Gait Games

Last week brought the news that strategy game publisher Slitherine have penned a deal with Cyanide Studios to continue developing Blood Bowl 3 (which will soon become Warhammer Blood Bowl. The tabletop-inflected sport is broadly similar to American football, though there are opportunities for even greater violence on the pitch.

As the Americans are currently one of the nations hosting the World Cup, and using that opportunity to clutter it up with things like hydration breaks and half-time shows, I thought it best to ask Slitherine what the yanks could lift from Blood Bowl while they’re at it.

Read more

Meccha Chameleon Breaks Sales Records, Hits 15 Million in Less Than a Month

The trending hide-and-seek game, Meccha Chameleon, has reached another incredible milestone by exceeding 15 million sales in fewer than 30 days. Previously, the game had already achieved an astounding 10 million copies sold in just 16 days, highlighting its swift ascent in popularity.

To commemorate this success, the indie developer expressed a heartfelt “thanks a million” to their supporters on the Steam store page. They hinted at an exciting forthcoming collaboration with a famous Japanese celebrity, which is set to be unveiled next week. Fans can eagerly anticipate this fascinating new content.

You can view the trailer for Meccha Chameleon here on YouTube, providing a sneak peek into the colorful and engaging gameplay that has enchanted millions.

Despite its low cost of £5.29, the game has sold millions of copies and continues to gain tremendous popularity. More than 85 percent of the over 45,300 reviews on Steam have been favorable, cementing its reputation as a cherished addition to the social co-op gaming genre. Meccha Chameleon follows in the footsteps of other similar titles like REPO, Lethal Company, and Among Us, delivering social and cooperative gameplay at a price considerably lower than most AAA games like 007 First Light, which is priced at £59.99.

In recognition of reaching seven million sales, the developer introduced a Japan-themed map to the game, further winning over fans and sustaining its momentum within the gaming community.

**Investigation of ‘Where Dolls Hang’: A Frightening Dive into Horror Gaming**

The haunting allure of Isla de las Muñecas, notorious for its spine-chilling assortment of over 1,500 suspended dolls, has led to the creation of a new survival horror game entitled “Where Dolls Hang.” Crafted by Steelkrill Studio, this video game immerses players in the role of a detective navigating a cursed area, where a string of disappearances has ignited a fervent inquiry.

Set against the backdrop of an isle that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest assortment of haunted dolls, “Where Dolls Hang” faithfully recreates the eerie ambiance of its real-world counterpart. Players are charged with the mission of locating missing individuals by meticulously examining corpses, gathering clues, marking evidence, and documenting crime scenes using an in-game camera. The foreboding woods encircling the area promise hidden threats, amplifying the game’s tense atmosphere.

A distinctive element of the game is the incorporation of VHS tapes, which players can obtain and view at a safehouse. It is within this secure refuge that players can also enjoy classic horror films like the public domain feature “Night of the Living Dead.” This aspect pays tribute to classic horror, providing players a pause from the gripping investigations of the game.

The game guarantees an engaging mix of detective work and survival horror. Players venture into the dark unknown, piecing together hints while dodging dangers that blur the boundaries between legends and reality. As players navigate this nightmarish journey, they may speculate on which other public domain horror films could be included in the game, enhancing its terrifying catalog.

Scheduled for release this year, “Where Dolls Hang” promises a fusion of mystery, horror, and compelling storytelling. Interested players can discover more about its forthcoming launch on the game’s [Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4581370/Where_Dolls_Hang/). As the gaming community anticipates its arrival, “Where Dolls Hang” is set to deliver a spine-tingling experience, tapping into the intrinsic human fascination with the macabre.

