Gait Games

Some pressing personal context: I live in a very small flat with some huge windows and curtains that only ever seem to cover about 80% of the view, no matter how ingeniously I yank them around. Every laundry day, I have to decide between letting the sunlight in, and hiding my drying underpants from the eyes of the commuters walking to the bus stop. But it could be worse. I could be living opposite the protagonist of The Watcher, an Unreal Engine surveillance sim in which you, the stooge of a totalitarian state, spy on an opposing apartment building using a range of devices, searching for deviations in the routines of the inhabitants.

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**Grasping Disconnects in World of Warcraft Dungeons: A Fresh Perspective Following the Latest Update**

Within the expansive digital realm of *World of Warcraft* (WoW), few incidents are as frustrating as losing connection to a dungeon in the midst of a boss encounter. Players frequently undergo a wave of guilt, perceiving themselves as a hindrance to their group. This anxiety amplifies in timed Mythic dungeons, where every moment is crucial. The irritation of being unable to assist, coupled with the worry that teammates will need to revive or heal them, results in a tense gaming atmosphere. However, gamers may have discovered a silver lining following the recent Curse of Ula’tek 12.1 patch.

Reports have emerged suggesting that rather than characters freezing or vanishing upon losing connection, they now appear to carry on fighting on their own, independent of player input. This occurrence was emphasized by a post from a user who noticed this phenomenon while in a dungeon. The post described an Evoker who disconnected early in a boss encounter yet continued casting spells and attacking the foe. Similar reports from other players have surfaced, indicating this could be a common event following the update.

For example, in one Reddit comment, a user shared how their brother’s warrior kept battling a boss even after his client crashed. The brother was able to recount his attempts to log back in while his character remained engaged in combat. Such first-hand accounts have sparked debates and theories within the community.

Several theories have been put forth to rationalize this unusual occurrence. One hypothesis is that players may be taking advantage of a form of botting, though this explanation seems unlikely considering the absence of obvious motives for such a complex trickery. Alternatively, some theorize that the new one-button rotation feature could be prompting queued actions to execute automatically post-disconnection, but uncertainties persist regarding whether this fully explains the observed behavior.

A more captivating theory suggests that players who disconnect might temporarily shift into “followers,” akin to NPCs that assist players in simpler dungeons. This hypothesis posits that the game might permit NPC AI to temporarily assume control of a player’s character, optimizing their actions and steering clear of mechanics until the player is able to reconnect. If accurate, this feature could offer a significant buffer during unforeseen disconnections, potentially protecting players from adverse repercussions stemming from events outside their control.

Nonetheless, the idea of disconnected players receiving automatic aid raises concerns about possible exploitation. If Blizzard designed this as a gameplay enhancement, the lack of communication about such a notable feature raises questions. The possibility of this being an unintended bug that could be corrected in a future update seems reasonable.

In summary, while disconnects in *World of Warcraft* dungeons have traditionally triggered feelings of defeat among players, the latest reports imply a change in perspective. Gamers now confront an intriguing game mechanic that may provide a safety net during disconnection crises. As the community awaits clarification from Blizzard regarding the legitimacy and mechanics of this occurrence, players can only wish that this unanticipated twist might reduce some of the pressure associated with dungeon endeavors.

**Toy Story 3: A Retro Game Faces Removal Ahead of Remaster**

*Toy Story 3*, initially launched on Xbox 360 and PS3, has surprisingly upheld a strong reputation as a dependable video game, even garnering the favor of Korn’s lead singer Jonathan Davis as his top choice. With the recent news from Disney regarding a remaster of this cherished title, excitement has escalated among fans. However, leading up to the new release, unsettling information has emerged about the original game’s presence on digital platforms.

As of late September 2026, Disney will remove the original backward-compatible version of *Toy Story 3* from the Xbox Store. This decision was subtly conveyed through an updated store description instead of a major announcement, surprising many players. The update includes a note that clearly indicates the game’s withdrawal will occur to pave the way for the remaster, *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition*, which is slated for release on October 15, 2026.

The official notice on the Xbox store states:

> “Beginning on September 29, 2026, *Toy Story 3* will no longer be available for purchase. Players who have acquired *Toy Story 3* will still be able to play the game after this date. *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition* is set to arrive on October 15, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, featuring all elements from the original game along with enhanced graphics and additional new features.”

