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# Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Summary

Hello, it’s Zack here, your weary yet persevering *Kotaku* writer overseeing Morning Checkpoint while Ethan is busy at GDC. Today’s lineup includes news on a leaked PlayStation-themed Lego set, a peek at some terrible AI-generated guides, and insights from a former *God of War* writer who believes the sex mini-games should be reinstated in the remake. This is the newest edition of Morning Checkpoint, *Kotaku*‘s everyday summary of gaming news, rumors, and culture. And before we proceed, I came across this image of Donkey Kong without fur today, and it made me feel down. [I’m sharing it with you so I don’t suffer alone](https://bsky.app/profile/jongraywb.blacksky.app/post/3mgs5tc3jbs22). Enjoy!

## *God of War* Sex Mini-Games Were “Primarily Developed by Women”

According to *Eurogamer*, *God of War Ragnarök* writer Alanah Pearce said during a livestream that the notorious sex scene mini-games in the earlier *God of War* titles were “primarily developed by women” and [should be included in the remakes](https://kotaku.com/original-god-of-war-trilogy-getting-a-full-remake-2000668356). She collaborated with one of the women involved in creating the older games and the sex scenes. Pearce noted that the developer was “quite proud of it.”

“Indeed, when you enter, I believe it’s Aphrodite’s chamber, this was designed—once more, with a group of women—to resemble a labia. Like, it’s genuinely constructed to evoke a vagina. And it was the women who accomplished that,” Pearce asserted. “When you observe it, it’s logical, but I feel as though many people overlooked that.”

Pearce believes that the *God of War* sex mini-games should be featured in the remakes, adding that while the scenes may be “somewhat silly,” they nevertheless “belong” in the games. She also doesn’t perceive them as “disrespectful to women” and feels they reveal a great deal about Kratos as a character and an individual at that stage in the franchise. [*Kotaku*’s Kenneth Shepard shares her view](https://kotaku.com/god-of-war-ps5-remake-trilogy-sex-minigames-censored-2000669769).

## Lego Original PlayStation Console Set Leak

Lego and Sony are reportedly collaborating on a PlayStation 1 Lego set, according to leaker lego_minecraft_goat on Instagram. Sources say the PS1 set will retail for $160 and will consist of 1,911 pieces. The set is expected to launch in December.

## *Fortnite*’s Original Mode Will Finally Be Free Next Month

Today, *Fortnite* is widely recognized as a battle royale game (along with being a rhythm game, a racing game, a Lego-themed survival game, and more). However, that wasn’t always the case. It initially debuted in Early Access as a survival crafting game focused on loot and fending off hordes of zombies. When the battle royale mode skyrocketed in popularity in 2017, the original game was rebranded as *Save the World* and has undergone various updates since. Now, this segment of *Fortnite* is set to go free-to-play in April.

## Amazon is Overrun with AI-Generated Guides

AI-generated content is spreading and tarnishing more parts of our world. This includes video game guides, which are still available for purchase on Amazon. However, as reported by *Aftermath*, numerous guides for titles like *Resident Evil Requiem* and *Pokopia* are AI-generated and filled with inaccuracies and omissions.

Customers who have purchased these physical guides report that they often lack images and consist solely of supposedly AI-generated or plagiarized text. In some cases, the guidebooks are said to abruptly end because the AI exhausted its information due to embargoes preventing sites from providing details about a game beyond a certain point. Welcome to the future, it is quite disappointing.

## In Case You Missed It:

Check this out:

Marvel Rivals developers NetEase have introduced new systems for detecting thrown matches. This follows a bizarre wave of people getting bribed to take a fall, instigated by a third-party website who are now advertising themselves as some kind of community advocacy initiative.

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### Revitalization of a Hidden Treasure: The Revival of *Star Wars: First Assault*

In a remarkable show of commitment, a collective of enthusiasts has successfully brought back the Xbox 360 technical beta of the never-launched *Star Wars: Battlefront III* predecessor, *Star Wars: First Assault*. This revival has sparked significant excitement within the gaming community, emphasizing the fervor for the *Star Wars* universe and its possibilities in the gaming domain.

#### The Revival Journey

According to *Time Extension*, these passionate fans have succeeded in making *Star Wars: First Assault* playable on PC, even incorporating online multiplayer capabilities. However, getting the game to run is not a simple task; it necessitates a specific version of the Xbox 360 emulator, Xenia. Fans prepared to embark on this journey can access a somewhat erratic view into a game that never made it to release.

