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Peter Molyneux and 22cans will release their new god sim Masters of Albion on Wednesday 22nd April via Steam. They’ve also pumped out a new trailer, rich in accents, exploding barrels and stone circles. If it were a game from any other developer, I’d be modestly anticipating it. But it’s a Molyneux joint – his last game before retirement, allegedly – so instead, I’m looking at it with a mixture of sadness and suspicion.

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### The Last of Us Part II Modder Speclizer Developing Multiplayer Experience

A new modification for **The Last of Us Part II** could soon bring multiplayer gameplay, as modder Speclizer has recently revealed test gameplay showing two characters resembling Ellie engaging in lighthearted activities in an open field. Although still in its early development phase, the mod has already piqued the interest of fans seeking a more substantial multiplayer experience.

#### Mod Objectives and Aspirations

The main aim of Speclizer’s mod is to incorporate Player versus Player (PvP) combat into **TLOU2**. Significantly, the mod is focused solely on multiplayer interactions, leaving out the game’s narrative mode and any NPC involvement. While the current mod version enables the two Ellies to run and interact socially, Speclizer has noted that more advanced features, including combat mechanics, are planned for subsequent updates.

Speclizer highlights that the endeavor is experimental, indicating that its finalization is not assured. Fans remain optimistic, seeing this mod as a possible substitute for the officially scrapped multiplayer elements that many hoped for in the sequel.

#### The Cancellation of The Last of Us Online

Numerous franchise enthusiasts still feel the disappointment from the cancellation of **The Last of Us Online**, an official multiplayer mode discontinued by Naughty Dog two years prior. The studio opted to redirect resources toward upcoming single-player projects, including the eagerly awaited **Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet**. In this context, Speclizer’s mod provides a glimpse of what could have been, stirring nostalgia for the previously available **Factions** mode from the original game released in 2013.

#### Additional Works by Speclizer

Speclizer is well-acquainted with the modding community, having already created various modifications that enhance gameplay in **The Last of Us Part II** and other games. Some notable mods encompass:

– A combat mode allowing players to create custom scenarios.
– An option dubbed “Spare or Kill” that lets players decide whether to eliminate Abby.
– Restorations of features cut from the game, such as an alternate Listen Mode.
– A mod featuring a dog companion.
– A well-received mod for **God of War**, converting Kratos into a massive avatar.

#### Future Prospects

While this early version of the multiplayer mod may lack fleshed-out features, it signifies a meaningful step forward in the **TLOU2** modding landscape. The project has the potential to lead to more sophisticated multiplayer functionalities, possibly inspiring further initiatives within the community. Fans cling to the hope that **The Last of Us Online**, in some capacity, could emerge as a fully realized fan-led project down the line.

As this mod progresses, it encapsulates the innovation and enthusiasm of dedicated gamers striving to broaden the horizons of their cherished titles. The excitement around Speclizer’s endeavors underscores the lasting appeal of **The Last of Us Part II** and its storytelling legacy.

You cannot pet the dog in Dunderbeck, but you can assuredly eat the unicorn. Just drag its corpse over the puckering mouth on the righthand side. Alternatively, you can chuck the dead unicorn into the mincers on the left and combine the resulting horny horsemeat with other sources of… nutrition, such as rainbow-coloured turds and spoons. I do not know what foodstuffs might result. I refuse to play Dunderbeck’s demo. I watched 20 seconds of the trailer, then spent the next ten minutes brushing my teeth. Here you go.

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**Indie Developer Eero Laine to Take Down AI-Generated Card Game *Hardest* from Steam**

In an unexpected development, indie developer Eero Laine has declared the withdrawal of his AI-generated roguelike card game, *Hardest*, from the Steam platform. This choice follows introspections sparked by a new relationship and worries regarding the moral consequences of artificial intelligence in gaming.

Laine’s venture into game development commenced in the summer of 2025, utilizing complimentary tools supplied by his university. The game, which debuted in July 2025 and was accessible for free, showcases unique artistic and gameplay features reminiscent of *Balatro*. However, Laine has now acknowledged the negative impacts that AI technology can impose on both jobs and the environment.

In a sincere post titled “AI Is Bad,” Laine conveyed remorse for incorporating AI-generated content in *Hardest*. He remarked, “I developed *Hardest* during the summer in a few months and thought to utilize AI because in university there is so much indoctrination on students and all the tools are provided for free, so I could create unlimited images at no cost.” Nevertheless, he confessed to realizing that AI is not genuinely “free” and contended that it siphons resources from diligent individuals, potentially favoring only AI companies that profit from such initiatives.

Laine asserted full ownership of coding the game autonomously and indicated his intention to undertake future projects using “real assets” instead of AI-generated content. He rationalized his decision to eliminate *Hardest* by stating, “The game existing in its present form is an affront to all game creators and players. Ethically, the only sensible course of action is to remove the game from Steam.” A crucial element in his decision was motivation from a girlfriend he has been seeing for a month, who assisted him in perceiving the situation differently.

