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Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Shifts from Stealth to Swordfighting, Leaving Behind Rat Swarms

I’ve never mastered the combat of Sekiro and Sifu. They’re games that demand you recognise an incoming attack and match it with millisecond perfect parries and dodges. Success sees you turn a foe’s assaults against them, ducking under their swinging blade and popping up behind them to deliver a precise punch to their kidney; failure sees you knocked to the ground or cut in two. So it’s not great news for me that Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy has dropped its stealth roots in favour of combat inspired by the most exacting third-person melee games.

Thankfully, protagonist Sophia fights dirty.

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Xbox Game Pass Saw Notable Subscriber Decline After Price Hike Last Autumn

**Xbox Game Pass Sees Subscriber Drop Amid Price Rise**

Recent findings from Xbox’s chief strategy officer, Matthew Ball, reveal a significant decrease in subscriber numbers for Xbox Game Pass following a drastic price hike. Ball noted that the service shed “millions of subscribers” after the Game Pass fee was elevated by 50% in the autumn of 2025. This information surfaced during an interview with Chris Dring at the Summer Game Fest and was propagated by industry personality Geoff Keighley on social networks.

In October 2025, Xbox enacted a considerable price increase for its Game Pass Ultimate plan, part of a wider realignment of its various Game Pass tiers. This action came merely a year after a prior price rise. The sharp surge in prices seems to have resulted in a marked departure of subscribers, leading new CEO Asha Sharma to reassess the service’s pricing structure in 2026.

In light of the subscriber downturn, Sharma declared a decrease in Game Pass prices in April 2026, although the updated rates did not revert to those before the 2025 hike. Furthermore, it was revealed that future installments of the well-known *Call of Duty* franchise would not be accessible on Game Pass at launch, likely a decision motivated by the need to reevaluate the subscription service’s appeal to users.

The ramifications of these adjustments underscore the delicate nature of subscription-based services regarding pricing tactics. As Xbox grapples with customer retention and income generation, the future of Game Pass remains a significant area of concentration for the organization, particularly in an increasingly competitive gaming landscape.

Updates concerning the effects of these modifications on Xbox Game Pass and its strategic trajectory will continue to emerge as industry trends progress.

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“Star Trek: Outposts Unknown Demo Features Engaging Settlement Builder, Highlighting Challenges for Casual Players Compared to RimWorld”

Offworld settlement builders delight in forcing their pebble-gathering, ore-hoarding colonists into a life of subsistence scrounging by way of disaster: a crashed spaceship or cryogenic malfunction leaving them no choice but to eke out an existence on a hostile rock. Star Trek: Outposts Unknown, announced yesterday and already bearing a demo, is different. Your team of explorers aren’t trapped; in fact, if they’re anything like mine, they’ll be knocking off and back on the mothership by dinnertime.

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Tupac’s Estate Greenlights His Appearance in “Stranger Than Heaven,” Overseen by Person Alleged of Embezzlement

### Tupac Shakur’s Posthumous Appearance in *Stranger Than Heaven*: A Contentious Partnership

In an unexpected revelation during the Summer Game Fest, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG) and renowned hip-hop figure Snoop Dogg announced their joint effort to include a posthumous appearance of Tupac Shakur in the forthcoming video game *Stranger Than Heaven*. This groundbreaking decision comes almost 30 years after Tupac’s untimely passing and has ignited considerable debate over the morality of utilizing the likeness of a deceased artist, particularly in light of the ongoing issues surrounding the governance of his estate.

#### The Partnership and Its Background

RGG and Snoop Dogg underscored that the cameo was not generated through artificial intelligence and was executed in partnership with Tupac’s estate, which they believe adds some legitimacy to the endeavor. Nonetheless, the nature of this partnership prompts inquiries due to the persistent legal struggles concerning the management of Tupac’s estate, especially regarding the people who possess that authority.

#### The Estate Dispute

Tupac Shakur passed away in 1996 without a will, leading to his estate being inherited by his mother, Afeni Shakur. Afeni created a trust and designated Tom Whalley, the previous head of Warner Bros. Records who initially signed Tupac, as the executor. Following Afeni’s demise in 2016, Whalley took control of a significant portion of Tupac’s unreleased music and the rights to Amaru Entertainment, which manages those rights.

In 2022, Sekyiwa Shakur, Tupac’s sister, initiated a lawsuit against Whalley, claiming he had misappropriated millions from the estate and that he was not executing his duties in a manner that would benefit the beneficiaries. She accused him of self-serving actions and asserted misuse of estate assets for personal benefit. Whalley’s defense argues that he was rightfully appointed and is acting in the best interests of the estate.

#### Moral Considerations and Family Relationships

The disclosure that Whalley authorized Tupac’s posthumous presence in *Stranger Than Heaven*, despite the ongoing legal conflicts and Sekyiwa Shakur’s claims, evokes moral concerns. The partnership appears particularly objectionable considering that the approval did not originate from Tupac’s immediate family, creating a notable absence of representation for those closest to the legendary artist.

Both experts and fans express unease with the concept of reviving Tupac’s image for commercial purposes, particularly when it remains uncertain how his family genuinely feels about these projects. The choice to reintroduce a deceased individual into popular culture—especially without familial endorsement—raises numerous questions regarding respect, legacy, and the commercialization of art.

#### The Future of Tupac’s Influence

As the lawsuit against Tom Whalley progresses, with minimal advancements since it began, Tupac’s legacy continues to be a contentious issue. The varied exploitations of his image, including previous endeavors like NFTs, further complicate the narrative surrounding his posthumous appearances. With Snoop Dogg’s participation in multiple commercial endeavors, a vital dialogue is emerging about artistic integrity and respect for a figure whose impact remains profoundly felt within both music and gaming circles.

