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**Will Generative AI Be Involved in the Creation of Stellar Blade 2?**

The inquiry regarding the involvement of generative AI in the creation of *Stellar Blade 2* is gaining momentum, particularly after statements made by Shift Up’s CEO, Hyung-tae Kim. The South Korean game development studio, which is presently working on a sequel to the highly awaited 2024 sci-fi action game, considers AI a potential vital component in equalizing the competitive landscape against larger development teams, particularly those located in China.

In discussing the competitive environment of the gaming sector, Kim pointed out that while Shift Up employs about 150 staff for a single title, their Chinese rivals frequently have teams consisting of 1,000 to 2,000 members. In a recent event dubbed “2026 Economic Growth Strategy,” Kim remarked that this difference in workforce could obstruct smaller studios’ ability to compete effectively regarding quality and content volume. “We do not have the capability to compete, both in quality and content volume,” he stated, underscoring the difficulties encountered by smaller developers.

Kim’s insights imply that the adoption of generative AI and other large language model (LLM) technologies could be essential for smaller studios to boost productivity and production. He mentioned that with AI’s assistance, “one individual can accomplish the tasks of 100 individuals,” highlighting the revolutionary potential of technology in the realm of game creation.

Even with the promise of heightened efficiency through AI, Kim confirmed that this would not necessarily result in widespread job losses within the industry. From his viewpoint, global competition would still require the full utilization of the available workforce, indicating that AI could enhance human skills instead of replacing them.

Whether Kim’s worries regarding competition from China are merely strategic or reflect real concerns remains a topic for discussion. The success of the first *Stellar Blade*, which sold millions of copies on multiple platforms without AI assistance, indicates that Shift Up possesses the capability to succeed amid intense rivalry from significant Chinese publishers like Tencent and Net Ease, who are saturating the market with AAA free-to-play games.

At present, it appears that Shift Up is placing a high priority on employee wellbeing, as shown by recent reports from *Seoul Economic Daily*. All 300 employees at the studio were rewarded with AirPods Max, Apple Watches, and a generous $3,400 bonus to celebrate the company’s profitable 2025 – a shift from traditional gifts like gaming consoles, which had been previously distributed.

Looking to the future, Shift Up aims to launch *Stellar Blade 2* prior to the end of 2027. As development moves forward, the question lingers: will they integrate generative AI into their process? Only time will reveal whether this technology will become a common feature in future game development projects.

**Larry Hyrb Leaves Unity After Revamping Community Initiatives**

Larry Hyrb, widely recognized in the gaming community as Major Nelson, has declared his resignation from Unity, where he held the position of Director of Community and Advocacy since 2024. This announcement follows his remarkable nearly thirty-year career at Microsoft, during which he made noteworthy contributions to the Xbox brand.

In a recent LinkedIn update, Hyrb reflected on his experience at Unity, mentioning that he played a key role in rejuvenating the Company’s Community and Advocacy Team. His initiatives aimed at fostering a more connected environment for creators, developers, and gamers alike. “We revived energy in channels that had fallen silent, rebuilt trust, and consistently showed up where it mattered,” he stated. Hyrb also underscored his dedication to boosting Unity’s presence at significant industry events like PAX, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that Unity’s message echoed in broader discussions across the gaming sphere.

The specifics surrounding Hyrb’s departure remain ambiguous, with no clear indication of whether it coincides with any substantial layoffs at Unity. However, he noted ongoing conversations with various firms about potential partnerships, hinting at an upcoming chapter for him. “I cherish what I do, but I also believe that change is essential. I’ll keep you updated on my next steps,” he remarked on BlueSky.

Hyrb’s influence within the gaming community reaches beyond Unity. He dedicated 23 years at Microsoft, playing a crucial role in cultivating the Xbox Live community. Hyrb was instrumental in advocating for several user-facing features of the Xbox 360, including the Achievement system and party chat functionalities. His exit from Microsoft in 2023 preceded a strategic transition for the Xbox brand towards a multiplatform marketing strategy, which has seen diminished public interaction since his departure.

