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“Resident Evil Requiem Introduces Arachnophobia Mode Featuring Iconic Steam Engine in Place of Spiders”

Death. Taxes. Thomas the Tank Engine quickly being modded into new games. Resident Evil Requiem‘s the latest one to gain the privilege of hosting some steam engine antics, buit this time around it’s not solely for goofs. Capcom are yet to add an arachnophobia mode, so a modder’s stepped in to swap out spiders for my friend and yours Thomas the Tank Engine.

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Fallout 76 Support Studio Hints at Potential Remaster of Fallout: New Vegas

Have you ever noticed your next company-wide meeting’s due and thought the following: ‘Oh, we should post an image prominently featuring a screen from a game rumoured to potentially be getting the remake or remaster treatment’? Well, that appears to have been the case for Iron Galaxy Studios, co-developers of Skyrim‘s Switch port and support studio on Fallout 76. It’s a screen from Fallout: New Vegas to boot.

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Florida Man Pilfers $10,000 in Pokémon Cards Utilizing Taco Spice

### The Rise of Pokémon Card Theft: A Warning from Florida

The market for Pokémon cards has seen significant upheavals in recent times, resulting in a notable price surge that has drawn interest from both enthusiasts and criminals. This climate has led to a concerning rise in thefts aimed at specialized retailers worldwide, with various tactics being utilized by thieves to take advantage of the profitable market. A notable example is that of a Florida individual, Keith Wallis, who chose an unorthodox method for his crimes—incorporating taco seasoning into his plan.

#### The Theft Operation

As per the statements from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Wallis executed an astonishing 75 thefts of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) boxes from multiple Target locations throughout the state between July 2025 and February 2026. The total worth of the purloined items is believed to surpass $10,000. Wallis’s technique involved pairing his sought-after trading card boxes with inexpensive packets of taco seasoning, which he purchased affordably.

He would bring his selections to the self-checkout, where he would pay for the taco seasoning while somehow dodging detection for the Pokémon cards, which he then concealed in his bags. The details of how he manipulated the self-checkout system are still unclear, with speculation suggesting he devised a method to outsmart the scales that measure items during checkout. This approach allowed him to carry on with his theft while generating a substantial profit through online sales, reportedly netting approximately $40,000 on eBay for the pilfered items.

#### The Impact of Organized Retail Theft

Once Wallis’s actions were uncovered, law enforcement swiftly intervened, resulting in his arrest by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from other local law enforcement bodies. The investigation uncovered that organized retail theft carries ramifications that extend beyond simple loss for retailers. As highlighted by Attorney General Uthmeier, these offenses inflate costs for everyday shoppers and undermine market stability.

Wallis’s scheme underscores how the currently heightened prices of Pokémon cards have encouraged some individuals to partake in criminal activities. The demand for these collectibles has surged alongside COVID-19 restrictions and a revival of interest from the gaming community, making them prime targets for theft.

#### Possible Legal Consequences

If convicted, Wallis faces serious legal repercussions, including the potential for up to 90 years in prison. This illustrates both the gravity with which law enforcement approaches organized retail crime and the broader impact of theft on local economies and consumers.

#### Conclusion

The situation involving Keith Wallis serves as a stark reminder of the extreme measures individuals may resort to due to the economic influences affecting the collectible market. As Pokémon cards maintain their allure for enthusiasts and collectors, the associated dangers—such as theft or inflated prices—remain urgent issues. This incident acts not only as a warning against theft but also emphasizes the wider effects of commercial crime in a market increasingly motivated by desire and speculation.

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Highguard Developer Offers Perspectives on Reasons for Player Exits

### A Comprehensive Examination of Highguard: Hurdles and Possibilities

**Introduction to Highguard**

Highguard stands out as a hero shooter that prioritizes teamwork, coordination, and communication, all of which are vital in the multi-phased matches of the game. Created by Wildlight Entertainment, the title has attracted interest for its mechanics but has struggled to engage a larger player community since its launch.

**The Initial Reception**

At its debut, Highguard received varied feedback, especially from casual gamers. Alex Graner, Wildlight’s senior level designer, pointed out that the game felt overly “sweaty” for those seeking a more relaxed experience. He underscored that the format of 3v3 matches requires intense levels of communication and synchronization among players, making it difficult for solo players or those not familiar with the game’s dynamics.

Graner stated, “3v3 duos is always the sweatiest version of anything… It requires such a high intensity of communication that it doesn’t leave much room for casualness.” This level of intensity may dissuade casual gamers who are in search of a more user-friendly gaming journey.

**Gameplay Mechanics and Challenges**

Within Highguard, gameplay mechanics emphasize team collaboration over personal skill. The 3v3 arrangement compels players to closely cooperate, strategizing and taking advantage of opportunities to outmatch their adversaries. A longer time to kill, partly due to the armor loot system, often places individual players at a considerable disadvantage when they are outnumbered.

