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“Iron Bramble: Struggling with Grappling Hook Platforming in a Cyber-Gothic Megastructure World”

If it ain’t broke, why fix it? That seems to be the thought process behind Iron Bramble, the next game from the devs behind Rusted Moss. Like its predecessor, Iron Bramble is a pixel art metroidvania, one where you have a grappling hook that lets you swing about the place at rapid pace, only this time the setting is a “cyber-gothic megastructure” and you play a story-eating demon (?) woman in a world where humanity’s flesh bodies have all died out and their souls now reside in metal, robotic husks.

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Ubisoft Allegedly Working on Legend of Zelda Spin-Off Starring Ganondorf as Main Character

### The Emerging Narrative of Ubisoft Milan’s Abandoned Zelda Spin-Off Featuring Ganondorf

A recent article has unveiled captivating insights regarding an ambitious endeavor from Ubisoft Milan, the creators of the praised *Mario + Rabbids* series. The studio intended to develop a spin-off from Nintendo’s iconic *Zelda* franchise that would spotlight the notorious antagonist Ganondorf as the main character. However, the initiative, codenamed Goliath, ultimately failed to materialize, leading to substantial shifts within Ubisoft and a possible conclusion to its alliance with Nintendo.

As per a report from Insider Gaming, in the early months of 2023, following the launch of *Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope*, Ubisoft Milan introduced a novel concept for a *Zelda* spin-off. This fresh idea was pitched to Nintendo, who showed interest. Nonetheless, they proposed a significant revision: instead of featuring a new hero, Ganondorf should be the focal point. This directive led a small team, directed by Ubisoft Milan veteran Davide Soliani, to initiate work on a game prototype.

By November 2023, Soliani and his team had finalized a prototype and showcased it to Nintendo. Unfortunately, the prototype was turned down, with the reasons for the refusal remaining ambiguous. In the wake of this disappointment, Ubisoft considered the possibility of developing games utilizing other Nintendo intellectual properties, such as *Star Fox* or more titles within the *Mario* realm. Despite these attempts, dialogue between Ubisoft and Nintendo began to decline by early 2024.

Ubisoft chose not to comment on these occurrences when asked by Insider Gaming. The aftermath of the cancellation of the *Zelda* spin-off initiative proved to be substantial, as key figures from Ubisoft Milan, including Soliani, Cristina Nava, and Gian Marco Zanna, left the company in July 2024. In discussions, they indicated that the cancellation of this ambitious endeavor was a major factor influencing their decision to depart. Consequently, they established a new studio named Day 4 Night, which has been developing an exciting new platformer known as *Bradley the Badger*.

This chain of events prompts inquiries about the future of partnerships between leading game studios such as Ubisoft and Nintendo. The potential for groundbreaking crossovers and collaborations remains an alluring prospect for enthusiasts, but as demonstrated by the unfortunate outcome of the *Zelda* spin-off, the journey toward realizing such projects can be laden with obstacles.

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Future Developments in Marathon: Incorporating Fungal Environments, Community Spaces, and Moving Beyond Resource Extraction

Marathon will be “growing beyond extraction.” That’s what Bungie say in a new blog post outlining the future of the shooter, after announcing earlier this week that they’ll be bringing back vaulted Destiny 2 campaigns. “Marathon launched as a cutthroat, winner-takes-all PvEvP experience,” they explain. “We want to preserve that thrill for the players who enjoy it, while creating more ways for others to experience the world and find the level of challenge that works for them.”

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Chris Metzen’s Nonappearance on BlizzCon Stage Provokes Exaggerated Reactions from Fans

**The Nonattendance of Chris Metzen at BlizzCon 2026: A Contemplation on His Legacy and Influence**

As BlizzCon 2026 came to an end, numerous fans and participants found themselves reflecting on the marked absence of Chris Metzen, a key figure in the Blizzard Entertainment community. Renowned for his imaginative contributions to celebrated franchises such as *Warcraft* and *Diablo*, Metzen has long been a cherished figure at this annual gathering. His absence ignited discussions among fans, especially as they savored themed treats like Night Elf pizza—a fitting emblem of the nostalgia and fellowship often commemorated at BlizzCon.

