Gait Games

Merry Monday, readers. Edwin’s been struck down by a post-TennoCon lurgy, and we were only too happy to allow him some rest, provided he file his Soulframe and Warframe: Tau stories before collapsing into a feverish heap. We even agreed to feed the Maw in his absence, albeit without reaching a similar accord on responsibility for the litter tray.

Thus: new PC games this week. Here are some of them.

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Smells like dye.

The post Gakuran Hair Colors – Dye Chances, Genetics, and Rerolls! appeared first on Gamezebo.

Everything new in the latest update.

The post Gakuran Update Log [NEW MAP] appeared first on Gamezebo.

Games Done Quick, the speedrunning organisation behind events like Games Done Queer and the yearly Summer Games Done Quick, have cancelled a stream sponsored by Metal Slug developers SNK following backlash to the fighting game studio being majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Games Done Quick apologised for the “oversight”, and wrote that they “failed to conduct the level of review” they should have when deciding whether to accept the sponsorship deal.

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Get inside to the shade and check out these discounts!

The post The Best Game Key Deals on G2A.COM – July 2026 appeared first on Gamezebo.

### Itch.io Embraces Indie Music Icons: Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Boys Game”

Itch.io, the indie gaming hub frequently seen as an alternative to Steam, has carved out a niche for itself as a sanctuary for distinctive content, featuring undiscovered treasures, low-poly horror titles, and fan-created zines. Recently, it has broadened its scope by featuring indie music talents, including the renowned folk-pop artist Phoebe Bridgers. Bridgers has unveiled her own page on the platform, launching an intriguing infinite runner game that draws inspiration from her recent single, “Lost Boys.”

#### Presenting “Lost Boys Game”

Lost Boys Game is a straightforward yet captivating infinite runner where players embody a “passenger princess.” Within this colorful fantasy realm, players must maneuver through an array of obstacles, such as goblins, while gathering power-ups and “PB” coins. The gameplay is uncomplicated—dodge, leap, and accelerate until facing an unavoidable end depicted by a “broken heart.” Players can also challenge others on a leaderboard, adding a competitive thrill to the adventure.

The game shares its name and chip-tune rendition with Bridgers’ single, evoking parallels to the work of Judee Sill. The music video for “Lost Boys,” influenced by RuneScape, features actor Skyler Gisondo, further intertwining the themes of gaming and music. While it may not be as revolutionary as some classic infinite runners like Canabalt or the legendary Chrome dinosaur game, Lost Boys Game represents a delightful initial foray for Bridgers into the gaming arena.

#### Insights into Phoebe Bridgers

“Lost Boys” signifies Bridgers’ first musical release since announcing her break in 2023. This track is part of her upcoming album, Lost Weekend, which will be her first solo endeavor in six years, following her work with the supergroup Boygenius. It remains uncertain whether Bridgers worked on the game during her hiatus or plans to engage in more projects on itch.io going forward, but the option of utilizing tools like RPG Maker opens exciting possibilities for creative exploration.

#### Other Indie Projects

For those in search of more immersive experiences in indie gaming from musical creators, James Ferraro has launched Desolation Seed, a title currently in early access on Steam, offering a dark and engrossing journey. Moreover, fans are eager to see if The Weeknd’s newfound interest in gaming and interactions with luminaries like Yoko Taro and Hidetaka Miyazaki will result in larger initiatives.

As Itch.io continues to attract a diverse array of creators, the platform is evolving beyond conventional limits, uniting the spheres of music and interactive entertainment. Bridgers’ venture into game development is a distinctive embodiment of the growing connection between indie music and gaming, forging a path for future collaborations and innovations.

### The Present Condition of the Video Game Sector: Highlighting Steam’s Triumph

The video game sector is undergoing a tumultuous phase marked by extensive mismanagement and a downturn in the cultural environment. This has resulted in a worrying number of studio shutdowns, project terminations, and general instability. In light of this situation, one might expect financial resources to be limited; however, funds remain abundant, with a considerable share directed towards Valve Corporation, the entity behind the digital distribution service, Steam.

Recent findings from Alinea Analytics, presented by Rhys Elliott, indicate that Steam is set to achieve its most lucrative year ever, having already secured an astounding $11 billion in gross revenue during the initial half of 2026. With an eagerly awaited lineup of game launches planned for autumn, the platform is poised to exceed previous financial achievements. Factors driving this surge in success encompass a surge of new users and unforeseen hit games, but a noteworthy source of income may spark debate among industry watchers.

Elliott highlights that Steam’s earnings for the first half of 2026 have already surpassed the total revenue for all of 2020, a year defined by pandemic-related lockdowns that catalyzed a spike in game sales. It is also approaching the figures from 2021, another year marked by strong revenue and user engagement.

Significant launches in the first half of 2026 include major titles such as *Resident Evil Requiem*, *Forza Horizon 6*, and *Crimson Desert*, each raking in nearly $200 million in sales solely on Steam. These titles greatly outperform other successful games like *Slay the Spire II*, *Subnautica 2*, and the breakout sensation *Meccha Chameleon*.

