The French Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) union have called for a national strike across the country’s games industry on June 25th. The action’s being taken against the ongoing layoffs which continue to ravage the game-making space, with the union calling on striking workers to “demand major organisational changes within their companies”.
**A24 and Google: A Contentious Collaboration in AI Film Making**
A24, the acclaimed independent film production company known for its unique and often experimental films such as *Backrooms*, *Uncut Gems*, *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, and *Hereditary*, has captured attention with its recent collaboration with Google. This partnership involves an investment of around $75 million from Google’s parent organization, Alphabet, aimed at boosting A24’s film creation capabilities through artificial intelligence research.
As reported exclusively by *The Wall Street Journal*, this collaboration provides A24 with access to Google DeepMind, the AI research facility acquired by Google in 2014. A24’s Scott Belsky has stated that Google’s AI technology will be primarily employed for the storyboarding stage in film production. Belsky was quick to reassure supporters, indicating that the resulting storyboards “won’t resemble the prompted generation kind of AI that makes people uneasy,” implying that the production process will remain artistically rooted despite the technological integration.
Nonetheless, this initiative has not garnered unanimous support. A sizeable segment of A24’s dedicated fanbase has voiced significant dissatisfaction and concern regarding the use of AI in the creative filmmaking process. Many fans have turned to social media platforms like X and Reddit to express their displeasure, with some announcing intentions to cancel their AAA24 membership, a subscription service that usually offers perks such as tickets to every A24 release.
The backlash appears to arise from a perceived gap between A24’s artistic principles and the perceived commercialization of creativity via technology. The studio is renowned for fostering a distinctive voice in cinema, often favoring auteur storytelling over conventional tropes. The introduction of AI, particularly in a manner that resembles a “slop factory,” has prompted fans to draw comparisons to prior instances where A24’s experimentation with AI garnered less favorable responses, such as the AI-generated posters for Alex Garland’s upcoming film, *Civil War*.
Critics contend that this technological trajectory could jeopardize the essence of A24’s projects, suggesting that the studio may be prioritizing innovation over artistic integrity. Some fans have compared the potential application of AI in storytelling to a scenario where esteemed artists replace human creativity with automated processes—an idea that seems particularly contentious to a community that values the appreciation of handcrafted, personalized film experiences.
As A24 navigates its connection with AI and its devoted fanbase, the future of this partnership remains unclear. Whether this initiative will usher in a new chapter of innovation or alienate the core audience that has supported the studio for its dedication to genuine and thought-provoking cinema is a narrative that continues to develop.
“You race like a poodoo!” podracer Ben Quadinaros, a large bit of snot whose body is 60% face, yells as we sweep through a turn side-by-side. “Right,” I think as I begin to channel my inner Dale Earnhardt, “you’re going in the wall”. The blatant side-swipe that dashes Ben and his gangly craft against the rocks of the narrow trench also wipes me out. Usually in this sort of situation I’d respawn unrepentant, but Star Wars: Galactic Racer‘s geared to force you to consider any carelessness and rue any mistakes.
**Bungie’s Latest PVE Game Mode in Marathon: Vault Breaker**
Bungie has officially revealed the launch of Vault Breaker, marking the first entirely PVE mode in their sci-fi extraction shooter, *Marathon*. This fresh game mode is scheduled to debut on July 21 within the vast Cryo Archive map, designed to support solo players, pairs, or trios, providing a more diverse gameplay experience tailored for those who favor cooperative play rather than competitive PvP encounters.
### Overview of Vault Breaker
Vault Breaker is described as a trial mode where players face an increasingly difficult succession of vaults. In contrast to conventional game modes, players do not retain the loot discovered during matches, with the exception of Vault Data—a new, exclusive currency relevant to this mode. As players partake in Vault Breaker, they can earn Vault Data to improve their Vault Breaker Sponsored Kit, enabling them to confront greater challenges. There’s also the opportunity for players to trade this data for gear usable in the broader game, although specifics on this loot are yet to be revealed.
The aim of Vault Breaker is to permit players, including those who generally play solo, to appreciate the rich environment of Cryo Archive without disturbing the game’s loot economy or overwhelming other players with high-tier gear. This strategy seeks to preserve a balanced gameplay experience while catering to a wider audience.
