Gait Games

At the center of the labyrinth is a minotaur. He is bound with muscle. He is fearsome. He is… snoring. Asterion, bored with how long I am taking to place my traps, has gone to sleep. This is despite warriors armed with swords and bows lining up at the gates leading into the maze, itching for their chance to battle the bull-headed, human-bodied creature.

Still, even though he is in mortal danger, I, Daedalus, the labyrinth’s designer, am happy for him to sleep. If I do my job in roguelite tower defense game Minos right, my minotaur won’t have to lift a finger to defend himself.

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**The Exit of Jeff Kaplan from Blizzard: Perspectives on Corporate Struggles and Game Creation**

Jeff Kaplan’s exit from Blizzard Entertainment in 2021 represented a pivotal event in the gaming sector, especially considering his position as the director of the highly acclaimed franchise, *Overwatch*. Kaplan had invested 19 years at Blizzard, playing a seminal role in crafting one of the company’s most successful titles. His sudden departure raised questions, particularly as it occurred just two years prior to the launch of *Overwatch 2*. In a recent discussion, Kaplan revealed the reasons behind his choice, primarily attributing it to corporate mismanagement and increasing profit pressures within Activision Blizzard.

### The Rise of Overwatch

Released in 2016, *Overwatch* was celebrated not only as a groundbreaking team-based shooter but also coincided with a growing enthusiasm for esports. Kaplan envisioned a post-launch experience focused on bringing new content, world events, and updates to keep players engaged. However, the game’s rapid initial success swiftly shifted the emphasis toward competitive gaming as Activision Blizzard aimed to leverage the burgeoning esports market.

Kaplan mentioned that the intense buzz surrounding the Overwatch League led to a misallocation of resources. He reminisced about how the initiative was oversold to potential team owners, making them believe in an unrealistic scenario where the *Overwatch League* would eclipse established sports leagues like the NFL. This inflated excitement helped establish a franchise system where teams were sold for considerable sums, setting the groundwork for substantial challenges ahead.

### The Consequences of the Overwatch League

Ultimately, the Overwatch League turned into a “house of cards,” failing to meet the financial commitments made to its investors and team owners. Reports indicated that Activision Blizzard had projected $125 million in revenue at the league’s inception—a goal that proved elusive, leading to the league’s termination in 2023. As financial goals fell short, pressure intensified on Kaplan and his team to create alternative income sources, primarily through in-game microtransactions. Resources that could have been focused on enhancing game content were diverted toward monetization efforts to support esports earnings.

Reflecting on this ordeal, Kaplan remarked, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” showcasing how the aspirations behind the Overwatch League morphed into an overwhelming obligation.

### The Pressure of Profitability and Job Stability

Besides worries regarding the Overwatch League, Kaplan experienced tremendous pressure regarding the profitability of the *Overwatch* franchise. With the remarkable success of the original game—reportedly generating $1 billion in its first year—the demand for sustained higher profits became an unquenchable expectation. During a critical meeting with the company’s CFO, Kaplan was informed of mandatory revenue benchmarks that had to be achieved to prevent significant layoffs, leading to a profound personal and professional crisis. Kaplan described this moment as the “biggest fuck you” in his career, emphasizing the immense burden placed on him.

### Reflections on Departing Blizzard

Kaplan’s departure from Blizzard was laced with personal distress, as he acknowledged that the separation was one of the most agonizing experiences of his life. He spoke of a mourning period for what he had lost, revealing deep sorrow over his resignation. Additionally, he expressed concern about the broader implications for game developers within corporate settings, advocating for increased acknowledgment of their worth and the necessity of maintaining creative autonomy over their projects.

In summary, Jeff Kaplan’s reflections on his departure from Blizzard highlight wider themes of corporate challenges in the gaming realm, where financial pressures can obscure the artistic vision and passion that originally drove creativity. His experiences resonate with many both within and beyond the industry, emphasizing the fragile equilibrium between profitability and preserving the essence of game development.

It’s looking pretty likely that Gang of Dragon, the debut game from Yakuza/Like a Dragon creator Toshihiro Nagoshi’s studio, won’t be coming out at all. According to a report from Bloomberg, Nagoshi Studio employees were told by NetEase Inc. Friday, March 6th, that it would be pulling funding for the game from this coming May.

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**The Super Mario Galaxy Film: Excitement and Anticipation in the Voice Cast**

The excitement surrounding *The Super Mario Galaxy Film*, scheduled for release on April 1, is tangible as marketing activities increase. While the *Mario* series usually brings about feelings of happiness and playfulness, the participation of the voice cast has sparked some curiosity. Particularly, one prominent actor, Brie Larson, who voices Rosalina, displays a captivating enthusiasm for the venture that starkly contrasts with some of her fellow cast members.

