Gait Games

**All Will Ascend: A Story-Driven Courtroom Deck-Builder with a Social Commitment**

*All Will Ascend* is a forthcoming game characterized as a “story-driven courtroom deck-builder,” where participants assume the role of prosecuting a corrupt billionaire for the demise of a river. Presently in the final phases of a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, the game is being crafted by Speculative Agency, an independent studio dedicated to generating captivating narratives while addressing critical social concerns.

Recently, Speculative Agency garnered attention by declaring its choice to withdraw from a funding arrangement with Microsoft, a prominent entity in the gaming sector. This action is part of the *No Games for Genocide* boycott, which condemns the connections between gaming firms, including Microsoft, and activities perceived as complicit in global violence. The boycott unites game workers, activists, union leaders, and journalists pushing for transformation within the industry concerning their associations with bodies engaged in colonial violence and imperialism.

In an official announcement disseminated through various media outlets, Speculative Agency articulated their belief that the boycott’s momentum might persuade Microsoft to reconsider its business practices concerning involvement with the Israeli government. Meghna Jayanth, the narrative director for *All Will Ascend*, affirmed that Microsoft has been accommodating of their decision to terminate the contract, although final arrangements are still under discussion. This development raises concerns about the future availability of the game on Xbox platforms, noting that losing access to Xbox’s vast player community could pose greater financial challenges for the studio.

Promotional content for *All Will Ascend* has also mirrored this change; recent communications have indicated the exclusion of Xbox from the game’s platform listings. The *No Games for Genocide* initiative, as described on their website, seeks to illuminate the link between the gaming sector and geopolitical strife, urging developers to reflect on the ethical ramifications of their collaborations.

In reflecting on this choice, Speculative Agency remarked, “Our small actions and sacrifices can collectively have an unexpectedly powerful impact, and we are hopeful if enough developers and studios are moved to participate this could be a genuine tipping point.” Their position underscores a commitment to integrity over profit, presenting a compelling narrative not only within their game but also through their development practices.

As the gaming environment continues to advance, *All Will Ascend* stands as a prominent illustration of how indie developers are opting to align their creative ventures with their ethical convictions, raising awareness and challenging the prevailing norms within the industry. The repercussions of this decision are yet to be determined, but it is evident that social awareness is a central motivator for Speculative Agency and its anticipated launch.

**Ludovic Mbock Granted Low Bond Following ICE Detention: A Community Uniting**

Just a month after being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), professional Street Fighter competitor Ludovic Mbock has received a low bond after a hearing today. This news brings relief to his friends, family, and supporters who have come together for him during this tough period.

Mbock’s legal team shared the positive update on the GoFundMe page created to assist with his legal expenses. The announcement revealed that he will soon be heading back home to Maryland before a follow-up hearing set for May. The team conveyed optimism regarding the forthcoming hearing, crediting this ray of hope to the robust community backing and a judge who seemed influenced by the presence of around 40 people in the courtroom advocating for Mbock’s release.

One supporter remarked, “Ludovic has been given a very low bond! Thank you so much to all the supporters. The judge was evidently touched. Everything he stated was in favor of Ludovic.” This perspective highlights the significant effect that community participation has had on the legal matters pertaining to Mbock’s case.

Since news of his detention broke, expressions of support have surged on social media platforms such as X and Bluesky, demonstrating the unity of the fighting game community. Mbock’s GoFundMe page has emerged as a key source for updates and has successfully gathered over $102,000 to help with his legal representation.

Ludovic Mbock is particularly acknowledged as a talented Chun-Li player in the competitive Street Fighter realm. His abrupt detention inspired numerous narratives from fellow community members, showcasing his immense contributions and impact within the fighting game scene. Many utilized their platforms to share their stories and promote crowdfunding initiatives, raising awareness about Mbock’s predicament and the wider implications of immigration policies.

As the case moves forward, the backing from the gaming community continues to be vital in Mbock’s journey. He is expected to return home soon, and his supporters remain optimistic for a favorable result in the upcoming hearing. The collective actions symbolize not just a struggle for one player’s liberty but also a testament to the resilience and unity of the gaming community.

### Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup

**Happy Friday!** Today signifies the conclusion of yet another week, bringing with it thrilling updates from the gaming sphere. We’ll explore the most recent news regarding physical editions of *Crimson Desert*, a new offshoot from *Deep Rock Galactic*, Spielberg’s forthcoming alien film, and a substantial expansion for *Forza Horizon 6*.

#### *Forza Horizon 6*’s Largest City Sounds Incredibly Vast

In recent discussions, Turn 10, the team behind the eagerly awaited *Forza Horizon 6*, have highlighted the game’s magnitude, particularly spotlighting its depiction of Tokyo. Don Arceta, the art director, informed *IGN* that the studio has allocated an entire team to create what will be the most extensive city presented in any *Horizon* title to date.