Metzen, an artist, author, and voice artist, is especially recognized for his role as the character Thrall and for his pivotal involvement in shaping the creative direction of beloved titles like *Warcraft 3* and *World of Warcraft* (WoW). His jubilant announcements at BlizzCon have become iconic instances within the gaming realm, eliciting fervent reactions from the audience. Upon Metzen’s retirement in 2016, many presumed they had seen the last of him on the stage. Nonetheless, his comeback in 2022 as a creative advisor and later as executive creative director for *Warcraft* rekindled fan hopes and expectations.

Metzen’s final appearance at BlizzCon 2023, where he unveiled the “Worldsoul Saga,” ignited excitement as it hinted at a new phase for *WoW*. Yet, his absence in 2026 raised worries among fans regarding his health and connection with Blizzard—doubts intensified by a history of anxiety and panic that Metzen has candidly shared in interviews.

Despite the speculation, Metzen’s ongoing projects reveal that he remains immersed in the gaming universe. He is reportedly developing a new tabletop campaign setting and contributing to fresh features for *WoW: Forever*, demonstrating that even from the sidelines, his creative impact endures.

His choice to skip public appearances at BlizzCon may stem from his battle with anxiety, a challenge that has influenced his professional journey. Metzen has described the anxiety episodes that disturbed him during what should have been joyous moments. This personal perspective illuminates the internal struggles he faced, reinforcing the idea that even acclaimed personalities encounter vulnerabilities.

Metzen’s absence from BlizzCon does not indicate a drop in the quality or trajectory of *World of Warcraft*. As the game flourishes under a diverse team of developers and creatives, it is crucial for fans to recognize that the legacy of *WoW* does not rely on a single person. While Metzen’s contributions significantly influenced the game’s narrative and artistry, the collaborative nature of game development ensures that its future is a collective endeavor.

Anticipation for forthcoming titles like *The Last Titan* and *WoW: Forever* suggests that the community’s excitement is rooted in a shared passion for the franchise, beyond the presence of any singular figure. Other voices within Blizzard, such as Holly Longdale and Ion Hazzikostas, continue to engage the community with enthusiasm and openness, advancing discussions on upcoming content and developments.

Ultimately, Chris Metzen’s absence at BlizzCon 2026 acts as a reminder of the intricacies of creative roles within the gaming sector. As fans eagerly look forward to the next chapter of *World of Warcraft*, it is essential to honor Metzen’s legacy while appreciating the many gifted individuals who contribute to the dynamic world of Azeroth. Whether Metzen steps back into the limelight in the future or not, his influence remains interwoven into the rich fabric of Blizzard’s storytelling and artistry.

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The Evolution of The Blood of Dawnwalker’s Timer Mechanic: Changes Made in Response to Pre-Release Feedback

Right, I need you lot to pipe down for a minute because you’re making games less interesting. Last week, The Blood of Dawnwalker director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz shared that the game’s timer mechanics may be dropped in future installments of the vampire (eventual) series. This sounds like a boring decision to make if you ask me, as it’s the thing that most interests me about the RPG. And now, according to Tomaszkiewicz in a new interview, the timer mechanic was actually toned down based on its early reception.

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Bungie Enhances Marathon With New Area, Communal Space, Deathmatch Mode, and Extra Features

### The Future of Marathon: Bungie’s Ambitious Plans for 2026 and Beyond

Despite recent acknowledgments that *Marathon* has not garnered the player base Bungie initially anticipated, the studio is resolute in demonstrating the game’s potential. In a detailed blog post titled “The Future of *Marathon*,” Bungie laid out major plans for the sci-fi shooter, set to commence later this year and continue into early 2027. These plans aim to broaden the game’s scope, transitioning from its origins as an extraction shooter to present a wider array of experiences.

#### Expanding Gameplay: Varied Experiences for All Players

Acknowledging the varying needs and preferences of its player community, Bungie highlighted that *Marathon* will progress to offer a spectrum of gameplay modes. Some players seek quick, low-pressure sessions, while others crave deeper gaming experiences. Bungie asserted, “*Marathon* has to support all of them,” indicating its aim to accommodate diverse gaming preferences — whether players want to compete directly with others, face challenges, or delve into the lore of Tau Ceti IV.

#### Upcoming Features: December and March Updates

Two major updates are forthcoming for *Marathon*. In December, the Symbiosis update will unveil the game’s first permanent Player vs. Environment (PvE) mode. Although specifics about this mode are still confidential, it is expected to boost the game’s longevity. Additionally, December will introduce an experimental deathmatch mode that enables players to engage in competitive play without the risks tied to traditional gameplay. Bungie mentioned that this mode will promote skill development in a more laid-back environment.

