Games industry veteran Ian Livingstone announced as PlanetPlay ambassador Not-for-profit organisation also partnering with Summer Game Fest 2025 to launch Green Games Showcase News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on April 17, 2025 Not-for-profit organisation PlanetPlay has announced three new ambassadors, including games industry veteran Ian Livingstone as part of its ongoing Make Green Moves campaign. Actress Briana Evigan and Formula E world champion Pascal Wehrlein join Livingstone as the first batch of ambassadors, with more to be announced throughout the year. In their role, they will work with PlanetPlay to encourage sustainability in the games industry by contributing content to participating games and raising awareness at events including industry and consumer panel sessions. The organisation's MGM campaign has raised $2.2 million to date to support green initiatives, with 100% of the funds raised go directly to environmental projects. PlanetPlay is also partnering with Summer Game Fest 2025 to launch the Green Games Showcase – a livestream spotlighting games championing the environment. "Any studio can participate either by making a simple corporate donation, launching green game content as part of MGM, or by having games that have been developed for the planet," the company said. Its aim is to raise $300,000 by June 30, 2025, with proceeds going directly to habitat restoration in Timor-Leste in partnership with WithOneSeed. "Throughout my career, I've seen how games can unlock the imagination, build skills, and inspire generations," said Ian Livingstone. "With PlanetPlay, we have an opportunity to harness that same power for the planet. "I'm thrilled to be part of a movement that turns play into purpose, and helps gamers become everyday heroes in their quest for a greener future." PlanetPlay CEO Rhea Loucas added: "Video games have an incredible ability to connect people, inspire action, and make change feel accessible. Earth Month and Earth Day are cornerstone moments for the sustainability movement, and we are ramping up our efforts to meet that energy. "From welcoming powerful new ambassadors, to launching a donations campaign – we are more committed than ever to helping gamers make green moves that matter."

Frostpunk 2 sold 592,000 units as of December 2024 to generate PLN 69.73 million ($18.5 million) in revenue for developer 11 Bit Studios.As noted in the company's fiscal report for the year ended December 31, 2024, the studio saw annual revenue increase by 168.9 percent year-over-year to PLN 140.54 million ($37.3 million) after delivering record-breaking annual sales.That revenue surge was primarily driven by new releases and the launch of Frostpunk 2, but the studio noted that legacy titles such as Frostpunk and This War of Mine also performed "strongly."Games developed by external partners and published by 11 Bit represented 26 percent of the company's annual revenue.Despite achieving significant sales milestones, 11 Bit acknowledged that 2024 was a "tough" year containing "significant challenges."For instance, that sales growth didn't translate into a corresponding increase in margins and the company recorded an operating loss of roughly PLN 2.84 million ($753,000) in 2024. Net profit totalled PLN 6.90 million ($1.8 million), reflecting the recognition of a deferred tax asset."We hoped for significantly more, but in December we made the decision to discontinue the development of a game codenamed Project 8, which led to a non-cash impairment loss of PLN 48.42 million," said Przemysław Marszał, president of the management board at 11 Bit.Related:11 Bit planning to launch another Frostpunk project in 2027The cancellation of Project 8, billed as a narrative-driven console title, resulted in layoffs at the studio.11 Bit said the title was scrapped due to "a deteriorating market environment for the title’s genre, extended production timelines, and escalating costs reduced the likelihood of achieving a positive return on investment to zero."The company also recognised non-cash impairment losses on The Thaumaturge and Creatures of Ava, both of which were released through its publishing division."Certainly, 2024 was a year marked by hard work, significant challenges, and tough business decisions for us. It was also a year of achievements that we are proud of. We experienced failures as well, which we are confident we have learned from," continued Marszał."We are entering a new year that we firmly believe will bring notable improvements in both our operational and financial performance."Looking ahead, Marszał said the company must diversify the scale of its projects and their development timelines to thrive in an industry "undergoing rapid transformation." He claimed that means capitalizing on financially attractive opportunities.Related:With that in mind, the company has already initiated production on another project set in the Frostpunk universe, which it plans to launch in 2027. Another "larger-scale title" has been greenlit for release in 2029."We can confidently outline our future plans. While our 2024 results—affected by non-cash charges—fell short of expectations, both our own and likely those of shareholders and investors, the Company's financial condition remains strong," added Marszał."Moreover, we are confident that, despite substantial outlays on new proprietary and third-party games, our cash position at the end of 2025 will be significantly stronger than it was a year earlier."

