Gait Games

### The Controversial Ocarina of Time Remake: A Closer Look at Zelda Notes

During Tuesday’s **Legend of Zelda** 40th Anniversary Direct, Nintendo presented its eagerly awaited remake of **Ocarina of Time**. While the announcement ignited enthusiasm among numerous fans, a considerable segment of the community voiced worries about its visual style, the absence of modifications to the original game, and the need for yet another remake. However, one element that hasn’t received ample attention is the incorporation of **Zelda Notes**, a divisive feature that could potentially undermine the gaming experience.

**Zelda Notes** was launched as part of the Nintendo Switch App in 2025, created to enhance the **Breath of the Wild** and **Tears of the Kingdom** games. This app enables players to explore the vast realm of Hyrule via their phone, similar to a navigation aid. Aside from offering players location assistance, Zelda Notes supplies minor perks, voice-acted logs, gameplay metrics, and the option to exchange items with friends. Although this feature initially came across as a trivial addition, its integration into the **Ocarina of Time** remake signals a concerning shift in Nintendo’s strategy.

For the first time, the **Ocarina of Time** remake will be profoundly linked with the Zelda Notes app. This connection will incorporate a virtual ocarina, a trivia minigame, and a statistics dashboard. However, the element that raises considerable alarm is the **Gossip Quest**. This fresh addition entails a series of quests in a **GeoGuessr**-style format, where players need to pinpoint locations based on images to acquire ocarina sheet music. Importantly, hints for these locations will solely be available through the Zelda Notes app, requiring players to have their phones accessible while exploring Hyrule.

The concept of an official **GeoGuessr** experience rooted in **Ocarina of Time** may seem enticing to some, but the expectation of relying on a phone to enjoy this feature detracts from the immersive atmosphere many players desire. In a time where screen fatigue is widespread, with more individuals attempting to pursue hobbies that do not involve their phones, dependence on an external application feels at odds with contemporary player inclinations.

Furthermore, even though Nintendo has implemented various structural adjustments to the **Ocarina of Time**, such as adding new dialogue and a jump button, opportunities to elevate gameplay without resorting to a second screen are available. Incorporating an NPC or a request board in a location like Hyrule Castle Town would not only stay true to the essence of the original game but also provide a more captivating form of side content.

The **Zelda** series has typically highlighted exploration in beautiful, vast settings, which renders the push for second-screen functionality especially unwelcome. Unlike games that gain from quick communications or added stats, the immersive landscapes of Hyrule require a distraction-free experience that emphasizes interaction with the world, rather than a smartphone.

In conclusion, while Nintendo has the freedom to innovate and modify **Ocarina of Time** as it deems necessary, the integration of Zelda Notes represents a substantial hurdle to a satisfying player experience. Many fans hope that the remake can be experienced in its entirety without the need to refer to a phone, permitting a more fluid return to one of gaming’s most cherished worlds.

## The Postponement of The Elder Scrolls 6: Perspectives from Skyrim’s Co-Lead Designer

*The Elder Scrolls 6* has emerged as one of the most awaited video games currently in development, with fans eagerly looking forward to its release since *Skyrim* debuted in 2011. Initially, it appeared feasible that the sequel would be available by 2019. However, a mix of unforeseen project changes and internal studio choices has stalled its progress, with insights from former co-lead designer Kurt Kuhlmann illuminating the matter.

### A Change in Direction: Fallout 76 and Starfield

Kuhlmann has revealed that several projects took precedence over *TES 6*. The first significant detour was *Fallout 76*, an online multiplayer offshoot that Kuhlmann claims was not originally intended to involve the entire Bethesda Game Studios team. Nonetheless, the project’s scale grew, resulting in more resources being diverted to it at the cost of other potential games.

After *Fallout 76*, the ambitious space RPG *Starfield* took center stage for the studio. Kuhlmann describes this choice as being strongly influenced by Todd Howard, the studio’s creative head. He pointed out that while there was a robust enthusiasm among many at Bethesda to develop *TES 6*, the studio was steered toward *Starfield* due to Howard’s enthusiasm for it. Kuhlmann stated, “It wasn’t like *Starfield* was this big internal like, ‘Hey, we all want to make this space game, Todd.’ It was very much, ‘Guess what, team? We’re making this space game.’”

### Internal Dynamics and Development Difficulties

Kuhlmann’s dissatisfaction is evident, as he confessed that he would have favored working on *TES 6* over *Fallout 76* or *Starfield*. His comments reflect a wider sentiment within the studio—numerous team members share the desire to return to the Elder Scrolls series, highlighting the elevated expectations from both developers and fans alike.

