Despite existing in one form or another since the early 80s, people still have room in their hearts for a good ol fashioned point-and-click adventure game. In fact, some folk (cough zoomers cough) are just now learning how rewarding it can be to patiently peruse a plethora of pixels in hopes of finding the precise one that matters, or how frustrating it can be to come to grips with the developers unique interpretation of human logic.To learn more about bridging this generational gamer gap, Editor in Chief Danielle Riendeau sat down with adventure game designer and Revolution Software co-founder Charles Cecil to discuss Revolutions forthcoming 4K remake of Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars.Produced by Jordan Mallory and with music by Mike Meehan, this is episode 46 of the Game Developer Podcast.As was the case 30+ years ago, adventure game designers in 2024 must walk a bit of a tightrope when it comes to difficulty management. Cecils approach is to provide hints when necessary, but be sparing. Too little help and you risk frustrating the player, but too much and you rob them and their all-important sense of accomplishment.It would be better to provide these little hints too infrequently than too frequently, because if a player is close to a solution, and theyre really excited by the fact that theyve worked [it] out, and then we give you a hint theyre going to find that very, very frustrating, Cecil explains. Ultimately, people play these story games and they feel smart because theyre the ones driving the whole thing forward.For Cecil, writing that player-driven story is a separate but symbiotic process from designing the various puzzles that ultimately underpin the experience.Ill come up with a two or three page story, Cecil says, which obviously imagines how the gameplay can fit into that, and then in parallel, I will start designing the puzzles. And while these two halves of the project stay as separate documents, they are also in constant conversation with each other as the story is always affected and is complemented by the puzzles. We'll be looking for great moments where the story and the puzzles come together in some sort of climactic moment.In the specific case of Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, not only does the remake provide a chance for younger players to experience the magic of the 90s computer classic, it also gives Cecil a chance to right the wrongs of the past.In [a] particular scene, something thats irritated me for nearly 30 years is that there is a drainpipe, Cecil says. If the player decides to yank on the pipe, it comes away from the wall, and [the protagonist] says Well, the clown didnt escape that way. But in the original 1996 artwork for this scene, the pipe isnt actually connected to anything, which means that the clown obviously couldnt have used it to escape, even if he somehow fit inside.Its really irritated me for so long, so I go to the artist: Please, just make me happy. Just draw the drainpipe so it looks like it goes up, beyond the top of the screen. There are so many little things like that.You too can experience the delight of finally finding the right pixel when Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged launches on September 18. In the meantime, we recommend you listen to our charming little podcast, and then check whats going on with the similarly forthcoming GDC Showcase.

To hear Stan Lee tell it, the X-Men came to be precisely because he was tired of making up origin stories. Instead of dreaming up new tales of radioactive spiders and gamma bomb explosions, Lee could just say that new characters were born as mutants, and that was enough.Whatever Lee intended when he and Jack Kirby created the X-Men in 1963, the franchise became anything but simple. Under the stewardship of writer Chris Claremont, who came aboard the series in 1975 and transformed the it into the premier superhero comic by the time his run ended in 1991, the X-Men became known for its winding soap-opera plots.As crazy as things were on the page, they were often just as absurd behind the scenes. Here are some of the most notable backstories behind some of Marvels Merry Mutants.WolverineWolverine is the best at what he does. But what he does is really confuse readers. Easily the most popular member of the X-Men, Wolverine became a fan favorite not just because of his adamantium claws and bad attitude, but because of his secret history.When writer Len Wein, artist Herb Trimpe, and editor Roy Thomas first introduced Wolverine in 1974s Incredible Hulk #180 181, he was just a Canadian operative with a bad attitude and metal claws on his gloves. He didnt get too much more development in the couple of appearances that followed, nor when Wein brought Wolverine onto the X-Men in 1975s Giant-Size X-Men #1, drawn by Dave Cockrum. Wein had imagined Wolverine as a smooth-faced teenager, who wore claws