Gait Games

**Baldur’s Gate 3: An Overlooked Chance for the Switch 2**

Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), crafted by Larian Studios, is a critically acclaimed RPG situated in the Dungeons & Dragons realm that has received substantial praise. Its deep storyline, detailed character progression, and engaging gameplay distinguish it as a noteworthy title in contemporary gaming. Following its success on systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, conversations have emerged about the potential for BG3 to arrive on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to elevate the gaming experience with capabilities such as mouse controls provided by its new Joy-Con 2 controllers. These innovations are particularly well-matched for a title like Baldur’s Gate 3, which thrives on point-and-click functionalities. The incorporation of these aspects could revitalize the game’s tactical gameplay approach, offering a distinctive experience for Switch users.

Nevertheless, during a recent Reddit AMA session, Larian CEO Swen Vincke disclosed that although they are eager to port BG3 to the Switch 2, the decision is not theirs to make. Vincke stated, “We would have loved to, but it wasn’t our decision to make.” This statement prompts inquiries regarding the stakeholders involved that might be obstructing a possible port.

There is speculation that the intricacies surrounding the intellectual property rights linked to Dungeons & Dragons, primarily controlled by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, could pose a significant obstacle. These companies have the power to establish the conditions under which their IP can be distributed or transformed, potentially imposing limitations on Larian’s capacity to pursue a Switch 2 adaptation.

While Nintendo’s desire to acquire high-quality titles for its platform is apparent, it remains uncertain whether they have contributed to impeding this collaboration from coming to fruition. The idea of a renowned RPG joining the Switch 2 collection appears mutually advantageous, yet hurdles continue to exist.

Despite the ongoing stalemate, the aspiration of playing a Faerûn adventure on the Switch 2 is not entirely gone. There is still a chance that Wizards of the Coast could enlist a third-party developer to manage the porting process independent of Larian Studios. However, Vincke’s vague reply suggests that if a Switch 2 version were genuinely in development, he likely would have hinted at it more explicitly.

To conclude, while the potential for Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Switch 2 looks hopeful, the elements impacting this decision are multifaceted. As enthusiasts of the franchise look forward to more updates, the desire to see their beloved RPG on Nintendo’s newest console continues, longing for what could become a revolutionary gaming experience.

New details keep emerging about Larian Studios’ upcoming RPG, thanks to a [January AMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1q870w5/larian_studios_divinity_ama/) with several leads from the development team on Reddit. The game is currently in full production, and the creators of [Baldur’s Gate 3](https://kotaku.com/baldurs-gate-3-bg3-review-dungeons-dragons-rpg-larian-1850726491) are considering the timing for revealing the initial glimpses of actual gameplay. In the meantime, there are plenty of insights to digest from the latest Q&A, including discussions on co-op play, companion romances, and a potential Switch 2 port. Here’s everything new we recently discovered [about Divinity](https://kotaku.com/divinity-larian-trailer-turn-based-rpg-release-date-2000653105).

## Hand-crafted loot could make a comeback
Loot in *Divinity: Original Sin 1* and *2* was randomized, but Larian aims to implement a system similar to *Baldur’s Gate 3* for *Divinity*. “The *BG3* strategy of handcrafting every magic item was effective, and it’s something we’ve aspired to for *DOS2*,” stated head of design Nick Pechenin. “What we found while working on randomized loot for *DOS1* and *DOS2* is that complete randomization often leads to confusion, prompting us to create more rules and predefined patterns to enhance its intentionality. Ultimately, randomization didn’t save us as much time as we expected.”

## It’ll be developed with the same engine as *Baldur’s Gate 3*
Larian will continue to refine its existing Divinity Engine for the new game. It is not transitioning to Unreal Engine like some other RPG developers.

## Native keyboard movement controls?
Head of gameplay Artem Titov simply stated “no.”

## Naturally, *Divinity* will feature co-op
Following the trend of earlier titles, the next RPG will also support multiplayer at launch. “The number of players participating will depend on the final party size,” stated scripting director Bert Stevens. “However, since modding is part of this project as well, players will essentially have the freedom to expand this. There is no strict limit to the number of co-op players.”

