Kojima details scare system for OD: Knock to keep players going
Hideo Kojima says he wanted OD: Knock as scary as possible but built a system for those who might stop when it gets too scary.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Kojima details scare system for OD: Knock to keep players going — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Valve clarifies Steam Machine positioning and pricing history; Kojima details accessibility features for upcoming horror title; Bethesda provides Blade update amid ongoing Xbox studio scrutiny. No major new developments surfaced in the last 24–48 hours for AAA releases, indie showcases, layoffs, console hardware, eSports, or cloud gaming that meet the credibility and recency bar for this briefing.
Biggest developments
Todd Howard updates on Marvel's Blade progress at Arkane
Bethesda Game Studios head Todd Howard saw Marvel's Blade in May and says Arkane is doing a really great job on the long-in-development title.
Valve clarifies Steam Machine is not a console, defends open ecosystem
Valve says the $1,050 Steam Machine is definitely not a video game console, noting traditional models sell hardware at a loss for subscriptions while open PC ecosystems drive long-term innovation.
Important posts & threads
Kojima on OD accessibility features
Kojima wanted OD: Knock as scary as possible but added a system for players who might stop when it gets too scary.
Todd Howard on Marvel's Blade status
Todd Howard saw Marvel's Blade in May and notes Arkane is doing a really great job.
Valve on Steam Machine pricing and console model rejection
Valve says the Steam Machine saw a similar price increase as the Steam Deck, originally meant to cost about $750, while rejecting locked-in hardware revenue models.
Bullish takes
- Open PC ecosystems continue to outperform closed hardware models for sustained innovation.
- Horror titles adding optional accessibility systems may broaden appeal without diluting intent.
Critical takes
- Xbox's recent moves demonstrate a basic misunderstanding of the industry per former Sony exec.
- Steam Machine pricing trajectory highlights ongoing challenges in premium handheld positioning.
Rumors & speculation
Unverified — read with care
- medium confidenceFable delayed to 2027 amid showcase preparations.
Why this matters
Hardware positioning and accessibility tweaks quietly reshape expectations for premium devices and niche genres alike.