Gait Games

**Disney’s Job Cuts and the Prospects for Creative Talent in the Era of AI**

In a move that has unsettled both fans and those within the industry, Disney carried out substantial layoffs in April 2023, impacting its Marvel Studios team, including notable figures like Evangeline Lilly, recognized for her portrayal of the Wasp in the *Ant-Man* films. This decision has sparked worries not just regarding job losses but also about the potential ramifications of generative AI in the realm of creativity.

Lilly openly voiced her anger about the layoffs in an Instagram video. She disclosed that her teammate, Andy Park, a principal artist involved in crafting the original Wasp suit and other Marvel ideas, had been dismissed. Lilly’s shock mirrors a wider feeling among individuals who have devoted their careers to developing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). “I can’t truly comprehend that Disney has dismissed the artists who brought the Marvel Universe to existence through their creativity and brilliance,” she remarked.

The visual development team at Marvel, tasked with creating a unified aesthetic across the MCU’s film and television projects, reportedly experienced a nearly 10% reduction in its workforce during this layoff round. This team has been pivotal in designing memorable visuals that connect with audiences and significantly boost the franchise’s financial performance.

Park’s termination underscores a concerning trend in the industry. Lilly raised alarms about artists who were instrumental in imagining and crafting beloved characters being supplanted by AI technologies. This signals a possible transition where generative AI could alter existing designs and create new versions without the human insight that artists inject into their craft.

In the wake of the job cuts, Disney’s collaboration with OpenAI, valued at $1 billion, has drawn scrutiny as the company delves into AI-generated content utilizing its intellectual properties. However, the sudden discontinuation of OpenAI’s Sora platform, which faced financial difficulties, has prompted Disney to reassess its AI initiatives. Despite this obstacle, reports indicate that Disney still seeks to pursue AI advancements with various collaborators, stirring anxieties within the creative sector about job stability and the future of artistic expression in an increasingly tech-driven environment.

A former Marvel employee reflected on the distinct role of the visual development team, highlighting how this group was cultivated by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s president, who possesses a deep vision as a comic book enthusiast. This particular focus often led to unseen tensions with other departments but emphasized the necessity of having committed artists capable of translating intricate comic book aesthetics into successful cinematic narratives.

As the entertainment sector navigates technological progressions, the recent layoffs at Disney may signify a significant transformation in how creative output is valued against the growing dependence on AI. Creatives within the industry are left to contemplate the consequences of this transition, questioning the authenticity and emotional depth of work generated without the subtle influence of human artists. The future remains ambiguous, but it is evident that conversations surrounding the convergence of art, technology, and employment are increasingly vital.

**The A.V. Club’s Withdrawal from Gaming: A Change in Direction and Its Consequences**

In a noteworthy action that highlights evolving priorities within media entities, The A.V. Club has revealed the termination of its full-time gaming editors, a choice that indicates a step back from in-depth reporting on the gaming sector. This change is part of a larger pattern where media companies redirect their resources towards what they perceive as their “core strengths,” which for The A.V. Club translates to a renewed focus on films and television.

### The Background of The A.V. Club and Gaming

The A.V. Club, initially part of Onion Inc., has been recognized for its thorough and perceptive reporting on various entertainment genres, including video games. Nonetheless, this recent decision follows a turbulent history for its gaming content, particularly after its link with Paste Media, which has faced criticism for its management of various digital properties.

Paste Media, originally built around a print music magazine, made a strategic transition to online content in 2010, broadening its scope to include gaming with the establishment of the Paste Games division. Under the long-term guidance of Garrett Martin, the platform capitalized on the talents of notable voices in games journalism. However, the outlet’s gaming section underwent a transformation in mid-2025 when it was rebranded as Endless Mode, seemingly to enhance its commitment to gaming and pop culture.

Despite the ambitious rebranding, Endless Mode struggled for only six months before being reintegrated into The A.V. Club. This swift reintegration pointed to larger problems within Paste Media’s capacity to maintain varied content streams, as articulated by Martin, who highlighted the cultural importance of gaming alongside other traditional mediums.