Discord is preventing some users from accessing sensitive content unless they allow the platform to verify their age by scanning their face or ID. The new age verification process is described as an “experiment” by Discord, and is being trialed in the United Kingdom and Australia in response to local laws that require online platforms to have guardrails in place for safeguarding children.The new face and ID scanning requirements only apply to Discord users who haven’t previously verified their age on the platform. Discord says this is a “one-time process” that will be triggered in two situations: when users are exposed to nude or sexually explicit content that’s been flagged by Discord’s sensitive media filter, or when users attempt to change filter control settings to prevent such content from being blurred or blocked. An age verification window will then appear that prompts the user to either allow Discord to access their device camera and scan their face, or submit a photograph of their ID by scanning a QR code via their phone.This is the age verification window that’s appearing for some users in the UK and Australia. Image: DiscordDiscord is likely trialing this process to appease new laws in the UK and Australia that aim to restrict children from accessing sensitive material online. The UK’s Online Safety Act requires online platforms that may host pornographic content to introduce “robust” age-checking techniques, while Australia is requiring that under-16s be prevented from accessing social media platforms entirely. We have asked Discord if it has any plans to roll out its experimental age verification process in other regions.Discord is placing a surprising amount of trust in the accuracy of the face scanning tool, given some users may be banned if the process decides they look too young to be using the platform. Discord says that users who are verified incorrectly can retry the process or request a manual review, and that users who have been erroneously banned can appeal the decision.Discord says the information submitted during this age verification experiment won’t be stored by the company or any of its vendors, regardless of what verification method you choose. “For Face Scan, the solution our vendor uses operates on-device, which means there is no collection of any biometric information when you scan your face,” says Discord. “For ID verification, the scan of your ID is deleted upon verification.”See More:

​Today, OpenAI introduced two new reasoning models—OpenAI o3 and o4-mini—marking a significant advancement in integrating multimodal inputs into AI reasoning processes.​ OpenAI o3: Advanced Reasoning with Multimodal Integration The OpenAI o3 model represents a substantial enhancement over its predecessors, particularly in handling complex tasks across domains such as mathematics, coding, and scientific analysis. A notable feature of o3 is its ability to incorporate visual inputs directly into its reasoning chain. This means that when provided with images—such as diagrams or handwritten notes—the model doesn’t merely process them superficially but integrates the visual information into its analytical workflow, enabling more nuanced and context-aware responses. This capability is facilitated by the model’s support for tools like image analysis and manipulation, allowing operations such as zooming and rotating images as part of its reasoning process. o4-mini: Efficient Reasoning for High-Throughput Applications Complementing o3, the o4-mini model offers a balance between performance and efficiency. Optimized for speed and cost-effectiveness, o4-mini delivers remarkable results, particularly in tasks involving mathematics, coding, and visual analysis. It has outperformed its predecessor, o3-mini, in various evaluations, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring high-throughput and real-time reasoning capabilities .​ Like o3, o4-mini also incorporates the innovative feature of reasoning with images. This allows users to input visual data, such as charts or screenshots, and receive insightful analyses that consider both textual and visual information.​ Both o3 and o4-mini models are designed to autonomously utilize and combine various tools within ChatGPT, including web browsing, Python code execution, image and file analysis, image generation, and memory functions. This integration enables the models to perform complex, multi-step tasks with minimal user intervention, moving towards more autonomous AI systems capable of executing tasks on behalf of users. Availability and Access As of the release date, ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users can access o3, o4-mini, and o4-mini-high through the model selector, replacing the previous o1, o3-mini, and o3-mini-high models. Enterprise and Education users will gain access within a week. For developers, both models are available via the Chat Completions API and Responses API, facilitating the integration of advanced reasoning capabilities into various applications .​ The introduction of o3 and o4-mini signifies OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance AI reasoning capabilities, particularly through the integration of multimodal inputs, paving the way for more sophisticated and context-aware AI applications. Check out the technical details here. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and join our Telegram Channel and LinkedIn Group. Don’t Forget to join our 90k+ ML SubReddit. NikhilNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute.Nikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/MIT Researchers Introduce DISCIPL: A Self-Steering Framework Using Planner and Follower Language Models for Efficient Constrained Generation and ReasoningNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/From Logic to Confusion: MIT Researchers Show How Simple Prompt Tweaks Derail LLM ReasoningNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Reflection Begins in Pre-Training: Essential AI Researchers Demonstrate Early Emergence of Reflective Reasoning in LLMs Using Adversarial DatasetsNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Transformers Gain Robust Multidimensional Positional Understanding: University of Manchester Researchers Introduce a Unified Lie Algebra Framework for N-Dimensional Rotary Position Embedding (RoPE)

