Gait Games

And why players hesitate

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**Jonathan Bailey: From Stage to Screen and the Realm of Final Fantasy XIV**

Jonathan Bailey has quickly risen as a significant presence in the entertainment realm, especially through his performances in major film and theater projects. One of his standout roles is as Fiyero in the eagerly awaited *Wicked* film adaptations. His interpretation has not only earned him considerable praise but also established him as a well-known figure to viewers globally. Moreover, he was recognized as *People* magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025, further cementing his celebrity status.

In addition to his role in *Wicked*, Bailey has provided his voice for the character of G’raha Tia in the massively successful MMORPG *Final Fantasy XIV*. This character resonates deeply with fans, enhancing its importance within the game’s storyline. Since taking on the role of G’raha Tia, Bailey has experienced a swift upward trajectory in his career, securing roles in both *Wicked: For Good* and *Jurassic World: Rebirth*. By 2025, he had positioned himself as the highest-grossing actor of the year, showcasing his adaptability and charm.

Nevertheless, recent alterations in the voice acting for G’raha Tia have incited speculation among fans about Bailey’s continued involvement with the character. With the launch of *FFXIV*’s update 7.4, some have observed a change in the tone and quality of G’raha’s voice. Various theories have circulated within the community, suggesting causes ranging from possible illness during recording sessions, the use of inferior recording equipment, to the possibility that Bailey has been recast due to his hectic promotional schedule for *Wicked: For Good* and *Jurassic World*.

To this point, neither Square Enix, the creators of *Final Fantasy XIV*, nor Bailey have confirmed any official modifications regarding the voice role. Fans who have followed G’raha Tia over the years are split; although some detect the differences as slight, for dedicated players, any alteration in the character’s voice can be striking. Comparisons between voice recordings from earlier updates and the newest have sparked debates, with some listeners attributing the disparity in sound quality to lower recording standards, suggesting that Bailey may have utilized a less professional setup for his lines.

In a prominent Twitter exchange, one fan highlighted that despite the noticeable changes, it is feasible that Bailey has not been recast but may have encountered logistical issues during the recording sessions. Another fan voiced their disappointment at the potential change in the character’s voice, emphasizing G’raha Tia’s significance to the *Final Fantasy XIV* community.

Bailey has expressed his passion for voicing G’raha Tia, reflecting on the difficulties of balancing his recording tasks with his stage performances, particularly during his stint in the revival of *Company*. This dedication showcases his devotion to the role and his bond with the character, further endearing him to supporters.

As speculation persists, many remain optimistic that if Bailey’s character has been temporarily recast, it will only be until he can return to his role. With ongoing projects highlighting his skill and star power, fans of both *Wicked* and *Final Fantasy XIV* eagerly anticipate updates that will clarify G’raha Tia’s future in the game while also celebrating Bailey’s remarkable accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

**Every Timeless Game Needs a Bold Game Boy Adaptation**

The convergence of nostalgia, gaming, and collectible markets remains a trending topic, particularly as recent trends indicate a heightened interest in reimagining classic games. A prime example is an unfinished port of *Resident Evil* for Game Boy Color that has emerged, providing an intriguing snapshot of what might have been. Kept alive by gaming aficionados, this demake not only serves as evidence of the creativity of the early 2000s but also ignites curiosity about revisiting these cherished titles across various platforms.

**Roblox’s Platform Exploitation Issue**

The online gaming platform Roblox has come under fire for its safety protocols, especially concerning its content. Prominent companies like Disney have expressed apprehensions, leading to a cautious stance on any upcoming collaborations. Disney’s choice to refrain from licensing its IP to Roblox highlights the current climate where platform security is crucial. The outcry is not singular; prohibitions in certain areas have triggered protests, signaling a rising tension between corporate decisions and gamer rights.

**The Variability of the Collectible Card Market**

The collectibles market once again captured attention with the sale of a pristine Charizard card for $550,000. This occurrence raises compelling questions about the worth of collectibles in a swiftly shifting environment. With echoes of discarded paper gems now haunting previous owners, many ponder which of today’s toys and collectibles might soar in value. Nonetheless, the nostalgia-driven market also confronts doubts, with some experts warning it could be a financial bubble on the verge of bursting.

