Gait Games

**Do Steam Player Count Figures Reflect Success?**

In the fierce arena of online gaming, the debate over player counts frequently emerges as a crucial measure of success or failure. The recent launch from Bungie and Sony, *Marathon*, is central to this discussion. Debuted on March 5, preceded by a free Server Slam period, *Marathon* attracted an impressive 143,621 concurrent players during the Server Slam but saw a decline to only 88,337 players at its official launch. This significant drop has fueled speculative debates about the game’s future, leading to the inquiry: what do these figures genuinely represent?

**The Misconception of Player Count as an Exclusively Metric**

To categorize *Marathon* as unsuccessful solely based on its player count is misguided. The circumstances are crucially important. The recent closure of *Highguard*, a game that recorded a peak of 97,249 players shortly after its debut, further complicates the narrative for critics scrutinizing player statistics. Comparisons drawn between *Marathon*, backed by prominent industry figures, and lesser-known games like *Slay the Spire II*, present difficulties as they overlook the intricate details involved. *Highguard* was a free-to-play title, whereas *Marathon* is priced at $40, which inherently influences its accessibility and the retention of its player base.

Industry professionals have weighed in, observing that the gaming landscape today is immensely different from earlier times. As Rebecca Ford, Creative Director at *Warframe*, noted, the battle for player attention has escalated significantly, with countless titles competing for a finite audience. This oversaturation frequently results in variable player counts that do not accurately represent a game’s caliber or potential endurance.

**Historical Perspective on Player Counts**

Player counts can vary for numerous reasons, and historical evidence supports this idea. *Slay the Spire*, for instance, began with merely 153 concurrent players but surged to over 33,000 by February 2018. Similarly, *Deep Rock Galactic* commenced with 2,869 players in early access and has witnessed peaks nearing 40,000. *Among Us* started with only 20 players but soared to a peak of 447,476 in 2020. Even well-established franchises like *Dragon Ball FighterZ* can experience modest player counts yet continue to thrive with new content, as illustrated by the recent announcement of forthcoming DLC.

**Developer Views on “Countwatching”**

Developers are increasingly vocal about the drawbacks of “countwatching.” Dylan Snyder, Senior Designer for *Overwatch*, responded to the discussions surrounding *Marathon*’s player counts by terming the practice as “cringe” and encouraging players to concentrate on enjoying their gaming moments rather than obsessing over numbers. Ford’s viewpoint further stresses that a game’s journey transcends its initial player counts; it encompasses ongoing updates, community involvement, and evolving gameplay experiences.

These perspectives underscore a crucial shift in emphasis from sheer numbers to meaningful engagement with the content and the community surrounding a game. The future viability of a title may rely less on its launch day figures and more on its capability to adapt and sustain a loyal player base over time.

**Conclusion**

The conversation surrounding player counts as measures of success prompts significant reflections within the gaming community. While initial player figures may indicate interest, they do not definitively determine a game’s longevity or quality. Recognizing the multitude of factors at play is vital for both players and developers. The gaming environment is ever-changing, and *Marathon*—like numerous games before—holds the capacity for growth and adaptation in response to player feedback and market shifts. Rather than fixating on numbers, interacting with the content and the community may provide more gratifying experiences for both players and developers.

I tend to take my videogame dwarves spacefaring, but there’s something inviting about the more classical, beards-and-barrel-chested adventuring being offered by Regions of Ruin: Runegate.

An expanded and prettified sequel to 2020’s Regions of Ruin, which I also knew nothing about until this morning, Runegate casts you as a lone dwarf charged with travelling the treacherous (but attractively pixel-arty) wilds to bring about the rejuvenation of your peoples’ ruined subterranean home. Here’s the new release date trailer; not to spoil the ending, but it’s out on April 14th 2026.

