December 13, 20245 min readLuigi Mangiones Alleged Ghost Gun and Other Antisurveillance Tech, ExplainedInvestigators allege that the suspect in the recent UnitedHealthcare CEO killing used a ghost gun, an untraceable firearm made with 3D-printed partsBy Ben GuarinoLuigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, was recorded in a taxi in New York. ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Live NewsLuigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect accused of killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk, allegedly took several sophisticated-sounding steps to thwart detection. Thompson was killed in a highly surveilled urban setting, but his assailant wore a mask and hood and used a pistol equipped with a silencer to suppress the noise of gunshots. When Mangione was arrested a few days later at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., officers say he showed them a fake ID. And his backpack contained a functional handgun made with 3D-printed parts: a so-called ghost gun.Investigators also say Mangione was carrying a handwritten note explaining his motivation. In that document Mangione described his plan as fairly trivial, requiring some elementary social engineering plus basic CADcomputer-aided designand a lot of patience. CAD can be used for 3D printing gun parts, and it can also help make a tremendous number of other objects. The New York City Police Departments commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters on Wednesday that the gun in Mangiones possession matched three bullet casings that were recovered from the crime scene. Officials have not publicly said whether they believe Mangione built the gun.The suspect faces forgery and weapons charges in Pennsylvania, where he has been denied bail, and has been charged with second-degree murder in New York State. The latter hopes to extradite him, a move he is challenging. Thomas Dickey, an Altoona-based lawyer, who represents Mangione, told Good Morning America this week, I have not been made aware of any evidence that links the gun that was found on his person to the crime. These are things were looking to see. (Dickey did not immediately reply to Scientific Americans request for comment.)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.However elaborate Mangiones alleged evasive measures may seem, if investigators are correct, they ultimately failed. Here is a rundown of the techniques that investigators say Mangione usedand the ways they were allegedly overcome.Escape amid SurveillanceNew York City is dense with camerasmore than 25,500 public and private ones watch over traffic intersections, according to an Amnesty International estimate. Mangione was allegedly recorded in multiple places: at a hostel where he stayed, at a coffee shop, on the sidewalk during the killing, on an electric bike while fleeing the scene and in a taxi.Despite all those imagessome of which revealed most of his faceit is improbable that algorithms quickly identified Mangione from camera footage. Hollywoods depiction of Jason Bournestyle, real-time biometric-based surveillance and tracking is a skewed view of whats really possible, says Anil Jain, an expert in facial recognition at Michigan State University. Lacking a criminal record, Mangione was unlikely to be in the forensic databases against which the images would be compared. Social media companies have cooperated with law enforcement to help track people down by matching surveillance images with photographs posted on their platforms, but it takes time to legally secure those permissions, Jain adds.Paired with a widely publicized, low-resolution image of the suspects face and a $50,000 reward offered by the FBI, what seems to have resolved this case was an old-fashioned phone tip, Jain says, referring to an employee at the McDonalds in Altoona who notified authorities about Mangione. You cannot give up on human intelligence.It remains unclear whether Mangione was following a plan after he left New York City. Just being on the run is pretty much a dead end, says journalist Evan Ratliff, who tried to vanish for a monthwith a $5,000 bounty offered to the first person who found himin 2009 as an experiment for Wired. They're going to catch you eventually, if youre just going from place to place and you dont have any idea where youre going to end up.Ratliff says that before he went on the run, private investigators told him that being a successful fugitive requires perfection. The mistakes that you can make are just endless, he says. After 25 days, Ratliff, who has celiac disease, was tracked to a restaurant selling gluten-free pizza in New Orleans. (Ratliff says that what interests him is the tension between a committed seeker and a person who does not want to be found. I do not approve of someone planning and executing this type of crime, he adds, referring to the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.)Whats a Ghost Gun?This may be the highest-profile U.S. killing to date that allegedly involved an unserialized ghost gun. Such weapons, however, are far from rare. In 2021 U.S. law enforcement reported 20,000 ghost guns to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Thats an increase by a factor of 10 since 2016.Ghost firearms are made of metal and plastic parts that can be machined or printed at home using legally available equipment. A criminal complaint in Pennsylvania describes the weapon in Mangiones possession as a black 3D-printed pistol, loaded with nine-millimeter rounds in a Glock magazine, with a handle made of plastic and a slide and a threaded barrel made of metal. The complaint notes Mangione was carrying a 3D-printed silencer as well.Ghost guns come without serial numbers and often without other identifying marks, particularly if theyre truly homemade, says Garen Wintemute, an emergency department physician, who directs the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis. They have no history and are untraceable; this is where the name comes from.It's unusual for such guns to be produced from scratch by 3D printing, Wintemute says. More commonly, Glock-like pistols are assembled from kits that, he says, provide a nearly finished frame, as well as instructions on how to complete the finishing work and the remaining parts to produce a functional firearm. Completing a gun can take a matter of minutes.Although Mangione has a masters degree in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania, technical sophistication is not required to produce ghost guns. Thats the concern, Wintemute says: instructions are available to anyone with an Internet connection.In 2022 the Biden administration cracked down on ghost guns. The ATF clarified that the kits count, for regulatory purposes, as firearmsso the agency required manufacturers to serialize ghost gun kits. That rule has since entered legal limbo: In November 2023 it was invalidated by the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Now it is with the Supreme Court, where it may stand, considering the justices reaction to oral arguments in October.Cash, a Faraday Bag and a Fake IDMangione purportedly used a fake ID when he stayed in New York City in late November and early December. Investigators further say that when he was arrested, he was carrying thousands of dollars in cashpresumably because cash transactions are harder to trace than electronic payment methods. He may have also had a bag with the properties of a Faraday cage, the term for an enclosure (or even a small room) that uses a mesh of conductive material to shield enclosed objects, such as a smartphone, from sending or receiving electromagnetic signals. Whether that was meant for concealment is unclear. Mangione, for his part, told a judge the bag was simply waterproof.According to court documents, his New Jersey drivers license (with a false name, Mark Rosario) was quickly discovered to be a fake after officers approached Mangione in the fast-food restaurant. When an Altoona police officer asked Mangione why he lied about his name, according to the criminal complaint, Mangione replied, I clearly shouldnt have.Additional reporting by Lee Billings

