Gait Games

Right at the end of last year, Cyberpunk and Witcher developer CD Projekt Red sold off its game distribution company to its original co-founder, Michał Kiciński (who is also the co-founder of CD Projekt itself, so, go figure). With this sort of new owner, the plan is generally to stick to what it knows best, i.e. sprucing up old games and making sure any game on the platform is DRM-free. But in a new interview, Kiciński also shared his interest in the platform doing some publishing.

Read more

**Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – The Meltdown Map Debate**

Recently, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* (BLOPS7) launched its Season One Reloaded update, bringing a wealth of content influenced by the *Fallout* series, along with new multiplayer maps, including Meltdown. This latest version of Meltdown has ignited considerable discussion among gaming communities due to its notable contrasts with the original rendition first introduced in *Black Ops 2*, released back in 2012.

The January 9 update introduced numerous advancements to the game. For *Fallout* enthusiasts, the update features cosmetic skins reminiscent of characters from the Amazon series, demonstrating Activision’s dedication to merging popular culture into their gaming ecosystem. The update also unveiled an abundance of new features, which can be thoroughly investigated on the official blog [here](https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2026/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-warzone-season-01-reloaded#Maps).

The revamped Meltdown, located in a nuclear power plant facility, was anticipated by many to embody the spirit of the cherished original map. Nevertheless, players have voiced their discontent with the new map’s visual style, critiquing it for seeming cleaner and more polished than its forerunner. YouTuber Replay Mode emphasized this disparity in a comparison video, pointing out the lack of the original’s textures and details, such as puddles and exposed wiring, which contributed to the gritty ambiance of the classic Meltdown.

The debates online indicate a divide among players. Many contend that the previous version features a more dynamic setting with a “messier aesthetic,” which they believe enhances the gaming experience. Others favor the modern update for its clarity and improved visibility, proposing that it aligns more closely with modern gaming benchmarks. Feedback from Twitter users echoes these sentiments, with critiques about the “drab and lifeless” look of the new map, and accolades for the “better art direction” of *Black Ops 2*.

Critics have pointed out that while *Black Ops 7* adopts superior graphical fidelity, it compromises the unique art style and atmosphere that rendered the original Meltdown map legendary. Players have noted that the lighting in the updated map can cast harsh shadows, diminishing the immersive experience cultivated by its predecessor.

The change in map design seems to favor competitive balance over environmental storytelling, removing the details that lend character and depth to the in-game world. This trend parallels observations in other gaming franchises, where simplicity for competitive reasons frequently results in the erosion of artistic expression.

As the gaming environment transforms, so do player expectations. While some embrace the drive for clarity and fairness, others mourn the absence of the intricate design features that enlivened the maps of prior generations. This ongoing discourse signifies a wider conversation in the gaming community regarding the balance between competitive gameplay and aesthetic depth—an issue that will remain crucial in forthcoming updates and releases.

It is not news to anyone that Nightdive Studios’ System Shock remake took a while to make. The remake started development in 2015, with a successful Kickstarter project held for it the following year. After a few engine changes and attempts at making the thing, it finally released back in 2023, a good eight years after development had started. But such a long wait is absolutely not worth calling the FBI over, folks, are we being serious right now? Which is, apparently, a thing that happened to Nightdive.

Read more

**The Revival of Star Wars Battlefront II via KYBER: An Experience Driven by the Community**

Following four years of committed development, the open beta debut of **KYBER**, a multiplayer game launcher hosted by the community for EA’s **Star Wars Battlefront II**, has garnered considerable interest from a loyal fanbase. This revival is especially remarkable given that these fans had earlier advocated for the establishment of a **Star Wars Battlefront III**.

In June 2025, **Star Wars Battlefront II** experienced an unparalleled surge in players on Steam, exceeding its previous record of 10,489 concurrent players from January 2021 to an incredible 35,892. This significant rise can be linked to a fan-led initiative on Reddit, intended to prove to EA and Disney that a sequel would thrive, particularly in light of the successful second season of the series **Andor**.

