Gait Games

**U.S. Physical Video Game Sales in 2025: An Overview**

In 2025, U.S. physical video game sales experienced a notable decline, amounting to roughly $1.5 billion, signifying the lowest level recorded in three decades. A report by Circana’s Mat Piscatella reveals that this steep fall represents an 11-percent decrease in expenditure from the year prior, though it should be noted that this decline is the smallest rate observed since 2021.

Despite the apparently grim situation regarding physical media sales, there is an alternative perspective worth considering. Circana’s forecast report for 2026, released on February 11, indicates that the coming year holds the promise of reaching record levels in consumer expenditure throughout the video game sector. In 2025, total sales of U.S. video game hardware, content, and accessories hit $60.7 billion, showcasing a slight 1.4 percent increase compared to 2024. This figure is marginally below the record of $61.7 billion attained in 2021.

This contrast prompts intriguing inquiries into the differing trends in physical and overall video game sales. The report suggests that shifts in consumer behavior may be the root of this gap, emphasizing the rapid adoption of cloud gaming and the growing appeal of subscription-based services such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue. These changes indicate a shift away from conventional physical game purchases towards digital and subscription formats.

While Piscatella concedes that the recent drop in physical media sales is less alarming than the steep 28 percent plunge seen in 2024, it is essential to grasp the broader economic landscape. When adjusting the 1995 physical video game sales figures for inflation, it becomes clear that the situation is considerably more dire, with the total inflation rate from 1995 to 2025 estimated at about 113 percent.

Piscatella also notes that the rate at which physical sales are declining may have decelerated primarily because the market is nearing a bottom point. Elements such as the expected launch of the Switch 2 console have offered some degree of stabilization. Furthermore, a noticeable trend among Gen Z toward analog and non-connected gaming experiences has been observed, although Piscatella remains doubtful about any “dramatic shifts” within the industry.

In conclusion, although physical video game sales have reached an unprecedented low, the larger gaming market is set for possible growth in 2026, propelled by changing consumer preferences and technological innovations. The industry’s reaction to these developments will be pivotal in shaping the future of video gaming in the United States.

**The Trump Administration’s Position on Tencent’s Investments in U.S. Gaming Companies**

The Trump administration is said to be contemplating major measures against Chinese technology behemoth Tencent, possibly requiring the firm to divest its significant holdings in American gaming companies, such as Epic Games, recognized for creating *Fortnite*, and Riot Games, the developer of *League of Legends*. This examination comes as the administration readies for crucial discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, according to the *Financial Times*.

### Tencent’s Influence in the Gaming Sector

Tencent has become a leading force in the international gaming arena. With a 28% share in Epic Games, the company has formed vital alliances to extend its reach within the U.S. gaming market. Furthermore, Tencent wholly owns Riot Games and has interests in several other gaming enterprises, including Discord, Larian Studios, and Remedy Entertainment. Significantly, it possesses a majority stake in Supercell, the Finnish company responsible for *Clash of Clans*. Given the considerable number of Supercell’s users located in the U.S., Tencent’s investment approaches face intensified examination from the Trump administration.

### Concerns for National Security

The ongoing scrutiny of Tencent’s investments is managed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (Cfius), which has raised concerns about possible access to sensitive user information that Tencent’s ownership stakes might enable. Previously, President Trump expressed intentions to ban WeChat, a messaging app owned by Tencent, citing similar worries regarding data privacy and foreign influence. In a significant development, the administration classified Tencent as a “Chinese military company” in January 2025, signaling a heightened posture against perceived Chinese threats amid ongoing trade discussions.

### Consequences of Potential Divestment

The current discussions within the White House raise questions about their seriousness and potential results. While some perceive this as mere political theater, the consequences of mandating Tencent to divest its assets could be considerable for the gaming sector. For instance, a compelled sale of Riot Games could lead to increased consolidation within the industry, potentially benefiting U.S.-based entities, including those associated with prominent tech figures such as Larry Ellison, whose investments in media and technology are growing rapidly.

### Contextual Background and Future Outlook

This circumstance evokes the administration’s prior attempts to address issues with other Chinese tech companies, particularly the attempted closure of TikTok, which ultimately ended with a deal for a partial sale to a group led by Oracle. The absence of direct legislative actions on TikTok reinforces doubts about the administration’s resolve to impose strict measures against Tencent.