Unity has encountered significant obstacles over the past several years, including a contentious Runtime Fee announcement in 2023 that was ultimately retracted in light of developer pushback. The subsequent resignation of CEO John Riccitiello and extensive workforce reductions, with 25% of its staff cut in early 2024, have created a turbulent corporate climate.

As Unity continues to maneuver through these challenges, Hyrb’s departure signifies the conclusion of a meaningful chapter in his career and raises questions about the future trajectory of his expertise in community engagement within the gaming sector.

**Peter Molyneux and the Heritage of Molydeux: A Contemplation on Game Creation and Aspirations**

Peter Molyneux is a seasoned game creator who has been leading the charge of innovation in the gaming realm for over thirty years. Renowned for his aspirational concepts and frequently extravagant commitments, Molyneux has influenced the video game terrain through works like *Fable*, *Black & White*, and *Populous*. His career journey has been marked by a combination of visionary brilliance and controversy, particularly surrounding the high expectations he set for his creations.

In a comical turn, a parody Twitter account called Peter Molydeux surfaced in 2009, founded by 3D environment artist Adam Capone to mock Molyneux’s grandiose assertions regarding his projects. The account garnered attention for its absurd game ideas that, although fictitious, resonated with the ambitious aspirations Molyneux regularly expressed. For example, tweets detailed outlandish scenarios such as “an online side scrolling co-op 8 player game where each person controls a leg of an octopus.” This satire struck a chord within the gaming community, capturing Molyneux’s unpredictable essence.

As Molyneux approaches the release of his apparently final game, *Masters of Albion*, Capone announced the retirement of the Molydeux persona, reflecting on the evolution of the industry. He remarked, “Games evolved to the point where the ideas I was parodying were no longer outside the box.” The Molydeux character functioned not only as a source of humor but also as a framework to critique the changing standards of the industry and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality.

Molyneux’s tendency to over-promise is perhaps epitomized by the unrealized endeavor *Project Milo*. Designed as an interactive experience for the Xbox 360’s Kinect, Molyneux portrayed it as a game that would generate a “real, living being in a computer.” Yet, Microsoft ultimately canceled the game, highlighting the chasm between Molyneux’s ambitious vision and reality. This cycle of high hopes and subsequent letdowns became a defining characteristic of his career.

Capone’s musings on meeting Molyneux in real life uncovered a sincere enthusiasm and love for game design, stating, “That enthusiasm for the player experience, regardless if they land or not, is at the heart of this industry.” Despite the controversies, many within the industry respect Molyneux’s fervor for creativity, with the hope being that the next wave of developers can harness that same enthusiasm.

As Molyneux reveals *Masters of Albion*, claimed to be the apex of his life’s work, he seeks redemption in the view of the gaming community. The game’s concept centers around an open-world “god game” that takes inspiration from his previous triumphs. Molyneux characterized it as a title that aims to revitalize God games in the contemporary landscape, placing the genre “firmly back on the map.” Notable industry veterans, including Mark Healey and Iain Wright, are also contributing to this project, cultivating some optimism about its potential success.

Molyneux has recognized his prior errors, confessing to exaggerating and pledging that *Masters of Albion* symbolizes an opportunity for redemption. By prioritizing innovative gameplay instead of mere statistics, both Molyneux and Capone underline the significance of creativity in an industry that has at times favored commercial success over inventive exploration.

As the gaming community anticipates the launch of *Masters of Albion* on April 22, 2024, it is not merely another entry on the release schedule; it represents the culmination of a legacy that has lasted decades. Whether this results in a refreshed view of Molyneux or serves as a poignant farewell to his illustrious career, it acts as a testament to the ongoing evolution of video games as a medium of artistic expression.

In the beginning of 2009, just before the release of *Batman: Arkham Asylum* and a year following Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight*, developers at Monolith Productions were diligently engaged in creating a *Batman* game referred to as Project Apollo. This title was meant to tie into Nolan’s film series, encapsulating a vision that enthusiasts were keen to witness. Recently, in January 2024, gameplay footage from Project Apollo surfaced, showcasing fascinating aspects of what might have been.

On January 12, retro game archivist MrTalida shared files connected to Project Apollo that had been retrieved from an outdated hard drive. These files, produced between April 2009 and January 2010, contained video snippets displaying early gameplay and various in-engine experiments emphasizing sound and music, highlighting the game’s third-person action mechanics. The extent of advancement achieved by Monolith during these ten months is particularly remarkable.

