The Maw - 11th-16th December 2023

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The Maw - 11th-16th December 2023Our weekly news liveblog

Our weekly news liveblog

Image credit:Jacopo Ligozzi

An old drawing of a four-legged chimera monster with a lion, goat and serpent head

It’s the second to last week before we set down our pickaxes, shoulder our packs and embark on that greatest adventure of all: holiday.The Mawtends to be at low ebb over the Xmas period, because it has a violent allergy to festive cheer. But for the moment, it still clamours for News.

Some game releases we’re pondering this week: squad-based RTSStargate: Timekeepers(12th Dec), Settlers spiritual follow-upPioneers of Pagonia(13th Dec, early access), anime chainsaw metroidvaniaCookie Cutter(14th Dec), “pixel pulp” visual novelBahnsen Knights(14th Dec), and multiversal metroidvaniaTrinity Fusion(15th Dec).

Our live coverage of this event has finished.

09:33 amUTCIT IS MONDAY. Set phasers to “spark joy” and FEED THE MAW.

IT IS MONDAY. Set phasers to “spark joy” and FEED THE MAW.

09:34 amUTCThis morning’s music isAlone in Kyoto.

This morning’s music isAlone in Kyoto.

10:05 amUTCAn SSD is “a must” to play FF16 on PC,according to producer Naoki Yoshida. There’s still no word on when it’s coming, however.

An SSD is “a must” to play FF16 on PC,according to producer Naoki Yoshida. There’s still no word on when it’s coming, however.

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10:31 amUTCI’m always up for witch-themed games and Emberstorm’sReka, which now has a Q2 2024 release window, looks rather special.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

I’m always up for witch-themed games and Emberstorm’sReka, which now has a Q2 2024 release window, looks rather special.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

I’m always up for witch-themed games and Emberstorm’sReka, which now has a Q2 2024 release window, looks rather special.

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10:36 amUTCOoft, one of the developers behind co-op mod Skyrim Togetherhas said they won’t be completing a similar mod for Starfieldbecause “Starfield is ass”. They’re making the code open source, so another modder could jump in and finish it.

Ooft, one of the developers behind co-op mod Skyrim Togetherhas said they won’t be completing a similar mod for Starfieldbecause “Starfield is ass”. They’re making the code open source, so another modder could jump in and finish it.

11:49 amUTCMiniMatt says:one to possibly add to the pile - Railroader - released early access end of last week. seems pitched to appeal to ETS2 people and choo-choo-adjacent people as well as hardcore choo-chooersJust been reading about this on PCG, and yes, those are some mighty fine engines - here’s theSteam page.

MiniMatt says:one to possibly add to the pile - Railroader - released early access end of last week. seems pitched to appeal to ETS2 people and choo-choo-adjacent people as well as hardcore choo-chooersJust been reading about this on PCG, and yes, those are some mighty fine engines - here’s theSteam page.

Just been reading about this on PCG, and yes, those are some mighty fine engines - here’s theSteam page.

11:53 amUTCLethal Company is getting some Xmas-themed content. It’s Lethal Company, so the Xmas-themed content is… not very jolly.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Lethal Company is getting some Xmas-themed content. It’s Lethal Company, so the Xmas-themed content is… not very jolly.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Lethal Company is getting some Xmas-themed content. It’s Lethal Company, so the Xmas-themed content is… not very jolly.

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17:43 pmUTCIt appears that Embracerhave shut down Free Radical, as rumoured. Best of luck to everybody who has lost their job today.

It appears that Embracerhave shut down Free Radical, as rumoured. Best of luck to everybody who has lost their job today.

18:08 pmUTCThe Day Before developers Fntastic have announced that they’re closing doors, following a dismal reception at launch. Best of luck to everybody there too.Official statement.#fntastic#thedaybefore#propnightpic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW— Fntastic (@FntasticHQ)December 11, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

The Day Before developers Fntastic have announced that they’re closing doors, following a dismal reception at launch. Best of luck to everybody there too.Official statement.#fntastic#thedaybefore#propnightpic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW— Fntastic (@FntasticHQ)December 11, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

The Day Before developers Fntastic have announced that they’re closing doors, following a dismal reception at launch. Best of luck to everybody there too.