A common factor among the top-performing games is their elevated price point, usually set at $70 (or roughly $100 in Canadian currency). Elliott suggests that these higher prices for significant titles are a vital factor propelling Steam’s financial success, a trend that is prevalent across various gaming platforms.

Additionally, it’s significant to mention that new releases constitute less than 20% of total sales on Steam. The platform has observed increasing interest in Asian markets, with China demonstrating considerable adoption of Steam as a gaming center. This transition has encouraged major publishers, such as Ubisoft, to abandon their efforts to maintain rival platforms like Uplay, thereby solidifying Steam’s supremacy.

Elliott further underscores the significance of Steam’s extensive catalogue, with notable sales stemming from older titles rather than new releases, which have dropped by 6% compared to the previous year. This pattern reflects the Hollywood model, where films like *Fight Club* or *The Nightmare Before Christmas* acquire cult status and profitability years following their original release. This observation indicates a necessity for the gaming sector to embrace long-term publishing strategies, pivoting away from the current obsession with immediate financial returns.

In summary, while the video game industry confronts numerous challenges resulting in closures and an unstable environment, Steam’s financial results point to a vigorous and flourishing platform. Valve’s ongoing success under Gabe Newell’s guidance illustrates how leveraging diverse revenue streams and appealing to both new and experienced gamers can fortify a company’s standing in a competitive marketplace. As signs suggest, Valve may indeed be “getting the bigger boat” amid the industry’s prevailing chaos.

**Ubisoft’s Financial Report: A Change in Narrative and Emphasis**

In recent times, Ubisoft, the esteemed video game publisher, has encountered scrutiny over its monetization practices, especially related to microtransactions. Last year’s annual financial report faced backlash for a statement suggesting that such monetization might improve player enjoyment. However, the recent report has conspicuously omitted this contentious claim.

Traditionally, Ubisoft’s messaging regarding premium game development highlighted a dedication to enabling players to fully appreciate their experiences without extra charges. The earlier report indicated that their monetization strategy sought to introduce enjoyment through personalization and accelerated progress. Nonetheless, the current report has shifted away from the idea that spending money corresponds with increased enjoyment, now concentrating on various elements of their business strategy.

These annual reports, rich in data and financial metrics, frequently reiterate familiar themes from prior documents. Thus, any alterations indicate substantial shifts in the company’s viewpoint or approach. The latest report emphasizes the significance of harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance creativity and addresses the hurdles posed by hype cycles within the industry. Importantly, it continues to mention microtransactions but has excluded the claim that they boost fun, suggesting a possible acknowledgment of player sentiment against such assertions.

The conversation surrounding microtransactions has escalated since the notorious “horse armor” incident, establishing a distinct separation between advantageous post-launch content and practices viewed as exploitative. This issue has become especially visible in free-to-play and mobile games but is progressively infiltrating full-priced titles. The pushback from players and scrutiny from regulators around the world reflect worries that some purchases may resemble gambling.

Beyond financial matters, a key emphasis of the report is the growing length of game development cycles. The previous report raised alarms about hasty launches, while the current report underscores a different concern: the danger of prolonged development times resulting in reduced hype and competitiveness. The instances of troubled projects like “Skull and Bones,” which has encountered extensive delays, and the termination of the “Prince of Persia” remake highlight this issue. Furthermore, the long-anticipated “Beyond Good & Evil 2” remains in developmental limbo, possibly distancing itself from its once-ardent fanbase.

Notably, the report also uncovers a troubling trend in employee compensation, showing a 4% drop in average wages along with a decline in the percentage of younger employees. This contrast raises questions about the company’s internal environment and its capacity to attract new talent in a constantly changing industry.

In conclusion, Ubisoft’s latest financial report illustrates a shifting narrative concerning monetization strategies and development timelines. While the company continues to navigate the financial landscape, the omission of the claim that microtransactions enhance enjoyment indicates a potential shift towards greater awareness of player experiences and feelings. The focus on development schedules suggests a recognition of both opportunities and dangers in a competitive market, alongside concerns for employee welfare that may have wider implications for the company’s future.

### Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle – An Exploration into Paper and Pencil Fantasy

As the COVID-19 pandemic enveloped the world, Yoshio Nishimura, a renowned artist and developer linked with Vanillaware, embarked on a transformative path. Leaving behind the vibrant studio environment, he settled in the tranquil mountains near Nara, dedicating six years to creating a passion project inspired by the early fantasy “gamebooks” that had shaped his previous creations, including acclaimed titles like **Dragon’s Crown**, **Odin Sphere**, and **Monster Hunter**. This heartfelt endeavor resulted in the unveiling of **Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle**, an RPG that welcomes players into a carefully designed universe where paper interacts with digital gaming.