Among the most thrilling discoveries from the leaked footage is a striking segment featuring the Tumbler, Batman’s tank-like vehicle from the *Dark Knight* trilogy. The footage shows the Tumbler maneuvering through an expansive train yard, evading police chases and destroying obstacles, reflecting a standard vehicle segment common to single-player AAA titles of that period.

Subsequent revelations from the leaks included a series of videos that documented the development of the Tumbler’s gameplay from October 2009 to January 2010. This evolution illustrates the technical skills and inventive concepts being investigated by the team throughout the game’s development.

### Reasons Behind the Cancellation of the Nolan *Batman* Game

Despite its promising features, the project eventually faced termination. Reports suggest that Project Apollo was in development for roughly 18 months. Notable gaming journalist Liam Robertson shed light on the reasons for the project’s cancellation, highlighting that publisher WB Games required Monolith to secure Christopher Nolan’s consent for the game to progress. Since the game was planned to be situated within Nolan’s iteration of the *Batman* universe, studio involvement was essential.

Regrettably, Nolan displayed minimal interest in the video game initiative, prompting Monolith to cease their efforts. After this disappointment, the studio redirected its focus to developing games based on *The Lord of the Rings*. In more recent times, Monolith sought to create a *Wonder Woman* project that would have integrated the well-known Nemesis System, previously utilized in *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor* and *Shadow of War*. However, this initiative was also halted when Monolith was closed down by WB in February 2025.

The story of Project Apollo highlights how creative ideas in the gaming sector can develop and ultimately disappear, shaped by the intricate interplay of licensing, approval, and audience demands. The leaked footage not only enriches the history of *Batman* games but also showcases the creative potential of video game development during that era.

“AI is bad, game will be deleted 30.1” reads the headline of the latest a Steam update post about Hardest, a rock-paper-scissors-themed roguelike card battler which includes AI-generated assets. “AI is evil, and game will be deleted 30.1” adds the sub-heading of that same update post, just in case the first line didn’t make the situation clear enough.

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### The Ascent of *Cory in the House*: A Memetic Sensation in Video Game Rankings

The 2008 Nintendo DS title *Cory in the House* has recently gained exceptional attention in the competitive world of video game rankings. Following what appears to be a grassroots initiative on Reddit, the game is ready to unseat *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* as Metacritic’s highest user-rated video game, a shift that underscores the unique interaction between online communities and gaming culture.

#### A Cult Favorite Redefined

Although it initially received negative feedback from critics upon its launch, *Cory in the House*, inspired by the Disney Channel series of the same name, has transformed into a cultural meme that connects with a broad audience. The game’s distinct appeal has ignited a lasting online presence, marked by a blend of nostalgia and irony. Its rise in user rankings can be linked to a coordinated reverse review bombing effort led by members of the /v/ board on 4chan in 2013, positioning it as a humorous counterstatement within the gaming sphere. This initiative highlighted the game, propelling it to the #1 most-requested FAQ on GameFAQs and subsequently earning a user score of 9.5, making it the second-highest rated Nintendo DS game on Metacritic.

#### Contextual Background and User Ratings

In August 2025, *Cory in the House* saw a minor drop, settling at a 9.3 user review score, ranking as the 7th highest on Metacritic. Nonetheless, recent months have sparked renewed enthusiasm, prompting a remarkable rise in its rankings. By late December 2025, *Cory in the House* had impressively ascended to the second-highest user-rated game, trailing only *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.

*Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, launched in April of the preceding year, swiftly claimed the title of highest user-rated game on Metacritic with an initial score of 9.7, bolstered by accolades at the 2025 Game Awards. However, a sudden backlash in social media discussions has seemingly influenced its decline; while it remains a well-regarded title, it has recently fallen to a 9.5 user rating.

