Gait Games

**David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance Set to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery: An Examination of the Merger Dynamics**

In an unexpected development within the realm of media and entertainment, billionaire David Ellison stands on the verge of finalizing a significant acquisition that could transform the entertainment landscape. Ellison, recognized for his connections and influence as a “nepo baby,” owns Paramount Skydance and is in line to secure Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

The sequence of events commenced when Warner Bros. Discovery revealed its intention to sell to Netflix instead of Ellison’s Paramount Skydance. This choice ignited Ellison’s assertive campaign, which entailed a hostile takeover bid directed squarely at WBD shareholders, urging them to rethink the agreement with Netflix. Confronted with escalating pressure and competitive bidding from Paramount Skydance, Netflix ultimately opted not to elevate its initial offer, thus paving the way for a possible merger.

Paramount Skydance’s most recent proposal presents $31 per share for WBD, valuing the entity at nearly $111 billion. This offer exceeds Netflix’s previous bid of $27 per share for solely Warner Bros.’ film studio and HBO Max, a transaction approximating $83 billion. In light of these developments, Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters indicated that while the acquisition was enticing, it was not critical, suggesting a tactical retreat rather than a defeat in the bidding competition.

Netflix’s decision to withdraw from the bidding process arises against a backdrop of increasing regulatory oversight. The potential acquisition by Netflix encountered obstacles from a coalition of Trump-aligned attorneys general, who expressed concerns regarding the merger’s ramifications. Conversely, a merger between Paramount Skydance and WBD may experience a more favorable regulatory approval process, partially due to Ellison’s familial connections with the Trump administration. This relationship brings forth questions regarding the ethical considerations surrounding such large-scale acquisitions, especially in light of previous financial settlements between Paramount and Trump.

Ellison’s assertive tactics, which some have characterized as “throwing a hissy fit,” have ultimately led to a “superior proposal” being preferred by WBD’s board. Netflix’s formal response framed their bid as strategic while reaffirming their dedication to financial prudence, suggesting that local market dynamics and internal priorities influenced their withdrawal.

As the landscape trends towards a probable merger between Paramount Skydance and WBD, industry observers are paying close attention. The implications of this deal extend beyond financial aspects; they engage with cultural dialogues regarding the ownership of significant intellectual properties, including legendary franchises such as Batman.

A transaction of this scale not only indicates a shift in corporate authority but also raises inquiries about the integrity and trajectory of media conglomerates managed by influential figures like Ellison. As both companies proceed with negotiations, industry stakeholders and consumers will be watching closely to see how this potential merger develops and what it signifies for the future of entertainment.

A decade on from its 1.0 launch, action-RPG Grim Dawn is getting some new Fangs of Asterkarn DLC that adds 5.5 square kilometres of in-game terrain. Picture the extra geography barrelling out of the atmosphere like a boisterous asteroid, teeming with bosses and minibosses and unique items. Look out below!

The DLC will increase the size of the base game by 76%, and will be prefaced by a free update with a new scaleable UI and revised stash feature, offering dedicated crafting and components pages. My, my, Grim Dawn, you’re certainly looking sprightly and well-padded, for a Diabbler of your seniority.

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### The Lenovo Legion Go Fold: A Step into the Future of Portable Gaming

In the continuously advancing realm of gaming technology, Lenovo is set to generate excitement with its recently leaked prototype—the Legion Go Fold. In a time when unwieldy yet robust handheld devices like the Steam Deck have taken center stage, the Legion Go Fold offers an intriguing, if unusual, alternative. These advancements signify an ongoing rivalry among technology firms aspiring to develop the next revolutionary product in portable gaming.

#### Design and Functionality

The Legion Go Fold distinguishes itself with its distinctive design that enables it to operate both as a handheld gaming PC and a standard laptop. As reported by **WindowsLatest**, early images indicate that this device can be adjusted into multiple configurations, transitioning effortlessly between handheld and laptop modes. This adaptability could attract gamers in search of a portable option that does not sacrifice performance or functionality.

Featuring folding capabilities, the device integrates controllers on either side, resembling the layout of current handheld gaming consoles. This arrangement provides an intuitive gaming experience akin to that of the well-liked Steam Deck while enhancing its functionality with laptop features.

#### The Prototype Reality

Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that the Legion Go Fold is still in the prototype phase at this point. While it exhibits encouraging features, there are doubts about its practicality and visual appeal. Numerous analysts have remarked on its potential awkwardness, implying that it may face challenges in balancing aesthetics and utility. The uncertainty surrounding its design raises a broader question in the tech industry: can innovation within the gaming sector yield designs that resonate with consumers?