Official statement.#fntastic#thedaybefore#propnightpic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW— Fntastic (@FntasticHQ)December 11, 2023

Official statement.#fntastic#thedaybefore#propnightpic.twitter.com/AKcRHeIaIW

18:39 pmUTCWe’ve had a tiny tease of some details for the upcoming PC port of Final Fantasy 16, with therecommendation from producer Naoki Yoshida that an SSD is a “must"due to its visual demands.There’s also confirmation that no sequel or spin-off is planned, although if the PC version sells well enough Yoshi-P will apparently consider letting us play as Cid or Jill…

We’ve had a tiny tease of some details for the upcoming PC port of Final Fantasy 16, with therecommendation from producer Naoki Yoshida that an SSD is a “must"due to its visual demands.There’s also confirmation that no sequel or spin-off is planned, although if the PC version sells well enough Yoshi-P will apparently consider letting us play as Cid or Jill…

We’ve had a tiny tease of some details for the upcoming PC port of Final Fantasy 16, with therecommendation from producer Naoki Yoshida that an SSD is a “must"due to its visual demands.

There’s also confirmation that no sequel or spin-off is planned, although if the PC version sells well enough Yoshi-P will apparently consider letting us play as Cid or Jill…

18:41 pmUTCThatnew arachnophobia mode for Lethal Companyis absolutely hilarious, and worth checking out whether you have a fear of spiders or not.Also featured in the game’s new update are gun-toting nutcrackers, paint spray cans and masks to scare your friends even more.

Thatnew arachnophobia mode for Lethal Companyis absolutely hilarious, and worth checking out whether you have a fear of spiders or not.Also featured in the game’s new update are gun-toting nutcrackers, paint spray cans and masks to scare your friends even more.

Thatnew arachnophobia mode for Lethal Companyis absolutely hilarious, and worth checking out whether you have a fear of spiders or not.

Also featured in the game’s new update are gun-toting nutcrackers, paint spray cans and masks to scare your friends even more.

19:17 pmUTCSome more details and the statement from The Day Before devs Fntasticannouncing their closurefollowing the zombie shooter’s disastrous Steam launch - apparently leading to a lack of the funds needed to continue development.“We apologize if we didn’t meet your expectations,” they wrote. “We did everything within our power, but unfortunately, we miscalculated our capabilities. Creating games is an incredibly challenging endeavor.”

Some more details and the statement from The Day Before devs Fntasticannouncing their closurefollowing the zombie shooter’s disastrous Steam launch - apparently leading to a lack of the funds needed to continue development.“We apologize if we didn’t meet your expectations,” they wrote. “We did everything within our power, but unfortunately, we miscalculated our capabilities. Creating games is an incredibly challenging endeavor.”

“We apologize if we didn’t meet your expectations,” they wrote. “We did everything within our power, but unfortunately, we miscalculated our capabilities. Creating games is an incredibly challenging endeavor.”

In case you missed it, John Romeroput out a sequel to his unofficial expansion for the original Doomto mark the shooter’s 30th anniversary.

If you didn’t read it yesterday, I’d highly recommend Jeremony’s wonderful chat with Johnabout the making and legacy of Doom, 30 years on.

08:47 amUTCIT IS TUESDAY.Vivamus moriendum est. Lock X foils in attack position! FEED THE MAW.

IT IS TUESDAY.Vivamus moriendum est. Lock X foils in attack position! FEED THE MAW.

08:53 amUTCYou may have read that Fntastic have closed doors following the disastrous launch of the The Day Before. The DayZ team are making fun of Fntastic’s closure announcement on Xitter. Whatever you think of The Day Before, I’m not sure this is a very charitable response./s🤭pic.twitter.com/xwfNIGpY0W— DayZ 🖥 🎮 ❤️ (@DayZ)December 11, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

You may have read that Fntastic have closed doors following the disastrous launch of the The Day Before. The DayZ team are making fun of Fntastic’s closure announcement on Xitter. Whatever you think of The Day Before, I’m not sure this is a very charitable response./s🤭pic.twitter.com/xwfNIGpY0W— DayZ 🖥 🎮 ❤️ (@DayZ)December 11, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

/s🤭pic.twitter.com/xwfNIGpY0W— DayZ 🖥 🎮 ❤️ (@DayZ)December 11, 2023

/s🤭pic.twitter.com/xwfNIGpY0W

09:03 amUTCThe developer-run websiteVideogamelayoffsestimates that around 9000 people lost their jobs in the games industry this year - taVGC.

The developer-run websiteVideogamelayoffsestimates that around 9000 people lost their jobs in the games industry this year - taVGC.

Alas, the latest Starfield update has gotten rid of the affectionate ghost asteroids that used to pursue certain players through the game - thanksPCGN. I never managed to acquire an asteroid pet myself, despite playing Starfield exclusively in space.

09:26 amUTCOoh, New Blood Interactivehave releaseda free HD remaster of Dusk, together with Steam Workshop tools. Better than the average stocking filler.

Ooh, New Blood Interactivehave releaseda free HD remaster of Dusk, together with Steam Workshop tools. Better than the average stocking filler.

10:51 amUTCStellaris Nexus (aka “4X on fast forward”)launches in early accesstoday.

