Gait Games

### Competitive Pokémon Go Player Disqualified for Unsportsmanlike Conduct

A recent event at the Pokémon Go Orlando tournament has generated controversy, resulting in the disqualification of a player after officials deemed his reaction “unsportsmanlike” following his win. Firestar73, a well-respected player with a history in tournaments such as the Pokémon World Championship, lost his top position due to what was seen as an inappropriate celebration.

After a thrilling match, Firestar73 claimed victory in a crucial game. In a clip shared by fellow competitor AXN, the player stood up, took off his headphones, and celebrated with a fist pump towards the audience. While this expression of joy appeared reasonable given the circumstances, the judges pointed to his act of forcefully throwing down his headphones as the main concern. As a result, his opponent, NiteTimeClasher, was granted the win instead.

AXN expressed disappointment with the ruling, voicing his concerns on social media. Fans quickly rallied around Firestar73, encouraging others to share their thoughts directly with The Pokémon Company and starting campaigns on social platforms, including hashtags like #justiceforfirestar.

In the wake of the disqualification, the official Play Pokémon social media accounts halted updates about the tournament, leading to an outpouring of comments demanding justice for Firestar73. Numerous supporters argued that his celebration illustrated sportsmanship instead of disrespect toward his opponent, contending that the decision negatively reflected on the principles of competitive gaming.

The Pokémon Company has established guidelines for tournament behavior, outlining what constitutes “unsportsmanlike” actions in a somewhat unclear manner. The judgment is largely left to the interpretation of judges, rendering the application of penalties somewhat subjective. According to the Pokémon competitive handbook, acknowledged violations include procedural mistakes and tardiness, while “unsportsmanlike behavior” is more broadly defined, leaving players unclear about the limits of acceptable conduct.

The gravity of this ruling raises significant questions regarding fair play in competitive gaming environments. As opinions continue to circulate, many are urging The Pokémon Company to re-evaluate its policies and clarify its standards concerning player conduct and celebrations.

The community is awaiting a response from The Pokémon Company, which may have considerable effects on tournament standards and player morale in the future. The incident highlights the delicate balance of upholding competitive integrity while also creating a space where players can passionately express their enthusiasm for the game.

**Arc Raiders Revamps Crafting System to Enhance Player Experience**

The developers of the well-known game Arc Raiders, Embark Studios, have revealed a major revision of the crafting system. This update comes as a result of player input suggesting that the current material gathering process was overly cumbersome and negatively impacted the overall gaming experience.

In a recent blog entry, Embark Studios stated that one of their fundamental design principles is to ensure each moment in Arc Raiders is fun and meaningful. They highlighted their appreciation for players’ time and their goal to reduce unnecessary navigation through menus, which was a significant source of frustration among players.

The primary concern centered around the lengthy time players spent on crafting, further complicated by the requirement to switch between multiple screens just to recycle items. This was recognized as a considerable hindrance to enjoyment, leading the team to implement a new feature: the “Acquire Resources” button. This convenient tool presents a list of all available sources from which players can acquire the materials they seek, whether via recycling, purchasing from in-game characters like Celeste, or other avenues.

This new feature is intended to showcase only the currently accessible options, enabling players to gather materials swiftly and effectively without disrupting the crafting process due to irritation. While Embark Studios concedes that fully optimizing the crafting experience will necessitate further changes, this update marks the start of a systematic strategy to tackle player grievances.

Alongside the crafting enhancements, Embark has also re-recorded several of its AI-generated voice lines, choosing professional human actors to improve the quality of in-game dialogues. They clarified their perspective on AI usage, highlighting that it acts as a supportive tool within a creative framework, ensuring that the final product aligns with the team’s artistic vision.

Embark Studios remains dedicated to refining Arc Raiders and improving player experience, promising continuous updates that respond to community feedback and enhance gameplay.

On an average day, around twelve new games debut on Steam. While we find this to be a positive development, it can understandably be challenging to stay updated. Potentially thrilling titles are bound to be overlooked in the flood of new options unless you browse through every game that appears on Steam. So, we’ve taken that exact step. If nothing piques your interest this week, we’ve compiled a list of the [top PC games](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-pc-games/) available now, along with an ongoing list of the [2026 games](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/new-pc-games-2026/) slated for release this year.