After an extensive career at Bethesda lasting over two decades, Kuhlmann exited the studio in 2023. His departure was characterized by tensions that emerged when he was denied the position of lead designer for *TES 6*. He highlighted that difficulties during *Starfield*’s creation, along with a progressively bureaucratic atmosphere at Bethesda, contributed to the internal discord and delays affecting the development of critical projects.

### The Prospects of The Elder Scrolls 6

In spite of the challenging path to its development, Kuhlmann’s insights indicate that *TES 6* is now being prioritized as the primary focus of Bethesda’s endeavors moving ahead. In the wake of a summer marked by layoffs at Xbox, Todd Howard has publicly asserted that *TES 6* is the studio’s foremost priority. While no specific release timeframe exists yet, there is hope that fans may expect its debut before the decade concludes.

As anticipation grows, the obstacles that have influenced the development story of *The Elder Scrolls 6* remind us of the intricacies involved in the game-making process, particularly within a studio that navigates the legacies of cherished franchises alongside the ambitions of its creative leaders.

**FuturLab Experiences Job Cuts After Project Termination**

FuturLab, the UK-based game development studio celebrated for its achievements with *PowerWash Simulator*, has revealed job cuts following the halting of a project in development. As reported by *Gamesindustry.biz*, the studio was in the early stages of creating a new game, which, despite its initial promise, was considered not financially feasible. The expected expenses of the project were set to surpass any likely profits, resulting in the tough choice to terminate it. As a result, seven developers were laid off from the studio.

The circumstances surrounding these job cuts have sparked inquiries into internal communication at FuturLab. An article from *This Week In Games* points out allegations that direct managers and team leads were kept in the dark regarding the layoffs to protect them from feelings of responsibility. This strategy allegedly sought to reduce the worries of other staff members about their employment stability. When the layoffs were eventually shared with the remaining employees, sources noted that staff were advised to refrain from using the term “redundancy,” preferring to describe those who left as “the leavers.”

Recently, the gaming sector has faced an increasing stigma attached to layoffs, especially as the public becomes more aware that job reductions often do not signify a company’s overall well-being. Studios implementing layoffs, even those launching successful titles like *PowerWash Simulator*, often encounter intense scrutiny from both internal and external parties. The ramifications of these actions go beyond those directly impacted, creating a ripple of anxiety and uncertainty among other employees who struggle with their job stability in a volatile industry.

FuturLab’s handling of this latest series of layoffs highlights an effort to lessen some of the distress related to such changes. Nevertheless, the reality is that the psychological effects of layoffs influence the entire workforce, resulting in a climate filled with concern about future job security. As the industry contends with these obstacles, the impacts of layoffs continue to linger, emphasizing the need for a more open and supportive approach to workforce transitions.

The final hearing in the legal battle between a group of former Rockstar workers and the GTA 6 studio over the latter’s decision to fire the former last year kicks off this week. It’ll get underway on September 10th, and the Independent Workers’ union of Great Britain (IWGB) – who’re representing the fired staff – are organising a rally to take place first thing on that opening day.

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**Nova Games Foundation: A Fresh Chapter of Support for Emerging Game Developers**

In an extraordinary philanthropic venture, two leading personalities in the gaming sector are uniting to pave the way for the future generation of game developers. Geoff Keighley, the creator and host of The Game Awards, alongside Mark Cerny, esteemed game designer and architect of the PlayStation 5, is establishing the Nova Games Foundation. This initiative will channel millions into emerging creators, assisting them in bringing their groundbreaking games to market.

### Vision and Mission

As reported by Game File, Keighley underscores his dedication to philanthropy, asserting, “I’ve never held stock in a game company nor taken a financial interest in a game. Nova is philanthropy: we won’t be taking equity or aiming to recover the grants.” The foundation seeks to nurture creativity rather than pursue financial returns. This initiative is crafted to support new voices in the gaming sector as they establish their presence and thrive.

### Collaboration with Educational Institutions

The Nova Games Foundation is partnering with 13 esteemed university programs worldwide, including:

– New York University
– University of Southern California
– Abertay University in Scotland
– Cnam-Enjmin in France
– TH Köln in Germany
– Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia

Through these collaborations, the foundation will provide grants to 20 students each year, commencing from $100,000 and potentially reaching up to $500,000 for outstanding projects. However, recipients must achieve specific development milestones to unlock the complete funding, ensuring that the support is aligned with credible, promising initiatives.