### The Layoff Notification and Its Repercussions

On May 1, The A.V. Club announced the tough choice to eliminate three positions, prominently featuring two full-time employees responsible for gaming coverage. The announcement indicated a strategic redirection aimed at bolstering film and television reporting while simultaneously recognizing their inability to uphold a dedicated gaming team under current staffing circumstances. The decision surprised many, considering the increasingly significant role of video games in contemporary culture.

The layoffs not only signify an organizational shift but also a philosophical change, where The A.V. Club’s owners seem to diminish gaming’s significance in the current media environment. Martin and associate editor Elijah Gonzalez were instrumental in the outlet’s prior gaming initiatives, and their exit denotes a considerable reduction in the publication’s involvement with gaming content.

### Contextualizing the Shift Within a Larger Media Context

The reduction in gaming coverage at The A.V. Club reflects broader challenges encountered by multiple media outlets under Paste Media’s management, which has faced difficulties with other properties as well, including prominent sites like Jezebel. These issues raise concerns about the overall sustainability of niche content in a landscape increasingly controlled by fewer, larger entities.

The legacy of Paste Games and its ambitious editorial vision serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for varied coverage in the media. As these platforms step back from gaming, the rich stories and critical insights offered within video game journalism risk being overshadowed amid wider trends of consolidation and focus on mainstream media.

### Conclusion

The A.V. Club’s choice to withdraw from extensive gaming coverage symbolizes an industry grappling with shaping its identity and priorities in a swiftly evolving cultural landscape. While the site will still feature some gaming content, the absence of dedicated coverage indicates a significant change that not only impacts the publication but also the gaming community that has relied on informed and passionate discussions surrounding their interests. The ongoing difficulties faced by Paste Media and similar organizations underscore the need for strong, diverse journalism that mirrors the complex nature of modern entertainment.

Due to work and a press trip, I am still only half way through redecorating the kitchen. The walls are now a lovely shade of terracotta, but dust sheets cover the floor, there are no doors on the cabinets, and paint pots and stained brushes litter the room. I just want to cook a meal on the hob. A single delicious hot meal.

Read more

### Indie Horror Game *Amygdala: Prelude* Endures Three-Year Wait for Steam Approval

Indie horror title *Amygdala: Prelude* has been creating excitement within the gaming community, especially as its developers claim that the game is around 80 percent finished and set for early access. Enthusiasm among supporters is dampened by a daunting obstacle: the game has allegedly been in limbo, waiting for Valve’s approval for an astonishing three years.

In a post on r/gamedev, it was revealed that the developers first reached out to Steam support in 2023, soon after they began work on *Amygdala: Prelude*. They were told that because the game utilizes Valve’s proprietary Source engine, a commercial agreement needed to be established before they could offer the game on Steam. Since that time, the developers have been attempting to finalize this commercial agreement, yet their efforts have been hindered by sluggish and inconsistent communication from Valve.

The developers recount a frustrating cycle in which they provide the required information only to receive delayed replies, often facing wait times of six to twelve months for a response from Steam support. This has created a repetitive scenario: after submitting needed details, they often end up waiting for a reply only to be instructed to resend identical information. One developer stated, “We’ve been caught in this loop for the last few years and aren’t making any headway,” emphasizing the emotional and financial toll of their inability to move forward.

In spite of these setbacks, the developers remain optimistic that *Amygdala: Prelude* will ultimately see the light of day. They express worries not just about the future of their game, but also about the financial ramifications of their prolonged wait, noting that all team members are feeling the pressures of the situation. “It’s painful watching everyone else release their games daily while ours is stuck piling up wishlists indefinitely, yet no one can purchase it,” one developer lamented.

The game has received some praise for its visual presentation, featuring original monster designs and stunning landscapes, as evident in its eye-catching screenshots. While the developers await Valve’s feedback, a free demo of *Amygdala: Prelude* can be accessed on Steam for non-commercial use, providing players a glimpse of the game.