Players can also look forward to a new high-performance shell named Bishop, characterized as a “robot samurai” designed for stealth and rapid strikes. The update will revamp the starting area, Perimeter, featuring a visual upgrade, new loot opportunities, and a challenging boss encounter against an alien known as the Tick Queen.

#### Anticipating 2027: A Larger Evolution

Looking ahead, Bungie teased updates planned for March 2027, signaling a major advancement in the evolution of *Marathon*. This update will aim to integrate various gameplay modes, such as PvE, Player vs. Player (PvP), and hybrid models, thus encouraging players to return and discover new content. Furthermore, enhancements to the onboarding experience, altered progression systems, and a completely new zone will be introduced.

Excitingly, Bungie hinted at the comeback of the Pfhor, legendary foes from the original *Marathon* trilogy, suggesting that fans will encounter evolved versions of these enemies.

#### Conclusion: Commitment to Growth

Bungie’s outlined initiatives reflect its dedication to *Marathon*, reinforcing that the game is far from being forsaken. Despite the hurdles posed by the current gaming environment and workforce reductions, Bungie is determined to deliver a refreshed experience for both new and veteran players. As 2026 transitions into 2027, the future of *Marathon* appears bright, potentially positioning it as a favorite among shooter aficionados.

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Control: Resonant Launches with First Hotfix Featuring Stun Buffs and Combat Adjustments

Control: Resonant is out today, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s already a hotfix. Though, day one updates aren’t exactly new in this day and age now, are they? This particular patch looks like it’s laser targeted at comments made in reviews about the game and how dang tough some of its enemies are, to which James would like you to know he says, “Pfft, wimps.” Save your snark for him, not me!

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“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Unveils Function to Hide Unwanted Skins in Warzone”

### Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Brings Cosmetic Toggle to Warzone

When *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4* is released this October, players can look forward to a major and eagerly awaited update for the franchise’s well-liked battle royale mode, *Warzone*. This version introduces the first opportunity for players to toggle the visibility of cosmetic items from earlier *Call of Duty* games, featuring an assortment of quirky and unique crossover skins.

On September 24, Activision officially revealed the launch of a new “Operator Skin toggle” option, which will make its debut with the first season of *Modern Warfare 4*. This update will not only permit players to conceal older skins but will also maintain the “Carry Forward” initiative, permitting players to transfer skins and cosmetic items previously earned in earlier games into *Warzone*. Gamers seeking a more streamlined look can disable the visibility of older, often whimsical skins while playing.

When this toggle is activated, any character skins used by other players from previous *CoD* titles—such as *Black Ops 6*—will be replaced with default cosmetics that fit *Modern Warfare 4*. This change will apply to all interactions, including combat and lobby screens, ensuring a uniform experience for those opting to utilize the feature.

It is worth noting that the skin toggle will not change how players see their own characters. For instance, if a player possesses a specific skin, like Stan from *American Dad*, they will continue to see themselves in that outfit, while others with the toggle engaged will perceive them as a standard soldier. This signifies that the custom skins worn by certain players remain visible to themselves but may not be recognized by all participants in the game session.

Activision clarified that this feature will initially be disabled, indicating that players must actively turn it on to take advantage of this option.

In the announcement, Activision acknowledged the varied preferences among players, stating, “We recognize that some players enjoy that diversity, while others would prefer *Call of Duty: Warzone* to be more consistent with the universe of the newest entry, including the forthcoming *Modern Warfare 4.* With the arrival of the next chapter of *Call of Duty: Warzone,* we strive to cater to both player preferences.” This remark subtly addresses ongoing player feedback regarding the presence of crossover skins and unconventional cosmetic selections.

Both *Battlefield* and *Call of Duty* have encountered scrutiny from players over the inclusion of unusual skins, leading to demands for enhanced options to customize visual experiences. The addition of a skin toggle responds directly to these appeals and signifies a notable development for the franchise, granting players control over their visual experience in a previously unavailable manner.

As enthusiasts await the debut of *Modern Warfare 4,* speculation surrounds potential new humorous or eccentric skins that may accompany the launch. While Activision has stated that *MW4* will not feature such skins, the gaming community remains wary of any future deviations from this commitment.

In conclusion, the introduction of the cosmetic toggle in *Warzone* signifies a crucial change aimed at improving player satisfaction and addressing community feedback, making it a highly anticipated feature alongside the upcoming game release.