Gait Games

**Ubisoft’s Backing of Dark Messiah Modding Team: A Bright Spot in Difficult Times**

Ubisoft, a name widely recognized for its prestigious gaming franchises, is currently maneuvering through a landscape full of difficulties, including falling stock prices, employee dissatisfaction, and a series of management changes. However, in the midst of these challenges, the company is gaining attention for a surprising yet praiseworthy decision: extending support to a modding team dedicated to resurrecting the cherished game *Dark Messiah of Might & Magic* by porting it to the latest version of Valve’s Source engine.

### A Timeless Classic Reimagined

First launched in 2006 by Arkane Studios, *Dark Messiah of Might & Magic* was acclaimed for its creative take on the RPG genre. Merging elements of stealth, magic, and fierce melee action, the game established a distinct niche within the gaming community, particularly noted for its captivating physics and unforgettable gameplay elements. Its hallmark feature—a formidable kick ability—became a defining aspect of its combat system.

In recent times, fans have aimed to keep the title relevant on contemporary platforms, leading to the creation of a committed modding team known as wiltOS Technologies. This group initially developed several patches to improve the game’s compatibility with modern hardware but has now embarked on a more ambitious goal: porting the complete game to the latest version of the Source engine, which will secure the future of *Dark Messiah* for many years ahead.

### Partnership with Ubisoft and Valve

Importantly, wiltOS Technologies has gained not just approval from Ubisoft, but also direct backing from Valve in their mission. This collaborative attitude is especially significant, as gaming companies typically approach such partnerships cautiously, wary of the repercussions of sharing code. David Wiltos from the modding team shared news of their collaboration on ModDB, highlighting the crucial role of Ubisoft’s support in granting “direct code access” and assistance with their Advanced SDK.

Engagement with Ubisoft signifies a change in corporate mindset towards supporting fan-driven projects that honor legacy titles. This readiness to collaborate could set a significant precedent in the gaming industry, reminiscent of historical moments when companies like id Software earned goodwill by releasing source codes and nurturing active modding communities.

### Broadened Horizons for the Game

With access to the latest Source SDK, wiltOS Technologies intends to drastically improve *Dark Messiah* while maintaining compatibility with existing modifications. This initiative is anticipated to further stabilize the game and enable a wider array of updates, including thrilling new features, graphical upgrades, and even multiplayer options. The modding team is currently welcoming volunteers to expedite the development of this Community Edition, with the goal of revitalizing a game that has endured over time.

Alongside the ongoing work on the Community Edition, recent updates have revitalized the original game, adding features such as RTX graphical enhancements, cooperative modes, and new elemental gameplay mechanics like Runes. This resurgence stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of *Dark Messiah* and highlights the influence of community engagement in the gaming realm.

### A Ray of Hope Amidst Adversity

Ubisoft’s endorsement of the modding project shines as a symbol of optimism amidst the challenges the company faces. It underscores the potential of community-driven collaboration in preserving and enhancing classic games, while reflecting a progressive approach to the evolving gaming landscape. In an era where companies frequently prioritize profits over their entertainment legacy, Ubisoft’s readiness to back the creative pursuits of passionate fans might indicate a more inclusive and community-focused future for the gaming industry.

In essence, this initiative not only illustrates the strength of fan loyalty but also emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections between publishers and modders, ultimately enriching the gaming experience for everyone.

Menace, the latest very XCOM-ish game from Battle Brothers developer Overhype Studios, has been out in early access for about a month now, and with that the arrival of a roadmap has appeared to grace us with very sparse details regarding what you can expect in the game’s numerous updates to come.

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**Continue: Revitalizing Australian Video Game Journalism**

Continue (styled as CONTINUE) is a bold print magazine initiated by Jackson Ryan and Mark Serrels, focused on rejuvenating Australia’s fading video game media landscape. With a successful Kickstarter campaign that has exceeded its $18,000 target in just 24 hours, Continue serves as a landmark for Australian games journalism, featuring some of the country’s most prominent voices.

