Further details on the Clair Obscur AI controversy, a fresh bug in Arc Raiders that serves as an excellent reason for in-game deaths, and the ongoing development of the French Final Fantasy 9 animated series. Welcome to a unique Christmas Eve installment of Morning Checkpoint, Kotaku’s daily summary of gaming news and culture. Why am I here at my desk typing away instead of enjoying time watching my kids play Plants vs. Zombies? It’s because of you, esteemed readers. The words penned are meaningless without the audience on the other side. From everyone here at Kotaku, we wish you joyous holidays and a relaxing winter break.

No AI presence in Clair Obscur 2

In a recent Q&A with YouTuber Sushi, Director Guillaume Broche tackled the discussion surrounding Clair Obscur and AI. He stated, “Yes, we’re mindful of what’s happening in that regard, but I can confirm everything in the game is created by humans.” He explained that while they investigated AI technologies during development, they did not suit their creative vision. “We gave it a shot and it wasn’t to our liking at all. It just seemed off.” Broche stressed that every detail, from concept art to voice performances, is the work of human hands. Despite losing Indie Game Awards due to early AI-generated material, Broche reassured that future endeavors will also be focused on human creativity.

Players of Arc Raiders face issues with malfunctioning guns

It seems there’s a bug in ARC Raiders preventing players from drawing their weapons

Both Ninja and Nadeshot experienced this issue pic.twitter.com/I5OHM5yUHr

— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) December 23, 2025

A recent video showed popular streamer Richard Blevins, known as ‘Ninja’, expressing his annoyance about being unable to access his weapon in Arc Raiders. Other gamers are reporting similar problems, suggesting a potentially widespread glitch impacting gameplay. As players enter battles, the absence of operational firearms is becoming a significant hindrance.

This could be the most excruciating method to try and enjoy Silksong

PC Gamer highlights that YouTube user Bloblumordthe3rd is attempting to complete Hollow Knight: Silksong using solely character taunts for offense. Although Hornet’s taunt inflicts minimal damage, this unconventional challenge is gaining popularity for its comedic difficulty, reminiscent of the tale of Sisyphus.

A major voice is opposing Evo concerning the Saudi agreement

Fighting game commentator Stephen “Sajam” Lyon has declared his intention to boycott Evo 2026 following the event’s recent acquisition by Saudi entities. In his commentary, he voiced worries about corporate ownership of gaming events, underlining the unsettling consequences of leveraging esports for tourism and political purposes.

A Final Fantasy 9 remake is currently absent, but an animated series is still underway

As reported by French magazine Écran Total, the animated series based on Final Fantasy 9 is still in production despite setbacks with a rumored remake. Crafted by Euro Visual, the series is aimed at younger viewers with 13 episodes, each roughly 22 minutes in length, ensuring a link to the cherished RPG franchise.

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## The Mysterious Allure of *Strange Jigsaws*: An Underrated Treasure for Winter Gaming

Launched in August, *Strange Jigsaws* made its entrance into the gaming scene with nearly unmatched praise, achieving an incredible “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, where a staggering 99 percent of player feedback is supportive. However, in spite of its achievement and the cherished memories of its predecessor, *20 Small Mazes*, the game has somehow gone unnoticed, failing to receive significant published reviews or acknowledgment in year-end game compilations.

### Expanding on a Heritage

2024’s *20 Small Mazes*, developed by indie creator FLEB, laid the groundwork for *Strange Jigsaws* with its seemingly straightforward yet intellectually engaging design. While it consisted of only 20 mazes, each was intricately crafted to provide not just a route but a distinctive puzzle experience, filled with imaginative concepts. The success of this free game likely cleared the path for *Strange Jigsaws*, which presents players with a much larger adventure comprising 50 jigsaw puzzles that elevate traditional gameplay.

### A Diverse Puzzle Journey

At a cursory glance, *Strange Jigsaws* maintains the playful aesthetic of its spiritual successor. However, it quickly evolves into a maze of intricacy that continuously tests players’ expectations. Each jigsaw puzzle within the game features a creative twist or unconventional method of resolution, immersing players in a profoundly interactive experience. The main menu, fascinatingly, serves as an extension of its puzzles, merging elements that challenge standard physics with clever gameplay mechanics.

### The Fascination of Creation

FLEB has woven a narrative dimension into *Strange Jigsaws* that enhances the gaming experience. Players may find themselves involved in a complex story regarding the formation of a lifeform or deciphering puzzles that challenge conventional historical sequences. The game includes ingeniously crafted scenarios such as puzzles from the future or those placed against unusual settings (including one “ablaze”). Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of the “infinite zoom” mechanic, recognized as one of the most groundbreaking gaming experiences this year.

### An Invitation to Play

Despite the game’s exceptional qualities, it is baffling that *Strange Jigsaws* has not garnered the critical focus it merits. Nevertheless, it is still an opportune moment for gamers to experience this distinctive creation. Priced at just $4 on Steam, it offers remarkable value. Players are urged to buy *Strange Jigsaws* for themselves and consider gifting a copy to a friend, ensuring that more individuals can partake in this enchanting puzzle quest.

In summary, *Strange Jigsaws* is a charming and creative title that defies the traditional boundaries of gaming puzzles. Its highly captivating design, along with the narrative richness and playful mechanics, makes it an outstanding selection for winter holiday gaming. Don’t overlook the chance to uncover this hidden treasure.