Gait Games

**Exceptional Music Meets Superior Sound: The Beats Pill Speaker**

Exceptional music can quickly elevate the atmosphere and ambiance of any environment. Those in the market for a reliable Bluetooth speaker have some excellent news. Amazon has reduced the price of the Beats Pill speaker by 33%, now offered at just $100 after a $50 discount, with this deal applicable to all available colors including Champagne, Black, and Red.

### Unwavering Sound Quality

The Beats Pill, crafted with a sleek and minimalist design reminiscent of a large pill, provides more than just appealing aesthetics. It includes a detachable lanyard and soft-grip silicone backing for convenient portability, making it easy to slip into any bag or carry effortlessly while on the move.

Sound quality stands out, featuring a custom racetrack woofer that displaces 90% more air volume for deeper bass, enhanced by a revamped tweeter for bright highs and rich mid-range frequencies. This creates a balanced yet dynamic sound, perfect for anything from inspiring podcasts to energetic workout playlists. Conversations come through with clarity, while music delivers satisfying bass.

The woofer’s design reduces low-end distortion even at peak volume, guaranteeing an immersive listening experience similar to a personal concert. Furthermore, the Beats Pill supports Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C connections, providing high-resolution lossless audio that maintains the intricate details of your favorite songs. Two speakers can be linked together in Amplify or Stereo mode for an expanded sound setup, ideal for gatherings.

Although it is owned by Apple, the Beats Pill seamlessly integrates with both Android and Apple devices. It connects effortlessly to smartphones, laptops, TVs, and more. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls and voice assistant activation with platforms like Alexa and Google, resuming your music once the call is complete.

The speaker’s resilience is emphasized by its IP67 dust and water resistance, making it ideal for beach outings, poolside activities, or even the bathroom. With an impressive battery life of around 24 hours on a single charge, the Beats Pill is designed to keep the celebration alive. It can also serve as a power bank, charging your phone or other devices through USB-C.

This speaker is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy music on the go. It usually retails for $150, but today you can grab it for just $100. However, this offer is time-sensitive, so it’s wise to act promptly.

For further information, visit [Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6422/).

### Grab a Premium TV for Only $100 on Amazon

It’s not often that you find a brand new, premium television screen priced at just $100, but Amazon is making this thrilling opportunity available today. The retailer is currently showcasing the 32-inch Hisense Class A4 series, now offered at an appealing 17% discount. This price reduction means you can acquire this already affordable screen for only $100. Furthermore, with complimentary shipping, there are no additional charges to be concerned about. The discount is applied automatically at checkout, with no need for tricky coupon codes or complicated methods—simply add it to your cart and watch the price decrease.

#### Exceptional Picture Quality

At this price point, you receive a modest 32-inch screen, an ideal size for cozier living spaces or bedrooms. While compact, this TV does not sacrifice performance. The screen features Full HD resolution, providing crisp and vibrant visuals that enhance your viewing experience. Revel in wide viewing angles that preserve brightness and color, no matter where you are seated in the room. The Depth Enhancer technology offers a three-dimensional quality to visuals, showcasing richer details, while the Natural Color Enhancer guarantees precise color reproduction for lifelike images.

Stellar visuals are paired with robust audio quality. The Hisense Class A4 includes DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio to deliver immersive sound that fills the room. Anticipate audio that creates a surround sound ambiance, making it easier to catch subtleties in dialogue and dynamic sounds, adding an enhanced layer to your favorite films and games. Gamers will appreciate a dedicated game mode that lowers input lag to 16ms, boosting precision during gameplay—perfect for late-night gatherings with friends.

#### Intuitive Interface and Features

The user interface of the Hisense Class A4 is crafted for simplicity, making navigation effortless. Users can establish personalized profiles, facilitating customized viewing experiences and curated watchlists based on individual preferences. The Fire TV support merges all your favorite streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV, into one convenient platform. For those not keen on subscriptions, live TV channels are also accessible at no cost.

Additionally, with Alexa compatibility, managing your viewing experience is hands-free. You can utilize voice commands to open apps, set reminders, create timers, and even check sports scores without lifting a finger.

