Category: Uncategorized

A day will dawn when the premise “what if Darkest Dungeon but also XYZ” will lose its crablike stranglehold on my fancy, but that day is not this day, for today we Dive or Die. Not that the two activities are mutually exclusive.

In this 2D roguelite scuba sim from Drop Rate Studio and publishers Dear Villagers, the world has succumbed to a “black rain” that inflicts mutations and nightmares. It’s been chucking it down for five solid years, in fact, with human civilisation reduced to scraping a living on mountaintops that are now islands. There isn’t much of a living to scrape on mountaintops, so off you go into the “abyssal pool” to dredge up some canned food and building materials.

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### The Nintendo Switch 2: Ongoing Promotions and Upcoming Costs

The Nintendo Switch 2 is sparking excitement among gamers, particularly with its recent pricing changes. Currently available for $450, the console is projected to rise to $500 in the coming months. Nevertheless, some fortunate shoppers can grab it for a temporary deal of $400 through ongoing offers.

Woot, the deals site owned by Amazon, is selling the Nintendo Switch 2 at its standard price but has launched an appealing discount code. Customers applying the code “GIFT26” can gain a $22 reduction off the standard price. Moreover, new users on Woot can get a $50 discount, adding to the allure of this offer. This promotion is anticipated to last until July 25 or until stock is depleted, which may happen quickly given the high demand.

In the previous holiday season, a comparable $400 Switch 2 deal was well-received, complementing a $450 bundle that featured the hit game, *Mario Kart World*. With the impending price increase, this could be one of the prime chances to acquire the console at a lower cost for an extended period.

Nintendo’s choice to raise the Switch 2’s price is shaped by several market factors. Elements like tariffs established during the Trump era and the soaring costs of components resulting from an AI arms race are driving the price escalation of gaming technology. Analysts indicate that the rising costs of RAM and other critical components may persist through at least 2028, suggesting that the Switch 2 could experience a substantial price hike in the future.

As the gaming world transforms, buyers are left considering how the upcoming prices of the Switch 2 will develop. Those eager to secure the Switch 2 at a reasonable price may need to act swiftly, as current promotions could represent the optimal opportunity to obtain this sought-after console before prices rise.

The idea of developing sound and well placed infrastructure in a contemporary city fills me with an overwhelming sense of incompetency, so for the most part I tend to steer clear of city builders of that ilk. I don’t want to care about where a hospital needs to go, or how many roads is too many! So something like Thveit, a Norse folklore inspired city builder where the changing seasons shape how your villagers work, seems a bit more my speed.

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### Darkest Dungeon: The Fire’s Edge DLC Announcement

The critically acclaimed title *Darkest Dungeon*, which debuted ten years ago, is set to unveil its first downloadable content (DLC) in six years, named *The Fire’s Edge*. Anticipated for launch on August 18, this expansion aims to elevate the already intense gaming experience with new characters, districts, and elements borrowed from its sequel, *Darkest Dungeon 2*.

#### New Characters and Features

*The Fire’s Edge* will present two new playable characters from *Darkest Dungeon 2*: the Duelist and the Runaway. These characters are expected to introduce unique capabilities and playstyles into the game. The Runaway, specifically, will feature a new burn mechanic that prioritizes stealth, allowing players to employ creative tactics to traverse the perilous dungeons.

In addition to the new characters, the DLC will introduce three new districts, broadening the game’s already expansive world. Players can also anticipate new trinkets, tools, writings, and events, which are crafted to enhance storytelling and gameplay. The inclusion of “surprises” suggests unexpected elements that may introduce additional depth and challenge to the experience.

#### The Essence of Darkest Dungeon

For those who are not acquainted with *Darkest Dungeon*, it is a turn-based roguelike that challenges players to form parties to venture into procedurally generated dungeons. The game is infamous for its harsh difficulty; characters can experience permanent death, and managing debuffs and ailments is essential for survival. Players also face a stress mechanic that can have dire consequences, such as heart attacks, if neglected.

A hallmark of *Darkest Dungeon* is its narration, delivered by the late Wayne June. His voice added a heavy atmospheric quality to the game’s narrative. Following his passing last year, it remains uncertain how the developers will approach new narrative content, especially since they have chosen not to employ AI to replicate his voice, despite prior permissions.