**New Game Launches and Revivals on the Horizon**

Beyond nostalgic franchises, the gaming scene is perpetually advancing with fresh releases and revived series. *Dispatch*, a title originally released solely on PlayStation, is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch soon, reflecting a broader trend toward cross-platform access. At the same time, the revival of the classic game *Painkiller* is igniting debate among the original creators, who contend that the redesigned game deviates significantly from its origins, leading to discussions about the meaning of intellectual property in contemporary gaming.

**Warner Bros. vs. Paramount: Corporate Relationships**

In the business world, Warner Bros. has recently turned down a buyout proposal from Paramount, illustrating the volatile nature of ownership and partnerships within the entertainment sector. A recent statement from Warner Bros. illuminated the intricacies of media financing and raised concerns about the future of collaborations in the streaming and film industries.

**Conclusion: Looking Forward**

As we progress, the fusion of nostalgia-driven innovation and the continuously shifting gaming landscape continues to generate conversation around worth—both emotional and financial. The intersection of classic games, commerce, and corporate policies exposes a complex yet intriguing ecosystem influencing both gamers and collectors. Whether determining which collectibles will retain value or how platforms will ensure safety, the future of gaming and nostalgia brims with potential.

I don’t know about you, but I plan to spend Christmas pinned to the sofa by a 15 tog duvet, watching through the family’s boxset of Poirot mysteries. The duvet alone won’t be sufficient, and like a modern day Giles Corey, I’ll cry “More weight!” at a nearby sibling until they crush me with extra blankets. Only one arm will be free from the blanket stricture. This is for operating the remote, reaching for selection box chocolates, and petting the dog. After all, nothing says cosy like ensconcing yourself before a grisly murder at a country house.

Which is of course why The Seance Of Blake Manor is just as apt a recommendation today as it would have been when it was released at Halloween.

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**Kick Teams Up with Xbox: A New Chapter for Controversial Streaming**

Earlier today, the streaming platform Kick, recognized for its ties to contentious content and gambling connections, revealed a partnership with Xbox via its official X account. This collaboration marks a crucial advancement for Kick, which has thrived by offering a venue for creators often considered too contentious for mainstream streaming platforms like Twitch.

The announcement featured a graphic showcasing two individuals shaking hands, one of whom held a console box labeled “video game system,” with the Kick logo prominently displayed. The accompanying text simply read “kick 🤝 xbox,” denoting a formal alliance.

**Kick App Debuts on Xbox Consoles**

Kotaku verified the presence of a specialized Kick app on Xbox consoles. The app’s overview underscores Kick as a live streaming platform where creators connect with their audiences, highlighting its appealing 95-5 subscription split for content creators, an incentive scheme, and the capacity to multistream. Prominent streamers like xQc, Asmongold, and Max Holloway are noted as significant personalities opting to stream on Kick.

Over time, Kick has earned a reputation as a haven for banned and canceled Twitch streamers. It implements minimal moderation and relaxed community guidelines, fostering an environment where problematic conduct can thrive. This strategy has enabled Kick to secure lucrative deals with controversial figures such as Felix “xQc” Lengyel, Nick “Nickmercs” Kolcheff, and Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa.

Adin Ross, another notable presence on the platform, previously endured an indefinite suspension on Twitch due to challenges with controlling hate speech. Upon transitioning to Kick, he famously livestreamed high-profile interviews, including one with former President Donald Trump.

Nevertheless, Kick’s controversial reputation encompasses incidents like the livestreamed violence and humiliation by streamers such as Raphaël “Jeanpormanove” Graven, who tragically passed away during a stream. The platform is also closely associated with gambling through Stake, a co-founded site that has attracted significant viewership for its casino-related content, especially following Twitch’s gambling ban in 2022.