**Stiff Neck**

Stiff Neck is a visual novel that boasts a unique art style and hints of subtle psychological horror. It revolves around Noele, a small-town police officer grappling with a significant neck issue. She’s currently in a relationship with Nil, an aspiring writer who teaches experimental art. However, various other potential romantic interests appear, any of whom could potentially be the enigmatic “Flayer.” This narrative unfolds in a world that feels strangely timeless, neither ahead of its time nor current: for instance, a strike at a toy factory leads to a plague of cursed dolls, and there’s an AI dog involved. This is certainly one for readers who enjoy a lot of text.

[Watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/bTbEdt3PTrY) | [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4000090/Stiff_Neck/)

**Which Sausage, Mate?**

This life simulation centers on a down-and-out Polish man who just got laid off from the coal mine and must now work retail at “Poland’s renowned convenience store.” While the cashier role may seem simpler on the surface than mining, it pays significantly less: so while Kazio scans items during the day, he faces tough choices at night regarding his finances. What takes precedence? Food, rent, medicine, education, or healing? There are several different endings to explore, numerous characters to encounter (or avoid) at the checkout, and an array of random events to keep things interesting.

[Watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/EqLDLci1oxg) | [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4429700/Which_Sausage_Mate/)

**Wasteland Bites**

Sticking to the retail theme, Wasteland Bites involves managing a food truck in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Clearly, this is no easy task: when you’re not whipping up some truly nightmarish grub, you’re blasting aliens and mutants with your sawn-off shotgun. The goal is to transport your food truck to a far-off, almost mythical non-radioactive beach, but expect to shed plenty of toxic blood along the way and prepare some rather unappealing kebabs.

[Watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/NC8oeAmSqSw) | [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3748640/Wasteland_Bites/)

**It Has My Face**

Formerly titled [DoubleWe](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/doublewe-blends-guess-who-with-hitman-and-its-demo-is-one-of-the-best-ive-played-in-ages/), It Has My Face is a roguelike with echoes of Among Us, but presented from a first-person perspective and appears much more bloodthirsty. Set in a procedurally-generated hellscape, you find yourself doomed to roam among throngs of citizens seeking your doppelganger, whom you must eliminate before they do you in. This experience is filled with a diverse array of odd modifiers and eldritch terrors to evade. It can be played solo, but its online multiplayer mode—which pits eight human doppelgangers against each other—promises to be an absolute blast.

[Watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/JkBaNS1Ae-Q) | [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2506530/It_Has_My_Face/)

**Grime 2**

Introducing a follow-up to the 2021 Souls-influenced metroidvania, Grime 2 is designed for players who prefer a more combat-driven platformer, featuring an intriguing twist: as you conquer enemies, you’ll gain the ability to shape molds based on them, which can be transformed into special attacks, projectiles, or other combat enhancements. Beyond that, anticipate a parry-focused approach to melee combat, plenty of apocalyptic exploration, and some very cinematic boss encounters.

### Nintendo’s Learning Curve from the Critically Panned *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*

Nintendo seems to be unaffected by the unfavorable reception of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, which has faced considerable backlash. Nevertheless, the original *Super Mario Bros* series continues to set new records. The film has cemented its position as the sole animated franchise featuring two titles that debuted with over $350 million globally. However, its performance in North America indicates it is trailing behind other releases like *Moana 2* and *Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen*, even though it has outperformed *Zootopia 2*.

Curiously, Shigeru Miyamoto initially planned for the sequel to lack narrative continuity with earlier films, a daring choice that may have played a role in its mixed reviews. The film’s debut during the spring school break certainly helped attract family audiences to theaters, in spite of the negative critiques.

### No Microtransactions in *Halo: Combat Evolved Remake*

In other gaming developments, the eagerly awaited remake of *Halo: Combat Evolved* is said to be feature-complete and will enable players to personalize Master Chief’s armor appearance. Notably, it will not feature a microtransaction shop, indicating that players will have the opportunity to earn skins and customizations through gameplay instead of buying them. This choice might reflect a shift in how video games monetize cosmetic items, and it will be intriguing to observe whether it positively influences player reception.