December 13, 20246 min readUltraprocessed Foods High in Seed Oils Could Be Fueling Colon Cancer RiskA new study suggests certain lipids, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in seed oils used to make ultraprocessed junk food, may promote inflammation in colon cancer tumorsBy Lauren J. Young fcafotodigital/Getty ImagesClimbing rates of colon and rectal cancer among people under 50 years old is a striking recent trend that has alarmed and puzzled clinicians racing to figure out why. Now a new study published in Gut offers what might be a crucial insight: specific lipids, or fatty acids, that are abundantly found in ultra-processed foods may be promoting inflammation that causes cancerous colon cells to run amok.Colorectal cancer tumor samples from 81 people in the U.S. had excessive amounts of inflammation-boosting lipids, called omega-6 fatty acidsand lacked helpful lipids called omega-3 fatty acids, which help stop inflammation.Inflammation is a normal defensive response that the immune system switches on to heal wounds or fight off infection. But researchers in the 1800s found that colon tumors under a microscope looked like poorly healed wounds, says Timothy Yeatman, a co-author of the study and a professor of surgery at the University of South Florida. Rampant inflammation over long periods of time damages cells and hampers their ability to fight potentially cancerous cell growth. Omega-6 fatty acids often come from our diet, and Yeatman suspects ultraprocessed food is likely a major source of them.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.We don't know the full effects of these ultraprocessed foods on our body, but we do know that thats a major thing thats changed from 1950 onward, Yeatman says. Young people today, particularly rural and impoverished people, are being exposed to more of these processed foods than anybody else because theyre cheap and theyre in all the fast-food restaurants.Many ultraprocessed foods and fast foods are prepared with seed oila cheap, common type of vegetable-based cooking oil that is chemically processed from seeds such as canola (rapeseed), corn, grapeseed and sunflower. These oils contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. The study was not able to definitively connect the lipids detected in the colon cancer tumors to any specific food or oil, however.I think the study confirms that diet is important but probably one of many factors, says Andrew Chan, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the new research. Chan and other researchers note that genetics, exercise, lifestyle and chemical or environmental exposures may influence colon cancer risk, too. Additionally, theres a lot of complexity to the food we eat, how its converted, how its metabolized and how it might eventually lead to tissue changes around things like lipids, Chan says. So there are still some pieces that need to be filled in before we can really tell a cohesive story about it.Scientific American spoke further with Yeatman and Chan about the findings and the potential role of ultraprocessed foods in inflammation and colon cancer.[An edited transcript of the interviews follows.]What has past research shown us about the relationship between diet and colon cancer?CHAN: There has been research in the past looking at the association of colorectal cancer risk and specific dietary patterns that we know are associated with inflammation. Some of those dietary patterns are enriched with specific types of oils, such as those that include omega-6 fatty acids, that are known to be proinflammatory. In contrast, there have been data to show that dietary patterns that are enriched with healthier oils, for example, Mediterranean dietary patterns, or so-called prudent dietary patterns, seem to be linked with lower risk. And in addition, there have been some specificstudies that have looked at the effect of types of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, and their ability to potentially have a preventive effect on colorectal cancer risk. Thats been mostly shown in animal models, but there have been some clinical trials that suggest theres potentially a benefit to supplementing ones diet with fish oil, for example. Those sorts of studies are still inconsistent, so I think there needs to be more work done in this area.Our group and others have also been interested in the idea that some of these lipids that are responsible for inflammation that can lead to cancer could also be inhibited by drugs like aspirin. Aspirin is a drug that is an anti-inflammatory and also specifically has effects on lipids such as prostaglandins, which may promote cancer. These are helpful steps to developing novel cancer prevention strategies that are focused on altering the balance of these lipids and the balance of inflammatory mediators that could be related to some of these lipid pathways.How do the lipids affect inflammation?YEATMAN: When you get a wound on your hand or your skin, it swells and turns red initially because of inflammation, and then it gets better, and thats because of the resolution inflammation. Resolving lipids, or proresolving lipids, were only recently discovered by Charles Serhan of Harvard University. And he described something called lipid class switching, which means that the body, when it undergoes normal healing, will switch from the inflammatory phase to the resolving phase. He basically found that there are a number of these lipidsprimarily omega-3 derivative lipidsthat lead to resolution of inflammation. But inflammation, unchecked, can lead to cancer.How does this inflammation influence cancer development? CHAN: Inflammation leads to alterations in the tissue, which may lead to the development of cancer. The tissue may be more likely to grow in an uncontrolled way where its difficult to have cells turn over normally, and so that abnormal cell turnover and that overexuberant dividing of cells can ultimately lead to the formation of tumors. We know inflammation also can create an environment that makes tissue more prone to develop changes in the DNA, such as mutations that could lead to cancer. There also may be some effects of inflammation that impair the way the bodys able to naturally fight off the development of cancers.I think that these different lipids and oils may have specific effects and pathways related to inflammation and the ability of tissues to repair in a normal way. That may lend itself to an environment in which some of these tissues may develop into cancers because of uncontrolled cell growth.Why might this imbalance in proinflammatory and proresolving lipids happen? YEATMAN: The source of these lipids is ultimately dietary. So proinflammatory lipid excesses in the tumor microenvironment is the smoking gun that this potentially relates to lipids were consuming. The levels of omega-6 lipid, which is the inflammatory side, in human body fat has increased dramatically from the 1950s to today. And probably thats because of the Western diet changes. And you go back to what those changes are, well, theyre ultraprocessed foods. Now, ultraprocessing involves more than just lipids, but lipids are in many seed oils, such as soybean oil, canola oil, cotton seed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, that have been processed and are used in foods. Seed oils are inexpensive, but the consequence of that is: theyre in almost everything we eat that comes packaged. For example, if you go to the store and get bread off the shelf that hasn't been baked by a local bakery, youll find theres a whole list of ingredients in that bread that are hard to even recognize..., and one of them is generally soybean oil. Its in everything: bread, chips, hummus, salad dressing, cookies, cakes, pies.Its not just seed oil. If you have corn-fed beef, the omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio [can be much higher than that of grass-fed beef]..., so that simple change from corn-fed to grass-fed makes a huge difference in the ratio. But it can be very hard to find grass-fed beef at the grocery story. And the reason is that it costs money; I think it takes three years to bring a steer to market thats grass-fed and maybe one year for corn-fed. So its a lot less time for the cheaper approach.Are omega-6 fatty lipids bad for health?YEATMAN: Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid. Youve got to have itbut you dont need it at [a ratio of] 30 times to 1, [compared with omega-3]. So its like everything else: it should be in moderation. But the problem is weve massively overdone the amount of seed oil in foods. And I dont think seed oils are necessarily good for you because we get omega-6s from all sorts of other sources.Not everybody with seed oil exposure will probably suffer a problem from it. But I think theres some link there. These links are hard to prove because wed have to have a dietary history on people for years. More investigations are needed, and someone needs to prove that seed oils, taken in the excess amounts theyre given to us, are truly safe. And that hasnt been proven yet to me, so I think the default should be reduce them until you know.

