Gait Games

Late last month, a video featuring a theoretical AAA Mario game went viral, sparking a wave of conversations online, especially regarding a particular line of dialogue: “Focus, M.” This line, voiced by actor Ariel Hack as Princess Peach, has come to symbolize a witty take on the clichés often present in blockbuster gaming storylines, particularly those reminiscent of series such as Uncharted and Gears of War.

On December 23, voice actor Ryan Stewart shared a video depicting a lighthearted interaction between Mario, voiced by himself, and Peach as they get ready to confront Bowser. The original gameplay footage, created by Funkyzeit as a conceptual prototype, was first uploaded in 2022. Stewart’s version, with its humorous twist on AAA game dialogue, quickly captured widespread attention online, amassing over 25 million views on Twitter by January 5.

The phrase “Focus, M” emerged as a memorable highlight from the video, encapsulating the ridiculousness of certain AAA dialogues that typically mix humor with game mechanics or narrative elements. Stewart recognized the line’s potential for virality, expressing that, while he didn’t foresee the magnitude of its success, he believed a “banger” had been made, particularly after hearing Hack’s performance.

As the meme gained traction, it moved beyond its initial context, being applied to a variety of unrelated topics, showing a cultural relevance that often defines viral internet trends. Users humorously labeled numerous games and even remasters as “Focus, M” titles, reinforcing a common understanding of the phrase within the gaming community.

Despite the humor surrounding it, opinions on the meme differ. While Stewart welcomes the conversations and fan art inspired by “Focus, M,” creators like Funkyzeit seem to have a more mixed response, indicating that the dialogue’s influence may not completely align with their original intentions.

As the meme keeps circulating, it mirrors larger discussions within the gaming community about dialogue, humor, and player involvement in contemporary gaming narratives. Some believe phrases like “Focus, M” can act as a critique of tropes in game writing, while others claim it has already become overused, questioning the delicate balance between humor and saturation in internet culture.

In summary, the “Focus, M” meme underscores an intriguing intersection of creativity, community, and criticism within the gaming realm, demonstrating how a single line can give rise to extensive discussions—both literally and metaphorically—on the essence of storytelling in video games.

**The Unpredictable Future of EVR Studio and Mudang: Two Hearts**

At last year’s Xbox Games Showcase, the Korea-based developer EVR Studio unveiled *Mudang: Two Hearts*, a stealth action-adventure title akin to the *Splinter Cell* franchise. Nonetheless, recent events have sparked worries regarding the studio’s financial health and project direction. Reports indicate possible layoffs and funding challenges, with the company’s website currently down.

According to sources from *Need4Games*, EVR Studio has terminated multiple employees due to insufficient funding. They report a drastic reduction in staff from over a hundred to merely 22, as noted by a Korean tracking site. This drop raises significant concerns regarding the studio’s ability to continue creating *Mudang*.

Moreover, an investor from EVR Studio has shared a timeline for *Mudang*, implying a launch by the end of March 2026, aligned with the fiscal year’s conclusion. This has intensified pressure, as investors are likely to be unhappy if the game does not comply with this timeline.

The studio has not only faced a decrease in workforce but also a sharp drop in its online presence. EVR’s official website is currently unavailable, with the latest archived version from October 23, causing alarm among fans and industry observers alike. Updates from the studio’s YouTube channel have also stopped since the August 15 developer diary.

Insights from LinkedIn show at least 34 individuals linked to EVR Studio, although many profiles are private. Public profiles, featuring key figures like CEO Yongki Yoon and executive producer Dong Joon Min, suggest they are still actively employed; however, the long-term security of these roles is uncertain given recent occurrences.

EVR Studio does run a Discord server with over 2,300 members, where discussions about the game’s future are prevalent. The most recent update from the studio on this platform dates back to August 29, outlining their focus on validating a playable build and performing regression testing, with additional updates likely postponed. This commitment to quality may not fully reassure anxious fans.

