Source: ShutterstockSmithfield MarketThe future of Smithfield Meat Market, one of Londons most historic trading sites, hangs in the air following a decision by the City of London Corporation. The market, which has operated for over eight centuries, will cease trading at its current location as part of a plan to withdraw the Corporations involvement in direct market operations.The closure was confirmed after the Corporation voted to end plans to relocate Smithfield and Billingsgate Fish Market to a new 1 billion site at Dagenham Dock. Rising construction costs and inflation were cited as reasons for abandoning the project, which had already incurred 308 million in costs for site acquisition and remediation.This decision represents a positive new chapter for Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets in that it empowers traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals, said Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation. By stepping back from direct market operations, we will help to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently.The Corporation will provide financial compensation to traders and assist them in relocating to new premises. Trading at both markets will continue until at least 2028, allowing for a phased transition.Smithfield Market, designed by Sir Horace Jones and completed in 1868, is a landmark of Victorian architecture. The site has a history of livestock and meat trading that dates back to the medieval period. Plans to convert part of the market into the new London Museum remain unaffected by the decision.The Corporation stated that it is working with traders to identify alternative sites and ensure continuity in the food supply chain. Were committed to making sure [traders] have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations, Hayward said.Billingsgate Fish Market, another historic market that has operated since 1327, also faces an uncertain future. Originally located on Lower Thames Street, it moved to its current site in Poplar in 1982. The site has been earmarked for housing development following its closure.The Corporation will submit a Private Bill to Parliament to formally end its responsibilities for operating the markets at their current sites. It also plans to continue to work with Barking and Dagenham Council to redevelop the Dagenham Dock site.While this is disappointing news, we understand the financial pressures that key investment projects are facing, said Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council. We are committed to continue working with the City of London Corporation to unlock the huge potential of the Dagenham Dock site.

85-unit timber-framed housing scheme by Peris + Toral Arquitectes wins prize for the worlds best new architecture, whileARCity wins International Emerging ArchitectSource: Peris + Toral ArquitectesModulus MatrixThe RIBA has awarded the 2024 RIBA International Prize to Modulus Matrix: 85 Social Housing in Cornell, an 85-unit timber-framed housing scheme by Peris + Toral Arquitectes. The prize, awarded biennially, recognises what RIBA describes as the worlds best new architecture.The project, located near Barcelona, Spain, was commissioned by IMPSOL (the Metropolitan Institute of Land Development and Property Management). It aims to challenge traditional housing typologies through a modular system of rooms, inspired by the 3.6m x 3.6mtatami mat proportions used in Japanese architecture. The six-storey buildings design is intended to create flexible, adaptable living arrangements, with no clear hierarchy between living spaces.RIBA President Muyiwa Oki characterised the project as an example of transformational spirit in social housing. He added: By embracing flexibility and longevity through long life, loose fit architecture, it is a radical approach to social housing that creates a place designed for people to adapt and inhabit in the long term.The building features 85 homes, with 18 apartments per floor. Each apartment comprises five or six modules, depending on the number of bedrooms, arranged to ensure cross ventilation and dual orientation.Central courtyards and exterior balconies aim to encourage social interaction among residents, while timber construction and modular systems were adopted to reduce construction time and environmental impact.Modulus MatrixSource: Peris + Toral ArquitectesModulus MatrixSource: Peris + Toral Arquitectes1/2show captionGrand jury chair Lu Wenyu praised the project for its innovative approach to social housing and its capacity to adapt to the shifting demands of societal groupings. She noted that the design encourages interaction and connection at both the individual and community levels, setting a precedent for future developments.Peris + Toral co-founders Marta Peris and Jose Toral reflected on the feedback from residents, noting initial scepticism towards features such as open kitchens and terrace access. Now they feel this way of living better adapts to their needs, Peris said.The shortlist for the 2024 RIBA International Prize also included Jacoby Studios by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin andLianzhou Museum of Photography by O-office Architects.Six Bricolage Houses by ARCitySource: BAI YuSix Bricolage Houses in Shenzhen by ARCitySource: Abstract Image1/2show captionRIBA also announced ARCity as the winner of its 2024 International Emerging Architect Award for Six Bricolage Houses in Shenzhen, China. The project is described as a model for urban renewal, combining formal and informal spaces within a historic urban village.The architects viewed their role as curatorial, selecting six self-built houses by villagers for targeted micro-updates and modifications.