There are speculations about a potential surprise launch for the game following the June Xbox showcase, particularly given the busy release calendar around that time with titles like *Fable* and *Gears of War: E-Day* approaching completion.

### The PlayStation Store Purges AI-Generated Games

The PlayStation Store is embarking on a substantial clean-up, eliminating subpar games often labeled as “shovelware.” Included in the titles being removed are several imitations of the game *I Am Jesus Christ*, which has unexpectedly received favorable user ratings on Steam. The rationale behind these clean-ups may stem from a desire to uphold the quality of offerings on the platform, especially as consumers grow more selective regarding their game purchases.

### *Crimson Desert* Patch Brings Quality of Life Improvements

*Crimson Desert* continues to progress with a new patch that enriches gameplay. One of the notable enhancements is the increase in camp storage capacity and quality-of-life adjustments that simplify navigation within the game. Importantly, players can now fast-travel on the map even while their character is in motion, addressing a prior issue of the game. Such updates not only improve the gaming experience but also demonstrate the developers’ dedication to advancing the title in response to player feedback.

### Saudi Arabia Expands Its Stake in Capcom

In a noteworthy development within the gaming sector, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has raised its stake in Capcom to 6.04 percent through the acquisition of an additional 5.4 million shares. This prompts questions about the effects of foreign investment on gaming development and corporate frameworks. Although the official stance indicates that these investments are purely financial, the growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in significant gaming corporations reflects a continuing trend in international investment movements within the industry.

### Conclusion

The gaming landscape is in a state of continuous change, characterized by record-setting releases, shifts in monetization strategies, platform improvements, and international investment activities. As gamers navigate this intricate and evolving environment, the decisions made by developers and companies could influence the future of console gaming, especially as technology progresses.

**The Expected Remake of the Classic God of War Trilogy: An In-Depth Examination of Contentious Aspects**

Following Sony’s announcement regarding the remake of the original *God of War* trilogy, conversations have sparked about the contemporary reinterpretation of the beloved PS2 games, especially concerning the comeback of the series’ more controversial features. Notably, the notorious “sex minigames,” where players engaged in quick-time events amidst suggestive situations, have become a key point of speculation. Considering the current cultural climate and shifting perspectives on representation in gaming, the presence of such gameplay elements prompts inquiries about the series’ future trajectory.

The remakes are poised to reintroduce Kratos, the main character whose journey has undergone considerable transformation in the most recent outings. Transitioning from a wrathful god to a more layered and character-centric hero, many fans fear that the reintroduction of the sex minigames would be at odds with the game’s ongoing narrative emphasis on development and redemption.

T.C. Carson, the initial voice artist for Kratos, has shared some perspectives on this discussion. During a recent Megacon Orlando panel organized by IGN, Carson was queried about the likelihood of the “intimate romance minigames” returning in the remakes. While he did not offer a conclusive answer, his remarks alluded to their possible comeback, saying, “You know what, all you dudes, all you men…I think so.” This vague statement sparked enthusiasm and speculation, implying he might possess insider information about the remakes’ direction.

Carson quickly reiterated that his comments should not be seen as confirmation but rather as a suggestion of potentiality. This ambiguity leaves fans pondering how faithfully the remakes will follow the original trilogy, particularly regarding elements that provoke strong responses.

The remakes represent Carson’s comeback to the role of Kratos since *God of War: Ascension*, which marked the conclusion of Kratos’s Greek saga prior to the series’ transition to Norse mythology in the critically acclaimed 2018 reboot, featuring Christopher Judge as the newly appointed voice of Kratos. The choice to have Carson reprise his role for the remakes implies a desire to retain coherence within the narrative framework set in the earlier titles.

Furthermore, Carson’s role in the franchise extends beyond voice work, as he also narrated *God of War: Sons of Sparta*, a narrative that delves into Kratos’s early life as a Spartan warrior. This continuity could be pivotal in shaping how the remakes portray overarching themes and character progression while potentially addressing contentious gameplay features.