Five Resident Evil games tested on PS5 Pro - and the upgrades are substantialBig boosts for ray tracing, performance and 120Hz support.Image credit: Capcom Face-off by Thomas Morgan Senior Staff Writer, Digital Foundry Published on Dec. 13, 2024 Between all of the PS5 Pro upgrades we've tested to date, the Resident Evil series enjoys some of the greatest benefits by running on Sony's new hardware. In order, we have 2017's Resident Evil 7, the remakes for RE 2 and 3, Resident Evil Village, and most recently Resident Evil 4 Remake. Capcom's in-house RE Engine forms the technical backbone for all five games, of course, and each one runs as a native PS5 app. Except, there's often been a catch to their performance delivery on base PS5 - whether it's using RT features at 60fps in some cases, or enabling a 120Hz HFR mode in others, there's potential not being totally fulfilled on base hardware. PS5 Pro offers a solution across the board with its increased GPU power and more advanced PSSR upscaling, via which there's now a genuine means to bridge the gap to those frame-rate targets. Before we get to the performance, the basic facts first: out of all five games, only RE4 Remake and RE Village are actually updated with Pro support. The other three games still receive a performance boost on PS5 Pro, but the features and visual settings remain the same as the standard PS5. For RE4 Remake and Village, the PlayStation Store pages show a PS5 Pro Enhanced symbol, and sure enough, the upgrade is evident on booting PS5 Pro where we now get a new 120Hz toggle on each. Essentially, this works much like the 120Hz toggles already present in the RE2/RE3 remakes and RE7, but it's a Pro-exclusive feature for the latest two games.Let's kick off our tour of the series' upgrades on PS5 Pro with RE Village. This is the only game to get PSSR upscaling, with core visual settings otherwise staying in place from the base machine. PS5 Pro runs at a fixed 1536x864 resolution which is reconstructed to 4K using PSSR in every mode - whether you have ray tracing enabled or disabled, or run at 120Hz or 60Hz. The result is respectable, though there is a trade-off when compared to the 4K checkerboarding method used on base PS5, which renders at a native 1920x2160. This makes it more of a side-step visually: base PS5's image is sharper and crisper - but with more pixellation artefacts owing to the checkerboard approach. Meanwhile PS5 Pro's handling of similar fine detail is generally more stable, though prone to its own causes of flicker, depending on the moving content within the frame. Static shots do resolve to a comparably crisp 4K image as information accumulates over multiple frames using PSSR, though, and the only other drawback is that fine hair detail becomes blurred in motion (not a problem on base PS5). It's a mixed result - at times subtly improved in its temporal stability, and at other points worse - though there are thankfully no other visual side-effects as we saw in Dragon's Dogma 2, another RE Engine title. Here's the full breakdown of every Resident Evil on PS5 Pro, presented by Tom Morgan. Watch on YouTubeJumping over to frame-rate testing, running RE Village with RT engaged is a much more robust 60fps experience on PS5 Pro. We get RT reflections, ambient occlusion and a form of GI here, improving the game's shadows and local bounce lighting for interiors. Looking at base PS5's delivery with this RT mode, it generally holds a stable 60fps and with a VRR display it looks nigh-on perfect - save for the most demanding moments in the game, where the frame-rate can dip into the mid-40s. As for the game's new 120Hz high frame-rate mode on PS5 Pro, it hits its 120fps target almost flawlessly if RT is disabled, and even with it enabled the run of play is typically 55-90fps. Overall, it's a superb turnout if you're willing to sacrifice the ray tracing option.Resident Evil 4 Remake is more profound in its performance gains, though it's also a more taxing title overall once all visual bells and whistles are enabled. Surprisingly, PS5 Pro makes no major visual changes - and PSSR is a no-show while outputing at 60Hz - with 4K checkerboard rendering used there much like the base PS5 version. The resolution mode runs natively at 2160p, while the performance mode runs at around 1944p once again. RT is optional, adding RT reflections when engaged, and there's a hair strand option too. However, the new 120Hz HFR mode on PS5 Pro adjusts the resolution setup, and we can confirm that this instead runs at 1536x864, with a PSSR upscale to 4K (or 40 per cent scale of the 4K reconstructed target). So long as 120Hz selected it switches to this alternate rendering mode, though 60Hz continues to use base PS5's 4K checkerboard method. Looking back at the base PS5, running the game on the resolution mode with RT turned out to be a recipe for disaster with a 40-60fps frame-rate, at times going below the ideal VRR window. A solution for base PS5 users is the performance mode, which runs at 55-60fps with RT. PS5 Pro users need not make such a sacrifice; it's now possible to run this resolution mode and RT in combination (and even the hair strand option if you're so inclined), where 60fps is kept almost permenantly locked down. Impressively, compared to the base PS5, that equates to a 30-40 percent relative improvement in frame-rate on Sony's new machine, during matching tests in combat and cut-scenes. On the other hand, the fortunes of the new 120Hz option are a little more mixed on Pro hardware. Frankly, and even with PSSR in use in this case, it's a challenge to lock at 120fps even with all visual niceties disabled. It goes between 85-105fps in the performance mode (with RT disabled) and 70-90fps in resolution mode (RT enabled), which shows the absolute best and worst cases. In performance mode, 120fps is technically reachable in interior areas and in cutscenes, so the HFR mode is viable at points, though a VRR display is recommended for the best possible experience. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Rounding out, let's look back at the other three RE Engine releases: RE7 and the remakes for RE2 and RE3. None of these games have an official PS5 Pro upgrade at the time of writing, but the extra GPU horsepower on PS5 Pro means that the titles still see automatic improvements. This is particularly true with RT enabled in RE2 and RE3, which prompted dips all the way down to 35fps on the base PS5 machine. PS5 Pro realises the untapped potential in this mode, with play running at 60fps for a majority of the time and dips down to around 48fps in one instance. It's just within the VRR range in that case, though those without that display technology need not worry: PS5 Pro still feasibly runs at a locked 60fps 99 per cent of the time. In matching scenes, we measured a 45 percent frame-rate improvement in RE2, with similarly grand margins in RE3 with 60hz as the target. On which note, the 120Hz mode in each remake also sees a similarly audacious gain, replacing the 90-120fps range we saw previously with an almost pefect 120fps lock today on PS5 Pro.As for Resident Evil 7, the game that debuted the RE Engine back in 2017, there's a less exciting margin to speak on. In short, it typically ran at a locked 60fps on base PS5 - even with RT enabled - meaning there's no room for Pro hardware to dazzle us with such a stark improvement today. Likewise, the game's 120Hz mode ran well as-is on the base machine, and so it continues on PS5 Pro. Looking across all five Resident Evil games, PS5 Pro turns around almost every instance where the base model failed to hit 60fps with RT. The good news is that this is now a truly viable, performant combination, and likewise 120fps works uniformly well on each game, with the exception of RE4 Remake. It perhaps speaks to a lack of optimisation for those RT options on base PS5, especially in RE2 and RE3 - and a 30fps cap might have made more sense in those cases. Still, the silver lining is that Capcom's use of an unlocked frame-rate back then translates to a stable 60fps on Pro hardware today. The only outstanding criticism is that there's limited ambition beyond these frame-rate boosts. Outside of the move to PSSR in Resident Evil Village, we're being served a matching visual feature set to base PS5. At the very least PS5 Pro addresses the performance issues the series faced for years though, and for that alone, its upgrade across the Resident Evil series ranks as one of its greater successes.

