Gait Games

### Does *Crimson Desert* Have the Word-of-Mouth Momentum to Be a GOTY Contender?

The open-world action-adventure title *Crimson Desert*, created by Pearl Abyss, has debuted to a whirlwind of excitement, selling over 2 million copies within 24 hours. Despite a range of reviews, the game has sparked considerable conversation, raising inquiries about its prospects as a Game of the Year (GOTY) candidate. While some gamers value its vast world and visuals, others have expressed issues regarding its controls and storyline. As additional players dive into the game, its initial thrust may encounter obstacles, ultimately influencing its status in conversations about the top games of 2023.

### Activist Investor Pressures FromSoftware to Explore Microtransactions

Oasis Management Company has secured an 8.86 percent share in Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware, recognized for its celebrated games like *Elden Ring*. This pressure arises amidst speculation regarding the developer being nudged toward adopting more microtransaction frameworks. The activist investor has a history of encouraging companies like Nintendo to explore monetization avenues, signifying a strong interest in modifying revenue structures within the gaming sector.

### Netflix’s *Assassin’s Creed* Series Reveals Fresh Details

Ubisoft has unveiled that Netflix’s forthcoming *Assassin’s Creed* series will take place in Rome during 64 AD, coinciding with Nero’s rule. The leading cast features Toby Wallace and Lola Petticrew, among others. With filming slated to commence next year, the premiere might not occur until 2028, in sync with an anticipated new chapter in the *Assassin’s Creed* universe.

### CD Projekt Red Progresses Development of New IP

CD Projekt Red has shared insights on their upcoming intellectual property, codenamed Hadar, as noted in their latest financial statement. The studio is concentrating on two major projects, with nearly 500 developers dedicated to *The Witcher 4* and around 150 on *Cyberpunk 2*, while also establishing plans for Hadar, exploring innovative creative avenues.

### *Diablo 4* Encounters Issues in Balancing Game Adjustments

*Diablo 4* director Zaven Haroutunian admits the challenges players face with the game’s ongoing updates and changes. Ahead of the *Lord of Hatred* expansion launch, he stressed the importance of the team evaluating the effects of modifications on player engagement, reinforcing the goal to prevent overwhelming the community with incessant alterations.

### Chuck Norris Passes Away

The iconic martial artist and actor Chuck Norris, celebrated for his performances in action films and series such as *Walker, Texas Ranger*, has passed away at the age of 86.

### Summary of Gaming News

In this week’s gaming summary, *Crimson Desert* achieves sales success despite mixed reviews, FromSoftware contends with pressure from an activist investor, and Netflix’s *Assassin’s Creed* series unveils its setting. At the same time, CD Projekt Red advances with new endeavors, and the team behind *Diablo 4* contemplates player responses to ongoing tweaks.

**Crimson Desert: A Purrfect Enhancement to Gaming**

*Crimson Desert* is generating conversations within the gaming community, yet one attribute stands out prominently: the capacity to pick up and interact with cats. As discussions about gameplay mechanics and controls persist, feline aficionados come together in their admiration for this delightful aspect that seems to infuse a warm ambiance into the immersive universe created by Pearl Abyss.

While games frequently spotlight dog interactions—highlighted by the popular phrase “Can you pet the dog?”—the introduction of cats in *Crimson Desert* delivers a much-needed acknowledgment of our feline companions. Keen observers will notice that in addition to petting the numerous dogs scattered around the game, players can also engage affectionately with the game’s charming cats.

The main character, Kliff, serves as an unexpected conduit for this love for felines. In spite of his rugged demeanor and Scottish accent, Kliff reveals a tender side through his interactions with cats. One significant quest early on involves assisting a girl in saving her cat, Jiji, from a rooftop. This establishes the groundwork for the delightful gameplay feature that permits players to carry cats throughout their journey, illustrating their portability and adding a whimsical dimension to the game.

