Gait Games

Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has revealed that the studio behind recent FPS hit Wardogs check the social media accounts of prospective hires for public criticism of crunch practices, and deliberately prefer to avoid bringing such folks on board. In the exec’s view, devs working extra or long hours to get a game or update out of the door – otherwise known as crunch – “is going to happen at some point”, even if the studio “always try and avoid it”.

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**Investigating the Comeback of Castlevania with Belmont’s Curse**

The Metroidvania genre has recently experienced a revival, pleasing fans despite the significant break of the cherished Castlevania series, which hasn’t had new releases since 2014. Nevertheless, **Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse** is poised to reignite the spirit of this classic franchise, captivating both veteran fans and newcomers, especially those attracted by the hit Netflix animated series.

**A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary**

Belmont’s Curse goes beyond just revisiting familiar components; it rejuvenates by integrating innovative gameplay features while honoring the series’ legacy. The game introduces players to Rose Belmont, the offspring of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, characters from the 1989 title **Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse** and the Netflix rendition. This connection provides a dimension of narrative consistency, enabling the game to act as both a nostalgic homage and a fresh entry point for newcomers.

Evil Empire, renowned for their work on **Dead Cells**, is behind Belmont’s Curse, and they have even enlisted voice actors from the Netflix series, enhancing the game’s authenticity. Alejandra Reynoso lends her voice to Sypha, while Graham McTavish reprises his role as Dracula, effectively linking the animated series with the game.

**Resonances of Paris and Story Links**

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent Paris in 1499, Belmont’s Curse draws inspiration from both the original saga and the more recent chapter **Castlevania: Nocturne**, which also depicted Paris in disarray. This setting enriches the game’s atmosphere, suggesting links between narratives while further engaging players familiar with the series.

Although specific information about characters like Alucard—Dracula’s son and a pivotal character in the animated series—remains vague, his possible role keeps the potential for thrilling narrative developments open.

**Contemporary Gameplay Elements**

Recognizing the need for evolution following the franchise’s recent break, the developers at Evil Empire have embraced innovation. Belmont’s Curse features mechanics akin to soulslike games, offering players challenging combat and customizable difficulty levels. Regenerating foes and a varied weaponry, including the iconic Vampire Killer whip and magical sub-weapons known as Arcana, guarantee an immersive experience catering to different playstyles.

**A Daring Initiative from Evil Empire**

The creation of Belmont’s Curse represents a story of audacity and teamwork. At a hands-on event, series producer Tsutomi Taniguchi disclosed that Evil Empire approached Konami with a concept for a **Castlevania** DLC for **Dead Cells**. Taniguchi’s aspiration for a new Castlevania game propelled this partnership, ultimately resulting in the establishment of a complete title.

**A New Chapter for Castlevania Enthusiasts**

As the animated series comes to a close—with **Nocturne** concluding its second season—Castlevania fans have a lot to rejoice. The genre itself flourishes, with titles like **Hollow Knight** and **Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon** setting the stage for the revival of this iconic franchise. With the release of **Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse** on October 15th for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC, players can anticipate a refreshed adventure that honors its predecessors while forging its unique identity within the genre.

The Steam Frame, unfortunately RAM shortage-ravaged as it is, is unique among virtual reality headsets for its ability to run Steam games – VR or ‘flat’ alike – entirely on its own, internal compute hardware. It is, in effect, a SteamOS PC for your face. Yet as I waxed about in our review, this feature’s impact could extend far beyond the Frame itself, as it’s based on new compatibility tech that Valve now hope to bring to a broader range of PCs and laptops. Potentially, according to staff speaking with RPS, making bonafide gaming systems out of previously unfriendly computers.

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**Rockstar Games Unveils $400 Collector’s Box for Grand Theft Auto VI: An In-Depth Examination**

Today, Rockstar Games captured attention with the reveal of its new collector’s edition box for the eagerly awaited game, *Grand Theft Auto VI*. With a hefty price of $400, this collector’s box—titled “Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection”—does not come with the actual game, which is scheduled for release on November 19, but rather includes a variety of merchandise themed around Vice City.

