Gait Games

**Ash Ketchum’s Final Goodbye: A 25-Year Adventure Reaches Its Conclusion**

On September 8, the cherished Pokémon anime is poised to launch Ash Ketchum’s concluding episodes on Netflix, signaling the close of a chapter after 25 years and more than 1,200 episodes. As the franchise pays tribute to its long-standing hero, it welcomes new lead characters, Liko and Roy, who will take the spotlight in discovering the expansive Pokémon universe. This change has stirred mixed feelings among fans, as Ash’s exit signifies both nostalgia and the need for progress within the series.

Hailing from Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum has been a fundamental part of many fans’ childhoods. For some, like an author reminiscing about their early years, Ash symbolizes the ideal anime hero—a character who, alongside his steadfast partner Pikachu, exemplified friendship and adventure. His quest to become a Pokémon Master resonated with audiences, telling a story of growth, determination, and the importance of connections.

The emotional impact of Ash’s retirement is felt by fans and critics alike. Keza MacDonald from The Guardian articulated that Ash seemed like a timeless figure, a steady presence in a constantly changing world. The early Pokémon series possessed a rich emotional core, acting as a power fantasy for children longing for autonomy and self-discovery. This sentiment transcends generations, as many recall the pivotal lessons learned through Ash’s challenges, triumphs, and setbacks.

Ash’s recent accomplishment of attaining the title of Pokémon world champion at the conclusion of his final season is notable. However, it hinted at his ultimate exit, as The Pokémon Company declared the conclusion of his journey, implying a shift in narrative direction. Fans who have matured alongside Ash often regard him as integral to their own Pokémon journeys, a bond that surpasses time.

As a main character, Ash Ketchum has confronted numerous obstacles, yet his growth has frequently been critiqued. Many fans perceive him as a typical shonen character, motivated by straightforward ambitions, but his emotional complexity has been acknowledged by those rewatching the series. The show has portrayed Ash as not only determined and hopeful but also as compassionate and vulnerable. Instances of defeat and sorrow have enriched his character arc, demonstrating that true mastery lies in understanding and connection, rather than simply accolades.

The discourse regarding Ash’s role in the wider context of anime protagonists showcases differing viewpoints. While some consider him a one-dimensional character, others identify a richness in his experiences and relationships that resonates with fans. Critics propose that the need to maintain the Pokémon franchise has resulted in stagnation of his character development, yet as fans grow older, many rediscover the subtleties that render Ash intriguing.

The series’ progression introduces new protagonists Liko and Roy, offering exciting storytelling possibilities. This transformation mirrors a broader narrative approach, shifting away from Ash’s enduring objectives to explore fresh escapades. As Ash departs into the horizon, there is optimism that the emotional core he embodied—empowerment, courage, and compassion—will continue in the new tales.

In summary, Ash Ketchum’s exit from the Pokémon anime represents not only the conclusion of a lengthy saga but also the onset of new adventures for upcoming generations. His legacy as an emblem of friendship and resolve will last, resonating with the journeys of countless fans who have grown up with him. As the Pokémon franchise progresses, it remains to be seen how Ash’s spirit will shape new narratives in the lively world of Pokémon.

**We Are So Cooked: The Eccentric Co-Op Stealth Game Capturing the Indie Scene’s Attention**

In a surprising turn of events for the gaming world, the teaser for *We Are So Cooked*, a groundbreaking co-op physics stealth game, has just been released, drawing players in with its unusual concept. Crafted by the indie team Dwarven Brothers, the game challenges players to engage in the rather unusual task of concealing a dead body alongside friends. This eccentric idea has taken off, captivating gamers in search of a light and entertaining experience amidst a wave of more serious narratives in recent offerings.