This incredible offer brings a premium TV down to just $100, following Amazon’s price reduction of $20. However, as this is a time-sensitive deal, it’s wise to act quickly to seize this fantastic opportunity—it won’t be available forever.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6729/)

### The Unlikely Fame of Roblox and Fortnite Fan-Games

Although many might think that games like **Arc Raiders** and **Battlefield 6** dominate in popularity, the truth is remarkably different. Titles such as **Roblox** and **Fortnite** fan-games are attracting vast player communities. Recently, the **Roblox** game **Fish It!** reported nearly 28 million players in a single day, with 1.4 million playing at once. In contrast, **Fortnite**’s user-generated game **Steal the Brainrot** set a record with 1.09 million concurrent players, notably after recent updates that enabled creators to introduce microtransactions.

#### The Development of Steal the Brainrot

**Steal the Brainrot**, a creation within **Fortnite**, originates from the highly popular **Roblox** game **Steal a Brainrot**, which gained fame in 2025, inspired by the **Italian brainrot meme**. Players take part in activities involving bizarre animal collectibles that generate in-game currency, fostering a thriving player-driven economy. The original game hit an incredible 25 million concurrent users, showcasing its significant effect in the gaming realm.

When **Steal a Brainrot** moved to **Fortnite** in July, its popularity skyrocketed, especially when the game’s monetization model was adjusted to utilize real-world currency. With the introduction of microtransactions, players gained the ability to buy bundles and engage with gambling mechanics, similar to slot machines, significantly shifting the game’s engagement strategy.

#### Adjustments to Fortnite’s Monetization Policies

Epic Games’ strategy with **Fortnite** increasingly mirrors **Roblox**’s design, particularly in user-generated content. Until recently, **Fortnite** did not provide creators with the monetization capabilities that **Roblox** did, which granted it a competitive advantage. A recent policy change now permits creators to earn income from microtransactions with a notable profit-sharing model—developers receive a larger percentage compared to platforms like Steam.

These modifications imply that creators in **Fortnite** now have the opportunity to integrate various payment systems into their games, drastically altering the economic framework of player-generated content. By the end of January 2026, creators will receive 100% of the V-Bucks spent in their games for a limited duration, subsequently decreasing to 50%.

#### The Ethical Concerns Surrounding Gambling Mechanics

The incorporation of gambling mechanics in **Steal the Brainrot**, such as the “Lucky Rot” loot box and a gambling wheel, has prompted ethical issues, especially considering the game’s main audience is children. Players can utilize real money to interact with these features, which many critics liken to slot machines.

The debate regarding these changes has ignited discussions about the ramifications of exposing younger players to gambling-like systems within a game primarily designed for children. This is in contrast to the understanding that **Fortnite** engages a diverse demographic, a significant segment of which includes adult players. However, the drive to monetize through systems targeting younger players raises serious concerns about the accountability of game developers.

#### Conclusion

The trends in gaming reveal an intriguing landscape where titles like **Roblox** and **Fortnite**’s user-generated content attract millions of players, despite the competition from traditional blockbuster games. As games evolve and become more complex in their monetization strategies, the stream of innovation will continue to influence gaming culture, albeit not without ethical issues that must be navigated with care. The shift towards integrating real-world financial aspects into these games indicates a significant change in gamer demographics and experiences, highlighting the urgent need for responsible development practices moving forward.

It’s Hytale early access release week, with the recently resurrected via purchase from Riot blocky sandbox set to ruck up tomorrow, January 13th. Ahead of the big day the Hypixel co-founder who’s currently spearheading the game has asked prospective players to download and log into its launcher nice and early, with the hopes this can help keep launch day disruption to a minimum.

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### How Many Firearms Will Be in *Palworld* Collectible Card Game?

*Palworld*, a game focused on survival crafting, is marking its entry into the collectible card game realm with an announcement from publisher Pocketpair. The anticipated card game is scheduled to launch on July 30, 2026, and promises tactical two-player confrontations featuring a variety of distinct “Pals” from the game. Although the precise count of firearms included in the card game remains unspecified, players can look forward to utilizing these weapons alongside their Pals to achieve success.

