Gait Games

Have you ever noticed your next company-wide meeting’s due and thought the following: ‘Oh, we should post an image prominently featuring a screen from a game rumoured to potentially be getting the remake or remaster treatment, but solely to illustrate how much we love meetings’? Well, Iron Galaxy Studios – co-developers of Skyrim‘s Switch port and support studio on Fallout 76 – say was what happened late last week. The studio say their social media posts featuring Fallout: New Vegas‘ ‘Please Stand By’ screen have “nothing to do with anything Fallout being worked on”.

Read more

Are titles worth it?

The post All Rogue Piece Titles and How to Get Them appeared first on Gamezebo.

### Controversy Surrounding the UI in Marathon’s Pre-Launch Server Slam

One of the most extensively debated issues during the pre-launch server slam for Bungie’s upcoming title, *Marathon*, was the user interface (UI). Players engaged in thorough discussions about the design aspects of the UI, emphasizing problems such as unclear menus, layers of text boxes, and a disorganized inventory system. The term “fontslop” emerged as a central point of debate, creating a rift among fans regarding the interface’s effectiveness and visual appeal.

**Emergence of “Fontslop”**

The conversation surrounding *Marathon*’s UI intensified after YouTuber Kelski tweeted a message that went viral, labeling the game’s interface as a potential “first-ever fontslop game.” He highlighted the “20 different combinations of fonts, boldness levels, sizes, spacing, all caps vs regular caps” that crowd a single menu page. As players expressed their views, two factions emerged: those pleading for a more streamlined, intuitive interface and others dismissing these worries, accusing detractors of being uncreative and overly familiar with the mainstream design standards seen in titles like *Call of Duty*.

**Community Reactions**

The subreddit dedicated to *Marathon* experienced a surge of conversations surrounding the term “slop.” Numerous users voiced their weariness with the term and its implications. Comments indicated a sentiment that the term had lost its significance amidst the heated debates, with players using humor to critique the phrase’s overabundance. Despite the negative undertones, some fans defended the chaos of the UI design, contending that while improvements could be advantageous, the unique style contributes an engaging element often missing in mainstream releases.

**Bungie’s Response**

Bungie, cognizant of the criticism, has acknowledged player feedback multiple times during the beta weekends. UI designer Elliot Gray addressed the commotion, recognizing areas requiring enhancement in inventory management and navigation while also affirming the studio’s dedication to preserving the unique aesthetic dubbed “the SAUCE.” This assertion, along with the hashtag #fontsloptakeover, signifies a lighthearted acceptance of the “fontslop” moniker by certain Bungie team members, reinforcing a playful rapport with the community.

Despite the humor surrounding the “fontslop” label, players are demanding specific modifications that might improve gameplay. Among these requests are clearer distinctions between gear quality in inventory icons, which currently show identical visuals for items with vastly differing attributes. Players are also seeking more succinct notifications related to contract and upgrade progress, hoping these alterations can be realized without compromising the UI’s artistic character.

**Looking Ahead**

As *Marathon* nears its launch, it’s clear that UI concerns will persist as a focus for Bungie. The team is challenged with preserving a distinctive aesthetic while enhancing functional aspects that improve player experience. The discussions and debates underscore a passionate community engaged in the game’s development, highlighting the delicate balance developers must strike between creative vision and user-friendly design. Ultimately, the results will influence not only the launch of *Marathon* but also the game’s standing within a competitive environment dominated by AAA titles with established design standards.

**Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase Highlights**

Nintendo has recently held an exhilarating Indie World Showcase, revealing a selection of upcoming independent games scheduled for release on Switch and Switch 2 in the coming months. Here are the main highlights from the event:

### **Denshattack!**
The showcase kicked off with **Denshattack!**, a thrilling public transit game where players execute stunts while maneuvering a train car over diverse and unconventional terrains. Set to launch on June 17, a demo is currently available. The Switch 2 edition will include a unique skin for the train.

### **My Little Puppy**
For dog lovers, **My Little Puppy** provides an emotional adventure centered around a dog in the afterlife on a quest to find his owner, who has just crossed over. This touching journey is scheduled to release on May 29.