on his gloves to accentuate his heightened mutant senses. But since Wolverine goes unmasked in those issues, he never had a chance to write that description into the script.After Giant-Size X-Men, Chris Claremont took over from Wein as writer of the X-Men, but Cockrum came on and began further developing Wolverine. Cockrum first extended the wings on Wolverines mask, making the small points from Trimpes design more exaggerated. When Wolverine took off his mask for the first time in Uncanny X-Men #98 (1976), he gave Wolvie his distinctive hairdo, with plunging mutton-chops and swoops that matched his mask. In that same issue, a shirtless Wolverine pops his claws, revealing for the first time that the claws are in his skin and not attached to his costume.While the changes came as a surprise to Wein, they shouldnt have shocked anyone following Cockrums work closely. Before coming to Uncanny X-Men, Cockrum redesigned several members of DC Comics Legion of Super-Heroes, including Brin Londo aka Timber Wolf. Cockrum imagined Timber Wolf as a feral, animalistic warrior, and gave him longer sideburns and pointy hair the exact same look he would bring to Wolverine.Around the same time, in 1972, Cockrum started to pitch a Legion spinoff series to DC called the Outsiders, a team of futuristic heroes who battled the Devastators. With the exception of the warlord Tyr, none of the Devastators made it to print. But one is worth noting, a wolf-man type villain with sharp teeth, a bad attitude, with a distinct widows peak and long sideburns. The name of this character? Wolverine.Photo: Marvel Comics.Nightcrawler and StormWolverine was hardly the only connection Cockrum made between the X-Men and the Legion of Super-Heroes. There are, of course, the Shiar Imperial Guard that Cockrum made with Chris Claremont for Uncanny X-Men #107 (1977), which directly copy the Legion (Gladiator = Superboy, Oracle = Saturn Girl, Smasher = Ultra Boy). But the more important contributions involve characters Cockrum never got to realize at DC.Among the Outsiders was a character originally called the Intruder, a demon-like creature who could teleport anywhere he wanted. By the time he appeared in the Outsiders pitch, Cockrum had kept the look, but imagined him as more heroic, giving him the name Nightcrawler. Even with that change, DC editorial deemed Nightcrawler too weird, and rejected the character.The other characters in the Outsiders didnt have the same problem, including Trio, a Black woman who wore a small cape over her black bikini costume. But when Marvel wooed Cockrum over to reboot the X-Men before the Outsiders could enter into production, he brought his characters with him.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Wein wanted to make the X-Men into an international team, so he and Cockrum looked at Trio as a possibility for the African member. However, Cockrum had since revised the character a bit, transforming her into a shape-shifting American called Black Cat, who had a similar costume. Deeming Black Cats features too feline and Trios too banal for what Wein imagined as a statuesque goddess, Cockrum borrowed elements from a feathered, green-skin character called Quetzal to give her an other-worldly appearance. Finally, he took the weather-controlling powers from an Outsider called Typhoon, put them all together, and ended up with Storm, one of the defining members of the X-Men.Credit: Marvel StudiosMister SinisterWhile Cockrum helped kick-off the revilization of the X-Men, it was truly Chris Claremont who transormed them into A-listers. Claremonts 16-year run was marked by long-form plotting and character development, which sometimes resulted in crazy changes to characters over the course of years. One of the most striking examples is the evil geneticist Mister Sinister.Sinister is hinted at long before he appears on the page, first getting oblique nods when an evil team of mutants called the Marauders murder underground dwellers called the Morlocks in the 1986 crossover Mutant Massacre.When he finally appears in full in 1987s Uncanny X-Men #221, written by Claremont and penciled by Marc Silvestri, he looks a little corny. Hes got sharp teeth, thigh-high boots, and a ridiculous cape. He bellows at his minions and, you know, calls himself Mister Sinister. Such broad characterizations arent completely out-of-bounds for superhero comics. But Claremont spent a lot of time and energy transforming Magneto from a cackling terrorist into a morally grey anti-hero. Why would he introduce a new villain that feels like an 11-year-olds idea of a bad guy?Well, because Mr. Sinister was supposed to be an 11-year-olds idea of a bad guy. Claremont initially tied Sinister to a little boy who befriended Scott Summers in the orphanage where they lived together. This boy would have been a very old mutant psychic who couldnt mature past age 11, which twisted his psyche. To intimidate