At present, the original game is listed at $10 and remains playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The remastered edition will be priced at $20, introducing improvements that promise to revitalize the classic gaming experience.

The choice to remove the original version has led to backlash. Many believe such measures are unwarranted, especially when other companies, like Ubisoft, have chosen not to pull older titles from their stores even after releasing remakes. Critics note that while pursuing profit from a nostalgic title is justifiable, fans should still have access to the original game without the threat of removal.

In addition to the buzz surrounding the remaster, *Toy Story Retro Round-Up* is also on track for release, showcasing a collection of classic *Toy Story* games playable on contemporary consoles. Enthusiasts of the franchise are both excited and optimistic about how these beloved narratives and gameplay experiences can evolve with new technology while preserving the essence that originally captivated players.

Amid the controversy, enthusiasm for *Toy Story 3: The Complete Edition* keeps rising, promising updated graphics and gameplay features that aim to enrich the nostalgic experience for both new and returning players alike. The gaming community remains optimistic for an accessible future for all renditions of this beloved title.

Saber Interactive have belatedly updated the Steam page for Unigine’s chatty gig-work game Rideshare Stimulator with a disclosure about generative AI usage, following a withering back-and-forth between the game’s former writer Stella Sacco and Saber CEO Matthew Karch.

To catch you up, in case you had the good fortune to miss all the yelling earlier in the week: Sacco was lead writer at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. On Tuesday 11th, responding to Rideshare Stimulator’s announcement trailer, she posted on Bluesky that “Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development”, adding that the game makes of generative AI tools for passenger voices.

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**Grand Theft Auto: The New Video Game Sovereignty**

A recent announcement from the NPD Group underscores a notable change in the video game domain, validating what many have felt: the legendary *Grand Theft Auto* franchise has surpassed Mario as the supreme ruler of video games. As per NPD’s assessment, *Grand Theft Auto: Vice City* ascended as the top-selling game in the United States for 2002, closely followed by its forerunner, *Grand Theft Auto III*. This pair from Rockstar Games eclipsed other significant titles such as *Madden NFL 2003*, *Kingdom Hearts*, and *Super Mario Sunshine*, the latter concluding the year in a lackluster 10th position, despite being the first 3D installment in the Mario series since *Super Mario 64*.

The information indicates a pivotal change in gaming demographics and preferences. The video game realm increasingly leans towards mature, gritty narratives rather than lighthearted adventures, as shown by the rising popularity of games like *Grand Theft Auto*. As players who grew up enjoying Nintendo’s family-oriented games mature, their preferences appear to tilt towards more adult themes and intricate storytelling. This transformation prompts the question: should Nintendo adjust to this evolving market and delve into more mature content for its flagship character, Mario?

Envision a scenario where Mario is plunged into a shadowy underworld. In this speculative storyline, Princess Peach is tragically slain during a failed kidnapping, and Mario suspects his longtime adversary, Bowser, is involved. The tale unfolds in a gritty underworld of the Mushroom Kingdom, where Mario, wielding firearms, embarks on a quest for revenge against Bowser and his criminal syndicate. This imagined narrative contrasts Mario’s traditional image with a raw, intense storyline, where vengeance, violence, and urban crime take prominence. The concept presents Mario as a dark antihero, resonating with themes from crime dramas like *The Sopranos*.

Although atypical for the beloved plumber, this transformation presents fascinating prospects for the franchise. While some may contend that this shift could alienate longstanding fans, others argue it might rekindle interest in a disillusioned adult audience, providing a fresh outlook on a beloved character. The incorporation of mature themes in gameplay mechanics has previously demonstrated success, as observed with *Donkey Kong 64*, which thrived in part due to its more aggressive gameplay elements, despite its seemingly cheerful exterior.

Historically, Nintendo has been a frontrunner in the gaming arena, but Sony’s emphasis on mature content has fostered a different expectation among gamers. As the industry advances, engaging the adult demographic may necessitate a reassessment of classic franchises. If handled thoughtfully, portraying Mario in a darker, more mature manner could not only revitalize interest in the character but also pave the way for gameplay innovations.