Rayner issued an Article 31 holding directive against the scheme last week (19 November) after opponents raised concerns regarding the neighbouring Bevis Marks Synagogue and nearby Tower of London.She will now decide whether or not to call in the application. The directive prevents the City of Londons planning committee from making a decision in the meantime. The AJ understands the committee had been due to consider the application on 13 December.Stiff + Trevillions Bury Street scheme is for a 43-storey tower at 31-34 Bury Street for developer BentallGreenOak and specialist office fund Welput. The site is close to Foster + Partners Gherkin.AdvertisementPlans were submitted in January following the rejection of earlier designs in 2021 for a 48-storey tower on the site. The Citys planning committee rejected the previous application by 14 votes to 7 amid concerns over the overbearing and overshadowing impact on the Bevis Marks Synagogue and views of the Tower of London.Despite the design update, Stiff + Trevillions updated scheme has received more than 1,300 comments of objection, with campaigners raising similar concerns to the original application.Historic England has said the current plans are worse than the earlier version of the scheme from a heritage perspective, while a rabbi warned that the planning process had caused significant stress to the Jewish community.Objectors include chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who said the proposed tower would reduce views from and significantly affect the natural light in Bevis Marks Synagogue, disrupting prayers and affecting the atmosphere inside.He added: The granting of permission to this proposal would therefore be a regrettable development with implications for rights of religious practice, precisely in the place where Jews first enjoyed these rights in England following the 17th-century resettlement. This would be a tragic irony.AdvertisementBevis Marks Synagogue rabbi Shalom Morris said he welcomed Rayner's intervention. He had previously said the planned tower puts at risk the core purpose of the Bevis Marks Synagogue as a fully functioning place of Jewish worship.He said: We welcome the intervention of the deputy prime minister on the threat to Bevis Marks Synagogue. The future of Bevis Marks Synagogue is now very much on the national agenda, as befits its Grade I-listed status and its historic role in British Jewry.Comments of objection to the scheme were also received from the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, former Cities of London and Westminster MP Nickie Aiken and former lord mayor of London, Michael Bear.Other consultees to object to the scheme include Historic Royal Palaces, the City of London Conservation Area Advisory Committee, Historic Buildings and Places, SAVE Britains Heritage, the Twentieth Century Society, the Victorian Society and the Georgian Group. Source:Stiff+TrevillionStiff+Trevillion's January 2024 Bury Street schemeThe surveyor to the fabric of St Pauls Cathedral, architect Oliver Caroe of Caroe Architecture, meanwhile expressed concern over the schemes impact on various heritage settings, and queried why an assessment of the towers damage to St Pauls had not been undertaken.Where the interest of St Pauls and those of Bevis Mark intersect is that this application before committee does not appear to be supported by sufficient or proportionate evidence and expertise in relation to the full and correct evaluation of the heritage context into which this major project protrudes, he said.SAVE said in a statement that the scheme had 'provoked widespread opposition and alarm', in response to Rayner's decision.The heritage group added: 'These highly controversial plans for a 43-storey tower right next to one of Europes most important religious and historic buildings have provoked widespread opposition and alarm.'Not only would the tower block out daylight and cast Bevis Marks synagogue into long shadows, but it would rip through this historic part of the city - only very recently designated a conservation area. It has triggered huge debate about how the City is protecting some of London's most precious buildings, and more widely its especially important conservation areas'.In response, a spokesperson for Welput echoed earlier comments to the AJ and said its latest scheme sought to maximise public benefits. The developer also said Stiff + Trevillion's design had been meaningfully reduced' as a result of the project team's 'respect' for the heritage of the site.They told the AJ: 'Welput issensitive to the concerns raised by Bevis Marks Synagogue and has commissioned many detailed reports throughout the consultation process to inform our application.''It is our steadfast commitment to maintaining an open and cooperative dialogue with all community stakeholders, including the Bevis Marks Synagogue, and to continue exploring constructive solutions that bring this exciting, community-driven project to fruition.'On the Article 31 direction, Welput said the decision was 'anticipated' and that it is 'ready to present the compelling attributes of our proposal to the Secretary of State as we have done with the Greater London Authority and The City of London Corporation.'No timeframe has been set for Rayners decision.