Illumination’s animated adaptations of the *Mario* world have been criticized for lacking authenticity, frequently appearing as a result of thorough market testing instead of a sincere tribute to the cherished franchise. This sentiment is intensified by moments where performers like Seth Rogen and Chris Pratt appear disconnected from the material they portray. In contrast, Larson’s true passion for the *Mario* series distinguishes her. Renowned for her love of gaming, she has candidly shared accounts of excelling at games to the extent that it has influenced her personal life, adding richness to her character interpretation as Rosalina.

As the film’s release approaches, Larson’s contagious excitement shines during promotional events. A recent discussion on *Fandango* highlighted her views on the movie, emphasizing how the narrative’s evolution into the *Galaxy* domain offers immense creative possibilities. Larson stated, “I think [the transition to the Galaxy storyline] introduces so much scope and boundless opportunities to the films,” emphasizing her comprehension of how the game’s vast universe inspires the film’s story. She conveyed pride in witnessing how the movie honors the intricate aspects of the game while integrating character narratives, rendering the shift to film a compelling next phase.

Although promotional events are typically filled with rehearsed performances, Larson’s sincere excitement resonates. Her genuine connection to the original material instills hope that her zeal will convert into an unforgettable performance in the finished film. The aspiration is that this enthusiasm, along with the inventive potential of the *Galaxy* storyline, will lead to a cinematic journey that delights both long-time fans and newcomers when the film premieres in just a few weeks.

Upon Marathon‘s launch earlier this week, Bungie revealed a pair of in-game currencies that you have to use to unlock various bits. One is called SILK, which you can earn through play and is used to unlock rewards in rewards passes. The other is LUX, a premium currency you have to spend real, cold, hard cash on to get, though its sole purpose is for cosmetics. However, much like all in-game currencies that cost real-world money, the amount you can buy and the amount it costs to buy cosmetics didn’t line up, leading to a good bit of pushback that has resulted in Bungie simply giving you more bang for your buck.

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**Ubisoft’s Backing of Dark Messiah Modding Team: A Bright Spot in Difficult Times**

Ubisoft, a name widely recognized for its prestigious gaming franchises, is currently maneuvering through a landscape full of difficulties, including falling stock prices, employee dissatisfaction, and a series of management changes. However, in the midst of these challenges, the company is gaining attention for a surprising yet praiseworthy decision: extending support to a modding team dedicated to resurrecting the cherished game *Dark Messiah of Might & Magic* by porting it to the latest version of Valve’s Source engine.

### A Timeless Classic Reimagined

First launched in 2006 by Arkane Studios, *Dark Messiah of Might & Magic* was acclaimed for its creative take on the RPG genre. Merging elements of stealth, magic, and fierce melee action, the game established a distinct niche within the gaming community, particularly noted for its captivating physics and unforgettable gameplay elements. Its hallmark feature—a formidable kick ability—became a defining aspect of its combat system.

In recent times, fans have aimed to keep the title relevant on contemporary platforms, leading to the creation of a committed modding team known as wiltOS Technologies. This group initially developed several patches to improve the game’s compatibility with modern hardware but has now embarked on a more ambitious goal: porting the complete game to the latest version of the Source engine, which will secure the future of *Dark Messiah* for many years ahead.

### Partnership with Ubisoft and Valve

Importantly, wiltOS Technologies has gained not just approval from Ubisoft, but also direct backing from Valve in their mission. This collaborative attitude is especially significant, as gaming companies typically approach such partnerships cautiously, wary of the repercussions of sharing code. David Wiltos from the modding team shared news of their collaboration on ModDB, highlighting the crucial role of Ubisoft’s support in granting “direct code access” and assistance with their Advanced SDK.

Engagement with Ubisoft signifies a change in corporate mindset towards supporting fan-driven projects that honor legacy titles. This readiness to collaborate could set a significant precedent in the gaming industry, reminiscent of historical moments when companies like id Software earned goodwill by releasing source codes and nurturing active modding communities.

### Broadened Horizons for the Game

With access to the latest Source SDK, wiltOS Technologies intends to drastically improve *Dark Messiah* while maintaining compatibility with existing modifications. This initiative is anticipated to further stabilize the game and enable a wider array of updates, including thrilling new features, graphical upgrades, and even multiplayer options. The modding team is currently welcoming volunteers to expedite the development of this Community Edition, with the goal of revitalizing a game that has endured over time.

Alongside the ongoing work on the Community Edition, recent updates have revitalized the original game, adding features such as RTX graphical enhancements, cooperative modes, and new elemental gameplay mechanics like Runes. This resurgence stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of *Dark Messiah* and highlights the influence of community engagement in the gaming realm.

### A Ray of Hope Amidst Adversity

Ubisoft’s endorsement of the modding project shines as a symbol of optimism amidst the challenges the company faces. It underscores the potential of community-driven collaboration in preserving and enhancing classic games, while reflecting a progressive approach to the evolving gaming landscape. In an era where companies frequently prioritize profits over their entertainment legacy, Ubisoft’s readiness to back the creative pursuits of passionate fans might indicate a more inclusive and community-focused future for the gaming industry.