others and gain respect as a supervillain, the boy came up with the scariest, meanest, coolest looking bad guy that an 11-year-old could imagine: Mister Sinister. Why does Sinister look the way he does? Claremont rhetorically asked in an interview from 2022. Because, while his creator may be a genius, he is also a kid and this is his perception of what a world-class badass looks like.Photo: Marvel Comics.GambitThanks to his romance with Rogue, his appearances in the animated series, and Channing Tatums recent comedic turn in Deadpool & Wolverine, Gambit has become one of the most popular members of the X-Men.But, if you stop and take a look at him, hes kind of like the heroic equivalent to Mister Sinister. His stubble and long hair, his trench coat and thief skills, his Cajun accent that charms all the girls. He kind of seems like an 11-year-olds vision of a super cool guy.Once again, thats because Gambit is an 11-year-olds vision of a super cool guy. The same 11-year-old, in fact. After being defeated by the X-Men a few times as Sinister, the boy tried a new tactic.Instead of direct confrontations, time now to employ subterfuge, Claremont told AIPT; by generating an adult clone of himself and using that agent to infiltrate the X-team to seduce and destroy them from within. And what better way to do that than with the most charming of rogues and thieves? Hence, Gambit the vision of Sinister as the young man hell likely be in perhaps a couple or three centuries.Readers can still see aspects of this mysterious, super-cool version of Gambit in the characters first appearance in 1990s Uncanny X-Men #266, written by Claremont and penciled by Jim Lee. But by the time 1991s X-Men #1 hit and made the team into global superstars, the weird villain origin was long gone.Photo: Marvel Comics.CableCables on the page origin story is already confusing enough. Its almost overkill to describe his genesis behind-the-scenes. The short answer is that Cable is Nathan Christopher Charles Summers, the son of Scott Summers and Madelyne Pryor, who went to the future as a baby and came back as a grizzled warrior. The long answer is way too much to get into right now.Behind the scenes, the Summers baby and Cable were too different people. Baby Nathan first appeared in the classic Uncanny X-Men #201 (1986), written by Claremont and penciled Rick Leonardi. Claremont intended the baby to be the harbinger to move Cyclops out of the X-Men, letting him grow up and retire from the role to raise his family with Madelyne.Those plans got complicated when Marvel editorial decided to bring Jean Grey back from the dead and have Scott leave Madelyne to form a new team called X-Factor. Around the same time, the junior team in the series The New Mutants had lost their second mentor, with Professor X in space and Magneto back on his journey to evil after a few years on the side of the angels. X-Men group editor Bob Harris suggested that writer Louise Simonson and artist Rob Liefeld come up with a new leader, someone very different to the previous two.Harris and Simonson tell a slightly different story about the origin than Liefeld, but the basics boil down to the trio coming up with a military leader based in part on The Terminator, initially dubbed Commander-X. By the time he first appeared in 1990s The New Mutants #87, the character was called Cable, a mysterious warrior from the future.For the first couple years, Marvel stayed coy about Cables true origins, sometimes implying that hes an older version of New Mutants/X-Force member Cannonball and sometimes that hes a version of arch-enemy Stryfe from another part of the timeline.However, over in X-Factor, in which Cyclops and Jean Grey were raising Nathan (Madelyne Pryor is a clone of Jean Grey, who no! We dont have time for that!), Bob Harras, Jim Lee, and the series regular penciler Whilce Portacio decided that baby Nathan would go into the future after being infected by a virus from the villain Apocalypse, and would come back as Cable.Liefeld didnt care for this decision, so he started pushing against it in the pages of X-Force, which he penciled and plotted with writer Fabian Nicieza. In X-Force, it began to appear that Nathan grew up not to be Cable, but the villain Stryfe. Liefeld and Nicieza at the same time suggested that Cable was Stryfes clone gone bad, which means that two different X-books were telling slightly different origins for the character.Turns out, that playfulness worked with readers, so Marvel let Cables true identity linger a bit longer even adding more confusion with the 1992 1993 crossover X-Cutioners Song. Finally, Nicieza and penciler Dwayne Turner set the record straight in Cable # 6 8 (1993 1994), establishing that baby Nathan did indeed grow up to be Cable and that Stryfe is his clone. With the mystery of his background solved, Cable could go on to have more twisty strange adventures, too many to discuss here.