## The aim with gameplay is to “embrace the chaos”
For those who enjoy completing quests in non-linear ways and forging their own path through a game, *Divinity* will uphold Larian’s tradition of embracing unique player behaviors. “The first thing we usually do during playtests is to run scenarios out of order, break them in every possible way, and see how far we can stretch the limits of what’s feasible,” noted writing director Adam Smith. “The greatest satisfaction I get is witnessing someone stray so far off the standard path that they believe we’ve lost track of them, only to discover something we placed there specifically for them.”

## *Divinity* might include swimming?
When a fan inquired about the new *Divinity* mechanic that Larian is most proud of, Pechenin provided a vague response. “There was something that troubled me while exploring the initial areas of *DOS1*, *DOS2*, and *BG3*,” he wrote. “It’s obvious if you think hard about it. In *Divinity*, I can finally accomplish what I wanted to do in all previous games.” Given that all three games begin near a beach, some speculate he refers to finally being able to dive into the water.

## It’s eliminating the magic armor system
*Divinity: Original Sin 2* introduced a mechanic separating armor for physical and magical damage. Thankfully, this will not be present in *Divinity*. “There will be methods to shield your characters from damage, but you won’t need to wait before you can unleash your exciting skills on enemies,” Pechenin wrote. “We are still developing a system that ensures you’ll need to exert more effort to stunlock solo bosses with level 1 skills, but it will not be linked to damage.”

## What about the tone?
The initial cinematic trailer presented a very dark and R-rated atmosphere. Will the remainder of the game follow that theme? According to Smith, *Divinity* definitely aims to be more “grounded” and incorporate some “folk horror elements,” while still containing ample humor, tragedy, and other emotional nuances. “I laughed out loud while reviewing a dialogue this morning!” he wrote. “I mentioned in a response to another question that a game of this scale needs significant tonal diversity.”

## How will the camera function in *Divinity*

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**Larian Studios: Advancing Companion Dynamics in RPGs**

Larian Studios, famous for its achievements with titles like *Baldur’s Gate 3* and the upcoming *Divinity*, recently conducted a Reddit AMA where the team shared their perspectives on narrative and character development. The discussion spanned a wide range of subjects, including the studio’s creative implementation of generative AI, ambitions for future endeavors, and insights gained from their thirty-year experience in game development.

A key takeaway from the AMA was the emphasis on enhancing the dynamics of companion relationships within their titles. Senior writer Kevin VanOrd highlighted the necessity of developing deeper, more intricate interactions among companions, striving to go beyond simple exchanges to forge genuine connections that reflect authentic friendships and rivalries.

### Companions and Their Relationships

VanOrd identified two primary areas for enhancement: improving companion interactions and adopting a more gradual approach to romantic relationships. He pointed out the studio’s objective to enable companions not only to develop relationships with the player but also to establish significant connections with one another. This signifies a wish for characters to feel more woven into the narrative rather than functioning as standalone figures.

Inspired by successful games like *Dragon Age: The Veilguard*, he noted that RPGs can greatly benefit from depicting character relationships that naturally evolve, regardless of the player’s influence. Scenarios like a mutual interest between characters can provide substantial backstory and enrich their interactions.

### Managing Romance in Upcoming Titles

Another important point raised was the pacing of romance in *Baldur’s Gate 3*. Certain players believed that characters like Gale and Halsin declared their affections too soon, resulting in a view that the romantic aspects felt somewhat contrived. To address this, Larian Studios acknowledged that rapid expressions of love were initially tied to a glitch in the game’s approval mechanism, and they are dedicated to embracing a more nuanced strategy in *Divinity* and forthcoming titles. The goal is to cultivate player relationships more subtly, encouraging a sense of organic development.

By considering players’ feedback regarding the sometimes overwhelming romantic pursuits, Larian aims to construct a more immersive emotional journey where players perceive their interactions with companions as significant and earned.

### Conclusion

The insights shared by Larian Studios in their recent Reddit AMA highlight a growing understanding of character dynamics in contemporary RPGs. By concentrating on more profound companionship interactions and reimagining the way romance develops, Larian is not only striving to enhance player engagement but also to transform the narrative frameworks that characterize role-playing games. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the studio’s dedication to refining character relationships signifies a major advancement toward creating more realistic and compelling storytelling in the genre.

As PC components such as RAM continue to be consumed by AI hyperscalers, resulting in increased costs and dwindling supplies, a major electronics retailer in Japan is depleting its inventory of computers and parts, urging customers to sell them their old PCs.