*Mudang: Two Hearts* is aimed for a 2026 release on PC, PS5, and Xbox consoles. The game reportedly garnered 100,000 wishlist entries by July 25 of last year, signifying robust initial interest. However, the uncertainty surrounding the studio’s operational condition casts doubt over its potential success.

As the gaming community closely observes, it remains unclear how EVR Studio will navigate these challenging times and whether *Mudang: Two Hearts* will eventually meet its ambitious launch target. *Kotaku* has contacted EVR Studio for comments as the situation develops.

Before we begin the year’s first round-up of new PC game releases, an apology: we skipped feeding the Maw for one whole week back in December. In a deceptively carefree comment, I explained that I had too much seasonal blogmange to prepare, but this was actually a PR excuse to minimise hysteria. You see, back in November the Maw ate me, and I have only just exited its digestive system. During past emergencies, I’ve done this by hooking onto gumlines and working my way from tonsil to tonsil. This time I forgot to bring my climbing axes, and was obliged to escape in… the other direction.

It is best not to share more. Thankfully, the Maw’s internal odours are only smellable in the 11th through 17th dimensions, though they can still be detected in Normie Spacetime – you may have noticed that all the reflections are pinstriped today. Anyway, now that I’ve properly explained the break in service, let’s gingerly dip our still-reeking fingers into the spumes of commerce.

Read more

**Not Every Hero Wears a Cape: The Daring Deed of Martha Root at the Chaos Communication Congress**

Not every hero wears a cape. Some don colorful outfits radiating nostalgia and bravery. During a recent hacking event, an unidentified hacker, referred to solely by the alias Martha Root, showcased this by intertwining cosplay with activism. Clad as the legendary Pink Ranger, Root tapped into her hacking expertise to erase white supremacist websites in real-time on stage.

The location for this bold move was the Chaos Communication Congress, a yearly gathering arranged by the Chaos Computer Club in Hamburg, Germany. In a presentation that blended aspects of performance art with ethical hacking, Root took the spotlight alongside reporters Eva Hoffmann and Christian Fuchs. The high point of the presentation featured a live removal of servers belonging to three infamous white supremacist websites: WhiteDate, WhiteChild, and WhiteDeal.

These platforms facilitated racially exclusive matchmaking, egg and sperm donation, and a job market strictly reserved for white individuals. The administrator of these services publicly condemned the attack on X, describing it as an act of “cyberterrorism,” underscoring the disruptive essence of Root’s actions.

Beyond eliminating the servers, Martha Root also revealed personal information from these sites, showcasing profile pictures and other details while temporarily withholding emails, passwords, and private conversations. The gender disparity on these sites was striking, with Root pointing out that a remarkable 86 percent of users were men, while only 14 percent identified as women—an imbalance so glaring it reminded Root of a scenario “where the Smurfs village looks like a feminist utopia.”

With a blend of humor and sharpness, Root quipped, “Picture calling yourselves the ‘master race’ but neglecting to secure your own website — maybe consider mastering to host WordPress before aiming for world domination.” This remark captures the witty yet critical perspective the hacker presented, using the platform to challenge the very ideas of supremacy and digital security.

The impact of Root’s courageous actions resonated beyond the congress, sparking conversations about the role of hacktivism in opposing hate and advocating for social justice. Root’s methodology serves not only as a powerful declaration against racism and discrimination but also as a reminder of the unexpected intersections among technology, culture, and activism.

In a world where digital spaces can frequently become hotbeds for hate, Root’s demonstration illustrated how creativity and technical skill can converge to dismantle harmful ideologies. As the hacker community continues to explore the intricate terrain of digital ethics, Martha Root emerges as a symbol of the unconventional hero—one who embodies the essence of change and confronts the status quo while honoring childhood heroes.

Slay. Go, go Power Ranger.

A nice, juicy nine-minute-long Styx: Blades of Greed gameplay trailer has been plucked from the tree of stealth games today. Juicy in the sense that nine minutes is plenty of time to help ascertain whether a game looks like it could be fun, yet if we’re sticking with this metaphor this is one of those apples that’s really good but has a nasty bruise on it you have to avoid.