Despite the community’s passionate attempts, EA and Disney have not expressed any plans to create a new installment in the multiplayer shooter genre. Nonetheless, the renewed focus on the franchise has seemingly motivated **Armchair Developers**, the group behind KYBER, to accelerate progress on the game.

KYBER’s community manager, Ethan Clark, remarked that following the “Resurgence Day” initiative on May 24, the team diligently worked to improve the content and mod creation communities, culminating in the development and rollout of KYBER.

### KYBER: Features and Community Influence

KYBER acts as a comprehensive launcher for **Star Wars Battlefront II**, featuring a range of enhancements requested by players. Improvements include proximity voice chat, a spectator mode, and complete Discord integration to foster community interaction. The update also introduces new characters, enriching gameplay with additions such as **Cal Kestis** from **Star Wars Jedi: Survivor** and **Asajj Ventress** from **Star Wars: The Clone Wars**.

Debuting on December 20, the open beta rapidly became a hit, recording 61,169 unique players and 1,339,489 sessions in its first 48 hours. The **r/StarWarsBattlefront** subreddit community has shown excitement for the initiative, with users commending the broader range of classes and weapons, as well as the sought-after balance tweaks, further enhancing the gameplay experience.

Armchair Developers have indicated that there is no predefined end date for the beta, assuring users of future updates and balance modifications. They have also announced that the source code for **KYBER** will be made publicly accessible, welcoming greater community participation and development.

While it may not yet be the long-anticipated **Star Wars Battlefront III**, with its additional characters and maps, KYBER represents a considerable upgrade to the original game and showcases the influence of the community in crafting gaming experiences. There is optimism that this renewed enthusiasm will capture the attention of EA and Disney, possibly igniting the creation of a new title in the cherished franchise.

A flawless obtainment method.

The post Where to Find Heartopia Flawless Fluorite appeared first on Gamezebo.

Right up until its early access release, Hytale‘s chances of Steam Deck-enabled portability were anyone’s guess. Even the blocky sandbox’s developers Hypixel seemed unsure, announcing a SteamOS-friendly native Linux version (good!) but forgoing an actual Steam release (less good!) and warning Deck owners of Hytale’s absent controller support (definitely not good!).

However, as fellow cube enthusiast Minecraft would know, the Steam Deck doesn’t always let something like an apparent lack of basic functionality keep it down. The device itself provides all the tools you need to get Hytale up, running, and playable, and while the process is hardly a one-click install, the fruit of your toils is a game that Valve’s handheld PC can happily keep going for hours.

Read more

**The Dynamics of Game Publishing: Risks, Trends, and the Role of Creativity**

The process of publishing a game entails maneuvering through a complex environment of risks and possible rewards. Developers pitch their creations to publishers with the aspiration that their games will replicate the triumphs of established successes, while publishers assess these proposals with careful scrutiny, looking to invest in paths that yield profit. In this context, the rise of “double-A” games, which fall between indie and triple-A titles in terms of budget and scale, has ignited conversations regarding its influence on the gaming sector.

Josef Fares, director of the highly praised game *Split Fiction*, voices apprehension that the success of titles like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* might incline publishers to concentrate exclusively on double-A projects. He champions a varied gaming ecosystem that welcomes an array of genres and financial scopes. Fares notes that although double-A games can draw interest, many do not manage to engage the audience’s attention regardless of their quality, underscoring the market’s unpredictable nature.

Fares stresses the importance of a dynamic assortment of gaming experiences, asserting, “We need the diversity. I hope that publishers don’t just look at a game like *Expedition 33*… and think, ‘oh, double-A is a new thing. Let’s only do that.’” He observes that a multitude of double-A releases frequently go unnoticed, highlighting the necessity for equilibrium and diversity in game development.