Kliff’s ability to carry cats allows them to accompany him during quests and exploration. Although he must sometimes set them down—for activities like selling goods or engaging in arm-wrestling—the cats reunite with Kliff, meowing for attention and prompting players to pick them up again. This mechanic not only enriches the playful environment but also aligns with players’ wishes to bond with in-game animals.

Player reactions emphasize the happiness this feature generates. A Steam review recounts an encounter with a village cat, with the reviewer pleasantly surprised by the ability to carry it while completing game tasks. Another player reminisces about finding a crying cat and delighting in their capacity to soothe it, capturing the heartwarming exchanges that *Crimson Desert* promotes. Such stories illustrate how the simple act of caring for a virtual pet can elevate gameplay and bring smiles to players’ faces.

As the gaming world increasingly embraces diverse forms of interaction with pets, *Crimson Desert* stands out as a frontrunner in this realm, potentially motivating future games to incorporate similar features. The buzz around social media platforms like “Can You Carry The Cat?” reflects the broader cultural significance of this charming mechanic, uniting gamers and cat lovers alike in shared content and community involvement.

In summary, while *Crimson Desert* may elicit differing opinions on gameplay, its undeniable appeal originates from the capacity to engage with and carry cats, a feature that resonates with countless players. This charming inclusion not only enhances the gaming experience but also nurtures a sense of connection and joy, ensuring that both cat and game enthusiasts can find commonality in a virtual environment.

**Crimson Desert: The Debate Surrounding AI-Created Art in a Much-Awaited Release**

The debut of *Crimson Desert*, an action-adventure title from Pearl Abyss, has ignited a flurry of conversations among players and reviewers. From critiques on its complicated controls to worries about the developer’s fluctuating stock prices, the game’s reception has been chaotic. Recently, a new discussion has arisen regarding the possibility that some of the game’s art may have been created using artificial intelligence.

Following its launch, players have turned to social media to post screenshots of in-game art they suspect was generated by AI. One notable example that has attracted attention is a painting illustrating what seems to be a historical clash. Shared by a user on Bluesky, the piece portrays a tumultuous scene with centaurs and other mythical beings that some found hard to take seriously. The disorganized quality of the image, featuring peculiar morphing figures resembling rocks, has caused many to doubt its genuineness. The contrast of such strange artwork within a finely crafted gold frame further heightens these apprehensions.

As the dialogue progresses, other players have identified additional pieces of art in *Crimson Desert* that may have origins in AI, including a woodcut painting pointed out by a Reddit user. This has generated mixed feelings within the community, with some voicing discontent over the apparent use of AI art, while others defend the artwork’s integrity as deliberate and not AI-generated.

The inquiry into whether these questionable paintings are mere placeholder art, a lapse in quality control, or a discreet effort to integrate AI-generated visuals remains unresolved. *Crimson Desert* is an extensive project, boasting a plethora of details and systems within its vast landscape, leading some to infer that the art concerns could simply indicate a failure in quality assurance rather than a deliberate application of AI technology.

In response to recent regulatory updates, Steam now mandates that publishers disclose any involvement of generative AI in their games. If it turns out that *Crimson Desert* has indeed employed AI-generated art, even unintentionally, Pearl Abyss might be found in breach of these regulations. While the game’s impressive sales—two million copies sold within a single day—imply it may not face swift consequences from Valve, the developer could still be urged to confront the issue, either by updating the game with appropriate disclosures or eliminating the contentious artworks.

As the discussions continue, players are keen to delve into the world of Pywel while preparing for the possibility of encountering more art that may spark this ongoing debate. Currently, Pearl Abyss has not issued any public remarks concerning the claims of AI art in *Crimson Desert*, leaving fans and players anticipating clarification on this divisive matter.

