Gait Games

Make a band, read a book, or play basketball.

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Starting… uh, last week, we’re making a bunch of improvements to the RPS Supporter Program, the super-special subscription service through which impossibly cool RPS readers can support our writing and reporting directly. The catch? Ha ha! There isn’t one.

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### The Realm of *Sword Art Online*: Looking Forward to *Echoes of Aincrad*

It’s well-known among *Sword Art Online* enthusiasts that the inaugural arc, Aincrad, is regarded as the finest. Generally, when you inquire with fans of any series or game about their preferred season or installment, it tends to be the first one. Thirteen years since the debut of the first *Sword Art Online* video game, *Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment*, the developers at Bandai Namco are crafting an action RPG centered on the Aincrad arc, aptly named *Echoes of Aincrad*.

Producer Yosuke Futami mentioned, “Throughout the various *Sword Art Online* games, we’ve never truly had one where you could genuinely begin by playing from the initial level of Aincrad, and that’s essentially our starting point.”

In the opening episode of *Sword Art Online*, the main character Kirito, along with countless other players, finds themselves trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG. During this pivotal moment, game master Kayaba Akihiko declares that anyone who perishes in the game will die in real life, inducing chaos among the players. Additionally, the “log out” button has vanished, compelling players to engage in this life-and-death predicament.

Futami elaborated on their vision: “We really aimed for players to relive that significant scene in episode one of *Sword Art Online*, where they all become ensnared in that lethal game. We also aimed to design a game so that those who may not be as acquainted with *Sword Art Online* could appreciate the most compelling elements of *SAO*.”

### Nostalgia and Custom Avatars

*Echoes of Aincrad* showcases an opening theme, “Live to Survive,” performed by the Japanese pop artist Aimer. This title alludes to the survival motif at the core of those ensnared in the MMO while evoking nostalgia, capturing a spirit akin to the anime’s original opening theme, “Crossing Field” by LiSA.

Futami expressed the purpose behind the song: “We undoubtedly wanted [Aimer] to delve into that, exploring what it genuinely signifies to live and progress, much like the journey that Kirito and all these characters traversed.”

In contrast to earlier *SAO* titles where players embodied Kirito in alternative narratives, *Echoes of Aincrad* permits players to craft a custom avatar who becomes entangled in the death game alongside Kirito. This shift in perspective prompted the game’s title to be modified from *Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad* to simply *Echoes of Aincrad*, emphasizing the unique experience of the player rather than merely recounting Kirito’s tale.

Futami stated, “The previous *Sword Art Online* titles focus more on Kirito’s narratives, and as we’re transitioning away from that framework, we wanted this title to truly represent the idea that this game is about the player experiencing the world of *Sword Art Online*.”

### A Fresh Heroine and Voice Acting

Asuna, who is Kirito’s love interest, serves as the primary heroine of *SAO*. In *Echoes of Aincrad*, a character named Iori, designed to be a compassionate companion and a supportive ally inspired by Asuna, accompanies the protagonist on their adventure.

Futami quipped, “We aimed for a heroine who could outshine Asuna. Regrettably, we realized we couldn’t surpass her… we believe we crafted a very likable character in Iori.”

*Echoes of Aincrad* also breaks ground as the initial *SAO* game to incorporate a complete English voice cast, with Kirito’s voice actor Bryce Papenbrook reprising his celebrated role. Papenbrook, who has voiced Kirito since the anime started in 2012, uses his personal relationship with his spouse to connect with Kirito’s emotional nuances.

Papenbrook shared, “Every one of my lines from Kirito to Asuna feels like I’m conversing with my wife… the affection that [Kirito] harbors for [Asuna]… I can relate to Kirito and his feelings for her.”

Reflecting on his growth as both an actor and a parent since the series commenced, Papenbrook offered insights into his portrayal, stating, “Thus, I have a wealth of life experience to draw from as we perceive Kirito and *Echoes of Aincrad* through these various lenses.”

### Launch Information

*Echoes of Aincrad* is scheduled for release on July 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, welcoming both novice players and devoted fans to dive into the cherished realm of *Sword Art Online*.

EEP!

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There are two cultural artifacts that buzz about my brain without ever truly settling: 2001’s action game RTS hybrid Hostile Waters and Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. It may be an unfair lens to apply to newly announced roguelite colony builder Rogue Carrier, but it has enough of both of them to have me ready to dive into its ocean.

