Gait Games

As PC components such as RAM continue to be consumed by AI hyperscalers, resulting in increased costs and dwindling supplies, a major electronics retailer in Japan is depleting its inventory of computers and parts, urging customers to sell them their old PCs.

In recent months, the expense of building or upgrading a PC has risen. A primary factor contributing to this is AI-oriented tech firms acquiring PC components for the establishment of extensive data centers. It has become quite costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase PC RAM and graphics cards, as companies like Micron cease to sell to individuals and increasingly concentrate on large corporations that purchase in large quantities. Prebuilt PCs from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Asus are also anticipated to experience a price hike of 15 to 20 percent, as reported by *PC World*. All these factors, along with tariffs creating additional issues, have resulted in a scarcity of PC parts and computers on store shelves, compelling one retailer to solicit the public for hardware.

On January 7, as noted by *PC-Watch* and *Tom’s Hardware*, Sofmap Gaming, a prominent electronics retailer in the Akihabara area of Tokyo, issued a somewhat urgent request. Here is the tweet text translated via machine translation:

“Um, as a favor, if you acquire a new PC, please sell your gaming PC to our company. We purchase them back at quite favorable prices. Whether it’s a gaming desktop or a laptop, or even a standard non-gaming one, we virtually buy any PC.”

Accompanying the tweet was an image of what seems to be a largely vacant shelf inside Sofmap Gaming with merely a few PCs and monitors remaining. “Gaming PCs, even second-hand ones, are truly out of stock at the moment. This is all we have,” stated Sofmap Gaming. The account is also engaging with nearly every user who responds with inquiries about what they can sell and the potential value.

With some analysts suggesting that the persistent demand for memory and other PC components, including GPUs, may persist as an issue until 2026 and possibly 2027, now could be an opportune moment to begin searching your home for any random pieces of hardware gathering dust. If the components aren’t too outdated, they could be worth a significant amount soon.

### GameStop’s Strategic Adjustments and Ryan Cohen’s Ambitious Aspirations

GameStop has encountered considerable obstacles in recent years; however, CEO Ryan Cohen appears ready to possibly reap a monumental payout linked to the company’s stock performance. Recent disclosures suggest that if GameStop achieves a market capitalization of $100 billion, Cohen could receive an astonishing $35 billion. Nevertheless, this lofty target presents a significant obstacle, as GameStop’s current market valuation sits at roughly one-tenth of that amount.

#### Store Closures and Trade-In Incentives

Cohen’s approach to elevating the company’s worth encompasses shutting down hundreds of retail outlets and enticing customers with a 20 percent trade-in incentive through QR codes. Although exact closure figures remain unclear, a blog monitoring GameStop locations suggests that about 400 stores might close by the month’s end. This marked decline in physical presence highlights the drastic steps GameStop is prepared to take to adjust to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Customer frustration is evident, particularly as the closure announcements coincided with trade-in vouchers at impacted stores. Social media platforms, including the official GameStop Reddit, have witnessed users articulating their dissatisfaction and even canceling pre-orders in light of the company’s strategies.

#### Financial Difficulties and Prospective Strategies

A December 2025 SEC filing clarifies the company’s recent trajectory, reporting 590 store closures last year. The filing also mentions plans for “an additional considerable number” of store closures in fiscal 2025, concluding on January 31, 2026. This underscores a persistent trend of downsizing, both domestically and internationally, with the company having exited markets in Austria, Ireland, and Switzerland and scaled back operations in Germany and Italy.

#### Marketing Initiatives to Reinvigorate Brand Engagement

In light of these closures and to rekindle consumer interest, GameStop has initiated marketing efforts designed to regain attention for its stores. Partnerships with well-known influencers, such as Casey Neistat and Mega64, reflect an endeavor to connect with a younger demographic increasingly responsible for gaming purchases. Notably, the recent “trade anything day” event highlighted the company’s eagerness to appeal to a wide customer base, as evidenced by the eclectic items exchanged, including sex toys.

Furthermore, during the introduction of a new trade-in program, GameStop celebrated a milestone achievement with a record-breaking $30,000 in trades linked to the initiative.

#### Conclusion

GameStop’s trajectory illustrates the intricacies of adjusting to a swiftly changing retail landscape. Under Ryan Cohen’s guidance, the company is striving for a comprehensive transformation to improve its market standing and potentially achieve his remarkable compensation package. As GameStop maneuvers through store closures and strategic alterations, the upcoming months will be crucial in assessing whether these initiatives will culminate in the sought-after market cap and increased sustainability for the brand in the gaming sector.

