This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic saves the day. Even if you keep drowning in Chemical Zone and throwing your old Sega Genesis controller across the room, you know that every Sonic the Hedgehog story ends with the Blue Blur triumphant and Robotnik defeated. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is no different. By the end of his third big screen outing, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) befriends new antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) and stops Gerald Robotnik and his grandson Ivo Eggman Robotnik (both played by Jim Carrey, hammy as ever) from blowing up the world. Sonic even wins a footrace against Tails (Colleen OShaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba).But the post-credit scene shows that theres much more to the story, and to Sonics group of friends. The post-credit scene finds Sonic getting a bit too enthusiastic about his race and stopping in a New York forest. Before he can make his way back to Green Hills where his animal friends and human pals Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) wait, a new foe robotic foe arrives well, a legion of new robotic foes arrive: an army of Metal Sonics. Fortunately, Sonic gets an assist from a welcome face in the form of Amy Rose.These reveals will have the longtime Sonic fans in the audience cheering, but for those who left the franchise after playing Sonic and Knuckles, heres a primer.As Sonic himself points out, the mechanical assailant looks a lot like himwhich is exactly the point. Metal Sonic debuted in 1993s Sonic CD, an appropriately sci-fi villain to match the futuristic feel of playing a game on disc instead of a cartridge. Like most villains in the world of Sonic, Metal Sonic is a creation of Robotnik, who decides that the only way to defeat Sonic is to match him. Thus Metal Sonic has the same speed and skills as the hero, along with some extra bells and whistles.However, Metal Sonics greatest asset is his logical mind. Unlike his flesh and blood counterpart, Metal Sonic has no weaknesses for chili dogs, tiny captive animals, or his human pals. As a robot designed to improve upon the original in every way, Metal Sonic puts his mission before everything else, even turning against his maker from time to time after Robotnik keeps testing him in order to prove hes the One True Sonic the Hedgehog.Amy RoseAmys sudden appearance during the post-credit scene isnt an accident. Like Metal Sonic, Amy also joined the fictional world with Sonic CD, although shes been a bit more prominent in other media.As a pink hedgehog with a dress, Amy does fall into the standard trope of giving a male character a girl counterpart in the most superficial way possible. The giant mallet she wields, officially known as the Piko-Piko Hammer, does offset her some from her masculine counterpart, but too many Amy stories limited her roles to having a crush on Sonic and nagging when Sonic did something she didnt like. Even in Sonic CD, Amy was little more than a damsel in distress.However, Amy has begun to come into her own, especially in the past 10 years. In the pages of the Sonic the Hedgehog comics that fan-favorites Ian Flynn and Evan Stanley have been writing for IDW Publishing, Amys become something of a fortune teller, which adds depth to her positive attitude. Last years Amys 30th Anniversary Special, written by Flynn and penciled by Aaron Hammerstrom, serves as a perfect example, as Amys divination allows her to stop Metal Sonic and free her friends.Amy doesnt speak in the teaser, but well likely see a big name get cast in the role, someone on the level of Elba and Reeves. Could Anya Taylor-Joy make a jump from Nintendo to play another video game heroine?Fun as these reveals are, they may also re-contextualize Robotniks fate at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Robotnik seems to sacrifice himself, helping Shadow prevent the space station from crashing into the Earth. Which makes sense, because even though Robotnik can keep coming back in the games, Jim Carrey demands a high price tag and may be done with the sequels.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Then again, Carrey is one of the best parts of the movies and a big draw for those indifferent to the adventures of fast furry animals. Sonic CD, the game that introduced Metal Sonic and Amy, has a time-travel conceit, sending the heroes through various periods in pursuit of Eggman.Could this mean that Robotnik lives in the future and sent Metal Sonic back to the past to destroy his hated enemy? And could Amys adoration of Sonic come from the fact that she grew up with his legend, instead of the usual little-girl crush from the games?Well find out when Sonic the Hedgehog 4 inevitably gets announced.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

This article contains a few spoilers from You season 4.Weve known for a while that season 5 of You was going to be Joe Goldbergs (Penn Badgley) swan song. When the series was renewed for a fifth season back in 2023, it was announced at the time that it would be the shows final season. Netflix has now revealed that season 5 is set to premiere in 2025, showing us a couple of hints at what this final chapter might entail for Joe.In addition to this announcement, Netflix has released two posters, both centered on Joes victims across the last four seasons. Because of this, it seems reasonable to guess (or at least hope) that maybe Joe will finally face some consequences for the trail of bodies hes left in his wake across the last four seasons.For the briefest of moments last season, it seemed like Joe may have felt some remorse for what hes done. His brain created an entirely separate personality in order for him to continue killing, and he came close to taking his own life when he realized that no matter what he does, hes a killer at heart. However, despite surviving his attempt at death by suicide, Joe doesnt see this second chance as an opportunity to atone and face the consequences for what hes done. Instead, with the encouragement of his new incredibly wealthy partner Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), he decides to double down on his misdeeds.One of the posters shows newspaper clippings of Joes victims surrounding his face, with different letters circled and underlined as though someone is looking for clues in the headlines. Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) may have been temporarily taken off the board after Joe framed her for her friends death, but shes one of the few people still living who knows about Joes true nature. Marriene (Tati Gabrielle) is also currently in the wind after faking her death with Nadias help and escaping from Joe. Its not entirely unlikely that either of them, or someone else from Joes past, could be back on his trail as the new season begins.The other poster also features newspaper clippings, but this time arranged in a shadow box of sorts, along with other mementos from Joes past victims. Joes past and his victims are very clearly the focus of these quick teases of the new season. Exactly how they factor into his present or his future has yet to be revealed, but this show is known for taking some pretty big swings. Hopefully these swings involve some actual consequences for Joe, but well just have to see.A show like You has to toe the line between making Joe too sympathetic and coming down too hard on him too soon. This show probably wouldnt have lasted for five seasons if Joe had been caught and gone to prison in season 2. But at the same time, it doesnt seem right to give him a true happily ever after either, given how many people hes killed and everything else hes done to cover his tracks. It will be interesting to see what this final season has in store for Joe and the people pulled into his orbit. Will he continue to embrace the darkest parts of himself without consequence, or will his past finally come back to haunt him?

