What we've been playing - advent calendars, tricksy trials, and ages of dragonsA few of the things that have us hooked this week.Image credit: Eurogamer Feature by Robert Purchese Associate Editor Additional contributions byTom Phillips, and Victoria KennedyPublished on Dec. 14, 2024 13th DecemberHello! Welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little bit about some of the games we've been playing over the past few days. This week, we admire temporary rule-changes in a game, we play a real-life advent calendar somehow, and we push to the end of a long fantasy adventure.Catch up with the older editions of this column in our What We've Been Playing archive.Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Xbox Series XThis week I've been looking at my Xbox version of Spotify Wrapped - the thing that lets you see how much time you've spent playing games this year and which games you played the most - and while my favourites weren't too much of a surprise (an egregious amount of Fortnite and another 90 hours of Baldur's Gate 3, standard) I was taken aback by the amount of time I'd already put into Dragon Age: The Veilguard.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Watch on YouTubeTo be clear, I have not yet finished The Veilguard. I fully intend to, and maybe next week when I have some time off I finally will, but right now, going by Eurogamer's handy list of main missions, I think I'm only probably around half-way. And I'm already at 45 hours. Have I really spent nearly two days playing? I mean I guess so - I've put in an hour or so a night for a lot of the past month. But what have I actually been doing? Is everyone else taking this long?I think I'm playing The Veilguard slowly, not just in the short length of my play sessions squeezed around life's other bits and bobs, but also physically in how I move around its world. I do fast travel, obviously, because actually going through the Crossroads and finding the right Eluvian portal to each area would be ridiculous. But when I do find myself walking through those areas, I am actually walking, compared to so many other games where I feel compelled to run.The Veilguard is beautiful, and its large areas are smartly designed to funnel players to specific places while maintaining a sense of freedom. This isn't open-world, or whatever Inquisition was, where you can run up a hill and find nothing much worth your time when you get there. The Veilguard's areas feel curated, their limited spaces enhanced by a great view whenever you're on the way to something specific.Plus, of course, I'm doing all the sidequests. I have a fairly good idea where the game is heading - I can see the faction reputation bars that need filling and I am something of a completionist, especially when it comes to BioWare games. So, yes, 45 hours in and probably another 45 to go. But that's fine - I'm enjoying my walking! I don't really want it to end.-Tom Path of Exile 2, PC In I go. Wish me luck? | Image credit: Eurogamer / Grinding Gear GamesI'm smitten by Path of Exile 2 (as you'll no doubt have gathered from my Path of Exile 2 early access review). There's so much good thinking across the game. Something I'm currently alternating between loving and being frustrated by are the Trials of the Sekhemas, which are trials you must complete in order to earn your ascendancy - your class specialisation - because they show so much of what the game is about.Number one: they have a cool setting. The Trials are housed in a mysterious temple that's carved into a dark canyon, the braziers of which light up as you walk past, as all furnishings in cool temples are wont to do. There's little to no explanation of how it works when you get there, which is maybe an early access thing or maybe a Path of Exile 2 thing - it's hard to tell (I'm totally okay with it being the latter). You just talk to an equally mysterious NPC - who you recently fought in battle - and head in. It's eerie, it's dark, it's foreboding.Number two: the Trials change the rules, and I adore this. ARPGs can become switch-off games when things get too repetitive, so finding a way to mix things up works really well.There's loads of information in this Path of Exile 2 trailer.Watch on YouTubeThe Trials flip the game into a kind of Roguelike where you have to complete alternating trial-types across a series of rooms, that you plot your route through on an adjoining map, all of it culminating with a boss fight at the end. But here, instead of losing only health in the normal way, you also lose Honour, which is a resource specific to the Trials. And should your Honour reach zero, you will fail. It doesn't matter if you have a full health bar - you will fail and have to start again.Therefore, you have to be much more careful and respectful of enemies. You can't rely on recharging shields or health potions to get you through; once Honour depletes, it's very hard to top back up, and you'll need as much of it as possible to take on the boss at the end.I still haven't beaten the first trial - these things scale right up into the endgame by the way. It's taken me numerous runs to really understand how it works and how best to approach each room and what the boons (buffs) do and what the afflictions (debuffs) do, and something about being a melee character makes the final boss encounter really tricky. But I'm getting closer - it's slow going but I'm getting there.But I'm enjoying it - that's the key thing. I'm learning, and that's what Path of Exile 2 is about. I've been forced to learn more about how enemies work and where I'm taking damage - damage I didn't even used to notice. In essence, the game has found a way to teach me more, and I love that.