In summary, as gaming preferences trend towards realism and adult themes, there is a strong argument for Nintendo to rethink Mario’s place in the gaming sphere. Taking daring measures to infuse Mario with a more mature narrative could resonate with a generation of players yearning for depth and complexity in their gaming experiences. The moment may be ideal for Mario to trade his iconic overalls for something a bit more perilous—and perhaps even embrace the grit of a contemporary crime saga.

This drove me clucking mad.

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You need Gear 2 and Gear 4 first.

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# The Ascent and Decline of GameTrailers: An Exploration of Video Game Media

The dawn of the 2000s signified a crucial era in the development of video game media, a shift underscored by the rise of sites like GameTrailers.com. Launched in 2002, the platform swiftly became a key destination for video game trailers and insights, setting itself apart from rivals like IGN and GameSpot. Led by Brandon Jones and Geoff Grotz, GameTrailers aimed to deliver high-caliber video content, transcending simple promotional pieces to offer in-depth reviews, previews, and retrospectives.

## A Distinct Perspective

The beginnings of GameTrailers are rooted in a combination of ingenuity and a love for gaming. As Jones reminisces, the formation of the site stemmed from a collaborative ethos – he and his associates noticed a void in the market. Unlike the movie sector, where trailers were easily accessible for free, gamers often found themselves scouring demo discs or subscription-based sites for video game footage. This necessity drove their choice to start uploading trailers without proper licensing, frequently “unapologetically taking” from other platforms.

The daring strategy proved successful. As they accumulated more content, the site’s traffic surged, inspiring Jones’s supervisor at the time, Jon Slusser, to envision a more extensive venture. This ambition culminated in GameTrailers’ acquisition by Viacom in 2005, which enabled the platform to grow and acquire additional resources.

## Expansion with Viacom

With the backing of Viacom, GameTrailers evolved from a modest website into a well-known media entity in the gaming arena. The acquisition empowered the team to improve their production quality and create original content, featuring a skilled editorial team that produced insightful reviews and captivating features. The site turned into a cultural sensation, with children spending countless hours engrossed in video game media.

Importantly, GameTrailers was not merely a venue for major titles; it also showcased indie games and lesser-known projects, offering viewers a rich variety of gaming experiences.

## The YouTube Challenge

In spite of its early achievements, GameTrailers encountered intense competition as the digital environment transformed. The emergence of YouTube considerably altered viewing habits. Gamers started to prefer platforms where user-generated content thrived, and the fast-paced nature of social media began to dictate how trailers and promotional videos were accessed.

Viacom’s hesitance to fully embrace YouTube created notable challenges for GameTrailers. Despite the GameTrailers team’s advocacy for establishing a foothold on the platform, Viacom regarded YouTube with skepticism, ultimately resulting in the site’s stagnation as viewership began to decline.

## Shutdown and Legacy

Even with efforts to innovate, such as proposals for a subscription model, the signs of decline became evident. GameTrailers was closed in 2014, and by 2016, its brand had been integrated into IGN. The once-flourishing site that influenced video game media now existed merely as a title on a YouTube channel, a stark illustration of the swift changes in digital media.

In the aftermath, many of GameTrailers’ former employees, including Jones and Grotz, shifted focus to create Easy Allies, a new initiative dedicated to upholding the quality and credibility of gaming content. Nonetheless, the landscape had irrevocably transformed, prioritizing influencers and fast content cycles on platforms that valued virality over substance.

## Conclusion

The transformation of GameTrailers highlights a significant change in how gamers engage with media. While the site was instrumental during the early days of digital game promotion, its decline paralleled the ascent of social media and the evolving preferences of both audiences and media organizations. The narrative of GameTrailers serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of digital platforms in the constantly changing landscape of entertainment. As gaming continues to gain momentum, the legacy of GameTrailers stands as evidence of a time when video game media was beginning to explore its potential beyond conventional marketing.

A bakers dozen.

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You’ve heard our ideas on how to make the RPS Supporter program more betterer, now we want to hear yours. Everyone, regardless of whether you’re already signed up or not, is invited to take the RPS Supporter survey: a succinct questionblast where you can tell us, to our wretched faces, what you think of the program.

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