Read more

### Jack Black: The Role He Wishes He Hadn’t Declined in *The Incredibles*

In recent times, Jack Black has established himself as a well-known figure in numerous films, highlighting his distinct mix of humor and charm. From his performances in hit movies like *School of Rock* to the latest *Minecraft Movie*, Black has kept a steady presence in the film industry. Nonetheless, there is one part that he looks back on with remorse: that of Syndrome, the antagonist in Pixar’s celebrated animated film *The Incredibles*.

During a sincere interview with Capital FM while promoting his new venture, a meta-sequel to *Anaconda* alongside Paul Rudd, Black disclosed that he was approached for the role of Syndrome but ultimately declined it. His choice was influenced by a wish for the character to possess greater depth. He shared his worries about the villain being flat and asked for a revision to enhance the intricacy and richness of the role. Sadly, Pixar’s director Brad Bird was not inclined to accommodate these requests, resulting in Black forgoing what turned out to be one of the most cherished animated features.

Upon reflecting on his choice, Black recognized that he gained an important insight from this situation. Considering the film’s tremendous success and critical praise, he was left pondering why he had been “so challenging” concerning the proposition. Syndrome, brought to life by Jason Lee, emerged as a prominent character, while the film was lauded for its narrative and character evolution.

This experience seems to have influenced Black’s perspective on roles in later projects. He appears to have adopted a more accommodating outlook, as shown by his ongoing participation in various films and franchises. While his recent endeavor in *Minecraft Movie* received mixed reviews, it still attained notable box office success—suggesting that Black’s career continues to flourish, even as he reminisces about lost chances.

As fans anticipate Black’s upcoming projects, it’s evident that his journey in Hollywood is characterized by both successes and meaningful lessons learned. His experiences remind us of the significance of collaboration and the readiness to embrace new opportunities in the constantly changing film landscape.

The funny thing about games is that while making them, if you put something in them, it’s quite hard to take that thing back out again. Who knows what that might break! Which can of course lead to people finding things that were never meant to be seen, like cut parts of a game, which is pretty much exactly what has happened to Resident Evil 4 Remake through the discovery of a level all about Ashley.

Read more

**Contemplations on 2025: A Year in Gaming**

The end of 2025 has arrived, bringing with it a rich tapestry of gaming achievements and hurdles that will echo in the future of the industry. As we approach 2026, it’s essential to reflect on both the successes and failures of the past year. For many, 2025 was distinguished by some of the most vibrant and varied video games, set against a backdrop of critical real-world events that influenced the gaming environment.

### The Landscape of Consoles

The console rivalry continued to transform in 2025, with Xbox revealing intentions for a new console. Yet, this forthcoming device appears to mirror a high-end PC more than the traditional console experience players have come to know, raising concerns that Xbox’s conventional identity might be diminishing. Many have expressed that the brand’s prominence is decreasing, leading to foreboding declarations of “Xbox is finished.”

Conversely, the PlayStation 5, although celebrated as Sony’s most triumphant console, grapples with cultural significance. The term “PS5” may have become entwined with gaming culture, yet it lacks considerable cultural relevance, prompting inquiries about the brand’s lasting bond with its audience.

In the meantime, Nintendo’s new flagship console, while adept at providing familiar gaming experiences, fell short of innovating beyond established properties. Players found themselves reminiscing about the impactful launch year of the original Switch, creating hopes that perhaps the sequel has not fully delivered.

### A Transition in Physical Media

Physical media saw further decline as 2025 introduced Game Key Cards for certain Switch 2 titles. These cards contain digital DRM codes instead of actual game data, amplifying concerns regarding dependence on internet access and the fragility of game preservation.

### Creative Content and Novel Gameplay

Despite these issues, 2025 presented a plethora of standout titles revitalizing the gaming industry. Epic Games effectively themed a mini-season of *Fortnite* around *The Simpsons*, offering an engaging experience that fused nostalgic elements with lively visuals. Fans rejoiced at the inclusion of cherished characters, underlining the enchantment of pop culture partnerships.

