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Explore a Vibrant, Comic Book-Inspired World of Seashells and Ancient Machines While Pursuing Your Clone

Helix: Descent N Ascent sounds like it should be a mascot platformer starring a jaunty DNA molecule with floating Rayman hands, whose special power is making stuff go up and down. Up and down the evolutionary ladder, even! A platform game in which you can evolve and devolve your character at will, to solve different puzzles? Good lord, we’ll make one million dollars out of this! Somebody get me the CEO of Midway.

Alas for my career prospects, Midway is no more. And Helix is not a mascot platformer, probably to its benefit. As revealed by the new Steam demo, it’s a slow and atmospheric puzzler in which you investigate a fallen civilisation, while chasing your doppelganger. You being a lanky Area-51-looking lad, who acquires paranormal powers and must weave them into solutions for terrain puzzles of the Pressure Plate N Lever variety.

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Previous Leaders of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag and Origins Assume Control of Franchise

**Ubisoft Introduces New Leadership for the Assassin’s Creed Franchise**

Just four months following the surprising exit of former leader Marc-Alexis Côté, Ubisoft has reinstated its leadership for the esteemed franchise, *Assassin’s Creed*. Côté departed amidst accusations of being ousted, and Ubisoft has now tasked three experienced veterans of the series with steering its future under Vantage Studios, supported by Tencent.

On February 23, Ubisoft declared that Martin Schelling, Jean Guesdon, and François de Billy will assume crucial positions in reshaping *Assassin’s Creed*, a franchise that has seen remarkable success in the historical open-world action category. Each leader possesses extensive expertise, having played key roles in some of the franchise’s most acclaimed titles over the years.

**Defined Leadership Roles**

Martin Schelling has taken on the role of head of the *Assassin’s Creed* brand. He is charged with overseeing the franchise’s comprehensive strategy and long-term vision. With a distinguished background as Ubisoft’s chief production officer, Schelling’s 17 years of experience encompass essential production roles on *Assassin’s Creed Revelations*, *Black Flag*, *Origins*, and *Valhalla*.

François de Billy has been named the “Head of Production Excellence.” This ambitious designation reflects his duty to enhance production processes and mitigate any friction within complex workflows. De Billy’s ties to the franchise include serving as production director on *Black Flag*, *Origins*, and *Valhalla*, alongside his positions as executive producer and associate producer on *Assassin’s Creed 2*.

Jean Guesdon returns as the head of content for *Assassin’s Creed*, taking charge of the franchise’s creative direction while aiding individual game development. Having previously been the creative director on *Black Flag* and *Origins*, Guesdon’s familiarity with the franchise is extensive. He momentarily left Ubisoft for Behaviour Interactive in 2023, where he contributed to a promising but ultimately shelved project called “Renaissance,” a voxel-based game reminiscent of *Minecraft*.

**Navigating a Transitioning Phase**

The appointments of Schelling, de Billy, and Guesdon fill a leadership void left by Côté’s exit after nearly 20 years. Côté is reportedly engaged in litigation against Ubisoft for an allegedly forced dismissal, although the company asserts that he was offered a leadership position at Vantage Studios, which he declined.

Ubisoft’s leadership seems eager to sustain the popularity and expansion of *Assassin’s Creed*, particularly as the franchise has faced challenges in delivering a coherent meta-narrative and timely releases in recent times. Plans to link future installments within a larger framework have yielded mixed outcomes.

The franchise’s latest installment, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, has emerged as a considerable success, providing essential support to Ubisoft as it faced financial struggles leading to a significant buyout by Tencent.

**Upcoming Projects in Progress**

As part of the reorganization, Ubisoft has several *Assassin’s Creed* projects in the works, including both multiplayer and single-player experiences. A notable remake of the cherished *Black Flag* is among the projects being developed.

Ubisoft’s shift to Vantage Studios and partnerships enhanced by its Tencent collaboration indicate a committed effort to revitalize its most cherished franchises. This restructuring not only aims to improve operational efficiency but also reinforces its dedication to fostering creative storytelling and captivating gameplay within the *Assassin’s Creed* universe.

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New Blood CEO Questions the Significance of Epic’s Higher Revenue Share for Developers Compared to Steam

Earlier this month, Epic Games Store shyly announced that their free game giveaways are having “a measurable halo effect across the broader PC ecosystem”, increasing the sales of those games on Steam during the offer period. New Blood Interactive’s Dave Oshry has made the same argument a bit less sympathetically: boosting the profile of games already on Steam is the only reason to release anything on the Epic Games Store, even given Epic’s more generous developer revenue share, because EGS sucks.

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Okami Developer Denounces Leakers for Ruining Resident Evil Requiem, Voicing Strong Discontent

**What is the Appropriate Penalty for *Resident Evil Requiem* Informants? Insights from Hideki Kamiya**

Within the gaming community, spoilers can greatly affect the experiences of players. Recently, physical editions of Capcom’s eagerly awaited title, *Resident Evil Requiem*, appeared before its official launch, raising worries about possible spoilers. Hideki Kamiya, the director renowned for his involvement in *Resident Evil 2*, expressed his frustration strongly, indicating that those who divulge such vital information should face strict penalties. He likened the scenario to a previous situation where he believed a magazine spoiled the late-game twist of *Resident Evil 2*. Kamiya’s comments underscore the emotional repercussions for both players anxiously looking forward to a release and the developers dedicated to creating engaging experiences.