Arceta stated, “It’s so layered and so detailed – far beyond anything we’ve accomplished before. To construct Tokyo City for *Forza Horizon*, we genuinely require a dedicated team.” According to the developers, the Tokyo environment is reportedly five times greater than any former urban setting presented in the franchise. Tokyo will include various districts, each with unique traits, covering suburbs and bustling docks. The game promises to provide endless hours of exploration when it hits Xbox and PC in May, followed by its release on PS5 in 2026.

#### *Crimson Desert* Prevents Physical Copies from Playing Before Launch

Enthusiastic players looking to jump into *Crimson Desert* ahead of its official launch on March 19 were disappointed to discover that early physical copies necessitated a day-one update to access the game. Even post-update, these copies remain unplayable until the launch date, likely a strategy to prevent spoiler leaks.

Reports indicated that players trying to circumvent this limitation by adjusting their console’s internal clock still encountered access problems. This raises questions about the practicality of physical copies after launch if the related servers are still active. Initial feedback suggests *Crimson Desert* requires an online connection for initial setup but will allow offline play afterward.

#### New *Deep Rock* Offshoot Resembles a Roguelike *Left 4 Dead*

The launch of *Deep Rock Galactic’s* newest offshoot, titled *Rogue Core*, has generated interest due to its co-op first-person shooter format. This title focuses on completing runs to earn superior gear and abilities, drawing influence from traditional roguelike mechanics. Set to debut on March 20, *Rogue Core* seems to promise an engaging experience reminiscent of the beloved title *Deep Rock Galactic Survivor*, which took cues from the *Vampire Survivors* model.

#### *Doom* 2005 Actress Rosamund Pike Labels It One of the Worst Films Ever Created

The 2005 live-action version of *Doom*, featuring Rosamund Pike alongside Dwayne Johnson and Karl Urban, faced widespread backlash upon release. Pike recently reminisced about her part as Dr. Grimm, branding the film as “an absolute bomb” and “arguably one of the worst films ever made.” In her honest dialogue on the *How to Fail with Elizabeth Day* podcast, she conveyed worries that the movie could have hindered her rising career.

In conclusion, it’s a dynamic time for the gaming community with crucial updates and releases approaching. From vast new landscapes in *Forza Horizon 6* to mixed reviews on physical copies of *Crimson Desert*, the gaming environment keeps changing.

### ICYMI:

Stay tuned for more thrilling news across the gaming universe as we conclude another week. Don’t miss the trailer for Spielberg’s new alien film, which is also making headlines this week. Happy gaming!

**FBI Seeks Victims of Malware-Embedded Games on Steam**

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a campaign to highlight a troubling trend concerning malware-ridden games on the well-known gaming platform Steam. The FBI’s “Steam Malware Investigation” alert, issued on March 11, directly encourages victims who may have been ensnared by these deceptions over the past two years to step forward. This endeavor seeks to pinpoint individuals who have downloaded games harboring malware, likely associated with a solitary threat actor who has targeted users from May 2024 to January 2026.

The FBI’s announcement highlights seven particular games that are under examination: **BlockBlasters**, **Chemia**, **Dashverse/DashFPS**, **Lampy**, **Lunara**, **PirateFi**, and **Tokenova**. Those impacted by these scams might qualify for various types of aid, including restitution, as well as rights established under federal and state legislation.

One especially significant instance involves **BlockBlasters**, which gained infamy after it was uncovered that the game was involved in the theft of $32,000 from streamer Raivo Plavnieks (known as RastalandTV) during a live cancer fundraising event on Twitch. This occurrence incited outrage within the gaming community, leading to inquiries into the developers of the scams. The exchanges among the scammers indicated a troubling level of callousness, with comments suggesting that the victim would quickly recover the lost money.

Remarkably, the FBI’s alert mentions a lone “threat actor,” indicating that the agency may have pinpointed a specific individual or group behind all seven games included in the investigation. This emphasis suggests a tactical effort by the FBI to dismantle a potentially organized crime syndicate operating within the gaming sector.

The FBI is urging anyone affected to voluntarily come forward, offering a channel for victims to find assistance through its victim services. As investigations progress, the FBI aims to unravel the circumstances surrounding the creation of these harmful games and hold the responsible individuals accountable.

Wahey, Dave The Diver‘s jungle DLC finally has a release date. Mintrocket’s waiter/swimmer of the murky depths sim will send its crew off to do some grilling and crocodile hunting in a village far from civilisation this June.

