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**The Dispute Surrounding Pokémon Go: Claims of Reselling Exclusive Monsters and Intimidation within the Community**

The Pokémon Go community is currently entangled in a multifaceted situation, sparked by accusations that certain individuals at Niantic may be involved in a plot where rare Pokémon are being resold for actual money. This allegation has incited anger among players, resulting in a culture of intimidation and doxxing directed at those who sought to reveal the purported misconduct.

The matter was uncovered via a post by user Glitch-keeper on the CasualPokemonTrades subreddit. The post outlined suspicious transactions involving rare Pokémon that, per Glitch-keeper, could not have been legitimately acquired through standard gameplay due to inconsistencies linked to in-game mechanics. These Pokémon were reportedly captured in Poké Balls not usually linked to those specific characters, indicating potential hacking or the use of spoofing tools.

Although trading in-game Pokémon for monetary profit is not an unusual practice within gaming circles, the allegations imply that the rare creatures at the heart of this issue result from more than mere hacking. Screenshots presented in the Reddit thread depict sellers claiming ties to Niantic’s development team, insisting that these connections enable access to exclusive Research tasks allowing players to obtain rare Pokémon without the typical effort demanded.

Skepticism surrounds these assertions; some community members speculate that claims of insider ties could simply be another instance of fan fiction, akin to children stating that their relatives work at Nintendo. However, the situation escalated when another Reddit user, Unironic_Onix, highlighted ongoing discussions on the PokémonHome subreddit, only to have their post deleted by moderators. This intervention spurred a backlash, as both Glitch-keeper and Unironic_Onix reported experiencing harassment and threats from members of a Facebook group believed to be tied to the trading of these rare items.

As the controversy unfolded, posts addressing the situation on Reddit have been consistently downvoted, and those voicing opposition have faced consequences, such as being prohibited from posting on the platform. Despite these obstacles, several users assert that they have encountered others alleging ties to Niantic facilitating the trade of rare Pokémon via private Discord groups and other venues, with some Niantic employees reportedly charging for these services.

Kotaku has examined private messages indicating the orchestration of sales within the alleged Facebook trading group, although access to this community seems to be currently limited. As narratives within the community develop, there is increasing concern regarding the implications such actions could have on the integrity of Pokémon Go gameplay, alongside the overall welfare of the player community.

Niantic has not yet responded to these claims. The resolution of this matter remains uncertain, but the blend of assertions surrounding insider trading and community backlash has undeniably had a substantial effect on the Pokémon Go environment, raising issues of trust and fairness within the game.

Is Darkryte worth the hype?

The post Where to Mine Darkryte in The Forge – Best Ore? appeared first on Gamezebo.

One of the first “moving pictures” ever created is a moving picture of a horse. In the late 1870s, the photographer Eadweard Muybridge produced a series of “chronophotographs” of horses and riders, including the famous 12-frame sequence Sallie Gardner at a Gallop. I know about Muybridge’s work thanks to Jordan Peele’s film Nope, which considers the historical erasure of Sallie Gardner’s Black jockey, whose identity is disputed. Another thing that easily gets overlooked when considering these images is their contribution to the practice of horse-breeding.

Muybridge – who, incidentally, murdered his wife’s lover, which doesn’t seem wholly irrelevant here – captured the images after many years of tinkering with shutters, triggers and emulsions, but they were commissioned by the industrialist Leland Stanford, founder of the university of the same name. Stanford kept racehorses, and wanted a more precise understanding of their movements, with the obvious wider motive of being able to raise more champions; nowadays, gait analysis by means of video capture is commonplace among breeders. Muybridge’s breakthrough in terms of photographic reproduction is thus an important development in control of equine reproduction. To stretch that point a little, you could argue that the moving picture has always been a way of disciplining sex – and one animal may seem much like another, once reduced to a quantity of frames.

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**Mad Men: A Vintage Comeback and Its Streaming Missteps**

*Mad Men*, the critically lauded TV show that aired for seven seasons between 2007 and 2015, is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest series in television history. Set within a 1960s advertising firm, the series skillfully delves into themes of identity, societal evolution, and human aspirations. With its complex narratives and detailed character explorations, *Mad Men* not only amassed a plethora of awards but also played a pivotal role in shaping the so-called “golden age” of television.

The recent 4K re-launch of *Mad Men* on HBO Max has sparked renewed interest in this legendary series, marking its comeback to a major streaming service after departing from Netflix in 2020. Available from December 1, 2025, this ultra-HD revamp showcases the series with improved visuals. Nevertheless, the re-launch has not been without its issues, as significant oversights have triggered conversations about the quality assurance involved in streaming services.

