December 11, 20244 min readA Rapidly Warming Arctic Looks Dramatically Different Now Than It Did 20 Years AgoRising temperatures, increasing precipitation, thawing permafrost and melting ice are pushing the Arctic outside its historical normsBy Chelsea Harvey & E&E NewsAn aerial view of icebergs and ice sheet in the Baffin Bay near Pituffik, Greenland on July 19, 2022 as captured on a NASA Gulfstream V plane while on an airborne mission to measure melting Arctic sea ice. Kerem Ycel/AFP/Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | The Arctic continued its relentless transformation in 2024, experiencing its wettest summer, its second warmest permafrost temperatures and its second hottest overall year on record.Its the continuation of a long-term pattern and serves as the latest evidence the Arctic has shifted into a new state of being, according to the latest installment of NOAAs annual Arctic Report Card. Temperatures, precipitation patterns, ice melt, permafrost and other factors have moved beyond the regions historical norms. Change is constant.The Arctic exists now within a new regime, in which conditions year after year are substantially different than just a couple of decades ago, Twila Moon, a scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center and lead editor of the report, said at a press conference Tuesday announcing the findings. Yet climate change is not bringing about a new normal. Instead, climate change is bringing ongoing and rapid change.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.The Arctic Report Card, issued annually since 2006, provides regular documentation of the Arctics evolution. The first installment warned of melting sea ice and thawing permafrost and pointed to hot spots across the region. It also raised concerns about the stability of the Greenland ice sheet, where exact melt rates at the time were still uncertain.Nearly two decades later, studies have indicated the Arctic is warming at least three times faster than the global average. Sea ice has continued to sharply decline, while permafrost has thawed across large swaths of Alaska, Canada and Siberia. Wildfires are on the rise. And scientists have confirmed the Greenland ice sheet is losing tens of billions of tons of ice every year.An important starting point for the Arctic report card is recognizing that human-caused warming of our planet is amplified in the Arctic, Moon said. The Arctic continues to warm more quickly than the globe overall, and the last nine years in the Arctic are the nine warmest on record.Not every year is a record-breaker. The past year saw sea ice hit its sixth lowest minimum extent. The summer was the second warmest on record behind 2023. Permafrost temperatures were also at their second warmest levels.Meanwhile, Greenland saw its lowest levels of mass loss since 2013. And snow accumulation was above average across the Eurasian and North American Arctic.But all these factors still fall in line with the long-term pattern of changes the Arctic has seen in recent decades. Temperatures are swiftly rising, even if they dont bring all-time records every year. Sea ice is steadily dwindling. And the Greenland ice sheet has been contributing to global sea-level rise for 27 years in a row.Meanwhile, 2024 still saw a few records broken.An August heat wave broke daily temperature records in some communities across Alaska and Canada. Summer precipitation was the highest on record. And even though snowfall was higher than average in many places, the snow season was its shortest in at least 26 years over parts of central and eastern Arctic Canada. Thats largely due to the combination of later snow onset in the fall and early melt in the spring, driven by rising temperatures.Wildlife populations are affected too, the new report notes although not always in the same ways.Ice seal populations across much of the Arctic remain largely healthy. Thats despite the fact that Arctic cod, their historically preferred food source, have declined in the wake of rising temperatures. Instead, studies suggest that ice seals have pivoted to preying on saffron cod, which prefer warmer water and are expected to increase in the coming years.Thats a good sign for the ice seals, said Lori Quakenbush, a scientist and marine mammal expert with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Although ice seals are highly adapted to sea ice, which is declining, we have not yet seen evidence that their adaptive capacities are limited by current ecological changes, she said.Caribou, on the other hand, arent faring as well. Migratory tundra caribou populations have declined by 65 percent over the last 20 to 30 years, down to 1.8 million from a peak of 5.5 million in the 1990s and 2000s. While some small coastal herds have shown signs of recovery in the last decade, the larger inland herds have rapidly declined.Thats a consequence of rising temperatures too, the report notes. Warmer winter weather increases the odds of freezing rain events, which can cover up the plants that caribou depend on for food.These declines are a major concern for many Indigenous communities across the Arctic.Declining caribou are critical concerns for local people whose food security has been tied to these animals since time immemorial, Quakenbush said.The new report card highlights the continued need for rapid global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, scientists say.While we can hope that many plants and animals will find pathways to adaptation, as ice seals have so far, hope is not a pathway for preparation or risk reduction, Moon said. With almost all human-produced heat-trapping emissions created outside of the Arctic, only the strongest actions to reduce these emissions will allow us to minimize risk and damage as much as possible into the future. This is true for the Arctic and the globe.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