I want to say I have self-control, but when Amazon drops prices on Pokémon cards and limited edition gear, my budget takes the hit. These deals hit that magical combo of actually useful and just tempting enough to justify with "well, it is on sale.Pokémon TCG, DOOM Xbox Controller, and a Last of Us Vinyl SetPokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium CollectionXbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages LE$79.99 at AmazonThe Last of Us 10th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set - 4LP$109.98 at IGN StorePokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxReturn to Metroidvania Game BundlePokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved BoosterPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster Bundle$44.04 at AmazonPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging SparksPokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection$56.18 at AmazonMass Effect Merchandise$59.99 at IGN Store Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster BundleSee it at AmazonFellow Traveller Publisher Bundle Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box$54.96 at Amazon Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection$135.00 at AmazonPokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box$53.46 at AmazonPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster BundleLike a Dragon - Kazuma Kiryu - Statue$219.99 at IGN StorePokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together - Sleeved BoosterTrain Sim world 5 Route Remix BundleLepro O1 AI Floor Lamp$86.39 at AmazonLepro B2 AI Smart Light BulbsPokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet: 151 Booster BundlePokemon TCG Surging Sparks Sleeved Booster Pack$6.59 at AmazonThe Last of Us - Joel With Hatchet Bust$149.99 at IGN StorePokemon TCG: Azure Legends Tin$29.99 at AmazonDice & Destiny Game BundlePokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved BoosterI think today’s lineup is especially worth a look. There’s a Charizard box packed with collectibles, a DOOM Xbox controller that looks like it could double as a weapon, and a Last of Us vinyl set that might just make you cry on your living room floor. Been there.Add MLB.TV and Get $30 Off Your First Month of SlingNow through May 31, you can tack on MLB.TV and stream every single out-of-market game and get $30 off your first month of Sling TV. Get access to ESPN, TBS, FS1, and more, plus a free month of unlimited DVR.See it at Sling TVPokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium CollectionPokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium CollectionThis is one of those sets where I blinked and it was sold out the first time. I’m glad it’s back and actually on sale. You get a shiny Charizard ex, Charmander and Charmeleon promos, a display figure, and ten booster packs. That’s a solid value for under 50 bucks.Squirtle - 148/142$75.31 at TCG PlayerBulbasaur - 143/142$74.88 at TCG PlayerTerapagos ex - 170/142$57.98 at TCG PlayerDachsbun ex - 169/142$38.00 at TCG PlayerHydrapple ex - 167/142$41.99 at TCG PlayerIn my opinion, this is the kind of product that works for both collectors and anyone trying to build out a fire-heavy deck. The packaging alone makes it feel like a gift, even if you’re just giving it to your future self. You get the following packs:Greninja ex - 214/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade$799.95 at TCGPlayerPerrin - 220/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade$249.95 at TCGPlayerCarmine - 217/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade$174.95 at TCGPlayerEevee - 188/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade$89.91 at TCGPlayerBloodmoon Ursaluna ex - 216/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade$47.70 at TCGPlayer- Stellar Crown- Twilight Masquerade- Paradox Rift- Temporal Forces- Obsidian FlamesRaging Bolt ex - 208/162$112.94 at TCG PlayerIron Crown ex - 206/162$65.11 at TCG PlayerWalking Wake ex - 205/162$149.95 at TCG PlayerGouging Fire ex - 204/162$56.88 at TCG PlayerGastly - 177/162$50.36 at TCG PlayerXbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages LEXbox Wireless Controller – DOOM: The Dark Ages LEPre-order now, releases April 30$79.99 at AmazonI want this just to display it. This controller has matte green armor, silver spikes, a sinister red thumbstick, and buttons labeled in the Sentinel alphabet. I’m convinced it could survive a drop from orbit.It’s still a standard Xbox and Bluetooth controller underneath all the theatrics, so it’ll work across consoles, PC, and cloud. I think it’s the best kind of extra. Completely over-the-top, but still totally usable.The Last of Us 10th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set - 4LPThe Last of Us 10th Anniversary Vinyl Box Set - 4LP$109.98 at IGN StoreI don’t even play vinyl and I still want this sitting on my shelf. The music from Last of Us is unforgettable, and this set leans all the way into the emotion. It includes four colored records, a slipcase that looks like it’s been through some stuff, and two beautiful lithographs.Gustavo Santaolalla’s soundtrack is about as iconic as game music gets. In my opinion, if you felt anything during that main theme, you’re going to want this in your collection.Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxPokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer BoxI think this box is for anyone who loves both strategy and structure. It comes with nine booster packs, a full-art promo of N’s Zorua, a mountain of energy cards, dice, sleeves, and even a collector’s box with dividers. It’s basically a starter kit for organized chaos.Lillie's Clefairy ex - 184/159$224.74 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 185/159$249.97 at TCGPlayerIono's Bellibolt ex - 183/159$149.99 at TCGPlayerHop's Zacian ex - 186/159$100.39 at TCGPlayerN's Zoroark ex - 189/159$62.95 at TCGPlayerIt’s not the cheapest trainer box out there, but the amount of content here definitely gives it an edge if you're all in on the Scarlet & Violet era.Return to Metroidvania Game BundleReturn to Metroidvania Game BundlePay less to get fewer items, or pay extra to give more to publishers, Humble, and charity Cool Effect.This bundle is a steal. For fourteen bucks, you’re getting eight quality indie games, and at least three of them could easily stand on their own. I picked it up for Gato Roboto, which is exactly what it sounds like: a cat in a mech suit.In my opinion, this is ideal for anyone who wants games that actually let you explore and experiment. The titles are highly rated, weird in the best way, and don’t take up 80 gigs of storage. It’s refreshing.Pokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved BoosterPokémon TCG - Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved BoosterAlright, I’ll be honest. This one’s a bit of a wildcard. You get one booster pack, randomly selected, and that's it. The listing makes it clear you don’t get to pick the pack art or contents.Maractus - 160/159$2.25 at TCG PlayerArticuno - 161/159$18.69 at TCG PlayerWailord 162/159$14.55 at TCG PlayerIono's Kilowattrel 163/159$12.49 at TCG PlayerLillie's Ribombee 164/159$8.00 at TCG PlayerSwinub 165/159$4.18 at TCG PlayerLycanroc 166/159$4.55 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram 167/159$16.00 at TCG PlayerN's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)$14.12 at TCG PlayerFurret 168/159$8.92 at TCG PlayerNoibat 169/159$6.85 at TCG PlayerHop's Wooloo 170/159$6.10 at TCG PlayerVolcanion ex 171/159$2.35 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 172/159See it at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 173/159$17.01 at TCG PlayerMamoswine ex 174/159$2.20 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 175/159$13.25 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 176/159$7.45 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 177/159$3.00 at TCG PlayerDudunsparce ex 178/159$2.65 at TCG PlayerBrock's Scouting 179/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerIris's Fighting Spirit 180/159$4.99 at TCG PlayerVolcanion ex 182/159$23.95 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 183/159$80.00 at TCG PlayerLillie's Clefairy ex 184/159$180.00 at TCG PlayerN's Zoroark ex 185/159$90.00 at TCG PlayerHop's Zacian ex 186/159$49.95 at TCG PlayerSalamence ex 187/159$104.77 at TCG PlayerIono's Bellibolt ex 188/159

It’s that time of year again when wrestlers point to the big WrestleMania sign and fans complain incessantly online about booking. Yes, WrestleMania season is in full swing with the grandest stage of them all about to head to Las Vegas for a showdown between the legendary John Cena in the midst of a retirement tour and reigning WWE champion Cody Rhodes. So it’s also a great time to revisit a WWE game and see how some dream matches of your own will play out. But if you’re not a hardcore pro wrestling fan, it can be hard to know where to begin. There have been dozens of WWE games released since the 1980s, but which are jobbers and which are Hall of Fame material? To help clear things up for you, these are the 15 best WWE games ever made. 15. WWE 2K16 (2015) WWE games were notoriously uneven throughout the 2010s, with WWE 2K15 in particular being a sluggish, glitchy mess that was widely panned by critics and fans alike. Thankfully Yuke’s took the criticism to heart for the follow up and fixed almost everything with the follow-up. The 2K16 edition of the It also has one of the better Showcase modes in the franchise with a fantastic collection of matches charting the legendary career of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Yuke’s even added a very good second Showcase featuring 2015 WWE Hall of Famers as part of the game’s season pass. 14. WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1995) While most WWE games have been traditional wrestling games, the franchise has occasionally experimented with different genres, usually with terrible results. Many a 2000s kid is still dealing with the trauma of getting the vehicular combat game WWE Crush Hour as a gift from an unsuspecting relative. The one WWE game that mixes up the formula that’s actually quite good is WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game. Released at the height of the fighting game craze of the ‘90s, The Arcade GameMortal Kombat?” and just runs with it. Doink the Clown hits opponents with a mallet. Razor Ramon’s arms turn into literal razors. Or you can just straight uppercut people like in Mortal Kombat. It’s ridiculously over the top and just an awesome idea we’d love to see the WWE revisit. 13. WWE Day of Reckoning 2 (2005) Instead of porting a single WWE game across all platforms in the early 2000s, publisher THQ would release a different WWE title for each console. The PS2 was blessed with the Smackdown titles, and the Xbox received some truly dreadful wrestling games. And in between there was the humble GameCube, which received WWE Day of Reckoning 2, one of the more underrated WWE games. While the core gameplay is based on the beloved N64 wrestling games, a few tweaks like the addition of a stamina meter keep it from being quite as good as its predecessors. The in-ring action is still solid, and the story mode is one of the best of any WWE game. The roster is admittedly small (only 45 wrestlers), but all of the greats from the Ruthless Aggression era are here, and it’s worth checking out for an interesting alternate vision of where WWE games could have gone. 12. WWE All Stars (2011) More than any other wrestling game, WWE All Stars captures the feeling of playing with action figures of your favorite wrestlers. Character models are huge and cartoon-like, and moves are way over the top with punches sending opponents across the ring, and top rope moves launching characters 30 feet in the air. Actually, it’s kind of like that Hulk Hogan/Shawn Michaels match where Michaels just oversold everything.  