In summary, as the *God of War* trilogy remake draws near, its developers confront the challenge of harmonizing nostalgia with modern sensibilities. The reintegration of contentious aspects like the sex minigames may influence the reception of the remakes, and fans are keen to see how the franchise reconciles its history with its contemporary identity. The lingering question is: will the remakes confidently embrace their legacy, or will they evolve to meet modern expectations? Only time will provide the answer.

### Nintendo’s Super Mario Galaxy Bundle for Switch 2: A Limited-Time Promotion

Nintendo has unveiled an exciting offer that will bring joy to enthusiasts of the cherished franchise: a **Super Mario Galaxy** bundle for the Nintendo Switch 2. This promotion will be available from **April 12 through May 9**, enabling players to save **$20** when acquiring the Switch 2 along with either the physical or digital editions of **Super Mario Galaxy 1** and **2** at participating retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.

#### Promotional Information

As per a press release dated April 6, 2023, consumers can seize this opportunity at selected outlets, whether online or in physical stores. The standard cost of the Switch 2 is **$450**, while the two **Super Mario Galaxy** titles generally sell for **$70** each. This sets the total price for the bundle at **$500**, which interestingly matches the previous launch bundle that featured **Mario Kart World**, a game that originally retailed for **$80**.

#### Nostalgia Meets Business Strategy

Although **Super Mario Galaxy 1** and **2** are remastered versions of titles that first appeared nearly twenty years ago on the Wii, they continue to be esteemed as some of the finest entries in the franchise. Nevertheless, this new bundle serves as a stark reminder of Nintendo’s changing pricing policy as it strives to cultivate its new console’s player base. Several fans have voiced concerns about the company’s unwillingness to lower the prices of its products, indicating a move towards a more cautious approach amid rising expenses tied to game development and distribution.

#### Industry Background

The launch of this offer aligns with significant price hikes throughout the gaming sector. With analysts and former Nintendo staff forecasting possible future increases, the **Super Mario Galaxy** bundle could be among the most advantageous options for gamers amidst the current landscape of escalating costs due to AI-driven RAM shortages, trade disputes, and high fuel prices.

Despite the $500 asking price, the Switch 2 remains competitively priced relative to the lowest-priced PlayStation 5 model, particularly following Sony’s recent price hikes. This strategic positioning may be vital for Nintendo as it maneuvers through a market where bundles might soon be priced at **$600** or higher, especially during peak shopping times like Christmas.

#### Conclusion

With Nintendo set to unveil the **Super Mario Galaxy** bundle, fans have a special chance to enjoy classic games while investing in the newest console. Considering the likelihood of further price hikes ahead, this promotion is expected to draw both seasoned aficionados and new players, delivering a nostalgic yet contemporary gaming experience that is uniquely Nintendo.

**The Legacy of Yoshihisa Kishimoto: A Trailblazer in Video Game Creation**

Yoshihisa Kishimoto, a celebrated game designer recognized for his revolutionary influence on the video game sector, has died at the age of 64. His contributions, especially in the beat ’em up category, have left a lasting impression on gaming culture, affecting numerous developers and gamers. Confirmations from outlets like *Famitsu* magazine and biographer Florent Gorges underline the profound effect of Kishimoto’s works, particularly the arcade sensation *Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun*, which was released in the U.S. under the title *Renegade*.

Kishimoto’s path in the gaming industry began at Data East, where he contributed to Laserdisc projects, including *Road Blaster* and *Cobra Command*, which emerged in response to the legendary *Dragon’s Lair*. His inventive inspiration was deeply shaped by personal life events; a poignant teenage heartbreak led to the creation of *Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun*. In this 1986 title, players take on the role of Kunio-kun, a character based on Kishimoto himself, as they traverse an isometric world, combating local bullies while safeguarding friends.

While *Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun* was not the inaugural beat ’em up title, it brought forth a scrolling feature that would become a defining trait of the genre. Upon its adaptation for global markets, the initial theme featuring high school delinquents was transformed into a more urban style, resulting in its renaming to *Renegade*. This modification not only redefined the game for a broader audience but also established the foundation for two major franchises: *Double Dragon* and *River City Ransom*.