In summary, while *Stranger Than Heaven* aims to provide a distinctive perspective on the convergence of hip-hop and gaming, the ramifications of its contentious partnership with Tupac Shakur’s estate are significant. As previously mentioned, it is still uncertain if any degree of family consent could render the use of Tupac’s likeness genuinely acceptable in an age characterized by the exploitation of artistic legacies for profit.

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Analysis of the Gothic Remake’s Lockpicking Controversy: Do Players Actually Enjoy Lockpicking Mechanics in RPGs?

Alkimia Interactive and THQ’s Gothic remake launched over the weekend, and many are the complaints that the RPG’s revised lockpicking system is far too hard. I know, right – tricky lockpicking in a game set in a giant prison! Please excuse me while I lift both hands from the keyboard and strenuously knead my face into a shocked expression.

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20 Remarkable Games Unveiled at the Summer Game Fest Day of the Devs Showcase

### Day of the Devs is Back with a Thrilling Indie Game Showcase

Day of the Devs, the renowned non-profit indie game exhibition founded by Double Fine, has returned to Summer Game Fest with a remarkable array of distinctive upcoming titles. The showcase featured 20 games, including multiple world premieres, providing insight into the vibrant creativity flourishing within the indie gaming community. Below are highlights of the showcased titles.

#### **Blood Dungeon**
From the minds behind *Nidhogg* and *Wheel World*, *Blood Dungeon* is a meticulously crafted 2D game that combines platforming with autoshoot elements. Players will traverse complex, maze-like dungeons while dodging irresistibly quirky monsters.
**Developer and Publisher:** Messhof
**Release Date:** 2026
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2431080/Blood_Dungeon/)

#### **Tenebris Somnia**
This survival horror title alternates between nostalgic pixel visuals and spine-chilling live-action sequences, developed by the creators of *Faith: The Unholy Trinity*. It vows to offer a chilling experience.
**Developer and Publisher:** Andrés Borghi / New Blood Interactive
**Release Date:** October 16, 2026
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2121510/Tenebris_Somnia/)

#### **Mr. Records**
*Mister Records* combines rhythm adventure and vinyl shop management, celebrating the passion for music through its delightful gameplay conceived by a small group of composers.
**Developer and Publisher:** Glee-Cheese Studio / Wired Productions
**Release Date:** TBA
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3053470/MR_RECORDS/)

#### **33 Immortals**
A sequel to *Spiritfarer*, *33 Immortals* is a cooperative action roguelite that features a colossal 33-player brawl against divine entities. Players can join forces or embark on solo missions in this grand showdown.
**Developer and Publisher:** Thunder Lotus
**Release Date:** June 10, 2026
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/958520/33_Immortals/)

#### **Dreadmoor**
Taking place in a deteriorating fantasy realm, *Dreadmoor* is a fishing adventure title wherein survival hinges on utilizing captured monsters to create gear.
**Developer and Publisher:** Dream Dock / Digital Vortex
**Release Date:** 2026
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3629430/DREADMOOR/)

#### **Threads of Time**
In this turn-based RPG, *Threads of Time* tasks players with leading a time-traveling airship while assembling a crew of time-warping heroes for battles set in various historical eras.
**Developer and Publisher:** Riyo / Balor
**Release Date:** TBA
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2090210/Threads_of_Time/)

#### **N Plus Infinity Times Two**
This multiplayer platformer brings back the beloved *N* series with mechanics based on momentum. Simple to play but hard to perfect, it guarantees captivating party gameplay.
**Developer and Publisher:** Metanet Software
**Release Date:** TBA
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3040020/N_PLUS_INFINITY_TIMES_TWO/)

#### **Into the Unwell**
*Into the Unwell* offers a third-person roguelite experience starring a rubber-hose cat on a whimsical adventure.
**Developer and Publisher:** She Was Such A Good Horse / Coffee Stain
**Release Date:** 2027
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2024600/Into_The_Unwell/)

#### **Bub**
A narrative journey, *Bub* delves into themes of art and self-discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, expressed through a creative blend of art styles.
**Developer and Publisher:** Paperfrog
**Release Date:** 2027
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4762110/Bub/)

#### **Lazy River**
Crafted by the designer of *Secret Hitler*, *Lazy River* is an enjoyable cooperative first-person shooter set in a waterpark where players wield playful water weapons against zombies.
**Developer and Publisher:** Mike Boxleiter
**Release Date:** TBA
[Steam Wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2743290/Lazy_River/)

#### **Prove You’re Human**
From the creators of *1000xResist*, players in *Prove You’re Human* assist an AI character in believing she’s human by solving a variety of CAPTCHAs within a digital landscape.
**Developer and Publisher:**

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This Week in PC Games: Featuring Major Space Sim and Strategy Releases, Plus a Customizable Prop Hunt Game

Good news, everybody! We made it through the Summer Game Fest weekend pretty much unscathed. True, I have depleted neighbourhood stocks of ginseng and also, lost the ability to blink, but we got another Duskers out of it, didn’t we? Also some footage of gunfights in a Fumito Ueda game, which distressed me less than it might have if I’d had any fluid left in my head when they screened the thing.

In equally happy news, we’ve dealt with the problem of the Maw eating Geoff Keighley and/or spawning a phantom double of Geoff Keighley. I mean, we didn’t do anything, really – I just like phantom Geoff’s style. If you look closely you can see the original Geoff Keighley trapped inside his eyes, screaming and waving a sign that reads “Persona 6 is a lie”. There is no time to be alarmed by this thought, because I have already prepared the latest list of PC game releases.

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