Gait Games

**Long-time Grand Theft Auto Producer Leslie Benzies: A Rocky Path After Rockstar**

In 2016, the gaming sector experienced a major upheaval when Leslie Benzies, a key producer behind the celebrated Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise, severed ties with Rockstar Games. This separation was far from friendly and led to an extended legal confrontation rife with accusations from both sides. By 2019, the dispute reached a private resolution, concluding a fractious episode in the gaming industry.

After exiting, Benzies established a new studio, Build a Rocket Boy, aimed at providing innovative gaming experiences. In 2025, the studio debuted its inaugural title, *MindsEye*, a third-person shooter combined with open-world driving elements. Nevertheless, *MindsEye* faced a chilly reception, ultimately being branded the worst-reviewed game of the year, as pointed out by critical outlets like Kotaku.

Recently, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, made remarks that appeared to subtly allude to Benzies and his latest projects during an industry conference. Zelnick commented on the growing challenges of developing blockbuster video games in a mature entertainment climate. He underscored Rockstar’s ongoing success in generating hit titles, mentioning that numerous former staff members, including Benzies, have had difficulty mirroring that triumph with their new pursuits.

While Zelnick did not specifically name Benzies’ team, the context indicated a clear insinuation. Benzies had pitched *MindsEye* as a rival to popular platforms like Roblox, vowing ambitious features such as multiplayer functionality and extensive open-world gameplay. “We aim to incorporate multiplayer, and we plan to create a fully open world,” he explained in interviews prior to the game’s launch, sharing optimistic expectations for user-generated content and community interaction.

In a strange turn of events, Benzies and his studio have openly claimed that outside forces are undermining *MindsEye*. In private conversations, Benzies allegedly linked the game’s unfavorable reviews to both internal errors and outside ‘saboteurs.’ Co-CEO of Build a Rocket Boy, Mark Gerhard, proposed that negative online feedback was part of a coordinated scheme, suggesting possible malicious motives aimed at sabotaging their initiative—conjectures many believed were directed at Rockstar.

Despite the lackluster launch, Gerhard has outlined a plan to rejuvenate *MindsEye*, alluding to a significant overhaul, referred to as “*MindsEye* 2.0,” indicating that they are not ready to abandon the project.

In Zelnick’s concluding comments, he recognized that while Rockstar has consistently delivered successful titles, he is confident that the market remains open to emerging competitors. “That doesn’t mean they can’t in the future, by the way,” he remarked. His statements highlighted an eagerness to welcome exceptional creative talents, irrespective of their backgrounds, underscoring the competitive spirit of the gaming sector.

The story of Leslie Benzies, his legal disputes, and the troubled rollout of *MindsEye* encapsulates the hurdles encountered by seasoned creators exploring new avenues. As the gaming landscape evolves, the lingering question is whether Benzies and his team can reverse their fortunes, establishing a credible contender to the powerhouse that is Rockstar Games and its flagship series, *Grand Theft Auto*.

As Rockstar gear up to release GTA 6 (at least on consoles), spare a thought for Red Dead Online. The multiplayer element of Red Dead Redemption 2 had its steady flow of major update-carrying stagecoaches stopped all the way back in 2022, with its makers explicitly citing a desire to shift those development resources over to that next entry in the stealy wheels series.

There’ve been a few moments in the years since when Red Dead Online has looked a bit like it might bounce back to prominence, but nothing substantial in that vein has materialised. It essentially had a solid three year run, but failed to come close to grasping the reins from its older inspiration, GTA Online. In the eyes of Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, however, that doesn’t make it a missed opportunity.

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### Overwatch’s Narrative Reward Period: Romance and Character Advancement

Since its soft reboot in February, Overwatch has embarked on what could be referred to as a “narrative reward period.” Throughout its decade-long journey, Blizzard has started to provide a steady flow of lore updates, creating genuine momentum in the overarching plot. The story centers on the peacekeeping organization Overwatch, which is contending with a new version of the Talon terrorist group led by Vendetta.

