Gait Games

### You Don’t Realize What You Have Until It’s Lost: The Situation of Ryan Hurst as Kratos

The heartfelt saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,” strikes a chord in the gaming community following the revelations about Ryan Hurst being cast as Kratos in Amazon’s adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2018 game *God of War*. Hurst’s journey as the legendary character was suddenly interrupted by a bicep injury, prompting Amazon to search for a new actor for the role, leaving numerous fans mourning what might have been.

Recently, Hurst posted a captivating image of himself as Kratos on Instagram, reigniting discussions among fans who had initially doubted his casting. The photo, which rapidly gained popularity, is praised for representing Hurst in a way that more genuinely reflects the character’s essence compared to earlier promotional visuals released by Amazon. The varied reactions emphasize the significance of first impressions, especially when it comes to cherished video game adaptations.

#### Fan Responses and Support

The new image has sparked a wave of empathy and admiration from fans. Many conveyed sorrow over Hurst’s misfortune, noting that he truly captured the character. One Reddit user poignantly stated, “Definitely feel bad for the guy. He looks the part, and everything was going well, and then tears his biceps.” This sentiment highlights a common disappointment among supporters who believed the initial images failed to do him justice.

In a curious turn, Hurst had previously encountered ridicule online, even from industry professionals. After the less favorable first look, he shared a now-deleted Instagram story that seemingly addressed the criticism, advising fans to, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” This message suggested that the early images did not fully represent his capabilities as Kratos.

#### The Future of Amazon’s *God of War*

Despite the outpouring of support for Hurst, Amazon has not yet confirmed a new casting choice for Kratos. With speculation about potential candidates, including wrestling sensation Dave Bautista, fans are left contemplating the future trajectory of the series. Many hope for a reconsideration of Hurst’s role, suggesting that allowing time for his recovery might be a sensible approach. “Just let the guy recover,” one Reddit user remarked, advocating for quality over speed.

As the quest for a new Kratos persists, it’s evident that the community is experiencing a sense of loss regarding Ryan Hurst’s exit from the role. His recent portrayal provides a glimpse into what might have been—an authentic depiction of a character that has profoundly impacted gaming culture. The conversations surrounding this adaptation act as a reminder of the high anticipations and emotional investments fans hold toward their favorite franchises.

In summary, Ryan Hurst’s brief period as Kratos may have concluded too soon, but the passionate fan support highlights the deep connection that audiences possess with both the character and the actors who bring them to life. While navigating the complexities of adaptation, the gaming community is reminded once again of the timeless reality: We often recognize the worth of something only when it slips from our grasp.

### Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – A Reflective Review

*Grand Theft Auto: Vice City* is frequently acclaimed as one of the most captivating entries in the renowned franchise, merging state-of-the-art graphics, a lively open-world setting, and an iconic 1980s soundtrack. Released solely for the PlayStation 2, this continuation of *Grand Theft Auto 3* transformed the gaming world by shifting from its top-down style to an engaging 3D format.

#### The Lead Character: Tommy Vercetti

Central to *Vice City* is Tommy Vercetti, a character who exemplifies the spirit of 1980s opulence and crime. Rather than embodying conventional heroism, Tommy is driven by ambitions for power and riches, partaking in unlawful enterprises like drug dealing and organized crime. His narrative sharply contrasts with those of other video game heroes, presenting players with a raw story infused with dark humor and exhilarating adventures.

#### An Impressive Open World

A key feature of the game is its meticulously crafted depiction of a fictional metropolis inspired by Miami. The expansive nearly six-square-mile area is rich with diverse settings, from sun-drenched beaches to thriving urban locales. The array of NPCs adds to the realism, as players observe various characters immersed in their daily routines. This attention to detail marks a significant advancement in game design, fully showcasing the capabilities of the PlayStation 2 hardware.

#### A Memorable Soundtrack

Music is integral to *Vice City*, featuring a soundtrack that encapsulates the essence of the 1980s. Players enjoy an eclectic collection of hits from artists such as Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lionel Richie, enhancing the immersive experience within the lively atmosphere of the game. Unlike many modern titles, the flawless incorporation of licensed songs heightens the gaming experience, turning every cruise through the city into a cinematic experience.

