Gait Games

### Ubisoft’s Incredible Discount Event on Steam: A Gamer’s Paradise

This week, players are experiencing an exceptional sale on Ubisoft games on Steam, igniting discussions about the company’s ongoing financial difficulties. Ubisoft’s stock value plummeted drastically in January due to a misguided restructuring effort, showing little signs of recovery. Consequently, current share values remain frighteningly low, just a small portion of what they were in 2018. To mitigate these financial hurdles, Ubisoft has drastically reduced prices on numerous titles, with discounts reaching as high as 90%.

While the company’s management challenges have been extensively reported, Ubisoft has delivered several noteworthy titles that continue to appeal to gamers. Here are some of the top bargains available during this event:

#### Assassin’s Creed Shadows – $35

The newest entry in the prestigious *Assassin’s Creed* franchise, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, was positively received upon launch and has continued to grow through various updates. Players can partake in a dual-character journey as both a stealthy shinobi assassin and a formidable samurai, with elements of parkour and action seamlessly woven together in one of the most visually impressive games released lately. Currently, this game is available at a 50% discount.

#### Far Cry Primal – $3

*Far Cry Primal* offers a distinct experience by whisking players back to the prehistoric era. This game reinvents the *Far Cry* series’ mechanics, substituting modern weaponry with primitive instruments while preserving the fundamental aspects of exploration and survival. Released in 2016, this visually captivating title is now offered at an astonishing 90% off, priced at just $3.

#### Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 – $3

Despite the passing of its creator, Tom Clancy’s legacy lives on through various Ubisoft releases, including *The Division 2*. While the game has encountered several hurdles in its live-service model since its debut in 2019, new players can access the core gameplay for merely $3. This discount makes it an appealing selection for fans of tactical multiplayer shooters.

#### Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – $30

Initially skeptical about a game linked to the *Avatar* franchise, *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora* has attracted attention and accolades from dedicated gamers. Now available at 35% off, this visually striking game can be acquired for $30, making it an appealing choice during this sale. The title has also recently entered the Game Pass catalog for those exploring subscription gaming options.

#### Star Wars Outlaws – $21

Despite a troubled launch plagued by various bugs and controversy regarding its female lead, *Star Wars Outlaws* has seen significant improvements post-launch. With fixes applied and gameplay enhancements made, this title delivers players an expansive open-world experience at 70% off, reducing its cost to just $21.

In conclusion, Ubisoft’s impressive discounts present a prime opportunity for gamers to grab top-quality titles at unbeatable prices. Whether you favor stealth, strategy, or action, there’s a game worth adding to your collection while these offers last.

### The Controversial Formation of an Epstein Family in The Sims 4

A recent event in the lively community of *The Sims 4* has gained notable attention and incited outrage among players. A user has introduced a contentious digital family featuring Jeffrey Epstein, along with several children illustrated in towels. This creation is part of a wider collection of Epstein-related content discovered within the game’s online gallery, some of which has been present for months, or even years.

#### Background on Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex offender, has regained public interest following the release of his documents and emails in January. These papers unveiled allegations of his participation in illicit gatherings that featured underage children and connections with various high-profile figures. The resurgence of Epstein’s notoriety led some individuals to recreate him and related themes within the digital realm of *The Sims 4*.

#### The Controversial Upload

On March 2, a player on the *Sims 4* subreddit brought attention to a new family referred to as “NPC Children Townies.” Although the title does not directly mention Epstein, the character model is seen to be heavily influenced by him. This creation employs design elements linked to prior Epstein-themed characters available in the gallery.

Players voiced their strong disapproval of this upload, showcasing their disgust and frustration. Comments poured in, characterizing the content as “despicable” and “disgusting.” Many noted the apparent inconsistency in *EA’s* moderation policies, highlighting that while other creations might be removed for being excessively risqué or inappropriate, Epstein-themed content endures on the platform.

#### The Gallery’s Reaction

*Kotaku*, a gaming news source, verified the presence of numerous Epstein-themed characters within the game. Some were explicitly named after Epstein or closely modeled after him, including a pair featuring Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. This particular collection describes the characters as “Great with kids,” further generating distress among players.

Amid the backlash, *Kotaku* contacted *EA* for an official statement. Soon after, an *EA* representative expressed that the content was “wholly unacceptable” and confirmed the removal of the “NPC Children Townies” family from the gallery. They also indicated that actions could involve both the deletion of content and possible bans on player accounts for breaching user agreements.

As of March 2 at 4:20 p.m. EST, while the contentious family had been eliminated, other Epstein-related creations remained available. *Kotaku* continues to seek clarification from *EA* concerning these lingering items.

