Gait Games

The King Is Watching developers Hypnohead have announced The Crab Is Walking, a roguelite city-builder in which you alternate between arranging tetronimo-shaped city districts on the back of a colossal crustacean, and sending out armies of Mad Maxalots to slaughter wasteland insects. Unlike in The King Is Watching, you do not have to actively train your gaze on your crab metropolis to stop it slacking off.

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### IGN’s Layoff Season: Effects on the Gaming Sector

IGN, a prominent gaming publication, is currently undergoing major staffing changes during what has been termed its “Summer of Gaming.” Recent reports indicate that IGN is initiating yet another wave of layoffs, impacting several key personnel, including well-known video hosts Seth Macy and Brian Altano. Altano, who has been with IGN since 2009 and has served as a long-standing host of the popular PlayStation podcast, Beyond, sees his exit as a significant transformation for the organization.

The layoffs are said to affect various departments within IGN, although the precise number of impacted individuals is still unknown. It seems that elements such as the employees’ remote work conditions and their readiness to relocate amid these transitions are influencing the decisions taken. The latest cuts follow a trend observed within the company, as a similar sequence of layoffs recently followed major happenings such as IGN Live, aligning with the Summer Game Fest.

The timing of these layoffs has sparked questions and worries among both employees and industry analysts. A representative from the IGN Creators Guild has expressed increasing apprehension regarding the company’s practice of conducting layoffs right after successful events, hinting at a concerning pattern that could affect employee morale and the overall company culture.

Alongside its layoffs, IGN has effectively hosted notable events, including on-the-ground coverage during San Diego Comic-Con earlier this summer, showcasing interviews and content creation led by seasoned professionals like Altano. Despite these successful endeavors, the current round of job losses highlights the volatile environment many media and entertainment firms grapple with as they respond to changing market conditions and internal hurdles.

As IGN works through these transitions, the repercussions for its future trajectory and the wider gaming media landscape remain uncertain. Industry observers will be monitoring closely how these layoffs influence both the company’s production and the remaining workforce, as well as the general reaction from the gaming community.

The creators of military shooter Wardogs have announced that they will crack down heavily on players who use exploits and bugs to speedily farm in-game currency and XP, or who spend “more than a few minutes” in servers created for this purpose.

Given that Wardogs advertises itself as a shooter about getting rich – a game in which “cash is king”, with individualised payouts for a bunch of different in-game actions – I do feel like Bulkhead are sending mixed messages, even by the standards of incoherent wargames. Trying to define ‘fairly earned’ in a game that encourages you to be a frenzied, gun-toting plutomaniac is surely plunging headfirst into farce. Mind you, I respect the desire to Maintain The Fun for players who aren’t quite as dollar-driven, and avoid having a community browser slammed with servers called “[EU/DOGF$RM]” or similar.

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**The Evolution of Pokémon Trading: GBA-to-Switch Adapter Project in Light of Pokémon Bank’s Closure**

Recently, The Pokémon Company revealed its plans to discontinue **Pokémon Bank** in 2027, signaling the conclusion of a critical era in the franchise’s timeline. This 3DS storage utility has connected generations of Pokémon games since the Game Boy Advance period. With its forthcoming shutdown, the cherished custom of trading Pokémon is set to advance, shifting focus to the new platform-independent **Pokémon Home**. Meanwhile, an exciting initiative by developer Andrew Henley is emerging, aiming to bridge the gap between legacy hardware and contemporary gaming platforms.

Motivated by a personal wish to trade Pokémon from his original Game Boy Advance (GBA) games to their Nintendo Switch versions, Henley has created a functional prototype of a GBA-to-Switch adapter. His announcement via social media has struck a chord with the gaming community, highlighting the possibility of interoperability between a two-decade-old device and the latest gaming platform.

In his discussion with **Kotaku**, Henley shared how the venture started as a personal hobby but evolved into a technical endeavor that he pursued with enthusiasm. The project showcases considerable innovation, permitting Pokémon from classic titles such as **FireRed** and **LeafGreen** to engage with their modern counterparts on the Switch.