Jack Huston knew if he ever directed a movie, it would not simply be something he wanted to make. It would be something he needed to pursue. An idea which loomed so large and for so long in his minds eye that only he could bring it to life. And, perhaps fittingly, it might have begun with an image that never left him in all the years and days which passed since he played the soulful hitman Richard Harrow on Boardwalk Empire.It began on a New Jersey set and with a co-star pounding away on a sack filled with dirt.I used to watch him punch sandbags in between takes and always going off to the boxing gym, Huston muses when thinking back on his earliest days working opposite Michael Pitt on the HBO period drama executive produced by Martin Scorsese. At the time, Pitt and Huston had a lot of scenes together with the pair playing WWI veterans who for better or worse (usually worse) get caught up in the bootleg racket. But during this same era in their careers, Huston was also making note of his colleagues baleful expressions, and the fact he was increasingly taking up boxing as a hobby.Michael carries himself like a boxer, Huston says. He always has Its there, its in his face. But he also has this sort of amazing vulnerability and sensitivity in his eyes. That look stayed with Huston, perhaps not least of all because alongside moviemaking, boxing is in the Huston familys blood. Before becoming one of the great writer-directors of the Hollywood Golden Age, Jacks grandfather John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo) saw success as a pugilist, winning the Amateur Lightweight Boxing Championship of California while only a teenagerand all before a broken nose changed Johns long-term career interests.Something about the solitary figure, of a man in a ring battling his opponent but also himself, has obvious cinematic appeal. So when Huston sat down to write a screenplay about such a classic silver screen silhouette, the words came pouring out; as did memories and that sandbag.I wrote every word for [Michael], Huston admits. I couldnt imagine it being anybody else. I heard his voice in my head as I was writing. He even named his fictional boxer after him, turning Michael Pitt the actor into Irish Mike Flannigan the boxera professional bruiser who is in desperate need of grace.When Day of the Fight begins, viewers are keyed into the grim reality of Mike Flannigan being down on his luck. He apparently just got out of a very long stint in prison for a crime that is not immediately apparent, and in the ruins of his life, he has been informed by a doctor that he absolutely should not box again ahead of the films titular prize fight. But that bout, like absolution, only comes at night. So the rest of the film is about Mike preparing for the big event, not so much like a fighter but as a condemned man putting his affairs in order. He is even able to find something as elusive and sparkling as redemption in a handful of dwindling hours.When he steps into the Den of Geek studio, Huston describes the movie as ultimately being about a life in a day, as well as a narrative about more than who wins or loses during a ringside donnybrook.I always think the best boxing films arent really boxing films; theyre films about the boxer, the writer-director explains. Its one of the most fascinating professions. We always talk about how you could walk into any boxing gym and there might be 30, 50 other stories just like Irish Mikes. Their profession itself sort of takes them on these very interesting paths. For Mike, that path is perhaps less about his solitary nature as the man in the ring, and more the people along the way who are there to prop the fallen challenger back up.If youre on a good path, the people closest to you, the people that really matter in our life are far more willing to forgive than we might expect, Huston suggests.A sense of community has also come through like vivid technicolor to Huston, even as he toiled over ensuring his first directorial feature would be black and white (never an easy fight to pick in the 21st century). It indeed took a village of old friends and colleagues sticking their necks out to get Day of the Fight made, including again that Boardwalk Empire connection via the HBO series Emmy-nominated star, Steve Buscemi.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!It was an uphill battle, Huston says of the process of getting the movie made. So it was incredibly important for us, in order to get the film financed, that certain people showed up. In the case of Buscemi that meant combining two minor tertiary characters from Hustons earlier drafts into a larger role that would allow Buscemi to reunite with his former onscreen protege, Michael Pitt.Huston recalls, We got a hold of Steves manager, and they were like absolutely not. Like it has to be [a much bigger part]. So I was like, Im just gonna call Steve. I made a phone call and I think I sent him the script the day before Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving, I got a message saying, Yeah, Ill be there first day.Buscemi showed up on set for a day and took the bare minimum SAG pay for his work. But it helped get Day of the Fight made. Thats the stuff where you get emotional, because this film is impossible without these guys who actually showed up when it mattered. And theres a lot of people in my life who showed up when it mattered, and theres some people who dont.Hustons experience on the project is filled with dozens of similar stories, including convincing Joe Pesci to come out of retirement again after The Irishman for a small but pivotal part. It took those contributions plus a million others to get the film as Huston imagined on the screen, complete with haunting black and white interspersed with flints of color.Black and white is almost like a magnifying glass into the soul, Huston says. Theres something about when you put a camera on somebody and you see in black and white, its almost like Im looking inside them. And I found that very early on