**The Lasting Impact of *Mob Psycho 100***

It has been around four years since *Mob Psycho 100* wrapped up, yet the series continues to be an important part of anime conversations. Praised for its themes of friendship, determination, and the significance of recognizing the goodness in each other, the show has positioned itself as one of the notable anime in recent history. At Anime Expo 2026, Kotaku had the chance to converse with Yuzuru Tachikawa, the director of *Mob Psycho 100*, alongside voice actors Setsuo Ito (Mob) and Takahiro Sakurai (Reigen), delving into their perspectives on the conclusion of the series and the development of its characters.

*Mob Psycho 100* is inspired by a manga with the same title and centers around Shigeo Kageyama, referred to as Mob, a middle school student gifted with psychic powers. Despite his tremendous strength, Mob finds it difficult to master his emotions, leading to explosive episodes that can wreak havoc. In his journey toward self-discovery, Mob teams up with Arataka Reigen, a self-styled psychic who is essentially a fraud. Together, they face various supernatural challenges, forging a profound and poignant connection.

Reigen’s character is particularly captivating; even though he is a swindler, he becomes a cherished character in the series. He takes advantage of those in need, yet concurrently acts as a crucial fatherly figure in Mob’s life. Takahiro Sakurai, who gives voice to Reigen, elucidates the dual nature of his character, recognizing both the ethically questionable and redeeming characteristics. “Yes, at first glance, he’s a con artist, charging children for services. But concurrently, he’s just an individual trying to get by… There’s an aspect of him that’s difficult to dislike,” Sakurai articulates, highlighting Reigen’s human vulnerabilities and his attempts to aid Mob.

Mob’s psychic skills are a major driving force in the storyline throughout the series. Although he is an exceptionally powerful entity, Mob yearns for an ordinary childhood, reflecting the internal battles of his voice actor, Setsuo Ito. Ito shares the difficulty of portraying a character who must keep his emotions at bay, recalling his own challenges in the studio: “One thing I focused on and aimed to achieve was not allowing my feelings to surface.”

The finale of *Mob Psycho 100* was met with relief and satisfaction from both fans and the creative team. Over time, viewers have conveyed their appreciation for how Mob’s journey unfolded: “I found it very heartening how everyone looked out for Mob right to the very end, allowing him to be a regular middle school student,” says Ito, praising the series’ capacity to grant Mob a sense of normality.

Director Tachikawa expresses a similar viewpoint, remarking that the character’s growth was characterized by small yet significant changes rather than dramatic shifts. This subtlety reinforced the central message of the series: growth through the choices we make every day. Sakurai resonates with this, asserting that he feels Reigen’s destiny was closely linked to Mob, sensing that he was “rescued by Mob at the conclusion.”

*Mob Psycho 100* stands out as an exceptional series that skillfully merges action, humor, and emotional richness. Its distinct narrative style captivates audiences, whether they are on the edge of their seats during dramatic battles or enjoying laughter from Reigen’s shenanigans. With just three seasons encompassing 37 episodes, it presents an inviting adventure for both newcomers and veteran anime enthusiasts alike. As time goes by, the lasting legacy of *Mob Psycho 100* persists, securing its place in the hearts of many.

The realm of artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing notable transformations as businesses contend with increasing operational expenses. The obstacles are not confined to consumers facing surges in technology costs, computer components, and gaming due to the persistent hardware shortage. Recent changes in business strategies among AI companies have illuminated these financial pressures, showcasing that developers of AI technologies are also under strain. Numerous AI companies have recently shifted from flat-rate subscription models to a pay-per-use framework, mirroring the rising costs linked to sustaining these sophisticated services.

An emerging strategy that enterprises are examining to alleviate costs entails streamlining the communication style of AI systems. A plugin called ‘Caveman’ has garnered popularity among companies aiming to reduce their token consumption in AI exchanges. This novel method involves directing language models like Claude to communicate in a more rudimentary, straightforward fashion reminiscent of a caveman, rather than the polished language generally anticipated from such advanced systems.

