Microsoft is planning to improve the startup speed of its Office apps, starting with Word in May. The launch times of Office apps will improve thanks to a new scheduled task that will run silently when you boot your PC to make sure Word and eventually other Office apps open quickly.We are introducing a new Startup Boost task from the Microsoft Office installer to optimize performance and load-time of experiences within Office applications, explains Microsoft in a message to IT admins. After the system performs the task, the app remains in a paused state until the app launches and the sequence resumes, or the system removes the app from memory to reclaim resources.Word will be the first app to get this Startup Boost starting in May, and Microsoft says support for additional applications will come in future updates. Startup Boost will only be available for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM and 5GB of available disk space. Startup Boost will also be disabled when Energy Saver mode is active.You can disable the new Startup Boost inside Word and other Office apps. Image: MicrosoftIf you dont want Office apps to start quietly in the background at boot then there will be an option inside Word to disable this behavior. You can always delete the scheduled task too, but Microsoft notes that the Office installer will recreate the task when it applies an update, so IT admins will have to manage this through the in-app setting instead.Microsoft uses a number of scheduled tasks to run Windows tasks silently and optimize the operating system, but theyre not used regularly by most app developers. Google uses a scheduled task for its Chrome updater, and many OEMs use tasks to update drivers and other system components, but most other apps like Adobe Creative Suite run startup processes in the regular startup section of Windows, where they can easily be disabled.See More:

Awesome Free Game Development Tools / News, Resources / March 27, 2025 / Applications, Free, ToolsToday we look at some of the amazing free game development tools available in 2025. We start of quickly with the most commonly used applications, then we move into perhaps more obscure but no less awesome and FREE tools available to game developers.In the video we also mention to excellent Ovani Sound bundles that are currently available Infinite Echoes and the Spring Into Development bundles. Using our links to purchase these bundles helps support GFS (and thanks so much if you do!).Better Known Free Game Development ApplicationsBlenderGodot EngineO3DEKritaGIMPAudacityTiled Map EditorLesser Known But Still Awesome GameDev Apps:PixeloramaDPaintJSGraphics GaleMaterial MakerUcupaint for BlenderMagica VoxelSculptGLLDtk Level EditorYou can learn more about all these amazing and free game development tools in the video below.

We bet you didn't have a game like this on your BINGO card for this week. Blue Scarab (made up former Helldivers 2, Battlefield, World of Warcraft, and Star Stable developers) has announced Equinox: Homecoming, the trailer for which (you can watch it above) will take you on quite a ride (no pun intended). It's in development for PC.So what is it? As the team at describes it, "Equinox is an open-world MMORPG for fans of murder mysteries, cozy escapism, and horses! Saddle up and charge into a mysterious adventure. Every trail leads to wonder and intrigue while uncovering an occult murder mystery." The first screenshots are in the gallery below.Equinox: Homecoming - First ScreenshotsWe're very excited to see what people make of Equinox. Weve had faith throughout development that there is an audience out there for different and interesting experiences, said Craig Morrison, the Studio Creative Director. Yes, there is definitely a risk, but we're in a position where we can take this shot and try to provide players with a truly unique world and story.Yes, there are cozy woods beautifully scenic hillsides to peacefully ride through, but there's also the mystery of the sudden disappearance of your mother that needs to be solved. You'll bond with your horse and with your friends as you uncover the occultish mystery. Wishlist Equinox: Homecoming on Steam if you're interested.Ryan McCaffrey is IGN's executive editor of previews and host of both IGN's weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He's a North Jersey guy, so it's "Taylor ham," not "pork roll." Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

Dreams and fears define Tel'aran'rhiod, which continues The Wheel of Times strong third season by pushing characters to confront their weaknesses and limitations. It demonstrates how much some characters have grown over the course of the show while also pointing out the issues they still need to address to move forward on their journeys.Characters in Robert Jordans books regularly describe channeling as almost addictively euphoric, and Rosamund Pike very clearly conveys that in the opening of Telaranrhiod, as Moiraine tests out the powerful sa'angreal she stole from Rhuidean. Lan can read those feelings through the Warder bond, but what he really wants to know is what she experienced in the trial. Fortunately, she learned a lesson from pushing Lan away last season and opens up to him. His stoicism is a perfect antidote to her despair as they just share some terrible booze and enjoy each others company, solidifying their commitment to face, as a