Gait Games

LEGO Skylines is the new plastic city-builder from Cities: Skylines 2 and Surviving the Aftermath developers Iceflake Studios, published by Paradox Interactive. I’ve played an hour or so of a preview build, just long enough to devise a circular highway of coffee shops, glass-fronted houses, unaccountably cheerful farms, and playgrounds poking up haphazardly like fungus. Kind of like the M25, but more rustickal. There’s a park in the middle that can’t work out which century it’s in, with an ornamental fountain every ten paces to baffle the casual stroller.

Read more

Lost in the sauce.

The post How To Get The Secret Lost Shotgun in Slayers 2 appeared first on Gamezebo.

A blend of the finest elements from various competitive shooters while introducing something completely novel, Wardogs, even in its early access phase, is already a remarkably invigorating interpretation of the genre.

I needed four attempts to successfully skydive into a Wardogs match. On my first attempt, I deployed my parachute way too soon and was swiftly eliminated by one of the numerous sharpshooters scattered across Wardogs’ battlefield. The second attempt saw me pulling the ripcord far too late, crashing into the ground like a camo-clad Wile-E-Coyote. On the third try, I yanked the cord just slightly too late. However, it turns out that “slightly too late” results in the same demise as “very too late” when it concerns parachuting.

<pNonetheless, in all instances, my parachuting mishaps did not signify the end of my game. Similar to many large-scale shooters, the arenas of Wardogs are frequented by medics seeking to revive fallen comrades. Unlike other shooters, however, it allows clumsy players like myself to entice medics into reviving them with a tantalizing cash incentive for anyone willing to accept the task.

This feature is not unique. Wardogs revolves as much around the trade of money as it does around bullets, where the dual objectives of factional domination and individual gain coexist in a delicate balance. This concept simultaneously sets Wardogs apart from the competition, slightly undermines it as a shooter, and offers a captivating, real-time commentary on late capitalism and the gig economy.

Wardogs is rooted in the influences of three other FPS games, two of which are apparent at first glance – DICE’s Battlefield series and Bohemia Interactive’s more simulation-focused ArmA. The primary game mode is essentially a large-scale King of The Hill, with three teams contending for control of a circular area at the center of a much grander map. Securing the zone for a predefined duration awards the team a point. The first team to accumulate 100 points emerges victorious.

So far, it’s all quite familiar. However, it’s in the Counter-Strike genetics where the intrigue begins. Every life of your virtual mercenary commences with a CS-style buying phase, allowing you to acquire weapons and gear using a personal reserve of in-game currency. You start the game with a bank balance of $10,000, which is merely sufficient to equip yourself with a rifle, some ammunition, and a basic revive kit. Once you graduate from the starting-player discount, though, a decent loadout will start at a minimum of $4-5K.

The good news is that virtually any action in Wardogs will earn you cash. Eliminating an opponent? That’s cash. Assisting in downing an enemy? More cash. Reviving players? Transporting them to the battlefield? Building bases? Cash, cash, cash. Even standing idle in the control zone generates a steady stream of income, the rate of which doubles if you enter the much smaller, moving circle known as the Hot Zone.

This results in a form of role diversification akin to what you’d find in an ArmA RP server, but driven by profit. You’ll notice players dedicating their entire matches to providing transport for others to the battlefield or creating sophisticated defenses around their team’s Forward Operating Base. With every action yielding an immediate, tangible reward, players engage at all levels. You can even tip fellow players for exemplary healing or driving services.

Which way to the witch meetup?

The post [Roblox] How to Become a Witch in Vampire Life appeared first on Gamezebo.

Today, September 29th, The Witcher 3 is back on the path in Remastered form. With that remaster bringing a host of tweaks to the decade-old RPG, there was always going to be an adjustment period for the RPG’s established mods. One that won’t work right out of the gate is the WAR Project – an ongoing effort to restore a plague-themed questline CD Projekt Red abandoned prior to release.

However, the modders behind it have made clear this is just a temporary bump in the trail and promised “something extra” for the update that brings their demo up to remastered spec.

Read more

Valheim Mod List Update: Seasons

Valheim, the widely acclaimed survival title, has swiftly gained popularity within the gaming community due to its immersive gameplay and breathtaking graphics. With the 1.0 update released just under a month ago, the modding community is thriving with remarkable new creations that further enhance and customize the gaming experience. A notable addition is the “Seasons” mod by Shudnal, which brings dynamic seasonal transformations to the game’s biomes, turning static landscapes into vibrant and lifelike environments.