#### The Social Media Instigator

The catalyst for *Cory in the House* appears to be the growing engagement on sites like Reddit. On January 11, 2026, threads emphasizing *Cory in the House’s* impressive user rating began to circulate, receiving thousands of upvotes and revitalizing interest. A thread on the r/videogames subreddit attracted 6.1 thousand upvotes while a subsequent conversation in the r/gaming subreddit garnered 15,000 upvotes. This natural wave of support contrasts with earlier strategic campaigns, marking a significant moment in the game’s revival.

This renewed attention has resulted in an influx of perfect 10 ratings for *Cory in the House*, with numerous users recently submitting flawless scores. Simultaneously, there have been suspicious 0 ratings for *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, indicating that while the discourse around *Cory in the House* has intensified, its rival’s reputation has come under scrutiny.

#### Conclusion: The Way Ahead

Though *Cory in the House* still has distance to cover before it officially claims the top position, its trajectory within the user rankings undeniably demonstrates the dynamic and occasionally unpredictable characteristics of online gaming culture. Given the current momentum, it appears increasingly probable that this game, once deemed mediocre, could soon enjoy its time at the pinnacle of the Metacritic leaderboard. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how community engagement can reshape a game’s legacy in the constantly evolving world of video gaming.

Be very, very quiet. I’m hunting bugs. Or so will say the folks who don the gear of Helldivers 2‘s next warbond. It’s dubbed Redacted Regiment and it’s all about looking stealthy in a tactical fashion. As opposed to simply trying to hide in a corner because you’re a coward, as I’ve unashamedly done numerous times while serving Super Earth.

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**Anthem: A Retrospective on BioWare’s Unsuccessful Venture into Live-Service Gaming**

Anthem, the ambitious loot shooter from BioWare, officially ceased operations on January 12, marking the conclusion of a tumultuous journey that started with great expectations and ended in disillusionment for many fans. As players explored the game’s expansive world filled with soaring javelins and rich lore, the game’s promise often felt frustratingly out of reach. Sadly, the reality was plagued by server problems, monotonous gameplay, and an uninspired narrative that failed to connect with the RPG audience BioWare had nurtured over the years.

**The Initial Excitement and Promise**

When Anthem was initially teased, it generated considerable excitement, showcased as a gamified expression of our shared superhero fantasies. With its breathtaking visuals and traversal freedom akin to Iron Man, players like Vinny believed the game could potentially compete with established titans like Destiny. “I bought a ticket anyway and pre-ordered it,” he recalled, embodying the cautious optimism that many fans harbored – a hope that BioWare’s storytelling talent could flourish in a new online multiplayer model.

However, this transition from traditional character-driven RPGs to live-service mechanics raised concerns. Long-time fans, though hopeful, were apprehensive about sacrificing the deep narratives they cherished for a loot-centric experience. WordsMaybe, another BioWare veteran, chose to welcome the change, viewing it as a chance for inventive exploration. Yet, worries persisted about BioWare’s ability to manage the monetization elements often tied to live-service models, a sentiment echoed by Pimpy Shortstocking, who moderated community discussions about the game.

**Launch Day & Early Disillusionment**

Upon its launch in 2019, players encountered a host of technical glitches, including server crashes and game-breaking bugs. This resulted in immediate frustration, with many gamers feeling deserted mid-mission as their experience soured. Existing players quickly discerned that Anthem’s initial euphoria was tainted by fundamental design flaws, including repetitive quest formats and a disjointed narrative that left players longing for the cohesive storytelling BioWare was renowned for.

Critics and fans alike remarked on the game’s underdeveloped characters and unengaging missions. WordsMaybe succinctly remarked, “This really feels like Destiny, but less compelling,” capturing the widespread sentiment that Anthem did not live up to its peers.

**The Fragile Hopes of Revitalization**

Despite the bleak launch, BioWare unveiled plans for a significant overhaul of Anthem in late 2019, which ignited a flicker of hope within the community. Players like Vinny speculated that a refined version could function as a comeback akin to titles such as No Man’s Sky and Final Fantasy XIV. However, when it was disclosed in February 2021 that BioWare would abandon the overhaul, feelings swiftly turned resentful, fostering disappointment and anger among the fanbase.

“You could feel the community’s collective heartbreak,” noted Pimpy Shortstocking, referencing the negative backlash that followed, including threats directed towards developers and moderators who had no influence over the game’s outcome.

