Gait Games

While the old saying goes ‘A game in the basket is worth two in Steam Wishlist’, as we teeter into a new year it’s good to highlight a couple of the games shuffling our way. Especially when there are quite so many of them that include big stompy mechs. Some of them as big as cities. My engine oil-starved heart beats and thumps in anticipation.

I’ve tried to keep the list to games confirmed for release next year – tragically cutting The Free Shepherd, which is planned to release in 2027 – but there is one exception.

So let’s begin with the outlier that’s likely to wander tardily into 2027.

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When the U.S. gambling regulations were relaxed in 2018, numerous apprehensions surfaced regarding the possible adverse effects on individuals and society. Detractors predicted that this easing of laws might result in widespread gambling addiction and financial devastation, drawing comparisons with the experiences of other nations, especially those like the UK, where gambling is widespread. Nonetheless, an unexpected trend that surfaced in the subsequent years was the emergence of automated systems, or bots, adeptly maneuvering through the gambling domain.

One such bot, referred to as TeemuTeemuTeemu, has gained significant attention for its remarkable profits, amassing $230,000 in merely five months by wagering on popular online video games such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and League of Legends through the prediction market Polymarket. As noted by user ArchiveExplorer, this bot has attracted interest for its knack for achieving considerable profits within a remarkably brief period, generating $208,521 in net profit in just one quarter.

The operational foundation of TeemuTeemuTeemu is its ability to process and assess extensive real-time game data, enabling it to place bets more swiftly than human participants. By monitoring live gameplay, the bot can respond to in-game occurrences—like kills or objectives—more rapidly than any individual could, thereby seizing opportunities for optimal betting odds. This form of swift and automated decision-making is not unprecedented in the gambling sector; it resembles the high-frequency trading methods long employed in financial markets.

The rise of Polymarket can be partially linked to the deregulation measures introduced during the Trump administration, which aimed to encourage more playful and speculative platforms. A significant collaboration between the Trump Media & Technology Group and Crypto.com aimed to launch a similar prediction market through an initiative called Truth Predict. The influx of capital into Trump’s ventures, including an $11 million contribution from Crypto.com, along with subsequent governmental leniency towards Polymarket, has ignited substantial discussion regarding regulatory consistency and the impact of political figures in the gambling industry.

Curiously, Donald Trump Jr. serves on the board of Polymarket, raising questions regarding conflicts of interest, especially as previous investigations questioning the legality of Polymarket’s activities were abruptly discontinued under the Trump administration. Such revelations highlight a complicated web of political and financial connections that could ultimately influence the gambling landscape in the U.S.

As the gambling landscape transforms, it is crucial to acknowledge that the rise of competitive bots like TeemuTeemuTeemu may be just the start. Users are already aiming to develop faster and more efficient bots to take advantage of the intricacies of esports betting, further commercializing real-time gaming performance. Amid these advancements, societal consequences loom large: with millions of Americans grappling with economic distress and food insecurity, the question of the ethics underlying the cryptocurrency and gambling ecosystems grows increasingly relevant.

The current situation exemplifies how swiftly the gambling landscape can evolve, as technology surpasses traditional regulatory structures, presenting both opportunities for profit and potential hazards for individuals ensnared in this swiftly changing environment.

### Reaching Your Fitness Aspirations in the New Year with the Google Pixel Watch 4

As we usher in the new year, numerous people establish ambitious health goals, seeking to enhance their physical fitness and overall wellness. Although the initial motivation can be energizing, sustaining these habits beyond the early months can prove difficult. A valuable approach to ensure adherence to your fitness plan is by utilizing data and technology. Acquiring a high-quality GPS watch can deliver essential health information and personalized coaching, keeping your motivation high throughout the year.

At present, the **Google Pixel Watch 4** is offered at a remarkable discount, making it a prime opportunity to invest in this fitness ally. The 41mm LTE version, usually priced around $450, is now available for **$350**, showcasing a **22% markdown**. Likewise, the larger 45mm variant, which typically sells for $500, can be obtained for **$400**, giving you a saving of **$100**.

[Purchase your Google Pixel Watch 4 at Amazon!](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6609/)

#### Features and Capabilities of the Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 boasts a sleek, cutting-edge design and serves as a daily wearable that effectively functions as your personal fitness trainer. The watch customizes running sessions based on your specific objectives, training background, and daily readiness, assisting you in tracking your achievements. Runners have the ability to devise tailored workouts, including warm-up sessions, cooldown phases, and target paces, monitoring their progress over time to establish new personal records.

