Gait Games

I’m finding the relatively recent trend of supposedly calming diorama builders in games to be an interesting one in that there’s a clear desire amongst creatively inclined folks to be crafting something in virtual environments, just not necessarily at scale. Just this week I wrote about Sandcastle, a literal sandbox game where you build sandcastles, and of course there’s Tiny Glade too which good ole Christian Donlan loved. And now there’s Midnight Moments, a cyberpunk diorama builder that has me thinking about the function of these games.

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**Electronic Arts Poised for Significant Acquisition by Saudi Arabia and Private Equity Firms**

Electronic Arts (EA) has taken substantial steps towards a significant acquisition, confirming that all necessary regulatory approvals for its anticipated sale to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and various private equity partners have been obtained. A recent filing indicates that the merger is projected to be completed by August 4, 2026.

In an official statement, EA mentioned, “As of July 30, 2026, all regulatory approvals required to finalize the Merger have been acquired. Electronic Arts currently anticipates the Merger will conclude on or around the close of trading on August 4, 2026.” Though the merger’s completion is ultimately contingent on the satisfaction of customary closing conditions outlined in the Merger Agreement, the probability of the sale advancing as intended appears robust.

If the merger successfully concludes, EA will transition to a private entity in a deal valued at roughly $55 billion. This acquisition will represent one of the largest deals in the video game arena, following only Microsoft’s $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. The investment consortium spearheading the acquisition includes the Saudi Arabia PIF, noted for its bold investments in the gaming industry, alongside Silver Lake Partners and Affinity Partners, a private equity firm associated with Jared Kushner, son-in-law to former President Donald Trump.

The Saudi Arabia PIF has cultivated a significant foothold in the gaming sector, acquiring shares in major firms such as Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive, and completely purchasing companies like Scopely and Niantic, the creator of Pokémon Go.

With the forthcoming acquisition, EA’s operational framework is likely to undergo modifications, though Andrew Wilson is anticipated to remain as CEO and the company’s headquarters will stay in California. However, the merger also raises concerns regarding the future of EA’s workforce, which has endured a challenging few years characterized by layoffs across numerous projects, including notable titles within the EA portfolio. The company has faced criticism, especially regarding its management choices, including a reported $8 million bonus granted to Wilson during these layoffs.

The acquisition represents a crucial juncture for EA as it adapts to new ownership and the consequences of becoming private, where much of its financial information will cease to be public. As stakeholders await the completion of this transaction, the effects on EA’s employees and the company’s future trajectory remain uncertain.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 developer Saber Interactive clearly like to keep themselves busy, as today they’ve announced the next game that they’re publishing. It’s called Rideshare “Stimulator” (I should note those quotation marks are a part of the title), and it is essentially a game all about being an Uber driver for a city full of oddballs.

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**Poké-preservationists Uncover Possibly Unique Game: An Insight into PokéPark Fishing Tournament DS**

In an unexpected development, Poké-preservationists could have discovered an extraordinarily rare Pokémon game: the *PokéPark Fishing Tournament DS*. Recently featured on eBay for around $9,100, this game symbolizes a distinctive fragment of Pokémon history, as it was never available outside Japan and was solely offered at select Pokémon Centers and special events.

### Background of the Game

The *PokéPark Fishing Tournament DS* was exclusively obtainable at Pokémon-oriented events, including the now-closed *Pokémon The Park*, which briefly operated in 2005. Within this game, players participated in a fishing competition involving various Poké-fish, accumulating points based on the weight, level, and rarity of the creatures they captured. Moreover, players could view their scores on leaderboards at Pokémon Centers, promoting a competitive atmosphere.

### The Game’s Uniqueness

As the game is deemed “lost media,” its preservation presents considerable obstacles. The game was released digitally and would erase itself from the user’s Nintendo DS upon turning off the device. This trait complicates the preservationists’ ambition of keeping an authentic version of the game, as it raises questions about the actual content housed on the cartridge currently being sold.

### The eBay Listing and Community Responses

The description of the eBay listing indicates a “high-score ranking communication program” appears in Japanese when the cartridge is inserted into a DS. This has sparked speculation that the cartridge may not be the actual game but rather a technical sub-cartridge utilized for managing wireless leaderboards. This ambiguity has ignited discussions within the Pokémon community regarding the true identity of the cart, with many yearning for access to a genuine version of the game instead of a simple technical aspect.

Community members, aware of the potential risk of losing this rare media item to a private collector, are promoting a collective purchase. Professor Rex, a prominent Pokémon aficionado, suggested the notion of organizing a group buy in hopes of acquiring the cartridge for preservation purposes.

### The Outlook for PokéPark Fishing Tournament DS

Although the $9,104 price tag poses a substantial hurdle for many, enthusiasm within the Pokémon community remains vigorous. Fans are keen to uncover the secrets the cartridge might hold and whether it could enhance the overall understanding of Pokémon gaming.