united front, whatever will come.Rand may have proven himself in Rhuidean, but that doesnt automatically earn him the loyalty of all the Aiel. But considering the difficulty of the path hes been walking, its nice that he gets a tiny chance to have some fun and play with kids. Its another sad reminder for Egwene of the family they once wanted to build together shes immediately reminded that her power has pulled her in another direction.The Dreaming training reminded me of Inception, with an anchor back to the waking world in the form of a pin set in a melting candle. Its a precaution that saves Egwenes life when her natural ambition leads her away from the safety of her trainers and into Lanfears hands. If she and Rand were talking more rather than putting off their breakup Rand would have a better sense of who Lanfear really is. Hes so full of fear and self-loathing that hes seeing the best in Lanfear and the worst in himself, believing they deserve each other. Im looking forward to the fallout of Egwene seeing Rands dream next week.The Wheel of Time Season 3 GalleryThe White Tower is embroiled in a power struggle between Siuan Sanche and Elaida. The latter can leverage almost as much authority as the Amyrlin Seat thanks to her seniority and her regality she is advisor to the queen of Andor, after all. Siuans humble roots are so core to her identity that she rarely gets through a conversation without making some reference to fish or fishing, and the contempt this provokes in Elaida shows just how strong she thinks her position is by comparison. Shohreh Aghdashloo and Sophie Okonedo trade their characters passive aggressive barbs and outright hostility with perfectly even tones, the mix of formal politeness and seething hatred further deepening the tension.It would be so convenient for Siuan if Elaida were Black Ajah. But the trap she and Verrin lay actually proves her rival is one of the few Aes Sedai she can be sure isnt working for the Shadow. That should make them allies for the greater good, but really just solidifies how far both will go to undermine the other. Thats a problem, because Siuan is quickly running out of allies.Egwene warning Moiraine about the dangers of dreaming shows just how much things have changed for the character. She started as an awestruck girl with full reverence for an Aes Sedai, and is now a woman confident enough to guide Moiraine on her mission (despite the peril). But the plots real emotional power comes from concluding the complicated love story between Siuan and Moiraine, a relationship built on and torn apart by their unrelenting commitment to preparing the way for the Dragon Reborn. The Wheel of Times cycle of reincarnation is a burden but also a blessing, a chance for their stories to someday find a happy ending. But it wont be happening in this life, and Ill miss the strong chemistry Pike and Okonedo had together. Their beautifully raw farewell provides a poignant contrast to how the Amyrlin has to guard herself and everyone else in the Tower while allowing Moiraine to expand on the emotional vulnerability she was able to share with Lan earlier in Tel'aran'rhiod. People achieving more together than they could apart is a thread that runs throughout Tel'aran'rhiod and The Wheel of Time as a whole.In the Two Rivers, Alanna and her warder Maksim have gotten over their grief enough to tease each other about how theyre not cut out for village life. But the wound still festers. Their big fight is cathartic, explaining the ethos of the Green Ajah and why Alanna will risk her life to help the Two Rivers but not to pursue vengeance against Liandrin. Luckily Maksim is still a good Warder and comes to bail Alanna out when she needs it. Watching the two of them kill 10 Whitecloaks is an impressive testament to how much more they can accomplish together than apart thats a thread that runs throughout Tel'aran'rhiod and The Wheel of Time as a whole.Nynaeve continues to try to be the village wisdom, acting as a moderator in the fighting between Elayne and Mat when shes not puking her guts out on the ship to Tanchico. The opportunity to escape that dynamic is enough for Mat to finally forgive Min for almost selling him to the Forsaken last season, even if that arrangement is quickly soured by seeing a sketch of her visions.The Wheel of Time Season 3 Character PostersPoor Mat. The show has made his already difficult arc harsher than it was in the books by changing his dad from a successful horse trader to a poor man who neglects his own family. And now Whitecloaks kill his mom? Mats dream of being respectable and wealthy enough to support his family is so simple and already impossible. It seems pretty clear that his mom was just covering for one of her daughters channeling the fact that theres another potential Aes Sedai in the village supports Alannas notion that the people of Two Rivers would be quite the army.The Sea Folk using the One Power to speed their passage is beautiful an arresting combination of dancing movement and aurora borealis-like visuals. It makes a big impression on the Aes Sedai, too. Tel'aran'rhiod is a reminder of just how big and rich Jordans world is, and that the Aes Sedai dont have all the answers theyre just very good at pretending to. The Sea Folk philosophy of abandoning control might be helpful in Nynaeves quest to get over her block, even if it will be very hard for her to actually do.