December 11, 20245 min readMysterious Disease X Outbreak Might Be Malaria. What We KnowAuthorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are racing to identify a deadly illness that is affecting malnourished childrenBy Paul AdepojuDemocratic Republic of Congo Health minister Samuel-Roger Kamba addressing a press conference in Kinshasa earlier this year on the ongoing mpox crisis. The country is currently also dealing with an outbreak of an unknown disease. HARDY_BOPE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is confronting a health crisis in the remote Panzi health zone of Kwango Province, where an undiagnosed illness has infected more than 400 people and killed at least 31, predominantly malnourished children under the age of five. The mystery Disease Xwhich may or may not be a new diseasecauses symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose and body aches. The World Health Organization said in a press briefing on Tuesday that 10 out of 12 samples have tested positive for malaria, but its possible more than one disease is involved. The outbreak has raised pressing questions about the DRCs ability to respond effectively to health emergencies in isolated areas.Accessing Panzi is a formidable challenge, with poor road infrastructure requiring a multi-day journey from Kinshasa, the nations capital. This is really the definition of remote, says Placide Mbala, a virologist and head of epidemiology at the DRCs National Institute of Biomedical Research. He explains that limited connectivity and delayed sample collection have hampered diagnosis efforts. Specimens collected initially were unsuitable for analysis, but a team from the DRCs Ministry of Public Health has now gathered higher-quality samples, says Mbala, who is part of the team.A Complex Response Hindered by UncertaintyOn 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.The DRCs Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and Africa CDC, has deployed a multidisciplinary team to investigate and respond to the outbreak. But the delay in confirming a pathogen has complicated efforts to implement targeted interventions. Its difficult to have a targeted response when you dont know exactly what the pathogen is, Mbala notes. Instead the response has focused on isolating sick people, communicating risks and taking general preventive measures while providing supportive care for affected individuals.While the deployment of health care workers has improved the situation, delays in action have attracted criticism. Mbala emphasizes that the issue is not related to a lack of diagnostic capacity but rather logistical challenges. He admits the outbreak also highlights systemic vulnerabilities, including vast geographical barriers, weak infrastructure and recurring violence, that make the DRC particularly susceptible to health crises.ThankGod Ebenezer, founder of the research effort African BioGenome Project, emphasizes the critical connection between animal and human health, particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases. He explains that most diseases that affect humansincluding HIV/AIDS, SARS and likely COVIDoriginated in other animals, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity and understanding genetic diversity to prevent transmission.When it comes to Disease X in DRC, one thing we often forget is that most diseases come from animals. Theres a transmission from animal to human. And what that means is that we dont often make peace with nature, Ebenezer says. He further notes that human interference with biodiversity creates vulnerabilities that allow diseases in animals to spread to humans and that genomics can play a vital role in addressing this. We can use genomics and biodiversity genomics to know how to maintain genetic diversity, prevent transmission and ensure were not [encroaching on] biodiversity conservation space, he adds.Global Support and Local ResilienceInternational organizations, including the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are playing a crucial role in logistics and field investigations. Their support has enabled the deployment of resources to Panzi, although uncertainty over the pathogen involved has limited the scope of assistance they can provide. Grassroots communication has also been a key element of the response, with local leaders urging calm and educating communities about preventive measures. The Ministry of Health is working to understand the situation and has sent its best people to investigate, Mbala says.The DRCs response draws on its extensive experience managing outbreaks such as Ebola and mpox. Mbala expresses confidence that the countrys seasoned public health responders can leverage this expertise to contain the outbreak quickly. If we include all the experienced people who have coordinated past responses, we should be able to manage this effectively, he says.Scientific American spoke with Mbala about the outbreak and response. (The conversation took place before the WHO confirmed that many of the samples tested positive malaria.)