Gait Games

**Ubisoft Announces Employee Reductions at Stockholm and Massive Entertainment**

Ubisoft has revealed that employee reductions are expected at its studios in Stockholm and Massive Entertainment, affecting 55 staff members. This announcement is part of the company’s ongoing restructuring initiatives in response to considerable changes within the industry.

Massive Entertainment, a studio acquired by Ubisoft in 2008, is recognized for creating well-known titles such as *The Division 2*, *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*, and the anticipated *Star Wars Outlaws*. In a statement to IGN, Ubisoft clarified that these job cuts stem from a recent Voluntary Leave Program, initiated in the fall of 2025, and the conclusion of a staffing and appointment review. The company maintains that this restructuring aims to enhance visibility into the organizational framework and capacity necessary to sustainably support the studios moving forward.

Ubisoft has indicated that the planned restructuring will initially emphasize individual agreements, with affected employees being notified and assisted in line with local regulations and treated with dignity throughout this challenging period.

### Ubisoft’s Shift and Expense Reduction Strategies

This announcement comes on the heels of a newly initiated cost-reduction strategy by Ubisoft that commenced a few months ago. In October 2025, the publisher urged developers at Massive to consider voluntary layoffs as part of its larger plan to refine operations. These actions follow a substantial investment arrangement with Tencent, wherein the conglomerate invested over $1 billion in a smaller subsidiary, Vantage Studios. This new studio will concentrate on the *Assassin’s Creed*, *Far Cry*, and *Rainbow Six Siege* franchises.

Despite these layoffs, Ubisoft has reassured fans that updates for *Tom Clancy’s The Division 2* will persist, along with development for *The Division 3* and the survival extraction mode, *The Division 2: Survivors*.

The current trend of job reductions at Ubisoft is not a new issue. Just last week, the company shuttered its Halifax office, resulting in 71 job losses, alongside the office’s unionization efforts. Ubisoft stated that the closure was not associated with union activity.

As Ubisoft navigates this difficult phase, the effects on its workforce and studio operations reflect the broader trends and challenges encountered by companies in the gaming sector.

Meta has closed three of its virtual reality game studios—Sanzaru Games, Twisted Pixel, and Armature—as part of a strategic transition towards artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology. This shutdown has led to substantial layoffs within the affected studios, which were known for creating well-liked VR titles.

On January 13, developers from Sanzaru and Twisted Pixel publicly acknowledged their layoffs on social media. A representative from Meta subsequently confirmed the closures, which included Sanzaru, noted for “Asgard’s Wrath 2,” Twisted Pixel, which was in the process of developing “Deadpool VR,” and Armature, celebrated for its VR adaptation of “Resident Evil 4.” In an email to Kotaku, Meta remarked, “We indicated last month that we were reallocating some of our investment away from Metaverse toward Wearables. This is part of that initiative, and we aim to reinvest the savings to foster the growth of wearables this year.”

The response from impacted employees illustrates the abrupt and significant nature of these layoffs, with developers showing appreciation for their teams and sharing their stories online. Senior designer Ray West shared on LinkedIn about the closure of Sanzaru, while another developer announced the shutdown of Twisted Pixel on Twitter. Gameplay designer Kathryn Yu also recounted her personal experience of being laid off from Twisted Pixel.

This action aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to shift focus away from VR and the metaverse toward AI and augmented reality technologies following difficult financial outcomes. Recent reports indicated that the VR sector, encompassing Reality Labs and employing around 15,000 individuals, incurred losses amounting to $4 billion. As part of this shift, Meta intends to reduce 10 to 15 percent of its Reality Labs workforce.

Sanzaru Games, acquired by Meta in 2020, had received praise for “Asgard’s Wrath,” a critically acclaimed role-playing game released in 2019. The studio was developing a sequel slated for the launch of the Quest 3 in December 2023. Twisted Pixel, recognized for titles such as “Splosion Man” and “Lococycle,” was acquired in 2021 with a focus on VR content. Armature, purchased by Meta in 2022, was acknowledged for its contributions to popular titles across various platforms and had most recently finalized the VR port of “Resident Evil 4.”

As Meta alters its course, the ramifications for the skilled developers at these studios underscore the unpredictable nature of the tech industry’s changing landscape.