Stellaris Nexus (aka “4X on fast forward”)launches in early accesstoday.

10:53 amUTCPerhaps needless to say, The Day Before is no longer for sale on Steam. Fntastic (or what’s left of them) areworking with Steam to offer refunds.

Perhaps needless to say, The Day Before is no longer for sale on Steam. Fntastic (or what’s left of them) areworking with Steam to offer refunds.

12:02 pmUTCThe Last Danceis a browser-based, mobile-friendly puzzler about moving some dancers to finishing tiles in the fewest possible tries. It’s part of theConfounding Calendarof daily advent Itch.io releases. Thanks to Alice0 for spotting.

The Last Danceis a browser-based, mobile-friendly puzzler about moving some dancers to finishing tiles in the fewest possible tries. It’s part of theConfounding Calendarof daily advent Itch.io releases. Thanks to Alice0 for spotting.

12:34 pmUTCPopulous-esque village builderKainga: Seeds of Civilizationhas a one-year anniversary 50% discount. I wouldn’t usually post discounts unless they’re an absolute steal for something a lot of people want, but I really liked Kainga’s vibe from the pre-release demo, and am interested to know what others make of it.

Populous-esque village builderKainga: Seeds of Civilizationhas a one-year anniversary 50% discount. I wouldn’t usually post discounts unless they’re an absolute steal for something a lot of people want, but I really liked Kainga’s vibe from the pre-release demo, and am interested to know what others make of it.

14:31 pmUTCZeniMax Workers United have come to a historic albeit “tentative” agreement with Microsoft over the usage of the latest AI tools in their workplace. “Zenimax has agreed to provide notice to the union in cases where AI implementation may impact the work of union members and to bargain those impacts upon request”, reads apress release.

ZeniMax Workers United have come to a historic albeit “tentative” agreement with Microsoft over the usage of the latest AI tools in their workplace. “Zenimax has agreed to provide notice to the union in cases where AI implementation may impact the work of union members and to bargain those impacts upon request”, reads apress release.

15:43 pmUTCAdam says:Whoops there goes E3.Here’sthe story in question. I have officially made it through a whole career in games journalism without physically attending E3. It exists for me only as livestreams, late nights in a sweaty London office, borderline-incoherent emails from editors overseas, and grizzled anecdotes about something called the Saddle Ranch.

Adam says:Whoops there goes E3.Here’sthe story in question. I have officially made it through a whole career in games journalism without physically attending E3. It exists for me only as livestreams, late nights in a sweaty London office, borderline-incoherent emails from editors overseas, and grizzled anecdotes about something called the Saddle Ranch.

Here’sthe story in question. I have officially made it through a whole career in games journalism without physically attending E3. It exists for me only as livestreams, late nights in a sweaty London office, borderline-incoherent emails from editors overseas, and grizzled anecdotes about something called the Saddle Ranch.

17:06 pmUTCThe tearaway folk of Lightbulb Crew have announced a superhero dating sim, Nova Hearts, which is extremely unlike their previous game Othercide -find out more here.

The tearaway folk of Lightbulb Crew have announced a superhero dating sim, Nova Hearts, which is extremely unlike their previous game Othercide -find out more here.

22:07 pmUTCAs Edwin shared earlier, Epic have won a court fight against Google, as a jury as ruled the search giant has an illegal monopoly in its handling of the Play Store. Here’sour own story.

As Edwin shared earlier, Epic have won a court fight against Google, as a jury as ruled the search giant has an illegal monopoly in its handling of the Play Store. Here’sour own story.

22:22 pmUTCBethesda say they’re working onadding city maps and “new ways of traveling” to Starfieldin 2024. Hopefully that doesn’t just mean they’re adding Segways to city streets.

Bethesda say they’re working onadding city maps and “new ways of traveling” to Starfieldin 2024. Hopefully that doesn’t just mean they’re adding Segways to city streets.

22:54 pmUTCThe developers ofMetaphor: ReFantazioat Atlus, many of whom previously worked on the Persona series, have sat down andexplained what the heck their new game isin a new video. I appreciate this.

The developers ofMetaphor: ReFantazioat Atlus, many of whom previously worked on the Persona series, have sat down andexplained what the heck their new game isin a new video. I appreciate this.

23:11 pmUTCSteam seemsto be down at the moment, at least in the UK.

Steam seemsto be down at the moment, at least in the UK.

23:12 pmUTCNew Game+ mode for Alan Wake 2came out yesterday. The mode includes “new videos and manuscript pages” that build on its story. There’s also a new Nightmare difficulty level.

New Game+ mode for Alan Wake 2came out yesterday. The mode includes “new videos and manuscript pages” that build on its story. There’s also a new Nightmare difficulty level.