### Conclusion

As the Trump administration considers its options regarding Tencent’s investments in U.S. gaming firms, the potential outcomes remain unpredictable. Whether motivated by authentic national security apprehensions or political drives, the consequences of such actions could alter the landscape of the gaming industry and international business relations between the U.S. and China. With increasing tensions and impending trade negotiations, the future of Tencent’s investments may depend on broader geopolitical strategies and the changing dynamics of U.S.-China relations.

**Addressing Arachnophobia in Video Games: The Case of Resident Evil Requiem**

Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s newest entry in the enduring horror franchise, has attracted interest not only for its gameplay and narrative but also for its inclusion of features that may induce arachnophobia among gamers. Acknowledging this, the gaming community has come together to develop mods that let those with this fear enjoy the game without the anxiety of encountering spiders.

### The Spider Problem

Arachnophobia, the intense fear of spiders, impacts a considerable number of individuals. Within the realm of gaming, the existence of spiders can be a dealbreaker, leading players to steer clear of otherwise captivating titles. Resident Evil Requiem contains segments filled with spider adversaries, serving as a pivotal aspect of the game’s storyline. This emphasis on arachnids may dissuade players with severe phobias from engaging with the game.

### Modding Solutions

Thankfully, the modding community promptly addressed this issue shortly after the game’s launch on February 27. Within days, players could access various mods specifically aimed at reducing encounters with spiders. These mods range in their methods, from straightforward tweaks to imaginative substitutions.

1. **Formless Blobs Mod**: A key mod replaces the massive spider in the second act with a harmless, non-threatening entity labeled as “formless blobs.” This modification allows players to navigate the game without the associated anxieties.

2. **Creature Model Swaps**: Another mod modifies the visuals of several spider foes, substituting them with models of different creatures, such as birds, rats, or even the notorious Mr. X from earlier Resident Evil titles. This provides a clever workaround for players seeking engagement without the fear of spiders.

3. **Humorous Alternatives**: Possibly the most entertaining mod converts the enormous spider into Thomas the Tank Engine. This comical twist lightens the mood, transforming a potential horror scenario into something more humorous, enabling players to appreciate the game despite their phobias.

### Navigating the Horror

Although the spider sequences in Resident Evil Requiem are fairly brief, their ability to provoke discomfort highlights the importance of mods as a valuable tool for players. With these alterations, individuals with arachnophobia can participate in the game without being weighed down by fears of eight-legged adversaries, ultimately concentrating on the extensive horror experience offered within.

### Conclusion

The progression of gaming has shown a growing recognition of varied player experiences, including phobias such as arachnophobia. Community-driven initiatives like mods not only advocate for inclusivity but also enrich the gaming experience for everyone. In the case of Resident Evil Requiem, the swift efforts of modders guarantee that no player is compelled to miss out on the captivating storyline of Grace and Leon simply due to a fear of spiders. With these inventive alternatives, much of the game’s fright remains intact, enabling all to partake in the thrill of facing other horrific beings in the Resident Evil world.

Last month, Capcom took a contentious step regarding the digital rights management (DRM) implemented in the 2023 remake of *Resident Evil 4* on Steam. The company substituted the previous DRM with Enigma, which had earlier faced backlash for inflicting considerable performance problems in games, a fact that quickly became evident for *RE4* players. After this alteration, numerous users recorded severe declines in frame rates, especially during action-packed moments, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction.

Within a mere few weeks of the alteration, Capcom was met with players expressing their discontent online. Prominent content creators, such as YouTuber ItalicMaze, employed mods to revert their game versions, providing a side-by-side analysis with and without the newly introduced Enigma DRM. Their results highlighted a noticeable decrease in performance, and Digital Foundry corroborated these assertions by indicating an estimated 20% drop in FPS due to the new DRM.

Acknowledging the backlash, Capcom responded promptly. On March 3, only 28 days after the introduction of Enigma, they completely eliminated the problematic DRM from the *Resident Evil 4* remake. This update can be tracked via the changelog on SteamDB, showing a return to a DRM-free status for the game.

This episode is not the first instance of Capcom encountering criticism over DRM concerns. A similar scenario arose with *Resident Evil Village* in 2021, where pirated versions reportedly functioned more smoothly than the official Steam release, which was burdened by DRM protections. Following comparable player dissatisfaction, Capcom removed Denuvo from *Resident Evil Village* in April 2023 without a replacement, unlike the recent *RE4* decision.

