Top Gaming News of the Week: Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Destiny 2 Controversy, AI in Call of Duty, and More!

Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Other Gaming Highlights

A collection of IGN articles covering the new Super Mario Galaxy movie poster, a detailed ending explanation for The Running Man 2025, top budget gaming monitors, and reflections on the sanitization of skate culture and its counterculture roots.

• The Latest Super Mario Galaxy Movie Poster Has Big Super Mario Odyssey Vibes — IGN
• The Running Man Ending Explained — IGN
• The Best Budget Gaming Monitors — IGN
• The sanitisation of Skate reminds me how far counterculture has fallen and how hard it can be to stay inspired — Rock Paper Shotgun

Gabe Newell Delivers a $500 Million Superyacht with Submarine Garage for SteamOS Integration

In celebration of ‘Steam Machine week,’ Gabe Newell acquired an extravagant new superyacht valued at $500 million, complete with advanced features such as a submarine garage, on-board hospital, and 15 gaming PCs. The yacht’s integration with Valve’s SteamOS aims to enhance the gaming experience both onboard and in terrestrial environments.

• Gabe Newell caps off Steam Machine week by taking delivery of a new $500 million superyacht with a submarine garage, on-board hospital and 15 gaming PCs — PC Gamer
• “It just works”: Valve talk the Steam Frame, Android games on SteamOS, and putting a PC on your face — Rock Paper Shotgun

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Introduces Annoying Sidekick, Reveals Additional NPCs

A new trailer confirms that Samus will be joined by an annoying sidekick early in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, while also showcasing the game’s trademark gameplay elements and other NPCs. Critics warn that this addition may detract from the overall experience.

• As Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s ‘Annoying’ Initial Sidekick is Revealed, A Fresh Trailer Confirms Other NPCs Will Join Samus Throughout The Game — IGN
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers the series’ trademark gameplay in spades, but I fear one very annoying addition might derail the whole thing — Eurogamer
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – The Final Preview — IGN

Pluribus Episode 3 Review – ‘Sorry if We Got That Wrong, Carol’

In Pluribus Episode 3 of Apple TV+’s Grenade, Vince Gilligan’s story explores the complexities and misunderstandings surrounding Carol’s character. The episode delves into themes of trust, deception, and redemption as characters grapple with their past actions and uncertain futures.

• Pluribus Episode 3 Review – ‘Sorry if We Got That Wrong, Carol’ — IGN

‘This was the wrong path for Destiny’: After 4 months of dwindling players and community outrage, Bungie admits that The Edge of Fate’s bold new vision for Destiny 2 was a mistake

Bungie has acknowledged its decision to pivot Destiny 2 towards a ‘bold new vision’ with The Edge of Fate as the wrong path, citing dwindling player base and community backlash over the course of four months.

• ‘This was the wrong path for Destiny’: After 4 months of dwindling players and community outrage, Bungie admits that The Edge of Fate’s bold new vision for Destiny 2 was a mistake — PC Gamer

Paralives Delays Life Simulation Revolution, Promises Comeback in 2026

PC Gamer reports that the highly anticipated life simulation game Paralives has been delayed until at least 2026. The developer aims to improve upon previous titles like SimLife and SimLife 2, but acknowledges the need for more time to achieve their vision.

• The life sim revolution may not be over but it will have to wait until 2026, because Paralives is delayed — PC Gamer

Paralives Delayed: Life Sim Design Revealed as Three Games in One

The Paralives life simulation game has been delayed into 2026 due to designers revealing that the title is actually three distinct games combined, and playtests showed it didn’t meet the team’s quality standards.

• Paralives delayed into 2026 as designer explains that life sims are “really 3 games in one” — Rock Paper Shotgun
• Indie Sims-like Paralives delays early access release into next year after playtests prove it “isn’t up to the standard we wanted it to meet” — Eurogamer

‘Misery’ Returns to Steam After Resolving DMCA Dispute with GSC Game World

Following a misunderstanding and subsequent DMCA dispute, the survival crafting game ‘Misery’ has successfully returned to Steam after ending its conflict with GSC Game World.

• ‘We resolved this misunderstanding’: Misery returns to Steam after ending its Stalker DMCA spat with GSC Game World — PC Gamer

Controversial Use of Generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Raises Player Concerns

Eurogamer reports that players of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 have criticized the game’s apparent use of generative AI for generating in-game calling cards, describing it as ‘awful’. The controversy highlights concerns over the integration of AI technology into core gameplay elements.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 players call out “awful” apparent use of generative AI for in-game calling cards — Eurogamer
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 review — Eurogamer

Cyber Bunny Shooter Cicadamata: A Flipping Cool Shotgun and Nu-Marathon Vibes

Cicadamata, a cyber bunny shooter reminiscent of nu-Marathon and Jumping Flash, boasts a standout shotgun. The game combines quirky animal characters with dynamic combat mechanics inspired by classic platformers.

• Cyber bunny shooter Cicadamata reminds me of nu-Marathon and Jumping Flash and has a flipping cool shotgun — Rock Paper Shotgun
• This Cyberpunk 2077 quest mod finally subverts a talking vending machine’s tragic demise with a happy ending — Rock Paper Shotgun

Horizon Steel Frontier may get PlayStation release, studio says it’s not a decision they can make alone

The developer of Horizon Steel Frontier has expressed interest in releasing the game on PlayStation, but emphasizes that the decision is out of their hands. The studio head also clarifies that Horizon was always intended as a multiplayer franchise, following the recent MMO announcement.

• Horizon Steel Frontier developer wants PlayStation release, but it’s “not something we can decide on our own” — Eurogamer
• Sony’s Horizon series was always thought about as a multiplayer game, says studio head, following MMO announcement — Eurogamer

OnePlus 15 Review: Unparalleled Performance and Innovation

IGN’s OnePlus 15 review highlights the phone’s cutting-edge features, including a stunning display, powerful processor, and advanced camera system. The device delivers exceptional performance across all use cases, making it a top choice for tech enthusiasts seeking premium hardware at a competitive price point.

• OnePlus 15 Review — IGN

Arco Review

IGN provides a review of Arco, highlighting its gameplay mechanics, visuals, and overall experience. The article covers the game’s strengths and areas for improvement.

• Arco Review — IGN