### Additional Updates and Features
In a recent blog entry, Bungie spotlighted several forthcoming enhancements set for *Marathon*. Significantly, the advancement of the Cradle system will bring in new cosmetic rewards, promoting sustained player engagement beyond the standard grind. The mid-season update in July promises an array of quality-of-life improvements along with tuning adjustments, including updates to player profile statistics.
Looking towards September 22, Bungie has hinted at Season Three of *Marathon*, which aims to overhaul the initial map, Perimeter. This update is poised to introduce substantial new areas, extra encounters, and reworked gameplay mechanics. Alongside these alterations, players can anticipate new Runner shells, weapons, gear, and a plethora of content surprises meant to enhance the overall gaming experience.
### Conclusion
The addition of Vault Breaker not only underscores Bungie’s dedication to diversifying gameplay in *Marathon*, but it also positions the game to attract players who might have been wary of its strictly PVP setup. With a clear emphasis on low-risk, high-reward gameplay, the development team aims to widen the appeal of *Marathon* while ensuring the game’s economic balance remains undisturbed. As new updates and features are rolled out, the enthusiasm surrounding *Marathon* continues to rise, signaling a promising future for the game and its community.
Following in the footsteps of some Hive Scum, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has been descended upon by another new DLC class – the Skitarii. Alongside the arrival of the the Machine God’s elite the game’s gotten a fresh patch with some free additions.
**Mudang: Two Hearts: An Unfulfilled Lasting Promise**
The awaited stealth-action title *Mudang: Two Hearts*, echoing the popular *Splinter Cell* franchise, is officially discontinued for Xbox Series X/S and any alternate platforms. This news follows EVRStudio’s declaration of bankruptcy earlier this month, indicating a notable decline for the South Korean firm.
A revealing legal document from the corporate registry in South Korea confirmed that EVRStudio was adjudged bankrupt by the 11th Division of the Seoul Bankruptcy Court on June 5. Founded in 2016, the studio initially garnered attention through a virtual reality exhibit named Bohwagak for the Gansong Art Museum. However, as the industry progressed, the company redirected its focus towards Metaverse content intended for marketing and advertisers, ultimately trying to leverage its technical skills into game creation.
The apex of EVRStudio’s gaming efforts was the introduction of *Mudang: Two Hearts* during Xbox’s summer showcase in 2025. The game displayed remarkable visuals and action sequences, inciting excitement and anticipation within the gaming community. With a proposed release timeframe of 2026, the trailer amassed nearly half a million views, with the comments section brimming with enthusiasm from potential players. Remarks such as “This looks insane!” and parallels to *Splinter Cell* underscored the game’s potential and the high hopes surrounding it.
In spite of the initial buzz and promise, the aspiration of playing *Mudang: Two Hearts* will not materialize. The bankruptcy of EVRStudio highlights the unpredictable character of the video game arena, where even the most hopeful projects can collapse due to financial mismanagement or market dynamics. As fans contemplate what might have been, the gaming community is left to assess the effects of this setback on the development landscape, particularly in South Korea, where the gaming sector has been flourishing with creativity and innovation.
I do sometimes shudder at the thought of how big Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth actually is, especially as someone who made a beeline for the main story on my playthrough for the most part. Its size does also allow for a lot of smaller details though, like one background (and I really do mean background) plot that follows the romantic relationship of a lesbian couple across the game’s various locales. And according to game director Naoki Hamaguchi, the choice to depict characters like this was all in the name of enhancing realism.
**Douze Dixiémes: The Ascent and Decline of a Promising Indie Studio**
In the early months of 2026, Douze Dixiémes unveiled their atmospheric adventure title, *MIO: Memories in Orbit*. This game enchanted players by merging breathtaking sci-fi visuals with captivating action-platforming components, featuring complex puzzles and combat systems. *MIO: Memories in Orbit* swiftly garnered attention for its distinct interpretation of the Metroidvania genre, succeeding Douze Dixiémes’ previous venture, the 2020 puzzle adventure *Shady Part of Me*.
Within the setting of a forsaken colony ship, players embark on the journey of MIO, a robot delving into the enigmas of a space-traveling craft inhabited solely by other automatons. The experience evokes comparisons to celebrated titles such as *Hollow Knight* and *Gris*, exhibiting vibrant graphics and an enveloping ambiance. The game earned a remarkable score on Metacritic, climbing into the 80s and garnering nearly 2,000 highly favorable reviews on Steam.