In this latest stage, Blizzard has not only concentrated on thrilling storytelling but has also dedicated time to examining the characters’ lives beyond the battlefield. This includes finally acknowledging long-supported relationships that fans have eagerly awaited.

#### Broadening the Lore via Webtoons

For those who are getting up to speed with Overwatch’s lore releases, it’s important to note that Blizzard has teamed up with Webtoon to produce *Overwatch: Undivided*, a webcomic that delves into the heroes’ lives after Vendetta’s assault on Watchpoint: Gibraltar. This comic showcases Juno, a young hero with a distinct background, as the primary viewpoint through which readers are introduced to the vibrant events of the Overwatch universe. The story unfolds every Wednesday, providing insights into how heroes engage outside of their combat roles.

*Overwatch: Undivided* highlights the bonds and friendships that develop among younger heroes. For example, new friendships among the recruits lead to endearing plans, such as setting up a dinner date for veteran heroes Ana and Reinhardt. This invigorating dynamic allows newer heroes to contribute fresh perspectives to situations previously faced by more experienced fighters.

#### A Canon Romance Develops

The narrative journey in *Overwatch: Undivided* has paved the way for substantial character growth, culminating in the flourishing romance between Ana and Reinhardt. After years of fan speculation and “shipping,” their relationship officially becomes recognized, marking a significant milestone in Overwatch lore. Having both recently become single, they reflect on their shared past and the “real” connections they have longed for due to their dedication to duty and conflict.

Torbjorn’s residence in Gothenburg provides a warm backdrop for their date, turning a mission to save the world into a more personal setting where sincere emotions can emerge. As they reminisce about their days in Overwatch, the narrative evokes both nostalgia and optimism for the future.

#### The Development of Relationships in Overwatch

While romantic pairings have not been a primary emphasis in Overwatch’s lore, recent progress indicates that Blizzard is more willing to delve into these dynamics. Historically, many relationships involving playable characters were either superficial or included characters outside of the main roster. Nonetheless, with characters like Tracer and Soldier: 76 bringing in their partners through various mediums, it seems that the developers are ready to elaborate on relationships among heroes themselves.

Recent interactions suggest budding romances, such as flirtations between Lifeweaver and Baptiste, indicating that Blizzard may be poised to explore hero relationships further in forthcoming lore updates, particularly with occasions like Pride Month offering avenues for new character developments.

#### Conclusion

Overwatch’s current phase is a rich tapestry of character interactions, romance, and narrative complexity. With ongoing plotlines and character advancements through platforms like Webtoon, the game remains engaging for its dedicated fan base while attracting new players. The exploration of relationships, both profound and light-hearted, adds depth to the storytelling, making the Overwatch universe as vibrant and captivating as the combat that players cherish.

Silver-haired fox of an RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is officially getting a new expansion, ten years after Blood and Wine and over eleven since the base game launch. It’s called Songs of the Past, it’s being co-developed between CD Projekt Red and The Witcher 1 Remake devs Fool’s Theory, and its coming in 2027 – potentially the same trip round t’Sun as The Witcher 4.

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**Call of Duty Makes Its Comeback on Nintendo: Modern Warfare 4 Set to Debut with Switch 2**

Following an extended break, Activision’s legendary series, *Call of Duty*, is poised to return to a Nintendo system with the anticipated launch of *Modern Warfare 4*. Arriving simultaneously with its PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC versions this autumn, the title signifies a meaningful change in the franchise’s approach, having last appeared on a Nintendo console with 2013’s *Ghosts* for the Wii U.

Activision has confirmed that *Modern Warfare 4* is being created specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 by Infinity Ward in partnership with Digital Legends. This collaboration implies that players can expect some level of feature equivalence between the Switch 2 edition and those on more capable systems, despite potential variations in framerate and resolution.