Capcom’s recent moves have ignited hope that the publisher may reconsider their stance on DRM in forthcoming titles, particularly in light of the negative publicity and player backlash resulting from this situation. As the gaming community continues to push for enhanced performance and user experiences, it remains to be seen whether this occurrence will impact Capcom’s upcoming decisions regarding digital rights management.

### Upcoming Release of Marathon: What to Anticipate from Bungie’s New Sci-Fi Extraction Shooter

Bungie’s eagerly awaited title, *Marathon*, is scheduled to debut on March 5 for Xbox, PS5, and PC, with a cost of $40. In readiness for this launch, the studio has released critical insights into the seasonal content and frequent updates via a blog entry titled “Introducing Seasons in *Marathon*.” This piece examines the features that players can anticipate in this live-service first-person shooter.

#### Seasonal Framework and Content Updates

The seasonal framework in *Marathon* will last around three months, bringing forth a variety of new equipment, Runner shells (playable characters), maps, and events. Players will be glad to know that Bungie plans to provide this fresh content at no extra charge, removing the necessity to buy downloadable content (DLC) or expansions— a shift away from the approach taken in their previous game, *Destiny 2*, which does feature paid expansions.

The first season, dubbed **Death Is the First Step**, encourages players to team up in a mission to reach the colossal UESC Marathon vessel hovering above Tau Ceti IV. This season introduces a new playable area called Cryo Archive, highlighted as an essential aspect of the game’s endgame experience. Alluding to gameplay challenges with “an entity even the UESC dreads,” references to classic *Marathon* lore, including encounters with S’pht Compilers, are sure to thrill dedicated fans of the series. Moreover, a ranked mode will be added later in this season.

The second season, **Nightfall**, aims to provide a nighttime version of one of the current zones along with fresh backpacks, cores, and other gear. Bungie has promised that each seasonal update will include a distinct collection of content designed to enrich gameplay experiences, featuring new PVE adversaries and diverse playstyles for current zones.

#### The Notion of Seasonal Wipes

A significant feature of *Marathon’s* seasonal framework involves the enactment of “seasonal wipes.” At the beginning of each season, all equipped gear, vaulted loot, contract progression, faction progression, and player levels will reset. Bungie clarifies that this is an intentional mechanic designed to sustain a fresh and competitive atmosphere.

While the prospect of losing all progression may appear severe at first, Bungie highlights that not every aspect of progress will reset; cosmetics, in-game accomplishments, and lore unlocks will be preserved. Additionally, players who have completed faction introduction quests will not need to redo them in subsequent seasons, allowing for some consistency amid the resets.

Bungie indicates that these resets maintain a dynamic gameplay experience, intensifying the urgency of in-game activities as players utilize their accumulated gear before its reset. This mechanic may create a thrilling and intense environment as the end of a season approaches, forming a “brutal playground” for adept players to demonstrate their strategies.

#### Conclusion

With its launch imminent, the appeal of *Marathon* resides not merely in its nostalgic link to Bungie’s past creations but also in its groundbreaking approach to live-service gameplay. By introducing seasonal updates and offering free content, Bungie aims to cultivate a lively gaming community around *Marathon*. As players gear up for release day, anticipation grows regarding how each season will transform the game and what challenges await in the constantly evolving world of *Marathon*.

### Pokémon Champions: The Innovative Competitive Arena for Pokémon Gameplay

Pokémon Champions marks a captivating new addition to the Pokémon universe, set to debut as a free-to-play battle simulator in April. This platform aims to transform competitive Pokémon gameplay, having been highlighted during the recent 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents. With a concentration on competitive battles, it is anticipated to serve as a vital foundation for the future of the Pokémon community.

#### What Is Pokémon Champions?

In contrast to traditional RPGs in the Pokémon lineup, Pokémon Champions is crafted for competitive dueling—suitable for both official tournaments and casual play. Players can transfer Pokémon from the Pokémon Home storage application or discover new Pokémon within the game. The recruitment process involves Victory Points (VP), which are acquired through ranked battles. This system guarantees that assembling a team necessitates effort, as players cannot merely buy Pokémon outright; they are required to earn them through gameplay.