### The Growing Popularity of Pokémon Lego Sets: An Insight into Scalping and Resale Values

In the past few years, the combination of Pokémon and Lego has captivated the toy industry, especially with the debut of new, in-demand sets showcasing beloved characters like Pikachu, Eevee, and the Kanto starters. As collectors and fans rush to acquire these sets, the trend of scalping has surfaced, resulting in heightened resale prices that escalate the appeal of these cherished toy bricks even further.

#### Urgent Interest and Stock Depletion

The buzz surrounding the Pokémon Lego sets comes as no shock to those who have tracked the merchandising patterns of the franchise over the last five years. These pricey Lego sets have become incredibly popular and are quickly running out of stock. The flagship collection, including legendary Pokémon such as Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, is priced at $649.99. Nonetheless, due to intense demand, pre-orders are being claimed fast, with resellers posting them at shockingly elevated prices, frequently between $800 and upwards of $1,000 on sites like eBay.

#### Resale Market Mechanics

Within the resale arena, scalpers are capitalizing on the restricted availability to significantly increase prices. Listings differ, with some showcasing complete collections, while others offer only single pieces of the Kanto trio. This behavior can be financially challenging for fans aiming to finalize their collections. Interestingly, for those focused on a particular character, buying from scalpers might occasionally be a more budget-friendly option than acquiring the full set at retail prices.

#### Additional Favored Models

Aside from the Kanto trio, other collections, including the Pikachu model, have also garnered interest, though at a lower price range than the larger sets. It should be noted that currently, pre-orders for both the Pikachu and Eevee models remain available in the U.S., providing an opportunity for buyers to obtain these sets at their original prices before they possibly sell out.

#### Anticipated Release and Pokémon Day

Enthusiasts looking forward to these Pokémon Lego sets can expect them to hit stores starting February 27, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon series. Alongside this launch, the yearly “Pokémon Day” stream is anticipated to include major announcements regarding new games, toys, and various franchise elements. This event could further affect the market as collectors seek out exclusives and new releases.

### Conclusion

The convergence of the Pokémon brand and Lego has sparked a significant wave of consumer interest, leading to swift sellouts and a thriving resale market. With scalpers taking advantage of high demand, fans must navigate inflated prices on platforms focused on second-hand items. The upcoming release of these sets in tandem with Pokémon Day is poised to be a pivotal moment for both collectors and fans, leaving the impact on the retail and resale environment to be determined.

### The Wasteland’s Latest Oddity: Todd Howard as a Mutant Snail in Fallout 4

The vast and perilous landscape of *Fallout 4* keeps players on their toes with its inventiveness and wit, made even more outlandish by the contributions of skilled modders. Recently, Twitch streamer Blurbs introduced a mod that transforms the renowned figure Todd Howard into a mutant snail, symbolizing a cardboard cutout of the Bethesda director himself. This eccentric addition undoubtedly heightens the already peculiar atmosphere of the New England wasteland.

The mod brings forth a distinct gameplay mechanic: if players find themselves ensnared by this lethargic yet daunting cardboard snail, their character face instant demise. This satirical twist on Howard’s well-known phrase, “It just works,” injects an ironic depth into the game. The absurdity doesn’t stop there; Blurbs also added other chaotic elements to the mod, including NPCs bursting spontaneously and dogs falling from the skies, further amplifying the unpredictable essence of the wasteland.

In a video highlighting these innovative dynamics, watchers can see the snail, altered from a standard snail mod, moving silently through the game landscape. While its lethargic speed makes it fairly simple to evade, the startling nature of Howard’s likeness sneaking up from behind provides an element of shock. This whimsical interpretation of the game is emblematic of the inventiveness found within the modding community, presenting players with novel experiences within the existing game structure.

Engagements with the snail heighten the comedy, as it trails Blurbs during serious in-game discussions. The contrast of this low-budget, 2D figure against the immersive backdrop of *Fallout 4* creates surreal instances that amplify both the allure and the chaos of the game. As the modding community continues to progress, enthusiasts wonder how many additional inventive twists can be integrated into cherished titles before *Fallout 5* comes to fruition.

With its original depiction of Todd Howard as a mutant snail, this mod stands as not just a comical enhancement to *Fallout 4* but also a proof of the boundless potential for creativity within the domain of game modifications. As players keep delving into and reshaping their journeys, the New England wasteland will undoubtedly persist as a playground for both daring gamers and imaginative modders alike.

