Gait Games

There is no greater source of tepid rage than when I see a game, I buy it, I proceed to download it, and it tells me it needs to take up one billion gigabytes of my hard drive space (NB: one billion is an exaggeration). It fills every corner of my being with a potent darkness, and I would like it to stop. This is a feeling many had with Helldivers and its ludicrously large 154GB install size, leading to a test build of the game to be released by Arrowhead last year knocking it way down to only 23GB in size. And now, after some testing, this build will be available to everyone!

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The convergence of popular culture and political communication has frequently sparked controversy, particularly during the Trump administration, where the approach seemed to heavily rely on low-effort adaptations of current trends. Numerous occasions saw the administration employing aspects from cherished video games to promote its viewpoints, often provoking backlash from the gaming community.

Prominent instances involve the incorporation of titles such as *Stardew Valley*, *Halo*, and *Call of Duty*, which were cleverly reconfigured to fit the administration’s agenda. This strategy of exploiting nostalgia and recognition in the gaming sphere often took a troubling turn, as well-loved games were used to convey political messages that many deemed objectionable. As a result, such actions tended to undermine the pleasure derived from these games for dedicated players, shifting amusing memes and shared moments into conduits of political unrest.

A recent example illustrates this with the adaptation of the *Pokémon* theme, particularly the *Pokopia* text meme, by the White House. The original idea, crafted by a design platform known as Pixelframe, enabled users to create a font that mirrored the vibrant logos from the *Pokémon* series, quickly becoming a vehicle for humor and activism. However, this lively creativity faced frustration when Trump’s social media manager repurposed it to communicate the uninspired slogan “Make America Great Again,” undermining the playful spirit of the meme.

This appropriation was met with disappointment from the online community. While reactions to the post ranged from witty responses to serious demands for accountability, such as calls to “Release the Full Epstein Files,” it indicated a trend where political involvement hijacked cultural moments, often in ways that estranged the very audience it sought to engage.

As the cultural environment continues to evolve, many individuals find themselves yearning for the original joy of gaming—like playing *Pokopia* on their Switch 2—rather than reminders of political agendas. The incident highlights the persistent friction between popular culture and political messaging, emphasizing the significance of creativity and respect for the source material in preserving cultural authenticity.

What is a Control game? It’s a fairly reasonable question to ask, as the only follow-up there’s been to the original 2019 game in the intervening years (apart from some DLC) was FBC: Firebreak, a live service FPS spin-off that… well, you know. And then last year Remedy revealed what was long dubbed to be Control 2 is actually Control Resonant, and that we won’t be playing as Jesse this time around, oh and also, it’s a Devil May Cry-esque action game. So with all these shifts, in a new interview some of the leads behind the sequel have shared their perspective on what a Control game actually is.

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# An In-Depth Overview of Bungie’s *Marathon*

After an extensive wait, some setbacks, and a host of exciting trailers and teasers, Bungie’s latest title, *Marathon*, has finally launched. If you’re thinking of diving in or have already started, you likely have some queries. You may have many questions. While I can’t assure you that I have every answer, I can certainly provide a wealth of information in a clear format that aims to simplify your adventure in *Marathon’s* treacherous Tau Ceti IV. That’s the best I can do.

## What is *Marathon*?
[*Marathon* is Bungie’s latest first-person sci-fi online-only extraction shooter](https://kotaku.com/marathon-is-already-trailing-behind-arc-raiders-says-analyst-2000675903). It also serves as a continuation of Bungie’s earlier *Marathon* trilogy from the 90s, but there’s no need to fret about that. Similar to other extraction shooters, you parachute into a map, battle against rival players and perilous NPCs, gather loot, and attempt to successfully extract with that loot. If you succeed, you retain your spoils. If you perish, you forfeit everything. It’s a harsh reality on the barren alien terrain of Tau Ceti IV.

## Is *Marathon* available now? Seriously?
Absolutely! *Marathon* is officially released today, March 5. This isn’t just an alpha version, a server test, early access, or anything of the like. [*Marathon* is truly available today](https://kotaku.com/an-incredible-last-minute-escape-in-marathon-convinced-me-its-something-special-2000675159).

## On which platforms can it be played?
*Marathon* is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. (There are whispers of a PS4/Xbox One port based on some [leaked ESRB rating](https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1rkz5b1/marathon_rated_for_ps4_and_xbox_one_ahead_of/), but that’s likely just a misunderstanding.)

## Is *Marathon* free to play?
Not at all! *Marathon* carries a price tag of $40 for its basic edition.

## Does it enable crossplay or cross-progression?
Indeed! *Marathon* fully facilitates both crossplay and [cross-progression](https://help.marathonthegame.com/hc/en-us/articles/46215225022996-Marathon-Cross-Save-Guide). You will need to connect your accounts, similar to *Destiny 2*, but once set up, you can switch between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 while retaining your progress. You will also find it easy to team up with friends across different platforms.

## Hang on, where is my loot from the Server Slam beta?
Unfortunately, all the loot you collected during the [*Marathon* open beta](https://kotaku.com/marathon-free-demo-beta-weekend-server-slam-2000668383) won’t be available in the full game. Bungie has clarified this in multiple instances. All that progress is lost, will not return, and you begin anew just like everyone else.