**Platform Constraints and Future Opportunities**

At present, there is no available Kick app for PlayStation consoles, marking a possible growth opportunity as the streaming industry continues to develop. Despite the controversies that surround its content policies and creator practices, the collaboration with Xbox could enhance Kick’s visibility and engagement within the gaming community.

Thus far, Xbox has not offered any remarks concerning the partnership or its potential ramifications for the gaming sector and its content creators. The industry’s reaction to this collaboration will be keenly observed, particularly in light of Kick’s reputation and the nature of the app’s offerings.

The ongoing RAM shortage (and subsequent and pricing explosion) is imposing a wider range of grim effects than even the Great GPU Famine of 2020. First came the death of one of gaming hardware’s most reliable memory and SSD makers, and now… uh… Larian’s new Divinity game is going to be more optimised for PC than it otherwise would have been?

That’s what Larian CEO Swen Vincke (clearly on a media tour – here’s him discussing Divinity with our Edwin) told TheGamer, anyway. Vincke notes that because the lack of affordable RAM options is making it harder to predict the horsepower of future PCs, “we already need to do a lot of optimization work in early access that we didn’t necessarily want to do at that point in time.” That doesn’t sound especially horrible to me – higher performance on lower-end rigs ultimately means more players can join in – though nowhere in the full interview does Vincke acknowledge that the shortage is being directly caused and sustained by demand from data centres that power generative AI, a technology that Larian are using in Divinity’s production, and that Vincke himself is defending the use of.

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# The “Gratitude Update” for *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*: A Fresh Challenge Awaits

Hot off its esteemed Game of the Year accolade, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* is stirring excitement once more with the launch of a new complimentary update dubbed the “Gratitude Update.” This update gifts players with extra levels, enhancements, and thrilling boss encounters that are set to enhance the gaming adventure even further. Given the intricacies of the new features, players are encouraged to hone their parrying techniques prior to jumping in, as even experienced players might find themselves taken by surprise.

## What’s Fresh in the Update?

A highlight of the Gratitude Update is the debut of the **Endless Tower**. This tough mode revamps several of the pre-existing boss confrontations from the main game, aimed at challenging players beyond their limits. Enthusiasts of *Clair Obscur* are already familiar with the challenge that late-game bosses pose, yet this update introduces an expansive collection of new encounters that are not just demanding but also visually stunning.

For instance, one of the newly introduced battles features an intricate combo sequence that is captivating to observe yet incredibly exhausting to endure. The update reshapes the combat mechanics players have mastered throughout their adventure, necessitating proficiency in dodging, parrying, and timing.

## Challenging Boss Encounters

The recent update has received a spectrum of responses from the player community, especially in regard to the intensity of the new boss fights. While numerous *Clair Obscur* enthusiasts welcome the challenge, some voice their discontent. These clashes depend significantly on a relentless barrage of assaults, along with tactical misdirection, where foes simulate attacks to disrupt players’ timing. This creates a scenario where sustaining rhythm is vital yet demanding.

One particular new boss encounter has attracted considerable attention for its notably destructive attack patterns, prompting feedback from players about the intimidating nature of these challenges. The sheer intensity of one boss’s capability, which can decimate a player’s team in a single strike, illustrates the increased stakes of the Gratitude Update.

## Community Feedback

As is the case with any update that elevates difficulty, responses fluctuate among the gaming populace. Some dedicated players relish the heightened challenge, while others, such as Reddit user Maggot_6661, have expressed their hardships. In a candid statement, the user noted: “I adore this game, honestly. This update is fantastic, but these bosses are excessive. Unless I dedicate a full 9 to 5 mastering the reaction speeds achievable only by a machine, I will never defeat them… it’s causing me to dislike the game… which is something I don’t want to happen.”

This feeling resonates with numerous players who sense the difficulty is overwhelming, prompting some to contemplate easing back from the new challenges. The balance between enjoyment and irritation is delicate, and not all players are prepared to tackle the most formidable content.

## The Balance of Challenge and Fun

In the end, frustration regarding tough boss fights is quite common in the RPG genre. Players frequently must gauge their enjoyment against the fulfillment of surmounting seemingly insurmountable challenges. It’s essential to acknowledge that while obstacles can enrich the gaming experience, taking a step back for the sake of enjoyment is equally justified.

