Gait Games

Sundays are for lying in bed and listening to the persistent rain beating at the skylight. It’s a comforting sound but one that’s become all too familiar in this seemingly endless winter. This week has at least brought murmurs of sunlight in the mornings, but for now they’re often drowned out by the tap tap tap of rain.

While the sound of the rain is exhausting its welcome, the urge to stay in a cosy bed and pooh-pooh the outside remains very welcome. For now, I will put the thought that I need to go to the shops and pick up food for the week into a shoebox and hide it away under the bed, next to the lost socks and sleeping spiders.

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**The Prospects of the Far Cry Franchise: Expectations and Difficulties**

Ubisoft’s immensely successful *Far Cry* series is presently in focus as gamers eagerly anticipate the forthcoming title, *Far Cry 7*. With its development officially announced, Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot has promised that the prolonged wait will be rewarding. In a recent discussion, he noted the progress on two forthcoming *Far Cry* ventures, reigniting interest in a franchise that consistently provides thrilling single-player escapades and compelling multiplayer interactions.

### Current Status of Far Cry 7 and Upcoming Ventures

In the interview, Guillemot emphasized that *Far Cry 7*, code-named Project Blackbird during its creation, along with a multiplayer offshoot known as Project Maverick, are both underway. The revelation of these projects was initially reported in early 2023, signaling Ubisoft’s dedication to broadening the *Far Cry* universe despite the hold-ups.

These delays, as Guillemot clarified, arise from a commitment to uphold elevated quality standards, which have become a prevalent concern in the creation of AAA titles. This focus on quality has resulted in extended development times, particularly in an industry where player demands are notably high.

### Why is Far Cry 7 Experiencing Delays?

Historically, the *Far Cry* series has maintained a pattern of releasing new titles every two to three years, complemented by smaller spin-offs to bridge the gaps. Since Ubisoft took control of the franchise and launched *Far Cry 2* in 2008, the longest hiatus between entries has lasted four years. However, by the fall of 2023, five years will have passed since the launch of *Far Cry 6*. This change in development schedule mirrors wider industry trends, as more resources are necessary to create ambitious titles.

The *Far Cry* multiplayer endeavor, Maverick, has faced notable challenges in its development, evolving from an initial vision of an extraction shooter to an entirely different concept. Ubisoft’s earlier efforts in crafting successful multiplayer games have also encountered difficulties, as several ventures did not achieve commercial success.

### The Wider Context: Assassin’s Creed

In contrast to *Far Cry*, the developments within the *Assassin’s Creed* franchise seem to be more organized. Guillemot mentioned that several *Assassin’s Creed* titles are in progress, including a remake of *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag* set for 2026, a multiplayer spin-off named Invictus, and a new single-player offering titled *Hexe*, anticipated in 2027. Nonetheless, the company has also experienced setbacks, including the cancellation of various unannounced mobile adaptations.

### Conclusion: The Outlook for Far Cry and Beyond

Although challenges persist, both *Far Cry* and *Assassin’s Creed* are set to remain key components of Ubisoft’s lineup, with adaptations such as a *Far Cry* television series in development and *Assassin’s Creed* productions debuting on platforms like Netflix. Fans can only hope that Ubisoft will rekindle the enthusiasm surrounding the *Far Cry* series by ultimately launching a new installment that honors its enduring legacy. As the gaming community anticipates these developments, the possibilities for innovation and progress within these franchises keep the excitement alive.

There’s nothing more spooky than having to neatly get your message across in a limited number of words which may or may not have to rhyme or stick to iambic pentameter. That’s something Polish horror devs Bloober Team clearly understand, since they whipped out some William Blake poetry over the weekend, in order to reveal that Layers of Fear 3 will be a thing.

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**Discord’s Age-Verification Strategies Under Scrutiny: An Insight into Persona’s Data Practices**

Last week, Discord users were faced with prompts asking for personal details via Persona, a third-party service for age verification, sparking worries about privacy and data protection. This action aligns with Discord’s pledge for universal age-verification, yet its execution has drawn significant criticism in light of previous security lapses. In retaliation, a collective of hacktivists asserted they had compromised Persona, exposing potentially troubling methods related to user biometrics and data oversight.

Persona has faced criticism for its front-end security flaws and broad surveillance abilities. Investigative results suggest that the data gathered goes beyond basic age verification and includes user identification for suspicious activities, possibly associating them with watchlists. This has intensified fears concerning the extent of Persona’s data application, drawing comparisons to larger surveillance initiatives.

The firm, which secured $150 million in financing from the Founders Fund—led by Peter Thiel—has had its affiliations examined closely. Thiel is also linked to Palantir, a contentious data broker recognized for its associations with government bodies, including those tasked with immigration enforcement. While there is no current direct proof connecting the functions of Persona and Discord to Palantir, analysts highlight that data flows might share similar pathways, raising ethical dilemmas.

After the breach, Persona’s CEO, Rick Song, conceded to the security shortcomings and expressed gratitude to the hackers for their insights. Nonetheless, many hacktivists remain doubtful about the ultimate applications of user data. Persona’s chief operating officer, Christie Kim, mentioned that the firm is exploring potential agreements for government workforce account security but refuted any links to agencies like ICE.

Despite reassurances from Discord regarding data deletion methodologies, the ambiguity surrounding the management of information during the brief retention period prompts additional inquiries. The repercussions from this disclosure have led to a surge of users searching for alternatives to Discord, indicating a possibly enduring effect on the platform’s user confidence.

As this situation evolves, with Discord and Persona striving to separate themselves amidst persistent examination, the lingering question persists: can user confidence ever be completely regained in light of substantial privacy issues?