with Michael that I could put the camera on him and it harkens back to the old [Marlon] Brando, [Paul] Newman, [James] Dean.Of course cinema history runs through Hustons veins. As the grandson of the aforementioned John Huston, and the great-grandson of actor Walter Huston, and several more generations of filmmakers and actors, Jack was raised to love the magic of the moving image.I sit here as an incredibly proud grandson and great-grandson, and nephew, Huston says. I was so lucky that I grew up watching those movies and that they were played for me. Our entire family are lovers of film. Thats the best part about it. We cant think of anything wed like to do more than sit around watching movies.Still, while making Day of the Fight, Jack can hear old John Hustons famous gregarious drawl in his head, familiar to viewers of anything from Chinatown to the Rankin/Bass Hobbit movie.I do feel him sort of chuckling to himself, just because of how difficult its been, Huston laughs. Its like, Well, you wanted to make a movie and you wanted [to make it black and white]. You can imagine this being a really sort of earn the stripes because of how unbelievably hard it was.But like Irish Mike, Jack learned a sense of community can get you to the final bell.Day of the Fight is in limited release in theaters now in the U.S.

While its almost time to say farewell to 2024, with a new year on the horizon comes an undiscovered, terrifying and twisted reality to explore.In 2025, Post Trauma launches on Xbox, bringing a whole host of unimaginable nightmares along for the ride.Post Trauma comes from the imagination ofRoberto Serrag and Red Soul Games, designed as a celebration of classic horror titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil.Built with Unreal Engine 5, Post Trauma is set in recognizable environments such as an abandoned hospital and a neglected Metro within The Gloom and depicts them in unusual, but suitably horrendous ways. Whether its tentacles creeping through the walls, ghastly creatures lurking in the shadows, or buildings that could collapse at a moments notice, its anyones guess whats around the next corner.At the heart of it all is Roman (voiced by Togo Igawa), a retired train driver who awakes to find himself dazed, bewildered, and haunted by all he can see.Alongside voice acting, Red Soul Games also use Motion Capture so that Romans facial reactions and movements feel natural and authentic, really bringing the character to life. The way he reacts to the horror all around him and processes this fantastical, wild world, really grounds Post Trauma. As a result, players will truly be able to see what Roman is thinking and feeling throughout the game.Much of the horror in Post Trauma comes from setting a scene and building tension rather than going in for quick jump scares. Post Traumas soundtrack plays an important role in this with moody piano solos softly building in the background while Roman moves along train tracks and corridors. Then during battles and confrontations, the beat kicks in to reach heart-pounding crescendos.As you continue to explore the environment and uncover its secrets and inhabitants, it will be important to pay close attention to every scenic detail as theymay hold clues to some of the games trickier puzzles. Perhaps a pad and paper could come in handy, too.The Gloom is a dangerous place , and there are times Roman will need to defend himself in life or death situations. Fortunately, theres a variety of items at your disposal, like an all-powerful sledgehammer and a trusty crowbar. Roman will even find a pistol and a shotgun on his travels and can store them on his person or in chests found in safe spaces. Every little bit of room will help!As with all good Survival Horror games, though, this is a game that changes the questions just as youre discovering the answers. We cant wait for players to unearth its secrets when Post Trauma launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S. Wishlist it today!Post TraumaRaw FuryGet it nowPost Trauma is a modern interpretation of genre-defining survival horror classics. As you venture deeper into the unknown, youll strive to solve the mysteries of your unfamiliar surroundings, hoping to discover hidden truths while trying to stay alive.Players will explore a terrifying, twisted reality that constantly unsettles as its story shifts and unravels. Fight or Flight?In Post Trauma, players control Roman (Togo Igawa), a tormented train conductor who awakes to find himself in a surreal dimension following a terrible panic attack. Faced with horrifying architecture and nightmarish abominations, Roman can choose to defend himself with an array of weapons or try to find the path of least resistance. A new world of horror that pays homage to the greats Inspired by key staples of the Survival Horror genre, Post Trauma blends fixed camera angles with stunning visuals through Unreal Engine 5 to create a truly unsettling, yet familiar horror experience. But just when you think you have the answers, this hellscape changes the questions as you enter the unknown to face your greatest fears.Can you find a way home?To survive this cruel world, you must piece together an ongoing mystery across several, seemingly unrelated settings. Deducing your environments to find unlikely hints and discovering precious tools in unexpected places will help you make continued progress. As you find clues and solve puzzles, youll gradually learn more about where you are and how you can escape, using a delicate mix of patience and cunning to stay alive. And maybe a pad and paper too. Built and enriched by world-class talentFeaturing a fully voice acted cast (Togo Igawa, Autumn Ivy, Hyoie OGrady) and a captivating, ambient audioscape, elevated by a hypnotic score from Nicolas Gasparini (Myuu), Post Trauma has been crafted to be a homage to beloved franchises and a new merging of playstyles. The intent is to create a truly special, unforgettable horror experience fuelled by pure passion and incredible talent.