Digital Legends Entertainment, a mobile gaming company acquired by Activision in 2021, has previously worked on *Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile* and assisted in developing last year’s *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*. Their participation reflects a dedication to adjusting the franchise’s dynamic gameplay to suit the capabilities of the Switch 2.

The revival of *Call of Duty* on Nintendo consoles is a result of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. As part of the agreement, Microsoft secured a 10-year contract with Nintendo, focused on bringing beloved titles to their platforms. This pact marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nintendo players who have yearned for prominent franchises, greatly enhancing their gaming choices.

2026 is set to become a pivotal year for *Call of Duty*, not only because of its return to Nintendo but also as it will be the first year in more than ten years that a new release will not be accessible on the older PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems. As the gaming world transforms, *Modern Warfare 4* on the Switch 2 heralds a new era for both the franchise and Nintendo’s gaming landscape.

Enthusiasts can anticipate the release this fall, where *Call of Duty* aims to engage a fresh audience and rekindle the enthusiasm of dedicated fans.

Eyes up, dungeon delvers! Or down, rather. Some bright spark has remade Looking Glass classic Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss in the Unity engine with new 3D models and sound effects, plus controller support. Ultima Underworld, often cited as the original first-person 3D RPG! Ultima Underworld, also considered a primordial specimen of the immersive sim! Ultima Underworld, which has influenced everything from Bioshock to Tomb Raider! Ultima Underworld, which… some appropriately rousing fourth thing!

The Unity revival is an unofficial project, titled Unity Underground. I guess we must brace for the potential wrath of license holders EA, but it does require ownership of the old game files to work, so surely it’s on the level? Anyway, here’s the first ten minutes in video form.

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**Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Signals a Major Change in the Franchise**

Activision has officially announced the upcoming significant entry in the Call of Duty series: **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4**. Set to launch on October 23, this version is notable not only for its gameplay advancements but also as the first in the series that will not be launched on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This change mirrors a larger evolution within the gaming sector, focusing on newer consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, as well as the forthcoming Switch 2.

In conjunction with Modern Warfare 4, enthusiasts of the widely popular battle royale mode, **Warzone**, will encounter a considerable change. The current version of Warzone will no longer be available on the older consoles, marking a crucial moment for players who have depended on these systems. This change was initially hinted at in a blog entry from Activision, which detailed plans to discontinue Warzone support for PS4 and Xbox One in preparation for the updates coinciding with Modern Warfare 4’s debut.

In an announcement, Activision stated, “As part of this transition, *Call of Duty*: *Warzone* on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will no longer be accessible starting with Season 1.” On June 4, the game will not be obtainable for new downloads on these consoles, although current players can continue to enjoy the game until Season 1 goes live. The in-game Warzone store on PS4 and Xbox One will cease operations on June 25, and the game itself will become unplayable shortly after the release of Modern Warfare 4.

For gamers eager to transfer their progress to the next-gen consoles, Activision guarantees that those who connect their platform accounts to their Activision accounts will keep all their unlocks and progress when moving to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. Additionally, prior Call of Duty games will remain online for PS4 and Xbox One players, providing some continuity amid the significant transitions.

Nevertheless, the choice to end Warzone support on older platforms raises issues regarding accessibility. Numerous players currently enjoying Warzone may encounter financial hurdles in upgrading to the latest consoles, especially as the costs for gaming hardware have surged dramatically. As the gaming community grapples with rising expenses, many users on PS4 and Xbox One might feel abandoned as the franchise advances.

In summary, while the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 heralds thrilling innovations for the franchise, it highlights the realities of a shifting gaming environment that increasingly favors newer hardware. Players now face a decision, balancing their investment in next-gen consoles with their continued enjoyment of cherished titles like Warzone. As Activision shifts into this new era, it will be crucial for them to address the needs and challenges of their long-standing player community.

