Gait Games

When major announcements occur, there is frequently a haste to offer context and clarifications. This may entail interpreting the news literally or probing for underlying motivations. This duality has been evident in the responses to Xbox’s recent leadership changes, yet neither viewpoint fully addresses the primary question many are posing: what is going on?

Phil Spencer’s declaration of his retirement from Microsoft, where he has been for 38 years, raises eyebrows. The way the announcement was communicated—via memos and exclusive media reports on a Friday afternoon—seems atypical for someone who has been a key figure in the gaming realm for over a decade. The absence of a personal goodbye, like an episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, intensifies the strangeness of the scenario.

Originally, the retirement was planned to be revealed on February 23, but outside reporting led Microsoft to hasten the news. Consequently, numerous employees discovered Spencer’s exit through social media. Reports suggest that Spencer had been contemplating retirement for roughly a year, with the timing of the announcement appearing coincidental with the end of February. Microsoft’s head of communications had earlier downplayed rumors of his imminent departure, raising doubts about the veracity of their claims.

The retirement occurs at a peculiar time for Xbox, as Spencer will continue in an advisory role until the summer, aiding Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, during the transition. The timing is particularly notable given that 2026 is anticipated to usher in major celebrations for Xbox, coinciding with its 25th anniversary. Despite facing challenges in recent times, the Xbox brand seems poised for a comeback, with major game releases on the horizon.

However, the resignation of Sarah Bond, Xbox president, on the same day as Spencer’s retirement adds further complexity. Her departure was notably acknowledged solely in Spencer’s farewell email, highlighting the disarray within the company’s internal communications. Bond later indicated that her exit represents an opportunity for new leadership, hinting at a shift in Xbox’s trajectory.

There are assertions that Bond was perceived as challenging to collaborate with, and reports indicate that numerous employees felt relieved by her departure. Critics have assigned recent strategic errors at Xbox to her leadership, despite the recognition that these decisions were made under Spencer’s oversight. Some analysts contend that it is convenient for Microsoft to place blame on individuals no longer with the company.

Microsoft’s communication during this transition appears disjointed. While Sharma commits to the core Xbox audience, she also stresses a “play anywhere” strategy that encompasses mobile and cloud gaming, leaving some fans doubtful about the brand’s direction. Observers point out that this ongoing shift raises additional questions regarding Microsoft’s emphasis on hardware exclusivity in the future.

As the gaming environment evolves, the exit of key figures like Spencer and Bond leaves many contemplating the future of Xbox under Sharma’s management. While she aims to revive the original rebellious spirit of Xbox, former Xbox developers express doubt, suggesting that the focus behind the company’s strategies may be shifting towards AI and away from its traditional gaming emphasis.

For Xbox to thrive, a dedicated effort towards delivering affordable hardware and creating engaging games is crucial, yet uncertainties remain regarding Microsoft’s dedication to these fundamental elements. The recent reorganization within Xbox, characterized by unusual communication and changing priorities, indicates an ongoing struggle to establish a consistent direction that will appeal to both the devoted player base and the larger gaming community.

**Marathon: A Game Focused on Fair Play and Security in Online Shooting**

In the swiftly changing realm of online gaming, *Marathon*, crafted by Bungie, aims to distinguish itself with a rigorous approach to fair play and security. Since its first player tests launched alongside *Arc Raiders*, *Marathon* has attracted attention for its determination to thwart cheating, a significant concern in multiplayer gaming that can greatly diminish player satisfaction.

Bungie’s declaration of a one-strike ban policy demonstrates a strong stance against cheaters. This policy declares that anyone caught cheating will receive a permanent ban, underscoring the developer’s commitment to upholding a fair gaming atmosphere. This is in contrast to *Arc Raiders*, which has grappled with ongoing cheating challenges, including a less strict progressive ban framework.

**Cutting-edge Security Measures**

To enhance its security protocols, *Marathon* has unveiled a “new server authority model.” This structure is intended to automatically dismiss invalid client actions, preventing exploits before they can affect the gameplay of others. Bungie has asserted that these measures will guard against frequent exploits such as teleportation, infinite ammunition, and damage manipulation, all of which can disrupt competitive fairness.