The lengthy approval process has ignited conversations among the gaming community and other game developers, many of whom highlight the possible downsides of creating games on the Source engine without a formal agreement in place. While some believe that *Amygdala: Prelude* may have simply slipped through the cracks due to Valve’s infamous slow response times, the developers remain determined to realize their project.

As the gaming sector continues to change, the predicament surrounding *Amygdala: Prelude* reflects the challenges faced by indie developers, especially when dealing with larger platforms like Steam. With no evident resolution approaching, both the game’s developers and fans are left uneasily questioning when—if ever—*Amygdala: Prelude* will eventually gain approval for release.

### The Evolving Landscape of Console Gaming: Emphasizing Exclusives and Player Preferences

A recent study conducted by market research company Circana unveils a notable shift in console gaming preferences. Although exclusive games remain the main reason players opt for consoles, the importance of exclusives is slowly declining. The survey revealed that 41 percent of participants play games on consoles primarily due to exclusive titles being available, reflecting an eight percent drop compared to last year. This trend indicates a change in gamer attitudes, suggesting that additional factors are increasingly affecting console usage.

In a commentary on this developing trend, Christopher Dring from The Game Business explored the implications of the survey findings. He theorized that PlayStation and Xbox are returning to a focus on exclusive content after a period of transferring titles to PC and competing platforms, as exclusives continue to be a driving force behind console sales. The insights shared by Dring indicated that while exclusives hold significance, the gaming environment is wider, with social connections influencing where gamers prefer to engage.

### The Role of Social Connections

Alongside exclusive games, the Circana survey disclosed that 34 percent of gamers noted playing on a console because “friends and family also play on console” as a crucial consideration. This hints that companionship and social interactions may serve as vital motivators in console gaming, possibly surpassing the appeal of exclusive titles. Interestingly, many leading games on platforms such as PlayStation are third-party titles, suggesting that a large segment of PS5 players value shared experiences more than exclusive content.

### Reevaluating Strategies: Insights from Industry Leaders

Mat Piscatella, the senior director at Circana, reiterated Dring’s perspective in his reaction to the survey findings, stressing that the discussion surrounding exclusives is complex. He highlighted that while exclusives are important, they are not the sole factor influencing console sales. Piscatella’s observations emphasize the intricacy of consumer preferences and the ongoing conversation regarding the role of exclusivity in gaming.

The industry’s response to these trends is already visible through shifts in strategy. Xbox management, led by Asha Sharma, has adopted a measured stance on game porting. Sharma’s comment about favoring prudent decisions over hasty ones illustrates a larger trend where companies are re-evaluating their strategies concerning exclusivity. Recent sales data for titles such as *Starfield* on PlayStation further underscore that not all games generate considerable revenue when ported to competing consoles, leading Xbox to rethink its game distribution approaches.

### The Future of Exclusives in Console Gaming

Despite the reduction in the percentage of gamers who view exclusives as their main incentive for console gaming, the survey data shows that exclusive titles still maintain considerable influence in overall consumer preferences. This sustained relevance of exclusives poses both a challenge and an opportunity for console makers, especially as Xbox experiences declining sales. The transformative strategy represented by Xbox’s Project Helix, incorporating more PC-like functionalities, signifies a strategic shift to adapt to the changing gaming landscape.

In summary, while exclusive games have historically been the foundation of console gaming, recent survey results indicate that their prominence may be diminishing in favor of social connectivity and player experience. As the industry confronts these transitions, it must find a balance between the draw of exclusives and an acknowledgment of the diverse motivations that shape gamers’ platform preferences. The future will undoubtedly depend on how effectively console brands navigate this intricate environment and connect with their audiences in impactful ways.

I apologize, but I’m unable to help with that request.

**Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – A Victorious Revival of Hex-Based Strategy**

The realm of hex-based strategy games has experienced an unforeseen yet passionate revival with the debut of “Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era” (HoMM:OE). Initially faced with doubt—underscored by my own astonished reaction, “What’re ya doin’? Is there really a demand for hex-based strategy games nowadays, especially one whose prime was two decades ago?”—the game’s launch under the astute guidance of publisher Hooded Horse has surpassed expectations, taking the marketplace by storm and attracting a remarkable fanbase.

In a remarkable launch phase, HoMM:OE reached an extraordinary achievement, reporting sales exceeding 250,000 copies within its first 24 hours of early access. The excitement and affection from the gaming community are echoed in its Steam reception, where it earned a commendable 91% positive rating from over 3,500 user reviews, solidifying its reputation as a “very positive” game. Furthermore, its peak concurrent player count approached nearly 52,000, a number that aligns with top-tier titles like Helldivers 2.

Hooded Horse’s BlueSky social media update joyfully shared their enthusiasm: “Over 250,000 copies sold in less than 24 hours. 91% positive reviews on Steam. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has had an incredible launch. We’re so thrilled that players are loving this game as much as we’ve loved publishing it. Congratulations to the @unfrozenofficial.bsky.social team!” Such exuberant comments align with the developers’ heartfelt announcement on the Steam platform, celebrating the success as a “dream from childhood made real.”

The excitement around HoMM:OE extends beyond mere statistics. It signifies a crucial advancement for the game’s development timeline, recouping development expenses and laying a solid foundation for its growth and expansion during early access. Fraser Brown of PC Gamer highlighted the game’s strategic brilliance, drawing attention to its choice not to reinvent or reinterpret the past, instead offering a straightforward yet exceptional strategic gaming experience.

The surprising yet refreshing charm of “Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era” lies in its nostalgic call to embrace an earlier time of strategic depth and complex warfare, appealing to both longtime fans and intrigued newcomers. Players uncertain about embarking on this thrilling campaign can try a free demo on Steam, offering a preview of the strategic landscapes and intricate mechanics that have enchanted thousands.

Alongside its successful launch, Unfrozen and Hooded Horse have released a patch addressing initial technical glitches and gameplay tweaks, ensuring an optimized and polished player experience. Noteworthy enhancements consist of fixes for hotkey saving issues, language disparities, and improved balancing of various game components across its diverse templates and maps. This dedication to ongoing improvement promises a continually evolving and engaging journey for strategy fans across the globe.

In summary, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has not only revived a beloved genre but also rekindled the enthusiasm for strategic depth and careful planning. The game’s unforeseen yet remarkable success indicates a strong appetite for hex-based strategy games, inspiring hope for similar nostalgic revivals in the future.

**Checkpoint Roundup for May 1, 2026**

Robust sales indicate that **Pragmata** could have established itself as Capcom’s newest long-term franchise. The thrill doesn’t stop there; a competitive bidding process is happening among Hollywood studios eager to acquire the rights for the much-anticipated **Battlefield** film. Furthermore, excitement is mounting regarding the timeline for Valve’s Steam Machine pre-orders to commence. These highlights are merely a snapshot of the extensive gaming and entertainment news presented in **Kotaku’s** daily Checkpoint roundup.

**Saros Star Rahul Kohli Comments on Game Reviews**

In a recent live stream, **Rahul Kohli**, the lead in the roguelike horror shooter **Saros**, playfully criticized **IGN** for awarding the game a 7/10 score. As a lighthearted remark, Kohli joins other gaming personalities who have weighed in on review ratings, sparking a renewed conversation about the importance and consequences of game review scoring systems. Notably, **Kotaku** maintains its objectivity by abstaining from assigning scores to games.

**Warhorse Studios Teases Future Projects**

During a Reddit AMA, the crew at **Warhorse Studios**, creators of **Kingdom Come: Deliverance**, stayed tight-lipped regarding upcoming projects while discussing recent AI controversies. Addressing rumors about a possible **Lord of the Rings** game, community manager **Tom Grey** humorously noted the challenge of commenting on future endeavors without a time machine. Nonetheless, content director **Ondrej Bittner** hinted at a grand, immersive RPG in development, raising questions about whether it could be a sequel or a completely new title.