-BertieAdvent calendar, cardboardI am a small elf, working hard to get everything ready for Christmas - I can't let everyone on the Nice List down. But, oh no! In a bid to get things just so, I accidentally locked myself inside a cupboard in Santa's Workshop, and now I must find my way back out again before Christmas Day. Image credit: EurogamerThis is the premise of my advent calendar this year. It is an escape room, and every day I must solve a puzzle which will lead me to the next door (and a rewarding square of chocolate). There are no numbers on the outside of the advent calendar, which adds an extra thrill to the puzzle solving process. The only way to know if I have solved the puzzle correctly is by opening a door and seeing if the number on the inside lines up with the date.So far, the puzzles have seen me cutting up one door and rearranging the pieces to form a word, which led to the next door. Another puzzle saw me flipping the whole calendar over and using a previously removed door as a compass of sorts, which then pointed to some flags that related to different letters of the alphabet. When I found all of the letters, they spelled out a word which led me back to the front of the calendar, and to the correct door. I definitely felt like I had earned my chocolate that day.This year's advent calendar is easily my favourite advent calendar to date. It even trumps last year's coffee one, which is something I never thought I would say. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a rather curious image of a checkers board that needs my attention. Byeee!-Victoria

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 hereEpic Games released the Fortnite OG mode on December 6, which turned out to be a massive success. Veteran players got a chance to relive their memories, while new players were given an opportunity to play the season that was released long before they started their Fortnite journeys. Due to this, its no surprise that the mode peaked at 1.3 million concurrent players.The original mode is certainly fun and was quite challenging before Epic added bots to it. However, the Fortnite developer has a different plan. The ranked mode of Fortnite OG will come out soon and will have no bots. Epic Games revealed the release date of the ranked playlist, so lets check it out.When will the Fortnite OG Ranked mode come out?According to Epic Games post on X (formerly Twitter), the ranked version of Fortnite OG will be released on Monday, December 16. Considering that we recently got a new update, there will be no need to download a new one. Instead, the mode will be automatically added to the game and will likely be playable at 9 AM Eastern Time.The ranked mode will remove bots from Fortnite OG. Image by VideoGamerThe Ranked OG mode will have both Battle Royale and Zero Build versions. While the classic mode with building has been much more popular so far, adding a competitive version of Zero Build is certainly a step in the right direction. The OG mode with building peaked at 1.3 million concurrent players, while Zero Builds peak was at only 342,000.Besides the ranking system, the Fortnite OG Ranked mode will completely remove bots. This will make the game more challenging and will be perfect for anyone whos looking to compete against real players. Furthermore, the upcoming mode will likely feature several free cosmetic items, although this hasnt been confirmed yet. Subscribe 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 hereBallistic is a new Fortnite mode that was released on December 11. Its in an early access phase, yet still getting hundreds of thousands of players every day. Unlike the rest of Fortnite, this features a first-person perspective. On top of this, its a tactical mode similar to Counter-Strike and Valorant, where teamwork and strategy are the key.On Friday night, Epic Games released the first balance update for Ballistic. It features two nerfs, as well as an adjustment to walking speed.Fortnite Ballistic patch notes Despite being out for only three days, the new game mode received rather big changes. This shouldnt come as a surprise, however, as Epic has been able to gather a lot of feedback thanks to the popularity of the mode. It appears that two items, Flashbang Grenade and Recon Grenade, performed much better than expected. Due to this, Epic nerfed them with the first balance update.The game developer posted Fortnite Ballistic patch notes on X (formerly Twitter), revealing all the details about it. Without further ado, these are all the changes that came out with the new update:The maximum duration of Flashbang Grenades was reducedTracking time on the Recon Grenade was reducedIncreased walking speed to match crouch speedFlashbang Grenade was nerfed in Fortnite Ballistic. Image by VideoGamerThese changes are active in both ranked and non-ranked playlists of Fortnite Ballistic. Considering that the game mode has only been out for a couple of days, we expect even more balance changes over soon. However, Epic Games will take a winter break in late December, which is why the next update may have to wait for early 2025.So far, the non-ranked version of the mode has been more popular, reaching a peak of more than 300,000 concurrent players. The ranked mode, on the other hand, peaked at approximately 169,000 players. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Sarkaya enlisted Enis Karavil, one half of the Istanbul-based design studio Sanayi313, to realize her vision. Serenay was specific about what she was looking formaximalist and dramatic elements against a serene backdropand it completely aligned with our idea for the project, says Karavil. Her preference for open and flowing living spaces influenced the overall design. By removing walls and false ceilings, he unified the space, revealing exceptionally tall rooms and structural columns that created a loft-like volume, which now opens out onto a light-filled sunken courtyard.Any person in the public eye will tell you that they need to compartmentalize life into whats private and whats shareable, and Serenay Sarkayas home is designed to deliver in this respect. Connected by a striking spiral staircase, the upper level is her workspace, earmarked for fittings, meetings and collaboration with her team; downstairs is where the actor lets her hair down.I wanted it to be my own space, my living area, Sarkaya explains of the latter. When we were planning this part of the house, I told Enis, I want my friends to come here, cook something in the kitchen, make music, and enjoy it like I do. As a result, this level was conceived as a multi- functional space anchored by a large, double-sided sofa, which is upholstered in a sassy leopard print. I dont know why, but I was obsessed with the idea of having everything else plain and only this couch as my signature piecealmost like an artwork in the middle of the house, she says. As soon as I get home, I find myself on it.The actors search for a hero piece led to a bespoke double-sided couch in leopard print, which brings the open-plan space together. Sarkaya wearing an Aya Muse dress and B.zero1 cuffs by Bvlgari.I want my friends to come here, cook something in the kitchen, make music, and enjoy it like I do.Serenay SarkayaOn one side of the couch is the bedroom, demarcated with floor-to-ceiling curtains serving as flexible space dividers instead of traditional walls. This allowed us to enhance spatial and visual interconnectedness and, with the translucent fabric, create a sense of intrigue, perfectly capturing the film-noir atmosphere we wanted to achieve, explains Karavil.A retro-futuristic kitchen in head-to-toe stainless steel holds court on the other side. Serenay envisioned this space as a vibrant gathering place where she could entertain friends, says the designer. She also expressed a desire to have renowned chefs cooking for her guests, so we achieved the look and quality of a professional kitchen. Contrasting elements such as leather-upholstered chairs, ashwood-clad walls, and a glossy black floor soften its raw, industrial appeal. Tipping a hat to Istanbuls multicultural soul, antiques and vintage finds from markets around the world add yet another layer of sophistication.Bespoke stainless steel cabinetry creates the look, feel, and functionality of a professional kitchen.Paired with custom leather-upholstered chairs, the stainless steel kitchen is the heart of the home.From my perspective, my house has a quiet elegance, a party vibe, and, at the same time, it feels like Im in my safe zone, says Sarkaya. I love it when friends come to visit for the first time and they say, This is so Serenay!This story was originally published in AD Middle Easts October/November 2024 issue.

Coffee tables are one of those pieces of furniture that can really unify a spacebut finding the best coffee tables is no easy feat. They come in every shape, size, material, and function you could think of, but it can still take time to find the one thats just right for your space and vibe.We did some digging, and were here to report that there are tons of lovable coffee tables in every style and at every price pointfrom smaller end table designs and nesting coffee tables to tables made of reclaimed wood and the perfect anchor for your sectional sofa. In our buying guide, youll find a curated selection of top picks from some of our favorite brands (in addition to other great options that score high design marks in our books). Each review contains an AD editors testimony as to what makes each coffee table stand out, how they use it in their space, and something buyers should keep in mind. So no matter your aesthetic preference, weve got a piece that will speak to youwhether youre drawn to a Scandinavian, glam, or ultramodern look. Add one to your shopping cart now. Thank us later.Top PicksBest Lift-Top Coffee Table: Castlery Harper Lift-Top Coffee Table, $899 at CastleryBest Rattan Coffee Table: Nathan James Sonia Coffee Table, $250 at AmazonMost Versatile Coffee Table: Wade Nesting Coffee Table $819 at RejuvenationBest Value Coffee Table: Braxton Coffee Table by Crosley, $135 at WayfairBest Statement Coffee Table: Sixpenny Pisces Coffee Table, $1,699 at SixpennyBest Round Coffee Table: HAY Wood Slit Coffee