Welcome to Xbox!Youre now the proud owner of one of the most powerful video game consoles ever built! To help you get started gaming as quickly as possible, theres a few things you need to keep in mind after you take your brand-new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console out of the box.Note: The guide below contains several of our personal recommendations for getting started gaming as quickly as possible with your new console. For more detailed step-by-step instructions on getting set-up, visit Xbox.com here.Prepare your ConsoleLets get your console ready! Begin by following the instructions provided in the box to connect it to the internet (either via broadband or wireless). Next, plug it into an HDMI-compatible TV and turn it on to start the updating process.Keeping your console updated guarantees that new games can be played immediately and helps maintain system security. We strongly suggest completing this step before connecting any additional peripherals, like external hard drives or battery charging stations. This ensures optimal compatibility with both current and future devices and accessories. For a list of compatible accessories, visit Xbox.com..This process may take some time depending on your internet speed and the number of updates required. If youre giving the console to someone as a gift, we recommend taking this step before they open their present it will save everyone a bit of time so they can start gaming more quickly.While the console is updating, its a perfect opportunity to download the Xbox app for iOS or Android. The app provides step-by-step instructions and allows you to manage the console from your smartphone. If youre a parent or caregiver, we also suggest downloading the Xbox Family Settings app for added control and safety features (more on that in a minute). for added control and safety features (more on that in a minute).Create a Free Xbox AccountTo access features such as playing free-to-play online multiplayer games and joining a community, you will need to create a free Xbox account you can sign up and get started here. If you already have a personal Microsoft account (e.g., from Windows, Office, Outlook, etc.), you can use this instead.This is an excellent opportunity to set up a Family Group, which is great to have in place if youre in a household with some younger players. You can create individual Xbox accounts for everyone who will be playing, and as the organizer you can customize content and screen time settings for each person. Learn more about the benefits of creating a Family Group on Xbox here.Select Your Family SettingsIf youre giving the console to a child under 13, make sure to set up a child account. This simplifies the process for parents to add family members to a family group and monitor console activities using the free Xbox Family Settings app, available on iOS and Android.You can personalize their experience by creating screen time schedules, managing content restrictions and communication settings, reviewing friend requests, and setting spending limits on the Xbox Store. Plus, its easy to adjust these settings anytime. Its a great way to encourage healthy gaming habits together.Choose Energy Saving FeaturesDid you know you can reduce emissions and lower the energy consumption of your Xbox? Its true! By using the Shutdown option (energy saving) feature, your console will use up to 20 times less power when off compared to Sleep mode. Your console will default to the Shutdown option (energy saving) setting out of the box, but you can choose what settings work best for you by going to the Settings menu, navigating to the General tab, and selecting Power Options.UtilizeGamingAccessibility FeaturesThanks to feedback from the Gaming & Disability Community, many games in the Microsoft Store on Xbox now display Xbox Game Accessibility Feature Tags. These tags highlight the various accessibility features available in each game, making it easier for players with disabilities to determine if a game is right for them. Additionally, the Xbox Series X|S offers several features designed to make gaming accessible for everyoneCopilotallows you to link two controllers so you can use them like a single controller.TheXbox Accessories appcan let you configure the button layout on the Xbox Wireless Controller.Speech to Textconverts player speech or in-game chat that you can read on screen.Quick Settingsallow you to quickly enable elements like Night Mode, High Contrast, and more.If you find that as you begin to engage with these accessibility features on your new Xbox console that you have additional feedback to provide, visit the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL) FAQ page here. You can find the full range of our accessibility settingshere on the official Accessibility site on Xbox.com. Xbox is also home to many games with great accessibility features, often made in partnership with the disability community:Forza Motorsport: features Blind Driving Assists, a feature set built for players who are Blind or have Low Vision.Forza Horizon 5: has an ASL/BSL interpreter during the cinematics in the game.Grounded: includes an Arachnophobia Safe Mode which allows players to adjust how spiders appear in the game.Xbox also offers theXbox Adaptive Controller,which is designed primarily to meet the needs of players with limited mobility. It functions as a unified hub for devices that help make gaming more accessible with a wide range of devices. You canlearn more about the Xbox Adaptive Controller here, as well as the official Xbox Adaptive Controller User GuideJoin Game PassA Game Pass Ultimate membership gets you access to online console multiplayer and hundreds of high-quality games to play right away. This includes major first party studio franchises available on day one, such as Gears of War, Halo, Forza, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and many more, along with a variety of unique ID@Xbox games and new additions regularly. Game Pass Ultimate also provides access to PC titles and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), member deals and Perks, as well as an EA Play membership, which includes popular series like EA Sports FC, Battlefield, and Star Wars.If you are a PC player, then is designed for you. With the Xbox app on Windows PC, you can browse the catalog of PC