It’s the Death Star! Well, sort of. It’s a big robo-eye invading the galaxy with a swarm of killer drones, as No Man’s Sky goes a bit Helldivers 2-ish in its latest update. Dubbed The Swarm, it’ll see folks filed away from their not quite Pokemon battles to join three factions who’ll need to work together in ship battles to fend off a big Robo-eye with a space station-scorching laser.

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In the realm of gaming, new advancements and thrilling updates are constantly emerging, and today is no exception. Here’s a summary of the most recent events from Kotaku’s Checkpoint, emphasizing significant games along with their awaited sequels, expansions, and updates.

Pragmata’s Producer Hopes for a Sequel

Yonghee Cho, the director of Capcom’s Pragmata, has shown enthusiasm for the possibility of a sequel. However, he made it clear that he lacks the power to make such decisions. His remarks generated excitement among fans, with producer Naoto Oyama advising not to misinterpret Cho’s comments. The game’s followers remain optimistic for a potential continuation, as dialogue persists about its acclaim and possible progression.

The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past Planned as An Expansion

The forthcoming update for The Witcher 3, named Songs of the Past, is not merely a DLC; it is classified as a significant expansion. Paweł Sasko from CD Projekt Red emphasized this by referencing a past interview where Idris Elba elaborated on the distinction between expansions and DLCs, hinting that players can anticipate a substantial addition to the game. With earlier expansions priced around $20, players have high expectations for this new content’s offerings.

Physical Version of Hollow Knight: Silksong Set for Launch

Fans of Hollow Knight can anticipate the physical version of Silksong, due to be released on October 16. This release will be priced at $40 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, while the Switch 2 variant, costing $45, encompasses content for both current and next-generation consoles, accompanied by a 32-page manual. Eagerly awaited by fans, this physical edition is expected to attract considerable attention upon its arrival.

Speculation of Persona 6 Concept Art Leak

Interest surrounding Persona 6 has grown due to the surfacing of purported concept art sketches posted on Xiaohongshu. The leaker suggested that these images depict the game’s main characters, igniting enthusiasm as fans theorize about the game’s future. Furthermore, there are speculations that Persona 6 will feature two protagonists and might be one of the standout moments at the upcoming Summer Game Fest live event.

Paralives Developer Pledges Free Updates

In a daring statement, Alex Massé, the lead developer of Paralives, has publicly committed to no paid DLCs for the game, promising exclusively free updates. This dedication to providing content without extra charges aims to deliver a rewarding experience for life simulation enthusiasts, with reassurance that the existing team can maintain development without the need for additional purchases.

Launch Announcement of Planet Zoo 2

Management sim fans have something to anticipate with the reveal of Planet Zoo 2, set to launch on October 13. The new installment will include aquariums and aviaries among its environments and will explore significant themes like conservation through its narrative. The community is eagerly waiting for more details and gameplay showcases as the release date draws near.

Developer of Final Sentence Suggests Waiting for a Discount

In a distinctive twist, the developer behind Final Sentence humorously advised potential purchasers to wait for a sale before buying. They hinted that future price cuts could render it an even more attractive purchase, suggesting that any saved money could be better invested in essentials like coffee or a keyboard cleaner. The typing battle royale promises to deliver fun once it becomes available at a more accessible price.

Final Thoughts

The gaming industry remains dynamic with announcements and speculative leaks that captivate fans’ imaginations. Whether it’s wishes for sequels, extensive updates, or unique pledges from developers, there’s always something exciting to anticipate in the ever-expanding universe of gaming.

What took you so long, Bond? I asked you to meet me here, with the nuclear codes I politely requested, in good time. Instead, you’ve turned up right as I’m about to give this presentation on said codes, meaning I’ve had no time to grill you about them as part of my prep. You’re right, you owe me nothing and at least you’re here now. I’ll order your signature tippl-wait, what’s that you’ve got there? A box? What’s in the box, Bond? This is what delayed you, is it? Ok, I’ll take a look inside, if you insist.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeegggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

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