#### Anticipated Release and Pricing

Rumors surrounding the formal introduction of the Legion Go Fold suggest that it is anticipated to be revealed next month. However, specifics regarding pricing remain undisclosed. Considering the sophisticated features likely included, such as a foldable POLED display, it is reasonable to speculate that the device will come with a premium price if it transitions from prototype to a commercially available product.

#### Conclusion

As Lenovo prepares for the possible release of the Legion Go Fold, the gaming community observes with eager anticipation. This device could either mark a new path for handheld gaming or act as a cautionary example regarding the boundaries of innovation. In a field saturated with rivalry, only time will reveal whether the Legion Go Fold can establish its place alongside the titans of portable gaming technology.

Stardew Valley, as of today, as temporally upsetting as it is to write this, is officially 10 years old. An entire decade! A far cry from being able to vote, but in the UK it could be convicted of a criminal offence, if such a situation were to arise. And to commemorate such an occasion, creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone shared a 22 minute long video showing some old builds of the game, shared some behind the scenes and tidbits, and revealed the new marriage candidates coming in the farming sims’ 1.7 update.

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**Stage Tour: A New Chapter for Rhythm Games**

A group of seasoned developers from the original *Guitar Hero* franchise has unveiled their thrilling new venture: *Stage Tour*, a rhythm game similar to *Rock Band*, anticipated for launch later this year. The reveal took place during *IGN* Fan Fest 2026, signifying an important achievement for RedOctane, the studio established by previous Harmonix creators who played a key role in the original PS2 *Guitar Hero* series.

In 2025, RedOctane made a comeback to introduce a new plastic guitar controller designed for *Fortnite Festival*, classic *Rock Band* titles, and *Clone Hero*. This resurgence hinted at a broader vision, which *Stage Tour* embodies.

Simon Ebejer, the director of RedOctane, conveyed the studio’s excitement for the project, mentioning that *Stage Tour* is a “celebration of rhythm gaming.” The team intends to combine well-known gameplay with innovative features by leveraging modern technology. Ebejer emphasized their aim to link gamers with their beloved music while creating a platform that can adapt and grow. With new instruments and enhanced charting systems, RedOctane aspires to enrich the rhythm game experience, appealing to both casual users and serious fans seeking greater complexity.

*Stage Tour* will accommodate various control methods, including PC keyboards, and showcase dynamic note charts that adjust according to chosen difficulty and controller type. The studio has collaborated with Gibson to incorporate Gibson-branded guitars into the game, serving as a nostalgic reference to *Guitar Hero*’s early days.

RedOctane has revealed intentions for alpha testing this summer, anticipating a fall launch on PC and a wide array of consoles. As the rhythm game genre progresses, *Stage Tour* aims to reignite the enchantment of previous titles while expanding the limits of what can be achieved in music gaming.

When a game like Highguard, with its Apex Legends creators and reported Tencent funding, comes out and just kind of flops, you have to wonder what happened to get it to this point. Well, a new report from Mr. Scoop himself Jason Schreier over at Bloomberg appears to have shed a bit of light on the whole palaver through speaking with former Wildlight staffers.

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**Marathon’s Pre-Launch Server Slam: The Arc Raiders Controversy**

Today signifies an exhilarating milestone for Bungie’s new extraction shooter, *Marathon*, as the pre-launch server slam kicked off, drawing in over 100,000 enthusiastic players across PC and console platforms. The event provided players the chance to try the game at no cost, but it wasn’t long before users began to test the boundaries of in-game chat by mentioning *Arc Raiders*, the title’s most formidable rival in the genre.

When users entered “Arc Raiders” in squad chat, they encountered an unexpected censorship: the message was substituted with “*** *******”. This peculiar restriction swiftly captured the attention of the gaming community, with a clip from a well-known Twitch streamer showcasing the incident going viral.

Zack Zwiezen from *Kotaku*, who is also partaking in the *Marathon* beta, executed a small experiment to further explore the censorship. He discovered that players could type variations like “arc,” “raiders,” and even “arcraiders,” but the complete title “Arc Raiders” continued to be blocked. This perplexing choice ignited curiosity and discussion regarding the motivations behind such a selective censorship approach.