In **Veritas Tales**, players find themselves in a land where powerful magicians reign, but an ominous fate creeps in as one kingdom’s magical legacy begins to wane. Seeking help, the royal family reaches out to the mysterious witch Ingeborg, hoping she can restore their diminishing magical prowess. However, their journey takes a grave turn when creatures invade the capital. Players must make a crucial decision: take on the role of a modest barbarian or a budding witch, each with distinct backgrounds tied to Ingeborg. The kingdom’s destiny hinges on the player’s capacity to traverse perilous choices, unveil the truth, and prevent a disaster that threatens to overwhelm the entire realm.

The game embraces the style and mechanics of traditional adventure gamebooks echoing J. H. Brennan’s **Grailquest** or Ian Livingstone’s **Deathtrap Dungeon**, while skillfully sidestepping the shortcomings of less refined adaptations. Combat scenarios depend on character statistics, card systems, and dice rolls, introducing a tactical layer to encounters with undead, constructs, and other mythical adversaries. Nonetheless, the core of **Veritas Tales** resides in its choose-your-own-adventure framework, where players make pivotal choices, build alliances, and experience an array of narrative paths that unfold throughout the game book’s pages. A quirky wizard serves as the players’ guide, adding a whimsical flair to the experience as they tackle challenges equipped with ingenuity, luck, and a handful of magical items.

Nishimura’s retreat into nature has significantly shaped the artistic and aesthetic expression of **Veritas Tales**. Vanillaware is celebrated for its painterly visuals and animation, and this latest offering continues that tradition with breathtaking character designs, exquisite animations, immersive environments, and captivating scenes that blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Nishimura has deliberately opted against AI-generated content in favor of painstakingly crafted artwork, declaring that the game embodies “a soul that can only be discovered in something genuinely handmade.” This dedication to artisanal craftsmanship shines through in every aspect, from the sparkle of each intricately depicted beard hair to the texture of the vintage-style paper featured in the game’s graphics.

Ultimately, **Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle** serves as a delightful and unique tribute to the golden era of pen-and-paper gaming. It encapsulates Nishimura’s personal recollections and nostalgic moments, warmly inviting players to dive into this vibrant world. The game occasionally encourages players to investigate other gamebooks, nurturing a spirit of adventure and creativity that inspires them to embark on their individual journeys.

With its rich storytelling, captivating mechanics, and stunning visuals, **Veritas Tales** offers an enchanting journey for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike, reigniting the enchantment of narrative found within the pages of classic fantasy gamebooks.

### Xbox Encounters Legal Hurdle in Brazil: A Gamers’ Victory Over Corporate Policy

In a significant case illustrating the escalating friction between consumers and major corporations, Xbox has found itself on the unfavorable end of a legal dispute in Brazil. The gaming behemoth, which has recently attracted attention for widespread layoffs and changes in leadership, clashed with one of its users after his account was breached.

#### The Incident

This situation unfolded with a Brazilian gamer known as Ordo_Liberal, who disclosed on Reddit that despite having two-factor authentication activated, his Xbox account had been infiltrated. Upon realizing that the security of his account had been compromised, he sought assistance from Microsoft’s customer service. The reply he received indicated that the account was irretrievable, advising him to buy all his digital games again. Displeased with this answer, Ordo_Liberal escalated the issue to PROCON, Brazil’s consumer protection agency.

#### Court Ruling

After taking legal action, Ordo_Liberal triumphed in his case against Microsoft. The Brazilian judiciary ruled in his favor, confirming that he was indeed the rightful owner of the account and that Microsoft had failed to recognize this despite the considerable evidence he provided via emails and support tickets. Consequently, Microsoft has been mandated to reinstate the account within 15 days and compensate him with damages totaling 2000 Brazilian real (approximately $400 USD).

#### Implications and Expectations

Although this case has attracted attention due to its distinctive circumstances, it is not anticipated to establish a significant legal precedent. Brazil’s strong consumer protection laws, facilitated by agencies like PROCON, enable consumers to pursue legal claims without incurring hefty costs, thereby simplifying the quest for justice. In contrast, the legal environment in the United States often leans towards corporate interests, complicating the probability of similar outcomes in comparable situations.

Despite the relatively minor stakes of the case, Microsoft regarded the issue sufficiently serious to assign a team of 12 lawyers to uphold its position. The company has yet to formally reply to the court’s ruling, concentrating instead on tackling other public relations challenges, including addressing conspiracy theories circulating on social media.

#### The Broader Context

This incident highlights a mounting concern among gamers about the security and ownership of their digital assets. As digital transactions become increasingly common in the gaming sector, the threat of account hacks presents significant obstacles. A compromised account can lead to not only losing access to games but may also impact other services linked to the Microsoft ecosystem, such as Windows and Office.

The shifting nature of digital ownership prompts questions regarding the accessibility and recoverability of digital assets. With a growing trend towards subscription-based models and the idea of “owning less,” consumers must stay alert regarding their rights and potential legal options.

### Conclusion

The legal confrontation between Ordo_Liberal and Microsoft serves as a reminder of the power dynamics in the digital era. While Xbox continues to manage its corporate challenges, this case serves as a caution that consumers can and will assert their rights, even against a giant corporation. For gamers everywhere, it emphasizes the necessity of being informed – both about account security and consumer rights.