The freshly unveiled trailer highlights the various hurdles players will encounter while trying to discreetly dispose of a corpse in a crowded hotel setting. From maneuvering around tight corners and stairs to dodging security cameras, every move is laden with difficulties. The body’s droopiness introduces an element of physics-driven disorder, making teamwork essential for success. As emphasized by *Geoff Keighley* in his tweet, “You’ve accidentally killed someone, and now you have to get rid of the evidence,” this blend of humor and strategy lies at the heart of the game.

While *We Are So Cooked* features a single-player mode, tackling it alone brings notable difficulties. As noted on its Steam page, solo players will be impeded by the deliberate dragging of the body, which leaves a blood-stained trail that could easily reveal their plans. Additionally, players must choose to either hold an object or drag the body, not both, underscoring the importance of communication as you and your companions navigate the setting. The necessity for collaboration is further highlighted by the caution that conflicting movements, such as one player pulling left while another pushes right, could result in catastrophic results, like sending the body tumbling down the stairs.

The game sets itself apart from other co-op experiences, especially when compared to titles like Hazelight Studios’ *It Takes Two*. While *It Takes Two* explores the intricacies of a deteriorating relationship, *We Are So Cooked* offers a whimsical diversion, giving players a humorous perspective on manslaughter and collaboration that encourages a shared goal without the emotional burden.

With its focus on teamwork, comedy, and physics-centric gameplay, *We Are So Cooked* is set to deliver a distinct and enjoyable experience for gamers upon its launch in 2026. As players prepare to form teams in this quirky scenario, one thing is clear: the game is bound to provide a memorable and amusing adventure, positioning it as a highly awaited title within the indie gaming realm.

**David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance Set to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery: An Examination of the Merger Dynamics**

In an unexpected development within the realm of media and entertainment, billionaire David Ellison stands on the verge of finalizing a significant acquisition that could transform the entertainment landscape. Ellison, recognized for his connections and influence as a “nepo baby,” owns Paramount Skydance and is in line to secure Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

The sequence of events commenced when Warner Bros. Discovery revealed its intention to sell to Netflix instead of Ellison’s Paramount Skydance. This choice ignited Ellison’s assertive campaign, which entailed a hostile takeover bid directed squarely at WBD shareholders, urging them to rethink the agreement with Netflix. Confronted with escalating pressure and competitive bidding from Paramount Skydance, Netflix ultimately opted not to elevate its initial offer, thus paving the way for a possible merger.

Paramount Skydance’s most recent proposal presents $31 per share for WBD, valuing the entity at nearly $111 billion. This offer exceeds Netflix’s previous bid of $27 per share for solely Warner Bros.’ film studio and HBO Max, a transaction approximating $83 billion. In light of these developments, Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters indicated that while the acquisition was enticing, it was not critical, suggesting a tactical retreat rather than a defeat in the bidding competition.

Netflix’s decision to withdraw from the bidding process arises against a backdrop of increasing regulatory oversight. The potential acquisition by Netflix encountered obstacles from a coalition of Trump-aligned attorneys general, who expressed concerns regarding the merger’s ramifications. Conversely, a merger between Paramount Skydance and WBD may experience a more favorable regulatory approval process, partially due to Ellison’s familial connections with the Trump administration. This relationship brings forth questions regarding the ethical considerations surrounding such large-scale acquisitions, especially in light of previous financial settlements between Paramount and Trump.

Ellison’s assertive tactics, which some have characterized as “throwing a hissy fit,” have ultimately led to a “superior proposal” being preferred by WBD’s board. Netflix’s formal response framed their bid as strategic while reaffirming their dedication to financial prudence, suggesting that local market dynamics and internal priorities influenced their withdrawal.

As the landscape trends towards a probable merger between Paramount Skydance and WBD, industry observers are paying close attention. The implications of this deal extend beyond financial aspects; they engage with cultural dialogues regarding the ownership of significant intellectual properties, including legendary franchises such as Batman.