Notably, this isn’t the first time *Arc Raiders* has experienced analogous censorship. Last fall, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* encountered a similar predicament, which was subsequently resolved through a patch. Moreover, reports have surfaced that EA has been censoring *Arc Raiders* in their upcoming titles, exemplifying a trend among shooters in the competitive sphere.

In the realm of *Marathon*, the competition with *Arc Raiders* is tangible, as the game’s success hinges on attracting players away from *Arc Raiders* during its new season. Differing philosophies regarding cheat bans have also created friction between the two titles, with initial reports suggesting that *Marathon* has adopted novel methods to combat cheating.

As the pre-launch weekend progresses, player feedback points to a promising beginning for *Marathon*, despite the chat censorship issue.

**Update:**
As of February 26, 2026, the censorship glitch has been fixed, permitting appreciation for *Arc Raiders* back into the chat on Tau Ceti. The *Marathon Development Team* confirmed the modification via a tweet, inviting players to openly discuss all facets of the gaming universe once more.

I’m finding Surgent Studios, the developer of Tales of Zenzera: ZAU and Dead Take, increasingly difficult to pin down, though, not in a bad way. Those two games are a far cry from one another in both atmosphere, genre, and mechanics, and now the studio’s next game is something completely different once again: FixForce, an extraction platformer, a combination of words that might finally pin down Those Types of Games.

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**The Growth of Stardew Valley: A Decade of Agricultural Adventures and Bonds**

In the last decade, *Stardew Valley* has risen from its modest origins as an indie title to be crowned the most adored farming simulation ever. The game, developed by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, has kept on progressing, with significant updates arriving even after Barone announced his plans to ease off on development. As the game celebrates its 10th birthday, Barone has introduced thrilling new features, including more characters to romance and a fond reflection on the game’s journey.

In a recent anniversary video, Barone revealed two fresh candidates for marriage in the anticipated 1.7 update: Clint and Sandy. Clint, the local blacksmith, often faces criticism from players, with some describing him as incel-like. On the other hand, Sandy, an enigmatic character who operates a shop in the desert, is well-received and introduces an exciting element to the game.

Die-hard fans of *Stardew Valley* speculated for weeks about the identities of the new marriage options, yearning for new characters or even the possibility of wooing the Wizard. While Sandy’s potential involvement sparked excitement among players, the reception of Clint was more varied. Numerous players questioned the nature of the marriage selections and expressed a desire for more appealing options.

The anniversary video also provided charming peeks into the game’s early development phases, specifically from its initial iteration, *Sprout Valley*, from 2012. This marks the first occasion that significant footage from this version has been unveiled, showcasing a world that closely resembled the game we know today. However, Barone openly criticized the original pixel art as “crap,” acknowledging his journey as a developer and the transformation of his vision for *Stardew Valley*. He considered what might have transpired if he had released the game too soon.

Despite its shaky start, the game quickly evolved into the version that has captivated millions. A build from just a year after *Sprout Valley* displayed significant similarities to the final outcome, underlining Barone’s remarkable turnaround as a solo creator.

The retrospective also pointed out numerous ambitious elements that were eventually discarded, including procedurally generated mines inspired by *Terraria*, along with a whole underground goblin settlement that never made it to the finished game. These forfeited components have sparked speculation about the game’s lore, allowing fans to engage with the history of *Stardew Valley* in innovative and exciting manners.

Nonetheless, not every disclosure was met with excitement. Many gamers, particularly those who have fostered in-game relationships, voiced their dissatisfaction regarding Clint’s romantic presence since he often flirts with other established characters, complicating the story for those who have entered into their own farmer’s journeys. In contrast, Sandy’s inclusion opens up new avenues for gameplay challenges, as players will need to navigate towards encountering her later in their adventure.

Perhaps the most entertaining tidbit revealed in the video was Barone’s surprising pronunciation of Qi, an endgame character known for presenting the game’s toughest quests. Learning that Qi’s last name is pronounced “qwee” left fans both puzzled and amused, showcasing the delightful charm that Barone has woven into his game.

In summary, *Stardew Valley* continues to enhance the gaming world with new content and a nostalgic revisitation of its origins. As the game progresses, players are reminded of the passion and care that have gone into creating this beloved farming simulation, ensuring the legacy of *Stardew Valley* will last for many more years.

Samson looks like it’ll offer the sort of dumb action fun I can’t resist, and it’s now locked in a full release date. Liquid Swords, the Swedish studio founded by former Just Cause and Mad Max developer Christofer Sundberg, are set to let their game about a bloke attempting to brawl and car chase his way out of crippling debt loose in early April.

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