The game also includes several phases, such as looting and chasing objectives, which can be daunting for newcomers. Graner elaborated, “It has all these rules and stages… When players are first coming in, it’s a lot to grasp.” This intricacy adds another dimension to the game’s learning curve, necessitating time investment for players to become adept.

**Team Dynamics and Player Experience**

The focus on team dynamics means that without communication—usually available in party chat with friends—solo players can face notable frustration. Graner highlighted that the game’s design fundamentally requires coordination, which is often unattainable in random matchmaking situations.

This dependence on teamwork presents a dual challenge; while it can encourage profound strategic gameplay for coordinated groups, it can also alienate those who are either unwilling or unable to participate in intense collaboration.

**Developer Response and Evolution of Highguard**

In response to player feedback and to enhance its appeal, Wildlight has launched 5v5 gameplay modes, including the new Raid Rush mode that simplifies some of the complexity by zeroing in on the fighting phases of the game. However, this modification, while potentially inviting more players, risks compromising the distinctiveness that initially defined Highguard.

As the game works to establish its identity, challenges remain. With a small team of about 20 developers and concerns about financial support following Tencent’s exit, the future of Highguard is uncertain.

**Conclusion**

Highguard offers an appealing concept as a contemporary hero shooter that underscores teamwork and strategy, yet it faces considerable obstacles in terms of accessibility and player retention. As Wildlight Entertainment maneuvers through the game’s development, it will be essential to find a balance between preserving its core gameplay features and making it inviting for a wider audience. The ongoing developmental journey will ultimately reveal whether Highguard can cultivate a sustainable player community and succeed in the competitive realm of multiplayer gaming.

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Upcoming Indie World Showcase Set to Highlight Thrilling News for The Switch 2

### Anticipation Grows for Upcoming Nintendo Indie World Showcase

The gaming community is abuzz with enthusiasm as the next Nintendo Indie World Showcase approaches. Set to go live on March 3 at 6 AM PT, this event is expected to unveil a new array of indie game announcements for both the Nintendo Switch and its forthcoming successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, perfectly timed for the systems’ one-year milestone.

Nintendo’s announcement reveals that the showcase will last approximately 15 minutes, concentrating on updates and new releases within the indie gaming sector. This format is expected to offer rapid yet significant insights into upcoming titles, potentially revitalizing interest in a console that has undeniably felt the impact of its post-launch library.

One eagerly awaited title highlighted in the showcase is **Mina the Hollower**, developed by Yacht Club Games, celebrated for the hit *Shovel Knight*. This game distinguishes itself as an 8-bit tribute that takes cues from classics like *The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening* and *Castlevania*. Although initially planned for a fall release, *Mina the Hollower* was postponed to allow the team to enhance the game further, ensuring a refined final experience.

Another noteworthy title is **Neverway**, which also seeks to capture the Zelda-esque allure with its pixel art aesthetic, designed by the artist behind *Celeste*. Accompanied by an engaging soundtrack from the composer of *Fez* and *Hyper Light Drifter*, *Neverway* is anticipated to be a strong contender in the indie offerings, with its launch also predicted for 2026.

Nintendo’s Indie World showcases have a track record of presenting unexpected delights that can foster enduring excitement among gamers. With games like *Silksong* and *Hades 2* already creating considerable buzz post-launch, the timing is ideal for the company to introduce new vitality into its catalog.

As fans gear up for the showcase, the hope is that it will not only emphasize anticipated releases but also unveil innovative gameplay experiences that will maintain the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2’s relevance in a constantly changing gaming environment.

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Microsoft’s Copilot AI Discord Channel Goes into Lockdown Following Rise in ‘Microslop’ Messages [Update]

**Microsoft’s Copilot Discord Server Secured Amid User Backlash Expectations**

Microsoft has recently taken the pivotal step of securing its official Copilot Discord server and erasing its message history. This move came after an unexpected influx of messages employing the term “Microslop” from users attempting to bypass a newly instituted ban on the word. The source of this surge in anti-Copilot messages is still unknown, but it gathered speed once it was disclosed that “Microslop” had been included on a list of inappropriate terms by the Discord management team.

On March 1st, users observed that the term “Microslop” had been prohibited on the Discord server, prompting a surge of creativity among users who commenced posting various iterations of the phrase to evade the filtering system, such as “microsl0p.” The ban became a central issue for Discord users sharing across social media, including a prominent post by *Windows Latest*, which underscored the response and the ensuing humor that emerged from the prohibition.

The situation received additional scrutiny when *PC Gamer*’s Andy Edser sought to investigate the server himself. He found that a new term, “Sloppysoft,” was being regarded by users as a substitute. However, when he attempted to join the server, he encountered a message stating that invites had been paused.

While the precise catalyst for this collective movement remains uncertain, a notable trigger appeared to stem from a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by VTuber Qyu. This post derided a “brain-dead” design choice concerning the Windows Taskbar, mirroring a growing exasperation among users about Microsoft’s incorporation of its AI feature, Copilot. Numerous Windows users have voiced their discontent, perceiving Copilot’s presence within Microsoft applications as “intrusive.” This feeling has been exacerbated by the challenges associated with disabling Copilot across different applications, requiring several manual adjustments in the settings.