Elden Ring co-op spin-off Nightreign network test announced, and you can register for it soonFeeling all out of swords.Image credit: FromSoft News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on Dec. 13, 2024 The Elden Ring team will be hosting a network test for its upcoming co-op spin-off, Nightreign.The test itself will take place in February, and serve as a "preliminary verification" trial for a handful of selected testers. As you would expect, those who manage to secure themselves a place on the network test will be able to play a portion of the game prior to its launch. I know plenty of people who will be itching to give this a go (ahem, Ed).ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN REVEAL GAMEPLAY TRAILER. Watch on YouTube"Various technical verifications of online systems will be examined by conducting large-scale network load tests," reads the Elden Ring: Nightreign information page.Those interested in taking part in the upcoming network test will be able to register for the chance from 10th January. According to the network test's webpage, it will be available across PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles."Steel your resolve, Nightfarers," the Elden Ring team wrote on social media. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.As Ed reported last night, players who take to Elden Ring: Nightreign on its release will have to "outlast a three day-and-night cycle, making split decisions about combat and exploration across changing maps to become strong enough to take down terrifying bosses at the end of each day".This will see players returning to the Roundtable Hold, but the game will take place in a parallel universe to Elden Ring. On Nightreign's debut, there will be eight set characters for players to choose from, and each night the map will shrink down in size. And, of course there will be plenty of enemies to fight off."Each session will culminate in the third night when they must face off against the chosen Nightlord," reads the spin-off's official blurb. "Individuals can fight the night alone, but strength will come in numbers. Nightfarers must learn to cooperate to take down these challenges, combining their unique abilities together for an unparalleled experience in the Elden Ring universe."All is not lost for those who fall in defeat; unsuccessful runs will grant players relics to allow them to customise and upgrade their characters tailored to their personal play styles." Image credit: FromSoftLast week, FromSoftware boss Hidetaki Miyazaki stated Elden Ring 2 isn't in development. However, this standalone spin-off is still expanding upon the franchise, and not too long after Elden Ring received its widely praised expansion Shadow of the Erdtree.Elden Ring? More like Elden Win!

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 hereOne of the best aspects of The First Descendant Season 2 is the introduction of Fellows. So far we only have a German Shepherd companion, and he undoubtedly is a very good boy. More good boys are on the way, and Nexon has revealed the next planned Fellow for The First Descendant while also sharing bad news for people who prefer cats over dogs. Before the new year arrives, make sure to grab all of theDecember 2024 free rewards. In addition, there is anew codeto get that expires on December 13th, and Nexon has just released anew bundlein honor of Season 2s launch.The First Descendant is poised to have an excellent 2025, and it all kicks off with the introduction of Ines Raya as a new playable character. While we cannot wait for the arrival of Ines Raya and her peachy glutes, were also looking forward to more Fellows. The First Descendant next Fellow Ahead of Season 2s launch, Nexon said they were looking into adding other types of companions for The First Descendant. Now, during their recent Void Chaser livestream conducted on December 12th, the developer shared whats next. At the beginning of the Q&A at the 01:02:04 mark, Nexon revealed that they are looking to add keyboard and mouse support to consoles between mid-January to February. They then discussed the new Fellow they are planning for TFD. As per the English interpreter, the next pup is the labrador retriever, so it will be cute. Nexon presumably meant it will be an adult dog rather than a puppy as the German Shepherd was referred to as a pup, too. Its also not clear if they misspoke when saying a Golden Retriever and Labrador together. Its possible we could be getting one, or Nexon might be looking to add both whether at the same time or not. Wed absolutely love either a Golden Retriever or Labrodor as they are two of the best examples of mans best friend. They are both gorgeous dogs, and the more dogs the better as they are wonderful companions. Unfortunately, if youre a cat person, dont be expecting any felines in TFD soon. The interpreter laughed at an immediate request for cats, and said cats dont really listen to their owners, do they, so they might not fit the games theme. Its possible Nexon could change their mind and add cats one day, but, right now, dogs rule and cats drool. For more The First Descendant, we have a guide to thebest skills and loadout for Viessa, along with thebest skills, gear, and mods for the hugely popular Bunny. We also have a guide forFreynaalong with fundamentaltips for beginners.The First DescendantPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG5VideoGamerSubscribe 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 hereWuthering Waves was part of The Game Awards 2024. During the show, Kuro provided a trailer for update 2.0 and the games launch on PS5 consoles. The trailer looked absolutely stunning with phenomenal gameplay, and the best aspect was undoubtedly the reveal of a glider. Unfortunately though, in the wake of this trailer, bad news about the Wuthering Waves glider has leaked online. The release date for Wuthering Waves 2.0 and PS5 is January 2nd. Leaks have shown an assortment of new animal and NPC models, as well as a new visual setting and some essential features fans have wanted since day one. As for whats official, the chapter is introducing Carlotta and Roccia as playable characters in a new explorable region called Rinascita. As revealed in the 2.0 trailer, players will be able to fly around Rinascita thanks to the implementation of a glider. While the glider looks incredible, the unfortunate news is that it is restricted to Rascita only. On the WutheringWavesLeaks subreddit, it has been revealed that the glider shown off in the 2.0 gameplay trailer is region-locked to Rinascita only. This comes from the stormywaves Discord, and the leak also says that the glider is only available to use when not in combat. This is disappointing as WuWa already has a huge explorable, open-world region besides Rinascita. Being able to only traverse one with the glider feels incredibly disappointing as shown by all of the comments reacting to the unfortunate revelation. Its possible Kuro could make the glider accessible in other regions via future patches, but right now its looking as though it will be restricted to Rinascita come the launch of 2.0 in the new year. Although no explanation is provided, its possible that restrictions are in place because the glider didnt thematically or mechanically work with WuWas other regions. While the