**The Intricate Path of the Five Nights at Freddy’s Film**

The creation of the inaugural *Five Nights at Freddy’s* (FNAF) film exemplifies the intricacy and unpredictability emblematic of the franchise. First revealed in 2015, the movie was set to be developed by Warner Bros., with series creator Scott Cawthon closely associated. However, in a turn reminiscent of the game series’ horror plot, the film rights were handed over to Blumhouse Productions in 2017, just prior to Cawthon hinting that the project had been scrapped—although it was later disclosed as part of a prank.

After years of conjecture, the film was finally launched in 2023, showcasing a prominent cast that features Matthew Lillard, Josh Hutcherson, and well-known YouTube figure MatPat. Following its triumph, a sequel was produced in 2025, vowing to broaden the universe that has enthralled fans since the game’s debut.

**Perspectives on Initial Script Drafts**

As the film navigated its tumultuous creation, preliminary drafts of the script offer insight into what could have transpired. The YouTube channel *Geek Garage*, known for its DIY endeavors and pop culture, recently spotlighted an early draft of the *FNAF* script. Authored by Gil Kenan and Tyler Burton Smith between 2015 and 2017, this version strayed considerably from what fans ultimately experienced in theaters.

As reported by *Geek Garage*, the screenplay centered around a quartet of friends who called themselves “The Warlocks.” This ensemble, akin to the camaraderie depicted in films like *The Goonies* and *Stranger Things*, produced YouTube content and grew fascinated by the eerie history of the infamous Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. They explored the deserted venue to uncover the truth about a deceased security guard named Mike and five vanishing children, completely excluding significant characters such as William Afton from this iteration.

**A Departure from Original Source Material**

The initial tone and storyline of the early script bore minimal resemblance to the established lore cherished by series fans. The tale seemed to adopt a more traditional narrative framework, with recognized storytelling elements, prompting some criticism regarding its fidelity to the *FNAF* universe. The script reportedly featured creative aspects such as an underground workshop and an amusement park, enhancing the horror tale that fans associate with the franchise while also introducing new characters and narratives.

Notably, the narrative framework was marked by a “group dynamic” that highlighted friendship and adventure rather than tension and terror, representing a marked shift from the franchise’s original aims. Bill and Andrea from *Geek Garage* expressed their opinions, noting that the plot was laden with familiar tropes, which they found nostalgic yet slightly unsatisfying for dedicated fans of *FNAF*.

**Legal Constraints and the Enigma of the Script**

Due to copyright concerns, both *Geek Garage* and the holder of the early script have opted to constrain their discussions regarding its content, thus maintaining the development history as a series of whispers instead of definitive disclosures. They made it clear that this choice is not an act of gatekeeping but a matter of legal compliance. As the *FNAF* franchise continues to broaden its universe across various mediums, the early drafts of the film offer a fascinating glimpse into the continued evolution of one of gaming’s most iconic horror tales.

As fans look forward to additional adaptations and explorations of the *FNAF* storyline, the film’s history serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in translating beloved video game narratives to the cinematic arena.

### Reconstructing Kanto in Pokémon Pokopia: An Ode to Nostalgia

Within the imaginative realm of **Pokémon Pokopia**, players are not merely capturing Pokémon; they are partaking in an expansive initiative of societal revitalization following a cataclysmic event. At the heart of this artistic venture lies the game’s sophisticated toolkit that permits players to craft and establish detailed town infrastructures, echoing cherished Pokémon surroundings.

A notable initiative has been launched by **Twitch streamer Quenca**, who aspires to recreate the legendary Kanto region from the classic Pokémon Red and Blue titles. By utilizing the game’s “Palette Town” region, Quenca is diligently striving to accomplish a nearly pixel-perfect replication of this beloved area. The straightforward art style of **Pokopia** harmonizes well with the visuals of the Generation 1 games, rendering the recreation effort both attainable and enjoyable.

As Quenca shares their updates, they document both struggles and victories on social media, enthusiastically sharing milestones like Viridian City. Nevertheless, the ambition to recreate Kanto is not without challenges; players have faced difficulties due to the game’s stringent 40-building cap, leading to adaptations, such as altering routes for better spatial organization.

