Gait Games

**The Supervision of AI in Business: Insights from Café Mona**

In 2024, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted that generative AI would soon transform the workforce, with AI agents potentially revolutionizing company outcomes by 2025. However, two years later, the situation appears markedly different, as demonstrated by the challenges faced by an AI agent named “Mona” assigned to manage a café in Stockholm, Sweden.

Initiated by San Francisco-based startup Andon Labs, Mona employed Google’s Gemini model to oversee the café’s activities, including managing human baristas and making critical supply decisions. Despite an expenditure exceeding $21,000 and generating $5,700 in sales since the trial began in mid-April, Mona encountered considerable operational difficulties, exhausting much of its budget within mere weeks.

The main drawback of Mona’s management was its inability to coordinate efficient bread deliveries, resulting in menu limitations for baristas and reduced customer offerings. Adding to the café’s woes were Mona’s baffling orders, including 6,000 napkins, 3,000 rubber gloves, and an inexplicable surplus of tomatoes. These blunders not only strained the finances but also raised doubts about the feasibility and dependability of AI in intricate, real-world business scenarios.

Mona’s situation mirrors other AI-driven efforts, such as vending machines using Anthropic’s Claude model that have made absurd orders or shown erratic behavior, such as distributing random prizes or issuing threatening remarks. These occurrences have ignited conversations about the inflated expectations surrounding AI, warning against a potential economic bubble inflated by overhyped AI functions.

Although the novel idea of an AI-operated café piqued the interest of locals, its long-term sustainability remains questionable. Customers, like Kajsa Norin, relished the novelty and enjoyed their beverages, yet the operational deficiencies underscore notable challenges to successfully integrating AI in customer-facing positions.

In conclusion, the case of Café Mona acts as a cautionary tale regarding the intricacies of deploying AI agents in everyday business environments. As we contemplate the future of AI in the workforce, the insights gained here remind us to moderate our expectations and judiciously evaluate the skills and constraints of artificial intelligence.

# Navigating the Indie Game Surge on Steam

The gaming environment is continually transforming at a rapid pace, particularly with the increase in new offerings on platforms such as Steam. In recent times, the number of titles being released has soared, making it more difficult for players to decide what to download and enjoy. Coupled with a vast array of older games available due to backward compatibility on consoles, this flood of options can lead to decision fatigue. To assist in maneuvering through this continuously growing virtual library, Kotaku has launched a weekly series highlighting various indie game releases.

## Weekly Selections: Spotlight on Indie Games

Since November 2022, Kotaku has been showcasing a curated list of recent indie game favorites. These titles, frequently developed by small teams or even independent creators, span a broad spectrum of genres—from nostalgic boomer shooters to imaginative simulations like golf course design. The series focuses on budget-friendly games, catering to players in search of something new and inventive that may not be garnering mainstream acknowledgment.

By assembling these weekly selections, Kotaku intends to offer players personalized recommendations based not on algorithms or sales data but on the inherent enjoyment and value that the games provide.

## The Exciting Indie Recommendations for 2026

Looking ahead, here are some outstanding indie games that all players should take into account:

1. **Oddcore**: An entertaining arcade experience where players accumulate tokens to enhance their gameplay via a slot machine mechanism. The addictive aspect of token earning keeps players returning for additional attempts.

2. **Gambler’s Table**: This title merges carefree entertainment with strategic planning, enabling players to supervise coins and minions. It cleverly fuses straightforward mechanics with engrossing gameplay loops.

3. **Whiskerwood**: Against a backdrop of colonization, this city-building game boasts intuitive mechanics that enable players to swiftly interact with its systems. Its user-friendly interface aids in effective resource management.

4. **MeowGun**: A chaotic shooting game featuring a half-cat, half-demon protagonist. While the voice acting can be overwhelming, the gameplay delivers gratifying explosions and the chance to save cute kittens.

5. **Jackal**: A high-octane action game that prioritizes movement and combat, reminiscent of *Hotline Miami*. With smooth controls and relentless action, it promises an exhilarating gameplay experience.

6. **Omelet You Cook**: A combination of cozy simulations and culinary puzzles, this indie title introduces distinctive characters with specific dietary preferences, tapping into the appeal of managing a cafe.

7. **Piece by Piece**: A puzzle game where players steer a character confined within jigsaw pieces. The game quickly escalates in difficulty, testing players’ spatial awareness.

8. **Dark Rites**: A narrative-focused game that swiftly immerses players into its strange universe, lacking the tedious exposition often seen in other titles.