In light of the situation, a Microsoft spokesperson addressed the matter, clarifying that the prohibition on “Microslop” was a temporary solution implemented to manage a “spam campaign” intended to disrupt the Discord community. They elaborated that the server had been targeted by spammers striving to inundate it with irrelevant and harmful content. The initial spam manifested as overwhelming walls of text, prompting Microsoft to establish filters against certain terms to reduce the influx.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the choice to secure the server was made while the team works on developing stronger security measures to protect the community and ensure a conducive environment for discussions about Copilot and other pertinent topics.

As Microsoft navigates the intricacies of offering an AI companion while maintaining user satisfaction, the backlash stemming from the Discord incident indicates an increasing demand for the company to address apprehensions regarding Copilot’s integration within its ecosystem.

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Starfield Anticipated to Fill PS5’s April Release Calendar Void

A recent report reveals that Bethesda’s eagerly awaited RPG, *Starfield*, is set to arrive on Sony’s PlayStation 5 next month. This announcement follows years of speculation about a possible port and was first reported by games journalist Billbil-kun from the French site *Dealabs*. As per their sources, *Starfield* is slated for release on PS5 on April 7, 2026, with a physical version also being available in Europe.

Pre-orders for the PS5 edition of *Starfield* are anticipated to begin on March 18, 2026. Notably, *Dealabs* suggests that the pricing for *Starfield* on PS5 will be reduced at launch compared to its original launch on Xbox and PC in 2023. The standard edition will be priced at €49.99 / £44.99 (about $60 USD), while the Premium Edition will cost €69.99 / £59.99 (roughly $82 USD). For reference, the current prices for the standard and premium editions of *Starfield* in France are £80 and £110, respectively.

Speculation about *Starfield* coming to PlayStation 5 has been circulating since before the game’s initial launch. As Xbox has begun to broaden its game library to encompass other platforms, including the release of Bethesda-developed titles such as *Oblivion Remastered* on PS5, it has become increasingly probable that *Starfield* would eventually be included. With its pending release, this much-anticipated port of *Starfield* is shaping up to be a noteworthy milestone in Xbox and Bethesda’s strategy to integrate more of their titles across different gaming platforms. Fans can anticipate an exciting launch in April.

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“Users of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Encounter Unplanned Loss of Game Advancement”

### Quality-of-Life Modifications in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Switch Ports

The Nintendo Switch adaptations of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen present a range of quality-of-life modifications crafted to improve the player experience, with one of the most prominent being the streamlined method for resetting the game. This feature is particularly beneficial for players pursuing Shiny hunting, as it provides a faster way to encounter rare Pokémon. Nevertheless, this handy tool carries a warning, making it essential for all players to be cautious in its use to prevent possible setbacks.

#### Quick Reset Feature

By pressing all four face buttons on the Joy-Con at once, players can swiftly return to the main menu of FireRed and LeafGreen. For those searching for Shiny Pokémon—alternate-colored versions of the common creatures—this reset function proves essential. It simplifies the process of resetting the game to encounter different Pokémon, especially helpful for Legendary Pokémon with designated spawn locations. This enhancement reduces waiting times, enabling committed hunters to concentrate on their goal of discovering unique color variants.

However, for casual players, this feature may unintentionally result in frustration. The likelihood of accidental resets is elevated, particularly for those who may not know the button combination. With no contemporary autosave feature present in these ports, a single mistake can cause the loss of significant game progress, including gym badges and captured Pokémon. The following tweet illustrates the distress players can feel upon inadvertently activating a reset:

> “Anddddd here’s the moment it happened 😭😭 don’t be like me save save SAVE your games ugh #FRLG” – SavannahBananaZ

#### Avoiding Unintentional Resets

There exists a practical method to reduce the chances of unintentional resets. Players can access the Switch’s Accessibility menu in the settings, where they can remap the buttons on their controller. Disabling the X or Y buttons is a simple way to prevent the game’s recognition of the soft reset command during gameplay. Since these buttons operate similarly to the plus and minus buttons on the Joy-Con, players won’t lose any crucial controls. This modification offers reassurance, enabling players to concentrate on the game without the concern of losing hours of hard-won progress.

#### Other Subtle Variations

Beyond the quick reset feature, players are uncovering additional minor yet evident differences between the Switch ports and the original Game Boy Advance versions. These alterations, though not widely discussed, enhance the overall rejuvenated experience of playing these classic games on a modern console. The ongoing investigation of these variations continues to boost player engagement and provide insights into how cherished titles can adapt while retaining their fundamental charm.

In summary, while the quick reset feature in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Switch offers a delightful asset for Shiny hunters, players need to stay alert to avoid unintentional resets. By making use of the remapping options available, they can ensure a smoother gameplay experience, reducing frustration and enhancing enjoyment of these classic titles reimagined for a new audience.