games, view recommendations, filter by genre, and discover your next favorite game with just a click. Like the Ultimate membership, PC Game Pass also includes EA Play on PC at no extra cost, giving you access to a collection of EAs top titles, exclusive in-game rewards, and early trials of select new games.Theres alsoXbox Game Pass Core, which includes online console multiplayer and access to over 25 high-quality games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It alsoincludes member deals and discountsof up to 50% off select games with Game Pass promotions.Finally, theres Xbox Game Pass Standard, which gives you all the benefits of Game Pass Core, plus access to hundreds of high-quality games for one low monthly price with games being added all the time, theres always something new to play. Note that Standard does not include games available on day one.Get GamingNow that youre all set up, its time to start gaming! Xbox.com offers several resources to help you find what you need. Check out our Games homepage for the latest and greatest new releases and best sellers. You can also visit our Xbox Sales & Specials page to browse deals on games, consoles, accessories, and more to elevate your gaming experience.A few other places you may want to check out would be our official Xbox Gear Shop for all the latest in Xbox clothing and accessories and the Microsoft Store on Xbox to grab the latest releases, blockbuster exclusives, season passes, add-on content, ID@Xbox games and more all at great prices.Also, one of the most exciting features at Xbox, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), which is included with a Game Pass Ultimate membership, lets you stream hundreds of high-quality games anywhere, allowing you to play Xbox console games on devices you already own, including mobile devices, tablets, and PCs.Additionally, all membership tiers include Xbox Remote Play, enabling you to play games installed locally on your console on any compatible PC, Android, or iOS device. Learn more about Xbox Remote Play here..Once again, welcome to the world of Xbox! If you havent done so already, be sure to bookmark Xbox Wire to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest news and updates about your favorite games across Xbox consoles, PC and cloud.

Twas the night before the update and everything was right,gamers stayed up late playing Xbox well into the night.When all of a sudden, a popup on their console did ariseA new system update available, what a nice surprise.It contained many fixes and several new features,And soon after downloading, players got back to fighting in-game creatures.Ho-ho-hold onto your hats Insiders, we have a quick but festive community update for you!First, the team wants to wish everyone the happiest of holidays and a safe new year! While I am personally not a fan of the cold and dark weather, that didnt stop it from happening this year. The early sunsets and chilly temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere do bring some cute sweater weather and a great reason to cuddle up inside and play some Xbox!Like previous years, the team has paused releases of preview builds on both console and PC to ensure maximum stability for everyone enjoying Xbox over the holidays. The team is working hard on future releases though! We are still reviewing feedback as well, and the team is here to resolve any issues that may arise. Dont forget to keep checking the Insider Hub for new content throughout December and January!From Our Team to YouWe want to thank each and every one of you for making this community so special. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be a part of the Xbox Insider Program. I want everyone to know that we appreciate you and the support youve shown the Xbox Insider program.Before I sign off, I asked a few members of our team what theyre up to when theyre not busy this month, whether its gaming, relaxing, or any other random thing they want to share! Heres what they had to say:Jon: Goal is to finish Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the Ode to Castlevania DLC for Vampire Survivors.Joshua: Im looking forward to watching all the classic holiday films (again) and really getting into Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.Tim:I tend to be a glutton for punishment and playing through Nine Sols. Also looking forward to spending time with family as I have a few flying in from out of town for the holidays.Donovan: Im very much looking forward to spending this month playing Path of Exile 2, cherishing quality time with my family, and, like many others, indulging in nostalgic Christmas films to boost my Holiday spirit.Sally: Eating lots of cookies, playing cozy games, and hoping for new PowerWash Simulator DLC. And of course time with family and friends.Leland:All year long, every year, when I start a story-game (story-games and CoD/BLOPs precisely describes my favorite genre) and realize Im getting invested, I stop playing it and it goes on my list. Only two games are allowed on my list. If I come across a game that needs to go on the list and there are already two games on it, those games must decide between themselves, through collaboration or violence, which two stay. Then I set aside one week in mid-December and fully disconnect (the kind of absolute isolation that has great wifi) and play those two story-games cover to cover. Generally, I have a really hard time suspending disbelief, and it takes longer than I wished to sink into real immersion, but for this one week in December I spend the literal majority of my time spellbound. Its my favorite and its only days away, I cant wait.As for me, Ive finished the Black Ops 6 camo grind so it feels like I can finally play the game! I am also planning to finish the achievements for Aliens: Dark Descent, and do battle with Jack Frost to keep my geeses pond from freezing over as it has many times in the past.What about you? We would love to hear about what youre doing this month like games youve been playing or plans for the holiday season. You can join the discussion on our subreddit under the December Community update post stickied at the top. Ill be popping in all month as ScantilyCloud to chat and answer any questions you might have. Feel free to share any game recommendations from 2024 with us tooour backlogs can never be too full.