### Will *Call of Duty* on Switch 2 Justify the Anticipation?

Recent data excavations have revealed mentions of the Nintendo Switch 2 within the *Call of Duty* HQ launcher files. Reports suggest that the *Call of Duty* adaptation for the Switch 2 is expected to debut in 2026. However, it remains uncertain whether it will be a port of *Black Ops 7* or an entirely new release, prompting gamers to wonder if it will meet expectations and validate the extended waiting period.

### Are Any PC Gaming Components Remaining Affordable This Year?

A recent bulletin from Guangzhou Xinhongzheng Electronic Technology Co. indicated possible price increases for numerous PC gaming components. This includes power supply units and cooling systems, with anticipated raises between 6% and 10%. The factors contributing to these increases are linked to the escalating costs of essential materials such as copper, tin, and silver. As the market landscape changes, gamers may need to prepare for potentially elevated expenses across the PC gaming sector.

### *System Shock 2* on Switch 2: Updates on the Way

Technical producer Justin Khan has announced that updates for *System Shock 2* on the Switch 2 are on the horizon. Developers are in the process of crafting a patch to enhance the game’s stability and performance, targeting a smoother 60 frames per second experience, which is deemed feasible due to the capabilities of the Switch 2 hardware.

### No Generative AI in *Code Vein 2*

In a recent discussion, producer Keita Iizuka confirmed that *Code Vein 2* will not utilize generative AI in its production. Highlighting the significance of cohesive aesthetic components and a well-designed game world, Iizuka expressed the team’s dedication to preserving a unique artistic style that elevates the player’s experience.

### ICYMI: Take a Look at This:

For additional insights into gaming news, players and fans are encouraged to explore various coverage and reviews available through different gaming news outlets.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Unity almost had a ‘character creator’ system that would have seen you choosing an ancestor from a database of millions of people, rather than being thrust into the riding boots of Scarlet Pimple-esque nobleman Arno Dorian. The idea was broadly to give each player a unique perspective on the complexities of the French Revolution. According to former creative director Alexandre Amancio, this character creation system dates back to a time when the developers were weighing up two versions of the game, one of them far more co-op focussed.

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When *Good Boy*, the dog-led horror film featuring Indy the retriever, debuted last year, a number of viewers shared playful thoughts regarding the necessity for acknowledgment of animal performances in cinema. However, as the awards season progressed, Indy not only won over the audience’s affection but also secured actual honors, such as the Astra Award for Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller on January 9. This accomplishment has ignited a blend of excitement and doubt concerning the present condition of award ceremonies.

Indy’s route to fame is remarkable, given that he was not a conventional trained acting dog. Director Ben Leonberg disclosed in a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that Indy’s acting relied mainly on meticulously edited footage and signals from off-camera sounds rather than standard acting methods. This approach has provoked discussions about the genuineness of his performance, leading to diverse interpretations of his accolade.

Indy had earlier been recognized in categories dedicated solely to animal performances, including honors from the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, San Diego Film Critics Society, and Boston Society of Film Critics. Nonetheless, the Astra Award represented a pivotal moment, as it positioned him directly against human performers:

– Alison Brie – *Together* as Millie Wilson
– Ethan Hawke – *Black Phone 2* as The Grabber
– Sally Hawkins – *Bring Her Back* as Laura
– Sophie Thatcher – *Companion* as Iris
– Alfie Williams – *28 Years Later* as Spike

Responses to Indy’s triumph were varied. While many applauded his charming look in a bowtie, particularly in the comment sections of the acceptance speech video, others condemned the decision. The critiques mirrored a wider skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the award show. Observers remarked how granting an award to a dog over experienced actors resembled a storyline from a family film in which a pet succeeds in a talent contest, eclipsing authentic artistic accomplishments.

Many users on social media voiced their dissatisfaction, with remarks emphasizing the importance of recognizing diligent acting efforts. Comments such as “being told you’re worse than a dog” and “how offensive and degrading it is to actual artists” reflect the worries shared by genre enthusiasts and award participants. Numerous individuals pointed out that horror performances seldom receive substantial recognition, making Indy’s victory feel even more disheartening to those who anticipated acknowledgment of human talent.

