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In 2022, WILD BUNCH Productions, a newly established collective of seasoned professionals from the Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) industry, launched a simultaneous Kickstarter campaign to revive two long-abandoned franchises: **Armed Fantasia** and **Penny Blood**. **Armed Fantasia**, inspired by the iconic **Wild Arms**, offers a distinctive fantasy-western backdrop, while **Penny Blood** continues the legacy of the cherished gothic horror series **Shadow Hearts**. The Kickstarter endeavor turned out to be a tremendous triumph, securing over two million dollars. Nevertheless, the project’s momentum soon diminished, prompting the team to seek a publisher for assistance.

Recent updates have cast doubt on the future of **Armed Fantasia**, as a financial report suggests that the game has been “discontinued.” An investor document published by Digital Bros, the parent entity of 505 Games, disclosed that they had acted as a silent partner for **Armed Fantasia** but are no longer engaged. The financial report mentioned a comprehensive evaluation of each project against shifting market dynamics and the additional funding needed, which led to the conclusion to halt development.

Although updates from the development team have been infrequent, producer Akifumi Kaneko indicated in a post last March that they had submitted a build of the game to an unnamed publisher that had been backing the development until that time. In spite of the initial triumph of the Kickstarter, the team had been forthright about the challenges of managing development expenses with the funds gathered, affirming that the two million dollars were mainly required to create demos to attract more traditional financing. The hurdles related to crowdfunding in the gaming sector are well-documented, as developers often confront difficulties within an unstable publishing landscape.

Furthermore, the statement from Digital Bros disclosed that they are also halting another project named **The Directorate: Novitiate** and a sequel to the ten-year-old free-to-play game **Battle Island**. This raises alarms regarding the prospects of **Penny Blood**, which, alongside **Armed Fantasia**, has encountered its own series of obstacles, including delays and issues with its publisher.

At this point, **Armed Fantasia** seems to be permanently set aside, while the fate of **Penny Blood** remains in limbo. The decline of **Armed Fantasia**, which initially appeared to be advancing more swiftly, underscores the volatile nature of funding and publishing in today’s gaming landscape, leaving enthusiasts of these eagerly awaited titles in a state of disappointment and uncertainty.

Tense platforming? Riveting, punchy action combat? Complex, thought provoking puzzles? Is this what we come to video games for? Of course not! It’s for the menus, those sweet, sweet collections of pixels that let us tailor our experience and commit crimes like turning off the music so you can listen to a podcast you’ll only half pay attention to. Well, that’s at least what Video Game Menu: The Game will have you believe, a video game about video game menus (perhaps I didn’t need to explain it to you, it’s kind of in there in the name).

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### Thrilling Revelations from Minecraft Live: A Fresh Dimension and Beyond!

Minecraft Live has recently wrapped up, revealing an array of exhilarating updates and features on the much-loved block-building game. Among the highlighted announcements is the highly awaited **Minecraft Dungeons II**, scheduled for launch on **September 29**. In addition to the sequel, significant transformations are imminent, including the unveiling of **The Sift**, a new dimension, expected to be introduced to both **Bedrock** and **Java** editions of Minecraft.

#### Key Features and Updates

**Minecraft Dungeons II** aims to enhance the achievements of its predecessor. This cooperative, isometric hack-and-slash title has received acclaim for its captivating gameplay and its capacity to offer family-friendly gaming experiences. The sequel will showcase a lively new art direction, varied dungeons, and a storyline influenced by the Deep Dark and Ancient Cities, complete with clashes against the powerful Warden. Noteworthy is the addition of novel gameplay mechanics like jumping, advanced armor options, and interconnected levels designed to encourage exploration rather than a linear path.

##### The Sift: A Revolutionary New Dimension

The debut of **The Sift** signifies the first incorporation of an entirely new dimension into Minecraft in over ten years, following the launch of The End back in 2011. This dimension will be outfitted with distinct biomes and creatures, introducing a plethora of new activities for gamers. While specifics remain limited, the hint of **blue bunnies** and fresh gameplay features implies a significant transformation for the Minecraft realm.