Quenca is not alone in their pursuits; other players are also taking advantage of **Pokopia**’s construction tools to build renowned landmarks from various Pokémon franchises. Notable examples include iconic structures from the **Mystery Dungeon** series and the famous Prism Tower from Pokémon X and Y. This creative flexibility illustrates the adaptability of **Pokopia** as a medium for both nostalgia-infused projects and imaginative developments that extend beyond the original game’s limits.

As players move forward with their recreations—transforming grassy areas into familiar terrains where wild Pokémon roam, establishing functional Pokémon Centers and Pokémarts, and much more—they are not just reviving a game but reconnecting with fond memories. This cultural movement exemplifies the lasting influence of Pokémon on its community, as fans come together in a collective enthusiasm for creativity and tribute to the classic games that laid the groundwork for an entire franchise.

In conclusion, **Pokémon Pokopia** is more than just a game; it serves as a canvas for players to showcase their creativity and reflect on their gaming journey. As ventures like “Kantopia” thrive, they remind us that while society can be rebuilt, the affection for the original Pokémon adventures endures as a timeless cornerstone.

Pearl Abyss have released the first proper update for their grand and obfuscatory open world RPG Crimson Desert, introducing a slew of tweaks for the game’s many, many systems. The developers have added new finishing blows or follow-up attacks and skills for certain moves, and a new tutorial quest for a particular section in chapter 3, but the most important changes, I think, are the bug fixes and general attempts to make Crimson Desert less “like a product exploding at the waist with far too much stuff and an irritating tendency to avoid communicating anything to the player”, as one critic put it. In particular, you may be relieved to hear that bosses can no longer beat you up while you’re reviving.

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### Strange In-Game Messages Trouble Warframe Players: A Security Issue?

Recently, Warframe gamers have reported receiving unusual and frequently explicit messages within the game. These interactions have sparked concern among the community, with some users voicing worries about possible hacking events affecting the multiplayer shooter. Developer Digital Extremes is actively tackling the issue, urging players to be cautious about accepting any questionable game invites.

#### Community Responses

Players have recounted their experiences across various platforms, including the Warframe subreddit. The messages, which sometimes feature ableist slurs or nonsensical language, have led many to suspect that those issuing these invitations might have compromised accounts. The severity of these messages has led Digital Extremes to recommend players avoid any engagement.

In a tweet on March 20, 2026, the official Warframe account acknowledged the problem, highlighting that the studio is diligently working to resolve it and reiterating the significance of disregarding these unwelcome invites.

> “We are aware of some nefarious invites happening in-game and are actively working on shutting it down. Please do not accept these invites!” – WARFRAME (@PlayWarframe)

#### Potential Link to OpenWF

Some messages sent to players have referenced the Warframe community group known as OpenWF, which aims to facilitate offline play for preservation efforts. Nonetheless, representatives from OpenWF have publicly repudiated any ties to this spamming behavior. They clarified via a Discord statement that they do not have access to the game’s source code and are not accountable for the issues occurring within the live game environment.

#### Digital Extremes’ Official Announcement

In reaction to player worries, Digital Extremes issued a statement confirming that no player accounts have been compromised and that personal data is intact. The studio explained that the disruption stemmed from malicious actors manipulating text fields within the squad invite system. The complete statement reassured players that the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, providing support for those concerned about their accounts.

– **Key Highlights from the Announcement:**
– No accounts have been compromised; player data is secure.
– The issue solely involved alterations to the invite text and did not expose any account details.
– A solution has been implemented, with standard matchmaking functionalities restored, though there may be temporary complications with direct game invites.

#### Ongoing Inquiry

Digital Extremes is conducting an ongoing inquiry into the situation and has vowed to provide more updates as they become available. They have also reassured players that it is safe to continue enjoying Warframe while the issue is being resolved.

For players who encounter these bizarre messages, it is advised to report them through the official support channels to assist in the resolution of this disturbance. This incident underscores the necessity of remaining alert in online gaming environments, especially in multiplayer contexts where player interactions can occasionally be exploited.