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**Lego Mario Minifigure Announcement: Exciting News for Fans**

In an exhilarating declaration for both Lego and Nintendo aficionados, the long-awaited confirmation has finally surfaced: a Lego minifigure of Mario is scheduled for release in 2027. This announcement has been eagerly anticipated for years, as fans have wished for a classic minifigure depiction of the legendary character, particularly as Lego has been unveiling a variety of Mario-themed sets since 2020.

### The Teaser Reveal

On March 10, 2026, Nintendo’s official account unveiled a teaser video featuring the new Lego Mario minifigure emerging from one of the franchise’s iconic green pipes. The tweet stated, “New form unlocked! New sets coming in 2027,” sparking enthusiasm within the gaming and toy communities alike. This announcement signifies a notable transition from the mainly interactive playsets that have defined the Lego Super Mario series in recent years.

### A Look Back at Lego Mario Sets

Since the debut of the interactive Lego Super Mario theme in 2020, fans have enjoyed a range of playsets showcasing brick-built Mario figures equipped with screens and sensors. Players had the opportunity to craft their own Mario levels and observe the character responding to various Lego elements, resulting in immersive gameplay experiences. Over time, other cherished characters such as Peach and Luigi were introduced as part of this groundbreaking line.

Nevertheless, traditional Lego enthusiasts have expressed their desire for a conventional minifigure representation of Mario, a wish that has remained unfulfilled until now.

### The First Official Lego Mario Minifigure

While specifics regarding the 2027 release are still scarce, the recent teaser hints at an entirely new head mold and hat piece for Mario’s minifigure. These design decisions suggest that additional characters like Luigi or Peach may also undergo similar transformations, enhancing the overall allure of the minifigure line.

Despite some initial letdown concerning the lack of dual-molded legs—Lego seems to be favoring a simpler design by printing a black or brown portion on the feet to signify shoes—the enthusiasm surrounding the release remains robust. Fans are hopeful for a deluxe version with enhanced details, particularly concerning the footwear.

### Anticipation for Future Sets

Aside from the minifigure, the announcement implies new sets are in the works for 2027. These sets are anticipated to be minifigure-scale replicas of iconic Mario environments and levels, which will be distinct from the current interactive playsets. This strategy revitalizes the line for those in search of a more traditional Lego building experience while still engaging with the beloved franchise.

### Conclusion

As 2027 draws near, the excitement surrounding the Lego Mario minifigure continues to escalate. For many fans, this release represents the culmination of years of anticipation and a celebration of both Lego and Nintendo’s lasting legacies. While there may be some critiques regarding design, the enthusiasm for the minifigure and the forthcoming sets sets the stage for a remarkable year for both Lego builders and Mario enthusiasts across the globe.

Video games are weird little things. It’s pretty rare for films to get scrapped part way through production, even if these days some production companies opt to use even finished projects as tax write offs. But games can frequently get canned, disappear for a bit, and even return after many years of silence. Enter SiN Reloaded, the Nightdive-made remaster of the classic boomer shooter, that is alive once more!

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**SAG-AFTRA Issues “Do Not Work Order” for Mega Man: Dual Override**

On March 9, 2023, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) released a “Do Not Work Order” (DNWO) concerning the forthcoming video game *Mega Man: Dual Override*, which is the twelfth entry in the cherished *Mega Man* franchise. The issuance of this order was due to Capcom’s neglect to start the signatory process needed to engage unionized actors, thereby safeguarding their rights and compensation.

As a result of this decision, voice actor Ben Diskin, who previously lent his voice to the legendary character Mega Man in *Mega Man 11*, announced he would not be returning for this new installment. Diskin shared his disappointment, revealing that he had to turn down Capcom’s offer, which came with the expectation of working without the safeguards of a union contract. In a touching post, he conveyed, “With a broken Blue Bomber heart, I am no longer the voice of Mega Man.”