#### Creative Growth for Gamers

Alongside these substantial gameplay enhancements, Minecraft Live also emphasized improvements to player-generated content. Jens Bergenström discussed how the platform will advance to facilitate content creation, making it more accessible and engaging for both casual and professional creators. New sound effects packs will soon become available on the Marketplace, empowering players to personalize audio experiences within the game and their personal creations.

#### Subterranean Ice Caves: A Cool Addition

Another significant update is the inclusion of **subterranean ice caves**, a rare biome extension of cold territories, abundant in ores and ice resources. These caves will introduce a new mob, the **frozen zombie**, which has the capability to freeze players using ice balls. The ice features will serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, enabling players to create throwable items and freezing potions, while also illuminating their surroundings.

#### Further Announcements

Beyond gameplay improvements, Minecraft Live also hinted at a new **Minecraft-themed area** at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK, along with a related hotel. Furthermore, the primary game will be launching on **Nintendo Switch 2** on **October 27**, showcasing enhanced graphics more aligned with Xbox and PS5.

### Summary

With the emergence of **The Sift**, upgraded gameplay experiences in **Minecraft Dungeons II**, and new creative tools, Minecraft continues to advance and grow, offering thrilling adventures for both seasoned players and newcomers. As further details become available, anticipation for these updates increases, reinforcing Minecraft’s reputation as a timeless favorite in the gaming community. Keep an eye out for more information as it arises!

A developer’s work is never done! On the very same day it launched, Control Resonant received a hotfix that tackled various complaints that were levied against the game’s combat, making it slightly more manageable for those having a tougher time. While a fuller update won’t be coming until next month, developer Remedy have outlined their plans for the next couple of updates, namely a New Game++ mode, and a photo mode.

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**Honoring Avery “The Poke Kid” Garcia: A Heartbreaking Loss for the Pokémon Community**

On September 18th, the Pokémon community grieved the passing of Avery Garcia, affectionately known as Avery the Poke Kid, who died at the age of 12 after a fight with pancreatic cancer. Avery’s experience with the illness was publicly connected to his enthusiasm for Pokémon cards, offering both him and his viewers moments of happiness amid his challenges. His videos unboxing Pokémon card packs not only brought joy to his followers but also resonated with the broader trading card game (TCG) community.

In the days after his death, however, the community confronted a disturbing truth: Pokémon card listings tied to Avery’s memory began surfacing online, with some sellers asking for outrageous prices. A notably outrageous instance involved a listing for a Jirachi card—the same card Avery discovered in his final video—priced at an astonishing $20,000. This commercialization of Avery’s memory left his family heartbroken. Christian Garcia and Rebecca Rosa-Valentin released an emotional statement, clarifying they had not permitted any sales in Avery’s name and urging the immediate removal of the listings. “We are grieving our son and tending to our children. Please allow us to do so peacefully,” they conveyed.

The significant distress incited anger within the community, with many expressing their revulsion over scalpers profiting from the tragedy. Social media posts emerged criticizing these sellers, showcasing the harsh reality of making money from a child’s loss. One individual expressed sorrow that instead of honoring the family’s sorrow, some saw a chance to exploit it.

Avery’s last video showcased the incredible discovery of a rare illustrated Jirachi card from the latest 30th-anniversary set, greatly valued by collectors. Illustrator Akira Egawa shared his thoughts, wishing that his artwork brought happiness. While the card became more meaningful following Avery’s death, some sellers escalated its price, challenging the community’s integrity.

Following the uproar, one seller known as “Ash’s Secret Vault” claimed their goal was to generate funds for cancer support; however, this was met with doubt as the initial listing allocated only a small portion of the proceeds to charity. The eBay seller justified their actions, arguing that leveraging the publicity surrounding Avery’s heartbreaking story could lure buyers willing to assist the cause. Nevertheless, in response to the community backlash, the seller ultimately took down the contentious listings.

