Eight years after its rocky launch, No Man's Sky finally hits "Very Positive" reviews threshold on SteamHello, you fool, I love you.Image credit: Hello Games News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 27, 2024 No Man's Sky didn't get off to the smoothest of starts, but eight years after its controversial launch, Hello Games' exploratory space sim has reached a significant milestone, finally gaining enough favourable player reviews on Steam to shift its overall rating to "Very Positive".When No Man's Sky released back in August 2016, player sentiment was such that it quickly found itself damned with an "Overwhelming Negative" rating on Steam. It took two years and a number of significant updates for No Man's Sky to secure enough positive reviews that its average tipped over to "Mixed", and then a further three years after to that to reach an all-time user review average of "Mostly Positive" in 2021.As Hello Games' Tim Woodley explained at the time, "Each percentage point becomes exponentially harder to earn as you move up the ratings. Moving from 20 percent positive to 21 percent positive may only require a few hundred positive reviews whereas moving from 69 percent to 70 percent needed 10,000 positive reviews. This is why it's so rare for games to change their All-Time rating and why we'd assumed that we might never be able to."This year's biggest No Man's Sky update overhauled world generation.Watch on YouTubeAnother three years - and a total of 35 free content updates - later, No Man's Sky has finally achieved the seemingly impossible, turning its initial "Overwhelmingly Negative" rating into "Very Positive". That means 80 percent of its 245,857 Steam reviews are positive - which is to says it's secured 196,686 blue thumbs up versus 49,171 red thumbs down. Addressing the milestone, studio boss Sean Murray wrote, "Holy shit you guys - it happened. ALL REVIEWS: Very Positive. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have no idea what this means to us."No Man's Sky's next challenge, then, will be to nudge into the prestigious "Overwhelming Postive" category inhabited by the likes of Sekiro, Persona 5, Baldur's Gate 3, Stardew Valley, Hades, Dead Cells, the Silent Hill 2 remake, and Half-Life: Alyx. That's a significantly tougher goal, however, requiring 95 percent of life-time reviews to be positive. In other words, assuming No Man's Sky doesn't receive a single negative review from this point forward, it'll need a total of 983,420 positive reviews - or 786,734 more than it has now. By which point the actual universe might be 16 minutes away from obliteration.Regardless, the shift to "Very Positive" is still an incredible achievement, and testament to the incredible work Hello Games has put into its space sim over the last eight years. No Man's Sky's most recent update released earlier this month, introducing cross-save support, PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements, and the return of Mass Effect's Normandy. It's the sixth major update this year, following on from October's spooky The Cursed (which, among other things, introduced flying saucer ships for players), while other 2024 additions have included fishing, refreshed space stations, and a massive world generation overhaul.Up next for Hello Games is its procedural planet adventure Light No Fire, which we've not had an update on since last year's reveal. Perhaps we'll finally see more during December's The Game Awards, but regardless, it sounds like No Man's Sky journey is far from over.