**Stability Amid Transformation: *Arc Raiders* CEO Takes on New Position at Nexon**

Following the successful debut of *Arc Raiders*, Patrick Soderlund, CEO of Embark Studios, has taken on a new role at Nexon. His knowledge, gained from extensive experience at EA, will be applied to guide Nexon’s long-term plans and creative direction. While maintaining oversight of Embark and its initiatives, Soderlund’s broadened role signifies a dedication to improving game development practices and nurturing innovation within the organization.

**Evo’s Dedication to Tradition Post-Ownership Changes**

The esports organization Evo has recently transitioned into a full subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Amid concerns from fans regarding possible changes in values, Evo reassured the gaming community that its leadership and core principles would stay consistent. Nevertheless, skepticism remains among fighting game aficionados, with many advocating for a return to grassroots approaches. The ongoing discussion reflects a longing for preservation amidst corporate transformations.

**Anticipation Grows for *Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse* RPG Features**

Recent details about the upcoming *Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse* indicate that the game may incorporate RPG features. Insights from a developer’s LinkedIn profile suggest the addition of 25 characters, branching dialogues, and side quests. The excitement for a retro-themed RPG format could revitalize the series while catering to both longtime fans and newcomers.

***Balatro’s* Update Delays: A Commitment to Future Content**

Developer Localthunk has communicated with the community regarding the postponement of *Balatro*’s update 1.1. In a thoughtful blog entry, they shared reflections on their initial experiences in game development, emphasizing their dedication despite obstacles. While fans await the upcoming content, Localthunk’s promise to the project endures, indicating that new developments are forthcoming.

**Concluding the Updates**

In the realm of gaming, issues such as spoilers, corporate changes, and delays in development continuously influence player experiences and industry dynamics. From the firm responses of developers to the shifting nature of game ownership, the landscape is as complex as the stories woven into the games themselves. Remaining informed and involved with these changes is crucial for the community.

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Explore the Steam Next Fest Demo of The Ratline: A Detective Game Featuring Nazi Fugitive Guess Who Mechanics

Sometimes you get a note through the door, nestled among the bills and flyers for local takeaways. Oi, it says, some priest’s been murdered, and we need you to track down the folks on a list of Nazis he smuggled out of Germany after the war. Ok, you reply, it’s the 1970s and I’ve got nothing better to do.

That’s the setup for Owlskip Games’ The Ratline, the Steam Next Fest demo of which has just put my beleaguered Monday brain to the test.

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Will Wario Make an Appearance in the Super Mario Galaxy Film?

### The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Anticipations for the Upcoming Sequel

The eagerly awaited animated sequel, **The Super Mario Galaxy Movie**, is scheduled to premiere in theaters this April, bringing back cherished characters and welcoming new ones to the franchise. In light of the success of its predecessor, fans are keen to witness how the narrative unfolds in this new cinematic journey.

#### Returning Characters and New Introductions

The film will feature the return of legendary characters such as Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Princess Peach. Moreover, beloved characters including Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and Rosalina are confirmed to appear. These iconic figures have had significant roles in the Mario franchise, and their return is sure to thrill audiences.

In an unexpected turn, a recent leak from the Everyman theater chain has suggested that Wario, a character not previously revealed by Nintendo, will be included. This information stems from a description shared by the theater that states, “After defeating Bowser and rescuing Brooklyn, Mario confronts Wario and Bowser Jr.’s malicious alliance. Now, with his friends and Yoshi by his side, he must thwart their ambitions for world domination.” This indicates that Wario will play a crucial part in the film’s storyline, paving the way for an engaging plot.

#### Significance of Wario’s Inclusion

Wario’s surprising incorporation into the plot opens up intriguing opportunities for the film. Renowned for his mischievous and greedy nature, Wario’s character could bring forth new comedic aspects and challenges for Mario and his companions. His presence alongside Bowser Jr. hints at a powerful alliance that will test the heroes’ resolve and collaboration.

Additionally, Chris Pratt, the voice behind Mario, has hinted that there are further surprises awaiting viewers. While it remains unclear what other characters may arrive, Wario’s presence raises speculation about the possible return of other fan-favorites, such as Waluigi.

#### Excitement and Promotion

As the film’s release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates and trailers that will likely unveil further character surprises and plot insights. The promotional strategy by Nintendo and Universal is anticipated to intensify as April nears, leaving fans eager for sneak previews and teasers that are sure to highlight the film’s remarkable animation and captivating storyline.

#### Final Thoughts

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be an essential viewing experience for fans of the series. With a blend of returning heroes, the introduction of new villains like Wario, and the classic humor and adventure that characterize the Mario franchise, audiences can expect an exhilarating cinematic experience. While we await its release, the excitement keeps building, leaving fans wondering what additional surprises this film might encompass.