In addition to fitness monitoring, the Pixel Watch 4 evaluates a variety of health metrics—such as daily readiness levels and cardio load—making use of the FitBit Morning Brief to provide insights into your recovery and organize your day. Other beneficial features encompass offline Google Maps, Google Wallet for seamless payments, and effortless integration with additional Pixel gadgets and smart home devices, including a Google Nest hub.

### Significant Improvements in the Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 enhances its predecessor with several key upgrades:

– **Curved Screen**: The standout enhancement is the watch’s curved screen. Unlike the Pixel Watch 3, where only the glass was curved, the underlying display in the Watch 4 also adopts this fashionable design, presenting a unique appearance.

– **Improved Battery Longevity**: Users can experience better battery efficiency, with the Pixel Watch 4 lasting up to **30 hours** with the always-on display activated. In Battery Saver mode, the watch can stretch its lifespan to an astounding **48 hours**.

Moreover, Google highlights the incorporation of AI features within the Pixel Watch 4, which connects directly to its Gemini platform. Users can pose questions and receive prompt answers, enhancing the smartwatch’s functionality and fostering a more engaging experience.

As the new year encourages individuals to chase health and fitness ambitions, investing in a device like the Google Pixel Watch 4 can provide the guidance, insights, and encouragement necessary to maintain commitment long after resolutions are made. With its current deals, now is an ideal moment to elevate your fitness journey.

### The Find My App and AirTags: Your Premier Solution for Monitoring Your Belongings

The Find My app has emerged as a vital resource for Apple users, delivering a reliable method to find lost devices. Whether it’s an iPhone left behind at a café or a MacBook misplaced at a library, the app has proven essential in numerous circumstances. It even aids in confirming the last known whereabouts of items that may be trickier to retrieve, like an Apple Watch that accidentally fell into a stream. However, beyond merely tracking iPhones and other Apple products, the launch of AirTags has elevated device tracking significantly.

#### What are AirTags?

AirTags are compact, quarter-sized tracking devices crafted to attach to common items such as keys, wallets, and even gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Their main attraction lies in the simplicity of tracking your possessions, particularly while traveling. By placing an AirTag in your luggage, you can greatly minimize stress during airport experiences, as these devices can help retrieve your bags if they become lost.

#### Current Offers on AirTags

If you’re thinking about purchasing AirTags, there’s a fantastic deal currently available. At present, a four-pack of AirTags, which typically retails for $99 (approximately $25 per tag), is now available for just $65. This 34% discount equates to a saving of $35, reducing the price of each AirTag to around $16—an economical choice to guarantee your vital items are always accessible.

#### Setup Made Simple

Configuring AirTags is effortless. Users merely need to tap an AirTag to their iPhone or iPad for immediate pairing. Once linked, the AirTag will manifest in the Find My app alongside other Apple devices. Users can customize each AirTag by giving it a specific name that relates to the item it’s attached to, like “Purse” for the one in a handbag or “Keys” for the one on a keychain. This feature enhances order and clarity.

#### Finding Lost Items

Locating lost items can often be annoying, but the Find My app provides an effective remedy with AirTags. The app enables you to emit a sound from the AirTag, utilizing its integrated speaker to aid in retrieving misplaced belongings. Whether your items are buried under clutter or trapped between couch cushions, this audible prompt can save significant time and vexation.

In summary, the Find My app, paired with AirTags, presents a thorough method for tracking all your belongings. With a straightforward setup and features designed to aid in discovering lost items, it’s an intelligent option for anyone wanting to secure their possessions.

In the grand spirit of Christmas, I want everyone to know that for this year’s RPS Advent Calendar, I nominated a bunch of games about Japanese assassins and at least one point and click thriller featuring a netherworld of torture devices. Some of those assassins appeared on the final calendar, but not all, and the point and click didn’t make the cut.

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### Beats Solo 4: An In-Depth Exploration of Wireless Headphones

Searching for a fresh set of wireless headphones? A notable contender is the **Beats Solo 4**. Celebrated for their remarkable sound performance, outstanding comfort, and intuitive controls, these headphones present a compelling option, particularly at their current sale price.