In the sphere of triple-A titles, Fares recognizes the pivotal function of significant players like Rockstar Games, Naughty Dog, and Nintendo, who challenge creative limits while investing in riskier endeavors. Conversely, Electronic Arts (EA) has been labeled a cautionary example due to its dependence on proven franchises and microtransactions. Yet, Fares stands up for EA, pointing out that the partnership between his studio, Hazelight, and the publisher has been fruitful, stressing the mutual respect and comprehension in their collaboration.

Hazelight’s achievements, propelled by engaging co-op experiences, illustrate the possibilities within games that attract wider audiences, as evident in the sales data of *It Takes Two* and *Split Fiction*. This illustrates that inventive gameplay can achieve considerable commercial success, even within the confines of a larger publishing framework.

As technology advances, Fares also expresses doubt regarding the increasing influence of generative AI in game creation. He notes that while initial AI tools have made remarkable progress, the advancement of technology may plateau or not fulfill the lofty expectations often set by enthusiasts. He argues that the creative vision crucial to game development cannot be adequately substituted by AI, as the distinct human viewpoint is vital in designing engaging stories and experiences.

In conclusion, the realm of game publishing is characterized by complex balancing, where risk is alleviated through tactical decisions, innovation is perpetually sought after, and the significance of creativity remains crucial. As various sectors of the industry, from indie to double-A to triple-A, compete for prominence, the plea for diversity in gaming continues, urging stakeholders to appreciate the importance of varied experiences and daring narratives in shaping the future of the gaming landscape.

Find your Friend Code!

The post How to Add and Play With Friends in Heartopia appeared first on Gamezebo.

I’m going to keep this one as succinct as possible, because every word is causing me psychic damage. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has alleged that an ongoing lawsuit accusing him of rushing Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard to avoid the fallout from company-wide sexual misconduct allegations was, in fact, secretly orchestrated by noted layoff manufacturer Embracer Group to boost sales of Embracer’s own games.

Read more

### Forza Horizon 6: Upcoming Release and Early Access Information

In the coming week, *Forza Horizon 6* is ready to shine at Xbox’s eagerly awaited Dev Direct Showcase. An in-game leak has revealed preliminary details about its launch schedule, promising fans a short wait to learn when they’ll dive into its vast open world. The game is slated to debut in May 2026, with early access starting on May 15 for those who choose the Premium Edition.

The leak came from an Xbox news source, Xbox Infinite, which posted a screenshot seemingly showcasing a promotional ad for *Forza Horizon 6* on January 14. This ad, released ahead of schedule, indicates that the game will be officially released to the public on May 19.

### Early Access and Premium Edition Features

For gamers who pre-purchase the Premium Edition, early access permits them to embark on their journey four days prior to the official release. Here’s what the Premium Edition includes, based on the leaked promotional content:

– **Early Access** – Begin playing on May 15
– **VIP Membership**
– **Welcome Pack**
– **Car Pass**
– **Time Attack Car Pack**
– **Italian Passion Car Pack** (unlocked post-launch)
– **2 Premium Expansions** (available post-launch)

The marketing material additionally highlights the game’s emphasis on Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, encouraging players to explore with over 550 real-world vehicles while aiming to become racing legends in what is promoted as *Forza Horizon’s* largest open-world experience to date.

### Consequences of the Leak

While *Kotaku* has not yet authenticated the leaked advertisement, *Video Games Chronicle* has supported the release window, suggesting the leak’s credibility. This timing is noteworthy, surfacing just days before the Dev Direct showcase, where fans are likely to receive official affirmations about the release date and further game details.

Additionally, the forthcoming showcase is anticipated to highlight more than solely *Forza Horizon 6*. Fans can also expect a glimpse of GameFreak’s AAA action RPG, *Beast of Reincarnation*, along with an extensive preview of the much-anticipated *Fable* reboot.

*Forza Horizon 6* is set for release on Xbox platforms, PC, and Game Pass, with speculation of a PS5 version to follow. As the launch date nears, enthusiasm escalates for what is sure to be one of the most eagerly awaited entries in the racing genre.