Admittedly, WWE All Stars isn’t as feature rich as a lot of other wrestling games, but the Fantasy Warfare mode is another great reason to check the game out, as it features dream matches like John Cena vs. Hulk Hogan and CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin with some really amazing video packages. 11. WWF WrestleMania 2000 (1999) The Nintendo 64 was the undisputed console of choice for wrestling fans in the ‘90s. AKI corporation and its revolutionary grapple-based gameplay system had forever changed how wrestling games played after releasing two beloved WCW games for the system. So expectations were understandably high when the developer was tasked with its first WWF title. They absolutely nailed it. Join our mailing list Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! WWF WrestleMania 2000 just tweaked the gameplay of those WCW games a little, then added a lengthy Road to WrestleMania mode, higher production values like actual theme songs and entrances, and then included some new match types like cage matches and first blood. It’s still freaking awesome more than two decades later. 10. WWF WrestleFest (1991) Frankly, most early wrestling games were terrible. The technology wasn’t really there to approximate how wrestling works, and developers were still feeling out how to make sports entertainment in video games. One of the few exceptions is WWF WrestleFest, released exclusively in arcades in 1991. The game is just plain fun with its big sprites, an awesome Royal Rumble mode, and even commentary and pre-match intros, a rarity at the time. Admittedly, the roster is quite small, but it packs enough heavy hitters of the era that it’s hard to complain about who is included. Sadly a planned 2012 remake with modern wrestlers was never released on PC or consoles, and it was only briefly available on iPhone before being delisted due to the bankruptcy of publisher THQ. 9. WWE 2K19 (2018) After a few rocky years, Yuke’s seemed to be turning things around with WWE 2K19. The game is absolutely jam packed with content, with a massive roster of more than 200 wrestlers, retooled MyCareer Mode, the addition of 2K Towers, and another top tier Showcase, this time focusing on the career of Daniel Bryan. The flow of matches just felt right here, and it seemed like the series was on track for a renaissance. Unfortunately, the follow-up, WWE 2K20 was an abject disaster that put the series on a brief hiatus, but 2K19 is still a great example of how good the series could be during the PS4 era. 8. WWE ‘13 (2012) When the Smackdown vs. Raw series wound down following the 2011 edition, THQ revamped the franchise with a nice graphical facelift, though much of the core gameplay remained the same. And if we’re just talking about grappling, WWE ’13 is good but doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from other WWE games of the time. The big draw is the Attitude Era mode, with multiple different superstars to play as in some of the most iconic matches of what’s still widely considered to be the WWE’s best era. Almost every big name from the late ‘90s and early 2000s is in the game, plus some more obscure wrestlers. Even Gangrel and Val Venis were included as DLC. It’s probably the closest thing to an official remake of the N64 WCW and WWF games we’ll ever get. 7. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 (2006) While initially viewed more as just another respectable annual entry in the series, the reputation of Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 has improved immensely over the years. Some tweaks to the engine made grappling much more flexible than its immediate predecessors, there are a ton of different modes and match types, and the soundtrack is still widely praised by fans online. This was also the very first WWE game with HD graphics thanks to an Xbox 360 port. And while the roster isn’t as deep as later games, there’s an eclectic mix of legends like Jim Neidhart and Mr. Perfect and superstars of the period like Chris Benoit and Ken Kennedy that will likely never be recreated in another game. There’s really no better wrestling game for Ruthless Aggression era fans.  6. WWE 2K24 (2023) Since taking some time off following the debacle that was WWE 2K20, the series has been on an impressive upswing. Building on the previous two games that fixed the controls and physics and upgraded the overall presentation, WWE 2K24 also brought back a few fan favorite gimmicks like ambulance matches and special guest referee matches. There is a ridiculous amount of content here between MyRise, MyUniverse, and MyGM, and the 21 matches in the new Showcase of the Immortals that spans the first 39 WrestleManias is a really fascinating trip through the history of the WWE, even if there are some notable omissions and a couple baffling inclusions. 5. WWF Smackdown! 2 Know Your Role (2001) The N64 might be known as the go-to console for Attitude Era-wrestling fans, but the PS1 was no slouch either. Know Your Role Really, the only negative about Know Your Role 4. WWE 2K25 (2024) Maybe there’s some recency bias in putting WWE 2K25 so high on the list, but there is so much to do in the game, and so many innovations, that it seems destined to go down in history as a fan favorite. Quite simply this is the best playing wrestling game ever. Each move hits hard, the animation is beautiful, and each wrestler truly looks and feels unique. And there are a lot of wrestlers here, with more than 300 superstars (including variations for many) included. The Showcase mode, focusing on the Bloodline and presented by the legendary Paul Heyman, is an outstanding mix of historic matches and fantasy booking. And while the new Island can feel like a cash grab, it’s a really interesting (and addicting) way to play a wrestling game and continually upgrade your character. 