# First New Game+ Showcase Reveals Huge Open-World RPG: Crimson Desert

Yesterday saw the launch of the New Game+ Showcase, an event that introduced various upcoming games directly from multiple content creators, removing the need for standard gaming presentations. Although the format faced criticism for being more akin to a podcast than a showcase, it did provide captivating previews of several titles, including those eagerly awaited for 2026. A notable announcement was the unveiling of **Crimson Desert**, an extensive action-adventure RPG developed by Pearl Abyss, the talent behind the acclaimed **Black Desert Online**.

## Crimson Desert: A Realm of Grand Scale

Scheduled for release on **March 19, 2026**, **Crimson Desert** promises a vast game world that has sparked interest and excitement within the gaming community. During the New Game+ Showcase, PR spokesperson Will Powers asserted that the game boasts “twice the playable area of Skyrim” and “a map larger than Red Dead Redemption 2.” This claim positions **Crimson Desert** among the most significant open-world RPGs on the horizon.

### The Dimension Discourse

Pearl Abyss’s ambitious declarations regarding the game’s size led to conversations among both supporters and naysayers. While the marketing team strives to entice prospective players with impressive statistics, it is crucial to contemplate the ramifications of such expansiveness. Larger maps do not inherently translate to a richer gameplay experience. Powers acknowledged this concern, stating, “Size doesn’t really matter if there’s nothing to do.” He underscored the significance of creating an interactive world filled with captivating activities, a sentiment shared by many gamers.

### Engaging Gameplay

Streamer Luality actively engaged during the showcase, challenging Powers on the nature of interactions players could anticipate within this vast world. Players wonder if they will be able to battle dragons or partake in deeper interactions with NPCs, such as romantic liaisons. While Powers underscored the game’s “extensive crafting systems,” he did not elaborate on many other unique gameplay elements.

This brings up vital questions about how **Crimson Desert** will make use of its extensive map. A large, vacant world risks becoming tedious unless enriched with significant content and activities. The gaming industry has seen numerous instances where expansive open worlds fell short in substance, highlighting the necessity for developers to build engaging environments teeming with purpose and interaction.

## The Path Forward

The visuals showcased in trailers depict a beautifully designed world and impressive combat mechanics. The possibility of dragon-riding certainly enhances the appeal, but the real test lies in how **Crimson Desert** turns its vast landscapes into a captivating experience.

As the release date draws near, fans will undoubtedly compare it to other monumental open-world titles, evaluating how effectively it balances size with depth. In recent years, the gaming community has increasingly prioritized meaningful interaction over mere scale, making it vital for **Crimson Desert** to provide not just an expansive map, but a world filled with activity and significance.

The inaugural New Game+ Showcase has paved the way for what could become a pivotal entry in the RPG genre but leaves the essential question unanswered: will **Crimson Desert** meet its aspirations of both vastness and engaging gameplay? Only time will reveal this as the gaming community eagerly anticipates its March launch.

The acquisition of *Polygon* by Valnet, a Canadian media firm, represented a major turning point for the gaming platform, similar to an unexpected plot twist in a video game storyline. This shift came after a series of secretive negotiations and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that left many staff members uninformed, uncertain of their future amid the ownership transition. Maddy Myers, the previous deputy editor at *Polygon*, voiced her bewilderment over who knew about the forthcoming sale and its repercussions, emphasizing a widespread feeling of discomfort among the employees.

Following the acquisition, Valnet carried out significant layoffs, impacting the majority of *Polygon*’s staff, including all union members. The rapid shift from a well-established editorial team to a dependence on underpaid freelancers raised alarms concerning the quality and integrity of the content being created. Zoë Hannah, the former games editor at *Polygon*, characterized the management’s strategy as manipulative, utilizing key personnel as leverage to swiftly assemble the new team of contractors.

As the reality of their situation became apparent, both Myers and Hannah recognized they could not persist in an environment that had abandoned its core values of community and ethical journalism. Myers openly shared her emotional distress regarding the layoffs of her peers and her choice to depart after observing the chaos resulting from the sale.

In response to these obstacles, both former editors decided to forge a new path by launching a website named *Mothership*, designed to amplify voices often overlooked in gaming media—especially through the perspectives of gender and identity. They envisioned it as a platform akin to *Teen Vogue*, but specifically tailored for the gaming community. Their aim was to emphasize comprehensive reporting and insightful criticism over the fast-paced clickbait commonly found in the industry, which they had both become disenchanted with.

*Mothership* is gearing up to debut with a variety of content, including podcasts and videos, while remaining anchored in written journalism. This platform seeks to foster an inclusive atmosphere for diverse identities in gaming, filling a void left by other outlets that have succumbed to homogenizing pressures from social media and advertising demands. By prioritizing subscriptions over ads, *Mothership* aspires to create a sustainable model focused on quality journalism.