### Funding and Impact

The foundation is currently welcoming applications from the recent graduating class of 2026 and the upcoming class of 2027. Both Keighley and Cerny have contributed multi-million-dollar donations to inaugurate the foundation and plan to continue their support moving forward, inspiring others to partake in their philanthropic mission.

The design of the Nova Games Foundation takes cues from prominent programs like the Rhodes Scholarships and the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius grants.” The aim is to establish a lasting endowment that enhances the gaming environment over the next 10 to 20 years. By prioritizing projects with “artistic, literary, and societal significance,” the foundation aims to provide not just financial assistance but also mentorship and pathways to full-time roles in an industry where stability has become increasingly rare.

### Personal Commitment to Future Generations

Keighley has conveyed a personal drive behind this initiative, stressing the significance of contributing to future generations. He muses, “I don’t have children, and I’ve dedicated much thought to what I can do for future generations. Games have been my entire career. I’ve been incredibly fortunate, and aiding someone else in building a life in this industry feels like a meaningful way to give back.”

### Conclusion

The Nova Games Foundation signifies a noteworthy commitment to cultivating new talent within the gaming sector, empowering aspiring developers to transform their creative aspirations into reality. With the support of industry icons like Geoff Keighley and Mark Cerny, the future of gaming is set to embrace innovative ideas and diverse perspectives, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive environment.

It’s another one of those layoff days, unfortunately. This time the studio in question is PowerWash Simulator developer FuturLab, who have laid off seven staff members with little fanfare after cancelling a project that has been in development for several years.

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### PAX West 2023: A Calm Event Highlighted by Unforeseen Pikmin Blooms

Having attended PAX West in Seattle for the first time since 2019, I noticed that this year’s affair was distinctly more tranquil compared to previous editions. The event was rife with merchandise booths occupying ample floor space, yet it seemed that the overall number of games on display had decreased. Major publishers such as Bandai Namco, Sega, NIS, and Konami presented impressive booths; however, the general ambiance felt more subdued, missing the excitement typically associated with larger gaming gatherings.

A significant reason for this toned-down atmosphere was the absence of the “big three” console makers: Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox. Apart from a few indie titles showcased by ID@Xbox at a nearby location, none of the major console players made an appearance this year. Nintendo’s absence was particularly notable, given that their U.S. headquarters is just around the corner from the event. Historically, Nintendo’s participation at PAX has brought thrilling announcements and captivating showcases, making their lack of presence all the more evident.

Nevertheless, Nintendo was not completely missing, as their franchise, *Pikmin*, made an unforeseen and widespread appearance at PAX. In particular, *Pikmin Bloom*, a location-based mobile game first developed by Niantic and now managed by Scopely, appeared to take center stage. Released in 2021, this game encourages players to walk while collecting virtual Pikmin, planting flowers along their journey and engaging in lighthearted gameplay designed more to promote movement than to capture specific locations—unlike its predecessor, *Pokémon GO*.

Although I initially engaged with *Pikmin Bloom* extensively, my interest waned after my daily commute came to an end. I assumed that enthusiasm among its player community had similarly diminished and could easily have believed it had quietly ceased operations. Contrary to my assumptions, *Pikmin Bloom* surfaced at PAX West with a robust marketing campaign.

In the lead-up to the event, Scopely poured significant resources into promoting *Pikmin Bloom*. Throughout Seattle, I observed numerous advertisements adorning buses and light rail stations, especially at the Westlake station, which was overwhelmed with promotional material. This extensive campaign aimed to bolster visibility, reflecting a dedicated effort to rekindle interest in the game. At the PAX venue, Scopely operated a booth that attracted many attendees, who enthusiastically wore paper Pikmin crowns distributed at the event. The outcome was a sea of Pikmin hats among the crowd, making the game one of the most recognizable names at PAX this year.

Despite the active marketing effort, the reasoning behind *Pikmin Bloom*’s revival at PAX is uncertain. Visitors had the opportunity to earn a special PAX-themed Pikmin during their time there, and a themed in-game event showcased Pikmin adorned in whimsical sausage hats, in line with Oktoberfest. However, the overall importance of this promotion appeared limited, prompting queries regarding Scopely’s choice to invest in a five-year-old mobile game that, despite generating consistent revenue, may not have justified such a thorough advertising initiative.

One theory posits that this push could be part of a broader strategy by Nintendo to set the stage for announcements tied to the *Pikmin* franchise, positioning the game as a focal point ahead of possible news. Coincidentally, a Nintendo Direct was slated to happen shortly after the event, leaving room for exciting future announcements related to the series.

