Gait Games

Naval warfare won’t be coming to Crusader Kings 3 with the big merchant republics expansion Paradox are set to roll out towards the end of this year. The studio say that they want to make sure they do sea battles justice, and so didn’t want to shoehorn them into a DLC which already comes with “a fair amount of risk”, while also blowing up their planned development timeline.

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### Morning Checkpoint: Highlights from April 22, 2026

Greetings everyone! It’s Morning Checkpoint, here to deliver the latest in gaming as we review Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Carolyn here, stepping in to share today’s highlights, featuring thrilling updates from Hideo Kojima, new game unveilings, and news on industry progress.

#### Ecco the Dolphin is Almost Here Again

A considerable buzz has formed around the comeback of *Ecco the Dolphin*. Following a countdown timer last May, a fresh anthology called *Ecco the Dolphin: Complete* has been revealed. This collection is being crafted by the original *Ecco* team, including its creator Ed Annunziata. This release pays tribute to the franchise’s legacy while also introducing a new game. Notably, the anthology excludes 2000’s *Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future*, likely due to Annunziata’s non-involvement with that title.

#### The Xbox Mobile Store is Still in Play

In a recent announcement, Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma denied assertions that the Xbox mobile store project has been shelved. Despite the hurdles posed by Apple and Google’s market control, Sharma underscored that the initiative is still active, stating that mobile competition is crucial. Microsoft is persistently working to broaden Xbox’s footprint in mobile gaming.

#### Is Discord Nitro Coming to Game Pass?

Sharma also alluded to a new partnership with Discord, possibly paving the way for integration involving Game Pass. Although specifics are limited, there is conjecture about merging subscription advantages. Sharma mentioned that players might soon start to notice relevant code, promising more updates shortly.

#### Hideo Kojima Affirms His Friendship with Xbox

Renowned director Hideo Kojima was seen at Xbox HQ, sharing moments with Xbox executives. While he’s engaged in a cinematic video game project titled *OD*, specific details have been sparse since its announcement in 2023. It remains uncertain if the project will stay an Xbox exclusive as Microsoft expands its strategy. Kojima’s visit included interactions with other industry leaders and possible discussions for future partnerships.

#### Xbox Experiences Leadership Changes

Kiki Wolfkill, a veteran member of the Xbox team and former head of 343 Industries, has declared her exit after 28 years. Reflecting on her tenure at Microsoft, she expressed appreciation for the opportunities she received and indicated enthusiasm for her upcoming pursuits beyond the company. Wolfkill was instrumental in shaping major franchises like *Halo* and spearheading transmedia initiatives.

#### Final Fantasy 7’s Shinra Tower Ascension is now a Tabletop Game

A new tabletop experience titled *Ascend the Shinra Tower* draws inspiration from *Final Fantasy 7*. This game fuses dungeon RPG mechanics with a Jenga-like structure, allowing players to build the tower while overcoming challenges presented by Shinra’s forces. Set for release in January 2027, it promises an entertaining experience while maintaining simplicity.

#### Annapurna’s Upcoming Indie Title on AI and Happiness Announces Summer Launch

Annapurna Interactive revealed that *D-Topia*, a game delving into themes of AI and happiness, will be available starting July 14 on all consoles and PC. The game has attracted attention for its comforting adventure elements intertwined with critical commentary on technology.

#### ICYMI:

Stay tuned for further updates and look out for thrilling announcements and releases in the gaming sphere!

It’s been a bit of a miserable time for shopping for components like RAM, SSDs, and GPUs – well, essentially anything that needs memory to function – as shortage-spiked prices remain high across the board. It means my usual task of deals-hunting on these types of items has turned more into a form of damage limitation against these rises, and this Asus RTX Prime 5070 graphics card for £520 from CCL feels like the best price it’s likely to be for some time. We have seen the 5070 for well under £500 in the past, but in the current climate, this is about as low as we can hope for.

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# Poncle’s Bold Growth Strategies Following Vampire Survivors

Poncle, the creator of the popular game Vampire Survivors, is leveraging its success with intentions to broaden its studios internationally and initiate various projects across different gaming genres. With over 25 million players enjoying the game, the studio seeks to harness this momentum to produce new games, DLCs, and improve its development resources.