23:40 pmUTCI have perhaps surpassed my usefulness for the evening, so I will leave you with20 Words // 20 Secondsin which you have 20 seconds to enter 20 words, with each word needing to fulfil a criteria like “Starts with S” or “Includes FF”. Points are awarded based on number of words, word length and time left over. What’s your best score?

I have perhaps surpassed my usefulness for the evening, so I will leave you with20 Words // 20 Secondsin which you have 20 seconds to enter 20 words, with each word needing to fulfil a criteria like “Starts with S” or “Includes FF”. Points are awarded based on number of words, word length and time left over. What’s your best score?

09:04 amUTCIT IS WEDNESDAY. Wake up, sleepies! We must go, yes, we must go at once. FEED THE MAW.

IT IS WEDNESDAY. Wake up, sleepies! We must go, yes, we must go at once. FEED THE MAW.

09:07 amUTCSome morning music:Vamo’alla flamenco, from Final Fantasy 9.

Some morning music:Vamo’alla flamenco, from Final Fantasy 9.

09:08 amUTCEmbracer have at last confirmed the closure of Free Radical Design in a statement toVGC, after staff broke the news on social media.

Embracer have at last confirmed the closure of Free Radical Design in a statement toVGC, after staff broke the news on social media.

09:14 amUTCThere’sa report going aroundthat Insomniac have been hacked, with ransomware group Rhysida gaining access to files for the developer’s forthcoming Wolverine game. Sony have released a statement: “We are aware of reports that Insomniac Games has been the victim of a cyber security attack. We are currently investigating this situation. We have no reason to believe that any other SIE or Sony divisions have been impacted.”

There’sa report going aroundthat Insomniac have been hacked, with ransomware group Rhysida gaining access to files for the developer’s forthcoming Wolverine game. Sony have released a statement: “We are aware of reports that Insomniac Games has been the victim of a cyber security attack. We are currently investigating this situation. We have no reason to believe that any other SIE or Sony divisions have been impacted.”

11:00 amUTCVeil puts Dishonored’s Blink move in Rainbow Six. Can’t work out whether this is genius or a disgrace. Thanks for spotting,PCG.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Veil puts Dishonored’s Blink move in Rainbow Six. Can’t work out whether this is genius or a disgrace. Thanks for spotting,PCG.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Veil puts Dishonored’s Blink move in Rainbow Six. Can’t work out whether this is genius or a disgrace. Thanks for spotting,PCG.

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12:12 pmUTCThis is videogame-adjacent news, perhaps, but D&D publisher Hasbro have announced they’relaying off 1100 staff, just two weeks before the Xmas holiday.

This is videogame-adjacent news, perhaps, but D&D publisher Hasbro have announced they’relaying off 1100 staff, just two weeks before the Xmas holiday.

15:55 pmUTCSome quick, addled thoughts from me on V.A Proxy’s demo.

Some quick, addled thoughts from me on V.A Proxy’s demo.

17:12 pmUTCFallout 4’s next-gen update needs a little longer to cook, Bethesda say - expect a release next year.Thank you for your patience with us as we work on the Fallout 4 next-gen update. We know you’re excited, and so are we! But we need a bit more time and look forward to an exciting return to the Commonwealth in 2024.— Fallout (@Fallout)December 13, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Fallout 4’s next-gen update needs a little longer to cook, Bethesda say - expect a release next year.Thank you for your patience with us as we work on the Fallout 4 next-gen update. We know you’re excited, and so are we! But we need a bit more time and look forward to an exciting return to the Commonwealth in 2024.— Fallout (@Fallout)December 13, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Fallout 4’s next-gen update needs a little longer to cook, Bethesda say - expect a release next year.

Thank you for your patience with us as we work on the Fallout 4 next-gen update. We know you’re excited, and so are we! But we need a bit more time and look forward to an exciting return to the Commonwealth in 2024.— Fallout (@Fallout)December 13, 2023

Rock On this January ⛺️🌙🎶🎸🎮pic.twitter.com/IsjlmZyuGF— PDP (@PDPgaming)December 12, 2023

Rock On this January ⛺️🌙🎶🎸🎮pic.twitter.com/IsjlmZyuGF

17:50 pmUTCGot a Steam Deck? Find yourself weirdly hooked on the smell from its vent? You’re far from alone - but Valve haveasked players to try and resist the alluring scent"for the safety of your health”.

Got a Steam Deck? Find yourself weirdly hooked on the smell from its vent? You’re far from alone - but Valve haveasked players to try and resist the alluring scent"for the safety of your health”.