As the auction unfolds, preservationists persist in exploring methods to safeguard this possible piece of gaming history. Whether it contains the elusive *PokéPark Fishing Tournament DS* game remains uncertain, but the excitement surrounding the listing underlines the lasting interest in preserving Pokémon history for future generations.

There is an obvious humour to be found in the contrast between the visual presentation of Mario Party and the agita and unbridled rage it brings out in people. This is not a game about violence, yet it pulls it out from people nonetheless. So, how about something that leans into this violence, while still retaining the jovially competitive nature? Enter Machine Party, the latest from Buckshot Roulette developer Mike Klubnika, made alongside GDeavid, a party game “where failure is lethal.”

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### Splatoon Raiders: A Decade of Progress in Nintendo’s Vivid Shooter Series

**Introduction**

Debuting more than ten years ago, Splatoon has transformed into one of Nintendo’s most cherished franchises, receiving praise for its distinctive interpretation of the competitive shooter category. The launch of Splatoon Raiders signifies the arrival of a new narrative-focused, single-player adventure, broadening the horizons of the beloved series. With three primary editions already in the lineup, Splatoon Raiders reinforces Nintendo’s capability to innovate within a genre often viewed as outside its influence.

**Setting and Story**

In Splatoon Raiders, players set off on a journey as part of a trio of treasure-seeking characters—who also function as a musical ensemble—alongside their mechanical pilot. The goal? A collection of uninhabited islands believed to be overflowing with treasure and inhabited by the Salmonids, beings that share the Splatoon universe with Inklings and Octolings. Although their rich culture and societal norms are well-developed, the game’s portrayal of these creatures prompts ethical considerations regarding player interactions, as they are predominantly shown as targets rather than sentient entities.

While the narrative elements provide insight into the larger lore of the Splatoon cosmos, the extent of character development is somewhat constrained, with companions Shiver, Frye, and Big Man serving more as energetic companions than completely realized allies.

**Gameplay Mechanics**

Splatoon Raiders excels in its gameplay, upholding the franchise’s legacy of captivating and fluid mechanics. Players navigate a variety of missions that range from tasks based on objectives to intense waves of enemies and expansive environments where players must fill achievement bars. This assortment, combined with delightful yet challenging enemy designs, preserves the series’ flair for chaotic but pleasurable combat.

The inventive enemy design promotes quick thinking and strategic movements instead of taking cover, which injects excitement and rapid action into the gameplay. Customization shines as a standout feature, permitting players to equip various gadgets and weapons, allowing them to adapt their experience and tactics to their liking.

**Visuals and Soundtrack**

Aesthetically, while Splatoon Raiders displays the franchise’s hallmark colorful style, it has faced some criticism for its lack of environmental diversity. Players encounter comparable themes across numerous stages, like sandy shores, ice fields, and shrines, which may lessen the feeling of immersion in a vast world. Moreover, the soundtrack, although appropriately quirky, has been critiqued for not living up to the high standards set by earlier titles, with players longing for the nostalgic tunes from past entries.

**Multiplayer and Co-op Features**

In addition to the solo-player content, Splatoon Raiders brings forth co-op gameplay, enriching the social aspect while preserving the core mechanics that fans hold dear. This aspect significantly boosts replayability, enabling friends to collaborate in mission completion.

**Conclusion**

In spite of its minor shortcomings, Splatoon Raiders emerges as a substantial, thrilling addition to the franchise. With an emphasis on enjoyment, customization, and inventive gameplay, it effectively encapsulates the essence of what endears Splatoon to its fans. The game not only provides a nostalgic experience for long-time supporters but also offers newcomers an exciting entry into the vibrant and tumultuous realm of ink-splattered conflicts. As the gaming community looks forward to future releases, Splatoon Raiders stands as a tribute to Nintendo’s imagination and commitment to excellence in gaming.

Before friendslop, there was friendgolf. Sorry, Golf With Your Friends. Released in early access in 2016, Blacklight Interactive’s devilishly competitive crazy golf sim ended up joining Among Us as a Covid lockdown darling, allowing those of us bored with pretending not to betray and victimise our oldest chums on spaceships to do so openly, on cartoon golfing greens. Now Golf With Your Friends 2 is in the works, at Golf 1’s DLC developers Radical Forge, and it sounds like it wants to ensnare you and your mates in a series of club-and-ball arguments for eternity.

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**The Awaited Remake of *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time***

Last month, Nintendo validated the much-anticipated remake of its iconic title *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, with only a short teaser disclosing its existence. While solid details about gameplay and release timing are still limited, this announcement has ignited considerable excitement, especially due to a recent ESRB rating update that raises questions about possible alterations in the game.

On July 29, Nintendo revised the official store page for the impending *Ocarina of Time* remake, signaling an ESRB rating of E10+. This rating includes “Animated Blood” and “Fantasy Violence” among the content descriptors, which aligns with both the original Nintendo 64 version and the newer 3DS remaster—each of which included combat situations typical of the action-adventure genre.