One of the most surprising aspects of the new 4K edition arises from Season 1, Episode 7, named “Red in the Face.” This episode contains a crucial and unforgettable moment in which character Roger Sterling, overwhelmed by alcohol and oysters, vomits before his peers—a scene that encapsulates the fraught relationship dynamics among the main characters. In the freshly released version, however, viewers are unexpectedly shown a revelation: the ‘vomit machine’ utilized in the scene is visible, along with a crew member operating it. This bizarre and somewhat amusing mistake sharply contrasts with the meticulously crafted aesthetic of the original show.

Reactions on social media to this blunder have surged, with viewers finding humor in the sight of the crew’s behind-the-scenes participation. One Twitter user joked about the visible crew member, quipping that the additional hand on the operator was “providing him extra emotional support while he dispenses fake vomit from a tube.” This anecdote highlights a broader dialogue about the expected production standards and attention to detail for contemporary re-releases.

The notable errors do not conclude there. Viewers have reported that episodes within Season 1 are disorganized, with at least one case where Episode 7 has seemingly been swapped with previous episodes. Such disorder raises concerns about the diligence of the quality control processes applied before releasing this updated version.

As the television landscape continues to transform in the streaming age, the re-release of *Mad Men* serves as a case study for what some critics have termed the “enshitification” of media. This phrase expresses a rising concern regarding the perceived decline in quality assurance amidst a rapidly growing digital market, where speed often seems more important than attention to detail and craftsmanship.

In conclusion, while the 4K release of *Mad Men* offers the attraction of enhanced visuals and nostalgia, it inadvertently illuminates significant weaknesses in the industry’s approach to preserving classic television. The occurrence of production mistakes and the disarray of episode order raise questions about the commitment to narrative integrity and viewer satisfaction. As audiences eagerly delve into the complexities of Don Draper’s world, they are also left contemplating the obstacles faced in upholding the legacy of a landmark series within the evolving digital environment.

Hint: it’s underground.

The post How to Get to the Volcanic Depths in The Forge appeared first on Gamezebo.

In case you missed it, Hitman‘s latest celebrity elusive target mission is all about Eminem. The rapper has Agent 47 take down his blonde alter-ego Slim Shady, it’s all very meta and a tad less appealing to me than the cameos previously made by the likes of Bruce Lee and Mads Mikkelsen as Bond villain Le Chiffre.

That said, a new interview some IO Interactive folks have given to Variety, in which boss Hakan Abrak makes clear there will be a new Hitman coming once the studio have gotten some stuff off their plate, has caught my attention by contrasting Mr Nem with murderbald handler Diana.

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As the release date for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC approaches on Wednesday, December 10, Game Freak has revealed an exciting new feature: Mewtwo along with its two Mega Evolutions. This legendary Pokémon and its transformations will be obtainable through a complimentary Mystery Gift side mission, meaning players won’t be required to spend the $30 on the DLC to gain access.

To catch Mewtwo in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players must make use of the Mystery Gift function in the game. By going to the Link Play section in the pause menu and selecting Mystery Gift, then clicking on “Get via Internet,” players can initiate a new side quest titled “Project M.” Finishing this quest will unlock Mewtwo, enabling players to include this iconic psychic-type Pokémon in their collection.

The addition of Mewtwo marks an important advancement in completing the game’s roster of Mega Evolution-capable Pokémon. Presently, the base game includes most of these Pokémon, yet approximately a dozen remain unavailable, featuring other legendary Pokémon like Latios, Latias, and Rayquaza, as well as beloved starter Pokémon such as Blaziken, Sceptile, and Swampert.

The forthcoming Mega Dimension DLC is anticipated to bring forth a variety of new Mega Evolutions, including Mega Raichu X and Y, broadening the selection accessible to players. Furthermore, Game Freak has unveiled a new Mega form for Lucario called Mega Lucario Z, suggesting that some Pokémon with already established Mega Evolutions may receive additional upgrades in this DLC.

Beyond new Mega Evolutions, the Mega Dimension DLC is likely to present a roguelike mode that will challenge conventional gameplay norms by lifting the long-standing level 100 cap. This opens up thrilling new opportunities for trainers aiming to enhance their gaming experience.

In conclusion, the introduction of Mewtwo and the excitement surrounding the Mega Dimension DLC highlight Game Freak’s dedication to enhancing the Pokémon Legends: Z-A journey. Players can anticipate not merely new Mega Evolutions; they will also encounter innovative gameplay modes that aim to transform their adventures in the Pokémon universe.