[An edited transcript of the interview follows.]Can you provide an update on the current situation regarding Disease X in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?The outbreak began in the remote Panzi health zone in southwestern DRC, an area difficult to access because of poor roads and lack of reliable communication. The region is heavily affected by malnutrition, making the population more vulnerable. Initial media reports claimed more than 100 deaths, but our teams first investigation confirmed 27 fatalities, 17 of which were children under five.What measures are currently in place to manage the outbreak?The focus is on isolating the affected patients, conducting risk communication and implementing general preventive measures. We are providing supportive care, such as basic medication and assistance for the affected population. Once high-quality samples are analyzed, we hope to tailor the response more effectively.Despite the DRCs robust diagnostic capabilities, why has there been a delay in identifying the pathogen?The delay stems from the remote location of the outbreak and the initial lack of clear information. It wasnt until the media spotlighted the issue that action was expedited. Its not a matter of lacking diagnostic capacity but a challenge of mobilizing teams quickly to such isolated areas.Has the national and international attention improved the response?Yes, the situation has significantly improved since the Ministry of Health deployed a multidisciplinary team to investigate. Delays in response can create the perception of incapacity, however, even when the real issue lies in logistical and bureaucratic hurdles.How are international organizations, such as the WHO and the Africa CDC, contributing to the response?Their support has primarily been logistical, ensuring that investigation teams can reach the site and conduct fieldwork. But because the pathogen [has not been fully identified], its challenging to provide targeted assistance beyond general outbreak management.What role does grassroots communication play in controlling the outbreak?Communication is critical. The Ministry of Health is urging calm and reassuring the public that experts are investigating the situation. Educating local populations on preventive measures and maintaining trust are essential components of the response.From an epidemiological perspective, how does this outbreak compare with other disease outbreaks in the DRC?The DRC frequently faces outbreaks because of its vast size, challenging infrastructure and ecological conditions. While this outbreak poses unique challenges, the country has considerable experience responding to health crises. Leveraging this expertise, we are confident in our ability to contain this outbreak quickly.Why do such outbreaks repeatedly occur in the DRC?Its a combination of factorsgeography, infrastructure deficits, malnutrition and health system weaknesses. Additionally, social insecurity in certain regions complicates both outbreak response and broader health interventions.What are the next steps in containing Disease X?Once the samples are analyzed and we understand the pathogen, we will design a targeted response plan. In the meantime, our teams will continue providing supportive care and improving risk communication to manage the situation effectively.

Xbox Insiders can now use cloud streaming on their consoles to play "select" owned gamesGame Pass Ultimate required.Image credit: Xbox/Microsoft News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Dec. 11, 2024 Microsoft is expanding its suite of cloud gaming features by introducing the ability for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream a "select" number of their owned games to Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One consoles, without needing to install them first. It's available to Xbox Insiders now, and will launch for all users at a later date. Microsoft has been touting the ability to stream owned games since 2019, with the feature initially expected to launch alongside its Xbox Cloud Gaming platform the following year. Unfortunately, it missed that target by quite some margin, and then failed to hit its revised launch of 2022. In the end, it took another two years for the feature to finally arrive, but since November this year, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers have been able to stream their owned games - and not just those available on Game Pass - to a limited number of platforms.Initially, it was only possible to stream games through TVs and via browsers on supported devices such as tablets, smartphones, and Meta Quest headsets. At the time, Microsoft said it would be bringing the feature to Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows, but not until next year. So it's a pleasant surprise to see that, earlier than expected, the console rollout is now here - albeit only for Xbox Insiders at the moment.Stream Your Own Game trailer.Watch on YouTubeStarting today, Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings can - provided they also have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription - preview the ability to stream their owned games to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One consoles. Users that meet both criteria can start exploring the feature by going to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games on their console, then looking for (or filtering for) the cloud badge on compatible games. After that, it's simply a case of selecting a game then choosing 'Play with Cloud Gaming'. Image credit: XboxThe catalogue of supported titles does, however, remain extremely limited, with only around 50 games currently compatible. The good news is it's a fairly strong line-up, mixing new and old blockbuster titles with acclaimed indie games. Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Warhammer 4K: Space Marine 2, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Balatro, Hades, Animal Well, Dredge, Phasmophobia, and The Plucky Squire are some of the more notable games on the list - and Microsoft previously promised its "library of cloud-playable titles will continue to grow, as we work with our partners around the world".If you're not already part of the Xbox Insider Program, you can join up by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One or Windows PC. The full list of games currently compatible with Microsoft's new cloud gaming feature can be found on its website.