18:13 pmUTCEscape Simulator, a game that does what it says on the tin pretty darn well, has droppeda free bit of crossover DLC with Among Us. Included is an escape room based on Among Us' spaceship, along with some cosmetics - hats included!

Escape Simulator, a game that does what it says on the tin pretty darn well, has droppeda free bit of crossover DLC with Among Us. Included is an escape room based on Among Us' spaceship, along with some cosmetics - hats included!

18:55 pmUTCAs mentioned earlier, Fallout 4’s next-gen update - including expanded support for 4K and various bug fixes among other additions -will now land sometime in 2024. That puts it within touching distance of the original’s 10th anniversary.

As mentioned earlier, Fallout 4’s next-gen update - including expanded support for 4K and various bug fixes among other additions -will now land sometime in 2024. That puts it within touching distance of the original’s 10th anniversary.

19:30 pmUTCMouse has an immediately striking look,blending Cuphead-like cartoon visuals with the fast-paced first-person gunplay of Doom. It pops with all the energy of a 1930s animation, albeit with the bloody violence of Itch & Scratchy. I can’t wait to play it - though we might have to wait until 2025, devs Fumi Games say.

Mouse has an immediately striking look,blending Cuphead-like cartoon visuals with the fast-paced first-person gunplay of Doom. It pops with all the energy of a 1930s animation, albeit with the bloody violence of Itch & Scratchy. I can’t wait to play it - though we might have to wait until 2025, devs Fumi Games say.

08:21 amUTCIT IS THURSDAY. Plasma armour is charged. Form a phalanx and FEED THE MAW.

IT IS THURSDAY. Plasma armour is charged. Form a phalanx and FEED THE MAW.

08:26 amUTCStarfield’s creative director Has Thoughts on “how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don’t work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know?” The full Xitter thread is worth a look, and doesn’t just read like sour grapes about Starfield’s reception, though I’m sure that’s a factor.Loooong🧵 (1/15) Funny how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don’t work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know? Not a lot.— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh)December 13, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Starfield’s creative director Has Thoughts on “how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don’t work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know?” The full Xitter thread is worth a look, and doesn’t just read like sour grapes about Starfield’s reception, though I’m sure that’s a factor.Loooong🧵 (1/15) Funny how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don’t work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know? Not a lot.— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh)December 13, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Loooong🧵 (1/15) Funny how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don’t work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know? Not a lot.— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh)December 13, 2023

08:28 amUTCShadows of Doubt’s modding update isnow live, allowing you to edit whole cities and weave your own whodunnit mysteries within them.

Shadows of Doubt’s modding update isnow live, allowing you to edit whole cities and weave your own whodunnit mysteries within them.

08:29 amUTCWarframe’s Whispers in the Walls update isalso now live. This is the one about spooky goings on in a weird laboratory. Trailer below.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Warframe’s Whispers in the Walls update isalso now live. This is the one about spooky goings on in a weird laboratory. Trailer below.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Warframe’s Whispers in the Walls update isalso now live. This is the one about spooky goings on in a weird laboratory. Trailer below.

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08:33 amUTCHunt: Showdown has also had amega-updatethat coincides with the beginning of the game’s Tides of Desolation event. Expect maps covered in ash, “major controller changes and major Progression changes, as well as smaller quality of life improvements”.

Hunt: Showdown has also had amega-updatethat coincides with the beginning of the game’s Tides of Desolation event. Expect maps covered in ash, “major controller changes and major Progression changes, as well as smaller quality of life improvements”.

08:35 amUTCIt’s reported that the Epic Games Store will give away 17 games over the Xmas period, starting with a bunch of Destiny 2 expansions. ThanksVGC.

It’s reported that the Epic Games Store will give away 17 games over the Xmas period, starting with a bunch of Destiny 2 expansions. ThanksVGC.

09:16 amUTCWar Hospital has a release date - 14th January. As you can probably guess, it’s a hospital management game set in WW1. It looks a bit like Commandos.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

War Hospital has a release date - 14th January. As you can probably guess, it’s a hospital management game set in WW1. It looks a bit like Commandos.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

War Hospital has a release date - 14th January. As you can probably guess, it’s a hospital management game set in WW1. It looks a bit like Commandos.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

09:34 amUTCThis morning I am mostly listening to the fat beats ofPower Plant, from the Bionic Commando Rearmed soundtrack.

This morning I am mostly listening to the fat beats ofPower Plant, from the Bionic Commando Rearmed soundtrack.

10:45 amUTCA quick piece about a nifty free Itch.io puzzler.

A quick piece about a nifty free Itch.io puzzler.

12:31 pmUTCSome guy called Adam Smith hassaidthat Larian “don’t have any specific plans” for adding new D&D races to Baldur’s Gate 3, but they’re “not saying no”. Seems suss.

