Gait Games

Last week’s Microsoft layoffs, a seemingly never-ending source of terrible and sobering news, included several members of the Elder Scrolls Online’s leadership team. According to a WARN notice, studio head Jo Burba is among those departing, despite having only stepped into that role around the time of last year’s mass layoffs at Microsoft. With him and several other key figures on the outs, a “transition” to a new leadership team for the MMO is reportedly underway.

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**Crafting Beasts in Indie Game Creation: The Unusual Muse Behind *Billy the Hero***

In the realm of indie game creation, imagination is limitless. A vivid example of this is found with JOJOJOJOsoft, the studio behind the forthcoming turn-based RPG *Billy the Hero*. This title introduces gamers to Billy, characterized as “the world’s most inept criminal,” who embodies all seven deadly sins while being morphed into a teddy bear on Hell Island. As Billy attempts to leverage the bleak surroundings to forge his own utopia, the game is anticipated to offer a distinctive combat system based on mathematics and greed, paired with an artistic approach that melds pixel art with cartoon visuals.

One of the most fascinating aspects of JOJO’s creative journey is his unconventional source of inspiration: his slumbering wife. In a recent Reddit discussion, JOJO illustrated the imaginative pathway behind one of his game’s monstrous figures, clarifying that there was no implication that his wife’s look resembles that of a monster. This whimsical method arises from a long-standing tradition of playful banter between the pair, underscored by his playful assertion, “Transforming her into a monster is merely me catching up.”

### The Creation Journey

JOJO elaborated on the careful process of designing this grotesque being, combining humor, intimacy, and artistic flair. Here are the main steps he provided:

1. **The Covert Mission**: Seizing the chance afforded by his wife’s deep slumber, JOJO meticulously captured reference photographs without waking her. He emphasized the value of her natural state for gathering genuine material to utilize.

2. **Image Fusion**: Once the photos were gathered, JOJO excised the faces and configured them into a harmonious design, laying the groundwork for a creative amalgamation that would ultimately take shape through digital layering.

3. **Monochrome & Textures**: He transformed the images to grayscale to modify shadows and hues, layering raw meat textures to amplify the creature’s sinister aesthetic.

4. **Incorporating Gore**: At last, he added blood effects and anatomical features, bolstering the horror elements of the monster’s design.

Intriguingly, the textures utilized in his concepts comprised images of raw meat, contributing a startlingly visceral aspect to the creations. This element, though shocking, illustrates JOJO’s distinctive artistic vision and sense of humor woven throughout his work.

### An Engaging Partnership

It’s essential to recognize that JOJO’s wife actively engages in this creative pursuit. The duo shares a bond rooted in mutual teasing and affection, occasionally indulging in playful pranks. JOJO humorously recounts his wife’s mischief, asserting that “she is significantly worse than I am,” highlighting the richness of their playful rivalry. The entire concept of morphing her into monstrous designs is framed as a loving form of reprisal.

Aside from his wife’s input, JOJO draws on everyday inspirations for his creature designs. For instance, another character in *Billy the Hero* was fashioned using a half-eaten chicken skeleton, demonstrating his talent for creatively sourcing visuals.

### A Sentimental Gaming Journey

JOJO’s methodology in game development embodies a desire for the simplicity and authenticity of childhood gaming experiences. He claims that the dialogue in *Billy the Hero* aims to evoke casual conversations among friends instead of being too refined. His goal is to craft a nostalgic experience that resonates with players, merging humor, relatability, and a touch of rebellion.

In summary, *Billy the Hero* by JOJOJOJOsoft captures the essence of indie game creation, showing that innovation can flourish in the most unexpected scenarios. By transforming commonplace inspirations into monstrous creations and drawing upon a personal, humorous connection with his wife, JOJO displays the unique fusion of artistry and narrative that defines the indie gaming scene. As players look forward to the game’s release, they are likely to find themselves engrossed in a universe that balances grotesque comedy with sincere relationships.