## How do seasons function in *Marathon*?
Much like a variety of other live-service video games, *Marathon* will incorporate seasons. [Bungie has indicated that these seasons](https://kotaku.com/marathon-season-1-2-roadmap-new-runner-wipes-explained-blog-bungie-ps5-2000675399) will introduce significant changes to the game, but we’ll have to wait and observe if that holds true.

In *Marathon*, seasons are designed to last approximately three months. Every season will feature a theme and will add new content, including runners, firearms, levels, and more, to *Marathon*. A key point to remember is that when a season concludes, a major wipe occurs before the subsequent season starts. Bungie noted in a blog that during these seasonal wipes, players will lose all items in their vault and backpack, and all quest and faction advancements will be reset as well. Tough situation. However, you will retain any cosmetics you unlocked or earned, along with any progress made in *Marathon’s* codex, which is packed with lore entries unlocked through challenges.

The goal is for each season in *Marathon* to feel innovative and fresh, allowing players to engage without the concern of being eliminated by a few highly skilled veterans wielding the finest sniper rifles that Tau Ceti IV has available.

## Will I have to purchase expansions similar to *

Ahead of Highguard‘s impeding shutdown on March 12th, developers Wildlight have released the big final update they mentioned when delivering the news of the shooter’s forthcoming demise. Pulled together in short order by the “skeleton crew” left behind following recent layoffs at developers Wildlight, the update delivers skill trees, a new gun, and a new warden.

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In recent conversations regarding the video game series **Call of Duty**, a notable controversy arose after the Trump administration utilized game-related memes to commemorate military operations in Iran. This prompted a response from Chance Glasco, co-founder of Infinity Ward, who disclosed that Activision had previously exerted pressure on the development team to devise a story arc featuring Iran attacking Israel. Glasco’s remarks have rekindled discussions about the interplay between video games, real-world politics, and ethical narratives in interactive media.

### Background Context

In March 2026, Glasco took to social media to voice his outrage at the White House’s video montage, which combined clips from the *Call of Duty* series with actual violent incidents. He expressed, “I recall that after Activision assumed control following the Respawn formation, there was a rather uncomfortable push from Activision for us to create the next *CoD* focused on Iran attacking Israel.” Luckily for the narrative integrity of the game, he pointed out that most developers deemed the idea unacceptable, leading to its ultimate rejection.

The timeline Glasco mentions traces back to 2010, a turbulent period for Infinity Ward when co-founders Jason West and Vince Zampella were dismissed under claims of insubordination. Their termination, viewed by some as unjust, prompted them to create Respawn Entertainment, the minds behind the critically acclaimed *Titanfall*. Meanwhile, the remaining developers kept progressing on *Call of Duty: Ghosts*. This backstory provides insight into the cultural and operational hurdles within Activision during this timeframe.

### Corporate Pressure and Development Ethics

Glasco’s revelation highlights a broader issue of corporate influence in creative sectors. The notion of a game focused on a delicate geopolitical dispute raised ethical dilemmas, particularly in light of the developers’ aim to depict the grim realities of war. Glasco recounted, “Fortunately, the vast majority of our devs were appalled by the notion and it was quickly discarded,” underscoring a cultural rift between the publisher’s business objectives and the artistic aspirations of its creators.

### The Legacy of “No Russian”

Complicating the narrative further is the notorious mission from *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2*, known as “No Russian,” where players could engage in a simulated terrorist attack at an airport. Glasco offered insights into its early conception, mentioning that the graphic scene was initially intended as a plot element for loading screens. This transition to a playable sequence was designed to elicit emotional responses, with early test players showing a range of reactions from shock to outright refusal to partake.

He reflected on the purpose behind such instances in earlier *Call of Duty* titles, asserting that they aimed to portray war as horrific, seeking to evoke emotions of disgust and sadness rather than glorifying violence. As he remarked, playtesters who were emotionally moved were more valuable than those who played without feeling, emphasizing a goal of crafting profound narratives within the gaming landscape.

### Conclusion

Glasco’s comments carry significant importance in dialogues concerning the portrayal of war in video games and corporate ethics in creative production. The dismissal of narratives motivated solely by sensationalism in favor of more reflective and responsible storytelling showcases a critical viewpoint against the commodification of serious themes for entertainment purposes. As the gaming industry progresses, these discussions become essential in shaping the future of interactive media, ensuring that while games may entertain, they also prompt players to reflect critically on real-world consequences.

I hope you’ve got some decent trainers and plenty of bottled water on hand. The time to run a Marathon is nigh, with Bungie’s shooter set to burst out of the blocks today, March 5th. Ahead of the starting gun going off the Destiny 2 developers have shared a bit more info on how Marathon‘s in-game currency and seasonal pass rewards work.

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**Discovering Pokémon Pokopia: A Comfortable Life Simulation Adventure**

Pokémon Pokopia, launched on [insert release date], beckons players into a delightful life simulation where they can convert a barren landscape into a flourishing haven for cherished Pokémon. The game encourages players to partake in activities like constructing homes and diverse structures while nurturing an atmosphere tailored for their Pokémon friends.