news is disappointing, were still massively looking forward to the arrival of 2.0. The glider is still an exciting addition, and Rinascita looks absolutely gorgeous. Carlotta and Roccia are both poised to be exceptional additions to the games roster, too, so 2.0 will be the perfect starting point for PlayStation newcomers. For more Wuthering Waves, we have a guide to all of thevoice actorsin the game, and we also have a guide explaininghow to add friends.Wuthering WavesPlatform(s):UnknownGenre(s):UnknownSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.The hearth of the home may be its coziest spot, but its also one of the most challenging to decorate. So, if youre scouring for living room ideas, youve come to the right place. To inspire your living room makeover (or even just a light living room refresh), weve rounded up a selection of elegant AD-featured living spaces, along with some new inspiration shared by designers from coast to coast. From small space ingenuity to sleek modernism, these stunning spots are sure to spark some ideas for your next remodel.How should people approach designing a living room?To avoid decision fatigue in figuring out the living room ideas that work for you, Atlanta-based interior designer Laura Jenkins offers her best advice: Start with one decision first and build around that. That could mean using a colorful sofa or piece of art as your design jumping off point, or making more practical calls around lighting. If there is beautiful natural light, we lean into lighter walls and bring in color through the fabrics and art, she adds as an example.Another factor to consider is what kinds of artwork to layer into your space. Both Cleo Murnane of the LA-based Studio Murnane and James Dolenc of Chicago interior design firm James Thomas note that they aim to avoid furnishings and art that feel too matchy-matchy; instead, they advise letting each decorative item speak for itself individually. In one of Dolencs residential projects, he recalls specifically avoiding design choices that felt too intentionally cohesive. We arranged the artwork after designing the interiors so nothing seemed too perfectly paired, he says.And if youre designing a small rental or space that you know wont be your forever home, follow the instincts of Palm Beach, Floridabased designer Caitlin Kah. In her last house, she kept all of the upholstery neutral so it would work in future spaces.How do you pick a living room color scheme?Selecting paint colors for your living room can feel daunting, but Jenkins recommends considering how each element will interact with the others, from the window treatments to the large showpiece furnishings. Think about how color travels from one room to another, she suggests. And dont be afraid to go for color, whether thats painting the wood trim the same color as the walls or keeping your walls neutral and painting the trim a contrasting color.Photo: Jeff Herr1/35Opt for a statement sofaJenkins designed this 1920s living room around a pink sofa, which was itself selected to complement the rustic coffee table. People are afraid to go bold with their sofa but this is a really fun way to add color to your space, she says. Meanwhile, an eye-catching textile from Aloka Home ties the color palette together.Photo: Jessica Isaac2/35Aim for warm minimalismSometimes minimalist interiors can read as cold and uninviting, but in this sitting room, Studio Murnane softens stark Roman clay walls with a warm but tranquil European hotel design style, complete with a Pierre Augustin Rose sofa. A custom fireplace carved from Italian viola subverts the traditional white wood frame.Photo: Nick Johnson3/35Set aside smaller spaces for gatheringConsider the living room vibe youre aiming for: Perhaps what you want is not one centralized living space, but several sections that lend themselves to mingling in smaller groups. Eschewing conventional layouts, the team at James Thomas included a sophisticated salon seating area in this Chicago home opposite a long banquette lining one wall. Dolenc says its thoughtfully divided into intimate areas that encourage cocktail gatherings and conversation.Photo: Genevieve Garruppo4/35Tap into a themeNew Yorkbased interior designer and AD PRO Directory member Paris Forino crafted this living area around a theme that honors her clients love of art and music. Take the Lobmeyer chandelier, the same as those featured in the Lincoln Centers Metropolitan Opera House, or the grand piano and violin on display as tasteful nods to the same creative motif.Photo: Jeff Herr5/35Lean into folksy charmA gallery wall of folk art infuses warmth and color into this family room Jenkins designed, while bold accent chairs and a carved bald eagle sculpture break up the more subdued furniture pieces in the seating area. The result? A personal, warm, and inviting space large enough for entertaining but intimate enough for family movie nights, says Jenkins.Photo: Genevieve Garruppo6/35Play up contrastsVariety may be the spice of life, but balance is the key to preventing chaos in your living room decor. When designing this space in an Upper West Side town house, Forino juxtaposed different forms, textures, and furnishings to add some dimension. A bold sculptural chandelier by Apparatus Studio mingles with the prewar details of the fireplace, and soft velvet and mohair upholstery complement the glossy sconces on the walls.Photo: Trevor Tondro7/35Let your wall art do the talkingIf you have lots of art to display, consider setting an elevated scene in your living room with gallery-like allure, as James Thomas did in this Beverly Hills home. The firm drew attention to the homeowners impressive contemporary art collection with design features like the soft white of the walls, which allows the bold abstract canvas pictured here to pop.Photo: Genevieve Garruppo8/35Revel in cozy texturesSince the living room is a space for gathering and relaxation, incorporating soft textures will make it feel that much cozier. In this family area, Forino focused on creating a sense of warmth through color and comfortable elements that would welcome people into the room, from the deep sofa upholstered in a rusty maroon shade of rich mohair to the plush shag rug underfoot.Photo: Genevieve Garruppo9/35Bathe the room in calming neutralsForino designed this living room for adults to mingle, so a sophisticated palette of tasteful neutrals perfectly served the tranquil intended atmosphere. The color scheme is neutral and monochromatic while keeping the throughline of warm tones, she explains.Photo: Carmel Brantley10/35Add colorful accentsThe color scheme of Kahs former living room was built around the spaces featured art, with throw pillows and accessories curated specifically to complement the abstract works palette. I implemented a soft top ottoman thats a great piece to put your feet up on when you have young children, she says.Photo: Jeff Herr11/35Reach into your personal archiveGiven my love of books and magazines, my collections fill the room and bring me great joy, Jenkins says of her living room. The seating and coffee table, all from different eras, reflect her love for vintage pieces, while elements like the tall conical pendant and area rug lend some warmth to the white walls.Photo: Pieter Estersohn12/35Get historicalArchitect Lee