Gait Games

**The Struggles of Game Development at Amazon Games Studios**

Game development is infamous for its difficulties, and a recent report from Amazon Games Studios uncovers a tumultuous atmosphere characterized by swift changes and unpredictability. Eurogamer has highlighted the challenges of a development team that had to shift focus to a new project centered on generative AI, all in a bid to maintain their positions, only to ultimately face cancellation.

In October 2022, Amazon revealed the layoff of around 14,000 employees, significantly affecting its gaming sector. A key loss was the decision to terminate the MMORPG *New World: Aeternum*, which, despite being one of Amazon Games’ limited successes, is scheduled to cease operations in January 2027. The cutbacks also included an ambitious MMO version of *Lord of the Rings*, alongside the cancellation of the lesser-known title *Project Trident*.

*Project Trident* was designed as a Viking-themed, third-person action comedy that utilized generative AI technology to craft a more interactive game environment and responsive NPCs. However, sources close to the project disclosed that it underwent significant revisions due to corporate demands. The initial idea drew influence from *Shadow of the Colossus*, but the team felt pressured to change its course following an order to integrate AI components or risk more reductions.

Changes persisted, steering towards a gameplay approach reminiscent of *Helldivers*, but that was still not the ultimate version. As time grew short, developers were given merely 18 months to complete the project, but they successfully negotiated for extra time, ultimately shifting to a single-player model. After several development stages, the team was nearing the completion of a demo when Amazon announced the layoffs, resulting in the project’s cancellation.

In a memo concerning the layoffs, Steve Boom, the head of Amazon Games, expressed that a considerable segment of first-party AAA game development, especially regarding MMOs, would be discontinued. This foreshadowed a grim outlook for once-ambitious efforts, including the *Lord of the Rings* MMO, which eventually confirmed its cancellation along with *Project Trident*.

In spite of the challenges, Amazon remains committed to a new project associated with *Lord of the Rings*. Jeff Grattis, head of Amazon Games, stated that the creative team is investigating an engaging new game experience that pays tribute to Tolkien’s universe, raising questions about whether developers will be permitted to see this game through to fruition.

The circumstances at Amazon Games Studios underscore the hurdles faced by developers in navigating corporate directives and the instability of project development within the gaming sector. As the environment continues to evolve, the future of Amazon’s gaming pursuits remains ambiguous, with developers caught between lofty aspirations and practical constraints.

“What differentiates a story from the real world, or a simulation?” ask developer Croteam in a very Baudrillardy way in their announcement post for The Talos Principle 3. “The real world goes on and on, but a story must have a clear beginning, middle, and end. And so the Talos Principle, a story we have worked on for more than a decade, must also come to an end.” Sad! But they’re right, all things must end.

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# Subnautica 2: Insights and Tips for Early Access

Subnautica 2 has made its debut in Early Access, offering gamers a deep and engaging experience in underwater crafting and exploration. While the game is anticipated to evolve over the next two to three years, there’s already a wealth of content to explore, along with some nuances players should be mindful of. Here are key pieces of advice for traversing Unknown Worlds’ latest aquatic adventure.

## Your First Base is Merely a Corridor with a Door

At first, the game might feel like it’s guiding you along, particularly in terms of base construction. Players are urged to assemble a base after creating the Habitat Builder, yet they can currently only build a corridor and hatch. Although this seems restrictive, it is part of the designed progression. Resources such as titanium are plentiful in the initial region, particularly in caves. Concentrate on erecting a single corridor and a hatch to set up your inaugural home base. As you advance, larger room options will open up.

## Position Your Base Near a Current

Once the option to build rooms arises, the location becomes crucial. Rather than building your structures right under your escape pod, seek out nearby jetstream tubes. Establishing your base close to these streams is beneficial since the solar panels that supply power to your base only function during daylight hours. At night, it’s wise to install a hydroelectric turbine within a jetstream to ensure power continuity. This strategy conserves both time and materials, as you won’t have to lay power transmitters over long distances.

## Avoid Exiting the Early Access Zone

Be wary of the red-striped border; this indicates the outer boundaries of the playable Early Access area. The game might allow exploration beyond this zone, but it comes with dangers, including instant death from gigantic sea creatures. While encountering these enormous beings can be exhilarating, it’s better to refrain from wandering out with precious items in your possession.

## Death Locations Are Not Displayed on the Map

One particularly irritating element of Subnautica 2 is that death locations are not marked on the map. Upon dying, players will respawn at their base while any dropped items float away. This can create a difficult recovery situation, especially if the death spot is hard to find. Currently, deaths are not shown on-screen, which may change with future updates.

## You Can Construct Vehicles Sooner Than You Realize

In the early stages of the game, players are able to create a vehicle called the Tadpole, which provides better protection in hazardous waters. To make it, start by crafting a Processor with titanium, copper wire, and mild acid, all of which can be collected easily. Use the Processor to create titanium ingots and a vehicle fabricator, then construct it alongside a Moonpool at your base. With some additional supplies, like a power cell and system chip, you’ll soon be able to operate your Tadpole.

## You Can Attach Storage to the Rear of Your Tadpole

At first glance, it might seem like the Tadpole doesn’t have enough inventory space, which can be frustrating. However, players can use the little circles on the back of the Tadpole to attach items for transport. This function greatly enhances inventory capacity, making exploration significantly more enjoyable.

## Your Tadpole is Upgradeable

Although the game doesn’t explicitly tell you, players can enhance their Tadpole using a hatch located on its roof. To do this, you’ll need a Modification Station, which requires celestine, a resource discovered deeper within the game. Once built, you can improve the Tadpole’s speed, armor, and functionalities.