Additionally, titles like *Despelote* provided unique narratives by detailing a young Ecuadorian boy’s pursuit of soccer during a significant period in his country’s history. Such narrative-centric games offer an immersive perspective into real-world experiences while nurturing cultural ties.

The indie sector also flourished with surprising hits like *Brazilian Drug Dealer 3*, which intrigued audiences with its unusual yet captivating gameplay. Likewise, *Octopath Traveler 0* marked a triumphant revival for Square Enix, showcasing the possibility for substantial RPGs once freed from unnecessary monetization constraints.

### A Mixed Bag of Reception

Nevertheless, not every release struck a chord. *Fire Emblem Shadows* encountered severe backlash for lacking engaging content, while new titles such as *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* divided players with its ambitious narrative and uneven execution. Such contentious titles emphasize the challenges developers face in balancing inventive gameplay against audience expectations.

As the gaming industry gains momentum heading into 2026, it is evident that lessons from 2025 will influence future advancements. As we say goodbye to the prior year, the community must uphold the spirit of innovation while confronting the shortcomings highlighted this year. Only time will determine how these reflections will shape the upcoming chapters of gaming history.

Gloomwood opened the year not with a whimper, but with a town – a Hightown! Right on January 1st, a fresh update and new area (The Hightown District) arrived in the early access stealth game. This new district is very vaguely described as the game’s “most vertical open area” yet, and it certainly looks as suitably gloomy as the rest of the game.

Read more

### Lego’s Intelligent Brick: A New Chapter in Play

Lego has made a remarkable advancement in the realm of play with the launch of the Intelligent Brick, a groundbreaking enhancement to its well-loved plastic bricks. Revealed at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Intelligent Brick, measuring the same as a standard 4×2 Lego piece, incorporates cutting-edge technology similar to that utilized in contemporary smartphones.

#### Launch of Interactive Play

On January 5, 2026, Lego unveiled its groundbreaking Interactive Play system, crafted to operate effortlessly with pre-existing Lego bricks. At the heart of this system lies the Intelligent Brick, serving as a compact computer that enriches the interactive gaming experience.

The Intelligent Brick comes with an array of sensors, such as light and sound detection features, along with accelerometers. It is outfitted with a small speaker driven by an onboard synthesizer and a specialized microchip that is even smaller than a conventional Lego stud. This technological progression enables dynamic engagement during play, introducing a new dimension of imagination and thrill to Lego constructions.

#### Characteristics and Engagement

The Intelligent Brick offers an improved play experience when paired with additional Interactive Play elements like Smart Tiles and Smart Minifigs. For example, in promotional clips, kids can attach a rotor to a dinosaur, which, once activated, leads the Intelligent Brick to produce helicopter noises.

Forthcoming Star Wars-themed kits set to launch in March will display the adaptability of the Intelligent Brick. Highlighted scenarios include the Emperor minifig playing the Imperial March when seated on its throne or spacecraft that generate laser sounds during mock skirmishes. Moreover, lightsabers will emit unique humming and swirling sounds when moved, enhancing the engaging atmosphere.

#### User-Friendliness

What distinguishes the Intelligent Brick is its autonomy from smartphones or computers. There is no requirement for an accompanying application, making the setup easy for both children and parents. After constructing their designs, kids can interact with the Smart elements right away, creating a lively environment without the complications that often accompanied previous tech integrations, which frequently involved intricate setups and regular updates.

#### Final Thoughts

The Intelligent Brick signifies a promising step into the future of play, combining classic Lego creativity with modern technology. Scheduled to launch in various Lego Star Wars kits in March 2026, this innovation aims to inspire the imaginations of young creators while streamlining the play process. As Lego persistently expands the frontiers of how children connect with their offerings, the Intelligent Brick emerges as a potential revolutionary development in the landscape of construction toys.