Marvel made waves yesterday with their five-and-a-half-hour-long announcement video where they very, very slowly revealed the actors involved in 2026s Avengers: Doomsday. They listed 27 performers, which crazily enough doesnt compare to the near-40 actors who were announced ahead of Avengers: Infinity War. Still, there are some interesting surprises there with the names. We see for example which characters survive Thunderbolts*, including Lewis Pullman, who many believe is playing Sentry. Tom Hiddlestons Loki, aka the current load-bearing god of the multiverse, will also be there. Even Channing Tatums Gambit is going to return and finally make a name for himself.Something truly interesting, though, is how it ties into a set of alleged concept art leaks that appeared on the internet earlier this month. While these images from trusted illustrator and frequent Marvel Studios collaborator, Mushk Rizvi, were not confirmed by the casting announcement, the disparities between her images and the cast who has (so far) been announced in Doomsday paints a striking picture. If Rizvis work is as credible as it appears, we are starting to have a pretty good idea of how both Avengers: Doomsday and its 2027 follow-up Avengers: Secret Wars are going to play outA Secret Wars History LessonBefore we go further, for the sake of context, its worth doing a quick review of Secret Wars in the comics. The first Secret Wars was a 12-issue miniseries released from 1984 to 1985 by Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and Bob Layton. One of the earlier massive crossovers in Marvel Comics, it had an unseen entity known as the Beyonder throw a bunch of heroes and villains onto a makeshift planet called Battleworld for the sake of fighting it out. As Team Hero and Team Villain traded blows, Doctor Doom schemed his way into stealing the powers of both Galactus and the Beyonder, becoming nigh omnipotent. As these things tend to go, he was defeated, lost his powers, and everyone went back home.There were a couple sequels with nothing of note, other than Spider-Man teaching the Beyonder how to use the toilet. Decades later, Jonathan Hickman started a run on Fantastic Four that led into a run on Avengers, which culminated in a new miniseries even called Secret Wars in 2015, with art by Esad Ribic.In the lead-up, it was revealed that the multiverse was experiencing entropy in the form of alternate Earths crashing into each other. These incursions would lead to both universes being eradicated unless one Earth destroyed the other before the collision. Even then, it was only a short matter of time before the next incursion. Doom, aided by Doctor Strange and Molecule Man, found the source of the problem and came out of the adventure more powerful than ever. As God Doom, he rebuilt what remained of the multiverse into a makeshift planet called Battleworld where various realities were reduced to chaotic countries under Dooms rule. Eventually, the heroes of Earth-616 helped pull off an uprising and Reed Richards was able to defeat Doom while finding a way to rebuild the multiverse.Miles Morales Spider-Man also fed Molecule Man the grossest cheeseburger ever, but a lot of stuff happened in that series. It was a good time.Mushk Rizvis Leaked Concept ArtMushk Rizvi is an illustrator who has been doing concept art for various companies, but most notably Marvel Studios. From her Instagram, you can see her work on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Ms. Marvel. In early March, she released a big pile of concept art on her ArtStation page, which has since been wiped. The art included various designs for the Serpent Society that didnt get used for Captain America: Brave New World, lots of art from Fantastic Four: First Steps, an Ultron-esque Jocasta design presumably for Vision Quest, and a lot of fascinating art dealing with at least one Avengers movie.Admittedly, not all concept art is used in a finished film, as indicated by Rizvis work on the Serpent Society not making it to the final version of Brave New World. And sure enough, the Russo Brothers, who are directing the two upcoming Avengersacknowledged the concept art and downplayed its existence, but Joe claimed, that artwork was not from Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, while Anthony said there were no spoilers.Thats not our concept art.Are they being truthful? Are they lying for the sake of saving face and trying to keep some surprise to the project? Or is this another situation, much like the Serpent Society pics or Daniel Craig as Balder the Brave where so much has changed that the original images are no longer accurate?The Leaked Contents ExplainedThe images were taken down, but we can at least go over some of the juicier aspects of the artwork. First off, one drawing reveals what is essentially a Hulk village. Banner Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany), both dressed in medieval garb, are met with another wounded Hulk who has a beard and long hair. This is most likely Hulks son Skaar, introduced in the finale of She-Hulks show. There are various green and bulky villagers going about their business behind them.