Unlock buffs by displaying modified minerals of all rarities!

The post Prospecting Museum – How To Build the Best Museum appeared first on Gamezebo.

‘If you want to torture somebody, first show them your tools’ is one of the better horror game design lessons taught by Amnesia: The Dark Descent. I thought of Amnesia’s cistern chapter while playing through a later area in Lunar Software’s excellent first-person spookathon Routine, announced 13 long years ago, though only in active development for around five. The area centres on a curious underground tree, with water dripping from a hydroponic ceiling and sealed doors on all sides. You can imagine Amnesia’s Shadow manifesting here, clogging the roots with acid rot as it homes in on your comically loud footfalls.

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**There’s a moment in *Routine*, an upcoming sci-fi horror game launching on Xbox and PC on December 4, that I won’t forget for a long time.**

To describe this moment and why it is etched in my memory would involve revealing details, but it’s enough to say that in a game that seldom utilizes jump scares, this moment was executed so impeccably that it completely took me by surprise. So much so that I noticed my hands trembling slightly. With no pause option, all I could do in the game was retreat to a corner of the room and attempt to regain my composure. So yes, if you’re not a fan of frightening games, *Routine* is not for you.

*Routine* is a chilling first-person horror game set in an alternate future where humanity reached the Moon and partially colonized it in the 1980s. This means much of the technology you’ll discover during *Routine’s* six to seven-hour narrative has a vintage, mechanical, and retro feel. Old CRTs and ’80s computers abound, offering a hint of *Alien Isolation* vibes, which I found appealing.

### Buttons and Doodads and Switches

This retro sci-fi style features your reliable Cosmonaut Assistance Tool or CAT, which you obtain right at the start of the game as your character arrives at the now-deserted moonbase to conduct repairs.

Part computer, part camera, and part weapon, the CAT includes switches and modes that must be activated by fumbling with it. It’s intended to be an unwieldy means of saving your game, unlocking doors, and scanning equipment. This makes even the simple task of switching modes a tense moment where you must stop scanning your surroundings and concentrate on your CAT to locate the proper switch. It’s just one of many ways *Routine* employs clunky mechanics to elevate the tension.

*Routine* also conceals items and bits of information in difficult-to-reach places, requiring you to stretch or crouch while utilizing a few extra buttons. Like operating the CAT, this isn’t overly challenging, but interacting with this environment through these intentionally cumbersome methods becomes considerably trickier when a menacing robot is rapidly approaching.

And yes, as you might suspect, you are not alone on the moon. Shortly after arriving, killer robots become an issue. They populate the hallways and rooms of the decaying moonbase, lying in wait to spot you and give chase. While you can momentarily stun them with your CAT, it provides only a brief pause and is not a sustainable survival tactic. Stealth proves far more effective, though hastily running to the game’s limited safe areas can also be effective. Don’t ask me how I found out.

### Expect the Unexpected

The thing is, there’s… more to *Routine* than what I’ve already shared. On the surface, as seen in all the pre-release gameplay footage of *Routine*, this is an unsettling sci-fi game centered around trying to restore a moonbase featuring once-peaceful robots that are now lethal machines intent on locating you and snapping your neck. That’s not all *Routine* encompasses, but revealing any more would be a disservice. Just understand that the second half of this game amplifies the horror and goes in an unforeseen direction.

I appreciated the twist that occurs in *Routine’s* latter half. Up until that moment, I found *Routine* to be an enjoyable *Alien Isolation*-like experience, but nothing particularly exceptional. However, by the conclusion, after its unexpected turns, *Routine* had fully evolved beyond *Isolation’s* influence, establishing itself as its own worthy horror game and genuinely frightening me along the way.

Though I can’t divulge too much about the latter half, I can rave about *Routine’s* visuals. This is among the best-looking video games I’ve experienced this console generation.

### Looks That Kill, Puzzles That Annoy

At times, the abandoned environments of *Routine* appear almost photorealistic. The lighting and texture details, especially, are breathtaking. At one point, I was hiding and trembling behind a large piece of machinery and noticed a detailed warning label with scratch marks. It nearly distracted me from the fear I was experiencing at that moment. Almost. What truly disrupted the creepy atmosphere were some of *Routine’s* frustrating puzzles.

Regrettably, some of these puzzles caught me off guard and resulted in significant backtracking. The complete absence of a UI is an immersive choice, but it did lead to instances where I hit a dead end and struggled to progress. If you play *Routine*, don’t hesitate to look up a few puzzle solutions. Many of these just hinder a genuinely scary experience.

At least I got to backtrack through some haunting photorealistic environments. These