Gait Games

It is, as I write this, one year to the day since I and two fellow, newly-orphaned siblings finished the process of auditing, packing, and clearing out our childhood home. The final task: enduring the fearsome rattling and suspect braking of our dad’s neglected Renault Megane, just long enough for it to sputter to someone mad enough to buy it off us. The irony, that this clanking full-stop on the end our bereavement’s lengthy administrative aspect could so feasibly kill me, was not lost.

That process, from the last beep of hospital machinery to the unhaggled exchange of French scrap metal, took 11 months, so it’s good that A Storied Life: Tabitha condenses its own house clearance to just a couple of hours. Posthumously asked by an elderly friend to give her cottage a tidy, you spend half your time in A Storied Life rummaging through her things in a kind of reverse Unpacking, selecting which bric-a-brac to throw away, which to keep, and which – with her blessings – to auction off for cash. The other half is spent taking inspiration from the objects you’ve kept to rewrite her water-damaged memoirs, a bittersweet series of word puzzles that still achieves a certain warmth – provided you can come to terms with the peculiar writing style.

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**Epic Games’ Executive Changes Amid Controversial Layoffs**

Epic Games, the acclaimed creator of the hugely popular game *Fortnite*, has recently seen a major overhaul of its executive team with the departure of chief people officer Monika Fahlbusch. Her exit follows the company’s announcement of significant layoffs impacting over 1,000 employees, marking a turbulent time for the organization.

Fahlbusch joined Epic in December 2020. Prior to her role at the gaming firm, she served as chief people officer at Juul Labs for two years, a company dedicated to offering less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Epic confirmed her departure, stating her final day was April 15, but did not reveal details pertaining to the reasons for her exit or the terms of her departure. Efforts to obtain comments from Fahlbusch were unsuccessful.

In her position as head of Human Resources, Fahlbusch had a pivotal role during the recent layoffs. This latest round of job reductions shocked many within the organization, especially among front-line employees. In communication with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Fahlbusch recognized the hardships the layoffs imposed on both employees and the community, stressing the seriousness of the situation.

The layoffs included alarming situations, such as one instance involving an employee facing terminal brain cancer at risk of losing life insurance due to the job cuts. The company’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, pledged to tackle the insurance issues for the affected family, although the layoffs faced considerable backlash, with Sweeney linking them partly to an expensive antitrust legal conflict the company is currently involved in.

In the wake of the layoffs, Sweeney expressed hope for the future job market, indicating that employers would soon start receiving applications from highly skilled candidates. He noted that the layoffs were not performance-based, distinguishing this decision from traditional corporate ‘rightsizing.’

In another update, reports have surfaced that Epic Games is relying on a $1.5 billion collaboration with Disney as part of its financial recovery strategy. This alliance reportedly involves the creation of an extraction shooter game featuring Disney characters. Nonetheless, this partnership has also faced scrutiny, with allegations suggesting that Epic’s chief operating officer, Dan Vogel, has been applying excessive pressure on teams and behaving inappropriately during meetings.

In response to these claims, Liz Marksman, the senior director of global communications at Epic, denied that Vogel’s conduct was harmful to the work environment, clarifying that meetings at Epic prioritize constructive discussions. Marksman asserted that while Vogel pushes for ambitious timelines, he does not partake in unprofessional behavior, which the company does not tolerate.

As Epic manages these difficult transitions, involving shifts in leadership and financial strategies, the gaming community and industry observers will be closely monitoring how the organization addresses both internal and external challenges while aiming for stability and growth in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

When I think of Idols of Ash, I think of seven sounds, listed here in order of deepening dreadfulness. The first and nicest sound is the clink of my silvery grapple sinking its hook, interrupting the rush of air past my ears as I fall. That’s the second, less nice sound. The third sound is a distant, tectonic groaning, disconsolate and wakeful: it could be the wind again, pushing through some unaccountably musical lungful of stone. Yeah, I’m sure that’s all it is.

The fourth sound is definitely not the wind: a squeaky, squidgy rumination, like the cooing of idle pigeons. You hear that cooing and you start running, because it generally precedes the fifth sound, the stiletto rattle of chitinous feet. When the legs are close, there’s the sixth sound, a rasping, gaping hiss, and it’s time to yeet yourself into the chasm while hurling your grapple towards the nearest jutting surface. With any luck, you will not then hear the seventh sound: the thud of your hook bouncing off the rock.

