Gait Games

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, equity firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity partners have completed their $55 billion acquisition of EA Sports FC, Battlefield, The Sims, Mass Effect and Dragon Age publisher EA. This comes following a filing from EA to the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week, and confirmation that the European Commission had no intention to stop the deal.

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**Final Fantasy XIV on Nintendo Switch 2: Essential Information**

If you’re a *Final Fantasy XIV* enthusiast, you’re probably aware of the popular joke that starts with, “Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG *Final Fantasy XIV*?” Even though it’s become somewhat clichéd, it’s worth reiterating since the game has officially debuted on the Nintendo Switch 2. For anyone contemplating experiencing this renowned MMORPG while on the move, multiple versions are currently offered at a 30% discount. Nonetheless, prior to making a purchase, there’s an appealing choice players should consider—there’s a free trial.

### Free Trial Enhancements

The free trial for *Final Fantasy XIV* has significantly grown over time. Initially restricted to *A Realm Reborn* and *Heavensward* with a maximum level of 60, the free trial now expands to include *Stormblood* and *Shadowbringers*, increasing the level cap to 80. Players can also access all job classes introduced in these expansions, such as Machinist, Astrologian, Dancer, Dark Knight, Red Mage, Gunbreaker, and Samurai. This makes the free trial a fantastic introduction for newcomers looking to engage with the game without any financial obligations.

### Evolving to a Full Experience

Upon reaching the conclusion of *Shadowbringers*, players will be required to purchase the *Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition*, which encompasses the newest expansions, *Endwalker* and *Dawntrail*. Any purchase made for the game comes with 30 days of complimentary subscription time before a monthly subscription is needed. Take note that players currently subscribed on a different platform will need to acquire a new subscription for the Switch 2, which is available at half price, along with a separate license. A significant advantage of playing on the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 is the lack of an additional online subscription fee, which is necessary for Xbox users.

### Limitations in the Free Trial

While the free trial provides a substantial experience, it does feature certain limitations. Players will encounter restricted chat commands, limited access to the online store, and a cap on their in-game currency (gil) set at 300,000. Additionally, forming a party is prohibited; however, players can receive invitations to parties or join dungeon queues. A comprehensive list of permissions and restrictions can be found on the official support website, enabling players to better prepare for their trial adventure through Eorzea.

### Final Thoughts

The launch of *Final Fantasy XIV* on the Nintendo Switch 2 offers an exhilarating opportunity for both newcomers and veterans. With the expanded free trial, there’s a wealth of content to discover before making a commitment. For those eager to explore the realm of Eorzea, now is an ideal time to take advantage of the options available and experience what the critically acclaimed MMORPG has in store.

The amount of time I spend thinking about aspect ratios would potentially be a cause for concern if it wasn’t, admittedly, an unquestionably dull thing to think about for most people. Yet I continue to do so as the way we choose to frame any kind of image is an important one, as there are all manner of connotations to such a choice. In video games, we’re even sometimes able to make that choice thanks to the power of the fabled “options menu.” As it turns out, 9008 people made the choice to play Baldur’s Gate 3 in 9:16, i.e. in portrait mode, and I would so desperately love to talk to each and every one of them about this decision.

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**Electronic Arts Acquired for $55 Billion: A Pivotal Change in Gaming Ownership**

In a historic moment for the gaming sector, Electronic Arts (EA) has officially been acquired for $55 billion, marking the second-largest transaction in gaming history. The company is now poised to become private, shifting under the control of a consortium that includes the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners, a private equity firm led by Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

The announcement was made today via a press release, which showcased the sentiments of the new ownership group. Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners, shared his excitement over the acquisition, stating, “EA has crafted narratives, characters, and communities that have woven into the fabric of daily life for countless individuals. We’re thrilled to support the company as it strives to engage new audiences, inspire the upcoming generation of creators, and broaden the ways people worldwide connect through play.”

Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF, highlighted the fund’s lasting relationship with EA. “Having served as a minority investor in the company for over five years, we possess a profound insight into EA’s unique platform, expansive global sports and gaming franchises, and renowned IP,” he observed. He also remarked that entertainment and sports serve as strategic focal points for PIF, positioning the consortium as a long-term ally to EA’s leadership, with aspirations of ongoing growth and innovation within the gaming arena.

Egon Durban, CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake, highlighted EA’s robust standing in the entertainment domain, stating, “EA’s franchises rank among the most cherished in entertainment, blending exceptional creative talent with an unwavering focus on players.” He elaborated on plans to invest significantly in EA’s expansion, notably investigating strategies for artificial intelligence to elevate game development and enhance player experiences.

Interestingly, despite the consortium’s structure of the deal, reports suggest that the PIF will command a substantial 93% ownership share in EA after the acquisition. The PIF, overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, boasts an estimated asset pool nearing $900 billion. The fund aims to diversify the Saudi economy and has previously made significant investments in the gaming sector, acquiring companies such as Scopely, Niantic, and SNK, while also holding shares in major industry players like Nintendo and Take-Two Interactive.