In Rogue Carrier, you are the captain of a science ship that is stranded on a strange world. More than a schooner, this vessel is a mega carrier – the largest vessel humanity’s ever built. The Bohemoth is able to support whole buildings and production lines on its back. It falls to you to pilot the ship across an ocean that is bubbling with alien sea life – some of it friendly, much of it not – surviving attacks, learning more about the world, and finding your way off the planet.

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**EA Sports College Football 27: A Contentious Release**

EA Sports College Football 27, the newest chapter in EA’s College Football series, signifies a remarkable comeback for the franchise, especially as it is the first to debut on PC. Yet, less than a day after its release, the game has already garnered a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam, with only 33 percent of user reviews being favorable. Regardless of its critique, numerous fans and reviewers consider the game a significant upgrade from its predecessor, EA Sports College Football 26.

**The Current Concern**

Why is EA Sports College Football 27 experiencing backlash? The main issues arise from the removal of features that were included in earlier versions, particularly in offline modes such as Dynasty mode and Road To Glory mode. Players have observed that the new edition removes the ability to modify XP earning rates—a feature that allowed personalization in earlier games. Instead, players must now buy “College Football Points” microtransactions to achieve similar advantages.

To exacerbate the situation, while the XP requirements have reportedly grown, the rate at which players can accumulate XP has also been limited unless they invest extra money into these microtransactions. This has resulted in a sentiment among gamers that they are compelled to pay for progress that was once achievable purely through gameplay.

**Community Feedback and Allegations**

The response on Steam has been rapid, with many users expressing their displeasure regarding the suspected monetization tactics employed by EA. Some reviewers have noted that even though the XP quantity has increased, the benchmarks for leveling up have also become more challenging, creating a sense of imbalance. There are accusations that EA has imposed a cap on XP that can be earned without a financial outlay, further intensifying player frustration.

An additional layer of controversy involves the management of microtransactions. Content creators who had early access to the game have stated that these monetization components were missing from the preview versions they received. This has led to allegations that EA may have deliberately concealed these features ahead of launch, aiming to obtain more positive reviews during the initial rollout.

In solidarity with frustrated fans, content creators and players have been championing the hashtag “#cfbplaydontpay” across various social media channels. This grassroots initiative seeks to inform potential buyers about the game’s monetization methods.

**Final Thoughts**

As EA Sports College Football 27 continues to deal with its reception, the wider discussion surrounding microtransactions in contemporary gaming remains in the spotlight. While the game’s fundamental mechanics and general upgrades have earned commendation, the pivot toward monetization has ignited substantial conversation within the community. With no official communication from EA addressing these issues yet, players find themselves navigating their expectations regarding gameplay in relation to paywalls in this latest iteration of the enduring franchise.

What you can buy from the AFK Shop.

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**Disneyland’s Latest Pirates of the Caribbean Audio-Animatronic: Debate and Response**

Last month, Disneyland unveiled a fresh audio-animatronic in the cherished Pirates of the Caribbean ride, sparking a mixture of anticipation and backlash from fans and industry analysts alike. While Disney is recognized for its cutting-edge developments in theme park technology, the response to this specific enhancement has been less than positive.

**Feedback from Authorities and Fans**

Todd Martens of the *Los Angeles Times* characterized the new addition as “out of place” and “distracting,” mirroring concerns from various bloggers who believe it has “blurred” and even “diminished” the charm of the classic attraction. The reactions on social media have been predominantly unfavorable, with remarks branding the new figure as “absolutely horrible,” “low-quality and dreadful,” and detracting from the “enchantment” that Disneyland is famous for.

**A Delicate Landmark**

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction occupies a unique position in theme park lore, being the last ride overseen by Walt Disney himself before his passing. Its enduring significance and emotional ties with fans heighten the sensitivity regarding any modifications. The new animatronic brings advanced technological components into a ride that many regard as a timeless classic, raising worries about how these adjustments could affect its atmospheric authenticity.

**The Concept of “Plussing”**

Disney is known for its method of perpetually enhancing its attractions—a process referred to as “plussing.” This entails integrating fresh elements to improve the guest experience, whether through minor updates or more substantial alterations. Although this practice was favorably received in updates to rides like the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the new pirate animatronic appears to have fallen short for numerous fans.