### Gameplay Features

The fundamental gameplay of Pokopia centers around collecting resources, recruiting Pokémon assistance, and developing various edifices within the game. Players will notice that smaller constructions can generally be finished in just a few minutes, although larger constructions might take additional time. Given that patience is key in many life simulation experiences, Pokopia provides an option for those who prefer to bypass the waiting time.

### Clock Adjustment Feature

For players keen on jumping directly into building and decorating without hesitation, Pokopia enables players to adjust the internal clock of the Nintendo Switch 2. To achieve this, go to System Settings, scroll to System, and select Date and Time. Here, players can disable internet-based synchronization, allowing them to advance the clock forward or back at their discretion. This adjustment effectively eliminates waiting periods for finished structures, granting immediate access to newly erected facilities.

### Player Considerations

Although there’s an option to completely disconnect the Switch 2 from the internet, doing so may restrict access to online functionalities, such as multiplayer modes and the ability to share screenshots. Nonetheless, for players who value speed, modifying the internal clock serves as a straightforward solution that usually results in no penalties or adverse effects within the game.

### Engaging Gameplay Early On

In the early stages of Pokopia, players will discover various activities to keep them engaged while they construct. As they advance, particularly with higher-tier projects, they may face longer build times, making the clock adjustment feature increasingly beneficial. This permits players to fluidly switch between constructing and decorating their space while investigating additional projects without unnecessary delays.

### Final Thoughts

Pokémon Pokopia offers a captivating and enjoyable life simulation journey, enabling players to showcase their creativity while nurturing Pokémon in a customized setting. With features that streamline gameplay and provide greater player control, Pokopia establishes itself as a significant entry in the life simulation genre.

From Skyrim Together to the more recently released Witcher Online, modders bringing multiplayer to big single player games isn’t new. Folks spend hundreds of hours mucking about in Tamriel or on The Continent alone, so the idea of being able to do so with a gang of mates has obvious appeal, as much as it can be fiddly to pull off.

A newly announced mod will add multiplayer to Bethesda’s Oblivion Remastered later this year. But this one’s not from your typical group of hobbyists.

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**Control Resonant: A New Chapter for the Control Franchise**

As the launch date for *Control Resonant* nears, excitement intensifies among enthusiasts eager to discover how this sequel differentiates itself from the first game. Set to debut later this year, *Resonant* marks a noteworthy shift from the original *Control* and the multiplayer offshoot *FBC: Firebreak*, signifying a daring advancement in game design and genre.

### Growth of the Franchise

Initially released in 2019, *Control* enthralled gamers with its distinctive method of storytelling and gameplay within a linear model as a third-person shooter. By 2025, the franchise transitioned with *FBC: Firebreak*, adopting a multiplayer online format similar to *Left 4 Dead*. In comparison, *Control Resonant* carves out a unique direction as a semi-open-world, melee-centric action RPG, amalgamating elements from different genres that are seldom fused in such rapid succession within a single franchise.

### Clarifying What it Means to be *Control*

At a recent online event, pivotal members of the *Resonant* development team examined the hurdles and philosophies behind crafting the sequel. Lead gameplay designer Sergey Moho highlighted the significance of grasping the core essence of *Control*. “One of the primary challenges for the design team… was to first determine what *Control* truly is,” he remarked. This endeavor involved comprehensive discussions and iterations to articulate both the philosophical and gameplay aspects that bind the titles.

Moho elaborated that at the core of *Control* lies an action game defined by the synergy of weapon assaults and combat abilities, emphasizing an aggressive playstyle. This fundamental philosophy seeks to keep players engrossed through dynamic combat situations that necessitate quick thinking and adaptability.

### Aggression as an Essential Mechanic

Creative director Mikael Kasurinen contributed his thoughts on the necessary equilibrium between combat and strategy. He observed, “With [the original] *Control*, it was genuinely a bit challenging since it’s like a shooter, but it’s not a cover shooter.” The aim was to motivate players to engage directly with enemy confrontations, leveraging abilities and weapons fluidly amid chaotic settings. Kasurinen reaffirmed that this aggressive approach continues to be a hallmark in *Control Resonant*, ensuring that the game’s essence is preserved even as it ventures into new gameplay realms.

### Exciting Release Ahead

*Control Resonant* is scheduled for release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The development team is optimistic about the evolution of the franchise and the new experiences it is set to offer. Players and fans can anticipate a novel yet recognizable gameplay experience that respects the original *Control* while expanding the horizons of what the franchise can accomplish.

As the team works to polish the game ahead of its launch, we can expect to gain further insights into how *Control Resonant* differentiates itself from its forebears while retaining key elements that fans cherish.

For additional details on *Control Resonant* and insights from the digital event, you can [read more here](https://kotaku.com/control-2-resonant-dylan-faden-jesse-open-world-rpg-soulslike-map-2000675548). Moreover, to stay updated on Remedy’s responses to feedback regarding their *State of Play* trailer, you can find those details [here](https://kotaku.com/control-2-devs-focus-m-meme-dialogue-reaction-response-interview-remedy-2000675519).