The character Kunio-kun emerged as the emblem of Technōs, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs, one of which was *Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari*, recognized by Western gamers as *River City Ransom*. Although Kishimoto was not directly involved in its development, the game’s success solidified the Kunio-kun brand through its blend of swift gameplay and RPG features.

Kishimoto’s attention later turned toward *Double Dragon*, initially envisioned as a continuation of the Kunio-kun narrative. The game evolved to introduce new protagonists, twin siblings Billy and Jimmy Lee, in a plot that set them against various adversaries in a dystopian backdrop. *Double Dragon*, which became Kishimoto’s most iconic achievement, spawned a wealth of sequels, remakes, and adaptations, including a motion picture and animated series. Even years post its original launch, Kishimoto remained engaged with the franchise, taking on the roles of director or producer for newer entries, such as 2017’s *Double Dragon IV*.

Kishimoto’s influence radiates beyond the *Double Dragon* series, shaping the progression of many renowned games, including *Streets of Rage* and Konami’s *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*. His vision was crucial in cultivating the beat ’em up genre, laying the groundwork for future advances in combat and action games.

The legacy of Kishimoto is a testament to the significance of personal experiences in game development. His capacity to translate youthful emotions into captivating gameplay continues to resonate within the industry. He leaves a diverse legacy of creativity and inspiration that will surely inspire upcoming generations of game creators.

As the gaming community reflects on the passing of Yoshihisa Kishimoto, his contributions still stand as a crucial component of video game history, resounding through the battles, quests, and journeys of players worldwide. His influence will undeniably continue to motivate both creators and enthusiasts for many years to come.

**Overwatch Hero Anran Undergoes Significant Facial Revamp Following Community Feedback**

In light of considerable criticism from players, Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a major update to the facial model of the recently introduced Overwatch hero Anran. Upon her initial launch, Anran encountered pushback due to her similarity to existing heroes Kiriko and Juno. To tackle these issues, Blizzard pledged to rework her look to better align with her original portrayals in comics and short stories.

Game director Aaron Keller disclosed the changes through a video on the game’s social media channels. He highlighted that the intent of the redesign was to ensure that characters not only have distinctive appearances but also truly embody their personalities. Keller mentioned that the first iteration of Anran might not have effectively represented her strong traits. “Anran embodies confidence, determination, fierceness, and is a born leader,” he stated. The redesign seeks to reflect these qualities more accurately.

The modifications to Anran’s look feature a more pronounced jawline and cheekbones, distinctly moving away from the softer, rounder appearance of her original “babyface.” In addition to facial modifications, her in-game visual representation has been polished; she is now depicted with a more upright and assertive posture during hero selection.

Though the changes are subtle, they yield a noticeable distinction when comparing the two versions side by side. Keller also suggested that the character’s nose may appear less prominent at certain angles, indicating that additional tweaks could occur based on player input.

The revamped Anran is scheduled to launch in Season 2 of Overwatch, starting April 14. The community’s reaction remains to be gauged, but the initiative to enhance her character has established a hopeful benchmark for future adjustments.

**Team Liquid Encounters Unforeseen Obstacle in World of Warcraft’s Midnight Expansion Raid**

During the weekend, Team Liquid, a renowned professional esports organization recognized for its competitive gaming skills, faced the latest raid that was unveiled in the celebrated MMORPG, *World of Warcraft*, as a part of the *Midnight* expansion. The raid, named “March on Quel’Danas,” was launched on March 31, motivating various teams to vie for the prestigious title of being the first to overcome its challenges.

Team Liquid dedicated themselves to reaching the ultimate boss, L’ura. Following a strenuous battle, they thought they had secured victory, only to encounter an unforeseen twist—the boss came back to life. This startling turn of events thwarted their hopes for a first completion, leaving both the raid and L’ura undefeated as of April 6 at approximately 5:30 pm EST. Players celebrated too soon, with some even stepping away from their PCs, until a dramatic announcement from an NPC revealed that L’ura was not done yet. The confrontation progressed into a previously unknown final phase, catching Team Liquid off guard.

