Gait Games

### Highguard’s Unforeseen Conclusion During Last Update Launch

In under two weeks, the hero shooter **Highguard** is poised to shut down, signaling a sudden termination of a game that has scarcely survived for two months. Prior to the servers going offline, the Wildlight Entertainment team unveiled what is regarded as the game’s most pivotal update. This ultimate update brings a new character, a fresh weapon, and an extensive skill tree aimed at enhancing the gameplay experience. Despite the unfortunate timing, creative director Jason McCord recognized the contributions of the remaining developers, stating they were driven to provide a memorable finale for the player community, albeit with constraints.

#### The Final Significant Update

The last update, released just days ago, includes various crucial improvements, such as an XP system that facilitates leveling up and a skill tree for character progression. Players now have the option to select from multiple subclasses, including Raider, Harvester, Treasure Hunter, and Protector, enabling personalized gameplay approaches. The addition of Koldo, a tank character, and the Switchback marksman rifle presents further choices for players to explore prior to the game’s permanent shutdown.

McCord shared the reasoning behind the late introduction of these features, highlighting that much of the content remained unfinished at the game’s launch. The team dedicated considerable effort during the final weeks leading up to the shutdown to provide what they could, concentrating on elements that were closest to completion.

#### A Disheartening Odyssey

Highguard’s path has been rocky since its debut. Even though it garnered nearly 100,000 concurrent players on PC within the first 24 hours, this initial surge did not last. After facing a barrage of negative feedback and critiques following its unveiling at The Game Awards 2026, player retention declined. It became yet another entry in the extensive list of unsuccessful live-service games, as Wildlight Entertainment confronted substantial obstacles, including significant layoffs and funding reductions from Tencent.

The game faced backlash that some experts believe arose from anti-live service sentiments, leading to a negative environment that impacted its reputation. Chad Grenier, studio head and game director, dismissed notions attributing the game’s downfall to insufficient internal evaluations, asserting that the team consistently critiqued their own work. He reiterated that errors were made during development, resulting in a final product that did not connect with players as their earlier successes had.

#### Conclusion

As Highguard gets ready for its final curtain call, the launch of this significant update reflects a bittersweet adieu to a title that failed to fulfill its grand ambitions. With its servers set to shut down permanently soon, the legacies of both the development team and the game itself will almost certainly be examined and debated. While the final update seeks to leave a favorable impression on the few dedicated players who persisted, the overarching narrative serves as a cautionary lesson in the continually changing landscape of the gaming industry.

**Title: Organized Espionage and Corporate Sabotage: Build a Rocket Boy’s Disturbing Times**

March 4, 2026, signifies another difficult day for Build a Rocket Boy, the studio responsible for the highly awaited game MindsEye. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard has openly revealed a new series of layoffs at the studio, attributing these unfortunate choices not to internal mismanagement but to claims of organized espionage and corporate sabotage.

In a poignant post shared on LinkedIn, Gerhard conveyed his regret regarding the layoffs, recognizing the skill and enthusiasm that those laid off brought to the studio’s vision. He stressed that such choices are never straightforward and underscored the profound effect on the employees affected and their families, as well as the larger community linked to the studio.

Nevertheless, Gerhard redirected the narrative, stating that these layoffs stem from “criminal activities” that have obstructed MindsEye’s launch. According to his remarks, the studio has been working with outside partners and legal teams to probe these supposed criminal acts. Gerhard asserts that this lengthy investigation has revealed significant evidence of organized espionage and corporate sabotage aimed at MindsEye. Due to the upcoming prosecution connected to this matter, he declined to share specific details publicly.

The erosion of internal trust seems to be exacerbated by recent disclosures concerning a leaked internal meeting reported by Insider Gaming. In this meeting, Gerhard reportedly accused members from a relatively small PR agency, Ritual Network, of coordinating a smear campaign against MindsEye. Gerhard characterized these individuals as part of a “bunch of gangsters” linked to a “very big American company.” This depiction appears to contradict the reality of Ritual Network, which primarily caters to TikTok and YouTube creators from its headquarters in Scunthorpe, England.