The company, which delivered a series of projects across the West Country over more than three decades, recently entered creditors voluntary liquidation.Insolvency specialist Brailey Hicks has been brought in to manage the process, and all 12 ADG employees have been made redundant.Director Patrick Deigan said the practice, which was founded as the Architects Design Group, by Marc Nash, Phil Burgess and Ian Potts in 1985, had been hit by a number of challenges.AdvertisementWe found workflow trailed off with confidence so low, he told the AJ.With the economy and a gap between the new government coming to power and announcing its budget, there was uncertainty and people stalled decisions.We had one project that was due to start in January and give us 18 months of fees but that has been deferred until 2026.On top of this, said Deigan, existing contracts became less profitable because of extra duties required under evolving building safety rules.It is hard to go back to clients and ask for more money, he said. Fees effectively become lower and were not covering what we were expected to do.Subsequently, a couple of clients didnt pay, Deigan explained, and ADG found itself running out of road. A number of things built up and pushed us over the edge.AdvertisementThe practice, formally known as ADG Consultancy, traded from a studio on Millbay Road in Plymouth.Its projects included the Oceansgate office development in Plymouth; work to Nuffield health centre sites in Exeter and Taunton; the 2017 STEM building for City College Plymouth; and a contemporary family home in Dartmoor National Park.Its most recently published accounts showed it had almost 70,000 of net assets on 30 June 2023. However, more than 110,000 was due to creditors within a year of that date.Brailey Hicks has been contacted for comment. Source:Scott Jenkin/ShutterstockCity College Plymouth's STEM centre by ADG2024-11-26Greg Pitchercomment and share

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Audio quality can make or break your viewing experience. While most modern TVs have decent enough sound quality, it's not the best you can get. Adding a new soundbar to your entertainment setup can truly take things to a whole new level for you and your guests. After all, the last thing you want is your guests struggling to hear the big game or movie during hangouts. The fact is: A stunning screen is just one piece of a complete home entertainment setup. If you want an immersive experience, you'll need to upgrade the audio as well. A soundbar is a simple and easy way to seriously improve your TV's sound, and with theBlack Friday deals in full swing, it's relatively affordable right now as well. You'll find tons of discounted soundbars at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, including some savings on a number of our favorite models. To help you take full advantage of these early holiday offers, we've rounded up our top picks from the bunch below. We'll continue to update this page as bargains come and go throughout the shopping season, so be sure to check back often. Best Black Friday soundbar deals Yamaha YAS-209: $200 The Yamaha YAS-209 earned a spot on our list of the best soundbars of 2024 as our favorite model with Amazon Alexa built-in. That means it allows you to stream music and control other smart devices on your network totally hands-free. This 2.1-channel system features a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer for powerful bass and has multiple preset sound modes for movies, gaming and more. Details $200 at B&H Photo Samsung HW-S50B: $150 This simple Samsung soundbar is a great option for those who want a basic and affordable upgrade from their TV's speakers. It's an all-in-one system that features two woofers and three tweeters, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS VirtualX support for a more immersive watch experience. It also has Bluetooth built-in for wireless music streaming. Details $150 at Samsung Vizio Elevate: $550 If you're looking for something a little more high-end, you may want to upgrade to the VIzio Elevate 5.1.4-channel system. It's our favorite soundbar for under $1,000, and it's equipped with 18 total speakers for seriously powerful audio. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support also provide a more immersive watch experience, and it has Bluetooth and Chromecast built-in for easy music streaming. Details $550 at Amazon Vizio M512a-H6: $350 (save $150). The best soundbar with Dolby Atmos support that you can pick up for less than $500.Samsung HW-B650/ZA: $190 (save $220). This midrange 3.1-channel setup is a solid option for most people.Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX: $640 (save $160). A seriously advanced 5.1.2-channel system with top-notch sound quality.Roku Streambar SE: $69 (save $31). This affordable two-in-one soundbar doubles as a 4K streaming device.Creative Stage: $79 (save $11). Slight savings on our favorite soundbar under $100.Bose TV Speaker: $200 (save $80). A simple, single-piece setup from a top audio brand.Samsung HW-Q850D/ZA: $600 (save $500). Get theater-quality audio with this comprehensive 7.1.2-channel system.Hisense HS2100 soundbar with wireless subwoofer: $90 (save $40). A solid budget-friendly 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer.Sonos Beam Gen 2: $369 (save $130). The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of our favorite soundbars and it's especially great for streaming your favorite tracks. Is Black Friday the best time to buy a soundbar? Yes, Black Friday is one of the absolute best times to grab a new soundbar for your home entertainment setup. Not only are these some of the lowest prices we've seen all year, but there's also a much wider selection on sale, which makes it much easier to find a system that