ‘Em Dead,” an animated calling card “Lickity Clean,” and an animated emblem “Trippin’ Green.” Despite the heavy promotional art showcasing Dave Chappelle’s character Thurgood, he is notably absent from the official references in Activision’s blog entry.

Social media responses have been mixed, with some users expressing disappointment over the absence of extra content or limited-time modes generally seen in past celebrations. Activision has taken note of the feedback, mentioning a choice to simplify this year’s events to a singular bundle.

### Eidos Montreal’s Abandoned Project: Wildlands

Recent updates from *Insider Gaming* reveal that Eidos Montreal’s long-awaited title, termed *Wildlands*, was nearly complete before being unexpectedly scrapped by its parent firm Embracer. The game featured a main character named River, alongside a group known as the Spiritbounds, who used magical powers to fight evil spirits. This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of game development, particularly in recent times.

### Taito Discovers Historical Crane Game

In an intriguing twist in gaming history, Taito has unveiled the Crown 603, the second crane game ever made by the company. This revelation is part of their continual quest for the elusive Crown 602, highlighting the company’s dedication to safeguarding the history of arcade gaming.

### Tomb Raider Outfits Revamped

After facing criticism for inferior AI-generated cosmetics in *Tomb Raider*, publisher Aspyr has responded to the backlash by releasing an improved version of the outfits that fans deemed inadequate. The studio’s choice to update the skins has led to confusion about the original release quality.

### Arc Raiders Matchmaking Enhancement

*Arc Raiders* has rolled out a new matchmaking adjustment aimed at rewarding players who utilize custom loadouts. This modification seeks to improve player experience by fostering a more equitable competitive environment, although it may affect loading durations.

### Upcoming Game: Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Strategy game enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of *Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era* in Early Access on April 30. Game Pass PC members will receive complimentary access at launch, promising a significant addition to the strategic gaming arena.

### Speculation About a New PlayStation Handheld

Rumors are circulating regarding a potential new PlayStation handheld that might surpass the Xbox Series S in graphics capabilities. Hardware insider KeplerL2 indicates that the forthcoming device could excel in raster performance, generating buzz among gamers eager for a new portable gaming option.

### In Case You Missed It

This week has been bustling with news, featuring exciting content updates and major announcements within the gaming sphere. As we move into the second quarter of 2026, stay vigilant for more developments and surprises in the video game world.

Keep an eye out for further updates as they arise!

I’ll be honest right off the bat. As a single player Elder Scroller, the Elder Scrolls Online‘s never managed to hook me for more than a few hours. I’ve given it a couple of goes, usually during periods when it’s gone free to play, but have always bounced off its vast MMOiness. Might the slew of fresh additions coming across the next couple of years be able to change that and finally convince me to spend significant time with ESO in the same way I have Fallout 76 in the past few years? The answer could be yes, if the naval combat and underwater exploration Zenimax have just revealed are as fun as they sound on paper.

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# Delving into the Coin-Pusher Roguelike: *Raccoin*

The newly released coin-pusher roguelike *Raccoin* has attracted attention and comparisons to the well-known poker roguelike *Balatro*, recognized for its ability to occupy players’ time. As individuals engage with the mechanics of *Raccoin*, many find it possesses a comparable addictive nature, where time appears to vanish during moments of intense gameplay. Nonetheless, some users are questioning if the experience is truly interactive or more similar to an intricate screensaver.

### Coin-Pushing Game Mechanics

*Raccoin*, accessible on Steam, replicates the classic arcade coin pusher experience where players aim to dislodge coins from a shifting platform. The objective is simple: players flick coins onto the upper shelf, hoping to push others off the edge into a collection pit below. Accumulating points from successfully dropped coins ultimately dictates the player’s success in every round. The straightforward nature of this setup masks the complexities of gameplay, which involves strategic coin placements and the aspiration to initiate larger chains of events.