**Will Generative AI Be Involved in the Creation of Stellar Blade 2?**

The inquiry regarding the involvement of generative AI in the creation of *Stellar Blade 2* is gaining momentum, particularly after statements made by Shift Up’s CEO, Hyung-tae Kim. The South Korean game development studio, which is presently working on a sequel to the highly awaited 2024 sci-fi action game, considers AI a potential vital component in equalizing the competitive landscape against larger development teams, particularly those located in China.

In discussing the competitive environment of the gaming sector, Kim pointed out that while Shift Up employs about 150 staff for a single title, their Chinese rivals frequently have teams consisting of 1,000 to 2,000 members. In a recent event dubbed “2026 Economic Growth Strategy,” Kim remarked that this difference in workforce could obstruct smaller studios’ ability to compete effectively regarding quality and content volume. “We do not have the capability to compete, both in quality and content volume,” he stated, underscoring the difficulties encountered by smaller developers.

Kim’s insights imply that the adoption of generative AI and other large language model (LLM) technologies could be essential for smaller studios to boost productivity and production. He mentioned that with AI’s assistance, “one individual can accomplish the tasks of 100 individuals,” highlighting the revolutionary potential of technology in the realm of game creation.

Even with the promise of heightened efficiency through AI, Kim confirmed that this would not necessarily result in widespread job losses within the industry. From his viewpoint, global competition would still require the full utilization of the available workforce, indicating that AI could enhance human skills instead of replacing them.

Whether Kim’s worries regarding competition from China are merely strategic or reflect real concerns remains a topic for discussion. The success of the first *Stellar Blade*, which sold millions of copies on multiple platforms without AI assistance, indicates that Shift Up possesses the capability to succeed amid intense rivalry from significant Chinese publishers like Tencent and Net Ease, who are saturating the market with AAA free-to-play games.

At present, it appears that Shift Up is placing a high priority on employee wellbeing, as shown by recent reports from *Seoul Economic Daily*. All 300 employees at the studio were rewarded with AirPods Max, Apple Watches, and a generous $3,400 bonus to celebrate the company’s profitable 2025 – a shift from traditional gifts like gaming consoles, which had been previously distributed.

Looking to the future, Shift Up aims to launch *Stellar Blade 2* prior to the end of 2027. As development moves forward, the question lingers: will they integrate generative AI into their process? Only time will reveal whether this technology will become a common feature in future game development projects.

**Larry Hyrb Leaves Unity After Revamping Community Initiatives**

Larry Hyrb, widely recognized in the gaming community as Major Nelson, has declared his resignation from Unity, where he held the position of Director of Community and Advocacy since 2024. This announcement follows his remarkable nearly thirty-year career at Microsoft, during which he made noteworthy contributions to the Xbox brand.

In a recent LinkedIn update, Hyrb reflected on his experience at Unity, mentioning that he played a key role in rejuvenating the Company’s Community and Advocacy Team. His initiatives aimed at fostering a more connected environment for creators, developers, and gamers alike. “We revived energy in channels that had fallen silent, rebuilt trust, and consistently showed up where it mattered,” he stated. Hyrb also underscored his dedication to boosting Unity’s presence at significant industry events like PAX, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that Unity’s message echoed in broader discussions across the gaming sphere.

The specifics surrounding Hyrb’s departure remain ambiguous, with no clear indication of whether it coincides with any substantial layoffs at Unity. However, he noted ongoing conversations with various firms about potential partnerships, hinting at an upcoming chapter for him. “I cherish what I do, but I also believe that change is essential. I’ll keep you updated on my next steps,” he remarked on BlueSky.

Hyrb’s influence within the gaming community reaches beyond Unity. He dedicated 23 years at Microsoft, playing a crucial role in cultivating the Xbox Live community. Hyrb was instrumental in advocating for several user-facing features of the Xbox 360, including the Achievement system and party chat functionalities. His exit from Microsoft in 2023 preceded a strategic transition for the Xbox brand towards a multiplatform marketing strategy, which has seen diminished public interaction since his departure.

Unity has encountered significant obstacles over the past several years, including a contentious Runtime Fee announcement in 2023 that was ultimately retracted in light of developer pushback. The subsequent resignation of CEO John Riccitiello and extensive workforce reductions, with 25% of its staff cut in early 2024, have created a turbulent corporate climate.

As Unity continues to maneuver through these challenges, Hyrb’s departure signifies the conclusion of a meaningful chapter in his career and raises questions about the future trajectory of his expertise in community engagement within the gaming sector.