Newly recruited Pokémon will cycle through the in-game shop, giving players the chance to temporarily recruit them daily for free or to buy them permanently for 1000 VP. Clarity remains lacking regarding the ease or difficulty of accumulating VP, as well as whether prices will differ for various Pokémon.

Alongside VP, players can also utilize items such as Quick Coupons and Teammate Tickets, acquired through in-game missions, to recruit Pokémon. The game offers a variety of battle modes, including ranked, casual, and private battles, catering to both competitive players and those seeking a more leisurely experience.

#### In-App Purchases and Monetization

Pokémon Champions will present a diverse array of monetization methods without permitting direct purchases of Victory Points. Players can buy a one-time starter pack that provides extra box spaces, music selections, and training vouchers, though pricing is yet to be revealed. The default offering is 30 box spaces, with the starter pack contributing an additional 50.

A subscription membership is also proposed, offering increased storage and team slots, more missions and rewards, and improved battle music. The game will include battle passes that players can progress through by participating in ranked matches, which will provide customization items for their avatars and Pokémon, as well as essential battle items like Mega Stones available for purchase.

#### Incorporating Mega Evolution and Other Mechanics

Champions will integrate various features from the Pokémon series, including Mega Evolution and Terastalyzing, introducing an engaging dynamic to battles. The game is set to change its seasonal ruleset, with Mega Evolution being prominently featured during its launch phase.

#### Pokémon Training in Champions

Training Pokémon in Champions seems to be closely associated with the Victory Points framework. Players may need to invest VP to alter a Pokémon’s moves, nature, abilities, and stats. This element may complicate the training process, potentially causing players to prefer traditional games like Scarlet and Violet for training rather than battling in Champions to gain VP.

#### Community Engagement and Expectations

While there is substantial enthusiasm for the launch, many within the community are still awaiting clarification on how Champions’ various systems will operate cohesively. With the launch imminent, there are hopes that The Pokémon Company will provide detailed guides to assist players in navigating the new game successfully.

As April approaches, the excitement continues to escalate. Pokémon Champions is set to become a crucial platform for competitive Pokémon gameplay, but it will necessitate transparency and collaboration from the developers to realize that potential and meet the needs of both seasoned players and newcomers.

### Highguard: A Synopsis of Its Rise and Demise

**Introduction**

Highguard, a free competitive shooter crafted by Wildlight Entertainment, is slated for a permanent shutdown on March 12, just over a month following its launch on January 26, 2025. The studio revealed the closure through Twitter, thanking the more than 2 million players who participated in the game during its short span.

**Final Updates and Developer Statements**

On March 3, Wildlight Entertainment published a blog entry affirming the game’s final update, which aimed to roll out new offerings including a new playable Warden, an additional weapon, account level progression, and skill trees. The developers invited players to join them for one final gaming experience before the servers ceased operations, emphasizing the community’s contributions and feedback since the game’s inception.

“We have opted to permanently close Highguard on March 12,” the studio mentioned, reflecting on the obstacles encountered in building a “sustainable player base.”

**The Game’s Journey from Anticipation to Closure**

Highguard was first revealed as a significant announcement at the 2025 Game Awards, attracting fans’ attention due to its connections with former developers of successful franchises like Titanfall and Apex Legends. Despite the excitement, the game’s art style and multiplayer emphasis faced skepticism, resulting in a swift downturn in community sentiment shortly after its launch.

Following its debut, the studio sought to pivot by introducing extensive updates, including the launch of a 5v5 mode and a raid-style gameplay approach aimed at rekindling player interest. Nevertheless, these initiatives proved insufficient, and the player base dwindled considerably, never returning to the initial peak of 97,000 concurrent users.

**Challenges and Industry Implications**

Highguard’s decline serves as a case study within the live-service gaming domain, showcasing the difficulty of maintaining player engagement in a competitive landscape. Layoffs at Wildlight shortly after the game’s introduction highlighted the immense pressure on studios to achieve sustained player engagement and profitability.

The game’s inability to forge a robust player base underscores critical lessons for developers within the live-service arena. While initial excitement may be sparked through strategic marketing and substantial events such as the Game Awards, it does not assure ongoing success without an engaging gameplay experience and community backing.

