Things are sounding bad over at Splitgate developer 1047 Games once again. After launching Empulse last month, a wall-running, quite Titanfall-esque FPS with mechs game that James had some fun with, it appears that layoffs have taken place at the studio, marking the third round of them in the space of about a year.
**The Rise of Non-Human Traffic: Analyzing Google’s Influence on Web Publishers**
A recent study reveals a remarkable change in internet traffic dynamics, indicating that more than 50% of online traffic is now generated by non-human sources. This trend is primarily linked to the implementation of Gemini, Google’s AI system, in its search functionality, resulting in nearly a 40% drop in human traffic within just one year. This concerning statistic brings up vital questions regarding the long-term viability of online publishing, especially as AI continues to gain prominence.
According to Cloudflare, the content delivery network and cloud security firm responsible for the report, the timeframe from June 2025 to April 2026 experienced at least a 35% reduction in human traffic across various major sectors. Google, which makes up close to 88% of referral traffic, is recognized as a significant contributor to this decline. Google’s AI capabilities are now extracting content from multiple websites and repurposing it in Gemini’s “AI Overview,” which subsequently denies original content creators any page views or potential revenue. This scenario has prompted publishers to refer to this phenomenon as “Google Zero,” illustrating a situation where only a small fraction of traffic comes from search referrals.
The report from Cloudflare further notes that as of June 2026, 52% of crawler requests—software that gathers information from web pages for indexing—are now aimed at AI training. This figure has surged from 22% in Spring 2025. A major concern is that Google employs a single web crawler for both indexing sites and training its AI. Therefore, when publishers decide to opt-out of being included in Google’s AI Overview, they concurrently forfeit their visibility in Google search results.
The ramifications of this situation are significant: publishers are faced with a tough choice of whether to allow their content to be used by Google’s AI without receiving any corresponding web traffic, or to completely withdraw from search engine visibility. Considering Google’s substantial share of referral traffic, this presents a difficult predicament.
The report highlights that the effects of Google’s AI integration have been felt most intensely by news organizations and media outlets, yet other industries—including retail, software, IT, and finance—are also starting to witness similar traffic reductions, with drops reaching up to 40% in less than a year.
In contrast, the United Kingdom has emerged as an exception to this trend. The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK announced in early June 2026 that it would require Google to implement measures for publishers to opt out of AI Overview summaries without incurring deindexing penalties. In response, Google launched a trial initiative enabling UK publishers to regain some degree of control over their content, assuring that opting out would not jeopardize their search rankings.
Despite these actions in the UK, a crucial concern persists globally: How can Google maintain its AI Overview if it undermines the revenues of the very publishers it relies on for information? The threat to web publishers is evident; without a sustainable business model, these websites may face insolvency, complicating Google’s ability to continue procuring content.
In conclusion, the growth of non-human traffic propelled by AI integrations presents substantial hurdles for online publishers. As the digital environment evolves, achieving a balance between utilizing AI for improvements and safeguarding the interests of content creators will be essential for preserving a thriving internet ecosystem.
Anyone who knows me knows that the one frustration I come back to in games, above all else, more than yellow paint, quest markers and horrendously written dialogue, is that there just isn’t enough cow breeding. Where is it? The video game industry is sorely lacking in that department, but fear not fellow freaks, Manor Lords has our back, as by the end of the month you’ll be able to breed your cattle to your hearts’ content.
**The Marvel Cinematic Universe Keeps Fans on the Edge of Their Seats with Fresh Trailers**
This week has been especially thrilling for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts, often dubbed “sickos,” as they were gifted with the unveiling of two eagerly awaited trailers. First came the official trailer for *Avengers: Doomsday*, followed by an exhilarating glimpse of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, which is poised to debut shortly. These releases not only generate excitement for forthcoming films but also enhance the bond between the characters and their narratives within the MCU.
The trailer for *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* opens with a sentimental reflection on Peter Parker’s escapades, showcasing clips from earlier films such as *Homecoming*, *Far From Home*, and *No Way Home*. As Peter reads an emotional letter he penned to MJ but never sent at the conclusion of the last film, audiences are reminded of his personal battles and the crucial relationships in his life.
