Gait Games

One of the first times I remember seeing an optical analog gaming keyboard hit the mainsteam was the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog launch in 2021 – what feels like naffing ages ago now. Since then, we’ve seen keyboards gain more controller-like tech, like rapid trigger inputs and Hall Effect switches, but optical analog boards are where it all started, and the Huntsman v2 Analog remains a fine option today – especially when it’s going cheap.

When this keyboard was new, it retailed for $250, although with this current discount, a brand-new one (with its 1-year Razer warranty) is down to $70 from Woot. That works out to 72% off, which I needn’t say is quite something.

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### Morning Checkpoint: April 24, 2026

In today’s summary, we spotlight significant happenings in the gaming sector, featuring insights from ex-PlayStation officials, advancements in retro gaming from Atari, and news from tech leaders like Meta.

#### A Former PlayStation Executive Advocates for PS5 Games on PC
Shuhei Yoshida, a past PlayStation executive, recently shared his thoughts on the strategic change regarding the launch of Sony’s premier titles on PC. During his talk at the Alt. Games Festival in Australia, Yoshida detailed how previously, first-party games were maintained as PlayStation exclusives due to strategic considerations. However, he perceives this generation as a crucial time where releasing major titles on PC post-exclusivity aids in recovering development expenses. He mentioned, “Launching games on PC after a few years must have contributed to recouping the investment in these blockbuster games…” This viewpoint indicates that while Sony may not drastically modify its strategy, the financial attractiveness of cross-platform launches remains strong.

#### Atari Enhances Its Retro Game Emulation Capabilities
To broaden its retro gaming reach, Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, bolstering its capacity to deliver 32-bit classics on contemporary platforms. Atari CEO Wade Rosen commented on the company’s expanding engineering prowess, owing to collaborations with established emulation firms like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive. This acquisition signifies Atari’s dedication to revitalizing classic games and widening its portfolio to satisfy modern gaming needs.

#### The “Efficiency” Restructuring at Meta Continues
Meta has revealed another wave of layoffs, impacting 8,000 workers and accounting for 10% of its total workforce. This choice mirrors CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s emphasis on optimizing operations as the company strives to keep pace with the AI landscape after past unsuccessful ventures in virtual reality. The ongoing “efficiency” initiative suggests considerable shifts within the organization as it realigns towards emerging technologies.

#### Final Fantasy XVI Fan Fest Taking Place
This weekend, Anaheim is hosting the Final Fantasy XVI Fan Fest, presenting thrilling announcements from Square Enix, including the unveiling of the new MMORPG expansion titled *Evercold*. As fans gather with anticipation, excitement mounts regarding the franchise’s future, despite the postponement of the new Square Enix café in Los Angeles.

#### Insights from Alice: Madness Returns Development
American McGee, recognized for his contribution to *Alice: Madness Returns*, conveyed insights that reveal creative conflicts during the game’s development. He highlighted a gap between his artistic vision and the marketing strategies promoted by EA. His amusing tale about resisting “sexy” elements underscores the challenges game developers navigate in the industry.

#### Resident Evil Requiem Sets Record for Fastest Sales in Franchise History
*Resident Evil Requiem* has achieved the fastest-selling status within the franchise, shifting 7 million copies soon after its launch. The simultaneous release on a Nintendo console has likely played a role in this success, as celebrated by game director Koshi Nakanishi.

#### Steam Visibility Insights from Valve’s Alden Kroll
Valve’s Alden Kroll offered his perspective on achieving visibility for games on Steam, humorously implying that the secret lies in simply creating a quality game. He urged developers to prioritize community interaction and marketing well ahead of their game’s launch to effectively engage player interest.

#### Nintendo Soundtracks Now Available on Spotify
In a noteworthy step, Nintendo has released its *Super Mario Galaxy* and *Super Mario Galaxy 2* soundtracks on Spotify, coinciding with the franchise’s 40th anniversary. This initiative includes unique interactive elements within the app, enriching the listening experience for fans.

#### Toei Games Unveils New Projects
Toei has announced its first gaming projects, featuring *KILLA*, a 3D murder mystery, *HINO*, a dark fantasy title, and *DEBUG NEPHEMEE*, a retro-style adventure. These projects signal a promising entrance into the gaming market for the entertainment giant.

As the industry continues to advance, these occurrences highlight the dynamic essence of gaming today, reflecting strategic changes among leading corporations to new ventures aimed at revitalizing classic titles. Stay tuned for further updates as they develop.