Moreover, controversies have surrounded Gerhard himself. Just days prior to the latest layoffs, on January 31, he threatened action against the YouTuber Cyber Boi, issuing a “cease and desist” after the YouTuber uploaded a contentious video implicating Leslie Benzies, a prominent figure in the gaming sphere, in the Epstein scandal. This move ignited discussions on social media platforms, especially considering Cyber Boi’s previous ties to Ritual Network.

As the situation progresses, the repercussions of these allegations and their effects on Build a Rocket Boy remain to be seen. The studio’s future, along with the destiny of the MindsEye project, hangs in the balance. The claims of espionage and sabotage, if validated, could destabilize the foundations of corporate trust throughout the gaming industry, exposing the sometimes murky dynamics of competition within this advancing sector.

The highest legal authority in the USA has refused to take a case involving a Missouri computer scientist who wants to copyright art created by his own generative AI system. The compsci guy in question, Dr Stephen Thaler, appealed to the Supreme Court justices after lower courts upheld a US Copyright Office decision that his art doesn’t make the cut for copyright protection, because it wasn’t created by a human.

As reported by Reuters, Thaler’s generative AI tech is the winningly dorkish “Device for the Autonomous Bootstrapping of Unified Sentience”, aka DABUS. He applied for a US federal copyright registration in 2018, asking for DABUS to be recognised as the author of a picture of a train tunnel surrounded by mucky green and purple vegetation, called “A Recent Entrance to Paradise”.

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### The Pokémon Company Introduces Thrilling Merchandise for 30th Anniversary

As the Pokémon franchise commemorates its 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company has rolled out a variety of merchandise in Japan, marking three decades of enchanting fans globally. Among this fresh collection is a vintage Pikachu plush, crafted to mimic Pikachu’s original sprite from the classic Game Boy games, **Pokémon Red** and **Green**. This nostalgic plush has become incredibly popular, resulting in a frenzied reaction from fans and scalpers, leading to stores in Japan being cleared out shortly after its launch.

Fans in the United States will also soon have a chance to obtain this plush directly from the Pokémon Center website. The official Pokémon social media platforms have confirmed that the highly coveted black-and-white Pikachu plush and corresponding keychain will be up for sale shortly. However, specific information regarding the release date and pricing has not yet been revealed, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further information. As they look forward to the launch, many fans worry about the likelihood of bots and scalpers rapidly purchasing the merchandise, as has become common with in-demand items.

The nostalgic design of the Pikachu plush pays tribute to the character’s initial appearance, showcasing features that have disappeared from more contemporary versions. The plush is notable for its rounder form, the circular marking on its belly, and colored paws—traits that harken back to the character’s debut in the cherished Game Boy games. Currently, resellers on sites like eBay are posting this plush at prices above $100, underscoring the high demand and collectible aspect of this merchandise.

As fans prepare for the imminent release, there’s a prevailing hope that Pokémon Center will offer sufficient notice for its launch, enabling fans to gear up for what promises to be an intensely competitive buying period. Collectors and long-time fans alike are thrilled about this limited-edition item, marking yet another significant event in the illustrious history of the Pokémon franchise.

It remains unfortunate that ‘budget’ wireless headsets can still set you back £60-£80 rather than, say, two shillings and a thruppence. But here we are, and so is the Logitech G325 Wireless, a cut-price pair of over-ears that still manages good comfort and serviceable sound.

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### The Apple MacBook Neo: An Affordable Choice for Today’s User

In the constantly changing realm of consumer electronics, the emergence of economical devices has gained significant attention from brands aiming to reach a broader audience. Recently introduced, the Apple MacBook Neo has made headlines as an attractive low-cost laptop that seeks to meet the needs of users wanting quality without overspending.

#### Key Features

The MacBook Neo boasts a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, delivering vivid colors and clear visuals that remain impressive even in bright settings. It is equipped with an A18 Pro mobile chip, initially created for iPhones, and has a starting price of merely $600. This pricing approach represents a considerable shift for Apple, historically recognized for its high-end products.

Nevertheless, the device does come with limitations; it includes 8GB of RAM, which cannot be upgraded. While this may appear restrictive to power users, it is sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, document editing, and media consumption.

