Portal Remake Created by Fans Finished But Pending Valve’s Reply

July 26, 2026byadmin

### An In-Depth Look at the Fan-Created Remake of Portal: Alive & Kicking

The fan-created remake of the renowned puzzle-platform game, *Portal*, known as *Alive & Kicking*, has been under development since 2011 by the independent developers Rhubarb & Rhubarb. Utilizing the engine of its successor, *Portal 2*, this ambitious undertaking sought to revitalize the classic while incorporating new features that appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Nonetheless, the extended development timeframe has raised concerns among fans regarding the possibility of the project being abandoned.

#### Development Journey

As the years went by without major updates, fans started to ponder the status of *Alive & Kicking*. Worries grew when communication from the developers dwindled, inciting a surge of messages on the game’s Steam page. It was during this phase of ambiguity that developer Dot Operator assured the community that *Alive & Kicking* is not only finished but also prepared for release. However, the debut depends on Valve’s endorsement—specifically, their attentiveness to the development team’s inquiries.

#### Communication Challenges with Valve

In a reply on the Steam discussions page, Dot Operator acknowledged the existing standstill regarding the game’s release. “The game is finished, but we do not currently have the capability to launch it on Steam,” they mentioned. Operator expressed appreciation for Valve’s early assistance in granting access to the *Portal 2* source code, which was vital for the creation of *Alive & Kicking*. However, the absence of recent communications from Valve concerning a required non-commercial license has left the project in a state of uncertainty.

#### Valve’s History with Fan-Made Projects

Valve maintains a complicated relationship with fan-made initiatives. Historically, the company has displayed varying levels of support, permitting many fan games to thrive on platforms like Steam. Notable projects such as *Black Mesa*, a remake of *Half-Life*, and *Hunt Down The Freeman*, highlight Valve’s readiness to allow fan participation with its intellectual properties. Furthermore, Valve released *Garry’s Mod*, which has become a cornerstone within the modding community.

Interestingly, *Portal* itself originated from a student endeavor by Kim Swift and evolved into a complete game that emerged as a prominent title in *The Orange Box* collection in 2007. During its ascent to popularity, *Portal* briefly overshadowed Valve’s other franchises, paving the way for the successful launch of its blockbuster sequel in 2011.

#### Features of Alive & Kicking

*Alive & Kicking* strives to maintain the cherished mechanics of the original while enhancing the experience with visual improvements and potentially new chambers filled with challenges. By utilizing the advanced game engine of *Portal 2*, the remake is set to provide an enriched gaming experience while preserving the core of what made *Portal* a groundbreaking title.

As the development team remains optimistic about a breakthrough with Valve, the community has united to support the game, hoping that heightened attention may encourage Valve to hasten the approval process. The current challenge lies in navigating the intricacies of intellectual property rights while trying to bring fans a segment in the legendary *Portal* saga that embraces both nostalgia and innovation.

#### Conclusion

As *Alive & Kicking* awaits a resolution from Valve, the situation underscores the balancing act inherent in fan-made projects. The enthusiasm for the remake illustrates the strong bond fans share with the *Portal* series, and with community backing, there is hope that one of gaming’s most eagerly awaited fan remakes will soon reach players across the globe.

DC’s Next Game is Not Injustice 3

### DC Comics Unveils DCKO: An Innovative Mobile Fighting Game

DC Comics has formally introduced a new free-to-play fighting game named **DCKO**, set within the vast DC comic universe. Nonetheless, the reveal has elicited mixed responses from fans, particularly since it is not the highly awaited **Injustice 3** that many were anticipating. Rather, DCKO is a mobile-only title crafted by a new group known as Drop Fake.

#### Game Synopsis

DCKO features a tag-team combat style for players, enabling dynamic fighting alongside a lineup of iconic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Remarkably, the game also includes John Constantine, a character with a considerable following, especially among LGBTQ+ gamers, as he is acknowledged as a bisexual warlock. His addition is lauded by fans who noted his exclusion in prior titles such as **Injustice: Gods Among Us** and **Injustice 2**. There is hope that additional characters, including favorites like Green Arrow, will be integrated to expand gameplay choices.

#### Challenges in Mobile Gaming

While DCKO generates excitement with its character selection, it encounters challenges typical of mobile platforms. Fighting games generally excel with precise controls, which mobile devices can have difficulties providing through touch interfaces. The quick tapping and swiping needed may not meet the expectations of the fighting game community, fostering a belief that DCKO is more tailored towards casual players looking for a DC-themed experience rather than dedicated fighting game aficionados. Despite these issues, fans can **pre-register** for the game, set to launch in 2027.