Establishing a communication link between two devices that utilize fundamentally different technologies presented notable hurdles. Henley remarked, “The challenge is getting two systems that were never designed to talk to each other to stay synchronized and communicate reliably in real time.” His strategy includes creating a translator device that interacts with both systems, allowing for seamless communication without modifying the original games.

While contemporary gaming systems typically feature backward compatibility, the transition from GBA to Switch is unique. Henley’s background spans multiple sectors, and his varied experience has been instrumental in grasping and facilitating communication between these distinct systems. The adapter acts as a translator, enabling both consoles to interact naturally without altering their core structures.

At present, Henley’s priority is to enable Pokémon exchanges across different generations; however, the underlying framework of his initiative is adaptable for various uses. His dedication to preserving the authenticity of the original games ensures that interactions take place without any modifications to the existing software.

Henley emphasizes the significance of linking antiquated technology with modern systems, highlighting the rich history contained within older hardware and software. He is a proponent of upholding these connections through innovations that respect the original gaming experience.

Looking ahead, Henley intends to create a user-friendly production model of the adapter. While he acknowledges that wider acceptance of such specialized peripherals may be a challenge for larger firms like Nintendo, he is motivated to continue this project independently. Current development is bolstered by informal partnerships with members of the Pokémon homebrew community, enriching his work without formal backing.

As Pokémon Bank is scheduled to officially close on February 25, 2027, Henley’s efforts may offer an alternative route for fans eager to transfer their Pokémon to newer systems. Although navigating the complexities of trading Pokémon via official methods may appear overwhelming, Henley’s initiative provides a ray of hope for nostalgic gamers hoping to maintain their cherished pocket monsters across platforms.

For the time being, those interested in preserving their Pokémon history may wish to keep an eye on Henley’s progress on social media, as his venture could become a crucial asset in the dynamic realm of Pokémon trading. The convergence of historical and current technologies may lay the foundation for future advancements that respect gaming’s legacy while embracing modern innovations.

Surprising no-one, Valve’s Steam Frame VR headset is launching with higher-than-expected prices, following the Steam Machine in having its budget-friendly intentions foiled by the memory shortage misery of RAMnarök.

The lack of affordable PC parts – which as a fully standalone-capable VR kit, the Steam Frame is as vulnerable to as any laptop or desktop – continues to have wide-ranging, usually shitty impacts on hardware manufacturing and even game development. Besides simply raising prices, some kit makers are reverting to lower-RAM models to keep costs down, or going DRAMless altogether. Valve, however, have told RPS that there was never a question of cutting the Frame’s specs, even as the worldwide component crisis took hold.

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**Title: Finding Paths Through the Terrain of Adaptation: A Closer Look at *Sekiro: No Defeat***

*Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, launched by FromSoftware in 2019, represented a notable shift from the studio’s well-known medieval fantasy motifs, stepping instead into a realm influenced by ancient Japan. Collaborating with the Western label Activision, FromSoftware adopted a more action-oriented narrative aimed at a wider audience. At its essence, the game narrates the journey of Wolf, a one-armed samurai committed to safeguarding Kuro, the heir of the Ashina clan, from the malevolent Genichiro, who wishes to harness Kuro’s eternal blood.

The recent unveiling of an anime adaptation at Gamescom sparked enthusiasm among fans eager to witness the captivating story reimagined in a fresh format. This adaptation, named *Sekiro: No Defeat*, is available in two versions: a cinematic film and an anime series, promising to introduce the poignant tale of sacrifice and fidelity to a larger viewership.

Nonetheless, initial reactions to the film indicate a divided response. *Sekiro: No Defeat* presents itself as an independent vision rather than a direct retelling, showcasing a unique visual style that diverges from the gritty aesthetics of the original game. The film employs an artistic method reminiscent of classic Japanese techniques like ukiyo-e and sumi-e, establishing an atmosphere that resonates with the flow of time and the legend’s epic qualities.

Although the anime preserves the fundamental narrative, it embraces an alternative storytelling method. In adapting video games, creators typically follow one of three routes: recreate the interactive experience, craft a new narrative within the pre-existing universe, or enhance the original story for the new format. *Sekiro: No Defeat* leans towards the latter, allowing for further reflective interactions between Wolf and Kuro that the game’s interactivity could not fully explore. This change permits a more profound investigation of Kuro’s cursed immortality and its ramifications.