For those keen on experiencing this revival, guidance links are available, though the technical challenges involved might not be minor for the average user. Still, this effort illustrates the strong desire for *Star Wars* gaming experiences that fans are eager to delve into.

#### A Concise Background on *Star Wars: First Assault*

The initial public awareness of *Star Wars: First Assault* surfaced in 2012 via a leaked Xbox Live Arcade listing. Reports indicate that the game was planned as a downloadable multiplayer-only first-person shooter (FPS), accommodating up to 16 players with gameplay featuring Rebels and Stormtroopers. Insiders suggested that *First Assault* was intended to act as a “step zero” that could potentially pave the way for the full launch of *Star Wars: Battlefront III*, predicated on its commercial viability.

Regrettably, the game’s development encountered considerable obstacles. In 2013, shortly following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the controversial decision to close down LucasArts was made, resulting in the cancellation of several projects, including *Star Wars: First Assault* and *Star Wars 1313*. This decision abruptly halted the production of these eagerly awaited titles, leaving fans yearning for what could have been.

#### Current State of *Star Wars* Gaming

In recent times, the *Battlefront* franchise has experienced a revival under EA and Dice, yet prospects for future *Star Wars* FPS titles remain ambiguous. In 2024, further disillusionment surfaced as EA scrapped a planned *Star Wars* shooter from Respawn, the developers responsible for *Titanfall*. This trend indicates that although the *Star Wars* franchise maintains commercial viability, the path to new gaming experiences might be laden with difficulties.

Despite these obstacles, the revival of *First Assault* has afforded fans a singular chance to interact with a piece of gaming history that was nearly lost forever. For those nostalgic for *Star Wars* FPS escapades, this fan-led initiative provides a thrilling glimpse into an alternate reality of the franchise.

#### Final Thoughts

The revival of *Star Wars: First Assault* stands as a testament to the unwavering enthusiasm of *Star Wars* fans and the potential for fan-initiated projects to sustain the essence of cherished franchises. While the future of *Star Wars* gaming may be unpredictable, the endeavors to resurrect past projects keep the legacy alive, allowing fans to engage with the universe they cherish. For now, players can experience this extraordinary title as a new avenue for exploration and adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Slay The Spire 2 launched into early access last week to the tune of over half a million Steam concurrents, which isn’t too shabby for a game with placeholder art that looks like it was knocked up in MS Paint. I played a couple runs of the roguelike deckbuilder this weekend, and experienced such positive emotions as Wait, Doesn’t This Basically Break The Game? Delightfully Devilish, Seymour and Oh, I Forgot I Had That Potion.

I wouldn’t say I’m bowled over, mind. The original Slay The Spire precipitated a Cambrian explosion of roguelite or roguelike deckbuilders. The sequel has to stand apart from both its predecessor and from all the games Spire has in-Spired, like Monster Train. While not without precedent, the co-op functionality could be its silver bullet. So it’s just as well that the game’s first round of patches are targetting problems with multiplayer.

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# The Effect of “Drag Path” and the Themes of Grief in Twenty One Pilots and Pokémon Pokopia

The alternative duo Twenty One Pilots encapsulates the profound emotions associated with grief in their song “Drag Path.” This piece delves into the lingering memories and tangible traces of lives that once existed, relating to experiences of mourning and remembrance. The phrase “drag path” itself conjures vivid imagery—denoting the actual marks left behind by something that was once there but has disappeared. As the song gained traction on social media, it evolved into the backdrop for users sharing videos that showcase unintentional memorials to departed loved ones, such as gifts intended for those who can no longer accept them or projects left incomplete.

In the moving chorus performed by Tyler Joseph, audiences sense an urgent appeal for connection, a call to follow the remnants left in hopes of rediscovery. Nevertheless, this drag path often signifies more than a mere physical trace; it embodies the lasting influence a lost individual leaves on those who remain. This theme resonates deeply in *Pokémon Pokopia*, a charming life simulation game that subverts conventional Pokémon elements by portraying a world where Pokémon mourn for the humans who once cared for them.