You won’t find codes here, and for good reason.

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We’ve all been there. You’re a pirate captain whose pockets are overflowing with freshly nicked doubloons and you fancy blowing it all on some shiny new cannons or a figurehead carved to resemble a bag of money. So, you sail on down to a port with a harbourmaster and start perusing ship upgrades. Then, when you get back to the docks, your ship’s disappeared into thin air. Ah. Yarr’ve got to be kidding me. Completing the rest of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced might be rather difficult now. Thankfully, these impromptu mutinies are a bug Ubisoft have fixed in the title update set to arrive in the game today.

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**Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey* and Its Crossover with *Fortnite***

Christopher Nolan’s eagerly awaited film *The Odyssey* is poised for its theatrical release this week. In a surprising turn of events, the film’s legendary Trojan War hero, Odysseus, will also make an appearance in the virtual world of *Fortnite*. Epic Games revealed that Odysseus will be joining the beloved battle royale game, giving players the singular chance to embody the famed character coinciding with the movie’s launch.

On July 15, a teaser presenting the *Odyssey* x *Fortnite* crossover was unveiled, showcasing scenes from the film reinterpreted in the *Fortnite* environment. Players can observe Odysseus guiding his crew to land, navigating a foreboding cave inhabited by a cyclops, and utilizing the famous horse ploy to conquer Troy. While it remains uncertain if these particular scenes will appear directly in the game, initial leaks suggest players will have the opportunity to take on the role of Odysseus—specifically, the version played by Matt Damon.

In an interactive promotional effort, players aiming for early access to Matt Damon’s interpretation of Odysseus can engage in an *Odyssey*-themed Fortnite Cup. This event, referred to as “the cup of the heroic legend of the Trojan War,” will permit leading contenders to secure exclusive cosmetic rewards tied to the film before they are released in the in-game store. The inaugural Cup event is set to commence at 7:00 p.m. ET on the same day the film debuts.

The incorporation of *The Odyssey* into *Fortnite* signifies not just a noteworthy cultural crossover but also a fusion of ancient narrative with contemporary gaming. The contrast between Homeric elements and the vastly divergent universe of *Fortnite*, where players perform dance moves and engage in confrontations, exemplifies the lasting significance of classical tales in modern media. The blend of mythology and gaming emphasizes how the ancient roots of Western literature continue to inspire new generations, albeit in unexpected formats.

As *Fortnite* players get ready to embrace the essence of Odysseus, there’s a playful acknowledgment of the absurdity in combining Homer’s epic with a game renowned for its colorful and chaotic gameplay. Yet, this crossover might very well stimulate younger audiences to explore the original *Odyssey*, igniting interest in literature that resonates beyond the boundaries of the gaming world. Ultimately, it offers a distinctive chance to honor legendary figures and narratives, making them reachable to a new generation in an engaging manner.

Including V2 requirements.

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# Unpacking *The Duskbloods*: Anticipation for FromSoftware’s Next Multiplayer Title

With fans of FromSoftware eagerly anticipating their forthcoming multiplayer game, *The Duskbloods*, the gaming community is getting ready for an exhilarating closed network test at the end of August 2026. After logging numerous hours in *Elden Ring Nightreign*, many gamers are intrigued by what this new entry will bring.

## What Is *The Duskbloods*?

*The Duskbloods* is set to be another captivating installment in FromSoftware’s portfolio, recognized for their intricate world-building and tough gameplay. Featuring a vampire theme, this game strays from conventional medieval backdrops and integrates action-oriented mechanics similar to their earlier games. Designed for up to eight players, it promises a mix of Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) gameplay, with players expected to engage in matches featuring objectives that vary depending on character backgrounds and attributes.

## Network Test Details

During the closed network test, selected participants will have a chance to experience early gameplay. Sign-ups are open from July 22 to July 28, 2026, through a Nintendo account. Those chosen will be informed of their selection on August 7. The testing will take place during designated time slots on August 21-23, providing a unique chance for players to get an early look at the game.