As the digital games media landscape transforms, *Mothership* emerges alongside a growing number of independent outlets exploring alternative routes. The site is joining others such as *Aftermath*, *Second Wind*, and *Rogue*, all initiated in reaction to shifts in traditional gaming journalism. With its unique emphasis and dedication to diverse narratives, *Mothership* aims to challenge the prevailing norms in gaming media and cultivate a community that embraces a myriad of identities and experiences.

Myers and Hannah are not just responding to the difficulties of the current media climate; they are proactively attempting to reshape it. By establishing *Mothership*, they are not only looking to fill a gap but are also confronting the pushback against feminist discourse in gaming journalism. Their launch signifies a reinvigoration of the commitment to inclusivity in terms of gender and identity within a space that has often sidelined these perspectives. The creation of *Mothership* represents a promising outlook for the future of gaming media—one that honors diversity and champions rigorous, ethical journalism.

**The Uncelebrated Champion: Wyll’s Path in Baldur’s Gate 3**

In the vast realm of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, players set off on an epic adventure along the Sword Coast, assembling a varied group of allies, each with intricate backstories and captivating narratives. Among this vibrant ensemble, Wyll, the Warlock, emerges as a character who, despite his compelling design and role, garnered noticeably less focus and content than his counterparts.

Wyll’s character experienced notable transformations before the game’s official release in 2023. The developers at Larian Studios acknowledged that his original storyline from the early access version was not having the desired impact. Although his character design, Warlock class, and recruitment setting remained unchanged, his narrative was entirely reconstructed, with changes to his voice actor and stronger ties formed with other characters, especially the Tiefling ally, Karlach.

During a live Reddit AMA, Larian’s team discussed the difficulties surrounding Wyll’s development. Senior writer Kevin VanOrd shared insights into the unfortunate timing of Wyll’s character evolution, which aligned with the finalization of other companions’ narratives. As some key plotlines intended to involve Wyll were ultimately removed, the character’s role seemed limited. To add to the complications, VanOrd also dealt with health issues during crucial periods, which contributed to delays in expanding Wyll’s story.

VanOrd confronted the challenges straightforwardly, stating, “We weren’t connecting with Wyll’s Early Access recruitment and initial questing, so we started over…” He admitted that significant decisions were made later in production that impacted Wyll’s assimilation into the overarching story. Despite efforts to link Wyll’s character to pivotal events—like the legendary Red War College—these plans were curtailed, resulting in a less fleshed-out narrative arc for the Warlock.

The narrative complexity of Wyll’s journey is divided into two separate storylines—the Mizora story and the Ravengard story—which VanOrd believed could have been a miscalculation. He expressed a desire for a more satisfying resolution for Wyll, who, depending on player choices, can conclude his journey as the “Blade of Frontiers” without significant character development. Nevertheless, VanOrd takes pride in Wyll, praising his genuineness and heroism, while lamenting the inability to offer players more substantial content.

Following the launch of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, Larian has introduced additional content for Wyll and other companions. However, there persists a sense that Wyll is somewhat eclipsed in comparison to his party members. Players who have invested their time in Wyll have voiced their disappointment, especially when observing increased character interactions and narrative richness given to others in the game.

In conclusion, Wyll’s story is one marked by both ambition and circumstance. The character’s complexity and the hurdles encountered during development reveal the intricate nature of crafting immersive and impactful narratives in contemporary gaming. While he may not have received the same degree of emphasis as other companions, Wyll’s authenticity and the development team’s commitment to him guarantee he remains a noteworthy aspect of the *Baldur’s Gate 3* journey.

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### The Influence of Controversy on Game Sales: A Case Study of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

In the world of video game creation, debates surrounding representation and cultural sensitivities frequently take precedence, particularly as a major release approaches. Warhorse Studios, the group responsible for the critically lauded RPG *Kingdom Come: Deliverance*, finds itself in this situation with the impending launch of its sequel, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, set for 2025. Martin Klíma, co-founder of Warhorse and executive producer for the sequel, has provided insights into how online discussions about representation have affected game sales.

#### Background: Historical Context and Initial Controversy

Upon its release in 2018, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* encountered criticism due to its perceived lack of diversity, with many reviewers noting the absence of people of color within a game situated in early 15th-century Bohemia. Warhorse Studios countered this critique by stressing historical fidelity, asserting that it mirrored the demographics of rural Bohemia during that era. While some endorsed this argument, others condemned it as a sidestepping of present-day representation obligations. This sparked a continuing conversation regarding storytelling in games and the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with inclusivity.

