Gait Games

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 hasn’t sold as well as publishers Paradox predicted. As such, the company have announced plans to write-down 355 million Swedish Krona (approximately £28 million/$37 million) of the game’s development costs – essentially the financial way of saying something along the lines of ‘oops, this isn’t worth as much as we thought it was’.

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A couple of weeks after arguing that generative AI shouldn’t be considered in videogame reviews, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney is calling for Steam and digital storefronts generally to stop requiring generative AI disclosures.

Sweeney’s argument is broadly that all videogames will use generative AI tools at some stage, so you and I might as well stop hearing about it. He thinks tagging things as made with generative AI is only necessary when there’s a formal need to prove legal authorship, or help buyers understand whether they have rights to a piece of digital art. There’s no sense letting regular old videogame players learn that stuff. It will only make us upset, and possibly less willing to play videogames with generative AI in them, like Fortnite.

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Assassin’s Creed Shadows probably won’t get a second major DLC expansion on the scale of Claws of Awaji, Ubisoft’s associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois has revealed. It’s a blow to fans who are accustomed to getting a couple of major expansions per Assassin’s Creed, and a boon to people who haven’t even played Shadows yet, let alone the 10-hour-long Claws of Awaji, and are getting dry heaves from FOMO. It’s me, I am people.

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### The Classon Ave Yoshi: A Local Icon of New York City’s Subway

In the bustling hub of New York City, where tales arise from the most unforeseen spots, the narrative of the “Classon Ave Yoshi” has enchanted the hearts of residents and social media participants alike. This massive plush Yoshi, a cherished figure from the Nintendo brand, has become a representation of urban intrigue and an element of the city’s eccentric folklore.

#### Discovery and Journey

The story of the Classon Ave Yoshi commenced on November 14, when the stuffed toy was found abandoned on the tracks of the Classon Avenue G train station in Brooklyn, a lively area in Bedford-Stuyvesant. It wasn’t until December 4 that the phenomenon began to gain popularity online, thanks to a TikTok video by user @jeremypinson321. The post highlighted the lonely plushie, sparking interest and dialogue across social media channels.

In the days that followed its discovery, an anonymous altruist took action to relocate Yoshi, leaning it against one of the station’s pillars, thus granting it a second chance as a local attraction. This gesture of kindness resonated with many who perceived the plushie not just as a forsaken toy but as a character with a heartfelt narrative.

#### The Physicality and Mystery of Yoshi

Upon a personal visit to the Classon Avenue station, encountering this colossal Yoshi was surprisingly striking. Although its exact size is difficult to assess from the tracks, estimates suggest that it stands at least two feet tall. It features an official Super Mario-branded tag, leading to inquiries about its origins. With various types of Yoshi plush toys found in retail outlets, identifying the precise model is challenging, adding to its enigma.

The story of the Classon Ave Yoshi resonates strongly. Memories of childhood toys—and the tales they tell—quickly come to mind. Many ponder how Yoshi ended up on the subway tracks. Did a child misplace their treasured friend during a chaotic journey? Or did a loving parent inadvertently forget it while hurrying off the train? Alternatively, could this be an elaborate prank or a marketing scheme for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie?

#### The Social Media Impact

The Classon Ave Yoshi has incited a surge of compassion and social engagement among city residents and online onlookers alike. Numerous passersby have felt drawn to the plushie, expressing their wishes to save it and shield it from the harsh realities of the subway environment. The plush toy’s position against the pillar has become a photographic opportunity, as individuals capture its likeness for TikTok and Instagram, highlighting its unexpected role as a tourist spot.

#### The MTA’s Involvement

As the tale progressed, inquiries were directed to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for details concerning Yoshi’s fate. On December 5, 2025, the MTA confirmed that the plush toy had been taken from the subway tracks. The authorities indicated that it had not been discarded but instead moved to the NYC Transit lost and found, raising hopes that the original owner might eventually be reunited with their treasured Yoshi.

Within hours of the MTA’s announcement, a TikTok user shared footage of MTA employees carefully retrieving Yoshi from its place, further cementing the plushie’s ascent to prominence in the city’s rich storytelling realm.

#### Conclusion

The Classon Ave Yoshi transcends being just a stuffed animal; it encapsulates the feelings and narratives that linger within the dynamic tapestry of New York City life. This unusual tale reflects the sentiments of nostalgia, compassion, and community ties. As we await further updates regarding Yoshi’s destiny, one certainty prevails: whether it reunites with its owner or stands as a beloved memento of NYC’s whimsical past, its moment in the limelight will not be easily forgotten.

A trademark for Control Resonant has been applied for in Europe by a law firm who’ve represented Alan Wake developers Remedy on numerous previous occasions. This application’s been lodged not long before The Game Awards and is to permit the phrase to be used in relation to games, but at the moment it’s still a mystery what exact sort of Control-related thing it refers to.

