Gait Games

Right, how about a little Stop Killing Games progress update? Earlier today, a public hearing was held today that included three European parliament committees, IMCO, JURI and PETI, discussing the European Citizens Initiative Stop Destroying Videogames. Both Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott and group organiser Moritz Katzner made an appearance at the hearing, which you can watch in full here, with the pair hosting a press conference (or as Katzner put it a “fancy Twitch stream”) to discuss how it went. Bottom line: in their eyes, good!

Read more

**Fairgames: The Transforming Realm of a Multiplayer Heist Shooter**

In the transforming realm of multiplayer gaming, *Fairgames* exemplifies resilience and flexibility. Almost three years following its original announcement at a PlayStation Showcase, this multiplayer heist shooter keeps sparking interest and excitement. Recent insights from *Insider Gaming* indicate that the game is venturing into extraction shooter territory with a newly introduced mode called “Cargo Heist.”

### The Cargo Heist Mode

Per insider sources, “Cargo Heist” delivers gameplay reminiscent of Bungie’s *Marathon*, permitting players to dive into a heist-like adventure within a competitive setting. The mode comprises a series of objectives that players need to accomplish amid pressure from rival teams vying for extraction zones. The gameplay unfolds through three major phases:

1. **Break In**: Players must locate a vault code to access a safe. This initial phase highlights stealth and strategy, as they need to gather cash and enhance their skills.

2. **Drill**: After securing access, teams must hurry to seize the cargo or plan to intercept it from rival teams. This phase amplifies competition and promotes dynamic interactions among players.

3. **Extract**: The concluding phase centers on transporting the cargo to an Extraction Site. Players must engage an extraction device to summon support while navigating potential obstacles. Failing to extract the cargo might necessitate teams to explore alternate escape routes, injecting tension and immediacy into the gameplay.

This gameplay framework indicates a fusion of tactical choices and action, appealing to players who enjoy high-stakes situations.

### Emergent Gameplay and Comparisons to Other Titles

*Fairgames* was initially characterized by the PlayStation Blog as a “novel type of PvP game with emergent sandbox gameplay,” aimed at rewarding creativity and expertise. The link between *Fairgames* and *Marathon* is clear, as both titles emphasize player interactions and strategies within expansive landscapes.

Nonetheless, the game’s connection to the extraction shooter genre raises questions about its sustainability. With the genre becoming more saturated, a key question emerges: Will *Fairgames* develop a distinctive identity, or will it face difficulties in the competitive landscape? Moreover, *Marathon* is also contending with its popularity, and recent changes in Sony’s live-service strategy pose uncertainties regarding the future path of *Fairgames*.

### Industry Challenges and Future Prospects

The creation of *Fairgames* has faced its fair share of obstacles. Reports of delays in the game’s release were linked to significant leadership transitions within the development team, such as the exit of studio head Jade Raymond. Following that, game director Daniel Drapeau also declared his departure, further igniting speculation about the game’s trajectory.

Despite these challenges, indications of ongoing progress are apparent. The studio has posted job openings for essential positions, including a lead producer, showcasing a sustained commitment to realize *Fairgames*.

### Conclusion

As *Fairgames* steers through the intricacies of the gaming industry, its emphasis on innovative gameplay modes like “Cargo Heist” highlights the potential for novel, compelling experiences in multiplayer settings. Whether it will effectively carve out its niche within the crowded extraction shooter market remains uncertain, but the dedication from the development team indicates that *Fairgames* aims to make its presence felt in the world of multiplayer gaming.

As trendy as it’s sort of become as a feature, photography modes in most games don’t interest me much. They’ve either got too much freedom, making the act of taking photos boring, or so many limitations it hardly feels like photography at all. Limitations are good! You can’t get good photos without them, I just prefer having an actual lens, even a digital one, to look through. So whenever a game that’s actually about photography, like Opus: Prism Peak (which is out today), rocks up, my curiosity will always be a little bit piqued.

Read more

**The Northernlion Supercruise: An Unusual Announcement and Quick Cancellation**

In an unexpected twist, cherished Twitch streamer Ryan “Northernlion” Letourneau revealed the Northernlion Supercruise, a lavish five-day streaming event slated for 2024. Planned to embark from Tampa, Florida, with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, the event promised involvement from prominent streamers including Dan Gheesling, Squeex, and LovelyMomo. Nonetheless, within merely 72 hours of the announcement, the event was suddenly canceled, resulting in refunds for those who had booked.

At first, fans exhibited skepticism regarding the seriousness of the announcement. Northernlion is recognized for upholding a work-life balance and has typically steered clear of major streaming events. This caused many to assume the Supercruise was an elaborate joke, especially considering Northernlion’s known love for cruises. Regrettably for fans intrigued by the concept, the event was indeed legitimate before its abrupt cancellation.

The choice to cancel the Supercruise arose after a whirlwind of mixed reactions from the community. While some fans conveyed enthusiasm for the innovative idea, others expressed considerable concerns about the health and safety of both the streamers and cruise passengers. Ethical questions also emerged, notably concerning Corporate Travel, the agency coordinating the event, which had ties promoting trips to Israel during ongoing conflicts in Palestine.