3. WWE 2K14 (2013) After years of ups and downs, 2K14 was the title where everything came together for Yuke’s to create one of the greatest wrestling games ever. First, let’s talk about the roster. Several big names like the Ultimate Warrior, Goldberg, and Yokozuna returned to the series for the first time in years here. You had all the staples of early 2010s WWE, plus it was the video game debut of the Shield. Oh, and there was also a terrific New World Order DLC pack featuring NWO versions of Randy Savage, Curt Hennig, and The Giant. This is arguably the greatest roster in any wrestling game ever, even if it’s not the biggest. And there’s a good reason for the large roster, because a lot of these superstars are featured in the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode, a 45-match trip down memory lane featuring some of the most memorable matches from the first 29 WrestleManias. It’s actually a much better version of what was done in WWE 2K24. Then there’s “The Streak” mode where you can re-live the Undertaker’s then-unbroken ‘Mania streak, or attempt to break it against a suped-up version of the Phenom. Combine all that with a faster game engine that better portrays the flow of matches, and it’s easy to see why this is still such a beloved entry in the series. 2. WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain (2003) Pro wrestling fans are a finnicky bunch. We generally want wrestling games that let us book dream matches and pull off insane stunts that real wrestlers would never even attempt, but at the same time, we want a certain sense of realism that doesn’t treat the business like a complete joke. It’s a fine line to walk, but somehow, Here Comes the Pain pulled it off perfectly. This is the game where Rey Mysterio can’t just body slam the Big Show because of the size difference, but then they can head to Times Square, and Rey has no problem hopping on a helicopter and jumping onto Big Show from 50 feet in the air. Yeah, it gets crazy, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun, and perfectly captures the spirit of where the WWE was in the early 2000s. 1. WWF No Mercy (2000) Since the release of WWF No Mercy back in 2000, WWE games have added dozens of new features, rosters have doubled and even tripled in size, and graphics have improved to the point of almost being photorealistic. And still, this humble N64 classic is widely considered the pinnacle of pro wrestling games. A lot of it comes down to the gameplay. The grappling system is easy to learn but difficult to master, yet also offers enough flexibility that you can put together a great standard, hardcore, ladder, or cage match. The 60-plus superstars in the game are an impressive collection of Attitude Era talents, but the create-a-wrestler is deep enough that you can easily create legends from the ‘80s, or wrestlers who made it to WWE years after the game came out. Quite simply the game doesn’t get old, and with mods floating around online that focus on WCW, AEW, and the entire history of WWE, you don’t even really need any other wrestling game once you go down the No Mercy rabbit hole.

Loyal Country Living readers know I love antiquing—and even more than that, I love a good deal on those antiques. Admittedly, my tastes tend toward the fancier side of things (you should see my wishlist on Chairish!), but that doesn’t mean I don’t value a dollar or enjoy the thrill of hunting an estate sale for a good deal. In fact, it’s *because* my tastes err on the side of, well, upper crusty British country aesthetic—more so than modern farmhouse—that I’m an expert deal hunter. My best find to date? A 300-year-old inlaid mahogany demilune that I scored for just $125 at an antiques market in Georgia. (It’s safe to say that purchase was well under market value!) That said, I’m also no stranger to buyer’s remorse. But, after years of antiquing, I’ve learned there are some pieces you’ll never grow tired of. (Looking at you, silver!) Below, I’m sharing my best advice—and the advice of all the antiquers who have come before—to share the five antique furniture pieces you’ll never regret buying. RELATED STORIES:A HutchStephen Karlisch for Country LivingThis collected hutch holds more than just china, serving as the perfect stash spot for antique books, foraged finds, and collected artwork. The beauty of a hutch is that it can be used anywhere. As your style evolves, the hutch can evolve with you. Whether you place it in your dining room for a proper display of your china or stash it in the living room to hold books and family mementos, it’s a timeless piece that can be happily moved from room to room. RELATED: Stylist Tricks to Make Your Shelves Look Camera-ReadyA Bar CartHelen NormanA rusty red bar cart keeps the party going outside at this storybook Virginia mountain cottage. Whether it’s a fancy mahogany trolley passed down through the generations or a fun, slightly rusted metal version, handy bar carts—also called a butler’s or breakfast cart—have a myriad of uses, making them the ultimate entertainer’s piece. They’re perfect for small-space living, but are equally useful in dining rooms or on porches. RELATED: 25 Easy Spring Cocktails to Celebrate the SeasonA Secretary Paul CostelloA secretary is the perfect mix of function and design, especially when placed in a spare room. Similar to the hutch, a secretary is one of those pieces that works regardless of your style. You can opt for one in a beautiful scrubbed pine or go for something a little more stately, like waxed mahogany. It perfectly blends form and function, adding patina and shape to a room without taking up too much space. Close it up when you want something that feels a bit sleeker or leave it open when entertaining and use it as a place for serving drinks or snacks (they make perfect bars!). A Good Wooden Chair Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingIn this Mississippi farmhouse bathroom, a wooden chair offers a landing spot for linens. If there is one piece of advice you take to heart from this story, let