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**Post-Cyber Week Offers: Massive Discounts Still Accessible**

Cyber Monday and Black Friday may have passed, yet numerous retailers persist in providing considerable price cuts on a wide range of items. If you overlooked the chance to purchase a new laptop, smartphone, kitchen gadget, or subscription, chances to save remain very much active.

Among the merchants still presenting great deals, Stacksocial shines with its impressive post-Cyber Week savings. One of the standout offers is a lifetime license for the 2021 Microsoft Office Professional for Windows, available at a striking 84% discount. This reduces the cost from $220 to merely $35. However, this deal is moving fast, so it’s wise to act swiftly before it vanishes.

[See at StackSocial](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4845/)

### Perfect for Students and Professionals

Buying this license means it will be associated with your device instead of your Microsoft account. After finishing your purchase, you will receive an activation code via email along with installation guidelines. It’s crucial to set up the software within a week as the license will expire if not activated. Before moving forward, confirm your system meets the requisite specifications: Windows 10 or 11, a minimum of 1GB RAM, 4GB of available hard disk space, and a monitor resolution of 1280×800 or greater. Most contemporary devices will satisfy these criteria, but a quick verification is advisable.

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 encompasses vital applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free edition), OneNote, Publisher, and Access. These tools are crafted for both professional and personal tasks. Word streamlines document creation and editing, Excel aids in data management, PowerPoint supports compelling presentations, Teams is ideal for online meetings, and Outlook acts as a professional email and scheduling tool. OneNote improves note-taking and project organization.

For students, these applications are essential for coursework and collaboration projects, while professionals can leverage them for deadline management, presentations, and efficient email handling. Regularly priced around $220, this deal provides a fantastic opportunity to secure all these features for just $35—a savings of $185. It’s crucial to emphasize that this is a one-time purchase, unlike Microsoft 365, which operates on a subscription model that provides access to the newest applications across multiple devices.

Ensure you redeem your activation code within seven days of purchase to maintain its validity. Furthermore, this timeframe represents an excellent opportunity to explore additional discounted subscriptions. Stacksocial is also providing substantial discounts on Windows 11 Home and Pro versions. Given the limited supply, prompt orders are advised.

[See at StackSocial](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4845/)

I’m trying something new for this year’s Black Friday coverage: drastically overestimating how long it would take to put together a guide to its best graphics card deals. How is it past 11 already. Still, I do hope this helps any potential upgrader or from-scratch DIY builder out there – GPUs haven’t been ‘cheap’ in years, and while RAM is currently doing its best to replace them as the most overpriced component type in PCdom, graphics cards are usually in drastic need of discounts. Just as, like, their default state of being.

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Good morning. I have some exciting news for you. Today, indeed today, is Friday. Inform everyone you know. Spread the information. Friday is back, folks. And on this splendid Friday, I happily present to you the most recent edition of Morning Checkpoint, *Kotaku’s* daily compilation of video game news and other topics you may find interesting. Today, we explore what happened to an excellent *Black Ops 7* map, discover why *Hytale* is not launching on Steam, and contemplate high console prices.

### Used Xbox consoles are fetching some outrageous prices

Over on Reddit, individuals are shaking their heads in astonishment at the current state of used gaming console prices. In 2025, Microsoft is offering refurbished Xbox Series X consoles for $550. In 2020, I purchased an Xbox Series X at launch for $500. Microsoft is also selling pre-owned Xbox Series S consoles for $330. At launch, the smaller console was only $300, and you could frequently grab it for less if you could find a bargain.

These prices are ludicrous, yet not surprising given how costly consoles are in 2025, due to various factors such as tariffs, inflation, AI affecting demand, and every company aiming to increase profits. Regardless of the reasons for the high prices, it’s unfortunate that this is the first console generation where PlayStation and Xbox systems are pricier five years after their initial release. Moreover, prices are expected to continue rising for both new and used consoles. I can hardly wait to take out a small bank loan to afford a PlayStation 6.

### A well-liked *CoD: Black Ops 7* map has been inexplicably taken down

*Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*’s first season is currently live, and while it has introduced a plethora of new content to the online FPS, it has also removed something: the beloved Blackheart map. This was one of the original maps launched with *Black Ops 7* and rapidly became one of its most favored. But it’s gone now. Activision states it was removed “temporarily” from both private and public map pools as they investigate a vaguely mentioned “issue.” The map will return in a future, but-as-yet-undetermined update.

> 📢 Call of Duty: #BlackOps7
> Blackheart has been temporarily taken out from both Public and Private map pools while we look into an issue. It will make a comeback in an upcoming update.
> Details: [link](https://t.co/rmpoklhguD)

### Recently identified fish species receives *Dragon Ball*-inspired name

As noted by *Dexerto*, a recent discovery of a small fish was made deep in the ocean near an island off the coast of Japan. And, probably due to its vivid yellow markings across its body, the fish has been assigned the scientific name Vanderhorstia Supersaiyan. Indeed, this is a *Dragon Ball Z* fish. You can find further details about the fish [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6).