**Bidding War for Battlefield Movie Rights**

According to **The Wrap**, numerous studios, including **Warner Bros. Discovery**, **Amazon MGM Studios**, **Sony**, **Universal**, and **Netflix**, are keen to secure the rights to the **Battlefield** movie, particularly following the success of **Battlefield 6**. The project is still without a script, but seasoned filmmaker **Christopher McQuarrie**, known for his contributions to the **Mission: Impossible** series, is set to write and direct.

**Possibility of Pragmata 2**

Reports from **Push Square** indicate that Capcom’s chief operating officer **Rob Dyer** expressed hope regarding the prospects of **Pragmata 2**. He emphasized the development team’s dedication to enhancing the original game based on input from the U.S. office, implying that there is potential for further development within the franchise.

**Culdcept Making a Comeback**

JRPG enthusiasts can celebrate, as the original **Culdcept** series is set to return. Named **Culdcept The First Saturn Tribute**, the remaster will introduce English-speaking players to the game on September 8, featuring new quality-of-life improvements.

**Rumors Surrounding Injustice 3**

In a recent update, insider **MultiverSusie**, recognized for revealing information regarding gaming projects, has raised doubts about the existence of **Injustice 3**. There is speculation that developer **NeatherRealms** may be directing their efforts towards a broader DC Universe fighting game, creating uncertainty among fans of superhero fighting games.

**Updates on Steam Machine Launch**

Lastly, **video game hardware leaker** Bradley Lynch points out that Valve’s U.S. distribution center is starting to receive shipments labeled as “game consoles,” boosting hopes that pre-orders for the long-awaited Steam Machine could soon be launched.

Stay tuned for more thrilling news in gaming and entertainment!

**City of None: An Exciting New Metroidvania on the Horizon**

Anticipation is rising for the forthcoming launch of *City of None*, an engaging new Metroidvania aiming for release next year. Crafted by Noel Berry, a co-creator of the critically acclaimed *Celeste*, this title aspires to meld nostalgia with contemporary gaming elements, resulting in a fascinating visual and auditory experience.

A defining aspect of *City of None* is its pixel art style, which conjures a delightful Game Boy vibe while utilizing modern technology to deliver intricate details. This visual style not only captivates players with cherished memories of classic gaming but also sets the game apart as an exciting new entry in the genre. The accompanying soundtrack enhances this ambiance, featuring tracks available on the game’s official website, including highlights such as “Among the Heaps” and “City Outskirts.” These musical pieces perfectly complement the pixel art, accentuating the game’s vintage yet contemporary atmosphere.

In *City of None*, players undertake a platforming journey through a vast cityscape, striving to reclaim the metropolis from malevolent forces that have seized control. This setup provides numerous opportunities for exploration, adept navigation, and engaging gameplay mechanics that fans of the genre will enjoy.

Backing for *City of None* comes from Extremely OK Games (EXOK), the studio established by Maddy Thorson following the success of *Celeste*. Berry and his brother Liam primarily oversee the game’s development, with Liam concentrating on sound design. The collaboration of these skilled individuals indicates a strong potential for both artistic and gameplay excellence. While EXOK had intended to work on another project, *Earthblade*, it was unfortunately canceled last year due to team dynamics, redirecting attention to the promise of *City of None*.

At present, limited information about the game’s features and mechanics has been disclosed, yet it is confirmed that *City of None* will be accessible on Steam and is slated for release in the coming year. As excitement grows, gamers will be closely following this groundbreaking title that aims to win over both veteran players and newcomers alike.

### The Greatest SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes as We Mark 27 Years of Fun

Would you believe it if I told you that Kotaku never intended for a ranking of the top SpongeBob SquarePants episodes to coincide with the show’s 27th birthday? It’s true! While it wasn’t planned, May 1 actually marks 27 years since the beloved animated comedy first graced Nickelodeon.

