Gait Games

### Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Reduction and Modifications to Call of Duty Access

**Introduction**

On April 21, Xbox disclosed a major alteration to its Game Pass Ultimate subscription service, revealing a price reduction along with a significant reorganization concerning the availability of new Call of Duty games. This combined announcement presents both favorable news for gamers and a change in outlook for one of the most beloved franchises in the gaming space.

**Price Changes**

With immediate effect, the subscription fee for Game Pass Ultimate has been lowered from $30 per month to $23 per month. Likewise, the monthly charge for PC Game Pass has been cut from $16.50 to $14. This price modification demonstrates Xbox’s dedication to responding to player feedback regarding the service’s perceived value over time.

**Changes to Call of Duty Availability**

The new pricing regimen introduces a crucial change—new Call of Duty releases will henceforth be excluded from Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass on their launch dates. Gamers should anticipate that upcoming titles will arrive in the service during the next holiday season, roughly a year post-launch. Nevertheless, all existing Call of Duty games already in the Game Pass library will still be available to subscribers.

Xbox noted that this conclusion was influenced by player sentiments. As the company raised prices in recent years, numerous users pointed to the increasing costs as partly being due to the addition of new Call of Duty releases on their launch days.

**Company Statements**

In the announcement, Xbox underscored the varied preferences within its player community, stressing that a universal approach is not applicable. “We’ll continue to listen and learn,” the company remarked, recognizing the necessity to adjust its subscription framework based on player feedback.

**Historical Context of Price Increases**

Game Pass was initially introduced in 2017 at a monthly cost of $10. Over the years, the service transformed, particularly with the incorporation of Xbox Live Gold into Game Pass Ultimate, resulting in a price hike to $15. Just months prior to the expected launch of Black Ops 7, the cost increased once more from $20 to $30 in October 2025.

This continual rise provoked conversations within Xbox regarding the sustainability of the service. Asha Sharma, the newly named Microsoft Gaming CEO, acknowledged that the existing model appeared unfeasible for players and indicated that Game Pass would have to develop into a more adaptable solution going forward.

**Future Considerations**

While the elimination of day-one access for Call of Duty is a primary concern, speculation persists about whether this guideline will extend to other first-party games or franchises under Xbox and Activision. Following these adjustments, there is cautious optimism in the gaming community; many consumers appreciate the price drop but worry about how the modified structure will influence access to new titles.

**Conclusion**

The latest declaration from Xbox regarding the price cut of Game Pass Ultimate signifies an attempt to realign with consumer expectations while managing the complexities of pricing frameworks in the gaming sector. As the service progresses, players will surely be observing closely to understand how it affects their gaming journey, particularly concerning access to prominent titles like Call of Duty.

Microsoft have announced some changes to Xbox Game Pass. As of today, its Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers are having their prices slashed, but neither will get Call of Duty games at launch going forwards. Instead, new instalments in the shooter series will hit Game Pass about a year after release, with already released CoDs remaining available to play as normal.

Read more

# Celebrating Creativity in Tomodachi Life: The Charm of Low-Effort Art

Gaming has historically served as a canvas for innovation, enabling players to showcase their individuality in distinctive and often elaborate manners. Among the countless games that welcome user-generated content, *Tomodachi Life* emerges as a playful haven where imagination runs wild. Participants can personalize everything from Miis to the objects they engage with, cultivating a space that nurtures artistic expression. Nevertheless, numerous players might feel daunted by the intricate details showcased in the works of others. This article examines the significance of low-effort art in *Tomodachi Life*, emphasizing how simplicity can foster joy and creativity without the burden of perfection.

## The Appeal of Quick and Easy Creations

As someone who recognizes their limitations in drawing and patience, it’s simple to succumb to the temptation of choosing the most straightforward options for creative endeavors in *Tomodachi Life*. Be it frosting a cake or personalizing a Mii, many players can identify with the urge to pursue the path of minimal effort. For example, placing a whipped cream stamp and a lone strawberry stamp on a cake might appear as a quick fix, yet this demonstrates that creativity need not adhere to elevated standards.

In a realm brimming with intricate designs—from elaborately crafted Miis to customized items—it’s easy to feel inundated. Browsing through the *Tomodachi Life* subreddit uncovers a plethora of imaginative creations, showcasing everything from legendary characters like Hank Hill to fully-realized album artworks. Although these works are undeniably remarkable, they can also instigate feelings of inadequacy in those who lack artistic prowess. Yet among these significant pieces lies a precious lesson: often, the most straightforward creations can bring about the greatest joy.