Ledbetter renovated a landmark 1963 house in New Orleans to share with his partner, Douglas Meffert. Surrounding the custom-made cocktail table in the living room are a pair of Harvey Probber brass armchairs upholstered in a KnollTextiles fabric, two Louis XVIstyle fauteuils in a Holly Hunt leather, a vintage T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings chair in a Zoffany stripe, and a vintage Florence Knoll sofa in a KnollTextiles Ultrasuede. A large mixed-media artwork by Robert Helmer hangs on the brick wall, which is painted in Benjamin Moores Decorators White.Photo: Franois Dischinger13/35Weave in unexpected showstoppersDesigner Sara Story restored a Victorian home in Snedens Landing, New York with a sense of whimsy via color and pattern. An artwork by Sterling Ruby and a zebra hide add pizzazz to the living room.Photo: Douglas Friedman14/35Pick a refined paletteWith the help of architect Eric Ryder, designer Brigette Romanek renovated a historic Laurel Canyon home for her family. The living room, which boasts an elegantly muted color scheme, is outfitted with a pair of Marco Zanuso lounge chairs from Eccola, a Blackman Cruz console (left), and a Hans Wegner chaise longue.Photo: Richard Powers15/35Play with mirrorsWhat appears to be a gilt-framed mirror in Timothy Corrigans Paris apartment is actually a window aligned with two mirrors, one in the living room and one in the dining room beyond. Corrigan highlighted the ingenious hall-of-mirrors illusion by installing matching Napolon III chandeliers in the two rooms. The armchairs and the curtain and sofa fabrics are all from Schumachers Timothy Corrigan Collection; the stools are vintage Jansen, and the carpet is a Corrigan design for Patterson Flynn Martin.Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna16/35Divide with carpetsThe heart of the Allegra Hickss Naples, Italy, apartment is a long, high-ceilinged room divided into living and dining areas, each anchored by carpets designed by Hicks. The designer also created the Roman shade fabric, the cut velvet on the wood-framed Jindrich Halabala armchairs, and the butterfly specimen table at right.Photo: Roger Davies17/35Add some antiquesArchitect Jorge Elias filled his 17,000-square-foot home in the Jardim Europa neighborhood of So Paulo with extraordinary antiques and images. An 18th-century Russian chandelier, vintage velvet sofas, Louis XV fauteuils, a gold-leafed Hand chair by Pedro Friedeberg, and artworks by Serge Poliakoff and Fernand Lger are among the eclectic mix in the living room.Photo: Douglas Friedman18/35Select statement lightingThe former Manhattan living room of designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent features circa-1970 Georges Pelletier ceramic lights above a vintage sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, a 70s Jansen brass cocktail table, and a French steel low table; the vide-poche table in the foreground is a 50s design by Jacques Adnet, and the windows are dressed with curtains and rods by RH and tassels found at a market in Thailand.Photo: Bjrn Wallander19/35Get into gilded accentsIn Pedro Esprito Santos frescoed Lisbon salon, an 1860s Orientalist painting is flanked by foil bouquets. The gilt-wood fauteuil is antique and the needlepoint carpet was custom made.Photo: Oberto Gili20/35Go monochromatic with your furnishingsThe brown and beige furnishings in the Hamptons home of David Kleinberg ground the space while the white of the vaulted ceiling above makes it feel even airier. Two Richard Serra prints flank the doorway, one displayed over a mahogany cabinet by Paul Lszl. The photograph in the hall is by Alejandra Laviada. Twin French Art Deco zebrawood side tables are joined by Art Deco armchairs covered in a Rogers & Goffigon fabric; the upholstery throughout the house was done by Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, the throw is from Homenature, and the raffia rug is by La Manufacture Cogolin.Photo: Pieter Estersohn21/35Design around your viewSeating is arranged to face the windowed wall in the Nashville living room of interior designer Ray Booth and television executive John Shea. Roust, one of their two Siamese cats, strikes a noble pose next to a Minotti chaise longue. A Christophe Delcourt floor lamp and a Robert Lighton side table flank the sofa, also by Minotti; the carpet is by Stephanie Odegard Collection.Photo: Pieter Estersohn22/35Float some shelvesAt the Montauk, New York, home of designers Vicente Wolf and Matthew Yee, framed photographs from Wolfs collectionincluding images by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Edward Steichen, and Andr Kertszline the shelves above the living rooms sectional sofa, which is upholstered in a Janus et Cie fabric.Photo: Ricardo Labougle23/35Work in a punchy wallpaperLorenzo Castillo accented the drawing room of his Spanish retreat with a wallpaper from his collection for Gastn y Daniela; the vintage cabinet-on-chest is by Pierre Lottier. The Castillo-designed armchair at left is clad in a Designers Guild velvet, 1970s patchworks hang above the suede sofa, and the vintage cocktail tables were found at Pariss March Paul Bert.Photo: Pieter Estersohn24/35Go big with artworkIn Holly Hunts Chicago apartment, a massive Helen Frankenthaler canvas faces a Louise Nevelson sculptural work across the living room. At center, a Holly Hunt Studio cocktail table topped with a John Chamberlain sculpture joins a Holly Hunt leather sofa cushioned in a Great Plains velvet and a pair of Paul Mathieu chairs upholstered in an Edelman leather; the floor lamps are by Christian Liaigre, the Tristan Auer ottomans are in a Kyle Bunting leather, and the rug is by Christian Astuguevieille. A custom-made Vladimir Kagan sectional sofa in a Great Plains wool nestles in the bay window.Photo: Pieter Estersohn25/35Mix eras with your decorIn AD100 interior designer Muriel Brandolinis eclectic Manhattan town house, a piece by contemporary artist George Condo is displayed above a midcentury Italian sofa; the cocktail table is by Mattia Bonetti, the vintage light fixture is by Gerrit Rietveld, and the oval portrait is of Muriels husband, Count Nuno Brandolini, as a child.Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo26/35Add metallic accentsA sculptural staircase framed in polished chrome catches the eye in late AD100 interior designer Alberto Pintos Rio de Janeiro apartment, which was renovated by architect Thiago Bernardes. Pinto designed the sofa, the painting is by Nancy Graves, and the armless chairs are by William Haines.Photo: Thomas Loof27/35Color drenchInside a glass tower overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Todd Alexander Romano created a high-impact design for his 600-square-foot studio. Inspired by the bold color choices of legendary decorator Billy Baldwin, the designer lacquered the walls and upholstered the custom-made sofa in midnight-blue. Prints by Robert Goodnough and Josef Albers add a vibrant contrast.Photo: William Waldron28/35Try a traditional lookIn a Hamptons living room painted in Benjamin Moore's Linen White, 19th-century gilded stools are placed next to sofas upholstered in a Clarence House fabric, with pillows of a silk velvet from Le Dcor Franais; a Charles Arnoldi ink drawing surmounts the fireplace, and the curtains are of a Larsen fabric.