It’s a bit disappointing to admit that SpongeBob SquarePants has seen a quality decline for a time longer than its peak. Many argue that this downturn began after original showrunner Stephen Hillenburg exited following the third season. Although Hillenburg directed the original 2004 film with the intention of it being the series finale, the show’s popularity prompted its continuation, reflecting the greed of Mr. Krabs. Nevertheless, the first three seasons were an amazing stretch of comedy that has left a lasting impression across generations, known for its clever absurdity.

Ranking the finest episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants is a daunting task. During the compilation of this list, several standout episodes were overlooked, guaranteeing that the comments section will be filled with discussions on favorites that didn’t make the cut.

### 15. “Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy III”
In this episode, the heroic pair interacts with their foe, Man Ray, who tries to trick SpongeBob and Patrick while they work to rehabilitate him. The comedic highlights, particularly the notorious “Wallet” moment, have stayed integral to the show’s meme landscape.

### 14. “The Fry Cook Games”
SpongeBob’s dedication to the Krusty Krab is highlighted in a Fry Cook Olympics, filled with whimsical humor and competition. The episode encapsulates the essence of early SpongeBob, showcasing its knack for delivering laughs from ridiculous scenarios.

### 13. “Frankendoodle”
SpongeBob and Patrick stumble upon a magical pencil that brings a doodle to life. The strange premise escalates into a near horror-comedy adventure when the villainous DoodleBob emerges, creating a memorable fusion of peculiarity and humor.

### 12. “Rock Bottom”
In a bizarre ocean alcove, SpongeBob’s struggle with transportation and his encounters with quirky locals generate hilarious moments, notably the bus joke. This episode epitomizes SpongeBob’s comedic spirit and the universal agony of being stranded in a foreign setting.

### 11. “One Krabs Trash”
This episode cleverly depicts the humorous side of thrift shop treasures, starting innocently and spiraling into absurdity with the levitating shopping list gag and the comical twist featuring a “dead” #1. Squidward’s humorous laments about lost aspirations offer a timeless appeal.

### 10. “Squidville”
Squidward’s endeavor to escape bothersome neighbors leads him to a community of like-minded individuals, where monotony ultimately drives him back to SpongeBob’s chaotic allure. The existential themes in “Squidville” manage to deliver consistent laughter while probing deeper issues.

### 9. “Dying for Pie”
This episode merges SpongeBob’s innocence with Squidward’s cynicism, resulting in a series of hilarious incidents triggered by a pie-shaped bomb. The combination of conflict and outrageous situations leaves a lasting impression.

### 8. “Idiot Box”
An ode to the classic humor of early SpongeBob, this episode centers around the innocent joy SpongeBob and Patrick find in a cardboard box. The absurdity peaks with one particularly dark yet funny gag, solidifying its place among fan favorites.

### 7. “Shanghaied”
Squidward’s effort to assert dominance over the Flying Dutchman culminates in a chaotic and unforgettable experience. The episode’s various endings enhance its memorability, keeping viewers entertained and amused.

### 6. “The Camping Episode”
Notable for its multifaceted humor, this episode features the iconic C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E S-O-N-G Song along with the absurd Seabear segment. It illustrates how SpongeBob could derive humor from the simplest setups, further solidifying its legacy.

### 5. “Wet Painters”
An examination of stress and pressure through a painting episode, “Wet Painters” captivates viewers with daring antics alongside humorous moments, proving that even watching paint dry can be entertaining.

### 4. “Krusty Krab Training Video”
Perhaps the most joke-dense episode, it serves as a masterclass in comedic timing and absurdity, showcasing a multitude of classic moments and gags. This episode encapsulates why SpongeBob continues to be a cherished staple even decades later.

### 3. “Pizza Delivery”
Highlighting one of SpongeBob’s most famous songs, this episode goes beyond nostalgia with its humor and heart, culminating in a character-driven narrative that strikes a balance between comedic moments and genuine loyalty.

### 2. “