Since 1873, the team at Rock Paper Shotgun have gathered once a year to select what they believe to be the best PC games of all time. Admittedly, they only started writing the list down in 2021, but try not to hold their spotty recordkeeping against them.

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# Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup

## Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Concert Selling Out
Tickets for the European show of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* are vanishing at an astonishing rate. The A Painted Symphony tour has created tremendous excitement, with fans quickly claiming seats in major cities such as London, where tickets were gone almost immediately. Only a handful of places, including Bordeaux and Strasbourg, still offer availability, prompting demands for extra tour dates from eager fans.

## Megabonk’s Comeback at The Game Awards
In a surprising twist, *Megabonk* has rejoined the lineup for The Game Awards following a prior withdrawal by its developer. Previously taken out of the best debut indie game category due to the developer’s worries about meeting the requirements, it now sits in the player’s choice category. Fans are urged to cast their votes for this unique title as it prepares to compete again.

## Farewell to Tortellini, the Gaming Goldfish
Tortellini, the goldfish famous for its viral, motion-sensor-enhanced *Elden Ring* gameplay, has departed at the age of three. Despite struggling with a systemic bacterial infection, Tortellini made headlines for the impressive achievement of conquering tough bosses like Malenia and Consort Radahn. Owner Pointcrow has shared heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the joy Tortellini brought to their audience.

## Escape from Tarkov: A Player’s Milestone Achievement
In a notable event for *Escape from Tarkov*, streamer Tigz has officially finished the game after several years in Early Access. Accomplishing the daunting task of completing the final mission on the new Terminal map, Tigz became the first player to “escape,” albeit with the second-worst ending available. The hunt continues for the elusive best ending, leaving others optimistic for future triumphs.

## Free DLC Coming to Ball X Pit
*Ball X Pit*, the indie sensation from 2025, is poised to further enchant players with a variety of free downloadable content. With sales exceeding one million copies, the game will launch expansions titled Regal, Shadow, and Natrulaist throughout 2026, enhancing gameplay with new elements such as balls, evolutions, and characters.

## Mark Cerny and His Love for Pikmin
Mark Cerny, the mastermind behind the PlayStation 5, recently expressed his fondness for *Pikmin*, emphasizing the emotional richness of its story. In an interview on *My Perfect Console*, he reminisced about the challenges faced by Captain Olimar, underscoring that smaller, emotionally compelling games resonate profoundly with him.

## In Case You Missed It
Stay tuned for more thrilling news and updates from the gaming sphere, as there’s always something fresh and exciting on the horizon!

If a CEO says their company is going to do that something sounds ridiculously unrealistic, or borderline unachievable if you actually take a second to think about it, you can probably assume that this is for the ears of shareholders. With that said, CD Projekt Red recently held a financial call (thanks, IGN), where co-CEO Michał Nowakowski made some comments about The Witcher 4… and The Witcher 5 and 6, all of which are apparently planned to be released within a six-year period. Right!

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**EA’s Live-Service Revamp of *Skate*: Season Two and Character Controversy**

EA’s live-service reinvention of *Skate*, which debuted in September 2025, is presently experiencing considerable growth and improvements with the launch of its second season. This update, which was made available on December 2, has generally been positively received by the community, bringing in new cosmetic items, a new skating environment, a trick known as the Impossible, and various enhancements to quality of life. However, one significant alteration that has faced backlash is the modified appearance of in-game characters, which many players believe now present a sickly and exhausted look.

After the rollout of Season Two, players noted a surprising makeover in their characters’ visual style. Some users on sites like Reddit and Twitter expressed their concerns, pointing out that characters were shown with dark circles under their eyes and altered skin tones, prompting playful jabs that compared their avatars to addicts or stoners. This unforeseen change triggered responses throughout the gaming community, with many users humorously questioning why their characters seemed “tired and odd.”

Feedback from the community showcases a spectrum of emotions regarding the updates. One Reddit user conveyed confusion over the new character appearances, while others embraced humor, claiming their characters had been “Ghoul’d.” A photo shared by a player depicted a character’s weary look, contradicting earlier assurances from developers about visual enhancements. Additionally, several players noted that their characters had different skin tones when they logged in to play.

While some players have voiced their displeasure regarding these modifications, others have remained supportive of the developers, acknowledging the positive aspects of the update. Reactions across social media are varied; many players lament the new appearance, while others have observed improvements in the overall gameplay experience. This range of opinions highlights the intricacies of live-service titles, where ongoing updates are anticipated to boost engagement but can also elicit strong community responses.