Baldur's Gate 3 getting new subclasses, cross-play, and more next yearPublic testing starts soon.Image credit: Larian Studios News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Nov. 27, 2024 Larian would like you to know it's still not done with Baldur's Gate 3. The studio has now revealed what's next for the multi-award-winning RPG, with cross-play, a photo mode, and 12 new subclasses all set to launch next year.As detailed over on Steam, Larian currently has "one more major patch" in the works for Baldur's Gate 3 - officially known as Patch 8 - and it's set to introduce "some of the most eagerly awaited features", starting with cross-play.Baldur's Gate 3 already supports cross-progression, of course, enabling players to pick up from where they left off regardless of the platform they move to. From next year, however, they'll also be able to team up with players from other platforms, seamlessly adventuring their way across western Faern with pals on PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, and PC.Baldur's Gate 3 for dummies.Watch on YouTube"Once the update is live," Larian explains, "you'll be able to invite your friends to join your cross-play lobby directly, regardless of platform and find available multiplayer lobbies with friends on other systems using the Larian Network."Patch 8 also introduces a new photo mode, featuring a "whole slew of options to let you customise and edit your in-game photography, with various levels of freedom depending on whether you're using it while adventuring, or during combat, dialogue, and cinematic scenes."Players can, for instance, turn on a camera reticle and composition grid at the press of a button, while lens settings include adjustments for field of view, exposure, depth of field, and focus. It's also possible to hide characters you don't want to appear in shot - whether they be players, party members, NPCs, or enemies - and Larian is also including facial expressions and over 40 static and animated poses (each with their own variations!) that can be applied to characters prior to taking a shot. And that's still not quite everything, with photo mode also featuring post-processing effects - including contrast, saturation, highlights, brightness, and vignette - plus a selection of stickers and frames to add those final flourishes.Perhaps the biggest additions in Patch 8, though, are those new subclasses, with Larian introducing one for each of Baldur's Gate 3's existing classes - meaning the Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard are all represented. The new subclass names are listed below, but you'll be wanting to read Larian's full post for some detailed descriptions on each.Bard - College of GlamourBarbarian - Path of GiantsCleric - Death DomainDruid - Circle of StarsPaladin - Oath of the CrownFighter - Arcane ArcherMonk - Drunken MasterRanger - SwarmkeeperRogue - SwashbucklerSorcerer - Shadow MagicWarlock - HexbladeWizard - BladesingingLarian says it'll be stress-testing Baldur's Gate 3's Patch 8 ahead of release in order to get player feedback. "The goal," it explains, "is to go beyond our internal testing and help us catch things before they can become an issue once a patch has been released." The stress test begins in "early January", and those wanting to get involved - it's open to players on Xbox and PlayStation, as well as PC - can register their interest beforehand, so expect further details soon.So that's a bunch of good news for Baldur's Gate 3 players following this week's good news for Larian - which reportedly posted a 249m (207m) pre-tax profit for 2023, in no small part thanks to the runaway success of its smash-hit RPG.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereIf the buggy release of Stalker 2 has upset you, theres another option for amazing survival gameplay out there: the original three games in the series. As the Steam Autumn Sale starts, GSC Game World has massively discounted the original trilogy of survival games to an extemely low price.While we loved Stalker 2 in our review, the games broken A-Life system that fans are trying to fix has left a bad taste in many fans mouths. However, for those who have yet to try the original games, GSC Game Worlds latest discount is perfect for newcomers.Three Stalker games see huge discountsRight now, Stalker: Shadow of Chornobyl is available for just 2.49, Clear Sky is available for 1.99 and Call of Pripyat is available for 3.24. Together thats 7.72, but if you want an even bigger discount, this bundle can give you all three games for just 5.24.All three of these brilliant survival games are rated as playable on Steam Deck, and all three have extensive mods available for them. While the games arent as instantly playable on the Decks controllers as, say, their recent console ports, this is still a great way to play some of the most beloved survival games ever.In fact, theres even a co-op multiplayer mod available for the game completely for free. If thats not a selling point, what is?With Stalker 2 pretty close to unplayable on the Steam Deck and suffering from massive performance issues on all but the beefiest PCs, it