The low-energy new-build family home on an agricultural site has been built for a couple and their two teenage children and replaces a small, poorly constructed dwelling on the site.Facing towards the rolling South Downs, the undulating pitched roof form was designed to echo the surrounding countryside and the roofs of nearby barns. The house was constructed primarily of Douglas fir timber, solid limestone, and spruce CLT, with concrete only used in the foundation slab. Wilkinson King Architects collaborated with engineers Webb Yates on the structural and environmental aspects of the design.Arranged over two floors, the house is planned round a double-height hall with a quarter-turn solid stone staircase. On the ground floor is a large family sitting room with hidden snug and open-plan kitchen/dining/living space, with ancillary spaces situated along the north side.AdvertisementThe design make the most of the panoramic views with a ribbon of full-height glazing in the living spaces, the corners of which are able to slide away and open up. The glazing is designed for low winter sun to permeate it and help light and warm the house but is protected from summer solar gain by an overhanging loggia to the south and west. This is supported on series of structural limestone columns and beams: each column made from a single piece of limestone, the largest being 2,600 x 1,200 x 400mm.The north and east elevations of the ground floor are composed of structural timber with mineral wool insulation and a solid limestone outer wall.The houses upper storey and roof are constructed entirely in European spruce CLT clad in Western Red Cedar, which sits on top of timber joists. The cedar cladding has been left untreated and will silver over time. All four dual-aspect bedrooms are located on the first floor, with the master bedroom opening out to a west-facing terrace.Throughout the design, exposed CLT structure, limestone and Douglas fir create a warm and natural interior finish.Architects viewField House is a new-build family home set in agricultural land just outside the area of outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs. It presented us with a wonderful opportunity to deliver a highly-efficient low-carbon home using natural materials. The location is incredible and the final design really captures and frames the exceptional views of the Sussex landscape as well as establishing itself as part of that landscape. Collaborating with Webb Yates and The Stone Masonry Company was a rewarding experience, allowing us to navigate the unique and intricate challenges of working with structural stone and creating a house that is highly sustainable in construction.The house is highly insulated and oriented to mitigate overheating in summer without the need for mechanical cooling systems while making the most of the solar gain in winter. High levels of fabric efficiency and airtightness reduce space heating energy demand. The residual demand is fulfilled by an air source heat pump featuring a high energy efficiency of 335 per cent, feeding underfloor heating systems throughout the home. The energy is all-electric and supplied from renewable sources. Good air circulation and passive cooling are provided by mixed-mode ventilation with heat recovery. The total operational carbon emission rate of the house is 15 kg/m/year, achieving an overall 33.9 per cent reduction against the national baseline performance.The only concrete in the project was used for the buildings foundation slab, which was engineered as thin as possible. In order to avoid unnecessary use of materials, this was then polished and sealed creating a sleek and durable flooring. Through all these measures the project has achieved the equivalent of minus 85 kg/CO2/m in construction.Chantal Wilkinson, project architect, Wilkinson King ArchitectsClients viewThe site offered an incredible opportunity and Wilkinson King completely understood and expertly communicated our vision, creating a contemporary, highly efficient, and sustainable home using beautiful natural materials. Looking out, the house feels as if it were rooted in the landscape. Perfectly positioned to capture the best of the light and views, wherever you are inside, there is constant connectivity to the outdoors and the changing colours of the seasons. Every day feels special here. Source:Wilkinson King ArchitectsProject dataLocation West SussexStart on site February 2022CompletionApril 2023Gross internal floor area 375m2 (house) + 30m2 (garage)Site area 2,022m2Architect Wilkinson King ArchitectsClient Private clientStructural engineer Webb Yates EngineersM&E consultant Webb Yates EngineersQS Wilkinson King ArchitectsLandscape consultant Guillaume BaltzPrincipal designer Wilkinson King ArchitectsMain contractor Excalibur Building Contractors/The Stone Masonry Company (structural stone)Advertisement

In this 15 part tutorial series Ryan King shows you how to create this Boeing-Stearman Model 75 Biplane in Blender. (This is a playlist)Source

cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Outdoor Patio | Reed Naliboff via UnsplashA well-designed outdoor space enhances a homes aesthetic appeal and functionality. Incorporating durable, stylish tiles is one of the most impactful ways to elevate patios, pool areas, pathways, and garden spaces. The right selection can create a welcoming atmosphere, adding beauty and structure to outdoor environments.Why Choose Tiles for Outdoor SpacesOutdoor tiles offer many advantages when upgrading exterior spaces. They are durable, practical, and available in various colours, textures, and sizes, allowing homeowners to create personalised looks that suit their style. Unlike traditional ground coverings, they provide a long-lasting solution that withstands harsh weather conditions, including rain, sun, and freezing temperatures.They are also easy to maintain and resistant to staining and discolouration, making them ideal for high-use areas. Whether for patios, garden walkways, or poolside lounging spots, the right tiles ensure both beauty and durability, maintaining their appeal despite exposure to the elements.Durability Meets Style Bernard Hermant via Unsplash Sander Traa via UnsplashDurability is essential when selecting tiles for outdoor applications. Some materials are designed to endure constant foot traffic, changing weather, and moisture exposure while maintaining appearance.Tiles that mimic natural materials like wood, concrete, or stone bring elegance and character to exterior spaces, offering enhanced strength and longevity. Whether aiming for a modern, rustic, or contemporary aesthetic, different finishes and textures can complement the outdoor setting while ensuring long-term performance.Choosing the Right Tile for Each Outdoor AreaEach outdoor area has unique requirements, and selecting suitable tiles can help enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Choosing the right one ensures longevity and safety. Here are a few options to consider for your property:PatiosPatios are extensions of indoor living areas, making tile selection crucial for creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Weather-resistant designs ensure long-lasting beauty, while textured surfaces enhance safety by reducing slipperiness. Light, neutral colours emanate an open, airy feel, while deeper tones add warmth and character.Pool AreasPoolside tiles should be slip-resistant and water-resistant to provide both safety and durability. Textured surfaces enhance grip, preventing accidents in wet conditions. Earthy tones and natural finishes blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment, creating a serene retreat.PathwaysTiled pathways add definition to a garden or yard while making navigation easier. Textured, non-slip designs ensure stability underfoot, even in rainy conditions. The right colour and pattern can enrich the landscape, creating an elegant transition between outdoor areas.Garden SpacesTiles can enhance garden areas by framing flower beds, seating spaces, or decorative features. Choosing earthy tones and natural finishes helps them blend seamlessly with plants and greenery. Strategic placement can define sections of the garden, creating a structured yet organic look.Types of Finishes on Outdoor Tiles Toa Heftiba via Unsplash Tim Cooper via UnsplashThe finish of outdoor tiles affects both aesthetics and performance. Selecting the right one ensures longevity and safety. Choosing the appropriate finish ensures a balance of beauty and functionality, preventing hazards while maintaining an elegant appearance. Here are some popular options to consider:Matte Finish: This nonreflective, slipresistant finish is ideal for patios and pathways. It helps conceal dirt and dust, making it a low-maintenance option for busy outdoor areas.Textured Finish: Provides extra grip, making it suitable for pool areas and wet spaces. Its uneven surface enhances safety by lowering the risk of slipping, even when exposed to water.Polished Finish: Luxurious and glossy but best for covered areas due to its smooth surface. While visually striking, it requires regular cleaning to maintain its shine and prevent water stains.Rough/Honed Finish: Offers a natural look with enhanced traction, perfect for high-moisture zones. This finish blends well with organic landscapes and garden designs, giving outdoor areas a rugged yet sophisticated appeal.Landscaping IntegrationIntegrating tiles into landscaping creates a cohesive design that complements natural surroundings. They can define specific areas like outdoor kitchens, seating nooks, or relaxation zones. Pairing them with plants, decorative stones, and lighting elements enhances the overall ambience.For example, using tiles beneath a pergola or around a fire pit establishes a focal point, making the space more inviting. Incorporating them into stepping-stone walkways or bordering garden beds adds visual interest while maintaining structural harmony.Easy Maintenance for Long-Term BeautyOne significant advantage of tiles is their ease of maintenance. Periodic cleaning with mild soap and water preserves their appearance, while deeper cleaning may be necessary in high-traffic areas or near pools. Sealing natural stone tiles can help maintain their finish. Unlike other materials, tiles for outdoor spaces prevent weed growth and insect infestations, ensuring a polished look with minimal upkeep.Selecting the right tiles for outdoor spaces can transform your homes exterior, blending functionality with style. Whether upgrading patios, pathways, pool areas, or garden spaces, tiles provide a durable, low-maintenance solution that can withstand the elements while maintaining their appeal. Homeowners can enhance their outdoor environments visual appeal and longevity by choosing the appropriate materials, finishes, and designs for the outdoor tiles. With their versatility and ease of maintenance, tiles offer an ideal way to create inviting, safe, and beautiful outdoor spaces that endure for years.TilesTips by ArchEyes TeamLeave a comment