For most of your gameplay, you’ll find yourself consistently shooting coins from either side of the machine and anticipating the outcome. While this gameplay may initially appear unremarkable, exhilarating moments can occur when numerous coins tumble down simultaneously, producing an exciting visual display. Players have the chance to earn tickets that unlock special coins and upgrades, incorporating dynamic elements that can significantly modify gameplay.

### The Thrill of Combos and Upgrades

As players advance in *Raccoin*, gathering special coins and upgrades results in increasingly intricate combos. Combos are formed when multiple coins are scored in rapid succession, intensifying the enjoyment gained from gameplay. The sounds of clattering coins and the visual feedback enhance this pleasure, creating a euphoric cycle that can consume hours.

However, the temptation of upgrades can soon prompt an unforeseen change in player involvement. After amassing a sufficient number of upgrades, players might discover they can step back and observe the game unfold without active engagement. This passive experience can raise doubts about the interactivity of the game, as it can begin to resemble a slot machine more than a traditional gaming experience.

### The Transition from Engagement to Passivity

This passive phenomenon became evident during gameplay when players noticed they were accumulating impressive scores and combos even while not actively participating. The realization that significant accomplishments could occur without direct involvement sparked philosophical questions regarding what defines “playing” a game. As players observed events unfold and upgrades activate automatically, the enjoyment transitioned from skilled participation to simple observation, which can diminish the sense of accomplishment.

In contrast, *Balatro* sustains player involvement throughout the experience. The need for making decisions and responding to evolving game conditions sets it apart from *Raccoin*’s increasingly passive gameplay. The latter’s visual tumult, characterized by a multitude of upgrades and coins, can at times overwhelm players, further distancing them from the challenges that would typically enhance engagement.

### Conclusion: The Dual Nature of *Raccoin*

Despite its shortcomings, *Raccoin* is not necessarily a detrimental gaming experience. It has the ability to enthrall and amuse those who enjoy the thrill of watching coins fall and the anticipation of substantial wins. However, for players looking for active involvement, the shift towards a more passive experience may become an area of concern. The game raises significant questions about the essence of gameplay and player agency, challenging the parameters of what one considers engaging, interactive entertainment. Whether players remain captivated by the coin-pushing spectacle or become fatigued by the hands-off dynamic may ultimately influence the game’s endurance within the gaming realm.

“I could never have predicted a brawl between a T. rex and Boudica”

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Stormgate is set to go offline-only at the end of April, with developers Frost Giant Studios having announced that the server provider for the strategy game’s multiplayer modes have decided they no longer want to be a server provider for online games. That’s a byproduct of said provider, Hathora, having been taken over by an AI company who plan on using their latest purchase “to work on compute orchestration for AI inference at scale”.

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# Nintendo’s Challenges Against Pocketpair: A Patent Dispute Over Palworld

Nintendo’s efforts to challenge *Palworld*, developed by Pocketpair, in patent litigation have encountered notable obstacles. Traditionally, the gaming giant has triumphed in legal confrontations, but recent developments suggest a struggle in their attempts against what they view as clear infringement.

### The Patent at the Center

This legal contention revolves around Nintendo’s patent #12,403,397, awarded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in July of last year. This patent permits Nintendo to take legal action against companies that develop video games allowing players to summon characters for combat, imposing extensive limitations that could hinder innovation in the gaming sector. The patent was designed to prohibit the summoning of “sub-characters,” which could have implications for numerous game mechanics.

### Rejection by the USPTO

After several months, the scenario shifted when a U.S. patent examiner dismissed Nintendo’s character summoning patent, deeming it “obvious.” This dismissal followed an important realization by the USPTO, which uncovered earlier patents filed by Konami, Bandai Namco, and even Nintendo that should have prevented the acceptance of the patent at hand.

### Consequences of the Ruling

The USPTO’s latest report suggests a “non-final Office action,” implying Nintendo has the right to contest this determination within two months, with the potential for extending that period. Despite the evident issues with the patent, the intricate nature of patent law leaves the possibility of a ruling against Nintendo remaining unchallenged.