#### Prospective Developments

The announcement has rekindled debates regarding the future of the Injustice franchise. With **Injustice 2** having debuted in 2017 and NetherRealm Studios concentrating on **Mortal Kombat** titles since that time, fans are keen to discover if another Injustice game is forthcoming. For years, rumors have circulated about the potential for **Injustice 3**, and many are hopeful that a sequel could provide the rich console and PC experience they desire.

Until more details emerge concerning the likelihood of a new Injustice title or the potential for DCKO to branch out to other platforms, fans are left with mixed feelings. The possibility of a new game featuring their cherished characters is clouded by the reality of its mobile-exclusive launch.

In conclusion, although DCKO offers an exciting experience for mobile users, it remains uncertain how effectively it will connect with the traditional fighting game demographic, and many are left yearning for a return to the console-based Injustice series that has engaged players for nearly a decade.

“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Facing Notable 69% Drop in Box Office Earnings”

**What Lies Ahead for *Star Wars* Now That Interest in Grogu Has Dipped?**

The *Star Wars* franchise is in a delicate spot as *Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu* falters at the box office, pulling in only $25 million domestically during its second weekend. With a worldwide total of $246 million against a production budget of $165 million, the film has seen a 69 percent drop, falling behind others like *Obsession*. Critics point to mixed reviews and unfavorable word-of-mouth as causes for the film’s tepid results, leading to concerns about the future of the franchise, particularly with Dave Filoni taking the co-lead role in all things *Star Wars*. The disparity in performance between *Grogu* and unexpectedly thriving indie films heightens worries regarding the franchise’s appeal to viewers.

**Could a *Streets of Rage* Film Match the Humor of Sonic’s Live-Action Launch?**

In other entertainment updates, writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, recognized for their contributions to the *Sonic the Hedgehog* films, are gearing up to transform the classic Sega beat ’em up, *Streets of Rage*, into a feature film. Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the project aims to embody the spirit of the legendary game, featuring its electronic score and cherished characters. Fans are eager to find out if the wit and allure that characterized the *Sonic* films will carry over to this latest adaptation.

**Could a *Baldur’s Gate 2* Remake Give the Classic CRPG a *Baldur’s Gate 3*–Style Revamp?**

Speculation suggests that a remake of *Baldur’s Gate 2* might be in the works, spearheaded by Kevin Martens, the original co-lead designer of the renowned CRPG. Insiders believe that both the first and second installments could be revamped concurrently, though the details of their enhancements remain uncertain. Given the triumph of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, excitement is high regarding how a remake could recapture and rejuvenate the classic experience for a fresh audience.

**Arms Dealer Palmer Luckey’s N64 Clone Finally Gets a Launch Date**

On a different note, ModRetro has unveiled the upcoming release of its N64 clone, the M64, slated to arrive on July 28 priced at $230. This console will be compatible with original Nintendo 64 cartridges and includes an M64 Pro Controller, underpricing rivals like the Analogue 3D by about $30.

**Ex–*Dragon Age* Producer Claims Gaming Needs More Product Placement**

Former BioWare developer Mark Darrah has expressed concerns over the gaming industry’s heavy reliance on microtransactions, proposing a shift towards product placement as a viable funding strategy for games. He contends that an excessive focus on live service models may limit the diversity of game genres being created and promotes a wider use of product placement similar to that in films and television.

**Steam Favorite *Factorio* Is Set to Receive Its Final Update After 10 Years**

After ten years of ongoing updates, the team behind *Factorio* has declared that version 2.1 will be the final significant update, shifting their attention to long-term support and quality-of-life enhancements instead of new content. Players can look forward to bug fixes and compatibility updates as core gameplay development comes to a close.

**The PlayStation Store Shovelware Cleanup Continues**

Webnetic, which has accumulated over 1,000 listings on the PlayStation store, is facing deplatforming as part of a broader effort to eliminate shovelware titles. Nonetheless, the publisher has confirmed its intention to keep developing for other platforms, including Xbox and Nintendo, while working on future projects such as *Panic House: Awakening*.

As we near the Not-E3 Geoff Keighley event, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for announcements and updates, particularly with the expected release of *Grand Theft Auto 6* later this year.

“Original Stalker Designer Discusses Genre Boundaries and Eurojank Influence in Non-Euro Games”

Video games, or more so the people who play them, I suppose, have this annoying thing where they assign a genre name as an insult. I don’t want to reignite the discourse around JRPG as a term, but it certainly was used in quite a derisive and othering manner in its earlier years. The term walking sim was used more as a point of ironic degradation, even though it was perfectly apt in many ways. Then there’s Eurojank, a sort of real but not technically real genre that describes ambitious but imperfect games made by European developers. And Andrii Verpakhovskyi, designer on the original Stalker games, doesn’t think such jank should be geologically categorised.

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