It’s funny to think that RuneScape: Dragonwilds, one of those cosy-ish, survival crafty type of games doesn’t have farming just yet, but I suppose that’s understandable given it is an early access game. Doesn’t matter much either, as farming will be coming to the game next week as part of its Fellhollow update, which just got another look-in through a new gameplay trailer that also shows off all sorts of undead bashing you’ll be doing.

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Satire is a genre that you find often enough in mediums like film and television, but there is an argument to be made that it doesn’t happen as often in games, and that maybe, this is due for a reckoning. This is the argument that Davide Soliani (Mario + Rabbids) and Christian Cantamessa (Red Dead Redemption) are making about the game they’re co-directing, Bradley the Badger, a comedic, half-throwback, half-fresh-take platformer revealed at The Geoff Keighley Night this week.

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In a year where Hades II dominated the roguelite headlines, Evil Empire’s The Rogue Prince of Persia slipped by largely unnoticed. This is the second time Supergiant’s game overshadowed The Rogue Prince, with both titles entering early access at similar times last year.

In fact, the story you may best remember of Evil Empire’s game was the frothing criticism of the Prince’s art style – a unique blend influenced by Arabic miniatures, Mœbius comics, and the purple-skinned sprites from the 1990 PC CGA port of the first Prince of Persia game.

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### Kirby Air Riders: Recent Update and Its Future

The cherished *Kirby Air Riders* has just received its initial major update, potentially marking one of the game’s final significant developments. Under the guidance of the esteemed Masahiro Sakurai, the game was positioned as a distinct installment in the franchise, notably steering clear of the extensive downloadable content (DLC) approach prevalent in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*. As Sakurai noted, the aim is to craft a balanced experience that endures without necessitating constant adjustments.

#### Key Features of the Update

In its newest patch, *Kirby Air Riders* has seen considerable balance refinements. This encompasses modifications to various vehicles and crucial bug fixes aimed at improving gameplay quality. Players have voiced their approval of these adjustments, emphasizing a preference for games that provide a stable experience rather than ongoing evolution.

One character, Rick, underwent specific modifications, with changes made to his abilities and stats. Different vehicle types were rebalanced, including reductions for Star-types while Tank-types received boosts.

One particularly noteworthy patch note pointed out an unusual bug related to the Gummies screen: “An error will occur when opening the Gummies screen in the Collection menu when the number of Gummies is between 8,285 and 8,626.” This highlights the quirky aspect of debugging in video games.

#### Community Response

Player reactions have primarily been positive, with many expressing relief over the absence of a continuous DLC model. Some nostalgic fans fondly recalled playing the original *Kirby Air Riders* on GameCube for years without the need for updates, underlining the satisfaction of enjoying a finished game.

Sakurai, in his communication regarding the update, confirmed that the development team would soon disband as they wrap up the game. He assured players that while minor tweaks may occur, the objective is to present a balanced game that can be enjoyed well into the future. This commitment to quality without the expectation of frequent updates aligns closely with the original intent when the game was first unveiled.

#### Looking Ahead

As speculation increases about Sakurai’s next endeavor, particularly concerning a potential new *Smash Bros.* title for the awaited Switch 2, the conclusion of *Kirby Air Riders* development raises questions about the trajectory of future Nintendo titles. Sakurai has clearly indicated in previous statements that *Kirby Air Riders* was developed with a focus solely on its original content, differentiating it from the ongoing content development seen in other franchises.

In the broader context of gaming, the approach embraced by *Kirby Air Riders* signifies a strategic decision to deliver a comprehensive experience from the beginning rather than one that depends on uninterrupted content expansion. As players explore the recently updated game, the community’s sentiment appears to align with the idea of relishing a refined, complete gaming experience.

The group responsible for *Doom: The Dark Ages* has recently formed a union, highlighting a rising trend of labor organization in Microsoft-owned game development companies. By taking this step, they align themselves with numerous developers from renowned firms like Blizzard and Bethesda, striving to gain a voice in essential workplace matters, particularly those related to layoffs.

On Friday, about 165 employees at id Software revealed their unionization with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This union is characterized as a “wall-to-wall” organization, which means it includes all non-managerial developers at the studio, irrespective of their positions, whether they are artists or engineers. The push for unionization came after substantial layoffs at Microsoft, leading to the cancellation of entire projects and the disbandment of the teams that worked on them.