The Seasons mod introduces spring, summer, fall, and winter to all areas of Valheim. In the Meadows, for instance, spring is characterized by lush green greenery that gradually transitions to sun-baked patches during the summer. The hues shift to warm oranges in the fall, followed by a charming winter wonderland blanketed in snow. This mod enables players to modify the duration of seasons, weather conditions, and more, providing a customizable experience.

For those captivated by the allure and challenges of winter, the Seasons mod offers an opportunity to construct and discover in snow-covered terrains, moving beyond the confines of Valheim’s standard experience. Features such as seasonal lighting changes, biome-specific occurrences, and varying trader inventories enhance depth and immersion. Each season affects player stats, necessitating adjustments like increased fire resistance in winter or boosted stamina in summer. Players can modify the seasonal settings using add-ons like the BepInEx Configuration Manager.

With this mod, Valheim keeps evolving, providing players with even more incentives to explore, construct, and survive in its enchanting world, now enriched by the ever-changing seasons.

**The Intricate Connection with Dota 2: An Examination of Regret and Irritation**

In the realm of competitive video gaming, few games elicit as powerful emotions as *Dota 2*. With more than 1,200 hours clocked in, numerous players, including industry experts such as *Stanley Parable* co-creator William Pugh, reflect upon their journeys with a blend of nostalgia, regret, and irritation.

Pugh recently expressed his thoughts to *PC Gamer*, revealing a concerning attachment to *Dota 2*. With 1,603 hours recorded, exceeding even the cherished *Team Fortress 2*, he conveyed the contradiction of dedicating so much time to a game that often leads to discontent. Many gamers can relate to his feelings: despite the extensive time invested, the pleasure is often eclipsed by frustration with teammates and game mechanics.

Pugh’s complaints underline typical grievances encountered in multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs): players neglecting their responsibilities, inadequate communication, and strategic blunders resulting in losses. This tumultuous atmosphere fosters resentment, to the extent that Pugh’s frustration prompts him to declare, “Fuck that fucking game,” ironically emphasizing the profound emotional impact it takes on its players.

This annoyance resonates profoundly with those who have navigated the battlegrounds of *Dota 2*. Participants frequently share tales filled with torment rather than fun, leading some, like Pugh, to entirely remove the game from their systems. The recollections of heated disputes in voice chats concerning errors made during matches persist long after the game concludes, akin to the sense of trauma one might associate with an exhausting quest.

As Pugh pointed out, *Dota 2* distinguishes itself from other games due to the considerable concentration it requires. Playing feels similar to tackling a “five-dimensional Rubik’s cube,” demanding complete immersion and focus for durations of up to an hour. Gamers attempt to maneuver through intricate strategic choices while contending with adversaries, forging a unique yet mentally taxing experience.

Beyond mere annoyance, Pugh’s remarks initiate a wider dialogue about the culture surrounding competitive gaming. Frequently, the competitive spirit cultivates a community driven by a quest for victory, which can lead to toxic exchanges among players. He noted that *Dota 2* isn’t crafted from love but rather born of hate, a notion that highlights the more sinister aspects of online gaming communities.

In an environment where many players rediscover joy through gaming, Pugh’s viewpoint acts as a sobering reminder of the possible downsides linked to competitive titles. While some find comfort or camaraderie in collectively overcoming challenges, others connect with the distress that can arise from repeated losses and taxing interactions.

In conclusion, despite the myriad frustrations, there exists a peculiar magnetism to *Dota 2*. Even after harboring intense negative emotions, the allure to return remains constant, underscoring the captivating yet perilous nature of competitive gaming. It is this intricate connection between player and game that continues to influence the narratives within the gaming community.

Ultimately, Pugh’s heartfelt reflections urge players to contemplate their own experiences and the emotional investments they commit to their gaming endeavors. As *Dota 2* illustrates, the realm of online multiplayer games can be both a source of significant frustration and an inexplicable draw that keeps players returning, regardless of their wiser judgments.

# Discord’s Controversial Age Verification System: An Overview

Recently, Discord has commenced the launch of its updated age verification system, sparking significant discussion among its user base. This rollout follows considerable criticism the company received during its initial attempt in February. In its new method, Discord is providing additional options to verify age in a bid to address the complaints and concerns raised earlier.

## How the Age Verification System Works

Discord’s age verification procedure employs multiple factors to estimate a user’s age. These factors encompass the duration of the user’s account, their engagement in specific communities and servers, and the games associated with their account. Significantly, Discord has stated that it does not evaluate message content or call information as part of this verification process. The company estimates that roughly 90% of users will be exempt from needing to verify their age due to this estimation methodology.