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**Comprehending the Dispute Surrounding Zha Zha’s Presentation in the 2026 NBPL Spring Tournament**

Earlier this month, amidst the second phase of the 2026 NBPL Spring Tournament for the battle royale game *Naraka: Bladepoint*, Chinese commentator Zha Zha, known as 喳喳 (“Chirp Chirp”), garnered attention by appearing on stream completely covered in black paint. This action ignited allegations of blackface among Western viewers, triggering discussions regarding cultural context and intent.

The uproar began when news surfaced that Zha Zha painted her skin black to counter criticism about her clothing choices. Before this incident, she had faced accusations of being pressured to wear revealing outfits during tournament broadcasts. Zha Zha addressed these claims on Weibo, stating, “No one has ever compelled me to wear inappropriate clothing on official broadcasts to make a public appearance. The reason I opted for a short skirt was to deliver a more appealing on-camera appearance for viewers.” Her following appearance, featuring a black outfit and painted skin, was perceived by some Chinese media as a counter-statement to the criticisms regarding her apparel.

However, as the narrative reached English-speaking audiences, many construed Zha Zha’s actions through a more critical perspective, resulting in allegations that her appearance amounted to blackface. On social media platforms, especially X, users voiced their discontent, questioning the appropriateness of her actions considering the allegations related to her outfit choices and the context of her live performance.

It is crucial to explore the cultural and gaming backdrop surrounding this event. In *Naraka: Bladepoint*, competitive gamers frequently adopt specific character customization methods to improve their gameplay. Zha Zha’s selection of dark body paint is thought to connect to a common strategy among players where darker character models offer a stealth advantage, allowing them to conceal themselves more effectively from opponents during matches. This is particularly significant as one of the game’s characters, Matari, is recognized for her stealth capabilities, and players using dark skins often enhance their ability to merge into dimly lit game environments.

Conversations on Reddit and various gaming forums unveiled a trend wherein high-ranking players in *Naraka: Bladepoint* often opt for darker character skins, commonly referred to by players as “shadow skins.” This practice has been discussed among players since 2022, focusing on gameplay benefits and aesthetic choices. Many players questioned why successful competitors frequently select dark or black skin tones, leading to the emergence of terms like “Shadow Person” or “Shadow Criminal” within the community, drawing references from diverse cultural and media contexts.

Further complicating the narrative is Zha Zha’s history of cosplaying as characters from the game, suggesting that her latest appearance may have been a playful homage to in-game strategies rather than a misguided act. Observers noted her entrance in the stream, where she executed a sneaking emote to humorously mirror the tactics associated with these shadowy characters.

While the discourse around Zha Zha’s appearance persists, it underscores the necessity of context in dissecting such controversies. The cultural subtleties of gaming communities and the interplay between performance art and competitive gaming often blur lines that may appear clear in different cultural settings. This incident reminds us of the intricacies involved in interpreting intentions behind such presentations, particularly when they traverse cultural barriers.

In summary, Zha Zha’s choice to appear painted in black during the 2026 NBPL Spring Tournament, though contentious, demands a nuanced comprehension of both the gaming culture of *Naraka: Bladepoint* and the responses shaped by broader societal views on representation and appropriation. The conversations surrounding her appearance reflect a critical assessment of how cultural customs can be misconstrued when examined outside their original environment.

Get in here, stalker. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl just got its meatiest patch in months, the Sealed Truth update, which has added a spooky, story-based new questline along with various bug fixes.

The new quests, which take you deep into the monster-infested bowels of the X-18 laboratory (previously visited in STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl), seemingly play up HoC’s horror side, and word is it’ll loosely tie into the plot of the incoming Cost of Hope expansion. Which sounds good, although you might need to fire up an older save to kick it off, as it’s seemingly only available for a brief period early in the game.

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### Metro 2039: A Grim Comeback to the Post-Apocalyptic Realm

In a recent reveal branded by Xbox, 4A Games has introduced the much-awaited next chapter of their celebrated post-apocalyptic survival shooter saga: **Metro 2039**. This upcoming installment vows to uphold the series’ tradition of immersive narratives and enthralling gameplay, embodying its hallmark dark atmosphere. The initial gameplay teaser displayed breathtaking graphics, showcasing 4A’s dedication to advancing the capabilities of their proprietary engine, resulting in visuals that approach photorealism.