In recent months, the expense of building or upgrading a PC has risen. A primary factor contributing to this is AI-oriented tech firms acquiring PC components for the establishment of extensive data centers. It has become quite costly and difficult for the average consumer to purchase PC RAM and graphics cards, as companies like Micron cease to sell to individuals and increasingly concentrate on large corporations that purchase in large quantities. Prebuilt PCs from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Asus are also anticipated to experience a price hike of 15 to 20 percent, as reported by *PC World*. All these factors, along with tariffs creating additional issues, have resulted in a scarcity of PC parts and computers on store shelves, compelling one retailer to solicit the public for hardware.

On January 7, as noted by *PC-Watch* and *Tom’s Hardware*, Sofmap Gaming, a prominent electronics retailer in the Akihabara area of Tokyo, issued a somewhat urgent request. Here is the tweet text translated via machine translation:

“Um, as a favor, if you acquire a new PC, please sell your gaming PC to our company. We purchase them back at quite favorable prices. Whether it’s a gaming desktop or a laptop, or even a standard non-gaming one, we virtually buy any PC.”

Accompanying the tweet was an image of what seems to be a largely vacant shelf inside Sofmap Gaming with merely a few PCs and monitors remaining. “Gaming PCs, even second-hand ones, are truly out of stock at the moment. This is all we have,” stated Sofmap Gaming. The account is also engaging with nearly every user who responds with inquiries about what they can sell and the potential value.

With some analysts suggesting that the persistent demand for memory and other PC components, including GPUs, may persist as an issue until 2026 and possibly 2027, now could be an opportune moment to begin searching your home for any random pieces of hardware gathering dust. If the components aren’t too outdated, they could be worth a significant amount soon.

### GameStop’s Strategic Adjustments and Ryan Cohen’s Ambitious Aspirations

GameStop has encountered considerable obstacles in recent years; however, CEO Ryan Cohen appears ready to possibly reap a monumental payout linked to the company’s stock performance. Recent disclosures suggest that if GameStop achieves a market capitalization of $100 billion, Cohen could receive an astonishing $35 billion. Nevertheless, this lofty target presents a significant obstacle, as GameStop’s current market valuation sits at roughly one-tenth of that amount.

#### Store Closures and Trade-In Incentives

Cohen’s approach to elevating the company’s worth encompasses shutting down hundreds of retail outlets and enticing customers with a 20 percent trade-in incentive through QR codes. Although exact closure figures remain unclear, a blog monitoring GameStop locations suggests that about 400 stores might close by the month’s end. This marked decline in physical presence highlights the drastic steps GameStop is prepared to take to adjust to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Customer frustration is evident, particularly as the closure announcements coincided with trade-in vouchers at impacted stores. Social media platforms, including the official GameStop Reddit, have witnessed users articulating their dissatisfaction and even canceling pre-orders in light of the company’s strategies.

#### Financial Difficulties and Prospective Strategies

A December 2025 SEC filing clarifies the company’s recent trajectory, reporting 590 store closures last year. The filing also mentions plans for “an additional considerable number” of store closures in fiscal 2025, concluding on January 31, 2026. This underscores a persistent trend of downsizing, both domestically and internationally, with the company having exited markets in Austria, Ireland, and Switzerland and scaled back operations in Germany and Italy.

#### Marketing Initiatives to Reinvigorate Brand Engagement

In light of these closures and to rekindle consumer interest, GameStop has initiated marketing efforts designed to regain attention for its stores. Partnerships with well-known influencers, such as Casey Neistat and Mega64, reflect an endeavor to connect with a younger demographic increasingly responsible for gaming purchases. Notably, the recent “trade anything day” event highlighted the company’s eagerness to appeal to a wide customer base, as evidenced by the eclectic items exchanged, including sex toys.

Furthermore, during the introduction of a new trade-in program, GameStop celebrated a milestone achievement with a record-breaking $30,000 in trades linked to the initiative.

#### Conclusion

GameStop’s trajectory illustrates the intricacies of adjusting to a swiftly changing retail landscape. Under Ryan Cohen’s guidance, the company is striving for a comprehensive transformation to improve its market standing and potentially achieve his remarkable compensation package. As GameStop maneuvers through store closures and strategic alterations, the upcoming months will be crucial in assessing whether these initiatives will culminate in the sought-after market cap and increased sustainability for the brand in the gaming sector.