For adults who are misclassified by the system, Discord presents several alternatives for age verification aside from traditional methods such as uploading a photo ID or facial scans. Options include credit card verification and linking a Google Wallet account, among others. Users can verify their designated age category through their account settings on Discord.

For users identified as teenagers, the new system imposes several limitations. Messages from non-friends will be directed to a separate inbox pending evaluation, users will be notified upon receiving friend requests from individuals outside their mutual connections, and access to age-restricted channels and commands will be restricted. Additionally, teen profiles will only be visible to friends and members of smaller servers they are part of.

## Addressing Bugs and User Reactions

Despite its noble intentions, the initial rollout of the age verification system has faced numerous glitches. Reports indicate that users have been assigned to incorrect age categories or not categorized at all, leading to restricted access to various Discord functionalities. Inconsistent age verification statuses across different platforms have compounded user dissatisfaction.

In reaction to these problems, Discord took to Twitter, employing sarcasm to comment on the situation. A tweet highlighted the popularity of the update while also recognizing its bugs. This response did not sit well with users, many of whom considered it immature and disrespectful. Some users even expressed their discontent by threatening to delete their accounts or creating memes depicting aggression toward Discord’s mascot, Wumpus.

Recognizing the unfavorable feedback, Discord later released a follow-up message, indicating that it was diligently working to fix the identified bugs and had already implemented some corrections.

## Echoes from the Past: A History of Age Verification Attempts

This is not Discord’s inaugural attempt at instituting an age verification system. Earlier this year, the platform unveiled a similar initiative in February but faced backlash due to the proposed verification methods, which predominantly involved facial recognition and ID uploads. Privacy concerns escalated, particularly following a data breach in 2025, which resulted in the theft of governmental IDs belonging to thousands of users.

Consequently, Discord postponed its plans, vowing to revise its strategy. The current version intends to deliver a more adaptable verification process that respects user privacy preferences.

Discord’s Chief Technology Officer, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, pointed to legislative pressures as a primary factor driving the company’s determination to implement the age verification system. As states and countries formulate laws requiring online platforms to verify user age, it is vital for Discord to adapt while preserving privacy standards.

The CTO stressed the importance of effective age assurance measures, declaring, “Age assurance elicits strong opinions and skepticism, particularly when it involves sharing biometric data or a form of identification.” He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring that over 90% of its user base would not be required to verify their age directly.

## Conclusion

As Discord navigates the complexities of age verification, it faces the dual challenge of adhering to legal requirements while addressing user privacy issues. The most recent rollout of the age verification system illustrates the platform’s efforts to reconcile these needs, although it has encountered complications and public scrutiny. Going forward, it remains to be seen how Discord will adjust its approach based on user feedback and evolving regulations regarding online safety and data privacy.

### The Untapped Potential of a New Elder Scrolls Spin-Off

**Overview of Fallout: New Vegas and Its Impact**
Launched in 2010, *Fallout: New Vegas* represented a major achievement in the world of role-playing games (RPGs). Crafted by Obsidian Entertainment, this installment not only expanded upon the groundwork established by *Fallout 3* but also demonstrated the capacity for a swift turnaround in game creation without compromising on depth and quality. Its triumph has prompted many to wonder why a comparable single-player spin-off has yet to come to fruition for *The Elder Scrolls* series, which has consistently engaged fans since it began.

**Kurt Kuhlmann’s Perspective**
Kurt Kuhlmann, co-lead designer of *Skyrim*, provides perspective on the reasons for the lack of a *New Vegas*-style spin-off for *The Elder Scrolls*. He indicates that the presence of *The Elder Scrolls Online*, an MMORPG that continually delivers fresh content, diluted the desire for a classic single-player experience. Kuhlmann notes, “There was a new *Elder Scrolls* product, and it was ongoing. It was creating new content constantly.”

He recognizes a split within the community, with many players now primarily linking the *Elder Scrolls* experience to the online game as opposed to the original single-player escapades. This change in audience perception might have influenced the choice to refrain from creating a standalone spin-off.

**Possible Concerns and Fan Dynamics**
Kuhlmann further discusses possible apprehensions regarding a spin-off. The competitive conversation that arose from *Fallout: New Vegas* and its comparison to *Fallout 3* created unease within Bethesda about replicating a similar scenario for *The Elder Scrolls*. Director Todd Howard’s cautious approach to the franchise, developed internally rather than obtained from another entity, added to this hesitation. Kuhlmann’s remark that Howard’s stewardship of the *Elder Scrolls* series reflects a desire to uphold its integrity and cohesion without introducing polarizing comparisons.