Fast forward to 2025, as Warhorse geared up for the sequel’s debut, they again found themselves embroiled in controversy—this time for the incorporation of more diverse characters and the inclusion of same-sex relationship options. Klíma highlighted that the new installment features a broader city environment, realistically suggesting greater diversity, and he observed that a considerable segment of gamers remained resistant to the idea of altering representation.

#### Klíma’s Insights on Online Controversies

In a recent interview with *PC Gamer*, Klíma deliberated on the potential ramifications of these controversies for the game’s success. He expressed interest in whether the discussions had a positive or negative impact on the game’s visibility and sales. He recognized that arguments could be made for both perspectives: enhanced visibility could aid sales, with the adage “any publicity is good publicity,” while conversely, negative or distracting discussions might undermine the game’s story and reception.

Klíma remarked, “The real players really don’t care about it at all, and probably most of them never really even heard about these pseudo-controversies.” This sentiment indicates a gap between the outspoken minority engaged in online discussions and the wider gaming audience who may simply prioritize gameplay and favorable reviews.

With *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* achieving over 10 million sales since its launch and the sequel already exceeding four million copies sold, Klíma’s viewpoint underscores a crucial reality in the gaming industry: the general player base may not be as preoccupied with online dialogues as some analysts speculate.

#### Conclusion: The Broader Implications of Online Discourse

Klíma’s insights serve as a reminder of the varied landscapes within gaming culture. While discussions about representation are important and reflect wider societal themes, they do not consistently resonate with the casual gamer, many of whom may base their purchasing choices on game quality and recommendations rather than online discussions.

In summary, the differing views regarding *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* and its sequel highlight the intricacies of game development in an ever-connected world. As the gaming community evolves, grasping this divide may be essential for developers, critics, and players alike, ensuring that diverse narratives can thrive alongside engaging gameplay without losing focus on the essential gaming experience.

The self-explanatory Don’t Stare is both a gamejam creation I enjoy for itself and also, an idea I’d love to be incorporated into any number of first-person RPGs. Here is how the latter possibility might work: you are bandying insults with the Demon King ahead of the final battle. You’ve got some solid bantz going, but there’s a note of awkwardness, for the Demon King has very large, protruding ears, and you can’t stop looking at them.

Such biteable tubercles! Such luscious lobes! The more you stare, the more agitated the Demon King becomes, till at last, he flees in tears before you’ve exchanged a single blow. And that, young Chosen One, is how we first defeated evil many decades ago. I understand the Demon King has had some plastic surgery since.

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Valve is anticipated to introduce pre-order options for the Steam Machine in early 2026, a much-awaited gaming console designed to integrate PC gaming into the living room. Nevertheless, the escalating costs of PC gaming have sparked concerns among consumers. A Czech retailer has allegedly published placeholder prices for the Steam Machine, indicating an initial cost of approximately $950, with a 2TB variant valued at around $1,070. Though these amounts have not been officially verified by Valve, they reflect apprehensions regarding rising expenses due to RAM shortages and supply chain challenges that could obstruct cost-effective production.

As gamers await the pricing specifics of the Steam Machine, Ubisoft is creating excitement for its forthcoming title, The Division 3. Executive producer Julian Gerighty suggested that the game’s potential influence could be akin to that of the original The Division, although a release date remains unannounced.

In a related update, a forthcoming Xbox showcase set for January 22 will highlight a surprise game, which may be a smaller-scale endeavor from one of Xbox Game Studios’ developers. Speculation includes options such as Obsidian Entertainment’s Pentiment 2.

In other gaming developments, Fable is reportedly under production for PlayStation 5, alongside additional titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation, indicating a movement away from Xbox exclusivity.

Furthermore, Helldivers 2 is poised to enhance its gameplay experience in 2026, with new content designed to challenge players against the game’s foes in increasingly demanding situations. The game’s developers have committed to a year filled with exciting content updates.

Where Winds Meet has commenced 2026 with a robust presence following the launch of its 1.2 update, which has rolled out new gameplay elements that have improved player involvement.

Lastly, Warner Bros. Games has regrettably reduced staff at its San Francisco mobile studio as part of its restructuring plans, representing a setback for its ongoing projects.

The gaming domain is undeniably progressing, with significant announcements and advancements on the horizon as we welcome the new year.

With Baldur’s Gate 3 and its gang of rowdy adventuring mates in the rear view mirror, Larian are hoping to improve a couple of aspects of how they handle companions going forwards – a process that’ll likely kick off in Divinity. In particular, the development of deeper relationships between party members and a more subtle build to the moment when the player’s relationship veers into deeply horny territory are on their list of learnings.

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