Social media company Discord are trying their best to reassure people irked by the recently announced global rollout of some new age verification measures, which include face scans and a background “age inference” system for determining whether the user is an adult.
The developer behind voxel sandbox Allumeria claims Microsoft have withdrawn a DMCA takedown filed against the game over alleged copyright infringement. According to an email posted on Discord by Allumeria developer Unomelon on February 10th, the strike accused their work of using content from Minecraft without Microsoft’s permission.
Look at all the mess lying around. You can’t move for discarded detritus on the planets of No Man’s Sky. Good news, then, that the space sandbox’s latest update delivers a gravity gun and interstellar rubbish collection lorries that’ll help clean those worlds up a bit.
Romeo is a Dead Man, Grasshopper Manufacture’s eccentric new hack ‘n’ slash, is out today. I quite like it. I especially like its main menu screen, a strangely hypnotic fish tank in which captive planets float alongside a coral ballet trophy, and the menu’s text strings try to escape when you’re not looking. There is, precisely, one fish.
In an industry pestered by calls to “think of the children”, Tarsier’s games are useful reminders that children can be utterly depraved in ways no coddling adult would ever dream. Later in Reanimal, the developer’s latest, strictly ‘co-optional’ horror game, two kids rip an eyeball out of a massive, sunken horse skull and shove it into what I sincerely hope is the eyesocket of a slumbering whale. Somehow, this is necessary to advance.
It’s the kind of thing that would only occur to children, because children do not reason like ‘we’ do, those disgusting creeps. They sense that they exist in a world that isn’t for them: a world of baffling laws, high shelves, and everyday monstrosity; a world they’re required to ‘grow into’ by means of repeated shedding and sprouting and subjection – milk teeth and pubic hair and doing your goddamn chores. So they instinctively come up with ways to screw with the system, twist its horrible logic against itself. Why not push a horse’s eyeball into a whale?
**Uncovering Hidden Treasures: The Significance of Steam Next Fest in Gaming**
Video games have emerged as a preeminent source of entertainment, enchanting audiences globally. However, despite the plethora of available titles, findability remains a substantial obstacle for gamers. Storefronts frequently highlight well-known titles, leaving players in search of fresh experiences that suit their distinct preferences. This is where Steam Next Fest stands out as a guiding light for those seeking their next hidden treasure.
Steam Next Fest is a biannual event that enables developers to present forthcoming games via demos. In contrast to conventional gaming expos like E3, Next Fest offers gamers a no-cost chance to delve into a broad range of titles, facilitating the discovery of games that might otherwise go unnoticed. With demos accessible for players to try, it acts not merely as a showcase for new games but also as a means for individuals to hone their gaming inclinations.
Despite Steam’s extensive resources and algorithms designed to tailor user experiences, players frequently find their discovery queues overflowing with suggestions that are far from their preferences. For example, acquiring a specific game may result in a surge of similar titles that don’t truly match a player’s genuine interests. This exasperating experience extends beyond Steam, affecting other platforms such as YouTube, where algorithms continually adapt based on recent actions—often leading to paths that may not connect with the viewer.
Steam Next Fest is especially beneficial for those eager to expand their gaming landscapes. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the storefront operates on traffic-driven dynamics, often favoring titles that are already attracting attention. For committed gamers, keeping informed about upcoming releases necessitates vigilance. Monitoring game developers, curators, and reviewers on platforms like Backlogged, Itch.io, and Steam itself can offer insights into lesser-known yet thrilling games.
Indie game creators possess the distinctive capability to craft games that resonate with their youthful experiences, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of creativity within the indie sector. Titles like *Corn Kidz 64* and *Downsouth* illustrate the enchantment that arises when creators follow their passions. These games reflect lively visuals and inventive gameplay mechanics, challenging expectations of what players can anticipate from their gaming adventures.
Steam Next Fest showcases a multitude of demos from various genres, allowing gamers to experience thrilling titles like *Blast Cats*, a nostalgic 3D platformer, and *PSI*, an adventure game steeped in intrigue. The creativity exhibited in these titles mirrors the diverse nature of independent development, providing experiences that are both unforgettable and groundbreaking.
As gamers encounter shifting challenges in unearthing new titles, resources like Steam Next Fest offer a crucial lifeline. By participating in this festival and exploring curated feeds, players can uncover the vast array that the gaming realm presents. Ultimately, carving out a personalized gaming journey requires initiative and a readiness to venture beyond the mainstream. Embracing this exploration, motivated by curiosity and perhaps a touch of rebellion against the norm, is what enriches the gaming community’s vibrancy and diversity.
