We’ve been loving the variety of entries to the 2025 One-Hertz Challenge. Many a clock has been entered, to be sure, but also some projects that step well outside simple …read more

The industry’s most elusive game, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is not only going to appear at Microsoft’s booth at this year’s massive Gamescom gaming show, but also be playable for the public. Which is by far the strongest sign this game actually exist

The numbers are out for the best-selling PlayStation games in the United States in the second quarter of 2025, and the No. 1 game in that period was the Elden Ring spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign. However, the PS chart was dominated by games that were published by Microsoft/Xbox Studios.Circana has shared its top 10 chart for the best-selling PS5 games in the US between April 6, 2025 and July 5, 2025. Microsoft claimed six of the slots in that timeframe, with Forza Horizon 5 leading the way at No. 2.Perennial hit Minecraft and last year's blockbuster, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, both had strong showings for Microsoft in Q2. The decision to bring more recent titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Doom: The Dark Ages to PS5 has already paid huge dividends for Microsoft.Sony only had a pair of titles on the list with MLB: The Show 25 and the recently released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. It's worth noting that unlike the last few years, MLB: The Show 25 was not a free game on Xbox Game Pass. Assassin's Creed: Shadows rounded out the top 10 for the second quarter.Below, you can find the complete list of the best-selling PS5 games in the US for the second quarter. 10. Assassin's Creed: Shadows Buy on Amazon 9. Minecraft Buy on Amazon 8. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Buy on Amazon 7. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Buy on Amazon 6. Doom: The Dark Ages Buy on Amazon 5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Buy on Amazon 4. MLB: The Show 25 Buy on Amazon 3. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Buy on Amazon 2. Forza Horizon 5 Buy on Amazon 1. Elden Ring: Nightreign Buy on Amazon

As you enter your home for the first time in Tales of the Shire, explore the rooms of your new hovel under the hill to find a Writing Desk next to the Shared Meal table. When you interact with the Writing Desk for the first time, you will discover a secret locked drawer in Tales of the Shire.

The platform is finally prioritising human talent.

OpenAI’s new study mode for ChatGPT throws questions back at students, but the learning feature doesn’t address generative AI’s underlying disruption of education.

Hi, everyone. Im Matt Bozon, director of the Shantae series. Today Id like to fill you in on some exciting news about Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution, and share more details about the project!If youre familiar with the Shantae video game series, you might have heard that the original Shantae game had an unfinished sequel that never saw the light of day. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is that long-lost sequel. The original production ended in 2004, leaving the game only half finished but the story didnt end there.A long-lost genie adventureTwenty years later the original Shantae Advance team was reunited thanks to WayForward and Limited Run Games. We opened our archives, dove into old files, and set out to complete the project in its original code base using the tools of a bygone era. It was a labor of love, preservation, and improvisation. Now, the project is finally complete after over two decades, and will be Ret-2-Go on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.So, is Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution an old game or a new game? Is it game #2 in the series? Or game #6? Great questions. First and foremost, this is a brand-new, never-before-released Shantae game that was completed in 2025. But canonically, its the 2nd game in the series. The story takes place directly after the events of Shantae 1, but before Riskys Revenge. The overall play style builds on lessons learned from all previous Shantae efforts. Combat and platforming are quick and snappy, writing and humor are on point, and quality-of-life elements are in line with the modern series.As for features, the game contains three stand-alone experiences; First, theres the modern version built for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, which contains high-resolution portrait artwork, UI, and cinematics. Second is Classic Mode, which preserves all of 2004-era pixel artwork in its original resolution, and can be played as a stand alone game effectively bonus content. Third is Battle Mode, which is a two-to-four player local party game in which players try to clobber each other and collect power ups, while navigating a rotating arena.Play VideoShanaes new costumesBut wait, theres more. All of the above is included in the Standard Edition, but were also offering a Deluxe Edition, which contains three exclusive costumes made especially for fans. See Shantae as youve never seen her before in her Relic Hunter Costume, High Voltage Costume, and Sizzle Armor Costume. Not only do these costumes change Shantaes in-world sprites, but they also change her high-res dialogue portraits and the properties of her magic attacks. With the Deluxe Edition, all three of these costumes are available from the get-go. Lets dig in:The Relic Hunter Costume is inspired by Uncle Mimics old geezer friends, the Relic Hunters, who feature prominently in the game. For this costume we wondered what would happen if Shantae cosplayed as Uncle Mimic. Shed definitely want to make some adjustments of her own. What do you think? Wearing this adventurous getup grants a permanent power-up to Shantaes Pike Ball Magic.The High Voltage Costume grants hyper energy to Shantaes electrical Storm Puff magic. The modern style and holographic ponytail are as nonsensical as it gets right down to the 1994 graphical text on the pant leg signifying the year that Shantae was created. We thought it would be fun to give her a techwear-inspired outfit with dayglow colors.Last and in this case, least is the Sizzle Armor Costume. This impressive swimsuit of armor provides a significant boost to Shantaes Fireball Magic. This design is inspired by 1980s anime bikini armor, with fluorescent reds, dragonslayer-esque plating, and gleaming gemstones and baubles. Shantaes ponytail even changes into a fire-whip.So there you have it all the details on the all-new Deluxe Edition content for Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution. Both the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition will be available to purchase and download on August 19 less than a month away. After waiting 20 years to get this game into your hands, I can hardly believe its finally about to happen. I hope you all are as excited to play the game as we are. Thank you for supporting this series.