The UK has built an enviable reputation for producing innovative tech companies. Nearly two-thirds of Europe's unicorns are headquartered in the UK, testament to the nations innovative and entrepreneurial culture. As UK Tech Week gets underway, there is much to showcase and celebrate.However, despite this success at the early stage, many viable UK businesses struggle to take the next step and scale globally. This isn't a failure, but theres certainly an opportunity to build on well-established strengths.Scaling isn't a one-size-fits-all approach - companies need to understand their target markets, including regulations, costs, and available talent. With targeted investment in scaling capital, access to diverse skills, and collaborative support networks, the UK tech sector can move from a story of domestic success to one of global dominance.Despite a challenging economic picture, the UK tech sector has remained resilient and continues to drive economic growth, job creation, and inward investment.The industry contributes over 150bn to the UK economy and is growing faster than any other sector.Companies like Quantexa, a global data and analytics software company, exemplify what British firms can achieve with the right backing. Founded in the UK and led by Vishal Marria, Quantexa has expanded into over 15 markets and recently closed a Series F funding round. Its journey from UK startup to international success offers a blueprint for how UK tech companies can thrive globally.However, when it comes to taking the next big step internationally, Quantexa is more the exception, not the rule. To address this gap, more structured support is needed to help companies understand market conditions before expansion.Quantexa may have set the benchmark of what is possible, but without a clear strategy to support earlier-stage enterprises for international expansion, the UK risks losing its brightest tech firms to overseas markets.If the UK fails to create a supportive environment for scaleups, businesses will naturally look elsewhere - where market access, investment, and talent are more readily available. UK startups are brimming with potential, but without bold action, the risk of losing them abroad remains. Russ Shaw, Global Tech AdvocatesLimited market access is a challenge that businesses face. While US and Chinese startups benefit from vast domestic markets, UK companies must navigate complex trade rules and regulations to grow overseas.Take Blippar for example - a UK augmented reality startup that expanded to the US too quickly and had to retrench due to high staffing costs and market miscalculations. Theres a clear lesson for companies to be strategic about where and how they expand to avoid similar reality checks.Scaling capital constraints present another obstacle. While early-stage funding is strong in the UK, later-stage scaleup capital, such as Quantexas Series F, is harder to secure.British Patient Capital plays a key role in supporting UK scaleups, but more needs to be done, including faster implementation of the Mansion House Reforms to enable pension funds to provide more patient capital for UK scaleups. The recently announced British Growth Partnership is a positive step to expedite implementation.Much-discussed talent and skills shortages faced in the UK also block progress. The government must prioritise digital trade agreements that facilitate access to international talent as well as market access. For example, the UK-India digital trade agreement has been in the works for years, yet remains incomplete. Without these agreements to incentivise trade, UK companies will struggle to compete globally.And yet when it comes to tech exports, the UK has much to offer to the world.ScaleUp Institute's Innovate UK Scale Up Programme is driving strategic investment, with participating scaleups raising 561m in grants and equity since 2017, a great example of how industry collaboration can accelerate growth.Another example is the Grow London Global programme from London & Partners, a free 12-month programme for companies that want to expand to international markets.But more is needed. The government must accelerate digital trade agreements that prioritise tech services. Slow progress on deals like the UK-India agreement represents missed opportunities for scaleups needing easier market access.Talent remains critical. A robust visa system and investment in tech skills training will help to ensure UK firms have the expertise needed to scale. The visas available are a step in the right direction, but the process which skilled migrants must follow can be difficult and expensive.International collaboration initiatives like the Tech London Advocates Scaleup Working Group will helps UK scaleups with global introductions. At Global Tech Advocates (GTA), our