• Rumor: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Physical Version Comes With a Catch
    gamerant.com
    The physical versions of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PlayStation 5 will still require an online download, according to one leaker. Many details around the game's PS5 release are still murky, as Bethesda has not commented much on it after announcing the Sony port, so fans have had to largely rely on rumors and leaks. One of the latest of these rumblings suggests that the PS5's physical copies of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may not be quite what some players expect.
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  • Xenoblade Chronicles X: City Saviors Walkthrough (Kill or Spare Suids)
    gamerant.com
    City Saviors is a Normal Mission in Xenoblade Chronicles X that players can initiate after completing Chapter 3 and reaching a 15% Survey Rate in Primordia. While this mission is not particularly difficult to complete, it does feature a choice that players may want to know more about. This guide is here to detail the consequences associated with that choice, and it will help players determine their desired approach to Xenoblade Chronicles X's City Saviors mission.
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  • How To Contextualize Narrative Within Infinite Metagames: Player-Run Services
    gamedev.net
    Summary:The title of this article basically means that if you're making game project that wants to feature infinite playability in its structure/metagame then a good way to contextualize it - aka give it a reason or a narrative that is coherent, makes sense and supports it - is to frame it in-game as if the player runs a service and does jobs through that service.Also please notice the distinction when I mentioned 'infinite playability'.I'm not calling it 'replayability
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  • How to Write Character Dialogue That Feels Real
    gamedev.net
    Great dialogue is the heartbeat of any immersive game world. It shapes characters, drives the story, and makes interactions feel meaningful. Yet, too often, games fall into the trap of robotic, exposition-heavy, or lifeless dialogue that makes NPCs feel like placeholders rather than real people.To create dialogue that truly resonates with players, you need to focus on authenticity, purpose, and personality. Heres how.Every Line Should Serve a Purpose
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  • You are Phil Spencer. Which Ubisoft IP do you buy?
    www.polygon.com
    According to one very annoyed Ubisoft investor, citing a private report by investor service Mergermarket, Ubisoft has been holding secret talks with Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and other publishers who are interested in acquiring some of the troubled publishers franchises.This is interesting in the context of Ubisofts current struggles; the floundering publisher hasnt had a hit in a while, is losing the confidence of investors, and is exploring strategic options that include going private and breaking up the company. The latest reports suggest Ubisoft is looking to create a new entity that will hold on to some core intellectual property. Things are so bad that even a stellar launch for Assassins Creed Shadows wont necessarily fix it all.Its also an interesting prompt for assessing the Ubisoft catalog. What properties does Ubisoft have that are worth buying, but that Ubisoft itself can do without? What can Ubisoft sell without throwing its soul into the bargain?So, I propose a little thought exercise. You are Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. You have spent many billions acquiring publishers like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, and studios like Obsidian and Double Fine, in a seeming attempt to own all of gaming (if not to actually sell Xbox consoles). But you are not quite satiated yet, and the spectacle of a floundering French publisher conducting a yard sale of storied franchises is too tempting to resist. Maybe just a little one? As a treat?What will you choose? For the purposes of this exercise, well assume that Assassins Creed is not for sale; its Ubisofts flagship, and without it the publisher might as well just close up shop. To a lesser extent, the same goes for Far Cry. And well also assume that all the Tom Clancy games are off the table. Its true that some parts of the Clancyverse seem ripe for the picking for example, Splinter Cell, a fondly remembered stealth action series (with strong links to Xbox) that Ubisoft is currently doing nothing with. But it seems unlikely that the Clancy estate would be interested in breaking these properties up and theres no way Ubisoft is letting go of Rainbow Six, which is one of its most reliable cash cows.So, whats left in the shop window to tempt a browsing Microsoft exec?Prince of PersiaWell now. This one is quite tempting, isnt it? A largely dormant action-adventure franchise, recently revived by a quality Metroidvania, but with a major reboot wallowing in development hell. You never really had anything to match Uncharted with. This could be it, maybe although corporate might not like the optics of an American giant swooping in to acquire the most famous Middle Eastern gaming icon. Especially