Andrew Willis, a producer at id Software, highlighted the necessity for such a union, stressing the significance of developers uniting to challenge unilateral choices made by industry leaders. He remarked, “The union is a means for us, the developers, to regain control over the industry we cherish and to guarantee that it produces high-quality products from dedicated workers who receive health benefits and have longevity beyond mere quarterly profits.”

Union activities within the gaming sector have been gaining traction, with various protests, including one featuring around 40 game developers during the Game Awards, showcasing ongoing labor issues.

Founded in 1991 by trailblazers like John Carmack and John Romero, id Software is renowned for its groundbreaking advancements in 3D gaming, with landmark titles such as *Wolfenstein 3D* and the original *Doom*. The studio later merged into Bethesda’s parent company, Zenimax, in 2009, and was acquired by Microsoft in 2021 for over $8 billion. Earlier this year, the studio launched *Doom: The Dark Ages*, which earned several nominations at The Game Awards 2025, securing the honor for best accessibility options.

This recent union formation comes on the heels of earlier labor organization attempts at id Software, including the successful unionization of the QA team. In a noteworthy achievement this year, Bethesda Game Studios completed its initial collective bargaining agreement with Microsoft, which provides a blueprint for other teams within the company aiming to negotiate working conditions concerning pay, remote work, and severance.

Caroline Pierrot, a senior VFX artist at id Software, expressed her pride in being part of the organizing movement, highlighting the capacity of unions to empower employees and positively shape the future of the gaming industry. As labor organization continues to evolve in this field, workers are increasingly pursuing cooperative methods to tackle the volatile nature of their industry and advocate for improved conditions.

We’re heading into our last full week before Christmas and I can almost hear the hellish jangle of Saint Nick’s sled bells in the night air. But I shan’t spend too long thinking about that red-suited home invader. Not when there are weekends to be had and games to be played.

This is what the team will be playing this weekend.

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## Budget-Friendly Power: The 15.6-Inch HP Flagship Touchscreen Laptop

In the current landscape of laptop options, finding the perfect device that balances affordability, performance, and features can be challenging. Nonetheless, the **15.6-inch HP Flagship touchscreen laptop** emerges as a superb selection, particularly for individuals in need of a dependable machine for remote work or educational activities. At present, this laptop is offered at a hefty discount, making it a compelling buy.

### Unmatched Pricing

Initially listed at **$1,900**, this laptop is now priced at merely **$540** on Amazon, showcasing an impressive **72% markdown**. This equates to savings exceeding **$1,300**, rendering it a fantastic pick for cost-sensitive buyers. The deal is further enhanced with extra bonuses that accompany the laptop, ensuring even more value.

### Loaded With Practical Features

This mid-tier laptop boasts an **Intel i3-1315U processor**, capable of reaching speeds up to **4.5GHz** thanks to Intel Turbo Boost technology. It’s apt for light tasks like web surfing, streaming, and office work. However, it might not be the best fit for high-end gaming or resource-intensive creative activities. For users with basic computing needs, this laptop proves to be dependable. Those considering gaming or heavy editing could explore models equipped with Intel i5 or i7 processors.

The laptop features **16 GB of RAM**, allowing for seamless multitasking. Users can run multiple applications or browse numerous tabs without facing considerable slowdowns. The **512GB SSD** provides ample space for essential media and documents, offering quick boot and loading times compared to traditional hard drives.

### Outstanding Display and Touch Capabilities

The **15.6-inch BrightView touchscreen** display enriches the user experience. With nearly borderless edges, it delivers a spacious viewing area ideal for presentations and entertainment. The touch functionality enables intuitive navigation, allowing users to scroll, zoom, and even sign documents directly on the screen. This proves particularly advantageous when collaborating with others, removing the necessity for back-and-forth with a trackpad or mouse.

### Extensive Connectivity and Latest OS

Connectivity options are generous, featuring an **AC smart pin**, **USB Type-A**, **USB Type-C**, and **HDMI** ports. Furthermore, the laptop is bundled with **Windows 11 Pro pre-installed**, equipping users with a suite of security and productivity tools designed specifically for professionals and remote workers. The integrated **Copilot support** harnesses AI to aid in various tasks, making daily operations smoother by providing quick responses and assisting with document management.

### Bonus Value with Extra Items

The purchase comes with a **5-in-1 bundle**, including a **DVD/CD drive**, a **Redragon mouse**, a **screen wipe**, and a **256GB SD card**—all valued at nearly **$200**. This added bonus considerably boosts the allure of the already significant discount, creating an enticing deal for consumers.

