EA Recommended Enhanced Mature Themes for Alice: Madness Returns, Leading to Developer’s Incorporation of Dildos on a Snail

Don’t mine at night.

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### Boycott Microsoft: An Appeal from Indie Developer Dan DiIorio of *Luck Be a Landlord*

In a significant move within the gaming realm, Dan DiIorio, the mind behind the indie slot machine game *Luck Be a Landlord*, has called on fans to avoid buying the game on Xbox. This plea arises from his disapproval of Microsoft’s backing of Israel amidst the ongoing strife in Palestine. DiIorio has voiced his support for the Palestinian cause and is advocating for a Microsoft boycott.

On December 18th, DiIorio shared a message from the investigative gaming platform *People Make Games*, which underscored the ongoing boycott against Xbox due to its participation in the Israel-Palestine dispute. Subsequently, he made a personal appeal, urging fans explicitly, “Please do not buy *Luck Be a Landlord* on Xbox.” He committed to donating $10,000 to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, with the intention of counterbalancing any income generated for Microsoft from his game.

Initially launched on PC in 2023, *Luck Be a Landlord* is a roguelike slot machine title that enables players to handle their finances and pay rent through an upgradeable slot machine mechanism. After its successful release on PC, it was adapted for consoles, including Xbox, earlier this year.

In his correspondence with *Kotaku*, DiIorio encouraged supporters to think about donating to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, irrespective of their intentions to buy the game on Xbox. He also proposed that Xbox Game Pass subscribers consider terminating their memberships in light of the current geopolitical circumstances.

DiIorio’s position is not unique; he is part of a rising movement within the indie game development sphere aiming to separate themselves from Microsoft regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. Earlier in April, the creators of *Tenderfoot Tactics* took their game off the Xbox store as a sign of solidarity with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiative against Israel. They issued a public statement expressing their hope that Microsoft would listen to the united voices of workers and consumers demanding an end to business relations with the Israeli military.

The appeal for a boycott has ignited conversations not only on social media but also throughout the wider gaming community, as developers and fans alike grapple with the intricacies of political activism in gaming. This ongoing situation stands as a powerful reminder of how the gaming industry overlaps with global concerns, urging developers and consumers to take a position amid challenges.

As the boycott movement evolves and continues to influence companies like Microsoft, it is yet to be determined how this will impact the availability and sales of titles like *Luck Be a Landlord* on platforms embroiled in these political discussions.

**The AI Revival of Val Kilmer in *As Deep as the Grave***

In a revolutionary move within the film sector, it has been revealed that Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor famed for his performances in *Top Gun* and *Batman Forever*, will be digitally rejuvenated for an upcoming film entitled *As Deep as the Grave*. Although he passed away in April 2025, the movie’s director, Coerte Voorhees, has chosen to employ generative AI technology to recreate Kilmer’s image and voice for the character of Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritual healer.

### The Concept Behind the Film

Director Coerte Voorhees conveyed his commitment to retaining Kilmer in the principal role, asserting that the character was deliberately crafted with the actor’s essence in mind. “He was the actor I envisioned for this part,” Voorhees remarked, underscoring Kilmer’s Native American roots and attachment to the Southwest as crucial to the character’s representation. Despite Kilmer’s health issues which hindered his ability to film, Voorhees was resolute in honoring Kilmer’s legacy by ensuring his involvement in the project.

### Adoption of AI Technology

Voorhees’s choice to harness “cutting-edge” generative AI technology intends to explore new storytelling possibilities in a production that does not possess the backing of a major studio film. The director recognized the potential debate surrounding the posthumous revival of an actor via AI but insisted that Kilmer’s family felt he would have wished to be engaged in the project. “His family continually expressed how significant they believed the film to be and that Val truly wanted to take part in this,” Voorhees mentioned.

### Family Endorsement and Ethical Issues

Kilmer’s estate has shown support for the project’s creative approach. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, and son, Jack, have endorsed the AI usage, signifying that it aligns with their father’s vision to leverage technology for broadening storytelling horizons. The production is reported to have complied with SAG guidelines concerning the application of AI technology, ensuring that Kilmer’s estate received fair compensation for his digital resurrection.

### Technological Execution

The AI-generated iteration of Kilmer will play a vital part in *As Deep as the Grave*, representing the character through various life phases. The production team utilized images of a younger Kilmer, alongside footage from his later years, to construct a holistic representation of Father Fintan. Additionally, the digital Kilmer’s voice will be generated using recordings from his final years, including contributions from Sonantic to create an AI-driven speaking voice for Kilmer, which he had previously utilized in *Top Gun: Maverick*.

### The Heritage of Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer’s experiences with health adversities, notably his struggle with throat cancer, have emphasized the significance of communication and self-expression. Reflecting on the technological progress that enables him to tell his story genuinely, Kilmer had once stated, “The opportunity to narrate my own story, in a voice that feels genuine and familiar, is an incredibly special gift.” This essence is anticipated to be honored in *As Deep as the Grave*, allowing viewers to engage with Kilmer’s lasting legacy through the innovative application of AI technology.

The film’s debut is set to ignite discussions regarding the ethical considerations of utilizing AI in filmmaking, especially in relation to the representation of deceased actors. Nevertheless, for the Kilmer family and the creators of the film, this project symbolizes a homage to a cherished actor and the chance to convey a profound narrative that aligns with his spirit and artistic expression.