Some guy called Adam Smith hassaidthat Larian “don’t have any specific plans” for adding new D&D races to Baldur’s Gate 3, but they’re “not saying no”. Seems suss.

15:37 pmUTCDishonored and Deathloop makers Arkane have shared concept art for their forthcoming Blade game.Your excitement following Marvel’s Blade reveal means the world to us. Here’s some exclusive eye candy from our Art heroes at Lyon! ❤️Want to team-up? Check out Arkane Lyon’s open positions as we’re looking for talents in various disciplines:https://t.co/JZNi6qGbJ4pic.twitter.com/INV3h7u2VG— Sebastien Mitton (@mitmitman)December 14, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Dishonored and Deathloop makers Arkane have shared concept art for their forthcoming Blade game.Your excitement following Marvel’s Blade reveal means the world to us. Here’s some exclusive eye candy from our Art heroes at Lyon! ❤️Want to team-up? Check out Arkane Lyon’s open positions as we’re looking for talents in various disciplines:https://t.co/JZNi6qGbJ4pic.twitter.com/INV3h7u2VG— Sebastien Mitton (@mitmitman)December 14, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Dishonored and Deathloop makers Arkane have shared concept art for their forthcoming Blade game.

Your excitement following Marvel’s Blade reveal means the world to us. Here’s some exclusive eye candy from our Art heroes at Lyon! ❤️Want to team-up? Check out Arkane Lyon’s open positions as we’re looking for talents in various disciplines:https://t.co/JZNi6qGbJ4pic.twitter.com/INV3h7u2VG— Sebastien Mitton (@mitmitman)December 14, 2023

16:43 pmUTCcpt_freakout says:The Blade concept art looks pretty cool!

Will RPS cover Bahnsen Knights? It looks exactly like an RPS kind of game.I am super-keen to cover Bahnsen Knights but it’s a bit of a logjam here - we had a load of meetings today. It’s unlikely to be a bad game - the developer’s previous Mothman project was ace.

cpt_freakout says:The Blade concept art looks pretty cool!

I am super-keen to cover Bahnsen Knights but it’s a bit of a logjam here - we had a load of meetings today. It’s unlikely to be a bad game - the developer’s previous Mothman project was ace.

16:56 pmUTCNetflix have 10 games in development internally, according toAxios, one of which is an “AAA game for PCs”.

Netflix have 10 games in development internally, according toAxios, one of which is an “AAA game for PCs”.

17:14 pmUTCIf you own The Crew but haven’t played it yet, you’ll want to do so soon - Ubisoft havedelisted the game from Steamand announced they’re shutting down servers on 31st March 2024.

If you own The Crew but haven’t played it yet, you’ll want to do so soon - Ubisoft havedelisted the game from Steamand announced they’re shutting down servers on 31st March 2024.

17:58 pmUTCGotsome extensive new footage of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the Suikoden sequel in all but name.

Gotsome extensive new footage of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the Suikoden sequel in all but name.

09:03 amUTCIT IS FRIDAY. Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of Warzone/Warcraft/Total War/Warhammer/Animal Crossing/Earthworm Jim. FEED THE MAW.

IT IS FRIDAY. Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of Warzone/Warcraft/Total War/Warhammer/Animal Crossing/Earthworm Jim. FEED THE MAW.

09:06 amUTCNaughty Dog havecancelledlong-awaited multiplayer offering The Last of Us Online. “We had two paths in front of us,” reads the post in question. “Become a solely live service games studio or continue to focus on single-player narrative games that have defined Naughty Dog’s heritage.”

Naughty Dog havecancelledlong-awaited multiplayer offering The Last of Us Online. “We had two paths in front of us,” reads the post in question. “Become a solely live service games studio or continue to focus on single-player narrative games that have defined Naughty Dog’s heritage.”

Original Duke Nukem dev Scott Miller says that Embracer have laid people off at 3D Realms.

09:14 amUTCTotal War developers Creative Assembly haveformally apologisedto players for what Creative Assembly concedes to be the substandard state of Total Warhammer 3’s latest DLC and Total War: Pharaoh. Amongst other things, Pharaoh owners will receive a partial refund and free DLC, while Total Warhammer 3’s Shadows of Change DLC will receive a major free update.

Total War developers Creative Assembly haveformally apologisedto players for what Creative Assembly concedes to be the substandard state of Total Warhammer 3’s latest DLC and Total War: Pharaoh. Amongst other things, Pharaoh owners will receive a partial refund and free DLC, while Total Warhammer 3’s Shadows of Change DLC will receive a major free update.

12:04 pmUTCDo you play Dave the Diver? Because the latest Steam update brings Dredge crossover DLC. You’ll need to complete the VIP Sammy mission to experience the goods, which include a new weather condition: fog.