### Test Schedule:
– **August 21, 2026 (Fri.)**
– 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PT
– 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PT
– **August 22, 2026 (Sat.)**
– 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
– **August 23, 2026 (Sun.)**
– 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PT
– 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PT

## Gameplay Mechanics

While specifics regarding gameplay mechanics are limited, players will earn “Victory Points” by completing objectives that likely correspond to their characters’ traits. A notable shift from the usual FromSoftware approach is the emphasis on multiplayer, which opens fresh opportunities for both collaboration and rivalry among gamers. This matchmaking system raises many questions regarding narrative depth—will it include the cherished lore delivered through item descriptions that fans appreciate?

## Anticipation and Expectations

As the excitement for the test builds, there’s a blend of curiosity and tension surrounding *The Duskbloods*. Enthusiasts are eager to explore its storytelling approach and how it holds up against other FromSoftware titles like *Bloodborne* or *Dark Souls*. Nevertheless, gamers should brace themselves for limited information sharing, as FromSoftware has restricted the posting of screenshots or videos from the network test, aiming to cultivate a more controlled and enigmatic atmosphere throughout the game’s testing phase.

## Conclusion

With a final release date still not specified—tentatively set for a broad “2026” timeframe—fans retain hope that *The Duskbloods* could be ready by Halloween. This timing could seamlessly align with the game’s vampire theme, tapping into the festive mood. As players prepare for the network test and sign up for a chance to experience this new title, the anticipation continues to build.

Entering this new chapter with FromSoftware promises not only to challenge players but also to redefine their gaming experience as they venture into the depths of *The Duskbloods*.

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# Love and Deepspace: A Complicated Confluence of Gaming, Community, and Controversy

**Introduction**

Love and Deepspace, created by the Chinese studio Papergames, has become a notable contender in the gaming world, enchanting players globally with its blend of romantic narratives, science fiction themes, and gacha mechanics. While it has achieved over 80 million downloads and generated substantial revenue, the game has also encountered significant controversies, revealing the complexities of its community dynamics and cultural ramifications.

## Community Outcry Over Valko’s Cancellation

Recently, the game’s introduction of a werewolf love interest named Valko sparked a wave of controversy, resulting in his hasty cancellation. The outcry arose from various factors, including alleged concerns from Chinese authorities regarding how the character’s promotional content was perceived and a broader discourse within the game’s community about inclusivity and representation.

Jessica Cogswell, a journalist for GameSpot, shared her experience covering the game’s second anniversary in New York City, where she recalled being advised to exclude footage of male participants to avoid suggesting that the game embraced LGBTQ+ relationships. This incident highlighted an ongoing friction between the game’s depiction of romance and wider societal norms, especially given China’s stringent regulations concerning media representation of homosexuality.

## Core Issues Within the Community

Despite Love and Deepspace’s financial success, its community endures internal conflict, marked by considerable tensions regarding inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals. Official channels within the game restrict content showcasing male-male relationships, cultivating an atmosphere where queer fans, particularly men, often feel alienated or unwelcome.

Kaine, an individual from the queer community within the Love and Deepspace fandom, expressed a yearning for a space where all gamers, regardless of their orientation, could converge. This aspiration faces opposition from a vocal segment of the fanbase, who perceive the presence of queer men as an intrusion into what they consider a female-centric realm. Such feelings are further intensified by incidents of targeted harassment directed at queer individuals engaging with the game’s content.

## Conflicting Messaging and the Queer Perspective

Discussions surrounding the game’s characters expose a fundamental disconnection between the developer’s intentions and the community’s interpretations. The cancellation of Valko was seen by many as a repudiation of queer representation, igniting dialogue about the wider implications of his design and how it catered to both Western and queer audiences. Some fans have pointed out that numerous love interests in the game could easily attract queer men, yet the official stance indicates a hesitance to acknowledge this demographic within their marketing and community interactions.

