Gait Games

Wizard Pool! It is, probably, exactly what you think it is. You are a wizard, and you play pool. Well, admittedly there is a smidge more to it than that, alongside a healthy amount of charm. Styled in a way that looks like an N64 game in the kind of way you remember that era looking rather than how it actually looked, you play as Kue, a budding young wizard tasked by his uncle to complete a trial in the form of a tower filled with magical, illogical pool tables.

Read more

I think as long as you make a new year’s update post before the incredibly arbitrary date of January 13th, you’re still able to do so without me thinking “come on, it’s almost February”, which is exactly what EA did with their new years Sims update post. Perhaps reassuringly, after word came last year of EA’s concerning acquisition, the post opens by doubling down on what the team has previously said regarding staying committed to their values (those values including inclusivity is welcome though I wish they’d be more explicit about who is being included). But the post also, sort of, goes into what’s next for the series.

Read more

Hear ye, hear ye, another extraction shooter is almost upon us, this time the smaller but still quite bold in scope Sand: Raiders of Sophie. Last time I personally heard of this game it was just called Sand, which doesn’t sound great for that whole search engine thing, though I’m not entirely convinced by the subtitle. Anyway, this extraction shooter is set in an alternate 1910 where you get to roam the desert in a steampunky fortress with legs, and it’s got a release month!

Read more

Last year, after a bit of a wait, Silent Hill was released, and with it came some changes to the series. The combat was a lot more actiony, the format for multiple endings was drastically different, but the most obvious change was its setting. We’re not in Silent Hill anymore, Toto! We’re in Ebisugaoka, Japan, also a fictional town, though clearly not a fictional country. And that’s because Silent Hill, the place, is now also Silent Hill, the “phenomenon.”

Read more

**Larian Studios’ Stance on Generative AI in Game Development**

Larian Studios, famed for their celebrated RPGs such as the *Divinity* series, has recently clarified their stance on utilizing generative AI tools in the creation of their upcoming game. During a Reddit AMA, CEO Swen Vincke addressed worries that arose after earlier remarks about the studio’s trials with AI technologies. Initially, Vincke hinted that generative AI could support the creation of concept art and other preliminary production materials. However, after receiving criticism, he reassessed this position, assuring fans that AI-generated content would not feature in the final product.

Vincke asserted that Larian will completely avoid using generative AI for concept art, reinforcing the studio’s dedication to traditional artistic methods. “To clarify and eliminate any doubt, we’ve opted not to employ genAI tools during the concept art phase,” he stated. This choice reflects an awareness of the consequences and criticisms tied to the use of AI, especially regarding copyright and the sources of training data.

Nonetheless, Larian is investigating how generative AI, when exclusively trained on their proprietary material, could enhance elements of the development process. Vincke noted that while generative AI won’t yield creative assets for *Divinity*, the technology could aid in refining concepts and boosting development efficiency. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring that any generative AI utilized complies with copyright regulations and has the consent of original creators.

**Machine Learning Applications Beyond Art**

The head of machine learning at the studio, Gabriel Bosque, provided insight into the practical uses of machine learning (ML) within Larian, particularly concerning cinematics and animation. He mentioned that ML is integrated into their pipeline to improve actor performances through techniques such as cleaning and retargeting motion capture data. This application is crucial, as it demonstrates a method by which AI can enhance human creativity without superseding it, thereby maintaining the game’s artistic quality and integrity.

Historically, game developers have used algorithms and procedural generation to aid in crafting expansive game worlds. However, as technology advances, the ability to produce AI-generated content that satisfies industry standards has come under examination. Concerns regarding the quality and suitability of generative AI outputs continue, especially in domains like NPC dialogue and artistic assets.

**Quality Over Automation**

Writers at Larian have explicitly mentioned that generative AI has not shown efficacy in creating dialogue or content at the quality they demand. Writing director Adam Smith disclosed that efforts to generate text via AI resulted in unsatisfactory outputs. He humorously contrasted his initial drafts, regardless of their roughness, favorably with AI-generated content, underscoring the significance of nuanced human writing in RPG storytelling.