The team at EA, especially those at Full Circle, have pledged to further refine the game’s visuals and address player feedback. Nevertheless, amidst the current critique, it appears improbable that the option to switch between the former and current character aesthetics will be introduced. Players continue to hope for advancements that align with their preferences, looking forward to potential future updates that may tackle the widespread concerns about character looks.

As *Skate* progresses, the development team seems committed to elevating user experience and heeding player feedback during the game’s continual development. The discussion surrounding character visuals illustrates that while the community welcomes new content, the aesthetic consistency of in-game avatars is also a vital factor in player contentment that requires careful attention in future updates.

“Where the hell did that goblin go?” asks a mean knight of some sort whose English accent is of questionable authenticity at the beginning of the latest trailer for Styx: Blades of Greed. This is a reasonable question! When the goblin stealth game was revealed earlier this year, it was slated for a 2025 release, except the rest of the year is in very short supply. So, this trailer acts as a double way: a confirmation of a delay, and the announcement of a proper release date.

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When the situation stabilizes regarding the $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA), Saudi Arabia will rise as the leading stakeholder, holding an impressive 93 percent of the firm. Although a group of investors, including Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, participated, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia will primarily steer this pivotal transaction.

Typically, sovereign wealth funds like the PIF play a less significant role in buyouts spearheaded by private equity firms. However, in this instance, the dynamics are distinctly inverted. The consequences of this shift are profound, raising doubts about Saudi Arabia’s capability in overseeing one of the largest video game publishers in the U.S. The interests of other investors are minor, with Silver Lake and Affinity retaining 5.5 percent and 1.1 percent stakes, respectively. Given their pre-existing ties to Saudi investment funds, their involvement seems more aimed at easing the foreign acquisition than providing noteworthy support.

According to The Financial Times, Kushner was instrumental in brokering the agreement between Saudi Arabia and EA, although the exact timing lacks verification in SEC documents. This discussion follows a recent meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and President Trump concerning various trade deals, during which concerns about the Prince’s contentious actions, including his suspected role in the killing of a Washington Post journalist, were minimized.

The PIF’s financial health has been questioned as the fund has started withdrawing investments from several U.S. firms amidst increasing economic turbulence in Saudi Arabia. This unstable scenario has made it imperative to secure $20 billion in loans to finance the EA purchase, raising alarms about sustainability and future operational approaches. High-interest debt will require management, potentially resulting in significant budget cuts or asset sales at EA.

EA shareholders are anticipated to vote on the buyout offer shortly, with the aim of finalizing the agreement by mid-2026. While this shift may threaten numerous positions within the company—famous for franchises like Madden, EA Sports FC, The Sims, and Apex Legends—the financial rewards for investment banks involved in the deal remain substantial. Goldman Sachs is set to receive a historic $110 million for its involvement in facilitating the acquisition.

The results of this buyout could profoundly alter the video game industry landscape, as Saudi Arabia tightens its grip on one of its most significant entertainment properties, positioning it in a central role within the global gaming framework.

I can only assume that Halloween’s proximity to Christmas is the reason as to why there is so much winter holiday horror media. Perhaps it’s even just as simple as the fact that people like it when Christmas is a little bit messed up! Either way, I do actually enjoy some Chrimbo horror, so I’m pleased to see the return of Haunted PS1’s Madvent Calendar this year, which just so happens to have launched today.

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## Expecting the **Elden Ring: The Forsaken Hollows** DLC

The gaming community around **Elden Ring** has been buzzing with eagerness for new content since the game launched. Numerous players, particularly those engaged in the **Nightreign** mode, have conveyed a desire for new adventures, and that wish has finally come to fruition with the announcement of the forthcoming DLC, **The Forsaken Hollows**. While early reactions hinted at a minor expansion, recently revealed information has sparked hope and enthusiasm among gamers.

### A Heightened Challenge Awaits

One of the most significant discoveries from interviews and previews is that **The Forsaken Hollows** will offer a greater challenge than the original game. Game director Junya Ishizaki highlighted the goal of recreating the sense of exploration and bewilderment that players experienced when they first journeyed through **Nightreign**. With modifications designed to elevate difficulty, experienced players can expect to face new obstacles that demand strategic thinking and flexibility.

Ishizaki remarked, “Whenever individuals who have extensively played the main game dive into the DLC content, they’ll find some of that feeling they had when they first engaged with **Nightreign**, where there’s still some aspect they’re trying to figure out.” This strategy seeks to maintain a balance between accessibility for newcomers and challenge for seasoned players, guaranteeing that everyone discovers something captivating.