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!The medieval theme is later eschewed, however, for something a little more early modern inside what appears to be Dooms royal court. There Robert Downey Jr.s ruler passes judgment on someone bound in chains (possibly Reed?). Doom is on his throne, surrounded by Sue Storm (as his queen), her son Franklin, and Doctor Strange. A woman watching over the prisoner resembles Yelena Belova. All of it has more than a whiff of the aesthetic of Marvel 1602, an interesting (if now problematic) text that created an alternate Marvel universe where all these characters existed during the end of Elizabeth Is reign in Tutor England.There are also various sketches of Chris Pratts Peter Quill and Paul Bettanys White Vision sitting together on a couch, enjoying TV together as Vision holds the remote. Quill appears far more expressive and friendly than his companion, but Vision seems to be enthralled by watching television. Dollars to donuts says its a sitcom.Quill also pops up in a tavern of some kind, sitting with Wong (Benedict Wong) and the Young Avengers. This clearly includes Kate Bishops Hawkeye (Hailee Seinfeld), Wiccan (Billy Maximoff), Speed (Tommy Maximoff), Stature (Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellanis delightful Kamala Khan). Ms. Marvel looks especially enthralled in whatever Wongs saying. In an even bigger curveball, Doop of all characters is floating next to them.For those of you who dont know Doop, imagine if Slimer joined the X-Men and smoked a lot of crack. No, for real, Disneys going to make so much merch money off this guy.Finally, we see various designs for TChanda, the Black Panther of World War II. Curious.What Does This Mean for Avengers: Doomsday?While the Russos can claim the images to be no longer valid for the movies theyre making, comparing these characters to who was announced for Avengers: Doomsday speaks volumes. While most of the heroes in Rizvis work are not A-listers, they arent ones to simply be forgotten about either. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 told us that we had not seen the last of Star-Lord. The Marvels, which is super important to Doomsday considering its post-credits scene (though its odd how Teyonah Parris was not announced in the Doomsday cast list), made it apparent that Ms. Marvel is building a new Avengers team for the future. Hell, the two big themes in the MCU post-Endgame have been the multiverse and the building of legacy. The Young Avengers have to become players sooner rather than later.The release date for Vision Quest has not been revealed outside of it being in 2026. One could speculate that Vision Quest will be the Ant-Man and the Wasp to this pair of Avengers movies: that unrelated side-story thats released in-between but will be treated as important to the latter AvengersWandaVision and Agatha All Along, one thing that seems to be certain is that Billy will indeed be reunited with his long-lost brother Tommy.When the heroes lost in Infinity War, the follow-up was about the half who survived recovering and fighting back. This time it will be different. Three worlds of heroes are going to literally be colliding. Maybe they want to work together instead of going to war, but either way, when its over it appears that Doom is going to be supreme, having forced his own solution on the multiverse. Doom is going to stand tall over these heroes, like Thanos did years before, ruling over a Battleworld resembling the one from the 2015 comic. He might even take Vanessa Kirbys Sue Storm as a queen and force everyone to wear silly Elizabethan costuming!This time, the solution will not be a celebration of the past, but a celebration of the future. A story where the youth stands up and picks up the slack to avenge those who came before them. Yes, Reed Richards will likely be the face of Dooms final downfall, but Kamala and her team are going to get the ball rolling and bring closure to this entire Multiverse Saga.Though hopefully they can fit in a moment for Thor to hold Deadpool and cry. It would be a crime not to pay off that plot thread.

