Gait Games

Doesn’t factor how annoying the VFX for each one is.

The post Iron Soul Dungeon Tier List – Which Are The Best Races? appeared first on Gamezebo.

Crimson Desert developers Pearl Abyss have outlined the tweaks they plan to make to their very wide open world game between June and September, as part of continued and relentless efforts to morph it into a shape which can please everybody. Notably, they say they’ll be acting on feedback about Red Pudding’s rather forgettable story with some changes designed to “strengthen the narrative flow” and stop people falling asleep mid-cutscene. They’ve also teased some more substantial DLC coming further down the line.

Read more

Maverick Games, the studio helmed by Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, have revealed the story-led open-world driving game they’ve had in the works for a few years now and that’s no longer being published by Amazon. It’s called Clutch, and blends traditional Horizon-style road and street racing with a story that works in some action movie-esque chases with the police.

Read more

Where are the free rewards?

The post Cursed Blade Codes – June Rewards appeared first on Gamezebo.

Last week, Subnautica 2 developers Unknown Worlds held their hands up and said that players seeking a means to kill dangerous fish was down to the survival game‘s tools for avoiding and outfoxing such creatures not feeling as effective as they should. Cue tweaks to creatures and their behaviour aimed at addressing the issue, which have started to arrive with Sub 2’s latest hotfix.

Read more

The Cosmetics with the best stat buffs.

The post Anime Apocalypse Cosmetics Tier List – Best Cosmetics to Craft appeared first on Gamezebo.

**Kohei Ikeda Departs Bandai Namco After Two Decades: A New Era for Tekken**

Kohei Ikeda, the producer and director of the latest titles in the renowned *Tekken* fighting game series, revealed his exit from Bandai Namco Studios on June 1, 2026. After two decades with the organization, Ikeda announced that his role as game director for *Tekken 8* “is coming to an end” and that he has “officially left” Bandai Namco. This announcement arrives merely six months after Katsuhiro Harada, the veteran producer and project director of the *Tekken* series, also declared his departure from the company.

In his statement on the social media platform X, Ikeda shared his appreciation for the support he received throughout his time at Bandai Namco. He reflected on the pride he experienced while developing games alongside skilled individuals who shared a dedication to their craft. Ikeda highlighted that although his direct engagement in leading the *Tekken* team is concluding, the fundamental principles of the project — including a strong connection to the fan community — remain intact.

Ikeda’s exit has generated a blend of concern and uncertainty within the *Tekken* community, mainly due to the ambiguity surrounding his successor at Bandai Namco. Fans are anxious about the trajectory of *Tekken 8*, particularly considering the short interval between Harada’s departure and Ikeda’s announcement. The future direction of the franchise now appears uncertain, with players hoping that the incoming leadership will continue to honor the series’ legacy.

Compounding the uncertainty is the quietude from Michael Murray, a cherished producer and localization head for *Tekken*. Many wonder if Murray, recognized for his close ties with both Ikeda and Harada, might also be weighing a departure.

While Ikeda refrained from revealing his next career endeavors, he suggested that he aims to pursue new challenges as a game developer. Speculation abounds that he may join Harada at SNK’s newly established VS Studio. This prospective collaboration would garner significant interest, given the impact both individuals have had on the fighting game genre.

As the *Tekken* franchise readies itself for a transition into a new phase, it remains to be seen who will rise to fill the roles of these pivotal figures and how their absence will influence the development of forthcoming *Tekken* games. The community continues to look for updates, optimistic about the future of their cherished fighting game series.

### 2026: The 30th Anniversary of Pokémon and the Highly Anticipated Celebration Set

The year 2026 signifies an important milestone for the Pokémon franchise, celebrating its 30th anniversary. In honor of this historic occasion, The Pokémon Company has revealed the launch of a special 30th Anniversary Celebration set for its trading card game, set to make its international debut on September 16, with further releases lined up for the year.

The Pokémon community has been keenly anticipating information about this anniversary set, with fans first alerted by a report from PokéBeach, indicating that the Japanese edition of the anniversary collection, named the Celebration Collection, will feature six-card booster packs, each guaranteed to include one of 30 distinct Pikachu cards. All cards in the set are crafted as foils, eliminating any standard cards and ensuring a high-quality experience for both collectors and players.