9. **Scritchy Scratchy**: A game that simulates the experience of scratching off lottery tickets, providing a gratifying experience without the clutter of actual ticket remnants.

10. **Under Par Golf Architect**: Enables players to design and then play on their own golf courses, seamlessly merging creativity with gameplay.

11. **Demon Lord**: Combines RPG components with a variety of characters that unlock new gameplay features, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere.

12. **Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime**: A charming narrative game that avoids frustrating gacha mechanics while motivating players to explore and enjoy optional challenges with friendly frogs.

Each of these choices highlights the diversity and creativity inherent in the indie game industry. As more titles inundate the Steam marketplace, Kotaku’s suggestions can help players uncover hidden gems that shine amid the turbulence. By concentrating on unique gameplay experiences and innovative concepts, players are encouraged to venture beyond the mainstream and discover the rich landscape of indie gaming. With a total of 52 selections planned by the year’s end, there’s plenty of opportunity for gamers to engage with something fresh and thrilling.

### The Upcoming Televised Game Show Inspired by Wordle: What to Anticipate

Just a swift five years after the world was abuzz with the daily word game *Wordle*, television is ready to adopt this linguistic sensation with a fresh game show adaptation. With Jimmy Fallon, the cherished late-night host, serving as executive producer, anticipation is growing around what is expected to be an enjoyable and captivating experience for fans of the original game.

#### The Path from Idea to Production

The transition to a televised edition of *Wordle* has occurred rapidly, particularly given the game’s immense popularity since its launch. Back in October of last year, Fallon was reported to be pitching a primetime game show idea that leverages the captivating style of *Wordle*. The plans came to fruition with Savannah Guthrie from the *Today* show taking on the hosting duties, while Fallon’s production company, Electric Hot Dog, is poised to produce the series.

Unexpectedly, the *Wordle* show will be filmed in Manchester, England, even though it is produced by a New York-based company and hosted by a New York presenter. This decision has caused some surprise, particularly as the filming encountered delays due to personal issues involving Guthrie’s family. Still, with her return to the *Today* show, filming is now projected to commence in the UK.

#### Transforming the Format: From Five Minutes to Primetime

A frequent query has emerged about how a five-minute word guessing game can adequately fill an hour-long TV slot. Curiously, the idea isn’t entirely unprecedented—there have been analogous game shows previously. One significant example is *Lingo*, which has captivated audiences since 1987 in multiple formats across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Holland. The show features a premise that closely aligns with *Wordle*, and its resurgence following *Wordle*’s rise in popularity raises questions about the originality of the new adaptation.

RuPaul recently hosted a version of *Lingo* for CBS, highlighting the format’s lasting attraction. The UK has aired a considerable number of episodes since its revival in 2021, and Canada’s version aired an impressive 439 episodes over three years. This heritage elevates the expectations for Fallon’s *Wordle* telecast as it seeks to establish its identity in an already saturated market.

#### Eagerness and Challenges Ahead

While the forthcoming *Wordle* game show seeks to inject fresh excitement into the well-known concept, the legacy of its predecessor *Lingo* casts a long shadow. The competition in the game show landscape is intense, but with a beloved figure like Jimmy Fallon at the helm, there’s optimism that it will connect with viewers searching for innovative and entertaining content.

As production gathers momentum, many will be observing closely, hoping for a successful combination of entertainment and the exhilarating challenge that *Wordle* enthusiasts have come to cherish. With Savannah Guthrie’s hosting and Fallon’s creative direction, there’s potential for a delightful new chapter in the game show arena.

#### Conclusion

The resurgence of word-based games in a televised format signifies a trend in leveraging the influence of viral trends. The *Wordle* show is not merely another game show; it embodies a fusion of internet culture and traditional television, tapping into the shared joy of collaborative wordplay. As it gears up to hit the airwaves, viewers are left contemplating what surprises and developments lie ahead, further enriching the *Wordle* legacy.

Here is what I think happened: at some point circa 2020, a cabal of game developers with very long fingernails and offputtingly white teeth got together in a backroom beneath a hideous effigy of a concerned ape, sacrificed a few ‘doves’, and declared in voices like slamming coffin lids that henceforth, all the descendants of Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon shall be horror games. It’s the only rational explanation for today’s strange glut of creepy ploughing simulators.

The latest to catch my eye is Besmirch, out in early access right now, in which you’ve been hired by some Baron (I see what they did there, etc) to work the tiles of a cursed town. Here is a trailer. For the good of your soul, please only watch it in a silver mirror at the crossroads when the bells strike 13.

