Gait Games

**The Prospects for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe: A Reboot in Sight**

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, under the leadership of CEO Tom Rothman, has recently shared a positive outlook concerning the future of its Spider-Man Universe (SSU). In a conversation with Matt Belloni on *The Town*, Rothman indicated that the SSU is very much alive and is set for a “new reboot” featuring “new talent.” This statement comes on the heels of a tough period marked by the underwhelming performances of films like *Morbius*, *Madame Web*, and *Kraven the Hunter*, which faced challenges both critically and financially over the last three years.

The commercial failures of these films have led to significant backlash, particularly directed at *Morbius* and *Madame Web*. During the promotional activities for *Kraven the Hunter*, director J.C. Chandor appealed to viewers for their backing, encouraging them to allow his film a chance to distance itself from the negative reputation of its forerunners. Nevertheless, despite these appeals, *Kraven the Hunter* encountered similar critiques and letdowns upon its release, underscoring a trend of unsuccessful adaptations. Even the more favorable entries in the SSU, such as *Venom* and *Venom: Let There Be Carnage*, have garnered attention mainly for their unintentional humor rather than their artistic accomplishments.

Sony’s strategy to refresh its superhero slate is not new. The studio has previously tried a reboot of its Spider-Man franchise following the success of Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, which wrapped up in 2007. The ensuing reboot, launched in 2012 under director Marc Webb, resulted in just two films instead of the anticipated trilogy. Following this issue, Sony chose to collaborate with Disney, incorporating Spider-Man into the immensely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This decision represented a pivotal shift for the character, which, as noted by Belloni, was a moment of humility for Sony, recognizing the necessity for help to revitalize the franchise.

However, Rothman disputes the prevailing narrative surrounding the Disney partnership, claiming that the alliance has proven advantageous for Sony, although critics highlight the company’s persistent struggles in producing successful standalone superhero features. At this point, Rothman has not revealed any detailed plans concerning the framework or trajectory of the rebooted SSU.

In conclusion, while Sony Pictures is preparing to rejuvenate its Spider-Man Universe, the results of this endeavor remain unpredictable. The studio must grapple with its past and the hopes of audiences who have already been disappointed by prior efforts. As the superhero film landscape keeps evolving, all attention will be directed toward Sony’s forthcoming actions as it strives to reclaim both the character’s legendary status and the box office success that is anticipated.

Earlier this month, Discord said that they’d be rolling out a global age verification system to which everyone and their mother responded by saying “thank you,” except they didn’t say thank. A little bit later on, they also shared word of an experiment being run in relation to this new system and policy that involved an identity detection firm backed by a fund directed by Palantir chairman Peter Thiel called Persona, which apparently potentially stored any ID documentation you submitted to them for up to seven days. Now, after more and more pushback, Discord have put out a statement that still probably doesn’t say what you wish it would.

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I think on the offset, Looking for Fael isn’t a difficult game to pitch, but perhaps one that takes a second to get to grips with. You play as, well, not Fael, but his roommate, who, as you may have guessed, is looking for Fael after receiving a strange voicemail message where he says he is somehow lost in your apartment. What follows is then a reality bending puzzle game where the world itself is a puzzle, but also you have to play a spin (pun intended) on the objectively best game ever made, Tetris.

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### The Distinctive Method to Romance in *Avowed*

With the launch of action RPG *Avowed* set for February 2025, developer Obsidian Entertainment has drawn attention with an unexpected announcement: players should not anticipate conventional romance mechanics in the game. Game director Carrie Patel emphasized the desire to cultivate “thoughtful relationships” with companion characters while expressing a personal inclination toward romance only if it can be authentically woven into the storyline. This statement was captivating, particularly in light of Obsidian’s background with romance in their previous games.

Traditionally, Obsidian has engaged with romance options—most notably in *Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire*—but has not fully adopted the prevalent trend seen in numerous modern RPGs, where romantic relationships with companions have become a fundamental aspect. In contrast to these typical representations, *Avowed* chooses a more layered examination of relationships that values emotional development over physical attraction, thereby redefining what romance signifies in video games.