#### Gameplay Dynamics

While *GTA: Vice City* provides great freedom, it does have its flaws. The gameplay upholds numerous mechanics from *GTA 3*, including the lock-on targeting feature. Though functional, it might lack the precision that players now expect from newer shooters. Additionally, Tommy’s inability to swim feels illogical in a beach-oriented environment, a misstep that some gamers found irritating.

#### Multiplayer Drawbacks

A significant limitation of *Vice City* is the lack of multiplayer options. Though many enthusiasts longed for a co-op adventure to enjoy thrilling escapades with others, the game remains strictly a single-player journey. Players must traverse the narrative independently, often feeling the urge to toss their controllers in annoyance at difficult missions.

#### Conclusion: A Heritage of Greatness

In conclusion, *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City* serves as a symbol of creativity and fun in the gaming sector. With its stunning open-world design, unforgettable soundtrack, and compelling storytelling, it established a lofty benchmark for its successors. As fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter, *GTA: San Andreas*, it is evident that *Vice City* has not only enchanted gamers but also transformed the possibilities within video game narrative and design. This cherished title continues to be an essential part of the gaming realm, and its impact will surely endure for years ahead.

**Phantom Blade Zero: Concerns Over Physical Release, Pre-Orders, and Upcoming Showcase**

Last night, Sony presented an exciting new extended trailer for S-Game’s eagerly awaited title, *Phantom Blade Zero*. This announcement came with the disclosure of a special State of Play showcase scheduled for August 17, which promises to offer deeper insights into the game. Enthusiasm has intensified, especially with the update that pre-orders are now available on both the PlayStation Store and Steam. However, a significant worry among fans is the lack of options for acquiring a physical edition of the game.

The details regarding pre-orders were initially shared in a post on the PlayStation Blog on August 1, which guided players to the PlayStation Store for a digital version of the game. This has sparked inquiries and concerns within the gaming community, notably about the absence of a physical release.

It’s worth mentioning that the lack of a physical edition for *Phantom Blade Zero* isn’t altogether surprising, considering that the game is self-published by S-Game and is set to debut exclusively on the PS5 for the first year. A tweet from user Genki pointed out that there currently appear to be no indications of a physical disc release. Fans have speculated whether S-Game is still looking for a partner to handle a physical release or if the digital path is the only avenue being explored.

Historically, first-party, Sony-published titles have been available for purchase in physical format through the PlayStation website. However, a comparison to other significant game announcements, such as *Silent Hill 2*, shows a clear disparity. While the latter specifically notes a physical release, *Phantom Blade Zero*’s announcement fails to mention any physical options whatsoever.

Moreover, Genki observed a noteworthy adjustment in the extended gameplay trailer for *Phantom Blade Zero*, which transitioned from showcasing the disc-drive version of the PS5 to the digital version. This shift signifies a crucial moment, hinting at a potential move towards digital-only releases in the future.

Conversations on platforms like the r/PhantomBladeZero subreddit indicate a rising concern regarding the possibility of *Phantom Blade Zero* being solely digital on PS5. However, there remains optimism that other consoles, such as Xbox Series, might still provide a disc option.

Currently, Kotaku has contacted S-Game for clarification on the potential for a physical disc edition of *Phantom Blade Zero*, but no answer has been received prior to publication.

In summary, as fans look forward to the upcoming showcase on August 17, discussions about the future of physical game releases continue to change, especially for esteemed titles like *Phantom Blade Zero*. The lack of a physical purchase option has ignited a conversation about the gaming industry’s evolving landscape towards digital content, leaving many to contemplate the implications for the future of game ownership.

### Revealing “Precognition”: The Latest FMV Horror Game from Sam Barlow’s Half Mermaid

At the first Kinetic Publishing showcase today, Sam Barlow, recognized for his groundbreaking storytelling in video games, shared the initial details about his newest venture, previously cloaked in secrecy under the name “Project C.” Now officially titled *Precognition*, this forthcoming FMV (Full Motion Video) horror game explores psychological themes through a distinctive narrative perspective.

