Ubisoft might have inadvertently revealed the date for the forthcoming Nintendo Direct, based on fan speculation.

**The Lasting Impact of *Mob Psycho 100***

It has been around four years since *Mob Psycho 100* wrapped up, yet the series continues to be an important part of anime conversations. Praised for its themes of friendship, determination, and the significance of recognizing the goodness in each other, the show has positioned itself as one of the notable anime in recent history. At Anime Expo 2026, Kotaku had the chance to converse with Yuzuru Tachikawa, the director of *Mob Psycho 100*, alongside voice actors Setsuo Ito (Mob) and Takahiro Sakurai (Reigen), delving into their perspectives on the conclusion of the series and the development of its characters.

*Mob Psycho 100* is inspired by a manga with the same title and centers around Shigeo Kageyama, referred to as Mob, a middle school student gifted with psychic powers. Despite his tremendous strength, Mob finds it difficult to master his emotions, leading to explosive episodes that can wreak havoc. In his journey toward self-discovery, Mob teams up with Arataka Reigen, a self-styled psychic who is essentially a fraud. Together, they face various supernatural challenges, forging a profound and poignant connection.

Reigen’s character is particularly captivating; even though he is a swindler, he becomes a cherished character in the series. He takes advantage of those in need, yet concurrently acts as a crucial fatherly figure in Mob’s life. Takahiro Sakurai, who gives voice to Reigen, elucidates the dual nature of his character, recognizing both the ethically questionable and redeeming characteristics. “Yes, at first glance, he’s a con artist, charging children for services. But concurrently, he’s just an individual trying to get by… There’s an aspect of him that’s difficult to dislike,” Sakurai articulates, highlighting Reigen’s human vulnerabilities and his attempts to aid Mob.

Mob’s psychic skills are a major driving force in the storyline throughout the series. Although he is an exceptionally powerful entity, Mob yearns for an ordinary childhood, reflecting the internal battles of his voice actor, Setsuo Ito. Ito shares the difficulty of portraying a character who must keep his emotions at bay, recalling his own challenges in the studio: “One thing I focused on and aimed to achieve was not allowing my feelings to surface.”

The finale of *Mob Psycho 100* was met with relief and satisfaction from both fans and the creative team. Over time, viewers have conveyed their appreciation for how Mob’s journey unfolded: “I found it very heartening how everyone looked out for Mob right to the very end, allowing him to be a regular middle school student,” says Ito, praising the series’ capacity to grant Mob a sense of normality.

Director Tachikawa expresses a similar viewpoint, remarking that the character’s growth was characterized by small yet significant changes rather than dramatic shifts. This subtlety reinforced the central message of the series: growth through the choices we make every day. Sakurai resonates with this, asserting that he feels Reigen’s destiny was closely linked to Mob, sensing that he was “rescued by Mob at the conclusion.”

*Mob Psycho 100* stands out as an exceptional series that skillfully merges action, humor, and emotional richness. Its distinct narrative style captivates audiences, whether they are on the edge of their seats during dramatic battles or enjoying laughter from Reigen’s shenanigans. With just three seasons encompassing 37 episodes, it presents an inviting adventure for both newcomers and veteran anime enthusiasts alike. As time goes by, the lasting legacy of *Mob Psycho 100* persists, securing its place in the hearts of many.

**GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen’s Provocative eBay Auction Provokes Backlash**

In an unexpected revelation yesterday, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen disclosed intentions to auction off a selection of items on eBay to generate funds for the company’s envisioned $56 billion takeover of the online resale platform. This contentious choice follows increasing scrutiny over Cohen’s financial acumen to manage such a major corporate strategy. Significantly, some of the auctioned pieces are purported to be artifacts from the renowned *Game Informer* Vault, which preserved decades of video game heritage before GameStop closed the magazine in 2024.

Frank Cifaldi, the founder of the Video Game History Foundation, openly accused Cohen of peddling items that were once stored in the *Game Informer* Vault. Although this publication has been resurrected in print after being acquired by Gunzilla Games, the Vault’s contents still belong to GameStop. Confidential sources disclosed to *Kotaku* that while certain items, such as baseball cards, come from different sources, others—especially rare vintage games—likely originate from the Vault’s collection. Several eBay listings, including a sealed edition of *Dracula* for the NES along with other classic games, have raised eyebrows as their descriptions align with those documented in the Vault.