### **Heave Ho 2**
The follow-up to the popular co-op platformer, **Heave Ho 2** will introduce new modes and online gameplay for players this summer, preserving the franchise’s distinctive mechanics where players form chains to overcome challenges.

### **Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault**
**Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault** is a highly anticipated top-down roguelike dungeon crawler and shop management simulator, projected to launch on Switch 2 later this year.

### **Woodo**
**Woodo** invites players into a puzzling adventure centered on creating wooden dioramas to tell stories. This title is slated for release this summer on both Switch and Switch 2.

### **Minishoot’ Adventures**
The twin-stick shooter RPG **Minishoot’ Adventures**, which received favorable reviews on Steam, is making its debut on Switch 2 today.

### **The Midnight Walk**
The critically acclaimed horror adventure **The Midnight Walk**, which launched on other platforms last year, is coming to Switch 2 on March 26.

### **Rotwood**
From **Don’t Starve** creator Klei Entertainment, **Rotwood** is an action-packed fantasy beat-em-up that is launching as a console exclusive on Switch 2 today.

### **Mixtape**
Set to launch on May 7, **Mixtape** is a coming-of-age adventure that immerses players in the realm of music videos.

### **Blighted**
Drinkbox Studios, recognized for **Guacamelee**, presented **Blighted**, their upcoming action RPG inspired by **Hades**, scheduled to release on Switch 2 this fall.

### **Deadzone: Rogue**
The sci-fi shooter **Deadzone: Rogue** features rogue-like mechanics and cooperative gameplay, set to arrive on Switch 2 on March 17, with mouse control support included.

### **Montage of Upcoming Titles**
The presentation showcased a montage of several additional games:
– **Grave Seasons**
– **Unrailed 2: Back on Track**
– **TOEM 2**
– **inKONBINI: One Store, Many Stories**
– **Outbound**
– **Ratatan**

### **Blue Prince**
Wrapping up the showcase, **Blue Prince**, a well-regarded puzzle game, is now confirmed to launch on Switch 2.

This Indie World Showcase offers an exciting array of titles for gamers on Nintendo’s platforms, showcasing both innovative gameplay and heartfelt narratives.

**Cyberpunk 2077: A Fresh Opportunity on Game Pass**

In the realm of gaming, few games have sparked as much debate as CD Projekt Red’s *Cyberpunk 2077*, which debuted in December 2020 to significant criticism due to various bugs and performance shortcomings. Numerous players felt let down by their experience, resulting in a notable backlash against both the game and its developers. However, following a batch of substantial updates designed to address these issues, alongside the launch of the well-received *Phantom Liberty* expansion, gamers are beginning to contemplate a return to Night City.

For those reluctant to jump back in, the forthcoming release of *Cyberpunk 2077* on Xbox Game Pass might provide the ideal incentive. Announced as part of Xbox’s March offerings, the core game will be available to Game Pass subscribers starting March 10. Though this version does not encompass the *Phantom Liberty* expansion, which can be acquired separately, players can still enjoy the essential elements of the game.

The *Phantom Liberty* expansion introduces a new narrative featuring an engaging spy thriller storyline and a supporting performance by Idris Elba, highlighting the finest aspects of the *Cyberpunk 2077* world. For players interested in experiencing the main game first, it presents a chance to assess their enthusiasm before committing to further expenditures.

**March Game Pass Lineup Highlights**

If *Cyberpunk 2077* doesn’t capture your attention, the complete March lineup is rather impressive, showcasing:

– **Available Now:**
– *Final Fantasy III* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
– *Kingdom Come: Deliverance II* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

– **March 4:**
– *to a T* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
– *EA Sports F1 25* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

– **March 5:**
– *Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, Handheld, and PC)

– **March 10:**
– *Construction Simulator* (Cloud, Console, and PC)
– *Cyberpunk 2077* (Cloud and Console)

– **March 12:**
– *Hollow Knight: Silksong* (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)

– **March 17:**
– *Dreamworks Gabby’s Dollhouse: Ready to Party* (Cloud, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Additionally, players should be aware that a number of games will be exiting the Game Pass library on March 15, including:

– *Bratz Rhythm & Style* (Cloud, Console, and PC)
– *Enter the Gungeon* (Cloud, Console, and PC)
– *F1 23* (Cloud, Console, and PC)
– *He is Coming* (PC)
– *Lightyear Frontier* (Cloud, Console, and PC)
– *Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island* (Cloud, Console, and PC)

In conclusion, the inclusion of *Cyberpunk 2077* in Game Pass on March 10 offers a timely chance for players to reconnect with the troubled RPG. With enhanced mechanics and fresh content, now is an ideal moment—if you missed previous opportunities, the time to return to Night City is here.