Julius Brussee, the inventor of the Caveman plugin, remarked that his initial inspiration for crafting this tool was fueled by the substantial token consumption tied to lengthy, unnecessary text produced by AI systems during exchanges. Brussee recognized that a considerable fraction of his token usage was devoted to niceties, excessive qualifiers, and overly casual language—factors that often added little value to the task at hand. By utilizing the Caveman plugin, he discovered that token usage could be reduced by as much as 65%, directing responses to be more straightforward and action-driven.

The transition towards a simpler communication method for AI presents an intriguing contradiction. It playfully contrasts the ongoing narrative of AI pursuing human-like intelligence. The AI industry has significantly thrived on anthropomorphizing models, embedding them within cultural narratives, and depicting their capabilities through a lens of sophisticated reasoning. Yet, as financial sustainability becomes a pressing concern, businesses are now gravitating towards methods akin to classic programming, emphasizing efficiency—and at times, a stark cutback in complexity.

The urgency of this transition is highlighted by numerous high-profile shutdowns and financial setbacks within the sector. For example, earlier this year, OpenAI terminated its Sora video generation platform, which had been incurring an astonishing $1 million loss daily. This closure not only presented hurdles for OpenAI’s financial health but also complicated potential lucrative collaborations, such as agreements with major entertainment corporations like Disney.

In summary, the AI landscape is presently navigating a delicate equilibrium between providing advanced, human-like interactions and ensuring the economic sustainability of these technologies. The integration of tools like the Caveman plugin signifies a considerable operational transformation aimed at cutting costs, demonstrating how necessity fosters innovation—even if that innovation entails simplifying the very fabric of AI communication.

### Investigating the Themes and Narrative Progression in *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2*

In the enthralling realm of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2*, audiences are swiftly immersed in a storyline that emphasizes the brutal truths of existence in Night City. The tale commences with a frenzied heist that takes a turn for the worse, centering on a character named Weak, also referred to as “King.” The intense situation of his life-threatening ordeal unveils the harsh destiny that many face in the cyber-augmented urban landscape, underlining the repercussions of cyberpsychosis. In spite of his critical predicament, Weak’s resolution to procure premium health insurance grants him a temporary reprieve, costing him everything he had – his team, dwelling, and enhancements.

The narrative technique in *Edgerunners* has evolved considerably from its inaugural season. While the earlier episode offered a more extravagant and exhilarating storyline reminiscent of a Michael Bay film, the current season aspires to achieve the artistic sophistication of Martin Scorsese. During the launch event at Anime Expo 2026, CD Projekt highlighted their ambition to create individual narratives that capture the spirit of the *Cyberpunk* tabletop setting instead of intertwining a single, broad storyline.

### The Influence of Cinema in *Edgerunners*

Film plays a crucial role in the thematic progression of season 2. Introducing Roman, a character who encapsulates the chaos of Night City through his camera, the series scrutinizes the effects of media consumption within a culture where memories and experiences can be commodified. The plot encourages viewers to critically engage with the material, especially as episodes conclude with visual symbols that signify profound reflections on memory and existence. The vibrant presentation, accentuated by a nostalgic reference to 90s animation styles, further enhances the viewing journey, depicting the lively yet bleak atmosphere of Night City.

### Memory, Conservation, and the Human Experience

At the heart of *Edgerunners 2* is a touching investigation of memory and identity preservation. In the aftermath of the traumatic heist, Weak’s forgetfulness about his prior actions sharply contrasts with the vivid memories of those who saw the trauma unfold. This narrative decision highlights the importance of collective experiences in molding individual identity in a city that frequently disregards the marginalized.

Weak’s plunge into a harsh new reality, supported solely by basic, improvised cyberware, illustrates a grim picture of societal indifference towards those abandoned. His struggles highlight the underlying themes of humanity within a landscape that often strips its denizens of their humanity. CD Projekt’s dedication to portraying the challenges of individuals like Weak adds a weight that resonates with viewers, providing a critical lens on the urban environment.