The incident highlighted broader concerns within the Pokémon TCG marketplace, where scarcity and scalping have become increasingly prevalent. The Pokémon Company developed the 30th-anniversary set with enhanced pull rates to mitigate these market dynamics, but the ongoing demand, coupled with opportunistic resellers, continues to trouble the community.

As the Pokémon universe remembers Avery Garcia’s legacy, it also grapples with the difficult reality of maintaining the essence of the community amid the commercialization of passion and nostalgia. The plea for respect and remembrance honors not only Avery’s dedication to Pokémon but also acts as a poignant reminder of the humanity we must uphold in times of grief.

I’m sure I had at least three more sets of Saturdays and Sundays in my September box. That thief time has snuck in again and picked up all the unattended days. If you see him, give him a whack on the back and see if he’ll cough them back up again, I’m not quite ready to crack the wax seal on October 2026.

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**The Ascendancy of PC Gaming in Japan: A Transformation in the Gaming Arena**

Japan has been well-known for its dynamic gaming sector, primarily led by local creators and hardware from heavyweights like Nintendo and Sony. Traditionally, console gaming has served as the foundation of the market, with even international entities like Microsoft encountering hurdles in achieving substantial penetration. Nonetheless, recent developments suggest a transition, particularly in the thriving PC gaming domain, which has experienced considerable growth in the past few years.

According to a report by Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the earnings from PC gaming in Japan have skyrocketed by over 234 percent within just four years, exceeding 300 billion yen for the first time in 2025, up from 132.1 billion yen in 2021. This surge stands in stark contrast to the relatively stagnant mobile gaming sector, which recorded only a 4.5 percent revenue increase during the same timeframe.

The evolving landscape can be linked to the growing impact of international gaming brands and an expanding streaming culture via platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. Popular games, particularly multiplayer titles and internationally acclaimed hits like *Minecraft*, have bolstered the rising interest in PC gaming. The highest-ranking games on Steam in Japan include global free-to-play titles such as *Counter-Strike 2*, *PUBG: Battlegrounds*, and *Apex Legends*, with only Capcom’s *Monster Hunter Wilds* representing domestic content among the leading twelve.

Despite the prevalence of mobile gaming, which still comprises 71 percent of the total gaming revenue, PC gaming has expanded to hold 12 percent of the market, doubling from merely 6 percent in 2021. This newfound recognition of PC gaming signifies a generational shift, particularly among younger gamers who are more willing to explore a varied range of gaming platforms and experiences.

Furthermore, the rising income in the PC sector has motivated more Japanese developers to broaden their portfolios by releasing games on PC, an area that was previously neglected by many. Although the potential impact of recent AI-driven price hikes for crucial hardware remains a worry, the trend points to a promising outlook for PC gaming in Japan.

In summary, the expansion of PC gaming in Japan marks a significant transformation in the nation’s gaming landscape. As global titles gain more prominence and Japanese gamers increasingly pursue new gaming experiences, this shift marks an exhilarating new chapter for both developers and gamers in Japan.

Multiple significant *Final Fantasy XIV* modding communities have initiated efforts to eliminate the contributions of a well-known not-safe-for-work mod creator following the revelation of chat logs where the modder was involved in explicit discussions regarding illegal material.

**Content warning for discussion of child abuse sexual assault material (CSAM)**

On YouTube, a user known as Chunni Doll uploaded a video claiming that modder Noffletoff, along with various other *Final Fantasy XIV* players, was partaking in discussions and sharing of CSAM. The video asserts that the chats occurred in an invite-only chat room that belonged to a broader Matrix server focused on loli/shotacon content. (Matrix servers, sometimes seen as an alternative to Discord, are decentralized platforms enabling real-time communication.)

Accompanying the video was a Proton document containing screenshots of the chat logs. *Kotaku* has examined the document, and although direct mentions of victims’ names and explicit CSAM content descriptions have been obscured, the purported participants can be observed referencing content they’ve viewed and possibly sharing materials with users on another platform named Session.