Table, $595 at DWRBest Midcentury Modern Coffee Table: IKEA Stockholm Coffee Table, $350 at IKEABest Lift-Top: Castlery Harper Lift-Top Coffee TableCastleryAudrey LeeCastlery Harper Lift-Top Coffee TableAudrey LeeWhile the most attractive furniture pieces arent always the most practical, Castlerys Harper lift-top coffee table looks elevated and offers ample storage. Its so easy to hide away items like spare throw blankets or extra cushions in the hidden compartment or even use the uplifted surface as a desk (or dining table). Its got a pretty universal design that would work with most spaces like your living room or even a home office, and Im a big fan of the rounded edges that feel more gentle to bump into than angular tables. One thing Ill note is the piece is relatively heavy (about 125 pounds) and has no legs, so it might not be the easiest piece to move by yourself. Audrey Lee, AD commerce editorSpecsMaterials: Engineered Wood with Oak VeneerDimensions: 48"W x 24.4"D x 15.4"HAssemblyNo assembly requiredCleaning and care instructionsClean with a slightly damp cloth, wipe with a dry cloth and avoid abrasive cleanersKeep away from direct heat or sunlightBest Rattan: Nathan James Sonia Coffee TableAmazonLauren ArzbaecherLauren ArzbaecherNathan James Sonia Coffee TableI gravitate toward modern bohemian decor styles, and the warm wood and rattan accents of this coffee table were immediately calling my name. The size is just right for my space, wide enough to feel substantial without taking over the sitting area. I enjoy the airy feel the rattan provides, but if you want to display a collection of coffee table books, this may not be the table for youit doesnt support much weight, and if you rest your feet, youll feel it bending under your heels. Lauren Arzbaecher, AD commerce producerSpecsMaterials: Light Wood, Rattan, Rubber WoodDimensions: 24"D x 46"W x 18"HAssemblyFour pieces, was easily assembled together with the included hex key wrench and six screwsCleaning and care instructionsWipe cleanMost Versatile: Wade Nesting Coffee TableRejuvenationShoko WangerShoko WangerShoko WangerWade Nesting Coffee TableShoko WangerWe first purchased this table in 2022 and own both the 38- and 28-inch versions. At the time, I was looking for a coffee table that checked three boxes: solid wood construction; minimal, clean-lined design; and something relatively child-friendly. This met all those criteria and then some. Our son climbed on it, colored on it, and ran his cars and trucks over it daily, and it still looks great. Earlier this year, we purchased the second table for a different space. When it arrived, it was a bit high for our couch, so we had our buildings brilliant superintendent help us take a couple of inches off the legs. I dont think a modification like that could successfully be done with a table of poor qualitythis one survived the process beautifully and no one would ever be able to tell the difference." Shoko Wanger, AD contributorSpecsMaterial Options: Walnut, Black Ash, White OakDimension Available: 20"D x 20"W x 20"H; 28"D x 28"W x 18"H; 38D x 38W x 16HAssemblyNo assembly requiredCleaning and care instructionsDust frequently with a clean cotton cloth, using gentle, oval motions along the grain of the woodAvoid frequent and sudden changes in humidity, direct sunlight, and chemical exposureBest Value: Braxton Coffee Table by CrosleyWayfairStewart SavinStewart SavinBraxton Coffee Table by CrosleyStewart SavinWhile this option from Wayfair may lack pomp and circumstance, I wanted something sturdy but simple that I could use as my style evolved. Thankfully, set up was a one-woman jobI was living in a studio alone at the time, but Ive since moved twice and this table has come with me both times. The shape is basic but offers ample space for storage on the lower shelf and styling on the tabletop. The length and weight make it perfect for propping up your feet (a must in my book). Stewart Savin, Senior Commerce SEO AnalystSpecsMaterials: SteelDimensions: 17"H x 38"L x 18"WAssemblyAssembly required, 20 minutes maxCleaning and care instructionsThere was a learning curve when it came to cleaning: This metal material will get a white cast if you use standard cleaners on it, but I learned rubbing on a tiny amount of oil will clear that away with no problem.Dust often, avoid sharp objects that could scratch the surface, and remove white cast with a dab of oil.Best Statement: Sixpenny Pisces Coffee TableSixpennyErika OwenErika OwenErika OwenSixpenny Pisces Coffee TableErika OwenI instantly fell in love with the shape of Sixpennys Pisces table. We have an awkwardly-shaped living space, and the curved corners of this modern coffee table dont make our small box of a couch room feel any smallerjust more interesting. Theres no storage, but that didnt break my enthusiasm. Its been a lovely addition to my home the past three years, and the love affair is going strong. Its solid wood, so prepare for something quite heavy. Theres no moving this across the room in any quick manner or without a buddy. Youre also going to want some solid coasterswater damage is a real thing when youre living with solid wood. Erika Owen, AD contributorSpecsMaterials: Solid oak (pale oak and warm spiced oak color options available)AssemblyNo assembly requiredNote: If you dont opt for the packaging