Gait Games

### The New Era of Xbox Leadership: Asha Sharma Assumes Control

Recently transitioned from her position in Microsoft’s AI sector, Asha Sharma has taken over the leadership role at Xbox, replacing the 38-year veteran Phil Spencer. Her entry signifies a major shift for the gaming division, coinciding with a time of doubt and skepticism within the gaming community. This skepticism emerges amidst considerable hurdles that the Xbox brand faces, such as developer layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures.

#### Engaging with the Community

Asha Sharma began her interaction with the gaming community through an open thread on X (formerly Twitter). Her engaging style started with the inquiry, “Top 3 greatest games ever? Why? GO,” directly soliciting input from her new followers. In her reply, she emphasized her personal favorites: *Halo, Valheim,* and *Goldeneye,* sharing reflections that resonate with veteran Xbox fans.

Her recent activities also showcased her engagement in the gaming domain, as she disclosed her Gamertag and an impressive gamerscore of 10,860, which attracted attention from users on X. This openness is perceived by some as a conscious effort to engage with gamers on a personal level, despite skepticism concerning her gaming experience.

#### Addressing Concerns of Exclusivity

One of the most significant worries among Xbox supporters is the matter of exclusives. Microsoft’s recent approach—a transition from fierce rivalry with Sony to releasing major titles on other platforms—has left many players feeling sidelined. Long-time supporters of the Xbox brand are concerned that these actions may signal a diminished commitment to the console’s identity and a shift towards third-party publishing.

When questioned about exclusive titles like *Halo, Forza,* and *Gears*, Sharma’s remark—”Hear you”—elicited mixed reactions. While some perceived it as a positive indication that she recognizes the significance of exclusives, others construed it as vague and merely a public relations maneuver aimed at soothing dissatisfied fans.

#### Community Reaction

Sharma’s interactions have not been free of controversy. Some users have voiced skepticism, wondering if her replies are authentic or generated by a bot, a concern that highlights the apprehension many feel about her leadership. In a playful response to these criticisms, she humorously remarked, “Beep Boop Beep Boop,” demonstrating her readiness to engage with critics in a light-hearted way.

Nonetheless, amid the swell of doubt, there remains a glimmer of hope from committed Xbox fans. Many are cautiously optimistic about Sharma’s distinctive perspective derived from her background in AI and marketing. They view this as a chance for innovative ideas that could rejuvenate Xbox’s position in the gaming community.

#### Conclusion

Asha Sharma’s ascent to the role of CEO of Microsoft Gaming comes at a pivotal moment for Xbox. As she endeavors to navigate the complexities of player expectations, brand devotion, and the evolving gaming landscape, her capacity to build trust and communicate effectively with the gaming community will be essential. The upcoming years will determine if her fresh vision can unite the Xbox community and rekindle interest in the brand amid ongoing challenges.

The second series of Amazon’s Fallout adaptation has now fully emerged from the vault, its eight episodes having been plinked out gradually, rather than whipped out in one fell swoop. Naturally, one of us has taken in the show how its distributors intended, injecting a stimpak a week in calm and measured fashion. The other waited until all the episodes were out, and then injected them all at once like an unhinged adventurer blowing through half their chem stash in a mid-fight panic. I’ll let you try to work out which is which, here’s our verdict.

Major spoilers for season 2 of the Fallout TV Show lie ahead.

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The initial *Saints Row* debuted in 2006 and swiftly turned into an unforeseen success, establishing a niche within the urban sandbox genre. The game set itself apart by expanding the limits of humor and chaos beyond what prestigious franchises like *Grand Theft Auto* had accomplished. Over time, *Saints Row* transformed into a cherished series, recognized for its irreverent approach to open-world gameplay. Nonetheless, its latest installment, the 2022 reboot, fell short of expectations, marred by technical problems and a detachment from the series’ fundamental identity.

In the aftermath, hopes for a resurgence arose, ignited by rumors indicating that the series could take a new creative route. Chris Stockman, the design director of the original title, disclosed that he was contacted by Embracer Group, the parent organization of *Saints Row* developer Volition, to deliberate on a potential correction of course for the franchise. Stockman suggested a prequel set in the 1970s, which he believed could offer new opportunities for the series’ hallmark humor and might provide a chance to reconnect with its audience.