#### Community Response and Ongoing Issues

The situation prompts significant inquiries regarding the moderation policies of online gaming platforms and the ethical ramifications of user-generated content, especially when it touches on sensitive subjects like sexual crimes and exploitation. The *Sims 4* community has emphasized the necessity for more robust measures to prevent the glorification or trivialization of such grave matters within gaming.

As reactions develop, the *Sims 4* gallery is likely to face ongoing scrutiny, particularly regarding how it handles controversial content. Players are encouraged to report any inappropriate creations, underscoring the community’s dedication to sustaining a respectful and secure gaming atmosphere.

**One of the Top Retro Handhelds is Now Back for Sale, but at a Higher Cost Than Before**

The Analogue Pocket, a remarkable retro handheld console, is re-entering the marketplace, though at a steeper price. Originally announced at $200, the device’s price rose to $220 by the time it shipped in 2021. Currently, due to escalating component costs and heightened demand, the Analogue Pocket is priced at $240. This handheld leverages FPGA technology to emulate classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games at the hardware level, providing a gaming experience that surpasses conventional emulators.

Analogue is not the only one experiencing price increases; Ayn has also revealed that its Thor and Odin 3 models will experience higher prices due to persistent shortages and increasing expenses in DRAM and storage components, primarily influenced by an AI-driven memory crisis.

**Financial Issues Prompt Delay of Gaming Showcase**

Nacon, recognized for publishing titles such as *Greedfall 2*, is currently dealing with financial instability and restructuring its debts, leading to postponements of numerous upcoming releases. Originally set for early 2026, Nacon’s showcase has been shifted from March to May. The company stated that the extra time would allow for enhancements to projects and facilitate a more impactful presentation during the revamped Nacon Connect event.

**New Mod Introduces Zoom Feature to *No Man’s Sky***

Enthusiasts of *No Man’s Sky* will be excited by the arrival of the NMS Customizable Third Person Camera mod by MrSuS60, which brings an eagerly awaited zoom capability to the game’s third-person perspective. This improvement will enable players to better capture their journeys and highlight their imaginative builds within the vast universe.

***Warframe* Set to Launch on Switch 2 in Late March Featuring a New Mode**

*Warframe*, the well-known sci-fi shooter, is scheduled to debut on Switch 2 on March 25, featuring a significant enhancement to 1080p at 60fps and support for mouse controls. This new version will introduce The Shadowgrapher update, which includes an asymmetric multiplayer survival horror mode named Follie’s Hunt, similar to *Dead by Daylight* but with distinct sci-fi elements.

***Ark* Modder Faces Criticism for Using Old Assets from an Abandoned Pirate Game**

The Astraeos map for *Ark: Survival Ascended* recently received an update that incorporated assets from the defunct pirate game *Atlas*. Modder Nekatus faced backlash for using these elements, prompting a firm defense of their creative decisions. Nekatus expressed an intent to integrate more content from *Atlas* into *Ark*, justifying the artistic choice to leverage existing, quality resources.

***Resident Evil Requiem* is Currently Battling for Ranking on Metacritic**

In gaming updates, *Resident Evil Requiem* is presently tied for the highest user rating on Metacritic, reaching a score of 9.5 alongside *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. The game’s strong acclaim positions it above well-known titles like 1998’s *Metal Gear Solid*.

**Essential Read: Report on the Decline of Games Media by a Gambling Spam Company**

An investigative article by *Aftermath* reveals concerning practices by Clickout Media, a UK company acquiring gaming websites and saturating them with gambling-related content and AI-generated articles. The report underscores alarming trends, including the use of AI agents to replicate the writing styles of prominent individuals, resulting in mass-produced content that may not maintain journalistic standards.

**ICYMI:**

If you missed it, various significant advancements are continuously influencing the gaming industry, with a plethora of titles and trends unfolding regularly.

**Stay Tuned:**

Keep an eye out for forthcoming releases and updates within the gaming sphere.

Bloodborne. It’s still not on PC. Perhaps a remake might bring it to PC. Ah. Nuts. Original developers FromSoftware reportedly turned down a Bloodborne remake pitch from recently shuttered PlayStation studio Bluepoint Games last year.

Read more

**Delving into the Visual Splendor of Pearl Abyss’s *Crimson Desert***

The forthcoming action-adventure title from Pearl Abyss, *Crimson Desert*, is stirring up significant intrigue and speculation within the gaming sphere, especially due to its breathtaking visuals. The game has been characterized as remarkably stunning, raising questions about the genuineness of its graphics. This doubt is prevalent among gamers, as many games tend to look enchanting in polished trailers yet do not offer the same experience upon launch.