Here's everything featured in Day of the Devs' 2024 indie showcaseWoolly shooters! Sandwich musicals! More!Image credit: Blippo News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Dec. 11, 2024 The showcases continue! Following yesterday's batch of cosily tantalising indie games via this year's Wholesome Snack jamboree and just ahead of the triple-A glitz and glamour of The Geoffs, Day of the Devs has returned to spotlight its own bunch of promising indies.And as always, it's delivered. This year's showcase brought us intriguing glimpses of everything from star-slinging puzzling to a musical about sandwiches featuring Shakespeare-reciting by children. We've got ever-shifting mansions, witchy broom-racing, convenience store management, fascinating felt creations, and even some sort of haunted 1-bit TV station tumbled straight out of the 80s. And if that's sufficiently whetted your appetite, you can see everything featured in Day of the Devs' latest showcase below.FarawayFaraway reveal trailer.Watch on YouTubeFaraway, from developer Steph Thirion, is a 'musical and infinitely replayable' minimalist one-button puzzle game that challenges players to create constellations by connecting stars together - all while extracting handy life energy and maximising scores. There's a little bit more to it than that, of course, with talk of score-multiplying loop-building and other mechanical nuances to add depth - and it even features a couple of different puzzle modes to really get those brain cells humming. Faraway comes to PC next year.Ultimate Sheep RacoonUltimate Sheep Racoon announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeUltimate Sheep Racoon is the work of Clever Endeavour Games, and is described as a spiritual success to the studio's Ultimate Chicken Horse. It's a party game of tumbling, side-scrolling, bike-riding action, where up to eight players can work together - either locally or online - to create perilous obstacle courses featuring the likes of whirling axes, rotating platforms, and conveyor belts. Then with the track built, it's time to see who can race to the finish line first. Ultimate Sheep Racoon is coming to PC and consoles next year.Sleight of HandSleight of Hand announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeSleight of Hand is a third-person "stealth-action deck builder" that sees players, in the role of Lady Luck, taking on their old witch coven using a cursed deck of cards. It all unfolds across the "hardboiled, rain-slicked" streets of Steeple City, with developer Riffraff Games promising the "experimentation and expression" of deck builders, mixed with the "possibility space and environmental strategy" of stealth-sims. It doesn't have a release date yet, but it's coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass.Demon TidesDemon Tides announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeDemon Tide, from developer Fabraz, is a vibrant 3D platforming adventure with a big seamless open world - and it looks a little bit like Sonic the Hedgehog with a touch of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker's island-hopping seafaring thrown in. At the heart of all this is Beebz and her crew, on a voyage of self-discovery across the oceans of Ragnar's Rock. It's a journey blending platform challenges and secret-hunting built around an "expressive" range of chainable, upgradable, and modifiable abilities forming a flexible traversal toolkit. It's got a "cinematic" story, multiplayer, ghost challenges, extensive character customisation, and you can even slap stickers all over the world for other players to see. Demon Times is out next year on PC.KingmakersKingmakers early access trailer.Watch on YouTubeThere's a very good chance you're already more than a little familiar with developer Redemption Road's Kingmakers; its mesmerising blend of third-person shooter and strategic medieval city builder - featuring literally tens of thousands of soldiers careening around at any given time - has already turned enough heads that it's being made into a movie. And it's still not out yet. This is a game of time-travelling medieval warfare in which players and their friends very much get to bring a gun (or tank, or rocket launcher, or motorbike) to a sword fight in the name of saving future-Earth. Its Day of the Devs showing featured a bit more footage, and it's coming to PC early access via Steam and Epic next year.RecurRecur announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeAngry dogs, bad weather, unhelpfully numberless doors; all things I'd imagine are quite high on the list of annoyances for posties. And to that, you can probably also now add the apocalypse, thanks to developer Kaleidoscube's Recur. What you've got here is a side-scrolling narrative puzzle adventure in which an "average postman" is suddenly faced with the end of the world. It's a calamity brought to life through a striking art style and some appropriately apocalyptic scenarios that see massive objects hurtling around the screen. Bridges collapse, vehicles rain from above, bombs explode - but our postie friend can escape (or cannily utilise) the carnage by controlling the flow of time. There are puzzles to solve, platforms to traverse, and secrets to discover - and all that'll be possible when Recur launches for Steam in 2026.Blue PrinceBlue Prince release window trailer.Watch on YouTubeThis first-person "atmospheric architectural adventure" from developer Dogubomb already has puzzle fans a-chatter. It presents players with an ever-changing house they'll need to explore as they search for the elusive Room 46. Each of the manor's shifting chambers - arranged on a 9x5 grid - promises mystery, strategy, puzzles, and secrets, but players can only venture so many steps before the house reconfigures itself again. "The deeper you go the more you will discover," teases Dogubomb. "The more you discover even deeper you'll