Moreover, *Marathon* includes a “fog of war” feature, restricting the map information visible to each player. This element seeks to counter cheats that permit players to see through walls or gain unjust advantages, ensuring an equitable playing field for all participants.

The rollout of client-side security enhancements, along with a telemetry backend analysis system, embodies Bungie’s proactive stance on addressing cheating. The assurance of recovering loot lost due to crashes or disconnections provides additional comfort for players who dedicate considerable time to the game.

**The Present Condition of Cheating in Online Games**

Despite *Marathon*’s strong emphasis on cheat deterrence, the gaming community remains doubtful, particularly in light of the history of cheating problems in Bungie’s earlier title, *Destiny 2*. The widespread cheating that has affected *Destiny 2* shows that even the most well-meaning initiatives can occasionally stumble. This skepticism is further exacerbated by persistent complaints surrounding *Arc Raiders*, where players have voiced criticism regarding the game’s insufficient handling of cheating problems.

*Arc Raiders* recently enforced bans for repeat offenders; however, this system—incorporating a three strikes progressive ban—has faced backlash for being inadequate to discourage malicious players effectively. Cheaters in *Arc Raiders* have taken advantage of significant glitches, such as creating their own escape routes, prompting community outcry for improved cheat detection and enforcement.

**Ready for Future Challenges**

As Bungie gears up to launch *Marathon*, it acknowledges the potential obstacles involved in maintaining security in multiplayer settings. The developer pledges to prioritize player investment, asserting a commitment to safeguarding players’ time and progress from exploits like item duplication—issues that have historically affected games with resource scarcity mechanics.

In conclusion, *Marathon* aspires to establish a foothold in the extraction shooter genre with its stringent anti-cheating initiatives and innovative gameplay safeguards. While the success of these implementations is yet to be determined, the measures Bungie is enacting indicate a promising trend toward emphasizing fairness and integrity in online gaming. As *Marathon* approaches its wider release, the community observes closely, hopeful that it can truly fulfill its promises of a just and secure gaming experience.

### The Emergence of Console Gaming in the 2000s and the Influence of Electronic Gaming Monthly

The 2000s represented a crucial shift in the realm of console gaming, introduced by robust systems such as the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Dreamcast. This period not only enhanced the technical potential of video games but also witnessed a surge of printed media that bridged gamers with the swiftly changing industry. Among these outlets, *Electronic Gaming Monthly* (EGM) rose as a significant voice, highlighted by a distinctive cover showcasing the artwork of celebrated *Final Fantasy* artist Yoshitaka Amano.

#### The Cultural Significance of *Final Fantasy*

*Final Fantasy VII* had already laid the groundwork for the franchise’s global recognition, reaching players far beyond its Japanese roots. With the anticipated launch of *Final Fantasy X* on next-gen consoles, there was immense excitement regarding how improvements in graphics and processing abilities would rejuvenate the series. This enthusiasm positioned it as an ideal feature for gaming magazines, especially for EGM, which aimed to connect with the artistic preferences of its readers.

#### Engaging Amano for Artwork

Dan “Shoe” Hsu, the editor-in-chief of EGM at the time, envisioned an exclusive cover showcasing an original painting by Amano. However, securing permission from Square turned out to be a challenging endeavor, further complicated by the magazine’s budget restrictions. Hsu noted that the completed artwork came at a hefty price of $10,000, a stark deviation from the typically minimal budget set for cover designs. ZiffDavis, EGM’s publisher, unexpectedly approved the initiative, and Mielke, a significant contributor at EGM, took responsibility for managing the development of the remarkable cover.

The partnership with Amano produced a stunning piece incorporating gold leaf, although it presented challenges for EGM’s printing team to replicate its radiant effect accurately. Nonetheless, the resulting product held a captivating allure, eagerly awaited by subscribers.

#### A Miscommunication with Subscribers

The intention was for the Amano cover to primarily reach EGM subscribers, with only 25 percent distributed to retail outlets. This approach aimed to foster a sense of exclusivity reminiscent of the comic book boom of the ’90s. However, a communication error led the publisher to misinterpret the coverage distribution, causing the Amano edition to account for 25 percent of all covers, including those available in stores. This resulted in some discontent among subscribers who received the standard issue featuring prominent artwork of Yuna from the game.

