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### How Many Firearms Will Be in *Palworld* Collectible Card Game?

*Palworld*, a game focused on survival crafting, is marking its entry into the collectible card game realm with an announcement from publisher Pocketpair. The anticipated card game is scheduled to launch on July 30, 2026, and promises tactical two-player confrontations featuring a variety of distinct “Pals” from the game. Although the precise count of firearms included in the card game remains unspecified, players can look forward to utilizing these weapons alongside their Pals to achieve success.

### Will *Call of Duty* on Switch 2 Justify the Anticipation?

Recent data excavations have revealed mentions of the Nintendo Switch 2 within the *Call of Duty* HQ launcher files. Reports suggest that the *Call of Duty* adaptation for the Switch 2 is expected to debut in 2026. However, it remains uncertain whether it will be a port of *Black Ops 7* or an entirely new release, prompting gamers to wonder if it will meet expectations and validate the extended waiting period.

### Are Any PC Gaming Components Remaining Affordable This Year?

A recent bulletin from Guangzhou Xinhongzheng Electronic Technology Co. indicated possible price increases for numerous PC gaming components. This includes power supply units and cooling systems, with anticipated raises between 6% and 10%. The factors contributing to these increases are linked to the escalating costs of essential materials such as copper, tin, and silver. As the market landscape changes, gamers may need to prepare for potentially elevated expenses across the PC gaming sector.

### *System Shock 2* on Switch 2: Updates on the Way

Technical producer Justin Khan has announced that updates for *System Shock 2* on the Switch 2 are on the horizon. Developers are in the process of crafting a patch to enhance the game’s stability and performance, targeting a smoother 60 frames per second experience, which is deemed feasible due to the capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware.

### No Generative AI in *Code Vein 2*

In a recent discussion, producer Keita Iizuka confirmed that *Code Vein 2* will not utilize generative AI in its production. Highlighting the significance of cohesive aesthetic components and a well-designed game world, Iizuka expressed the team’s dedication to preserving a unique artistic style that elevates the player’s experience.

### ICYMI: Take a Look at This:

For additional insights into gaming news, players and fans are encouraged to explore various coverage and reviews available through different gaming news outlets.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Unity almost had a ‘character creator’ system that would have seen you choosing an ancestor from a database of millions of people, rather than being thrust into the riding boots of Scarlet Pimple-esque nobleman Arno Dorian. The idea was broadly to give each player a unique perspective on the complexities of the French Revolution. According to former creative director Alexandre Amancio, this character creation system dates back to a time when the developers were weighing up two versions of the game, one of them far more co-op focussed.

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When *Good Boy*, the dog-led horror film featuring Indy the retriever, debuted last year, a number of viewers shared playful thoughts regarding the necessity for acknowledgment of animal performances in cinema. However, as the awards season progressed, Indy not only won over the audience’s affection but also secured actual honors, such as the Astra Award for Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller on January 9. This accomplishment has ignited a blend of excitement and doubt concerning the present condition of award ceremonies.

Indy’s route to fame is remarkable, given that he was not a conventional trained acting dog. Director Ben Leonberg disclosed in a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that Indy’s acting relied mainly on meticulously edited footage and signals from off-camera sounds rather than standard acting methods. This approach has provoked discussions about the genuineness of his performance, leading to diverse interpretations of his accolade.

Indy had earlier been recognized in categories dedicated solely to animal performances, including honors from the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, San Diego Film Critics Society, and Boston Society of Film Critics. Nonetheless, the Astra Award represented a pivotal moment, as it positioned him directly against human performers:

– Alison Brie – *Together* as Millie Wilson
– Ethan Hawke – *Black Phone 2* as The Grabber
– Sally Hawkins – *Bring Her Back* as Laura
– Sophie Thatcher – *Companion* as Iris
– Alfie Williams – *28 Years Later* as Spike

Responses to Indy’s triumph were varied. While many applauded his charming look in a bowtie, particularly in the comment sections of the acceptance speech video, others condemned the decision. The critiques mirrored a wider skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the award show. Observers remarked how granting an award to a dog over experienced actors resembled a storyline from a family film in which a pet succeeds in a talent contest, eclipsing authentic artistic accomplishments.