This acquisition, first announced last September, has received all necessary approvals from both EA shareholders and relevant regulatory authorities. As this significant ownership transition takes place, it remains to be seen how it will influence EA’s operations and the wider gaming landscape.

In summary, the sale of Electronic Arts not only represents a major transformation for the company but also highlights the increasing impact of large investment entities in the gaming sector. As EA moves toward private ownership, the consortium’s dedication to innovation and growth will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and gamers alike.

### Minecraft Update: The Much-Anticipated Introduction of Concrete Slabs and Stairs

On August 4, Mojang revealed the **26.3 Snapshot 7** for *Minecraft* Java on PC, presenting a seemingly straightforward yet impactful update: the inclusion of **concrete stairs and slabs**. This development is monumental for the *Minecraft* community, as players have been clamoring for these craftable blocks since concrete was initially brought into the game in 2017.

#### The Importance of Concrete Slabs and Stairs

The addition of concrete stairs and slabs provides players with enhanced flexibility in crafting their designs. Before this update, concrete, which comes in an array of colors and is fairly simple to produce, had its geometric usage constrained. While players could create stairs and slabs from common materials like wood and stone, concrete was an exception—causing much irritation among players.

The announcement of these fresh craftable options has sparked remarkable enthusiasm within the community, as demonstrated by a Reddit post garnering over **5,000 upvotes** and a TikTok video from the official *Minecraft* account achieving over **500,000 views** shortly after its launch.

#### A Prolonged Wait

For numerous players, the expectation for concrete stairs and slabs has spanned over nine years. The lack of these features was puzzling, considering that most other building materials had full crafting options available from the outset. Players had been eagerly awaiting not only to improve their builds but also to fully exploit the aesthetic capabilities of concrete, a material that has become quite popular for its adaptability and visual charm in *Minecraft*.

As we anticipate the future of *Minecraft*, the introduction of concrete slabs and stairs might not drastically alter gameplay dynamics or significantly change existing mechanics. Nevertheless, it does bridge a longstanding gap in the game, addressing a disappointment that has persisted for years among fans.

#### Conclusion

The emergence of concrete stairs and slabs is more than merely a minor update; it signifies Mojang’s dedication to enhancing the creative resources accessible to players. While this update certainly won’t dramatically alter the gameplay experience, it reinforces that player input is appreciated, fulfilling a long-desired aspiration for many in the *Minecraft* community. As the update becomes available across all versions of the game, players can finally explore new architectural avenues, further enriching the sandbox experience that *Minecraft* provides.

I have learned something about myself today: I shouldn’t be allowed near kitchen utensils. This is a problem because I am the cook of the house, and yet my time with the demo for 500 FINGER FILLET proves most unanimously that I am going to cut one, maybe more, of my fingers off. It feels like an inevitability, one I can’t escape from, because I did in fact cut off almost every single finger on my left hand in 500 FINGER FILLET, an incredibly stressful roguelite where you only need to click your left mouse button.

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## The Vinyl Record Phenomenon: A Challenging Conundrum for Collectors and Enthusiasts

In recent times, the revival of vinyl records has elicited excitement among numerous collectors and music lovers. Nevertheless, this resurgence comes with its own set of difficulties. A concerning trend has surfaced with new releases from popular musicians, leaving fans disheartened. Many physical records arriving at retail outlets are being delivered with incomplete tracks, unfinished songs, or absent content, causing frustration among purchasers who are paying high prices, often $30 or more.

### Absent Content: Case Examples

One prominent instance is Charli xcx’s album *Music, Fashion, Film*, which showcases the eagerly awaited track “No One Lasts Forever.” This partnership with director David Cronenberg includes a spoken-word segment that is present in digital formats but is mysteriously missing from the vinyl edition. Charli discussed this matter during an episode of the *Tape Notes* podcast, clarifying that due to time limitations, they couldn’t include Cronenberg’s recording in the vinyl version. As she stated, “There’s actually a different version of the song on the vinyl.”

Likewise, Olivia Rodrigo’s *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love* features a series of modified edits. Fans have observed that several tracks lack essential components such as outros and bridges, leading to a distinct listening experience compared to digital formats.

Raye’s second album also received backlash for not providing the final mix, prompting the artist to apologize to fans: “The digital versions of some of these songs, some are quite different. And you just need to embrace that because I tried my best.”

Additionally, The Weeknd’s *Hurry Up Tomorrow* has garnered attention for varying significantly between formats; while the digital version contains 22 tracks, the vinyl edition only has 11, excluding guest appearances and presenting alternative mixes. Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter* was launched with five missing tracks, while Nicki Minaj’s *Pink Friday 2* includes truncated versions of select songs.