## Embracing Low-Effort Art

The idea of low-effort art can be freeing. A prime example is a plain green circle on a plate, representing the minimal effort yet delivering a comedic impact. This humor illustrates that not every creation needs to be a masterpiece; it merely needs to resonate with the player’s sense of enjoyment. This understanding may encourage those reluctant to engage creatively in *Tomodachi Life* to explore their own simplistic designs.

Beyond the green circle, the Hammer Dog—a swift sketch brimming with energy—demonstrates how a quick, low-effort doodle can still embody the essence of creativity. Furthermore, utilizing the text tool for basic signs or memes highlights that effective art doesn’t always necessitate advanced talent. It shows how humor and ideas can shine through even the most basic creations.

Creating Miis in a straightforward fashion can also yield charming results. Simple designs, such as a basic Emily Dickinson or humorous avatars, underscore that low-effort works can still exude personality and charm.

## Discovering Joy in Unusual Creations

The allure of *Tomodachi Life* extends beyond its creative potential; it lies in the gratification derived from witnessing these simple artworks come alive within the game. The spontaneous and often humorous situations that emerge when players interact with their creations can amplify the delight experienced from low-effort designs. While importing intricate images from other platforms may not align with the ethos of low-effort art, even inserting screenshots into the game can elicit a smile and laughter—demonstrating that creativity has no singular meaning.

Ultimately, those apprehensive about immersing themselves in *Tomodachi Life* due to feelings of inadequacy should embrace the notion that messy, simple, low-effort art is not only permissible but also encouraged. The game flourishes on creativity in all its manifestations, reinforcing that players have the liberty to express themselves without the necessity for expertise or flawlessness.

## Conclusion

In a realm saturated with high-effort creations, *Tomodachi Life* can serve as a refuge for those eager to explore the lighter aspect of creativity. Taking the plunge to create art—whether it’s a green circle on a plate or an eccentric character—opens up a realm of opportunities and laughter. Thus, do not be disheartened by the benchmarks set by others; grasp your virtual pen and tap into your creativity, no matter how simple it may appear. Celebrate the beauty of low-effort art and relish the whimsical universe of *Tomodachi Life*.

The less buttons I have to press a game, the better. I am not doing a bit here, no japes to be found, a refined, paired down control scheme is like a cherub’s smile to me. KAZ, then, is arguably almost the perfect game, perhaps three buttons away from such a status, as it only requires four of them. Those will be the up, down, left, and right arrows keys (or the WASD keys, depending on your hand preference (and okay you do also need to press enter occasionally, I’m getting away from myself here)).

Read more

# Strategies and Insights for Excelling in *Vampire Crawlers*

*Vampire Crawlers* has just debuted on PC and consoles, emerging as an exciting extension of the cherished auto-shooter, *Vampire Survivors*. Featuring a distinctive blend of cards, gems, power-ups, and combos, it presents an immersive experience that might initially appear challenging. Here’s a guide designed to assist you in navigating the initial stages of your adventure, enriching your gameplay with essential advice.

## Always Be Combo-ing

A vital aspect of gameplay in *Vampire Crawlers* is the critical nature of combo-ing cards. Players are advised to play cards in order of their mana cost—beginning with 0-cost, followed by 1-cost, and continuing to higher-cost cards. This method builds your combo meter, enhancing the potency of your following plays. Mastering this feature enables you to repel swarms of foes or eliminate bosses with heightened damage, armor, and mana advantages.

## Utilize Wild Cards Strategically

Wild cards, recognizable by their bookmark icon (which does not have a mana cost), serve as essential assets during your gameplay. Although they can be played solo, their real power emerges when incorporated into combos. Wild cards connect different mana costs, allowing you to form larger combos and maximize your damage output. Therefore, timing their usage is key; reserve them for instances where they can enhance your current sequence instead of using them right away.

## Smash Into Everything

While navigating through the levels of *Vampire Crawlers*, make it a point to engage with every object you come across, such as chests and candles. These items, which are indicated on your mini-map after obtaining a particular early-game relic, yield various rewards, including gold, new cards, and health-restoring chicken. Thoroughly exploring your surroundings will bolster your resources and increase your chances of survival.

## But Don’t Always Eat That Chicken

Although chicken can replenish health, it’s best to hold off on eating it unless absolutely necessary. Instead, concentrate on vanquishing more enemies and scouring the map. You may stumble upon alternative health recovery options through cards or collect armor that can safeguard your health points. Deploying chicken wisely—after intense encounters or when health is low—will optimize its healing benefits.