The kitchen might be the heart of the home, but the living room fireplace is the soul of the home. As temperatures begin to plummet, holiday hibernation goes into full effectcue the eggnog overdoses and shameless Hallmark film nightsand while watching Hot Frosty on the small screen could very well be this seasons best survival tactic, the cozy, crackling fireplace mantel is everything in these cold winter months. Little surprise, then, that it lends itself well to a holiday decor moment.According to Pinterest trends analyst Sydney Stanback, people are rethinking the traditionally minimal way of decking the halls in 2024. Searches for maximalism have increased by 140 percent year over year, she says. Were seeing bold colors, pattern-happy tchotchkes, and Christmas schemes that are bedecked with everything you would normally usebut times 20. For a mantel, that might mean overabundant sprays of greenery, maximalist-patterned stockings, ample assemblages of tapered candlesticks (let not a single square inch of mantel shelf space go uninhabited), and yes, many an oversized bow (look no further than Anthropologie's 2024 Christmas lookbook).People are also returning to the nostalgia of Christmastime, Stanback adds, digging up Grandmas ornaments and opting for decorations that have meaning behind them. When it comes to fireplace decor, that can be anything from vintage figurines to handcrafted baubles.Having decorators block? Weve tapped some of the top designers and brands for their Christmas mantel go-tos. Whether youre into a simple magnolia garland or a bough of sweet-smelling evergreensor you like to go ham with a plethora of gilded tchotchkes that make your Christmas tree look comparatively humbleweve got a Christmas mantel idea for everyone. The stockings are just the beginning. 1Mangolia-Filled MantelCourtesy RejuvenationThere's no better place to look for decorating ideas than the forest. Magnolia leaves are a quintessentially Southern greenery that deviates from the standard evergreen script while still feeling festive. This look, created by Rejuvenation, features billowing sprigs of bright green magnolia leaves, alongside a string of dried orange slices. 2Maximalist MantelCourtesy AnthropologieWhat does a maximalist Christmas look like? Anthropologie's 2024 Holiday House proves that a tasteful abundance of greenery, a smattering of additional dried flowers, and a grove of mini Christmas trees is all that is required for a more-is-more look that will leave everyone wanting, well, more. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Makeshift MantelCourtesy Serena & LilyNo mantel, no problem. In this chic Serena & Lily-styled house, a console table creates a stocking placement opportunity when there was none. Decorating it with garland evergreens and candlesticks further adds to the fireplace feel. 4Cozy Orange-Themed VignetteCourtesy Coral & TuskIn this cozy stone-walled living room styled by Coral & Tusk, dreams will be filled with visions of orange slices, rather than sugar plums. We especially love that the orange theme is echoed throughout the room, in the form of tree ornaments as well as strung across the mantel.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Mantel BowfestCourtesy AnthropologieWe're so here for the bow trendand so is Anthropologie. In the brand's 2024 Holiday House, a mantel flaunting oversized satin bows was the star of the show. When in doubt, put a bow on it! 6Berry Red VignetteFrank Frances StudioThis intentional color moment, brought to you by Joss & Main, features a string of berry red orbs that satisfyingly echo the candlestick hues. Top it off with a few glass cones and this vignette just might make the Christmas tree jealous. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Heavenward Mantel DisplayCourtesy CB2Vertical lines draw the eye upward, which creates the illusion of height. In this chic apartment styled by CB2, your standard garland is given a new look, hanging from the top of the circular mirror. 8Fresh Mantel DisplayCourtesy ArhausReady to add a twist to your classic garland mantel topper? Add a generous amount of red faux leaf sprigs for a look that's as festive as it is chic. Arhaus brought just such a thing into this cozy room, creating a look that feels traditional, yet fresh. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Candlelight Mantel TrickCourtesy Coral & TuskWe love when designers forego the standard way of doing things in favor of something just a little bit different. Take, for example, this chic fireplace hearth styled by Coral & Tusk, which casts the fire glow one might expectbut emanates from a handful of candlesticks placed at its base. 10Traditional Mantel DisplayAlec HemerSometimes a classy Christmas display is one that goes back to the basics. We're loving this billowing wreath from Pottery Barn, paired with a faux lit garland. Trs chic! Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Sultry Red MantelCourtesy CB2This sumptuous mantel scene is proof that elegance neednt always be restrained. If you, too, have no fear of committing to showstopping furniture pieces, take notes from the pages of CB2s seasonal look book: A pair of decadent red velvet armchairs is complemented by red-velvet-lined stockings and a minimal bordering garland. When enjoyed with a big glass of your best red wine, youve got the best seat in the house. 12Merry MantelDouglas FriedmanYou dont need a cozy ski house in the Montana mountains to complete this look, which designer Ken Fulk has masterfully done. The secret to this snug, evergreen-laden mantel is more. A heaping spray of evergreen leaves, doubled by even more evergreen leaves, then topped with white blooms, makes for a snug hearthside. The knowing deer overseeing the room is the cherry on top for one looking to enjoy enchanted visions of snowy wonderlands just beyond. Who needs Hawaiian beaches? This, right here, is the good life. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Snowy MantelCourtesy AnthropologieAnthropologies holiday collection is a feast for the eyes: Voluminous boughs of evergreen snake across this chic mantel, bordering the scene with the glow of warm twinkle lights. Our favorite detail? The faux snow along the edges of the room, demonstrating how a commitment to seasonal decor doesnt have to be manifest in the form of cheap blow-up cartoon figures. 