In spite of this deeper character exploration, the adaptation faces challenges with pacing and clarity. The film compresses a rich narrative into a two-hour span, resulting in evident gaps that leave significant connections and backgrounds lacking development. While we catch glimpses of Wolf and Kuro’s bond, the accelerated pace of events often appears fragmented, with action scenes lacking the tension and weight that define the game. Battles conclude swiftly, showcasing foes who materialize and vanish without sufficient buildup, diminishing their impact.

As a result, viewers who are not familiar with the game may feel disoriented, while devoted fans might experience disappointment over an inferior rendition of a cherished narrative. The promise of a meaningful tribute to samurai cinema and anime seems unfulfilled, leaving the story feeling empty.

The theatrical edition of *Sekiro: No Defeat*, which debuted at the Fantasia Film Festival, lays the groundwork for the impending anime series set to launch globally on Crunchyroll. This limited series format is anticipated to offer the necessary space to intricately develop the characters and storyline, potentially remedying the pacing and narrative issues noted in the film.

In summary, while *Sekiro: No Defeat* as a film ultimately falters in finding its resonance, it generates excitement for the upcoming series, which may rectify its limitations. Fans remain optimistic that the expanded format will enrich their beloved narrative, transforming it into an adaptation that respects the spirit of *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* and enchants audiences once again. As it currently stands, this initial cinematic attempt serves as a reminder of the profound storytelling possibilities yet to be uncovered within this vibrant universe.

It’s a strange time to be selling a new VR headset, and maybe an even stranger time to be buying one. The supply of original virtual reality games has slowed to a dribble, and just as with Valve’s last hardware launch, the Steam Frame arrives covered in bumps and scrapes from a fight with the worst components shortage in memory. A fight which, judging by how it’ll cost ya £889 / $1,059 at minimum, it lost.

However, something else the Frame has in common with the revamped Steam Machine is that as a piece of hardware per se, it’s really quite likeable. Charismatic, even. It’s a happy marriage of core VR capability and genuinely new engineering ideas: some simple practicality boons, some with the potential to change PC games as we know them. And not just the ones you’d play with sweaty goggles on your face.

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### Marathon’s Summer Challenges: An Evolution in Development Strategy

Bungie’s live-service sci-fi shooter, *Marathon*, has faced a difficult summer, characterized by notable delays and a significant change in its development strategy. In a recent update, the studio disclosed that the much-anticipated September seasonal update, initially set for September 22, has been deferred to December 8. This choice signifies a larger shift away from the seasonal update model toward a more adaptable development strategy.

The announcement, shared on Bungie’s blog on September 14, explains the rationale behind this transition. Bungie recognized player feedback suggesting that *Marathon* needs richer content, greater variety, enhanced progression systems, and more compelling incentives for lasting engagement. The modification seeks to tackle these issues more effectively by altering both the content being developed and the way it is presented.

The features of the forthcoming December update, now dubbed the Symbiosis update, will encompass several important elements:
– A new Runner shell
– A permanent PvE experience
– A revamped Perimeter zone
– A new social space/firing range
– An experimental Team Deathmatch mode
– Enhancements to new player onboarding

Prior to the significant December changes, Bungie intends to deliver a smaller, targeted update on October 6. This update is crafted to reset player progression and in-game economy, refresh rewards, and improve the live game experience. It acts as a temporary measure, providing the development team with extra time to fine-tune the larger updates planned for December and beyond.

Perhaps the most notable transformation in Bungie’s approach is the departure from a rigid seasonal update timetable. The studio aims to provide its development team with the liberty to create, test, and refine features without the pressure of fixed timelines. This shift aspires to cultivate a more polished and cohesive gaming experience for players.

As *Marathon* charts its course through these challenging times, Bungie’s dedication to heeding player feedback is evident. By responding to the community’s wish for a more immersive, engaging gameplay experience, the studio seeks to reignite interest in *Marathon* and establish a foundation for future achievements. With the transition to a more adaptable update model, fans can look forward to a more intentional and thoughtful approach to content creation.