## The Profound Emotional Foundations of Pokémon Pokopia

*Pokémon Pokopia* presents a contemplative experience set in a deteriorated version of the recognizable Kanto region, brimming with ruined landmarks and signs of human absence. The game’s innovative design enables players to assume the role of Ditto, a shape-shifting Pokémon. Through Ditto’s viewpoint, players observe Pokémon longing for their previously vibrant trainers and constructing an atmosphere reminiscent of the past to inspire hope for their return. Pokémon such as Ditto, Chef Dente, and Professor Tangrowth epitomize resilience in the face of sorrow—a homage to their bonds with humans that shaped their identities.

Each character plays a role in exploring the drag path theme by embodying memories and attributes of their absent trainers. For example, the Ditto character transforms into an altered representation of its trainer, manifesting a literal quest for recognition where others can acknowledge their lost companion. Similarly, Chef Dente preserves the culinary legacy of her human partner, thus retaining a trace of the warmth and affection that once existed between them.

## The Importance of Reconstruction

As players partake in the restoration of *Pokopia*, they encounter a substantial sense of fulfillment. The process mirrors the healing that follows loss; it encompasses not only the creation of tangible spaces but also the commemoration of those who once inhabited them. Elements such as aiding Pokémon in building their new homes or uncovering remnants of the past through diary entries deeply immerse players in a world infused with nostalgia and yearning. This foundation of community echoes the sentiments conveyed in “Drag Path,” addressing the idea that physical representations of love and connections persist even after a person’s exit.

Moreover, Pokémon’s diverse personalities illustrate the intricate array of emotions linked to loss, as they each seek solace in recreating the worlds from their recollections. *Pokopia’s* storyline allows for impactful character interactions that illuminate Pokémon’s grief, much like the emotional depth found in *Twenty One Pilots*’ music.

## The Mechanics of Recovery and Community

In its gameplay, *Pokopia* employs mechanics that foster creativity and collaboration in the rebuilding process. As players weave elements of their former world, the game encourages engagement with Pokémon in a manner that transcends traditional gameplay. Constructing and restoring habitats not only activates their roles within their community but also represents the emotional healing players undergo through the game’s narrative.

The deliberate design highlights that while Pokémon are characters within the game, their emotions resonate with real-world experiences of loss and recovery. The idea that reconstructing a community necessitates effort and collaboration reflects the real-life understanding that confronting grief is a shared journey. The interactivity facilitates a stronger emotional bond, satisfying the characters’ desire for companionship and understanding while also allowing players to delve into their feelings regarding loss.

## Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Remembrance

In the end, *Pokémon Pokopia* and the song “Drag Path” collectively portray how memory and loss intermingle with hope and the living essence of relationships. Both works serve as avenues for exploring the depths of grief—a reminder that the paths we leave behind, both emotionally and physically, continue to lead us toward healing. As communities within the game slowly rebuild and progress in the absence of humans, they symbolize the lasting impact of love and friendship—a theme that resonates universally, akin to the heartfelt messages shared by Twenty One Pilots.

In an unusual show of candour, Valve have spoken out publicly against a lawsuit filed in New York, USA that accuses them of “letting children and adults alike illegally gamble” via loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2.

With the caveat that I am no Atticus Finch-esque legal expert or even a Louis Tully-grade bumbler, I find Valve’s rebuttal to be a mixture of whataboutery and tactical mitigation, with a couple of fair points. It basically sidesteps what I think is the lawsuit’s most important argument – that lootbox mechanics are fundamentally manipulative. You can read the thing in full here, or you can read my slapdash summary-with-notes, below.

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Last month, the New York Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit against Valve regarding its implementation of paid loot boxes and item trading in popular titles such as *Counter-Strike 2* and *DOTA 2*. The suit alleges that Valve is promoting gambling through these mechanisms and aims to permanently restrict their usage while levying fines for alleged breaches of New York’s gambling regulations.

In reaction to the lawsuit, Valve released a statement defending its loot boxes, drawing comparisons to traditional real-world items like baseball and *Pokémon* cards. The company stressed that loot boxes are commonly found not only in gaming but across various consumer sectors, where people buy, open, and trade packs and items. Valve pointed out that players can experience its games without making in-game purchases, as all items received from loot boxes are strictly cosmetic and do not influence gameplay. The company asserts that the majority of players do not interact with loot boxes and simply appreciate the game itself.