#### The Idea of *Precognition*

*Precognition* is a sci-fi horror thriller that focuses on a character named Diana, who has a brain implant enabling her to glimpse her future. Unlike conventional storytelling methods, the game portrays these glimpses as “memories” of occurrences she has yet to live through. As players immerse themselves in Diana’s tale, they encounter the fascinating mechanics of selecting which moments to retain in memory. Such choices not only influence her perceptions but also affect her future—prompting inquiries into fate, free will, and the implications of knowledge.

#### Game Framework and Aesthetics

Although gameplay footage was not shown during the showcase, Barlow emphasized the game’s focus on non-linearity and player involvement—two distinctive features of his earlier works, including *Her Story*, *Telling Lies*, and *Immortality*. Players are expected to explore different narrative paths at their own rhythm, unraveling the story through discovery and interaction. This has led to conjectures that *Precognition* may operate like a “notebook” game, where players consistently jot down notes to decipher the narrative’s complexities.

Aligned with Barlow’s aspirations for immersive storytelling, Canadian filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg, notable for titles like *Antiviral*, *Possessor*, and *Infinity Pool*, has joined the endeavor as a writer, ensuring a distinctive mix of horror and thriller facets within the game.

#### The Backstory of *Precognition*

During a Q&A session, Barlow revealed an unforeseen origin narrative for *Precognition*. Originally imagined as an FMV *Metroid* game—one of his cherished fantasies—he realized the story was too somber to align with the beloved Nintendo franchise. Enunciating his creative approach, Barlow mentioned that ideas frequently remain “on the shelf” until they achieve a degree of clarity that he deems suitable for development. The dark twist that ultimately ignited the evolution of his initial concept into *Precognition* enriched its narrative depth and complexity, enabling the game to evolve a more robust storytelling structure.

Barlow’s enthusiasm for *Metroid* is evident in his earlier projects, where influences have been subtly integrated into gameplay mechanics, such as the immersive atmosphere of *Her Story*. He leverages his appreciation for the franchise while crafting a narrative journey that is markedly different in tone and style.

#### Expected Launch and Prospective Developments

Scheduled for release in spring 2028, *Precognition* will be accessible on various platforms, including PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. It is crucial to clarify that this title should not be confused with another unexplained project, *Project D*, which remains confidential.

As excitement grows for *Precognition*, enthusiasts of Barlow and innovative narrative experiences are keen to witness how this ambitious endeavor progresses. With an engaging premise and a skilled creative team at the helm, *Precognition* is set to challenge players’ understanding of agency and consequence in a narrative-focused format.

# Delving into the Emotional Depths of Pokémon Pokopia: Bubbly Basin

The latest DLC for Pokémon Pokopia, known as Bubbly Basin, has enchanted players with its breathtaking underwater vistas and captivating gameplay, while also evoking deep emotions. Those who have ventured into this new region are discovering it to be a stirring experience, one that stirs feelings of nostalgia and sadness.

## A Post-Apocalyptic Kanto

Situated in a post-apocalyptic iteration of Kanto, Pokémon Pokopia depicts a realm forsaken by people, who evacuated to space to escape a climate catastrophe. The cherished Pokémon, left behind and saved in PCs, await their trainers’ return. As players traverse this world, they unearth the heartbreaking truth that the humans may never come back, establishing a touching ambiance throughout the game.

## Sadness and Familiarity

While exploring Bubbly Basin, players come across recognizable ruins from the classic Pokémon titles. Notes scattered in these locations offer glimpses into the experiences of beloved characters, drawing a sharp contrast between cherished memories and the harsh truth of their destinies. Although many notes have a cheerful tone, the dominant theme revolves around loss and yearning, becoming more intense in Bubbly Basin.

## Iconic Locations and Their Heartbreaking Tales

Bubbly Basin showcases multiple significant sites associated with key characters, heightening the emotional resonance. For instance, Misty’s gym, marked by its Pokémon sculptures, is buried under sand. The remains of the gym, complete with Mermaid-themed furnishings, poignantly underscore Misty’s fate—whether she has perished or is lost in space, she is unreachable for her devoted Pokémon.

Another significant location is Bill’s residence, furnished with a computer and a portal pod. It is evident that Bill, the creator of the Pokémon storage system, has also disappeared, unable to see the advancements he initiated. His absence amplifies the sense of isolation pervading the area.

