Gait Games

**GameStop’s Bold Initiative to Acquire eBay: Insights and Consequences**

In an unexpected development, GameStop, the troubled video game retailer with a market valuation of about $12 billion, is said to be gearing up to propose an acquisition for eBay, an e-commerce leader valued at nearly $46 billion. This information is derived from a **Wall Street Journal** article suggesting that GameStop is discreetly accumulating eBay shares in preparation for a potential bid that could emerge by the end of this month.

The details surrounding the potential offer’s framework remain ambiguous, and it is unclear how eBay’s management might respond. Nevertheless, indications suggest that GameStop’s CEO, Ryan Cohen, may choose to circumvent eBay’s leadership entirely, opting to present the offer directly to the company’s shareholders if deemed necessary.

### Latest Financial Performance

GameStop’s recent earnings report for the fiscal year 2025 reveals a slight decrease in sales to $3.6 billion, a drop from $3.8 billion the previous year. However, the company has noted an improvement in operating income, which reached $232.1 million after several years of losses, compared with an operating loss of $26.2 million in 2024. In contrast, eBay’s financial results show robust performance, with the company disclosing $3.1 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026—an impressive 19% year-over-year increase. For the entire fiscal year 2025, eBay’s revenue totaled $11.1 billion, rising by 8% from the prior year.

### GameStop’s Challenging Journey

In the past decade, GameStop has encountered considerable obstacles, primarily due to the industry’s shift from physical to digital game sales, a change intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following years of turbulent leadership transitions and strategic errors, a short squeeze in 2021 propelled GameStop’s stock price to extraordinary levels, resulting in the exit of then-CEO, George Sherman.

Ryan Cohen, the founder of Chewy, joined the board after these occurrences and became CEO in 2023. Under his guidance, the company has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs, store closures, and a brief venture into the NFT market, which was eventually abandoned. Most recently, GameStop has revealed plans to add retro gaming sections to its U.S. stores, indicating a return to its origins.

### Strategic Ramifications of the Acquisition

Cohen has articulated a vision for GameStop to expand vigorously, targeting a market cap of $100 billion. This approach is laden with risks, particularly due to the differences in scale and business models between GameStop and eBay. Cohen himself remarked that the acquisition could either be a stroke of genius or a major blunder.

Cohen’s engagement in the investment community and his sway within the meme stock culture imply that even whispers of a possible acquisition could significantly influence stock valuations for both GameStop and eBay. As someone with a loyal following among retail investors, his leadership choices frequently lead to unpredictable market responses.

### Conclusion

The possibility of GameStop acquiring eBay underscores the ongoing transformation of a company that has struggled to adapt in a rapidly evolving retail environment. As GameStop pursues this ambitious endeavor, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how this potential merger might reshape its business trajectory and affect the e-commerce industry. The next few weeks may reveal if Cohen’s risk will yield rewards or lead to additional challenges for the already unstable retailer.

Get your paw back!

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### The Chocolate Artistry of Amaury Guichon: A Blend of Craft and Gaming

Within the sphere of social media phenomena, only a few can match the level of creativity and technique displayed by chocolatier Amaury Guichon. Renowned for his meticulously detailed chocolate masterpieces, Guichon has enthralled audiences around the globe, presenting elaborate designs that seamless blend culinary and fine art. Recently, he has stepped into the domain of video game-inspired sculptures, bringing joy to enthusiasts of both chocolate and gaming.

Guichon’s status as a chocolatier soared on platforms like TikTok, where his videos have garnered millions of views. His creations range from breathtaking desserts that mimic intricate items to life-sized models of cherished characters from popular culture. Each piece is a testament to his exceptional skills and meticulous craftsmanship, with many of his sculptures seeming almost too flawless to eat.

His exploration into video games features iconic figures like Mario and Pikachu. Last year, he unveiled a chocolate rendition of Mario, complete with a stylized Warp Pipe and a chocolate Piranha Plant—a whimsical tribute to the beloved franchise. Shortly after, spectators were treated to a chocolate Pikachu resting atop a PokéBall, highlighting Guichon’s talent for merging playfulness with culinary artistry.