As detailed in an article by *PC Gamer*, Liquid’s raid leader, Maximum, articulated the intricacies of the situation. Traditionally, players could sense when a boss fight was approaching its end, especially when it involved hidden phases. However, the challenge of reducing health to zero in this encounter led to an early celebration, clouding their perception of the fight’s conclusion. Although there had been leaks from datamines suggesting an elusive final phase, players were often doubtful due to Blizzard’s habit of altering game content.

In light of this unexpected hurdle, Team Liquid convened the team for a strategy reassessment. Maximum voiced uncertainty about whether this encounter could be regarded as the toughest in *World of Warcraft* history, commenting, “I don’t know, man. I’m ready to be over it…” The task of defeating L’ura, in conjunction with the added secret phase, intensified the pressure on the guild’s quest for success.

Fortunately, their determination bore fruit. Merely hours after the initial jolting defeat, Liquid succeeded in regrouping and triumphantly overcoming L’ura and the secret phase, officially completing the raid before any other team at exactly 5:53 pm EST on April 6. Their rapid recovery not only solidified their status as elite players but also underscored their capability to adapt to the swiftly changing dynamics of challenging encounters.

Team Liquid subsequently released a compilation video that highlighted the reactions of team members throughout this thrilling fight, encapsulating the excitement and camaraderie that characterizes competitive gaming within the *World of Warcraft* community. This moment has become a symbol of the unpredictability of MMOs, where players must navigate not just the challenges presented by the game but also their responses in high-pressure situations. Congratulations to Team Liquid on their remarkable achievement in conquering the formidable *Midnight* raid!

**The Clash Between Humanity and Delivery Robots: A Viral Incident in Los Angeles**

In a surprising development that underscores the continuous interaction between people and technology, a man named William Gude, known as FilmThePoliceLA, recorded a confrontation with a Mingo food delivery robot in Los Angeles, which rapidly gained traction across numerous social media channels. This event acts as a viewpoint from which we can assess the acceptance and resistance towards the emergence of autonomous delivery systems in cityscapes.

In the footage, Gude is seen showing annoyance as the robot seeks his help in pressing a crosswalk button. His refusal, laced with profanities aimed at the robot, highlights an increasing sentiment among the public who believe that the technology intended to supplant human labor still depends on human involvement to operate effectively. “You took a human’s job, and you expect me to push the button for you?” Gude states, capturing the irony of innovations in automation.

The video ignited widespread interaction online, stirring discussions regarding the ramifications of such technology replacing human roles while simultaneously illustrating its limitations. Detractors of food delivery robots have pointed out multiple instances where these machines have caused disturbances, such as blocking sidewalks, damaging property, and intruding on emergency situations, galvanizing voices of discontent against this emerging technology.

As cities throughout the United States incorporate food delivery robots into their frameworks, inhabitants encounter new obstacles. While advocates promote the efficiency and novelty of these gadgets, their assimilation provokes inquiries about public accessibility and the consequences for workers whose positions are threatened by these innovations. The contrast between machines intended to assist consumers yet struggling with fundamental tasks without human aid creates an intriguing paradox about the future of employment.

The incident not only highlights single interactions with robots but also mirrors wider societal concerns about reliance on technology, job loss, and the transforming landscape of human labor amid automation. With companies increasingly employing robots to reduce expenses, the reality emerges that humans might find themselves catering to the needs of these machines instead of the opposite.

As the discussion surrounding this viral clash progresses, it raises vital inquiries about the equilibrium we must establish as technology advances. How do we navigate a future where robots are ubiquitous, yet their shortcomings are painfully apparent? Moreover, it underscores the necessity for careful contemplation of the repercussions of automation on local economies and the workforce.

In summary, the encounter between Gude and the Mingo robot illustrates a crucial moment in the dialogue about technology and humanity. As we advance, society must contend with the obligations that come with progress and the ethics of substituting human workers with machines that still need our intervention. The future indeed appears uncertain, urging a reflection on our roles in an increasingly automated world.