it be this: You can never have enough wooden occasional chairs. They’re timeless, easily movable, endlessly useful, and (often) inexpensive. They don’t have to be fancy, in perfect condition, or match anything else—you just have to love their shape. You can put one in the bathroom for towels, in the hallway, in a guest room to hold luggage, in a bedroom next to the bed, in the kitchen, on the porch—I could go on. Bottom line: This is the must-have furniture piece for crafting a collected, cozy home.A Demilune TableMatthew KisidayA streamlined demilun offers the perfect display spot in this West Virginia cottage’s entryway.If you’re going to splurge on any piece of furniture I mention in this story, a demilune is the one on which you should. Whether you use it in your dining room as a buffet table or in your bedroom as a vanity, the this half-round table (sometimes you can even find the matching pair!) is as useful as it is chic. Because they weren’t originally conceived as storage pieces, demilunes usually feature elevated design elements that make them feel extra special. But this doesn’t mean it has to be overly ornate, though. Sometimes, simple is best.RELATED:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.  

The British Army has successfully neutralised swarms of drones in a trial of the “RapidDestroyer” — a new kind of weapon that uses high-frequency microwaves to disable critical electronic components in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), causing them to crash. The Army said it took down two swarms of eight drones during a single test at a site in West Wales. During the entire trial period, the weapon was used to “track, engage and defeat” more than 100 drones.  RapidDestroyer could be deployed in war zones across the world, including Ukraine, where drones have become ubiquitous on the battlefield. The UK’s Defence Intelligence agency estimates that Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 Russian drones last year.  “With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to Layered Air Defence,” said Sergeant Mayers, who became the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radiofrequency weapon.   View the full agenda While still under development, the weapon could provide a cheaper alternative to missile-based defence systems for specific applications, like taking down large swarms of drones. The Army estimates that each microwave blast costs just £0.10 (€0.12), with one shot enough to take out several small UAVs from a maximum range of 1km.  The RapidDestroyer was transported on a truck. Credit: GOV.UK RapidDestoyer isn’t the only direct-energy weapon the UK is working on. The British Army has also carried out several tests of DragonFire, a machine that fires high-powered laser beams at aerial targets.    These developments come amid a Europe-wide push in defence tech spending, as the continent looks to better arm itself amid tensions with the US. In March 2025, EU leaders endorsed the “ReArm Europe” plan, aiming to mobilise up to £683bn (€800bn) over the next four years to enhance military capabilities. The UK government, meanwhile, has committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and wants to spend at least 10% of its defence budget on “innovative technologies.” Defence tech is a key theme of this year’s Assembly, the invite-only policy track of TNW Conference. The event takes place on June 19 and 20 — a week before the NATO Summit arrives in Amsterdam. Tickets for TNW Conference are now on sale — use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 to grab an exclusive discount. Story by Siôn Geschwindt Siôn is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy. From nuclear fusion breakthroughs to electric vehic (show all) Siôn is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy. From nuclear fusion breakthroughs to electric vehicles, he's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. He has five years of journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. When he's not writing, you can probably find Siôn out hiking, surfing, playing the drums or catering to his moderate caffeine addiction. You can contact him at: sion.geschwindt [at] protonmail [dot] com Get the TNW newsletter Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week. Also tagged with

In the midst of the trade war between the US and China, companies like Apple have been trying to find ways to avoid the crazy tariffs imposed by President Trump on imports. A report earlier this month revealed that, as part of these plans, Apple wanted to expand its assembly line in Brazil – and now the company is already assembling the new iPhone 16e in the country. iPhone 16e is now assembled in Brazil As reported by MacMagazine, Apple has been assembling the iPhone 16e in Brazil since day one. Although iPhones have been assembled in Brazil for some time now, the company used to wait a few months before starting to produce the latest iPhone locally. Now, it seems that this is no longer the case. Customers who bought the iPhone 16e in Brazil noticed the label “Assembled in Brazil – Brazilian Industry” on the box. This is also confirmed by Apple in its Brazilian online store, as the purchase URL for the iPhone 16e reveals a model number ending with “BR/A,” which is assigned to products assembled in Brazil. iPhones imported from other countries are labeled “BE/A.” Documents from Anatel, Brazil’s telecom regulator, confirm that the iPhone 16e is assembled in Brazil, China and India. In Brazil, an iPhone 16e costs around $890. However, it can already be found for $670 at retailers, which is likely due to tariff exemptions for local production. The phone starts at $600 in the US. According to a recent report, Apple is considering expanding the capacity of its facilities in Brazil in partnership with Foxconn to avoid US import tariffs on iPhones. Although the US government has announced some exclusions to Trump’s new tariffs, a recent White House document suggested that China could be hit with up to 