**Conclusion**

As Highguard readies to join other notable live-service failures, such as Concord, in digital oblivion, it leaves a brief yet significant legacy. The game lasted 45 days, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry and the hurdles developers face in creating titles that resonate with audiences. Wildlight Entertainment’s closing message encapsulates the studio’s dedication to its community, even as they commemorate the conclusion of an ambitious venture.

Vampire Survivors clones! They’re a dime a dozen these days, primarily because poncle created an admittedly very strong template to mimic. This week’s bullet heaven, as the genre has come to be known, is a charming little entry called Antivirus Survivors 2003 Professional, a take on the format that imagines a world where your Windows XP running computer’s icons all want to kill you.

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### High on Life 2: A Comedic Adventure into the Absurd

Launched last month, *High on Life 2* from Squanch Games is the larger, crazier, and more humorous continuation of 2022’s *High on Life*. This new chapter expands the limits of comedy shooters, showcasing more action, laughs, and odd situations. The development journey was extensive, with the script soaring to over 10,000 pages, indicating the studio’s dedication to providing an unforgettable gaming adventure.

#### Distinctive Boss Fights

A notable aspect of *High on Life 2* is an ambitious boss encounter with an alien named Senator Muppy Doo, brought to life by Richard Kind’s voice. In an unexpected twist, this boss diminishes in size and infiltrates the player’s battle suit, confronting them within the game’s pause menu and settings. This inventive gameplay feature demanded significant effort to execute, as the developers faced challenges with the intricacies of modifying game settings during play.

Alec Robbins, the narrative director, voiced pride in this achievement, remarking, “We weren’t actually certain we could pull off these things and still receive certification for console releases.” Despite the hurdles, the battle melds humor with an engrossing gameplay experience, and Robbins attributes Kind’s performance as pivotal to its triumph.

#### A Creative Introduction

The game’s opening sequence is another technical wonder, utilizing a fast-paced montage style influenced by the storytelling methods of *Thirty Flights of Loving*. This technique functions both as a tutorial and a recap of the events from the previous game, aiming to captivate players efficiently. Robbins provided insights on the pacing difficulties, revealing that the initial version was twice as lengthy before being edited for brevity and effectiveness.

Similar to the rest of *High on Life 2*, the introduction is filled with optional banter and jokes, highlighting the game’s extensive script. Robbins noted the complexity of the dialogue system, which calls for seven unique responses from each talking gun, all developed by a compact team of around five writers.

#### A Dive into Mystery

Another key feature of *High on Life 2* is a murder mystery segment that thrusts players into the role of a detective. Drawing inspiration from titles like *Obra Dinn* and *Disco Elysium*, this component offers a respite from the high-octane shooter dynamics, although players have the option to bypass it if desired. Robbins expressed the team’s enthusiasm for venturing beyond their usual genre, sharing a wish to create a full-fledged mystery game in the future.

#### Navigating Fair Use

The development group at Squanch Games also navigated the complexities of parody law and fair use while crafting their comedic storyline. Robbins mentioned that a deep comprehension of these legal nuances enables the studio to weave in references and parody elements that enhance the game’s humor. This includes various pop culture allusions, such as a *Frasier*-inspired claw machine, illustrating the team’s readiness to embrace creative risks.

Despite facing some resistance during the first game’s development, Robbins affirmed, “Typically, we just go for it,” emphasizing the belief that humor can flourish within the whimsical realm of video games.

#### Conclusion

*High on Life 2* is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With its combination of groundbreaking gameplay, expansive dialogue, and witty storytelling, it guarantees a delightful experience for fans of the genre. For more insights or tips, players can seek out additional resources and reviews linked through gaming news outlets.

Among the first things I did in Esoteric Ebb was spectacularly injure myself by posing a question to a kobold guard that was actually a statement. To whit, “you are a kobold.” My Dexterity hollered at me to stave off embarrassment with a witty follow-up, but I failed the associated dice roll and almost bit my own tongue off.

“Use this to your advantage,” growled my Strength stat. “Intimidate him with your life’s liquid.” So I spat blood through my visor, all over the kobold’s feet. “He is baffled,” observed my Wisdom. “Your actions have truly made a mark upon his dark soul.” Later, the kobold and I agreed – again via dice roll – that neither of us like the taste of milk, which somehow unlocked a quest to become a milkman. Apparently, the money’s decent.

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