in the current climate.RaymanYou never really had a platforming mascot to speak of, but this one is just so profoundly French its impossible to imagine it as a standard-bearer for the greenest, most American game console. Respectfully, its a hard pass.The RabbidsThe same ought to apply to Ubisofts funny little rabbit guys, but if you squint, they look an awful lot like Minions. And Minions are huge with kids. Family franchises are a bit of a blind spot for Xbox. On the other hand, the only decent games the Rabbids have ever been in also starred Mario, and Furukawa-san over at Nintendo probably wont be into it. (You need to call him, though, about putting every single one of your franchises on Switch 2 it never hurts to ask!)For HonorThis is a multiplayer game youve never heard of about medieval warriors beating each other up. But theres a note on the sticker that Ubisoft reckons it has 35 million players? That cant be right. Have your team pull the data on that one. Might be worth it, if its cheap. Who doesnt like swords?The CrewYou actually do have Forza Horizon at home. So its a pass.DriverOh man, you remember loving the original one on PlayStation. And didnt they do that wacky one that was all about a ghost policeman possessing cars? That was cool. You have enough driving games, but this ones a little bit different, a bit funky. Ask if theyll throw it in with something else.Just Dance[You have a Kinect trauma flashback and curl up in a ball on the floor.]Might and MagicYou didnt spend $7.5 billion acquiring The Elder Scrolls for nothing. Except, apparently you did, because the next one is never coming out, and Obsidian could probably churn out three Might and Magic games for you by next week. Still though nah.Watch DogsSomehow, despite buying half the game industry, you dont really have any GTA-style open-world games, and to Ubis credit, Watch Dogs got quite good; you remember thinking the last one, Legion, was pretty fun. If they really wont let you have Assassins Creed (note to self: up offer by $0.5-1 billion), you could see yourself owning this. But then its not actually GTA or Assassins Creed, is it? Its not even Far Cry.Beyond Good and EvilNow youre talking. A franchise that was maybe never actually popular, but that has ascended into fanboy myth status. A directionless vaporware project thats been stuck in development hell for somewhere between 10 and 20 years. But you could save it, Phil. Think of the gamer cred! Think how cool your T-shirt reveal would be! Its just so Xbox. Its just so you. Wheres Satyas company card?
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  • This Concept Blends the Polaroid Instant Camera With Modern Features
    design-milk.com
    Polaroid cameras have seen a significant resurgence in popularity over the past decade. Their nostalgic charm and instant-print capabilities offer a tangible, almost magical experience in an era dominated by digital screens. However, while the retro appeal of classic Polaroid cameras is undeniable, one cant help but wonder what if Polaroid cameras retained their instant printing feature but incorporated modern technology and a refreshed design? Enter the Polaroid Trance concept, a take on the instant camera by designer Samarth Saluja.The Polaroid Trance isnt just a reimagining of the classic instant camera; it is a full-fledged digital photography experience with enhanced functionality. Unlike traditional Polaroids, which rely solely on analog processes, this concept envisions a fully digital camera that allows users to adjust essential settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO features typically reserved for professional digital cameras.One of the most intriguing aspects of the Trance concept is the me2 button. This innovative feature enables the photographer to become part of the captured moment. By pressing the button, the camera triggers a front-facing camera to take a selfie, ensuring they are included in the memory. The result? A unique, dual-perspective print that merges both photographer and subject into one cohesive moment.Another interesting addition is the Moments feature. This functionality captures footage just before and after a picture is taken, offering a more immersive and dynamic way to relive memories. This feature, commonly found in modern smartphones, is an exciting addition to an instant camera, bridging the gap between digital and physical photography in a novel way.Beyond its technical capabilities, the Polaroid Trance also stands out for its design. The camera features rounded edges, a departure from the traditional boxy Polaroid form factor, making it more ergonomic and visually appealing. The design is complemented by a two-tone gray body with vibrant orange accents, adding a playful yet modern touch to the device.Currently, the Polaroid Trance remains just a concept. There are no official plans for production, but the idea showcases the potential for instant cameras to evolve while maintaining their nostalgic essence. If Polaroid or another company were to bring a device like the Trance to market, it could revolutionize the instant photography landscape and offer a compelling alternative to smartphone photography.For more information on the Trance concept by Samarth Saluja, click here.Imagery courtesy of Samarth Saluja.