The region also holds eerie remnants, such as a submerged Japanese-style tower and the forlorn Nugget Bridge, which once flourished with trainers. Notes regarding a failed Dewgong clocktower mirror human aspirations that will never come to fruition, heightening the feeling of despair. Interestingly, the player, taking on the role of Ditto, understands this truth while Ditto itself remains unaware, adding another layer of tragedy.

## The Burden of Grief and Hope

As players unveil secrets hidden beneath the water’s surface, the story transitions from whimsical Pokémon escapades to profound themes of grief, hope, and resilience. Bubbly Basin acts as a vivid reminder of the repercussions of environmental disregard and the legacies that endure. Despite its seemingly joyous presentation, Pokémon Pokopia provides a rich contemplation of sorrow amidst its vibrant settings.

The emotional voyage through Bubbly Basin provokes reflections on the future of the characters and the world they once inhabited. With excitement brewing around the forthcoming areas—Lavender Town, Cinnabar, and Indigo Plateau—players are left pondering how much further heartache awaits.

In conclusion, Bubbly Basin in Pokémon Pokopia is not merely an adventure; it’s an exploration of profound emotional undercurrents set against a lively, albeit eerie, backdrop. The fusion of nostalgia and sorrow crafts a distinctive experience that resonates with longtime enthusiasts, ensuring that the echoes of Kanto’s bygone days linger long after the game is shut down.

**Delving into *King’s Field: The Ancient City*: A Nostalgic Voyage into FromSoftware’s Origins**

Recently, I devoted around ten hours to immersing myself in *King’s Field: The Ancient City*, the fourth entry in a series by FromSoftware. While the studio is now widely celebrated for its recent hits like *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*, *King’s Field 4* offers a captivating viewpoint on the ideas that have eventually influenced the *Souls* franchise.

Initially, *King’s Field 4* can prove to be a challenging endeavor, which isn’t surprising given its lineage from developers famed for their punishing difficulty. Released on the PlayStation 2, the game can feel awkward when juxtaposed with today’s titles that feature enhanced camera controls and accurate hit detection. My playthrough was a mix of irritation and enjoyment, with some moments captured in my review for Warp Week 2002. Nonetheless, various thoughts emerged during my gameplay that seemed too bizarre or random to include in the review.

For anyone who hasn’t encountered *King’s Field 4*, think of it as a precursor to the *Souls* titles you might be familiar with. The atmospheric essence remains vivid, imbued with eerie stories and a darkly immersive realm.

The game kicks off with an impressive intro that evokes nostalgia, particularly through a stellar guitar riff that highlights the grim undertones present. From the onset, the ominous warning about “grave misfortune” sets the atmosphere, prompting the consideration that perhaps steering clear of “The Idol That Stares Into the Darkness” is wise, though you could argue that such declarations have become a hallmark of the genre.

Upon embarking on my adventure, I was swiftly engulfed in the trials of navigation. The cumbersome controls served as a stark reminder of gaming mechanics from yesteryear, with my first attempts to move and scan the surroundings leading to a quick death—ironically, at the hands of the very ground beneath me. As I explored the game’s environments, I encountered a merchant named David Bunch, whose sorrowful demeanor resonated with the well-known trope of the “Sad Dark Souls Man” found throughout the series. His background and hesitance to venture into the cursed landscapes echoed familiar lore conventions, enriching the character tapestry of this universe.

Equipping weaponry turned out to be more complicated than I expected, requiring a series of aggravating discoveries and online inquiries, thus showcasing some of the less user-friendly design elements. The tantalizing idea of collecting in-game treasures often took a backseat as I struggled to comprehend the mechanics.

Much like its successors, *King’s Field 4* delights in its secrets and formidable foes, leading to numerous moments of bewilderment. Hidden environmental dangers resulted in unforeseen fatalities, and interactions with items frequently left me perplexed. At one juncture, I conversed with a character in search of a “Rock of Life,” humorously pondering the practicality of such an object in an already troubled environment.

Perils lurked at every turn, including early poison mechanics that undoubtedly reflected the studio’s inclination towards torment. Initially presenting a false sense of safety, my enthusiasm swiftly diminished as I depleted a healing spring, complicating my efforts to survive against incessant poison damage.