Launch Pad resource hub has the goal to be an important platform to support UK scaleups, providing insights into international market entry, helping firms overcome expansion challenges and make the right contacts in overseas markets through the GTA community.The UK has proven its ability to create world-class tech companies. Now the focus must be scaling them. UK startups are brimming with potential, but without bold action, the risk of losing them abroad remains.Scaling capital, diverse talent, and global market access must be at the heart of government strategy. Policymakers must accelerate trade agreements, investors must back growth-stage firms, and industry leaders must mentor the next wave of global tech champions.With the right support, the UK can turn tech into its greatest export success. Lets seize this moment, champion UK scaleups, and ensure Britain remains a powerhouse of innovation on the world stage. A goal to celebrate at future UK Tech Weeks.Read more about UK tech scaleupsWhy Samsung put a UK startup centre stage - The launch of the flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone from Samsung showcased AI innovation from a company spun out of Oxford University.Semiconductor market scaleups to benefit from multimillion-pound investment from Innovate UK - National innovation agency Innovate UK is offering 16 semiconductor scaleups access to millions of pounds of funding to support their continued growth.Scaling success: Embedding diversity in policy decisions to drive sustainable growth - Improving diversity in UK tech and science scaleups is not only a strategic imperative but is vital to drive future growth.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: UFC CEO Dana White holds a press conference after the UFC 313 event at ... [+] T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCUFC President Dana White and his matchmaking team may have a new light heavyweight in the title mix before the end of the year. On the most recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker revealed his plans to move up to 205.Whittaker was asked about his timetable for making the move up to light heavyweight.ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand prepares to face ... [+] Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCIm gonna decide after this next fight, Whittaker said. So one more at middleweight, he was asked? At the very least, depending on Im gonna try to push the boundaries of weight ratio and see where we come up.Moments later, Whittaker shared hed like to fight Sean Strickland at International Fight Week.Whittaker is one of the best strikers in the UFC and one of the most well-rounded guys in the sport. The 34-year-old is coming off a devastating first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2024 at UFC 308. The loss caved in Whittakers bottom teeth, and the injury required surgery to fully heal.Before the loss to Chimaev, Whittaker was seemingly hammering his way back toward a title shot at 185 pounds. Hed scored a unanimous decision win over Paulo Costa in February 2024 and a thunderous KO victory over Ikram Aliskerov in June 2024.However, at Whittakers age and now 34 professional fights and 23 UFC bouts into his career, he may be ready to steer clear of the weight cut down to 185 pounds. Listed at 6 feet even, Whittaker isnt a long guy, and hell be on the shorter side of the light heavyweight size spectrum.Consider this: The shortest fighter currently ranked in the Top 10 at light heavyweight is Khalil Rountree Jr., and hes 6-foot-1. The champion, Magomed Ankalaev, is 6-foot-3.Whittaker has tons of experience and also possesses lightning-fast hands, but you wonder how he will match up against the bigger light heavyweights.As for the fight he wants next, it makes the most sense for him and the entire middleweight division. Both he and Strickland are coming off losses to the guys most likely set to fight in the next middleweight championship bout.TOPSHOT - South Africa's Dricus du Plessis (R) fights Sean Strickland of the US during their men's ... [+] middleweight division event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 312 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 9, 2025. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesDricus Du Plessis won his rematch with Strickland in February, and Whittaker fell to Chimaev. DDP is expected to face Chimaev in a title fight sometime this summer. With Strickland ranked No. 2 and Whittaker at No. 5, youd have to wonder where the winner would stand when it comes to a potential title shot.Strickland has lost to DDP twice, and Whittaker has fallen to the champion once. Nassourdine Imavov is currently the No. 1-ranked fighter under DDP, but it seems the Chimaev title shot was already etched in stone before the former scored a TKO victory over Israel Adesanya in February.If Chimaev wins, I can see DDP getting an immediate rematch. If DDP wins, its pretty simplehe would probably defend his title against Imavov, and if he wins that fight, DDP will likely head for light heavyweight himself.As you can see, its a fluid situation atop the middleweight division, and the hope is that a new set of compelling contenders and champions will arise. Well soon know where Whittaker fits into the mix.