Marvel Rivals players have been anticipating Marvels Daywalker since the release of the game, and that hype has only grown stronger as the hero shooter has continually teased his arrival. Well, Blade is coming to Marvel Rivals on Aug. 8 and based on his early gameplay footage, perhaps the wait was worth it.Surprising absolutely no one, Blades set to be a Duelist who excels at close to mid range. Hes packed with his trusty sword and a shotgun, and he can block incoming damage for a short period of time. Hes fast, too, and can be seen tearing through the battlefield within seconds with an ability that launches him forward. Hes like a mix of Punisher and Psylocke, basically. His ultimate draws upon the power of Dracula to slice and dice in a broad space in front of him, allowing Blade to cut up multiple enemies at once even if theyre in the air. In this brief clip, Blade joins Iron Man and Storm in the sky only to promptly destroy them. He lands facing away from the carnage, because cool guys never look back.Needless to say, people are pumped to see Blade in action and are already declaring him to be their next main. Sure, this happens any time a new hero is introduced, but they dont all get revealed with this much style.They absolutely cooked with the soundtrack, makes reveal 100x better, reads one comment on YouTube. From sleeping in Wakanda to aura farming, another reads.Blade will hit Marvel Rivals alongside a number of other additions and changes, like a new map and mode. A handful of heroes will be leaving existing team-ups, but new characters will be taking their place. Blades being added to the Lunar Force team-up, where Cloak and Dagger help other heroes temporarily become invisible. Heres the list of adjustments straight from NetEase:Were removing Guardian Revival (Adam Warlock Mantis/Star-Lord) and Atlas Bond (Iron Fist Luna Snow) from play. Loki is leaving the Ragnarok Rebirth (Hela Thor/Loki) team-up. Two brand new team-ups are being added: Duality Dance (Adam Warlock Luna Snow) and Vibrant Vitality (Mantis Groot/Loki). Also, some team-ups are welcoming new members: Iron Fist joins Chilling Assault (Luna Snow Hawkeye), Star-Lord connects to the Rocket Network (Rocket Raccoon Peni Parker), and Blade launches into Lunar Force (Cloak & Dagger Moon Knight).The multiplayer experience will also see some improvements, NetEase says. All in-game voice chat will be screened by the system and possibly flagged for human review. Jerks who leave matches early will now also suffer greater penalties, including longer bans and bigger point deductions. The angels who stay, meanwhile, will get some points at the end rather than being unceremoniously unplugged from the match. If someone leaves due to unavoidable system issues, well review it and handle penalties fairly, and were speeding up the appeals process for mistaken bans, NetEase says. Now if only NetEase would do something about Marvel Rivals newfound Human Torch problem