World of Warcraft developers Blizzard released a prop hunt mode dubbed Decor Duel with this week’s patch, having initially announced the Midnight expansion-adjacent addition was on the way back in January. Sadly, said patch was littered with bugs, with the studio now having apologised for releasing it in a state that wasn’t “up to [their] standards.

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**Vampire Crawlers: An Impressive Spin-Off Adventure**

Vampire Crawlers, the latest card-driven, first-person spin-off of the blockbuster Vampire Survivors, is an incredibly impressive game. With an innovative approach to gameplay, it fuses deck-building elements with first-person dungeon exploration, crafting an experience that distinguishes itself from its predecessor while still embodying an essence that enthusiasts will cherish.

### A Distinct Perspective on a Cherished Formula

In Vampire Survivors, players dive into a top-down auto-battler roguelite featuring bullet-hell aspects, while Vampire Crawlers transitions to a first-person viewpoint, placing players right in the heart of the action. This shift brings a fresh perspective to the recognizable universe, showcasing the ingenuity of both Poncle, the originators of Survivors, and Nosebleed, the minds behind Crawlers. The link between the two games is tangible, reflecting a unified vision that fans can rally around.

### Radiant Features: The Splendor of Design

One of the prominent features of Vampire Crawlers is its meticulous attention to detail, observable in various game elements. The equilibrium in deck-building choices is essential to gameplay, but equally vital are the visual delights derived from the vivid colors and gratifying sound effects. Each facet of the graphics and audio enriches the player’s experience, making every action feel rewarding and captivating.

### Loyalty to the Original

Players acquainted with Vampire Survivors will find reassurance in the semblance of returning characters, items, and sound effects in Crawlers. The aesthetics of Survivors have profoundly impacted Crawlers, facilitating an easy adjustment for players to the game mechanics. The charming sounds, from the twinkle of gems to the gratifying collection noises, create a seamless transition for fans, while even newcomers can enjoy the allure these auditory elements provide.

### Relishing Destruction

A striking delight in Vampire Crawlers is the capability to obliterate objects, offering both fun and rewards. Players can revel in smashing crates and various items, often uncovering health, money, and card upgrades along the way. The playful essence of this mechanic encourages players to actively interact with the environment, making exploration enjoyable. The vigorous gameplay coupled with impactful sound effects amplifies the excitement of destroying objects, contributing to an overall exhilarating experience.

### The Charm of Shiny Chests

The visually captivating shiny chests in Vampire Crawlers deserve celebration. As players stumble upon these treasures, the thrill escalates, leading to spontaneous screenshots that capture their allure. The sparkle may not influence gameplay directly, but it introduces a layer of enchantment that enhances the player’s emotional bond with the game.

### Garlic and Its Might

Garlic continues to reign as one of the top weapons in both Vampire Survivors and Crawlers. Its potency, although modified in mechanics, remains a beloved choice. In Crawlers, garlic functions as a powerful general attack against foes, preserving the essence of its original might while fitting seamlessly into the new game’s dynamics.

### The Nduja Fritta Tanto

The Nduja Fritta Tanto, humorously nicknamed “the sponge,” introduces another exhilarating gameplay component. With its fiery assaults that wreak havoc on enemies, this weapon alters gameplay strategies, especially when paired with garlic cards. Players who uncover the synergy between various items and abilities will find effective ways to conquer challenges.

### Rapid Action and Turn Management

Vampire Crawlers presents a distinct method to card play, enabling players to unleash all attacks in brisk succession. This mechanic promotes a dynamic style of play, where quick decision-making and strategic foresight coexist. Additionally, the game’s design streamlines the flow of gameplay by automatically ending turns when no actions are available, eliminating unnecessary obstacles and enhancing overall pacing.

### The Rewarding Hammer Animation

One of the most delightfully straightforward joys in Vampire Crawlers is the heavy metallic hammer associated with card upgrades. The sound of the hammer striking the card creates a rewarding auditory experience that reinforces the tactile quality of the game. This minor detail illustrates how carefully designed elements can elevate a game’s overall appeal.

### Conclusion

Vampire Crawlers is more than just a spin-off; it is a skillful homage that stands independently while honoring the foundations of Vampire Survivors. With its captivating mechanics, vibrant aesthetics, and well-considered design choices, the game provides players with an unforgettable journey filled with delightful details that warrant acknowledgment. Whether you are a returning fan or a newcomer to the series, Vampire Crawlers guarantees a stunning and engaging experience.