While Laine’s choice to pull a game from a commercial platform influenced by personal factors is unprecedented, it mirrors a rising consciousness in the game development community concerning the ramifications of AI technologies. As this story progresses, many anticipate Laine’s forthcoming projects will embody a dedication to ethical game-making practices that emphasize authentic artistic expression over AI-generated shortcuts.

Isn’t it funny that we don’t have a definitive reason as to why we dream? We have ideas, theories, like that they’re the brain moving memories from short-term to long-term storage. But why the hell can they get so weird? And worse, scary. This feels like the central question at the heart of Mama’s Sleeping Angels, an upcoming Lethal Company-esque procedurally generated dream-exploration game where you’re having a sleepover with friends and must feed a goddess within her dream.

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Over 30 former employees of Rockstar Games have been denied their request for provisional relief in an ongoing lawsuit against the company behind the eagerly awaited video game, *Grand Theft Auto 6*. A UK employment tribunal has determined it was not able to ascertain whether the terminations were predominantly linked to the employees’ affiliation with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). Consequently, the legal process will proceed without immediate compensation for the dismissed developers.

The dispute originates from the termination of 31 UK developers last year, which Rockstar attributes to the leakage of confidential materials in a Discord channel set up by the IWGB. This channel was designed to facilitate the organization of union activities among video game developers. From Rockstar’s standpoint, sensitive data regarding development timelines and game features was revealed, thus justifying the dismissals. In contrast, the IWGB argues that no sensitive data was disclosed and claims that the terminations represent a breach of labor rights and an effort to undermine union activities.

Judge Frances Eccles, who oversaw the initial decision, remarked that the Discord channel had roughly 350 members, including several ex-Rockstar employees known for publicly engaging with the company. A spokesperson for Rockstar highlighted that while some current employees who advocated for unionization were unaffected, the layoffs were specifically tied to the mishandling of company information.

Following the tribunal’s ruling, a Rockstar representative commented, “We regret that we found ourselves in a position where terminations became unavoidable, but we uphold our actions in light of the outcome of this hearing.” The company accepted the tribunal’s ruling, which is consistent with its stance throughout the ongoing conflict.

Nonetheless, the IWGB maintains that Rockstar did not comply with standard procedural protocols during the dismissal process, as there were reportedly no disciplinary meetings, investigations, or chances for the employees to contest the company’s actions. The union additionally claims that Rockstar conducted secret monitoring of employees on Discord by masquerading as a union staff member. They pointed to the judge’s remarks indicating a lack of evidence of negative repercussions stemming from the supposed leaks as a sign that Rockstar’s response was disproportionate.

IWGB president Alex Marshall voiced assurance in their case despite the tribunal’s ruling. He declared, “We emerged from last week’s hearing more assured than ever that a comprehensive and thorough tribunal will deem Rockstar’s strategic effort to dismantle a union as not just unjust but illegal.” As the case moves forward, a full hearing will examine the claims in greater depth, potentially having a significant effect on unionization attempts within the gaming studio.

The results of this legal struggle are anticipated to emerge ahead of the planned release of *Grand Theft Auto 6* in November, a timeline that heightens the urgency of the proceedings as the game’s launch nears.

It feels quite fitting that a game like Big Hops released today, the day after Awesome Games Done Quick wrapped up, because this thing feels like it has a guaranteed spot in Summer Games Done Quick already. You’re a frog! Who hops around! What’s not to love? It helps that the platformer feels so good in motion, too.

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**Nintendo’s Watchfulness Amidst Escalating Tariffs and RAM Expenditures**

In a recent discussion with Kyoto Shimbun, Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, revealed perspectives on the company’s proactive strategies concerning the economic hurdles introduced by escalating tariffs and rising RAM expenses intensified by the global surge in AI computing demands. This scenario carries profound consequences for the gaming sector, especially regarding Nintendo’s forthcoming hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2.

Furukawa pointed out that the possibility of a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently a speculative topic. Nonetheless, he recognized that a RAM scarcity driven by the needs of AI data centers could evolve into a significant issue in the future. This statement underscores the broader impact of technological progress on the availability and cost of components, which could eventually affect consumer products.

While discussing the challenges of maintaining a favorable profit margin for the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor, Furukawa elaborated that numerous elements influence hardware profitability. These include conditions for component procurement, cost efficiencies realized through mass production, and fluctuations in exchange rates and tariffs. He reiterated, “Hardware profitability hinges on components procurement conditions, cost savings via mass production, and the repercussions of exchange rates and tariffs.”