In essence, this initiative not only illustrates the strength of fan loyalty but also emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections between publishers and modders, ultimately enriching the gaming experience for everyone.

Menace, the latest very XCOM-ish game from Battle Brothers developer Overhype Studios, has been out in early access for about a month now, and with that the arrival of a roadmap has appeared to grace us with very sparse details regarding what you can expect in the game’s numerous updates to come.

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**Continue: Revitalizing Australian Video Game Journalism**

Continue (styled as CONTINUE) is a bold print magazine initiated by Jackson Ryan and Mark Serrels, focused on rejuvenating Australia’s fading video game media landscape. With a successful Kickstarter campaign that has exceeded its $18,000 target in just 24 hours, Continue serves as a landmark for Australian games journalism, featuring some of the country’s most prominent voices.

The Australian video game media environment has encountered considerable obstacles over the last five years. While the global trend indicates a decline in video game journalism, Australia has seen a particularly sharp decrease in support and resources for gaming platforms. Despite the common perception that there is a strong demand for quality games journalism, numerous beloved outlets have either closed down or shifted towards less effective models, such as automated content creation.

Jackson Ryan highlighted the seriousness of the situation on Continue’s Kickstarter page, stating, “It’s been a harsh period for videogames. Industry-wide layoffs, studios closing their doors. Games writing has suffered, too. We’ve witnessed our favorite outlets vanish — or worse, turn into AI content machines. It feels gloomy. It feels like there’s no light at the end of this very dark tunnel. But we believe audiences appreciate exceptional games writing. So we don’t want to give up.”

The first issue of Continue is scheduled to include contributions from esteemed Australian game journalists, such as Alanah Pearce, Ruby Innes, Ally McLean, James O’Connor, and Ben Armstrong. Furthermore, Continue is devoted to nurturing new talent in the industry by encouraging pitches from aspiring writers, offering them an opportunity to contribute through a designated pitch form.

With the successful backing of the Kickstarter campaign and the realization of multiple stretch goals, Ryan and Serrels plan to extend Continue beyond print, with a website expected to launch at continuemagazine.com. This digital addition aims to expand their reach and maintain ongoing debates in games journalism. Even though the campaign has already met its funding goals, supporters still have the chance to contribute and help ensure the success of subsequent issues, including issue #2.

In summary, Continue signifies a promising revival for video game journalism in Australia, propelled by enthusiastic individuals committed to high-quality writing and genuine engagement with the gaming community.

Do all roads lead to gacha It feels like an inevitability, the endpoint of the universe. When there is nothing but a handful of atoms left, the rolls will keep on coming. It’s destiny! That’s the only explanation I have for Wikipedia Gacha, a simple browser game that truly is what it says on the tin. Let me explain it for you anyway.

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**Chained Echoes: Debate Over Physical Copies and Legal Proceedings**

Launched through Kickstarter in 2019 and made available digitally in 2022, the nostalgic RPG *Chained Echoes* has won over fans, drawing parallels to classics like *Chrono Trigger* while carving out its own unique narrative and gameplay style. Created by Matthias Linda, the lone developer behind Umami Tiger, *Chained Echoes* has become a center of controversy as Linda announced the end of his partnership with First Press Games, the entity tasked with producing physical copies of the game, and is gearing up for a lawsuit due to unresolved issues concerning backers’ orders.

The Kickstarter initiative for *Chained Echoes* kicked off on February 5, 2019, reaching its funding target by March 2 of the same year. Even with positive critical acclaim and completing its digital launch on December 8, 2022, the promised physical editions for backers have remained a major issue. The Kickstarter stretch goals included physical copies for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, all of which were achieved. Nevertheless, according to recent communications from Linda, only the PlayStation 4 editions have been dispatched to backers, leaving numerous supporters unhappy.

In an emotional update shared on Kickstarter, Linda conveyed his disappointment regarding the matter. He pointed out that the approval for the physical editions was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2023, but no physical copies, except for those of the PlayStation 4, had been sent out. He emphasized, “It’s been a bit over 2 years since First Press Games was supposed to release the physical copies, and as of 2026, nothing has arrived except the standard PlayStation 4 edition.”

The problems with First Press Games appear to be widespread rather than sporadic. Reports have emerged from various indie creators who have faced similar difficulties in fulfilling orders, raising questions about the reliability of First Press Games. Despite ongoing grievances, the company continues to allow consumers to place orders for the physical versions of *Chained Echoes* on their website, which adds complications for those who backed the Kickstarter project.

Linda clarified the refund situation for backers who upgraded their purchases through First Press Games’ store. He explained that only those who utilized Kickstarter vouchers would be eligible for reimbursement, highlighting the gap between Kickstarter contributors and independent buyers of the game.

Although the legal proceedings may require time to progress, they underline the persistent challenges within the indie game publishing sector, especially regarding the delivery of physical rewards. As the situation evolves, the future of *Chained Echoes*’ physical copies remains uncertain, with backers eagerly anticipating resolution and clarity regarding their contributions.