#### Current Promotion
For a limited duration, you can acquire the Beats Solo 4 on-ear wireless headphones on Amazon for only **$129.95**, reduced from the standard **$200**. This equates to a discount of **$70.05**, which is **35% off** the regular list price.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5054/)

#### Comfortable, Trendy Headphones with Amazing Sound

Upon using the Beats Solo 4, you will notice their lightweight build and plush ear cushions that deliver remarkable comfort during extended listening periods. Unlike many competitors, the ear cups gently shape to your ears without exerting uncomfortable pressure, making long-term wear far less exhausting.

The sound quality of the Beats Solo 4 is both enjoyable and lively. The bass is robust and impactful, the midrange is clearly articulated, and the treble stays bright and clear even at elevated volumes. This balanced sound profile enables the headphones to shine across various musical styles, including upbeat pop, hip hop, and acoustic or indie tracks. Users can anticipate a rich, full listening experience owing to the headphones’ exceptional capacity to reproduce detailed audio.

#### Effortless Connectivity and Controls

Linking the Beats Solo 4 to your phone, tablet, or computer is straightforward and swift, thanks to their integrated Bluetooth technology. This feature allows users to move freely without the limitations of wires and reduces connectivity problems. The earcup controls further improve convenience, enabling volume adjustments, play/pause of music, and answering or ending calls without needing to interact with your device, making these headphones an ideal option for those on the move.

#### Remarkable Battery Performance

The battery longevity of the Beats Solo 4 is impressive for wireless on-ear headphones, offering ample playback time. When it’s time to recharge, they do so rapidly, ensuring you won’t have to wait long before diving back into your favorite tunes.

#### Conclusion

To sum up, the **Beats Solo 4** headphones serve as a fantastic choice for everyday listening. They provide dependable connectivity, particularly for users within the Apple ecosystem, a cozy fit for prolonged use, and a visually appealing design. With the festive season approaching, this is an opportune moment to secure a pair while they’re still discounted.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5054/)

For anyone involved in content creation or requiring a microphone for videos, vlogs, or other media, excellent audio quality is crucial. It’s apparent that the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case), a compact and lightweight wireless microphone system, will enhance the sound quality of your videos, vlogs, interviews, and live streams to a professional standard. You won’t have to worry about cables obstructing your ability to capture the best footage; the DJI Mic Mini ensures clear, high-quality audio delivered straight to your smartphone, camera, or laptop.

Head over to Amazon now to grab the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) for just $79, which is a remarkable $90 less than the usual price of $169. With an offer this fantastic, you’ll save 53 percent of your typical expenditure. Every cent matters, so take advantage of this deal if you’re contemplating the purchase of a microphone.

### A dependable microphone for creators and more

Inside the box, you’ll discover two transmitters, one receiver, and a charging case to ensure you stay powered up while on the move. The two transmitters can be easily clipped onto clothing or placed nearby your subjects to capture crystal-clear audio without the hassle of transporting bulky equipment. The receiver connects effortlessly to your device, and setting up the entire wireless audio system is quick and straightforward, allowing you to start recording immediately.

This kit, containing microphones and transmitters, is compact enough to fit in your pocket or bag, and the case provides ample protection during transport. Despite the compact and lightweight design of the transmitters and receiver, their performance remains outstanding, making the DJI Mic Mini an excellent choice for anyone who creates content on the go or frequently travels with their gear.

You won’t be limited to a single device with your new microphones and transmitters. You can utilize them to record audio on your smartphone, camera, tablet, computer, etc. This versatility makes it a smart choice for podcasters, filmmakers, vloggers, and content creators who regularly produce material. There’s no need to purchase several setups for different projects or become tangled in settings between events.

The DJI Mic Mini set provides exceptionally high-quality sound with an incredibly straightforward setup, and a portable wireless system that caters to users of every skill level. So if you’re ready to move on from struggling with subpar microphones and finally embrace something new and trustworthy, this is the solution you need.

# Boosting Productivity While Traveling: The ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor

In today’s hectic environment, optimizing productivity during travel is crucial. A fantastic method to improve your workflow is by using a portable monitor. Among the numerous choices available, the ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor emerges as an excellent selection that offers a blend of portability, performance, and price.