Following this nostalgic sequence, the trailer transitions to Peter’s present circumstances, depicting the obstacles he encounters after a drastic change in his support network—having been overlooked by friends and family. It highlights Peter’s determination as he strives to safeguard the city, all while contending with the solitude of his new situation. The trailer further teases forthcoming confrontations, including a clash with Bruce Banner, who morphs into the Hulk, resulting in thrilling action moments that fans are keenly anticipating.
*Brand New Day* is scheduled for theatrical release on July 31, and enthusiasm is escalating regarding its plotline and the potential connections it will forge within the broader MCU tapestry. Fans are actively theorizing about the film’s conclusion, spurred by enigmatic remarks from actor Tom Holland. There is a strong desire to grasp how Peter’s character will grow, particularly in light of his absence in *Doomsday*.
As the MCU continues to widen its horizons and captivate its audience, *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is set to offer a blend of nostalgia, action, and emotional richness, portraying the intricacies of its cherished characters and their paths.
I’m sure there’s plenty enough of you that moved on from the first Darkest Dungeon onto the second one when that launched in 2023, but guess what! You’ll have an opportunity to revisit the original turn-based dungeon crawler next month, as developer Red Hook Studios have announced its first bit of DLC since 2020 in commemoration of the game’s 1.0 launch 10th anniversary.
**Anime Expo 2026: A Tribute to Anime and Cosplay**
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Convention Center became a lively destination for anime fans as Anime Expo (AX) welcomed more than 422,000 attendees for its yearly homage to Japanese pop culture. This colossal event, which previously hosted E3, offered 1,400 hours of content over four days, featuring a wide array of activities from discussions to merchandise stands.
AK showcased the skills of adored voice actors like Abby Trott from *Dan Da Dan* and *Demon Slayer*, Adam McArthur from *Jujutsu Kaisen*, and Brianna Knickerbocker from *Genshin Impact*. Nevertheless, the standout aspect of the event was the cosplay community, which brought to life an impressive selection of characters.
### A Showcase of Remarkable Cosplay
Among the notable highlights were astounding exhibitions of craftsmanship as cosplayers adorned themselves in outfits from various anime and video games. The showcase featured a splendid mix of characters, spotlighting not only well-known titles but also some hidden treasures.
1. **Maxtac – *Cyberpunk 2077***
2. **Starfire – *Teen Titans***
3. **Blue Archive**
4. **Chaos Zero Nightmare**
5. **Wing Zero Custom – *Gundam Wing Endless Waltz***
6. **Cinderella – *Silver Palace***
7. **Link – *Breath of the Wild***
8. **Cyberpunk Edgerunners**
9. **Griffith – *Berserk***
10. **Gundam Heavyarms Custom – *Mobile Suit Gundam Wing***
11. **Rikku**
12. **Mutated Mother Miranda – *Resident Evil 8***
13. **Project RX**
14. **Ren & Nana – *Nana***
15. **Super Saiyan Vegeta – *Dragon Ball Z***
16. **Undertaker – *Elden Ring Nightreign***
17. **Rococo Gardevoir – *Pokémon***
18. **Esquie – *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33***
### A Contemporary Cultural Movement
The vast number of participants and the excellence of the cosplay at Anime Expo illustrate the expanding impact of anime and gaming culture on mainstream entertainment. With a combination of imagination and commitment, fans convey their affection for cherished characters through intricate costumes. This year’s event not only honored the prominence of anime but also promoted a sense of community among enthusiasts.
As Anime Expo continues to expand, it stands as a reflection of the dynamic culture surrounding anime, cosplay, and the unified passion of fans globally. With 2026 setting a high standard, the excitement for next year’s gathering is already rising, promising even more spectacular cosplay and entertainment.