Despite this encouraging direction, Stockman later voiced his doubts about the franchise’s future. He expressed that he felt ‘ghosted’ by Embracer, suggesting that the concept might not materialize. Stockman remarked, “I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately,” a sentiment that resonates with the wider apprehensions regarding Embracer’s management of their acquisitions, especially their restructuring tactics that can hinder creative development.

Embracer Group has a track record of acquiring and subsequently restructuring various game studios, including Gearbox and Crystal Dynamics, with mixed results. The 2022 reboot of *Saints Row* marked Volition’s first endeavor under Embracer’s ownership after its acquisition in 2018. However, the game did not meet sales forecasts, resulting in the closure of Volition in 2023, signifying a significant conclusion for the studio that had been behind the series for two decades.

The sorrow surrounding *Saints Row* resonates within the broader context of other franchises that have been constrained under Embracer’s governance. The company has recently scrapped anticipated revivals for titles like *Perfect Dark* and *Deus Ex*, illustrating a tendency to forsake potential sequels or reboots for immediate restructuring concerns. The uncertainty enveloping the *Saints Row* brand embodies a larger narrative in the gaming landscape, where beloved franchises risk being sidelined amidst corporate strategies that favor financial success over creative pursuits.

As the aftermath of this chapter of *Saints Row* unfolds, there is a lingering hope that the essence of the franchise might eventually return, be it through new talent or innovative concepts, to reignite the joy and absurdity that once enthralled audiences. However, for the time being, it seems that the series has arrived at a pivotal juncture, with its future precariously contingent on the choices of corporate leadership.

Sundays are for lying in bed and listening to the persistent rain beating at the skylight. It’s a comforting sound but one that’s become all too familiar in this seemingly endless winter. This week has at least brought murmurs of sunlight in the mornings, but for now they’re often drowned out by the tap tap tap of rain.

While the sound of the rain is exhausting its welcome, the urge to stay in a cosy bed and pooh-pooh the outside remains very welcome. For now, I will put the thought that I need to go to the shops and pick up food for the week into a shoebox and hide it away under the bed, next to the lost socks and sleeping spiders.

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**The Prospects of the Far Cry Franchise: Expectations and Difficulties**

Ubisoft’s immensely successful *Far Cry* series is presently in focus as gamers eagerly anticipate the forthcoming title, *Far Cry 7*. With its development officially announced, Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot has promised that the prolonged wait will be rewarding. In a recent discussion, he noted the progress on two forthcoming *Far Cry* ventures, reigniting interest in a franchise that consistently provides thrilling single-player escapades and compelling multiplayer interactions.

### Current Status of Far Cry 7 and Upcoming Ventures

In the interview, Guillemot emphasized that *Far Cry 7*, code-named Project Blackbird during its creation, along with a multiplayer offshoot known as Project Maverick, are both underway. The revelation of these projects was initially reported in early 2023, signaling Ubisoft’s dedication to broadening the *Far Cry* universe despite the hold-ups.

These delays, as Guillemot clarified, arise from a commitment to uphold elevated quality standards, which have become a prevalent concern in the creation of AAA titles. This focus on quality has resulted in extended development times, particularly in an industry where player demands are notably high.

### Why is Far Cry 7 Experiencing Delays?

Historically, the *Far Cry* series has maintained a pattern of releasing new titles every two to three years, complemented by smaller spin-offs to bridge the gaps. Since Ubisoft took control of the franchise and launched *Far Cry 2* in 2008, the longest hiatus between entries has lasted four years. However, by the fall of 2023, five years will have passed since the launch of *Far Cry 6*. This change in development schedule mirrors wider industry trends, as more resources are necessary to create ambitious titles.

The *Far Cry* multiplayer endeavor, Maverick, has faced notable challenges in its development, evolving from an initial vision of an extraction shooter to an entirely different concept. Ubisoft’s earlier efforts in crafting successful multiplayer games have also encountered difficulties, as several ventures did not achieve commercial success.