Commenting on the importance of these items, a former employee of *Game Informer* stated, “The Vault was seen as a library, not as a collection to be sold off.” This sentiment raises alarms about the conservation of gaming heritage, especially as numerous voices contend that such items deserve a place in a museum instead of on eBay.

Included among the items for auction is a *Fallout 4* Vault Boy statue. Nevertheless, sources could not verify its origins, as similar figures were frequently showcased in GameStop stores. A statue like this one was highlighted in various gaming publications during the game’s release and may not be specifically associated with the Vault.

Comments from industry figures, including MinnMax founder Ben Hanson, emphasize the frustration surrounding GameStop’s actions. “*Game Informer*’s legacy should be preserved in a museum, not in some collector’s eBay listings,” Hanson stated, calling for support of the current *Game Informer* team instead of participating in Cohen’s controversial activities.

In a surprising turn, Cohen announced on social media that he had been suspended from eBay, with the platform citing “activity that we believe was putting the eBay community at risk.” GameStop has not yet issued a comment on this matter or the ongoing auction.

As events unfold, many within the gaming community are left pondering the future of gaming history and the ethical concerns surrounding the commercialization of artifacts that symbolize the rich heritage of video game journalism.

**ChatGPT’s Sponsored Advertising Controversy, Gaming Releases, and Cultural Highlights**

As we approach the end of 2025, the gaming community is abuzz with updates spanning from AI advancements to much-anticipated game launches. In this concluding edition of Kotaku’s Morning Checkpoint, we delve into the latest happenings that have garnered excitement and, in certain instances, sparked concern among fans and industry veterans alike.

### ChatGPT’s Sponsored Advertising Controversy

A report from **The Information** indicates that OpenAI might be considering the implementation of sponsored advertisements within the ChatGPT platform. This shift could transform how users engage with AI, stirring ethical dilemmas surrounding trust and promotion. A hypothetical situation proposes that when users inquire about ibuprofen dosages, they may instead be presented with an Advil advertisement, raising alarms that the AI could evolve into a monetized search tool.

An OpenAI representative commented, “As ChatGPT’s capabilities expand and its usage grows, we’re exploring ways to provide greater intelligence to everyone… Users have a trusted relationship with ChatGPT, and any strategy implemented would be designed to uphold that trust.”

### League of Legends Fighting Game Launching Soon

Riot Games enthusiasts will be excited to know that the long-awaited **League of Legends** fighting game, named **2XKO**, is set to debut on January 20, 2026. Following a successful early access launch on PC in October, console players can look forward to its release on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

### River City Ransom: Underground Faces Delisting

In a noteworthy update for beat ‘em up aficionados, **River City Ransom: Underground** is at risk of being removed from Steam due to an expired licensing agreement. According to the developer’s confirmation, images and gameplay trailers have already been taken down from its store page, but current users can still find the game in their libraries.

### Atlus Takes a Cautious Approach with Metaphor: Refantazio

Director Katsura Hashino offered insights regarding the ongoing development of the next entry in the **Metaphor: Refantazio** series. Stressing a measured strategy, Hashino conveyed that they plan to build on the game’s core values rather than hastily produce a sequel, hinting at a deliberate development approach underway.

### The Mega Man Reveal at The Game Awards 2025

A behind-the-scenes account from Geoff Keighley illustrates how the announcement of a new **Mega Man** game was executed at The Game Awards. After a visit to Capcom headquarters, he witnessed the reveal firsthand, feeling the excitement and nostalgia that the cherished franchise generates. This moment has sparked renewed eagerness among fans anticipating the next steps for the iconic series.

### Cultural Highlights

From examining sponsored AI interactions to the eagerly awaited launches of new games and nostalgic unveilings, 2025 has marked a significant year for gaming. With ongoing conversations surrounding the validity of the “solo dev” narrative and its ramifications for the industry, 2026 is poised to delve deeper into these discussions. Stay tuned as we continue to traverse the shifting terrain of gaming and technology, ensuring fans remain central to these conversations.

In conclusion, this summary captures a thrilling period in the gaming sphere, with each story adding to the rich fabric of gaming culture and its overlaps with technology. As we venture into 2026, the eagerness and dialogues around these subjects are sure to persist.