Do you play Dave the Diver? Because the latest Steam update brings Dredge crossover DLC. You’ll need to complete the VIP Sammy mission to experience the goods, which include a new weather condition: fog.

12:09 pmUTCDyson Sphere Program’s Rise of the Dark Fog update, aka the combat update, islive now.

Dyson Sphere Program’s Rise of the Dark Fog update, aka the combat update, islive now.

13:45 pmUTCIf you need jollying up on this gloomy mid-December Friday, you might enjoy Completely Fictional Story About A City Inside A Whale - here are somethoughts on the demo.

If you need jollying up on this gloomy mid-December Friday, you might enjoy Completely Fictional Story About A City Inside A Whale - here are somethoughts on the demo.

15:12 pmUTCI’ve been falling behind on my music recommendations. Here’s Stephanie “Quiet off MGS5” Joosten’s cover of"Through the Night"from Quicksilver, as heard in the rickety but endearing Wanted: Dead.

I’ve been falling behind on my music recommendations. Here’s Stephanie “Quiet off MGS5” Joosten’s cover of"Through the Night"from Quicksilver, as heard in the rickety but endearing Wanted: Dead.

16:29 pmUTCIGN havea chat with Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiyaabout why he left Platinum, and what he’ll do next. An excerpt: “PlatinumGames has placed a priority on growing as a company. But I personally have no interest in growing a company for the sake of corporate growth. The desire to make interesting games is the first step for me, so I want to stay true to that.”

IGN havea chat with Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiyaabout why he left Platinum, and what he’ll do next. An excerpt: “PlatinumGames has placed a priority on growing as a company. But I personally have no interest in growing a company for the sake of corporate growth. The desire to make interesting games is the first step for me, so I want to stay true to that.”

16:40 pmUTCAstronimo is out of early access today, and to my undiscerning eye, looks like a spiritual sequel to LittleBigPlanet with a pinch of Kerbal Space Program. Oh heck, that’s probably the headline, isn’t it.

Astronimo is out of early access today, and to my undiscerning eye, looks like a spiritual sequel to LittleBigPlanet with a pinch of Kerbal Space Program. Oh heck, that’s probably the headline, isn’t it.

16:49 pmUTCValve are taking a seasonal approach to Dota 2 bans. Have you been naughty this year?This might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen relating to Dota. Well played Valve.pic.twitter.com/v37jGXHQK1— Richard Lewis (@RLewisReports)December 15, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Valve are taking a seasonal approach to Dota 2 bans. Have you been naughty this year?This might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen relating to Dota. Well played Valve.pic.twitter.com/v37jGXHQK1— Richard Lewis (@RLewisReports)December 15, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Valve are taking a seasonal approach to Dota 2 bans. Have you been naughty this year?

This might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen relating to Dota. Well played Valve.pic.twitter.com/v37jGXHQK1— Richard Lewis (@RLewisReports)December 15, 2023

This might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen relating to Dota. Well played Valve.pic.twitter.com/v37jGXHQK1

Hoping those affected - it sounds like a large number of people, with half the studio rumoured to have been cut - manage to land on their feet soon. What awful timing before Christmas.

17:48 pmUTCUbisoft’s open-world racerThe Crew is shutting down its servers in March. Being an MMO with cars, that means it’ll be impossible to play it after that date. You can no longer buy it, but you have a few more months to take a road trip across its United States if you’re so inclined.

Ubisoft’s open-world racerThe Crew is shutting down its servers in March. Being an MMO with cars, that means it’ll be impossible to play it after that date. You can no longer buy it, but you have a few more months to take a road trip across its United States if you’re so inclined.

17:50 pmUTCI’m seeing in the weekend gently (and seeing off a post-Christmas party malaise) with some Brian Eno - specifically, the soul-cleansing Music for Airports.1/1 (Remastered 2004)Watch on YouTube

I’m seeing in the weekend gently (and seeing off a post-Christmas party malaise) with some Brian Eno - specifically, the soul-cleansing Music for Airports.1/1 (Remastered 2004)Watch on YouTube

I’m seeing in the weekend gently (and seeing off a post-Christmas party malaise) with some Brian Eno - specifically, the soul-cleansing Music for Airports.

1/1 (Remastered 2004)Watch on YouTube

1/1 (Remastered 2004)

Cover image for YouTube video

18:25 pmUTCThere’s some new deets about the upcoming Death Stranding movie, as arthouse darlings A24 (they of Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All at Once)get involved.“We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born," says Kojima.

There’s some new deets about the upcoming Death Stranding movie, as arthouse darlings A24 (they of Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All at Once)get involved.“We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born," says Kojima.