## Current Promotion

You can acquire the ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor for **$96.99**, which represents a **$33 reduction from its original price of $129.99**—a **25% savings**. [Order today on Amazon.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6601/)

## An Ideal Portable Monitor for Gaming and Work

The ARZOPA monitor, while affordable, provides remarkable image clarity with its sharp and vibrant display. Its 144Hz refresh rate guarantees smooth motion during gaming and video viewing, giving you an edge in fast-paced scenarios like racing games and first-person shooters. Moreover, this enhanced fluidity facilitates faster browsing through online materials and boosts the effectiveness of everyday tasks.

### Tailored for Mobile Use

Lightweight and portable, the ARZOPA monitor is specifically crafted to travel with you. Whether you’re setting it up at a friend’s place, in a café, or while on the go, its user-friendliness is key. The monitor connects seamlessly with devices such as laptops, Nintendo Switch consoles, and smartphones that can display external screens, needing just a straightforward cable connection.

### Durable Design and Adjustable Viewing Position

The construction quality of the ARZOPA portable gaming monitor is unexpectedly sturdy considering its cost. It features a foldable stand that enables you to modify the viewing angle to match your workspace, eliminating the need to awkwardly adjust your laptop. Its slim profile reduces desk clutter when not in use, improving the overall appearance of your workspace.

### Final Thoughts

The ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor merges high refresh rates, portability, and straightforward setup, rendering it the perfect answer for individuals who need extra screen area while traveling. If transporting a full-sized monitor seems unfeasible, this budget-friendly alternative offers the display space required to enhance both productivity and gaming enjoyment.

[View on Amazon.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6601/)

Leaks and analyst predictions have enthusiasts excited about the potential for one last surprise content update to *The Witcher 3*. *Helldivers 2* will keep evolving in astonishing ways. An older mobile JRPG that inspired two fantastic console spin-offs is at last making its way to PC in the West next year. This is the latest version of Morning Checkpoint, *Kotaku*’s daily summary of gaming news and culture.

With only a few days remaining in 2025, I’ll be dedicating at least one of those to cleaning my PS5. It powered down from overheating three times during my *Nightreign* session last night. The Everdark Balancers couldn’t compete with the massive dust bunnies lurking inside my console.

## Speculation continues about new *Witcher 3* DLC

Polish insider Borys Nieśpielak initially suggested this past summer that the long-standing game would receive more content, noting earlier this month that he anticipated some form of teaser at the Game Awards. We didn’t see one, but that hasn’t silenced the speculation. Now Polish Noble Securities analyst Mateusz Chrzanowski is predicting a new DLC as well.

“We foresee an additional paid expansion (DLC) for *The Witcher 3* to be launched in May 2026. We predict sales of 11 million copies at USD 30 each next year. We estimate the production costs at PLN 52 million,” he stated in a memo earlier this month, according to a Google translation (via *Dexerto*). “The release should initiate the actual marketing campaign for *The Witcher 4*.”

This seems both hard to accept and not entirely impossible. The only known update CD Projekt Red is currently pursuing for the 2015 open-world RPG is mod support for the console edition. A new content expansion, regardless of its size, would undoubtedly help increase sales of the current-gen version while the studio develops *The Witcher 4*. The sequel still seems so distant it might be a PS6 title.

## The original *Granblue Fantasy* is at last arriving on Steam over a decade later

The 2014 mobile RPG that led to spin-offs *Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising* and *Granblue Fantasy: Relink* will be accessible for the first time in the West on PC starting March 10, 2026. It’s a turn-based game with summons, classes, and multiplayer raids that features contributions from former *Final Fantasy* composer Nobuo Uematsu and art director Hideo Minaba.

## Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service broadens its monthly limits

A 100-hour monthly cap used to apply solely to new subscribers. Now it will apply to all users, *PCMag* reports. GeForce Now participants will need to pay an additional fee each month to continue streaming games beyond that limit. The cost will be $3 for an extra 15 hours on the performance plan ($10 a month) and $6 for another 15 hours on the Ultimate plan ($20 a month). This shift indicates Nvidia is likely to seek to manage costs as the program expands.

## *Helldivers 2* may introduce “sequel-level” features such as eight-player missions

“There’s actually a lot of [new features], and I believe the community is quite adept at identifying the direction they want the game to take considering the sequel-like approach,” creative director Johan Pilestedt remarked during a recent Arrow Game Studios livestream (via *Gamesradar*). “Eight-player missions would be one of those,” he added. “Larger open-world maps where you might encounter other Helldiver teams to tackle greater challenges together. Operations that influence other teams as well would represent those kinds of high-level features.”