245% tariffs by the US. Unsurprisingly, China has also increased tariffs on US products. Products from Brazil, on the other hand, have only been hit by a 10% tariff, so Apple believes it can import iPhones from Brazil rather than China. Apple reportedly flew multiple planes with iPhones and other products from India and China before the tariffs took effect. Gadgets I recommend: Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Blockchain is best known for its use in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it also holds significant applications for online authentication. As businesses in varying sectors increasingly embrace blockchain-based security tools, could the technology one day replace passwords? How blockchain works Blockchain is a secure way to maintain, encrypt, and exchange digital records of transactions. Its security benefits stem from its decentralized nature: this distributed ledger can be accessed by participants across various nodes, and is unalterable. All users retain control as a group, meaning no single person can change the ledger. How could this provide security benefits? One advantage is the ability to create a 'self-sovereign ID' that alters the way that a user identifies themselves online. Essentially, it creates a private ID for a user that they control, rather than relying on a centralized institution: they can logon to a particular website or service using their identity on the blockchain. These identities utilize cryptographic keys, rather than passwords: your private key would be used to authenticate you through verification with a corresponding public key. It could be further bolstered by two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA): for example, when logging onto your bank account. Key advantages It's easy to see how this could bring significant security advantages. We all know the dangers inherent in passwords, from phishing to simple user error: reusing the same, easy-to-guess password, for instance. With a blockchain-based authentication system, it should be possible to significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, because the decentralized nature of the technology simply removes the centralized databases that are key targets for such attacks. What advantages is this providing in the real world? There are numerous examples. For example, R3 Corda is a distributed ledger technology designed for financial services, enabling the secure exchange of data and value between parties. Such technology could be used in such areas as Know Your Customer (KYC) in finance, enabling banks and other operators to verify someone's identity without putting their privacy at risk. In healthcare, it is being used to prevent unauthorized access to medical records and to enable the secure sharing of patient data. Infosys BPM reckons that the blockchain tech market in healthcare could exceed $215 billion by the end of 2036. Challenges ahead Like any rapidly developing technology, blockchain poses challenges in the security space and beyond. Let's look at a few. Cost: Blockchain can be pricey, consuming large amounts of energy and computing power to validate transactions. The United Nations University found in 2023 that if Bitcoin was a country, it would consume more energy than Pakistan. Unfamiliar technology: Despite the growing prevalence of Bitcoin and the like, most people – and organizations – still have little idea of how blockchain actually functions. This could slow down the adoption of the technology. Legal and regulatory issues: Digital identities are a tricky area, with different jurisdictions and countries holding varying standards. That could make it difficult to build global traction. Storage requirements and scalability: Blockchains require storage, a challenge that could grow as the technology is utilized more widely. It is vital to focus on the scalability of the solution, ensuring that it delivers the speed required. Interoperability challenges: Without international standards, it's unclear how interoperability would be achieved. It's vital that identities can be verified across different devices, sectors and even international borders. The future of passwords That's not to downplay the potential of blockchain as a security tool. With its decentralized nature and use of cryptography and private and public keys, it provides huge advantages. Even challenges around power consumption, cost and regulations could be addressed as the technology expands in use. However, while no-one can predict the future, it seems highly unlikely that passwords will vanish anytime soon. Passwords offer key advantages that provide them with an enduring appeal: they're simple and universal; they're flexible as they can easily be reset; and despite the risk of hacks and breaches, they remain effective, simply because they're either right or wrong. Protect both the logon and the password Yes, they can be vulnerable. Ideally, users they will opt for multi-factor authentication, combining passwords with other security measures – this could include blockchain-based methods. Protecting both the logon with effective MFA such as Specops Secure Access works best in combination with strong password security. As long as passwords remain in use, organizations need to ensure their active directories are free of weak or compromised passwords. Specops Password Policy makes it easy to enforce a strong password policy, while also scanning your active directory for breached or compromised examples. It currently blocks more than 4 billion compromised passwords –and the list is always growing. The reality is that individuals and organizations continue to rely on passwords for security online. This fact – combined with the challenges around adopting new technologies like blockchain – mean organizations simply cannot afford to neglect password security, at least for the foreseeable future. Interested in better protection around passwords and end user logons? Get in touch to learn more. Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.