Despite various pressures from soaring material costs, Furukawa offered reassurance to stakeholders. He noted that the pricing of the Switch 2 remains stable for the time being, unless unexpected trade conflicts arise akin to those seen during the last administration. “Although we recognize the increasing costs of various materials, we also foresee several areas where cost reductions might be possible for Nintendo Switch 2 through continued mass production efforts,” he stated.

As the technology sector grapples with climbing costs—particularly in computer components like RAM and graphics cards—these challenges reach beyond just gaming companies to the wider public. The escalating difficulty of procuring these crucial components has prompted corporations such as NVIDIA to contemplate reintroducing older graphics cards, like the RTX 3060, to satisfy ongoing demand.

Furukawa disclosed that Nintendo had already faced substantial tariff-related expenses last year, amounting to tens of millions in losses during the first half. This financial pressure emerges at a pivotal moment as Nintendo seeks to encourage the adoption of new hardware and sustain momentum across its current platforms. “This is a vital time for our gaming business as we drive the adoption of new hardware and retain the momentum of our platforms. We are navigating this carefully while considering the circumstances,” he commented.

In August 2025, Nintendo responded to these economic challenges by adjusting the prices of its existing hardware. The original Nintendo Switch experienced an increase from $299 to $339, the Switch OLED went up from $349 to $399, and the Switch Lite rose from $199 to $229. These modifications indicate the seriousness with which Nintendo is addressing the influence of external economic factors.

While the company diligently tracks the impact of rising RAM expenses and tariffs, the precise strategies Nintendo will implement remain unclear. Furukawa concluded the conversation by stating that the company’s stance is to perceive tariffs as a cost that will be transferred to consumers in pricing. This strategy extends beyond the U.S. market and will be implemented globally as they navigate these volatile economic conditions.

In summary, as Nintendo braces for potential changes in pricing models driven by external variables, the industry will be observing how these developments could influence the launch and positioning of the Nintendo Switch 2 amidst the increasingly intricate global market dynamics.

Lighting up my fifteenth cigarette of the hour and adjusting my fedora, I slipped the mysterious code into the box. A collection of numbers and letters designed to provide early access to the demo of a detective game. It was a hot tip from a public relations person on behalf of developers Lost Cabinet Games. That wasn’t suspicious. Well, assuming the missing furniture is metaphorical rather than literal.

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### Team 17’s Secret Treasures Sale on Steam: An Exceptional Gaming Adventure

At any point, Steam typically has multiple sales occurring, showcasing a variety of games available at reduced prices. Nevertheless, Team 17’s latest venture, referred to as the “Secret Treasures Sale,” brought an inventive spin that captured the interest of the gaming community. This promotion is not just centered around discounts but also invites players to participate in an enjoyable treasure hunt for complimentary game codes embedded in the sale artwork.

#### The Introduction of the Secret Treasures Sale

On January 12, Team 17 unveiled its Secret Treasures Sale, presenting a selection of over 50 games, including fresh titles like *Dredge* and beloved classics like *Golf With Friends* and *Worms Reloaded*. This event continues until January 19 and boasts substantial discounts, rendering it an appealing choice for gamers eager to enhance their collections.

#### Unearthing the Concealed Codes

The remarkable feature of this sale was the hidden free game codes artfully disguised within the event’s pirate-themed graphics. The backdrop, decorated with gold and treasure, offered more than mere visual charm. As players navigated the Secret Treasures event page, they could spot subtle inscriptions on parchment that bore alphanumeric codes. These codes act as keys to unlock a variety of Team 17 games.

The news regarding the concealed codes spread rapidly, thanks to gaming deals aficionado Wario64, who brought attention to this distinctive element on social media shortly after the sale commenced. However, by the time the word reached many, it appeared that most, if not all, of the codes had already been claimed, highlighting the urgency associated with such limited-time promotions.

#### Continued Offers for Everyone

Even if gamers overlooked the chance to snag a free game code, they still have the opportunity to take advantage of the sale’s generous discounts. Here are some of the top bargains available during the Secret Treasures Sale:

– *Dredge* – $20 (originally $40)
– *Heavenly Bodies* – $9 (originally $25)
– *Hell Let Loose* – $21 (originally $60)
– *Golf With Friends* – $1.50 (originally $15)
– *Killer Frequency* – $5 (originally $25)
– *Moving Out* – $2.50 (originally $25)
– *Conscript: Director’s Cut* – $8 (originally $24)
– *The Escapists 2* – $4 (originally $27)
– *Overcooked 2* – $1.70 (originally $17)
– *Sworn* – $20 (originally $40)

While these deals may not have the same allure as free games, they provide significant savings in relation to their standard prices, making them a viable consideration for any enthusiastic gamer.

#### Conclusion

Team 17’s Secret Treasures Sale on Steam has launched a fun and engaging method for players to uncover and unlock free games while enjoying substantial discounts on their preferred titles. If you happened to be among the fortunate players who successfully discovered a hidden code, feel free to share your experience and the game you received in the comments!