Ever sat in a meeting where everyone jumped straight to solutions? We need a new app! Lets redesign the homepage! AI will fix everything! This solution-first thinking is endemic in digital development and its why so many projects fail to deliver real value. As the creator of the Core Model methodology, I developed this approach to flip the script: instead of starting with solutions, we start FROM the answer.Whats the difference? Starting with solutions means imposing our preconceived ideas. Starting FROM the answer to a user task means forming a hypothesis about what users need, then taking a step back to follow a simple structure that validates and refines that hypothesis.Six Good Questions That Lead to Better AnswersAt its heart, the Core Model is simply six good questions asked in the right order, with a seventh that drives action. It appeals to common sense something often in short supply during complex digital projects.When I introduced this approach to a large organization struggling with their website, their head of digital admitted: Weve been asking all these questions separately, but never in this structured way that connects them.These questions help teams pause, align around what matters, and create solutions that actually work:Who are we trying to help, and whats their situation?What are they trying to accomplish?What do we want to achieve?How do they approach this need?Where should they go next?Whats the essential content or functionality they need?What needs to be done to create this solution?This simple framework creates clarity across team boundaries, bringing together content creators, designers, developers, customer service, subject matter experts, and leadership around a shared understanding.Starting With a HypothesisThe Core Model process typically begins before the workshop. The project lead or facilitator works with key stakeholders to:Identify candidate cores based on organizational priorities and user needs.Gather existing user insights and business objectives.Form initial hypotheses about what these cores should accomplish.Prepare relevant background materials for workshop participants.This preparation ensures the workshop itself is focused and productive, with teams validating and refining hypotheses rather than starting from scratch.The Core Model: Six Elements That Create AlignmentLets explore each element of the Core Model in detail:1. Target Group: Building Empathy FirstRather than detailed personas, the Core Model starts with quick proto-personas that build empathy for users in specific situations:A parent researching childcare options late at night after a long day.A small business owner trying to understand tax requirements between client meetings.A new resident navigating unfamiliar public services in their second language.The key is to humanize users and understand their emotional and practical context before diving into solutions.2. User Tasks: What People Are Actually Trying to DoBeyond features or content, what are users actually trying to accomplish?Making an informed decision about a major purchase.Finding the right form to apply for a service.Understanding next steps in a complex process.Checking eligibility for a program or benefit.These tasks should be based on user research and drive everything that follows. Top task methodology is a great approach to this.3. Business Objectives: What Success Looks LikeEvery digital initiative should connect to clear organizational goals:Increasing online self-service adoption.Reducing support costs.Improving satisfaction and loyalty.Meeting compliance requirements.Generating leads or sales.These objectives provide the measurement framework for success. (If you work with OKRs, you can think of these as Key Results that connect to your overall Objective.)4. Inward Paths: User Scenarios and ApproachesThis element goes beyond just findability to include the users entire approach and mental model:What scenarios lead them to this need?What terminology do they use to describe their problem?How would the phrase their need to Google or an LLM?What emotions or urgency are they experiencing?What channels or touchpoints do they use?What existing knowledge do they bring?Understanding these angles of different approaches ensures we meet users where they are.5. Forward Paths: Guiding the JourneyWhat should users do after engaging with this core?Take a specific action to continue their task.Explore related information or options.Connect with appropriate support channels.Save or share their progress.These paths create coherent journeys (core flows) rather than dead ends.6. Core Content: The Essential SolutionOnly after mapping the previous elements do we define the actual solution:What information must be included?What functionality is essential?What tone and language are appropriate?What format best serves the need?This becomes our blueprint for what actually needs to be created.Action Cards: From Insight to ImplementationThe Core Model process culminates with action cards that answer the crucial seventh question: What needs to be done to create this solution?These cards typically include:Specific actions required;Who is responsible;Timeline for completion;Resources needed;Dependencies and constraints.Action cards transform insights into concrete next steps, ensuring the workshop leads to real improvements rather than just interesting discussions.The Power of Core PairsA unique aspect of the Core Model methodology is working in core pairstwo people from different competencies or departments working together on the same core sheet. This approach creates several benefits:Cross-disciplinary insightPairing someone with deep subject knowledge with someone who brings a fresh perspective.Built-in quality controlPartners catch blind spots and challenge assumptions.Simplified communicationOne-to-one dialogue is more effective than group discussions.Shared ownershipBoth participants develop a commitment to the solution.Knowledge transferSkills and insights flow naturally between disciplines.The ideal pair combines different perspectives content and design, business and technical, expert and novice creating a balanced approach