### Presenting New Characters and Prospective Directions

The latest season introduces an array of characters, including D and Talia, whose interactions with cinema provide insights into their character trajectories. While initial perceptions hint at potential paths for their journeys, the storytelling deliberately retains an air of ambiguity, keeping audiences engaged.

*Edgerunners 2* distinguishes itself from its predecessor through its refined character exploration and thematic richness. As viewers look forward to the complete narrative development, the season pledges to explore the complex fabric of life in Night City, where every choice bears weight and each character holds a story waiting to be revealed. The anticipation surrounding the release of more episodes in Fall 2026 is palpable, reflecting the series’ capacity to captivate audience imagination and involvement in this lively yet chaotic environment.

### The Intensifying Crisis of Pokémon Card Scalping: Nintendo’s Reaction and Market Consequences

The sphere of trading card games, especially Pokémon, has transformed into an arena marked by fervent enthusiasm and disorderly conduct. What began as a nostalgic childhood hobby—persuading parents about the uniqueness of Charizard cards—has devolved into a chaos involving scalping, aggressive confrontations, and an insatiable demand that has proven challenging for official vendors to satisfy.

#### The Present Condition of the Market

With the escalation in the popularity of Pokémon cards during the COVID-19 pandemic, the troubling trend of bulk purchasing and scalping has also increased. Accounts have emerged illustrating the extremes scalpers will go to in order to secure cards, resulting in episodes of theft, shootings, and even unusual criminal acts involving items like chainsaws. The sheer activity in this secondary market emphasizes a disparity between supply and demand, creating a scenario where genuine players find it hard to access products.

Notably, in spite of the Pokémon Company’s remarkable production figures—10 billion cards printed in 2025, representing an eighth of the overall lifetime total—there persists a significant shortfall in availability, primarily due to the booming resale market. This situation prompts inquiries about the sustainability of this demand and the ethical considerations surrounding scalping within gaming circles.

#### Nintendo’s Recognition and Upcoming Initiatives

In response to these crises, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has addressed shareholder apprehensions regarding the Pokémon card market status. During a recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), Furukawa acknowledged the scalping dilemma and the necessity for effective strategies to enable players to enjoy the game “with peace of mind.” Among these strategies are proposed tighter partnerships with marketplace platforms to oversee transactions and improved verification processes to curtail bulk-buying.

Furukawa also noted that in Japan, initiatives are being introduced requiring buyers in online lotteries to provide government-issued identification, hinting that stricter identification protocols may soon be incorporated into a broader plan to combat scalping. By tackling the foundational issues driving reselling, Nintendo aspires to foster a more stable and accessible market for both collectors and gamers.

#### Collaboration with The Pokémon Company

A significant aspect of Furukawa’s remarks emphasized collaboration with The Pokémon Company, highlighting a collective effort to tackle the reselling crisis. “Nintendo also collaborates with The Pokémon Company as necessary to explore suitable ways to supply products to consumers,” he remarked, reflecting a proactive stance towards addressing the surge of challenges stemming from scalping and reselling activities.

#### Consequences for the Future

As the trading card market reaches a boiling point, especially regarding Pokémon, the clash of passion and profit generates a precarious environment. Nintendo’s firm actions could lead to considerable consequences not just for the Pokémon brand but also for the wider collectible market landscape. By executing strategies to mitigate scalping, the company may establish benchmarks that could reshape how trading cards are marketed and sold going forward.

As the frenzy continues to develop, it remains uncertain how effective these measures will be in reinstating balance to a market destabilized by greed and aggression. Nonetheless, the conversations initiated by Nintendo indicate a crucial shift towards restoring a healthier and more just atmosphere for both collectors and casual gamers.

### The Hazards of IRL Streaming: A Study on ExtraEmily

Recently, renowned IRL Twitch broadcaster Emily Xuechun Zhang, commonly referred to as ExtraEmily, endured considerable backlash after an event during her stream. While driving, Zhang got sidetracked by her live chat and almost hit an SUV while she was attempting to change lanes. This perilous conduct led to a short suspension from the platform, sparking renewed debates about Twitch’s lax regulations regarding streaming while operating a vehicle.