#### DLC Availability

*The Fire’s Edge* will signify the fifth DLC addition to *Darkest Dungeon*, following earlier expansions. While it’s set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo systems on August 18, an Xbox version has also been confirmed but currently does not have a specific release date.

### Conclusion

*The Fire’s Edge* is poised to rejuvenate *Darkest Dungeon*’s gameplay with an abundance of new content and mechanics. Whether you’re a returning player or new to the world of *Darkest Dungeon*, this DLC provides a compelling reason to immerse yourself in its dark and challenging environment once more.

Things are sounding bad over at Splitgate developer 1047 Games once again. After launching Empulse last month, a wall-running, quite Titanfall-esque FPS with mechs game that James had some fun with, it appears that layoffs have taken place at the studio, marking the third round of them in the space of about a year.

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**The Rise of Non-Human Traffic: Analyzing Google’s Influence on Web Publishers**

A recent study reveals a remarkable change in internet traffic dynamics, indicating that more than 50% of online traffic is now generated by non-human sources. This trend is primarily linked to the implementation of Gemini, Google’s AI system, in its search functionality, resulting in nearly a 40% drop in human traffic within just one year. This concerning statistic brings up vital questions regarding the long-term viability of online publishing, especially as AI continues to gain prominence.

According to Cloudflare, the content delivery network and cloud security firm responsible for the report, the timeframe from June 2025 to April 2026 experienced at least a 35% reduction in human traffic across various major sectors. Google, which makes up close to 88% of referral traffic, is recognized as a significant contributor to this decline. Google’s AI capabilities are now extracting content from multiple websites and repurposing it in Gemini’s “AI Overview,” which subsequently denies original content creators any page views or potential revenue. This scenario has prompted publishers to refer to this phenomenon as “Google Zero,” illustrating a situation where only a small fraction of traffic comes from search referrals.

The report from Cloudflare further notes that as of June 2026, 52% of crawler requests—software that gathers information from web pages for indexing—are now aimed at AI training. This figure has surged from 22% in Spring 2025. A major concern is that Google employs a single web crawler for both indexing sites and training its AI. Therefore, when publishers decide to opt-out of being included in Google’s AI Overview, they concurrently forfeit their visibility in Google search results.

The ramifications of this situation are significant: publishers are faced with a tough choice of whether to allow their content to be used by Google’s AI without receiving any corresponding web traffic, or to completely withdraw from search engine visibility. Considering Google’s substantial share of referral traffic, this presents a difficult predicament.

The report highlights that the effects of Google’s AI integration have been felt most intensely by news organizations and media outlets, yet other industries—including retail, software, IT, and finance—are also starting to witness similar traffic reductions, with drops reaching up to 40% in less than a year.

In contrast, the United Kingdom has emerged as an exception to this trend. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK announced in early June 2026 that it would require Google to implement measures for publishers to opt out of AI Overview summaries without incurring deindexing penalties. In response, Google launched a trial initiative enabling UK publishers to regain some degree of control over their content, assuring that opting out would not jeopardize their search rankings.

Despite these actions in the UK, a crucial concern persists globally: How can Google maintain its AI Overview if it undermines the revenues of the very publishers it relies on for information? The threat to web publishers is evident; without a sustainable business model, these websites may face insolvency, complicating Google’s ability to continue procuring content.

In conclusion, the growth of non-human traffic propelled by AI integrations presents substantial hurdles for online publishers. As the digital environment evolves, achieving a balance between utilizing AI for improvements and safeguarding the interests of content creators will be essential for preserving a thriving internet ecosystem.

Anyone who knows me knows that the one frustration I come back to in games, above all else, more than yellow paint, quest markers and horrendously written dialogue, is that there just isn’t enough cow breeding. Where is it? The video game industry is sorely lacking in that department, but fear not fellow freaks, Manor Lords has our back, as by the end of the month you’ll be able to breed your cattle to your hearts’ content.

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**The Marvel Cinematic Universe Keeps Fans on the Edge of Their Seats with Fresh Trailers**

This week has been especially thrilling for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts, often dubbed “sickos,” as they were gifted with the unveiling of two eagerly awaited trailers. First came the official trailer for *Avengers: Doomsday*, followed by an exhilarating glimpse of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, which is poised to debut shortly. These releases not only generate excitement for forthcoming films but also enhance the bond between the characters and their narratives within the MCU.

