**The Maw’s Feast: A Folly in Curiosity**

In a curious turn of events, Edwin has once again found himself in the gullet of The Maw, a mischievous creature known for its insatiable appetite for news and oddities. Just months after a previous encounter that spurred the introduction of new safety protocols—such as banning petting The Maw and mandating the use of a six-foot news pole for feeding—Edwin succumbed to the creature’s deceptive charm. This time, The Maw lured him with a gurgle that tantalizingly echoed, “Can I tell you a secret?” The result was a predictable but unfortunate fate as he was swallowed whole, leaving the team wondering when he might emerge to cover The Game Awards on Thursday.

The aftermath of Edwin’s misadventure was met with a somber yet humorous observance among colleagues. Mark performed The Last Post on his kazoo, James updated the ‘Days since last accident’ whiteboard to reflect a new zero, and an ill-timed microwave ping punctuated the moment of silence. As the holiday season approaches, tranquility seems to settle over the team, albeit with a lineup of intriguing game releases to keep excitement alive.

**Upcoming Game Releases This Week**

Despite the quieter holiday atmosphere, several compelling games are set to launch this week:

1. **Skate Story**: Players navigate the Underworld on a quest for freedom, all while grappling with the perilous challenge of controlling a glass-skinned character. A single slip could prove catastrophic.

2. **Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut**: This expanded version of the beloved Yakuza prequel introduces a Red Light Raid multiplayer mode. Originally released on PC in 2018, this update enriches the gameplay experience for fans of the series.

3. **Cat Named Mojave**: For those who enjoyed the mischievous blend of horror and whimsy in Horses, this title offers a unique twist with its animal-headed, human-bodied characters.

4. **Liminal City**: This game caters to players yearning for a horror experience devoid of human characters, instead featuring spider-like creatures haunting desolate car parks.

5. **Death Howl**: This title combines deck-building mechanics with a soulslike atmosphere, immersing players in a stylish wasteland filled with eldritch horrors, engaging them in a complex gameplay experience.

6. **Milano’s Odd Job Collection**: Offering a nostalgic trip back to childhood labor experiences, players can step into the shoes of an eleven-year-old Milano and take on various jobs for summer money.

7. **Unbeatable**: Set in a world where music is outlawed, this rhythm action game allows players to conduct illegal gigs while challenging an oppressive regime.

8. **Anxiety Puppy**: A visual novel addressing urban anxieties, it aims to shed light on mental health through a relatable narrative.

9. **Ashes of Creation**: Set to usher players into its MMO universe, this early access phase emphasizes an evolving world where user-created settlements come to life.

10. **Terminator 2D: No Fate**: This pixel-art game brilliantly reinterprets the events of Terminator 2: Judgement Day while ignoring previous 8-bit adaptations, creating a fresh narrative full of familiar and new scenarios.

As the week progresses, players and news enthusiasts alike anticipate a flurry of stories and game announcements, particularly with tomorrow’s Wholesome Snack and Thursday’s Game Awards on the horizon. In the meantime, the team keeps busy, reflecting on recent events and gearing up for an exciting slate of game releases.