#### A Quick Overview of Gameplay

The short gameplay snippet suggests a return to the series’ foundational elements, moving away from the open-world format seen in **Metro Exodus** and going back to the constricted metro tunnels of Moscow. In **Metro 2039**, players will take on the persona of “The Stranger,” a character tormented by dreams who is unwillingly lured back into the depths of the metro after promising never to return. The storyline portrays a bleak new reality where former factions have merged under a despotic regime, fabricating a dystopian setting rife with turmoil and despair.

Pawel Ulmer, co-creative director and head audio designer for **Metro 2039**, remarked that this installment will delve into the darkest themes yet explored in the franchise, emphasizing a somber tone. “We are not idealizing the post-apocalypse, nor are we turning it into an amusement park,” he remarked. The **Metro** series has consistently showcased a grim outlook on humanity’s choices, and this latest addition is no different.

#### Development in the Midst of Turmoil

A significant aspect of the production of **Metro 2039** is that it is being developed during ongoing wartime. As a Ukrainian studio, 4A Games has been directly impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has greatly influenced the game’s plot. The developers disclosed that the narrative adapted in response to the surrounding conflict, mirroring their reality. Dmitry Glukhovsky, the original creator of the **Metro** book series, returns to aid in developing the storyline while currently residing in exile outside of Russia due to his stance against the war.

Creative director Andriy Shevchenko expressed how the situation has altered the game’s message, stating, “Reality compelled us to adopt a different perspective, told from a distinctly Ukrainian viewpoint, but this remains a **Metro** story, within the **Metro** universe.” He elaborated that the themes of war and its repercussions resonate more profoundly given their present experiences.

Ulmer remarked, “When Russia’s large-scale invasion commenced, it transformed the lives of everyone in the studio—but particularly for our team and families in Ukraine.” Despite the difficulties, most of the development team continues to work from various locations throughout Ukraine, demonstrating resilience amidst adversity.

### Conclusion

**Metro 2039** is scheduled for release this winter, inviting players back into the haunting passages of Moscow on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC through Steam and the Epic Store. With a grim narrative rooted in the real-world struggles of its developers, **Metro 2039** aims to provide a deep gaming experience that reflects ongoing themes of oppression, liberty, and the price of silence. Enthusiasts of the series can anticipate an engaging yet melancholic return to the realm of **Metro**, staying true to its origins while addressing the current realities faced by its creators.

Right, how about a little Stop Killing Games progress update? Earlier today, a public hearing was held today that included three European parliament committees, IMCO, JURI and PETI, discussing the European Citizens Initiative Stop Destroying Videogames. Both Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott and group organiser Moritz Katzner made an appearance at the hearing, which you can watch in full here, with the pair hosting a press conference (or as Katzner put it a “fancy Twitch stream”) to discuss how it went. Bottom line: in their eyes, good!

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**Fairgames: The Transforming Realm of a Multiplayer Heist Shooter**

In the transforming realm of multiplayer gaming, *Fairgames* exemplifies resilience and flexibility. Almost three years following its original announcement at a PlayStation Showcase, this multiplayer heist shooter keeps sparking interest and excitement. Recent insights from *Insider Gaming* indicate that the game is venturing into extraction shooter territory with a newly introduced mode called “Cargo Heist.”

### The Cargo Heist Mode

Per insider sources, “Cargo Heist” delivers gameplay reminiscent of Bungie’s *Marathon*, permitting players to dive into a heist-like adventure within a competitive setting. The mode comprises a series of objectives that players need to accomplish amid pressure from rival teams vying for extraction zones. The gameplay unfolds through three major phases:

1. **Break In**: Players must locate a vault code to access a safe. This initial phase highlights stealth and strategy, as they need to gather cash and enhance their skills.

2. **Drill**: After securing access, teams must hurry to seize the cargo or plan to intercept it from rival teams. This phase amplifies competition and promotes dynamic interactions among players.

3. **Extract**: The concluding phase centers on transporting the cargo to an Extraction Site. Players must engage an extraction device to summon support while navigating potential obstacles. Failing to extract the cargo might necessitate teams to explore alternate escape routes, injecting tension and immediacy into the gameplay.

