Gait Games

**CinemaCon 2026: Key Takeaways and Significant Announcements from a Transformative Year in Film**

Since the 1970s, prominent theater chains have gathered at a trade event meant for studios to showcase films and negotiate distribution arrangements. Over the years, this gathering evolved from ShoWest to its present form, CinemaCon. Now a central hub for news related to Hollywood blockbusters, the convention displays the latest innovations, including awaited superhero continuations and captivating original films. In 2026, CinemaCon underscored the industry’s fragile state amid studio mergers and evolving distribution methods, featuring significant presentations from Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, Universal, Netflix, and Amazon.

### Disney’s Major Initiative: Superheroes and Originals

Disney made headlines with the announcement of *Avengers: Doomsday*, an impressive film boasting a star-studded cast, including the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Doom. This film is vital for Disney as they strive to bounce back from underwhelming Marvel releases in recent times. Alongside *Doomsday*, Disney showcased forthcoming projects like *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, a live-action adaptation of *Moana*, and various sequels such as *Toy Story 5*, *Ice Age*, and *The Devil Wears Prada*.

To inject fresh concepts, Disney also offered previews of two original films: *The Dog Stars*, directed by Ridley Scott, and *Hexed*, an animated tale about a teenage witch, featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones.

### Warner Bros.: Broadening Genres and Franchises

Warner Bros. highlighted a blend of nostalgia and new offerings, announcing *Practical Magic 2*, a sequel uniting Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, along with Jamie Dornan stepping into the role of Aragorn in *The Hunt for Gollum*. Attendees viewed footage from the forthcoming *Supergirl* film, featuring Milly Alcock, while the studio hinted at the darker horror elements of *Clayface*, a project in development for James Gunn’s DC Universe.

Warner also introduced a new banner, Clockwork, focused on creating original, mid-budget films, with its initial project directed by Sean Baker. Furthermore, the studio teased exciting new horror titles, including *Evil Dead Burn* and an origin story for Ebenezer Scrooge from Ti West starring Johnny Depp.

### Paramount and Sony: Exploring Varied Territories

Paramount used the platform to reveal new entries in cherished franchises like *Jackass*, *Top Gun*, and *Scary Movie*. They also emphasized their growing video game adaptation sector, introducing a new *Street Fighter* film and a trailer for *Sonic the Hedgehog 4*, which sees Jim Carrey reprising his role as Robotnik.

Sony, conversely, introduced *Resident Evil*, directed by Zach Cregger, along with the eagerly awaited *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, focusing on character dynamics rather than heroic feats. The studio also detailed a sequel to Aaron Sorkin’s *The Social Network*, examining the effects of social media in contemporary society, and unveiled a teaser for *Jumanji: Open World*, blending the fantastic jungle realm with real life.

### Universal: Initiating New Concepts

Universal’s showcase included Stephen Spielberg’s *Disclosure Day*, as well as an update on the much-anticipated *The Odyssey* by Christopher Nolan. The studio also revealed a Snoop Dogg biopic from Craig Brewer and spotlighted forthcoming *Minions* projects, promising more family-oriented content.

### Netflix and Amazon: Navigating a New Landscape

While Netflix chose not to host a keynote, CEO Ted Sarandos was present to mend relations with theater chains after focusing on streaming. Despite earlier reluctance regarding theatrical releases, the success of *KPop Demon Hunters* has led Netflix to reevaluate its approach.

Amazon, having recently acquired MGM, demonstrated its confidence in maneuvering through the distribution landscape with projects like the *Highlander* reboot featuring Henry Cavill and a new *Thomas Crown Affair* with Michael B. Jordan.

### Conclusion: An Evolving Industry

CinemaCon 2026 marked a crucial juncture in the film industry, with studios contending with audience demands and creative content production. As studios broaden their offerings and revise their strategies in a time characterized by streaming and theatrical rivalry, events like CinemaCon are vital for unifying the industry and giving audiences a peek into the cinematic future.

# Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

*Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream* is more akin to a reality television series than a conventional game, where you participate behind the scenes. You’ll craft the cast members and support them from the background, yet won’t have significant influence over the pivotal choices your Miis make. It’s a highly enjoyable concept if you’re ready to surrender control to the *Tomodachi* deities, but if you’re a fan of Sims or Animal Crossing venturing into this series for the first time, the randomness of it all might leave you bewildered. Likewise, if you’re not artistically inclined, the game’s customization options may feel overwhelming.

Though there isn’t a definitive method to engage with *Tomodachi Life*, there is a preferable approach if you aim to enjoy it, which primarily entails being laid-back about various aspects. As someone who was quite engrossed in the original 3DS version of *Tomodachi Life* during its prime, here are my suggestions for maximizing your experience with *Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream*.

## Treat it like a TV show

There won’t always be a challenge to resolve or a Mii to nourish in *Tomodachi Life*, and that’s perfectly fine! Delight in observing your Miis roam the island, and ensure you zoom in to see what they are engaging in. Occasionally you might catch them creating art in the sand, gossiping, or exercising.

## Take breaks

Unlike many classic cozy games, *Tomodachi Life* is designed for short play sessions. Don’t expect to engage in this game for extended hours without losing interest—rather, check in daily for fresh items in stores, and revisit a few times throughout the day if you’re eager to tackle extra Mii dilemmas.

## Expand your collection

One of the primary attractions of the *Tomodachi Life* franchise is the vast array of collectibles, and *Living the Dream* certainly delivers on that front. Including color variations, this game boasts a staggering 9,814 items to gather, and attempting to accumulate them all is a fantastic way to keep the excitement alive (especially when you’re repeatedly playing the same minigame).

## Give your Miis anything and everything

Unlike the original *Tomodachi Life*, Miis can now receive treasures in addition to regular items, opening up numerous possibilities. Presenting your Miis with Shiny Beads or a Koala Plush that you have stashed away can spark some truly amusing conversations and scenarios. Give it a try!

## Customize everything (even if you’re bad at art)

If you’ve been online recently, you’ve likely seen *Tomodachi Life* masterpieces that could make the game’s customization features feel somewhat daunting. Yet, even if you lack artistic talent, it’s enjoyable to give it a whirl. My Mii absolutely loves the dreadful pet borzoi I created for them, and I can now proudly say that I’ve developed a fondness for it as well, despite its slightly grotesque appearance.

## Take advantage of TomodachiShare for easy Mii-making

The Mii customization aspect can be quite intimidating, particularly if you’re aiming to craft lifelike versions of beloved fictional characters. If you seek assistance, it’s beneficial to visit the website [TomodachiShare](https://tomodachishare.com/). It serves as an excellent resource for step-by-step Mii tutorials, and it’s how I managed to create [an unexpectedly realistic Isabelle from *Animal Crossing*](https://tomodachishare.com/mii/3670) for my island.

## Just go with the flow

Miis will inherently make some rather bizarre choices, and they often develop crushes that may not align with their original narratives or whatever context they hail from. The wisest approach is to go with the flow: agree to Miis’ relationship requests, encourage them to interact with one another, and simply allow your island to descend into delightful chaos.

### Disney’s Infinity Vision: Revolutionizing the Movie Experience

In recent times, the experience of going to the cinema has changed significantly, often feeling more like a challenging test than a casual outing. With multiplex ticketing offering choices such as High Frame Rate (HFR), Audio Visual Experience (AVX), ScreenX, and D-BOX, moviegoers are left juggling their options, frequently distracted from fundamental concerns—like whether their preferred Coke Freestyle machine is functional. This intricate nature serves to validate the rising expenses linked to blockbuster films, a point further underscored by Disney’s declaration of a new cinematic initiative: Infinity Vision.

#### What is Infinity Vision?

Disney’s Infinity Vision represents a fresh strategy for enhancing the audience experience at theaters. Unveiled just before the highly awaited release of *Avengers: Doomsday*, this initiative aims to deliver an outstanding film experience, merging superior visual and audio quality. As Andrew Cripps, Disney’s distribution head, pointed out, “Disney’s standards for production quality are unparalleled,” reaffirming the company’s dedication to assuring that viewers experience films as intended—on large screens with exceptional sound and color clarity.