**Legacy and Final Goodbye**

As the shutdown date approached, players united for one final journey across Anthem’s landscapes, reminiscing about the moments of gliding through its environments. This bittersweet goodbye underscored a profound sense of nostalgia intertwined with frustration about what might have been. However, many fans seized this opportunity to document their experiences, ensuring that while the servers may be down, the memories and community surrounding Anthem would not entirely fade into obscurity.

“Anthem will be remembered… for what it almost became, and that might be the most heartbreaking legacy a game can have,” Vinny expressed, encapsulating the feelings of many within the community. While some may ridicule Anthem’s shortcomings, numerous players believe that its closure signifies not just the end of a game but also a reflection on what occurs when ambition surpasses execution.

In concluding its journey, Anthem serves as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to unfulfilled potential within the gaming realm, embodying the hopes and disappointments of a community courageous enough to dream big.

Hytale‘s early access went live a short time ago as I write this. While plenty of folks look to have gotten in already, its devs have issued some guidance for the many others who’ve reported running into error messages or having their downloads stick.

The team lead by Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme who’ve swiftly resurrected the Minecraft-esque sandbox after buying the rights from Riot Games had predicted launch day might see some teething troubles due to a bottleneck of eager Hytalers, and it certainly seems those concerns weren’t misplaced.

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# Anker Prime Docking Station: The Ultimate 14-Port Hub for Your Workspace

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, handling multiple devices can swiftly become challenging. The Anker Prime Docking Station is designed to optimize your workspace, providing a robust and effective solution for powering laptops and connecting an array of accessories.

## Features and Design

The Anker Prime Docking Station serves as a stylish, vertically oriented hub that features 14 ports, allowing you to power your laptop and several devices while supporting dual monitors— all from a space-saving design. Its contemporary aesthetic ensures it elegantly complements any desk, keeping your workspace organized and visually appealing.

At the front, the docking station includes ports specifically intended for device charging. Meanwhile, the back hosts a comprehensive selection of data, video, and networking ports, addressing all your connectivity requirements. A remarkable feature is the small LED screen that offers real-time updates on which ports are active and the distribution of power across devices.

## Power and Data Capabilities

A key feature of the Anker Prime Docking Station is its capacity to manage both power and data transfer concurrently. With a maximum power output of 160W and data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, this device is designed for effectiveness. It facilitates rapid charging and file transfer, making it a crucial tool for anyone managing numerous peripherals.

## Cable Management Made Easy

The docking station enhances cable organization with its extensive selection of ports, which includes:

– Four USB-C ports
– Five USB-A ports
– Dual HDMI ports
– An Ethernet jack
– Audio jacks

The two front-facing USB-C ports provide up to 160W of power, enabling simultaneous charging of two devices. Each port can offer 100W to a single compatible laptop, ensuring you can stay productive while your laptop powers up.

The rear USB-C and USB-A ports support efficient data transfers, allowing large files to move swiftly between external storage devices and your computer. With all peripherals linked via a single upstream USB-C connection, disconnecting your laptop eliminates the need to unplug any other devices.

## Multi-Monitor Capability

The Anker Prime Docking Station enhances your efficiency with dual HDMI outputs, permitting the connection of multiple external monitors to your laptop. You can configure two separate 4K monitors at 60 Hz or connect one monitor while still having an additional HDMI port available for a television or projector. This versatility is ideal for professionals needing substantial screen space to effectively manage numerous applications.

## Compatibility

The Anker Prime Docking Station offers extensive compatibility, supporting USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt laptops utilizing DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB-C Power Delivery. It accommodates a variety of devices, including many Windows 10 and 11 laptops, as well as Chrome OS devices. Mac users can also take advantage, although it should be noted that in this scenario, the two external monitors will mirror each other instead of acting as separate screens.

However, Linux laptops are not supported, and certain gaming laptops may require their own chargers for optimal performance.

## Conclusion

At a reduced price of $170, down from an original $270, the Anker Prime Docking Station offers a budget-friendly option for converting a single USB-C port into a multifunctional 14-port desktop setup. With its powerful capabilities and stylish design, it’s a vital accessory for anyone aiming to upgrade their workspace and boost productivity.

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