might be time to revisit the older games. After all, GSC has pledged to fix its newest title, but it may be a while until theyre polished. The orginal games are also far from polished, but their age means they can be forgiven.For more Steam sale savings, check out the new free giveaway from Warframe developer Digital Eclipse or how to get every Oddworld game for a single dollar.S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of PripyatPlatform(s):PCGenre(s):Action, First Person, RPG, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereFortnite Chapter 6 is nearly here as leaks are already making rounds on social media. From the much speculated Japanese theme which is now confirmed by Epic to Godzilla landing on the island, players are anticipating many more features which will alter the gameplay drastically.With the latest key art posted by Fortnite, players have spotted a detail which will bring a unique POI that already has players puzzled and something that has never been seen before. Sure, Epic has had a history of innovative POIs, much like the Kymera Mothership in Chapter 2, but this one changes everything.Fortnite teases a giant moving Turtle POI coming to Chapter 6The newest key art has a lot of hidden details that players are slowly spotting right now and sharing their theories of how the gameplay next season will look like. Among those details were a giant Godzilla boss on the bay of the Fortnite island, four new POIs, a Sakura forest and a giant Turtle with foliage and a forest growing on top of it.Fortnite Chapter 6 will bring a Turtle POI in the game. Image by Epic Games.Data miners like HYPEX shared their speculation on the Turtle location and said, The Giant Turtle POI will move around the map, but its unknown if its live, or between matches, or from date to another.This dynamic POI is something Epic has never done before during a single match of Fortnite where an entire location travels across the island during a live gameplay. However when it comes to a dynamic POI, the loot island which rifts in the middle of matches has already been there since Chapter 4 and players are aware of the phenomenon.Still, players who believe in the first theory and want the island to be constantly on the move had their own thoughts. One such player wrote, This is so awesome. Knew he would be floating around the map. Another one commented, Feels like Avatar Vibes.While nothing so far has been confirmed around the upcoming map, well keep you updated right here on all the changes coming to Fortnite in Chapter 6. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

While there's no shortage of great early Black Friday Deals to shop right now, we think the Sabai Black Friday sale should be high up on your list. In case you're unfamiliar with the earth-friendly furniture brand, just know that we've been obsessed since we first tested their sectional sofa back in 2021. Regarding the here and now, Sabai has slashed prices up to 40% off their as part of their ongoing holiday sales promotion (the biggest sale the brand's ever had, we should mention). If you don't have the space to accommodate a brand new couch or arm chair, we're happy to report that sale also includes smaller accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and even a storage bench that'll be perfect for hiding holiday gifts. But act quickthe sale ends 12/5, so you'll want to hit checkout before it's too late.Sabai Essential SectionalAvailable in eight hues of velvet (and five additional colors if you're eying their upcycled polyester), the essential sectional is an ideal get if you're looking to maximize seating. Ive long struggled to find any couch that was both comfortable and efficient with space, contributor Mark Burka told us. Sabais couch solved that problem.Sabai Elevate DaybedWith dreary days looming, we'd place this daybed in a sunnier corner of your home and curl up with a good book and warm beverage to fight the winter blues.Sabai Evergreen ChairYou won't go wrong with either of these two slipcover options. While the green would like right at home in a cabin upstate, bookmark the yellow for the beach house.Sabai Bacana ArmchairThis combination of velvet and wood is drool-worthy, not to mention will totally match your new sectional sofa. If coordinating upholstery isn't your vibe, hemp and upcycled polyester fabrics are also available.Sabai Evergreen Storage OttomanA perfect hideaway for spare candles, coffee table books, or even those holiday gifts you haven't gotten around to wrapping, this ottoman is one of the smartest (and chicest) storage solutions you can buy this Black Friday.Sabai Piped PillowDress up your sofa or bedspread for the season with some new throw pillows. The contrast piping on these velvet pillows give them a modern feel, and I like that the colorways feel a little playful, says commerce editor Audrey Lee.Sabai Milestone TableIf you've been holding out for the perfect coffee table, the Sabai Black Friday sale is your chance to score it at a discount. Available in four different tabletop shapes, it's a timeless design that can adapt to your changing taste and style.