The Infinity Vision certification will concentrate on premium large format cinemas, showcasing cutting-edge laser projection and immersive audio technologies. This initiative is expected to begin in the summer of 2024, potentially aligning with the re-release of *Avengers: Endgame*, providing a preview of the enhanced viewing experience ahead of *Doomsday* arriving in theaters during the holiday season.

#### The Market Landscape

Nonetheless, despite the enthusiasm surrounding Infinity Vision, skeptics may draw comparisons with current premium offerings like IMAX. Renowned for its massive screens and resonant sound, IMAX is the preferred choice for film fans, particularly during significant releases. Unfortunately for *Doomsday*, IMAX theaters are already fully booked for the holiday period due to the unavoidable excitement surrounding *Dune: Part Three*. This restriction on premium viewing opportunities has prompted Disney to establish a new niche with Infinity Vision.

The announcement at CinemaCon highlighted not only Infinity Vision but also the competitive environment of cinema offerings. As the event increasingly resembles a mini-comic convention, wherein superhero and genre blockbusters dominate discussions, Disney has set ambitious objectives by targeting to certify 75 theaters in the U.S. and 300 theaters worldwide for this program.

#### The Future of Cinematic Experiences

The launch of Infinity Vision indicates a transformation in how studios approach movie releases. With rising production costs and audience expectations, studios like Disney are responding by crafting premium experiences that are both appealing and lucrative. This strategy may also strategically position Disney’s films for maximizing box office earnings, enticing audiences to invest not just in the ticket price but in the comprehensive experience.

As viewers adjust to these advancing cinematic options, the question lingers: will Infinity Vision enhance the movie-going experience to unprecedented levels, or will it merely add another layer to the already intricate decision-making process that film aficionados face? Only time will reveal the answer, but one thing is certain: the landscape of cinema continues to progress, with premium experiences leading this transformation.

### Surprise Discount on Switch 2 Games at Costco

If you’re aiming to boost your Nintendo Switch 2 game library without emptying your wallet, this weekend offers an incredible chance at your nearby Costco. The wholesale warehouse is reportedly hosting a surprise discount on popular recent titles, with prices dropped from the usual $70 to a compelling $30. Games featured in this discount bonanza include fan favorites like *Kirby Air Riders* and *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

#### Source of the Offer

Word about this unforeseen promotion began spreading on the Switch 2 subreddit, with players eagerly exchanging their experiences. Many initially noticed the discounts cropping up on the Costco app, though some shoppers reported discrepancies at checkout, where full prices were still being applied. However, by Saturday, reports suggested that numerous in-store purchases were being processed at the discounted price without the necessity for overrides, indicating that the in-store systems had started recognizing the new sale prices.

#### Shopper Feedback

As of April 18, patrons have managed to grab recent hits like *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* for significantly lower prices. The duration of this promotion is uncertain, largely hinging on stock levels at individual Costco locations. For example, some shoppers mentioned that while *Kirby Air Riders* was plentiful, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* had notably diminished stock. Customers are encouraged to check online prior to visiting to boost their chances of snagging these deals.

Social media has been instrumental in heightening the buzz surrounding this sale. Wario64, a prominent figure within the gaming realm, pointed out the deals on Twitter, verifying that Switch 2 games were indeed priced as low as $29.97 in stores. Reactions from other gamers intensified the excitement as they shared photos of their acquisitions.

#### Community Feedback and Market Effects

Amid the enthusiasm, some users jokingly speculated that the steep prices could indicate weak sales performance for certain titles. While it’s true that games like *Kirby Air Riders* and *Metroid Prime 4* didn’t generate overwhelming sales figures, discussions about the performance during the holiday season for the Switch 2 hint at a more intricate narrative. The console did not achieve the anticipated sales numbers at launch compared to earlier generations.

Nonetheless, most concur that this promotion likely represents Costco’s strategy to appeal to families. Given the warehouse’s reputation for providing excellent deals on bulk items, pairing a substantial sale on video games might be viewed as an effective approach to attract more customers, particularly during routine grocery shopping.