During streams leading up to the cancellation, Northernlion appeared increasingly uneasy about the implications of the event. He openly discussed his feelings of apprehension, revealing to viewers how the anticipation for an engaging experience transitioned into worries about the safety of all those involved. “I think this has highlighted for me that I actually do have an anxiety disorder,” he noted, recognizing how the pressure of ensuring safety diverted his attention from crafting a memorable experience to addressing potential hazards.

After the cancellation, Northernlion reassured audiences that while the Supercruise would not proceed as planned, many activities originally aimed for the event, such as a streamer Q&A and a speedrunning contest, would still take place — albeit in a different format, streamed remotely instead of as in-person affairs.

As the situation calms from this unforeseen incident, fans and followers of Northernlion are left pondering the swift rise and fall of the Supercruise, an initiative that started as an audacious foray into new content territory and concluded as a cautionary narrative about the challenges of organizing large public gatherings in the present day.

To be a live service game, in any shape or form, is to seemingly make some kind of agreement to eventually make some kind of licensing deal. And it is happening again. This time with Phasmophobia and, to its credit, the quite thematically appropriate Alan Wake 2, which is coming to the co-op horror game as part of a limited-time event.

Read more

# The Transformation of Tom Clancy’s The Division: From MMORPG to Third-Person Looter Shooter

Tom Clancy’s The Division, crafted by Massive Entertainment, is celebrated for its captivating gameplay set within a post-apocalyptic New York City environment. Nevertheless, the game commenced with a dramatically different vision: an MMORPG similar to World of Warcraft. Recent insights from Ubisoft have offered an intriguing glimpse into the initial stages of The Division’s development, showcasing the significant progress of the project and the distinctive ideas that were once part of its foundation.

## An Unforeseen Start

In a recent “Devs Playing” video published on Massive Entertainment’s official YouTube channel, developers Drew Rechner and Fredrik Thylander revealed thoughts about the game’s evolution over its decade-long journey. While playing through a mission, they elaborated on the original idea, which incorporated traditional MMORPG mechanics, such as hotbars and a skill system that varied greatly from the shooter elements that characterize the final version.

Rechner stated, “We developed The Division’s combat around…this loop right here, which we referred to as OPE, internally… Observe, plan, execute.” The team recognized distinct deficiencies in standard shooter mechanics at the outset of the project, guiding the development toward a more action-focused format rather than the MMO model.

## Visuals and Gameplay Adjustments

The early iteration of The Division, showcased during the video, exhibited a more cartoon-like visual style and gameplay mechanics reminiscent of traditional MMORPGs. In this discarded version, players would experience genre-typical features, including a hotbar for skill and ability management, further highlighting the game’s intended emphasis on group dynamics and cooperative play.

Notably, this original version of The Division also featured a companion aspect with a dog, which has generated interest among fans who speculate whether such elements might be reintroduced in future installments of the franchise.

## Reflection on Development

The dramatic difference between the original MMORPG vision and the final product demonstrates the challenges and transformations that frequently happen in game development. Despite the initial direction, the team adeptly shifted to create a game that has been praised for its engaging mechanics and world-building.

While players delight in the third-person looter shooter experience, many are intrigued by the MMORPG that nearly became reality. Rechner’s and Thylander’s comments highlight the necessity of adjusting visions in response to gameplay experiences and player expectations, resulting in the creation of a title that has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success.

## Final Observations

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of The Division, it is fascinating to contemplate an alternate reality where the game remained faithful to its MMORPG origins. The examination of these early concepts not only illuminates the creative journey but also enhances appreciation for the extensive development process undertaken. Fans continue to enjoy the exhilarating gameplay of The Division and its sequel, yet the intrigue surrounding the unrealized MMO version endures, serving as a testament to the evolving nature of game design.

Infamous Keepers, I think, might be a game about the games industry. It’s not about making games explicitly, not in the slightest. It is a tower defence roguelite, one where you run a dungeon, with this as the narrative setup, however: “Your employer, the Dungeon Company, has recently gone through massive layoffs, putting their dungeons to the test by closing the portals that connect them… if a team of heroes makes it all the way through, you can kiss your career goodbye.” You do have to replace a few words to get back to our reality, but there’s certainly a resemblance to the one we live in.

Read more

## Morning Checkpoint for April 16, 2026

### The Obstacles in Adapting Video Game Stories to Film

Transitioning well-known video game franchises such as *Call of Duty* to films is a considerable challenge. Renowned for its flat operator bravado and high-stakes military action, the franchise has difficulty converting its gaming spirit into film adaptations. The forthcoming movie, scheduled for release on June 30, 2028, has generated interest but leaves many uncertainties about the authenticity of its depiction.

### *Arc Raiders* Experiences Major Player Drop

*Arc Raiders*, an unexpected success in the extraction shooter genre from 2025, has encountered an alarming 80% reduction in its simultaneous player numbers on Steam, falling from 466,000 players in January to 90,000. Analysts in the industry are pondering the causes of this decline, citing a sluggish gaming season, persistent cheating issues, and an audience that is increasingly enticed by the move towards PVE-focused gameplay. Paul Tassi from *Forbes* indicates that *Arc Raiders* mirrors a trend seen with *Helldivers 2*, which is still thriving through ongoing live-service updates.