fits your needs and your budget. Where will I find the best Black Friday soundbar deals?You'll find plenty of deals available at major retailers, with both Amazon and Best Buy offering some serious discounts at the moment. You'll also want to check smaller online competitors like Crutchfield and B&H Photo, as they carry a pretty large selection of audio tech, and may be offering some under-the-radar deals that haven't been matched at other competitors. You should also check the online stores for popular brands like Bose and Samsung since many manufacturers offer some direct discounts of their own during this time of year. Why should I invest in a soundbar?TV speakers don't deliver big sound these days because our screens have gotten a lot thinner and high-quality components simply won't fit. Additionally, built-in TV speakers often face downward, which can further dilute the sound you hear. A soundbar can really improve your audio, and if you need a little help figuring out which features to look for, be sure to check out oursoundbar buying guide. Is Dolby Atmos worth the extra cost?Absolutely. If your budget allows it, we strongly recommend springing for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos. While traditional surround sound is fine, Dolby Atmos' audio processing can offer a more immersive and enjoyable experience. There's a reason Dolby Atmos is touted as a standout feature by soundbar manufacturers. Should I wait for Cyber Monday soundbar deals?Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the holiday season, which means we're seeing massive discounts across the board. That said, you could wait until Cyber Monday to see if these prices will be better, but the chances are pretty low. Additionally, by waiting until Cyber Monday, you risk the soundbar you want being sold out. These deals are going quickly. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. Peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

November 26, 20244 min readFast Fashion Affects Climate, Exploits Workers and Creates Enormous Textile WasteFast fashion may seem cheap, but its taking a costly toll on the planetand on millions of young peopleBy Paula M. Carbone & The Conversation US Georgi Fadejev/Getty ImagesThe following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research.Fast fashion is everywhere in just about every mall, in the feeds of influencers on social media promoting overconsumption, and in ads constantly popping up online.Fast fashion's focus on the continual production of new clothing is marked by speedy cycles that give the concept its name. Fast fashion is intended to quickly copy high-end designs, but with low-quality materials, resulting in poorly made clothing intended to be worn once or twice before being thrown away.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.One of fast fashions leading companies, Zara, has a mission to put clothes in stores 15 days after the initial design. Another, Shein, adds up to 2,000 new items to its website daily.While others in the fashion industry are working toward more sustainable clothing, fast fashion is focused on profit. The markets value was estimated at about US$100 billion in 2022 and growing quickly. Its a large part of the reason global clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2014.The big winners in this game are the corporations. The industry has a reputation for exploiting workers and for excessive pollution and extraordinary waste. Consumers are pulled into an unhealthy, spiraling pressure to buy more as cheap clothes fall apart fast.Fast fashion also has a growing impact on the global climate. It is responsible for an estimated 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and its emissions are projected to grow quickly as the industry expands.I teach courses that explore fast fashion and sustainability. The industrys growth seems unstoppable but a combination of legislation and willpower might just rein it in.Understanding the harmAbout 60 percent of fast-fashion items are made from synthetic textiles derived from plastics and chemicals that start their life as fossil fuels. When this synthetic clothing is laundered or thrown in landfills to decompose, it can release microplastics into the environment. Microplastics contain chemicals including phthalates and bisphenol A that can affect the health of humans and animals.Natural fibers have their own impacts on the environment. Growing cotton requires large quantities of water, and pesticides can run off from farmlands into streams, rivers and bays. Water is also used in chemically treating and dyeing textiles. A 2005 United Nations-led report on cottons water use estimated that, on average, a single cotton T-shirt requires about 700 gallons (2,650 liters) of water from crop to clothing rack, with about 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of that water used for irrigation.The chemicals used to process textiles for clothing for the fashion industry also contaminate wastewater with heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, and toxic dyes. And that wastewater ends up in waterways in many countries, affecting the environment and wildlife.Fast fashions high output also creates literally mountains of waste. More than 90 million tons of textile waste ends up in landfills globally each year, by one estimate, adding to greenhouse gases as it slowly decomposes. Only a small percentage of discarded clothing is recycled.From fashionista to environmental guardianIn many cultures, peoples self-perception is intimately connected to fashion choices, reflecting culture and alliances.The allure of buying new items comes from many sources. Influencers on social media play into FOMO the fear of missing out. Cheap items can also lead to impulse buys.Research shows that shopping