### Final Thoughts

For gamers looking to take advantage of this unexpected opportunity, a visit to Costco this weekend appears to be worthwhile. With significant discounts on highly coveted Switch 2 titles, it’s an ideal time to enhance your gaming collection. Whether these prices signal a fleeting anomaly or a broader trend in gaming retail remains unclear, but for the moment, enthusiastic gamers should seize the opportunity before the sale concludes or stock depletes.

### Slay the Spire 2: Highlights from the Recent Neowsletter

Following a surge of review-bombing, Mega Crit has unveiled its April 2026 Neowsletter, offering insights into the anticipated game, *Slay the Spire 2*. This edition of the newsletter deviates from the usual format, showcasing not only a preliminary roadmap for future content but also captivating statistics regarding players’ in-game choices.

#### Future Additions

The Neowsletter details several thrilling features coming to *Slay the Spire 2*, including:

– **The Bestiary**: A tool for players to familiarize themselves with the different enemies they will face.
– **Alternate Versions of Act 2 and Act 3**: Modifications to these acts will bring new challenges and experiences for returning players.
– **New Experimental Game Modes**: These modes are poised to introduce innovative gameplay elements, though details remain undisclosed.
– **New Character**: A long-anticipated new character is also in the works, enhancing the roster and gameplay variety.

Despite these exciting announcements, Mega Crit has opted to keep release dates ambiguous. Co-founder Casey Yano highlighted that preserving flexibility allows the team to maintain a healthy workflow, fostering creativity and spontaneous innovation.

#### Player Decisions and Data

In tandem with content revelations, the Neowsletter presented intriguing data on player behavior throughout their adventures in the game. For instance:

– **War Historian Repy**: Merely 12% of players chose to retain Repy locked up after acquiring the Lantern Key in Act 2.
– **Room Full of Cheese Event**: An unexpected 63% of players decided to “Gorge” during this event, despite the alluring rewards of the Chosen Cheese relic available from the “Search” option, which offers significant health benefits over time.
– **Byrdonis Egg Dilemma**: Nearly half (49%) of players opted to consume the Byrdonis Egg in Act 1 instead of adding the Byrdpip companion to their group, prioritizing immediate health benefits over long-term tactics.

#### Closing Thoughts

The April 2026 Neowsletter is not only a source of excitement for the prospects of *Slay the Spire 2*, but also a revealing look at the decisions players make as they traverse the challenging and strategic terrain of the game. As Mega Crit continues to enhance and expand their universe, players are eagerly anticipating the next wave of content and the surprises it will bring to their adventures.

I don’t know about you, readers, but this past week’s gone by in a bit of a blur. Did I volunteer to take WAWAPs for today, or was I forced at Ziff Davis canteen sporkpoint? I can’t even remember, but perhaps relaxing with some PC games – and/or reading about what you’re all playing – will help lift the brainfog.

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The ongoing discussion about whether Charlie Cox has engaged with the 2025 Game of the Year, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, has persisted for an unusually lengthy period. The *Daredevil* star, who voices the character Gustave in *Expedition 33*, initially believed he had only committed to a simple voiceover project, spending merely four hours in the recording studio. However, this experience has lingered with him for over a year, with fans relentlessly inquiring about the game. Recently, in a conversation with *GamesRadar*, Cox shared that he has in fact dedicated some time to playing the game—likely to address the continuous questions—stating, “I’m not very good at it.” This revelation has ignited ongoing conversations concerning the expectations placed on celebrities to engage with every aspect of their work, especially in the realm of gaming.

The heart of the matter rests in the overarching notion that insisting individuals engage with gaming—particularly actors who may lack interest in the medium—is misguided and superfluous. Charlie Cox shouldn’t feel compelled to be a gamer simply because he voiced a character in a video game, and such expectations can ultimately deter talent from accepting similar opportunities in the future. The vocal minority of *Clair Obscur*’s passionate fanbase appears to have contributed to this pressure, creating an awkward situation for Cox, who has already articulated his disinterest in gaming and minimal understanding of the game’s storyline.

Despite the praise for his voice work, Cox has persistently sought to shift the attention away from him. During a panel in November 2025, he acknowledged his nomination for a Game Award but underscored that much of the recognition should be attributed to Maxence Cazorla, the motion capture actor who animated Gustave and other characters. His efforts to downplay his involvement underscore a more significant issue in the gaming industry: the tendency to correlate voice acting quality with personal investment in gaming itself.