Matrix administrators were informed about the server, which was subsequently shut down, leading to the banning of the alleged participants.

Noffletoff is known for several paid *Final Fantasy XI* body and animation mods that are widely utilized for creating NSFW *FFXIV* content. In response to these allegations, numerous *FFXIV* modding communities are actively removing his work from their sites. Additionally, Noffletoff’s Patreon and X accounts have been deleted.

The *Final Fantasy XIV* Mod Archive (XMA), one of the prominent hosting platforms for *FFXIV* mods, has prohibited the account linked to Noffletoff. *Kotaku* has reviewed messages posted in the XMA Discord server that confirm Noffletoff’s suspension, a measure confirmed by a moderator after a user inquired about the actions being taken in light of the allegations. “I think it’s reasonable at this point to go ahead and suspend Noff’s account (and have done so),” the post stated.

*Kotaku* has also looked over messages in Booty Bay, a Discord server related to pirating *FFXIV* mods. The moderators of that Discord server have enacted similar measures, removing his mods from their collections while banning him from future uploads and forbidding all discussions pertaining to the allegations against Noffletoff.

Snowcloak, a *Final Fantasy XIV* mod program that enables users to view mods from other players in-game, will prevent the display of Noffletoff’s mods. “Users attempting to use these mods will receive a warning that the file is blocked,” noted a message from a Snowcloak moderator.

According to the video, the alleged participants have been reported to law enforcement. *Kotaku* has reached out to Square Enix for a statement.

### The Delight of Farm Share Programs and the Wonder of Homegrown Tomatoes

In recent times, the appeal of farm share programs has increased dramatically as individuals look for fresher, more flavorful produce. By investing in a regional farm, participants not only bolster sustainable farming but also relish an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. This article delves into the advantages of joining a farm share, the transformative journey of enjoying fresh produce, and the unique pleasures of homegrown tomatoes.

#### What is a Farm Share Program?

A farm share program, also referred to as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), enables consumers to purchase a share of a farm’s harvest upfront, typically in the winter months. This financial investment aids farmers as they acquire seeds and essential supplies for the growing season. In exchange, members receive a weekly box brimming with fresh, seasonal produce, usually encompassing fruits, vegetables, and occasionally flowers or herbs.

#### The Freshness Factor

One of the key benefits of farm shares is the freshness of the produce. Items picked at their optimal ripeness and delivered straight to consumers taste superior to grocery store options, which are often transported over long distances. When enjoying fresh local produce, you’re not only experiencing better flavors but also maximizing nutritional advantages.

For many, farm shares have ignited a culinary exploration. Receiving a varied selection of vegetables each week can spark creativity in the kitchen, encouraging individuals to experiment with new recipes and cooking methods. From vibrant greens to distinctive heirloom varieties, the experience broadens one’s culinary skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for seasonal eating.

#### The Tomato Experience

Among the diverse selection of produce provided, homegrown tomatoes frequently shine as a summer favorite. For those who’ve found it challenging to appreciate tomatoes in the past, the sensation of biting into a fresh, sun-ripened tomato from a local farm is transformative. Unlike the tasteless, watery tomatoes often encountered in grocery stores, farm-fresh tomatoes offer a burst of flavor and texture.

Culinary applications for fresh tomatoes are virtually limitless. They can be sliced for sandwiches, turned into rich sauces, or added to salads. Roasting them in olive oil reveals their natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of salt elevates their inherent flavors. The pleasure of enjoying a warm, freshly harvested tomato is a sensory delight cherished by many during the short tomato season.

#### A Cultural Connection

The affection for homegrown tomatoes goes beyond the culinary realm—it’s honored in music as well. Guy Clark’s song “Homegrown Tomatoes” perfectly conveys the fondness many have for this cherished fruit. The lyrics celebrate the joy and versatility of tomatoes, encapsulating the essence of summer’s bounty and the simple joys of life.