Happy this week, all! It’s time once again to load the Maw up with new PC games, that we may stave off the apocalypse till next Monday. This week covers a wide spectrum of flavours and textures: papery, Dodo-ish, ducklike, inky, formaldehyde-y, pasty, furry, feculent, and fishy. Once you’re done throwing up, get back here and run your protesting eyes over the full list. As ever, we welcome your urgent suggestions.

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Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has become the latest game to have its initially listed recommended RAM requirement yanked down by a substantial amount, following in the footsteps of fellow 2026 release 007: First Light.

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“You will get anywhere between a fairly surgical battle with the more simple moves and synergies, to a downright-drunken-disaster run. [They] act with basically zero understanding of enemy mechanics, no regard for their ability order, and they couldn’t give less of a damn about tile hazards.” This is a section taken from the description of a mod which turns Mewgenics into an auto-battler, but turning the controls over to an AI chessmaster. That AI chessmaster just happens to play almost exactly like I have in my seven hours with it thus far.

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Discord have belatedly confirmed that they’re working with Persona, an identity detection firm backed by a fund directed by Palantir chairman Peter Thiel, as part of Discord’s new global age verification system rollout. The collaboration is described as an “experiment” involving people in the UK specifically, whereby Persona will store user information on their servers for up to seven days.

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# Top 15 PC Games for Your Steam Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

Four years post-launch, Valve’s Steam Deck continues to be the top portable PC, owing to its intuitive design, ability to run most 2D games effortlessly, respectable performance with 3D titles, and features for mods and personalization. This article presents a carefully selected compilation of the finest PC games to enjoy on your Steam Deck, including a blend of beloved classics and obscure gems ideal for gaming on the go.

## 1. Vampire Survivors
No list of the best Steam Deck games would be thorough without *Vampire Survivors*. This captivating, low-cost game is ideal for brief play sessions and operates seamlessly on the Steam Deck.

## 2. Stardew Valley
Another essential title, *Stardew Valley* provides a serene farming adventure and runs efficiently on the Steam Deck. Additionally, the game supports mods, increasing replay value without complex setups.

## 3. Balatro
*Balatro* offers a distinctive poker roguelike journey filled with quirky joker cards. This delightful game is light on resources and power-friendly, making it a great choice for casual gaming.

## 4. Dave the Diver
*Dave the Diver* enables players to partake in runs that fit well into a portable agenda. Its delightful 2D visuals ensure smooth performance, making it perfect for brief gaming sessions.

## 5. Blue Prince
*Blue Prince* provides a calming exploration adventure within an enigmatic mansion filled with puzzles. With its unchallenging 3D graphics, this game is perfect for relaxing before bedtime.

## 6. Dredge
For those after a more sinister experience, *Dredge* is a fascinating blend of fishing and horror. Its episodic structure accommodates short play sessions, ideal for lunchtime or quick gaming.

## 7. Deep Rock Galactic Survivor
Amidst a sea of auto-shooters, *Deep Rock Galactic Survivor* distinguishes itself with its mining and cooperative gameplay elements, performing well on the Steam Deck despite its 3D graphics.

## 8. Hades / Hades 2
Both *Hades* and its follow-up provide outstanding action roguelike experiences. Their breathtaking visuals and fluid gameplay make them excellent selections for the Steam Deck.

## 9. Sektori
This contemporary twin-stick shooter successfully rekindles the thrill of *Geometry Wars*. *Sektori* operates flawlessly on the Steam Deck, delivering captivating gameplay at an appealing price.

## 10. Elden Ring
As a hallmark of its generation, *Elden Ring* offers an expansive open-world RPG experience. While it may not match the visual fidelity seen on next-gen consoles, it still serves as an excellent handheld choice.

## 11. Resident Evil 2
The remake of *Resident Evil 2* is widely celebrated as one of the finest entries in the franchise. It performs smoothly on the Steam Deck, offering an intense gameplay experience that, while not overly accessible, is still worth it.

## 12. Big Hops
Drawing inspiration from classics like *Mario*, *Big Hops* is a 3D platformer that guarantees enjoyable gameplay and vivid graphics, running flawlessly on the Steam Deck at 60FPS.

## 13. Warframe
This free-to-play ninja-themed shooter boasts a wealth of content and gameplay variety. *Warframe* allows players to engage in intense combat while on the move, assuming there’s a stable internet connection.

## 14. TMNT Shredder’s Revenge
A nostalgic 2D brawler, *TMNT Shredder’s Revenge* excels on the Steam Deck. Its multiplayer component enables players to connect controllers for cooperative gameplay, making it perfect for gaming on the go.

## 15. Megabonk
Characterized as a 3D variation of the *Vampire Survivors* concept, *Megabonk* delivers exhilarating chaos while ensuring solid performance regardless of enemy density, making it a fantastic option for quick play.

With this diverse assortment of games, your Steam Deck will provide unforgettable gaming experiences, whether at home or on the road. Happy gaming!

“Get me somebody who’s played The Chinese Room’s Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 STAT,” I yelled, barging through the double doors of our seedy news saloon. “I need 300 or more tasty words on these leaked videos of the older, unreleased Hardsuit Labs version.” A grim silence fell across the chamber. Mark furtively donned a pod-racing helmet. James hid himself behind his latest tower of graphics cards, with an apologetic murmur that while he had played a few hours of Bloodlines 2, he was very busy right now building towers of graphics cards.

“If you want something done, do it yourself, STAT,” I bellowed, swivelling on my heel while looking up the origins of the term “stat” on my phone. It turns out it’s something medical doctors say to convey urgency, and comes from the Latin “statim”, meaning “immediately”. “What a perfect way to introduce this video showing a hospital level from the aforesaid leaked Hardsuit Labs version of Bloodlines 2,” I roared to myself. “Why, I’ve accidentally written 177 words of the news post already.”

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