In her reaction to the suspension, Zhang recognized the hazards of her behavior, asserting, “I fully grasp why I was taken off the platform because it’s incredibly unsafe. I aim to learn from this mistake and improve.” She vowed to reduce her streaming when driving and guaranteed that she would deactivate the chat if she decided to stream while driving again.

This isn’t the first instance where Zhang confronted traffic regulations. Only a year earlier, she ran a red light en route to a Barbie-themed café in Austin, Texas. The emergence of IRL (In Real Life) streaming introduces distinct obstacles, merging entertainment with public safety. Numerous streamers, Zhang among them, grant fans a raw view into their everyday lives; however, this openness frequently results in troubling scenarios where safety is at risk.

Twitch’s service terms do not specifically ban streaming while driving, yet they do prohibit “dangerous or distracted driving” and the use of a mobile device, which most would agree includes streaming while behind the wheel. Zhang’s recent suspension was only one day long, prompting many to question the uniformity in Twitch’s application of its own policies. Leading streamers voiced their opinions on the subject, with Asmongold, co-founder of the media entity OTK, advocating for a complete ban on driving streams. He contended that streamers would be safer opting for rideshare services like Uber rather than jeopardizing their well-being.

Adding to the discourse, Asian Andy, a streamer with an extensive ban for comparable actions, expressed his frustration. He has been banned for nine years due to a past incident involving driving, streaming, and consuming chicken nuggets. In a tweet, he bemoaned, “Bro 9 years I’m still banned for eating chicken nuggets and driving. Twitch pls. I just want to play MapleStory and stream.” His appeal emphasizes the perceived inconsistency in Twitch’s bans concerning driving violations.

The dialogue around Zhang’s incident and similar occurrences highlights the ethical ramifications of live streaming. While streaming provides viewers an interactive way to connect with their beloved creators, it simultaneously raises significant safety issues. The division between entertaining content and responsible conduct continues to fade for numerous streamers. As the population of IRL streamers expands, it remains uncertain how Twitch will modify its policies to safeguard both streamers and the public.

### Yoko Taro’s Upcoming Series: Evangelion

An English trailer for Yoko Taro’s forthcoming *Neon Genesis Evangelion* series, simply named *Evangelion*, has emerged online after being unveiled at CloverWorks’s Anime Expo 2026 panel. The series, eagerly awaited by enthusiasts of both Taro’s creations and the *Evangelion* franchise, highlights a collaboration of notable figures within the anime industry.

#### Creative Team

The series will be helmed by Tôko Yatabe, recognized for his animation contributions to hit titles like *Mob Psycho 100*, *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc*, and *Weathering with You*. Assisting him is Kazuya Tsurumaki, a principal animator for the original *Evangelion* films, specifically *Evangelion: 1.0*, *Evangelion: 2.0*, and *Evangelion: 3.0+1.01*. The score will be crafted by Keiichi Okabe, a regular collaborator of Yoko Taro, notably celebrated for his work on the *NieR* series.

Yoko Taro himself is poised to produce the series’ screenplay, while animation production will be executed by CloverWorks and Studio Khara, with the latter being renowned for its involvement in animating the last three entries of the *Neon Genesis Evangelion* series.

#### Trailer Release and Reception

The trailer was posted on Twitter by Anime Updates with the message: “‘EVANGELION’ by Yoko Taro Official English Announcement Trailer!” Enthusiasts have shown excitement but also perplexity, as this represents the second announcement of the series, with the initial trailer being disclosed in February lacking an English translation.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the series’ concept and objectives, particularly after the definitive conclusion of the *Rebuild of Evangelion* series with *Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time*, Taro’s vision for *Evangelion* has generated intrigue. Yoko Taro has openly stated that *Neon Genesis Evangelion* has deeply influenced his work, especially in the creation of the *NieR* franchise.