## Evolve Cards Whenever Possible

At specific intervals, players can merge two cards to evolve them into a more powerful singular card. This mechanic should be embraced; evolved cards generally possess significantly improved attributes, aiding in enemy elimination and extending player survival. However, ensure you have sufficient mana available to utilize these enhanced cards once obtained.

## Upgrade Might and Greed ASAP

The game permits you to spend gold on permanent stat upgrades between runs. Focus on enhancing the greed stat to boost gold accumulation, which facilitates quicker upgrades of other stats. Upgrading the might stat is also crucial, as it is directly linked to the damage you inflict upon formidable foes.

## Add Zero-Cost Gems to Mana-Providing Cards

Certain cards come with vacant slots suited for gem attachments. When you acquire Tome cards that deliver bonuses to mana, placing a zero-cost gem is a clever move. This action effectively generates free mana and empowers players to form powerful combinations, especially when complemented with cards that increase your hand size.

## Cash Out On Unwanted Chests

During your exploration of dungeons, you will encounter various chests and items. If a chest fails to provide anything useful, feel free to cash out for gold instead. This tactical choice can often yield greater benefits, particularly if you’re already prevailing in the level or approaching its end.

## Replay Earlier Runs for Gold

Gold serves as a crucial currency in *Vampire Crawlers*, unlocking new crawlers and enabling upgrades. Revisiting completed levels for extra gold is a wise practice and can assist you in quickly amassing the resources you need.

## Activate the Sharp Mind Bonus

Unlocking the Arcana tent in town introduces access to potent modifiers, including the Sharp Mind bonus. This advantageous bonus retains mana points between turns, providing a significant tactical edge that can fuel impressive card plays and combos.

## Use Arca Ladonna Early On

Among the initial crawlers, Arca Ladonna is noteworthy for early-game efficiency. Equipped with fire wands that wreak havoc in combos, his ability to supply additional mana when played makes him a formidable selection for players concentrating on combo tactics.

Adopt these strategies and insights to elevate your gameplay in *Vampire Crawlers*, and relish the thrilling journey that lies ahead in this distinctive spin-off.

“This game contains depictions of violence, self harm, and general misery,” opens Casualties: Unknown, a short but still considerate content warning for the survival game ahead. Boy howdy is that last one accurate! We’ll get back to that, first, how about some setup.

Read more

### The Ascendant Path of Troy Baker: Transitioning from Voice Acting to Game Development

Troy Baker stands as a significant personality in the gaming world, celebrated for his extraordinary voice acting talents. Known for his adaptability, he has provided his voice to a diverse range of characters, from the cherished Joel in *The Last of Us* to Slimer in *Ghostbusters: The Video Game*. With a vast career that encompasses numerous prominent roles, Baker has established himself as a household name among gamers, even for those unfamiliar with his looks.

In a recent chat with *Eurogamer*, Baker shared insights about his experiences collaborating with some of the most impactful creators in the industry, such as Ken Levine, Hideo Kojima, and Neil Druckmann. “I’ve had an amazing privilege working alongside the top talents in this field,” he noted, underscoring the priceless lessons learned from these partnerships. His time spent in the recording studio has enabled him to absorb the subtleties of effective game design and narrative development.

Baker is now positioned to shift from voice acting to game development. He intends to apply the principles absorbed from his encounters to craft innovative stories that resonate with gamers. Recognizing the recent career shift of fellow voice actor Abubakar Salim towards development, Baker expressed a wish to pursue a similar trajectory, inspired by Salim’s achievement with the metroidvania *Tales of Kenzera: Zau*.

When queried about his timeline for entering the realm of game development, Baker underscored his focus on quality over speed. “Not rushed,” he confirmed. He is resolute in ensuring that the narratives he aspires to share are on par with those that have inspired him throughout his career.

Despite considering this new direction, Baker remains actively involved in various voice acting endeavors. He will be featuring in upcoming projects like Naughty Dog’s *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet* and Ken Levine’s *Judas*. Moreover, he recently voiced detective Jack Pepper in the cartoon noir shooter *Mouse: P.I. for Hire*, further highlighting his persistent presence in the gaming scene.

Baker’s career has faced its share of critiques, as demonstrated by his reaction to an unfavorable review of *Mouse: P.I. for Hire* by *IGN*. He amusingly addressed the review on social media, showcasing resiliency and interaction with the gaming community.

As Troy Baker steps into this new phase of his career, his transition from voice actor to game developer is set to deliver fresh narratives and exceptional storytelling to the gaming universe, reinforcing his impact and dedication to the craft.