As summer dwindles and the tomato season draws to a close, there’s often a feeling of nostalgia. The diminishing presence of tomatoes in farm shares serves as a reminder of their seasonal nature, prompting consumers to savor every last bite. Whether it’s a late-summer tomato sandwich or a batch of homemade salsa, each dish is a tribute to the fleeting beauty of the season.

#### Embracing the Seasons

Taking part in a farm share program not only enhances enjoyment and appreciation for fresh produce but also connects individuals to the rhythms of nature. The excitement of seasonal harvests fosters gratitude and an understanding of the agricultural cycle.

As winter approaches, thoughts of fresh tomatoes may evoke sadness for some, yet the assurance of their return next year brings hope. The cycle of growth, harvest, and enjoyment of local produce is a never-ending story that enriches our lives.

#### Conclusion

Farm share programs present a delightful opportunity to engage with local agriculture while savoring the freshest produce available. The simple pleasures of homegrown tomatoes emphasize the incredible flavors of seasonal eating and highlight the significance of supporting local farms. As you enjoy the last tomatoes of the season, remember to cherish the moments and flavors that only arise from connecting with nature through local food systems. In the words of Guy Clark, life wouldn’t be the same without homegrown tomatoes.

**Xbox’s Corporate Transformation: Maneuvering Changes with New Leadership**

As the gaming landscape progresses, so do the tactics of key stakeholders, and Xbox is presently experiencing a considerable corporate transformation under the guidance of new CEO Asha Sharma. This transition has sparked a series of layoffs and reorganizations within Microsoft’s gaming sector, signaling a daring method towards growth and efficacy amid financial hurdles.

### Summary of the Reorganization

The so-called corporate transformation for Xbox has mainly centered on workforce reduction, with over 1,600 employees dismissed this year and plans for another 1,600 eliminations as the fiscal year moves forward. This approach appears to align with CEO Satya Nadella’s strategy for streamlining processes to improve financial results. Nadella has indicated satisfaction with the ongoing reorganization, considering it a crucial step to prepare Xbox for future achievements.

### Tactical Divestitures and Restructuring

The reorganization has involved considerable alterations, including the divestiture from several game studios and the restructuring of franchises. A significant change has seen the beloved franchise *Halo* shifted under Activision’s control. This reallocation raises inquiries about the long-term strategy for Xbox’s game catalog and how it plans to preserve its competitive advantage in a saturated market.

### Financial Viability Issues

Despite the positive perspective on Xbox’s Intellectual Property (IP), Nadella has recognized worries regarding the financial viability of the division. He stressed the importance of establishing a sustainable business framework that would allow Xbox to broaden its appeal to a larger audience. His comments indicate a level of concern about the current financial path of the gaming division and spotlight the balancing act between invention and profitability.

Nadella commented on the IP portfolio’s capacity, stating, “I feel fantastic about the IP we have right now… our ability to then take that and produce great games going forward.” However, the lack of compassion for the dismissed employees underscores a harsh reality where corporate objectives take precedence over individual welfare.

### Bold Growth Objectives

Under Sharma’s guidance, Xbox has set an ambitious aim to engage over a billion users daily. This aspiration arises amidst existing challenges, particularly the declining sales of Xbox consoles and the necessity for heightened user interaction across various platforms, including mobile and cloud gaming. The gap between the current reach—around 500 million monthly active users—and the target of a billion daily users generates doubt regarding the practicality of such aims, especially with a diminished workforce.

### Closing Thoughts

The ongoing reorganization of Xbox signifies a pivotal moment for the brand, positioned at the crossroads of innovation and austerity measures. While there is hope regarding the potential of its IP and prospective game creation, the journey ahead will necessitate careful management of both personnel and corporate strategy. As Xbox endeavors to fulfill its lofty growth ambitions, it remains to be determined whether this transformation will deliver the expected outcomes in a progressively competitive gaming environment.