The Australian video game media environment has encountered considerable obstacles over the last five years. While the global trend indicates a decline in video game journalism, Australia has seen a particularly sharp decrease in support and resources for gaming platforms. Despite the common perception that there is a strong demand for quality games journalism, numerous beloved outlets have either closed down or shifted towards less effective models, such as automated content creation.

Jackson Ryan highlighted the seriousness of the situation on Continue’s Kickstarter page, stating, “It’s been a harsh period for videogames. Industry-wide layoffs, studios closing their doors. Games writing has suffered, too. We’ve witnessed our favorite outlets vanish — or worse, turn into AI content machines. It feels gloomy. It feels like there’s no light at the end of this very dark tunnel. But we believe audiences appreciate exceptional games writing. So we don’t want to give up.”

The first issue of Continue is scheduled to include contributions from esteemed Australian game journalists, such as Alanah Pearce, Ruby Innes, Ally McLean, James O’Connor, and Ben Armstrong. Furthermore, Continue is devoted to nurturing new talent in the industry by encouraging pitches from aspiring writers, offering them an opportunity to contribute through a designated pitch form.

With the successful backing of the Kickstarter campaign and the realization of multiple stretch goals, Ryan and Serrels plan to extend Continue beyond print, with a website expected to launch at continuemagazine.com. This digital addition aims to expand their reach and maintain ongoing debates in games journalism. Even though the campaign has already met its funding goals, supporters still have the chance to contribute and help ensure the success of subsequent issues, including issue #2.

In summary, Continue signifies a promising revival for video game journalism in Australia, propelled by enthusiastic individuals committed to high-quality writing and genuine engagement with the gaming community.

Do all roads lead to gacha It feels like an inevitability, the endpoint of the universe. When there is nothing but a handful of atoms left, the rolls will keep on coming. It’s destiny! That’s the only explanation I have for Wikipedia Gacha, a simple browser game that truly is what it says on the tin. Let me explain it for you anyway.

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**Chained Echoes: Debate Over Physical Copies and Legal Proceedings**

Launched through Kickstarter in 2019 and made available digitally in 2022, the nostalgic RPG *Chained Echoes* has won over fans, drawing parallels to classics like *Chrono Trigger* while carving out its own unique narrative and gameplay style. Created by Matthias Linda, the lone developer behind Umami Tiger, *Chained Echoes* has become a center of controversy as Linda announced the end of his partnership with First Press Games, the entity tasked with producing physical copies of the game, and is gearing up for a lawsuit due to unresolved issues concerning backers’ orders.

The Kickstarter initiative for *Chained Echoes* kicked off on February 5, 2019, reaching its funding target by March 2 of the same year. Even with positive critical acclaim and completing its digital launch on December 8, 2022, the promised physical editions for backers have remained a major issue. The Kickstarter stretch goals included physical copies for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, all of which were achieved. Nevertheless, according to recent communications from Linda, only the PlayStation 4 editions have been dispatched to backers, leaving numerous supporters unhappy.

In an emotional update shared on Kickstarter, Linda conveyed his disappointment regarding the matter. He pointed out that the approval for the physical editions was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2023, but no physical copies, except for those of the PlayStation 4, had been sent out. He emphasized, “It’s been a bit over 2 years since First Press Games was supposed to release the physical copies, and as of 2026, nothing has arrived except the standard PlayStation 4 edition.”

The problems with First Press Games appear to be widespread rather than sporadic. Reports have emerged from various indie creators who have faced similar difficulties in fulfilling orders, raising questions about the reliability of First Press Games. Despite ongoing grievances, the company continues to allow consumers to place orders for the physical versions of *Chained Echoes* on their website, which adds complications for those who backed the Kickstarter project.

Linda clarified the refund situation for backers who upgraded their purchases through First Press Games’ store. He explained that only those who utilized Kickstarter vouchers would be eligible for reimbursement, highlighting the gap between Kickstarter contributors and independent buyers of the game.