The trailer for *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* opens with a sentimental reflection on Peter Parker’s escapades, showcasing clips from earlier films such as *Homecoming*, *Far From Home*, and *No Way Home*. As Peter reads an emotional letter he penned to MJ but never sent at the conclusion of the last film, audiences are reminded of his personal battles and the crucial relationships in his life.

Following this nostalgic sequence, the trailer transitions to Peter’s present circumstances, depicting the obstacles he encounters after a drastic change in his support network—having been overlooked by friends and family. It highlights Peter’s determination as he strives to safeguard the city, all while contending with the solitude of his new situation. The trailer further teases forthcoming confrontations, including a clash with Bruce Banner, who morphs into the Hulk, resulting in thrilling action moments that fans are keenly anticipating.

*Brand New Day* is scheduled for theatrical release on July 31, and enthusiasm is escalating regarding its plotline and the potential connections it will forge within the broader MCU tapestry. Fans are actively theorizing about the film’s conclusion, spurred by enigmatic remarks from actor Tom Holland. There is a strong desire to grasp how Peter’s character will grow, particularly in light of his absence in *Doomsday*.

As the MCU continues to widen its horizons and captivate its audience, *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is set to offer a blend of nostalgia, action, and emotional richness, portraying the intricacies of its cherished characters and their paths.

I’m sure there’s plenty enough of you that moved on from the first Darkest Dungeon onto the second one when that launched in 2023, but guess what! You’ll have an opportunity to revisit the original turn-based dungeon crawler next month, as developer Red Hook Studios have announced its first bit of DLC since 2020 in commemoration of the game’s 1.0 launch 10th anniversary.

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**Anime Expo 2026: A Tribute to Anime and Cosplay**

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Convention Center became a lively destination for anime fans as Anime Expo (AX) welcomed more than 422,000 attendees for its yearly homage to Japanese pop culture. This colossal event, which previously hosted E3, offered 1,400 hours of content over four days, featuring a wide array of activities from discussions to merchandise stands.

AK showcased the skills of adored voice actors like Abby Trott from *Dan Da Dan* and *Demon Slayer*, Adam McArthur from *Jujutsu Kaisen*, and Brianna Knickerbocker from *Genshin Impact*. Nevertheless, the standout aspect of the event was the cosplay community, which brought to life an impressive selection of characters.

### A Showcase of Remarkable Cosplay

Among the notable highlights were astounding exhibitions of craftsmanship as cosplayers adorned themselves in outfits from various anime and video games. The showcase featured a splendid mix of characters, spotlighting not only well-known titles but also some hidden treasures.

1. **Maxtac – *Cyberpunk 2077***
2. **Starfire – *Teen Titans***
3. **Blue Archive**
4. **Chaos Zero Nightmare**
5. **Wing Zero Custom – *Gundam Wing Endless Waltz***
6. **Cinderella – *Silver Palace***
7. **Link – *Breath of the Wild***
8. **Cyberpunk Edgerunners**
9. **Griffith – *Berserk***
10. **Gundam Heavyarms Custom – *Mobile Suit Gundam Wing***
11. **Rikku**
12. **Mutated Mother Miranda – *Resident Evil 8***
13. **Project RX**
14. **Ren & Nana – *Nana***
15. **Super Saiyan Vegeta – *Dragon Ball Z***
16. **Undertaker – *Elden Ring Nightreign***
17. **Rococo Gardevoir – *Pokémon***
18. **Esquie – *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33***

### A Contemporary Cultural Movement

The vast number of participants and the excellence of the cosplay at Anime Expo illustrate the expanding impact of anime and gaming culture on mainstream entertainment. With a combination of imagination and commitment, fans convey their affection for cherished characters through intricate costumes. This year’s event not only honored the prominence of anime but also promoted a sense of community among enthusiasts.

As Anime Expo continues to expand, it stands as a reflection of the dynamic culture surrounding anime, cosplay, and the unified passion of fans globally. With 2026 setting a high standard, the excitement for next year’s gathering is already rising, promising even more spectacular cosplay and entertainment.