### Conclusion

With its outstanding features and pricing, the **15.6-inch HP Flagship touchscreen laptop** offers an extraordinary buying opportunity, particularly for students or professionals in search of a reliable device for daily tasks. The current promotion won’t last forever, so potential buyers are urged to act swiftly to seize this remarkable offer for themselves or as a thoughtful gift for the upcoming holiday season.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6366/)

### Introduction to *Bradley the Badger*

At the recent Game Awards, amidst dazzling blockbuster reveals, an intriguing treasure surfaced during the pre-show: *Bradley the Badger*, an action-platformer that offers a fresh twist on conventional gameplay. Merging a vibrant aesthetic with a meta-narrative, the game playfully critiques iconic titles such as *The Last Of Us*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, and *Dark Souls*, reshaping gamer expectations in unexpected manners.

### The World of Bradley

*Bradley the Badger* is grounded by a nostalgic character that personifies a classic era of video games, reminiscent of the lively personas from the PS2 era. The trailer unveils Bradley, who sets off on a cheerful adventure, only to become ensnared in a grim and bleak version of a *Soulslike* setting. Walls crafted from petrified hands and eerie glowing lanterns establish the atmosphere for an unforeseen journey, as the game artfully blends humor with a critical look at the gaming industry.

The story kicks off with Bradley realizing his home has morphed into an incomplete game setting. As walls denote “WAITING FOR REVIEW” and various sticky notes point out necessary adjustments, players are thrown into a quirky yet chaotic environment, urging Bradley to adapt and make use of his surroundings in innovative ways.

### Gameplay Mechanics

The primary innovation of *Bradley the Badger* lies in its “game developer powers.” Players can adjust unfinished textures and placeholder assets, reshaping platforms and altering item traits with straightforward toggles. This mechanic inspires players to think outside the box, experimenting with different characteristics such as size, magnetism, and even explosive features. It connects game development with player interaction, creating limitless opportunities within the game’s design.

As players traverse various realities, including a *Cyberpunk 2077*-inspired world, Bradley can morph into objects within the surroundings—like rolling up walls as a trash bin or transforming into a size-changing apple as a nod to *The Last Of Us*. This introduces a layer of strategy as players tackle challenges, highlighting both puzzle-solving and adept platforming skills.

### A Meta Narrative

The gameplay takes a groundbreaking turn as Bradley exits the game world. Transitioning to live-action, a human Bradley (portrayed by Evan Peters of *X-Men* fame) awakens in the Dreamwoods Games development studio, surrounded by memorabilia and design notes. This meta-narrative boosts the game’s allure, providing insights into the developmental hurdles and creativity involved in video game production.

Christian Cantamessa, one of the game’s co-creators, characterizes *Bradley the Badger* as “part homage to video games and part satire of them.” This duality places the game in a distinctive position within the platformer genre, ensuring both enjoyment and contemplation for players.

### Release Information

Planned for a Steam launch in 2026, *Bradley the Badger* aims to carve out a niche in the gaming market, with possible plans for console versions following its successful display at The Game Awards. With a development team comprised of former AAA game developers, the game is set to intertwine thrilling gameplay with an immersive narrative.

### Conclusion

*Bradley the Badger* distinguishes itself not only through its comedic perspective on established games but also through its inventive gameplay approach. By fusing platforming mechanics with game design features and a self-aware storyline, it encourages players to immerse themselves in its world in a novel manner. As excitement builds for its launch, *Bradley the Badger* is poised to be a significant entry in the action-platforming genre.

### Thoughts on the 2025 Game Awards: Key Moments and Debates

The recently finished 2025 Game Awards highlighted an array of games and instances, igniting discussions among fans and critics alike. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, this yearly event persists as a vital venue for honoring remarkable accomplishments in the gaming world. As another awards ceremony comes to a close, inquiries emerge regarding the victors, the announcements, and the overall resonance of the night.

One of the notable highlights was the remarkable triumph of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, which garnered more accolades than any title in the history of The Game Awards. While many commend this success, others contend that such a dominant performance could eclipse worthy nominees in various categories. Despite its praise, some gamers harbor doubts about its enduring legacy when juxtaposed with legendary games like *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, *Elden Ring*, and *Baldur’s Gate 3*. The lingering question is: will *Clair Obscur* endure over time, or is it just a fleeting achievement?