As the effects of climate change become ever more alarming, sustainable home builders are taking major steps to lessen the impact of their work on the environment. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Yale Center for Ecosystems and Architecture, the building and construction sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. However, the following firmsall of which are members of the AD PRO Directoryreduce their carbon impact through the use of sustainable building practices and materials, reduction of waste, and implementation of energy-efficient systems. If youre building a new home or renovating your current residence, these AD-approved sustainable home builders can make the process easier for youand better for the environment.Scandic BuildersScandic Builders completed a shingle-style home in Harding, New Jersey, that incorporates Hydronic Radiant Flooring and a geothermal system.Courtesy of Scandic BuildersTraditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation in the work of New Jerseybased Scandic Builders. The environmentally conscious builder utilizes recycled and sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and other green technology. Recent projects have utilized solar shingles, battery backups, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the firm's patented Hydronic Radiant Flooring system. Scandic Builders emphasizes natural building, using long-lasting materials such as stone, cedar, slate, and copper to reduce its impact on the environment while incorporating the latest learnings on sustainability and conservation.J Kramer CorpThis duplex built by J Kramer Corp and architect Anders Lasaterbone structu is the first BONE Structure building in Orange County. Made with preformed steel, the structure demands utmost precision during the building process. The design of this beachside duplex, steps away from Divers Cove in Laguna Beach, received the AIA Peoples Choice award in 2020.Mellon StudioLaguna Beach custom-home builderJ Kramer Corpappreciates a challenge, whether it's building on a steep hillside site or constructing the first home with a BONE Structurea patented steel-construction technologyin Orange County. The latter, a prefab modern duplex, also boasts skylights and large windows to bring in natural light, as well as solar and battery power. Natural materials are a through-line in the firm's work, from a home built into a Laguna Beach site's natural sandstone to wood-clad cabins in Mammoth.OOR Design BuildIn a historic New York City town house, OOR Design Build renovated to honor the home's history while embracing modern innovations in sustainability and well-being, including solar panels, LED lighting, low VOC paints, and an advanced HVAC system.Gil HayonFor New York Citys OOR Design Build, sustainability is more than just selecting eco-friendly materials; its about designing intentionally and purposefully to create homes that support those who inhabit them. The company, which was founded by Leah Almog Arazi and specializes in high-end renovations, considers sustainability integral to its approach for every project. Reclaimed materials, state-of-the-art HVAC systems, LED lighting, low VOC paints, and solar panels are all incorporated into its modern designs.Z BuildersZ Builders Atelier 211 blends eco-luxury with cutting-edge technology, featuring a custom-designed, eco-smart saline swimming pool and advanced energy systems that seamlessly integrate with the natural environmenta testament to how technology can elevate sustainable living.Adrian GautMost PopularTravelThe 21 Most Beautiful Countries in the WorldBy Amelia MularzArchitecture + DesignBrandin Cooks: Inside the NFL Players Modern Pacific Northwest HomeBy Juliet IzonArchitecture + DesignAD100 ArchitectsBy The Editors of ADThanks to its partnership with architecture and interiors firm Studio Zung, Z Builders brings a unified vision to each home it designs and builds. Led by founder Tommy Zung and principal Kupal Fontaine, the New Yorkbased company considers sustainability a driving principle, and carries that ethos through all aspects of the construction process. It meticulously selects long-lasting, ethically sourced materials; works under eco-conscious conditions; and partners with environmentally conscious suppliers and artisans.Perez ConstructionPerez Construction collaborated with design firm Love & Interiors on a modern residence in San Franciscos Glen Park neighborhood.Vivian JohnsonFounded in 2017 by Everson Perez, San Franciscos Perez Construction has become a go-to partner for designers and architects in the Bay Area. From historic renovations to large-scale modern remodels, the family firm does it all and approaches its work with a strong commitment to sustainability. Perez Construction advocates for environmentally sustainable renovation practices and is a part of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, an organization committed to eliminating fossil fuels in buildings.Escobedo GroupUsing the DARIO Panelized System, the Escobedo Group designed and fabricated this residence in Austin, Texas, then installed it in five days on a site in rural Colorado.Aman JohnsonMost PopularTravelThe 21 Most Beautiful Countries in the WorldBy Amelia MularzArchitecture + DesignBrandin Cooks: Inside the NFL Players Modern Pacific Northwest HomeBy Juliet IzonArchitecture + DesignAD100 ArchitectsBy The Editors of ADTexas-based Escobedo Groups process emphasizes efficiency without sacrificing quality and craftsmanship. Its 60,000-square-foot facility outside Austin keeps stone, millwork, and metal fabrication all under one roof, and the firm cold-rolls its own light-gauge steel framingmade of 75% recycled material to reduce waste. The firm also created the DARIO panelized construction system, which allows homes to be installed in dayslimiting the impact on the landscapeand utilizes high-efficiency mechanical systems, bamboo floors and exterior decks, and pier and beam foundation that reduces the use of concrete.ClaytonThis modern living space comes from one of Claytons eBuilt home floor plans. Clayton's manufactured homes are built to meet the Department of Energy's rigorous Zero Energy Ready Home Manufactured Home National Program Requirements, and therefore deliver significant annual energy savings.Courtesy of ClaytonClayton makes it easy for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint with its eBuilt collection of manufactured homes. The single-family home builder has worked to make its process more sustainable by reducing waste, recycling and reusing materials, and expanding its use of renewable energy. The eBuilt homes are constructed ready for renewable energy systems and include energy-efficient features like a Rheem hybrid water heater, argon gas low-E windows, LED lighting, and increased insulationall helping to reduce energy costs.NS BuildersIn the sunlit pantry of a home by NS Builders and Tiek Design Group, lush green cabinetry by Materia Millwork, warm wood countertops, and brass accents create a cozy, inviting space.Robert Benson PhotographyMost PopularTravelThe 21 Most Beautiful Countries in the WorldBy Amelia MularzArchitecture + DesignBrandin Cooks: Inside the NFL Players Modern Pacific Northwest HomeBy Juliet IzonArchitecture + DesignAD100 ArchitectsBy The Editors of ADLed by founder Nick Schiffer, NS Builders emphasizes sustainability in its new builds and renovations across Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. The construction company uses eco-friendly building techniques and materials in each project, and has built several projects to Passive House standards, including the firms first development project in Wellesley, Massachusetts. NS Builders is also sensitive to its impact on the existing landscape, as evidenced by the care it took when building a new home around a 100-year-old sweet gum tree.MatPel BuildersMatPel Builders has had a strong focus on sustainability since it was founded in 1986. The general contracting firmwhich builds primary and secondary homes in the San Francisco Bay area and Wyominghas decades of experience with sustainable materials, systems, and building practices, including assisting with LEED and Build It Green certifications. Recent projects have included features such as rammed earth walls, geothermal heat pumps, green roofs, and photovoltaic power, and the firm's work has received multiple awards from the AIA Committee on the Environment.JGB Custom HomesLed by founder Jake Badger, JGB Custom Homes has been crafting custom homes in the Austin area for almost 15 years. Whether it is remodeling a midcentury residence or building a new home, the company displays meticulous attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship. In addition to offering consultations on sustainable building practices, JGB Custom Homes has experience building to the five-star rating standards set by Austin Energy Green Building.Mayfair ConstructionSince 1990, Southampton-based Mayfair Construction has been building high-end custom homes for discerning clients in the Hamptons, Connecticut, Westchester, and Long Islands North Shore. The family-owned boutique firm combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation and cutting-edge technology and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Mayfair Construction regularly collaborates with top architecture and design firms, including AD100 studios Redd Kahoi and Ken Fulk Inc., and Oliver Cope Architects.