## Strategy for Diverse Projects

In an interview with *Game Business*, Poncle’s chief strategy officer, Matteo Sapio, outlined the studio’s plan to undertake 15 active projects, which include spin-offs, new intellectual properties, and partnerships with other franchises. A notable instance of this strategy is Vampire Crawlers, a recently released spin-off that has gained traction on consoles and PC.

Sapio highlighted the studio’s ambition to delve into a variety of genres utilizing the Vampire Survivors IP, characterizing the endeavor as an experimentation to align with their players’ tastes and inclinations. While recognizing their challenges in certain genres, such as card games, they aim to develop titles that embody their fervor as gamers.

## Partnerships and the Vampire Survivor Engine

Poncle is also receptive to collaborations with other studios, as demonstrated by the creation of Warhammer Survivors. This game will respect the distinct lore and narratives from the Warhammer 40k universe while preserving core mechanics akin to Vampire Survivors. Rather than grappling with IP intricacies, Poncle has constructed the “Vampire Survivor Engine,” a framework that allows partner studios to develop their Survivors games, ensuring a consistent quality in line with the original title.

## Growth in New Regions

To realize their ambitious objectives, Poncle is also establishing additional studios in Japan and Italy. The appeal from Japanese companies and the unique talent found in Japan were pivotal factors in making this choice. According to Sapio, having a local presence enables Poncle to engage more effectively with Japanese companies and tap into creative concepts from the region.

The company aims to uphold its indie spirit by operating small teams of five to 15 members, promoting a collaborative and close-knit workplace atmosphere while managing costs efficiently.

## Emphasis on Risk Management

Although the pursuit of multiple projects may seem perilous, Sapio reassured stakeholders that they are ready to handle potential setbacks. By diversifying their portfolio, the company seeks to achieve a balance where the success of one project could compensate for the failures of another.

Even though they have paused their plans for third-party publishing to concentrate on internal projects, Poncle remains devoted to nurturing community support for indie games and intends to resume publishing in the future.

## Conclusion

Poncle’s ambitious expansion strategies following Vampire Survivors highlight their dedication to not only maintaining their success but also broadening their creative scope. Balancing various projects with smaller, targeted teams could help preserve the studio’s indie charm while navigating new gaming territories. As they embark on this adventurous journey, the gaming community will be closely observing how these plans unfold.

It’s happening dot gif – we are getting more Ecco the Dolphin. As teased in January, series creator Ed Annunziata and development studio A&R Atelier are working on a remastered collection that includes Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time, together with a brand new game. The collection also features “meta quests” that allow players to weave “custom courses” through “any combination of levels from any game in the franchise and share them with the community.”

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# Welcome to Stealing Cars: An Overview of the Latest GTA Updates and Trends

In this installment of *Stealing Cars*, Kotaku’s focused column on the *Grand Theft Auto* series and Rockstar Games, we dive into thrilling new progress in the modding scene, reveal some remarkable statistics from *GTA Online*, and explore the fan excitement surrounding *GTA 6*. Here’s a look at the recent happenings.

## New *GTA San Andreas* Mod: A Long-Awaited *Manhunt* Blend

For years, enthusiasts have been longing for a crossover between the *Grand Theft Auto* realm and Rockstar’s provocative series *Manhunt*. Both franchises inhabit the same universe, featuring nods to Carcer City, the dark setting of *Manhunt*. Although official partnerships have been rare, a fresh mod named *GTA: Carcer City* seeks to satisfy this craving.

In development for *GTA: San Andreas* on PC, *GTA: Carcer City* completely reinvents the original game into a finely detailed experience located in the haunting landscape of Carcer City, infused with *Manhunt* elements. The mod’s team, headed by a modder known as Mattineu, has incorporated all levels from *Manhunt*, guaranteeing an authentic vibe while also contributing 85% of the map’s design on their own.

Mattineu shared their vision: “We set out to build a vast industrial city in decay, far removed from its former status as the Crown Jewel of the Rust Belt.” Players can visit recognizable locations and meet characters from *Manhunt*, such as the journalist Robin, featured in the demo.