that neither could achieve alone.Creating Alignment Within and Between TeamsThe Core Model excels at creating two crucial types of alignment:Within Cross-Functional TeamsModern teams bring together diverse competencies:Content creators focus on messages and narrative.Designers think about user experience and interfaces.Developers consider technical implementation.Business stakeholders prioritize organizational needs.The Core Model gives these specialists a common framework. Instead of the designer focusing only on interfaces or the developer only on code, everyone aligns around user tasks and business goals.As one UX designer told me: The Core Model changed our team dynamic completely. Instead of handing off wireframes to developers who didnt understand the why behind design decisions, we now share a common understanding of what were trying to accomplish.Between Teams Across the Customer JourneyUsers dont experience your organization in silos they move across touchpoints and teams. The Core Model helps connect these experiences:Marketing teams understand how their campaigns connect to service delivery.Product teams see how their features fit into larger user journeys.Support teams gain context on user pathways and common issues.Content teams create information that supports the entire journey.By mapping connections between cores (core flows), organizations create coherent experiences rather than fragmented interactions.Breaking Down Organizational BarriersThe Core Model creates a neutral framework where various perspectives can contribute while maintaining a unified direction. This is particularly valuable in traditional organizational structures where content responsibility is distributed across departments.The Workshop: Making It HappenThe Core Model workshop brings these elements together in a practical format that can be adapted to different contexts and needs.Workshop Format and TimingFor complex projects with multiple stakeholders across organizational silos, the ideal format is a full-day (6hour) workshop:First Hour: Foundation and ContextIntroduction to the methodology (15 min).Sharing user insights and business context (15 min).Reviewing pre-workshop hypotheses (15 min).Initial discussion and questions (15 min).Hours 24: Core MappingCore pairs work on mapping elements (120 min).Sharing between core pairs and in plenary between elements.Facilitators provide guidance as needed.Hours 56: Presentation, Discussion, and Action PlanningEach core pair presents its findings (depending on the number of cores).Extensive group discussion and refinement.Creating action cards and next steps.The format is highly flexible:Teams experienced with the methodology can conduct focused sessions in as little as 30 minutes.Smaller projects might need only 23 hours.Remote teams might split the workshop into multiple shorter sessions.Workshop EnvironmentThe Core Model workshop thrives in different environments:Analog: Traditional approach using paper core sheets.Digital: Virtual workshops using Miro, Mural, FigJam, or similar platforms.Hybrid: Digital canvas in physical workshop, combining in-person interaction with digital documentation.Note: You can find all downloads and templates here.Core Pairs: The Key to SuccessThe composition of core pairs is critical to success:One person should know the solution domain well (subject matter expert).The other brings a fresh perspective (and learns about a different domain).This combination ensures both depth of knowledge and fresh thinking.Cross-functional pairing creates natural knowledge transfer and breaks down silos.Workshop DeliverablesImportant to note: The workshop doesnt produce final solutions.Instead, it creates a comprehensive brief containing the following:Priorities and context for content development.Direction and ideas for design and user experience.Requirements and specifications for functionality.Action plan for implementation with clear ownership.This brief becomes the foundation for subsequent development work, ensuring everyone builds toward the same goal while leaving room for specialist expertise during implementation.Getting Started: Your First Core Model ImplementationReady to apply the Core Model in your organization? Heres how to begin:1. Form Your Initial HypothesisBefore bringing everyone together:Identify a core where users struggle and the business impact is clear.Gather available user insights and business objectives.Form a hypothesis about what this core should accomplish.Identify key stakeholders across relevant departments.2. Bring Together the Right Core PairsSelect participants who represent different perspectives:Content creators paired with designers.Business experts paired with technical specialists.Subject matter experts paired with user advocates.Veterans paired with fresh perspectives.3. Follow the Seven QuestionsGuide core pairs through the process:Who are we trying to help, and whats their situation?What are they trying to accomplish?What do we want to achieve?How do they approach this need?Where should they go next?Whats the essential content or functionality?What needs to be done to create this solution?4. Create an Action PlanTransform insights into concrete actions:Document specific next steps on action cards.Assign clear ownership for each action.Establish timeline and milestones.Define how youll measure success.In Conclusion: Common Sense In A Structured FrameworkThe Core Model works because it combines common sense with structure asking the right questions in the right order to ensure we address what actually matters.By starting FROM the answer, not WITH the solution, teams avoid premature problem-solving and create digital experiences that truly serve user needs while achieving organizational goals.Whether youre managing a traditional website, creating multi-channel content, or developing digital products, this methodology provides a framework for better collaboration, clearer priorities, and more effective outcomes.This article is a short adaptation of my book The Core Model A Common Sense to Digital Strategy and Design. You can find information about the book and updated resources at thecoremodel.com.