The Future of OverridesDecember 13th, 2024Code Design, General DevelopmentDalai Felinto html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"In December 2024, a workshop was held at the Blender HQ in Amsterdam to discuss the use of overrides in production environments.The workshop was attended by Andy Goralczyk and Simon Thommes from Blender Studio, while Bastien Montagne, Sergey Sharybin, and Dalai Felinto attended on behalf of the development team.Left to right: Simon, Sergey, Bastien, Andy, Dalai (photo) at the Blender HQ in Amsterdam.The main topics discussed were the pain points of the existing (library) overrides system, its limitations, and potential improvements for future productions.Overrides in productionsThe existing Library Overrides system is very powerful. However, with great power comes great responsibility complexity.The system was designed to replace the old proxy system and support multiple instances of the same character within a scene. Its most extensive use case was the Sprite Fright project, which involved animating numerous Sprite characters, all overridden from the same blendfile.Sprite Fright CC-BY Blender Studio.Although the initial plan appeared solid, the systems design introduced the need for active maintenance. Files would frequently go out of sync, requiring Blender to resync linked librariestaking minutes each time a file containing modified linked rig was opened.This led to name collisions in production files and the need for a custom script to reopen and resave all interlinked files daily, to keep relationships in sync.Meanwhile, Blender Studio developed an add-on to handle shot-based non-character overrides (e.g., light tweaks). This simpler approach was very functional and could handle a wide range of use cases more efficiently compared to Library Overrides.After completing enough projects using this pipeline (Sprite Fright, Charge, Wing It!, Gold, and smaller productions), it is time to improve Blenders approach to overrides.Leave the complexity out for 99% casesThe main feedback was that, in most scenarios where overrides are needed, a simple solution should suffice. To put it differently:I want to link a character and animate it [but]in 99% of cases we dont need the complexity of overrides.For the rare instances where artists require full control over a hierarchy, the existing Library Overrides system will still be available. In that sense, Library Overrides are here to stay. However, both rigged character animations and individual properties (e.g., Light power) should be overridable in a more streamlined way.(Dynamic) OverridesThe proposed solution introduces a new type of override (codename: Dynamic Overrides), which can operate on linked or local data. When working with linked data, a Library Override can still be created when necessary, but now it can be done without overriding the entire hierarchy.Key-points:Flexible Storage: Dynamic Overrides can be stored in various places, such as scenes or collections, giving users full control over their location.Linkable: Depending on where they are stored, Dynamic Overrides can also be linked.Granular Control:Overrides can apply to specific properties rather than entire hierarchies.The system allows for individual adjustments (i.e., a single property).ID Pointers Support: Can replace/override ID pointers.Remappable: They can be swapped when broken paths are found.Enhanced Usability:Dynamic Overrides take over most of the current Library Overrides interface, providing a streamlined experience.Library Overrides will still be necessary for specific features like modifiers and viewport interactions for now.Co-Existence with Library Overrides:Linked rigged characters will first get a Library Override for the rig, without any hierarchy.Followed by a Dynamic Override to remap usages of the linked armature to the local library overridden rig.This re-creates the proxy system experience with a more robust implementation.Library Overrides Hierarchy still available:Library Overrides hierarchies remain available for the rare (1%) complex use cases.Dynamic Overrides can be converted into Library Overrides when a full hierarchy is required.Overrides data-blockA new data-block type, Override, would be introduced. Initially, this will be used by the Scene ID, making the overrides globally applicable within a single scene.In the future, this data-block could be applied more specifically to collections and other contexts. This would allow different versions of the same material or object to coexist, each with distinct properties based on their contexts overrides.Overrides ID Data-block data structure design.There are three types of override rules which are being considered:ID Remap: Designed for animation of linked rigged characters.RNAPath: Focused on overriding individual properties.Filter: A mechanism to apply RNAPath changes to multiple data-blocks simultaneously, rather than just one.User InterfaceBelow are mockups showcasing possible integrations for overrides in the user interface.Creating overridesAn override can be added via the context menu or by using the O shortcut.Context Menu: Add Override and Remove Override options.Where to view Overrides?Properties Editor: Overrides can be identified by their override-specific color.Overrides Panel: A dedicated panel listing all overrides will be available.Initially, this list will only appear at the scene level. In the future, it will be accessible in other locations where overrides can be stored (e.g., Collections).Advanced SetupFor more complex setups, the overrides data-block can be linked from a different file. This allows for creating a hierarchical set of override rules that can be stacked and reused across multiple contexts.Short term alternativesBefore this project can fully begin, a few steps will be taken to speed up background blend-files processing:Option to skip dependency graph building in background mode.Option to skip Library Override re-sync in background mode.Expose some blend-file libraries dependency information in the Python API.These improvements will help with the Blender Studio pipeline, which relies on daily project-wide resyncs to minimize override conflicts. A script is used to open all files that link any edited files and save them, ensuring that override resyncs do not accumulate over time.MilestonesOverride ID Data-blockAnimation support for overriden properties.Filter for overrides (wildcard RNA properties).Non-global overrides (context-based overrides).Good-to-have targets:Viewport interaction (gizmos).Modifiers, constraints, (requires design, could be targeted for 5.0).Closing thoughtsThe concept of dynamic overrides is not new, but it has now been refined to a point where the team feels it is ready for development.This maturation period was also crucial for Library Overrides to be battle-tested and for the use cases of dynamic overrides to become more clearly defined. This will enable both types of overrides to be used in combination, leveraging the strengths of each to achieve the best of both worlds.Next stepsOverrides will be one of the main targets for 2025. The exact timeline will depend on the Blender Studio project lineup and the availability of the development team.Once an initial prototype is ready for testing, a thread will be created on the Developer Forum for studios and individual artists to share their feedback.Support the Future of BlenderDonate to Blender by joining the Development Fund to support the Blender Foundations work on core development, maintenance, and new releases. Donate to Blender

Every week, hundreds of artists share their work on the Blender Artists forum. I'm putting some of the best work in the spotlight in a weekly post here on BlenderNation.Source