### What’s Included in the Collector’s Box?

The collection boasts a diverse range of items inspired by the *Grand Theft Auto* universe, particularly a TV show named “Macca the Gator,” which is likely tied to the game’s storyline. The box consists of the following items:

– **Oakley Sunglasses**: A stylish pair of branded sunglasses, although indirectly related to the game.
– **Vinyl Statue**: A depiction of a character or concept from the in-game television show.
– **Enamel Pins**: Multiple pins themed around characters from the fictional cartoon.
– **Double-Sided Poster**: Displaying a map of Vice City alongside illustrations of characters from the show.
– **Shot Glass**: A collectible piece that adds a practical touch to the collection.
– **Pink Alligator Statue**: A whimsical addition that captures the playful spirit of the merchandise.

### Community Reactions

Reactions to this collector’s box have been varied, with a notable segment of the *GTA* fan community showing discontent. Criticism has focused on several major points:

1. **Price Tag**: A lot of fans are frustrated about the $400 cost, particularly since the actual game isn’t included. Comments on social media platforms reflect this annoyance, with users feeling the merchandise is overpriced.

2. **Artwork and Design Choices**: The cartoonish style and general aesthetic have faced backlash. Some fans anticipated more serious or stylized portraits of favorite characters like Jason and Lucia, favoring collectibles that embody classic *GTA* themes over designs associated with a fictional TV cartoon.

3. **Omission of the Game**: Many fans have indicated that for such a hefty price, the bundle should at least provide a copy of the game. Users expressed their discontent with comments like, “Bros come on, could’ve included the game at least for that price,” and “$400 for an unattractive statue and some cheap hats and a shot glass with no game included is absurd. Will pass.”

4. **Request for More Pertinent Merchandise**: The community has shown a preference for items more closely related to the *GTA VI* narrative rather than secondary items like character-themed merchandise from a fictional show.

### Conclusion

Although some fans appreciate the distinctive items offered, with one user noting they liked the collection but hoped for a different range of collectibles, the general sentiment suggests disappointment regarding the pricing and contents. Many passionate fans are optimistic that Rockstar will release more conventional *GTA VI*-themed items in the future, while also wishing for a reconsideration of pricing for collector’s products. As the November release date draws near, it remains uncertain how Rockstar will tackle these issues and if they will present additional collector’s options that align with the preferences of their loyal player base.

Former Doom: The Dark Ages producer Andrew Willis has shared tuppence on the state of the blockbuster videogame trade, arguing that the biggest companies and most popular series are going through a familiar “cycle” whereby the moneyfolk finally displace the creatives, and start messing games up in the name of short-term returns. He reckons that the likes of Halo are well on their way to becoming “a dried husk of a product that everyone just now associates with like, slop”.

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### The Excitement and Apprehensions Surrounding James Watkins’ *Clayface*

The DC Universe has undergone a notable evolution with the fresh guidance of James Gunn, signaling a move towards a more whimsical and less grave narrative style. One film that is creating significant excitement is *Clayface*, helmed by James Watkins, which offers a darker and more grotesque interpretation of the backstory of one of Batman’s most prominent adversaries.

#### Plot Summary

In *Clayface*, the narrative centers around Matt Hagen, portrayed by emerging talent Tom Rhys Harries, who endures a savage disfigurement that leaves him marked with career-ending injuries. In a frantic effort to regain his former identity, he chooses an experimental procedure, which results in shocking side effects—his body starts to undergo a disturbing, melt-like alteration. This film, instead of merely skimming the surface of the superhero genre, plunges into the depths of body horror, delivering a more raw and unsettling storyline than usual superhero offerings.

#### Trailers and Audience Response

The unveiling of the *Clayface* trailers has elicited a range of responses, particularly concerning the bleak material. The initial trailer set a tone of horror intertwined with the superhero theme, highlighting Hagen’s gruesome transformation. Viewers were startled by the moment when Hagen wipes away his own face, described by one critic as an ideal jump scare.

However, as further trailers were released, the atmosphere shifted from disquieting to thoroughly unsettling. The second trailer featured a sequence that disturbed many—Hagen using scissors to snip away excess skin growing around his eyes, implying a film that embraces graphic visuals and physical unease. Although subtle in its horror, the intensity built around that moment seemed to resonate with audiences, prompting questions about the film’s overarching direction.