The mod, still in progress, can be downloaded, requiring an untouched version of *GTA: San Andreas* to operate. Despite a few technical issues, the demo has garnered praise for its realism and immersive setting.

## *GTA Online* Players Accumulate Over $2.5 Sextillion in Game Revenue

Recent leaks from Rockstar Games unveiled astonishing figures regarding player earnings in *GTA Online*. Since its debut over a decade ago, players have amassed an incredible $2,933,053,579,559,480,000,000 in in-game cash. This monumental total illustrates the game’s expansive gameplay and the countless hours fans have dedicated to its missions and activities.

## Tree Counting: The Passion of *GTA 6* Fans

In terms of fan involvement, one especially dedicated player took on the task of counting the trees in a *GTA 6* screenshot, ultimately recording 14,287 trees. This amusing pursuit underscores the level of detail and immersion fans are expecting from the forthcoming release. As enthusiasm grows, light-hearted conversations about the game’s setting, including the specifics of NPC behavior, continue to flourish within the community.

## AI and the Future of Game Development

In a recent conversation, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the relationship between artificial intelligence and game development. Discussing *GTA 6*, he dismissed the idea that AI could duplicate the complexity and subtlety of a Rockstar game in a brief period, suggesting instead that the demands of great storytelling and unique gaming experiences remain predominantly human-centric tasks. Zelnick’s comments indirectly countered Elon Musk’s earlier claims regarding AI’s potential to transform game creation.

## Conclusion

*Stealing Cars* may shift to a bi-monthly column, offering fans and readers consistent updates on the continually changing landscape of the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise. Stay tuned for additional insights, news, and narratives from the world of Rockstar Games!

Every time the ghoul smacks his hands against my crypt, a red light pulses and sends cracks spiderwebbing across my screen. If I don’t beat down the undead creature soon, he’ll break into the tomb and kill my character in his sleep, forcing me to restart the day. It should be easy to kill the monster, after all, I’ve two strapping heroes nearby, multiple ballista towers, and my godhand courses with lightning. But, for some reason my heroes have decided to attack other, less threatening monsters, my towers aren’t shooting the ghoul, and my lightning bolts refuse to strike.

Masters Of Albion, the new god game from Peter Molyneux’s studio 22 Cans, fizzes with promise, but it has a lot of kinks to work out in early access if it’s going to become more than a bucket of enjoyable mechanics. I don’t mean for that to sound dismissive. There is a lot of fun to be had in this fusion of city builder, crafting, tower defense, god game, but it’s also far from finished.

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### The Last of Us Part II: Joel’s Legacy and Future Opportunities

In the realm of video gaming, few figures have stirred as profound an emotional reaction as Joel from *The Last of Us Part II*. Though his heartbreaking death occurs early in the sequel, Joel’s influence and legacy within the series are still prominent. As we examine the possible future of this deeply impactful character, we consider insights from creators and actors associated with the series.

#### The Indelible Influence of Joel

Joel, brought to life by Troy Baker, is a character that has made a lasting impression on both fans and the gaming world. His trek through a post-apocalyptic environment, along with his connection to Ellie, has been at the heart of *The Last of Us* story. Unfortunately, Joel meets his end at the hands of Abby within the opening hours of the sequel, an event that startled fans and sparked extensive dialogue within the gaming community.

Despite his death, Baker believes that this may not signify the end for Joel. In a recent discussion with *Eurogamer*, he expressed receptiveness to the idea of the character’s return, not strictly through a direct sequel but perhaps through different media formats such as television or films. Baker underscored the significance of continuously exploring Joel’s character, stating, “I want to see this character be proliferated and iterated on in multiple mediums.”

#### Prospective Story Arcs and Theories

With the recent triumph of HBO’s adaptation of *The Last of Us*, conjecture about Joel’s future is abundant. The storyline might delve into prequels or dream sequences, enabling Joel to appear in new and fascinating ways. Fans are eager to discover how a return might be crafted, whether via flashbacks or as a guiding presence in Ellie’s dreams during the much-anticipated third chapter of the series.

