Gait Games

Amplitude have always used early access for their games, even before Steam Early Access was a thing. Ahead of Endless Space‘s release in July 2012, players who preordered the game got immediate access to an alpha build that was steadily patched and updated on the lead up to launch.

To this day, the studio still uses its Games2Gether program, where they discuss design issues with players and poll them for thoughts on how to proceed. Right now, there are a small group of players giving feedback on the recently announced Humankind 2.

However, as Amplitude prepare to launch Endless Legend 2 after a year in early access, co-founder and CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis readily admits “The whole thing has changed over time.”

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### Nintendo’s Judicial Triumph Over Piracy: The Case of James Williams

Nintendo has scored a notable judicial triumph in its persistent battle against video game piracy, winning a legal case against James Williams, a significant player in the distribution of pirated Nintendo Switch titles. Williams, who acted as a moderator for the controversial subreddit r/SwitchPirates, did not respond to the lawsuit, resulting in a default judgment favoring Nintendo.

As reported, Nintendo’s lawsuit, initiated in 2024 as part of a wider effort to tackle piracy of its Switch platform, has led to a hefty financial penalty for Williams. The court has directed him to pay $4.5 million in damages for his involvement in facilitating the spread of pirated materials. Furthermore, the ruling requires Williams to disable any websites he manages that share pirated Switch content.

This judicial confrontation is a continuation of Nintendo’s vigorous approach against piracy. Previously, the firm targeted Ryan Daly, the proprietor of Modded Hardware, recognized for selling modified consoles and cheating tools. After a failed attempt to settle, the situation progressed to court. Ultimately, Daly was compelled to pay Nintendo $2 million and to destroy the modding hardware, underscoring Nintendo’s dedication to safeguarding its intellectual rights.

Nintendo’s strategy demonstrates its strict zero-tolerance policy regarding piracy, highlighting how seriously the company regards the unauthorized distribution of its games. While the legal system generally favors Nintendo in these situations, the company encounters difficulties when confronting larger entities that might possess the means to challenge such rulings.

As Nintendo continues to achieve victories over individuals and organizations connected to piracy, the gaming community remains split on the ramifications of these legal pursuits. Some perceive it as an essential measure to safeguard the industry and its creators, while others contend it could impede modding and innovation.

In summary, Nintendo’s legal success against James Williams serves as a cautionary tale for others engaged in piracy, showcasing the company’s determination to vigorously seek legal recourse. With each victorious case, Nintendo strengthens its commitment to retain control over its intellectual property and combat piracy in every form.

I would hope that for most of you it would not be a controversial thing to hear me say I hate generative AI. It stinks! It is rotting everyone’s brains, and the people shilling it don’t even care (see Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang saying he doesn’t think it matters that kids aren’t actually learning things like basic math when they use AI). But – please don’t leave yet – it sure does make for some primo storytelling. Like, for example, in the upcoming LOVE alt delete, a psychological horror visual novel where you are beta testing a chatbot that you’re trying to date.

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### The Future of Intelligence: Jensen Huang’s Insights on AI and Its Effect on Learning

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, stands out as a key player in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and computing technologies. His company, recognized for its high-performance GPUs, delivers crucial hardware for data centers that drive AI systems and services. Given Nvidia’s influence in the AI field, Huang’s opinions on AI’s effects on society and education carry considerable weight.

Recently, Huang engaged in an interview with *The New York Times*, where he explored the ramifications of AI on learning, especially among young learners. Addressing research that suggests AI tools may help children complete homework more swiftly, Huang acknowledged a concerning trend: despite students finishing tasks more quickly, they often fail to retain the knowledge and skills that these assignments are designed to impart. Consequently, their performance on tests seems to suffer.

Huang highlighted the growing challenges children encounter with basic math skills. He noted, “Try to get a kid to do long division right now,” expressing his concern over a decline in understanding fundamental mathematics, including forgetting multiplication tables and square roots. While he recognized that these abilities are waning, he voiced a sense of indifference. “Does it matter? I don’t think it does,” he maintained, implying that society might discover new essential skills emerging as technology progresses.