A transaction of this scale not only indicates a shift in corporate authority but also raises inquiries about the integrity and trajectory of media conglomerates managed by influential figures like Ellison. As both companies proceed with negotiations, industry stakeholders and consumers will be watching closely to see how this potential merger develops and what it signifies for the future of entertainment.

A decade on from its 1.0 launch, action-RPG Grim Dawn is getting some new Fangs of Asterkarn DLC that adds 5.5 square kilometres of in-game terrain. Picture the extra geography barrelling out of the atmosphere like a boisterous asteroid, teeming with bosses and minibosses and unique items. Look out below!

The DLC will increase the size of the base game by 76%, and will be prefaced by a free update with a new scaleable UI and revised stash feature, offering dedicated crafting and components pages. My, my, Grim Dawn, you’re certainly looking sprightly and well-padded, for a Diabbler of your seniority.

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### The Lenovo Legion Go Fold: A Step into the Future of Portable Gaming

In the continuously advancing realm of gaming technology, Lenovo is set to generate excitement with its recently leaked prototype—the Legion Go Fold. In a time when unwieldy yet robust handheld devices like the Steam Deck have taken center stage, the Legion Go Fold offers an intriguing, if unusual, alternative. These advancements signify an ongoing rivalry among technology firms aspiring to develop the next revolutionary product in portable gaming.

#### Design and Functionality

The Legion Go Fold distinguishes itself with its distinctive design that enables it to operate both as a handheld gaming PC and a standard laptop. As reported by **WindowsLatest**, early images indicate that this device can be adjusted into multiple configurations, transitioning effortlessly between handheld and laptop modes. This adaptability could attract gamers in search of a portable option that does not sacrifice performance or functionality.

Featuring folding capabilities, the device integrates controllers on either side, resembling the layout of current handheld gaming consoles. This arrangement provides an intuitive gaming experience akin to that of the well-liked Steam Deck while enhancing its functionality with laptop features.

#### The Prototype Reality

Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that the Legion Go Fold is still in the prototype phase at this point. While it exhibits encouraging features, there are doubts about its practicality and visual appeal. Numerous analysts have remarked on its potential awkwardness, implying that it may face challenges in balancing aesthetics and utility. The uncertainty surrounding its design raises a broader question in the tech industry: can innovation within the gaming sector yield designs that resonate with consumers?

#### Anticipated Release and Pricing

Rumors surrounding the formal introduction of the Legion Go Fold suggest that it is anticipated to be revealed next month. However, specifics regarding pricing remain undisclosed. Considering the sophisticated features likely included, such as a foldable POLED display, it is reasonable to speculate that the device will come with a premium price if it transitions from prototype to a commercially available product.

#### Conclusion

As Lenovo prepares for the possible release of the Legion Go Fold, the gaming community observes with eager anticipation. This device could either mark a new path for handheld gaming or act as a cautionary example regarding the boundaries of innovation. In a field saturated with rivalry, only time will reveal whether the Legion Go Fold can establish its place alongside the titans of portable gaming technology.

Stardew Valley, as of today, as temporally upsetting as it is to write this, is officially 10 years old. An entire decade! A far cry from being able to vote, but in the UK it could be convicted of a criminal offence, if such a situation were to arise. And to commemorate such an occasion, creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone shared a 22 minute long video showing some old builds of the game, shared some behind the scenes and tidbits, and revealed the new marriage candidates coming in the farming sims’ 1.7 update.

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**Stage Tour: A New Chapter for Rhythm Games**

A group of seasoned developers from the original *Guitar Hero* franchise has unveiled their thrilling new venture: *Stage Tour*, a rhythm game similar to *Rock Band*, anticipated for launch later this year. The reveal took place during *IGN* Fan Fest 2026, signifying an important achievement for RedOctane, the studio established by previous Harmonix creators who played a key role in the original PS2 *Guitar Hero* series.