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**Honoring Ten Years of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End**

May 10 signifies the 10-year milestone of *Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End*, an important achievement for one of the PlayStation 4’s most celebrated games. The sequel effectively wraps up the thrilling journey of Nathan Drake, yet speculation about a possible fifth installment continues to thrive among fans.

The creation of *Uncharted 4* was distinctly tumultuous, particularly following the exit of creative director Amy Hennig in 2014. Over time, various insights have surfaced regarding the original vision for the title, and recent work by YouTuber Thekempy has provided fresh perspectives on its initial phases. Through an extensive feature-length video, Thekempy assembles various files, behind-the-scenes footage, and early development snippets, offering a fascinating look into what could have been.

Notable highlights from Thekempy’s video consist of a chronological recap of the story’s development from Hennig’s initial idea to Neil Druckmann’s final adaptation in 2016. The video discloses that characters like Victor “Sully” Sullivan and the infamous 17th-century pirate Henry Avery were originally set to be playable at select moments in the plot. Furthermore, it includes several minutes of motion capture scenes from the game’s early versions, featuring actors Alan Tudyk, Todd Stashwick, and Graham McTavish, none of whom appeared in the finalized game.

The development process of *Uncharted 4* has been labeled as “notoriously troubled,” making it captivating to revisit earlier promotional content that showcases a considerably different atmosphere. For example, the original announcement teaser displayed Stashwick as a character who would later transform into Sam Drake, voiced eventually by Troy Baker. Although Thekempy’s video doesn’t encapsulate every detail of Hennig’s vision, it undoubtedly stands as the most comprehensive retrospective of the concept that never fully came to fruition.

Currently, Naughty Dog is concentrating on its forthcoming project, *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*, while also hinting at a potential third installment in *The Last of Us* series. The destiny of Nathan Drake and the *Uncharted* franchise remains ambiguous, keeping fans eagerly awaiting any updates about the beloved treasure hunter’s potential comeback.

The Gunstar Scimitar, one of the few battleships to escape the Cylon attack on Caprica, has a problem. Yes, it is the only military vessel standing between a pursuing robot army intent on wiping out the last of humanity and an unarmed civilian fleet, but the safety of the civvie ships that cluster around the Scimitar like pilot fish to a whale shark isn’t the immediate worry. Nor is it the imposter robot hiding among the command crew, planting bombs across the fleet and sewing seeds of discontent at every opportunity. It’s STDs. The colonial marines crewing the gunship are riddled with them. Charitably, you could say the soldiers saw it as their duty to restart the human race. Whatever the case, as the commander of the Scimitar, I have to choose whether to spare the marines their blushes and let the infections continue to spread or step in with some prophylactics and a lecture on safe sex.

If you choose to avoid embarrassment, the healthcare level of the entire fleet will drop, as infection spreads unabated through the amorous crew. Step in with condoms and talk of birds and bees and your relationship with the now-chastened military will deteriorate. Not every decision in Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes, the roguelike FTL take on the sci-fi TV series, is to do with the nighttime antics of your crew, but they do all carry consequences.

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### The Convergence of Wrestling and Gaming: Cody Rhodes and the Triforce Dispute

Cody Rhodes, a prominent figure in professional wrestling and currently the WWE Undisputed Champion, recently found himself embroiled in a legal issue with Nintendo. While it may appear strange for a wrestler to engage with a gaming powerhouse, the situation brings to light the complex interplay between popular culture and the protection of intellectual property.

#### The Triforce Emblem and Its Importance

The Triforce, a well-known emblem from Nintendo’s cherished series *The Legend of Zelda*, symbolizes three core tenets: power, courage, and wisdom. Each facet is embodied by characters within the franchise: Ganon represents power, Link signifies courage, and Princess Zelda illustrates wisdom. A devoted Nintendo enthusiast, Rhodes felt a personal connection to the values of the Triforce, believing they mirrored his persona and principles as a professional wrestler.

In 2013, Rhodes incorporated the Triforce symbol into his wrestling boots, showcasing his fondness for the game. In a recent episode of Kit Wilson’s podcast, *What Do You Wanna Talk About*, he expanded on this decision, detailing how the Triforce’s principles mirrored his own path in wrestling. “I thought the principles of the Triforce… were just applicable,” he shared, implying that wisdom gained through experience can propel ambition and power in one’s craft.