#### Romance in Western RPGs: The Conventional Method

The contemporary understanding of romance in Western RPGs largely originates from BioWare’s early titles, such as *Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn*. The incorporation of customizable player characters and romanceable NPCs emerged as a signature of the genre, with series like *Mass Effect* and *Dragon Age* honing this mechanic into a customary part of gameplay. Players have come to expect flirtation and seduction during interactions alongside adventuring, with characters often providing a blend of banter and progress in the storyline.

Nevertheless, this formula has not been without its shortcomings. Romance mechanics can frequently appear disjointed from the narrative, with interactions resembling a checklist of side missions rather than authentic emotional bonds. As Patel pointed out, when romance reduces to a mere system, the richness of character relationships wanes, leaving players with experiences that may come off as superficial and empty.

#### What Distinguishes *Avowed*

In *Avowed*, players take on the role of a customizable envoy from the Aedyran Empire, sent to investigate the tumultuous Living Lands. Here, players form a party of characters, all vital to the narrative. Yet, unlike other RPGs, the exchanges between the player and companions, particularly during camp discussions, are devoid of romantic nuances or sexual innuendos.

Rather, *Avowed* focuses on the personal narratives and emotional progression of the characters. A notable character, Kai, illustrates this well. A mercenary with a complicated past, Kai’s storyline revolves around his lingering feelings for a former lover, Tama, who succumbed after Kai abandoned him on his deathbed. This relationship is more than just a side plot; it is a crucial element of Kai’s character evolution.

Throughout the game, players can converse with Kai in ways that promote reflection rather than romantic advances. The true nature of the “romance” comes from assisting Kai in navigating his trauma and understanding the depths of his emotions for Tama. The interaction culminates not in a typical romantic conclusion but in an acknowledgment of emotional readiness and healing. Players can share their feelings with Kai, who, after considerable contemplation, responds in a meaningful, though non-physical, way.

#### Conclusion: An Invigorating Perspective on Romance

The strategy employed by *Avowed* signifies a notable break from standard RPG romance mechanics. Rather than engaging in the usual mechanics of flirtation and physical attraction, the game showcases a unique romantic thread that underscores emotional depth. By connecting the romance directly to character development and the narrative journey, *Avowed* redefines the concept of connection in RPGs.

Patel’s vision, coupled with the unexpected inclusion of romance, indicates that the developers value significant interactions over conventional gameplay mechanics. It underscores how a well-crafted narrative can express romance in a manner that feels both genuine and captivating, offering a fresh viewpoint in a genre that frequently resorts to trivializing relationships. In achieving this, *Avowed* may pave the way for future RPGs that aspire to delve into intricate emotional narratives without depending on traditional romantic clichés.

**Title: Tokyo Scramble: The Newest Gaming Catastrophe**

As the year unfolds, gamers stay vigilant for fresh releases, but enthusiasm can quickly sour when faced with underwhelming titles. One game currently drawing criticism is *Tokyo Scramble*, a Switch 2 exclusive inspired by the renowned survival horror franchise *Dino Crisis*. Although it was unveiled during a recent Nintendo Direct event and sparked a considerable amount of anticipation, the actual experience has fallen short of expectations since its debut on February 11, resulting in a flood of unfavorable reviews.

Per *TheGamer*, the reviews for *Tokyo Scramble* have been notably disappointing. It presently boasts a 19 percent Critic Recommend score on OpenCritic, along with a “Generally Unfavorable” rating of 40 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics have been sluggish in reviewing the game, possibly due to a lack of review codes or overall disinterest, further complicating its reception.

While reviewers have voiced their dissatisfaction, *Tokyo Scramble* has reportedly propelled *Code Violet* back to the status of the year’s lowest-rated game temporarily, after a minor rise to a 66/100 score from *33Bits*, pushing its average to 48. The increasing influx of scores for *Tokyo Scramble* suggests that its standing could deteriorate further, but as it stands, *Code Violet* retains the lead in negative recognition.