By the third and final trailer, the horror escalated, revealing not only Hagen’s battles but also his interactions with others, hinting at a tragic character journey. A particularly striking scene depicts Hagen’s dual nature—forcing a victim’s face through his own body, revealing not malevolent delight but deep sorrow and despair. This impactful portrayal transitions the character from a standard villain to one of tragedy, blurring the boundaries between horror and compassion.

#### The Psychological Depth

The emotional intricacy of Hagen’s path is a primary concern for potential viewers. While body horror can be tolerable within the genre, the additional layer of Hagen’s remorseful attitude during his actions induces discomfort. The prospect of witnessing a character embodying sadness while causing harm suggests a more profound narrative that might challenge audience sensitivities.

Fans of the superhero genre are now wrestling with their expectations. The buzz around *Clayface* is laced with unease, as many express a wish to see the film while simultaneously dreading the explicit nature of its content. This complex emotional terrain could either amplify the film’s effect or alienate viewers seeking a more conventional superhero adventure.

#### Conclusion

James Watkins’ *Clayface* is positioned to reshape the anticipations of the DC Universe, blending horror with superhero lore in a manner that highlights the often-misunderstood essence of its main character. While excitement remains palpable, the emotional implications of its story may prompt audiences to reconsider their comfort levels in cinema. As the launch date nears, fans find themselves eager yet wary, suggesting that *Clayface* could emerge as one of the most divisive additions to the DC film roster thus far.

Update: The IWGB Games Worker Union have issued the following statement to RPS from vice-chair Ben Newbon:

We cannot add any further insight into the heartbreaking job losses at BARB, a company that we think has been slowly spiralling for a long time.

We came together to fight tooth and nail to prevent the hardworking people working there from such a fate after pouring their heart and soul into Minds Eye. We are proud of what we built there but still hearing of redundancies is always an injustice.

We offer nothing but solidarity and support to everyone impacted by any job losses and remain committed to getting justice for BARB management’s treatment of workers and organising to root these practices out of the video games industry. Only by joining and becoming active in a trade union can we achieve these goals.

Original story follows:

Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), makers of panned futuristic action game/massive minigame platform MindsEye, appear to be making more staff redundant or able to seek other work. As part of a LinkedIn post indicating he’s seeking opportunities elsewhere, a principal talent acquisition partner at the studio has written that he “will be seeing BARB through till the very end, helping wrap things up here in the HR department”, which doesn’t exactly paint a rosy picture of the company’s future.

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**Swedish Developers of *Candy Crush* Reach Milestone with New Collective Bargaining Agreement**

In a pivotal moment for the gaming sector, Swedish developers at King, the studio responsible for the widely-loved mobile game *Candy Crush*, have successfully secured a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with management under Activision Blizzard. This agreement follows over a year of discussions and is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2027, thus preventing a forthcoming strike that was about to begin.

The announcement was made via a press release from the Swedish union Sveriges Ingenjörer (Engineers of Sweden). Together with Unionen, the two entities achieved an accord with King management that lays out better working conditions and rights for staff. Major aspects of the agreement include greater chances for employees to shape their work environment, the right to organize, and prompt updates concerning any changes that might affect their roles, such as reorganizations or alterations in work circumstances.

In a message dispatched to union members, King leadership stressed that the agreement was crafted to reduce uncertainties amongst employees and indicated a dedication to ongoing discussions as they gear up for the agreement’s rollout in 2027.

Traditionally, the labor landscape in Sweden permits workers the liberty to join trade unions relevant to their professional fields. Nevertheless, the developers at King formed what is known as a “union club” to negotiate more tailored terms that better cater to their specific needs. Before this agreement, King management had publicly refused to endorse a CBA, arguing that their current benefits were more advantageous to employees.

Considering the hesitance exhibited by management, trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer, along with three additional associations—Akademikerförbundet SSR, Naturvetarna, and DIK—proposed a strike at King. This planned action was set to commence if a resolution had not been achieved before the strike’s start. Following mediation efforts, the unions reached an agreement with management.