#### The Legal Notification from Nintendo

Despite the seemingly harmless nature of Rhodes’ homage to *Zelda*, Nintendo’s diligent legal team raised concerns regarding the use of their intellectual property. Rhodes disclosed that he had received a “kind” cease and desist letter from Nintendo, requesting the removal of the Triforce from his boots. He remarked that the correspondence was courteous and non-threatening, a rarity in legal matters, particularly with high-stakes companies.

Rhodes’ situation highlights a recurring challenge faced by creators and fans who aspire to honor their favorite franchises. While passion and appreciation for a brand may compel individuals to blend symbols into their own creations or personal narrative, corporations like Nintendo are compelled to vigilantly guard their intellectual property. This often leads to conflicts that can discourage both fans and creators.

#### Individual Expression and Corporate Ownership

Notably, Rhodes also features a Triforce tattoo on his finger, prompting speculation on whether this personal emblem might similarly attract Nintendo’s legal scrutiny. His dual representation of the Triforce through both footwear and body ink exemplifies the strong bond many individuals share with video game culture, yet it also poses questions about the boundaries of personal expression in a corporate-centric environment.

#### Conclusion

Cody Rhodes’ experience with Nintendo sheds light on the often intricate relationship between fandom, creativity, and the stringent enforcement of intellectual property rights. As the lines between various entertainment mediums continue to intertwine, personalities like Rhodes exemplify the fervor that drives individuals to integrate their identities with the beloved media they enjoy. Nonetheless, it also serves as a reminder of the legal realities tied to intellectual property, which can occasionally stifle the spirit of tribute and expression within the gaming and entertainment fields.

“Mon dieu…LOOK AT ZE SIZE OF ZAT PARMIGIANO!” shout the rats as they shuffle in graceful yet unquestionably hip fashion. They’re right. The giant cheese wheel I’m trying to roll past them to the safety of a fellow named the Mouseman isn’t small. That’s probably why its sheer girth is being conveyed by a handy circular status indicator which draws its form from The Elder Scrolls 4‘s infamous persuasion wheel. This is just one way the devs taking part in the latest Wheeljam have managed to shoehorn Oblivion’s unique minigame interfaces into their own little projects.

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**Casting Choices in HBO’s “The Last of Us”: A Contentious Decision for Lev**

Casting decisions in film and television frequently elicit a range of responses, especially when cherished characters from games or literature are brought to life on screen. HBO’s live-action rendition of “The Last of Us” continues to spark dialogue, particularly after the announcement that Kyriana Kratter, a cisgender girl, will portray Lev, a transgender boy character from “The Last of Us Part II.” This choice has prompted considerable discussion regarding representation and authenticity in casting.

The announcement of Kratter’s casting arrived amidst a surge of hopes from fans that HBO might reevaluate based on community input. Despite the excitement building towards the third season’s release, the decision remains firm, and the production is advancing with its plans. Recent images from the Vancouver set reveal Kratter with Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby, navigating through a meticulously designed representation of Seattle, recognized for its post-apocalyptic decay, reminiscent of the game’s aesthetics.

As the storyline of “The Last of Us” unfolds, the third season seems set to concentrate mainly on the interconnected narratives of Abby and Lev following the second season’s adaptation of Ellie’s journey, which faced significant backlash. Fans voiced their dissatisfaction with the portrayal of Ellie’s character arc, leaving many inquisitive about how this season will handle Lev and Abby’s storyline.

Despite the critiques, Kratter’s outfit closely resembles Lev’s character design from the game, featuring essential elements like the signature Seraphite coat and hairstyle. However, Abby’s casting has also stirred debate. Kaitlyn Dever, celebrated for her impressive acting abilities, does not physically reflect the imposing presence essential to Abby’s character in the game. The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have attempted to rationalize the casting by arguing that physical traits central to gameplay—such as the strength disparity between Abby and Ellie—are less critical in a television adaptation.

Critics assert that this departure from the source material dilutes the depth of character development. While Dever’s talent is widely acknowledged, many believe the casting decisions could compromise the narrative’s integrity. They argue that by bypassing significant physical traits of Abby’s character, the adaptation may struggle to convey the full resonance of her role within the story.

With the forthcoming release of the third season potentially signaling the end of the “Last of Us” series, fans are left to speculate whether the adaptation has honored the source material they cherish. Some call for a succinct adaptation that captures the essence of “The Last of Us Part II,” arguing that this would better respect the game’s complex storytelling. However, with casting decisions firmly entrenched and the season in motion, fans can only await the impact of these choices on the series’ reception.

Hint: three of them are the best to roll for.

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