In a frank admission during the discussion, Huang shared that his dependence on technology has caused him to forget personal details such as his address and phone number. He narrated an experience where, while needing to refuel his vehicle, he panicked after realizing he couldn’t remember his ZIP code. This revelation raises concerns about the enduring effects of AI on cognitive abilities and the vital skills people have historically depended on.

Huang’s comments spark a wider conversation about the influence of technology in education and cognitive growth. As society leans more on AI and digital tools, the debate persists over whether this dependence erodes fundamental skills or if it opens avenues for new types of intelligence. Huang proposed that although AI may diminish “finer intellectual dexterity,” it might usher in a shift towards a more holistic way of thinking, referred to as “systems thinking.” Nevertheless, the term lacks a clear definition, leading to skepticism regarding its practical effects.

Critics of this viewpoint argue that the diminishing value of basic skills like math could impede individuals in real-life situations, especially when technology encounters failures. There is a worry that future generations might face difficulties in routine tasks without the aid of their devices, fostering a dependency that could compromise their capability to process information and solve problems autonomously.

As AI continues to weave into our daily lives, the balance between harnessing its benefits and preserving fundamental cognitive skills is an essential topic of discussion. Huang’s observations offer a perspective through which to analyze these shifting educational landscapes and the prospective consequences of a technology-centric future. Ultimately, as we navigate the intricacies of AI, it is crucial to contemplate the implications for learning and intellectual growth, ensuring that while we welcome innovation, we do not overlook the foundational skills that support our comprehension of the world.

Just don’t fall asleep.

The post Slayers 2 Thunder Breathing – Full Obtainment! appeared first on Gamezebo.

If it ain’t broke, why fix it? That seems to be the thought process behind Iron Bramble, the next game from the devs behind Rusted Moss. Like its predecessor, Iron Bramble is a pixel art metroidvania, one where you have a grappling hook that lets you swing about the place at rapid pace, only this time the setting is a “cyber-gothic megastructure” and you play a story-eating demon (?) woman in a world where humanity’s flesh bodies have all died out and their souls now reside in metal, robotic husks.

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### The Emerging Narrative of Ubisoft Milan’s Abandoned Zelda Spin-Off Featuring Ganondorf

A recent article has unveiled captivating insights regarding an ambitious endeavor from Ubisoft Milan, the creators of the praised *Mario + Rabbids* series. The studio intended to develop a spin-off from Nintendo’s iconic *Zelda* franchise that would spotlight the notorious antagonist Ganondorf as the main character. However, the initiative, codenamed Goliath, ultimately failed to materialize, leading to substantial shifts within Ubisoft and a possible conclusion to its alliance with Nintendo.

As per a report from Insider Gaming, in the early months of 2023, following the launch of *Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope*, Ubisoft Milan introduced a novel concept for a *Zelda* spin-off. This fresh idea was pitched to Nintendo, who showed interest. Nonetheless, they proposed a significant revision: instead of featuring a new hero, Ganondorf should be the focal point. This directive led a small team, directed by Ubisoft Milan veteran Davide Soliani, to initiate work on a game prototype.

By November 2023, Soliani and his team had finalized a prototype and showcased it to Nintendo. Unfortunately, the prototype was turned down, with the reasons for the refusal remaining ambiguous. In the wake of this disappointment, Ubisoft considered the possibility of developing games utilizing other Nintendo intellectual properties, such as *Star Fox* or more titles within the *Mario* realm. Despite these attempts, dialogue between Ubisoft and Nintendo began to decline by early 2024.

Ubisoft chose not to comment on these occurrences when asked by Insider Gaming. The aftermath of the cancellation of the *Zelda* spin-off initiative proved to be substantial, as key figures from Ubisoft Milan, including Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna, left the company in July 2024. In discussions, they indicated that the cancellation of this ambitious endeavor was a major factor influencing their decision to depart. Consequently, they established a new studio named Day 4 Night, which has been developing an exciting new platformer known as *Bradley the Badger*.