Weve got a sneak peek to share from Marshmallow, a throwback horror film in the vein of Watcher in the Woods.At a secluded summer camp, Morgan, a shy and introverted 12-year-old, is thrust into a living nightmare when a legendary campfire tale becomes real. As a mysterious figure begins stalking the camp, Morgan and his newfound friends must embark on a perilous journey that will force them to confront their deepest fears and question the very nature of their existence.Buy ticketsCompared to the popularity of Surging Sparks, the latest Pokmon TCG set Journey Together seems more like an afterthought.Since the launch of November 2024s set, Surging Sparks, the popularity of the 30-year-old collectible card game exploded, which in turn drew the attention of scalpers, which has rendered the products almost impossible to buy ever since. Journey Together, officially releasing Friday 28 March, is such an anticlimactic set that it almost feels designed to try to calm the waters.Read more at KotakuAlthough Naughty Dog has pushed back the release date of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Neil Druckmann of The Last of Us fame promises, Its incredible.Like The Witcher 4, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be released in 2027 at the earliest Its a pretty long wait, but speaking to IGN on the red carpet ahead of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere, Druckmann said that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is not only playable right now, but really good.Read more at IGNDaredevil: Born Again will be wrapping up soon, but not before bringing back two fan-favorite characters if the latest trailer is to be believed.Were now already two-thirds of the way through the season, with just three episodes left. Those three episodes may, however, be the most pivotal, as Marvel has released a mid-season trailer teasing the seasons big conclusion But the biggest reveals are a look at Frank Castle fully suited up as the Punisher after fanboy cops co-opted his identity, and a peek at Bullseye, whos showing his face again after murdering Foggy Nelson.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Read more at InverseHarlan Cobens horror adaptations have become a legitimate phenomenon on Netflix, but what (or who) is behind the chain of successes?Harlan Coben novels are always an experience. But when the bestseller author works with three long-time friends and creative collaborators to move their setting from the U.S. to the U.K. and adapt his stories for the screen, they are looking to make them into an entirely different experience altogether.Read more at The Hollywood Reporter

Lets end March on a high note with five games for you to try this weekend with Free Play Days! Blindfire, City Transport Simulator: Tram, Big Helmet Heroes, Tiebreak and Make Way are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday March 27 at 12:01am Pacific until Sunday, March 30 at 11:59pm Pacific. Big Helmet Heros is also free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days with a 2-hour timed trial.How To Start PlayingFind and install the games on each of the individual game details page onXbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.Keep The Fun GoingPurchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.Free Play Days (Membership Required)Blindfire (Game Preview)Double Eleven Ltd.163$8.99$6.29Get it nowFree TrialBlindfire (Game Preview)Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBlindfire is an online multiplayer first-person shooter that takes place in the dark. Set in a shadowy underworld, the ultra-wealthy bet on illicit bloodsports beneath a neon skyline. For contestants lured by the promise of untold riches and unimaginable glory, its kill or be killed. Brave the arena alone or team up in matches of up to 8 players. This game is a work in progress. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.City Transport Simulator: TramDovetail Games 4$24.99$19.99Get it nowCity Transport Simulator: TramOptimized for Xbox Series X|SGrab up to 20% off City Transport Simulator: Tram Standard Edition on this Free Play Days, and get an authentic tram-driving experience with three iconic vehicles that set the stage for your journey. Operate the sleek ULF A1, ULF B1, and R2.2b trams and discover what makes each one unique in both Career and Sandbox Mode gameplay options.Big Helmet HeroesDear Villagers24$24.99$19.99Get it nowFree TrialBig Helmet HeroesOptimized for Xbox Series X|SFor a limited time only throw yourself into a free trial of an epic 3D beatem up adventure with adorable knights, full of surprising worlds and situations. Grab your buddy and play in 2 player co-op to save the princess, this is only the beginning.TIEBREAK: Official game of the ATP and WTANacon17$49.99Get it nowTiebreakOptimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryTiebreak is the most lifelike tennis simulation ever released, showcasing the essence of gameplay on court and the challenge of managing a career through an entire season of 90 official tournaments against 120+ officially licensed pros. Each professional womens and mens player from Novak Djokovic to Nick Kyrgios, and Iga Swiatek to Caroline Wozniacki, has been studied with minute detail to reproduce their signature techniques and strategies, immersing players into the core essence of WTA and ATP play.Make WaySecret Mode57$14.99Get it nowMake WayOptimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart DeliveryMake Way sees up to Six playersbattling it out in weapon-filled, round-based races. But there are no pre-built courses. Instead, players must construct the track together, using a random selection of pieces and hazards (train crossings! loop-de-loops! seesaws!) to invent a unique raceway that gets bigger and wilder every round.

