Gait Games

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that they were trying to sell UK-based Hellblade creators Ninja Theory as part of their steady efforts to siphon larger, shinier doubloons from the Xbox gaming business by laying off thousands of people. Today, they are proposing to close Ninja Theory, having ultimately failed to reach an agreement with buyers, though they’re still holding out hope of a happier outcome. The news comes as part of the latest round of Microsoft cuts, which have seen Xbox lay off 268 people and merge several of their best-known studios.

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### Tapas to Shut Down: A Blow for Comic Creators and Readers

Tapas, a prominent platform for comics and web novels in North America, is about to cease operations, causing turmoil among its community of creators and readers. The announcement, covered by BigGo Finance, reveals that Tapas has turned into a financial liability for its parent organization, Kakao Entertainment, which purchased the platform in 2021 for around $800 million. The report mentions that Tapas once hosted over 100,000 titles from 75,000 creators and had attracted more than 10 million registered users.

The sudden news has not originated from Tapas itself, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction on social media. Numerous creators find themselves in a troublesome situation as the shutdown will eradicate a major channel for showcasing their work and generating income. Tapas earns revenue via advertisements and selling currency that enables users to access premium stories, sharing part of that income with the artists creating the content.

In light of the news, members within the Tapas Discord server have started to propose alternative platforms where creators can shift their work. Furthermore, conversations are intensifying around the significance of self-hosting as a feasible course of action. While some resources are being provided to help creators in adapting to new platforms, the community is apprehensive that the closure of Tapas will complicate matters for many readers trying to keep up with their favorite creators, as the platform served as a centralized location for discovering diverse works.

One Tapas creator, referred to as PerfectSerenad3, expressed their disappointment, noting their achievements with 7,000 subscribers and over half a million views on their comic “Lucifer’s Ace.” This sentiment mirrors a broader concern among creators about the future of their works and the potential dwindling of their audience as they face the necessity of locating new hosting options.

As the shutdown of Tapas approaches, the comic and web novel community faces uncertainty. This situation acts as a harsh reminder of the fragility within the digital content arena, where platforms can rise and fall, affecting the livelihoods of creators and the experiences of their audiences.

I was not a child that was built for skateboarding. Child me was a tad too wimpy to ever do anything so wicked cool as that. What if I scuffed my knee a little bit, or worse, embarrassed myself? So I did what any skateboarding curious child would do and bought a Tech Deck. And then I never learned how to get good at it. I am only slightly bitter about this adolescent failure of mine, yet all is not lost, for there is an entire video game out today that can let me experience such a feat digitally: Stuntboost.

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The gritty *Darkwing Duck* revival that millennials have been yearning for is now nearer to fruition than ever. Disney’s initiative to revive the ’90s cartoon has been officially approved, with prominent figures including Mark Hamill, Seth Rogen, Lizzy Caplan, and Lilimar onboard for the venture.

Having been rumored since 2020, the reboot is currently in development, although specifics about its premiere date on Disney+ are still limited. In this upcoming animated series, Mark Hamill will lend his voice to the main character, Darkwing Duck, whereas Seth Rogen will portray Launchpad McQuack, Darkwing’s faithful sidekick and pilot. Lizzy Caplan is set to play the role of Gosalyn Mallard, Darkwing’s adoptive daughter, and Lilimar will provide the voice for Duckie.

The official synopsis, as revealed by *The Hollywood Reporter*, presents an engaging storyline:

“For the past 35 years, Darkwing Duck has been ensnared in his greatest fear: an alternate universe that’s oblivious to his superhero achievements. Now, a defiant teenager named Duckie, who is well-acquainted with his heroic background, arrives to draw this ego-driven vigilante back into action. Together, this unexpected pair will dive into perilous situations to confront old foes like Negaduck and Megavolt and reunite with allies Launchpad, Gosalyn, and Morgana to rescue the entire universe.”

For those unfamiliar with the show, *Darkwing Duck* is a humorous parody of Batman, exhibiting some thematic parallels to *DuckTales*. The original program is cherished for its unforgettable characters and humor, alongside featuring one of the greatest theme songs in television history. While numerous fans, particularly those who enjoyed the series from 1995 to 1998, may feel a sense of nostalgia for the forthcoming reboot, there exists a blend of enthusiasm and concern regarding how the new series will pay tribute to the original.