In 2025, RedOctane made a comeback to introduce a new plastic guitar controller designed for *Fortnite Festival*, classic *Rock Band* titles, and *Clone Hero*. This resurgence hinted at a broader vision, which *Stage Tour* embodies.

Simon Ebejer, the director of RedOctane, conveyed the studio’s excitement for the project, mentioning that *Stage Tour* is a “celebration of rhythm gaming.” The team intends to combine well-known gameplay with innovative features by leveraging modern technology. Ebejer emphasized their aim to link gamers with their beloved music while creating a platform that can adapt and grow. With new instruments and enhanced charting systems, RedOctane aspires to enrich the rhythm game experience, appealing to both casual users and serious fans seeking greater complexity.

*Stage Tour* will accommodate various control methods, including PC keyboards, and showcase dynamic note charts that adjust according to chosen difficulty and controller type. The studio has collaborated with Gibson to incorporate Gibson-branded guitars into the game, serving as a nostalgic reference to *Guitar Hero*’s early days.

RedOctane has revealed intentions for alpha testing this summer, anticipating a fall launch on PC and a wide array of consoles. As the rhythm game genre progresses, *Stage Tour* aims to reignite the enchantment of previous titles while expanding the limits of what can be achieved in music gaming.

When a game like Highguard, with its Apex Legends creators and reported Tencent funding, comes out and just kind of flops, you have to wonder what happened to get it to this point. Well, a new report from Mr. Scoop himself Jason Schreier over at Bloomberg appears to have shed a bit of light on the whole palaver through speaking with former Wildlight staffers.

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**Marathon’s Pre-Launch Server Slam: The Arc Raiders Controversy**

Today signifies an exhilarating milestone for Bungie’s new extraction shooter, *Marathon*, as the pre-launch server slam kicked off, drawing in over 100,000 enthusiastic players across PC and console platforms. The event provided players the chance to try the game at no cost, but it wasn’t long before users began to test the boundaries of in-game chat by mentioning *Arc Raiders*, the title’s most formidable rival in the genre.

When users entered “Arc Raiders” in squad chat, they encountered an unexpected censorship: the message was substituted with “*** *******”. This peculiar restriction swiftly captured the attention of the gaming community, with a clip from a well-known Twitch streamer showcasing the incident going viral.

Zack Zwiezen from *Kotaku*, who is also partaking in the *Marathon* beta, executed a small experiment to further explore the censorship. He discovered that players could type variations like “arc,” “raiders,” and even “arcraiders,” but the complete title “Arc Raiders” continued to be blocked. This perplexing choice ignited curiosity and discussion regarding the motivations behind such a selective censorship approach.

Notably, this isn’t the first time *Arc Raiders* has experienced analogous censorship. Last fall, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* encountered a similar predicament, which was subsequently resolved through a patch. Moreover, reports have surfaced that EA has been censoring *Arc Raiders* in their upcoming titles, exemplifying a trend among shooters in the competitive sphere.

In the realm of *Marathon*, the competition with *Arc Raiders* is tangible, as the game’s success hinges on attracting players away from *Arc Raiders* during its new season. Differing philosophies regarding cheat bans have also created friction between the two titles, with initial reports suggesting that *Marathon* has adopted novel methods to combat cheating.

As the pre-launch weekend progresses, player feedback points to a promising beginning for *Marathon*, despite the chat censorship issue.

**Update:**
As of February 26, 2026, the censorship glitch has been fixed, permitting appreciation for *Arc Raiders* back into the chat on Tau Ceti. The *Marathon Development Team* confirmed the modification via a tweet, inviting players to openly discuss all facets of the gaming universe once more.

I’m finding Surgent Studios, the developer of Tales of Zenzera: ZAU and Dead Take, increasingly difficult to pin down, though, not in a bad way. Those two games are a far cry from one another in both atmosphere, genre, and mechanics, and now the studio’s next game is something completely different once again: FixForce, an extraction platformer, a combination of words that might finally pin down Those Types of Games.

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