The least involving part of any 4X strategy is very often diplomacy with AI civilizations. Even Endless Legend 2, a game with a faction of coral people who can make other people like them by infesting their territory with spores, does settle into a formula. You make friends with other leaders forever or you define them as enemies and obliterate them. Maybe you grease the wheels by offering some minor nation a palmful of glowy rocks in return for passage through their lands.

Developers Amplitude are trying to give Endless Legend 2’s diplomacy more consistency and flavour, however, by giving the world itself a memory. As of the game’s latest update, you’ll find it harder to cuddle up to other factions after spending 20 turns incinerating their dominions. Even worse, you might be permanently branded a Bully.

Read more

### Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee: A Comedy Panel Show for Word Enthusiasts

Amidst a world that increasingly feels tumultuous, many individuals have turned to comedy for solace. Programs like Dropout’s *Game Changers* and *Make Some Noise*, along with UK favorites like *Taskmaster*, have supplied essential laughter. Nevertheless, a charming find has appeared for those who love words and literature within the panel show genre: *Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee*. This distinctive series distinguishes itself by placing the ridiculousness of spelling competitions front and center, infused with humor.

**The Concept and the Comedian**

Leading this whimsical show is Guy Montgomery, a comedian from New Zealand known for his podcast, *The Worst Idea of All Time*. The podcast features Montgomery and co-host Tim Batt analyzing the same film each week for an entire year, highlighting his talent for humor through repetition. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Montgomery initiated lighthearted spelling bee contests over Zoom, sparking enthusiasm among bored comedians. The spontaneity and fun of these gatherings moved to live performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from 2022 to 2023, ultimately paving the way for the show’s adaptation on Discovery NZ. After gaining popularity, *Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee* has now entered its third season on ABC in Australia.

**What Sets It Apart**

In contrast to conventional spelling bees, *Guy Mont-Spelling Bee* showcases a lively studio reminiscent of the 1970s where four comedians vie for the opportunity to return for the next round. Montgomery plays the eccentric host, reveling in the bedlam he incites. Contestants maneuver through different rounds aimed at testing their spelling abilities while generating laughter, with Montgomery frequently offering misleading hints or trivial explanations.

The show opens with the “Spelling Round,” in which participants can choose from three categories: the Coward’s Cup for simple words, the Person’s Purse for moderate challenges, and the Bucket of Bravery for tough terms. Montgomery delights in setting contestants up for mishaps with words such as “deoxyribonucleic acid” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” all while providing humorously unhelpful definitions. For instance, when presented with the term “coward,” contestants might hear the encouragement, “Good luck, you coward.”

**Unique Rounds and Humor**

Mid-show segments feature a rotating cast of challenges with engaging names such as “Hard Words For A 13 Year Old,” “Spell The Audience Member’s Name,” and “Spell It Like A Six Year Old.” Montgomery maintains a vibrant atmosphere by mixing tough prompts with easier ones, often to the contestants’ dismay. The humor heightens when competitors confront unexpectedly simple words right after tackling notoriously difficult ones.

An exceptional aspect is Montgomery’s assistant. The New Zealand version showcased Sanjay Patel, while Aaron Chen and Sam Campbell contributed their unique style in Australia. Chen, in particular, has earned acclaim for his dry wit and whimsical attire, enhancing the show’s comedic energy.

**The Buzz Round and Competitiveness**

The concluding segment, The Buzz Round, refocuses on spelling proficiency. Contestants buzz in to spell words associated with a specific theme, fostering an exhilarating competitive spirit. Although Montgomery sometimes introduces challenging vocabulary, the segment’s format facilitates a fair contest among participants.

Ultimately, *Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee* appeals to both word aficionados and casual viewers. The show invites audiences to join in spelling alongside competitors while enjoying the lighthearted exchanges. Each episode is a delightful experience brimming with authentic laughter, highlighting the common struggle with spelling among otherwise articulate adults.

**Accessing the Show**

Initially, many fans expressed disappointment over the unavailability of *Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee* in the United States. However, it is now accessible on Apple TV for viewers to catch up on previous seasons. While season three continues to air in Australia, its debut in the U.S. is highly anticipated by fans.

In conclusion, *Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee* provides a delightful escape into a realm of comedic spelling contests, making it essential viewing for anyone passionate about words. Montgomery’s lively hosting, paired with the comedic skills of his contestants, creates an entertaining experience that resonates profoundly in uncertain times.

The concept of an MMO getting a sequel is always a strange one to me, but nonetheless Aion 2 is here. Or at least it will be, sometime this year, as NCSoft have confirmed that “the only MMORPG built around a world where the sky is the battlefield” (perhaps an odd place to plant your flag) is getting a global release on PC later this year.

Read more