In the realm of gaming, each player possesses their distinct threshold for challenge. The Gratitude Update for *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* clearly illustrates this dynamic, presenting both thrill and trepidation. As players navigate these tests, the community continues to expand, showcasing that each player’s journey can unfold in various ways.

For those brave enough to take on the Endless Tower, the gaming community is prepared to celebrate your achievements. As you face these new challenges, keep in mind that enjoying the game is the ultimate objective, no matter where your abilities may lead you.

I<3Ores

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We factory sim perverts have all known the joy of combing a mile of conveyor belt tagliatelle for that one empty hopper or unplugged furnace that’s stalled the entire production line. Now, imagine that the stalled production line is producing plasma swords for your army of murder droids.

You need your army of murder droids to fight another army of murder droids, but unfortunately, all of your murder droids are now swordless, and therefore murder droids no longer. They advance placidly into the firestorm, falling like mown dandelions, while you run your cursor desperately over the hexagonal smokestacks. There it is! A misfiring 3D printer, right in the centre.

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**Incredible Sony Headphones Bundle: WH-1000XM5 and WF-C700N Earbuds for Only $248**

Amazon has unveiled a remarkable limited-time promotion that is perfect for both audio enthusiasts and gift shoppers. Until December 31st, customers can acquire the top-tier Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones paired with the WF-C700N wireless earbuds for only $248. This eye-catching bundle has a retail value of $519 when purchased separately, meaning the earbuds, originally priced at $119, are essentially complimentary.

This exclusive offer presents a fantastic chance to complete several items on your holiday gift list or, even better, keep the premium headphones for yourself and gift the earbuds to a friend or family member who values exceptional sound.

### Superior Noise-Canceling Technology

The WH-1000XM5 headphones come with a **dual processor architecture** that enhances their noise-canceling features. Utilizing two dedicated processors that manage eight microphones, these headphones effectively analyze and negate background noise like never before. This groundbreaking design allows for simultaneous noise cancellation and audio processing, guaranteeing outstanding sound quality without excessive battery consumption. The eight-microphone array captures environmental sounds from various angles, enabling real-time adjustments to different soundscapes, such as airplane engines or office noise.

This advanced microphone system also significantly **enhances call quality**. Employing beamforming technology, the headphones focus on your voice while minimizing distractions. As a result, you can engage in phone calls or video meetings in busy settings without causing the other party to struggle to hear you.

### Outstanding Audio Quality

The WH-1000XM5 is equipped with **new 30mm drivers** that greatly improve audio clarity with a wider frequency range and precise sound reproduction. When combined with DSEE Extreme processing, these drivers restore lost details in compressed audio files, bringing digital music closer to high-resolution quality. Additionally, the headphones support lossless music playback when connected via the included cable, making them compatible with platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, or Qobuz.

Battery life for the WH-1000XM5 is also impressive. With Active Noise Cancellation turned on, users can expect up to **30 hours of playback time**, perfect for lengthy flights or protracted casual listening experiences. Quick charging capabilities provide three hours of use after just three minutes of charging, making these headphones an excellent choice for busy schedules.

### WF-C700N Earbuds: The Ideal Partner

In addition to the over-ear headphones, the **WF-C700N earbuds** make a wonderful complement to this package. Crafted for a more portable music experience, these truly wireless earbuds also incorporate active noise cancellation, making them suitable for various activities, from workouts to short outings. Their ergonomic design guarantees a comfortable, secure fit during movement.

Overall, this bundle represents total savings of **$271**, reducing the price to just $248 for both items instead of the standard $519. The WH-1000XM5 typically retails for $399, which renders this bundle especially attractive as it includes the earbuds for free while also offering a significant discount on the premium headphones. Presently, there is no other offer that pairs high-quality over-ear headphones with complimentary truly wireless earbuds at such a compelling price point.

**Take advantage of this amazing chance** to enhance your audio experience or discover the ideal gift.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6477/)