In conclusion, as the situation evolves, players should stay cautious but remain confident that the studio is striving to ensure a safe gaming experience. Keep an eye out for further updates from Digital Extremes.

The SteamOS 3.8.0 update is available to try now on the Preview branch, and it’s the first to bring “initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine hardware.” That is, of course, merely a passing mention of Valve’s reborn PC box in the 3.8.0 patch notes. Am I going to engage strong, some might say excessive optimism that this suggests its recent delay and subsequent release date uncertainty aren’t as damning as they look? Sod it, it’s Friday.

Those in search of more practical updates, and presumably own a Steam Deck, have much more to chew on. This is a wide-ranging patch, spanning a new graphics driver, improved support for OBS and Discord, better frame pacing with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) tech, crash fixes, and a bunch of tune-ups for non-Valve handheld PCs, with plenty more besides. I’m most intrigued by the bullet point that promises “Preliminary support for hibernation,” which – assuming it works like hibernation on a Windows laptop – would drastically reduce the frequency with which I pick up my Deck to find its battery dead, drained to emptiness by my thoughtless misuse of Sleep mode. Yes, Valve. Continue to enable my shortcomings.

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**The Last of Us HBO Series Cast Announcements: A Contentious Selection for Lev and Yara**

As enthusiasts of the highly praised video game series *The Last of Us* eagerly anticipate the forthcoming third season of its HBO adaptation, the latest casting revelations have ignited controversy within the community. Kyriana Kratter and Michelle Mao are set to take on the roles of Lev and Yara, respectively. This choice has prompted a discussion regarding representation, especially regarding Lev’s gender identity as a transgender character.

Lev, a trans boy in *The Last of Us Part II*, holds a crucial position in the storyline, emphasizing themes of identity and acceptance. The decision to cast cisgender actress Kyriana Kratter in this part has provoked worries about the wider implications of representation in media. While Kratter may offer a captivating performance, critics of the casting contend that this decision undermines the authenticity of Lev’s character and neglects the significance of trans representation, especially in a narrative that openly explores these themes.

In recent times, the dialogue surrounding cis actors playing trans characters has been heated. While some performers, like Hilary Swank and Eddie Redmayne, have gained acclaim for their roles, critics assert that this frequently leads to missed opportunities for trans actors. The performances of cisgender actors can illuminate varied experiences, yet they also inadvertently reinforce systemic barriers that restrict the visibility and chances for trans individuals within the industry.

The producers defended their choice, claiming that Kratter “best embodied” the character, indicating a dedication to quality storytelling. However, this justification does little to ease concerns from fans who believe that casting decisions should mirror the identities of the characters depicted, particularly in a narrative with trans-inclusive themes. The casting of a trans actor, like Ian Alexander, in the original game set a standard that many hoped would be adhered to in the series.

Moreover, the involvement of showrunner Craig Mazin has faced scrutiny from fans who feel that his interpretation of the source material has often fallen short. With Neil Druckmann, the director of the games, reportedly not participating in the third season, some fans worry that additional deviations from the original storyline and character insights could occur, particularly concerning Lev’s vital journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The excitement surrounding Kratter and Mao’s casting has reignited debates about the obligation of creators in accurately representing marginalized groups. As HBO continues to adapt this cherished franchise, the hope persists that the series will respect the depth of its characters and their narratives, ensuring that all voices are acknowledged throughout the process. As the premiere approaches, it will be essential to observe how these adaptations develop and whether they can navigate the intricate landscape of representation with greater consideration.

Crimson Desert‘s controls aren’t a pain in the bum. You just need to get used to them. You also need to get used to not being able to run the game if you’ve got an Intel Arc graphics card. You instead need to get used to asking for a refund on this game you can’t run. These are all things Pearl Abyss have said about their huge MMO-ish RPG today, March 20th.

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