Get ready to unleash the supernatural in Atlus (Metaphor: ReFantazio, Shin Megami Tensei, Persona) upcoming action RPG, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, launching June 19, 2025 on Xbox Series X|S.Raidou Remastered marks the triumphant return of 2006s Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army, a one-of-a-kind mystery spin-off within the legendary Shin Megami Tensei series. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, the game is set in a fictional Taisho-era Japan and combines action-packed gameplay with detective drama. Raidou Remastered is a faithful remaster of the iconic RPG, featuring an overhauled battle system, enhanced graphics and full VO in the main story.If you want more details about the original game and whats new in Raidou Remastered, you have come to the right place! Heres what you need to know.Story and CharactersThe story starts off with a bang! In Raidou Remastered, a young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a strange requestto kill her. Before she can explain further, the girl is kidnapped and disappears without a trace. Apprentice detective Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, who moonlights as a Devil Summoner assigned to protect the Capital, is on the case. Raidous investigation takes him across the entire city, including the Dark Realm a dangerous, demon-filled juncture between the real world and the netherworld.As you unravel the mystery of Raidou Remastered, you will encounter many complex, suspicious and intriguing characters. My personal favorite is a black cat named Gouto, who accompanies Raidou as his mentor on on his missions and provides helpful advice throughout the investigation. Every Atlus game needs an adorable companion!Real-Time BattlesOne of Raidou Remastereds greatest features is its engaging real-time RPG combat, where youll need to utilize your wits AND your powers to succeed. One key element to success in combat is the skillful utilization of MAG (Magnetite), the special bio-energy that powers demon skills. MAG can be recovered with MAG Drain, which steals MAG from attacked enemies. Make sure to balance weak, MAG-stealing attacks and stronger non-MAG-stealing attacks.Its worth noting that all demons, whether enemies or allies, have unique weaknesses and resistances, so keep your eyes peeled in combat! Attacking an enemys weakness will stun them, restricting their actions and allowing you to inflict critical hits to increase the amount of damage dealt and the amount of MAG drained. You will have a variety of combat abilities and attacks at your disposal, so make sure to develop a solid strategy.Investigation and ExplorationTo find clues and crack the case, you will cross between the Dark Realm and the real world, explore the Capital and seek answers from people and demons on the streets. To level up your detective skills, use demons with Investigation Skills. Abilities like Read Mind, which allows Raidou to hear other peoples thoughts, are key to helping Raidou connect the dots. In some instances, where there are suspicious locations that a human like Raidou cannot go, you can even command your demon to go on a solo investigation to retrieve new information. The demon is in the details!The Art of Confinement and Demon FusionDemons can be recruited by using the art of confinement to catch them during the battle and make them allies. Conversations may occur when the art of confinement is successful. Choose wisely because demons will reward you by restoring your party or improving your stats.The demons you have recruited as allies throughout the investigation can be fused at the Goumaden, a research facility run by a mad scientist by the name of Dr. Victor. Here, you can utilize the forbidden magic of demon fusion to combine your demons and form even more powerful ones!Whats New?Raidou Remastered is the most visually enhanced and immersive version of the fan-favorite mystery RPG. RAIDOU Remastered features a plethora of gameplay and quality-of-life updates to bring the title to the modern era, including an enhanced save game functionality more save slots, autosave and quick save; difficulty settings five difficulty levels to choose from, including the brutally challenging Detective Legend difficulty only selectable on New Game+; and voice settings the option to switch between English and Japanese VO.To learn more, you can watch the Raidou Remastered livestream from earlier today on the Atlus YouTube channel or visit the games official website. Pre-order Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army now on Xbox. To stay up to date on news for Raidou Remastered and everything else Atlus, follow the official Atlus West pages on Facebook, Instagram and X.RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless ArmySEGA$49.99Pre-orderThe story of apprentice detective and Devil Summoner extraordinaire Raidou Kuzunoha XIV returns in this remastered classic! Call upon your demons to solve supernatural mysteries and dispose of enemies.As a special pre-order bonus, receive the cosmetic Raidou Glasses. With these glasses that were popular in the Taisho Era, his charm will increase beyond what one can handle.