### The Wider Context: Assassin’s Creed

In contrast to *Far Cry*, the developments within the *Assassin’s Creed* franchise seem to be more organized. Guillemot mentioned that several *Assassin’s Creed* titles are in progress, including a remake of *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag* set for 2026, a multiplayer spin-off named Invictus, and a new single-player offering titled *Hexe*, anticipated in 2027. Nonetheless, the company has also experienced setbacks, including the cancellation of various unannounced mobile adaptations.

### Conclusion: The Outlook for Far Cry and Beyond

Although challenges persist, both *Far Cry* and *Assassin’s Creed* are set to remain key components of Ubisoft’s lineup, with adaptations such as a *Far Cry* television series in development and *Assassin’s Creed* productions debuting on platforms like Netflix. Fans can only hope that Ubisoft will rekindle the enthusiasm surrounding the *Far Cry* series by ultimately launching a new installment that honors its enduring legacy. As the gaming community anticipates these developments, the possibilities for innovation and progress within these franchises keep the excitement alive.

There’s nothing more spooky than having to neatly get your message across in a limited number of words which may or may not have to rhyme or stick to iambic pentameter. That’s something Polish horror devs Bloober Team clearly understand, since they whipped out some William Blake poetry over the weekend, in order to reveal that Layers of Fear 3 will be a thing.

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**Discord’s Age-Verification Strategies Under Scrutiny: An Insight into Persona’s Data Practices**

Last week, Discord users were faced with prompts asking for personal details via Persona, a third-party service for age verification, sparking worries about privacy and data protection. This action aligns with Discord’s pledge for universal age-verification, yet its execution has drawn significant criticism in light of previous security lapses. In retaliation, a collective of hacktivists asserted they had compromised Persona, exposing potentially troubling methods related to user biometrics and data oversight.

Persona has faced criticism for its front-end security flaws and broad surveillance abilities. Investigative results suggest that the data gathered goes beyond basic age verification and includes user identification for suspicious activities, possibly associating them with watchlists. This has intensified fears concerning the extent of Persona’s data application, drawing comparisons to larger surveillance initiatives.

The firm, which secured $150 million in financing from the Founders Fund—led by Peter Thiel—has had its affiliations examined closely. Thiel is also linked to Palantir, a contentious data broker recognized for its associations with government bodies, including those tasked with immigration enforcement. While there is no current direct proof connecting the functions of Persona and Discord to Palantir, analysts highlight that data flows might share similar pathways, raising ethical dilemmas.

After the breach, Persona’s CEO, Rick Song, conceded to the security shortcomings and expressed gratitude to the hackers for their insights. Nonetheless, many hacktivists remain doubtful about the ultimate applications of user data. Persona’s chief operating officer, Christie Kim, mentioned that the firm is exploring potential agreements for government workforce account security but refuted any links to agencies like ICE.

Despite reassurances from Discord regarding data deletion methodologies, the ambiguity surrounding the management of information during the brief retention period prompts additional inquiries. The repercussions from this disclosure have led to a surge of users searching for alternatives to Discord, indicating a possibly enduring effect on the platform’s user confidence.

As this situation evolves, with Discord and Persona striving to separate themselves amidst persistent examination, the lingering question persists: can user confidence ever be completely regained in light of substantial privacy issues?

Happy this week, all! It’s time once again to load the Maw up with new PC games, that we may stave off the apocalypse till next Monday. This week covers a wide spectrum of flavours and textures: papery, Dodo-ish, ducklike, inky, formaldehyde-y, pasty, furry, feculent, and fishy. Once you’re done throwing up, get back here and run your protesting eyes over the full list. As ever, we welcome your urgent suggestions.

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Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has become the latest game to have its initially listed recommended RAM requirement yanked down by a substantial amount, following in the footsteps of fellow 2026 release 007: First Light.

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“You will get anywhere between a fairly surgical battle with the more simple moves and synergies, to a downright-drunken-disaster run. [They] act with basically zero understanding of enemy mechanics, no regard for their ability order, and they couldn’t give less of a damn about tile hazards.” This is a section taken from the description of a mod which turns Mewgenics into an auto-battler, but turning the controls over to an AI chessmaster. That AI chessmaster just happens to play almost exactly like I have in my seven hours with it thus far.

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