In a notably ambitious project, Guichon constructed a gigantic wall-mounted head of Onyxia, a notorious dragon boss from the original *World of Warcraft*. This creation is not only visually striking; it also features smoke effects, enhancing its realistic look. This endeavor was a collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment, coinciding with the launch of the latest video game expansion titled *Midnight*. While Onyxia doesn’t appear in this expansion, her chocolate version acts as a promotional piece, connecting to the new housing feature in which players can embellish their virtual abodes with trophies like the dragon’s head.

The skill required to produce such intricate sculptures brings up questions about the fate of these elaborate designs once they are finished. In an interview with *Eater*, Guichon tackled this issue, clarifying that he ensures no chocolate goes to waste. Any remaining parts can be melted down and repurposed for future creations. Furthermore, when properly cared for, these sculptures can last as decorative art pieces for years, far surpassing their initial temporary existence as food. This guarantees that each chocolate masterpiece serves not only as a visual delight but can also endure as a manifestation of artistic expression.

Amaury Guichon’s artistry is a wonder, bridging the worlds of culinary craftsmanship and popular culture. As he continues to explore the realm of video game-themed creations, fans eagerly anticipate what he will conjure next, merging the realms of gastronomy and gaming in ways that consistently inspire and astonish.

**Industria 2: A Divided Response for the Follow-Up to the Atmospheric Shooter**

In 2024, the revelation of *Industria 2* thrilled a devoted fanbase that had relished the original title, a mesmerizing atmospheric shooter set in an alternate Cold War-era East Germany. The excitement surrounding the sequel was intense, with gamers comparing its trailer to a collaborative sequel from *Half-Life* and *SOMA*. However, following its debut on Steam on April 29, 2026, the initial eagerness has transformed into discontent as reviews have leaned toward the unfavorable.

Notwithstanding the devoted initiatives of the small crew at Bleakmill, *Industria 2* has achieved merely a 48 percent positive rating on Steam, highlighting a stark difference compared to the more enthusiastic reception of its predecessor, which launched in 2021. The developers expressed their sorrow over the outcome, sharing on X (formerly Twitter) the emotional dedication and hurdles they encountered throughout the game’s four-year production. They admitted the criticisms, deeming the unfavorable reviews as “fair,” and pledged to quickly implement patches to resolve bugs and stability concerns, along with commitments for future content enhancements.

Bleakmill’s determination to improve the situation is clear, with recent updates focused on correcting crucial saving problems and soft-lock scenarios. They have stated their intention to prioritize game stability enhancement and fix keybinding issues next. Players have conveyed that the sequel seems “half-baked” and “unfinished,” with some linking the hurried development to pressure from the game’s publisher, Headup Games, which was sold by Thunderful Group to Microcuts Holding in 2024.

Despite the grim outlook, voices from the gaming community have provided reassurance. Dillon Rogers, a designer for *Gloomwood*, pointed out that the review count remains relatively low, suggesting players might reconsider their views once patches become available. He showed empathy toward Bleakmill, acknowledging the substantial effort required to launch the game and encouraging the team to persist.

In contrast, Garry Newman, the creator of *Garry’s Mod*, adopted a more irreverent stance by sharing a meme that hints at a lack of experience with game launches, underscoring the struggles faced by the development team as they deal with post-launch challenges.

As Bleakmill continues to develop *Industria 2*, the community observes with a blend of hope and skepticism. The developers’ willingness to respond to player feedback and their capacity to deliver on promised improvements will be critical in shaping the game’s future success and potentially restoring its reputation.

**Leak of Metal Gear Solid 2 Source Code Triggers Speculation and Curiosity**

The gaming world was recently stirred by reports of the source code for various editions of *Metal Gear Solid 2* appearing online. Uploaded by an unidentified user on a 4chan thread, this leak has sparked considerable interest and doubt within the industry. The files tied to the leak seem to be dated 03/04/2007, implying a link to the *Metal Gear Solid HD Collection*, which came out for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November 2011.

The first detection of the leak originated from a thread on the /vr/ board of 4chan, where users stumbled upon a partial download link leading to the data-sharing platform Pixeldrain. While leaks of this sort typically invite skepticism due to the nature of 4chan, early remarks and associated screenshots shared in the thread suggest a chance of authenticity concerning the source code.

Vinícius Medeiros, a Twitter user, validated the leak, asserting, “Metal Gear Solid 2 source code (HD version) just leaked along with raw uncompressed assets. Yes, it’s genuine, I never dreamt this would happen.” His tweet, dated May 1, 2026, added to the conversation surrounding the leaked materials.