Most daycare centers feature the typical rainbow of primary colors and cheery graphics borrowed from the world of cartoon characters. For the DEYA Day Care and After-School Center, 11-Design looked to an unlikely source for inspiration a campsite in the great outdoors.Located in Yantai, China, the 2,906-square-foot daycare center for children ages six to 12 was envisioned as a nurturing environment for young learners. The principals decided on a key central element that they had utilized in concepts for adults, also suitable for small, active bodies. Weve previously worked on several farm and camping projects that included outdoor tents, and we noticed that children were naturally drawn to them, says Li Xiaosi, co-founder of 11-Design.The teachers office and reception area sit near the centers entrance, with circular openings to allow for easy supervision. A central wooden box serves as both a partition and a cozy nook. The kitchen and bathroom are tucked into sections without windows to maximize circulation efficiency.Furnishings and handles are made of cost-effective, locally sourced materials like birch plywood. A wood board on a frame becomes a desk, while angled pieces are used as easels. These transformations celebrate the essence of everyday objects and are sure to spark imagination.A canopy is the basic unit throughout the third-floor space, not only for simple shelter, but also a symbol of fun. Yet when Xiaosi and co-founder Cao Rong began to look at off-the-shelf tents, they were either ill-fitting or not the right size for the interior.The team decided to develop a custom system of off-white canvas tents, metal frames, integrated lighting, and platforms. Each of these elements are combined to make intimate, multifunctional shelters where children can play, rest, or read a book.Made of canvas, the tents are supported by steel frames in an orange color, which the children can also hang from. The designers selected the accent hue, which reminds Xiaosi of sunshine, because it reflects the joy of youth and has a cheerful vibrancy.Elevated platforms of varying heights create the stepped layout. This scheme addresses floor-level differences and also introduces routes that are perfect for exploration. Edges double as open bookshelves, and then by afternoon, with cushions placed on top, they convert to beds for nap time.By utilizing tents instead of relying upon conventional spatial divisions, the studio has produced a flexible solution that can be reconfigured as needed. The smaller units give a student privacy as well as their own designated area, a key to well-being. With their lower height and enclosed form, tents offer a better scale for children and provide a sense of security through their cocoon-like atmosphere, Xiaosi notes.Currently, 11-Design does not have a website or social media presence, but can be contacted via email at design_11@126.com.Photography by Cao Rong.