can also create a euphoric sense of happiness. However, fast fashions speed and marketing can also train consumers into psychological obsolescence, causing them to dislike purchases they previously enjoyed, so they quickly replace them with new purchases.Famous personalities may be helping to push back on this trend. Social media explodes when a first ladyor Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, wears an outfit more than once. The movement #30wearschallenge is starting with small steps, by urging consumers to plan to wear every piece of clothing they buy at least 30 times.Upcycling turning old clothing into new clothing items and buying sustainable and high-quality clothes that can last for years is being promoted by the United Nations and other organizations, including alliances in the fashion industry.Some influencers are also promoting more sustainable fashion brands. Research has shown that peer influence can be a powerful driver for making more sustainable choices. The largest market for fast fashion is Gen Z, ages 12 to 27, many of whom are also concerned about climate change and might reconsider their fast-fashion buys if they recognized the connections between fast fashion and environmental harm.Some governments are also taking steps to reduce waste from fashion and other consumer products. The European Union is developing requirements for clothing to last longer and prohibiting companies from throwing out unsold textiles and footwear. France has pending legislation that, if passed, would ban publicity for fast-fashion companies and their products, require them to post the environmental impact of their products, and levy fines for violations.Changes in consumer habits, new technologies and legislation can each help reduce demand for unsustainable fashion. The cost of cheap clothes worn a few times also adds up. Next time you buy clothing, think about the long-term value to you and the planet.This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

November 26, 20243 min readWildfire Smoke Linked to Increased Risk of DementiaThe particles that make up wildfire smoke may raise the risk of dementia even more than similar airborne pollutants from other sourcesBy Chelsea Harvey & E&E NewsA firefighter is surrounded by heavy smoke as he battles the advancing Silverado Fire fueled by Santa Ana winds at the 241 toll road and Portola Parkway on October 26, 2020 in Irvine, California. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | Wildfire smoke can aggravate a variety of medical conditions, from asthma to heart disease.Now, new research adds another worry to the mix. It can elevate the risk of dementia.A study published Monday in the scientific journal JAMA Neurology, finds that long-term exposure to smoke concentrations is associated with a higher risk of dementia diagnosis over time. For every one microgram increase in wildfire pollution per cubic meter of air over the course of a three-year period, the odds of dementia diagnosis rise by about 18 percent, the study finds.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Thats compared with each persons baseline risk of dementia diagnosis, which remains relatively low among the general population. Still, the increased risks are large enough to pose a public health concern.The study focuses on a form of air pollution known as particulate matter tiny, inhalable particles, with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. This kind of air pollution can originate from a variety of sources, including automobiles, industrial sources and fires.Previous studies already have suggested that particulate matter can increase the risk of dementia, among other health problems. The new research zooms in specifically on particles produced by wildfire smoke, which can have different chemical and physical properties than particles produced by other sources.The study examined medical records from more than 1 million people in Southern California from 2008 to 2019, all part of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California medical care consortium. It also analyzed air quality records from the same time period to estimate long-term pollution concentrations, including particles stemming directly from wildfire smoke.The study found that wildfire smoke increases the risk of dementia significantly more than particulate matter from other sources. There are several reasons that could be the case, the researchers say.Wildfire smoke particles tend to have higher concentrations of molecules known for toxic or inflammatory properties. And wildfire smoke tends to spike at certain times of the year, compared with other kinds of air pollution intermittently exposing communities to extremely high pollution concentrations, which may have greater effects on their health.The study also found that certain demographics are at higher risk than others, including people with lower incomes and people of color, including Black, Hispanic and Asian communities.Low-income communities often are at higher risk of exposure to air pollution, the researchers note. Lower quality housing in these communities may allow particulate matter to infiltrate homes more easily, and residents may have less access to air filtration systems.Marginalized groups also may contend with more health challenges, in part because of systemic discrimination, compounding their risks of developing dementia later in life.We know that climate change impacts the most vulnerable communities first and worst and we appear to see a similar signal in our data, said Joan Casey, an environmental epidemiologist and co-author of the new study, in an email to POLITICO'S E&E News.Policymakers can take certain steps to protect these vulnerable communities, she added. They can make sure that all communications about public health are