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  • Teethmarks Modular System Is 7 Parts With 100+ Configurations
    design-milk.com
    Furnishing a space often means facing a familiar dilemma: youre never quite sure what furniture you need until youve truly lived in it. Even when you think youve got it figured out, evolving tastes and shifting needs call for flexibility. With the Shelving Unit 01 by Teethmark, you always have what you need and you can alter it when you dont. This modular shelving system, crafted from just seven components, can transform into over 100 configurations, ensuring that it grows and adapts to your current and future needs.Although Teethmark has only recently launched this past December, the brand, founded by Indonesian designer Carla Timotius, is poised to leave an indelible mark its very own teethmarks on what it means to create authentic design. In a market awash with counterfeits, Teethmark stands firmly against imitation, championing original, playful designs that celebrate creativity. Shelving Unit 01 exemplifies this ethos, a product born from months of development and creative ingenuity, designed to make high-quality, adaptable furniture accessible to all.Designed with both flexibility and durability in mind, Shelving Unit 01 marries form and function for modern living, where spaces are often compact and ever-evolving. The seven components are the result of months of development, fine-tuning sizes, hole placements, thicknesses, and shapes to ensure that each piece connects effortlessly with one another. Crafted from 5mm laser-cut cast acrylic and complemented by sleek stainless or steel hardware, the shelving system maintains a bold aesthetic that fits perfectly in eclectic and minimalist homes alike.A range of finishes, from clear and transparent to solid, opaque hues, allows the unit to be tailored to your personal taste. Emphasizing user-friendly assembly and repair, the system connects with simple bolts and fasteners, with individual components easily replaceable if needed. Accessories further expand its functionality: casters allow for easy mobility, glides protect floors while ensuring stability, and drawer runners add additional storage with optional drawers collectively converting the system into a dynamic solution for modern living.To learn more about the Shelving Unit 01 by Teethmark, visit teethmark.world.Photography courtesy of Teethmark.
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  • The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What Is a Hozier Yell?
    lifehacker.com
    This week's trip into the minds of people who aren't old enough to rent a car is like a potpourri of unrelated trends and memes that present a picture of the variety of ways young people are relating to the world. Some TikTokers are memorializing peak moments in their lives with a "Hozier yell," while others are spending their precious time on Earth creating brain-rot "juggtok" videos, or getting really, really angry about chess and chubbiness. It's a big world. What is a Hozier yell?A "Hozier yell" is used in TikTok videos to refer to a peak, climactic, awe-inspiring moment. Literary types might substitute "barbaric yamp." The end result is videos like these: The reference and the audio that goes with it is to the song "Northern Attitude," a 2024 collab between Hozier and Noah Kahan, in which Hozier hits a particularly climactic note just as the song climaxes. Hozier, by the way, is an Irish singer-songwriter whose songs are heavily influenced by folk music who is best known for his 2013 song "Take Me to Church." So far, nearly 200,000 videos have used the audio clip of Hozier and Kahan, commenting on everything from seeing a bear to marriage proposals to graduating cosmetology school. What does Jugg mean? And what is "Juggtok?"The slang term jugg (sometime juug) means to grab quickly or to steal. Like most modern slang, it is derived from AAVE, specifically from the South. "Jugg" has been around for awhilethe word is used in a number of rap songs from the 2010sbut it has come into wider usage lately as part of a TikTok meme format called "juggtok," a convoluted brain-rot-centric subculture in which specific slang words and acronyms are paired with a set of unrelated images and video clips in such a way as to render it all meaningless. If my reading is correct, juggtok and its offshoots and adversaries like slimetok and jollytok defy explanation on purpose. They are meant to be meaningless and self-referential. Here are a couple examples: (For more definitions, check out my slang glossary, 'Aura Farming,' 'Huzz,' and Other Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slang You Might Need Help Decoding.)Chubby filter causing TikTok controversyThe cultural argument over "fat acceptance" has been going on for a long time, but artificial intelligence is adding an exciting new wrinkle. This month, a video filter called "Chubby AI" allowed Tiktokers to visualize what it would look like if they (gasp!) gained weight, and videos like these started going viral: There was, as you'd probably expect, an instant backlash, as illustrated by this X post from writer Bec Shaw: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. If you had hope that younger people might be more accepting of people being overweight, since so many of them are, you'd be mistaken. But on the plus side, I'm confident that many skinny young people who look down on fat people will eventually grow fat themselves.Is chess.com trying to rename the bishop?Since we're doing controversy, a way dumber foofaraw was kicked off last week by chess.com that proves how everyone must pick a side of the culture wars, even websites about chess. The row began when chess.com's X account posted this seemingly innocuous piece of engagement-bait: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Apparently some X users assumed that Chess.com wants to rename the diagonally moving piece because of religious connotation of the name "bishop," so the comments section quickly filled with responses like this, from a " friendly neighborhood Christian Nationalist:" This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. And this, from some other goof: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. And this, from a normal