Despite its disastrous critic ratings, *Tokyo Scramble* has managed to attain a user score of 6.6/10 on Metacritic, albeit with only 14 user reviews influencing the overall rating. This score has been swayed by a notably excited user who awarded it a 10/10—a glaring contrast to their 0/10 rating for the well-regarded *Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem*. Such outlier ratings emphasize the inconsistency and often dubious nature of user-generated ratings on platforms like Metacritic.

The troubling launch of *Tokyo Scramble* serves as a clear reminder of the erratic nature of video game releases, where excitement can quickly shift to disillusionment. As developers and publishers gaze toward the rest of the year, the industry keenly observes to see if any other titles can usurp *Code Violet* as the year’s most poorly reviewed game.

Is there something in the digital air this weekend? Bungie are finally letting anybody who wants a go have a go at Marathon from February 26th to March 2nd as part of the game’s server slam, and now it looks like Guerrilla Games’ recently announced live service spin-off Horizon Hunters Gathering is joining it with a playtest of its own.

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Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a eagerly awaited entry in the Star Wars gaming series, breaking away from the typical themes of Jedi and lightsaber battles. It instead offers an exhilarating racing experience akin to classic games such as Star Wars: Racer’s Revenge. Set to debut in 2026, this arcade-style racer is being crafted by Fuse Games, a development team established by former Criterion creators known for their talent in high-speed racing titles.

What is Star Wars: Galactic Racer?

Revealed at the 2025 Game Awards, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is crafted as a track-centric, arcade racing game that will include a full single-player narrative featuring both new and returning characters. Players can look forward to a diverse range of race tracks, each providing a distinct racing adventure within the cherished Star Wars galaxy.

When is Galactic Racer launching?

While a precise launch date is yet to be announced, the game is expected to arrive sometime in 2026.

What platforms will it be available on?

Star Wars: Galactic Racer will be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Is there podracing in this game?

Yes, podracing will feature in Galactic Racer. Initially, there were doubts about its presence following the first teaser, but developers reassured fans that the game will include podracing in addition to various speeders and vehicles, highlighting a wider Star Wars racing experience rather than focusing solely on podracing.

Is it true that some former Burnout devs are making this?

Absolutely, Fuse Games consists of developers who have previously worked with Criterion Games, renowned for popular releases like Burnout Paradise and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Their extensive knowledge of the racing genre is anticipated to enhance the game’s mechanics and overall thrill.

Is Star Wars: Galactic Racer an open-world game?

No, Galactic Racer is not an open-world title like Forza Horizon or Burnout Paradise. It is designed as a track-based racer, taking cues from earlier Burnout installments.

Is there multiplayer in the game?

Yes, the game will incorporate multiplayer modes, permitting up to 12 players to compete online. An online ranking system is also being developed, further enhancing the competitive elements of the game.

When is Galactic Racer set in the Star Wars timeline?

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is positioned after the events of Return of the Jedi, though its exact timeframe within the greater Star Wars lore is not the main focus for the developers. They indicate that the aftermath of the galactic civil war creates a captivating environment for the racing culture to thrive.

Wait, was that Sebulba from The Phantom Menace?

Yes, Sebulba makes an appearance in the game, now represented as an older version of himself with a notable beard, suggesting his development since competing against Anakin Skywalker.

Will Star Wars: Galactic Racer include a battle pass or seasons?

No, the developers have confirmed that Galactic Racer will not implement a battle pass or seasonal content, as it is intended to provide a premium game experience with a thorough campaign, arcade mode, and multiplayer features without adopting a free-to-play approach.

Will you be able to walk around on foot in Star Wars: Galactic Racer?

Yes, the game will enable players to roam in a social hub where they can engage with NPCs and upgrade their vehicles, adding a community aspect to the gameplay.