In a conversation with Square Enix, Taro remarked, “Definitely *Evangelion*. But then, everything I make is influenced by *Evangelion*.” This comment highlights a profound inspiration that has molded Taro’s artistic pathway and indicates that his forthcoming project may incorporate distinct themes and facets from the original series.

#### Future Expectations

As specifics remain limited, fans are left contemplating the content and narrative emphasis of *Evangelion*. With no release date provided, speculation indicates that the project may not premiere until late 2027. As anticipation rises, the anime community keenly awaits additional details about this captivating addition to the *Evangelion* saga.

Sonic the Hedgehog has experienced both triumphs and tribulations over the years, facing various obstacles particularly in the 2010s. A significant downturn occurred with the launch of 2014’s *Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric*, which was met with harsh criticism. Nonetheless, the decade also introduced one of the most praised installments in the series: 2017’s 2D *Sonic Mania*. In 2026, Sega celebrated the franchise’s 35th anniversary at Anime Expo, hosting a panel entitled “Sonic the Hedgehog Animated Shorts: A Frame-by-Frame Retrospective,” which focused on the development of *Sonic Mania* and its impact on revitalizing the franchise.

The panel, led by Sega strategy director Aaron Webber, discussed how mainline Sonic titles had not lived up to Sega’s standards a decade earlier. The negative reception of *Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric* led to a reduction in the Sega San Francisco office, which subsequently moved to Los Angeles. Social media sentiments reflected these struggles, with unfavorable comments on Twitter asserting that Sonic had lost its allure and urging Sega to “let Sonic die.” Rather than withdrawing, Sega proactively engaged with fans via social media, participating in meme culture and interacting directly with the audience.

Understanding the necessity for enhanced game production, Sega brought in designer Takashi Iizuka and artist Kazuyuki Hoshino for help. A noteworthy proposal came from Christian Whitehead, recognized for his contributions to earlier Sonic game ports. Initially, there was a bit of tension during Whitehead’s pitch—Iizuka stayed silent and exited the room. Ten minutes later, he returned and clearly expressed his support for the project by writing “*Sonic Mania*” on a whiteboard.

Ultimately, *Sonic Mania* emerged as one of the best-selling and most lauded titles in the franchise, credited with rekindling interest in the character. Sega built upon this success by releasing *Sonic Mania Plus*, which introduced new content and a physical version. They also launched an animated short series, *Sonic Mania Adventures*. Animator Tyson Heese expressed a desire for more ambitious animations while acknowledging budget limitations that restricted their options to either black-and-white sketches or pixel art. Ultimately, they chose to create a full cartoon, leading to the production of *Sonic Mania Adventures*.

Following this successful endeavor, Sega maintained the momentum by continuing to create animated shorts for subsequent mainline titles and spin-offs, such as *Sonic Superstars: Trio of Trouble*, *Sonic Frontiers Prologue: Divergence*, and *Sonic Racing: Crossworlds*. Alan Wan, co-founder of Studio Giggex, played a role in the animations for *Dark Generations* and *Crossworlds*. Wan noted that Sonic Team was distinctive in its willingness to embrace creative risks, providing a platform for innovative concepts.

The panel wrapped up with Sega revealing a new animation, *Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond*, to honor the franchise’s milestone. The trailer showcased exhilarating action as Sonic and his friends fought against Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic. The plot unveiled Eggman’s scheme to enhance Metal Sonic by obtaining Sonic’s life data and the power of the Chaos Emeralds.

Although no release date was provided for the new animated short or upcoming games, the panel left fans buzzing with anticipation about the potential future of the series. Many shared their hopes for Sonic’s return to the action-adventure genre, eager to see if Sega could replicate the success of *Sonic Mania* instead of delivering another underwhelming title like *Rise of Lyric*.