Those who succeeded in downloading the files remarked on oddities regarding their contents. Significantly, the leak reportedly lacks any real assets from *Metal Gear Solid 2*, as the complete file size is merely 155.8 megabytes. This lack of assets might initially imply that the leak is a ruse. However, the content largely consists of source code, which is of great interest to developers aiming to mod or possibly port the game to various platforms.

The leaked source code is said to include several versions of *Metal Gear Solid 2 HD*, such as ports for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita. Curiously, it also encompasses details on versions for *Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance*, the enhanced edition of *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty*, for both PC and the Nintendo Wii. While a PC version was expected, considering the game’s earlier releases, the mention of an unannounced Wii version provokes questions about its developmental background.

The circumstances of the leak give rise to plausible theories about its source. One theory posits a link to Armature Studio, which managed the PlayStation Vita port of the *Metal Gear Solid HD Collection*. Armature was taken over by Meta in 2022 and was subsequently closed in January 2026. It isn’t unusual for source codes to leak when a studio shuts down, as hardware and hard drives might fall into the hands of former staff or be sold at auction.

As the verification and ramifications of this leak continue to unfold, it underscores the persistent interest in *Metal Gear Solid 2* and its heritage. The gaming community is keenly anticipating further updates as investigators look into the origins and authenticity of this noteworthy discovery.

Reader, I used to worry about being insufficiently cool. I no longer have that albatross around my neck, because no matter how cool I get, I will never be cooler than Rebounder – “a precision platformer set in a four-ink, pulp-print world”, created by ATOMIK devs Thirtythree Games, which makes me think of the Mega Drive’s awesome Comix Zone. It casts you as a 2D astronaut who gets around by grabbing, hurling and ‘rebounding’ from explosive alien spores.

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# An In-Depth Examination of AP Thomson and His Creation Titanium Court

AP Thomson, a groundbreaking game designer recognized for his diverse style and distinctive storytelling techniques, has recently captured attention in the gaming world with his newest venture, *Titanium Court*. A self-identified enthusiast of the beloved Game Boy Advance title *Golden Sun*, Thomson’s devotion to gaming shines through, and his creative trajectory highlights a mixture of nostalgia, personal narratives, and whimsical storytelling.

## The Impact of Handheld Gaming

In a recent discussion, Thomson revealed details about his childhood and how handheld gaming influenced his design approach. During his youth, Thomson often traveled with his family, frequently taking his Game Boy Advance on their journeys. These moments of engaging with games during family trips and evenings together cultivated a strong bond with handheld gaming mechanics and visuals.

This impact is evident in *Titanium Court*, where the visual aesthetic pays homage to the era of sprite-driven characters and uncomplicated color schemes reminiscent of yesteryear’s games. Thomson deliberately drew inspiration from the visuals of other titles, like the indie hit *Downwell*, to ensure a harmonious visual composition while steering clear of conflicting colors.

## A Singular Genre Fusion

Characterized by Thomson as a “match-3 tower defense for readers,” *Titanium Court* defies typical genre boundaries. The game interweaves components of strategic gameplay with character-focused storytelling, crafting a multifaceted experience that’s challenging to encapsulate with standard terminology. Thomson likens its presentation to *The Return of the Obra Dinn*, noting that effectively communicating its mechanics often caused players to miss important narrative text.

The game originated as a Ludum Dare entry in 2019 and matured over six years, evolving from its initial idea as *Little Beetle Bottle Battle*. Thomson’s dedication to making *Titanium Court* distinctive included prioritizing narrative richness, character evolution, and captivating visual storytelling.

## Character and Story Exploration

At the core of *Titanium Court* is a woman unexpectedly placed in the position of queen within a faerie court, led by the whimsical Puck from *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. Drawing from his own experiences, Thomson infused the storyline with humor and introspection, incorporating eccentric touches such as characters’ skepticism about cars’ existence.

Thomson’s past significantly influenced various plot elements, especially a love potion that alters the protagonist’s preferences, reflecting his own ventures into psychedelics and their effects on perception. The outcome is a game brimming with whimsical intricacy and absurdity that mirrors Thomson’s unique philosophical reflections on life and identity.