go." I am super excited for this one, and it's coming to Steam in spring 2025.Incolatus: Don't Stop, Girlypop!Incolatus: Don't Stop, Girlypop! gameplay trailer.Watch on YouTubeAnd then, in a dramatic tonal shift, we've got Don't Stop, Girlypop - a "Y2K girly-pop arena-style movement shooter where standing still is not an option". The trees are dying and the fairies are fleeing, all thanks to a nefarious mining corporation. That's where you come in, pinging around the place while keeping the golden rule in mind: "the faster you go, the more damage you deal and the more you heal". There's also a dress-up meta game - inspired by 90s CD-ROMs and 2000s Flash games - and it's out on PC "soon".LOK DigitalLOK Digital explainer trailer.Watch on YouTubeBased on Blaž Urban Gracar's book of whimsical puzzles, LOK Digital is word-search game built around an entirely invented language. The more you play, the more words you'll learn, with new rules being introduced as you go - meaning by the end of it all, you'll be fluent in the LOK language. On top of its core puzzles, there are secrets to discover, plus daily puzzles where you can compete against friends or strangers on global leaderboards. LOK Digital launches today on PC and is coming to mobile next year.Neon Abyss 2Neon Abyss 2 announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeVeewo Games's frantic 2020 roguelike run-and-gunner Neon Abyss is back and as garishly hued as ever. Neon Abyss 2 promises the same relentless action as its well-received predecessor but brings a few new twists to the table, including an all-new combat system enabling players to mix and match fight styles as they rip through enemies using their arsenal of melee weapons and firearms. There's also talk of powerful stackable items capable to creating "crazy combinations" each run, and if that's left you curious, Neon Abyss 2 is set to debut on Steam next year.Crescent CountyCrescent County announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeCrescent County, a "game about underground street racing and kissing your friends", is an open-world witch-tech adventure that's part life-sim, part hurtling around on the back of a motor broom. When you're not making friends or smooching them, there's money to be made by doing delivery jobs, herding sheep, or fixing leylines. But will you use your earning to spruce-up your home or use it to trick our your broom? After all, once the sun sets, it's time to head out into the night for some "crunchy, flow-state" racing. Crescent County doesn't have a release date yet, but it's coming to Xbox Series X/S and PC. And if you fancy giving it a go before then, developer Electric Saint is having a play test right now on itch.io and Steam.PBJ: The MusicalPBJ: The Musical reveal trailer.Watch on YouTubeFor all the unquestionably good stuff seen elsewhere during Day of the Devs latest showcase, PBJ: The Musical absolutely stole the show for me. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, developer Kamibox tells the "badly researched story" of the beloved sandwich's tragic origins - all as players guide a strawberry and disillusioned peanut across ten wildly surreal stages, each accompanied by a different song. Stages are fashioned from the animated cuttings of vintage cook books, it's all voiced by children struggling their way through Shakespeare quotes, and it features music (and remixed music!) written by Britain's Got Talent contestant Lorraine Bowen. PBJ: The Musical is coming to iPhone and iPad next year, and I can't bloody wait.CuriosmosCuriosmos teaser trailer.Watch on YouTubeDeveloped by Cline & the Silly Stars, Curiosmos is a delightful-looking "whimsical space sim" that gives players the tools to create solar systems from the ground up. That involves gathering stardust to fashion new planets and moons before diving down to shape the land. You can conjure clouds, rain, thunder, mountains, and volcanoes into existence - even animal and plant life that can be tweaked through evolution. It's not all chill cosmic expansion, however; an insatiable black hole is closing in and player must stop them from swallowing up their solar system. Curiosmos comes to PC in 2025.Bionic BayBionic Bay first look trailer.Watch on YouTubeWho'd want to be a scientist in a video game, eh? You're either being typecast as the baddy or on the run from extraterrestrial forces after some laboratory mishap. I'm pretty sure the protagonist of Bionic Bay (from developers Mureena Oy and Psychoflow Studio) falls into the latter camp, given he's trying to escape an ancient biomechanical world filled with "imaginative technology, deadly traps, and hidden secrets". Thankfully, he's got some sort of teleportation device to help him navigate Bionic Bay's striking sci-fi vistas and physics-based puzzle platforming - and that's alongside time control powers, gravity flipping abilities, and a kind of comically dramatic force punch. Oh and there's some sort of online racing component against other players too. All this arrives for PS5 and PC on 13th March next year.InKONBINI: One Store, Many StoriesInKONBINI announcement trailer.Watch on YouTubeI do love a title that gets straight to the point. Nagai Industies' InKONBINI: One Store, Many Stories is a slow-paced, meditative game about working in your aunt's small-town convenience store in the early 90s and hanging out with its customers. Officially dubbed a "slice-of-life narrative-driven simulation", part of your time will be spend stocking shelves and keeping things in order, but as regular customers come and go, you'll gradually piece together details about their lives - and, depending on the choices you make, maybe even influence their stories. InKONBINI is coming to PC, Mac, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC in 2025.FeltopiaFeltopia trailer.Watch on YouTubeWhat happens when you take a bunch of fuzzy hand-crafted visuals and turn them into