Look at the nice fellow in the featured image of this article. Look into his eyes. Look at the slightly awkward grin plastered across his face at the moment in a YouTube video on his channel that I’ve chosen to pause and take a screenshot. This is a man who wants you to feel “a sense of agony”. To be frustrated and perplexed as to which outcome to choose. This is a man who knows you can’t feed the world with a set of laser eyeballs. This is Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, who recently made some points about RPG building that are worth dissecting in light of his reported new gig as head of Obsidian’s upcoming Fallout game.
# The Avengers: Doomsday Trailer and Speculations
The recently unveiled trailer for *Avengers: Doomsday* has ignited excitement within the Marvel community, sparking an array of theories and speculation. While the footage merely provides a sneak peek into the storyline of the upcoming colossal crossover film, fans are eagerly delving into their creativity to piece together the clues. From potential character developments to the significant enigma of absent heroes, let’s delve into the most notable theories that have surfaced from the two-and-a-half-minute sneak preview.
## The Heroes Will Lose
One prevalent theory posits that Doctor Doom is fated to achieve victory at the conclusion of *Doomsday*. The return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in the forthcoming *Secret Wars* film lends some support to this notion. In the *Secret Wars* comic series, Doctor Doom reshapes the multiverse into a singular entity known as Battleworld, suggesting that the stakes in *Doomsday* may hinge on his initial triumph in the film. The unavailability of specific heroes in *Doomsday* might correlate with their pivotal roles in the *Secret Wars* narrative, explaining their absence amidst the impending danger.
## Where Are So Many of the Missing Heroes?
Although the *Doomsday* trailer showcases numerous heroes rallying to confront Doctor Doom, several central characters are notably missing. Many fans theorize that figures such as Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange might be reserved for *Secret Wars*, where their participation would be more crucial. Potential reasons for their absence range from concentrating on their individual stories to being involved in distinct cosmic or multiversal threats. For instance, Doctor Strange’s recent escapades in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* could suggest he is entangled in other mystical issues, leaving him out of the urgent confrontation.
## Characters Yet to be Announced
The trend of Marvel keeping character appearances under wraps until the last minute generates speculation regarding potential cameos in *Doomsday*. Following the unexpected appearances of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, fans hypothesize that there could be concealed characters in *Doomsday* yet to be revealed. Given the film’s extensive runtime, some believe that the trailer might only showcase the initial segment of a much grander narrative, setting the stage for unforeseen surprises when the film debuts.
## Edited Out Scenes
Echoing the rampant speculation prior to *No Way Home*, fans have observed that the *Doomsday* trailer includes segments that seem suspiciously lacking in character presence. Shots featuring Thor during crucial moments imply that certain characters might have been digitally excised from scenes. Since trailers often undergo careful editing, it raises questions about potentially concealed characters who could enrich the narrative and add depth to the challenges faced by the Avengers.
## An Alternate Steve Rogers?
A significant point of discourse centers on the character of Captain America. While promotional material prominently displays Chris Evans’ return, some fans speculate that the Steve Rogers depicted in the trailer might actually be a multiverse variant—specifically, Captain Hydra. This alternate version of Captain America aligns with Doctor Doom. The ability of both variations to wield Thor’s hammer bolsters this theory, as does Thor’s unusual reaction upon meeting Captain America, prompting counterclaims that this could instead be a ruse employed by Loki or Doctor Doom.
## The Loki Connection
Another theory draws a connection between Loki and Steve Rogers, suggesting that Loki may visit an older iteration of Rogers to forewarn him about an impending multiversal disaster. This speculation is strengthened by Loki’s role in managing timelines, as observed in his own Disney+ series. If such a connection is integrated into *Doomsday*, it could weave narrative threads from prior films, enhancing the storyline.
## Doctor Doom’s Unique Power
A striking visual from the trailer highlights Doctor Doom effortlessly deflecting Thor’s stormbreaker. Observers have pointed out the Latverian Sorcery Runes on his gauntlet, indicating that Doom’s power comes more from magic than brute strength. Unlike earlier antagonists who were reliant on artifacts like the Infinity Stones, Doom’s ability as a formidable foe resides in his formidable sorcery, positioning him as a distinct threat within the MCU landscape.