This chain of events prompts inquiries about the future of partnerships between leading game studios such as Ubisoft and Nintendo. The potential for groundbreaking crossovers and collaborations remains an alluring prospect for enthusiasts, but as demonstrated by the unfortunate outcome of the *Zelda* spin-off, the journey toward realizing such projects can be laden with obstacles.

I freaking love my little pony.

The post How to Get a Horse in Slayers 2 – All 6 Locations + Taming! appeared first on Gamezebo.

Marathon will be “growing beyond extraction.” That’s what Bungie say in a new blog post outlining the future of the shooter, after announcing earlier this week that they’ll be bringing back vaulted Destiny 2 campaigns. “Marathon launched as a cutthroat, winner-takes-all PvEvP experience,” they explain. “We want to preserve that thrill for the players who enjoy it, while creating more ways for others to experience the world and find the level of challenge that works for them.”

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**The Nonattendance of Chris Metzen at BlizzCon 2026: A Contemplation on His Legacy and Influence**

As BlizzCon 2026 came to an end, numerous fans and participants found themselves reflecting on the marked absence of Chris Metzen, a key figure in the Blizzard Entertainment community. Renowned for his imaginative contributions to celebrated franchises such as *Warcraft* and *Diablo*, Metzen has long been a cherished figure at this annual gathering. His absence ignited discussions among fans, especially as they savored themed treats like Night Elf pizza—a fitting emblem of the nostalgia and fellowship often commemorated at BlizzCon.

Metzen, an artist, author, and voice artist, is especially recognized for his role as the character Thrall and for his pivotal involvement in shaping the creative direction of beloved titles like *Warcraft 3* and *World of Warcraft* (WoW). His jubilant announcements at BlizzCon have become iconic instances within the gaming realm, eliciting fervent reactions from the audience. Upon Metzen’s retirement in 2016, many presumed they had seen the last of him on the stage. Nonetheless, his comeback in 2022 as a creative advisor and later as executive creative director for *Warcraft* rekindled fan hopes and expectations.

Metzen’s final appearance at BlizzCon 2023, where he unveiled the “Worldsoul Saga,” ignited excitement as it hinted at a new phase for *WoW*. Yet, his absence in 2026 raised worries among fans regarding his health and connection with Blizzard—doubts intensified by a history of anxiety and panic that Metzen has candidly shared in interviews.

Despite the speculation, Metzen’s ongoing projects reveal that he remains immersed in the gaming universe. He is reportedly developing a new tabletop campaign setting and contributing to fresh features for *WoW: Forever*, demonstrating that even from the sidelines, his creative impact endures.

His choice to skip public appearances at BlizzCon may stem from his battle with anxiety, a challenge that has influenced his professional journey. Metzen has described the anxiety episodes that disturbed him during what should have been joyous moments. This personal perspective illuminates the internal struggles he faced, reinforcing the idea that even acclaimed personalities encounter vulnerabilities.

Metzen’s absence from BlizzCon does not indicate a drop in the quality or trajectory of *World of Warcraft*. As the game flourishes under a diverse team of developers and creatives, it is crucial for fans to recognize that the legacy of *WoW* does not rely on a single person. While Metzen’s contributions significantly influenced the game’s narrative and artistry, the collaborative nature of game development ensures that its future is a collective endeavor.

Anticipation for forthcoming titles like *The Last Titan* and *WoW: Forever* suggests that the community’s excitement is rooted in a shared passion for the franchise, beyond the presence of any singular figure. Other voices within Blizzard, such as Holly Longdale and Ion Hazzikostas, continue to engage the community with enthusiasm and openness, advancing discussions on upcoming content and developments.

Ultimately, Chris Metzen’s absence at BlizzCon 2026 acts as a reminder of the intricacies of creative roles within the gaming sector. As fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter of *World of Warcraft*, it is essential to honor Metzen’s legacy while appreciating the many gifted individuals who contribute to the dynamic world of Azeroth. Whether Metzen steps back into the limelight in the future or not, his influence remains interwoven into the rich fabric of Blizzard’s storytelling and artistry.