**Peter Molyneux and the Heritage of Molydeux: A Contemplation on Game Creation and Aspirations**

Peter Molyneux is a seasoned game creator who has been leading the charge of innovation in the gaming realm for over thirty years. Renowned for his aspirational concepts and frequently extravagant commitments, Molyneux has influenced the video game terrain through works like *Fable*, *Black & White*, and *Populous*. His career journey has been marked by a combination of visionary brilliance and controversy, particularly surrounding the high expectations he set for his creations.

In a comical turn, a parody Twitter account called Peter Molydeux surfaced in 2009, founded by 3D environment artist Adam Capone to mock Molyneux’s grandiose assertions regarding his projects. The account garnered attention for its absurd game ideas that, although fictitious, resonated with the ambitious aspirations Molyneux regularly expressed. For example, tweets detailed outlandish scenarios such as “an online side scrolling co-op 8 player game where each person controls a leg of an octopus.” This satire struck a chord within the gaming community, capturing Molyneux’s unpredictable essence.

As Molyneux approaches the release of his apparently final game, *Masters of Albion*, Capone announced the retirement of the Molydeux persona, reflecting on the evolution of the industry. He remarked, “Games evolved to the point where the ideas I was parodying were no longer outside the box.” The Molydeux character functioned not only as a source of humor but also as a framework to critique the changing standards of the industry and the delicate balance between innovation and practicality.

Molyneux’s tendency to over-promise is perhaps epitomized by the unrealized endeavor *Project Milo*. Designed as an interactive experience for the Xbox 360’s Kinect, Molyneux portrayed it as a game that would generate a “real, living being in a computer.” Yet, Microsoft ultimately canceled the game, highlighting the chasm between Molyneux’s ambitious vision and reality. This cycle of high hopes and subsequent letdowns became a defining characteristic of his career.

Capone’s musings on meeting Molyneux in real life uncovered a sincere enthusiasm and love for game design, stating, “That enthusiasm for the player experience, regardless if they land or not, is at the heart of this industry.” Despite the controversies, many within the industry respect Molyneux’s fervor for creativity, with the hope being that the next wave of developers can harness that same enthusiasm.

As Molyneux reveals *Masters of Albion*, claimed to be the apex of his life’s work, he seeks redemption in the view of the gaming community. The game’s concept centers around an open-world “god game” that takes inspiration from his previous triumphs. Molyneux characterized it as a title that aims to revitalize God games in the contemporary landscape, placing the genre “firmly back on the map.” Notable industry veterans, including Mark Healey and Iain Wright, are also contributing to this project, cultivating some optimism about its potential success.

Molyneux has recognized his prior errors, confessing to exaggerating and pledging that *Masters of Albion* symbolizes an opportunity for redemption. By prioritizing innovative gameplay instead of mere statistics, both Molyneux and Capone underline the significance of creativity in an industry that has at times favored commercial success over inventive exploration.

As the gaming community anticipates the launch of *Masters of Albion* on April 22, 2024, it is not merely another entry on the release schedule; it represents the culmination of a legacy that has lasted decades. Whether this results in a refreshed view of Molyneux or serves as a poignant farewell to his illustrious career, it acts as a testament to the ongoing evolution of video games as a medium of artistic expression.

In the beginning of 2009, just before the release of *Batman: Arkham Asylum* and a year following Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight*, developers at Monolith Productions were diligently engaged in creating a *Batman* game referred to as Project Apollo. This title was meant to tie into Nolan’s film series, encapsulating a vision that enthusiasts were keen to witness. Recently, in January 2024, gameplay footage from Project Apollo surfaced, showcasing fascinating aspects of what might have been.

On January 12, retro game archivist MrTalida shared files connected to Project Apollo that had been retrieved from an outdated hard drive. These files, produced between April 2009 and January 2010, contained video snippets displaying early gameplay and various in-engine experiments emphasizing sound and music, highlighting the game’s third-person action mechanics. The extent of advancement achieved by Monolith during these ten months is particularly remarkable.

Among the most thrilling discoveries from the leaked footage is a striking segment featuring the Tumbler, Batman’s tank-like vehicle from the *Dark Knight* trilogy. The footage shows the Tumbler maneuvering through an expansive train yard, evading police chases and destroying obstacles, reflecting a standard vehicle segment common to single-player AAA titles of that period.

Subsequent revelations from the leaks included a series of videos that documented the development of the Tumbler’s gameplay from October 2009 to January 2010. This evolution illustrates the technical skills and inventive concepts being investigated by the team throughout the game’s development.