a cosy take on the arcade side-scrolling shooter genre? Why, you get "cute 'em up" Feltopia, of course. Described as a "felt-crafted stop-motion video game" - and by me as "ooooOOOooooooOh" when I saw the trailer - Feltopia casts players as a sheepherder with magical powers on a quest to save their flock. On a fundamental level, it plays out much like any arcade shoot-'em-up of yore - but instead of obliterating enemies into atoms, you'll transform them back to their true forms using your elemental powers. Sadly, Feltopia is still some way out - it's coming to Steam in 2026.Blippo+Blippo+ reveal trailer.Watch on YouTube"Hooray!", is what I thought after receiving a factsheet for Blippo+. "Finally I've got something that'll help me parse its inscrutable Day of the Devs trailer!" But no - here's what it listed under features: "non-demand", "linear broadcast", " enabled", "commercial-free", "over-the-top", "read-only", "end-user information system, with robust electronic guide". What Blippo+ appears to be though, is an FMV game featuring fictional 80s public broadcast TV footage squeezed through a 1-bit filter. Why, I don't know, but I'm definitely eager to find out. It's developed by Blippo+, comes from Thank Goodness You're Here publisher Panic, and is due to arrive on Steam "soon". Hyper Light BreakerHyper Light Breaker trailer.Watch on YouTubeHyper Light Breaker - developer Heart Machine's fully 3D rogue-lite spin on its acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter - has been a long time coming. It was initially announced in March 2022, with a release of spring 2023, but has seen a number of delays since then. But now, finally, Heart Machine has announced a new release date, revealing it'll be launching into Steam early access on 14th January next year. It looks to be a very different beast to its predecessor, each run challenging players to venture out from their upgradable settlement across a "vast, ever-changing" world of massive, open biomes and deep labyrinths - where they'll defeat "hordes of enemies and gigantic bosses in frenetic third-person combat". It all sounds closer to Risk of Rain 2 than Hyper Light Drifter, but given Heart Machine's strong track record, it's still one to watch.TankHeadTankHead launch trailer.Watch on YouTubeAnd finally, there's developer Alpha Channel's TankHead, set in a war-torn sci-fi world that's become uninhabitable for humans. Unhelpfully, what's left is still rich in resources, and the only way to scavenge them - and to survive - is to "tele-project" into drones that can roam the world unhindered through the medium of GREAT BIG TANK. What you have there, then, is a bit of a roguelike based around vehicular exploration, where the goal is to venture out, take on huge bosses, then use any salvage to upgrade your tank and improve your chances in tougher fights to come. TankHead's got some pretty nifty creature design - the robot with an entire motel on its head is a real winner - and it's out today on the Epic Games Store.

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 hereGSC Game Worlds Stalker 2 is a fantastic survival game, albeit one with some large issues. As modders attempt to fix the games broken A-Life simulation, others are now taking a stab at overhauling its Factions.In the current version of the game, numerous factions can spawn within the game world for you to battle, team up with or entirely avoid. However, its often hard to remember what faction an enemy is from, especially as the games rapidly cut-down UI no longer tells you like earlier games did.Stalker 2 Faction patchesCreated by modder Zeddoth, the new Factions Patch mod adds unique patches for every single faction within the game. As you battle through the treachery of the Zone and skirmish with enemies across the world, youll earn patches for that particular faction.Collected patches can be sold to merchants across the massive Stalker 2 map or kept to commemorate your victory. However, with each patch fetching a high price, you may want to part with some of the more collectible patches.Each factions emblem carries its own history and significance, making these patches highly sought after by both traders and collectors, the modder explained. Customize your experience by gathering all the patches from the different factions, or use them as a currency to buy weapons, equipment, and critical information.Alongside giving every NPC an easily identifiable patch, the mod is also available in a multitude of languages. The mod is available in English, German, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Polish and Czech. At the time of writing, the modder is also working to add even more language support to the mod.While not a massive modification in its own right, the Stalker 2 mod is just one small addition that helps improve the game world. Earlier Stalker games let players to easily find out what faction an enemy belonged to which allowed you to quickly learn more about the Zoneand this mod brings that same functionality to this awesome sequel.For more Stalker 2 coverage, check out the reason why the games performance affected its AI simulation or why the game released in such a rough state.