Its easy to see what makes Sven a best-seller for Canadian retailer Article. Available in fabric upholstery (including velvet) or leather, the tufted, midcenturyinspired silhouette checks all the boxes if youre looking for a classic sectional couch. Not too soft, not too deep seated, not too small (or too big!) for a family of three, the Sven is what reviewer Audrey Lee calls the Golidlocks of couches. Because of its solid construction, it might take a minute or two to get the lived-in look of a well-worn leather sofa, but we have a feeling it will be worth the wait.After a year of post-workday naps, movie nights, and lazy days binge watching whatever streaming show TikTok influenced me to watch, the Sven sectional is still in top-notch condition. Audrey Lee, commerce editorSpecsDimensions: 100" wide, 67" deep, 34" tallMaterials: Natural leather, solid and composite wood, foam, fiber, and feather fill cushionsShipping & ReturnsShipping: Free shipping on orders over $999, in-room delivery available ($99), in-room delivery and assembly available ($169). Delivery in 2+ weeks depending on inventoryReturn Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging ($49 return fee applies). Additional $50 fee applies for items without original packagingThe Best Midcentury-Modern Sectional: Albany Park Park SectionalRead the full reviewPark Sectional SofaOverall couch rating: AAlbany Park is a relative newcomer to the direct-to-consumer furniture game, founded in 2019 by former NFL player Darryl Sharpton and his wife, Jessica. The brand offers several quick-shipping, easy-to-assemble sectionals-in-a-box that land in the lower range of price points we tested. The Park collection features time-tested midcentury details including the tapered legs andslim-profile design that will make it flexible when it comes to working with your existing decor. Its a solid, family-friendly sofa with just the right amount of elegance.I would still rate it an A for quality, since it hasnt shown any signs of wear and tear. The material is still intact, the sofa is still sturdy, and it looks almost brand-new. Terri Williams, contributing writerSpecsDimensions: 114" wide, 63" deep, 35" tallMaterials: Vegan leather, velvet, performance fabric, bouclShipping & ReturnsShipping: Free shipping to the front door of your building, delivery in 35 weeksReturn Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (10% restocking fee applies, 20% repackaging fee applies)The Best Low Profile Sectional Sofa: Castlery Jonathan Chaise SectionalRead the full reviewCastleryRachel FletcherRachel FletcherCastlery Jonathan Chaise Sectional SofaOverall couch rating: AThe Jonathan Chaise Sectional from Castlery is a modular option with size versatility starting at a two-seater option and going all the way up to a configuration that fits five to six. Perfect for any modern home, this minimalist, low-slung modular sofa is easy to assemble and ideal for homes with pets and children thanks to its soft-edge nature. Plush foam and spring-filled cushions ensure a medium-firm yet cozy place to unwind after a long day.Although the sectional was originally an aesthetic purchase, one year in the comfort level matches its looks. Rachel Fletcher, commerce editorSpecsDimensions: 117" wide, 72" deep, 28" tallMaterials: Polyester, cotton, and nylon blend upholstery, LVL and plywood, foam, metal springsShipping & ReturnsShipping: Free shipping for orders over $999 for selected cities and free cancelation before dispatch. White-glove delivery flat rate fee of $100-$150, 24 week estimated delivery time on made-to-order productsReturn Policy: 14-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (20% purchase price return fee applies). An additional $50 repackaging fee appliesThe Best Customizable Sectional: Interior Define GabyRead the full reviewGaby Leather 3-Seat Left Chaise SectionalOverall couch rating: A-From a visual perspective, this Interior Define sectional is a standout. So much so that you might not expect it to be comfortable for lounging. While the slimmer profile and elegant shape means its not necessarily a sprawl-out-and-watch-movies kind of couch, pretty much every factor of an ID can be customized, so it can be if you want it to! Deeper seats? You can do that. Longer chaise? Yes, that too. And it can be ordered in four lengths, ranging from 91 to 123 inches. Plus, if any part of the process feels overwhelming, Interior Define also provides free design consultations online or in its showrooms located throughout the US so its just like having your own interior designer on call.This is a sturdy, beautiful, and snug couch that is the centerpiece of any living space, and Id recommend it to a friend. Rachel Kalichman, contributing writerSpecsDimensions: 91133" wide, 6575" deep, 33" tallMaterials: Leather, metal, wood, down or down alternative fillShipping & ReturnsShipping: $249 flat rate delivery fee with white-glove service included, delivery in 1214 weeks.Return Policy: 30-day return policy for in-stock items (15% processing and shipping fee applies). 