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### Investigating the Link Between Pokémon Pokopia and the Mystery Dungeon Series

**Introduction**
The recent launch of *Pokémon Pokopia* immerses players in a hauntingly stunning post-apocalyptic realm where humans have disappeared, unveiling a sorrowful narrative that strikes a chord with enthusiasts. This distinctive backdrop provides rich soil for fan speculations, especially the fascinating idea that *Pokopia* might act as a precursor to the cherished *Mystery Dungeon* series. This association is based on the shared theme of embodying Pokémon in a world absent of humans, sparking the creativity of fans who are now reconstructing iconic locations from *Mystery Dungeon* within *Pokopia*.

**A Brief Summary of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon**
In the original *Mystery Dungeon*, players undergo a transformation from human to Pokémon, entering a lively, creature-focused society. Here, they align with Rescue Teams, exploring procedurally generated dungeons brimming with various obstacles and adventures. The series is recognized for its unique Pokémon-themed landmarks that are absent in standard *Pokémon* games, establishing a distinctive identity.

**The Connection and Fan Creations**
Given the premise of *Pokopia*, where players assume the roles of Pokémon in a humanless environment, it is quite logical to draw comparisons to the *Mystery Dungeon* series. This link has motivated fans to replicate notable landmarks from the *Mystery Dungeon* titles in *Pokopia*, including the Pelipper-shaped post office and Sharpedo Bluff. This fusion of worlds not only highlights the imagination of the *Pokopia* community but also reinforces the nostalgia for the *Mystery Dungeon* series.

Social media platforms have evolved into a space for these inventive expressions. Fans are sharing visuals and concepts of their adaptations, further erasing the boundaries between the two franchises and fostering a conversation about their shared narrative.

**Community Engagement**
The involvement from the community is palpable, with players eagerly discussing their inspirations and projects. On platforms like Twitter, various hashtags have emerged centered around their creations, indicating a flourishing culture of cooperation and creativity among *Pokopia* enthusiasts. For instance, one user recently showcased their rendition of the post office, emphasizing the nearby environment and incorporating intriguing interior elements, enhancing a sense of pride and achievement within the gaming community.

**The Future of the Mystery Dungeon Series**
While the *Mystery Dungeon* franchise has experienced limited activity since the launch of *Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon* in 2015, the remakes and the resurgence of roguelike games imply that there is still substantial interest in revisiting this unconventional gameplay style. Fans are optimistic about new entries in the series, fueled by their capacity to reinterpret the cherished franchise within the context of *Pokopia*.

**Conclusion**
*Pokémon Pokopia* not only offers a somber exploration of a world devoid of humanity but also inspires innovative intersections with the *Mystery Dungeon* series. As fans continue to envision and recreate significant landmarks, the discussions surrounding the lore, gameplay mechanics, and community initiatives underscore the lasting allure of both universes. With the groundwork established by these playful theories and inspiring creations, the potential for future stories and expansions in both franchises is immensely promising.

The creators of gloriously unearthly anti-capitalist deckbuilder All Will Rise have announced that they’re joining the No Games For Genocide boycott against Microsoft’s business links with the Israeli military. As such, developers Speculative Agency will be returning funds provided by Microsoft as part of a “developer acceleration programme deal” in 2025. They also won’t be releasing the game on Microsoft platforms.

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**The Progression of Voice Acting in *Arc Raiders*: A Transition from AI to Human Performers**

*Arc Raiders*, an extraction shooter created by Embark Studios, debuted in October 2025, rapidly gaining traction on platforms such as Steam. Although the game received high praise, it faced backlash due to its utilization of AI-generated voice lines, which numerous players found lacking. In a recent announcement, Patrick Söderlund, CEO of Embark Studios, responded to these issues, disclosing important modifications pertaining to voice acting in the title.

### AI Voice Lines and Initial Criticism

Upon the game’s launch, *Arc Raiders* featured a variety of AI-generated voice lines produced through text-to-speech technology, employing recordings from actors who were paid with licensing agreements. This choice ignited backlash among segments of the gaming community, who contended that dependence on AI compromised the authenticity and caliber expected from skilled voice acting. Detractors emphasized the absence of emotional depth and subtlety in AI-generated performances, resulting in a less captivating gameplay experience.

### Shift to Human Recordings

In response to the criticism, Söderlund revealed substantial alterations to the voice lines after launch. He confirmed that a considerable quantity of AI-generated lines has been substituted with recordings from genuine human actors. The reasons behind this transition were evident: to enhance the game’s quality and better meet players’ expectations for immersive experiences.