### Map Overhaul: Beyond Simple Modifications

At first, many believed that **The Forsaken Hollows** would introduce only slight modifications to the current **Limveld** map. However, as highlighted in a preview by *GameSpot*, the DLC will include substantial transformations. Players will gain access to the **Great Hollows**, an additional area of the map that features vast landscapes, remnants of cities, and elaborate mines. This setting promises a vertical gameplay experience with caves, tunnels, and sections requiring platforming abilities, marking a shift from the previous Shifting Earth events.

The addition of side-quests linked to a new curse further enriches the exploration aspect, encouraging players to delve deeper into the world. Gamers can look forward to these new elements not only boosting replayability but also rejuvenating their interaction with a well-known environment.

### The Comeback of Poison Swamps

In line with FromSoftware’s tradition, the new DLC will reintroduce the notorious poison swamps that have become a signature of the studio’s design ethos. These swamps will not simply act as environmental hindrances; they will implement serious gameplay mechanics such as movement slowdowns and the buildup of various afflictions, including poison and scarlet rot.

Ishizaki acknowledged the meme surrounding FromSoftware’s swamps, commenting, “It just always seems to be [that before you realize] someone’s conceived the idea, it’s already sort of integrated.” Players can anticipate a renewed concentration on navigation and risk assessment, as these threats require strategic decision-making in real-time, amplifying the tension of each run.

### Reviving the Essence of **Nightreign**

With these enhancements, FromSoftware’s ambitions seem to center around creating an environment that rekindles the original awe felt during players’ initial journey through **Nightreign**. Adjustments intended to challenge veteran players while maintaining fairness are key. The intricacy of the new content paired with the dangers posed by diverse environmental threats should foster a heightened sense of urgency and fulfillment upon conquering challenges.

As fans prepare for **The Forsaken Hollows**, the wave of renewed excitement hints at the potential for a transformative addition to the **Elden Ring** experience. With tougher foes, reimagined terrains, and captivating new challenges, players are poised to rediscover the nuances and excitement of the game. Whether they emerge triumphant or encounter unforeseen setbacks, this anticipated DLC promises to revisit familiar themes while offering new, engaging gameplay.

Around May last year, the one and only Ron Gilbert of Monkey Island fame announced an RPG that was meant to be some kind of mix between classic Zelda, and Diablo, and Thimbleweed Park, that last one being another of the game designer’s notable works. It never got a full reveal, or even a name, and unfortunately it seems it never will, as it’s essentially been canned.

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**Amazon’s AI-Created English Dub of *Banana Fish* Pulled Following Backlash**

In light of the recent controversy over the employment of artificial intelligence in creative sectors, Amazon has become a focal point by discontinuing its AI-created English dub of the anime series *Banana Fish*. This initiative, viewed as a means to cut expenses and branded as an “AI Beta,” was met with swift backlash from fans and voice actors when the release of the dub showcased a lackluster performance that did not fulfill the vibrant expectations of anime aficionados.

The series, a heartfelt action-laden yaoi thriller, tracks Ash Lynx, a savvy and resourceful gang leader, as he maneuvers through the perilous underbelly of 1980s New York City while striving to safeguard the compassionate Eiji Okumura. The narrative centers on Ash’s probe into a cryptic substance known as “Banana Fish.” Fans were taken aback to discover that rather than enlisting experienced voice actors, Amazon chose an AI voice track that critics described as flat and poorly executed, depriving the series of its emotional richness and thrills.

The discontent grew as snippets of the AI dub spread across the internet, exposing a dull vocal performance akin to uninspired text-to-speech technology rather than the fervent voice acting customary in anime. Numerous fans and creators flocked to social media outlets like TikTok to voice their dissatisfaction and champion the significance of human skill in voice acting. The fervor escalated, leading Amazon to withdraw the AI dub from its streaming platforms, although the Spanish AI-created dub is still accessible for the time being.

This episode is part of a broader dialogue concerning the emergence of generative AI across different creative domains, spanning from animation to video games. Comparable situations have surfaced within the gaming sector, where titles such as *Arc Raiders* have opted for AI-generated voices, igniting discussions on the repercussions of substituting human actors with AI. Proponents of AI in creative capacities assert that it can boost efficiency and cut costs, yet many industry experts contend that no substitute can genuinely emulate the subtleties and emotional resonance that human actors contribute to their roles.

As the discourse about AI in creative positions continues to progress, one major question persists: will Amazon reverse its choice and invest in a legitimate English dub featuring actual voice actors? Considering the immense resources at the company’s disposal, underscored by CEO Jeff Bezos’s billionaire standing, the anticipation from fans and voice actors is unmistakable—there is an essential demand for human ingenuity and skill in storytelling. The withdrawal of the AI dub from *Banana Fish* acts not only as a reaction to public demands but also as an important commentary on the future of voice acting in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.