Cox’s situation highlights a key aspect of contemporary fandom and celebrity relationships. While many fans forge a parasocial bond with virtual characters, desiring validation from the actors behind them, it is crucial to remember that actors like Cox are not obligated to engage with every dimension of their performance, especially if it does not represent a genuine passion of theirs.

In examining the dynamics of representation in gaming, it’s also important to recognize the frequently overlooked contributions of motion capture actors and other behind-the-scenes talent. Cox’s commitment to acknowledging these creatives has initiated conversations about recognizing their efforts in industry awards. This is a positive development, emphasizing the need to credit contributions appropriately and ensuring fair acknowledgment of all roles in a game’s creation.

Ultimately, Charlie Cox’s experience serves as a reminder that individuals are not required to participate in activities outside of their interests, regardless of their professional involvement. It is entirely reasonable for someone to shine in a performance, as Cox did, without being a fervent gamer. Whether he chooses to continue voicing characters in video games should hinge solely on his interest and enjoyment of the experience—not the demands of fandom.

**Capcom’s Pragmata: Twitch Badge Release Sparks Community Dispute**

Capcom’s *Pragmata* has officially debuted, earning favorable reviews for its gameplay and visual design. Ahead of this launch, Capcom collaborated with Twitch to present fans with a chance to earn a unique “Cryana” Twitch Chat Badge. However, a backlash arose online as several users alleged that the badge references a controversial meme linked to inappropriate themes.

The “Cryana” badge, as per the announcement from the official *Pragmata* X account, relates to the game’s android character, Diana, who is portrayed with youthful attributes. Following the announcement, numerous social media users raised alarms, associating the badge with the “Uohhhhhhhhh!” meme, which is notoriously tied to questionable internet content involving underage figures.

Critics on social media shared their dissatisfaction with comments such as, “I can’t believe Capcom is uooohposting in their marketing,” suggesting that they found the promotion to be unsuitable. Content creator Lance McDonald amplified the conversation by claiming that the badge linked to a meme frequently celebrated in a negative light, along with a nod to the *Know Your Meme* page outlining the “Uoh!” meme’s origins.

The meme itself emerged from a contentious reply on X (formerly Twitter), where emojis reacting to an image of a child ignited widespread backlash and became a viral expression mocking certain internet factions that sexualize animated portrayals of minors. Due to its connection with such troubling implications, many users were bewildered by Capcom’s choice to introduce a badge seemingly associated with the meme.

It is possible that Capcom’s marketing team was oblivious to the adverse implications linked to the “Cryana” badge and aimed to depict a humorous version of Diana as a crying emoji. Nonetheless, *Pragmata* has previously faced backlash related to the sexualization of its main character, highlighted by the banning of a subreddit focused on erotic representations of Diana earlier this year.

As of the time of this report, Capcom had yet to reply to questions concerning the controversy regarding the Twitch badge. As the circumstances continue to develop, it remains uncertain how Capcom will tackle the concerns expressed by its fanbase and the wider gaming community.

**CinemaCon 2026: Highlights and Marvel’s Showcase of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’**

CinemaCon, an annual event in Las Vegas, serves as a crucial assembly for the film sector to reveal upcoming ventures, preview thrilling content, and cultivate relationships between studios and exhibitors. The event wrapped up on April 16, 2026, featuring an impressive presentation by Marvel Studios that sparked significant excitement among fans and industry experts.

One of the event’s most awaited moments was the release of new footage from the forthcoming film *Avengers: Doomsday*. Although the trailer was heavily guarded—with attendees allegedly being removed for attempts to record it—there have been firsthand reports outlining its details.

### Trailer Breakdown

The trailer opened with the foreboding statement, “Something’s coming. Something we may not be able to stop,” set against a striking backdrop of the ruins of the X-Mansion. This visual decision suggests a serious threat looming over the Marvel Universe. Prominent characters such as Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., make significant appearances. In contrast to his famous portrayal of Tony Stark, Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom takes on a unique accent, possibly indicating a shift from his earlier role and intriguing fans with a new take on a cherished character.