removal option upon delivery, youre going to spend some time tearing down boxes and shoving them into a recycling bin.Cleaning and care instructionsSince this coffee table is made of natural wood, use whatever barrier you need to keep your drink/snack off of the tabletop (coasters, trivets, and placemats are all friends)Its not hard to ding or chip into the wood so make sure to keep this in mind when youre crafting on it or lifting something particularly heavy over itTo clean it, use a feather duster or a soft, dry cloth. And clean up spills as soon as they happen!Best Round: Hay Wood Slit Coffee TableRachel FletcherRachel FletcherRachel FletcherHAY Wood Slit Coffee TableRachel Fletcher"How can you not love this little table? Dreamt up by Danish design legends at Hay, the Wood Slit Coffee Table is one of one when it comes to its charming, origami-inspired design. The price point is really reasonable compared to other solid wood coffee tables on the market, and its just the right size for someone who doesnt keep much on their coffee table (like me) except flowers and a remote or two. This table is very lightweight and not the most stable. I inherited it a while back from a friend of mine with an active toddler who was worried about it tipping over. Having experienced a quick tilt or two in my child-free household, I think my friends instincts were spot on. This table looks great, but it is certainly not the steadiest option around." Rachel Fletcher, AD commerce directorSpecsMaterials: 100% plywoodDimensions: 14"H x 25.5"L x 25.5"WAssemblyNo assembly requiredCleaning and care instructionsNo specific instructions, though it is treated with a waterborne lacquer surface treatmentBest Midcentury Modern: IKEA Stockholm Coffee TableIKEAAudrey LeeAudrey LeeIKEA Stockholm Coffee TableAudrey LeeMy familys owned the Stockholm coffee table from IKEA for over a decade now, and its held up incredibly well. It leans slightly midcentury in design, but its still versatile enough to fit in with different decor schemes. Maybe because the elongated tabletop resembles a surfboard, I think itd be a fun piece if youre trying to achieve a coastal vibe or are looking to furnish your beach house. The discreet understorage is perfect for storing books, your remote controls, or any other small items like candles and coasters. Despite bumping and banging into this table over the years, it looks almost new, with the exception of some small surface scratches on the veneer. Audrey Lee, AD commerce editorSpecsMaterials: Walnut VeneerDimensions: 70.875"L x 23.25"H x 15.75"HAssemblyAssembly required, 1520 minutesCleaning and care instructionsClean with a slightly damp cloth, wipe with a dry cloth and avoid abrasive cleanersMore Coffee Tables We LoveHere youll find even more coffee tables to maximize your spacesome with glass top designs, travertine and marble beauties, plus choices for every design aesthetic imaginable. Think: High-quality, well-reviewed, aesthetically pleasing picks in a variety of styles, materials, and price ranges.Article Vitri Walnut Coffee TableTempered smoke-glass top adds a bit of moodiness to this classic coffee table silhouette. If youre after the look of a metal coffee table but you want something a bit different, you found it. The powder-coated metal frame is super sturdy, and a lower shelf made of walnut veneer is the perfect place to store an extra throw blanket or your (growing) stack of books to read. (And never underestimate the power of area rugs; a glass coffee table can be a portal to another layer of your interior design.)Burrow Serif Coffee TableA simple, dependable Danish Moderninspired design to work into your living room design scheme. Take your pick of oak or walnut for the finish (both options feature solid wood).Pedestal Wood Coffee Table by Hearth & Hand with MagnoliaA light shade of wood can take on lots of personalities. Skip the stain and let your books be the pops of color. Or put on your DIY hat, find a wood stain that matches the other pieces of furniture in your space, and go for a cohesive look. Bonus: The silhouette reminds us of a vintage workbench.Latitude Run Fawnna Coffee TableThe hexagon shape of this design is a refreshing take on the expected round or rectangular coffee table silhouetteand were here for it. Two drawers pull out of either side, offering up a bunch of space for remotes, charging cords, books, and anything youd want to hide from guests.West Elm Hazel White Lacquer Square Coffee TableThis chic wood table is (surprise!) sustainable. It also scores bonus points for pairing durability with cute chunky legs and a minimalist finish thatll make styling it a blast.Anthropologie Sonali Oval Coffee TableThis coffee table recalls visions of building blocksyou know, the very set you may have spent hours reconfiguring as a child. Made of ash wood veneer and resin, this is a hefty focal point for your living space.

The next prompt for the Blender Artists 10 Cubes challenge dropped! As always, you can find the rules, prompts and entries in the 10 Cubes category on Blender Artists. Have fun!Source

Here's an overview of the most recent Blender jobs on Blender Artists, ArtStation and 3djobs.xyz: 3D Designer/Animator at White Label Customs inc For more jobs, look here.Source

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