### Patent Trolling and Legal Tactics

Nintendo’s behavior can be viewed as a variant of patent trolling, launching lawsuits to utilize patents against Pocketpair due to the evident resemblances between *Palworld* and *Pokémon*. With *Palworld* boldly inspired by the legendary franchise, Nintendo’s tactic has involved filing patents post-release of the game to back prior art assertions.

Nevertheless, reports indicated that Nintendo was suing Pocketpair for a modest $65,000. Furthermore, the patents employed in this endeavor were based on revisions made after *Palworld* was launched, inviting scrutiny from both U.S. and Japanese patent bodies. The Japanese Patent Office also noted that titles like *Monster Hunter 4* and *ARK* had exhibited similar mechanics long before *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*.

### Final Thoughts

As both U.S. and Japanese patent authorities display doubt towards Nintendo’s assertive legal tactics against Pocketpair, it seems the gaming company may be on a difficult path moving forward. While navigating this patent conflict, the resolution may very well dictate not just the future of *Palworld* but could also influence the terrain of character summoning mechanics in video games. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo will modify its approach or persist in its efforts against the indie developer.

Resident Evil director, Devil May Cry producer and former Tango Gameworks boss Shinji Mikami is now making games for Shift Up, developers of Stellar Blade. You know, the one with the shiny bums and quite good hack-and-slash mechanics. The one that has a DLC version of 2B off’ve Nier Automata (pictured). Shift Up have acquired Mikami’s new company Unbound, which he founded in 2022 after leaving Tango.

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**Shinji Mikami’s Unbound Joined by Shift Up: A New Chapter for Game Development**

Shinji Mikami, celebrated for his significant influence in defining the survival horror genre through works like *Resident Evil* and *The Evil Within*, has made a notable advancement in his career with the takeover of his studio, Unbound, by Shift Up, the developers behind *Stellar Blade*. This collaboration signifies Mikami’s initial entry into game development following his departure from Tango Gameworks in 2023, with a vision to create a new path in the gaming sector.

In a press announcement, Mikami shared his excitement about partnering with Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim and the creative team. “I perceive a strong synergy with CEO Kim, who is also a hands-on creator, and I believe this partnership is perfect for allowing us to prioritize creativity,” he remarked. His dedication to crafting thrilling games that satisfy fans’ desires hints at a bright future for both studios as they combine their efforts.

Unbound, located in Tokyo, currently consists of approximately 50 developers focused on developing original intellectual properties (IPs) for both PC and console platforms. The team aims to engage a worldwide audience, aspiring to push the limits of creativity and innovation in game design. Alongside the announcement was a video teaser that suggested the distinct atmosphere and gameplay experience of Unbound’s forthcoming project, increasing excitement among fans and industry watchers.

Mikami’s career has been characterized by a multitude of influential titles. His final endeavor with Capcom was the 2006 beat ’em up *God Hand*. After leaving the publisher, he worked with Platinum Games on *Vanquish* before establishing Tango Gameworks under Bethesda, where he earned acclaim for the survival horror franchise *The Evil Within*. He also significantly contributed to the launch of original games like *Ghostwire: Tokyo* and *Hi-Fi Rush*, demonstrating his capability to nurture new talent and inventive concepts.

Conversely, Shift Up has gained traction with several new initiatives, including a follow-up to the celebrated *Stellar Blade*. This title, a sci-fi action-adventure featuring challenging gameplay akin to the Souls series, has notably enhanced the company’s visibility. Kim expressed his admiration for Mikami’s creations, stating, “I grew up playing games made by Shinji Mikami. And to now be working together is profoundly meaningful.” He highlighted that the mission at Shift Up is to guarantee the quality of their games speaks for itself, nurturing a genuine connection with players without requiring excessive marketing.

As Unbound and Shift Up begin this joint venture, the fusion of Mikami’s imaginative storytelling and game design skills with Shift Up’s innovative methodology prepares the stage for revolutionary gaming experiences. Fans, both long-time and new, can anticipate what this collaboration will reveal, as it pledges to merge creativity with strategic gameplay in ways that resonate throughout the global gaming community.

Unlocking Ascension Level 9.

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