60-day return policy for made-to-order returns (50% processing fee applies)The Best Slipcovered Sectional: Sixpenny Neva Chaise SectionalRead the full reviewSixpennyZo SessumsTara RiceSixpenny Neva Chaise SectionalOverall couch rating: ASixpenny is a eco-friendly brand thats based on the idea of natural comfort (with fans that include Ashley Tisdale and several digital content creators). In fact, all the companys seatinglike the Neva Chaise Sectionalhave ethically sourced down featherstuffed cushions, frames handcrafted from kiln-dried solid hardwood, and linen-cotton covering options made from luxurious, all-natural materials.While you wont go wrong with the Neva sectional for your home, know that you can spring for the whole Neva line from Sixpenny as well, which includes a chair, daybed, and even an alternative corner sectionalall with different slipcover options to suit your particular decor style.For anyone looking for a big and comfortable sectional, its such a winner.Zo Sessums, digital design editorSpecsDimensions: 123" wide, 84" deep, 33" tallMaterials: Options include all-natural cotton canvas, cotton linen, thread-dyed cotton linen, washed cotton linen, washed cotton velvet, lightweight linen, medium weight linenShipping & ReturnsShipping: Free shipping and free threshold delivery, or $100 for white glove delivery. In-stock pieces delivered in 2-3 weeks and made-to-order pieces delivered in 10-12 weeks.Return Policy: 30-day return/exchange policy for items in original condition with original packaging. 10% restocking fee for returns without original packaging.The Best Modular Sectional: Lovesac SactionalsRead the full reviewLovesac Sactionals, 5 Seats + 5 sidesOverall couch rating: BYou may be tired of hearing us drone on about how adaptable a modular couch can be , but this one may be the most versatile of them all. Enter: Lovesac Sactionals, whose three different base pieces (the Sectional Seat, Wedge Seat, and Storage Seat) can be configured into just about any seating arrangement, from a U-shaped sectional to a traditional L-shaped (and make it easy to convert your configuration into an extra large sectional). Whats more is each Sactionals piece has a removable and machine-washable cover thats available in more than 200 color options, making it a breeze to replace damaged seating or update your look when you want a change.Between working from it and snuggling up with my partner to watch a movie at the end of the day, I spend more time on the couch than Id care to admit. Bailey Berg, contributing writerSpecsDimensions: 118" wide, 64" deep, 29" tallMaterials: Velvet, chenille, cross-weave, weave, polylinen, leather, foam, down and polyester blendShipping & ReturnsShipping: Free shipping on all US orders. Orders deliver in approximately 14 weeks, custom covers may take between 410 weeksReturn Policy: 60-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging. Final sale for custom merchandise, floor models, and clearance itemsSlipcovered sectionalsThese classic beauties feature top-of-the-line upholstery, expert craftsmanship, and the delicate touch that only a slipcover and a little skirt action can provide.Sundays Movie Night 4-Piece Modular SectionalRead the full reviewSundaysEmily FarrisEmily FarrisSundays Movie Night 4-Piece Modular SectionalOverall couch rating: A-Reminiscent of the famed Cloud Couch from RH, the Movie Night product line from Vancouver-based Sundays Company is essentially the Coastal Grandmother in couch form with its easy and breezy slipcovers and relaxed silhouette. As our contributor Emily Farris points out, the performance fabrics can withstand kids and large petsplus those lovely covers are removable for handwashing or dry-cleaning, and they come in a variety of neutral shades. Feather-filled and built for lounging with extra-deep seats and ample back cushions built around a solid wood frame, the Movie Night is easily one of the best sofas around if you want to kick back with a large group for, among other things, a binge session. If your living room is on the tinier side, but you love the look of the Movie Night family, have no fear: The Condo version of the sectional is designed for smaller spaces.Its big, deep, durable, and super comfortable. Emily Farris, contributing writerSpecsDimensions: 135" wide, 90" deep, 32" tallMaterials: Sundays signature Brie LiveLife performance fabric (moisture-repellent and stain-resistant)Shipping & ReturnsShipping: Free in-home delivery and assembly for customers in Canada and the US, 35 week estimated delivery timeReturn Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging ($150 return fee applies). An additional $75 repackaging fee applies for items without original packagingMaiden Home Dune SectionalRead the full reviewMaiden HomeElaheh NozariMaiden Home The Dune SectionalOverall couch rating: AMaiden Homes philosophy is that a showstopping couch with luxury level craftsmanship shouldnt come with a ridiculously expensive price tag. And by cutting out the showrooms, wholesalers, and boutiques, the furniture