### The Ultimate Holiday Game: Why Doom is the Festive Favorite

Alright, bear with me. Although Christmas is on the shelf for next year, the holiday spirit remains vibrant. Many of us find ourselves at family get-togethers, snuggling under kinfolk’s roofs, or possibly playing hosts until the year wraps up. To fill the gaps, many turn to gaming, and for some, the 2016 launch of *Doom* on the Nintendo Switch has emerged as the quintessential holiday adventure. Let’s delve into why *Doom* shines as the preferred game during this festive time.

#### Blasting Away Inner Demons

Returning home for the holidays can begin on a serene note but often escalates into stress as family dynamics unfold. *Doom* enables players to channel their frustrations in a creative and cathartic manner. Family disputes over touchy subjects or nostalgic musings that flare up old anxieties can be obliterated by the gratifying mechanics of vanquishing demons in the game. The audio elevates this experience; even on the Switch’s compact speakers, the crunch of demons meeting their demise acts as a sonic release. The heavy metal soundtrack intensifies this release, providing an auditory backdrop that scientific research suggests can actually foster relaxation.

#### Bridging the Generation Gap

First introduced in 1993, the beloved *Doom* franchise links different ages. Veteran players may have encountered the original when it first appeared, observing the development of gaming, while younger gamers can revel in the updated version and its heart-pounding action. This shared experience can ignite discussions and evoke nostalgia during family reunions. As you converse with your parents about the game, you might exclaim, “Look, Mom and Dad, this is similar to what you played back in the day!” This bond not only alleviates tension but cultivates closeness through common interests and experiences.

#### Chainsawing the Clutter

Contemporary holidays can become overwhelming with social demands and elaborate planning. It wasn’t always this complicated; in the past, the season revolved around opening gifts and savoring meals. Enter *Doom* and its legendary chainsaw—a potent metaphor for slicing through the chaos. Just as the chainsaw roars to cut through foes, players can visualize eliminating the unnecessary strains of holiday responsibilities. This symbolic release is an invitation to take a breath, smile, and refocus amid the seasonal mess.

#### Eating, but Never Becoming Full

*Doom* is like a holiday dessert spread that delivers pleasure without the downsides of excess. Every encounter is infused with thrill; whether blasting a demon or scaling platforms, the game is loaded with gratifying moments. However, unlike holiday treats that leave you feeling heavy, *Doom* offers enjoyment that is endlessly repeatable without physical consequences, positioning it as a perfect retreat during festive abundance.

#### Decking the Halls with Demon Guts

The concept of embellishing for the holiday season with the remains of defeated foes might seem grim, yet it captures the spirit of *Doom*. The mix of Christmas visuals and stylishly vicious combat creates a one-of-a-kind contrast—mutilating demons results in a shower of festive arterial patterns, curiously mimicking holiday merriment. It’s a bold reimagining of traditional festivities, showcasing the game’s fusion of intensity and humor.

#### Ringing in the New Year

If *Die Hard* is celebrated as a Christmas movie, *Doom* undoubtedly embodies the essence of New Year’s. With chaotic explosions and festivities reminiscent of a celebratory vibe, players are plunged into a realm filled with determination and fortitude. The main character, known as Doom Guy, represents the resolve we frequently aspire to in the New Year—a tireless ambition to overcome challenges, spark action, and motivate self-betterment. For many, his unwavering focus acts as an inspiring reminder to chase their resolutions earnestly.

In closing, while the holiday season may present its fair share of challenges, immersing yourself in the captivating world of *Doom* offers a thrilling escape. It provides a unique pathway for stress alleviation, generational connection, and inspiration for the New Year, distinguishing it as the ultimate holiday game. Embrace the mayhem, rediscover the enjoyment of gaming, and let *Doom* accompany you during this delightful season.

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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### Affordable Entertainment Enhancements

If you’re aiming to upgrade your home entertainment setup, check out the 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV, now priced at only $170 on Amazon—reduced from its standard price of $250, which reflects a 32% savings. Orders made now should arrive in time for New Year’s, enabling you to usher in 2026 with a new screen for all your streaming requirements.

#### Engaging Visuals

The 40-inch display achieves a perfect equilibrium, delivering an engaging viewing experience without overwhelming smaller areas. With HD 1080p resolution and compatibility with HDR 10 and HLG, this TV brings your beloved content to life. Although it doesn’t compete with 4K models in terms of realism, it still provides decent quality for casual watching. Anticipate commendable color fidelity and clear details, especially in bright scenes.

The Fire TV integration guarantees an endless supply of content. Enjoy immediate access to live television, video games, music, and a vast collection of over 1.8 million films and TV shows from popular services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV. If you’re hoping to cut back on subscription costs, you can explore free content through apps like YouTube, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

For sound, the TV features Dolby Digital Audio, ensuring audio quality that complements its visual prowess. Furthermore, the Bluetooth headphone capability enables you to pair your audio devices for a more personal listening experience.

#### Intelligent Features

The 40-inch Fire TV comes outfitted with the newest Alexa functionalities and smart home features. The bundled Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote facilitates hands-free operation—just use voice commands to locate content, check statistics, or control other smart home gadgets. You can easily request Alexa to play programs, check the forecast, or show feeds from your smart doorbell without getting up.

For gamers, this TV grants access to a broad variety of titles via the Appstore, Amazon Luna, and Twitch. With such an extensive array of features offered at a discounted price, now is an excellent time to upgrade your entertainment configuration.

If the 40-inch variant appears too large for your needs, the 32-inch option is also on sale, available for $110 down from $150.

Be sure to act quickly; offers like this won’t be available for long. Elevate your viewing experience today!