Critics have flagged the choice to permit *Clair Obscur* to secure numerous awards, including “Best Game,” “Best RPG,” and “Best Debut Indie Game,” as a possible shortcoming in the awarding strategy. Restricting a single game’s capacity to win across multiple categories could promote a more equitable reflection of the year’s accomplishments and enhance recognition for a broader spectrum of titles. Many believe this could improve the overall awards experience, granting other exceptional games the spotlight they deserve.

The event also included significant announcements and trailer unveilings, featuring the highly anticipated *Mega Man Dual Overdrive* (also referred to as *Mega Man 12*). While nostalgia emerged for veteran fans, the game remains set for a 2027 release, resulting in mixed emotions regarding its presence at the awards. Insiders hint that Capcom is developing major updates, though there is hope that the final version aligns with the legacy’s expectations.

Nonetheless, some participants remarked that the absence of major players like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft was noticeably felt. While Sony highlighted more of *Saros*, many craved sneak peeks of blockbuster franchises such as a new *God of War* or a *Wolverine* title. The event presented cinematic teasers for a new *Divinity* RPG from Larian Studios and an upcoming *Star Wars: The Old Republic* game by ex-BioWare director Casey Hudson, yet these announcements appeared to lack the depth that fans desired.

Despite the high production quality and overall smooth execution of the 2025 Game Awards, some left feeling unsatisfied and questioning its lasting importance. As the gaming community reflects on this year’s event, it remains uncertain whether the critiques and joyous moments will influence future renditions of the awards. What were your impressions of the ceremony? Did it live up to your expectations, or did it miss the mark in certain aspects? The dialogue is just beginning.

### Elevate Your Gaming and Entertainment Setup with Smart Lighting

Optimal lighting can greatly improve your gaming and entertainment environment, crafting a more engaging visual experience. Utilizing smart lighting strips, your entire space can reflect the action displayed on your screen, lighting up during thrilling sequences and transforming into a tranquil setting during relaxed moments. These capabilities not only amplify your viewing enjoyment but also convert your living space into a vibrant environment.

At present, a fantastic choice to consider is the **Philips Hue Play Gradient Smart TV light strip**, which is currently priced at **$130** on Amazon following a significant **56% discount**. This reduction makes it the most affordable we’ve encountered in a while, and it includes **free shipping** with your order. As the holiday season draws near, this smart lighting option can make movie nights increasingly delightful. Be sure to move quickly before prices return to their previous levels.

#### Specifications and Features

The Philips Hue Play Gradient Smart LED light strip is available in a **65-inch** format, along with other sizes like **55-inch** and **75-inch**, priced at **$142** and **$255**, respectively. Each package contains a light strip with mounting brackets intended for secure attachment to the back of your TV.

To fully utilize the light strip’s capabilities, it needs to be connected with a **Hue bridge** and a **sync box**—both sold separately. This arrangement enables complete synchronization with the visuals on your screen, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or enjoying music.

Once set up, the smart light strip presents a wide range of capabilities. It can generate both warm and cool white lighting, alongside millions of multi-colored LED variations. The colors blend effortlessly, and the distinctive **45-degree angle light projector** casts a breathtaking gradient onto the wall behind your television. Whether watching an intense action film or engaging in a lively game, anticipate a dazzling light display that reacts in real-time to the on-screen motion. Conversely, less active content will foster a soothing atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

#### Voice Control and Added Convenience

Voice control is another impressive aspect of the Philips Hue system, enabling you to modify settings without needing to physically adjust anything. The light strip is compatible with **Alexa** and **Google Assistant**, allowing for effortless commands like “Hey Alexa, switch the lights on” or “Hey Google, brighten the lights.”

Additionally, the **Hue Bridge** further enhances functionality, permitting the integration of motion sensors, the setting of routines, and the establishment of timers for improved convenience and automation. This smart lighting strip does more than just illuminate your environment; it cultivates an enchanting atmosphere that adjusts to your preferences and activities.

Currently, with the **65-inch version priced at just $130**, this offer is difficult to surpass. Other sizes are also discounted, providing options for any setup. Act promptly, as deals like this typically conclude quickly.

#### Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating a smart lighting strip such as the Philips Hue Play Gradient into your gaming and entertainment setup can revolutionize your experience. It provides breathtaking visual effects while enhancing convenience through voice control and automation features. Whether you’re streaming alone, watching a film with friends, or hosting a gathering, this smart lighting solution significantly elevates the ambiance. Don’t overlook the current discount—secure yours today!

See at Amazon