The DNWO holds considerable implications for all SAG-AFTRA members, barring them from providing any acting services for *Mega Man: Dual Override*. Members have been warned that taking part in the production could violate “Global Rule One” of the union, leading to penalties that might include fines or expulsion. SAG-AFTRA’s announcement clearly instructed its members to avoid any participation until further notice.

In his social media remarks, Diskin speculated about the reasons behind Capcom’s decision not to engage in the union signatory process. He voiced concerns that this refusal might be connected to the A.I. safeguards required by union contracts. Diskin mentioned that while he had received assurances that there are “full A.I. protections in place,” he was also told that Capcom would not move forward with the project as a union endeavor. This situation has raised alarms about the industry’s increasing focus on generative A.I. technology, particularly as large corporations aim to reduce expenses, frequently at the cost of actor protections.

Currently, Capcom has not issued an official statement regarding the DNWO or the associated circumstances. Reports by outlets like *Kotaku* have sought clarification from the company but have not yet received a reply.

The developing situation highlights the persistent tensions between creative labor unions and video game publishers, especially within a swiftly changing digital environment. As the sector navigates technological progress and the rights of actors, the resolution of this issue may serve as a benchmark for future productions in the gaming industry.

A slightly different redemption method.

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To pay for an MMO subscription is to unfortunately know that you will eventually have to pay more than you’d like to because prices never go down, now do they. Today, the MMO in question is RuneScape, with Jagex announcing an increase for both monthly and yearly subscriptions, the second price increase in under two years.

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Welcome back to another fantastic edition of Morning Checkpoint. Ethan is still out engaging in activities at GDC. Sounds exciting. However, he’s having a hard time playing Marathon on the hotel’s wi-fi. What a bummer. Anyway, today we’ve got news about an upcoming price hike for Runescape, updates regarding the next Yoshi game, a surprising Lego Luigi release, and some PlayStation revelations. It’s the newest edition of Morning Checkpoint, Kotaku‘s daily summary of gaming news, rumors, and culture. And…oh my, is that George Lucas? Hurry, Tom Cruise, say something nice to him for all of us. Thanks!

Runescape faces another price hike, less than two years after the last

The enduring free-to-play fantasy MMORPG and favorite of school computer labs, Runescape, is set to see its prices rise again. As noted by PC Gamer, the monthly membership for the MMO, which grants access to an extensive array of features, locations, quests, bonus skills, and more, has now increased to $15 a month. It was $14 before. The annual fee has also seen an increase today, now costing $132 for a year of Runescape membership, up from $100. Currently, Runescape’s membership is as expensive as World of Warcraft‘s monthly fee of $15. In fact, in certain regions, Runescape‘s monthly cost is higher than WoW‘s.

A membership price hike would be frustrating on its own, but this marks the second increase within a span of less than two years. In September 2024, Runescape’s membership rose from $12.50 to $14, and the yearly subscription plan increased from $80 to $100. Indeed, this now signifies that the annual subscription for Runescape membership has surged over $50 in the past two years, transforming a previously great deal into a less appealing proposition.

Players who registered before September 2024 will still be allowed to keep the old rate for a monthly subscription, but all new customers must start paying the updated prices on their next billing date.

Regarding the reasoning behind Runescape raising its prices, the developers claim it’s necessary to better manage the “cost of infrastructure, updated systems, and new content.” Not mentioned in the announcement blog regarding the price rise: In early 2024, Runescape creators Jagex were acquired by a private equity firm.

Lego Unveils New Luigi-Themed Mario Kart Set

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Searching high and low for Hogyoku Fragments.

The post How I Completed the Sailor Piece Hogyoku Quest in Less Than an Hour appeared first on Gamezebo.

The everything but the kitchen sink RPG Crimson Desert is finally out in a little over a week, but those of us in the realm of personal computers have been left wondering what it is exactly we’ll need to run the thing (I’m sure those flashy particle effects take their toll). Well, wonder no longer, intrepid Crimson Deserter, Pearly Abyss have released the PC specs you’ll need to be sporting to get this thing running.

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