Although the legal proceedings may require time to progress, they underline the persistent challenges within the indie game publishing sector, especially regarding the delivery of physical rewards. As the situation evolves, the future of *Chained Echoes*’ physical copies remains uncertain, with backers eagerly anticipating resolution and clarity regarding their contributions.

To be cringe is to be free. I stand by this saying! The moment you unshackle yourself from the notion that something is embarrassing simply for existing, you will have a much easier time enjoying things. However. I do think I will be a bit embarrassed telling you about Rizz Dungeon: Skeleton Key to My Heart, a dungeon crawler where you are a useless failgirl who flirts with and subsequently recruits monster girls to do all her battles, because oh my gods why would you call a game Rizz Dungeon.

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# Donkey Kong Bananza: A Groundbreaking Approach to Destruction in Gaming

*Donkey Kong Bananza* has risen to prominence as a remarkable title for the Nintendo Switch 2, winning the affection of gamers with its distinctive emphasis on environments that can be destroyed. This 3D action platformer enables players to unleash mayhem in its colorful realm, where almost everything is open to destruction. A notable feature in the game is the special menu option that permits players to revert levels to their original settings if they get carried away with their destructive actions.

## Artistry Behind the Destruction

The development team at Nintendo understood that simply having destruction would not be enough; the world that players were obliterating needed to be visually breathtaking. Tatsuya Kurihara, a software engineer at Nintendo, expressed this idea during a presentation at GDC 2026, stating, “It’s more thrilling to demolish something that appears indestructible.” His vision was that destruction should feel grand, and to accomplish this, the game designers painstakingly designed levels adorned with vibrant flower beds, complex rock structures, and expansive trees, making the act of destruction not only impactful but visually rewarding.

Kurihara revealed that the average level in *Donkey Kong Bananza* features an astonishing 347,070,464 individually destructible voxels. This technical feat exemplifies Nintendo’s culture of innovative experimentation, intricately blending artistry and gameplay.

## Insights from the GDC Presentation

During the crowded GDC session at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, the Nintendo team captivated attendees with an engaging presentation that echoed the spirit of a Nintendo Direct. This talk was more than just an exclusive look into *Donkey Kong Bananza*; it provided the audience with insights into Nintendo’s broader game development strategies and philosophies.

Motokura, a veteran producer with over 25 years at Nintendo, highlighted the necessity of evolving beyond established ideas. Referencing past projects, the voxel technology first introduced in *Super Mario Odyssey* laid the groundwork for the mechanics of *Donkey Kong Bananza*. It was a lengthy progression from a basic Goomba breaking through blocks to a fully realized game where players can relish the exhilarating joy of demolishing their surroundings.

## The Fusion of Ideas

Motokura’s objective was to merge the destructible characteristic of voxels with the iconic figure of Donkey Kong, bringing him back into the spotlight of the 3D action platforming genre. He disclosed that the design was inspired by classic components, such as the interactive blocks in the second level of *Super Mario Bros.*, where players could forge new paths by destroying blocks. This lineage of gameplay mechanics highlights the seamless integration of nostalgia with contemporary gaming standards.

The team spirit among the development crew was another essential element underscored during the GDC presentation. Both Motokura and Kurihara emphasized the significance of collaboration and feedback from all areas, reinforcing that *Donkey Kong Bananza* was the product of collective input rather than individual achievements. The result is a rich and immersive gaming experience that resonates with players on multiple levels.

## Looking to the Future

As the gaming industry encounters challenges related to market dynamics and production timelines, Nintendo’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive creative atmosphere remains important. Motokura’s hopeful closing remarks to the audience underscored the necessity of collaborative creativity in crafting enjoyable and exciting games. He urged for ongoing conversations among developers to explore the boundaries of what games can deliver.

In summary, *Donkey Kong Bananza* not only brings the excitement of destruction to life through its innovative level design and visual artistry but also embodies a philosophy that champions creativity, collaboration, and the passion for gaming. As players immerse themselves in this vibrant and destructible world, they are reminded that the joy of gaming resides in the fusion of artistry and interaction.