New scam alert issued by FBIAnadolu Agency via Getty ImagesRepublished on March 17th with reports into another dangerous online threat.Following hot on the heels of the FBIs warning for Americans to delete fraudulent texts as a malicious scam sweeps across America, here comes another alert as a very different kind of threat has emerged. The latest scam targets both smartphone and desktop users through websites crafted to steal your passwords, financial information and wallets.This time its utility websites in the bureaus crosshairs, as it increasingly sees a scam involving free online document converter tools. These are the simplest, most innocuous websites, but criminals are using converter tools to load malware onto victims computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware.The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they dont fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place, the FBI says in an online warning via its Denver field office. If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.Its not just websites, of course, there are a raft of dangerous conversion tools on smartphone app stores as well. But unlike the official Google and Apple stores, there are no defenses preventing criminals publishing malicious websites. Youre reliant on the security tools built into your browser and common sense. Unfortunately, many victims dont realize they have been infected by malware until its too late, and their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen.The FBIs advice as ever is to take a breath, slow down and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be exposed to. In addition, PC users should ensure they have some form of updated antivirus software running on their machines. You will also benefit by enabling safe browsing if available on your browser.Chrome and Safari dominate the mobile browsing market, and with Edge do the same across desktops. Whether using those or other browsers on your phone or desktop, if you think you might have fallen foul off a such a scam, you can report it at IC3.gov, and more critically you should change your passwords and check your online accounts.This is just the latest warning for web and app users to avoid utility tools that are stupidly simply for an attacker to create and which will always find a ready audience. If you need to convert documents, use a tool from an established provider or the stock ones available with your OS or other platforms. You certainly should not send any files to the cloud for conversion, provide personal information or install software.And this isnt the only online document warning doing the rounds. Per Bleeping Computer over the weekend, cybercriminals are promoting malicious Microsoft OAuth apps that masquerade as Adobe and DocuSign apps to deliver malware and steal Microsoft 365 accounts credentials. These are malicious OAuth apps that are impersonating Adobe Drive, Adobe Drive X, Adobe Acrobat, and DocuSign.This warning comes courtesy of the research team at Proofpoint, and highlights the risks with online services that easily lure users into clicking links. While a URL in an email might raise concerns, we are all now used to receiving DocuSign or Adobe links that we click through. It has proven too easy for criminals to add brand impersonation into the mix, and when an attack is highly targeted this becomes difficult to spot.While this latest campaign impersonated charities or small companies using compromised email accounts, last year government agencies themselves were being mimicked. SlashNext warned of a concerning turn, as businesses that regularly interact with state, municipal, and licensing authorities were targeted. This came as a 98% increase in the use of DocuSign phishing URLs was flagged.Coming full circle, the FBI has also warned this month that scammers are even impersonating federal agencies, as citizens are presented with a fraudulent federal warrant and asked to pay fines to clear it up.Be careful out there.