The trailer also featured beloved Marvel heroes, including Thor and Steve Rogers, who seem to be preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. This inclusion of established favorites underscores Marvel’s ongoing strategy of interweaving character arcs, ensuring that fans remain engaged and invested.

### Disney’s ‘Infinity Vision’

Alongside film previews, CinemaCon also announced “Infinity Vision,” a new screen certification from Disney and Marvel. This initiative aims to establish a new benchmark for theatrical presentations, with speculation that it could rival IMAX. The timing of this announcement coincides with the release of *Doomsday*, emphasizing Disney’s strategic maneuvers in the competitive film landscape. Notably, Disney’s approach to Infinity Vision did not include new construction or equipment; instead, it appears to be a branding initiative designed to enhance the viewer experience in existing theaters.

### Upcoming Releases and Fan Anticipation

As anticipation builds for *Avengers: Doomsday*, a re-release of *Avengers: Endgame* has been scheduled for September 25, 2026, featuring new footage intended to directly connect the narrative with *Doomsday*. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed that the new film will pick up immediately following the events of *Endgame*, suggesting a smooth transition that could enrich the overall storyline.

*Avengers: Doomsday* is set for a theatrical release on December 18, 2026. Before this, fans can look forward to *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, premiering on July 31, 2026, although further details regarding Spider-Man’s role in *Doomsday* remain unclear.

### Conclusion

CinemaCon 2026 reinforced the excitement enveloping Marvel’s cinematic universe and the tactics employed by studios to innovate the theatrical experience. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of *Avengers: Doomsday*, the potential for new narratives, character developments, and cutting-edge viewing technologies promises to keep audiences engaged in the cinematic realm well into the future.

**Fortune’s Run Developer Unveils Update Following Prison Term**

In January 2025, Dizzie, the independent developer responsible for the immersive shooter *Fortune’s Run*, declared that progress on the game had been halted indefinitely due to her incarceration. Details about her situation were limited, but Dizzie mentioned that her three-year sentence originated from a violent history, which she recognized as a result of her previous conduct. After a year, she recently posted an update on Steam revealing her release from prison and her enthusiasm to continue development on the well-received Early Access game.

In an upbeat manner, Dizzie stated on Steam: “Great news, everyone! I’m composing this Steam post on a computer instead of dictating it through the jail phone!” She humorously called her release an “anti-climactic resolution to the season 1 finale cliffhanger.” Although her early release from prison prompted inquiries, she briefly recounted her experience and how her rehabilitation attempts were perceived, explaining, “the parole board assessed my case and promptly kicked my ass out of jail. Hurray! The system works!”

Now adapting to life post-incarceration, Dizzie is residing in a halfway house, and with the exit of former co-developer Arachne, she is tasked with the difficult job of reorganizing the game’s development. She expressed a need to reevaluate the game’s content that Arachne had contributed to ensure a successful launch: “It’s time to be a responsible adult and not spend months crafting soldering minigames so that you all actually get to see a 1.0.”

Dizzie aims for a new build of *Fortune’s Run* to be released in six months, with a full launch expected within a year. However, she admitted these timelines are rough estimates due to her recent adjustment from incarceration.

During her imprisonment, Dizzie shared troubling accounts of her situation, including allegations of mistreatment and insufficient access to services that would support her rehabilitation. She characterized the prison environment as one that fostered negative behaviors and went on to reveal her creative work during this time, which involved conceptualizing a roguelike game. This game would incorporate a parasitic mushroom mechanic, enabling players to infest and alter defeated enemies, featuring a unique openGL renderer that she sketched on paper in her cell.

The events surrounding Dizzie’s incarceration and subsequent release have ignited conversations about the justice system and its capacity for rehabilitation. Critics and supporters hold diverse views on her journey and the ramifications of her return to game development. Regardless, Dizzie’s story underscores the significance of second chances and the necessity for a system that aids individuals in transforming their lives after fulfilling their sentences.

As she steps back into the development of *Fortune’s Run*, the gaming community is closely observing, eager to see how her experiences might shape the game’s future trajectory.