The suit from the NYAG highlights Valve’s contribution to facilitating gambling through its games and the Steam platform. In its statement, Valve mentioned its collaboration with the attorney general’s office to tackle gambling-related concerns, having deactivated over one million accounts involved in nefarious activities such as fraud and theft linked to gambling sites. Valve claims to have introduced features aimed at obstructing gambling platforms and prohibits any gambling-related sponsorships within its gaming framework.

Moreover, Valve voiced its resistance to proposed limitations that would bar users from trading and selling digital cosmetic items acquired through loot boxes. The company contends that this transferability is a consumer right, likening it to trading physical items like *Pokémon* cards. However, critics have highlighted the contradiction, noting that Valve does not permit users to sell or trade their digital games on Steam, raising questions about the fairness of restricting transferability solely to cosmetic items.

Additionally, Valve responded to assertions made by the NYAG regarding the links between video games and gun violence. The attorney general’s office suggested that Valve’s marketing of violent games adds to a broader epidemic of gun violence in the United States. In its response, Valve emphasized the absence of evidence connecting media consumption to real-life violence, citing studies that suggest potential benefits arising from gaming.

The ongoing legal dispute has triggered considerable debate among gamers and industry analysts, with many acknowledging the legitimacy of concerns surrounding gambling and trading practices while simultaneously recognizing the intricate issues of digital item ownership in gaming.

Sadly, I must report that Edwin has once again been eaten by the Maw. I want to say it was through some devious ruse but, reader, it was not. As Edwin worked the gaps between the Maw’s canines with the 8-foot toothpick, one of the Maw’s smaller tentacles slipped behind our news editor and tapped him on the shoulder. Edwin turned his head. It was only for a moment, but it was all that was needed to gobble him up.

Not to worry, Edwin will surely have worked his way out of one of the Maw’s orifices (orifici?) and be back on duty shortly.

In his stead, let me provide this week’s delivery of games.

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**Controversy Surrounding the Use of Yu-Gi-Oh in Political Messaging**

Recently, the White House attracted considerable attention by integrating elements from pop culture, including the cherished anime and card game franchise *Yu-Gi-Oh*, in a video to promote military actions. This incorporation of *Yu-Gi-Oh* footage was intended to generate excitement for the coordinated military strikes undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran. However, this contentious decision provoked anger among fans and those associated with the franchise.

Dan Green, the voice actor for Yami Yugi in the original *Yu-Gi-Oh* anime series, openly criticized the White House’s action. He described the video as “disrespectful” to the legacy of *Yu-Gi-Oh* creator Kazuki Takahashi, expressing unease regarding the misuse of the character and voice in a context he deemed inappropriate.

In light of the incident, the official *Yu-Gi-Oh* brand issued a statement to clarify that it was not part of the video’s production and had not authorized the use of its intellectual property. The statement stressed that no individuals linked to the original manga or anime were consulted, reiterating a viewpoint increasingly prevalent among intellectual property holders facing similar appropriations by political organizations.

The backlash underscores a broader trend where various pop culture assets are commandeered for political messaging. Critics contend that the exploitation of beloved franchises for these purposes not only misrepresents the original intentions of the creators but also diminishes serious geopolitical matters. While many fans have urged legal action against such usages, especially in high-profile instances concerning brands like Pokémon, not all copyrights have experienced backlash to the same extent. Notably, the Pokémon Company has not yet taken substantial legal measures despite prior occurrences of its materials being appropriated.

The scenario presents a multifaceted ethical challenge for the entertainment industry, as creators balance the delicate line between freedom of expression and the necessity to safeguard their intellectual property from being utilized in controversial political discourses. As discussions advance, the reminder from brands like *Yu-Gi-Oh* marks a crucial moment for both creators and companies, reinforcing a claim of ownership against the backdrop of rising political polarization.

Many moons ago, Mewgenics developer Edmund McMillen successfully lured the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals into developing a vegan parody version of Super Meat Boy, Team Meat’s gut-slathered 2D platformer. Team Meat responded by triumphantly adding a spoof vegan character to Super Meat Boy, the puny and crater-eyed Tofu Boy. As McMillen himself recently recalled on MechaMusk.com, “I personally trolled the peta forums for months seeding info about this ‘ground breaking new indie game coming out soon that must be stopped!; I never thought they would actually take the bait but it was amazing to see and a very fun exchange.”

Well, McMillen and PETA are at it again. PETA have just released a video honouring a character in Mewgenics, which very much isn’t a game that promotes the ethical treatment of animals, or of beings in general.

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