issued in multiple languages. And they can push for policies aimed at combating climate change, reducing other sources of air pollution and mitigating wildfires through strategies such as science-based controlled burns.Meanwhile, there are other questions that scientists can examine in future research.The new study looked at dementia of all kinds. But future studies can investigate whether certain types of conditions, such as Alzheimers disease, have stronger ties to wildfire smoke than others.The research team is also very curious about the effects of multiple climate hazards working together, Casey added. If wildfires happen to coincide with power outages, for instance, that could restrict the ability of many households to use air filtration systems potentially worsening their health risks.These kinds of questions are growing more urgent as the effects of climate change worsen. Recent research has found that about a quarter of all particulate matter pollution in the United States comes from wildfire smoke. And in parts of the Western U.S., smoke is responsible for as much as half.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

PS2 officially surpasses 160m sales, retaining its best-selling console crownAnother 10m units sold since 2011.Image credit: Sony News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 26, 2024 Nintendo's Switch might be nipping at its heels, but PlayStation 2 continues to hold the record as the best-selling console of all time - with Sony now confirming the machine has shifted a whopping 160m units since launching all the way back in March 2000.This isn't the first time we've heard that figure, of course; former PlayStation boss Jim Ryan casually claimed a total of 160m PlayStation 2s had been sold during a farewell edition of PlayStation Podcast earlier this year, but Sony has now updated its PlayStation history page to reflect that number, finally making it officially official.PlayStation 2's last major sales milestone was trumpeted back in 2011, when Sony revealed the console had surpassed 150m sales - although it only took another year for that number to jump up by a further 5m. So while sales have undoubtedly slowed - not exactly surprising seeing as Sony hasn't produced a PS2 since January 2013 - the fact the console has successfully managed to shift another 5m units in the interim is still pretty wild.And now for something a bit more recent.Watch on YouTubeTo put that into some sort of perspective, PlayStation 5 is currently at 65m lifetime sales, while PS4 has sold 117m units, PS3 is at the 87m mark, and PS1 was snapped up by 102m Vib-Ribbon fans. Nintendo's DS handheld almost came close to matching PS2's previously announced figure, shifting 154m units, but it now trails someway behind. As for Switch (currently at 146m sales), it could still reign victorious if Switch 2 doesn't get in its way.For all this competitive chatter, 160m PS2s sold is still an impressive achievement, and you can read more about the console's success elsewhere on Eurogamer. It's not Sony's only cause for celebration, of course, given the entire PlayStation brand is marking its 30th anniversary in exactly one week's time. And all this because of a falling out with Nintendo.

Ubisoft reportedly developing Animal Crossing-style social sim with Minecraft-like buildingGotham Knights creative director at helm.Image credit: Nintendo News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 26, 2024 Assassin's Creed Valhalla studio Ubisoft Montreal is reportedly working on a new Animal Crossing-inspired social sim featuring Minecraft-like building elements, with former Gotham Knights creative director Patrick Redding said to be at the reins.That's according to Insider Gaming, which claims the title - currently codenamed Alterra - has been in the works for around 18 months. Alterra is said to have risen from the ashes of an earlier Ubisoft Montreal project, canceled after four years of development, with the two games supposedly sharing a focus on voxel creation.Insider Gaming's source describes Alterra as an "Animal Crossing-inspired social sim" in which players inhabit a home island populated by NPCs known as Matterlings. These Matterlings are "somewhat like Funko Pop figures", sporting large heads and designs blending fictional and real-world creatures, from polar bears to dragons.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Nintendo has announced new hardware, but it's not Switch 2.Watch on YouTubeAlterra's social aspect is reportedly combined with that aforementioned voxel creation element, featuring building mechanics "somewhat similar" to those seen in Minecraft, with players able to fashion items using resources found out in the world beyond their home.Here, it's claimed they'll encounter different biomes containing specific resources and different Matterling types, as well as unique enemies, materials, and more - with one example given being an ice biome, inhabited by snow-ice Matterlings, where players can create objects from snow and ice. It'll apparently be possible to encounter other players out in the world too.Insider Gaming adds Ubisoft veteran Fabien Lhraud is serving as lead producer on Alterra, and that the project's launch is "likely still a few years away".Ubisoft's release slate is, of course, a bit fuzzy beyond next year's delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows and Anno 117: Pax Romana, although the publisher has confirmed a new Rayman project is currently in the "exploration phase". That's alongside the very long in the works Beyond Good & Evil 2 and Ubisoft's troubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, with the latter now targeting a 2026 release. In more recent news, Ubisoft has now launched its first-ever blockchain game, featuring NFT figurines costing up to 50k.