Fans are especially interested in how Mark Hamill will interpret the character of Darkwing Duck, considering his reputation as a skilled voice actor. The lingering question is whether he will honor Jim Cummings’ original portrayal or infuse his unique viewpoint into this beloved character. As the reboot unfolds, it is set to evoke cherished memories for fans while introducing a new generation to the realm of Darkwing Duck.

Despite not being one myself, I do seem to write about furry-adjacent games for this ole webbed site, don’t I? And I’ve got another one for you today! It’s called Break The Night, a hack ‘n’ slash with slick movement, roguelike elements, and magical girls inspired by aesthetics from the late 2000s, and while it’s still quite early days yet, I’ve been quite charmed by it.

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### The Bizarre Situation of Kent Kubasta: Stalking Charges and Pokémon Cards

A 72-year-old man hailing from Ohio, Kent Kubasta, has recently been in the news after facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for unlawfully placing a tracking device on a delivery driver’s vehicle. This strange case has prompted inquiries into what could compel a man in his 70s to partake in such perilous actions, particularly given the possible implications of months behind bars. The explanation appears to stem from the realm of Pokémon cards.

#### The Event

As per court documents acquired by Aftermath, Kubasta confessed to attaching a SpyTech GPS device to the car of a delivery driver parked in front of Operation Fandom, a shop located in Wooster, Ohio. His intention? To monitor her whereabouts and the delivery of Pokémon cards, especially the sought-after 30th Celebration set, which has become increasingly elusive at retail prices.

#### The Pokémon Card Frenzy

Interest in Pokémon cards has escalated dramatically in recent years, causing challenges in obtaining items at their original retail costs. As collectors and scalpers compete for rare edition and in-demand sets, individuals like Kubasta turn to extreme measures in their quest for valuable cards. Nevertheless, such behavior bears significant legal consequences, including a possible 180-day jail term and a $1,000 fine for Kubasta.

#### An Unwarranted Gamble

What renders this situation even more baffling is the information Kubasta endeavored to obtain could have been effortlessly gathered through public channels. The proprietor of Operation Fandom noted that information regarding card availability is often accessible via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Keeping track of certain accounts can furnish timely updates on restocks and availability without engaging in illegal actions.

#### A Rising Trend of Desperation

Kubasta’s behavior mirrors a wider issue seen among Pokémon collectors and scalpers. Instances of illegal and hazardous conduct related to the Pokémon trading card game have arisen, particularly concerning the 30th Celebration set. Reports have surfaced of confrontations, including individuals brandishing knives against other shoppers, all in the quest for valuable cards. The allure of rare items like the illustration Mewtwo ex appears to have driven some individuals to extreme measures, jeopardizing their safety and freedom for the pursuit of collecting.

#### Conclusion

Kent Kubasta’s situation serves as a warning about the extremes to which individuals may go for Pokémon cards in the current market. While the aspiration to possess valuable collectibles is understandable, the dangers associated with unlawful behavior greatly surpass the possible benefits. For many, a straightforward online inquiry could yield the same information devoid of the anxiety of legal ramifications, underscoring the necessity of making prudent choices when faced with obsession.

Real estate these days! No matter where you look, there’s never enough space any more. I imagine this was the impetus for designing Packed Lair, a dungeony fusion of base building, auto battling, roguelikes and Tetris where you play as an evil lord who is trying to cram an entire empire into an incredibly cramped lair that’s out today.

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### Halo Studios Experiences Job Cuts Amid Corporate Overhaul

Halo Studios, formerly recognized as 343 Industries, has emerged as a prominent victim in a substantial series of layoffs unveiled by Xbox. This overhaul, referred to by Xbox leaders as a corporate “reset,” led to the termination of over 250 staff members, continuing a trend that commenced with significant job cuts in July. The modifications are part of a tactical shift within Xbox, which has repositioned the Halo franchise under Activision, altering Halo Studios’ function to a support role rather than a leading development studio.

On September 22, Xbox leaders, including Matt Booty, acknowledged the layoffs as an element of an assertive restructuring initiative. The evolution for Halo, a key franchise for the Xbox ecosystem, signifies a wider alteration in corporate strategy, raising apprehensions regarding the future of the studio and its workforce.

One affected developer is Cinematic Director Josh Daniels. He shared on LinkedIn that he had received a promotion shortly before encountering termination, adding a personal dimension to the disruption. “Promoted and laid off in the same week is pretty wild,” Daniels expressed, underscoring the absurdity of his predicament and showing an eagerness to explore forthcoming opportunities in cinematic direction and production.