There’s some new deets about the upcoming Death Stranding movie, as arthouse darlings A24 (they of Hereditary and Everything Everywhere All at Once)get involved.

“We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born," says Kojima.

18:57 pmUTCThe head of Larian hasshot down any hope of Baldur’s Gate 3 finding its way to Game Pass- explaining that it’s acceptable for the studio to want to recoup the costs of developing such a big game, especially one that doesn’t have any additional micro-transactions or DLC. Sounds like a good deal to me, honestly.

The head of Larian hasshot down any hope of Baldur’s Gate 3 finding its way to Game Pass- explaining that it’s acceptable for the studio to want to recoup the costs of developing such a big game, especially one that doesn’t have any additional micro-transactions or DLC. Sounds like a good deal to me, honestly.

18:59 pmUTCBattlefield 2042 is set to see in the shooter’s third year with a Season 7 in March. Expect new maps among the offering of “fresh content”.So yes, Season 7 for#Battlefield2042 will be in your hands in March! 🗓️It’ll be a massive Season packed with a whole load of fresh content…including maps!Enjoy the Holiday Protocol event and we will see you in the New Year 🫡pic.twitter.com/tGKF1Y47VS— Battlefield (@Battlefield)December 14, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Battlefield 2042 is set to see in the shooter’s third year with a Season 7 in March. Expect new maps among the offering of “fresh content”.So yes, Season 7 for#Battlefield2042 will be in your hands in March! 🗓️It’ll be a massive Season packed with a whole load of fresh content…including maps!Enjoy the Holiday Protocol event and we will see you in the New Year 🫡pic.twitter.com/tGKF1Y47VS— Battlefield (@Battlefield)December 14, 2023To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Battlefield 2042 is set to see in the shooter’s third year with a Season 7 in March. Expect new maps among the offering of “fresh content”.

So yes, Season 7 for#Battlefield2042 will be in your hands in March! 🗓️It’ll be a massive Season packed with a whole load of fresh content…including maps!Enjoy the Holiday Protocol event and we will see you in the New Year 🫡pic.twitter.com/tGKF1Y47VS— Battlefield (@Battlefield)December 14, 2023

PowerWash Simulator Santa’s Workshop TrailerWatch on YouTube

PowerWash Simulator Santa’s Workshop Trailer

Cover image for YouTube video

13:22 pmUTCThe Universim, a god sim with space exploration, has a 1.0 release date - 22nd January 2024. It’s been in development for a decade. I’ve not played it, but it has a fairly enthusiastic following on Steam.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

The Universim, a god sim with space exploration, has a 1.0 release date - 22nd January 2024. It’s been in development for a decade. I’ve not played it, but it has a fairly enthusiastic following on Steam.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

22:24 pmUTCGodus and Godus Wars, Peter Molyneux’s infamous crowdfunded return to the god game genre,have been removed from sale on Steam. A wonderful excuse to revisit the whole sorry affair.

Godus and Godus Wars, Peter Molyneux’s infamous crowdfunded return to the god game genre,have been removed from sale on Steam. A wonderful excuse to revisit the whole sorry affair.

22:28 pmUTCIt’s DayZ’s 10th anniversary and Bohemia have put together a short video to celebrate. A developer stream is coming on December 21st with new information on the future of the game.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

It’s DayZ’s 10th anniversary and Bohemia have put together a short video to celebrate. A developer stream is coming on December 21st with new information on the future of the game.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

It’s DayZ’s 10th anniversary and Bohemia have put together a short video to celebrate. A developer stream is coming on December 21st with new information on the future of the game.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

22:29 pmUTCDestructive multiplayer shooter The Finals received its firstpost-launch patch yesterday, with some fixes, some quality-of-life changes, animation improvements to make it feel as fast as the beta, and more.

Destructive multiplayer shooter The Finals received its firstpost-launch patch yesterday, with some fixes, some quality-of-life changes, animation improvements to make it feel as fast as the beta, and more.

23:04 pmUTCAs reader PolygonClassicist points out, thenominees for this year’s player-voted Steam Awards are out. A baffling list, I think, but certainly a conversation starter. Starfield for “most innovative”, hm?

As reader PolygonClassicist points out, thenominees for this year’s player-voted Steam Awards are out. A baffling list, I think, but certainly a conversation starter. Starfield for “most innovative”, hm?

23:38 pmUTCWonderful stealth tactics ‘em up Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew got a surprise final update whichadds a modding toolso players can create their own missions.

Wonderful stealth tactics ‘em up Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew got a surprise final update whichadds a modding toolso players can create their own missions.

10:02 amUTCThis week’s liveblog is at an end. The battle against the Maw continueshere.

This week’s liveblog is at an end. The battle against the Maw continueshere.