### Reasons Behind the Cancellation of the Nolan *Batman* Game

Despite its promising features, the project eventually faced termination. Reports suggest that Project Apollo was in development for roughly 18 months. Notable gaming journalist Liam Robertson shed light on the reasons for the project’s cancellation, highlighting that publisher WB Games required Monolith to secure Christopher Nolan’s consent for the game to progress. Since the game was planned to be situated within Nolan’s iteration of the *Batman* universe, studio involvement was essential.

Regrettably, Nolan displayed minimal interest in the video game initiative, prompting Monolith to cease their efforts. After this disappointment, the studio redirected its focus to developing games based on *The Lord of the Rings*. In more recent times, Monolith sought to create a *Wonder Woman* project that would have integrated the well-known Nemesis System, previously utilized in *Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor* and *Shadow of War*. However, this initiative was also halted when Monolith was closed down by WB in February 2025.

The story of Project Apollo highlights how creative ideas in the gaming sector can develop and ultimately disappear, shaped by the intricate interplay of licensing, approval, and audience demands. The leaked footage not only enriches the history of *Batman* games but also showcases the creative potential of video game development during that era.

“AI is bad, game will be deleted 30.1” reads the headline of the latest a Steam update post about Hardest, a rock-paper-scissors-themed roguelike card battler which includes AI-generated assets. “AI is evil, and game will be deleted 30.1” adds the sub-heading of that same update post, just in case the first line didn’t make the situation clear enough.

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### The Ascent of *Cory in the House*: A Memetic Sensation in Video Game Rankings

The 2008 Nintendo DS title *Cory in the House* has recently gained exceptional attention in the competitive world of video game rankings. Following what appears to be a grassroots initiative on Reddit, the game is ready to unseat *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* as Metacritic’s highest user-rated video game, a shift that underscores the unique interaction between online communities and gaming culture.

#### A Cult Favorite Redefined

Although it initially received negative feedback from critics upon its launch, *Cory in the House*, inspired by the Disney Channel series of the same name, has transformed into a cultural meme that connects with a broad audience. The game’s distinct appeal has ignited a lasting online presence, marked by a blend of nostalgia and irony. Its rise in user rankings can be linked to a coordinated reverse review bombing effort led by members of the /v/ board on 4chan in 2013, positioning it as a humorous counterstatement within the gaming sphere. This initiative highlighted the game, propelling it to the #1 most-requested FAQ on GameFAQs and subsequently earning a user score of 9.5, making it the second-highest rated Nintendo DS game on Metacritic.

#### Contextual Background and User Ratings

In August 2025, *Cory in the House* saw a minor drop, settling at a 9.3 user review score, ranking as the 7th highest on Metacritic. Nonetheless, recent months have sparked renewed enthusiasm, prompting a remarkable rise in its rankings. By late December 2025, *Cory in the House* had impressively ascended to the second-highest user-rated game, trailing only *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.

*Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, launched in April of the preceding year, swiftly claimed the title of highest user-rated game on Metacritic with an initial score of 9.7, bolstered by accolades at the 2025 Game Awards. However, a sudden backlash in social media discussions has seemingly influenced its decline; while it remains a well-regarded title, it has recently fallen to a 9.5 user rating.

#### The Social Media Instigator

The catalyst for *Cory in the House* appears to be the growing engagement on sites like Reddit. On January 11, 2026, threads emphasizing *Cory in the House’s* impressive user rating began to circulate, receiving thousands of upvotes and revitalizing interest. A thread on the r/videogames subreddit attracted 6.1 thousand upvotes while a subsequent conversation in the r/gaming subreddit garnered 15,000 upvotes. This natural wave of support contrasts with earlier strategic campaigns, marking a significant moment in the game’s revival.

This renewed attention has resulted in an influx of perfect 10 ratings for *Cory in the House*, with numerous users recently submitting flawless scores. Simultaneously, there have been suspicious 0 ratings for *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, indicating that while the discourse around *Cory in the House* has intensified, its rival’s reputation has come under scrutiny.

#### Conclusion: The Way Ahead

Though *Cory in the House* still has distance to cover before it officially claims the top position, its trajectory within the user rankings undeniably demonstrates the dynamic and occasionally unpredictable characteristics of online gaming culture. Given the current momentum, it appears increasingly probable that this game, once deemed mediocre, could soon enjoy its time at the pinnacle of the Metacritic leaderboard. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how community engagement can reshape a game’s legacy in the constantly evolving world of video gaming.