Looking back, Scopely’s vigorous promotion effectively captured my interest, leading me to reinstall *Pikmin Bloom* and check out the new features since my last engagement in 2023. The game has received substantial updates, introducing additional activities and an even more adorable selection of Pikmin hats to collect, rekindling its appeal.

In summary, while PAX West 2023 may have seemed quieter than in years past, the strategic marketing of *Pikmin Bloom* demonstrated the power of innovative advertising—even in the absence of significant publisher showcases. Hats off to Nintendo for creating an impact without a physical presence, leaving a memorable mark on attendees.

Is Katamari Damacy an evil game? I realised as soon as I wrote the heading for this one that calling one game an evil version of Katamari might not be quite right, given the level of destruction you can enact in that series. Perhaps we’re getting into an ontological argument there, so I’m going to move past it and properly introduce you to ROLLA, a game where you play as a mobile mass of flesh that seeks to wreak havoc upon the world by rolling around and destroying everything.

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# The Hype and Reality of GPT-6 Astra in Game Development

The recent debut of GPT-6 Astra from OpenAI has sparked the usual hype cycle commonly linked to the launch of new AI models. The model’s launch was accompanied by an expected announcement video and a quick deployment, igniting excitement among technology aficionados. However, this fervor often masks the true implications of such advancements. Astra’s most remarkable feature is its capability to control a user’s computer and manipulate software commonly used in 3D game development, such as Blender. This power has led many to claim that Astra could transform the gaming industry, enabling users to produce original games without any human intervention.

Nonetheless, initial testers of GPT-6 Astra have primarily demonstrated its ability by reproducing existing games rather than producing genuinely innovative works. A sample of these demonstrations includes efforts to replicate well-known games like *Super Smash Bros.* and *Contra*, although these reproductions fall short in various facets, including gameplay and graphical quality. Critics have noted that the reimagined games frequently lack the appeal and functionality of their original versions, resembling subpar replicas instead of revolutionary new releases.

### The Paradox of AI Game Creation

Following a trend seen in previous AI developments, assertions that GPT-6 Astra could rapidly produce entirely new gaming experiences rapidly became exaggerated. Testers revealed that it could replicate games at a minimal computational cost, with reports suggesting it required about $10 worth of processing power to imitate popular titles. While this may appear groundbreaking, the outcomes were often disappointing. For instance, testers reported a *Sonic the Hedgehog* remake that lacked color and speed, while another user created a version of *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* that did not include fundamental gameplay mechanics.

This situation raises questions about the essence of creativity and originality in AI projects. Instead of generating unique ideas, Astra’s outputs often repurpose existing intellectual property with clear shortcomings. The games produced through Astra’s manipulation do not possess the intricate design and refined mechanics customarily developed by human creators.

### AI’s Impact on Game Development Costs and Quality

Although Astra offers an apparently accessible pathway for aspiring game developers to produce imitations of cherished titles, the quality and originality of these outputs prompt legitimate concerns. There exists a significant distinction between employing AI to duplicate existing games and crafting new, engaging experiences that push the gaming medium forward. Furthermore, the rising demand for AI technologies has concurrently driven up the cost of essential computing components necessary for rendering such projects, resulting in increased prices for the consoles that would run these games.

The recent emergence of other AI-driven initiatives like NVIDIA’s DLSS 5 presents another perspective on how AI endeavors to shape gaming. Reports indicate that DLSS 5 has negatively affected player experience, resulting in substantial frame rate drops and distorted visuals, complicating the discussion surrounding AI-enhanced gaming.

### Conclusion

In the aftermath of GPT-6 Astra’s release, the enthusiasm surrounding AI’s capacity to revolutionize game development is evident. Nevertheless, the reality of these tools may not meet the heightened expectations. Astra’s emphasis on replicating existing games, often with inferior quality, highlights the crucial significance of human creativity and the intricate interrelationship of design elements that culminate in successful gaming experiences. As the dialogue about AI in gaming progresses, a more refined comprehension of these technologies and their implications will be vital for shaping the future of game development.

“Low-poly dogs!” I hear you chant in the distance. “Low-poly dogs!” The war cry gets louder. “Low-poly dogs!” It’s inescapable now, the low-poly dogs requested by the masses are here… Or, well, in the digital world of Old School RuneScape at the very least, as Jagex have added in a new members-only quest that allows you to pick up your very own puppy.

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