**U.S. Physical Video Game Sales in 2025: An Overview**

In 2025, U.S. physical video game sales experienced a notable decline, amounting to roughly $1.5 billion, signifying the lowest level recorded in three decades. A report by Circana’s Mat Piscatella reveals that this steep fall represents an 11-percent decrease in expenditure from the year prior, though it should be noted that this decline is the smallest rate observed since 2021.

Despite the apparently grim situation regarding physical media sales, there is an alternative perspective worth considering. Circana’s forecast report for 2026, released on February 11, indicates that the coming year holds the promise of reaching record levels in consumer expenditure throughout the video game sector. In 2025, total sales of U.S. video game hardware, content, and accessories hit $60.7 billion, showcasing a slight 1.4 percent increase compared to 2024. This figure is marginally below the record of $61.7 billion attained in 2021.

This contrast prompts intriguing inquiries into the differing trends in physical and overall video game sales. The report suggests that shifts in consumer behavior may be the root of this gap, emphasizing the rapid adoption of cloud gaming and the growing appeal of subscription-based services such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue. These changes indicate a shift away from conventional physical game purchases towards digital and subscription formats.

While Piscatella concedes that the recent drop in physical media sales is less alarming than the steep 28 percent plunge seen in 2024, it is essential to grasp the broader economic landscape. When adjusting the 1995 physical video game sales figures for inflation, it becomes clear that the situation is considerably more dire, with the total inflation rate from 1995 to 2025 estimated at about 113 percent.

Piscatella also notes that the rate at which physical sales are declining may have decelerated primarily because the market is nearing a bottom point. Elements such as the expected launch of the Switch 2 console have offered some degree of stabilization. Furthermore, a noticeable trend among Gen Z toward analog and non-connected gaming experiences has been observed, although Piscatella remains doubtful about any “dramatic shifts” within the industry.

In conclusion, although physical video game sales have reached an unprecedented low, the larger gaming market is set for possible growth in 2026, propelled by changing consumer preferences and technological innovations. The industry’s reaction to these developments will be pivotal in shaping the future of video gaming in the United States.

**The Trump Administration’s Position on Tencent’s Investments in U.S. Gaming Companies**

The Trump administration is said to be contemplating major measures against Chinese technology behemoth Tencent, possibly requiring the firm to divest its significant holdings in American gaming companies, such as Epic Games, recognized for creating *Fortnite*, and Riot Games, the developer of *League of Legends*. This examination comes as the administration readies for crucial discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, according to the *Financial Times*.

### Tencent’s Influence in the Gaming Sector

Tencent has become a leading force in the international gaming arena. With a 28% share in Epic Games, the company has formed vital alliances to extend its reach within the U.S. gaming market. Furthermore, Tencent wholly owns Riot Games and has interests in several other gaming enterprises, including Discord, Larian Studios, and Remedy Entertainment. Significantly, it possesses a majority stake in Supercell, the Finnish company responsible for *Clash of Clans*. Given the considerable number of Supercell’s users located in the U.S., Tencent’s investment approaches face intensified examination from the Trump administration.

### Concerns for National Security

The ongoing scrutiny of Tencent’s investments is managed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (Cfius), which has raised concerns about possible access to sensitive user information that Tencent’s ownership stakes might enable. Previously, President Trump expressed intentions to ban WeChat, a messaging app owned by Tencent, citing similar worries regarding data privacy and foreign influence. In a significant development, the administration classified Tencent as a “Chinese military company” in January 2025, signaling a heightened posture against perceived Chinese threats amid ongoing trade discussions.