It’s a brutalist, post-apocalyptic landscape.

The post Lofsöng Is an Art-Driven Exploration Puzzle Adventure Launching in May appeared first on Gamezebo.

Mario enthusiasts, raise your hats in jubilation: in an unprecedented action, Nintendo has made available (some of) the original score for Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 on Spotify. This is significant for several reasons: primarily, it’s the first occasion the company has chosen to share its music on a prominent streaming platform. Additionally, the “a special selection” of songs from the OSTs will only be accessible “for a limited time,” which means you won’t get the complete experience (as you do with, for instance, Bandai Namco’s OST uploads), and you won’t be able to listen indefinitely. Furthermore, this seems to be an exclusive arrangement with Spotify: Qobuz, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music all seem to have been excluded from this agreement.

Mario’s theme may be the most recognizable in all of gaming.

However, the fact that we’re finally witnessing Nintendo team up with a music streaming platform is rather unusual. The most apparent motivation for this initiative seems to be marketing: we are a few weeks away from the premiere of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and while some critiques have been harsh, the film seems to have achieved satisfactory success on its own. Nevertheless, promoting the product never causes harm, right? Considering the film features a lot of music derived from tracks of the game it’s named after, this action likely relates to those who viewed the film and have been humming Cosmic Cove since the credits rolled.

So, why is this so peculiar? Well, back in 2024, we observed the publisher launch Nintendo Music, a well-received application for smart devices that provides access to some of the most beloved OSTs from the publisher’s past. The app has featured music from Animal Crossing New Horizons, Wii Channels, Star Fox 64, Metroid, Mario Kart, Fire Emblem, Kirby, and more. Many of us believed this would be the method through which we’d enjoy Nintendo music on contemporary devices, and it’s generally satisfactory: it operates well, it offers a solid selection, and it presumably allows artists and rights holders greater control over monetization than the notoriously unethical business model of Spotify provides.

It would – undoubtedly – have seemed more logical for Nintendo to have retained the music there exclusively and market it to audiences to attract new users, wouldn’t it? That being said, the latest statistics on Nintendo Music usage indicate it only boasts around 1 million users. Spotify’s most recent usage report (Q4 2025) places the streaming behemoth at approximately 751 million. Perhaps the rationale is that Nintendo hooks you on Koji Kondo and Mahito Yokota’s music on Spotify, before pulling it away and directing you to listen on Nintendo Music. Cynical, yet savvy. And very uncharacteristic of Nintendo, in my opinion.

The fact that the limited-time offer (strange in itself) only includes a handful of tracks from the games is also perplexing. Perhaps this collaboration with Spotify mirrors the launch of Nintendo’s forthcoming The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vinyl soundtrack collections – in essence, it signifies the company experimenting with new ideas and gauging market demand for broader, less regulated releases.

Will we witness more Nintendo Music arrive on Spotify in the upcoming weeks, months, or years, or is this solely connected to the recent movie launch? Will we see the music become available on other streaming platforms – perhaps one that hasn’t run ICE recruitment advertisements or doesn’t exploit artists financially – in the future? Will Nintendo ever truly comprehend what a goldmine of incredible game music it still possesses, as fans seek legitimate ways to appreciate it? Only time will reveal. For now, at least, relish this limited-time collaboration – there’s no clear indication of how long it will endure.

**AI Arms Race: DeepSeek V4 vs Nvidia’s OpenAI GPT-5.5**

In a swiftly advancing domain, the development of AI has turned into a competitive struggle. Recent developments emphasize the persistent rivalry among key contenders in the AI sector, especially between Nvidia, based in the U.S., and DeepSeek, situated in China. With the launch of DeepSeek V4 now available, tensions have escalated as DeepSeek has allegedly denied Nvidia and AMD early access to its innovative model, opting instead to support Huawei and other Chinese chip manufacturers.

To sustain its competitive edge, Nvidia has reacted by aligning itself closely with OpenAI’s GPT-5.5. The firm has granted 10,000 employees an early look at this sophisticated model through a comprehensive rollout of Codex, OpenAI’s coding tool powered by GPT-5.5. This approach has resulted in considerable efficiency gains throughout Nvidia’s operations. According to a blog entry, Nvidia has noted accelerated debugging cycles and swifter project completions — tasks that previously required weeks are now done overnight.