The laptop’s design also appeals to those who value aesthetics, providing a selection of soft metallic pastel colors including a distinctive hue reminiscent of early 2000s gaming handheld consoles. This tactic illustrates Apple’s attempt to connect with younger users or those nostalgic for earlier technology styles.

#### The Demand for Compact and Functional Laptops

For many, especially those who depend on laptops for daily activities like writing, size and portability are major priorities. The trend toward smaller laptops has surged, yet devices under 14 inches frequently come with elevated price tags. The MacBook Neo effectively occupies this gap, serving as a lightweight and practical alternative to bulkier low-end models.

#### The Current Laptop Market Landscape

The existing laptop market poses difficulties for budget-conscious consumers. Numerous budget laptops experience subpar display quality and construction, often compromising durability for lower price points. Cutting-edge features like AI integrations have started to become standard, but many users find such additions unwelcome or cumbersome.

Windows laptops often receive critiques for their occasional instability and heavy resource demands, which can diminish the user experience. As Microsoft shifts its focus toward AI, users have voiced concerns regarding the rising complexity and inefficiency of the operating system. In this context, the MacBook Neo’s simplicity and user-friendliness could offer a refreshing alternative for those seeking respite from the frustrations of conventional Windows machines.

#### A Potential Shift for Windows Users

The launch of the MacBook Neo may encourage those entrenched in the Windows ecosystem to contemplate a switch. While brand loyalty can be challenging to break, the appeal of a sleek, sufficiently powered, and budget-conscious Apple device might provide a persuasive reason for change.

Apple, aiming to deliver a more streamlined user experience compared to the convoluted pathways often found in Windows, presents an alternative that is attracting interest from users fatigued with the increasingly complicated nature of their operating systems.

#### Conclusion

The Apple MacBook Neo signifies a crucial moment in Apple’s strategy towards the consumer laptop market. It merges affordability with design and utility, making it a captivating choice for users who require a dependable and stylish laptop without conforming to the high prices typically linked with Apple offerings. For those in search of a practical yet enjoyable computing experience, the MacBook Neo could be the ideal option to step into the world of contemporary technology.

It seems like a million years have passed since the release of Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, the squalid shooter-looter set in banged-up Washington D.C. In fact, it’s only been seven. Which is quite a lot of years, in fairness, but that period also spans a lot of upheaval – the Covid pandemic, Trump’s re-election, the exploding popularity of generative AI, the onset of chronic live service apathy, the lingering undeath of NFTs, and the literal invasion of Washington D.C. by the National Guard.

Both The Division 2’s original looting mechanics and its 100% apolitical regime change storyline now feel to me like the products of a different universe, though Ubisoft have been updating the game and releasing new stuff for it throughout. Their latest addition is a Realism Mode, exclusively available through the existing Warlords of New York expansion, which will itself be freely available to all players until 2nd April.

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### Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup

**Marathon’s Sales Performance**
Bungie’s *Marathon* has recently wrapped up its open beta, achieving remarkable figures during Steam’s Next Fest. With around 250,000 copies sold ahead of its official launch on March 5, there’s a noticeable disparity when compared to *Arc Raiders*, which clocked approximately 550,000 sales only days prior to its release. Although Bungie might be satisfied with *Marathon*’s impressive wishlisting—over 1.2 million in total—it seems that *Arc Raiders* currently possesses a competitive advantage. Analytics reveal that a significant number of players who engaged in the *Marathon* open beta were also devoted fans of *Destiny 2*, suggesting the possibility of a committed player base moving into *Marathon*.

**Resident Evil Requiem Shines**
Capcom’s newest release, *Resident Evil Requiem*, is experiencing success with more than 5 million units shipped. While this represents a strong achievement, it still falls short of the iconic *Resident Evil 2* remake, which has sold nearly 17 million copies since its 2019 launch. *Resident Evil Requiem* continues to attract attention, reinforcing Capcom’s standing in the survival horror arena.