person having a very normal day: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Anyway, chess.com ensured more outrage by troll-posting: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. So is chess.com really trying to bring down Christianity? Sadly, no. They'd made a similar post earlier about The Rook: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. And no one freaked out. The seething outrage over a meaningless shitpost illustrates that X is worst website ever and no one should use it. I feel like I need a shower after even a few minutes there. Viral videos of the the week: Can You Fool A Self Driving Car? As the great Criswell intones in Plan 9 From Outer Space, the future is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives; no doubt a lot of that time will be spent driving, and driving will be very different in the future. Cutting-edge technology is rapidly taking over driver's decisions, whether it's emergency braking or full-on auto-driving so I can take a nap and go to Hardees. Computer-assisted driving is generally a good idea, but the technology has limits, and the future holds auto-related dangers that Henry Ford never dreamed of. For instance, how would an auto-driving car handle a brick wall painted to look like the road? That's the question at the center of this week's viral video of the week, in which YouTube legend Mark Rober pits the two leading self-driving car technologies against obstacles like thick fog, heavy rain, and a wall painted to look like the road.Rober's experiments features a car from Luminar with a self-driving system that uses a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to navigate, and a Tesla that uses cameras. Rober's tests are unscientificthis is an entertainment YouTube channel after allbut they are, as Elon Musk might post, "concerning." Few drivers will ever encounter a brick wall painted like the road (unless they're driving through a Warner Brothers cartoon) but whether a car on auto-pilot will brake for an obstacle in a heavy fog seems pretty relevant. And the results don't look promising for the Tesla.
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  • Apple is finally updating AirPods Max with lossless and ultra-low latency audio
    www.engadget.com
    No, pigs arent flying, hell hasnt frozen over and you (probably) havent won the Powerball jackpot, but something else nearly as unexpected is happening. Over four years after it debuted AirPods Max, Apple is set to update them with long-overdue features. The company is bringing lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to the overear headphones when it rolls out iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April. It's the first (and only major) update Apple has given the AirPods Max outside of starting to offer a model with a USB-C charging port back in September. And that's the kicker: based on the wording in Apple's press release, it seems the update will only be for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, not the original version with the Lightning port. What's more, it appears that lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio may only be available when you connect the headphones to an audio source via a USB-C cable. Engadget has asked Apple for confirmation. As luck would have it, Apple is starting to sell a USB-C to 3.5mm cable today. It'll run you $39. There will also be the option to connect your iOS or iPadOS device to speakers or car stereos that have 3.5mm audio ports with the cable. Still, you'll at last be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with AirPods Max. Lossless audio will also be compatible with Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple says. Apple Music subscribers can listen to more than 100 million songs in lossless audio. The company notes that, following the firmware update, "AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking." It adds that the ultra-low latency audio feature will allow for no response delay on par with the speakers built into Mac, iPad and iPhone devices. It suggests this feature could be a boon for gamers and livestreamers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-is-finally-updating-airpods-max-with-lossless-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-140142271.html?src=rss
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  • Get four months of this Disney+ and Hulu bundle for only $12
    www.engadget.com
    You have to be patient if you want to take advantage of the best streaming deals because they don't come around as often as discounts on laptops and smartphones. One of the best deals as of late is a new one from Disney: new and returning subscribers can get four months of the Disney+ Hulu Duo Basic bundle for only $12. You'll pay $3 per month for four months, and that represents a 72-percent discount off the standard $11-per-month price. For the whole period, you'll save a total of $32. The deal is available through March 30, but just keep in mind that the Duo Basic plan includes advertisements on both Disney+ and Hulu content. At a time when it feels like every streaming service, audio and video, is pushing their subscription costs ever-higher, it's a treat to get any amount of entertainment access for a discount. That's why we're big fans of the Disney+ Hulu Duo plans; even at the normal rate, it unites two of our favorite standalone content libraries in a single package that's a solid deal at its normal rates. Snagging the basic tier for an even lower cost feels like a no-brainer, especially if you're invested in any facet of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if you're counting the days until the second season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives or if you just like to hum along with Encanto in the background while you work. Keep in mind that the ad-free Duo Premium plan isn't covered in this promotion, nor is the option that also bundles ESPN into the package. Access to Duo Premium will still run you $20 a month, while the Trio bundles begin at $17 a month. Check out our coverage of the best streaming deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-four-months-of-this-disney-and-hulu-bundle-for-only-12-123511439.html?src=rss
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