Nevertheless, the lack of a “Suggestive Themes” notice in the remake’s ESRB rating has fueled speculation among fans. The 3DS version included this additional descriptor, which emphasized its more mature content. Considering that the original game was rated E, with ESRB guidelines evolving over time, many are theorizing that Nintendo may introduce alterations to the remake to resonate with modern views.

A significant area of concern centers on the representation of the Great Fairies in the game. Traditionally, these characters have been designed in ways that could be deemed suggestive, as highlighted in the ESRB description for the 3DS remaster, which commented on their portrayal from low camera angles and revealing clothing. This has led fans to speculate whether the designers will choose a more modest redesign in accordance with current expectations.

In the past, when *Ocarina of Time* was relaunched on the Wii’s Virtual Console, it received an E rating without any reference to suggestive themes, and the fairies’ designs remained intact. This implies that it is feasible for the remake to uphold the original aesthetic without changes. Furthermore, comparing the fairies in the stunning *Breath of the Wild*—who are portrayed voluptuously—suggests that Nintendo may opt to retain a similar artistic style for the redesigned great fairies, much to the delight of some fans.

As conversations about potential changes to the game continue, it is evident that the community is both thrilled and apprehensive about how the remake will honor the original while potentially reshaping certain aspects. The possibility of witnessing the cherished characters reimagined in modern graphics amplifies anticipation as we await further announcements regarding gameplay specifics and the official release date for the Switch 2.

Until more details are revealed, speculation will continue, and fans will stay eager to discover whether *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* remake will retain the allure of its predecessor or venture into new realms with its character designs and thematic interpretations.

Skills in RuneScape have always tickled me because of the sheer variety on display, and this extends to Dragonwilds too. There’s magic, but then there’s woodcutting. You’ve got prayer, and also fishing. And of course you’ve got runecrafting, or agility. It’s that last one that’s important for today’s purposes, as a new update has arrived in Dragonwilds that revamp the skill, as well as add in some courses for you to pseudo-parkour across.

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**Title: The Intricacies of Infant Design in Paralives: Balancing Aesthetics and Realism in Life-Simulation Games**

**Introduction**
Within the genre of life simulation games, few titles have generated as much interest and debate as *Paralives*, a game that aims to offer a new alternative to the well-established franchise, *The Sims*. In contrast to larger studios, *Paralives* is developed by an independent team that seeks to foster a gaming experience that resonates with the community. A standout feature of *Paralives* is its family-building mechanics, enabling players to form families from the ground up—finding partners, marrying, and raising children. However, the visual portrayal of the game’s infants has stirred conversations among players, with some expressing that the designs did not meet their expectations.

**Player Reactions to Infant Designs**
Numerous players have humorously critiqued the look of infants in *Paralives*, comparing them to characters reminiscent of well-known figures like Bobby Hill. Comments noted that the babies bore a striking similarity to older stereotypical representations, lacking the innocent characteristics generally associated with newborns. Attributes such as droopy eyes and disproportionately tiny features prompted remarks about infants appearing to carry the weight of adult responsibilities—complete with imagined duties like mortgages and employment.

The aesthetic design of game characters greatly impacts player immersion and emotional ties to the virtual world, making feedback on the infants’ designs especially significant. The exaggerated features—like tiny eyes and oversized heads—stood in stark contrast to players’ expectations of how infants should look. This disparity led to the impression that the babies seemed older than intended, lacking the typical joy found in the expressions of real young children.

**Developer Response and Updates**
In response to community feedback, the developers of *Paralives* have been actively addressing player concerns regarding the aesthetics of infants. They have publicly acknowledged the issue, reassuring players that improvements to the visual representation of babies are on the horizon. In a tweet from July 28, 2026, they provided a preview of the revamped designs, demonstrating their dedication to accommodating player input and enhancing the overall experience.

This update is expected to be implemented in the upcoming patch in early August, aiming to align the visual appearance of virtual infants with conventional characteristics of babies. This response illustrates a contemporary trend in gaming, where interaction between developers and the community plays a vital role in a game’s development.

**Community Sentiment and Nostalgia**
While numerous players are enthusiastic about the updates, some have shown a fondness for the original designs. A segment of the community enjoyed the quirky appeal of the initial infant designs, drawing connections to medieval art styles that reflect an old-world charm. This sentiment highlights the varied opinions among players, showcasing how artistic decisions can resonate differently across a broad audience.

**Conclusion**
The evolution of *Paralives* highlights the persistent challenges of character design within life simulation games, specifically concerning players’ perceptions and emotional connections with their virtual families. As the game progresses, the delicate balance between realistic portrayal and artistic expression continues to be crucial. The proactive stance of the *Paralives* team in responding to player feedback may ultimately reshape the game’s reception and foster a more robust community around this promising title. As updates are released, players will be attentively observing how these modifications influence their experiences in building their virtual families.