# First New Game+ Showcase Reveals Huge Open-World RPG: Crimson Desert

Yesterday saw the launch of the New Game+ Showcase, an event that introduced various upcoming games directly from multiple content creators, removing the need for standard gaming presentations. Although the format faced criticism for being more akin to a podcast than a showcase, it did provide captivating previews of several titles, including those eagerly awaited for 2026. A notable announcement was the unveiling of **Crimson Desert**, an extensive action-adventure RPG developed by Pearl Abyss, the talent behind the acclaimed **Black Desert Online**.

## Crimson Desert: A Realm of Grand Scale

Scheduled for release on **March 19, 2026**, **Crimson Desert** promises a vast game world that has sparked interest and excitement within the gaming community. During the New Game+ Showcase, PR spokesperson Will Powers asserted that the game boasts “twice the playable area of Skyrim” and “a map larger than Red Dead Redemption 2.” This claim positions **Crimson Desert** among the most significant open-world RPGs on the horizon.

### The Dimension Discourse

Pearl Abyss’s ambitious declarations regarding the game’s size led to conversations among both supporters and naysayers. While the marketing team strives to entice prospective players with impressive statistics, it is crucial to contemplate the ramifications of such expansiveness. Larger maps do not inherently translate to a richer gameplay experience. Powers acknowledged this concern, stating, “Size doesn’t really matter if there’s nothing to do.” He underscored the significance of creating an interactive world filled with captivating activities, a sentiment shared by many gamers.

### Engaging Gameplay

Streamer Luality actively engaged during the showcase, challenging Powers on the nature of interactions players could anticipate within this vast world. Players wonder if they will be able to battle dragons or partake in deeper interactions with NPCs, such as romantic liaisons. While Powers underscored the game’s “extensive crafting systems,” he did not elaborate on many other unique gameplay elements.

This brings up vital questions about how **Crimson Desert** will make use of its extensive map. A large, vacant world risks becoming tedious unless enriched with significant content and activities. The gaming industry has seen numerous instances where expansive open worlds fell short in substance, highlighting the necessity for developers to build engaging environments teeming with purpose and interaction.

## The Path Forward

The visuals showcased in trailers depict a beautifully designed world and impressive combat mechanics. The possibility of dragon-riding certainly enhances the appeal, but the real test lies in how **Crimson Desert** turns its vast landscapes into a captivating experience.

As the release date draws near, fans will undoubtedly compare it to other monumental open-world titles, evaluating how effectively it balances size with depth. In recent years, the gaming community has increasingly prioritized meaningful interaction over mere scale, making it vital for **Crimson Desert** to provide not just an expansive map, but a world filled with activity and significance.

The inaugural New Game+ Showcase has paved the way for what could become a pivotal entry in the RPG genre but leaves the essential question unanswered: will **Crimson Desert** meet its aspirations of both vastness and engaging gameplay? Only time will reveal this as the gaming community eagerly anticipates its March launch.

The acquisition of *Polygon* by Valnet, a Canadian media firm, represented a major turning point for the gaming platform, similar to an unexpected plot twist in a video game storyline. This shift came after a series of secretive negotiations and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that left many staff members uninformed, uncertain of their future amid the ownership transition. Maddy Myers, the previous deputy editor at *Polygon*, voiced her bewilderment over who knew about the forthcoming sale and its repercussions, emphasizing a widespread feeling of discomfort among the employees.

Following the acquisition, Valnet carried out significant layoffs, impacting the majority of *Polygon*’s staff, including all union members. The rapid shift from a well-established editorial team to a dependence on underpaid freelancers raised alarms concerning the quality and integrity of the content being created. Zoë Hannah, the former games editor at *Polygon*, characterized the management’s strategy as manipulative, utilizing key personnel as leverage to swiftly assemble the new team of contractors.

As the reality of their situation became apparent, both Myers and Hannah recognized they could not persist in an environment that had abandoned its core values of community and ethical journalism. Myers openly shared her emotional distress regarding the layoffs of her peers and her choice to depart after observing the chaos resulting from the sale.