*The pre-order bonus will be given for purchases made before 00:00 local time, Thurs, June 19, 2025.Undertake the case of the century in this must-play classic from ATLUS. The studio behind Shin Megami Tensei remasters "Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army" with revamped visuals, QOL updates, new VO, and an overhauled battle system! Taisho 20, in the CapitalA young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a strange requestto kill her. Without any further explanation, the girl is kidnapped. Apprentice detective Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, who moonlights as a Devil Summoner assigned to protect the Capital, is on the case. Raidou investigates all across the city, which includes entering the Dark Realma dangerous juncture between the real world and the netherworld where demons abound. Become Raidou Kuzunoha and work with your allied demons to unravel the mysteries that block your path. What was once a missing persons matter soon spirals into a conspiracy that will shake not only the Capital, but the entire nation. KEY FEATURESAn Enhanced Yet Faithful Remaster:The supernatural action RPG classic returns, now revamped with visual, audio, and combat enhancements for modern consoles while staying true to the original game's style. A brand-new UI, full VO, expanded 3D environments, and more invites both veterans and newcomers alike to a nostalgic and thrilling gameplay experience. A Supernatural Detective Mystery:Channel your inner detective in a gripping, supernatural adventure with a charming cast of complex characters. Uncover the truth behind collusion swirling around the Capital with unexpected twists and turns ahead. Use both your mind and the might of your demons to leave no stone unturned. A Fantastical Taisho Era Adventure: Navigate the historic streets of a fantastical 1930s era in Tokyo or delve into the haunting Dark Realm where demons lie in wait. With over 120 demons to summon, choose your allies wisely to prevent humanity from being consumed by darkness.

Anyone following design reports will tell you, trends in lighting seem to come and go quite quickly these days, especially in an ever-changing landscape and fast paced launch cycles. This notion is certainly antithetical to Jamb founders Will Fisher and Charlotte Freemantle who have been quietly producing bespoke lighting for the worlds top interior designers and decorators from their home and studio in London. Specializing in traditional skills, exceptional craftsmanship and a keen eye to detail, the duo is set to debut the brand new Deco collection, timed with London Design Week, made of five distinctive pieces that do not seem to follow any sort of trends at all.Michael SinclairPictured above, the Hopper Alabaster, a wall sconce in cast brass with alabaster shade.Inspiration in AntiquesDecidedly glamorous in style and a hint majestic, Charlotte recalls, We sought to soften the edges of each piece in a more romantic fashion. This romance has become a melodic line, one that was carried through from their distinctive pink room at the Wow! House at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre this past year and brought forward in developing these new product categories. Seeking new inspirations through old antiques has become part of a well-versed repertoire for Will, having spent his formative years studying antique objects. He notes, We start with finding an original piece and that presents the kernel of an idea that we build upon. When we get obsessed with something, we really get drawn in. A buying trip and a plethora of discoveries inspired the early twentieth century themes of The Bloomsbury Group, the Roaring Twenties, and the world of the Belle poque for which this small collection took flight.Michael SinclairThe Thelma pendant light features a hand stippled brass frame, three horse-bit chains and a skirt available in linen or silk.Materiality in FocusFrom a materials perspective, hand-planished metal, luminescent alabaster and shimmering silk textiles combine to create unexpected pairings and compelling juxtapositions. In some designs, hand carved patterns are cast using a traditional lost wax technique, one of the original forms of casting offering the noblest form of manufacture, as Will describes. The inclusion of decorative fabrics, another hold-over from the Wow! House show is something Charlotte is particularly keen to continue to work with in new ways with regards to product development. She says, Drapery softens and diffuse light in a room and textiles has a similar effect with our collection, it suggests candlelight.Michael SinclairA new floor lamp from the Deco Collection is styled in a contemporary setting with a variety of antique pieces of furniture and objects.Making a StatementWe often hear that lighting is the jewelry of the home, and if thats the case, the Deco collection is suitable for creating a unique and inviting ambiance you will not find anywhere else. The perfect piece of jewelry often completes the look and compliments the ensemble, which this collection does with aplomb. The designers photographed the collection in situ which gives us a better sense of how these objects can fit into any interior environment, from mid-century modern spaces to those of more traditional pedigree, all the while, bucking trends and perhaps, however unintentionally, starting new ones.Michael SinclairThe Hatton Rod embodies the Art Deco aesthetic with its alabaster bowl and brass detailing. It has the added versatility of providing down and uplighting.Available from Jamb, 95-97 Pimlico Road, London and jamb.co.uk.This story originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of Elle Decor.SUBSCRIBE