**Speculation on Upcoming Developments**
At present, Obsidian is working on *Avowed*, a first-person fantasy RPG, which brings up inquiries about the possibility for future collaboration on the *Elder Scrolls* franchise. With Microsoft’s acquisition of the series, fresh opportunities could emerge for innovation in franchise management and development approaches. It remains uncertain if Obsidian will assume a supportive position for new *Elder Scrolls* projects, given their expertise and historical connection to the franchise.

**Final Thoughts**
While the lasting success of *Fallout: New Vegas* underscores the potential for a similar entry within *The Elder Scrolls* realm, several factors including fan expectations, franchise stewardship, and the shift towards online formats have likely hindered such a venture. As the gaming landscape transforms under new ownership and technological advancements, the future of the *Elder Scrolls* series continues to be a subject brimming with speculation and optimism for enthusiasts of single-player RPG experiences.

### Atlanta’s Dragon Con: A Festivity of Fantasy and Cosplay

Atlanta’s Dragon Con stands as a premier gathering that honors a vast array of pop-culture and fandom interests, spanning genres from science fiction and fantasy to gaming, comics, and more. Annually, it attracts aficionados from every part of the galaxy to connect, exchange ideas, and most prominently, display their artistic flair through cosplay. The event has earned recognition as a hub of imaginative renditions of cherished characters, and this year was no different, reaching remarkable heights of creativity. Mineralblu captured the essence of this year’s proceedings, documenting awe-inspiring cosplays that spanned from the iconic to the wonderfully obscure.

This year’s showcase included exceptional characters that typically do not receive the cosplay spotlight, such as Barriss Offee from *Star Wars: The Clone Wars*, Dolly Parton, and Dungeon Crawler Carl. Each outfit highlighted inventive choices and delightful crossovers that ignited curiosity and admiration among attendees. Distinct concepts featured cosplays of Drogon and the Iron Throne from *Game of Thrones*, which have infrequently been realized outside their original settings. Other intriguing ensembles included a Buc-ee’s Barbie, a witty mashup of *Star Wars* and *X-Men* with a “Storm” Trooper, and a whimsical version of Totoro reimagined as a character from *Expedition 33*.

Visual enthusiasts are encouraged to experience Mineralblu’s video that encapsulates the vibrancy of the event, showcasing the diverse and creative display of cosplay that embodies the essence of Dragon Con.

#### Featured Cosplay Highlights

1. **Barriss Offee – *Star Wars: The Clone Wars***
– A rare and captivating portrayal of the mysterious character.

2. **Xena & Gabrielle – *Xena: Warrior Princess***
– A duo that resonates strongly with admirers of the beloved series.

3. **Dungeon Crawler Carl**
– A character that mirrors unique preferences in gaming culture.

4. **Reaper & Ashe – *Overwatch***
– A dynamic pair representing one of the most cherished gaming franchises.

5. **William Foster – *Falling Down***
– A notable choice reflecting the diverse narratives of pop culture.

6. **Drogon – *Game of Thrones***
– An impressive and ambitious interpretation of the legendary dragon.

7. **Optimus Prime – *Transformers***
– A tribute to a defining figure in robot fandom.

8. **Rhaenyra & Jace – *House of the Dragon***
– Showcasing the new wave of characters from the beloved universe.

9. **Buc-ee’s Barbie**
– A witty and nostalgic interpretation of pop culture merchandise.

10. **Space Marines – *Warhammer 40K***
– A classic and intricate representation of lore-rich gaming culture.

11. **Martians – *Mars Attacks***
– A playful, nostalgic costume appealing to classic film enthusiasts.

12. **Rocky – *Project Hail Mary***
– A unique and mindful selection showcasing the variety of contemporary literature.

13. **The Iron Throne – *Game of Thrones***
– A unique cosplay choice exemplifying a major symbol of authority in the series.

14. ***Horizon Zero Dawn***
– Capturing the core of the game’s distinct visual style.

15. **Hellebron – *Warhammer***
– A character steeped in fantasy lore, showcasing the meticulous nature of cosplay.

16. **Rogue: The Savage Land – *X-Men***
– Bringing to life one of the cherished characters from the X-Men realm.

17. **Dolly Parton – *Playboy***
– A nod to both music and pop culture, celebrating an iconic personality.

18. **“Storm” Trooper – *X-Men x Star Wars***
– A clever combination that embodies the inventive spirit of the community.

19. ***Fallout 1776***
– An imaginative interpretation of an established franchise.

20. **Totoro x Clair Obscur: Expedition 33**
– A creative mashup that presents an engaging visual narrative.

Atlanta’s Dragon Con remains a magnificent showcase where imagination knows no limits. The cosplay displayed this year exemplifies the boundless creativity and enthusiasm of fans who gather to honor their favorite realms.