In hindsight, while certain subscribers were dissatisfied with the unforeseen distribution, this “happy accident” turned out to be advantageous for EGM, significantly boosting sales and resulting in one of the magazine’s top-selling issues. The excitement surrounding the Amano cover even drew attention from digital media platforms like IGN, which reported on its success.

#### The Legacy of EGM and the Printed Gaming Press

Although the 2000s signified a key moment for gaming publications, the printed specialty press encountered obstacles in adapting to the digital era, culminating in EGM’s print run concluding in 2009. Its online branch, 1UP.com, ceased operations in 2013 as well. Nevertheless, EGM’s legacy endures, highlighted by a crowdfunded EGM anthology that amassed $1.7 million, showcasing the ongoing enthusiasm for the publication.

In recent times, Mielke has continued to make contributions to the gaming community, recently announcing a biography of *Final Fantasy* composer Nobuo Uematsu, while Amano remains active, creating variant covers for comic book publishers like DC. The absence left by the decline of the printed gaming press is profoundly felt, having provided a platform for discovery and artistic expression that current digital formats find challenging to replicate.

In conclusion, the 2000s not only marked a transformative chapter in console gaming but also underscored the significance of print media in influencing the cultural framework of gaming. The collaboration between EGM and Yoshitaka Amano serves as a testament to the creativity and passion that characterized this era, leaving a lasting impression on both gamers and creators.

Accessories inspired by fan-favourite anime characters.

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Tencent have reportedly shut down their TiMi Montreal studio, set up back in 2021 with the goal of creating multi-platform open world games. In those five years, the studio haven’t shipped any games, but had brought on former Assassin’s Creed creative director Ashraf Ismail. Ismail was reportedly fired by Ubisoft following an investigation into misconduct, with the developer having been accused of taking advantage of his status to engage in extramarital relationships.

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**Delving into the Creative Universe of “Piece by Piece”**

The indie gaming scene has experienced a wave of originality, especially with the emergence of “puzzle platformers.” An exceptionally imaginative addition to this category is *Piece by Piece*, crafted by Neon Polygons. Set within an engaging jigsaw puzzle environment, this game reshapes the conventions of classic platforming by weaving the very notion of puzzle assembly into its mechanics.

Right from the beginning, *Piece by Piece* familiarizes players with its distinct gameplay through a little king character who is ensnared in a jigsaw puzzle piece. The main focus revolves around linking various pieces, enabling the king to move across them. Yet, players soon discover that the challenges are anything but easy. The game immerses them in intricate scenarios that necessitate strategic planning and nimble control to overcome obstacles and barriers hindering the king’s progress.

The complete game, scheduled to launch on March 13, promises a wide-ranging collection of challenges that extend beyond the preliminary learning phase. Players will refine skills such as jumping from one puzzle piece to the next and timing their actions to prevent falling through openings. Just when players believe they have mastered the game, *Piece by Piece* introduces novel twists with new characters and their distinct abilities.

Importantly, players will guide a varied ensemble beyond just the king, which includes a princess who confronts unique puzzles that test the conventional fitting of jigsaw pieces. Furthermore, there’s an alien who can generate portals between linked pieces and a drill character that penetrates barriers. The combination of these characters enhances the complexity of the puzzles, presenting increasingly elaborate brainteasers that require both analytical thinking and swift reflexes.

The currently available demo features 13 puzzles that showcase a range of gameplay mechanics, offering an enticing preview of what the complete game has to offer. While these early challenges may not pose a significant threat to experienced players, they effectively demonstrate the vast potential of *Piece by Piece*.

As players progress through the game, they will come across elements like magic tiles that duplicate pieces, two-sided tiles that can be flipped, and rotating pieces that introduce additional layers of complexity to puzzles. The game’s difficulty ramps up methodically, ensuring that players stay captivated with progressively tougher challenges that keep them returning for more.