This gameplay framework indicates a fusion of tactical choices and action, appealing to players who enjoy high-stakes situations.

### Emergent Gameplay and Comparisons to Other Titles

*Fairgames* was initially characterized by the PlayStation Blog as a “novel type of PvP game with emergent sandbox gameplay,” aimed at rewarding creativity and expertise. The link between *Fairgames* and *Marathon* is clear, as both titles emphasize player interactions and strategies within expansive landscapes.

Nonetheless, the game’s connection to the extraction shooter genre raises questions about its sustainability. With the genre becoming more saturated, a key question emerges: Will *Fairgames* develop a distinctive identity, or will it face difficulties in the competitive landscape? Moreover, *Marathon* is also contending with its popularity, and recent changes in Sony’s live-service strategy pose uncertainties regarding the future path of *Fairgames*.

### Industry Challenges and Future Prospects

The creation of *Fairgames* has faced its fair share of obstacles. Reports of delays in the game’s release were linked to significant leadership transitions within the development team, such as the exit of studio head Jade Raymond. Following that, game director Daniel Drapeau also declared his departure, further igniting speculation about the game’s trajectory.

Despite these challenges, indications of ongoing progress are apparent. The studio has posted job openings for essential positions, including a lead producer, showcasing a sustained commitment to realize *Fairgames*.

### Conclusion

As *Fairgames* steers through the intricacies of the gaming industry, its emphasis on innovative gameplay modes like “Cargo Heist” highlights the potential for novel, compelling experiences in multiplayer settings. Whether it will effectively carve out its niche within the crowded extraction shooter market remains uncertain, but the dedication from the development team indicates that *Fairgames* aims to make its presence felt in the world of multiplayer gaming.

As trendy as it’s sort of become as a feature, photography modes in most games don’t interest me much. They’ve either got too much freedom, making the act of taking photos boring, or so many limitations it hardly feels like photography at all. Limitations are good! You can’t get good photos without them, I just prefer having an actual lens, even a digital one, to look through. So whenever a game that’s actually about photography, like Opus: Prism Peak (which is out today), rocks up, my curiosity will always be a little bit piqued.

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**The Northernlion Supercruise: An Unusual Announcement and Quick Cancellation**

In an unexpected twist, cherished Twitch streamer Ryan “Northernlion” Letourneau revealed the Northernlion Supercruise, a lavish five-day streaming event slated for 2024. Planned to embark from Tampa, Florida, with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, the event promised involvement from prominent streamers including Dan Gheesling, Squeex, and LovelyMomo. Nonetheless, within merely 72 hours of the announcement, the event was suddenly canceled, resulting in refunds for those who had booked.

At first, fans exhibited skepticism regarding the seriousness of the announcement. Northernlion is recognized for upholding a work-life balance and has typically steered clear of major streaming events. This caused many to assume the Supercruise was an elaborate joke, especially considering Northernlion’s known love for cruises. Regrettably for fans intrigued by the concept, the event was indeed legitimate before its abrupt cancellation.

The choice to cancel the Supercruise arose after a whirlwind of mixed reactions from the community. While some fans conveyed enthusiasm for the innovative idea, others expressed considerable concerns about the health and safety of both the streamers and cruise passengers. Ethical questions also emerged, notably concerning Corporate Travel, the agency coordinating the event, which had ties promoting trips to Israel during ongoing conflicts in Palestine.

During streams leading up to the cancellation, Northernlion appeared increasingly uneasy about the implications of the event. He openly discussed his feelings of apprehension, revealing to viewers how the anticipation for an engaging experience transitioned into worries about the safety of all those involved. “I think this has highlighted for me that I actually do have an anxiety disorder,” he noted, recognizing how the pressure of ensuring safety diverted his attention from crafting a memorable experience to addressing potential hazards.

After the cancellation, Northernlion reassured audiences that while the Supercruise would not proceed as planned, many activities originally aimed for the event, such as a streamer Q&A and a speedrunning contest, would still take place — albeit in a different format, streamed remotely instead of as in-person affairs.

As the situation calms from this unforeseen incident, fans and followers of Northernlion are left pondering the swift rise and fall of the Supercruise, an initiative that started as an audacious foray into new content territory and concluded as a cautionary narrative about the challenges of organizing large public gatherings in the present day.