**Eevee Lego Set Transformed**
In an entertaining turn of events, a creative enthusiast reimagined a newly launched Eevee Lego set into a model of Bidoof, a Pokémon celebrated for its comedic persona. The creator, known as Creationcaravan4 on Instagram, executed this project without needing extra pieces from the original set and intends to publish the building instructions soon. This whimsical project underscores the enduring affection fans have for Pokémon and their knack for reinventing beloved characters in innovative ways.

**Atomic Heart’s Final DLC Announcement**
*Atomic Heart*, likened to a Soviet Union-themed alternative to *Fallout*, is poised to launch its fourth and final DLC named *Blood on Crystal* on April 16. This DLC is set to offer an exhilarating wrap-up to the storyline, as players traverse perilous new landscapes and confront significant adversaries. Focus Entertainment has hinted that players will delve deeper into Facility 3826 while uncovering the secrets surrounding CHAR-les.

### ICYMI:
Keep an eye out for more updates in gaming news, as changes continue to unfold. Whether you’re a supporter of shooters like *Marathon*, survival horror such as *Resident Evil*, or creatively re-envisioned Lego creations, the gaming industry remains lively and captivating.

The US government, currently headed up by the Trump administration, are reportedly discussing whether to push Chinese conglomerate Tencent to divest their investments in US game companies. Tencent currently own League of Legends developers Riot Games and Back 4 Blood developers Turtle Rock Studios, while also holding stakes in the likes of Epic Games, Ubisoft, Remedy, and Paradox Interactive.

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### Pokémon Pokopia Debuts DJ Rotom: A New Chapter for the Electric/Normal-Type

With the eagerly awaited release of *Pokémon Pokopia* on Switch 2, fans are abuzz with enthusiasm over the unveiling of distinctive new forms for beloved Pokémon. One highlight among these introductions is DJ Rotom, a novel variant of the well-known ghost/electric-type Pokémon recognized for residing in different household devices. DJ Rotom adopts a stereo form, signifying a notable shift in its type dynamics and enhancing its gameplay mechanics.

#### DJ Rotom’s Distinct Typing

In *Pokémon Pokopia*, DJ Rotom is classified as an Electric/Normal-type Pokémon, a type pairing that departs from its earlier forms. This classification is especially captivating as it is the sole new character presented in *Pokopia* that does not correspond with the type of its original form, prompting inquiries within the fan community regarding its implications and future roles in the franchise.

#### Consequences for Upcoming Titles

The arrival of DJ Rotom has ignited speculation about its possible inclusion in future mainline Pokémon games as a recruitable member of players’ teams. Nevertheless, this development has also dashed aspirations for a long-standing fan theory that advocated for the introduction of a new “Sound” type. For years, fans have speculated that the Pokémon universe might broaden to include a type that focuses on sound waves and musical attributes, akin to the introductions of Fairy, Dark, and Steel types in previous generations.

While numerous Pokémon showcase sound-based attacks that can produce various effects, the classification of DJ Rotom as Electric/Normal seems to reinforce Game Freak and The Pokémon Company’s position against the introduction of a Sound type in the near future. By crafting a character that embodies electronic sound through a Normal typing, they could be signaling that existing types adequately cover these thematic aspects.

#### The Equilibrium of Pokémon Types

The current elemental distribution of Pokémon types has been established for many years, and adding even a single new type could substantially shift the established meta. While the developers have the capability to implement such changes, the potential disruption to balance and gameplay would likely weigh heavily on their decision-making process. Many of the sound-related moves and abilities already fit seamlessly within the Normal type framework, suggesting that Game Freak might prefer to maintain the status quo for the time being.

#### Looking Forward

As *Pokémon Pokopia* progresses, fans will be keen to see if DJ Rotom reappears in future titles like *Winds and Waves* or *Pokémon Champions*. For now, DJ Rotom will act as a captivating part of the *Pokopia* experience, delighting players with nostalgic Pokémon music upon its launch.

In conclusion, while DJ Rotom is an intriguing addition to the Pokémon lineup, its ramifications for the future of Pokémon typing and the enduring fan hope for a new Sound type remain subjects of debate, highlighting that the evolution of Pokémon types is still a nuanced and ongoing conversation within the community.