**The Role of the New Animatronic in the Narrative**

The new figure is featured in the Dead Man’s Cove area, typically filled with iconic visuals of pirate skeletons. This scene culminates in a haunting view of a skeleton atop a mountain of gold, symbolizing the unavoidable fate that awaits all pirates. The update modifies this story; the animatronic starts as a skeleton and then transitions into a living pirate in a rapid cycle of life and death. While technically remarkable, this alteration disrupts the ride’s established storytelling and timeline. Historically, the shift from skeletal to living forms has been vital in signaling a narrative change within the ride.

**Aesthetic and Conceptual Discrepancies**

Critics argue that the new animatronic’s cartoonish design sharply contrasts the realistic aesthetics of existing figures. The projection technology employed gives the character an animated quality that feels out of sync with the more traditional animatronics in Pirates. This inconsistency raises issues regarding design unity and narrative coherence. Instead of enhancing the attraction’s immersive quality, the new addition might diminish it, disrupting the meticulously crafted ambiance that visitors have appreciated for years.

**Conclusion: The Consequences of Change**

While Disney may gain from the publicity and interest surrounding such enhancements, the artistic integrity of attractions is a crucial factor for fans. The uproar regarding the new pirate animatronic underscores a larger discussion about maintaining the original storytelling spirit in theme park design. For those who perceive these attractions as art forms, honoring the cohesion and atmosphere of each ride is paramount. The fresh addition, rather than enriching the experience, has sparked discussions about the balance between technological advancement and narrative authenticity—a challenge that Disney will persist in addressing as it updates its iconic attractions.

Purposeful and stylish.

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## The Tumultuous Future of id Software Amid Job Cuts and Development Hurdles

### A Tough Climate for Development

Recently, id Software, the celebrated studio known for the legendary **Doom** series, encountered notable upheaval following a round of job cuts from its parent entity, Xbox. Developers indicated they had spent months in grueling crunch mode to launch the highly anticipated expansion, **Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations**, which debuted in a climate of uncertainty and anxiety within the studio.

### The Job Cut Announcement

The pressure peaked on July 6 when studio leader Marty Stratton issued a message via Slack advising employees to stay home. Shortly afterward, a conference call disclosed the alarming news: a significant number of positions, totaling 96 at the Richardson office alone, were being cut as part of a larger initiative impacting 3,200 employees across Xbox.

The layoffs were labeled “devastating,” affecting even veteran employees who had played key roles in milestones like **Doom 3**. The WARN Notice filed in Texas confirmed these reductions and raised alarms about the survivability of id Software’s core groups, especially those focused on **id Tech**, the proprietary game engine essential to the studio’s functionality.

### Effects on Development and Upcoming Projects

In the wake of the **Revelations** release, insiders reported that no new games had received the green light. Past ideas, such as a project dubbed “Fury,” involving fast-paced melee action, had been put on hold, and uncertainty hung over potential multiplayer expansions for the newly launched content.

The layoffs sparked urgent queries regarding the studio’s capacity to sustain and advance its technology. With critical team members absent, particularly from the id Tech division, it became increasingly questionable how the studio would be able to patch or enhance its game engine in the future, raising concerns that id Tech might begin to degrade.

### Wider Implications for the Franchise

The consequences of these layoffs reach beyond id Software itself. Other studios, including MachineGames, depend on id Tech for their own ventures, notably upcoming titles in the **Wolfenstein** series. The severed link between id Software’s enhancements and their application to other teams could jeopardize advancements across various franchises.

Bethesda’s president, Jill Braff, delineated a revised strategic course intending to optimize operations by concentrating on robust franchises. However, the status of **Doom** within this scheme remains ambiguous, leaving developers to wonder about the franchise’s future.

### Mixed Reception and Future Outlook

Although **Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations** attracted over 3 million players shortly after its launch, sales figures indicated that around 1 million copies were sold upon release. Many developers felt that the quality of their efforts may have aligned with Microsoft’s immediate objectives of boosting Game Pass subscriptions, causing them to feel blindsided by the subsequent layoffs.

As id Software deals with the repercussions of job cuts, the future of its beloved franchises and upcoming projects hangs in the balance. The studio, once a beacon of gaming innovation, now confronts challenges that could reshape its trajectory and redefine its legacy within the gaming realm. The path forward for id Software presents significant hurdles, prompting both staff and fans to contemplate the future of one of gaming’s most cherished franchises.