Many users on social media voiced their dissatisfaction, with remarks emphasizing the importance of recognizing diligent acting efforts. Comments such as “being told you’re worse than a dog” and “how offensive and degrading it is to actual artists” reflect the worries shared by genre enthusiasts and award participants. Numerous individuals pointed out that horror performances seldom receive substantial recognition, making Indy’s victory feel even more disheartening to those who anticipated acknowledgment of human talent.

Critics highlighted the absurdity of an award meant to celebrate acting skills recognizing a performance that many contended did not involve real acting. Some likened awarding Indy to acknowledging a performance dictated by strict direction with no space for interpretation or talent. This sentiment resonated through discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users debated Indy’s merit for the accolade, with many concluding that the idea of a canine actor receiving honors, particularly in serious categories, diminished the value of more experienced performers.

Moreover, as the award sought to celebrate horror performances, the decision to honor an animal at the cost of adept actors did not resonate positively. The horror genre has historically struggled to attain recognition at mainstream awards, making Indy’s victory seem like a lost chance to showcase talented individuals within the genre.

In summary, while *Good Boy* has highlighted the appeal of animals in cinema and brought some delight, the consequences of awarding Indy alongside established human performers raise significant questions about recognition in the industry and the criteria by which performances are appraised. As filmmakers and their canine partners continue to capture attention, audiences and critics alike will be closely observing how discussions surrounding animal performances develop within award circuits.

Just before the calendar ticked over to 2026, Witcher and Cyberpunk makers CD Projekt revealed that they’d sold off their PC storefront – GOG. In a deal worth 90.7 million Polish zloty (about £18.6 million / $25 million), original CD Projekt and GOG co-founder Michał Kiciński bought the storefront and has now offered some words about his vision for its future in a Steam-dominated market.

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Rockstar Games is presently dealing with a difficult predicament involving some participants of Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online), who are using the recently implemented mission creator to replicate the contentious assassination of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. This has ignited a substantial reaction from both the gaming community and Rockstar itself.

The incident with Kirk transpired in September 2022, when he was unfortunately shot during a public gathering in Utah. After the occurrence, numerous public figures encountered backlash for their remarks or jokes regarding the shooting, with some even losing their jobs because of it. In December 2022, Rockstar unveiled a mission creator feature in GTA Online, enabling players to develop and share their own missions. It wasn’t long before certain users started crafting missions that resembled the circumstances of Kirk’s assassination, leading Rockstar to intervene against these creations.

On January 12, 2026, a significant post from the Twitter account GTA 6Info highlighted a user-generated mission called “We Are Charlie Kirk,” in which players must assassinate a character resembling Kirk in a campus-like environment. Following this, it was reported that Rockstar Games included “Charlie Kirk” in their profanity filter, presumably to hinder further creations or searches connected to him. Although this claim remains unverified, attempts to look up “Charlie Kirk” on GTA Online’s custom jobs site yield an error message, similar to the outcome encountered when searching for other prohibited terms.

In spite of the ban on Kirk’s name, players have started utilizing alternative names such as “Charlie Pink” or blending Kirk’s first and last names to circumvent the restrictions and continue producing assassination-themed missions. This incident has triggered discussions surrounding freedom of expression within gaming, the responsibilities of game developers, and the ramifications of crafting content based on real-life tragedies.

As the gaming community reacts to these occurrences, the possibility of additional missions surfacing raises questions about how Rockstar will address this situation moving forward. The company appears to be caught in a cat-and-mouse game with creators as they strive to suppress these recreations while preserving the open-world flexibility that players anticipate from GTA Online. This ongoing dynamic underscores the challenges Rockstar encounters in managing controversial content in a live-service environment, where user-generated content can result in unpredictable outcomes.

The persistent interest in reimagining sensitive events within gaming reflects broader societal discussions regarding violence, entertainment, and the limits of satire in the digital age. How Rockstar opts to respond in the future will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both players and observers of gaming culture.

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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