## Will we catch a glimpse of Arkane’s *Blade* game in 2026?

Most likely not, but one should never say never. “The team is diligently working, and everyone is incredibly proud and pushing themselves,” director Dinga Bakaba mentioned on X during the holiday break in response to a fan. “Please be patient; it will be a special game, and we all hope it meets the high standards we’ve set for ourselves and for you all.” We will likely still see it before the actual movie escapes Hollywood’s development limbo.

## *Nier* fans are bracing for letdown

Series producer Yosuke Saito recently hinted at something for the game’s ninth anniversary. “We’re also preparing just a little something, so please don’t get too excited with anticipation,” he told *4Gamer*, according to *Gematsu*’s translation. Perhaps it’s only a “little something” because Square Enix is finally allowing director Yoko Taro full creative freedom to produce his next game.

## *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora* is

**Controversy Surrounds MrBeast’s Latest Minecraft Contest: An In-Depth Look at the Turmoil**

MrBeast, recognized for his lavish challenges and charitable endeavors, has once again landed in the midst of controversy with his new video showcasing a Minecraft contest that pits 500 men against 500 women. With close to 13 million views on his MrBeast Gaming channel, the way the event was executed has sparked concerns about its planning and the dynamics present in this unconventional matchup.

**Issues with Event Structure and Organization**

The event was initiated with the goal of simulating “civilization,” but it was plagued by disarray right from the beginning. Participants were selected on a first-come, first-served basis, resulting in a disorderly selection method. Claims have emerged that a significant number of the female contestants were actually male players utilizing AI-generated images or deepfakes to misrepresent their identities, creating an unfair advantage in the contest.

Zavvy, a contestant, pointed out that the surge of male players pretending to be women on the server caused chaos, leading to accusations of widespread eliminations of female players. This assertion highlights a serious violation of fair play and raises concerns regarding the participant vetting processes in such a high-stakes event.

**Presenting Gender Dynamics in a Detrimental Way**

While the contest was ostensibly designed to create “civilizations,” it spiraled into a portrayal that perpetuated negative stereotypes. The men were illustrated in conventional warrior roles, wearing blue armor, while the women, dressed in pink gowns, were depicted as competing against each other for attention instead of working together. The event appeared to embrace outdated stereotypes that not only belittled the participants’ contributions but also simplified the intricacies of gender dynamics into a conflict-based narrative.

The narrative of the video seemed to dismiss the fundamental issues of sabotage and discord among the female contestants, attributing their clashes to disorganization rather than recognizing the external pressures involved. Zavvy reported that the entry of male players fostered a toxic environment, where even the contestants began to turn against each other, especially trans women, as a result of misconstrued suspicions.

**Cheating Allegations and Disinformation**

Participants reported widespread cheating throughout the event. Zavvy observed that some players were eliminating others from the competition based on baseless accusations of being infiltrators. This heightened tensions among the women’s group and further escalated discord, contradicting the narrative of the video, which implied a well-ordered contest.

In response to the backlash, MrBeast’s team released a statement addressing the issues of cheating and player behavior. However, the statement appeared to minimize the seriousness of the allegations while placing responsibility on participants to uphold decorum during the event. As highlighted by Code Mercy, another participant, there was a mismatch between the creators’ depiction of the event and the chaotic experience faced by the players.

**Reactions and Consequences**

Reactions to the video have been mixed, with some commending MrBeast for his knack for creating engaging content while others express outrage over the clear trivialization of significant issues such as gender dynamics, cheating, and transphobia. Critics have noted that the event seemed more focused on sensationalized entertainment rather than creating a genuine competitive atmosphere.

The ramifications of this event go beyond mere entertainment; it mirrors societal challenges regarding gender representation and the need for inclusivity in competitive contexts. Many have pointed out that the narrative decisions made within the video risk reinforcing negative stereotypes about gender conflict.

**Conclusion**

MrBeast’s latest Minecraft contest underscores the complexities of gender dynamics and the possible risks of online competitions. The disorganized nature of the event has ignited discussions about the obligation of content creators to present their contests in a fair and respectful manner. As the gaming community continues to grow, there is hope that upcoming events will promote inclusiveness rather than division, moving past outdated notions of “boys vs. girls.”