makers are able to offer customers custom-made pieces, direct from workshops in North Carolina, at a fraction of the price. The Dune in particular is the brands version of a classic slipcover sofa, and with six different styles of sectional to customize and classic linen upholstery, this very versatile couch still makes a statement in your home without standing out too much.Its a great multipurpose couch. Its not too deep that you completely sink in when youre trying to sit up straight, and the chaise makes it great for napping and lounging. Elaheh Nozari, contributing writerSpecsDimensions: 60100" wide, 65" deep, 34" tallMaterials: Performance-textured flax linen, kiln-dried hardwood frame, steel springs, down feathersShipping & ReturnsShipping: Pricing varies by location (New Yorkbased addresses around $150), typically takes 24 weeks, expect to be contacted by MHs white-glove partners to schedule a date for your delivery (the brand provide you with an estimate of when to expect your scheduling call based on your zip code)Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition (10% return fee of purchase applies). Cancellations after 24 hours will also be charged a 10% feeMidcentury-modernsectionalsTheres a reason MCM design hasnt gone anywhere in the past several decades (well, lots of reasons actually; entire books have been written on the subject), and we keep finding new and innovative examples of its principles put to work. From eco-friendly to budget-friendly, theres a MCM sectional out there for anyone looking.Arhaus Beale Five Piece SectionalRead the full reviewArhausKatarina KovacArhaus Beale Five Piece Sectional with OttomanOverall couch rating: AIf youre looking for a cozy, large seating arrangement that can accommodate family and friends, look no further than the Beale five-piece sectional. Its a luxurious and classic seating option for any modern living room. Made from quality materials, including a hardwood and steel frame, goose-down padded seating, memory-fiber-padded backrests and high-performance upholstery, this sectional is both built to last and comfortable. The set includes a corner seat, three armless chairs, and one ottoman, which can be arranged in a variety of configurations to fit the shape of any room. The sectionals distinctive silhouette, featuring a more modular shape and tapered legs, adds a clean-lined warm touch and is a beautiful and functional investment for any home.You can tell this sofa is incredibly well made, not only just by looking at it, but by taking a seat and putting your feet up. Katarina Kovac, commerce producerSpecsDimensions: 129 wide, 129 deep, 35 tallMaterials: Crypton Home performance fabricShipping & ReturnsShipping: White-glove ground shipping priced at $299Return policy: 14-day return policy for items in original condition, with original receipt. A 10% restocking fee and redelivery fee is applied to all items returned or exchanged for reasons other than manufacturers defect or damage.Signature Design by Ashley Jarreau Sectional Sleeper SofaRead the full reviewSignature Design by Ashley Jarreau Modern Sectional Sleeper SofaOverall couch rating: AWhether youre a student, a studio-apartment dweller, or a homeowner with a spare room, the Jarreau Modern sleeper sectional can upgrade any small space at a great budget value (so forget about that drab futon you were considering). A no-frills option thats easy enough to set up for a movie night or as an extra guest bed, this sectional will work seamlessly with most decor styleswhether you prefer midcentury-modern design or Scandi aesthetics. As the youngest in my family, Ive slept on many sleeper sofas during family trips and can honestly say this one holds its own, tester Stewart Savin told us. It can easily seat three people, and a pair can comfortably sleep on the pullout once extended. Plus, after years of use, Stewart found it to be a durable seating option that only needs the occasional spot clean and lint roll.SpecsMaterials: Foam cushions covered in a polyester fiber atop a wood and steel frameDimensions:Regular: 83"W x 53"D x 36"HPullout: 83"W x 53"DShipping & ReturnsShipping: 12 weeks from most retailers, typically free to ship but a fee for white-glove deliveryReturn Policy: Most retailers offer a 30-day return window; however, shipping fees may applyAllModern Breanna SectionalRead the full review

Blender: The Origin Story By xrmotion on November 26, 2024 Education Here's a nice watch: Blender's history in 8 minutes! I really enjoyed this.In the latest XR Motion YouTube upload, Michael Steinberg dives in and explores the remarkable journey of Blender, a free and powerful 3D creation tool that has revolutionized the industry. From its inception in a small Dutch studio to becoming a global movement, Blender's story is one of innovation, community support, and resilience. The discussion highlights key milestones in Blender's development, including its transition to open source, the impact of community funding, and its current status as a serious contender in the 3D software market.