Art director Alena Dubrovina also stressed the studio’s dedication to quality. She reaffirmed their intention not to use AI for producing game assets or models, as they believe such content would not meet the established artistic standards of *Divinity*.

**Conclusion**

Larian Studios is cautiously navigating the changing landscape of generative AI. By focusing on quality and creative integrity, they aim to integrate AI as a tool for enhancing development processes rather than jeopardizing human creativity. With a commitment to transparency and ethical practices, Larian’s approach may set an example for other studios seeking to balance technological advancement and artistic tradition in game development.

Saturdays are for putting your hand in a bucket of ice, swallowing a mouthful of honey and lemon, and breathing a sigh of relief. All that practice you put into your welcome handshake and ‘Here comes trouble!’ paid off. Almost every member of the treehouse has been successfully greeted home.

All bar one. But I’ll get him. I’ll get him good.

Read more

LEGO stands out as one of those exceptional brands that are ageless. Regardless of whether you’re eight or eighty, there’s an undeniable joy in unboxing a package full of organized bricks and transforming disorder into order. LEGO collections are indeed toys, but they also serve as gifts, decorative items, and treasured collectibles. At the core of it all is the building process itself. You can clear a spot on a table or get comfortable on the floor, play your favorite podcast or audiobook, and let your hands take charge. Piece by piece, a recognizable form starts to take shape, and at some point, the outside distractions fade away. Stress recedes, time flows by unnoticed, and you find yourself fully engaged in the simple pleasure of crafting something real.

That sensation is particularly profound when the end result is an icon. Few fictional crafts are as immediately identifiable as the Millennium Falcon, the famed “heap of junk” that managed the Kessel Run in under twelve parsecs. Currently, you can recreate that iconic film history for less, courtesy of a limited-time offer. The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon set is now available at a 20% discount, bringing the price down from $85 to just $68. That’s a savings of $17 for one of the most cherished ships within the Star Wars saga.

### An Ideal Display-Ready Falcon

Primarily designed as a showcase model, this edition of the Millennium Falcon looks amazing displayed on a shelf or desk. The ship is posed at a slight angle, creating the illusion of soaring through space during a maneuver. Standing just over five inches tall, approximately nine and a half inches long, and around seven and a half inches wide, it strikes a commendable balance between intricacy and dimensions. It’s sizable enough to draw attention on your shelf without requiring its own display case—though no one would fault you if you zoomed it around the room a couple of times before placing it down.

The construction includes 921 pieces, encapsulating both the interior and exterior characteristics of the renowned Corellian freighter. Although scale constraints mean the crew is depicted in a more abstract fashion—small stacked round pieces in place of traditional minifigures—the charm remains intact. Even the legendary holographic dejarik game played by Han Solo and Chewbacca is featured.

This particular set also bears historical significance. It was launched to commemorate the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, a collaboration that originated in 1999. At that time, LEGO introduced its inaugural Star Wars sets alongside *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*, introducing fans to brick-built renditions of X-Wings, Landspeeders, and figures like Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. What began as a modest partnership has expanded into a vast collection of well over a thousand sets.

Even with all that history, the Millennium Falcon continues to be one of LEGO’s most emblematic sets—and it’s now available at a more appealing price. If you’ve been on the lookout for the perfect opportunity to enhance your collection, this 20% off promotion could be your signal.

### Elevate Your Gaming with the Samsung Odyssey G50D Monitor

A display can greatly enhance your gaming experience. It serves as the canvas that brings your beloved characters to life, and if your monitor is lagging or failing to meet the quality your games require, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Luckily, enhancing your setup doesn’t need to break the bank. The **32-inch Samsung Odyssey G50D gaming monitor** is currently priced at **$250** on Amazon, thanks to a **42% discount** from its regular price of **$430**. This marks the lowest price noted for this model, presenting an excellent chance for gamers aiming to enhance their gaming sessions. However, such deals often expire quickly, so it’s wise to act promptly.