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of ChornobylPlatform(s):PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG, Shooter, Survival HorrorSubscribe 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 here Contents hide Black Ops 6 Zombies continues to prove popular as players keep uncovering new Easter eggs and reaching another high round. The recent arrival of Citadelle des Morts drops players into a central European castle packed with secrets to discover and fresh Wonder Weapons to master. Leaks surrounding the future of the mode often appear much to the excitement of fans wanting to hear the latest intel on the next chapter of the Dark Aether story. The latest leak doesnt involve any storyline but does share details on a brand-new GobbleGum thats guaranteed to help you reach your next high score. Black Ops 6 Zombies GobbleGum to feature precise teleportationAccording to notable Call of Duty leaker SemtexLeaks, a GobbleGum named Absolutely Over There is on its way to machines across the Black Ops 6 Zombies universe. Slotting into the Epic category, this particular chewable is expected to be a popular choice once it arrives.Exact details on how the GobbleGum will behave are unknown but considering it shares a similar name to the Anywhere But Here GobbleGum, its believed that youll have the ability to choose which area of the map you want to teleport to when the action gets a little hectic.As a Rare GobbleGum, theres also an increased chance of earning it as a random reward during matches which is great news if you dont fancy spending any of your hard-earned CoD Points on the chewable benefits.Is teleportation too powerful?Previous Black Ops Zombies maps have featured dedicated teleporters to navigate around the map quickly but with the arrival of Omnimovement and a weapon arsenal packed with plenty of mobility, are further teleportation abilities a step too far?The random nature of Anywhere But Here prevents it from being an overpowered pick but the ability to choose your next destination could make it too easy to outlast endless hordes of undead opposition. Treyarch often listens to player feedback so if the GobbleGum is too powerful, the developer will be quick to implement changes. As with all leaks, its important to take them with a pinch of salt until official information emerges. However, SemtexLeaks has an impressive track record of correctly sharing unreleased information ahead of time so theres a chance theres some substance to the new GobbleGums arrival.For more CoD, check out the best controller settings along with some handy tips and tricks that will have you topping the scoreboard in no time.Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Platform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Looks like its About Damn Time for Lizzo to move on from her modern 90210 pad. The Grammy-winning musician has put her Beverly Hills property on the market for $15.99 million, per Mansion Global. The news comes after she reportedly scooped up Jeremy Renners renovated Los Angeles home in October for $12.4 million.The Truth Hurts singer initially purchased the Beverly Hills mansion in 2022 for $15 million. Her friend, singer Harry Styles, resided at the same address from 2014 to 2016 before Sam Gnatovich and Alexi Rennalls of SIMO design bought and demolished the original home. The duo upgraded the estate into a luxury treehouse-inspired structure dubbed Oak Pass. After the project was completed in 2019, the couple offloaded the property for $11 million to Warner Records CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck, who sold it to Lizzo three years later.The Oak Pass abodefrequently featured in Lizzos Instagram postsspans 5,400 square feet on a .32-acre lot. The contemporary sanctuary is tucked away in a gated enclave and is described as a rare synergy of architecture and nature, in the homes official listing on Carolwood Estatess website. True to that description, the L-shaped dwelling does appear to integrate natural elements into its exteriors to achieve a zen-like atmosphere, from wooden panels to floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It also features a two-story atrium, a suspended garden, and terraces that boast panoramic views of the backyard, the nearby canyons, and surrounding mountains.Join NowHoliday Sale: Become an AD PRO member for only $20 $12 per monthArrowThe home hosts three bedrooms and five bathrooms, with the primary suite situated above a saltwater infinity pool and two guest bedrooms sitting under the canopy of a century-old oak tree. Highlights include a formal dining room and a dual-sided fireplace that separates the kitchen and open living room. The property also features an abundance of luxury amenities including a gym, a private studio-slash-office, and a movie theater.

Francisco Lindor is officially an Upper East Siderwell, he will be when his luxury condo is done being built. Lindor, a shortstop for the New York Mets, is reportedly under contract to purchase a roughly $20 million penthouse in the uptown Manhattan neighborhood, multiple sources close to the matter told the Wall Street Journal. The apartment, initially priced at $22.95 million, is one of 36 units under construction in an 18-story boutique condo building slated for completion in 2025, though the exact timeline has yet to be revealed.Lindors lavish pad will span 5,000 square feet and is expected to feature six bedrooms, multiple terraces, and 11-foot ceilings. The unit will be outfitted with arched windows, a kitchen lined with Italian marble finishes, and a garden. The building also plans to offer amenities including a childrens playroom, an outdoor fireplace, a movie theater, and a virtual sports room.The Puerto Rico-born, Florida-raised baseball star is quickly amassing an impressive real estate portfolio. He also owns a $2.9 million waterfront mansion in Montverde, Floridathe same neighborhood he resided in after moving from Puerto Rico at 12 years old. The two-time Gold Glove winner purchased the 6,500-square-foot property in 2021. His off-season abode sits on a one-acre lot overlooking Lake Apopka with five bedrooms and six full bathrooms. The home is approximately two hours north of the Mets spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, per Realtor.Join NowHoliday Sale: Become an AD PRO member for only $20 $12 per monthArrowLindor joined the New York Mets in 2021 after playing for the Cleveland Guardians (previously known as the Indians) for five years. The 31-year-old inked a 10-year-long contract with the Mets for $341 millionone of the largest deals in professional sports history.