Söderlund highlighted the distinct benefits of employing professional actors, asserting, “A real professional actor is better than AI; that’s just how it is.” He noted that while AI acts as a useful production resource, enabling the studio to evaluate various lines without lengthy recording sessions, it should not supplant humans in essential elements of game development.

### Dedication to Quality and Actor Engagement

The studio’s strategy for voice acting underscores ethical principles and respect for the participating actors. Söderlund confirmed that all actors receive payment for their time during recording sessions. Additionally, the studio is committed to consistently inviting these performers back for further updates to the game. In specific situations, where less significant lines—mainly for location indications—are required, Embark may utilize actors’ voices via AI systems, but only with proper compensation.

### The Role of AI in Gaming’s Future

Even with the changes implemented in *Arc Raiders*, the application of AI-generated voice lines will continue to exist in some form. Söderlund’s remarks indicate a persistent investigation into AI’s function in game development. While he acknowledges the constraints of AI, he sees it as a means to enhance production efficiency rather than a complete substitute for human creativity.

### Conclusion

As *Arc Raiders* progresses, the equilibrium between technological advancement and the art of human performance remains a significant consideration for both players and developers. Söderlund’s recognition of the adverse reactions related to AI voice lines reflects an increasing understanding within the gaming industry regarding player inclinations. Going forward, it will be vital for studios to uphold transparency and adapt their methods to cultivate a more immersive and authentic gaming experience.

There’s nothing more annoying than watching a mouse snack away on an apple in the warehouse when you explicitly built them a charming little bistro just down the street. Literally nothing. I don’t want to hear about your neighbour who puts the bins out before the sun’s up, nor your colleague who microwaves fish in the office, or the pimple on your bum that flares up whenever you’ve a week of working late and having to sit in that horribly hard and uncomfortable office chair. It’s the mice in Whiskerwood eating in the warehouse thing, that’s got top billing on the list of annoying things.

Well, good news for your grievance rankings, because the latest Whiskerwood update gives you the option of banning mice from eating in the warehouse. Finally, your bum spot can get a look-in at number one.

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### Fortnite Price Increase: Community Reaction and the Future of V-Bucks

Earlier this week, Fortnite revealed a notable rise in the prices of V-Bucks, the in-game currency utilized for acquiring a variety of items and cosmetics. A price that once enabled players to buy 1,000 V-Bucks for $9 will soon only provide 800 V-Bucks, showcasing a trend often termed “shrinkflation” in virtual economies. This adjustment is part of a wider pricing approach by Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, which has been linked to increasing operational expenses in a challenging gaming market.

Alongside the V-Buck price surge, subscribers to Fortnite Crew, the premium subscription option, are also experiencing increases. Although Epic has lowered the price of the Battle Pass to 800 V-Bucks—a move intended to counterbalance the rising V-Buck prices—critics contend that the changes do not adequately address players’ financial worries. No adjustments have been mentioned regarding item shop cosmetics, raising concerns that players’ long-term spending could rise considerably under the new pricing scheme.

The response from the Fortnite community has been prompt and fervent. Numerous players have voiced their discontent on platforms like Reddit, with some organizing a boycott of the game as a form of protest. A petition for reversing the price hikes has garnered over 1,000 signatures, reflecting the sentiments of players who feel alienated by these alterations. “You cut our V-Bucks. We cut your funding,” one comment states, highlighting an increasing determination among players to resist what they perceive as corporate greed.

In an attempt to respond to these issues, Epic Games has addressed the backlash, asserting that the rising costs are an unfortunate necessity to maintain the game’s quality and infrastructure. “The cost of running Fortnite has increased significantly, and we’re raising prices to help cover the expenses,” Epic articulated in their blog. They have recognized the community feedback regarding not only the changes to V-Buck prices but also the overall trajectory of Fortnite as a game.

Despite these reassurances, player dissatisfaction persists. A prominent comment within the community observed, “Our goal: lower the player count on the first day of the new season,” in reference to the planned boycott date set for March 19, coinciding with the V-Bucks price increase. Social media has turned into a battleground for this discourse, with visuals circulating that demonstrate the potential long-term financial effects of the V-Bucks changes on players.

Epic Games representatives assert that the emphasis remains on providing unique gameplay experiences, with Andre Balta, a senior director at Epic, stating, “It’s purely the operating costs of managing a business, and that was the primary motivation.” However, this rationale has not alleviated the frustration among a considerable segment of the player base who believe that the game’s focus has shifted toward monetization at the cost of gameplay quality.

As the situation develops, the success of the boycott remains unpredictable. The core of Fortnite’s popularity relies on its lively community and the equilibrium of fair pricing with engaging gameplay. While Epic Games endeavors to address concerns with assurances of upcoming updates, only time will determine how this dispute will influence the player experience and the game’s direction in the future.