Recent revelations from *Digital Foundry* have shed light on *Crimson Desert’s* graphical integrity. The technical preview emphasizes the game’s performance on PC systems, demonstrating the prowess of Pearl Abyss’s development team. Esteemed analysts Alex Battaglia and John Linneman were granted exclusive access to carefully selected footage that showcases the game’s graphical capabilities.

The footage was recorded using a surprisingly affordable configuration, featuring a Ryzen 9 7900X3D processor, 32GB of RAM, and a Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics card. While this setup is competent, it does not signify the forefront of gaming technology, costing around $2,000—an attainable configuration for numerous gamers. The exhibited performance was outstanding, employing 4K Native AA with ray tracing and particle quality effects at their maximum, all while sustaining a consistent 60 frames per second. These parameters were set to the “Ultra” level, which is notably the second-highest in *Crimson Desert*, just beneath the “Cinematic” option.

Digital Foundry’s Battaglia remarked that this standard of graphical performance, especially on older hardware, is notably unusual, particularly for games utilizing Unreal Engine at native 4K. The performance metrics suggest that *Crimson Desert* is paving new paths in how such high-quality graphics can operate seamlessly.

Much of this remarkable graphical capability can be linked to Pearl Abyss’s proprietary BlackSpace Engine, the first title to harness it. The engine’s sophisticated technology enables high-quality rendering and smooth performance, allowing the game to distinguish itself in a crowded market.

While the technical features highlighted by Digital Foundry are promising, it is essential for the gameplay experience to align with the visual brilliance. Despite hesitations about pre-ordering games, the information provided mitigates some concerns regarding *Crimson Desert*. As excitement mounts, gamers are left wishing that the final product will meet the lofty expectations set by its impressive technical showcases.

Hooded Horse and Mohawk Games have announced a new expansion for their resolutely pre-modern 4X strategy game Old World. It’s called Empires of the Indus, and as you may guess, it concerns the nations and cultures that once flourished along the banks of the river Indus, running through central and south Asia. Nations and cultures like “the mighty Mauryas, who founded one of the greatest Iron Age empires under the rule of Emperor Ashoka” and “the nomadic horse lords of the Yuezhi who transformed the region as the Kushan Empire”.

Read more

# The Fascinating Case of the Crimson Rash: Trump, the T-Virus, and Cultural Phenomena

In a perplexing development, former President Donald Trump was seen at a Medal of Honor event sporting a conspicuous crimson rash on his neck, prompting a wave of comparisons to video games and cultural phenomena. This occurrence has not only sparked conversations about health and appearance but also underscores the blending of contemporary media, politics, and entertainment stories.

## The Rash: Health Indicators or Dermal Issue?

The rash, characterized as a sizable red patch with flaking, irregular skin and what seemed to be a minor blister, raised immediate worries among onlookers regarding Trump’s wellness. The photo, which swiftly circulated online after being posted by independent journalist Aaron Rupar, generated a flurry of speculation. While many are merely intrigued by the nature of the rash, others took it further, making humorous allusions to infections from survival-horror franchises like *Resident Evil* and *The Last of Us*, where characters confront the fallout of lethal viral outbreaks.

## Social Media and Public Opinion

The quick dissemination of the image on social media platforms illustrates how rapidly information—and disinformation—can spread in today’s digital realm. Internet users poked fun at the scenario, with quips suggesting that Trump might require help from fictional figures such as Leon S. Kennedy, a key character in the *Resident Evil* series known for tackling viral dangers and monstrous beings. This lighthearted comparison reveals society’s inclination to draw connections between real-life occurrences and fictional tales, particularly in politically charged contexts.

## Resident Evil Links: Blurring Fact and Fiction

The association with the *Resident Evil* franchise, especially its notorious T-Virus, offers an intriguing perspective on how pop culture shapes public perception. In the *Resident Evil* world, the T-Virus transforms its hosts into zombie-like entities, a metaphorical connection that some Twitter users jokingly made regarding Trump’s predicament. Conversely, *The Last of Us*, with its storyline of viral pandemics causing societal breakdown, resonates with modern audiences, further merging the boundaries between fiction and political commentary.

## Health Risks and Public Anxiety

While the humor may abound, the genuine issue revolves around the consequences of such a rash. Whether it results from an allergic reaction, a skin condition, or something more serious, the visibility of Trump’s health, particularly in light of his previous presidency, heightens public concern about the well-being of those in prestigious positions. The image serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in leadership and how they can be examined through the media’s lens.

## Conclusion: The Convergence of Politics and Cultural Trends

In the end, Trump’s rash has ignited a conversation not merely about health but also about the intertwined nature of politics and entertainment. The allusions to *Resident Evil* highlight society’s capability to cope with intricate realities through humor and imagination. As the political scene continues to shift in an increasingly connected digital era, the intertwining of political moments with pop culture is likely to endure, shaping public dialogue and perceptions in unexpected ways. Whether or not Leon S. Kennedy shows up to ‘save the day,’ this event serves as a reminder of the influence of imagery, storytelling, and humor within the political sphere.