Nevertheless, despite the initial praise and favorable feedback, *MIO: Memories in Orbit* did not attain the status of an indie favorite nor emerge as a major contender for game of the year. After the game’s debut, reports emerged suggesting that Douze Dixiémes would soon shut down. According to an article by French news source Le Figaro, the gaming sector in France is encountering considerable upheaval, causing concern among developers as closures and layoffs grow more frequent.
While *MIO: Memories in Orbit* marked a notable leap in ambition for Douze Dixiémes, the studio’s failure to secure enduring success reflects a wider industry issue. Focus Entertainment is anticipated to maintain the publishing rights for the game, yet the skilled team behind it will miss the opportunity to create the sequel that their vision warrants. This scenario highlights the fiercely competitive nature of the gaming industry, where critically lauded games can nonetheless struggle for commercial success.
In addition, Douze Dixiémes is not isolated in this battle. Other prominent studios, including Quantic Dream, Dontnod, and Nacon, have faced financial hurdles as well. The recent exit of venture capital and Chinese tech investments from the gaming domain raises alarms regarding future backing for both new and established entities.
In conclusion, the rapid rise and imminent closure of Douze Dixiémes exemplify the fragile nature of success in the indie gaming arena. While *MIO: Memories in Orbit* demonstrated the studio’s inventive possibilities, the harsh realities of the gaming industry offer a sobering reminder of the obstacles developers encounter while attempting to make a lasting impact.
I have something to admit to you all. I’m not very good at Marathon. I like when the guns go pew pew, I like the weird sci-fi vibes, but the second I run into another person I’ll be lucky if I make it out with all of my limbs intact. As a result, I had resigned myself to never experiencing Cryo Archive, the game’s super duper hardcore map exclusive to both crews and those with the prerequisite skills and loot. But! I bring good news for those of you who stink at shooters like me: Marathon’s first proper (experimental) PvE mode utilises Cryo Archive as its point of operation, and you can even play it by your lonesome.
**Toy Story 5: The Future of an Adored Franchise and the Live-Action Discussion**
*Toys spring to life in the cherished Pixar series, and now with the debut of Toy Story 5, the franchise persists in creating buzz in both critical success and box office performance. As Disney investigates the profitable trend of transforming animated classics into live-action features, the question emerged: could Toy Story be the next one? The response from the film’s creators has been largely negative, suggesting a strong inclination to maintain the authenticity of the series.*
In a recent conversation with BAFTA, director Andrew Stanton and producer Lindsey Collins discussed multiple facets of Toy Story 5, including the franchise’s future. When asked about a potential live-action adaptation, their reactions were emphatic. Collins plainly voiced her disapproval, declaring, “I hope not, please God, no,” while shaking her head in dismay. She commented on Disney’s tendency to pursue live-action adaptations with wary concern, saying, “Don’t say that loudly,” before firmly concluding, “The answer is hard no.”
Stanton reinforced this sentiment, comparing a live-action Toy Story to “a hat on top of a hat,” underscoring the notion that such a change would be unwarranted and potentially harmful to what distinguishes the franchise.
The relationship between the franchise’s creative leaders and the idea of a live-action remake underscores the ongoing discussion regarding Disney’s current approach to animated properties. The company’s recent efforts have produced a mixed array of outcomes. While successes like *Lilo & Stitch* and *The Lion King* achieved considerable acclaim, films such as *Dumbo* and *Aladdin* garnered tepid responses, with other entries like *Snow White* encountering scrutiny and disappointment.
As Disney keeps announcing projects like a live-action remake of *Moana*, which has met skepticism from fans, there remains hope among audiences that Pixar will persist in its dedication to maintaining the original animated spirit of its narratives. The fervent comments from the team behind Toy Story 5 indicate a desire to keep Pixar’s cherished universes unscathed, safeguarding the legacy they have cultivated over the years.
As the Toy Story franchise continues to prosper with its new chapter, the creators’ strong opposition to live-action adaptations serves as a reminder of the significance of remaining faithful to the heart and essence of animation that has connected with both children and adults for generations. Fans anxiously await what lies ahead for Woody, Buzz, and the crew, wishing that their journeys will persist in the vibrant and imaginative realm of CGI animation where they rightfully belong.