As I continued my exploration, I came across a swamp filled with poison and obstacles. The physical navigation of this area proved particularly taxing due to the unyielding camera controls and sluggish movements typical of PS2 games. Hours spent traversing this noxious terrain pushed me to my limits, culminating in a stubborn acceptance of defeat.

Nevertheless, after conquering the initial hostility of the poison swamp, I began to appreciate the game on a deeper level. By that point, I transitioned from annoyance to genuine engagement with the surrounding world, which ultimately led to a richer gameplay experience.

In conclusion, while my journey through *King’s Field: The Ancient City* was rife with challenges and moments of disenchantment, it ultimately represented a revisit to a classic that has significantly influenced the genre. The game’s fusion of atmospheric storytelling, haunting visuals, and relentless difficulty serves as a testament to the foundations of FromSoftware, paving the way for the memorable experiences we hold dear today in the *Souls* series.

The latest title from Sam Barlow, creator of Her Story and Immortality, along with his studio Half Mermaid, has been announced: it’s named Precognition. This sci-fi horror game is set to launch in spring 2028, as one of the initial releases from Phasmophobia developer Kinetic’s new publishing division.

In line with Barlow’s earlier works, Precognition revolves around exploring video clip archives to unravel a mystery. In this case, the archives consist of the future memories of the protagonist, Diana.

The premise sees Diana receiving an experimental implant that enables her to perceive visions of her future. During these visions, she can concentrate on specific moments and retain them in her memory. However, there’s a twist: by doing so, she triggers a butterfly effect that alters her future. The goal is to intentionally modify her memories to impact the outcome.

Currently, there’s little to show regarding Precognition. Yet, here are Sam Barlow, producer Natalie Watson, and Brandon Cronenberg discussing it. [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR78s95FONk).

Another remarkable aspect of Precognition is its collaboration with horror director Brandon Cronenberg, whom I may not be familiar with, but is known for films like Infinity Pool, Possessor, and Antiviral. I’ve heard of his father, David Cronenberg, who crafted iconic films such as The Fly. Brandon Cronenberg co-authored the story for Precognition alongside Barlow.

During a Q&A session after a showcase for Precognition that I attended, Barlow shared more insights about the game. “What’s really fascinating here is that Diana is a former child prodigy,” he started. “She possesses a photographic memory, and her mind is quite adaptable. She becomes involved in an experiment involving implants in people’s minds, supposedly to enhance or improve memory, and they discover an unforeseen effect of this device—it allows individuals to receive memories of the future.”

While everyone else quickly forgets what they’ve witnessed, Diana does not. “She has the ability to experience these visions, these glimpses of her future, and observe them, then select a moment from these memories to capture and remember,” Barlow explained. “As a player, you view these future visions, hold down the triggers, and that finalizes [it] in memory.

“Picture something akin to the film Memento, where the character wanders with his Polaroids: Diana is collecting Polaroids of her future. Thus, as a player, you have complete autonomy to determine ‘What do I think is crucial to send back – what significant information can I bring back from the future?’, and as soon as you make that choice, the future shifts, and you receive a new vision.”

You’re essentially gathering an “inventory of alternate possible futures,” Barlow clarified. Of course, you could do something mundane with this ability, like finding out the winning lottery numbers, but you could also pursue more intriguing avenues. “It might be revealing to discover that your long-term partner has been unfaithful with your sibling or something like that, right?” Barlow speculated.

There’s “an immense amount” of freedom in the game – it’s very systemic – and he mentioned that “you quickly enter this exciting gameplay [loop] of crafting and kind of shaping an inventory to influence the future … and it becomes thrilling and unpredictable”. There are additional layers to it, but that’s the core concept.

“This is the most comprehensible – I can’t use grok anymore, can I? Curse you, [Elon] Musk! It’s the most comprehensible mechanic in our games concerning a clear understanding of its significance in the narrative,” Barlow concluded. “It is a diegetic mechanic and has direct implications for the unfolding story.”

Precognition is being developed for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and [Switch 2](https://www.eurogamer.net/platforms/switch-2).