### Consequences of Potential Divestment

The current discussions within the White House raise questions about their seriousness and potential results. While some perceive this as mere political theater, the consequences of mandating Tencent to divest its assets could be considerable for the gaming sector. For instance, a compelled sale of Riot Games could lead to increased consolidation within the industry, potentially benefiting U.S.-based entities, including those associated with prominent tech figures such as Larry Ellison, whose investments in media and technology are growing rapidly.

### Contextual Background and Future Outlook

This circumstance evokes the administration’s prior attempts to address issues with other Chinese tech companies, particularly the attempted closure of TikTok, which ultimately ended with a deal for a partial sale to a group led by Oracle. The absence of direct legislative actions on TikTok reinforces doubts about the administration’s resolve to impose strict measures against Tencent.

### Conclusion

As the Trump administration considers its options regarding Tencent’s investments in U.S. gaming firms, the potential outcomes remain unpredictable. Whether motivated by authentic national security apprehensions or political drives, the consequences of such actions could alter the landscape of the gaming industry and international business relations between the U.S. and China. With increasing tensions and impending trade negotiations, the future of Tencent’s investments may depend on broader geopolitical strategies and the changing dynamics of U.S.-China relations.

**Addressing Arachnophobia in Video Games: The Case of Resident Evil Requiem**

Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s newest entry in the enduring horror franchise, has attracted interest not only for its gameplay and narrative but also for its inclusion of features that may induce arachnophobia among gamers. Acknowledging this, the gaming community has come together to develop mods that let those with this fear enjoy the game without the anxiety of encountering spiders.

### The Spider Problem

Arachnophobia, the intense fear of spiders, impacts a considerable number of individuals. Within the realm of gaming, the existence of spiders can be a dealbreaker, leading players to steer clear of otherwise captivating titles. Resident Evil Requiem contains segments filled with spider adversaries, serving as a pivotal aspect of the game’s storyline. This emphasis on arachnids may dissuade players with severe phobias from engaging with the game.

### Modding Solutions

Thankfully, the modding community promptly addressed this issue shortly after the game’s launch on February 27. Within days, players could access various mods specifically aimed at reducing encounters with spiders. These mods range in their methods, from straightforward tweaks to imaginative substitutions.

1. **Formless Blobs Mod**: A key mod replaces the massive spider in the second act with a harmless, non-threatening entity labeled as “formless blobs.” This modification allows players to navigate the game without the associated anxieties.

2. **Creature Model Swaps**: Another mod modifies the visuals of several spider foes, substituting them with models of different creatures, such as birds, rats, or even the notorious Mr. X from earlier Resident Evil titles. This provides a clever workaround for players seeking engagement without the fear of spiders.

3. **Humorous Alternatives**: Possibly the most entertaining mod converts the enormous spider into Thomas the Tank Engine. This comical twist lightens the mood, transforming a potential horror scenario into something more humorous, enabling players to appreciate the game despite their phobias.

### Navigating the Horror

Although the spider sequences in Resident Evil Requiem are fairly brief, their ability to provoke discomfort highlights the importance of mods as a valuable tool for players. With these alterations, individuals with arachnophobia can participate in the game without being weighed down by fears of eight-legged adversaries, ultimately concentrating on the extensive horror experience offered within.

### Conclusion

The progression of gaming has shown a growing recognition of varied player experiences, including phobias such as arachnophobia. Community-driven initiatives like mods not only advocate for inclusivity but also enrich the gaming experience for everyone. In the case of Resident Evil Requiem, the swift efforts of modders guarantee that no player is compelled to miss out on the captivating storyline of Grace and Leon simply due to a fear of spiders. With these inventive alternatives, much of the game’s fright remains intact, enabling all to partake in the thrill of facing other horrific beings in the Resident Evil world.

Last month, Capcom took a contentious step regarding the digital rights management (DRM) implemented in the 2023 remake of *Resident Evil 4* on Steam. The company substituted the previous DRM with Enigma, which had earlier faced backlash for inflicting considerable performance problems in games, a fact that quickly became evident for *RE4* players. After this alteration, numerous users recorded severe declines in frame rates, especially during action-packed moments, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction.