The initial hint about the set was revealed on February 27 during Pokémon Day, when The Pokémon Company shared abstract images of cards representing the three decades of the trading card game. The announcement sparked widespread speculation, particularly concerning two prominent cards featuring Mew and Mewtwo that seemed to stand out significantly. Hopes were high that the set might contain reprints of vintage cards, a thought that excited many collectors.

However, recent confirmations clarify that the collection will indeed showcase 30 classic cards embellished with a special “30th” stamp and, where applicable, foil enhancements. Among these reprints, collectors can look forward to another version of the highly sought-after Base Set Charizard, a card known to achieve staggering market prices.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Celebration set is the introduction of a new rarity known as Futuristic Rare. These cards feature vibrant, neon designs and will illustrate Pokémon through “striking artwork reminiscent of hope toward an unknown future.” The details regarding the quantity of Futuristic Rare cards in the set are yet to be revealed, but they introduce an innovative twist to the collection.

A significant change in this anniversary celebration is that, unlike prior releases, this set will be available simultaneously in Japan and internationally on September 16. Historically, international releases have had a delay of two to three months, frequently combining multiple Japanese sets into larger launches. This simultaneous rollout is a welcome shift for fans globally who have regularly waited for new sets to reach their markets.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the set, an unexpected change has raised some concerns: international booster packs will only include five cards, while Japanese packs typically contain six. This revised pack size may leave international collectors feeling underwhelmed.

In conclusion, the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Celebration set is set to provide a remarkable experience filled with nostalgia and excitement for fans worldwide. With its unique cards, exclusive rarities, and simultaneous release, it is expected to become a significant highlight in the history of the trading card game. Collectors and enthusiasts alike should mark their calendars for September 16, 2026, as Pokémon continues to captivate audiences three decades after its launch.

**Paralives: A Promising Competitor in the Life-Simulation Category**

For more than 20 years, the Sims franchise has ruled the life-simulation gaming domain. However, with the launch of *Paralives* in early access on May 25th, the scene may be ready for a shift. Created by solo developer Alex Massé, recognized for *PewDiePie’s Tuber Simulator*, this game has attracted attention as a possible game-changer in a genre that has largely remained stagnant for years.

**Game Modes: Live and Build**

*Paralives* offers two primary modes: Live and Build. In Live mode, players can manage their personalized characters, called Paras, and experience various life scenarios. Everyday activities, including hobbies and social engagements, are affected by the Paras’ emotions, which are shaped by their physical needs such as hunger and rest. By accomplishing tasks, players gather experience points that can contribute to long-term objectives.

Build mode enables players to tap into their creativity, pausing the game to create and embellish homes. The customization choices in this mode are vast. Players can alter furniture sizes simply by dragging the dimensions to their preferred scale, resulting in a highly individualized building process. This feature meets the increasing desire for enhanced freedom in design, reminiscent of technical drafting applications rather than conventional game construction.

**User Experience and Challenges**

Despite its groundbreaking elements, the Live mode presents certain hurdles. As the game is still in early access, players are cautioned about possible bugs and the continued necessity for quality-of-life enhancements. Numerous users have reported a cumbersome interaction system that can be exasperatingly challenging to navigate. Simple actions, such as getting Paras to enjoy a meal together, have turned out to necessitate lengthy sequences of clicks, leading to an overall disconnected experience.

Additional annoyances include the odd separation of tasks such as sitting on a couch and watching TV, which may affect immersion. Users might find themselves clicking through multiple menus unnecessarily, and advancements are required in camera navigation to streamline play.

**Market Context and Future Potential**

*Paralives* arrives in the marketplace during a period when interest in *Sims 4* is declining—players have become increasingly vocal regarding performance glitches and recurrent monetization through downloadable content. This discontent has sparked a need for a new alternative that remains captivating without the drawbacks observed in titles with extensive DLC frameworks.

Moreover, *Paralives* intends to incorporate user-generated content and has suggested that all upcoming DLC will be free, sharply contrasting with the monetization practices of its predecessors. This strategy could attract disenchanted *Sims* players yearning for a fresh, substantial life-simulation experience.