#### Fluid Gameplay

The Samsung Odyssey G50D features **QHD resolution**, boasting approximately **1.7 times the pixel density** of Full HD, resulting in outstanding picture clarity. Its **IPS panel** ensures bright and vibrant imagery, while the **178-degree viewing angle** provides visibility from various perspectives—perfect for multiplayer gaming, where viewers may not be directly facing the screen. Additionally, with **VESA DisplayHDR 400**, users can experience improved contrast with deeper blacks and brighter whites, enhancing detail visibility during dark and well-lit scenes alike.

Coupled with the remarkable **180Hz refresh rate**, this monitor eradicates lag and guarantees smoother performance in fast-paced games. Its **1ms response time** reduces motion blur, allowing for rapid reactions without delay.

The monitor also supports **G-Sync**, enabling it to align its refresh rate with NVIDIA GPUs, while also incorporating **AMD FreeSync** for stable performance in intricate scenes. This compatibility ensures minimal input lag and enhances gameplay, providing a competitive edge.

#### Extra Features for Comfort

For gamers who engage in extended sessions, the **Eye Saver Mode** is an invaluable feature, minimizing blue light emissions to ensure eye comfort over long periods. Moreover, the ergonomic design of the monitor allows for easy adjustments with a stand that swivels, tilts, and adjusts to match your preferred viewing position. It can even be rotated vertically for reading or participating in video calls.

In summary, if you’re considering an upgrade to enjoy enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay, now is the ideal moment to invest in the **32-inch Samsung gaming monitor**. The current **42% discount** makes it more affordable than ever. For those who may consider the 32-inch model too large, a **27-inch variant** is also offered for **$230**, down from **$350**.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6710/)

**The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: A Comprehensive Examination of an Incredible Bargain**

Computer parts are becoming more and more costly, making selective purchasing crucial for those aiming to construct or upgrade a PC. Thankfully, there is an outstanding bargain on the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor that aspiring gamers and content creators should explore.

At present, you can find the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X for sale at a significantly decreased price of $252 on Amazon, down from its standard retail price of $399. This indicates savings of $147, or a 37% discount. For anyone in search of a high-performance processor, this deal is not to be missed.

### A Robust Processor with Major Discounts

The Ryzen 7 7700X features eight performance cores and sixteen threads, making it a perfect option for those involved in high refresh rate gaming, streaming, and content creation. Whether you’re assembling a new PC from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, outfitting it with the Ryzen 7 7700X guarantees that your system stays responsive and efficient as technology advances.

One of the key highlights of this processor is its capacity to manage several demanding tasks at once. You can run top-tier games, engage in voice chats, surf the web, and even record or stream gameplay—all without noticing a decrease in frames per second (FPS). The extra threads are essential for handling the intricacies of gaming logic while simultaneously supporting various background applications and capture software.

### Upgrade Your Creative Workflow

For individuals who depend on creative software, the Ryzen 7 7700X emerges as a formidable upgrade. Activities like video editing, file conversion, batch photo processing, and 3D rendering all gain from the processor’s high core count and speeds. This means your exports will finalize in a fraction of the time compared to systems with fewer cores, providing a more fluid creative workflow without the annoyance of waiting on progress indicators.

Additionally, this processor allows you to pair it with the latest graphics cards, rapid storage solutions, and multiple monitor configurations, ensuring that it won’t act as a bottleneck in your system’s performance. It’s a fantastic investment for a PC that you aim to further enhance in the future.

### In Conclusion

In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor offers an extraordinary chance for anyone in search of a quick and adaptable PC. With the price currently set at a low of $252, now is the ideal moment to seize this deal before it vanishes. Don’t let the opportunity to elevate your gaming and creative experiences slip away as this year unfolds.

For further details and to make a purchase, visit [Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6712/).

**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.