Sundays are for celebrating the 800th-est ever Sunday Papers. Happy big 8-0-0, Sunday Papers. Here are four fun facts about the number 800, followed by some quality writing from the past week.

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# Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Summary

Hello, it’s Zack here, your weary yet persevering *Kotaku* writer overseeing Morning Checkpoint while Ethan is busy at GDC. Today’s lineup includes news on a leaked PlayStation-themed Lego set, a peek at some terrible AI-generated guides, and insights from a former *God of War* writer who believes the sex mini-games should be reinstated in the remake. This is the newest edition of Morning Checkpoint, *Kotaku*‘s everyday summary of gaming news, rumors, and culture. And before we proceed, I came across this image of Donkey Kong without fur today, and it made me feel down. [I’m sharing it with you so I don’t suffer alone](https://bsky.app/profile/jongraywb.blacksky.app/post/3mgs5tc3jbs22). Enjoy!

## *God of War* Sex Mini-Games Were “Primarily Developed by Women”

According to *Eurogamer*, *God of War Ragnarök* writer Alanah Pearce said during a livestream that the notorious sex scene mini-games in the earlier *God of War* titles were “primarily developed by women” and [should be included in the remakes](https://kotaku.com/original-god-of-war-trilogy-getting-a-full-remake-2000668356). She collaborated with one of the women involved in creating the older games and the sex scenes. Pearce noted that the developer was “quite proud of it.”

“Indeed, when you enter, I believe it’s Aphrodite’s chamber, this was designed—once more, with a group of women—to resemble a labia. Like, it’s genuinely constructed to evoke a vagina. And it was the women who accomplished that,” Pearce asserted. “When you observe it, it’s logical, but I feel as though many people overlooked that.”

Pearce believes that the *God of War* sex mini-games should be featured in the remakes, adding that while the scenes may be “somewhat silly,” they nevertheless “belong” in the games. She also doesn’t perceive them as “disrespectful to women” and feels they reveal a great deal about Kratos as a character and an individual at that stage in the franchise. [*Kotaku*’s Kenneth Shepard shares her view](https://kotaku.com/god-of-war-ps5-remake-trilogy-sex-minigames-censored-2000669769).

## Lego Original PlayStation Console Set Leak

Lego and Sony are reportedly collaborating on a PlayStation 1 Lego set, according to leaker lego_minecraft_goat on Instagram. Sources say the PS1 set will retail for $160 and will consist of 1,911 pieces. The set is expected to launch in December.

## *Fortnite*’s Original Mode Will Finally Be Free Next Month

Today, *Fortnite* is widely recognized as a battle royale game (along with being a rhythm game, a racing game, a Lego-themed survival game, and more). However, that wasn’t always the case. It initially debuted in Early Access as a survival crafting game focused on loot and fending off hordes of zombies. When the battle royale mode skyrocketed in popularity in 2017, the original game was rebranded as *Save the World* and has undergone various updates since. Now, this segment of *Fortnite* is set to go free-to-play in April.

## Amazon is Overrun with AI-Generated Guides

AI-generated content is spreading and tarnishing more parts of our world. This includes video game guides, which are still available for purchase on Amazon. However, as reported by *Aftermath*, numerous guides for titles like *Resident Evil Requiem* and *Pokopia* are AI-generated and filled with inaccuracies and omissions.

Customers who have purchased these physical guides report that they often lack images and consist solely of supposedly AI-generated or plagiarized text. In some cases, the guidebooks are said to abruptly end because the AI exhausted its information due to embargoes preventing sites from providing details about a game beyond a certain point. Welcome to the future, it is quite disappointing.

## In Case You Missed It:

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Marvel Rivals developers NetEase have introduced new systems for detecting thrown matches. This follows a bizarre wave of people getting bribed to take a fall, instigated by a third-party website who are now advertising themselves as some kind of community advocacy initiative.

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