**Conclusion**

Although *Paralives* faces its own initial challenges, particularly in terms of gameplay fluidity, it has positioned itself as a competitor in the life-simulation category. With its distinctive build customization options and dedication to player contentment, the game could appeal to those in search of a substitute for the *Sims*. If the developers manage to effectively address the current issues, *Paralives* could recapture the interest of players seeking a revitalized and engaging life-simulation journey.

### Entering the Backrooms: A Cultural Phenomenon

The idea of the Backrooms has swiftly transitioned from a little-known meme into a cultural sensation, recently underscored by the triumphant debut of a film adaptation. The concept originates from a curious internet meme first surfacing on 4Chan in 2018, illustrating a bizarre, yellow-hued room with an erratic layout. As it gained popularity, the mythology surrounding the Backrooms broadened, captivating the minds of numerous internet users and horror aficionados.

#### The Origin of the Backrooms

The Backrooms emerged from a singular image circulated online, depicting a confusing space defined by faded walls, a tattered carpet, and a profound sense of discomfort. A commenter elaborated on the scene, warning about the dangers of “noclipping” from reality and inadvertently becoming ensnared in this liminal void. This portrayal took hold of internet culture, prompting further investigation into the idea of “liminal spaces” — transitional areas that lie outside typical comprehension.

As the meme proliferated, it established a foundation for an extensive array of narratives and interpretations, resulting in related creepypasta tales and concepts. The unsettling, in-between areas depicted in the Backrooms resonated within the horror genre, leading to prominent allusions in media, including TV series and video games. The meme even spurred Kane Parsons, an emerging filmmaker, to delve into the concept through a series of YouTube shorts.

#### Kane Parsons and the YouTube Shorts

At merely 16 years old, Kane Parsons created a captivating nine-minute video titled “The Backrooms (Found Footage).” Utilizing a blend of Blender and Adobe After Effects, he crafted a haunting experience showing an individual plunging into the Backrooms and confronting a frightening entity. Parsons’ short not only resonated with viewers but also enriched the mythology of the Backrooms, incorporating suspenseful elements that engaged audiences.

Parsons produced a total of 15 shorts, each further developing the Backrooms universe. His work suggested government research missions exploring the Backrooms, investigating the seemingly boundless corridors and thematic layers. This creative output, marked by a remarkable grasp of horror aesthetics, garnered significant interest from fans and industry insiders alike.

#### Transition to Feature Film

In 2023, Parsons’ inventive vision caught the attention of A24, an independent production company recognized for its unique style in filmmaking. Assigned with creating a feature-length film based on his YouTube series, Parsons embraced the challenge as he stepped into an industry typically led by seasoned experts. A24 sought to leverage Parsons’ creativity, surrounding him with experienced professionals, including producers like Shawn Levy and Osgood Perkins, as well as writers proficient in the horror genre.

The casting choices heightened anticipation for the project, featuring industry veterans such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, and Mark Duplass. In a narrative twist, Ejiofor plays a furniture store owner who inadvertently finds his way into the Backrooms, a detail that resonates with the original photo’s backstory, which was revealed to have been taken in a transformed furniture store in Wisconsin.

#### Box Office Impact and Cultural Reception

Upon its release, the Backrooms film made a significant impact, soaring to an impressive $81.4 million gross in its opening weekend. This accomplishment positioned it as the most successful debut for A24, even competing with major franchises like Star Wars. Kane Parsons, at just 20 years old, became the youngest director to lead box office rankings, indicating a new era of ingenuity in horror cinema.

With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a strong score on Metacritic, it’s clear that the film resonated with both audiences and critics. As viewers immerse themselves in the disquieting world of the Backrooms, the film serves not only as an exhilarating experience but also as a reflection of the lasting influence of internet culture and collective storytelling.

### Conclusion

The Backrooms phenomenon illustrates how contemporary horror can navigate digital realms, crafting cultural narratives and expressing through innovative filmmakers like Kane Parsons. The mythology continues to develop, intertwining with mainstream media and reminding us of the peculiar allure of liminal spaces that exist just beyond our grasp. As audiences delve into the eerie depths of the Backrooms, they engage with a rich tapestry of creativity that challenges the norms of horror itself.