No siree. We are not trying to fight those big bosses. It’s arguably a bit of a weird thing for a publisher with Diablo and World of Warcraft in their arsenal to say, but that’s the stance Blizzard are sticking to with their storefront Battle.net, even though it now boasts two big CD Projekt Red RPGs. Instead of an unknowably girthy hoard of games, the publishers say Battle.net‘s still designed to feel like a handpicked basket of things to play.

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### Discovering the Enchantment of BlizzCon: A Weekend of Camaraderie and Imagination

BlizzCon, the annual event committed to Blizzard Entertainment and its dynamic gaming realm, acts as a gathering hub for gamers, developers, and enthusiasts alike. This year’s convention attracted massive crowds eager to witness the latest news and advancements from celebrated franchises such as **World of Warcraft**, **Warcraft 3**, **Diablo**, and **Overwatch**.

One participant, a devoted fan who had never attended this convention before, took the leap this year, motivated by excitement for thrilling game announcements. While their schedule was largely filled with media rooms conducting interviews and collecting insights, they succeeded in finding moments on the show floor, capturing the spirit of what makes BlizzCon unique.

#### A Weekend Packed with Interviews and Discoveries

The event was a whirlwind of engagements, featuring interviews with developers and a presentation of the new projects igniting the enthusiasm of the gaming community. The participant conducted interviews that will soon appear on **Kotaku**, but amid the hectic pace, they discovered time for something completely unexpected—pizza.

This participant revealed that despite being a longtime **World of Warcraft** player, the overwhelming excitement and sense of togetherness at BlizzCon was something they had not experienced before. The lively atmosphere was tangible, filled with fans bonding over common interests and memorable moments.

#### The Pizza Discovery: Night Elf and Orc Pizza

While wandering around the convention, the participant came across an intriguing food choice: Night Elf Pizza, along with Orc Pizza and the simpler World of Warcraft Pizza. The whimsical names sparked immediate interest, leading to the choice to put aside initial dinner plans and indulge in this themed cuisine.

The group of friends—two guildmates from **World of Warcraft**—each selected different pizzas and swapped slices. The Orc Pizza, with jalapenos and pepperoni, offered a spicy kick, while the World of Warcraft Pizza, loaded with classic toppings, surprisingly surpassed expectations with its rich flavors. The Night Elf Pizza featured a vegetarian twist, combining elements like basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and cheese, inspiring imaginative discussions about whether night elves would even partake in such earthly pleasures.

#### Cultivating Community: The Essence of BlizzCon

Beyond the culinary delights, it was the social interactions that resonated the most. The participant described the joy of meeting guildmates in person for the first time, sharing laughter, and reminiscing about memorable in-game adventures. They were surrounded by fellow attendees engaging in conversations about game updates and favorite reveals, nurturing a sense of belonging that transcended the digital realm.

They observed how encounters with strangers, such as a passing group of cosplayers and fellow gamers, enriched the experience. Tales were shared, dreams exchanged, and friendships forged, encapsulating the essence of community that BlizzCon represents.

#### Reflections on the BlizzCon Journey

As the convention came to a close, the participant contemplated how their BlizzCon experience might not have met conventional expectations. The mix of work and fun was fine-tuned, and they recognized that many attendees interact with the event in varied ways, cultivating connections that might never occur again.

Nevertheless, the pinnacle was surely the experience of gathering around a picnic table, sharing themed pizzas with friends, and soaking in the cheerful ambiance. It wasn’t the standard convention experience laden with long lines for demos, rather it became a glimpse of a flourishing community, united by their mutual love of Blizzard games.

### Conclusion

BlizzCon transcends being just a convention; it’s a festival of community, creativity, and collective experiences. For the participant, this event highlighted the significance of connection—both in-game and in reality. Ultimately, the greasy pizza was more than just sustenance; it stood as a tasty emblem of friendship and shared joys among gamers. In summary, the experience reaffirmed that at events like BlizzCon, it’s not merely about the games we adore, but the individuals we encounter along the journey.