Daily Gaming Brief

Updated: December 13, 2025

Gate Guard Simulator Delivers a New Twist on Document-Based Gameplay

Gate Guard Simulator is an upcoming simulation game that casts players as a castle gate guard responsible for vetting visitors trying to enter a lord’s domain. Drawing clear inspiration from Papers, Please, it involves verifying family crests, catching criminals, and preventing disease spread. Unlike its inspiration, Gate Guard Simulator adds quirky elements like the option to punish deniers with creative measures such as pillorying or throwing them into a moat. Geese and smugglers also play a notable role in the gameplay.

This game matters because it builds on the popular inspection and decision-making mechanics of Papers, Please, but introduces a medieval setting and unique gameplay tools, potentially appealing to fans of narrative-driven sims. Developed by Redox Interactive and published by Forklift Interactive, Gate Guard Simulator is expected to launch in 2026.

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Sins of a Solar Empire 2 Overhauls Diplomacy to Influence War and Economy

Ironclad Games released a significant update for the space RTS Sins of a Solar Empire 2 focused on diplomacy, an often criticized aspect of 4X strategy games. The update rewires AI behavior, making NPC factions smarter, more tactically capable, and more willing to form alliances or forgive past offenses. More importantly, the economic system now bases resource production on population, making planetary conquest economically damaging and encouraging diplomatic solutions over warfare.

The update also enhances the diplomacy interface with clearer information about offer acceptance likelihood and tradeable influence points. While war remains viable, it’s now costlier, reflecting a more realistic approach to galactic conflict management.

This overhaul matters because it addresses longtime player critiques by making diplomacy a meaningful gameplay path, potentially shifting strategies toward negotiation and alliance-building. The update continues Ironclad’s pattern of frequent post-launch support to refine Sins 2.

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DoomScroll Website Makes Thousands of Custom Doom Levels Accessible in Browser

A newly launched website called DoomScroll enables players to browse and play thousands of user-created Doom WAD levels directly in their web browser. Created by software engineer James Baicoianu and archivist Jason Scott over several years, DoomScroll aims to preserve and showcase decades of community creativity spanning simple maps to total conversions with new art and music.

While some technical limitations prevent all maps from functioning perfectly—highlighted by community members—it remains a comprehensive and accessible archive for one of gaming’s oldest modding communities.

This project matters as it opens a vast library of Doom fan content to anyone with internet access, lowering the barrier for exploring the game’s modding history and possibly attracting new players or modders to the classic FPS.

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Larian’s Divinity Series: A Guide for Baldur’s Gate 3 Fans

Following the success of Baldur's Gate 3, developer Larian Studios is returning its focus to the Divinity franchise, set in the fantasy world of Rivellon. For newcomers interested in exploring this series, starting with Divinity: Original Sin 2 is recommended due to its modern RPG systems and critical acclaim. Its predecessor, Original Sin, offers similar turn-based gameplay but with older design sensibilities. Earlier entries in the series offer varied experiences, including RTS elements in Divinity: Dragon Commander and action RPG mechanics in Divinity 2: Ego Draconis.

The series’ setting features fantasy staples like humans, elves, dwarves, lizard folk, and undead, with storylines involving demonic threats and political intrigue.

This summary is relevant for players eager to understand Larian’s background work and story universe before the upcoming Divinity RPG release, helping them navigate the series’ complex history.

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Epic Games Store Offers Hogwarts Legacy Free for Holiday Sale Launch

To mark the start of its 2025 Holiday Sale, the Epic Games Store is offering Hogwarts Legacy free until December 18. The game has maintained strong player numbers years after release despite controversy around the involvement of J.K. Rowling’s royalties. This marks the first time Hogwarts Legacy has been permanently free to claim on any platform.

Along with discounts, purchase rewards, and gifting now available on Epic, this promotion highlights ongoing efforts by digital stores to attract and retain players through free content and enhanced user options.

The giveaway is significant as it provides new players access to a major title with sustained popularity, possibly increasing its player base and visibility during the holiday period.

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New Voice Actor Announced for Lara Croft in Upcoming Tomb Raider Titles

Alix Wilton Reg