While some fans stay hopeful, others express worries about the risk of “fan service” undermining the artistic essence that *The Last of Us* embodies. The franchise has traditionally been courageous enough to challenge players with complex narratives and emotional depth, and many wish for future installments to continue this pattern.

#### The HBO Adaptation and Upcoming Collaborations

The third season of HBO’s live-action adaptation of *The Last of Us* is reportedly underway. New updates regarding the series have surfaced, especially regarding Neil Druckmann, the original game director, not participating in the production. Druckmann has indicated his intention to concentrate on projects at Naughty Dog, providing space for the series to creatively evolve under different leadership.

As the adaptation continues to captivate audiences and spark conversations about fidelity to the original material versus creative storytelling, Joel’s legacy remains a significant topic of discussion. With the possibility of fresh portrayals and stories, fans are encouraged to stay optimistic about the future of this cherished character.

### Conclusion

As the *The Last of Us* franchise progresses, the prospect of Joel’s return—whether through flashbacks, prequels, or alternate mediums—unfolds a multitude of opportunities for storytelling. With the profound emotional connections that both the game and the series have nurtured, fans can expect that Joel’s impact will echo throughout future narratives, permitting his legacy to flourish long after his last appearance on screen.

It’s early days for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, but I can say confidently after an hour with a beta version that I don’t want to have sex with anybody in it. The TV show (I’ve not read the books – bite me, beltalowda) has a terrific cast of seasoned character actors portraying cheesy, hard-wearing oddballs from all around a colonised, fiercely class-divided solar system. Owlcat’s third-person RPG adaptation is set alongside the events of the show’s first season, and you catch wind of the Canterbury’s destruction and mysterious events on Eos in newscasts, while exploring the beta level: a wheel-shaped Pinkwater mercenary spacebase off the shoulder of Jupiter.

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### The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Critical Response vs. Audience Reception

As we near the cinematic release of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, considerable conversations surround its box office performance and the differing critical feedback it has received. Although the animated sequel has produced significant earnings, critics have not been very generous, awarding the film an approval rating of merely 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 206 evaluations. This score is lower than that of the original *Super Mario Bros. Movie* from 2023, which stands at 59%.

#### Shigeru Miyamoto’s Unexpected Reaction

Shigeru Miyamoto, co-producer of the film and an iconic figure at Nintendo, conveyed his astonishment during an interview with *Famitsu*. He expected that the evaluations for *Galaxy* would surpass those of its predecessor. Reflecting on the critical opinions regarding the earlier film, Miyamoto acknowledged their legitimacy but believed that the new release would be met with a positive response.

“It’s true: the situation is indeed very similar,” he stated, recognizing the tough critiques. He was particularly surprised by the heightened criticism this time around, commenting, “It really is quite puzzling: here we are—having transitioned from a different area—working diligently with the specific goal of aiding in the revitalization of the film industry.”

#### Critical Insights

Reviewers have highlighted the film’s dependence on nostalgia and allusions to *Mario* heritage without presenting an engaging plot or depth. The idea that animated features should only target a younger demographic has come under scrutiny, with numerous modern examples demonstrating that captivating stories can appeal to audiences of all ages. Critics assert that viewers deserve more than just fan service through familiar characters and scenarios. Had the films been designed as meaningful experiences instead of merely being reflections of the video game series, they could have garnered better reviews.

In spite of the critiques, audience feedback has been significantly more positive. The public approval rating for *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* is a commendable 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Young viewers seem to be thrilled with the film, relishing the recognizable characters and vibrant animations. However, there is a wider concern that while children may enjoy the film currently, its enduring appeal could wane as they mature, especially if the storytelling fails to connect beyond superficial enjoyment.

#### Conclusion

The mixed reception of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* highlights a gap between conventional critical criteria and audience satisfaction. While Miyamoto expressed a desire for critics to support the renewal of animated cinema, the film’s dependence on nostalgic elements rather than meaningful storytelling has resulted in a wave of discontent among reviewers. As the theatrical premiere approaches, it remains uncertain how this divide will influence the film’s legacy and its role in the *Mario* franchise.