Critics highlighted the absurdity of an award meant to celebrate acting skills recognizing a performance that many contended did not involve real acting. Some likened awarding Indy to acknowledging a performance dictated by strict direction with no space for interpretation or talent. This sentiment resonated through discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users debated Indy’s merit for the accolade, with many concluding that the idea of a canine actor receiving honors, particularly in serious categories, diminished the value of more experienced performers.

Moreover, as the award sought to celebrate horror performances, the decision to honor an animal at the cost of adept actors did not resonate positively. The horror genre has historically struggled to attain recognition at mainstream awards, making Indy’s victory seem like a lost chance to showcase talented individuals within the genre.

In summary, while *Good Boy* has highlighted the appeal of animals in cinema and brought some delight, the consequences of awarding Indy alongside established human performers raise significant questions about recognition in the industry and the criteria by which performances are appraised. As filmmakers and their canine partners continue to capture attention, audiences and critics alike will be closely observing how discussions surrounding animal performances develop within award circuits.

Just before the calendar ticked over to 2026, Witcher and Cyberpunk makers CD Projekt revealed that they’d sold off their PC storefront – GOG. In a deal worth 90.7 million Polish zloty (about £18.6 million / $25 million), original CD Projekt and GOG co-founder Michał Kiciński bought the storefront and has now offered some words about his vision for its future in a Steam-dominated market.

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Rockstar Games is presently dealing with a difficult predicament involving some participants of Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online), who are using the recently implemented mission creator to replicate the contentious assassination of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. This has ignited a substantial reaction from both the gaming community and Rockstar itself.

The incident with Kirk transpired in September 2022, when he was unfortunately shot during a public gathering in Utah. After the occurrence, numerous public figures encountered backlash for their remarks or jokes regarding the shooting, with some even losing their jobs because of it. In December 2022, Rockstar unveiled a mission creator feature in GTA Online, enabling players to develop and share their own missions. It wasn’t long before certain users started crafting missions that resembled the circumstances of Kirk’s assassination, leading Rockstar to intervene against these creations.

On January 12, 2026, a significant post from the Twitter account GTA 6Info highlighted a user-generated mission called “We Are Charlie Kirk,” in which players must assassinate a character resembling Kirk in a campus-like environment. Following this, it was reported that Rockstar Games included “Charlie Kirk” in their profanity filter, presumably to hinder further creations or searches connected to him. Although this claim remains unverified, attempts to look up “Charlie Kirk” on GTA Online’s custom jobs site yield an error message, similar to the outcome encountered when searching for other prohibited terms.

In spite of the ban on Kirk’s name, players have started utilizing alternative names such as “Charlie Pink” or blending Kirk’s first and last names to circumvent the restrictions and continue producing assassination-themed missions. This incident has triggered discussions surrounding freedom of expression within gaming, the responsibilities of game developers, and the ramifications of crafting content based on real-life tragedies.

As the gaming community reacts to these occurrences, the possibility of additional missions surfacing raises questions about how Rockstar will address this situation moving forward. The company appears to be caught in a cat-and-mouse game with creators as they strive to suppress these recreations while preserving the open-world flexibility that players anticipate from GTA Online. This ongoing dynamic underscores the challenges Rockstar encounters in managing controversial content in a live-service environment, where user-generated content can result in unpredictable outcomes.

The persistent interest in reimagining sensitive events within gaming reflects broader societal discussions regarding violence, entertainment, and the limits of satire in the digital age. How Rockstar opts to respond in the future will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both players and observers of gaming culture.

Peter Molyneux and 22cans will release their new god sim Masters of Albion on Wednesday 22nd April via Steam. They’ve also pumped out a new trailer, rich in accents, exploding barrels and stone circles. If it were a game from any other developer, I’d be modestly anticipating it. But it’s a Molyneux joint – his last game before retirement, allegedly – so instead, I’m looking at it with a mixture of sadness and suspicion.

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