### Newly revived *Hytale* won’t launch on Steam

Earlier this year, *Minecraft*-inspired survival game *Hytale* was canceled by Riot Games. Then, in November, the original creator of the project managed to negotiate the rights back for the game, and now *Hytale* is back in development with some of the team that was previously working on it before it was shelved. However, when it launches in early access, you won’t be able to find it on Steam.

As detailed in a new FAQ on the game’s website, the developers plan to steer clear of Steam for a while to concentrate on its current community and enhance the game instead of pursuing “a surge of cold first impressions that could misdirect the game’s progress.” The post clarifies that the team is not trying to avoid “bad reviews,” but I imagine that’s part of the rationale for the team’s decision to stay away from Steam until the game reaches an acceptable state. A game on Steam with negative or mixed reviews can be tough to recover from. I’m curious to see if more teams choose this approach.

### ICYMI:

### Watch This:

I will begrudgingly accept that Black Friday, bleak as it is to anyone who didn’t grow up with framed spreadsheets above their beds, is at least a good opportunity to pick up dirt-cheap PC storage. Case in point, today’s sales include some nice, sharp slashings on some of the best Steam Deck microSD cards.

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**Comprehending the Repercussions of *Postal: Bullet Paradise*: An Examination of Gaming Reactions**

The *Postal* series, famous for its lewd humor and contentious themes, has encountered considerable criticism lately following the announcement and swift cancellation of its latest installment, *Postal: Bullet Paradise*. This article explores the scenarios surrounding this recent event, the characteristics of the backlash, and the consequences for the future of the *Postal* franchise.

### Overview of the *Postal* Series

Developed by Running With Scissors (RWS), the *Postal* franchise has been linked to shock appeal and socially incorrect humor for many years. The initial game, launched in 1997, established the foundation for the series with its darkly comedic storyline featuring a postal worker embarking on a violent spree. Despite its provocative themes, the game faced commercial challenges, ultimately leading RWS to consider diverse development strategies, including collaborating with other studios.

Throughout the past twenty years, the *Postal* series has undergone several iterations, experiencing various levels of success. The latest release before *Bullet Paradise*, *Postal 4: No Regrets*, was launched in 2022 with the aim of revitalizing the franchise’s image. Nevertheless, it too received mixed reviews and raised concerns regarding the brand’s sustainability.

### The Revelation of *Postal: Bullet Paradise*

On December 3, 2025, RWS unveiled *Postal: Bullet Paradise*, a spin-off designed to reflect popular games like *Vampire Survivors* and incorporate a co-op bullet-hell gaming experience. The announcement was met with the usual blend of enthusiasm and doubt from the *Postal* community, but a more troubling sentiment soon surfaced concerning the game’s development.

### The Backlash Regarding AI Implementation

Fewer than 48 hours post-announcement, *Postal: Bullet Paradise* was met with a significant backlash largely due to claims related to the use of AI-generated assets during its creation. Members of the gaming community voiced their worries on platforms such as Reddit, asserting that the pixel art and assets featured in the trailer seemed to be AI-generated. Detractors contended that this constituted a betrayal of the artistic standards that RWS had historically defended.

The backlash compelled RWS to release a public statement recognizing the issues brought forth by fans. The company expressed regret, asserting that the incorporation of AI materials severely harmed the brand’s image, leading to the game’s cancellation. “Our confidence in the development team has been shattered,” the statement remarked, highlighting a dedication to transparency with their audience.

### Consequences of the AI Backlash

The rapid backlash against *Postal: Bullet Paradise* prompts significant inquiries about the future of game development, especially regarding the integration of artificial intelligence. Ironically, RWS had recently criticized industry leaders championing AI in game creation, underlining the inconsistencies and complexities in their perspective on creativity versus technology.

The cancellation of *Bullet Paradise* acts as a cautionary example for game developers regarding the possible ramifications of employing AI-generated content without clear communication to the fans. The incident highlights the increasing viewpoint among gamers that artistry and creativity should dominate game design, resisting the impersonal aspect of AI-generated creations.

### Conclusion: The Path Ahead for the *Postal* Franchise

As the *Postal* series strives to define its place in a changing gaming environment, the halt of *Postal: Bullet Paradise* sent shockwaves through the community. With stark reminders of historical controversies and evident pushback against contemporary development trends, RWS faces a challenging road in regaining player confidence.

Looking ahead, achieving a balance between innovation and artistic integrity will be crucial for the series. The gaming industry will be observing closely to see how Running With Scissors navigates this intricate landscape, as the future of *Postal* hangs in an increasingly fragile balance.