## If You Can’t Move an Item, Just Demolish It

In Subnautica 2, players have the ability to relocate structures within their base. However, if the game restricts you from moving something, feel free to demolish it instead. Demolishing returns the original materials used during construction, allowing players to create new structures without incurring extra costs.

## You Can Disable Quest Markers in the Menu

While the game features numerous quest markers, these can sometimes hinder exploration. Players who prefer a more organic discovery experience can deactivate these markers. Just go to your inventory and select Signals, where you can turn individual markers on or off.

Subnautica 2’s Early Access stage invites players into a captivating world full of crafting, exploration, and survival challenges. By keeping these suggestions in mind, players can enhance their experience and gear up for future updates as the game progresses.

Type Soul’s relaunch brought some new content to the game, and one of these was a whole new skill tree. Naturally, we were curious, given your skill tree choices are something you can and will be judged on. We put …

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In the blink of an eye, Marathon season 2 is almost upon us. Bungie have shared more concrete words of what to expect in the upcoming season, titled Nightfall, mostly related to how the big reset will work, but also how this season will be wrapping up too.

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**Fortnite’s Recent Update: Notable Changes and Debates**

Fortnite remains a focal point for gamers around the globe, with its latest update, version 40.40, now operational on all platforms. This update not only incorporates Overwatch characters into the game but also brings about considerable adjustments to gameplay, especially concerning fall damage. The most controversial change is the total elimination of fatal fall damage in non-ranked modes, a decision that has ignited extensive discussions within the community.

Launched on May 14, 2026, update 40.40 is expected to be the last major update for Chapter 7, Season 2. Notable changes entail a revision of the Zero Build mode, where constructing structures is not an option. Players now start with a pistol and a shield potion, and can sprint endlessly while holding their pickaxe. This modification is set to enhance the speed of gameplay in Zero Build matches dramatically.

In a bold transformation, Epic Games has abolished lethal fall damage in both Battle Royale and Zero Build non-ranked modes, replacing it with a new splat animation. Players who fall from great heights will no longer perish; instead, they will recover with 1HP, provided they have no shields. This signifies that while players can endure a fall that would have previously been lethal, they are still at risk from nearby foes who can easily finish them off.

Along with the changes to fall damage, players can now detach their glider mid-air as they near the ground in Zero Build mode. This feature introduces a risk-reward factor to gameplay, allowing players to hit the ground more swiftly to begin looting, but at the expense of being left with only 1HP, rendering them an easy target.

The community’s reaction has been varied. Some players conveyed confusion regarding the need for these changes, claiming that lethal fall damage hadn’t been widely seen as a concern. Others expressed their discontent, fearing that these modifications might strip away the exhilarating and unpredictable moments that characterized the game—for example, frantic kills resulting from player mistakes or environmental interactions. Meanwhile, a small contingent of players voiced support for the changes, though their views were often swiftly contested by opposing opinions.

Epic Games seems to be trialing these adjustments as a precursor to the forthcoming major season, possibly indicating that further modifications or reversals could occur based on player input. The choice to maintain fall damage alterations solely in casual modes implies that Epic is eager to evaluate the feasibility of these changes without jeopardizing the competitive nature of ranked gameplay.

As players immerse themselves in the revamped Fortnite experience, the feedback regarding the new fall damage system will likely develop. Whether these changes will be accepted or criticized is yet to be determined—one thing is certain: Fortnite’s ever-evolving essence keeps its community engaged.

Such devilish powers… Wait.

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Alright, first of all, a disclaimer. I can’t confirm whether American Truck Simulator‘s version of Chicago – famously nicknamed the Windy City – is authentically blustery. For one, you can’t get out of your lorry in ATS. Sure, the flags you can see from inside the cab are fluttering, but that could be some form of arcane developer trickery. For two, I’ve never been to real world Chicago, so have no idea just how windy it is as a point of comparison.

What I can confirm, having hauled some pickups from St Louis to Chicago in ATS’ Illinois DLC – out today, May 14th – is that driving into the latter for the first time is as memorable an experience as the best of the truck sim’s other motoring metropolises.

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### Enthusiasm Escalates for Upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 Updates

Recent events have reignited enthusiasm among gamers concerning the eagerly awaited launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). Last week, reports surfaced suggesting that significant information related to the game may soon be revealed, and in the last 24 hours, numerous content creators and users have posted images of an unusual “Special Offer” they received for a physical pre-order of GTA 6, which is slated to begin on May 18. This promotional effort reportedly originates from Best Buy, a prominent consumer electronics vendor, rather than Sony, who has been previously linked to speculations about the game.

Although it’s typical for such emails and offers to be false, the recipients have taken measures to authenticate their assertions. One notable case involves streamer FrogboyX1Gaming, who broadcasted the process of opening the email on his mobile device to eliminate any doubts regarding its validity. Additionally, a thread on the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit has gathered various posts from users presenting proof that they have indeed received similar emails from Best Buy.

The email contains limited information, yet it undoubtedly represents a more hopeful sign than fans have seen in recent months. It specifically indicates a “Physical” pre-order for GTA 6, offering a slight discount to those who place their orders between May 18 and May 21.

If these reports hold true, it could imply that this pre-order announcement was planned to be revealed alongside a new trailer for the game, a typical strategy for Rockstar Games when launching pre-orders. Speculation abounds that a new trailer may be released shortly, potentially within the next few days, further heightening excitement surrounding GTA 6.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits confirmation and more details, the discussions around GTA 6 continue to gain traction, igniting optimism for a significant announcement from Rockstar Games in the near future.

Slime updates, sliding in.

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