This is cool and all, but I wish we’d get a big KOTOR-like RPG Star Wars game again…

Great news, as there are indeed plans for a new KOTOR–

Bring me the Dawn.

The post Is the Garden Horizons Dawn Blossom the Same as Dawn Fruit? appeared first on Gamezebo.

The time is upon us! The time to once again become radical, as from the ashes of developers Radical Entertainment and Hothead Games a sort of but not really new studio has been born: New Radical Games. It does seem like Hothead drew the short straw here name wise. But given that Radical were known for the likes of The Simpsons: Hit & Run and the Prototype games, and Hothead made, uh, The Baconing, the choice feels apt.

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### Steam’s Next Fest: The Battle Between Innovation and AI-Created Content

Steam’s Next Fest has been recognized as a biannual event that presents hundreds of demos from both triple-A and indie game creators. This week-long event aims to give players a sneak peek at upcoming games, fostering excitement and anticipation within the gaming community. Nonetheless, the latest editions of Next Fest have raised concerns among players and developers, primarily due to the overwhelming number of low-quality games referred to as “slop” and the increasing occurrence of titles that employ generative AI for asset development.

#### Community Input and Evolving Perspectives

In recent dialogues on platforms like Reddit, users have voiced their discontent with the present condition of Next Fest. The prevailing feeling is evident: the colossal number of games has become excessive, leading many to filter games by popularity or user ratings instead of exploring the entire array of demos offered. This tactic undermines the event’s original purpose—enabling indie developers to achieve visibility and connect with gamers who might not have encountered them previously.

A Reddit user aptly captured the disenchantment with the event, stating, “I don’t feel very compelled to check out demos with AI art capsules,” reflecting a growing skepticism toward games that heavily depend on AI-generated imagery, which some gamers view as a lack of authentic artistry and craftsmanship.

#### The AI-Disclosure Conundrum

Complicating matters further is the apparent mishandling of Valve’s AI disclosure policy. While developers are mandated to disclose the use of AI-generated assets, numerous titles featured in Next Fest lack proper disclosure tags, creating doubts among players. Observers contend that without enforceable repercussions for not disclosing AI usage, developers might be encouraged to obscure their transparency.

One user remarked on the current measures’ insufficiency: “There is no real penalty so far for not disclosing.” This underlines a trust-based system that appears to benefit developers who may wish to hide their use of AI-generated content instead of promoting a fair gaming marketplace.

#### Community Proposals and Irony

In response to these hurdles, the community has proposed practical solutions, such as filtering games by popularity and reviews to navigate the influx of new releases. However, this presents an ironic scenario; it contradicts Next Fest’s goal of highlighting lesser-known indie titles. One community member remarked, “These last few fests I’ve just had to sort by popularity… It’s just too exhausting to filter through.”

This feeling resonates deeply with gamers who believe that the essence of the festival—unearthing distinctive indie titles—has been eclipsed by the surge of low-quality or AI-dependent games.

#### Difficulties for Indie Developers

Conversely, the swift emergence of AI-generated assets has unintentionally fostered a concerning environment for genuine indie developers. Many have reported experiencing false accusations of using AI in their games, leading to unjustified skepticism among potential players. Conversations on forums like r/IndieDev underscore the challenges developers face as they navigate these unfounded allegations, further complicating their attempts to showcase their unique creations during Next Fest.

It is clear that the responsibility lies with Valve to tackle these urgent issues. As the distinction between traditional game development and AI-generated content continues to blur, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers to differentiate between what is genuinely handcrafted and what results from an algorithm.

#### Conclusion

Steam’s Next Fest continues to serve as a vital platform for unveiling new games, yet the inclusion of poorly devised titles and generative AI assets is driving a reassessment of how these events are organized and managed. As the gaming terrain evolves, it is essential for Valve to enforce more robust measures that protect both consumers and authentic developers, guaranteeing that future festivals can celebrate creativity and innovation rather than compromising their value with substandard offerings.