This development has ignited criticism concerning the treatment of employees and the noticeable absence of a coherent strategy within Xbox. Numerous observers have pointed out that the swift nature of these decisions prompts doubts about the coordination and planning among diverse divisions within Xbox. The initiative to elevate talent while concurrently implementing layoffs cultivates an environment of disorder and unpredictability.

Daniels’ ordeal reflects a wider sentiment among gaming professionals, particularly after instances where developers have been released shortly after celebrating project milestones. For example, a developer from the Gears of War series was dismissed just days after the team marked the completion of their game, highlighting the volatility that appears to typify the current corporate landscape within Xbox.

As Xbox advances with its restructuring endeavors, the effects on employees, developers, and the future of cherished franchises like Halo and Gears of War remain uncertain. The layoffs are not merely statistics; they signify individuals and their careers, highlighting the necessity for a more considerate approach to corporate strategy and employee relations in the continually changing gaming sector.

If you own a Steam Machine, and still cling to the misconception that my budget faceplate ideas aren’t good enough for you, you basically have three options for front panel customisation. The first is to grab something off Etsy or suchlike. The second is take advantage of Valve’s open-source Inkterface project to build yourself an E-Ink display, onto which you can electronically daub performance monitoring info. The third is to end up with more or less the same panel as option two, but have someone else make it for you. That’s what arch accessory makers JSAUX are proposing with their Steam Machine E-Ink and Pixel Matrix faceplates, which go on sale today after a few weeks of preening around the case mod scene.

I’ve been using both on my Machine at home, and they’re quite good fun. The E-Ink faceplate, for which I sense the greater internet buzz, is a crisp, tidy little black-and-white panel, while the PixelMatrix trades detail density for colour and retro charm. Both have a few different display modes, switchable in SteamOS’s quick settings menu (via some clever integration with the Decky Loader plugin tool), and while I had to set this up manually, JSAUX say the requisite software will be downloadable via Steam itself from early October. Truly, it’s all the results of a DIY mod and more, conveniently pre-prepared for people who don’t own soldering irons.

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**Juan Vaca and the Effect of Xbox Layoffs on the Gaming Sector**

Juan Vaca, the narrative director for the eagerly awaited video game *Gears of War: E-Day*, recently found himself among several hundred employees impacted by major layoffs at Xbox. Just days prior to celebrating the milestone that *E-Day* had “gone gold,” indicating the completion of the game’s development, Vaca revealed his layoff on social media. This announcement comes amid a corporate overhaul at Xbox, which has led to the cutting of over 260 jobs, following an earlier round of layoffs in July.

On September 22, Xbox confirmed additional job cuts as part of its continuing corporate “reset.” This restructuring also entails significant alterations in studio management, including the integration of the *Halo* franchise under Activision’s control and the unification of the *Forza* teams into a single studio. Vaca’s exit is especially significant given the timing; he had shared his enthusiasm about *Gears of War: E-Day* going gold just four days prior, indicating the game’s preparedness for production and its scheduled release on October 6.

Vaca joined The Coalition, the studio responsible for the *Gears of War* franchise, in 2022. His position involved overseeing narrative development and collaborative efforts to craft a seamless story from beginning to end. Despite the situation surrounding his departure, Vaca maintains an optimistic outlook for his future, mentioning on LinkedIn and BlueSky that he is receptive to new roles in games, film, and television and encourages teams seeking a director or storyteller to contact him.

While the specific number of layoffs at The Coalition has not been made public, the ramifications of these job losses go beyond the individuals directly impacted; it raises concerns regarding the future of game development and storytelling in the sector. The emotional toll of losing a job shortly after achieving a professional milestone certainly resonates with many in the gaming community and highlights the instability and challenges prevalent in the gaming industry.

As the industry progresses, with significant restructuring and mergers becoming increasingly commonplace, attention remains on the potential effects for both developers and gamers. The aspiration is that gifted individuals like Vaca will continue to make valuable contributions to the narrative and creative dimensions of gaming in fresh and innovative manners, despite the challenges presented by corporate decisions.

*Gears of War: E-Day*, to which Vaca contributed, is poised for an imminent release, and many fans are eager to witness the final product of his dedication, even as he pursues new ventures in a transforming environment. As the gaming community watches intently, the resilience of creators like Juan Vaca will surely influence the future of interactive storytelling.