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Feed MeThe algorithm is ruining film and TV, and we need to talk about itYou can tag your spoilers, people!Image credit: Riot/ Netflix/ Fortiche/ Mappa Article by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Nov. 27, 2024 You know what's a just fine piece of telly? Arcane! It's an absolute stunner to look at, I'll give it that, but I personally don't find the story all that compelling, and season 2 is rushed beyond belief. As a lover of animation I really did just watch it for Fortiche's in-house style, that served me well enough, but I do still find spoilers annoying like anybody else, even for a show whose story I'm not that invested in. Thanks to "the algorithm", though, I didn't really have much of a choice in having pretty much all of Arcane season 2 spoiled for me.You see, I didn't rush to check out the second season, I wasn't eagerly anticipating it like many fans. I was happy to wait! There were plenty of other things for me to be getting on with, and I had a bit of a bug around when the first act dropped, so I wasn't rushing off of my feet to see what's what. Except over the course of the three weeks the three acts released over, I just kept seeing more and more spoilers, whether it be a site like Twitter (uh, X), or TikTok, they were all just there, because the algorithm thinks I want to see them.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. I do think there's something to be said of there being quite bad spoiler etiquette on the internet these days. A lot of younger people didn't grow up on Tumblr where you could filter what content you wanted to see by tags, and most people would appropriately label their posts if their were spoilers - unfortunately, with the death of Tumblr as it used to be, fandom shifted over to Twitter because where else was it meant to? But because Twitter works completely differently, the culture of fandom broadly changed, habits no longer stuck for most people, and now we're at a point where people are desperate to be the ones to get their thoughts out first because they might be rewarded with a small bit of clout.Don't get me wrong, clout chasing on the internet has been around for the longest time, but particularly over the past few years it's gotten worse and worse, and I think it's because of "the algorithm." Because the days of blogs and forums are dead and we're all stuck on social media ad infinitum, all we have is "the algorithm", this monster we have to feed into, even if that means spoiling something for someone else. I'm just quite fed up with it.There's always something new to watch, but fewer opportunities to watch it completely unfiltered. Last year that manifested in quite annoying ways with Jujutsu Kaisen, with manga readers seemingly doing everything they can to ruin upcoming story beats for anime-onlys - I was hit with a couple of big spoilers, prompting me to bite the bullet and just catch up with the manga (something I don't regret doing, there's a whole bunch of stuff I would have hated to be spoiled on at the end of the series). Yeah, already knew about this twist too. | Image credit: VG247And that was a weekly show too! It's made all the worse by the fact that Arcane season 2, despite having nine episodes, was released over three weeks. That pesky binging model that Netflix established means you have to Consume Right Now, and if you get spoiled and complain about it, some chud is guaranteed to enter your replies blaming you for not staying off the internet until you could watch it.That's obviously a ridiculous argument because 1. the internet is my job in my particular case and 2. why should I have to? Can you not just wait to talk about your blorbo kissed your other blorbo? But still, again, I find it entirely hard to blame any individual for posting a spoiler. They're just doing so thinking it'll stay within their particular fandom's sphere, but "the algorithm" gives much less than two shits about your intention. It is hungry, it demands sustenance so it can regurgitate it to anyone that will look at it.I don't have a fix for this other than maybe stopping spending time in these places, which in Twitter's case is getting easier and easier (did you know we're over on Bluesky now?), but I think I'm owed at least one little moan about this. And seriously, Arcane season 2 - the whole thing was a bit rushed, right? Not even being spoiled on it can help that.