In response to these obstacles, both former editors decided to forge a new path by launching a website named *Mothership*, designed to amplify voices often overlooked in gaming media—especially through the perspectives of gender and identity. They envisioned it as a platform akin to *Teen Vogue*, but specifically tailored for the gaming community. Their aim was to emphasize comprehensive reporting and insightful criticism over the fast-paced clickbait commonly found in the industry, which they had both become disenchanted with.

*Mothership* is gearing up to debut with a variety of content, including podcasts and videos, while remaining anchored in written journalism. This platform seeks to foster an inclusive atmosphere for diverse identities in gaming, filling a void left by other outlets that have succumbed to homogenizing pressures from social media and advertising demands. By prioritizing subscriptions over ads, *Mothership* aspires to create a sustainable model focused on quality journalism.

As the digital games media landscape transforms, *Mothership* emerges alongside a growing number of independent outlets exploring alternative routes. The site is joining others such as *Aftermath*, *Second Wind*, and *Rogue*, all initiated in reaction to shifts in traditional gaming journalism. With its unique emphasis and dedication to diverse narratives, *Mothership* aims to challenge the prevailing norms in gaming media and cultivate a community that embraces a myriad of identities and experiences.

Myers and Hannah are not just responding to the difficulties of the current media climate; they are proactively attempting to reshape it. By establishing *Mothership*, they are not only looking to fill a gap but are also confronting the pushback against feminist discourse in gaming journalism. Their launch signifies a reinvigoration of the commitment to inclusivity in terms of gender and identity within a space that has often sidelined these perspectives. The creation of *Mothership* represents a promising outlook for the future of gaming media—one that honors diversity and champions rigorous, ethical journalism.

**The Uncelebrated Champion: Wyll’s Path in Baldur’s Gate 3**

In the vast realm of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, players set off on an epic adventure along the Sword Coast, assembling a varied group of allies, each with intricate backstories and captivating narratives. Among this vibrant ensemble, Wyll, the Warlock, emerges as a character who, despite his compelling design and role, garnered noticeably less focus and content than his counterparts.

Wyll’s character experienced notable transformations before the game’s official release in 2023. The developers at Larian Studios acknowledged that his original storyline from the early access version was not having the desired impact. Although his character design, Warlock class, and recruitment setting remained unchanged, his narrative was entirely reconstructed, with changes to his voice actor and stronger ties formed with other characters, especially the Tiefling ally, Karlach.

During a live Reddit AMA, Larian’s team discussed the difficulties surrounding Wyll’s development. Senior writer Kevin VanOrd shared insights into the unfortunate timing of Wyll’s character evolution, which aligned with the finalization of other companions’ narratives. As some key plotlines intended to involve Wyll were ultimately removed, the character’s role seemed limited. To add to the complications, VanOrd also dealt with health issues during crucial periods, which contributed to delays in expanding Wyll’s story.

VanOrd confronted the challenges straightforwardly, stating, “We weren’t connecting with Wyll’s Early Access recruitment and initial questing, so we started over…” He admitted that significant decisions were made later in production that impacted Wyll’s assimilation into the overarching story. Despite efforts to link Wyll’s character to pivotal events—like the legendary Red War College—these plans were curtailed, resulting in a less fleshed-out narrative arc for the Warlock.

The narrative complexity of Wyll’s journey is divided into two separate storylines—the Mizora story and the Ravengard story—which VanOrd believed could have been a miscalculation. He expressed a desire for a more satisfying resolution for Wyll, who, depending on player choices, can conclude his journey as the “Blade of Frontiers” without significant character development. Nevertheless, VanOrd takes pride in Wyll, praising his genuineness and heroism, while lamenting the inability to offer players more substantial content.

Following the launch of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, Larian has introduced additional content for Wyll and other companions. However, there persists a sense that Wyll is somewhat eclipsed in comparison to his party members. Players who have invested their time in Wyll have voiced their disappointment, especially when observing increased character interactions and narrative richness given to others in the game.

In conclusion, Wyll’s story is one marked by both ambition and circumstance. The character’s complexity and the hurdles encountered during development reveal the intricate nature of crafting immersive and impactful narratives in contemporary gaming. While he may not have received the same degree of emphasis as other companions, Wyll’s authenticity and the development team’s commitment to him guarantee he remains a noteworthy aspect of the *Baldur’s Gate 3* journey.

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