In conclusion, *Piece by Piece* is a groundbreaking puzzle platformer that utilizes the distinctive format of jigsaw puzzles to deliver a rich gaming experience. With its intelligent design and multi-dimensional gameplay, it distinguishes itself in the competitive indie game arena. For those who find the demo appealing, it is strongly advised to add the game to your wishlist and get ready for an exhilarating journey through its vibrant, intellectual universe upon its full launch.

Get your shillings on.

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A trio of long-time Assassin’s Creed developers will lead the series into its “next era” now that it’s under the umbrella of Vantage Studios, Ubisoft’s new sub-company partly funded by Tencent. Martin Schelling, Jean Guesdon, and François de Billy are being handed the reins.

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**The Effect of *Slay the Spire 2* on the Indie Gaming Landscape: A Wave of Delays and Tactical Launches**

On February 19, 2024, the team at Mega Crit revealed the much-anticipated launch date for *Slay the Spire 2*: March 5, 2024. Recognized as one of the leading roguelike deckbuilders, the original game’s triumph has established a formidable benchmark, making the sequel’s debut a pivotal moment for both fans and game developers within the industry. Nevertheless, this announcement has ignited anxieties among indie developers who worry about being eclipsed by this gaming powerhouse during an exceptionally busy release period.

One of the most significant responses came from the developers of *Handmancers*, a roguelike deckbuilder created by 58BLADES. Initially scheduled to debut during the Turn-Based Thursday Fest, commencing on March 6, the devs prudently opted to postpone their game, recognizing that vying against *Slay the Spire 2* the day before the festival would be an imprudent move. In a sincere post on social media, they remarked, “Yea…we’d get absolutely crushed.”

Another title impacted is *Mini Tank Mayhem*, a tower defense and deck-building strategy game from Algorocks. Although the developers have not openly attributed their recent delay to *Slay the Spire 2*, the timing certainly raises questions, as their release was moved from March 3, 2024, to April 29, 2024, shortly following the debut of *Slay the Spire 2’s* latest trailer.

In a curious strategic adjustment, SchuBox Games, the creators of *Omelet You Cook*, had the foresight to modify their plans early. In January, they moved their game’s launch forward to avoid the unavoidable distraction presented by *Slay the Spire 2*. Co-developer Dan Schumacher commented in an interview that they foresaw streamers and gamers focusing on the sequel, leaving scant opportunity for their own game to attract attention.

Other developers, such as Bermrad, responsible for the hack-and-slash roguelite *Trials of Valor*, found themselves in a dilemma when they announced their release on the same date as *Slay the Spire 2*. The prominence of *Slay the Spire 2* has left many indie studios feeling the need to reassess their launch timings. While Bermrad expressed belief that their game encompasses distinct features, they still confront the challenge of sharing the limelight with such a prominent title.

Interestingly, some studios are opting to harness the increased visibility instead of retreating from it. ThunderRam Studios, the developers behind *Grimslair*, chose to firmly maintain their March 6 release, asserting their desire to be part of the discussion rather than retreating until the excitement diminishes. Similarly, Fishagon, working on the party card game *Vice Versa*, humorously borrowed the announcement style from *Handmancers* to promote their own game’s upcoming release.

The trend of indie games capitalizing on the momentum of major launches isn’t a novel concept. The creators of *Adventure of Samsara* found themselves in a challenging situation last year when they released alongside *Silksong*, leading to an unfavorable outcome. For numerous indie developers, being eclipsed by a titan like *Slay the Spire 2* can seem like an insurmountable obstacle.

Conversely, some developers have seized the chance to afford themselves more development time, exemplified by Chugga Chugga LLC with their game *Slumber Realm*, which they disclosed won’t be ready to compete with *Slay the Spire 2*. They recognized that investing extra time into development could ultimately result in a more refined product with a warmer reception.

The launch of *Slay the Spire 2* signifies not only a crucial moment for Mega Crit but also provides broader insight into the indie development scene. As creators navigate the intricacies of release timelines, the influence of one game can send ripples through the industry, affecting strategies, choices, and ultimately the viability of other titles in a competitive marketplace. As March 5 draws near, all attention will be on *Slay the Spire 2*—and the decisions made by other developers in its aftermath.

Adopt, don’t shop.

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