### Production Timelines and Obstacles

The root of this predicament can often be linked to the vinyl production schedule. Vinyl facilities necessitate masters and artwork roughly six weeks prior to an album’s launch. For more intricate packaging, this timeline may extend even more. Conversely, digital platforms like Spotify can process and publish music in mere days, giving artists the liberty to refine their work right up until the last moment.

This circumstance creates a considerable challenge for artists who wish to polish their music until the release date. Rodrigo recently disclosed that she wrote her song “Cigarette Smoke” merely a week before she needed to submit everything for the vinyl edition.

### Fan Discontent and Future Clarity

Fans have voiced their frustration with these incomplete releases. Many believe that upon buying a vinyl record, it is reasonable to anticipate the final recording, and any inconsistencies should be communicated clearly during the pre-order phase. One fan expressed this feeling on Reddit, noting that it results in a “bait-and-switch” experience when artists release uncompleted albums: “If the album isn’t done, don’t send it to be pressed. Put it on pre-order and have physical copies of the final album ship three or four or however many months after it drops on digital.”

### Conclusion

The prevailing trend of incomplete vinyl albums poses a challenge for both artists and fans. While the fondness for vinyl continues to rise, it is crucial for artists to convey the status of their records transparently. As vinyl collecting persists as a cherished hobby, rectifying these issues could improve the overall experience for fans supporting their favorite musicians.

I do not have $200 to spare on one single video game right now. In this economy, spending such an obscene amount of dough on one game would be tantamount to throwing it down the drain, it would position me as a bourgeois elite who cares not for their fellow persons, it would label me as someone so silly that they should never be trusted with anything ever again. The funniest punchline to this would be that I did in fact spend $200 on a video game, specifically a video game called This Game Costs 200 Dollars, but I didn’t do that because [see my opening comment]. Instead, I will tell you about how this game almost made its developer $1.3 million.

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# The Numerous Titles for the Enigmatic Object in *Big Walk*

*Big Walk*, crafted by House House, stands out as an extraordinary game that prioritizes interaction and inventiveness among participants. A remarkable aspect of the game is its singular, unnamed object that players frequently encounter. This object is crucial for tackling puzzles and opening new areas, but intriguingly, players themselves must assign it a name, as the game does not offer one. This absence of a definitive designation has resulted in an array of creative and often amusing titles from various player groups.

## The Significance of the Object

In *Big Walk*, players obtain this enigmatic object for almost every puzzle they complete. When utilized in particular locations, it can reveal paths and grant access to new experiences. Unlike conventional games that feature an explicit inventory system, *Big Walk* permits you to carry only one object at a time. This design choice encourages creativity and requires communication, as you need to share the object’s name with your fellow players during the game.

## A Social Experiment in Naming

The process of naming this undefined object turns into a social experiment in communication. Players are encouraged to describe it in a manner that resonates with their group. The titles that arise mirror the personalities and humor of the participating players. For instance, one group opted to label the object as “nipples,” a title that sparked laughter and confusion, much to the chagrin of some developers during a preview event.

Other groups have invented equally intriguing names. Some players remarked that the object resembles a Kong-brand dog chew toy, leading to the term “kongs.” This practical naming not only reflects the shape but also adds a whimsical touch to the game.

## An Examination of Variations

As players interact with the game, a broad spectrum of names has emerged:
– **“Baby”** – This title was popularized by a group at Polygon, adding a sense of playfulness to the conversation.
– **“Red heads”** – A simple and humorous option proposed by Jake Steinberg.
– **“Gourds”** – Terms used by Jesse Vitelli and Eric Van Allen, embracing the object’s rounded, bulbous shape.
– **“Jelly baby”** – Coined by PCGamesN, this name delights in the object’s playful design.
– **“Eggy things”** – A title noted by GameSpot, capturing the fun and whimsy of the object within the game.

These varied names highlight both utility and creativity. They emphasize the players’ experiences and contribute to the game’s communal vibe. It’s remarkable how a simple object can inspire such a diversity of interpretations and interactions among players.

## Conclusion

The unnamed object in *Big Walk* acts not merely as a gameplay element but also as a trigger for interaction and creativity among players. As House House continues to engage with the community, the question of what to name this object remains unresolved. Ultimately, it reflects the diverse experiences players bring to the game. If you have your own name for this object, sharing it might enhance the rich tapestry of *Big Walk*’s community-driven lexicon. As developers aim to connect with players, perhaps one day we will discover the official name, though it seems unlikely it will ever be as entertaining as the various interpretations that have already surfaced.

I haven’t the foggiest idea whether Cinder City will be any good or not. Visually, if you showed it to me without a logo or any form of identifying information, I’m not even sure I could distinguish it from any other sci-fi shooter. But the shooting looks PS3 as hell, with slightly awkward movements made moreso by the realistic look, and a futuristic HUD that seems like it’s meant to be diegetic. How it actually feels is another question, but one that some of us can soon answer, as sign ups for a playtest are now open.

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