14Patterned MantelAydin ArjomandLeave it to New York Citybased designer Phillip Thomas to turn traditional holiday decor on its head. In this cozy room, a pair of blue Ming vases house a billowing spray of seasonal greens. A tasteful assortment of pomegranates finish the look without detracting from the existing decor. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Vintage MantelPaul Viant//Getty ImagesWhoever said cherry red was the only color to incorporate into seasonal decor? This cozy mantel vignette features a charming miscellany of saved mementos, found antiques, and dried foliagea nod to Christmases long past. That cocooning leather chair is practically begging you to lean into it, with Dickenss A Christmas Carol in hand. 16Modern MantelJulie SoeferHouston-based Chandos Collective gave this chic living room a clean, modern aesthetic. The floor-to-mantel garland, then, really stands out above the cackling fireplace. Composed of colorful foliage and various greens, it just might steal the spotlight from its gloriously tall neighboring Christmas tree. But of course, nobodys competing here. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Rustic Mantel Momentsvetikd//Getty ImagesTis the season for hunkering down and curling upand an assemblage of chopped wood is just one way to lean into the hygge lifestyle. While this fireplace is electric, a variety of lit lanterns and a chic berry wreath bring a rustic vibe. Here, with the right book or friendFOMO is nonexistent. 18Heightened MantelElizaveta Starkova//Getty ImagesA room always feels more majestic when the eyes attention is brought upward. In that same vein, think outside of the mantel overhang. Here, an out-of-the-box thinker strung a bough of garland along the ceiling trim. A few strings of vertical-running lights complete the look, drawing the eye upward and giving the room a sense of overall grandeur. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Colorful MantelRay Kachatorian//Getty ImagesWe love a coordinated color momentand this cozy living room mantel is proof that two traditional holiday hues can coexist peaceably. Here, jars filled with blue and red candies amplify the stockings in similar hues. All proof that a cackling fire isnt always required to give a room added warmth. 20High-Volume Mantelizusek//Getty ImagesWhen your mantel regalia is as voluminous as your Christmas tree, you know youve achieved peak festivity. This larger-than-life garland is sure to bring joy (and likely an appealing evergreen aroma) to any mantel moment. Rachel SilvaAssistant Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 12 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.

Print-on-demand wallpaper and fabric company Spoonflower has a reputation for eye-catching, colorful, sometimes even kitschy patterns. This is a brand whose "About" page says, "It all began with oversized yellow polka-dot curtains."The company revolutionized the home-decor textile space by providing an online platform where independent artists and creators could sell their custom designs, and homeowners, renovators, and DIYers would be sure to find, among the site's more than a million offerings, a print for any project they could dream up. Especially if they had their heart set on something bold, bright, and funky. But unique design resources don't stay under the radar for long. Professional designers are avid fans of Spoonflower as well, and the poppy prints have been joined by more subtle patterns and sophisticated neutral colors, as well as metallic options, that suit a full array of decor styles. Recently, the brand partnered with House Beautiful in the 2024 Whole Home project in Asheville, North Carolina, inviting designers to bring their creativity to bear using Spoonflower designs. Take a look.Brie WilliamsThe house, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has a modern-rustic vibe, which Oklahoma City-based designer Kelsey Leigh amplified with unexpected masculine touches in the kitchen. She installed cabinetry painted a deep navy and covered a window wall offering a sweeping view in a Spoonflower plaid wallpaper in browns and tans. The colors may be subdued, but the effect is dramatic. Since turnaround time can be tight on a showcase project like this, Leigh opted for pre-pasted wallpaper, which comes with adhesive already on the back. The paste is activated by water, allowing you to apply the paper directly to the prepared wall. It also comes off easilyjust grab a corner and peel to remove. (Spoonflower can print almost any pattern on traditional non-pasted paper, grasscloth, peel-and-stick, and vinyl as well.)Brie WilliamsIn the house's media room, California designer Anita Yokota, author of Home Therapy, kept things tranquil with gently undulating Watercolor Stripes in Waves wallpaper in Blue. (The hand-painted pattern also comes in six other pastel-leaning colorways.) Spoonflower has embraced professionals like Yokota with its Trade Program, which lets designers leverage the company's vast library on behalf of clients. It offers professionals exclusive trade discounts and curation services, along with customer-pleasing unlimited swatches and quick lead times.Brie WilliamsThe home's recurring palette of brown and navy inspired Heidi Woodman, a designer from Indianapolis who took on the primary bedroom, to choose a burlap-patterned wallpaper (also seen in the image at top) in a warm neutral called Biscuit. Woodman had it printed on grasscloth; the subtle texture integrates nicely with the abundant natural-wood floors and furniture.Brie WilliamsMost of Spoonflower's designs can be digitally printed on fabric as well as wallpaperyou can even have them rendered on cocktail napkins, throw pillows, duvet covers, you name it. Byron Risdon, owner of an interior-design firm in Washington, D.C., outfitted a guest bedroom with a coverlet in solid dark teal to play against boldly floral draperies. Touches of white, as in the black-and-white windowpane bedding, act as brief visual breaks amid the room's saturated color scheme. Risdon chose performance linena synthetic fabric with the organic, woven look of linento keep the bedding high-style but low-maintenance. Spoonflower also offers velvet, chiffon, jersey, denim, sateenin fact, there are some 30 fabric types to choose from, so the pattern you love can be made to suit whatever room and use you intend it for. Because that's Spoonflower's superpower: providing a single destination where you can execute every facet of your design vision.