Immortality and Her Story developer Sam Barlow has announced Precognition, a new sci-fi horror game in development at Half Mermaid Productions, which features writing from Antiviral and Infinity Pool director Brandon Cronenberg. That’s Brandon, not David, yes, but still, having any kind of Cronenberg in your credits is a win, right? When’s the last time you made a game with a Cronenberg?

Besides, I thought Infinity Pool was good fun. And I quite like the sound of Precognition, which stars a woman with brain implants who can choose between visions to weave a range of possible dark futures. It began life as a slightly random idea for a Metroid game, apparently. Here’s a trailer.

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**Twitch and Amazon AI: Options for Streamers Regarding Content Use and Opt-Out**

Recent news has emerged about Twitch’s connection with Amazon’s AI technologies, raising alarm among content creators about their streams and videos being used for training. This article examines the ramifications for streamers and what actions they can take to safeguard their content.

### The Update

On August 12, content creator and streaming journalist Zach Bussey pointed out a newly introduced feature in Twitch’s account settings that enables users to opt out of having their content used to train Amazon’s AI systems. These options didn’t receive much publicity, resulting in irritation among many users who feel overwhelmed by a convoluted settings interface to shield their content.

### The Consequences of Content Utilization

Should streamers decide against opting out, Twitch maintains the authority to utilize their channel’s content—including streams, VODs, clips, chats, images, and text—to refine Amazon’s generative AI models. This usage might enhance functionalities like speech-to-text for captions, which could affect both Twitch users and Amazon’s broader services.

Importantly, opting out of this training does not preclude the availability of AI-enhanced features on Twitch, such as automated commenting or chat moderation tools.

### Community Feedback and Company Openness

In a recent broadcast, Twitch’s community leader, Mary Kish, attempted to mitigate the concerns, stating that AI is essential to the platform’s operation. Kish also confirmed her own decision to opt out but emphasized that AI tools have become ubiquitous in various livestreaming settings.

During the conversation, Kish and chief product officer Mike Minton recognized the obscure nature of the opt-out options and guided viewers on how to navigate them. Minton cited a study showing that about 50% of adults currently utilize AI tools like ChatGPT, indicating a rising trend toward AI adoption.

### The Future of Opting Out

The Twitch FAQ explains that every element of a channel could potentially be used in Amazon’s AI training, prompting discussions about long-term outcomes. The idea of maintaining the opt-out option raises questions about how long Twitch will permit this choice for users aiming to safeguard their content.

Considering the competitive realm of AI development, driven by tech leaders such as Amazon, the search for content to enhance AI capabilities is vigorous. Although opt-out options are currently available, streamers may need to stay alert to any changes in policies or practices concerning content usage.

### Conclusion

As Twitch continues to grow and incorporate AI features, it is up to streamers to proactively oversee their content and privacy settings. With the widespread availability of generative AI tools and the potential consequences for content ownership, the streaming community must remain informed and active in discussions surrounding their rights and safeguards in an increasingly dynamic digital environment.

CD Projekt, the renowned game developer celebrated for the Witcher series, has announced the termination of nine employees associated with the Witcher spinoff, Project Sirius. This action was taken to “realign the size of the Sirius team according to the requirements of the project at this phase of development.” Four staff members in Boston and five in Warsaw were impacted. In addition, nine other team members are being considered for internal placement in different CD Projekt Red initiatives.

Project Sirius, which was first revealed in 2021, has encountered a difficult development journey. Initially, the studio The Molasses Flood, known for Flame in the Flood, was acquired by CD Projekt to create an ambitious game leveraging CDPR properties. The intention was for the studio to preserve its distinct identity, a plan that shifted in 2025 when CD Projekt fully integrated the studio into its own framework. This restructuring came after obstacles with Project Sirius, resulting in a reboot of the game and a new strategic vision. Despite these initiatives, details regarding the project, including its official name, remain scarce.

The layoffs represent a considerable reduction in the Sirius development team, with 18 positions eliminated or reassigned, accounting for over 20% of the 83-member team, as noted in CD Projekt’s Q1 2026 financial report. This reduction is significant, especially when juxtaposed with larger industry reductions from companies such as Xbox and Electronic Arts. The gaming community continues to monitor CD Projekt closely as Project Sirius progresses and looks forward to additional updates regarding the title.