Within a mere few weeks of the alteration, Capcom was met with players expressing their discontent online. Prominent content creators, such as YouTuber ItalicMaze, employed mods to revert their game versions, providing a side-by-side analysis with and without the newly introduced Enigma DRM. Their results highlighted a noticeable decrease in performance, and Digital Foundry corroborated these assertions by indicating an estimated 20% drop in FPS due to the new DRM.

Acknowledging the backlash, Capcom responded promptly. On March 3, only 28 days after the introduction of Enigma, they completely eliminated the problematic DRM from the *Resident Evil 4* remake. This update can be tracked via the changelog on SteamDB, showing a return to a DRM-free status for the game.

This episode is not the first instance of Capcom encountering criticism over DRM concerns. A similar scenario arose with *Resident Evil Village* in 2021, where pirated versions reportedly functioned more smoothly than the official Steam release, which was burdened by DRM protections. Following comparable player dissatisfaction, Capcom removed Denuvo from *Resident Evil Village* in April 2023 without a replacement, unlike the recent *RE4* decision.

Capcom’s recent moves have ignited hope that the publisher may reconsider their stance on DRM in forthcoming titles, particularly in light of the negative publicity and player backlash resulting from this situation. As the gaming community continues to push for enhanced performance and user experiences, it remains to be seen whether this occurrence will impact Capcom’s upcoming decisions regarding digital rights management.

### Upcoming Release of Marathon: What to Anticipate from Bungie’s New Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter

Bungie’s eagerly awaited title, *Marathon*, is scheduled to debut on March 5 for Xbox, PS5, and PC, with a cost of $40. In readiness for this launch, the studio has released critical insights into the seasonal content and frequent updates via a blog entry titled “Introducing Seasons in *Marathon*.” This piece examines the features that players can anticipate in this live-service first-person shooter.

#### Seasonal Framework and Content Updates

The seasonal framework in *Marathon* will last around three months, bringing forth a variety of new equipment, Runner shells (playable characters), maps, and events. Players will be glad to know that Bungie plans to provide this fresh content at no extra charge, removing the necessity to buy downloadable content (DLC) or expansions— a shift away from the approach taken in their previous game, *Destiny 2*, which does feature paid expansions.

The first season, dubbed **Death Is the First Step**, encourages players to team up in a mission to reach the colossal UESC Marathon vessel hovering above Tau Ceti IV. This season introduces a new playable area called Cryo Archive, highlighted as an essential aspect of the game’s endgame experience. Alluding to gameplay challenges with “an entity even the UESC dreads,” references to classic *Marathon* lore, including encounters with S’pht Compilers, are sure to thrill dedicated fans of the series. Moreover, a ranked mode will be added later in this season.

The second season, **Nightfall**, aims to provide a nighttime version of one of the current zones along with fresh backpacks, cores, and other gear. Bungie has promised that each seasonal update will include a distinct collection of content designed to enrich gameplay experiences, featuring new PVE adversaries and diverse playstyles for current zones.

#### The Notion of Seasonal Wipes

A significant feature of *Marathon’s* seasonal framework involves the enactment of “seasonal wipes.” At the beginning of each season, all equipped gear, vaulted loot, contract progression, faction progression, and player levels will reset. Bungie clarifies that this is an intentional mechanic designed to sustain a fresh and competitive atmosphere.

While the prospect of losing all progression may appear severe at first, Bungie highlights that not every aspect of progress will reset; cosmetics, in-game accomplishments, and lore unlocks will be preserved. Additionally, players who have completed faction introduction quests will not need to redo them in subsequent seasons, allowing for some consistency amid the resets.

Bungie indicates that these resets maintain a dynamic gameplay experience, intensifying the urgency of in-game activities as players utilize their accumulated gear before its reset. This mechanic may create a thrilling and intense environment as the end of a season approaches, forming a “brutal playground” for adept players to demonstrate their strategies.

#### Conclusion

With its launch imminent, the appeal of *Marathon* resides not merely in its nostalgic link to Bungie’s past creations but also in its groundbreaking approach to live-service gameplay. By introducing seasonal updates and offering free content, Bungie aims to cultivate a lively gaming community around *Marathon*. As players gear up for release day, anticipation grows regarding how each season will transform the game and what challenges await in the constantly evolving world of *Marathon*.