Munich-based startup Vaeridion has secured 14mn to develop an electric aircraft that it hopes will whisk passengers on short-haul routes around Europe by 2030. The microliner looks like a regular plane and it takes off from a runway the only difference is that it will be powered by batteries, Vaeridions co-founder and CEO, Ivor van Dartel, told TNW in an interview last month. For operators and passengers, the experience will be essentially the same.Berlin-based climate tech VC World Fund led the Series A investment, with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Schwarz Holding, InnovationQuarter, and angel investor Andreas Kupke.Our new funding will significantly accelerate development efforts, paving the way for certification-conforming prototype flights to take off in 2027, followed by a first commercial flight by 2030, said Van Dartel.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!The news comes just a month after Vaeridion became the first general aviation manufacturer to secure a pre-application contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in a big step towards commercial flight.Vaeridions head of engineering, Markus Kochs Kmper, called it a huge milestone in the development of its microliner. This initiative allows us to de-risk our core technology and the path to certifying our electric aircraft prior to submitting a type certificate application, he told TNW at the time.Van Dartel and Sebastian Seemann both former Airbus and ZF engineers co-founded Vaeridion in 2021. Their vision was to build an electric plane to replace jet-fueled aircraft on regional flights.Preliminary tests put the range of the microliner at about 500km, said the company. In 2022, almost a third of flights in the EU covered this distance or less, according to Eurocontrol.Vaeridions design is similar to existing regional aircraft, which could reduce development and manufacturing costs compared to more experimental electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) models that often require intricate propulsion systems and vertical lift capabilities.The company has already signed up its first customers: Dutch private jet operator ASL Group, German business airline Aero-Dienst, and Danish companies Copenhagen AirTaxi and Copenhagen Helicopter. Aero-Dienst and Vaeridion are also working together on the potential roll-out of an electric plane ambulance service for Germanys ADAC, Europes largest automobile association. Our partnerships and market-focused strategy reflect our commitment to not only decarbonising short-haul flights across Europe but also to setting a new standard for sustainable and energy-efficient aviation at a competitive price point, said Van Dartel.Vaeridion estimates that a trip in the microliner will cost between 150300. The aircraft will initially serve business passengers before expanding into consumer travel, the company said. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have transformed travel. Theyve made it easier for tourists to access personalised, private accommodations and for property owners to monetise their spaces.With global tourism now on track for a full recovery post-COVID, Hostaway has secured a cool $365mn at a $925mn valuation as it looks to cash-in on the boom in short-term rentals. Hostaway is a property management system (PMS) and software marketplace for the short-term rental industry. It will use the cash to enhance its dynamic pricing tools, further integrate AI, and expand its presence in new markets, focusing on France, Italy, and Spain.Expanding into different geographies and investing in innovative AI applications is something weve been hyper-focused on for over a year now, said co-founder and CEO Marcus Rder in a blog post. With this new strategic investment, well be doubling down on these efforts and much more.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!The company said it was the first PMS to integrate ChatGPT into its platform. Going forward, it plans to add or improve upon AI-powered personalised messaging, content creation, and language translation.Rder co-founded Hostaway in Finland in 2015, alongside Mikko Nurminen (CFO) and Saber Kordestanchi (COO), at a time when companies like Airbnb were really starting to disrupt a travel industry dominated by hotel chains and guest lodges.The founders saw that while short-term rental platforms were easy for customers to use, managing stuff like bookings, pricing, and communication was a bit of a headache for property owners. They launched Hostaway to help property managers automate and manage short-term stays across multiple platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.The idea is that by automating tasks and putting the data on a single platform, Hostaway can save property managers time on admin, freeing them up to focus on customer service critical in a review-based industry. The platform also recently adopted dynamic pricing tools to optimise rates, potentially increasing revenue.Hostaway has emerged as a category leader with a differentiated product addressing the distinct needs of short-term rental property managers, a dynamic and growing industry, said Raph Osnoss, managing director at General Atlantic, a New York-based growth equity firm that led the funding round.Hostaway also raised $170mn last year in its first big funding round. The company claims its platform is used by customers in over 90 countries. While Hostaway is officially based in Toronto, Canada, it employs a fully remote workforce of over 230 employees across 44 countries.Hostaway is one of a cohort of tech startups raising big money to make things easier for the hospitality industry. One of them is UK-based Lighthouse, which raised $370mn in November to expand its data intelligence platform for hotels. Another is Amsterdam-based Mews whichraised$110mn in Marchat a valuation of over $1.2bn, becoming the first Dutch unicorn of the year. Then in September, it baggedanother $100mn, to further develop and expand its PMS software. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with