Czech indie developers Amanita Design – creators of Samorost, Creaks and Machinarium, among other marvels – have released a demo for Phonopolis, their 3D cardboard adventure about a young man called Felix who is trying to save a city brainwashed by massive loudspeakers. Protected by his headphones, Felix is on a mission to stop the authoritarian Leader from issuing the Absolute Tone, which will “strip every citizen of their humanity forever”. Seems like a thing to avoid!
Warren! Warren! Warren!
ARRGGHHH! WHAAAA! HUHHHH! Replaced, the long-in-development dystopian platformer from Sad Cat Studios, keeps shouting my last name at me. It might because the game’s main character, a jacketed gap jumper and baddie shooter, is called Warren. It might also because I did plenty of falling and accidentally got shot by a robo-sniper in Replaced’s demo, which is now live ahead of the full thing’s release next month.
At least 1,200 Ubisoft developers have gone on strike across Paris and Milan in response to the company’s recent massive cutbacks and change of policy towards remote-working. That’s the figure given for yesterday’s bout of strike action by Marc Rutschlé, Ubisoft Paris staffer and a representative of the union Solidaires Informatique, in a statement to the socialist agitators of GamesIndustry.biz.
The primary inspiration for this week’s strike is Ubisoft’s cancellation or closure of several games and studios, with total job losses still to be confirmed but likely to be in the hundreds. The strikers are also pissed off about delayed or inadequate pay rises, together with Ubisoft’s new ban on remote or hybrid working (employees will get a yearly allowance of homeworking days instead). In general, they incline to the belief that Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot is a big smelly bumface who should be looking for a new job.
## Mortal Kombat Collides with Figure Skating: An Extraordinary Display at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan offered a stunning platform for showcasing athletic excellence and unexpected humor, culminating in an unforgettable event that highlighted iconic video game figures in a competitive setting. Notably, the closing Exhibition Gala showcased a spectacular performance where cherished characters like Sub-Zero, Deadpool, and Kung Fu Panda took to the ice, merging the worlds of figure skating and video game culture.
### Gold Medal Triumph
Kazakhstan’s skater Mikhail Shaidorov made history by clinching the gold medal in the men’s figure skating category, distinguishing himself as the first athlete from his nation to achieve such a revered accolade. His success was attributed not only to his technical skill but also to his performance artistry, as he presented a playful tribute to pop culture on the ice. During the Exhibition Gala, Shaidorov portrayed Kung Fu Panda, entertaining the crowd with a routine set to Carl Douglas’s timeless “Kung Fu Fighting.” The humorous peak of his performance included a comedic exchange with fellow skaters, where he engaged in a lighthearted sparring match with Deadpool and Sub-Zero before producing an exaggerated fart sound effect, much to the delight of the audience.
### Pop Culture on the Olympic Ice
The display of whimsy didn’t conclude with Shaidorov. The gala also showcased pairs skaters Luka Berulava and Anastasiia Metelkina, whose routine honored the *Mortal Kombat* series. Berulava took on the role of Sub-Zero while Metelkina dressed as Kitana, thrilling fans with a performance that featured the game’s iconic theme music. They concluded their act with a dramatic stance, replicating the signature pose of *Mortal Kombat* characters before a finishing move.
### The Nexus of Licensing and Creativity
The playful fusion of pop culture allusions prompted discussions regarding intellectual property rights during the Olympic Games, particularly in light of the obstacles many skaters encountered when attempting to secure music licensing for their acts. While some competitors, such as American gold medalist Amber Glenn, faced difficulties obtaining rights for their selected music, others embraced inventive and unconventional choices. Notably, Czech skaters Katerina Mrazkova and Daniel Mrazek boldly performed to an AI-generated tune that resembled classic rock, illustrating the shifting dynamics between technology, creativity, and competitive sports.
### A New Era of Entertainment at the Olympics
The playful displays at the 2026 Winter Olympics reflect a wider trend of entertainment merging with traditional sports, reminiscent of the increasingly playful atmospheres found in popular video games like *Fortnite*. With its combination of artistry, humor, and athleticism, this year’s figure skating event created a memorable moment in Olympic history, highlighting the potential for integrating diverse cultural elements within such a prestigious sporting context. As figures from popular media come to life on the Olympic stage, it is evident that the boundaries between competitive sports and entertainment are becoming increasingly indistinct, paving the way for an exhilarating future in sporting events.