Amber Lewis admits to not liking corporate offices. But her growing team needed a new home base, so she began looking for one. The internet-favorite designers former digs, a 1,500-square-foot, character-filled space across town in Calabasas, California, was getting too small. If I had to be in a more traditionally corporate setting, it was going to have to have pretty amazing qualities, Lewis says. Having scored a space that gave her free reign on renovations, a wraparound deck, and natural light on three sides, shes now a convert to the office building lifestyle.I wanted to feel like I was working at home.Lewis immediately tore open the ceilings, adding much-needed height while showing off the buildings ductwork, which gives it her signature laid-back energy. A coat of warm white paint (Pueblo by Dunn Edwards) and sheer draperyLewiss go-to for adding depth to a space with limited architecturesoftened the stark walls and square windows. Every door and piece of millwork was painted in Heather, also by Dunn Edwards, to help frame the office zones.Related StoriesShade DeggesLewiss office living room is a casual place to answer emails and meet with clients.Similar to one shed design for a home, the office kitchen is where people tend to gather, something thats quite rare in a corporate setting. Of course, the snack drawers (filled with Chomps sticks) are a big part of the draw, but Lewis strived for a space that looked as good as it performed. There was no kitchen when the team got the space, so Lewis was able to customize every element. Everything was built to be hidden, she says. But durability was the primary focus, especially when you have a revolving door of 50 people coming in and out.Shade DeggesThe sample library has abundant storage forevery textile swatch and tile square.Shade DeggesThe kitchen is where most of thestaff hangs out, just like at home. The countertops and backsplash were sourced fromRoyal Stone, and the flooring is fromExquisite Surfaces.Shade DeggesThe materials library was organized by Jen Robin ofLife in Jeneral.Shade DeggesPinboards adorn most of thewalls in the office, allowing designersto create large-scale mood boards and design presentations. Lewis opted for paneled appliances, marble countertops, and brick paver floors, all tried-and-true elements she uses in many of her design projects. Cabinets painted a shade darker than the walls are easy to touch up when scuffs and scratches happen. The star of the space is the antique island, a piece Lewis had had in her warehouse for years but never found the right home for. Its the perfect butcher block top. If you get it wiped down and you cut on it, its just the sort of thing that will get better with age.The other place Lewis gravitates to, aside from the carefully curated snack drawer, is the conference room. She focused on making it feel cozy and inviting. Plush seating and sprawling valley views create a calming space for team and client meetings. Shade DeggesThe conference room was furnished with soft textures and drapery from Interior Specialties to avoid the intimidating air Lewis feels in overly corporate spaces.Around the corner is the sample library. An important space for any design firm, Lewis situated hers directly across from a wall of ceiling-height windows. Natural light is everything, she says. This ensures her team can see colors and finishes accurately. The walls are outfitted with custom built-in cabinetry, and theres an island so people can spread out and experiment right in the roomno need to carry boxes of samples down the hall to their desks. Clients can also explore the space and get hands-on during the decision making process with the team.Shade DeggesA smaller conference room provides privacy for more intimate meetings.Shade DeggesCustom millwork by Interior Wood Designs ensures the sample library has room to grow and space for designers tospread out andexperiment.Despite her love of sourcing vintage, Lewis tapped the product designer side of her brain to outfit the pit with a slew of wooden desks, designed as part of her collaboration with Four Hands. Secured to the floor, these desks are able to hide every single computer charger and power cord, a non-negotiable for Lewis. In her own office, a large room at the rear of the floor, Lewis focused on comfort. I wanted to feel like I was working at home, she says. A large dining table serves as her desk, while ample seating allows team members to hang out close by. Its double the space I need, she says. But I like that it feels conversational. My door is literally always open. Shade DeggesSheer drapes in Lewiss office soften the windows and diffuse the light. The rugs used throughout the office are from Marc Phillips and Loloi. SHOP AMBER'S SPACESalerno Desk ChairShop at amberinteriordesign.comPueblo White PaintShop at dunnedwards.comHolden Office DeskShop at amberinteriordesign.comPlume Pendant LightShop at amberinteriordesign.comCall It HomeShop at Amazon