### *Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream* Released

The social simulation title *Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream* is now live, enabling players to design their own virtual lives. JRPG enthusiasts are notably thrilled, as they can utilize the game to simulate dinner gatherings with prominent members of the *Final Fantasy* development team, highlighting the game’s adaptability.

### Concerns Regarding EA’s Acquisition by Saudi Arabia

Congressman Maxwell Frost from Florida has sounded the alarm over Saudi Arabia’s persistent efforts to take over Electronic Arts (EA). Voicing concerns over national security and potential censorship, Frost advocates for intervention from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). His statements underline wider worries about foreign interference in the gaming sector and the repercussions for both game creators and players.

### Legal Action Against *Hytale* Imitation Games

In response to the surge of imitation games, *Hytale* co-director Simon Collins-Laflamme confirmed that their legal team is tackling issues with a notably offensive imitation titled *Hytale: Sandbox RPG* on the Nintendo Switch. The original *Hytale* remains in Early Access, and opposition to low-quality releases is gaining momentum, with companies such as Sony beginning to remove subpar games from their platforms.

### The Decline of *Pickmos*

The creature-collecting title *Pickmos*, which heavily borrowed elements from both *Palworld* and *Pokémon*, is withdrawing from the Steam marketplace. Formerly known as *Pickmon*, the game was met with backlash due to its overt imitation. The developers, Networkgo, have proclaimed an initiative to enhance the game’s development following community feedback.

### A Farewell to Ludum Dare

The beloved game jam series Ludum Dare is slated to end in October 2028, following an announcement from co-founder Mike Kasprzak. Celebrated for its contribution to independent game development, including the creation of the cult classic *Celeste*, the final jam will commemorate the series’ impact while alluding to potential retrospective events in the future.

### Upcoming Highlights

Monitor these advancements in the gaming sector as we delve into the blend of technology, creativity, and culture within this continually evolving landscape.

The mercenary I’m watching stalk the corridors of the dank labyrinth is right to be scared. He’s already seen the rest of his party impaled by pressure plate-triggered spike traps, crushed by heavy stone doors, and drawn off the path to the minotaur’s lair by a siren song-emitting statue. Alone in the ever-shifting maze, he continues on his mission to kill the Cretan king Minos’s bull-horned son, Asterion. He doesn’t even realise that he’s about to turn the corner into range of a waiting ballistae.

I almost feel sorry for the sellsword. Almost. The blood bonus I’ll receive for killing all the labyrinth’s invaders with traps alone will make for a nice reward. Maybe I’ll invest the gore in a mulcher or a boulder trap…

Read more

### Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Teaser Revealed at CinemaCon

At CinemaCon, Paramount Pictures provided attendees with an exclusive sneak peek at the forthcoming **Sonic the Hedgehog 4** film. This yearly industry gathering, hosted in Las Vegas, served as a venue for the studio to highlight what fans can look forward to in this next chapter of the cherished franchise. While the trailer remains concealed from the general public, detailed accounts from participants unveil captivating plot hints and character arcs.

#### Trailer Highlights

Reported by Jeffrey Harris on X, the teaser for **Sonic the Hedgehog 4** showcased a blend of clips from the previous three films, serving as a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s journey thus far. Nevertheless, attendees were also shown new footage, including a notable scene with Jim Carrey reprising his role as Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik. In a dramatic moment, Robotnik is depicted “stumbling out of a spaceship,” declaring, “Robotnik…saves…world!” This surprising turn indicates that despite his seemingly heroic sacrifice at the end of **Sonic the Hedgehog 3**, the character is indeed alive and may have experienced a substantial transformation.

Traditionally, Robotnik’s persona has fluctuated between adversary and ally throughout the series. While he has previously partnered with Sonic and his companions to face greater threats, fans are concerned he might regress to villainy, potentially influenced by figures like Metal Sonic.

#### Speculations Surrounding Plot and Characters

The concept art unveiled for **Sonic the Hedgehog 3** hinted at a fascinating possibility: Metal Sonic could have been fashioned by an alternate-universe iteration of Robotnik, allowing Carrey’s character to return without undermining his earlier sacrifice. However, the fresh footage suggests that Robotnik’s role may be more pivotal than previously believed, raising questions about how the upcoming film will navigate his character’s journey.

Moreover, the appearance of Amy Rose in the teaser has generated interest. Although she was seen without speaking, fans are keen to hear Kristen Bell’s interpretation of the character, whose vocal performance remains a mystery for now.

#### Release Date and Anticipation

With **Sonic the Hedgehog 4** scheduled to premiere in theaters on **March 19, 2027**, there is still ample time before audiences can immerse themselves in the continuation of Sonic’s adventure. Until that moment, the excitement generated from CinemaCon has ignited enthusiasm and speculation regarding the future of the franchise and the path it may follow under Paramount’s guidance. The combination of nostalgia and new elements has positioned the film as a highly anticipated addition to the ever-growing Sonic universe.