The game’s mechanics, designed to cultivate emotional bonds through gacha systems, introduce additional hurdles. Critics have observed that these elements can emotionally manipulate players, particularly those seeking companionship or affirmation, leading to a parasocial relationship that complicates community dynamics.

## Navigating Cultural Limitations

Papergames’ dual challenge of adhering to local censorship laws while appealing to a global audience adds further complexity. While it is understandable that a Chinese company would exercise caution in portraying LGBTQ+ content due to potential backlash, fans have protested against what seems to be the active exclusion of queer voices. Many argue that the game’s global commercial success should motivate a more inclusive approach.

The disparity between the game’s sexually suggestive content and its discomfort with queer representation creates a paradox that fans are struggling to reconcile. As the gaming industry becomes increasingly globalized, such contradictions underscore the challenges developers face in navigating cultural sensitivities while accommodating the diverse expectations of their audiences.

## Conclusion: A Community Pursuing Inclusion

Despite the hurdles, a vibrant community of queer fans continues to thrive around Love and Deepspace, often establishing their own inclusive spaces apart from official channels. However, persistent tensions surrounding representational politics continue to fracture the fanbase. As the game progresses, it remains uncertain whether the developers will adapt to the varied needs of their player community or continue to grapple with the ramifications of their cultural narrative both locally and globally. The outcome will not only impact Love and Deepspace but may also establish a precedent for how future games approach inclusivity in a multicultural gaming landscape.

If you merely flipped through a PC gaming publication during the mid ’90s, you might recognize the title Ecstatica. Developed by Londoner Andrew Spencer and published by Psygnosis, the franchise produced two entries: the initial one published in 1994, depicting a medieval-themed survival horror. The follow-up released in 1997, and while it obviously retains the Ecstatica feel due to its artistic approach, it toned down the horror aspects considerably.

That artistic approach is quite essential: instead of using polygon-based character models, Ecstatica’s engine employed ellipsoids, which are, in essence, somewhat spherical. Bulbous, to be precise. Rather than rephrase the formula-laden Wikipedia entry for ellipsoids, it’s likely more straightforward to illustrate this:

[Image: SNEG]

This art style is notably unique, and famously, Andrew Spencer developed the engine from the ground up. The ellipsoids are indeed genuine: other titles that share a similar artistic style, such as Little Big Adventure, apply Gouraud shading to produce the illusion of softness where there are actually hard angles.

As Spencer remarked to Next Generation in 1996: “The primary benefit is the organic appearance of the characters. Triangles often create rigid, robotic-looking shapes, while ellipsoids can be utilized to craft more curvaceous, human-like figures. Moreover, ellipsoids can be more efficient since you can design a more visually appealing character with fewer shapes.”

I doubt many would label the characters in Ecstatica as “organic-looking” from the perspective of 2026, but I do recall being amazed by the visuals of these games in static magazine captures. Compared to titles like Alone in the Dark, it seemed like a noticeable improvement, even if in practice it was more of a sidestep.

Finding Ecstatica and its sequel online is likely straightforward, but they haven’t been commercially accessible for years. That’s set to change: they’re part of a new wave of SNEG reissues, which also features the 2001 Dungeons & Dragons RPG Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor, the 1997 3D action title Dark Earth, the 2001 turn-based strategy game Warlords 4, and the 1998 military tactics simulator Soldiers at War.

Naturally, similar to the vast majority of early ’90s PC horror, Ecstatica will likely feel rigid and unwieldy to most contemporary players. Like Resident Evil and Alone in the Dark, both titles employ tank controls, and their 3D environments are seen from fixed camera angles. Both also rely on puzzle-solving and humorous instant death moments. Nonetheless, I think the occasional frustration is worthwhile just to witness the still-beautiful ellipsoid art in action.

Ecstatica and Ecstatica 2 are set to arrive on Steam and GOG later this year. For further information, check out Richard Cobbett’s take on the original Ecstatica.