The strength of collective action among employees was evident throughout this process. Camilla Frankelius, head of negotiations at Sveriges Ingenjörer, commented on the importance of the engaged workforce at King in bringing this agreement to fruition.

In response to the announcement, King’s COO, Ulrika Höjgård, declared that the anticipated strike had been formally called off and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to encouraging dialogue between management and the workforce. She mentioned that the agreement would be adjusted according to King’s operational requirements and underlined the significance of collaboration ahead of the agreement’s effective date.

This agreement signifies a considerable triumph for workers in the gaming industry, underlining a rising trend towards unionization and collective bargaining in tech sectors, which have historically been influenced predominantly by management decisions. The successful negotiations not only favor the developers at King but also establish a benchmark for upcoming labor dialogue within the gaming industry as companies increasingly acknowledge the importance of employee input and participation.

If the organisers of Crufts ever have to produce a season of Robot Wars, the results probably won’t be a million miles away from Dog in the Machine – a new turn-based tactics puzzler that’s sort of Into The Breach but with a greater emphasis on props and tricks.

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### Welcoming Autumn: The Warmth of Nonogram Puzzles in *Squeakross: Home Squeak*

The onset of autumn signifies a period of change for many, evoking feelings of nostalgia and a desire for comforting activities. For those who cherish life’s simple joys, such as cozy blankets, seasonal tastes, and captivating pastimes, video games can provide the perfect companion. Among these, nonogram puzzles have emerged as a favorite way to enjoy the serene ambiance of fall, evoking a sense of warmth and fulfillment.

A notable entry in this genre is *Squeakross: Home Squeak*, a game that melds the appeal of nonogram puzzles with a charming visual style and engaging gameplay. The story revolves around a mouse character who has just acquired a new home in dire need of furnishing. Rather than turning to furniture retailers, players must solve nonogram puzzles to unlock various furniture pieces and decorative items to customize their mouse’s dwelling.

### Puzzle Mechanics and Gameplay

*Squeakross* presents a unique approach to nonograms, where players tackle puzzles of different shapes and sizes that relate to various furniture items. The game introduces a visually pleasing interface that features useful indicators for puzzle completion and error tracking. Additionally, a night mode elevates the experience by dimming the puzzle area, setting a cozy mood perfect for autumn evenings. Players can also request help from their mouse avatar if they run into challenges, enhancing the gameplay experience even further.

The diversity isn’t limited to furniture—players can also unlock a variety of decorations reminiscent of the creativity found in *Animal Crossing*. This customization extends to the mouse character itself, allowing for the addition of cute accessories, including a scarf that captures the essence of autumn.

### A Plethora of Puzzles

With over 800 puzzles to explore, *Squeakross* invites players to take on a remarkable range of challenges. Some puzzles closely resemble the items they depict, while others may be more abstract, adding an element of intrigue. The gratifying experience of solving these puzzles stems not only from completing tasks but also from the creative pleasure derived from furnishing and styling a cozy home.

Completing a puzzle unlocks more demanding versions of the same, introducing new colors for furniture or permitting players to place multiple copies. This feature ensures that players remain engaged with the game as they cultivate their dream living space, applying insights gained from various design inspirations.

### Endearing Touches

One of the most charming elements of *Squeakross* is its dedication to crafting a warm and welcoming experience. As players advance, they receive delightful emails recognizing milestones or sharing intriguing rat trivia. Occasionally, real photographs of rodents are also sent, providing an unexpected yet delightful surprise that highlights the game’s charm and whimsical nature.

### Conclusion

Autumn carries a distinctive, transformative energy that can inspire profound cozy pursuits, and titles like *Squeakross: Home Squeak* encapsulate this sentiment beautifully. The mix of engaging nonogram puzzles, enchanting graphics, and extensive customization features generates an inviting atmosphere that is hard to resist. Whether you are an experienced gamer or someone looking for a fresh way to enjoy the warmth of fall, *Squeakross* provides a delightful means to dive into puzzle-solving enjoyment.

As the leaves change hue and the air turns crisp, consider trying out *Squeakross: Home Squeak*. Who knows? This charming game may just become your new favorite fall hobby, making the chilly season feel a tad more cheerful and inviting.