*Avengers: Doomsday* is slated to hit theaters on December 18, and with these theories circulating within the Marvel community, excitement continues to escalate. Only time will reveal which, if any, of these speculations are accurate as audiences brace for another spectacular journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
### Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 Film *Ghost in the Shell*: A Cultural Milestone and Its Departure from the Manga
Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film *Ghost in the Shell* is celebrated as one of the most impactful anime films ever created, shaping a generation of filmmakers that features prominent figures such as the Wachowskis, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. It has received praise for its complexity and artistic value but is also recognized for its departure from Masamune Shirow’s original 1989 manga. This divergence from the source material has ignited significant debate and humor among fans, especially as new adaptations are released.
### The Divergence Between Film and Manga
Numerous fans of *Ghost in the Shell* who were first introduced to the 1995 film have recognized its divergence from Shirow’s manga. Following adaptations, like *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex* and *Ghost in the Shell: Arise*, preserved certain elements of the original while differing in character interpretation and thematic focus. This lack of adherence has fostered a recurring joke within the fandom; for example, newcomers to the manga frequently encounter the shocking revelations of its more daring content. Scenes depicting explicit sexual scenarios sharply contrast with the film’s serious and philosophical tone.
### Science Saru’s 2026 Adaptation: A Fresh Approach
The July 7, 2026 release of *The Ghost in the Shell* from Science Saru marks a notable shift from earlier adaptations. With a vibrant, quirky, and whimsical tone, this iteration has elicited mixed responses from fans only acquainted with the 1995 film. As anime fandom expands on platforms such as Reddit and X, many viewers who are anime-only have voiced confusion and discontent regarding the more light-hearted approach of Science Saru’s adaptation, claiming it “destroys” the serious tone established in earlier versions.
### Grasping the Manga-True Adaptation
In spite of criticisms, Science Saru’s adaptation has been acclaimed as the first to genuinely reflect Masamune Shirow’s original manga. Critics who deem the new series as an affront to Major Motoko Kusanagi’s character and the narrative’s complexity often disregard the rich and diverse nature of Shirow’s work. Manga enthusiasts have started to contest these critiques, highlighting a misunderstanding rooted in past adaptations that misrepresented characters and themes introduced in the original manga.
### A Cycle of Adaptation and Misperception
The lack of fidelity in previous adaptations contributes to the bewilderment surrounding Science Saru’s version. The depiction of Major Kusanagi in Oshii’s film, portrayed as a stoic, detached persona, has established a standard for how later shows have represented her, frequently neglecting the manga’s broader spectrum of emotions and themes. Influenced by these prior interpretations, audiences may instinctively reject a new depiction that strays from the established duality of dark realism.
The 2017 live-action film featuring Scarlett Johansson exemplifies this cycle—often criticized for failing to capture the essence of the manga or its earlier anime adaptations, it instead reflects Oshii’s gloomier vision.
### A Connection Between Eras
Director Moko-chan of the 2026 adaptation insists that embracing the essence of Shirow’s manga was a central motivation behind their creative decisions. Instead of duplicating narrative points or aesthetics from previous adaptations, the goal was to encapsulate the distinctive character and humor of the original work. This refreshing perspective invites viewers to recognize the unique differences among the adaptations throughout generations, promoting exploration rather than outright rejection.
In summary, while views on the latest adaptation of *Ghost in the Shell* remain divided, there’s a significant reminder of the legacy of Shirow’s original work. As the conversation persists, both manga aficionados and anime fans have opportunities for further exploration and appreciation of the diverse influences of *Ghost in the Shell* across various formats and interpretations.
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, who’s currently working on open-world racer Clutch after departing Microsoft-owned Playground Games in 2023, has offered his perspective on Xbox’s current layoff-heavy pivot in direction. Despite the Xbox Game Pass push of former Xbox boss Phil Spencer and co being blamed by new boss Asha Sharma as she’s ditched studios and given devs their walking papers, Brown still believes Game Pass was a “good” concept, if clearly not one successful enough to avoid this outcome.