Change is afoot at Bandai Namco Holdings. They’ve announced a company-wide restructuring effort that extends from their film, toy and arcade lines to their videogame label, Bandai Namco Entertainment, owners of Pac-Man, Tekken, Soulcalibur, and Ace Combat, among others.

Read more

### Discovering the Ideal Survival Game: My Personal Expedition to *Icarus*

For the last twenty years, I have undertaken a search for the perfect survival game, a journey that commenced back in 2009 with the beta version of *Minecraft*. The excitement of delving into a cave to survive the night sparked a passion that has propelled me to investigate countless survival games, with each one falling short of the ideal adventure that resides in my imagination. Last week, I discovered *Icarus*, a game that may finally satisfy my longstanding wish.

This journey is deeply intertwined with my childhood, as I consumed the tales of Enid Blyton, whose narratives of children embarking on grand adventures in nature ignited my desire for freedom and exploration. The interplay of risk and adventure in her stories created a vision of a world where danger existed yet could be navigated safely. This quest for the ultimate survival experience has led me through many remarkable games over the years, each capturing some aspect of that ideal yet failing to completely deliver.

Even with its immense popularity, *Minecraft* faced challenges with the concept of survival. Its sandbox design fosters creativity, but this very freedom diminishes the immediacy of survival. Other titles, such as *The Long Dark* and *The Forest*, provided stunning visuals yet overwhelmed players with daunting challenges that often made exploration a risky endeavor. Similarly, *Raft* and *Stranded Deep* had instances of brilliance but never fully achieved the ideal.

As survival games transitioned into combat-oriented experiences laden with intricate crafting systems, I found myself growing increasingly disenchanted. While titles like *Sons of the Forest* garnered acclaim, their focus on horror elements further pushed my search for a safe haven to build and explore. Amidst this plethora of choices, *Icarus* had evaded my notice until just recently.

Created by Dean Hall, known for *Day Z*, *Icarus* launched in December 2021 to a positive reception, showcasing commendable player engagement even years later. The concept centers around a solo mission on an alien planet where terraforming has failed, providing players with a distinctive narrative backdrop. Your adventure kicks off in a dropship with only your instincts, as you traverse a treacherous landscape filled with hostile creatures while crafting tools and developing a sustainable living environment.

What attracted me to *Icarus* was its fundamental gameplay loop. The game achieves a balance between safety and risk—players can set up their base and roam during the day, returning to the relative security of their shelter by night. This design resonates with the childhood escapades I cherished, facilitating a smooth combination of exploration and survival. The world of *Icarus* is stunningly beautiful, contrasting with the overly intricate settings of many modern survival games.

A notable aspect is the game’s approach to sustenance. Unlike many titles that impose unrealistic consumption rates, *Icarus* provides a more feasible equilibrium, allowing players to hunt and gather food without being overwhelmed by starvation mechanics. This realism amplifies the overall enjoyment, permitting players to concentrate on crafting and exploration rather than stressing over continuous resource management.

Moreover, *Icarus* features an oxygen meter, introducing another dimension to the survival experience. Players must mine for oxygen to maintain their suits, adding more resource management while still facilitating engaging gameplay. Water purification is made simple without turning into a monotonous chore, encouraging players to adapt and explore without the weight of excessive mechanics.

While the game offers a straightforward survival journey, the real challenge resides in the multitude of missions available. Players can engage in quests that yield not only resources but also valuable insights into the game’s systems. With options for open-world exploration or quest-focused gameplay, *Icarus* accommodates different preferences while preserving the core survival elements.

In essence, the game evokes the warmth and satisfaction I experienced while constructing my first shelter in *Minecraft*. My modest dwelling, complete with a bedroll and crafting stations, becomes a refuge where I can enjoy the simple joys of survival. Each task, whether repairing a storm-damaged wall or venturing out for supplies, nurtures that sense of accomplishment and adventure I have long sought.

As *Icarus* gears up for its release on PS5 and Xbox in March 2024, I eagerly look forward to sharing this extraordinary experience with a wider audience. This game embodies not only the excitement of survival but also the delight of exploration—truly a welcome addition to the survival genre that has enchanted me for so many years.

Over the past few years, I’ve been searching for the best audio option for my PC gaming setup. It’s been a battle. I have big, satellite-dish ears and the kind of Neurospicy that makes ear cushions and heavy headsets unbearable to wear. I’ve tried and tested nearly a dozen headsets in my mission to find the best fit, and I recently found it in the most unexpected place: IEMs.

Read more