Security was a critical focus during the Codex rollout. Nvidia made certain that all employees engaged utilized a secure, cloud-based virtual machine, enabling Codex to retrieve data without modifying it directly — a precautionary step likened to securing the AI “in a virtual plexiglass box.”

Nvidia’s excitement for Codex is further heightened by its financial backing of OpenAI. Although it was initially set to invest $100 billion, Nvidia is now considering a more restrained $30 billion investment. Additionally, GPT-5.5 runs on Nvidia’s state-of-the-art GB200 NVL72 rack-scale systems, providing both economic and operational benefits.

In summary, Nvidia’s strategy reflects the high stakes and fluid tactics in the AI sector’s pursuit of dominance. As both organizations compete for leadership, technological innovations continue to influence the future of AI capabilities on a global scale.

Ho, doughty Ascenders and Door defeaters! There’s a new beta patch out for roguelite deckbuilder Slay the Spire 2, following last week’s thunderous rolling of various beta updates into the game’s main release branch. This round of rebalancing takes specific aim at the game’s “baseline” difficulty, while trying to ensure that repeat runs on the very highest Ascension settings are something only a “fraction” of players can manage.

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**A New Era for Xbox with Asha Sharma: Revealing the Future of Gaming**

Two months into her role as the CEO of Xbox, Asha Sharma has put forth an ambitious plan designed to rejuvenate Microsoft’s gaming platform following Phil Spencer’s exit. Sharma unveiled her vision during a recent interview, where she discussed new console features, pricing strategies, and the potential reassessment of Microsoft’s stance on exclusive games.

### A Data-Informed Method to Decision Making

Sharma highlighted the significance of a data-informed and strategic approach in the decision-making process. “We’ll take a data-informed methodology and a strategic-driven perspective, and then we’ll review our principles and make some decisions,” she mentioned, suggesting that the gaming environment demands careful analysis and well-informed choices. This perspective demonstrates a dedication to decisions that weigh long-term effects rather than hastily reaching conclusions.

When addressing the future of exclusive games, Sharma recognized that these are “long-term decisions that carry decade-long ramifications.” A notable example is the recent communication from Halo Studios about the franchise’s availability on PlayStation platforms. Microsoft’s reaction to inquiries regarding this transition remained centered on Sharma’s internal memo, showcasing a careful yet open stance on exclusivity.

### Initiatives for Affordable Gaming

Affordability emerged as a prominent theme in Sharma’s strategy. In response to questions about the pricing of both hardware and services, including Game Pass—which recently experienced its initial price reduction—Sharma indicated that historically, Xbox’s pricing has not been very flexible. “I believe that, in the past, our pricing hasn’t been as adaptable, and I see that as an area we want to improve,” she stated, pointing towards a move towards more accessible pricing models.

Sharma emphasized the need to balance performance and playability with innovation in affordability. “I want to ensure that individuals around the globe can enjoy gaming,” she asserted, indicating a potential commitment to developing hardware and services that address varying economic circumstances.

### Promoting Quality in Game Creation

Joining Sharma in the discussion was Matt Booty, Xbox’s Chief Content Officer, who hinted at the extensive pipeline for first-party game development. He underscored the necessity of establishing a “consistent rhythm” and a “comprehensive roadmap” aimed at improving the quality of titles released under the Xbox label. Booty’s remarks suggest a commitment to creating conditions conducive to producing award-winning games, a target that Microsoft has yet to reach despite its substantial investments in gaming acquisitions, amounting to nearly $80 billion.

### Looking Forward

As Asha Sharma begins this transformative phase for Xbox, the gaming community is keen to observe how her initiatives progress. Her emphasis on a data-informed decision-making approach, dedication to affordability, and quest for quality game development represent a hopeful outline for the future of Xbox. While specific timelines for announcements remain undisclosed, Sharma’s strategic vision signifies a crucial move towards revitalizing the gaming platform and meeting the evolving demands of gamers globally.

coalescent || tidal rapture (yes, that’s the official Steam page punctuation) is a game about evolution and heartbreak and glorious, glorious wormsex. It’s the story of a society of merpeople who’ve just discovered the practice of casual relationships, and are enthusiastically embracing what I’d guess you’d class as a very squelchy form of Shibari.

The recently dumped protagonist is on “a journey of self-discovery and self-denial as they experiment with intimacy, experience physical bodily changes, and try to decide whether or not they want to move to the surface”. What kind of body physics are we talking, here? Well, let me try to, er, unravel the intricacies.

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