## Gameplay Features and Accessibility

A notable characteristic of *Titanium Court* is its adaptable approach to gameplay difficulty. Thomson’s philosophy challenges conventional easy, medium, or hard settings, enabling players to customize their experiences according to personal choice. Players can interact with the game mechanics at their preferred pace, adjusting difficulty levels and even bypassing boss encounters via in-game videos of Thomson singing.

Such creative elements highlight Thomson’s conviction that gaming should be a pleasurable experience catered to individual playstyles. He offers incentives for both immersing deeply in gameplay and pursuing a more exploratory method, urging players to strike their ideal equilibrium between challenge and ease.

## Thematic Richness and Player Engagement

The game encompasses intricate themes that resonate with players on artistic and emotional planes. In the latter segments of *Titanium Court*, players are encouraged to contemplate their connection with the game, prompting them to consider the significance of leaving certain aspects unexplored. Thomson asserts that this strategy nurtures greater imagination and ties to the game world rather than merely hastening through every detail.

As Thomson articulately expresses, “some of my most rewarding moments as a player have been when I have left them… leaving significant portions of them unexplored.” This perspective underscores the depth of games as experiential forms, enabling players to find appreciation and connection with the narrative beyond mere completionist behaviors.

## Conclusion: A Distinct and Personal Vision

Though game development is often collaborative, *Titanium Court* embodies Thomson’s unique perspective, mirroring his experiences, convictions, and creative choices. His commitment to creating a narrative that incites players to introspection and emotional connection stands as a tribute to his skill as a storyteller and designer.

As the gaming industry continues to change, creators like AP Thomson remind audiences of the importance of intertwining personal narratives with innovative mechanics to create engaging and memorable experiences. *Titanium Court* not only exemplifies Thomson’s creativity but also explores the essence of engaging with games as artistic expressions.

The Outer Worlds. It’s a game I haven’t thought about much since reviewing The Outer Worlds 2 last year, and it’s just gotten its first patch in about three years. That’s because Obsidian are planning to delist its base version from storefronts at the end of this month, leaving the more polished Spacer’s Choice edition as the definitive Outer Worlds going forwards. They’re also adding grenades to it, as an apparent make good aimed at pyromaniacs.

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**Saros: A Tribute to Gaming and Obscured References**

*Saros*, the newest endeavor from Housemarque, showcases a captivating realm brimming with allusions to other prominent titles in the gaming sector. While the link to *Returnal* is expected due to Housemarque’s reputation, its tribute to *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* may pleasantly surprise gamers delving into its constantly shifting environment.

One of the game’s accolades, the *Carcosan Cartographer* trophy, illustrates this blend of references. To acquire this trophy, players must interact with the *Carcosan Modifiers*—a collection of difficulty tweaks that enables a highly personalized gaming experience. These alterations span from simple changes, like reducing incoming damage while boosting outgoing damage, to more complex gameplay modifications that can heighten corruption upon taking damage or disable the second chance feature after death. Successfully overcoming these obstacles and reaching the conclusion of a run while enduring the modified conditions is crucial, as the requirement indicates surviving 33 expeditions. This figure serves as a clear reference to *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, emphasizing the narrative connection between the two games.

Despite these nods, the fundamental gameplay and thematic aspects of *Saros* and *Clair Obscur* are notably different, showcasing the expanse of creativity in the gaming realm. The two titles appeal to distinct genres and highlight the varied skills of their respective developers. Housemarque’s evident love for gaming, however, results in delightful easter eggs that aficionados of both games can enjoy.

Alongside its associations with *Clair Obscur*, *Saros* also establishes more overt links to other renowned games such as *God of War*, *Death Stranding*, and *Ghost of Yotei*. Players have the chance to wear in-game costumes inspired by these franchises, further enhancing the gaming experience with familiar elements from the broader gaming landscape.

With its immersive mechanics and tribute-laden environment, *Saros* not only represents a noteworthy addition to Housemarque’s collection but also acts as a conduit linking players to the wider expanse of gaming heritage. Whether players are enthusiasts of roguelikes, bullet hell shooters, or simply in search of clever references to uncover, *Saros* guarantees an adventure brimming with both challenges and nostalgia.

Unknown Worlds have released the PC system requirements for Subnautica 2, the ocean exploration and survival game hitherto defined by extravagant legal clashes between publishers Krafton and certain ousted and/or reinstated UW executives. I fear they are going to make you cry. The system specs, not the executives.

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