Behind the Scenes: Yamaha DGX670, What an instrument! By Alina Khan on December 11, 2024 Behind the Scenes Jump into Yuri Decastellis art as he molds a real-life piano through intricate steps.INTRODUCTIONHi! My name is Yuri Decastelli, and Im an Italian graphic designer and 3D artist.I first encountered Blender at 18, more out of pure curiosity than necessity. I opened the program, got lost in its interface, and ended up closing it after just five minutes, convinced I would never open it again. And yetDuring my final years at university, I had the chance to learn and use Blender, initially as a supplement to my graphic design work and eventually as the backbone of every project.So, after graduating, and for the past six years now, Ive been using Blender almost daily, creating renders, videos, and short films, always looking for something in each project to experiment with and learn from.INSPIRATIONA few months ago, I opened an Instagram account (yuridecastelli_3d) to promote my new freelance business. I decided to follow a regular posting schedule to help the account grow. To make the most of this opportunity, I tried my hand at quick hard-surface modeling, allowing me to practice while keeping the time investment to a minimum.While browsing for inspiration online and exploring the vast resources the web offers, I became convinced that theres no subject as elegant, refined, and pleasing as a musical instrument. Be it a piano, guitar, or violin, each instrument undeniably has a complex, vibrant charm.So, I decided to visit a well-known music warehouse near my home and take a stroll through its aisles. There, beyond the warm, rich, and majestic sound of a real piano, I was struck by the unique shape of this Yamaha keyboard. After trying it out (and thoroughly enjoying it) for a few minutes, I decided to snap a few photos to pair with some online references before diving headfirst into modeling it in Blender.I returned to the music warehouse only a few days later. Now, I have my own DGX670 in my room.PROCESSThe goal of this exercise was to achieve a photorealistic result in the shortest possible time (under 4 hours) and to maintain a clean wireframe by using only quads, avoiding triangles and ngons.ModelingTo start, I began the exercise by creating the keyboard. Since I didnt have full access to it at this stage, I used the actual length of the white keysabout 15 cmas a reference for the overall scale. I created a single octave, from C to B (including the black keys), and then replicated it seven times. From there, I proceeded to create the control panel, speakers, and the rest of the casing.Overall, the modeling wasnt particularly challenging, except for two specific areas: the protective grille of the speakers and the inclined, curved back surface of the keyboard.The speakers protective grille was created starting from a base mesh, to which I then applied the following series of modifiers:The result, however, wasnt the best it could have been. In my haste, I mistakenly modeled the base mesh, which also made the project heavier, especially during rendering. Applying a texture like this one probably would have been enough to improve and optimize rendering times and the final result:MaterialsFor this project, I used very simple materials without getting too caught up in the details. The most complex node I created was for the satin black plastic, the material used for most of the keyboard's surface.For the roughness, I used a texture similar to brushed steel.TexturingAt this point, I realized I had used most of the scheduled time for modeling. So, to speed up and complete the work quickly, I mostly used procedural textures (except for the faux wood, for which I used a texture downloaded from Poly Haven).As for the text, logos, and labels, I chose to skip UV mapping and use this small trick:Each text and logo was created by applying a "label," placed on the surface using the Shrinkwrap modifier, and disabling the "shadow" option in Ray Visibility.Perhaps not the most "conventional" or correct method, but it allowed me to save a lot of time while still achieving a satisfactory result:Scene, Lighting & AnimationFor the scene, I decided not to use an HDRI but instead to stick with a three-point lighting setup that rotated around the subject with a barely visible black background.The animation of the light sources would follow the movement of the various cameras capturing the scene and the details of the keyboard, aiming to convey a sense of luxury and elegance.In addition to this "non-environment," I created some extra rough scenes that would showcase the three types of environments the keyboard offers in "Piano Room" mode: Stage Hall Cathedral Finally, I created a short demonstration video of the model that highlights all the features of the DGX670. The video can be viewed on my Instagram account:RENDER: Yamaha DGX670, What an instrument! http://www.blendernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Render-4.mp4Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or feedback, please dont hesitate to share your thoughts.About the Artist Yuri Decastelli is an Italian graphic designer and 3D artist, currently working as a 3D generalist at SicoService s.r.l. In March 2024, he started a parallel freelance business as a 3D artist.Links

Polygon Runway shows how to ensure all the faces in your low-poly models remain completely flat, avoiding unexpected render results.Source